Wheat Bran Research Articles

How enriched diet of the second trophic level (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) affects the performance of the third trophic level (Neoseiulus cucumeris): the role of pollens and legumes.

The generalist predatory mite, Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is one of the most effective biocontrol agents to control the pests of many crops in indoor cultivations. In this study, the effects of the enriched diets of the second trophic level, i.e. the stored-product mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) on the performance of N. cucumeris as the third trophic level was determined in a tritrophic system. In the first step, different pollens including almond, maize, date palm, castor bean, saffron, and cattail or different legume flours including pinto bean, lentil, black-eyed pea, chickpea, mung bean and broad bean as enrichment additives were added to the basic diet, i.e. a mixture of wheat bran and flour as a basic diet of T. putrescentiae. In the second step, to reveal the effects of the mentioned additives on the performance of N. cucumeris, the demographic parameters of the predator were determined when it was fed with the prey enriched with the additives. Our results indicated that N. cucumeris had higher performance by feeding on the prey reared on diets enriched by either pollens or legumes compared with the basic diet. Overall, there was no significant difference between pollen grains and some legume flours when the predatory mite was fed with them through its prey. Since legumes are more available and cost-effective food sources than pollens, they can be affordable supplementary diets for the mass rearing of N. cucumeris.

Comparison of In-vitro Digestibility of Commonly used Forage and Concentrates in Dairy Buffalo, Cow, and Sheep by using Daisy Incubator

This study was evaluated using the new in vitro system, DAISY Incubator, in-vitro true dry matter (DM) digestibility of 8 different feedstuffs in Buffalo, cow, and sheep. Eight different feeds were tested and grouped into roughage and concentrate. The experiment was replicated on three different timelines for all feeds and the three inoculum sources. The incubation time for the digestibility was 48 hours for each species inoculum. In the study, rumen fluids from different animals did not have a significant effect on the in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility of different feedstuffs during the 48-hour incubation period (p> 0.05). The pellet wheat bran showed the lowest mean value in sheep among all the species' feedstuffs. It was concluded that the DAISY incubator method could be used to predict the true digestibility in different species of animals.

THE ROLE OF ORGANIC COMPLEXES OF MINERAL ELEMENTS IN THE METABOLISM OF RUMINANT RUMEN

Introduction. Trace elements are elements necessary for the body in negligible amounts, in particular for ruminants from 0.10 to 50.0 mg per kg of dry matter in the diet. All these trace elements are necessary for the biochemical processes of the body, which maintain the normal state of metabolism in the body, contribute to maintaining health and increasing productivity. Ensuring sufficient minerals is a particularly difficult task, since the needs for most minerals are not constant, but depend on physiological factors, including genetics, age, gender, type of production and level of production, and also depends on the composition and quality of the diet. The aim – this article examines the effect of organic forms of mineral additives on metabolism and the degree of digestibility of the dry matter of the feed substrate in the rumen. Material and methods. To implement the tasks set, 4 samples were formed – a control and 3 experimental (I, II, III). All samples were presented with wheat bran, however, before incubation, mineral complexes were introduced into the working tanks where the experimental samples were located: I – Co + Fe; II – Se+Zn; III – Cu. As mineral preparations, the following were used: copper bioplex – 10 mg/kg CB  (manufacturer: Alltech, Serbia), zinc bioplex – 140 mg/kg CB (manufacturer: Alltech, 54 Ltd, Ireland); selenium-plex – 0.1 mg/kg CB (manufacturer: Alltech flanders BVBA, Belgium); cobalt chloride – 0.1 mg/kg CB (manufacturer: NPK Ascont+ LLC, Moscow region, Russia); iron chelate – 50 mg/kg SV (manufacturer GLS PHARMACEUTICALS, Moscow, Russia). Studies of the digestibility of the studied feed substrate were carried out by the in vitro method according to a specialized technique. The level of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the contents of the scar was determined by gas chromatography on a gas chromatograph "Crystallux-4000M", determination of nitrogen forms according to GOST 26180-84. Results. The use of Cu, Co+Fe, Se+Zn contributes to an increase in the digestibility of the CB feed substrate by 1.0–2.4% (p < 0.05), an increase in the concentration of nitrogen in the scar fluid and maintenance of pH at the level of 6.7–6.8. Conclusion. The use of various mineral complexes in the feeding of ruminants contributes to a change in the course of metabolic processes in the rumen.

