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A remotely-controlled wetland paddy seeder (RCWPS) with a mechatronic seed-metering device was developed for precise sowing of pre-germinated paddy seeds in wet puddled field. The RCWPS, powered by a 180 W DC motor, utilized two lugged wheels for propulsion. Linear actuator-controlled dog clutch was connected with each wheel to discontinue the power supply while turning. The four-row seed metering unit comprised a seed metering plate with holes at 200 mm spacing, actuated by a solenoid. The diameter of the metering plate hole, operating speed, and speed of agitation were maintained at 11.18 mm, 0.84 km h−1, and 37 rpm, respectively. This comparative study assessed its performance and operational costs at 1/3rd and 2/3rd seed filling levels under puddled conditions, comparing it to a conventional drum seeder. At 2/3rd seed filling, RCWPS demonstrated 96% feed index quality, no multiple index, 4% missing index, 85.46% hill-distribution uniformity coefficient, and 72.45% seed dropping uniformity coefficient. Meanwhile, the values observed for drum seeder were 78.33%, 6.67%, 15%, 69.85%, and 60.94%, respectively. Similar results were observed at 1/3rd filling level. It showed better quality seed-dropping with RCWPS compared to the conventional drum seeder at all degrees of seed filling. The total cost for seeding per hectare of land with RCWPS and drum seeder were found to be 28.05 USD and 12.77 USD, respectively and the break-even point were found 0.54 ha year−1 and 0.038 ha year−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of unconventional feedstuffs aims to incorporate alternative dietary options to contribute to the sustainability of livestock systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of incorporating Tithonia diversifolia (TD) into sugarcane (SC) silage on nutritional quality and ruminal fermentation in an in vitro gas production assay. The underlying hypothesis was that the increased protein content in silage with the addition of TD may result in a reduction in total gas production, including methane, due to potential modifications in the substrate fermentation profile. Treatments were formulated based on the inclusion of TD in SC silage, on a dry matter basis, as follows: TC: 100% SC; T25 = 75% SC + 25% TD; T50 = 50% SC + 50% TD; T75 = 25% SC + 75% TD. For the preparation of silages, forage samples were collected, subjected to pre-drying for approximately 24 h, then chopped, mixed according to each proposed treatment, and packed into mini silos (± 2 kg each) with increasing levels of TD. The silos were opened after 30 days, and samples were collected for chemical composition analysis and in vitro gas production assay. Silages with the addition of TD showed higher levels of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber compared to pure sugarcane silage. The addition of TD reduced total gas and methane production. The inclusion of Tithonia diversifolia in sugarcane silage demonstrated potential to enhance the nutritional quality of feed for ruminant production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor feeding system hygiene may contribute to uncontrolled spontaneous fermentation in liquid pig feed and its associated undesirable effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of an intensive sanitisation programme in a grow-finisher liquid feeding system by monitoring microbiological and physico-chemical parameters of liquid feed and microbial colonisation of the feeding system surfaces. The sanitisation programme involved a combination of physical and chemical cleaning between batches of grow-finisher pigs, combined with nightly rinsing of the system with an organic acid blend. Improved hygiene of the internal surfaces of the mixing tank and feed pipeline, particularly until week 5 post-cleaning, was evidenced by reduced counts of lactic acid bacteria, total aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts and moulds and decreased adenosine triphosphate concentrations. Enterobacteriaceae and moulds remained undetectable on pipeline surfaces for 10 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy of the feed pipelines confirmed these findings. Conversely, the impact on liquid feed microbiology was minimal and short-lived. However, acetic acid, ethanol and biogenic amine concentrations decreased in the feed post-cleaning and no gross energy losses were observed. Therefore, by controlling surface microbial communities on liquid feeding systems via implementation of the sanitisation programme developed in the current study, on-farm liquid feed quality should be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that preslaughter (antemortem) stress such as rough handling, transportation, a negative environment, physical discomfort, lack of consistent routine, and bad feed quality has a big impact on meat quality. The antemortem-induced poor meat quality is characterized by low pH, a pale and exudative appearance, and a soft texture. Previous studies indicate that antemortem stress plays a key role in regulating protein acetylation and glycolysis in postmortem (PM) muscle. However, the underlying molecular and biochemical mechanism is not clearly understood yet. In this study, we investigated the relationship between antemortem and protein acetylation and glycolysis using murine longissimus dorsi muscle