Search

School lunch plays an important role in children's healthy growth. Previous investigations revealed many problems with school lunches, including unreasonable dietary structure and insufficient micronutrients. This study aimed to assess the dietary structure and nutritional quality of lunches in Nanjing primary and middle schools. A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 44 schools that supply lunch in 12 districts in Nanjing, with two primary and two middle schools in each district. Twenty-four primary and twenty middle schools were selected. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to explore the influencing factors. Findings revealed a serious shortage of milk and fruit in school lunches; supply of eggs, fish, shrimp, and shellfish was less than half of the recommended quantity; livestock and poultry supply exceeded the recommended level by over four times. Energy and nutrition intake were suboptimal. Provision of energy, carbohydrates, vitamins (A, B1, B2, and C), calcium, and iron in urban primary schools was significantly higher than that in non-urban primary schools. The same pattern of significantly higher nutrients was equally seen in urban middle schools compared with non-urban middle schools, indicating that food supply was affected by regional economies. Therefore, it is urgent to improve the quality of lunches, with a particular focus on those in non-urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lablab purpureus is a crop resource with huge potential as food and feed in tropical agricultural production systems. However, it has not been utilized to its full potential. In this paper, we assessed the genetic variation in the nutritional composition; crude protein (CP), ether extracts (EE), crude fiber (CF), moisture, ash, nitrogen free extracts (NFE), metabolizable energy (ME), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and dry matter (DM) and mineral composition of a collection of 51 Lablab accessions. Genotype variance explained 76.7% for CP and 89% for ash (total mineral elements) of the total variance. There were highly significant differences in accessions for all nutritional and mineral components. Results showed that both nutritional and mineral components are highly heritable. However, among the nutritional components, EE had the lowest heritability (68%), while for mineral components, Zn had the lowest heritability (18%). Correlations among nutritional and mineral components were high, 0.91 and 0.94, respectively. There was significant correlation between all mineral elements. Crude protein had the highest negatively significant correlation. Indirect selection for high crude protein has a trade off on NFE. Genotype T47 exhibited the highest values for proximate and mineral composition. Cluster analysis of proximate components revealed two major groups, while mineral components were divided in three major groups, guiding the trade off in breeding. The data show that accession T47 can be used for crude protein improvement of the Lablab population and thus boost the development and production of protein dense Lablab for food and feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A significant impediment to the advancement of animal husbandry in India is the insufficient availability of green fodder throughout the year. The nutritive quality of forages is heavily influenced by farm-level management practices. Consequently, there is a pressing need to enhance productivity through the implementation of proper agronomic practices. The nutrient management in fodder-based cropping sequence is a key to maximize the fodder production and its quality. Methods: A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design, consisting of twelve treatments incorporating various organic sources of nutrients. The experiment was replicated thrice during Kharif and Rabi season 2020-22 at Department of Forage Crops, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The treatments included different proportions (100, 75, 50 and 25%) of the recommended dose of nitrogen applied through FYM, vermicompost and bio compost. Result: The experiment results of the three years study revealed that application of 50% RDN through FYM+ 50% RDN through vermicompost recorded the higher green fodder yield of 691 q/ha, dry matter yield of 130.7 q/ha and crude protein yield of 19.3 q/ha. Correlation and regression analysis also indicated that the growth and yield attributes had a positive impact on the fodder yield. Hence it can be recommended that application of FYM and vermicompost (50 and 50% RDN) found better source of organic nutrients for achieving sustainable and economical fodder yield with quality in fodder cowpea-maize cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a climacteric fruit with a resilient and distinctive aroma. The consumption of the fruit is global due to its high nutritive and medicinal values. However, there has been low production of quality papaya fruits due to unavailability of crucial mineral elements in the soils. The current study therefore, focuses on the effect of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as a biofertilizer on the quality of papaya fruits. In order to verify AMF effectiveness on papaya fruits, four treatments were used: AMF inoculum only, composted farm yard manure (FYM) only, combination of AMF inoculum and compost FYM and control where only soil and sand media were used at a ratio of 1:1. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Malkia papaya hybrids were used. The papaya seeds from JKUAT and Malkia papaya hybrids were sown in trays and transplanted at 3 leaves stage into 5 litre pots within a green house. The AMF spores were bulked using sorghum plants to obtain the AMF inoculum. The treatments were added into the soil media of the papaya plantlets at a ratio of 1:3, every 4 weeks after first transplanting until they were 20 weeks old. They were then transplanted to 100 litre containers, where completely randomized design was used and replication of six papaya plants for each treatment and hybrid. Watering, weeding and cooling the green house with water fumes was carried out when necessary; as the papaya plants grew until the fruits attained physiological maturity. The fruits were separately harvested and ripened to a predetermined stage. They were then analysed for moisture content, crude fibre, minerals (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc), ascorbic acid, total carotenoids and total polyphenols. Data obtained was subjected to twoway ANOVA at p = 0.05 significance level; means were separated using Tukey's HSD test in Genstat's 15th edition. JKUAT hybrid with AMF inoculum treatment had 3.07%crude fibre and 8.42mg/100g phosphorous content while JKUAT hybrid with both AMF inoculum and manure treatments had 4.9 % crude fibre and 9.88 mg/100g phosphorous content. Malkia and JKUAT hybrids with compost FYM treatment had potassium content of 98.31mg/100g and 109.4 mg/100g respectively while the controls had 31.58 mg/100g and 35.32mg/100g respectively. Incorporating soil media with manure and AMF inoculum improved the nutritive quality of papaya fruits and this was contingent on papaya hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the dry matter yield, nutrient composition, in vitro and methane produced from Megathyrsus maximus (Ntchisi) and Cenchrus purpureus grazed at two grazing frequency (3 and 6-week, (GF)) with two plant spacing (0.5 m x 1 m and 1 m x 1 m). The design of this experiment was split-split plot design in 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Milled samples were analyzed for chemical composition, In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), total gas production, methane (CH4) production, total volatile fatty acid content, content of acetate, butyrate, propionate and acetate: propionate ratio. The M. maximus grazed at 6-week GF with 1 m x 1 m spacing had the highest dry matter yield. The crude protein (CP) content of the grasses ranged from 104.24 – 181.35 g/kg DM with C. purpureus grazed at 3-week with 1 m x 1 m spacing ranked highest in CP content and protein fraction A, B1, and B2. Megathyrsus maximus at 6-week GF with 1 m x 1 m spacing produced the highest content of acid detergent fibre. Metabolizable energy (ME), short chain fatty acid and volume of gas produced at 48 h of incubation was highest for M. maximus grazed at 3-week GF with 0.5 m x 1 m spacing. Megathyrsus maximus at 3 and 6-week GF with 0.5 m x 1 m spacing displayed highest CH4 value. Acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acid were significantly (P