Fabrication of nutritional edible bowls with wheat bran, multigrain powder, refined flour, flax seed powder, fenugreek essential oil, and jaggery.

The recycling or decomposition of plastic waste poses challenges due to its non-organic nature. As a consequence of the unregulated production of plastic goods, a substantial quantity of plastic garbage has been generated. There is an increasing demand for sustainable substitutes for synthetic petrochemical-derived plastic products. The utilization of cake molds made from plastic materials has become increasingly prevalent and they have become widely employed household items. Bio-based bowls have the potential to serve as viable alternatives to their plastic counterparts. This study involved the fabrication of a bio-based healthy edible bowl mold using natural ingredients, including multigrain flour, refined flour (maida), jaggery, flaxseed, and fenugreek essential oil. A nutrient-rich edible bowl was developed by using different weight percentages (ranging from 0% to 10%) of wheat bran (WB). The addition of WB to the nutritious bowl resulted in the lowest levels of water absorption and oil absorption compared with the control group. The enhanced nutritional bowl demonstrated notable antioxidant activity. The inclusion of wheat bran resulted in a further enhancement of antioxidant action, with an approximate increase of 28% observed. The protein value of the nutritious bowl came to be 13.17 g/0.1 kg of protein. It was also revealed from an early soil degradation test that the bowl that was created exhibited biodegradability. The findings of this study offer a potentially viable method for developing a more sustainable substitute for cake molds/bowls made from plastic materials. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bread By-Product and Maize Silage as Alternative Ingredient Feeds for Production of Tenebrio molitor Larvae in High-Concentrate Substrates

Bread by-product and maize silage as substrates for Tenebrio molitor larvae were studied in four isonitrogenous diets: a control substrate (CTL) made of wheat grain, wheat bran, and soybean meal and three diets where wheat grain and wheat bran were partly substituted with bread by-product (BBP) or with this and either a low (MSL) or high (MSH) proportion of maize silage (170 or 310 g/kg, respectively). Larval weight was weekly monitored, and the chemical composition of larvae and residual substrates was analyzed at the end of the experiment. Larvae fed CTL and BBP grew more than those fed MSL and MSH (p < 0.001). Feed intake was greatest for BBP (p < 0.001), and consequently, feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) was better for larvae fed CTL than BBP, and better for BBP than MSL and MSH (p < 0.001). Besides, total production of crude protein and ether extract were greater for CTL and BBP than for MSH and MSL (p < 0.001). The inclusion of bread by-product in the substrate did not affect growth performance, whereas diets including maize silage impaired larval growth, substrate intake, and F:G. Both by-products can be advantageously used for feeding T. molitor larvae, but the impairments in growth performance should be considered to optimize production costs.

EFFECTS OF PROPOLİS ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES AND BİOCHEMİCAL COMPOSİTİON OF Musca domestica LİNNAEUS, 1758 (DİPTERA: MUSCİDAE)

The housefly (Musca domestica L.) is well known a global pest of animals and humans. The houseflies contain high purity chitin and protein which are widely used in industry, and medicine. Their larvae can produce animal protein in the biodegradation of organic waste . House flies provide an alternative for recycling nutrients while also generating multiple income streams, so their large-scale production is important. In this study, the effects of different doses of propolis applied to a wheat bran diet on the developmental stages (larval and pupal development time, larval, pupal, and adult weight, and larval, pupal, and adult survival) and the protein, carbohydrate, and lipid content in Musca domestica larvae were examined under laboratory conditions (62±0.2% humidity and 25.06 ± 0.8°C temperature). Thirty Musca domestica larvae were reared on substrates exposed to four different propolis concentrations. One-way ANOVA was used to compare life history and biochemical parameters. The results showed that increasing concentrations of propolis reduced larval length and weight. While a decrease in the number of pupae and adults was observed, a significant increase in pupal weight was noted. Larval development time was not affected by propolis diets compared to the control, but pupal development time was shortened. In biochemical composition, no significant difference in protein content in Musca domestica larvae was observed with increasing propolis concentrations. However, compared to the control, increasing propolis concentrations increased carbohydrate content and decreased lipid content in Musca domestica larvae.

