Search

Simple Summary: Conservation strategies often involve reintroducing species back into parts of their historic range where they no longer occur. Reintroduction efforts can be complicated when there are native species present that might compete with the reintroduced species. Exploring the relationship between the existing and reintroduced species can improve the success of reintroduction efforts. Using information from camera-traps, we examined the extent to which reintroduced oryx and native gazelle display similar activity and space use patterns in Sidi Toui National Park, Tunisia. The two species exhibited minimal spatial overlap within the park and favoured habitats with different vegetation features. Activity patterns relative to time of day and season were similar for oryx and gazelle. Both antelope species were most active at dawn and dusk. Seasonally, activity was lowest for both when conditions were hot and dry and was highest following the rainy season in spring, when new vegetation emerged. The differences in space use patterns can facilitate coexistence between the two species of grazers in Sidi Toui National Park. Habitat diversity can be a key determinant for allowing reintroduced and native species to coexist. Examining the distribution patterns and spatiotemporal niche overlap of sympatric species is crucial for understanding core concepts in community ecology and for the effective management of multi-species habitats within shared landscapes. Using data from 26 camera-traps, recorded over two years (December 2020–November 2022), in Sidi Toui National Park (STNP), Tunisia, we investigate habitat use and activity patterns of the scimitar-horned oryx (n = 1865 captures) and dorcas gazelle (n = 1208 captures). Using information theory and multi-model inference methods, along with the Pianka index, we evaluated the habitat characteristics influencing species distribution and their spatial niche overlap. To delineate daily activity patterns, we applied kernel density estimation. Our findings indicate minimal spatial overlap and distinct environmental factors determining suitable habitats for each species. Furthermore, we found significant temporal niche overlaps, indicative of synchrony in daily activity patterns, with both species showing peak activity at dawn and dusk. Our results indicated that oryx and gazelle differ in at least one dimension of their ecological niche at the current density levels, which contributes to their long-term and stable coexistence in STNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Camel calf’s diarrhea is considered the chief economic loss in the camelid population. There is currently no vaccine licensed to prevent colibacillosis in camel calves. The new era of bacterial antibiotic resistance explains the treatment failure and the high mortality and morbidity associated with the disease. Current protective treatments have thus far limited efficacy and need to be replaced. Due to their antimicrobial properties and safety, natural products are recently finding a capital role in infection management. Aims: The current study explores Escherichia coli F17 susceptibility as a clinical strain isolated from diarrheic camel calves to a wide panel of natural products. Methods: Agar diffusion method, integrity of cell membrane, hydrophobicity of bacterial surface, biofilm assays, and motility were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Coffea, Retama raetam, Moringa oleifera, Juniperus phoenicea, Uritica dioica, Camellia sinensis, Lavandula angustifolia, and Cuminum cyminum extracts against isolated bacteria. Results: Interestingly, all eight tested extracts have the damaging ability of E. coli F17’s cell membrane and cause the nucleic acid release after 12 hours. Escherichia coli F17 strain has the surface of hydrophobicity which changed after contact with extracts of the plant. Moreover, the motility of the studied bacteria changed after exposure to all plant extracts. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that all extracts, exempt U. dioica, can remove up to 50% biofilm of E. coli biomass as compared with the control. Natural extracts can be used as potential antimicrobial agents to mitigate diarrhea in camel calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin is a natural polymer that can be derived from collagen through hydrolysis. It most extensively used in diverse fields, mainly in pharmaceuticals and therapeutic. Herein Gelatin was newly extracted from camel (Camelus dromedarius) skin and irradiated with gamma rays from 60Co source. Gelatin was optimized and characterization and functional properties were determined. The structural changes occurring after 1-irradiation at doses from 5 to 30 kGy were reported by physico-chemical techniques such as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the first time. Results revealed that gelatin yield increased significantly (P<0.05) as the extraction temperature and time increased (19.71%) at 70°C for 12 h. EPR spectroscopy demonstrated that 10 kGy of radiation-induced the decomposition of side groups. New peak positions (Paramagnetic centers) were located at around 3800 G. Moreover, an enhancement of EPR peak (3300 and 3400 G) (g-factor = 2.0) was detected. In addition, free radicals trapped in the crystalline regions were moved toward the boundary regions and the amorphous phases disappeared. XRD patterns showed a new peak at 21= 65.8° and a diminution of the relative intensity for the peak of 21= 20.54° after 30 kGy. FTIR measurements revealed structural deformations from 5 kGy through chain scission of C-H chains as well as the deformation of the C=O carboxyl groups with increasing 1-radiation doses. The camel skin was thus proved to be a source of gelatin. Irradiation induced a structural deformation with desirable functionalities that make it a potent source of gelatin that could be used in food and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transformation of camel milk into cheese is an operation considered very delicate because of several difficulties encountered in achieving coagulation. The present study aims to improve coagulation abilities of camel milk using enzyme extracts from kiwi juice. Methods: The optimum characteristics of extract were determined (pH, temperature and CaCl2 concentration), a fresh cheese was manufactured and the physicochemical and organoleptic qualities were determined. Result: Our results concerning the characterization of the enzymatic extract showed an extraction yield as 63.97%±5.22. The optimum coagulation conditions were: pH=6.6, temperature= 40°C and a volume of used enzymatic extract as 1.5 ml. A fresh cheese was made from camel milk with a particular nutritional quality and consistency. The kiwi proteases displayed chymosin-like properties and thus hold the best potential for use as a milk coagulant in cheese production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Colostrum is the first milk secreted by the mammary gland of female mammals immediately after birth during the first few days. The presence of colostrum in the milk is not a good sign, especially when the milk is intended for further processing. Because the transformation of camel milk into derivative products is becoming more and more important and is gaining the interest of industries, it is therefore important to identify unsuitable milk containing colostrum for the dairy industry. The objective of this work was to study the relation between the chemical composition of camel colostrum and its color using the CIELAB color space (CIEL* = from white to black, a* = from red to green, and b* = from yellow to blue). The color of colostrum reflects its quality. A paler color is associated with a lower colostrum value in terms of its general composition. Indeed, the chemical composition of camel colostrum in terms of dry matter, protein, and fat was highly correlated with the color parameters a* (redness) and b* (yellowness). Therefore, a color evaluation can be an effective method to detect colostrum in milk because generally there was a strong correlation between the composition of camel colostrum and its color. Camel milk industrialization faces technological problems related to the presence of colostrum in milk. The determination of color parameters may serve to differentiate between colostrum and milk. This work aimed to study the relationship between the chemical composition of camel colostrum and milk and their colors. Samples of colostrum were collected at 2, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, and 360 h postpartum (n = 16), and their physicochemical properties (pH, acidity, viscosity, color, dry matter, ash, protein, and fat) were analyzed. The results show that all the components decreased during the first 3 days except fat. The content of this later increased from zero in the three sampling on the first day (2, 12, and 24 h) to 1.92 ± 0.61% at 48 h postpartum. The amount of total dry matter and protein decreased from 20.95 ± 3.63% and 17.43 ± 4.28% to 13.05 ± 0.81% and 3.71 ± 0.46%, respectively, during the first 7 days postpartum. There was a weak correlation between the brightness (L*) of the camel milk and its contents of dry matter, protein, and fat; however, these parameters were strongly correlated with redness (a*) and yellowness (b*). Ash content was poorly correlated with the color parameters. Hence, the measurement of the color parameters of camel colostrum and milk can be a new tool to evaluate their quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant and the lipase and the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties of camel lactoferrin and its hydrolysates elaborated with four proteolytic enzymes (trypsin, α‐chymotrypsin, pancreatin and papain) were assessed. Lactoferrin was purified from camel colostrum using cation exchange chromatography. Camel lactoferrin hydrolysates showed different degrees of hydrolysis, reverse phase‐HPLC profiles and molecular weight distributions, reflecting heterogeneity in terms of polarity and molecular weight of the generated peptides. Camel lactoferrin hydrolysates exhibited higher antioxidant, lipase and ACE inhibitory activities than native lactoferrin. Pancreatin‐generated hydrolysates showed the highest lipase inhibitory activity (48.1%), while papain‐generated hydrolysates presented the greatest ACE inhibitory activity (89.14%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reintroduction