isolated from ICR mice and murine muscle cell line C2C12 treated with epinephrine hydrochloride. Because adrenaline secretion increases in stressed animals, epinephrine hydrochloride was intraperitoneally injected epinephrine into mice to simulate pre-slaughter stress in this study to facilitate experimental operations and save experimental costs. Our findings demonstrated that protein acetylation in pyruvate kinase M1 (PKM1) form is significantly reduced by antemortem, and the reduced acetylation subsequently leads to an increase in PKM1 enzymatic activity which causes increased glycolysis in PM muscle. By using molecular approaches, we identified lysine 141 in PKM1 as a critical residue for acetylation. Our results in this study provide useful insight for controlling or improving meat quality in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were carried out to determine the agronomic characteristics and feed quality of fenugreek in the area of research and application at the Department of Field Crops, Kahramanmaraş Sutcu Imam University, Türkiye. The study was conducted during two production periods in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Fenugreek seeds of five genotypes (Urfa‑1, Kayseri‑1, Adana‑3, Afghanistan‑2, and Maraş-1) and a registered cultivar (Gürarslan) were used in the study. According to the results of the combined years, average plant height was 47.29–61.07 cm, the height of the first pod was 31.10–36.90 cm, the number of pods plant−1 was 9.67–13.61, the number of seeds pod−1 was 12.52–13.23, and seed yield was 81.14–122.85 kg da−1. In addition, it was determined that the green herbage yield ranged between 1009.7 and 1279.3 kg da−1 and the dry herbage yield was between 147.15 and 203.72 kg da−1. In the study, values of crude protein ratio 16.97–22.66%, neutral detergent fiber 50.65–54.40%, acid detergent fiber 36.59–41.57%, relative feed value 99.71–109.33, digestible dry matter 56.52–58.95%, and dry matter intake 2.23–2.40% of the grass were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging contaminant potentially impacting organisms and ecosystem functioning. Despite the high abundance of MPs in Guanabara Bay, studies on MP ingestion are lacking. Analyses of 272 stomachs of Micropogonias furnieri, a key estuarine species, revealed that ~ 50% of fish ingested MPs, with an average of 3.7 MPs per individual. Polyester and polyethylene fibers were the dominant types of MPs found in both stomachs and bay sediments. Comparisons of the MP types in the fish stomachs and those previously described in the sediment showed that M. furnieri ingested MPs according to the availability but also exhibited selectivity for some rare MPs (i.e., blue and red fibers). Analyses of M. furnieri stomachs indicated that higher MP ingestion was associated with a larger quantity of food ingested, low digested food items, larger fish, dry season, and two bay locations, suggesting that this species serves as a valuable indicator of feeding area quality. MPs occurred only in stomachs with food, and estimates of egestion rates showed short residence time of food and MPs, indicating no MP accumulation in fish stomachs. The results also revealed that juveniles had more MPs in their stomachs per gram of body weight. MPs did not appear to impact M. furnieri feeding, but the effects of adsorbed chemicals on fish health require further evaluation. As M. furnieri ingests more food, it becomes more exposed to the effects of MPs, highlighting the MP threat to the ecosystem services provided by the bay, such as fish feeding areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of production and economic viability of commercial diets with different protein sources associated with a 50% reduction of artemia in the feeding of Penaeus vannamei post-larvae. Four treatments were used in a completely randomized design, with four repetitions: T1—krill flour and salmon extract (78% CP + 50% reduction of artemia); T2—fish meal and mussel meal (70% CP + 50% reduction of artemia); T3—squid meal (63% CP + 50% reduction of artemia); and T4—canola meal (48% CP + 50% reduction of artemia). The commercial feeds were offered into 16 experimental units, for 18 days, from hatching to post-larvae harvest. Total number of larvae, survival, final weight, and biomass were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey test. Greatest survival (51.47%) was achieved by the animals in T1. Biomass was higher in T1 and T2 (18.35 and 20.51 g, respectively) when compared to T3 and T4. We concluded that commercial feed consisting of quality marine protein and protein levels equal to or above 70% provide better zootechnical indexes and financial gains in P. vannamei hatchery, even with a 50% reduction in the supply of artemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different proportions of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) silage (CPS) and intermittent water supply (IWS) to crossbreed goats' diets on carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. The IWS caused a reduction (p = 0.03) in the percentage of leg fat in the animals. The rib eye area, carcass weight, and physical–chemical characteristics were not affected (p > 0.05) by the CPS or IWS. The IWS reduced (p = 0.04) the elongase enzyme activity. The CPS inclusion in the diet reduced C22:0 (p = 0.01), some branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA), C20:1 (p = 0.03), c13-C18:1 (p = 0.01) fatty acids. Therefore, in situations of water scarcity, an intermittent water supply of up to 48 h and diets with up to 42% cactus pear silage, can be adopted in goat feedlot, without affecting carcass traits and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed meal (RSM) is an agro-industrial residue of increased functional biological value that contains high-quality proteins for animal feed. Due to the presence of antinutritional factors and immature development technology, RSM is currently used as a limited feed additive and in other relatively low-value applications. With increasing emphasis on green and sustainable industrial development and the added value of agro-industrial residues, considerable attention has been directed to the removal of antinutritional factors from RSM using high-efficiency, environment-friendly, and cost-effective biotechnology. Similarly, the high-value biotransformations of RSM have been the focus of research programmes to improve utilization rate. In this review, we introduce the sources, the nutrient and antinutrient content of RSM, and emphasize improvements on RSM feed quality using biological methods and its biotransformation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Recent state-of-the-art Face Detection algorithms in the field of Computer Vision focus greatly on real-time processing and results. The applications using these algorithms deal with low quality video feeds having less Pixels Per Inch (ppi) and/or low frame rate. The algorithms perform well with such video feeds, but their performance deteriorates towards high quality, high data-per-frame videos. Such video files mostly exist in offline mode, that could be used for post processing by the Computer Vision applications. This paper focuses on developing such an algorithm that gives faster results on high quality videos, at par with the algorithms working on live low quality video feeds. The proposed algorithm uses Convolutional-MTCNN as base algorithm, and speeds it up for high definition videos. This paper also presents a novel solution to the problem of occlusion and detecting partial or fully hidden faces in the videos. This is achieved by using probabilistic approaches, given that the face has been identified in first few frames, to give the algorithm an estimate of where the face should be in the occluded region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provided high product quality, ensilaging can be used to valorize fish filleting co-products into a silage suitable for food applications. However, a documented challenge for products from hemoglobin-rich fish raw materials is the high susceptibility to lipid oxidation, calling for stabilization by antioxidants. In a comparison among different rosemary-containing antioxidants and isoascorbic acid, we here found that the commercial mixture Duralox MANC-213 (MANC) provided the best protection against peroxide value and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) development during ensilaging of herring filleting co-products (0–7 days, 22 °C), and also during subsequent heat-treatment (30 min, 85 °C). Increasing MANC concentration from 0.25 and 0.75 to 1.25% lowered TBARS values from 43.53 and 25.12 to 18.04 µmole TBARS/Kg silage, respectively, after 7 days of ensilaging. During storage at 4 °C/22 °C in presence of MANC, 1.25% provided the highest protection with 87–90% and 66–73% lower TBARS, at 4 °C and 22 °C, respectively, at 6 months compared to the controls. At this time point, heat-treated silages had lower protein degree of hydrolysis and free amino acids values than the non-heat-treated one. Regardless of antioxidant addition, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) formation still increased during the storage, but, overall, TVB-N values in silages were below the acceptable limit of 30 mg TVB-N/100 g fish for human consumption. Together with lipid oxidation data, this suggest that herring silage produced in presence of antioxidants can be used both for high quality feed and food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The inclusion of insect protein into the food system has been proposed as a promising solution to ensure future food security and mitigate negative environmental impacts related to food production. However, the market volume for edible insects in Europe is still small; consequently, producers need a decision-support system to ensure the sustainable upscaling of the sector. The study analyzed environmental and economic impacts of insect production to identify the most eco-efficient production scenarios. Methods: A novel modular eco-efficiency assessment approach was developed to analyze the production of dried Hermetia illucens larvae. An exemplary, industrial-scale insect production system was disaggregated into a total of 29 module variants that can be combined into 4608 distinct production scenarios, which are characterized by different feeds, energy efficiencies, and processing technologies. Environmental life cycle and cost assessments were carried out for each module variant, and eco-efficiency assessment was used to jointly assess these two sustainability dimensions. Additionally, the influence of the insect feed on the production system performance and impact was investigated by employing feed-specific scaling