Variation In Crude Protein Content Research Articles

The genetic diversity and variation in crude protein content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) promising cultivars for breeding in Albania

The genetic diversity and variation in crude protein content among eleven wheat genotypes, comprising three elite local genotypes and eight wheat genotypes of foreign origin were investigated in the present study. Variability was evidenced in grain protein content estimated by biuret test, it ranged from 9.5 to 13.9% with mean of 11.58%. Comparative analysis between local and introduced wheat genotypes revealed that the local genotypes had lower protein content than those of foreign origin. Fourteen polymorphic RAPD markers were used to assess genetic diversity among selected wheat varieties. The mean similarity among wheat genotypes was 67%. Genetic similarity among local wheat varieties was higher (83%) than among those of foreign origin (66%). The wheat genotypes were grouped into two main clusters on UPGMA dendrogram constructed based on Dice similarity coefficients. A clear clustering of genotypes according to the origin wasobserved. This clustering was also supported by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) results. There was no observed clustering based on the protein content. The data revealed that local wheat genetic had narrow genetic diversity, however the wheat genotypes of foreign origin constitute a promising material to be employed in breeding programs aiming the increase of wheat protein content and genetic diversity.

Remotely Sensed Spatiotemporal Variation in Crude Protein of Shortgrass Steppe Forage

In the Great Plains of central North America, sustainable livestock production is dependent on matching the timing of forage availability and quality with animal intake demands. Advances in remote sensing technology provide accurate information for forage quantity. However, similar efforts for forage quality are lacking. Crude protein (CP) content is one of the most relevant forage quality determinants of individual animal intake, especially below an 8% threshold for growing animals. In a set of shortgrass steppe paddocks with contrasting botanical composition, we (1) modeled the spatiotemporal variation in field estimates of CP content against seven spectral MODIS bands, and (2) used the model to assess the risk of reaching the 8% CP content threshold during the grazing season for paddocks with light, moderate, or heavy grazing intensities for the last 22 years (2000–2021). Our calibrated model explained up to 69% of the spatiotemporal variation in CP content. Different from previous investigations, our model was partially independent of NDVI, as it included the green and red portions of the spectrum as direct predictors of CP content. From 2000 to 2021, the model predicted that CP content was a limiting factor for growth of yearling cattle in 80% of the years for about 60% of the mid-May to October grazing season. The risk of forage quality being below the CP content threshold increases as the grazing season progresses, suggesting that ranchers across this rangeland region could benefit from remotely sensed CP content to proactively remove yearling cattle earlier than the traditional October date or to strategically provide supplemental protein sources to grazing cattle.

Mixture cropping of berseem clover with cereals to improve forage yield and quality under irrigated conditions of the Mediterranean basin

Mixture cropping of annual forage legumes and grasses is a common strategy to support sustainable forage supply in low input agricultural systems, especially in the Mediterranean basin. In a two-year field study, conducted in Northern Egypt, productivity and nutritive value of four cuts of berseem clover, triticale, and oat, cultivated as monocultures as well as legume-grass binary mixtures, with variable mixing rates, were investigated using a split plot design in three replicates. The tested mixing rates were: 1. 0% Grass (G) + 100% Berseem clover (BC), 2. 25% G + 75% BC, 3. 50% G + 50% BC, 4. 75% G + 25% BC, and 5. 100% G + 0% BC. Berseem clover mixtures with triticale produced the highest significant 3rd cut fresh yield, while BC mixtures with oat were superior at the 1st and 2nd cut's fresh yield. Crude protein (CP) content was highest in BC monocultures and clover-triticale mixture (75%:25%). Grasses, in general, improved the dry matter accumulation and carbohydrate components in the forage mixtures, with triticale being superior to oat. The significantly highest digestible organic matter (DOM) was a character of the pure BC stands, and mixtures with 75% BC. Noticeably, the tested grasses did not regrow after being cut for the third time; thus, the fourth cut was composed only of BC. Variations in DOM were most dependent on variations in CP content. Results revealed that mixtures of BC with triticale at 75%:25% mixing rate produced high forage yield with improved quality than the other mixtures.