Development of optimized artificial diets for enhanced growth of Zophobas atratus larvae

AbstractThis study evaluates the effects of various artificial diets on the development of Zophobas atratus larvae. Artificial diets containing various concentrations of agar were also investigated for their ability to reduce death rates during the early stages of larval development. Our results indicated that larvae fed artificial diets experienced a slightly longer developmental period but achieved significantly higher weights. Notably, wheat bran + fish meal 6% resulted in the highest weight gain; however, wheat bran + fish meal 6%, wheat bran + fish meal 5% + ginseng leaf 1%, and wheat bran + fish meal 4% + ginseng leaf 2% yielded higher death rates. The diet with 4% agar resulted in the shortest developmental period, whereas that with 3% agar produced the highest weight gain. However, considering death rates, the diet with 2% agar provided the most balanced outcome across developmental time, weight gain, and survival, making it the most suitable diet for Z. atratus larvae. In conclusion, wheat bran + fish meal + agar 2% artificial diet is more suitable for Z. atratus larval development than wheat bran, leading to greater weight gain, shorter development periods, and higher adult emergence rates. Additionally, this diet showed the potential to reduce the dust issues and labor demands associated with wheat bran usage. Our findings suggest that wheat bran + fish meal + agar 2% could be an effective artificial diet for the optimal development of Z. atratus larvae.

Effects of wheat cultivar, bran concentration and endoxylanase on the thermomechanical, viscoelastic and microstructural properties of whole wheat flour dough

Globally, it is challenging to promote the market of whole wheat product due to its undesirable product quality issues. To overcome this remarkable challenge, this research was to work on the constructive strategies for mitigating the negative impact of wheat bran. As such, the objective of this research was to investigate how the wheat cultivar, bran concentration and endoxylanase affected dough thermomechanical properties, viscoelasticity and microstructure by a combined use of mixolab, rheometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). A cultivar-dependent discrimination for the bran tolerance was observed to suggest the suitable wheat cultivars for whole wheat manufacturing. Bran addition positively affected dough mechanical and viscoelastic properties, i.e., larger dough mechanical weakening (C2) and gel strength, and it negatively affected starch gelatinization (C3) and retrogradation (C5). However, the main conclusions are below. The endoxylanase was incorporated to invert the bran impact on the above properties of dough. Endoxylanase was also used to develop a better integrity of gluten network, larger coverage of starch granules and even distribution of gas cells. Outcomes from this work will provide a practical guidance for improving the high-fibre product quality and promoting its market growth.

Protective effects of insoluble dietary fiber from cereal bran against DSS-induced chronic colitis in mice: From inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, intestinal barrier, and gut microbiota.

Insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) is a crucial component of cereals, and IDF from cereal bran (IDF-CB) has been reported to have multiple biological activities. However, the effect of IDF-CB on chronic colitis remains underexplored. The study aimed to investigate the impact of IDFs from wheat bran (WBIDF), rice bran (RBIDF), millet bran (MBIDF) and oat bran (OBIDF) on chronic colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Our findings demonstrated that IDFs-CB supplementation mitigated DSS-induced weight loss and reduced lesions in the colon and spleen. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress markers (MPO, iNOS and MDA)were decreased, and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) and T-SOD activity were increased after IDF-CB inclusion. Furthermore, IDFs-CB restored intestinal barrier function by regulating gene expression (up-regulated Muc-2, ZO-1 and Occludin, and down-regulated Claudin-1 and Claudin-4). Additionally, we analyzed the gut microbiota and SCFAs composition. WBIDF, MBIDF and OBIDF inhibited the growth of Muribaculaceae_unclassified, Bacteroides and Parasutterella. Conversely, IDFs-CB promoted the growth of Candidatus_Saccharimonas and norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014. Notably, WBIDF enhanced the abundance of Allobaculum, while MBIDF and OBIDF increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136. Moreover, supplementation with IDFs-CB significantly elevated certain SCFA concentrations-particularly acetic acid and isohexanoic acid. Our results suggested that IDF-CB effectively alleviated DSS-induced chronic colitis; among them，WBIDF exhibited superior efficacy followed by OBIDF，MBIDF，and RBIDF. This study provides a theoretical foundation for dietary recommendations for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

