Search

Katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr.; KL) are widely consumed by breast-feeding Indonesian mothers as it has been reported to increase breast milk production. It is hypothesized that supplementing KL in diets might increase crude protein (CP) concentration and fibre digestibility in the diet. The KL had high CP and non-fibre carbohydrate concentrations (333 and 332 g/kg dry matter; DM, respectively), but low neutral detergent fibre assayed with heat, a stable amylase and expressed exclusive of residual ash (aNDFom; 200 g/kg DM). Fibre digestibility linearly increased with increasing of KL supplementation in low-quality hay (LQH) diets. The KL did not contain a considerable amount of tannins. In LQH diets, gas production after 24 h incubation (GP24) linearly increased with increasing of KL supplementation (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, GP24 linearly decreased with increasing of KL supplementation in medium- and high-quality hays (MQH and HQH; P < 0.001). Metabolizable energy tended to linearly increase in LQH diets, but tended to linearly decrease with increasing of KL supplementation in MQH and HQH diets (P = 0.078). Therefore, this study suggested that KL can be a potential supplement in the ruminant diet due to its abundant dietary proteins but low fibre concentration in its leaves. However, further studies (e.g. in vitro or in vivo) investigating other rumen parameters after incubation should be performed to validate how KL can be supplemented in the diet of ruminant livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensiling sorghum with tropical forages has been shown to be a promising alternative for ruminant feed production, as this approach improves the quality of the sorghum silage. In this context, the goal of this study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of sweet sorghum silage made with different levels of Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized 2 x 6 factorial design with four replications. Two forages (Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass) were added to sorghum at six levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%), for a total of 48 experimental silos. After 50 days of fermentation, the silos were opened, and the fermentation profile and chemical composition of the silage were analysed. The results showed that the addition of Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass to the sorghum silage increased the pH, buffering capacity and NH3-NT of the silage and reduced its dry matter content but did not affect its fermentation characteristics, which remained within an appropriate range. The addition of increasing levels of Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass to the sorghum silage increased the crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the silage and decreased the fibre fraction (neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and lignin) and ether extract contents. Adding tropical forages to sorghum silage material at levels above 40% is recommended. Among forage crops, addition of Paiaguas palisadegrass to sorghum silage resulted in higher content of crude protein and IVDMD. Mixed silages can be an effective alternative to improve the quality of forage sorghum silage.

Effects of Bambara nut and cowpea planted with maize at different times on nutritive quality of maize forage were investigated. The study was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design and the treatments were combination of crop types (Bambara nut-maize (MB) and Cowpea-maize (MC) and planting times of legumes (2 wks before planting maize, 2WBPM and 2 wks after planting maize, 2WAPM), and sole maize (as control). An experimental field measuring 19 m � 11 m was divided into 3 replicates; each replicate was sub-divided into 5 plots of dimension 3 m2 each, with 1 m and 2 m inter-plots and inter-blocks spacing respectively. Maize forage samples were harvested on each plot at 10 wks after planting, oven-dried, milled and analyzed to evaluate the chemical composition, mineral composition, in vitro gas production and post-incubation characteristics. Results revealed significant differences (P

This study investigated incidence and prevalence of fungi isolates that grow naturally on palm kernel sludge (PKS). The in vitro digestibility of crude enzyme extract (CEE) from identified fungi on proximate composition, fibre fractions and reducing sugars of the substrate was also assessed using standard methods. Solid state fermentation (SSF) with inoculum concentration of 2.3 x 106 spores/mL was used to produce CEE from the most prevalent isolated fungi after which PKS was digested with the CEE. The fungal isolates with high prevalence of occurence on PKS were: Aspergillus candida(90%), Aspergillus flavus(90%), Aspergillus niger(90%), Rhizopus microspororus(90%), Trichoderma harzianum (80%), Aspergillus brasiliensis(80%), Phythium sp (80%) and Cunninghamella sp (70%). Aspergillus candida was consistent in significantly reducing lignin, Acid detergent fibre and Neutral detergent fibre of PKS relative to the control. Aspergillus brasiliensis was able to release reducing sugars from the substrate. Crude enzyme extract of isolates tested on PKS improved the substrate in one form or the other. The different results exhibited by different isolates point to the fact that tested fungal isolates explore different mechanisms in degrading the substrate however the utilization by animals can be confirmed when nutrient digestibility is carried out in-vivo with any species of livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As well as being a rich source of nutrients, sea buckthorn berries contain large amounts of biologically active substances. Numerous studies have confirmed that the plants colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have greater resistance to a shortage of nutrients, soil salinity, high temperature and prolonged drought. Currently, there is little information on the influence of mycorrhization on the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of these plants. This study was conducted in 2014 and 2015 at the Experimental Station in Lipnik, Poland. The