Freeze-drying is an excellent method for dehydration due to its benefits, including increased shelf-life, unique texture, and, in particular, good nutritive quality. However, the applicability of traditional freeze-drying systems in the food industry is still challenging owing to their prolonged drying duration, extraordinary energy usage, and high process cost. Therefore, the need to upgrade or develop conventional freeze-dryers for common or sophisticated food structures is ever-increasing. Enhancements to the freeze-drying process can significantly speed up drying and reduce energy consumption while maintaining phytochemicals, physical quality, and sensory attributes in final products. To overcome the downsides of conventional freeze-drying, hybrid freeze-drying methods were introduced with a great potential to provide food products at shorter drying durations, lower costs, and environmental friendliness while resulting in the same nutritive and sensory qualities as that of conventional freeze-drying in special circumstances. An overview of the most current improvements, adaptations, and applications of hybrid freeze-drying in food dehydration is given here. In this review, comparative studies are offered to characterize the drying process from the standpoint of chemical quality and sensory attributes. All the reviewed studies confirmed that the nutritional and sensory qualities of the end product can be retained using hybrid freeze-drying almost to the same extent as using single freeze-drying. It was also inferred that hybrid freeze-drying can surpass conventional freeze-drying and allow for obtaining dried products with characteristics typical of raw material if operating parameters are optimized based on product quality and energy usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is an important source of b-glucans because they have a positive influence on human health and potential application in the food industry. The aim of this manuscript was to determine the variability of ten barley cultivars based on b-glucan content. The percentage of b-glucan varied in the range of 4.44% to 8.17%, with a mean value of 6.57%. Based on b-glucan content, the degree of cultivar similarity was determined by the dendrogram. Among analyzed barley cultivars, the highest concentration of b-glucan was found in the cultivar Lav and Ukras, while the lowest concentration was observed in the cultivar Vihor (4.44%). Compared with all the other cultivars mentioned, a pair of cultivars expressed the greatest distance. Statistical analysis showed that there is a significant difference between analyzed barley cultivars. The analysis of b-glucans in varieties of barley in two growing seasons aims to develop an agricultural strategy and develop barley varieties with higher b-glucans content.

This study aimed to evaluate the dry matter yield, nutrient composition, in vitro and methane produced from Megathyrsus maximus (Ntchisi) and Cenchrus purpureus grazed at two grazing frequency (3 and 6-week, (GF)) with two plant spacing (0.5 m x 1 m and 1 m x 1 m). The design of this experiment was split-split plot design in 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Milled samples were analyzed for chemical composition, In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), total gas production, methane (CH4) production, total volatile fatty acid content, content of acetate, butyrate, propionate and acetate: propionate ratio. The M. maximus grazed at 6-week GF with 1 m x 1 m spacing had the highest dry matter yield. The crude protein (CP) content of the grasses ranged from 104.24 - 181.35 g/kg DM with C. purpureus grazed at 3-week with 1 m x 1 m spacing ranked highest in CP content and protein fraction A, B1, and B2. Megathyrsus maximus at 6-week GF with 1 m x 1 m spacing produced the highest content of acid detergent fibre. Metabolizable energy (ME), short chain fatty acid and volume of gas produced at 48 h of incubation was highest for M. maximus grazed at 3-week GF with 0.5 m x 1 m spacing. Megathyrsus maximus at 3 and 6-week GF with 0.5 m x 1 m spacing displayed highest CH4 value. Acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acid were significantly (P<0.05) highest for M. maximus grazed at 6-week with 0.5 m x 1 m spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is an important source of ß-glucans because they have a positive influence on human health and potential application in the food industry. The aim of this manuscript was to determine the variability of ten barley cultivars based on ß-glucan content. The percentage of ß-glucan varied in the range of 4.44% to 8.17%, with a mean value of 6.57%. Based on ß-glucan content, the degree of cultivar similarity was determined by the dendrogram. Among analyzed barley cultivars, the highest concentration of ß-glucan was found in the cultivar Lav and Ukras, while the lowest concentration was observed in the cultivar Vihor (4.44%). Compared with all the other cultivars mentioned, a pair of cultivars expressed the greatest distance. Statistical analysis showed that there is a significant difference between analyzed barley cultivars. The analysis of ß-glucans in varieties of barley in two growing seasons aims to develop an agricultural strategy and develop barley varieties with higher ß-glucans content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology has the potential to be used in the food business and processing as novel pathogen detection instruments, disease treatment delivery methods, food packaging, and bioactive component distribution to specific areas. Nanotechnology's implementation in food systems will bring new approaches to improving food safety and nutritional value. It sums up the capability of nanoparticles for their utilization in the food business to give purchasers a safe and tainting-free food and to guarantee the customer adequacy of the food with upgraded useful properties. With the increase in shelf life and enhanced quality, the edible packages or thin-film usage can delay the deterioration of food. To regulate the nanomaterials and applications in the food industry a legal basis has been made. The Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recommended the standard test guidelines be used for the hazard assessment of nanomaterials for chemical safety. Finally, nanotechnology supports the change of the existing food processing systems to attest the safety of the products, nurturing a healthy food, and also the food's nutritive quality to be enhanced. The straightforwardness of security issues and natural effect should be the need while managing the advancement of nanotechnology in food frameworks and hence mandatory testing of nano food varieties is expected before they are delivered to the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze-drying is an excellent method for dehydration due to its benefits, including increased shelf-life, unique texture, and, in particular, good nutritive quality. However, the applicability of traditional freeze-drying systems in the food industry is still challenging owing to their prolonged drying duration, extraordinary energy usage, and high process cost. Therefore, the need to upgrade or develop conventional freeze-dryers for common or sophisticated food structures is ever-increasing. Enhancements to the freeze-drying process can significantly speed up drying and reduce energy consumption while maintaining phytochemicals, physical quality, and sensory attributes in final products. To overcome the downsides of conventional freeze-drying, hybrid freeze-drying methods were introduced with a great potential to provide food products at shorter drying durations, lower costs, and environmental friendliness while resulting in the same nutritive and sensory qualities as that of conventional freeze-drying in special circumstances. An overview of the most current improvements, adaptations, and applications of hybrid freeze-drying in food dehydration is given here. In this review, comparative studies are offered to characterize the drying process from the standpoint of chemical quality and sensory attributes. All the reviewed studies confirmed that the nutritional and sensory qualities of the end product can be retained using hybrid freeze-drying almost to the same extent as using single freeze-drying. It was also inferred that hybrid freeze-drying can surpass conventional freeze-drying and allow for obtaining dried products with characteristics typical of raw material if operating parameters are optimized based on product quality and energy usage.

