T4 Treatment Research Articles

Introduction Straw return is a widely endorsed sustainable agronomic practice. However, a systematic understanding of its carbon–nitrogen coupling mechanisms and their consequent impacts on the soil–microbe–plant continuum across the entire cotton growth cycle is critically lacking. Methods We conducted a field experiment with five treatments: CK (no straw return), T1 (one-third shredded straw), T2 (two-thirds shredded straw), T3 (full shredded straw), and T4 (full straw left intact as surface mulch). This design enabled us to decipher how the amount and fragmentation of straw residues synchronize the soil-microbe-plant system to enhance sustainability. Results Our findings reveal distinct mechanistic pathways. The T3 treatment (full shredding) triggered an early-season microbial "relay," where Gammaproteobacteria expansion was succeeded by Actinobacteria , elevating soil pH from 4.82 to 5.73 and boosting alkaline-hydrolysable N by 113.01% at the flower and boll stage. This enhanced nitrate reductase activity by 74.1% and increased bolls per plant by 35.0%. In contrast, the T4 treatment (surface mulch) provided a more gradual nitrogen release (+28.4% alkaline-hydrolysable N during boll opening), which prolonged the secondary cell wall deposition phase in fibers. This strategy achieved a lint yield of 2055.63 kg ha⁻¹ (+63.8%) and a 2.6% increase in fiber strength. Furthermore, T4 fostered a "microbial sanctuary" at boll opening, evidenced by a 130.5% explosion in OTU richness and an 18.7% suppression of pathogen populations. Discussion We demonstrate that surface mulching (T4) is the superior strategy, as it optimally balances high yield with superior fiber quality by creating a resilient and suppressive soil microbiome. This work provides a novel carbon–nitrogen synergy framework for the resource-efficient utilization of crop residues in sustainable cotton production.

The quality of tomato fruit represents a key determinant of consumer preference, while functional fertilisers significantly contribute to quality enhancement. Limited research has investigated the synergistic mechanisms between functional fertilisers and vermicompost in tomato cultivation systems. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of synergistic regulation between functional fertilisers and vermicompost on soil fertility, as well as the growth and quality of two tomato cultivars, with the ultimate goal of identifying the functional fertiliser treatment exhibiting optimal comprehensive performance. A completely randomised block design was adopted, involving two tomato cultivars (DRK0568 and Sangfen 180), five functional fertiliser treatments (T1-T5), and a water-only control (CK). Measurements included tomato growth parameters, photosynthetic characteristics, fruit quality indices, yield components, biomass accumulation, soil nutrient levels, and enzyme activities. The results demonstrated significant varietal-specific responses to different functional fertiliser treatments. In terms of growth and yield, the T1 treatment exhibited a significant advantage, as it significantly increased the plant height, stem thickness, biomass, and yield of both varieties (DRK0568 and Sangfen 180) by 6.86% and 10.41%, respectively, while also significantly reducing the malformed fruit rate. For photosynthetic analyses, the T1 treatment significantly increased the chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content in Sangfen 180, as well as the transpiration rate of both tomato varieties. The T4 treatment resulted in the highest chlorophyll b content and optimal water use efficiency in Sangfen 180. Regarding nutritional quality, the T1 treatment significantly increased the vitamin C and soluble sugar content in DRK0568; both varieties exhibited higher sugar-acid ratios under the T3 and T4 treatments. A comprehensive evaluation using the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method for multiple quality indicators (excluding yield parameters) showed that the T4 treatment achieved the highest score. Soil nutrient analyses revealed that the T1 treatment significantly increased the soil organic matter and available potassium content in DRK0568, while the T4 treatment significantly increased the urease activity in Sangfen 180. In conclusion, the T1 treatment (mineral-sourced potassium fulvate fertiliser) exhibited excellent performance in both increasing yield and improving quality, while the T4 treatment (Type II algal polysaccharide fertiliser additive) demonstrated unique advantages in enhancing fruit quality indicators.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the use ofquercetin-supplementeddiet as a growth, metabolism, and immunity promoter in Labeo rohita. Fish (8 ± 0.5 g) were randomlydivided into five groups in triplicates (30 fish in each replicate)in circular tanks of 2000 L capacity. The fish were fed on a controldiet (0% quercetin and four experimental diets supplemented with quercetininclusion levels 0.2% (T1), 0.4% (T2), 0.8% (T3), and 1.6% (T4)).After the experimental period, the highest growth performance weightgain %, specific growth rate, protein energy ratio, and intestinalsomatic index were recorded in the T4 group, followed by the T3 group.The lowest yield was recorded in the control group. However, the feedconversion ratio was significantly decreased with the 1.6 quercetin-supplementedgroup. The activity of digestive and metabolic enzymes of quercetin-fedgroups was significantly different (p < 0.05)compared to the control group. In the treatment groups, there wasa substantial increase (p < 0.05) in the relativeexpression levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 gene expressionin the liver and muscle when quercetin supplementation was comparedto the control group. The tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β,Toll-like receptor-22, and interferon-γ mRNA levels significantly(p < 0.05) increased with increasing quercetinlevels, and highest expression was found in the T4 treatment group.Expression profiles of antioxidant-related genes also revealed significantdifference (p < 0.05) between treatment and controlgroups. In the experimental challenge, the control group experiencedhigher mortality rates than the other groups following an intraperitonealinjection of Aeromonas hydrophila.Consequently, quercetin supplementation is recommended at a levelof 1.6% to improve the growth performance, antioxidative capacity,and immune response of L. rohita.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts the blood–brain barrier (BBB), resulting in increased permeability, neuronal loss, and cognitive dysfunction. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of thyroid hormone (T4) to reduce BBB dysfunction following moderate fluid percussion injury. T4 injection (intraperitoneal) after TBI restores the levels of pericytes and endothelial cells vital for BBB integrity, reduces edema by downregulating AQP-4 gene expression, and enhances levels of the tight junction protein ZO-1. T4 counteracts the TBI-related increase in MMP-9 and TLR-4, significantly reducing BBB permeability. Furthermore, T4 enhances the neuroprotective functions of astrocytes by promoting the activity of A2 astrocytes. Additionally, T4 treatment increases DHA levels (important for membrane integrity and function), stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, and leads to a notable improvement in spatial learning and memory retention. These findings suggest that T4 has significant potential to reduce vascular leakage and inflammation after TBI, thereby improving cognitive function and maintaining BBB integrity.