Yield and nutritive value of maize (Zea mays L.) forage as affected by plant density, sowing date and age at harvest

The current study was carried out in Alexandria, Egypt and investigated the effect of sowing date; 1st May, 1st July, and 1st September 2017 and 2018, and age at harvest; 45, 55 and 65 days after sowing (DAS) on yield and quality of maize green forage grown with three plant densities (120, 160, and 200 kg ha–1). Sowing at 1st of May produced the highest significant amount of fresh yield (41.51 t ha–1 in average). Sowing at 1st of July resulted in the production of significantly lower yield (24.54 t ha–1 in average), however, higher dry matter content (175.99 g kg–1 in average), compared to sowing at 1st of May (143.62 g kg–1 in average). A pronounced increase in fresh yield was observed when maize was harvested at 55 DAS (30.89 t ha–1 in average) compared to harvesting at 45 DAS (22.92 t ha–1 in average). Meanwhile, the increase in fresh yield from 55 DAS to 65 DAS was non-significant. The effect of sowing date on quality parameters was greatly dependent on the age of plant at harvest. Harvesting maize green forage at 65 DAS, reflecting an advanced stage of maturity, caused a significant reduction in the crude protein (CP), and a significant increase in the neutral and acid detergent fibre fractions (NDF and ADF), resulting in a decline in the digestible organic matter (DOM). Plant density exerted non-significant influence on the fresh yield and DM content, minimal effect on the CP content, while the effect on the NDF and ADF contents was dependent on the age at harvest. The lignin content (ADL) of the herbage significantly decreased with increasing the plant density. Variations in the DOM were most dependent on the variations in CP content, followed by the variations in ADF and ADL contents. In conclusion, it is recommended to grow green forage maize twice a season on the 1st of May and 1st of July, with intermediate plant density (160 kg ha–1), and harvest it not later than 55 DAS to achieve the optimum balance between herbage productivity and nutritive value.

Chemical composition and gross energy content of commonly available animal feedstuff in Sri Lanka

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chemical composition and gross energy content of currently available feedstuff used for animal feeding in Sri Lanka. A total of 35 feedstuff including 10 energy supplements, 11 plant protein supplements, 3 animal protein supplements, 2 mineral supplements, 3 grasses, and leaves of 6 tree species was evaluated. Proximate composition, van Soest fiber content, in vitro dry matter digestibility, gross energy (GE) and mineral content of the feedstuff were measured using standard protocols. Values were expressed as percentage dry matter (DM) for proximate constituents and van Soest constituents, and kcalg-1 DM for gross energy content. The crude protein (CP) content of plant protein supplements varied from 24.4 % DM [black gram ( Vigna mungo ) husk] to 61.3 % DM (corn gluten meal); however animal protein supplements had less variation in CP content [varied from 50.3 % DM (meat & bone meal) to 69.2 % DM (fish meal)]. Portia ( Thespesia populnea ) leaves had more CP (15.9 % DM) and ether extract (EE) content (9.9 % DM) than all other roughages except manilkara leaves ( Manilkara hexandra ), which had 15.4 % DM EE. Cocoa ( Theobroma cacao ) husk contained the highest crude fibre content (38.3 % DM) when compared to all the other evaluated ingredients. GE content was highest in brewery waste (4.78 kcalg-1 DM) and lowest in coconut distillery waste (2.97 kcalg-1 DM). Mineral content of animal protein supplements was higher than in the other concentrates and roughages. In vitro dry matter digestibility of the concentrates was higher than that of roughages. The same trend was observed in organic matter digestibility. The data collected from the current study will be useful for balanced ration formulation for animals living under farm conditions in Sri Lanka.

Evaluation of feed value of a by-product of pickled radish for ruminants: analyses of nutrient composition, storage stability, and in vitro ruminal fermentation

BackgroundBy-products of pickled radish (BPR) are considered food waste. Approximately 300 g/kg of the total mass of raw materials becomes BPR. Production of pickled radish has grown continuously and is presently about 40,000 metric tons annually in Korea. The objective of the present study was thus to explore the possibility of using BPR as a ruminant feed ingredient.ResultsBPR contained a large amount of moisture (more than 800 g/kg) and ash, and comprised mostly sodium (103 g/kg DM) and chloride (142 g/kg DM). On a dry matter basis, the crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) levels in BPR were 75 g/kg and 7 g/kg, respectively. The total digestible nutrient (TDN) level was 527 g/kg and the major portion of digestible nutrients was carbohydrate; 88 % organic matter (OM) was carbohydrate and 65 % of total carbohydrate was soluble or degradable fiber. The coefficient of variation (CV) of nutrient contents among production batches ranged from 4.65 to 33.83 %. The smallest CV was observed in OM, and the largest, in EE. The variation in CP content was relatively small (10.11 %). The storage stability test revealed that storage of BPR at 20 °C (room temperature) might not cause spoilage for 4 d, and possibly longer. If BPR is refrigerated, spoilage can be deferred for 21 d and longer. The in vitro ruminal fermentation study showed that substitution of annual ryegrass straw with BPR improved ruminal fermentation, as evidenced by an increase in VFA concentration, DM degradability, and total gas production.ConclusionThe major portion of nutrients in BPR is soluble or degradable fiber that can be easily fermented in the rumen without adverse effects, to provide energy to ruminant animals. Although its high sodium chloride content needs to be considered when formulating a ration, BPR can be successfully used as a feed ingredient in a ruminant diet, particularly if it is one component of a total mixed ration.