Summary: The effects of germination time on phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, antioxidant capacities, inhibition capacity of α‐amylase, bioaccessibility of phenolic and digestibility of starch in sorghum were evaluated in this study. The levels of total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin in germinated sorghum for 48 h increased by 39.74%, 37.28% and 52.21%, respectively. Germination also increased the composition of phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin in sorghum, and their antioxidant capacity and inhibitory rates of α‐amylase. Additionally, in vitro digestion results showed that phenolic bioaccessibility increased by 10.18%, and digestibility of starch and expected glycaemic index (eGI) decreased by 13.87% and 5.26 in germinated sorghum for 48 h compared with the ungerminated sorghum. These results indicate that germination might be a green method to improve the nutritional quality of sorghum and promote the development of germinated whole‐grain food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are the fourth most economically important crop in the world. They have a short period of vegetation and are an excellent source of carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, minerals and phenolics as antioxidant substances. Potato can be a major dietary source of various bioactive compounds. In this study, we applied gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolite profiling to classify eight Bulgarian potato cultivars bred in the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute (VCRI), Plovdiv, according to their metabolite contents. Altogether, we determine their flavonoids/phenolics to evaluate their nutritive quality for the breeding program with the target of determining strong health-promoting compounds. The "Kalina" cultivar is highlighted as the best one with the highest number of metabolites, containing 14 out of the 26 evaluated; it was selected as the highest-quality cultivar, compared with the other seven cultivars studied. According to the grouping of the cultivars in principal component analysis PCA, their positive distribution is explained mainly by them having the highest contents of aminobutyric and isocitric acids, methionine and alanine and lower levels of fumaric acid, pyroglutamic acid and glycine, in contrast to the cultivars distributed negatively, which had high contents of carbohydrates and relatively low contents of most of the amino acids. The highest number of amino acids was found in the cultivar "Kalina", followed by "Perun" and "Bor". The highest number of carbohydrates was found in "Pavelsko" and "Iverce", while the prominent accumulation of organic acids was found in "Kalina", "Bor" and "Rozhen". The highest number of flavonoids in the flesh of the tubers was found in the cultivars "Nadezhda" and "Pavelsko", followed by "Bor". The highest ratio of flavonoids/phenolics in the flesh was found in "Pavelsko" and in "Nadezhda", followed by "Iverce". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The effect of microwave treatment on phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic in vitro bioaccessibility of white and red sorghum was evaluated. After microwave treatment for 40 s, the contents of free, bound, and total phenolics in white and red sorghum increased by 15.6–42.6, 4.0–23.4, and 19.7–66.0 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g−1 dry weight (DW), respectively, and the contents of free, bound, and total flavonoids increased by 9.4–11.2, 4.8–5.4, and 14.2–16.6 mg rutin equivalents 100 g−1 DW, respectively. With increasing microwave treatment time, the contents of phenolic acids and flavonoids in white and red sorghum first increased and then decreased. Additionally, the changes in antioxidant capacity indicated a similar trend with phenolic contents for white and red sorghum. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion indicated that microwave treatment had no effect on the phenolic bioaccessibility of white and red sorghum but increased the release amount of phenolic acid and antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient forage supply from natural rangelands during the dry season hampers ruminants' performance in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Therefore, to provide alternative feed resources, we evaluated silage potential of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at boot, dough and maturity stages for 4‐, 8‐, 12‐ and 16‐week ensiling durations, in a 3 × 4 factorial experiment. The dry matter yield (DMY) was determined at each harvest stage, and the forages were subsequently ensiled. The results revealed that the DMY of S. almum at maturity was 8.98% and 18.67% higher than at dough and boot stages, respectively (p < 0.05). The silages were ranked "good silage" based on physical characteristics. Silage pH decreased with advancing ensiling duration from 4 to 16 weeks in boot (5.25–4.63), dough (5.63–4.11) and maturity (5.42–4.91), with a corresponding increase in lactic and volatile fatty acids. Crude protein (CP) was higher in forages ensiled at maturity and increased with ensiling duration after initial decline from 4 to 8 weeks. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and hemicellulose increased quadratically from boot to dough and subsequently declined at maturity. Growth stage, ensiling duration and their interactions influenced the macrominerals' content (p < 0.05). Silages' dry matter intake (DMI) declined from boot to dough stage across the ensiling durations, and except for 8 weeks, the DMI increased at maturity by 6.71%, 5.54% and 7.19% in 4, 12 and 16 weeks, respectively. Therefore, owing to the lower NDF and high DMY, CP and DMI of S. almum ensiled at maturity for 16 weeks, it could guarantee a quantitative and qualitative forage supply to maintain optimum animal performance throughout the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of sugarcane molasses on the silage quality of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum sudanense). To explore this objective Sorghum-sudangrass hybrid was harvested at the milking stage and well-chopped for making silage in the laboratory silos by using sugarcane molasses at the rate of 0, 1, 2, and 3%. Silage developed so, was analyzed for nutritive quality traits (dry matter, pH, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose, hemicelluloses and ash). Silage quality was also assessed by calculating digestible dry matter, dry matter intake, digestible energy, metabolizable energy and relative feed value. Flieg score was deliberated by using the pH and dry matter. The results of the research revealed that application of molasses improved dry matter (26.27%), crude protein (8.14) and ash contents (7.68) as compared to the control, but had lower values of pH (3.99), neutral detergent fiber (57.86), acid detergent fiber (30.74), lignin (3.72), cellulose (27.02) and hemicelluloses (27.13) in comparison with the untreated silage (control). Flieg score of treated silage was also in the category of very good. All these findings lead us to conclude that the silage quality of sorghum-sudangrass can be considerably improved by the use of sugarcane molasses as an additive. Molasses addition at a rate of 3% can improve the nutritive value of sorghum-sudangrass silage to the maximum extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Botany is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study (2010‒12) was to investigate the fatty acid profiles (palmitic – PA, stearic – SA, oleic – OA, linoleic – LA, linolenic – LNA, saturated fatty acids – SFA, monounsaturated fatty acids – MUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acids – PUFA), oxidative stability (MUFA/PUFA, OA/LA), and nutritive quality (LA/LNA) of oil produced by 13 early soybean genotypes created at the Agricultural Institute Osijek, Croatia. The analysis of variance determined significant effect of genotype (G), year (Y), and GxY interaction on all examined traits. The correlation analysis indicated the most important positive correlation existed between the SA and OA, SA and LNA, and LA and LNA, and the most important negative relationship between OA and LA, and OA and LNA. The principal component analysis yielded four significant principal components (PCs) with the eigenvalues > 1, which together accounted for 57.84% of the total variability in the data set. The Eigen analysis of the correlation matrix loadings indicated MUFA/PUFA, MUFA, OA/LA, and OA mostly contribute to the PC1 axis and are in a positive correlation with it, while PUFA, LA, and LNA mostly contribute to a negative direction. These results will facilitate the planning of future breeding programs, aimed at adjusting the fatty acid profiles according to the needs of the processing industry and end consumers.