BAU Chia-1, registered in 2019 in Bangladesh for countrywide cultivation, is considered a superfood due to its high amount of ω-3 fatty acids. A field experiment was conducted from November 2024 to February 2025 to evaluate the effect of different seed rates on the growth, reproductive traits, and yield performance. Four seed rate treatments (T1 = 200 g ha-1, T2 = 250 g ha-1, T3 = 300 g ha-1, and T4 = 350 g ha-1) were assessed with three replications and a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). T3 produced the tallest plant (145.067 cm), the highest fresh weight (28.67 g), and dry weight (8.1 g). The efficiency of photosynthetically active radiation and the number of leaves per plant were highest in the T4 treatment. On the other hand, canopy spread (44.67 cm) and inflorescence number plant-1 (8) were highest in T1. However, spikelet spike-1 was almost similar (7) in T1 and T2 seed rates. Despite that, the highest seed yield (1116.67 kg ha-1) was recorded in T2, followed by T3 (1083 kg ha-1), T4(933 kg ha-1), and T1(883 kg ha-1). In contrast, a lower population may be influenced by a lower seed rate in T1, whereas reduced growth and yield parameters from higher seed rates (T4) may be associated with increased intraspecific competition. Taken all together, the seed rate of 250 g ha-1, designated as T2, showed the most effective crop performance and productivity at the BAU research field in Mymensingh. However, further multi-location trials are required to validate these findings before making any recommendations. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 23(3): 304–310, 2025

To investigate the effects of different moisture on photosynthesis and biomass accumulation in kernel-apricot at seedling stage, the cultivar ‘Zhongren 7’ was used as the experimental material. Six water levels of T1 (15.0±0.5%), T2 (13.0±0.5%), T3 (11.0±0.5%), T4 (9.0±0.5%), T5 (7.0±0.5%) and T6 (5.0±0.5%) treatment were adopted. The results showed that the Pn, Tr, Ci and Gs gradually decreased with the water stress (WS), while the WUE reached the maximum at 8.0±0.5%. The diurnal variation curve of the Pn was unimodal indicated that there was no "noon break”. The LSP was gradually decreased, and the LCP was gradually increased, and the Fv/Fm, Fm, ETR and qP were gradually decreased with the WS, instead of the gradual increase of qN, the increase was reduced at the beginning at first and then gradual decrease of F0 was found. The height, diameter, root length etc., were decreased with the WS, while the root-top ratio was increased. Therefore, the suitable soil moisture was to 9.0%-15.0%, and the optimum was to13.0% while the limit was to 5.0%. Bangladesh J. Bot. 54(3): 499-508, 2025 (September)