of species should be based on ecological knowledge, which is fundamental to enhancing the probability of success, but also in predicting the response to future changing landscapes. The addax (Addax nasomaculatus), an endangered antelope whose ecology is mostly unknown, was released in a fenced area of the Jbil National Park, Tunisia. Considering the extreme desert conditions of the area, seasonal changes should affect both habitat and diet selection. Addax occurrence, habitat selection and diet were assessed using an integrative approach, and analysed with multivariate statistics. During the wet season, preferred and avoided plant species abundance were highly correlated with addax occurrence; while in the dry season, preferred plant species abundance were positively correlated with addax presence. Micro-histological analysis of faecal samples indicated differences in diet between seasons. The integrative approach proposed represents a useful contribution for decision-making in the scope of reintroduction programmes and habitat restoration measures, by facilitating the assessment of habitat suitability for endangered antelopes in arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An edible coating was developed using gelatin extracted from the skin of gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) and applied to the fillet of the smooth‐hound shark (Mustelus mustelus). Moringa oleifera leaf extract was added to gelatin coating solution to improve its preservative properties. The phenolic profiles and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of M. oleifera extracts were determined. Phenolic acids constituted the largest group representing more than 77% of the total compounds identified in the ethanol/water (MOE/W) extract, among which the quinic acid was found to be the major one (31.48 mg/g extract). The MOE/W extract presented the highest DPPH• scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.53 ± 0.02 mg/ml) and reducing (Fe3+) power (EC0.5 = 0.57 ± 0.02 mg/ml), as well as interesting inhibition zones (20–35 mm) for the most tested strains. Coating by 3% of gelatin solution significantly reduced most deterioration indices during chilled storage, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), weight loss, pH, and mesophilic, psychrophilic, lactic, and H2S‐producing bacterial counts. Interestingly, coating with gelatin solution containing MOE/W extract at 20 μg/ml was more effective than gelatin applied alone. Compared with the uncoated sample, gelatin‐MOE/W coating reduced the weight loss and MDA content by 26% and 70% after 6 days of storage, respectively. Texture analysis showed that the strength of uncoated fillet increased by 46%, while the strength of fillet coated with gelatin‐MOE/W only increased by 12% after 6 days of storage. Fish fillet coated with gelatin‐MOE/W had the highest sensory scores in terms of odor, color, and overall acceptability throughout the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of camel milk to treat diabetes has been shown recently, especially in experimental animals and in patients with diabetes type 1 (T1DM), whereas studies on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are limited. In this clinical trial, 60 patients with T2DM who used oral antidiabetic drugs were assigned into two groups; group 1 received—in addition to the antidiabetic prescribed medicines—500 mL of raw camel milk divided equally two times/day (fasting in the morning and the night) for three months. Group 2 was treated during the same period only by the oral antidiabetic medicaments without consumption of camel milk. A significant decrease was shown in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (from 9.89 ± 0.98 to 6.13 ± 0.55 mmol/L) and postprandial glucose (PPG) (from 15.89 ± 4.34 to 7.44 ± 1.02 mmol/L) in the group 1. A significant decline (P < 0.05) in HbA1c levels was observed in the group treated with camel milk (from 9.44 ± 0.16 to 6.61 ± 0.14%, with a percentage decrease of 30%). Total cholesterol and TG significantly decreased in group 1. Urea and creatinine showed no statistical differences between the two groups during the trial. Based on this study's results, camel milk could be useful for glycemic control in T2DM patients using oral hypoglycemic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragalus gombo Coss. & Dur L. Ex-Bunge is an endemic species of Algerian arid and semi-arid regions, however, is commonly used in traditional medicines. The aerial part was extracted by 80/20 methanol/water and water. The first crude extract was fractionated by ethyl acetate, n-butanol and methanol. LC-ESI-MS analysis revealed 25 compounds among all fractions. The major identified phenolic acids in ethyl acetate (EAAg) fraction were the p-coumaric flowed by tans-ferulic acid (1315 and 370 µg/g extract, respectively). Moreover EAAg exhibited high amounts of flavonoides (cirsiliol and quercetin-3-O-galactoside by 1155 and 491 µg/g extract, respectively). EAAg fraction was the most effective antioxidant in all assays tested, followed by NBAg fraction. The EAAg exhibited higher antioxidant activity than positive control BHA. Excellent and significant linear correlations were displayed between phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities. Hence, both of fractions enhanced the phagocytic activity by stimulating the reticuloendothelial system at different doses 50, 70 and 100 mg/kg compared. Results of anticoagulant activity assay revealed that AEAg, EAAg and NBAg prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin. Cytotoxicity assay of EAAg fraction against HeLa and Mcf-7 cells revealed an IC50 values 108.8±1.8 and 168.4±1.6µg/mL, respectively, after 48h of incubation. Hence, The EAAg fraction displayed significant selectivity index (SI) towards normal mouse liver cells Aml12. The results presented clearly that A. gombo have a potential to be used as a natural antioxidant, especially the EAAg fraction, as an original source of bioactive molecules with anti proliferative activities and immunopromising effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy animals can constitute a reservoir for Escherichia coli potentially dangerous for humans. Our objectives were to investigate virulence genes in E. coli isolated from healthy animals in southern Tunisia and to determine their resistance to antimicrobials of high importance in humans and animals. 126 fecal samples were collected from healthy animals (cattle, sheep, goats, chicken, camel, bustard and rabbit) and assayed by PCR for virulence genes and by disk diffusion for antimicrobial resistance. STEC were isolated most frequently from goats (27.7%), sheep (20%) and cattle (14.2%). ExPEC prevalence of iucD (41.6%), papC (27.7%), sfa (13.8%), afa8 (13.8%) and iron (72.2%) was highest in camels. Prevalence of the ExPEC associated genes iss and cnf and the EPEC defining gene eae was highest in rabbits (53.3, 13.3, and 53.3%, respectively). The genes defining enterotoxigenic, enteroinvasive and enteroaggregative E. coli were not detected and faeG was found only in camels (5.5%). The most common phylogenetic groups were B1 (54.5%) and B2 (16.6%). Virulence gene profiles varied greatly between animal species. Overall, antimicrobial resistance was not highly prevalent, the highest resistance being observed against tetracycline, 43.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work intended to compare dromedary yogurt's characteristics obtained by a co-fermentation process with plant (carob powder) or autochthonous bacteria (Enterococcus faecium and Streptococcus macedonicus). For this reason, the ultrafiltration process (UF) is applied to increase the rate of total solids in dromedary milk within the margin needed to prepare a yogurt. Carob powder or autochthonous bacteria were incorporated at the level of 2% in UF milk. Then mixtures were fermented with the strains Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophiles, and the obtained products are named CFC (yogurt with carob), CFS (yogurt with autochthonous strains) and control (yogurt with only L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) respectively. All along of 3 weeks at cold, CFC and CFS maintained Streptococcus at appropriate levels (>8 log CFU/g). Moreover, CFC showed the lowest syneresis, highest cohesiveness and springiness values, and oleic acid (C18:1n9; 26.315%). However, CFS yogurt resulted in higher volatile compound formation than CFC and control, where isobornyl propionate was the major one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of camel milk into cheese is an operation considered very delicate because of several difficulties encountered in achieving coagulation. The present study aims to improve coagulation abilities of camel milk using enzyme extracts from pineapple, kiwi, and ginger. Our results concerning the characterization of the enzymatic extract showed an extraction yield that varies according to the type of extract (pineapple: 75.28% ± 4.59, kiwi: 63.97% ± 5.22, and ginger: 28.64% ± 1.47). The optimum coagulation conditions of the 3 types of extract were as follows: for pineapple: pH = 5 and temperature = 45°C; for kiwifruit: pH = 6.6 and temperature = 40°C; and for ginger: pH = 6.6 and temperature = 45°C. A fresh cheese was made from camel milk with a particular nutritional quality and consistency. The kiwi proteases displayed chymosin-like properties and thus hold the best potential for use as a milk coagulant in cheese production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The food security of Tunisia is dependent on utilising all of its resources effectively to feed the population. Rangelands used for grazing are subject to continuous degradation, which reduces the availability of feeds to livestock. In the oasis regions, this constraint is attenuated by the systematic use of various by-products of the palm grove. There is a need to constantly search for alternative feed resources to support ruminant-livestock farming in arid regions and, therefore, the products of desert oases need to be exploited Aims: The present work aimed to determine the effect of the use of local resources of oases on feed intake and milk quality of goats. Methods: Twenty-four indigenous lactating goats were used to investigate the effect of the substitution of the concentrate feed with alternative feed obtained from oases in Tunisian arid zones. The three study groups in the 60-day