factors. These were used to aggregate module results into production scenario results. Results and discussion: The most eco-efficient production scenarios include energy-efficient rearing facilities that rely on blanching and microwave drying for processing. The insect feed is the largest contributor to the environmental impacts and costs, but from an eco-efficiency standpoint, the choice of feed might not be crucial. Waste-type feeds (e.g., manure, fruit, and vegetable waste) have low environmental impacts and costs, but the production scenarios based on these feeds are less efficient. The low impacts of the feed are offset by higher impacts during the rearing and processing stages. Conversely, scenarios based on higher quality feeds (e.g., by-products like wheat middlings or distiller's grains) require less resources, but the initial feed impacts and costs are higher. Moreover, of the feed types studied, only highly processed ones, such as compound chicken feed, should be avoided for insect rearing. Conclusions: The developed modular assessment approach is efficient in assessing multiple potential insect production scenarios. It can be adapted to incorporate additional variations of the production system via additional modules. Limitations include the potential for redundant module combinations and the up-front time investment needed. Finally, the results are sensitive to methodological choices: thus, these should be carefully considered and communicated during the design of the modular assessment system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the nutritive value of the leaves harvested from Anagyris foetida in terms of chemical and mineral compositions and in vitro gas production. The effects of two sampling periods (March and June) and four treatments: P (control), PP (plant + polyethylene glycol), PC (plant + concentrate) and PPC (plant + polyethylene glycol + concentrate), were studied in 2 × 4 factorial design. The gas production was determined at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubations. The crude protein (CP) content of Anagyris foetida leaves significantly decreased in June (171.48–120.74 g/kg DM). The NDF concentration in March was 332.15 g/kg DM, while it was 371.79 g/kg DM in June. The highest ash content was determined in June. The condensed tannin (CT) concentration of Anagyris foetida leaves ranged between 16.06 to 18.78 g/kg DM. The P concentration significantly decreased (3.65–1.79 g/kg DM) in June, while the Mg concentration significantly increased (4.86–10.03 g/kg DM). The in vitro gas production did not change during the sampling periods. The in vitro gas production, however, was significantly affected by the treatments. The lowest gas production was obtained from P (control) during 96 h of incubation. In conclusion, Anagyris foetida had a poor feeding quality in June; therefore, this study suggests that Anagyris foetida shrub should be browsed or harvested in March. Concentrate feed, PEG or their mixture can be used to enhance rumen fermentation conditions during browsing of Anagyris foetida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry systems may alleviate challenges relating to soil degradation and low livestock production for smallholder farmers. Species-adjusted management regimes will determine how agroforestry fits in farming systems. Long-term productivity of biomass in agroforestry systems managed for fodder production requires tree species that coppice after repeated cutting. This study evaluated the effect of different cutting heights (0.3 and 1.0 m) and repeated harvests (1–5) on biomass production and chemical composition of the leguminous trees Acacia angustissima, Leucaena pallida and Mimosa scabrella in a field study on an Anthropic Ferralsol in Southern Rwanda. Shoot biomass production was highest at 0.3 m cutting height for A. angustissima and L. pallida, but M. scabrella could not survive that cutting height. Shoot biomass was highest for A. angustissima and lowest for M. scabrella, which did not adapt to repeated harvests. Leaf:stem ratio was not affected by cutting height. Cutting height did not affect crude protein (CP), but neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and total polyphenol (TP) concentrations were higher at 1.0 m cutting height than at 0.3 m. Crude protein was highest in A. angustissima and lowest in M. scabrella, while NDF and ADF were highest in M. scabrella. Although all species provided high feed quality in terms of high CP content at both cutting heights, low cutting height (0.3 m) is recommended for A. angustissima and L. pallida for higher overall quality and biomass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial sector dedicated to the production of olive oil produces every year significant amounts of by-products, a part of which is represented by leaves deriving from pruning. These by-products represent an economic and sustainable source of bioactive compounds credited of positive benefits for human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary olive oil (OL) supplementation of Saanen goats on chemical-nutritional composition and volatile fraction of ricotta cheese. Twenty six Saanen goats were randomly divided into two equal groups: one fed with a conventional diet (CG) and one fed with a diet enriched with olive leaves (EG). After thirty days of trial, the milk collected from the two