ABSTRACT The aim of the present investigation was to study the influence of nutrient management practices on changes in carbon pools and their stock in soils under tree mulberry cultivation. Therefore, an established tree mulberry garden (~3.0 years old) was selected for the study with five different nutrient management practices (T1- NPK @ 207:83:83 g +15 kg FYM/plant/year; T2- NPK @ 155:62:62 g +15 kg FYM/plant/year; T3- NPK @ 258:103:103 g +15 kg FYM/plant/year; T4- NPK @ 103:83:83 g +15 kg FYM/plant/year+ Green manuring; and T5- NPK @ 100:50:50 g +20 kg FYM/plant/year). Nutrient management practices influenced the carbon pools and their stocks in the soil. Among the treatments, T3 showed a higher proportion of TOC in the passive pool resulting in a carbon sequestration potential of 0.67 Mg ha−1 year−1, while the T5 treatment witnessed with lowest amount of C stock (26.8 Mg ha−1) causing 1.30 Mg ha−1 reduction from its initial amount (28.1 Mg ha−1). Green manuring in T4 treatment resulted higher allocation of TOC to the active pool of C which was evidenced by its higher value of permanganate oxidizable carbon. In general, there was a decline in total organic carbon content in T2 (2.78%), T4 (0.93%) and T5 (4.63%) from its antecedent value. A lower lability index (LI) and higher recalcitrance indices (RI1& RI2) in T3 treatment indicated the enhanced stability of C. Thus, T3 treatment could be a suitable nutrient management practice for improving the carbon stock and sequestration potential of soil.

Hyperthyroidism is known to increase basal metabolism and glucose uptake in the skeletal muscles while promoting gluconeogenesis in the liver. However, the specific mechanism underlying thyroid hormone-induced postprandial hyperglycemia remains unclear. This study explored the influence of thyroid hormones on sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) expression in the small intestine and their impact on postprandial glucose metabolism. Specifically, we examined the distribution of thyroid hormone receptors in the small intestine and the subsequent effect of thyroid hormones on SGLT1 expression using rat and genetically modified mouse models. Our results demonstrated a significant upregulation of SGLT1 in the distal small intestine following T4 treatment, which corresponded with the enhanced postprandial glucose levels after oral glucose administration but not intraperitoneal administration. Furthermore, in TRβΔ337T knock-in mice that exhibited resistance to thyroid hormones, we observed increased SGLT1 expression and postprandial hyperglycemia, reinforcing our findings in rats. These findings suggest that thyroid hormones enhance glucose absorption in the small intestine via SGLT1, contributing to postprandial hyperglycemia. This study elucidates a previously unexplored aspect of thyroid hormone physiology and highlights the regulatory role of thyroid hormones in SGLT1 expression, offering potential therapeutic avenues for managing postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts blood supply, damages neurons and glial cells, and reduces local activation of the prohormone thyroxine (T4) to the active form, triiodothyronine. We treated mice with T4 post-TBI to evaluate the role of thyroid hormone in neural cell protection and injury recovery after TBI, especially the effects on neuroglial cells. Materials and Methods: A T4 dose was given 1 hour after controlled cortical injury, and in some groups, an additional T4 dose was given 5 days post-TBI. We analyzed the reactive astrocytes and activated microglia in the ipsilateral cortex. We assessed cortical gliogenesis, with or without T4 treatment, in live animals using 5-ethynyl 2'-deoxyuridine-labeling. Finally, learning and spatial memory retention were tested using the Morris water maze (MWM). Results: T4 treatment 1-hour post-TBI significantly reduced the number of reactive astrocytes and activated microglia in the ipsilateral cortical area. An additional dose of T4 on day 5 post-TBI further reduced the number and size of reactive astrocytes. T4 treatment induced gliogenesis 2.6-fold greater than with saline treatment. T4 treatment induced neuron-glia antigen 2-expressing glial cell proliferation but not astrocytes. Mice treated with T4 post-TBI had improved MWM performance, better escape latency, and better spatial memory compared with saline-treated mice. Conclusion: Our data indicate that T4 treatment shortly after TBI significantly reduced acute astroglial cell activation and improved recovery of neurons and brain function.