trial were as follows: the first group received 0% date waste (WD) + 100% concentrate (CON) + oaten hay; the second group received 50% WD + 30% alfalfa cork (AC) + 20% CON + alfalfa hay; and the third group received 50% WD + 50% AC and no CON + alfalfa hay. Key results: Feed intake was higher in Group 2 (1167.10 ± 42.8 g DM/day) than in Groups 3 and 1 (1028.9 ± 68.9 and 856.04 ± 58.9 g DM/day respectively. Average daily milk production did not differ among the groups. Dietary fat and crude protein were not affected by the type of ration. The concentrations of saturated fatty acids were similar in the milk of the three groups. In the three groups studied, the ratio n6 : n3 (12.80, 8.80 and 6.77) was higher than the recommended value (<5) for human consumption. Conclusions: The use of WD did not affect milk production but it improved the nutritional quality of milk, especially the composition of fatty acid (ratio n6/n3). Implications: The use of alternative resources in goat feeding, such as WD and alfalfa cork, can replace the use of market feeds and decrease the costs of animal feed. Inclusion of date-palm waste in animal feed is a traditional practice in oases, but its effect on the quality of animal products has rarely been studied. Its socioeconomic impact is significant, since it contributes to job creation through the sale of date-palm waste to livestock farmers, and it generates supplemental income valued by farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to identify autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from spontaneously fermented dromedary milk and explore their technological and probiotic properties in vitro. Analysis of the strains by 16S rDNA gene sequencing revealed four strains as Enterococcus faecalis, one strain as Enterococcus faecium, one strain as Lactococcus lactis, and four strains as Streptococcus pasteurianus. However, two strains (LEFS 42 and LEFS 55) showed a low 16S similarity (97.60% and 97.54%, respectively) with the type strain Streptococcus suis 92‐2742T. All the tested LAB strains possessed acidifying and proteolytic capacities. Most of them were lipolytic (83.33%) and had the ability to produce exopolysaccharides (91.67%). All the studied LAB strains were non‐hemolytic and exhibited antibacterial activity and sensitivity toward five antibiotics. Streptococcus sp. LEFS 55 had the highest hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, and coaggregation abilities. Moreover, all the isolated strains were able to resist simulated human gastrointestinal tract conditions and scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals. Practical applications: Nutritional and medicinal values of dromedary milk can be further increased after fermentation. Commercially available starter cultures are from bovine‐based dairy industry being not competitive with endogenous microbiota of dromedary milk, which might not give a desirable final product. However, to date, few attempts have been performed to isolate and characterize lactic acid bacteria from spontaneously fermented dromedary milk. Besides, the probiotic potential of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria from fermented dromedary milk remains unexplored. Hence, this study aimed to identify autochthonous lactic acid bacteria from spontaneously fermented dromedary milk and to investigate their technological and probiotic potential. The isolation of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria with technological and probiotic properties from dromedary milk allows the production of fermented dromedary milk with functional properties and the diversification of dromedary milk products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigated the antioxidant activities of dromedary colostrum proteins before and after hydrolysis by pepsin, trypsin, α‐chymotrypsin, pancreatin and papain. The enzymatic hydrolysis affected the degrees of hydrolysis, electrophoretic profiles, molecular weight distribution and hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of the generated peptides. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using four antioxidant assays, including 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical‐scavenging activities, ferric reducing power and ferrous ion chelating activity. Interestingly, the antioxidant activities of dromedary colostrum proteins were enhanced after enzymatic hydrolysis. The highest antioxidant potential was obtained by pancreatic hydrolysates (P ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that dromedary colostrum protein hydrolysates are an important source of natural antioxidant peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background. Milk protein hydrolysates have received particular attention due to their health-promoting effects. Dromedary milk differs from the milk of other dairy animals in the composition and structure of its protein components, which give it unique properties. The bioactivity and functionality of whole dromedary milk proteins and their enzymatic hydrolysates have not received much attention, hence this study aims to investigate the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of dromedary milk proteins on their antioxidant activities and functional properties. Experimental approach. Dromedary milk proteins were treated using four proteolytic enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, a-chymotrypsin and papain) and two mixtures of enzymes (pancreatin and pronase). The degree of hydrolysis was measured to verify the hydrolysis of the proteins. The sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and gel filtration chromatography served to determine the molecular mass distribution of the hydrolysates while reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP--HPLC) was conducted to explore their hydrophobicity. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using various in vitro tests, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging capacities, iron(III) reducing ability and chelating activity. Besides, functional properties such as solubility, foaming and emulsification were assessed. Results and conclusions. Dromedary milk protein hydrolysates exhibited different degrees of hydrolysis ranging from 17.69 to 41.86 %. Apart from that, the hydrolysates showed different electrophoretic patterns, molecular mass distribution and RP-HPLC profiles demonstrating the heterogeneity of the resulting peptides in terms of molecular mass and polarity. The hydrolysates displayed significantly higher antioxidant capacities than the undigested proteins at all the tested concentrations. Iron(II) chelating activity was the most improved assay after proteolysis and the hydrolysate generated with pancreatin had the highest chelating power. Dromedary milk protein hydrolysates possessed good solubility (>89 %). Further, foaming and emulsifying properties of dromedary milk proteins were enhanced after their proteolysis. These interfacial properties were influenced by the enzymes employed during proteolysis. Novelty and scientific contribution. Enzymatic hydrolysis of dromedary milk proteins is an effective tool to obtain protein hydrolysates with great antioxidant and functional properties. These results suggest that dromedary milk protein hydrolysates could be used as a natural source of antioxidant peptides to formulate functional foods and nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is focused on the diet of the crested porcupine Hystrix cristata L., 1758 in South-Eastern Tunisia. Feeding habits of this species were assessed through faecal analysis in both cold and warm months: 105 samples of faecal pellets of porcupine were collected during two seasons. We found that wild species dominated the diet of this large rodent in both seasons, represented by 15 species. The most frequently recorded species in both seasons were Stipa lagascae (20.54%), Hedysarum carnosum (10.26%) and Hordeum marinum (9.69%). In summer, the diet included also potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and figs (Ficus carica), of which barley was the most common species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valorization of natural resources in small ruminants feeding can reduce the cost of feed and produce good meat quality. The objective was to evaluate the effects of local feed resources on the physico‐chemical aspects, the sensorial characteristics and the fatty acid profile of goat kid's meat. Twenty‐six kids are divided in three groups (average body weight = 15.85 kg; age = 4 months). The groups received oat hay (group control C), dried olive leaves + dried Stipa tenacissima (group OL) or grass hay (group Ko). The animals were slaughtered after 90 days of experience, with an approximate final live weight of 18.5 kg. Total solids, pH, fat, crude protein, vitamin, cholesterol and fatty acid contents of meat were determined. The OL group had the highest ultimate pH (6.82 vs. 6.73); cooking loss, gross composition (total solids, protein and fat), cholesterol and colour coordinates (L, a* and b*) were similar among groups. The vitamin E, affected by diet, was higher in group OL than the other groups (3.71 mg/kg vs. 1.32 and 2.17 mg/kg, respectively, for C and Ko groups). Moreover, meat from this group showed the highest saturated fatty acid. Unsaturated fatty acids content was higher in the meat of C and Ko groups. On the other side, polyunsaturated fatty acid level was not affected by the diet treatment. The n6/n3 ratio was significantly affected by the diet; it was lower in meat of groups Ko and OL (3.17 and 3.38 respectively). The feeding effect on sensory quality of meat was not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to improve textural and antioxidant capacity of dromedary yogurt using ultrafiltration process and date powder. Ultrafiltration increased total solids content of dromedary milk within the range considered optimal to develop yogurt. Texture profile of Greek yogurt fortified with date powder (GYD) improved considerably compared to control. Sample of GYD are more appealing to consumer than control. LC‐ESI‐MS analysis of GYD extracts allowed the identification of fifteen phenolic compounds, among which quinic acid and cirsiliol were found to be the major phenolic acid and flavonol, respectively. GYD exhibited the highest DPPH•‐radical scavenging activity, Fe2+ chelating capacity and Fe3+ reducing power. The follow‐up of physical and microbiological