groups was used to made ricotta cheese. Dietary OL supplementation improved the oxidative stability of ricotta cheese during storage time and provided an increase of unsaturated fatty acid as vaccenic acid, CLA, and linolenic acid, and a decrease of ω-6/ω-3 ratio. EG ricotta cheeses were also characterized by a higher content of polyphenol compounds and higher antioxidant capacity compared to CG ricotta cheeses. Finally, also the volatile profile resulted affected by the diet with a significant decrease of ketones. The obtained results suggested a positive role of OL in the production of functional foods, credited of high health value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of fish feed quality has gained increasing attention to alleviate the harmful environmental impacts induced by intensive aquaculture. In current research, we have conducted an incubator experiment to highlight the effect of fish feed quality on aquaculture water environment. Fish feed from three manufactures with two different dosages (0.1000 g, 0.2000 g) was added to the culture medium with and without Microcystis aeruginosa. Treatments with Microcystis aeruginosa were named as MHT, MHP and MZT; while the treatments without Microcystis aeruginosa named as HT, HP and ZT. Microcystis aeruginosa densities and nutrients concentrations were measured in the study. Results have shown that fish feed quality (manufactures) has a great effect on nutrients concentrations in the absence of Microcystis aeruginosa (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, fish feed can stimulate Microcystis aeruginosa growth that is also influenced by fish feed quality excluding lag phase (0~12 day) significantly in general (P < 0.05). The maximum Microcystis aeruginosa density (Nmax) is 1221.5, 984.5, 581.0, 2265.9, 2056.8 and 1766.6 1 × 104 cells mL−1 for MHT 0.1 g, MHP 0.1 g, MZT 0.1 g, MHT 0.2 g, MHP 0.2 g and MZT 0.2 g, respectively. In treatments with algae, fish feed quality affect total phosphorus (TP) concentrations (except the difference between MHT and MHP) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations significantly (P < 0.05). For most of consumed nutrients, the obvious differences among all treatments were observed excluding lag phase in general (P < 0.05), which suggest that the nutrient utilization is also dependent on fish feed quality. Keeping in mind the above facts it is concluded that fish feed quality is a key factor in impacting aquaculture water environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual Maillard reaction products (MRPs), namely furosine, which is formed from Amadori product of lysine during acid hydrolysis, as well as N-ε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), pyrraline and the arginine derivative MG-H1 (methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone 1) were quantified in 78 samples of animal feed, belonging to 17 different feed types. The concentrations of the MRPs were dependent on the heat treatment during processing. Within similar feed types, significant differences in concentrations could be observed. MRPs can be suitable indicators to evaluate the impact of technological processing on the nutritional quality of animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspects of institutional quality vary substantially across countries, but are quite persistent over time. Further, institutional quality is correlated with income inequality, even among democracies. To account for these regularities, we offer a model where individual attitudes, toward inequality or trust in government, feature in voters' preferences. The model displays path dependence, whereby inequality and institutional quality feed each other. It is suggested that this may explain the long shadow of historical legacies of postcolonial experiences. Simple correlations of reported attitudes using data from the World Values Surveys are consistent with the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing temperatures in aquatic ecosystems have resulted in changes in the proliferation patterns and persistence of cyanobacteria, particularly Microcystis sp.. In temperate lakes, large-sized herbivores such as Daphnia magna are used to control cyanobacterial blooms. The cladoceran, Simocephalus mixtus and the amphipod, Hyalella azteca are common in tropical and sub-tropical aquatic systems. Since both species are generalist feeders, we tested their ability to consume uni-cellular Microcystis sp. and Chlorella at different temperatures. Feeding rates and filtration rates at different temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C) were quantified on diets of Chlorella vulgaris and Microcystis sp.; each diet separately at different concentrations (0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 × 106 cell mL−1). Both the crustaceans were able to consume C. vulgaris and Microcystis sp. although at different rates depending on the food concentration and temperature. At 25 °C and a Microcystis sp. concentration of 2.0 × 106 cells mL−1, H. azteca fed up to 60 × 104 cells ind−1 h−1 of Microcystis sp. which was even greater than its feeding rate on C. vulgaris. Simocephalus was able to consume Microcystis sp. although at significantly lower rates as compared to C. vulgaris. Our experiments show that H. azteca can feed well on Microcystis sp.. Combined with control in fish predation