ABSTRACTLeafy vegetables require sufficient nutrients to maintain good health and development. The extensive use of chemical fertilizer in agriculture has raised concerns regarding its negative environmental impact. Nowadays, frass from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) has been utilized as one of the organic fertilizers that potentially improve plant growth and yield, due to its high organic matter and nutrient contents. This study aimed to assess the effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) chemical fertilizer, BSF frass and the combination of both on the morphological growth and metabolite compositions of Brassica juncea. In this study, B. juncea plants were treated with four different treatments (T1: control‐No chemical fertilizer or frass), T2: NPK fertilizer only, T3: BSF frass only, T4: NPK + BSF frass). Morphological parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, stem length, root length, fresh, and dry weight of the shoots were measured and chlorophyll contents were also recorded. Additionally, B. juncea shoots were analyzed for carbohydrate and Total Phenolic Content (TPC). The correlations of morphological parameters and the tested metabolite contents were compared using Pearson correlation coefficient. In our study, the T4 treatment produced plants with the highest plant height (21.94 ± 0.71 cm), fresh weight (11.18 ± 0.71 g), dry weight (1.07 ± 0.06 g), and carbohydrate content (229.16 ± 11.04 mg/g dry weight). Meanwhile, T2 produced plants with the highest TPC (1.05 ± 0.21 mg/GAE g). All morphological parameters were positively correlated to the metabolite compositions. Overall, T4 provided the best nutrient conditions to support plant growth. It is suggested that the T4 fertilizer formulation could be a cost‐effective alternative to chemical fertilizer, promoting sustainable farming practices.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among individuals with type II diabetes (T2D), affecting approximately 30 million people in the United States. During insulin resistance, the heart undergoes a metabolic shift, leading to increased reactive oxygen species generation, lipotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction, ultimately contributing to cardiovascular dysfunction. The effects of thyroid hormones (THs) on redox biology and oxidative stress remain inconclusive, necessitating further investigation. In this study, insulin-resistant Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats were used to assess the impact of exogenous thyroxine (exoT4) on NADPH oxidases (NOX) and antioxidant defenses in the heart. Rats were assigned to four groups: i) lean control, Long Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO; n = 6), ii) LETO + T4 (8 μg/100 g BM/day for 5 weeks; n = 7), iii) untreated OLETF (n = 6), and iv) OLETF + T4 (n = 7). NOX4 mRNA expression was two-fold greater in OLETF rats compared to LETO. T4 treatment increased NOX4 protein abundance by 56% in OLETF. In addition, T4 normalized lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxynonenal) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels while increasing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA expression by 158% compared to LETO and enhancing nuclear Nrf2 protein expression by 45% compared to untreated OLETF. Thioredoxin (TRX) expression, suppressed in OLETF, was increased by 88% following T4 treatment. ExoT4 increased mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) protein abundance in OLETF by 49% compared to LETO. These findings suggest that TH treatment may have cardioprotective effects mediated by Nrf2 in the heart during metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Groundnut, also known as peanut, is a vital oilseed crop in India. It plays a crucial role in the country's agriculture due to its diverse uses, serving as a source of edible oil, protein-rich food, and high-quality fodder from its foliage or haulm. India holds the distinction of having the largest area under groundnut cultivation globally and ranks second in total production. However, groundnut productivity is frequently challenged by various diseases, with Cercospora leaf spot being one of the most damaging. This disease, caused by the fungal pathogens Cercospora arachidicola and Cercospora personatum, leads to premature leaf fall, reduced photosynthesis, and significant yield losses in both Indian and international groundnut-growing regions. This study aimed to evaluate biological and botanical treatments for effective management of Cercospora leaf spot in groundnut. To explore sustainable and eco-friendly disease control options, a field study was conducted during the Kharif season of 2023 to evaluate the effectiveness of biological and natural treatments against Cercospora leaf spot. The experiment tested various treatments and their impact on plant growth and yield under real field conditions. Among all the treatments, T4 (Seed Treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens + Foliar Spray with Neem Oil) showed the most promising results. Plant Height showed significant growth, with heights reaching 20.36 cm at 30 days, 33.41 cm at 60 days, and 42.40 cm at 90 days after sowing. Number of Branches notable increase was observed in branching, with 5.53 branches at 30 days, 6.06 at 60 days, and 6.13 at 90 days, indicating improved vegetative vigor and canopy development Pod Yield Most importantly, the T4 treatment led to a significant increase in yield, recording 1.88 tonnes per hectare, far surpassing the untreated control (T0), which exhibited much lower productivity. The findings suggest that combined use of Pseudomonas fluorescens and neem oil could serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional disease control in groundnut cultivation.