Effect of high-pressure homogenization optimized by response surface methodology on the techno-functional properties of protein concentrate isolated from date seed

The study investigates the impact of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) on the techno-functional properties of protein concentrate isolated from date seeds. The protein concentrate was subjected to HPH at various pressures (50, 100, and 150 MPa) and protein concentrations (1 %, 2 %, and 3 %) to optimize solubility, emulsifying activity, and antioxidant properties. RSM indicated optimal conditions at 150 MPa and 1 % protein concentration, resulting in significant enhancements in solubility (14.10 % to 43.69 %) and antioxidant activity (60.5 TE/g to 71.67 TE/g). The emulsifying activity index (EAI) increased from 11.92 m²/g to 22.29 m²/g, though the emulsion stability index (ESI) slightly decreased from 17.63 min to 16.15 min. Besides, HPH improved oil-binding capacity (1.73 g/g to 3.02 g/g) while reducing water-binding capacity (2.76 g/g to 1.38 g/g). Structural analysis revealed that HPH caused partial protein unfolding and aggregation, indicated by changes in FTIR spectra, reduced fluorescence intensity, and increased surface sulfhydryl content (1.58 µmol/g to 2.65 µmol/g). These findings highlight HPH as an effective method to enhance the functional properties of date seed protein concentrate for potential applications in the food industry. In addition, the current study can lay a foundation for future HPH applications in other protein-rich by-products such as soybean cake, rapeseed cake, wheat bran, and others.

Preparation and characterization of ferulic oligosaccharides from different sources by cell-free GH10 and GH11 xylanases

The feruloyl oligosaccharides (FOs) produced by the decomposition of plant hemicellulose have broad potential applications in the food and biomedical areas. FOs were prepared through the specific enzymatic degradation of insoluble dietary fiber from different sources by cell-free GH10 and GH11 xylanases. The cell-free GH10 and GH11 xylanases were obtained by the heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. The enzymatic hydrolysis conditions were optimized as follows: temperature 50 °C, pH 5.5, hydrolysis time 12 h, GH10 xylanase addition 101.74 U, and GH11 xylanase addition 121.60 U. The compositions and structural characterization of wheat bran FOs (WB-FOs), corncob FOs (CC-FOs), and buckwheat straw FOs (BS-FOs) were identified by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Degrees of polymerization (DP) of WB-FOs, CC-FOs, and BS-FOs were 3–11, 3–7, and 3–6, respectively. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation was investigated in vitro. The results demonstrated that BS-FOs possessed excellent UV resistance and photostability, followed by effectiveness in WB-FOs and CC-FOs. These results have improved our understanding of the relationship between FOs with different structural types and their UV radiation.

Partial consumption of medical face masks by a common beetle species.

The widespread distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has motivated research on the ecological significance and fate of these pervasive particles. Recent studies have demonstrated that MPs may not always have negative effects, and in contrast, several species of Tenebrionidae beetles utilized plastic as a food source in controlled laboratory experiments. However, most studies of plastic-eating insects have not been ecologically realistic, and thus it is unclear whether results from these experiments apply more broadly. Here, we quantified the ability of mealworms (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to consume MPs derived from polypropylene and polylactic acid face masks; these are two of the most commonly used conventional and plant-based plastics. To simulate foraging in nature, we mixed MPs with wheat bran to create an environment where beetles were exposed to multiple food types. Mealworms consumed approximately 50% of the MPs, egested a small fraction, and consumption did not affect survival. This study adds to our limited knowledge of the ability of insects to consume MPs. Understory or ground-dwelling insects may hold the key to sustainable plastic disposal strategies, but we caution that research in this field needs to proceed concomitantly with reductions in plastic manufacturing.