pressure, both crustacean species could be used in top-down control, but further investigation on a large scale with these organisms is necessary to propose new alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was performed to evaluate the effect of high-fat diet (HF) as well as high-fat high-fructose diet (HFF) and uninephrectomy on level of kidney profile and lipid profile. The statistical results showed that serum uric acid, creatinine, cystatin C, NLRP3, urine microalbumin, and creatinine were enhanced where glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was reduced in HFF than HF group compared to (low-fat) LF group. After dietary intervention, renal fibrosis, nephropathy, albuminuria, oxidative stress, and nephropathy occurred. These cases were more severed in uninephrectomized HFF followed by HF. In conclusion, HF- or HFF-induced kidney damage is enhanced further more with uninephrectomy and is linked with abnormalities in renal tissue. Progressive renal insufficiency and glomerulosclerosis had been observed in obese animals without uninephrectomy Therefore, renal damage because of obesity-related hyperfiltration is especially severe with uninephrectomy. More studies needed to study the effect of these diets on other metabolic organs in genetic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work deals with the effect of thermal feed quality on the performance of a divided wall distillation column (DWC). The thermal condition of the feed alters the pressure profile across the two sides of the dividing wall, thereby affecting not only the mass transfer characteristics but also the hydrodynamics of a DWC. It was observed that the natural (feasible) vapor split ratio does not depend on the liquid split ratio and the reflux flow rate when the feed is saturated liquid or sub-cooled liquid (q ≥ 1). However, for q < 1, that is, for two phase (vapor-liquid), saturated vapor, or superheated vapor feed, the liquid split ratio and the reflux flow rate have profound effect on the feasible vapor split ratio, and the pressure profiles are altered significantly. For the stable operation of a DWC, the feed should be either saturated liquid or sub-cooled liquid or the feed quality may be manipulated to adjust the vapor split ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium mycotoxins are nature environmental contaminants worldwide in animal feed and human food resulting in a serious health risk. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential role of organo-modified nano-montmorillonite (OMNM) against the health risk and the oxidative stress resulted from the exposure of fumonisin (FB) and zearalenone (ZEN) individually and in combination in rats. Eight groups of female Sprague Dawley rats were treated orally for 3 weeks including the control group, FB alone-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w.), ZEN alone-treated group (40 μg/kg b.w), FB plus ZEN-treated group, the group fed basal diet supplemented with OMNM (5 g/kg diet), and the groups fed basal diet supplemented with OMNM and treated with FB and/or ZEN. At the end of the experimental period, samples of blood and tissues were collected for different biochemical and histological analyses. The results revealed that administration of FB and/or ZEN resulted in significant disturbances in the biochemical parameters tested, lipid profiles, serum cytokines, oxidative stress indices, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and the histological status of the liver and kidney. Co-administration of both mycotoxins indicated a synergistic effect. OMNM alone was safe and succeeded to reduce and/or prevent most of the toxicity of both mycotoxins. It could be concluded that OMNM is a novel and promising nanograde adsorbent suitable for the protection against the combined exposure to FB and ZEN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European agricultural policy increasingly focuses on environmental friendly cropping systems. Intercropping of maize ( Zea mays L.) and common beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has been suggested as an alternative cropping system with environmental benefits. The aim of this study was to assess methane yield potential of mixed silages. Based on material from two field experiments at three sites in Germany, mixed silages were produced with proportions of individual components varying from 0 to 100 % of fresh matter in increments of 12.5 %. Chemical parameters (neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (XP), starch, sugar, and crude fat) were determined, and batch tests were performed to measure methane yield potential from silages. With increasing bean proportion, concentrations of XP increased while NDF, methane yield, and methane content decreased. While methane yield showed a negative relationship with XP content ( R = 0.56***), a positive relation was found with NDF ( R = 0.55***). The reduction of methane yield of circa 1 L of methane per each additional bean percentage in the silages could not be explained by the chemical parameters of the silages. It is hypothesized that other chemical compounds, such as lectins, which were not determined in the present study, may have influenced methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Soil incorporation of charcoal (biochar) has been suggested as practice to sequester carbon, improve soil properties