Peaches (Prunus persica L. Batsch) are commonly consumed fruits with high nutritional value. We evaluated the nutritive qualities of peach fruit during storage. Heatmap analysis showed that protein, ash, and crude fiber contents clustered together, whereas fat and reducing sugars clustered separately. We then classified the nutrients into two clusters; cluster 1 showed low fat and reducing sugar levels and high protein, crude fiber, and ash levels, whereas cluster 2 showed high fat and reducing sugar levels and low protein, cruder fiber, and ash levels. Partial least squares regression and random forest analyses showed accuracies of 67% and 61%, respectively. Spectra at 1,439 and 1,440 nm indicated reducing sugars, and the spectrum at 2,172 nm indicated protein. Thus, Fourier transform‐near infrared spectroscopy could predict the two clusters based on five nutritive qualities. Our findings may help to establish guidelines for promoting the acceptability of peach fruits among consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are the fourth most economically important crop in the world. They have a short period of vegetation and are an excellent source of carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, minerals and phenolics as antioxidant substances. Potato can be a major dietary source of various bioactive compounds. In this study, we applied gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolite profiling to classify eight Bulgarian potato cultivars bred in the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute (VCRI), Plovdiv, according to their metabolite contents. Altogether, we determine their flavonoids/phenolics to evaluate their nutritive quality for the breeding program with the target of determining strong health-promoting compounds. The “Kalina” cultivar is highlighted as the best one with the highest number of metabolites, containing 14 out of the 26 evaluated; it was selected as the highest-quality cultivar, compared with the other seven cultivars studied. According to the grouping of the cultivars in principal component analysis PCA, their positive distribution is explained mainly by them having the highest contents of aminobutyric and isocitric acids, methionine and alanine and lower levels of fumaric acid, pyroglutamic acid and glycine, in contrast to the cultivars distributed negatively, which had high contents of carbohydrates and relatively low contents of most of the amino acids. The highest number of amino acids was found in the cultivar “Kalina”, followed by “Perun” and “Bor”. The highest number of carbohydrates was found in “Pavelsko” and “Iverce”, while the prominent accumulation of organic acids was found in “Kalina”, “Bor” and “Rozhen”. The highest number of flavonoids in the flesh of the tubers was found in the cultivars “Nadezhda” and “Pavelsko”, followed by “Bor”. The highest ratio of flavonoids/phenolics in the flesh was found in “Pavelsko” and in “Nadezhda”, followed by “Iverce”.

In perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L), annual and seasonal dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritive quality of herbage are high-priority traits targeted for improvement through selective breeding. Genomic prediction (GP) has proven to be a valuable tool for improving complex traits and may be further enhanced through the use of multi-trait (MT) prediction models. In this study, we evaluated the relative performance of MT prediction models to improve predictive ability for DMY and key nutritive quality traits, using two different training populations (TP1, n = 463 and TP2, n = 517) phenotyped at multiple locations. MT models outperformed single-trait (ST) models by 24% to 59% for DMY and 67% to 105% for nutritive quality traits, such as low, high, and total WSC, when a correlated secondary trait was included in both the training and test set (MT-CV2) or in the test set alone (MT-CV3) (trait-assisted genomic selection). However, when a secondary trait was included in training set and not the test set (MT-CV1), the predictive ability was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) compared to the ST model. We evaluated the impact of training set size when using a MT-CV2 model. Using a highly correlated trait (rg = 0.88) as the secondary trait in the MT-CV2 model, there was no loss in predictive ability for DMY even when the training set was reduced to 50% of its original size. In contrast, using a weakly correlated secondary trait (rg = 0.56) in the MT-CV2 model, predictive ability began to decline when the training set size was reduced by only 11% from its original size. Using a ST model, genomic predictive ability in a population unrelated to the training set was poor (rp = −0.06). However, when using an MT-CV2 model, the predictive ability was positive and high (rp = 0.76) for the same population. Our results demonstrate the first assessment of MT models in forage species and illustrate the prospects of using MT genomic selection in forages, and other outcrossing plant species, to accelerate genetic gains for complex agronomical traits, such as DMY and nutritive quality characteristics.

Introduction. Complete feed mixtures for laying hens are formulated to meet the requirements of the animals, for which various recommendations exist. Because of its nutritive value, feed provides a favorable environment for the growth of microorganisms. Prominent bacterial pathogens in poultry feed include Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Clostridium. There is a strong link between poultry feeds contaminated with bacteria pathogenic to humans and food borne disease occurrence, due to the feed-poultry-food-human chain. Materials and Methods. A total of fifty samples of complete feed mixtures for laying hens were collected during 2018 as a part of official controls. Feeds were analyzed for crude protein, crude ash, crude fat, crude cellulose, calcium and phosphorus, total numbers of bacteria, numbers of molds, Salmonella spp. and sulfite-reducing clostridia. Results and Conclusions. The feeds contained total bacteria and molds each at the level of 103 cfu g-1. Additionally, no Salmonella spp. or sulfite-reducing clostridia were detected in any feed sample. Saprophytic bacteria are frequently found in complete feed mixtures, but rarely are present in numbers considered as microbiologically unsafe. However, the presence of saprophytic bacteria can decrease the nutritive value of feed. The total number of bacteria and molds below the regulatory limits, as well as absence of pathogens in the commercially available poultry feed, indicates a high level of compliance with regulation. Furthermore, these results indicate the adequate implementation of controls and supervision of these poultry feed products in the Serbian market.