Effects of interaction between wheat bran dietary fiber and gluten protein on gluten protein aggregation behavior.

Effects of wheat bran dietary fiber (WBDF) as a nutritional additive on flour products quality mainly depends on the interaction between WBDF and gluten protein. In this study, the effects and mechanisms of WBDF with different particle sizes and additive amounts on gluten protein aggregation behavior were investigated. The results showed that the addition of WBDF led to a decrease in free sulfhydryl content, particle size, molecular weight and gluten macromer (GMP) content, an increase in zeta potential and SDS-extractable protein content, and a deterioration in the gluten network morphology compared to the control group, suggesting that the aggregation behavior of gluten protein was inhibited. When WBDF was added at 3 % and 6 %, dilution effect, mechanical shear, steric hindrance, and non-covalent binding were the main mechanisms leading to depolymerization. Further addition of WBDF (9 %, 12 %) inhibited the depolymerization of gluten protein due to competitive hydration and non-covalent binding. However, when WBDF was added at 15 %, the dilution effect, mechanical shear and steric hindrance of WBDF (88 μm < particle size<150 μm) dominated, and their inhibitory of aggregation induced the formation of a loose gluten network structure. In contrast, the weaker mechanical shear and steric hindrance effects of WBDF (particle size<88 μm) mitigated the degradation of gluten network structures by WBDF.

Alternative Uses of Fermented Wheat Bran: A Mini Review

Bran is a by-product primarily derived from the milling of grains, notably wheat and rice. It is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals yet often remains underutilized in its raw form. This raw material is abundant and readily available, offering significant potential for value-added applications. In its unprocessed state, bran boasts a complex chemical composition that includes proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. However, it also contains antinutritional components such as phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors, which may limit its nutritional efficacy. Through further processing or storage, these components can be transformed to enhance their antioxidant properties and overall nutritional value. Bran is used in both animal feed and human food applications, though its use is often hindered by its high fiber content and antinutritional factors. To maximize its utility, innovative processing techniques are required to improve its digestibility and nutrient availability. Fermentation presents a viable method for enhancing the nutritional profile of bran. This process typically employs microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, or fungi to break down complex compounds, thereby increasing the bioavailability of nutrients. After fermentation, bran exhibits improved chemical composition and nutritional value. The process reduces antinutritional components while enriching the bran with beneficial compounds like amino acids and probiotics. Utilizing fermented bran in animal feed offers numerous advantages, including enhanced digestive health, improved nutrient absorption, and augmented disease resistance. It serves as a sustainable feed alternative that supports livestock growth while aligning with ecological goals. The processing of bran through fermentation not only maximizes its nutritional potential but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by reducing waste. Future research should focus on optimizing fermentation techniques and exploring novel applications in both feed and food industries to fully realize the benefits of this versatile by-product.

Extracellular lipase production from Bacillus cereus by using agro-industrial waste.

Lipases are crucial biocatalysts in various industrial applications, and there is considerable interest in developing sustainable methods for their synthesis. This study focuses on the isolation, screening, and comparison of Bacillus cereus strains to produce extracellular lipases utilizing agro-industrial waste through solid-state fermentation. The results indicate that B. cereus exhibited optimal lipase production with soybean extract, yielding 41.2 ± 1.08µ/ml (p < 0.05), followed by bagasse with 40.5 ± 0.97µ/ml (p < 0.05). Other substrates, including rice bran (9.9µ/ml), wheat bran (25.8µ/ml), sunflower seed (24.0µ/ml), and oat bran (10.2µ/ml), demonstrated significantly lower enzyme activity. Additionally, lipase production from fruit peels was assessed, with banana yielding 21.1µ/ml, orange 20.3 µ/ml, melon 16.3 µ/ml, and watermelon 16.43µ/ml. Various oil wastes were also evaluated, showing lipase activities of 14.6 µ/ml (Sitara oil), 13.3µ/ml (Shan oil), 11.0µ/ml (automobile oil), and 10.2µ/ml (cooking oil). The bacterial lipases produced from B. cereus demonstrated maximum hydrolysis of tributyrin agar medium at 40°C (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that utilizing different agro-industrial wastes for the production of extracellular lipase could help mitigate environmental pollution while providing a viable option for commercial enzyme production.