and crop yields but most studies have been done in the short term. Old anthropogenic charcoal-rich soils in the Alps enable to explore the long-term impact of charcoal addition to alpine grassland on seed germination, fertility and fodder nutritive value. Methods: A germination test and a growth experiment in pots with Festuca nigrescens Lam. and Trifolium pratense L. were performed using three different substrates: control soil (i.e. sandy-loam brown acid soils with some podsolization), charcoal hearth soil (i.e. charcoal-enriched anthropogenic soils derived from the carbonization of larch wood on flat terraces) and control soil mixed with a fraction of fresh larch wood charcoal to reach the soil-charcoal ratio of 0.6. Results: Both aged and fresh charcoal improved germination and markedly increased plant growth of the two plant species. The addition of fresh charcoal had an initial detrimental effect that disappeared in the second and third growth cycles. Plant Nitrogen:Phosphorus ratio revealed that growth was N-limited in the anthropogenic soils and P-limited in the control and freshly amended soils demonstrating that biochar aging is critical to obtain a significant growth stimulation. Plant nutrient contents revealed an improved fodder quality in both the charcoal amended soils. Conclusions: Despite the occurrence of limited toxic effects on seedlings, larch wood charcoal appears to have positive effects on fertility and fodder quality of alpine grasslands in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed and manure composition and qualities in an organic and conventional dairy farm network in Germany (22 farm pairs) were analysed. Related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from enteric fermentation and from animal excretions were calculated by using two methods each. Feeding and feedstuff quality were farm specific. On average, organic dairy cows received significantly less concentrates, maize silage and straw and significantly more pasture and hay than conventional dairy cows. No differences were found for feeding grass silage. Results for methane (CH) emissions from enteric fermentation depended strongly on the calculation methodology. They were higher when feed quality was considered as an input parameter (average GHG emissions 3822 and 3759 kg CO-eq. cow a on organic and conventional farms) as opposed to when only feed intake was considered (2852 and 3112 kg CO-eq. cow a). Differences between the methods were particularly prominent when high amounts of fibre-rich feedstuff were used and, with regard to product-related emissions, at lower milk yields. GHG emissions from manure are also directly connected with feed intake and quality. Manure qualities and storage conditions on the farms were highly variable. On average, the related GHG emission potential was similar in liquid and solid manures (32 kg CO-eq. t fresh matter). Since feed quality management on farms influences milk yield, enteric CH emissions and manure composition, it should be part of advisory concepts that aim at reducing GHG emissions in milk production. Technical changes in manure storage and handling offer an additional GHG reduction potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the dietary isoleucine requirement of fingerling catla, Catla catla (4.25 ± 0.15 cm, 0.61 ± 0.04 g), six isonitrogenous (33.0 % crude protein) and isocaloric (13.7 kJ/g digestible energy) amino acid test diets containing casein, gelatin and l-crystalline amino acids with graded levels of isoleucine (0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5 and 1.75 % of the dry diet) were prepared. Triplicate groups of fish were randomly stocked in eighteen 70-l indoor polyvinyl circular troughs at a density of 25 fingerling per trough provided with a water flow-through system (1-1.5 l min). The experimental diets were fed to fish to apparent satiation at 08:00, 12:30 and 17:30 h for 12 weeks. Growth of the fish was found to increase with the incremental levels of dietary isoleucine up to 1.25 % of the dry diet. Quadratic regression analysis at 95 % maximum response of absolute weight gain (6.18 g fish), protein productive value (0.32), isoleucine retention efficiency (71.91 g fish), RNA/DNA ratio (4.81) and carcass protein (15.7 %) yielded the optimum isoleucine requirement in the range of 1.13-1.18 % of the dry diet, corresponding to 3.42-3.58 % of dietary protein. Data generated in this experiment would be useful to formulate isoleucine-balanced, cost-effective quality feeds for fingerling catla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty weeks forage re-growth from 20 multipurpose trees and shrubs (MPTS) species ( Albizia ferruginea, Albizia gummifera, Albizia niopoides, Berlinia grandiflora, Bauhimia monandra, Dialium guineense, Dalbergia sissoo, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Leucaena leucocephala, Lonchocarpus sericeus, Milletia griffoneanus, Milletia thoningii, Napoliana imperialis, Parkia bicolor, Pterocarpus santalinoides, Senna spectabilis, Treculia africana, Terminalia superba, Tetrapluera tetraptera and Xylia xylocarpa) were investigated for their feed value. The MPTS were grown on an ultisol in southeastern Nigeria and were subjected to proximate analyses, nylon bag degradability studies and cluster analysis. Among species, crude protein (CP) ranged from 104 g kg DM in P. bicolor to 205 g