Copyright of Agriculture / Poljoprivreda is the property of Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nutritional composition of the adults (female and male) and juveniles of Coilia mystus were investigated using the national standard methods. The results showed that: (1) Adult females has the highest content of fat, while the juveniles has the highest content of protein and moisture. (2) The juveniles has the highest content of Lys, Glu, Asp, TAA, SEAA, NEAA, FAA, while the adult females have the lowest content. (3) The juveniles have the highest content of DHA, EPA, DPA, ARA, PUFA, n3PUFA, n6PUFA, while the adult males have the lowest content. The above analysis showed that the juveniles took diet more balanced in essential amino acid and abundant in essential fatty acid than that taken by adults. The juveniles showed better edible value and health function than the adults, which is more suitable for development and utilization as a natural food by the whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L), annual and seasonal dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritive quality of herbage are high-priority traits targeted for improvement through selective breeding. Genomic prediction (GP) has proven to be a valuable tool for improving complex traits and may be further enhanced through the use of multi-trait (MT) prediction models. In this study, we evaluated the relative performance of MT prediction models to improve predictive ability for DMY and key nutritive quality traits, using two different training populations (TP1, n = 463 and TP2, n = 517) phenotyped at multiple locations. MT models outperformed single-trait (ST) models by 24% to 59% for DMY and 67% to 105% for nutritive quality traits, such as low, high, and total WSC, when a correlated secondary trait was included in both the training and test set (MT-CV2) or in the test set alone (MT-CV3) (trait-assisted genomic selection). However, when a secondary trait was included in training set and not the test set (MT-CV1), the predictive ability was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) compared to the ST model. We evaluated the impact of training set size when using a MT-CV2 model. Using a highly correlated trait (rg = 0.88) as the secondary trait in the MT-CV2 model, there was no loss in predictive ability for DMY even when the training set was reduced to 50% of its original size. In contrast, using a weakly correlated secondary trait (rg = 0.56) in the MT-CV2 model, predictive ability began to decline when the training set size was reduced by only 11% from its original size. Using a ST model, genomic predictive ability in a population unrelated to the training set was poor (rp = −0.06). However, when using an MT-CV2 model, the predictive ability was positive and high (rp = 0.76) for the same population. Our results demonstrate the first assessment of MT models in forage species and illustrate the prospects of using MT genomic selection in forages, and other outcrossing plant species, to accelerate genetic gains for complex agronomical traits, such as DMY and nutritive quality characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista CienciaUAT is the property of Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This experiment was aimed to investigate the production characteristics and nutritive quality of Ruzi grass by varying levels of organic and inorganic fertilizer viz. cow dung (CD) and urea fertilizer (UF), respectively. The treatments were arranged into a factorial design and grouped according to a completely randomized design with three replications. Three doses of CD (0; 5 and 10 t/ha) were applied at sowing and four UF doses were applied as top dressing (0, 25, 50 and 100 kg/ha). The application of CD and UF have a positive effect on the length of leaves (p=0.00 and p=0.02) but their interactions are not significantly different (p=0.12). The effect of CD, UF and their interaction significantly increased the number of leaves (p=0.00), the number of tillers (p=0.00) and dry matter yield (p=0.00). There were no significant effect of CD and interaction on the leaf/stem ratio (p=0.17 and p=0.23, respectively) but UF slightly increased the ratio (p=0.00), CP% (p<0.00), NDF% (p<0.00) and ADF% (p<0.00). The best combination of fertilizer could be noted at 50 kg/ha UF and 10 t/ha CD to obtain better results. It might recommend that better fertilizer management can improve productivity as well as the nutritional quality of Ruzi grass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between participation in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and food-related behavior change, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2005, using a single-state, case study approach. Pre-EFNEP and post-EFNEP participation HEI scores as well as demographic, geographic, socioeconomic, and program participation characteristics from fiscal years 2013-2016 were analyzed using summary statistics and Ordinary Least Squares regressions. HEI scores were adjusted for age, sex, race, rural/urban residence, county, highest grade achieved, income, number of children, public assistance programs, and number of hours in EFNEP in the analysis. The total HEI score and several HEI subscores improved from pre-EFNEP to post-EFNEP at the 5% significance level or better. Sodium and total grains scores decreased post-EFNEP: P =.003 and P =.05, respectively. Participation in Women, Infants, and Children or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program had no effect on HEI scores or changes in scores post-EFNEP. Spending less than 7 hours in the program was associated with a smaller improvement in total HEI score (P =.05) and an increased intake of sodium (P =.03), compared with spending 7 to 16 hours in the program. Overall, EFNEP participation was associated with improvements in diet quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: crude protein; dry hay yield; GGE-biplot; nutritive quality; silage maize EN crude protein dry hay yield GGE-biplot nutritive quality silage maize INTRODUCTION Silage is a common means of preservation and used in animal nutrition worldwide (Wilkinson and Toivonen, 2003; Wilkinson and Davies, 2012; Kaplan et al., 2017). The genotype 12-218 was identified as the most stable genotype for both traits and the genotype 12-231HO was identified as the most unstable genotype for ADF and genotypes 31P41 for NDF (Figure 2g and h). The genotypes TUONO and 12-218 were identified as the most stable genotypes, the genotype BATEM EFE was identified as the most unstable genotype and the genotype BURAK had the least values (Figure 2e). While the genotype DIAN was placed right over the ideal genotype line, the genotypes DKC 6589, DKC 7211 and DKC 6590 were identified as the most stable and the genotype 31P41 was identified as the most unstable genotype (Figure 2d). [Extracted from the article]

To meet the increased demand for phytochemicals, plant cultivation in soil amended with biofertilizers has been developed. Here, we aimed to use vermicompost as an environmentally safe biofertilizer to enhance the nutritive and medicinal value of five common cultivars of Saudi date palm; namely Phoenix dactylifera L. var. Ajwa, Hulwa, Ruthana, Sefri, and Luban. To determine changes in the fruit nutritive composition, primary metabolites, antioxidants, phenolic compounds and mineral profiles were analyzed in the fruits from non-fertilized and vermicompost-fertilized date palms. We also tested how changes in the fruit chemical compositions due to vermicompost fertilization affected their medicinal potentials. Applying vermicomposts generally increased primary metabolites, vitamins, and mineral content as well as the medicinal potential of the date palm fruits. This positive effect is possibly explained by the role of vermicomposts in improving soil health and fertility. Furthermore, clustering analyses and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated cultivar-specific responses. PCA analysis also revealed that the bioactivities of the date palm fruit extracts and their antioxidants tended to display correlated output values. One of the highly accumulated phenolic compounds, β-D-glucogallin, was extracted and purified from P. dactylifera L. var. Ajwa fruits and showed significant antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antimutagenic, and antiprotozoal activities. Overall, applying vermicompost is an innovative approach to increase the nutritive quality and medicinal potential of date palm fruits.