Biomass production, bromatological and histological profile of madagascar hissing cockroaches Gromphadorhina portentosa (Blattodea: Blaberidae) fed agro-industrial wastes

The aim was to evaluate different agro-industrial residues as to feed source for Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa), aiming to optimize protein biomass production. 216 specimens Madagascar hissing cockroaches were used. cockroaches divided into four groups, each fed different diets: sugarcane bagasse (DB), forage palm bran (DP), moringa bran (DM), and wheat bran, control (DC). The experimental design was completely randomized, with three repetitions per treatment and 18 individuals per experimental unit. The results showed that the control diet (DC) resulted in an average biomass of 135.94 g (±7.92), superior to the other treatments (P&lt;0.05). Forage palm bran also showed significant performance with 119.03 g (±20.48), while sugarcane bagasse and moringa bran resulted in lower biomass, 45.61 g (±19.35) and 58.11 g (±20.33), respectively. Feed efficiency varied according to the diet, with the control diet being the most efficient (0.48 g) and sugarcane bagasse the least efficient (0.13 g). Additionally, histological analyses indicated alterations in the gastrointestinal tract in response to the different diets. It is concluded that the food substrate significantly impacts the biomass and health of the cockroaches, suggesting that the choice of food is crucial for maximizing protein biomass production.

Evaluation of Soybean Hulls as Replacement of Energy Concentrates: Effects on Intake, Growth Performance and Selected Blood Metabolites of Male Sahiwal Calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing conventional energy sources (corn grain and wheat bran) with soyhulls on the growth performance of Sahiwal calves. Fifteen growing Sahiwal male calves weighing approximately 110 ± 2 kg were selected, blocked by body weight, and randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments (5 calves/treatment) in a randomized complete block design. The treatments consisted of three concentrate diets: control (SH0, without soyhulls), SH18 (soyhulls replacing 30% of conventional energy sources), and SH36 (soyhulls replacing 60% of conventional energy sources). All diets were isonitrogenous with 13.5% crude protein (CP) and were fed as a total mixed ration (TMR) comprising 60% concentrate, 32% silage, and 8% Rhodes grass hay on a dry matter basis. Body weight was recorded weekly. Three animals per treatment were selected for an apparent digestibility trial using acid-insoluble ash as a marker. Results indicated a numerical increase in dry matter intake (DMI) with higher soyhull levels. Digestibility of NDF, ADF, DM, and OM increased linearly (P≤0.05) with increasing soyhulls in the diets. Total weight gain was 129 kg for SH0, 128 kg for SH18, and 133 kg for SH36. The average daily gain (ADG) was slightly more in the SH36 group (1.19 kg) than the SH0 group (1.15 kg). Cost per unit gain, blood glucose, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were similar (p &gt; 0.05) among the treatments. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that soyhulls can be an effective alternative energy source to the corn grain and wheat bran, with similar growth performance and cost per unit gain with the additional benefits of greater dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility in male Sahiwal calves.

Introduction and Capacity Building on an Innovative and Improved Small-Scale Concentrated Feed for Goat Fattening in Ellele Woreda, SRS, in Ethiopia