Agent addition is increasingly recognized as a crucial strategy for improving soil health in tobacco cultivation. However, its impacts on soil microbial community and plant growth differ depending on soil conditions. In this study, tobacco soil was collected in Wu Ding County, Yunnan Province, under four distinct agent addition treatments, simply chemical fertilizer (T1), microbial agent + chemical fertilizer (T2), lime + chemical fertilizer (T3), and microbial agent + lime + chemical fertilizer (T4). Using the Illumina high-throughput sequencing platform and fungal ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 to analyze the distribution characteristics of fungal communities in tobacco soil. Soil nutrient indicators (pH, SOC, TN and AP) were considerably higher in T4 than in T1. In comparison to T1, agent addition boosted the agronomic characteristics such as maximum leaf length, maximum leaf width, stem girth, and leaf number. T4 treatment facilitated the harmonization of chemical composition of tobacco leaves and greatly increased tobacco yield by 8.94% than T1. The application of T4 resulted in a reduction of fungal diversity. Ascomycota was the most dominant phylum across all soil and agent applications distinctly shifting the soil fungal community diversity. Furthermore, certain beneficial fungi were obviously accumulated, but the potentially pathogenic fungi were noticeably reduced or absent in T4. An explicit enrichment of saprotrophic fungi in T4 is predicated by the FUNGuild function. Soil nutrients were extremely significant and relevant in relation to the fungal community structure. In summary, we propose that T4 treatment could be an effective strategy to alleviate the continuous cropping barrier in tobacco cultivation since it eliminates soil acidity, improves soil nutrients, and modifies the soil microbial community structure, thereby improving the plant growth and increasing the yield of tobacco.

The isolation of functional bioactive compounds from microalgae as sustainable sources has emerged as a new area of focus in pharmacology and functional food research. The use of natural ingredients in food products has become very popular today, while desserts made with preservatives and artificial colors have been shown to significantly increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to extract phycoerythrin (PE) from the cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. and produce and evaluate a semi-prepared probiotic dessert containing Lactobacillus plantarum for 60 days. The stability of the PE was evaluated over 72 h at room temperature. Following this evaluation, dairy desserts containing nano-emulsion of PE and 1% L. plantarum were formulated under different treatments, C0: no PE and L. plantarum, T1: 0.5% PE; T2: 1% PE; T3: 1.5% PE; T4: 2% PE. Then, different physicochemical composition, colorimetric properties, antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities, and sensory evaluation were performed. Based on the results, protein content, moisture content, and texture stiffness showed that the addition of PE caused a significant increase by 1.59, 1.02, and 3.25 times in comparison to control, respectively. However, no significant effect on the fat and ash content of the samples was observed. The pH and acidity results also showed that the addition of PE increased and decreased in T4 treatment by 1.02 and 0.87 times compared to the control on day 60, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of PE caused a significant decrease in the brightness index (L*), which was 0.76 times in T4 compared to the control sample. However, the yellowness and redness indexes had increased by 1.94 and 2.3 times, respectively. The total phenol content and antioxidant activity in T4 treatment had also increased by 1.10 and 2.12 times compared to the control sample, respectively. The microbial analysis revealed no Escherichia coli growth in any of the treatments, and a 0.56 times decrease in the total count of mold and yeast in the T4 treatment compared to the control sample. The survival of probiotic bacteria in T4 treatment had increased by 1.08 times. The results of flavor and overall acceptability showed that the addition of PE caused a significant increase in the sensory evaluation, while odor and color had decreased. The results suggest that the prepared dairy dessert can serve as a beneficial probiotic product for a period of 60 days.