The aim of this paper is to develop specification for the production of roasted coffee with improved nutritional quality. In this respect, the influence of different coffee blends and temperatures of roasting on the antioxidant activity of coffee was examined. Also, the composition of some bioactive components in the analyzed samples was determined. Two Arabica coffees of different quality and Robusta coffee were used for the preparation of coffee blends. Experimentally determined green coffee blends B1, B2 and B3 were roasted at 167◦C, 171◦C and 175◦C for 25 minutes in order to establish the effect of roasting temperature on the antioxidant activity and the content of bioactive components in blends. Based on the results of DPPH and ABTS test, coffee blends B3 and B2, roasted at 171◦C, had the highest (P<0.05) antioxidant activity. Those coffee blends had higher content of Robusta coffee than coffee blend B1. Results of this research can provide opportunities for the development of roasted ground coffee with improved nutritive quality, which could ensure competitiveness of producers in the target market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the increased demand for phytochemicals, plant cultivation in soil amended with biofertilizers has been developed. Here, we aimed to use vermicompost as an environmentally safe biofertilizer to enhance the nutritive and medicinal value of five common cultivars of Saudi date palm; namely Phoenix dactylifera L. var. Ajwa, Hulwa, Ruthana, Sefri, and Luban. To determine changes in the fruit nutritive composition, primary metabolites, antioxidants, phenolic compounds and mineral profiles were analyzed in the fruits from non-fertilized and vermicompost-fertilized date palms. We also tested how changes in the fruit chemical compositions due to vermicompost fertilization affected their medicinal potentials. Applying vermicomposts generally increased primary metabolites, vitamins, and mineral content as well as the medicinal potential of the date palm fruits. This positive effect is possibly explained by the role of vermicomposts in improving soil health and fertility. Furthermore, clustering analyses and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated cultivar-specific responses. PCA analysis also revealed that the bioactivities of the date palm fruit extracts and their antioxidants tended to display correlated output values. One of the highly accumulated phenolic compounds, β-D-glucogallin, was extracted and purified from P. dactylifera L. var. Ajwa fruits and showed significant antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antimutagenic, and antiprotozoal activities. Overall, applying vermicompost is an innovative approach to increase the nutritive quality and medicinal potential of date palm fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Napier grass was first introduced to Malaysia in the 1920?s and there were many cultivars introduced in Malaysia since 1950?s. However, there is a need to have comparative evaluation of these Napier cultivars so that definite recommendations can be made in the choice and management of the respective cultivars. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vitro digestibility and gas production characteristic of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars, namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier. Common, Silver and Red Napier are classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. Gas production was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation period and its kinetics was described using the equation p = a + b (1 ? e?ct). Dwarf Napier had the highest (P < 0.05) nutritive quality (16% CP; 75% IVDMD and 73% IVOMD) among the cultivars. Overall, tall cultivars were higher (P < 0.05) in NDF, ADF, and ADL content than Dwarf Napier cultivar. The potential gas production (A+B) at 96 h incubation period was higher (P < 0.05) in Dwarf Napier cultivar (65 mL/200 mg DM) compared to other tall cultivars (< 57 mL/200 mg DM). There were no significance differences (P > 0.05) in the rate of gas production (C) of Napier cultivars which ranged from 0.024 to 0.035 h-1. The metabolisable energy (ME) was significantly higher in Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars (8.7 MJ/kg DM) compared to Silver and Common Napier cultivars. The cumulative gas production within 32 h was highest (P< 0.05) in Red and Dwarf Napier cultivars. The total VFA concentration, acetic and butyric acid content of Napier cultivars (P>0.05) ranged from 52 to 73 mM, 88 to 70%, 6.2 to 6.8%, respectively.. Dwarf Napier cultivar had superior nutritional quality. Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars could be classified as high quality grasses due to their high digestibility, gas production and degradation rates compared to the other cultivars. The low quality of Common and Silver Napier cultivars is mainly reflected by the extensive lignification of their cell wall structure.

Sous-vide is a technique of cooking foods in vacuum bags under strictly controlled temperature, offering improved taste, texture and nutritional values along with extended shelf life as compared to the traditional cooking methods. In addition to other constituents, vegetables and seafood represent important sources of phytochemicals. Thus, by applying sous-vide technology, preservation of such foods can be prolonged with almost full retention of native quality. In this way, sous-vide processing meets customers’ growing demand for the production of safer and healthier foods. Considering the industrial points of view, sous-vide technology has proven to be an adequate substitute for traditional cooking methods. Therefore, its application in various aspects of food production has been increasingly researched. Although sous-vide cooking of meats and vegetables is well explored, the challenges remain with seafoods due to the large differences in structure and quality of marine organisms. Cephalopods (e.g., squid, octopus, etc.) are of particular interest, as the changes of their muscular physical structure during processing have to be carefully considered. Based on all the above, this study summarizes the literature review on the recent sous-vide application on vegetable and seafood products in view of production of high-quality and safe foodstuffs.

This study evaluated common vetch stover as a feed in mixed rations for growing lambs. Four common vetch varieties were compared with alfalfa (control) for their effects on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen retention. Male Hu lambs (n = 50) aged 3 months, with a mean body weight of 17.5 ± 0.34 kg were allocated randomly to one of the five dietary treatments, making 10 lambs per treatment. The experiment lasted 67 days with a 10-day adaptation period and a 50-day fattening period, and with the final 7 days used for a nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance trial. All diets contained 30.0% maize straw and 50.0% concentrate, with different forage sources (on a fed basis): 20.0% alfalfa hay (control), 20.0% local common vetch variety 333A (C333A) stover, or 20.0% stover of one of three improved common vetch varieties: Lanjian No. 1 (CLJ1), Lanjian No. 2 (CLJ2), or Lanjian No. 3 (CLJ3). For stover quality, CLJ1 stover had the greatest crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) content and the least cell wall contents, while C333A stover had the least CP, IVOMD, and ME contents and the greatest cell wall contents. Sheep fed the control diet had a greater average daily gain (ADG), apparent digestibility of organic matter (DOM), neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and nitrogen retention, and greater ruminal total volatile fatty acids concentration than lambs fed the C333A or CLJ3 diet, but similar performance to lambs fed the CLJ1 and CLJ2 diets. The feed conversion ratio and predicted CH4 emission per unit of DOM intake and ADG of the control, CLJ1, and CLJ2 diets was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than for the other diets. Based on these results, stovers of varieties CLJ1 and CLJ2 can be recommended as an alternative to alfalfa hay and for use in a legume crop rotation with cereals on the Tibetan plateau.