levels of essential nutrients, dietary fiber fractions, minerals, antioxidants, and the ability to neutralize ABTS radical cations in sea buckthorn berries were investigated. The berries of mycorrhized sea buckthorns had more crude fiber (15%) and total carbohydrates (2%), K (19%), Ca (28%), Na (16%), Zn (2%), and Cu (31%), they contained lower levels of antioxidants (polyphenols 6%, carotenoids 25%, flavonoids 14%), and had a lower ability to neutralize the ABTS radical cation (12%) compared to the untreated control. The variety Hergo had more favourable chemical composition, containing more protein (16%), crude fiber (18%), ash (1%) and total carbohydrates (14%) as well as a better mineral composition than the variety Habego. This study did not confirm unambiguously the beneficial effect of mycorrhization on the quality of sea buckthorn berries. Mycorrhization increased the levels of various nutrients in the berries, yet at the same time it decreased the antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-day-old female turkeys were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments and were fed for 15 weeks diets containing 5% of cellulose (control, C) or 5% of dried fruit pomaces (apple, black currant, strawberry, seedless strawberry; AP, BCP, SP, SSP respectively). In weeks 11-15 of feeding, all diets were supplemented with 2.5% of linseed oil. The crude fibre content of fruit pomaces ranged from 56.5% in AP to 62.9% in SP. In comparison with AP, berry fruit pomaces ( BCP, SP and SSP) were characterised by a higher content of neutral detergent fibre - NDF (41.2% vs. 52.7-59.3%) and lignin (13.24% vs. 21.80-25.56%). A monomer analysis revealed that cellulose was the main non-starch polysaccharide ( NSP) in fruit pomaces, whereas their pectin content was low. Polyphenol content was determined at below 6 g/kg in AP, at approximately 12 g/kg in BCP and SP, and at 32.8 g/kg in SSP. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in final body weight of birds. After 15 weeks of feeding fruit pomaces to turkeys, the relative weight of the small intestine with digesta was higher in group AP, and lower in group SSP, as compared to controls. Dietary fruit pomaces decreased the dry matter ( DM) concentration and lowered the p H of the small intestinal digesta, except the AP and SSP treatments respectively. In the caeca, significantly reduced concentrations of ammonia or putrefactive short-chain fatty acids ( SCFA) upon dietary fruit pomaces were observed. Fruit pomaces did not influence the concentrations or the total pool of short-chain fatty acids, but led to a significant increase in butyric proportion in the SCFA profile at the expense propionate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the chemical composition of grain of 20 winter wheat, rye and triticale varieties grown in Lithuania. The grain of the tested varieties was analysed for crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, crude fibre, and amino acids. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between the components of grain chemical composition (except amino acids) was calculated. The highest concentration of crude protein was determined for the variety 'SW Talentro' (triticale) and the lowest for the rye variety 'Palazzo' (P < 0.05). Among the wheat varieties tested, the 'Mariboss' contained the highest concentration of crude fat (1.56% dry matter) and crude fibre (2.19% dry matter) (P < 0.05). Among the rye varieties tested, the highest and dominant mean content of neutral detergent fibre was determined for the variety 'Matador' (20.59% dry matter) (P < 0.05). The grain of wheat varieties had a high content of acid detergent fibre ('Rigi') and acid detergent lignin ('Mariboss') (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a very strong correlation was determined between individual fibre fractions of grain, that is between hemicellulose and neutral detergent fibre content (r = 0.99) and between acid detergent fibre and cellulose (r = 0.93). A negative correlation was determined between the crude protein and nitrogen-free extract (r = -0.83). The study revealed that the wheat variety 'Zentos', the rye variety 'Dankowskie Amber' and the tirticale variety 'SW Talentro' accumulated a higher amount of amino acids in comparison with the other cereal varieties tested. The results of the study showed that the chemical composition (crude protein, essential amino acids, nitrogenfree extract, neutral detergent fibre) of grain of the triticale varieties was more similar to that of wheat varieties compared with rye varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miscanthus × giganteus is a triploid hybrid propagated vegetatively from rhizomes or in a tissue culture, so its clones are characterised by a very low genetic diversity. Giant Miscanthus is cultivated mainly for biomass used as biofuel; depending on its chemical composition, it can be used in many industries. The goal of this work was to determine whether regenerants obtained in tissue culture can be a source of new forms characterised by different biomass yield and energy values as well as by their concentration of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. In the study the number and height of stems as well as the dry weight, ash and water mass fraction of biomass were estimated. The study was performed on Miscanthus plants propagated from rhizomes obtained from two different locations in Poland (Zabierzów – Z and Radzików – R), and on regenerants (Iv) obtained from Z plants. The results indicated that somaclonal variation occurs in M . × giganteus cultures and that regenerants show low polymorphic variation compared to donor plants. Plants propagated in an in vitro culture showed the lowest stem height, but the highest number of stems per plant. Dry matter yield was greatest in the R group, while regenerants demonstrated the highest level of hemicellulose fraction and lowest cellulose and lignin concentration. Energy value was the highest for Z plants, but Iv plants showed energy values on the same level as those of R plants. The data suggest that in vitro -propagated plants may be a source of new Miscanthus forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia nilotica is a multipurpose woody tree grown world over and it is rich in tannin, which plays a major role in the litter degradation and nutrient recycling of the tree parts. In the present study, detailed analysis of the tannin in the different parts of the tree and litter was conducted and the contents were compared with other chemical constituents. The protein precipitating ability of the tannins was also determined to understand the biological effects of tannins when introduced in soil. The study indicated that the tree comprised of two types of tannins namely condensed (CT) and hydrolysable (HT). Leaves had more HT and barks had more CT. HT imparted much to the protein precipitation property of the tannins. As most of the CT % was fibre bound they might not have contributed to protein precipitation ability but on the other hand may become difficult to be decomposed. A strong negative correlation was seen between the total nitrogen content and CT content. CT showed positive correlation with fibre bound N and lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews recent developments on the fractionation and processing of perennial grasses. The value of grass as a ruminant feed is based on its protein and fibre contents, and consists of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, proteins, lipids and minor fractions. Since the lignocellulosic fraction constitutes the largest component, the overall viability of a biorefining plant will be determined by fibre processing steps to add value in terms of functionality for various end use applications. The utilisation of grass and forage offers an opportunity to develop integrated schemes from primary production to bio-energy generation, the separation and fractionation of fibre, amino acid and protein fractions. Under a multifunctional management of grassland, the utilisation of silage/hay/forage for biorefining and as feed for animals could offer significant opportunities for Northern Ireland and this will ultimately have a positive impact on green house gas emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pulses are a good source of dietary fibre and other important nutrients. Flours and fibre-rich fractions obtained from pulse crops can be incorporated into processed foods to increase dietary fibre content and/or serve as functional ingredients. This review focuses on research conducted in the past ten years on the non-starch polysaccharides and oligosaccharides found in dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), lentils (Lens culinaris), and dry peas (Pisum sativum). The isolation, composition, and structure of these pulse fibres are described. Common terms used to describe the physicochemical properties of fibre fractions are defined and briefly discussed. Recent studies on the effects of processing on the ratio of insoluble to soluble dietary fibre and on the α-galacto-oligosaccharide content of pulses and fibre fractions are cited and summarized. Food applications for pulse fibre fractions and flours in fibre enrichment, nutrient enrichment, fat binding and retention, and texture modification, as well as some non-food applications, are reviewed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The impact of diet and fibre fractions on adipocytokines in obese subjects with a risk of diabetes has not been investigated in detail yet. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-month lifestyle intervention with different fibre profiles (resistant starch (RS)—rich fibre, or ordinary food fibre profiles) on adipocytokine levels. Fifty participants are divided into two groups (RS group and Fibre group). The groups differ only in the percentage of the recommended level of the RS consumed as a fraction of the same total fibre amount. The applied dietary intervention includes intake of 7531 KJ/daywith a total fibre portion of 25–35 g/dayfor both groups that includes 15 g/day of RS for the RS group only. The levels of leptin, adiponectin, apelin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and C-reactive protein (CRP) are measured, and their relationship to anthropometric and biochemical parameters is estimated. Along with significant body weight loss, only leptin is significantly reduced by 13% in the RS group while in the Fibre group, apelin levels are significant (−21%). Polynomial regression shows a negative correlation between RS intake and adiponectin (R2 = 0.145) and resistin level (R2 = 0.461) in the RS group. This study indicates the possibility that fibre fractions differently influence the outcome of lifestyle interventions, as well as their adipocytokine levels, in obese prediabetic adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane press mud (SPM) is available to the tune of 8-10 million tons annually in India and constitutes about 3% of cane crushing. It can be used as feed ingredient, notably in ruminants, for its sugar and mineral content, and as a compacting agent for ensiling. There is large variation in chemical composition of sugarcane press mud therefore present experiment was planned to assess variability in chemical composition of sugarcane press mud as an alternative feed ingredient. Fresh sugarcane press mud samples were collected from different sugar factories in and around city Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh and were analyzed for proximate composition, fibre fractions, gross energy, macro-minerals (Ca, P and S) and micro-minerals (Fe, Cu and Zn). Mean OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, TCHO, TA, AIA, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose content of SPM was 82.38, 15.55, 6.36, 14.45, 46.01, 60.46, 17.62, 6.44, 58.26, 32.44, 25.83 and 24.71%, respectively. Mean Ca, P, S, Fe, Cu and Zn content of SPM was found to be 5.04%, 1.10%, 0.58%, 2337.8 ppm, 28.16 ppm and 68.04 ppm, respectively, while mean gross energy (GE) of SPM was 4097.6 kcal/kg. The detailed chemical analysis of different nutrients of SPM revealed that SPM was a valuable source of both organic and inorganic nutrients. Therefore, sugarcane press mud can be good alternative feed ingredient for livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]