Efficient nutrient management is crucial for profitable strawberry production. This study investigated the practical consequences of organic and inorganic fertilization strategies, assessing their influence on yield, fruit quality, nutrient uptake and efficiency and economic viability for the production of strawberry. Field experiments were conducted at the Horticulture Research Centre, BARI, Gazipur, Bangladesh, from 2019 to 20 to 2020–2021. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with eight treatments replicated three times. The treatments included the following: T1: control; T2: recommended dose of inorganic N-P-K-S-Zn-B at 140-40-110-20-3–2 kg ha−1; T3: 3 t ha−1 vermicompost (VC) + 125% of NPKSZnB; T4: 3 t ha−1 poultry manure (PM) + 125% of NPKSZnB; T5: 3 t ha−1 cowdung (CD) + 125% of NPKSZnB; T6: 3 t ha−1 VC + 75% of NPKSZnB; T7: 3 t ha−1 PM + 75% of NPKSZnB; and T8: 3 t ha−1 CD + 75% of NPKSZnB. Treatment T4 resulted in the highest strawberry yield (10.9 t ha-1) because of the greater number of fruits per plant (17.7), greater fruit size (length of 4.63 cm and diameter of 3.15 cm) and greater number of fruits (17.5 g). The highest amount of vitamin C (63.2 mg/100 g) and protein (22.0%) was also found in the T4 treatment. T4 maximized nutrient uptake and acquisition. While nutrient uptake improved under integrated treatments, the apparent recovery efficiencies of N, P, K, S, Zn, and B varied considerably across treatments, with no consistent pattern observed. T4 increased economic returns (US$ 7611) and improved soil health. A positive correlation was observed between growth, productivity and nutrient uptake. The results suggest that the combined application of 3 t ha-1 poultry manure with 125% of the recommended amount of NPKSZnB fertilizer can increase strawberry productivity and quality. This approach has also promoted sustainable soil health and environmental benefits.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary incorporation of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) leaf powder on haemato- biochemical profile and profitability of Rhode Island Red laying hens. Rhode Island Red laying hens were individually weighed and then randomly assigned into four treatment groups with three replicates of 6 birds each. Treatments were arranged into- T1: (control, containing basal diet); T2: inclusion of 0.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet; T3: inclusion of 1.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet; T4: inclusion of 2.5% chili leaf powder in basal diet. Data was analyzed with one way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range test was used for multiple comparisons using SPSS. Our results indicate that the haemato-biochemical parameters were not significantly affected by the inclusion levels of chili leaf powder. The average feed intake was found to be significantly (P ≤0.05) lowered in T4 group followed by T3, T1 and T2 group. Significantly (P ≤0.05) reduced average feed cost/dozen eggs was observed in T4 treatment group (2.5% CLP) as compared to T3, T1 and T2 group. It can be concluded that chili leaf powder up to the level of 2.5% incorporation in the basal diet has beneficial effects in the RIR laying hens as it reduces average feed cost/dozen eggs. Future research should focus on production performance and formulation optimization to enhance its practical utility in sustainable poultry production.

This experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research and Experiments Station in the broiler field affiliated with Al-Muthanna University, College of Agriculture, for the period from 10.1.2022 to 11.11.2022 for a period of 6 weeks, to learn about the addition of biotin and vitamin E and its effect on some productive and physiological characteristics of broiler chickens. By raising 60 Ross 308 broilers, which were 1-day old, they were divided into four treatments, each treatment consisting of 30 chicks, and each treatment consisting of three replicates for each replicate 10 chicks. The treatments were as follows: T1 (control treatment): fed Regular feed without any additives. T2: Addition of Vitamin E 200 mg/kg feed. T3: Add biotin 150 mg/kg feed. T4: Add 300 mg of biotin/kg feed. The results indicated the following: Significant superiority (P≤0.05) in most of the studied traits (final body weight, final weight gain, bird feed conversion factor) in favor of the T4 treatment (addition of 300 mg/kg feed) compared to the control treatment. In relation to the characteristics of the carcass, there were no statistically significant variances observed between the experimental interventions and the control treatment pertaining to parameters such as live weight, carcass weight and purification percentage. As for the physiological (blood) characteristics studied for both blood count (PCV) and hemoglobin concentration, no significant differences were recorded between the control treatment and the addition treatments, except for compound concentration. Malondiaidehyde (MDA) A significant decrease (P≤0.05) was observed in the T4 treatment (300 mg biotin/per kg feed compared to the control treatment).