Background Corn silage is an important feed for intense ruminant production, but the growth of corn relies heavily on the use of chemical fertilizers. Sustainable crop production requires careful management of all nutrient sources available on a farm, particularly in corn-based cropping systems. Methods Experiments were conducted to determine the appropriate technique of corn-legume intercropping in conjunction with the supplemental use of chemical fertilizers, organic manure, and biofertilizers (BFs). Acetylene reduction assays (ARAs) were also performed on corn and soybean roots. Results Combining chemical fertilizers with chicken manure (CM) in a 50:50 ratio and applying 50% NPK+50% CM+BF produced fresh forage and dry matter (DM) yields that were similar to those produced in the 100% nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) treatment. Among the lone fertilizer treatments, the inorganic fertilizer (100% NPK) treatment produced the highest DM yield (13.86 t/ha) of forage and outyielded the 100% CM (9.74 t/ha) treatment. However, when CM was combined with NPK, the resulting DM yield of forage (13.86 t/ha) was the same as that resulting from 100% NPK (13.68 t/ha). Compared with CM applications alone, combinations of NPK and CM applications resulted in increased plant height, crop growth rates (CGRs) and leaf area index (LAI), but the values of these parameters were similar to those resulting from 100% NPK application. Fertilizers in which the ratio was 50% CM+50% NPK or 50% CM+50% NPK+BF resulted in protein yields that were similar to those resulting from conventional fertilizers. Similarly, the CP content did not significantly differ between applications of the 100% NPK and 50% CM+50% NPK fertilizers. The use of BFs had no significant impact on improving either the yield or quality of forage fertilized with inorganic or organic fertilizer. Lactic acid responded differently to different fertilizer applications and was significantly higher in the fertilized plots than in the unfertilized plots. Compared with treatments of lone chemical and lone organic manure fertilizers, treatments involving applications of BF and a combination of BF and NPK or CM resulted in higher ARA values. Discussion There is no simple and easy approach to increase biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in grain legumes grown as part of a cropping system under realistic farm field conditions. Overall, evidence recorded from this study proves that, compared with corn monocrops combined with CM and chemical fertilizers, corn-soybean intercrops could increase forage yields and quality, produce higher total protein yields, and reduce the need for protein supplements and chemical fertilizers.

Black coffee beverage is traditionally consumed and prepared from a roasted ground coffee, usually blends of Arabica and Robusta, available on the market. The aim of this paper was to determine and compare nutritive quality of commercial blends of Arabica and Robusta coffee. The basic chemical composition and content of specific chemical components: caffeine, chlorogenic acid and fatty acids in selected coffee samples were determined. Physical properties of samples, pH value, water activity (aw) and colour (CIE-Lab) were also examined. Based on the results of the chemical analysis it was found that the quality of coffee samples was in accordance with legislation. Differences in total soluble matter content, protein content, and fat content were statistically significant (P<0.05) among all analyzed samples. Higher content of caffeine (2.18%) and chlorogenic acid (4.47%) in one of the analyzed samples may indicate at higher percentage of Robusta coffee in that blend. Saturated fatty acids, palmitic, stearic, arachidic and behenic and unsaturated fatty acids oleic, linoleic and linolenic were detected in coffee samples. The total content of unsaturated fatty acids is higher in all samples than the total saturated fatty acid content, with the highest content of linoleic essential fatty acid (~ 48.58%). Based on the results and determined nutritive quality of the commercial blends of Arabica and Robusta coffee, it can be concluded that moderate consummation of coffee beverages can contributed to the daily intake of nutritionally valuable and biologically active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although large herbivore habitat use has been extensively studied, more information is still required on the use of heterogeneous vegetation types. Over 3 y we carried out monthly road transects in the Zambezi National Park (ZNP), Zimbabwe, to determine the impala density in each of five vegetation types. In addition we determined grass and browse chemical composition to test if at the time the impala switches from grass to browse, grass nutritive quality had declined below that of browse. Furthermore, grass height was measured in the five vegetation types. The impala used mixed, acacia and terminalia vegetation types, which constituted 37% of the protected area and avoided grassland and the predominant Zambezi teak (60% of ZNP) vegetation types. At the time of the diet switch by the impala from grass to browse, woody plant leaf nutritive quality was higher than grass in terms of nitrogen, calcium and acid detergent fibre content. The three vegetation types used by the impala had short to medium grass height. We concluded that when the impala switched from grass to browse the grass nutritive quality was lower than that of the browse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Corn silage is an important feed for intense ruminant production, but the growth of corn relies heavily on the use of chemical fertilizers. Sustainable crop production requires careful management of all nutrient sources available on a farm, particularly in corn-based cropping systems. Methods. Experiments were conducted to determine the appropriate technique of corn- legume intercropping in conjunction with the supplemental use of chemical fertilizers, organic manure, and biofertilizers (BFs). Acetylene reduction assays (ARAs) were also performed on corn and soybean roots. Results. Combining chemical fertilizers with chicken manure (CM) in a 50:50 ratio and applying 50% NPK+50% CM+BF produced fresh forage and dry matter (DM) yields that were similar to those produced in the 100% nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) treatment. Among the lone fertilizer treatments, the inorganic fertilizer (100% NPK) treatment produced the highest DM yield (13.86 t/ha) of forage and outyielded the 100% CM (9.74 t/ha) treatment. However, when CM was combined with NPK, the resulting DM yield of forage (13.86 t/ha) was the same as that resulting from 100% NPK (13.68 t/ha). Compared with CM applications alone, combinations of NPK and CM applications resulted in increased plant height, crop growth rates (CGRs) and leaf area index (LAI), but the values of these parameters were similar to those resulting from 100% NPK application. Fertilizers in which the ratio was 50% CM+50% NPK or 50% CM+50% NPK+BF resulted in protein yields that were similar to those resulting from conventional fertilizers. Similarly, the CP content did not significantly differ between applications of the 100% NPK and 50% CM+50% NPK fertilizers. The use of BFs had no significant impact on improving either the yield or quality of forage fertilized with inorganic or organic fertilizer. Lactic acid responded differently to different fertilizer applications and was significantly higher in the fertilized plots than in the unfertilized plots. Compared with treatments of lone chemical and lone organic manure fertilizers, treatments involving applications of BF and a combination of BF and NPK or CM resulted in higher ARA values. Discussion. There is no simple and easy approach to increase biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in grain legumes grown as part of a cropping system under realistic farm field conditions. Overall, evidence recorded from this study proves that, compared with corn monocrops combined with CM and chemical fertilizers, corn-soybean intercrops could increase forage yields and quality, produce higher total protein yields, and reduce the need for protein supplements and chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the accumulation and quality of the forage of tall wheatgrass, "criollo" wheatgrass and crested wheatgrass under seeding rate of 120, 250 and 400 viable seeds.m-2. The experiment was carried out in INTA Anguil in a randomized block design. Four cuts were made in which dry weight was determined and in two of them the nutritional quality of the forage. The height of plants and the number of tillers were also determined. The means were compared by 5% DMS. In plant height only differences were recorded between species, while for the number of tillers there were no significant differences between species or densities. Considering the forage production, intermediate seeding rate would be the most suitable for tall wheatgrass and "criollo" wheatgrass, while the highest density would be for crested wheatgrass. Seeding rate did not affect the nutritional quality of the forage in any of the wheatgrass species. Regarding the species, tall wheatgrass was the most promising in forage production, but from the point of view of nutritional quality it was the lowest forage value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to combine the ability of legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen and the cruciferous capacities to mobilize soil nutrients and herbicide action, the aim of this work was to evaluate an alternative winter intercrop (faba bean-rapeseed) as a replacement of Italian ryegrass culture in a rotational system with maize as summer crop. For this purpose, two adjacent plots were used during three agronomic years (2011-2012, 2012-2013 and 2013-2014) to evaluate the agronomic performance through the forage production, nutritional composition of forage and silage, and the effects on soil fertility. The Italian ryegrass was cultivated under conventional management: using chemical fertilization and recommended dosages of herbicides. The faba bean-rapeseed intercrop was cultivated under an alternative management: organic fertilization and less herbicide supply. The intercrop provides higher forage yield per hectare than Italian ryegrass, with greater protein (kg ha−1) and similar energy (GJ ha−1) yields. The intercrop allows reducing the inputs of chemical fertilization and herbicides, and it has a positive effect on the balance of soil nutrients, especially increasing the potassium, calcium and magnesium contents. The results show that faba bean-rapeseed intercrop could be an alternative to the Italian ryegrass as winter crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past three decades, studies of essential biomolecules, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 family (LC-PUFAs), namely eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA), have made considerable progress, resulting in several important assumptions. However, new data, which continue to appear, challenge these assumptions. Based on the current literature, an attempt is made to reconsider the following assumptions: 1. There are algal classes of high and low nutritive quality. 2. EPA and DHA decrease with increasing eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems. 3. Animals need EPA and DHA. 4. Fish are the main food source of EPA and DHA for humans. 5. Culinary treatment decreases EPA and DHA in products. As demonstrated, some of the above assumptions need to be substantially specified and changed.