Efficacy of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) varieties as a source of food and feed in Endamehoni district, northern Ethiopia.

Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) serves as a source of food, feed, as well as a means of additional income to the people in northern Ethiopia. The species has different varieties with varied rate of productivity and palatability. This study was conducted to assess the food and feed value of the Cactus Pear varieties in Endamehoni District, northern Ethiopia. It was carried out in three “Tabias” (small administrative subdistricts) and nine sub-Tabias (also known as “Kushets”). These areas were purposively selected as they are well known for their good diversity of Cactus varieties. A total of one hundred and twenty households (n = 120) were randomly selected for interviews using a semi-structured interview. This was supplemented by information obtained through key informants’ interviews and field visits. The local farmers made the identification and characterization of cactus varieties traditionally based on the outstanding phenotypes like fruit characteristics, seed size and content, cladode descriptors and plant height. A total of 13 Cactus varieties were identified and recorded. To assess the food and feed value and to select the best used varieties in the area, preference rankings were made. It was found that not all varieties were equally edible and palatable. The most serious constraints in palatability were associated with fruit taste, fruit size, presence of spines, and hardness of seeds. The ethnobotanical study on palatability was supplemented by chemical analysis on Dry Matter (DM), Ash, Organic Matter (OM) and Crude Protein (CP) content from two-year-old young cladodes of four Cactus varieties (Kille, Wadwada, Magalla and Limo) that are more preferred for food and feed. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in DM, OM and Ash content at p<0.05 (not at p<0.10). There was no variation in crude protein content amongst the varieties tested. From the results, it is concluded that propagation and use of varieties Kille, Limo, Magalla and Wadwada by farmers of the area is advisable.

Efficacy of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) varieties as a source of food and feed in Endamehoni District, northern Ethiopia.

Cactus Pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica ) serves as a source of food, feed, as well as a means of additional income to the people in northern Ethiopia. The species has different varieties with varied rate of productivity and palatability. This study was conducted to assess the food and feed value of the Cactus Pear varieties in Endamehoni District, northern Ethiopia. It was carried out in three “Tabias” (small administrative sub-districts) and nine sub-Tabias (also known as “Kushets”). These areas were purposively selected as they are well known for their good diversity of Cactus varieties. A total of one hundred and twenty households (n = 120) were randomly selected for interviews using a semi-structured interview. This was supplemented by information obtained through key informants’ interviews and field visits. The local farmers made the identification and characterization of cactus varieties traditionally based on the outstanding phenotypes like fruit characteristics, seed size and content, cladode descriptors and plant height. A total of 13 Cactus varieties were identified and recorded. To assess the food and feed value and to select the best used varieties in the area, preference rankings were made. It was found that not all varieties were equally edible and palatable. The most serious constraints in palatability were associated with fruit taste, fruit size, presence of spines, and hardness of seeds. The ethnobotanical study on palatability was supplemented by chemical analysis on Dry Matter (DM), Ash, Organic Matter (OM) and Crude Protein (CP) content from two-year-old young cladodes of four Cactus varieties (Kille, Wadwada, Magalla and Limo) that are more preferred for food and feed. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in DM, OM and Ash content at p<0.05 (not at p<0.10). There was no variation in crude protein content amongst the varieties tested. From the results, it is concluded that propagation and use of varieties Kille, Limo, Magalla and Wadwada by farmers of the area is advisable. Keywords: Characterization, Cladode, Community, ethnobotany, fruit, palatability, preference, propagation, traditional knowledge

In vitro gas production and dry matter digestibility of malting barley grain sown with different seeding and nitrogen fertilization rates in Canada

Two malting barley varieties, AC Metcalfe and CDC Copeland, were grown at seven sites in Canada with varying seeding rates (SR; 200 and 400 seeds/m2) and nitrogen fertilization rates (NR; 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120kg/ha) and were assessed for variation in chemical composition, gas production (GP), and dry matter digestibility (DMD) after 24h of batch culture. The variety affected (P<0.01) the crude protein (CP) content of malting barley grain and interacted with SR or NR on DMD. The increase in NR quadratically increased (P<0.01) CP and fiber content but linearly (P<0.01) decreased starch content of malting barley grain. Variety, SR, and NR had limited impact on in vitro GP and DMD. This study showed substantial variation in CP content and DMD among samples and that the chemical composition of malting barley grain and its potential feed value could be altered by NR.