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from July to December 2023, to assess the effectiveness of integrating reduced doses of post-emergence herbicides with aqueous extracts of lentil crop residues on weed management indices and the yield of T. aman rice. The experimental design included two factors: rice variety (BRRI dhan49, BRRI dhan87, and Binadhan-7) and herbicide treatments combined with aqueous extracts of lentil residues (control, recommended dose of herbicide, various reduced herbicide doses plus extracts, and weed-free). The study followed a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results indicated that weed population, dry weight, and various weed management indices, such as Weed Control Index (WCI), Weed Control Efficiency (WCE), and Weed Index (WI), were significantly influenced by both variety and the use of crop residue extracts. The highest weed growth was observed in the Binadhan-7 variety, with the lowest in BRRI dhan87. The control treatment exhibited the highest weed growth, while the lowest was found in the weed-free treatment and the 80% recommended dose of post-emergence herbicide with lentil residue extract. The weed-free treatment achieved the highest WCI and WCE values, indicating superior weed control. In contrast, the lowest weed management indices were recorded in the weed free treatment. Grain yield (GY) was highest in BRRI dhan87 (5.34 t ha-1) and lowest in BRRI dhan49 (4.51 t ha-1). The maximum yield (5.83 t ha-1) was observed in the weed-free treatment, followed by the T4 treatment (5.40 t ha-1). The lowest GY (2.65 t ha-1) was found in the control. Thus, integrating 80% of the recommended herbicide dose with lentil residue extract is suggested for effective weed control and higher yield in transplanted aman rice. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 23(2): 113-128, 2025

Brownies chips are a snack made from brownies dough that is molded into thin squares and baked dry to produce brownies chips that are easy to consume and last a long time. The aim of this research is to determine the formulation of jicama flour (Pachyrhizus erosus) and wheat flour which produces brownies chips with the best sensory properties. This research was structured in a Complete Randomized Block Design (RAKL) with six treatments and four replications. The formulation treatment of jicama flour and wheat flour consisted of 6 levels, namely T0 (0% : 100%), T1 (10% : 90%), T2 (20% : 80%), T3 (30% : 70%), T4 (40% : 60%), T5 (50% : 50%). Data were analyzed using the Bartlett test and Tuckey test, followed by analysis of variance (ANARA), and the Least Significant Difference (BNT) test at the 5% level. Based on the research results, brownies chips with a formulation of jicama flour and wheat flour that produces the best sensory results is the T4 treatment (40% jicama flour : 60% wheat flour) which has a sweet and distinctive chocolate taste, blackish brown color, crunchy and dense texture, and aromatic. typical brownies chips. The results of the chemical analysis of the brownies chips were water content 3,76%, ash content 2,34%, protein content 13,87%, fat content 25,61%, carbohydrate content 54,42%, and crude fiber content 6,01%. The calculation results for the calorific value of brownies chips per 100 grams are 503,65 kcal.

This study was conducted at the Department of Animal Production - Faculty of Agriculture - Karbala University for the period from February 9 to March 9, 2025. The aim of the study was to find out the effect of black seed powder and bio-enhancer on some production traits of broilers. 80 non- homogenized broiler chicks were used. The chicks were raised on cage system and given two types of feeds, the starter feed which was fed from 1 day to 21 days old and the final feed for the end of the experiment. The chicks were randomly divided at the age of one week into 4 Test groups with 2 replicates per treatment, each replicate included 10 chicks, and the Test groups were: T1 Treatment 1: control (without any addition of leech); T2 Treatment 2: Black seed powder was added at 5 g/kg feed; T3 Treatment 3: Black seed powder was added at 7 g/kg feed; T4 Treatment 4: Black seed mixture was added at 10 g/kg feed + 0.01/kg of bio-enhancer feed. The highest rates were recorded in the T4 control group.