In order to evaluate the nutritional value and digestibility of corn ( Zea mays L.) stover silage mixed with legume herbages in Tibet, corn stover was ensiled with four levels (0, 10, 20 and 30% of fresh weight) of common vetch ( Vicia sativa L.) and alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.), respectively. The silos were opened after 45 days of ensiling, and the fermentation characteristics, nutritive quality and in vitro digestibility of the mixed silages were analyzed. The results showed that the inclusion of legumes could somewhat improve the corn stover silage quality, as indicated by significantly ( P < 0.05) higher lactic acid and crude protein contents and ratios of lactic acid/acetic acid, and significantly ( P < 0.05) lower amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose contents, while the corn stover silage containing 10% common vetch performed best, as indicated by significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in vitro dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility. These results suggest that mixing legumes to corn stover before ensiling appears to be a feasible strategy to improve the nutritive quality of mixed silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La composition chimique des sources alimentaires (périphyton, matières en suspension et sédiment) et celle des contenus stomacaux d’Oreochromis niloticus en élevage extensif dans deux barrages situés en zone rurale (Gueyo, Sud-Ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire) ont été déterminées afin d’apprécier la qualité de la nourriture naturelle ingérée par ces poissons. Les proportions des différents constituants chimiques mesurés dans ces trois sources alimentaires laissent apparaître la part importante que représentent les matières organiques hydrolysables dans le périphyton (65 et 67 % aux barrages 1 et 2, respectivement), alors que les matières minérales constituent plus de la moitié du poids sec total des matières en suspension (59 et 63 %) et de la ressource sédimentaire (76 et 63 %). Sur les deux sites, les fibres représentent moins de 15 % de ces trois ressources. Les teneurs en protéines (19 %) et le ratio Protéines/Énergie (17 mg.kJ-1) observés dans la ressource périphytique sont respectivement 2 et 3 fois supérieurs aux valeurs mesurées dans les deux autres ressources. L’analyse biochimique des contenus stomacaux montre que les protéines sont présentes en très faibles proportions dans la nourriture ingérée par O. niloticus (7 et 11 % dans les deux barrages). Par contre, les proportions en fibres (12 et 16 %) et lipides (11 et 8 %) de même que les ratios Protéines/Énergie (6 et 12 mg.kJ-1) caractérisant l’alimentation semblent répondre aux exigences de croissance chez cette espèce de tilapia. Les poids moyens des poissons en fin de cycle d’élevage traduisent la capacité d’O. niloticus à présenter une croissance correcte à partir d’une alimentation pauvre en matières azotées pourvu qu’une faible densité soit appliquée dans les sites d’élevage.

Corn silage is an important feed for intensive ruminant production. Combining corn with legumes for silage is a feasible strategy to improve crude protein (CP) concentration in corn silage. This study was conducted to determine silage nutritive quality and fermentation profiles of corn grown in mixture with soybean at different crop combination ratio. In this experiment, corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition to monocrops of corn and soybean were evaluated. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on nutritive quality and fermentation characteristics of silage. Silage quality in terms of CP (75:25 ratio 12.23%, 50:50 ratio 12.88% and 25:75 ratio 13.65%) was improved by intercropping compared with corn sole crop (9.91% CP). Increase ratio of soybean resulted in an increase in lactic acid and pH of the mixed silage. Sole soybean gave significantly higher lactic acid (3.57%) and pH of silage (4.33) compared to all other treatments but dry matter concentration was significantly higher in corn monocrop silage (34.34%) than other treatments. The propionic acid and butyric acid content of soybean monocrop and intercrops silage were in all cases higher than sole corn silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal-based forage production could be considered to have potential to supply great deal of energy-rich feed in animal diets. Experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition to monocrops of corn and soybean to detremine forage dry matter (DM) yield and quality in corn-soybean intercropping. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on dry matter yield and nutritive quality of forage. The ratio of 75:25 and 50:50 recorded DM yields similar to those of monocropped corn (14.77 t/ha). Forage quality in terms of crude protein (CP) (75:25 ratio 12.75%, 50:50 ratio 13.73% and 25:75 ratio 14.68%) was improved by intercropping due to higher nitrogen availability for corn in intercropping compared with its sole crop (10.83% CP). Increase ratio of corn in corn-soybean mixture, negatively affectd neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) of forage and declined with increasing ratio of soybean plants. Combination ratio of 50:50 gave higher protein yield (1886.45 kg/ha) than other crop combination ratio. Among all the combination ratios, the 50:50 corn-soybean ratio was the optimum giving highest forage yield, protein content as well as protein yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]