Comparative Proximate Composition and Hypoglycemic Properties of Three Medicinal Plants (Verononia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera).

The present study sought to investigate proximate composition in relation to short and long term hypoglycemic effects of ethanol/water leaf extracts of Verononia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera on hyperglycemic rats. Hyperglycemia was induced by a single intra-peritoneal injection of 0.1 mol/L alloxan monohydrate in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution (pH = 7.4) dosage = 140 mg/kg; b/w. Individual hyperglycemic rats received separate doses of either 400 mg/kg bw/12 h of V. amygdalina, A. indica or M. oleifera for 14 days. Blood samples were drawn from the rats at regular intervals of 12 h for 48 h duration; for short-term study, and subsequently, on days 3, 7, 10 and 14; for long term study, and measured for fasting blood glucose (FBG). Determination of FBG level was by the glucose oxidase method. V. amygdalina, A. indica and M. oleifera showed wide variation in crude protein content (CPC), which was within the range of 13.42-37.01%. Total carbohydrate content (TCC) of V. amygdalina and A. indica was the single highest component with values: TCC V. amygdalina = 40.65% and TCC A. indica = 50.14%. In contrast, the CPC content was higher than the TCC content of M. oleifera (TCC M. oleifera = 36.65%; CPC M. oleifera = 37.01%). The administration of V. amygdalina, A. indica and M. oleifera to the rats (0 h £ t £ 48 h) did not cause significant (p > 0.05) reduction in FBG of hyperglycemic rats compared to the control group. Conversely, the administration of the three leaf extracts caused reduction in FBG in a time dependent manner in the order: H (M. oleifera) = 400 mg/kg; bw = 2.73 folds >H (V. amygdalina) = 400 mg/kg; bw = 2.15 folds >H (A. indica) = 400 mg/kg; bw = 1.75 folds; p < 0.05. Comparative proximate composition of V. amygdalina, A. indica and M. oleifera with corresponding capacity of the three leaf extracts to reduce FBG appears to suggest that biomolecules responsible for promoting FBG lowering effects are for the most part the TCC and CPC elements.

Phytochemical and proximate composition of Datura innoxia leaf, seed, stem, pod and root

Phytochemical and proximate analyses of Datura innoxia leaf, seed, stem, pod and root were carried out. Phytochemical screening result revealed the presence of atropine, scopolamine, essential oils, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, as well as cardiacs glycosides; while tannins, coumarins, carboxylic acid and valepotriates were absent in all the plant parts examined. The proximate analysis indicated significant (P < 0.05) variation in crude protein content which ranged from 2.09 in the root to 17.21%, moisture content (3.5 in root to 15% in stem), crude lipid content was 6% in root and 15.52% in the seed. Total ash was highest in the root (25.71%) and least in the seed (8.26%) while nitrogen free extract was (47.97%) and 20.88% in the pod and stem, respectively. Key words: Phytochemical, proximate analysis, Datura innoxia.

The utilization of coconut sap distillery by-products by broiler chicks

The utilization of coconut sap distillery by-products (CDB) by broiler chickens was investigated in three feeding experiments. CDB contained, on average (g 100 g −1 dry matter): 27·1 crude protein, 2·3 ether extract, 4·9 crude fibre, 10·3 ash and 55·4 nitrogen-free extract. However, considerable variation in crude-protein content, from 20·9 to 31·7%, was observed between batches of CDB. Amino acid analysis revealed CDB to be a good source of essential amino acids. In experiment 1 CDB was added to a commercial broiler finisher ration at 5 and 10% levels and compared with two commonly used animal protein supplements, namely local fish meal and skim-milk powder, added at similar levels. The performance of birds receiving diets supplemented with CDB was equal to or better than that of birds on diets supplemented with the other two protein sources. CDB was incorporated in broiler starter diets at levels of 8 and 12% in experiment 2, and at 10 and 15% in experiment 3. In both experiments CDB was used as a replacement for coconut oilcake and all diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The results indicate that CDB could be used in broiler diets up to 15%. The results were also suggestive of the presence of unidentified growth factor(s) in CDB.

Within and between genotypes variation in crude protein content of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

A study of sources of variation in protein content within and between genotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris L. was carried out. The results show that bean to bean variation is large within a plant but that it is not due to systematic effects within pods or between nodes in determinate varieties. Pod to pod variation within nodes does occur. For indeterminate varieties, with large numbers of nodes, the protein content of seeds decreases with increasing node number from the base to the top of the plant. Plant to plant variation may be large, but depends on the genotype used. There is a large range of variability present within the species and selection for high protein content should be effective.