stability of GYD and control during cold storage showed that date powder significantly increased bacterial counts and decreased syneresis. Therefore, ultrafiltration and date powder could be valued as effective tool to solve the poor consistency of dromedary milk products. The ultrafiltration process and date powder addition showed enhanced textural parameters of dromedary Greek yogurt. Dromedary Greek yogurt fortified with date powder (GYD) displayed high antioxidant activities and showed stability on functional properties during cold storage. The consistency and taste of GYD are well accepted by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Zoology is the property of Canadian Science Publishing 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 current research paper addresses the hypothesis that management system (grazing vs. stabling) and/or stage of lactation (early- to late-lactation) can influence the lactation performance and milk fatty acid (MFA) profile in dromedary camels. The results obtained revealed that milk and protein yields of stabled camels were higher, while milk fat content was lower compared to grazing camels. In addition, stabled camels produced milk richer in short- and medium-chains fatty acids but lower in long-chain fatty acids and fatty acids linked with possible health benefits such as oleic acid, vaccenic acid (VA) and rumenic acid (RA), when compared to grazing camels. Moreover, atherogenicity index was higher, while overall Δ9-desaturase and health-promoting indices were lower in stabled camels. In a similar way, results demonstrated an increase in milk fat and protein contents as lactation advanced. In fact, camels at mid-lactation produced milk richer in short- and medium-chain fatty acids as well as total saturated fatty acids but poorer in oleic acid, VA, RA, long-chain fatty acids and total unsaturated fatty acids, when compared to milk samples collected at early stage of lactation. Moreover, compared to early- and late-lactations, atherogenicity index was higher while overall-Δ9-desaturase and health promoting indexes were lower at mid-lactation. In conclusion, the intensive stabling system and mid-lactation stage can alter lactation performance and MFA profile in dairy dromedary camels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ostrich: The Journal of African Ornithology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd 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.)

Behaviour and diet composition are critical elements in conservation biology within the scope of reintroduction programs. Here we focused on addax (Addax nasomaculatus), a Critically Endangered antelope species, in the Jbil National Park, Tunisia. In this study, we advanced the hypothesis that season, day period, sex and social structure have an effect on the activity budgets and diet composition of addax. Three groups were selected (large group, adult pair and solitary male). Resting, moving, grazing, vigilance and other behaviours were recorded during two seasons (dry and wet) and in the morning and the afternoon. In addition, faecal samples were collected. The results indicate that season and day period were the main factors affecting the activity budgets. The resting behaviour increased from the wet to the dry season, and from morning to afternoon. The grazing and moving behaviours increased during the wet season and decreased from morning to afternoon. Addax select a mixed diet composed of perennial and herbaceous plant species notably during the wet season. In addition, we observed that addax modify their behaviour according to the season and forage availability. This represents an adaptive strategy to survive in a desert climate with a stochastic low-resource environment and depending on ambient climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of parity on the proportion of fatty acids with potential health significance in camel milk fat. Milk samples were collected from four multiparous and four primiparous camels in intensive husbandry at mid-lactation stage. Fatty acid methyl esters were analysed by gas chromatography in conjunction with a flame ionisation detector. Parity had a significant effect on fat and total solids content (p<0.05); mutiparous camels produced milk with lower fat and total solids content. In contrast, protein and ash content were not affected by parity (p>0.05). Primipara camels produced milk richer (p<0.05) in odd and branched chain fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, C17:0, C15:0, omega-3 fatty acids, oleic acid, vaccenic acid and α-linolenic acid, while poorer (p<0.05) for total short-chain fatty acids, total medium-chain fatty acids, total saturated fatty acids, C6:0, C10:0, C14:0, c9-C16:0, C16:0 and iso-C16:0. In addition, the desaturation index for C16, which is an indicator of Δ9-desaturase activity, and the atherogenicity index were lower in primiparous camels (p<0.05). Parity had no effect on conjugated linoleic acid content (p>0.05). Overall, the milk fat of primiparous camels appears to have a relatively high nutritional value, as it contained higher levels of beneficial fatty acids and lower levels of saturated fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]