Feed and water inadequacies in both quality and quantity are recognized as significant production obstacles throughout the value chain. The production of feed adequately meets requirements solely during years of favorable conditions; however, deficits can reach 35% during normal years and escalate to 70% during adverse years. The technologies and knowledge that have been developed to date have predominantly been restricted to on-station experimentation and have lacked participatory evaluation, thereby impeding the transfer of technology or knowledge within this Ellele kebele, Ellele woreda. The objective of the project was to introduce goat fattening technologies specifically for yearling breeds of the long-eared Somali goat, aimed at achieving the requisite market weight of 30 kg, while simultaneously equipping the community with practical training regarding these goat fattening methodologies. The study encompassed 10 goats per pastoralist, culminating in a total of one hundred goats being included in the analysis, which were then randomly allocated to two treatment groups through a lottery system: a control group and a finishing group. The feed formulation utilized for the experimental goats consisted of Wheat bran (49.5%), Noug cake (49.5%), and common salt (1%). The responses of the goats to the feed supplementation indicated that the average initial body weight was 17 kg, whereas the average final body weight was recorded at 23.00 kg, resulting in an average total weight gain of 8.14 kg in terms of goats’ fattening performance. Moreover, the implementation of supplementary scaling-up initiatives for this technology is anticipated to encourage private investors to acknowledge the latent opportunities present within the region.

Mixing oak and eucalyptus sawdusts improves shiitake (Lentinula edodes) yield and nutritional value.

The study aimed to explore suitable substrates comprising locally available hardwood sawdusts for the cultivation of Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) in Lebanon. Sawdusts of oak (OS), maple (MAP), and eucalyptus (EUC) were used alone or in combination, supplemented equally by wheat bran (WB). Results showed that complete mycelia run, fruiting, and harvest dates were the minimum in OS-WB: 800-200 by 72.2, 75.5, and 79.5 days after spawning (DAS) respectively, and the maximum in EUC-MAP-WB: 400-400-200 (by 88.3, 87.5, and 92.0 DAS, respectively). The substrate EUC-OS-WB: 400-400-200 had the highest biological efficiency (74.1%) compared to all treatments. Mushroom numbers ranged between 13.0 and 29.5 at harvest 1 (H1) and between 9.5 and 26.5 at harvest 2 (H2), showing a significant decrease in H2 in comparison to H1 in all treatments. Mushroom weight ranged between 8.8 and 25.9 at H1 and between 5.9 and 14.6 at H2. Furthermore, stepwise correlation showed that total biological yield (TBY) was positively affected by the biological yield at first harvest (BYH1) in OS-WB: 800-200 (R2 = 0.943), and at BYH2 in EUC-WB:800-200 (R2 = 0.944) and MAP-WB: 800-200 (R2 = 0.998), and it was negatively affected by BYH1 and stipe diameter in MAP-OS-WB: 400-400-200 (R2 = 0.946). Also, there was an improvement in mushroom protein, crude fibers, and vitamin C contents, and a decrease in carbohydrate contents on most substrates compared to control. Mushrooms obtained in EUC-OS-WB:400-400-200 recorded the highest protein and crude fiber contents (15.1 and 5.4%). Therefore, the mixture containing oak and eucalyptus sawdust has a good potential to improve shiitake yield and nutritional value compared to oak sawdust and could be an appropriate alternate for producing shiitake mushrooms.

Olfactory response and food preference of Gromphadorhina portentosa (Blattodea: blaberidae) to agro-industrial waste for biomass production

The Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) is a species widely used in insect farming, including in animal and human diets. Because of these potential applications, we are looking for effective ways to breed them in captivity, through alternatives that reduce production costs. One solution to this problem would be to use agro-industrial waste to feed these insects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the olfactory behavior of the Madagascar cockroach when exposed to different agro-industrial residues. The experiments were conducted at the Entomoculture Laboratory of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) using agro-industrial waste from sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum spp.), forage palm (Opuntia ficus), moringa (Moringa oleifera L.), and wheat bran (Triticum vulgare). The waste was distributed randomly in the evaluation arena. There were 20 repetitions of both sexes with an evaluation period of 20 min each. The bioassays were carried out in sequence: response time of the cockroaches, first olfactory choice, and food preference. Males and females had the highest average consumption in the 20-min evaluation period, and the first olfactory choice was for moringa; however, food preference was concentrated on wheat bran, where females had an average consumption of 1.3g of wheat bran and males 0.85g. Therefore, using wheat bran could make large-scale production of Madagascar cockroaches feasible and potentially make it possible to reuse and sustainably use this waste.