kg DM in A. gummifera, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ranged from 498 g kg DM in L. leucocephala to 771 g kg DM in L. sericeus, acid detergent fibre (ADF) ranged from 303 g kg DM in T. superba to 661 g kg DM in L. sericeus, acid detergent lignin (ADL) ranged from 75 g kg DM in T. superba to 305 g kg DM in L. sericeus. Also, ADF-ash ranged from 0.78 g kg DM in E. cyclocarpum to 15.58 g kg DM in D. guineense. Except E. cyclocarpum and S. spectabilis, the remaining 18 MPTS studied had effective degradabilities (ED) less than 500 g kg DM effective degradability. Eight MPTS ( A. ferruginea, A. niopoides, B. monandra, D. sissoo, E. cyclocarpum, L. leucocephala, S. spectabilis, T. superba) were classified as high quality, another eight ( A. gummifera, B. grandiflora, L. sericeus, N. imperialis, P. bicolor, P. santalinoides, T. tetraptera and X. xylocarpa) as medium quality while, the remaining four ( D. guineensis, M. griffoneanus, M. thoningii, T. africana) fell into the low quality class based on their nutrient composition and ruminal DM degradability. The results indicate that most of the MPTS could be used as good quality feed for small ruminants in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mixed crop-livestock systems, while general relation among feed quality, productivity and soil nutrient management have been reported, information on the effects of extractable soil nutrients on crop residue (CR) feed quality traits is scarce (e.g. in semiarid regions of Karnataka, India). In view of the increasingly important role of CR as feed components, in these farming systems, generating such information is a relevant research issue for sustainable development. Here, we report the occurrence and strength of relationships among extractable nutrients in soils and CR feed quality traits, and the effects of improved nutrients input on feed availability and feed quality of CR. Soil samples were collected from farmers' fields in the semiarid zone of Karnataka and analyzed for available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) using standard laboratory methods. Soil test results were clustered as low, medium or high based on the level of nutrient concentration. Four major farming systems involving nine crops and 419 farms were selected for on-farm trials. Under every sample farm, a plot with farmer's practice (control) and improved fertilizer inputs (combined application of nutrients found deficient by soil testing) were laid. Performance of crops was recorded. Samples were collected for CR feed quality trait analysis using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy. The result showed that for cereal and oil crops, extractable soil S was significantly negatively associated with anti-feed quality traits such as neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) ( P < 0.01), but significantly positively related to metabolizable energy (ME) and in vitro digestibility ( P < 0.01). Extractable B and K levels were associated positively and significantly with NDF, ADF and ADL for oil crops and cereals. Crop level associations, for most crops, showed similar trend. Improved fertilizer inputs affected CR yield much more than it did the quality. It increased ME productivity (ME ha) and thereof the potential milk yield ha by as high as 40 % over the control. Therefore, balanced nutrient inputs on crop land positively impact productivity of the livestock compartment of mixed crop-livestock farming system, and this knowledge can build on the currently perceived need and benefits of balanced nutrient replenishment in crop-livestock system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soil to plant transfer models (SPT) are needed to predict levels of potentially toxic elements (PTE's) in crops in view of risk assessment. Methods: Here we developed a field study to test the suitability of empirical SPT models based on the reactive soil content in combination with soil properties versus a 0.01 M CaCl extraction to predict levels of metals and metalloids in ryegrass ( Lolium perenne). Results: Both empirical SPT models and the 0.01 M CaCl extraction explained between 14 and 68 % of the variation of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, Hg, As, Co and Ba in the ryegrass. Organic carbon and pH were the main variables explaining levels of elements in ryegrass. For Hg and Pb, amorphous aluminium oxides (Al) played a significant role. For B, Cr, Mo, Ni, Sb and U no significant relationship could be derived. Conclusions: Despite a range in the predictive quality of empirical SPT models reasonable to good estimates of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn in ryegrass could be obtained. The main advantage of SPT models is that they allow to account for differences in the availability of PTE's. Ultimately either SPT's or fixed crop levels can be the basis of a more realistic risk assessment framework addressing the transfer of contaminants from soil into the food chain [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was performed to investigate the value of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) as an alternate method to analytical techniques for identifying QTL associated with feed quality traits. Milled samples from an F6-derived recombinant inbred Tallon/Scarlett population were incubated in the rumen of fistulated cattle, recovered, washed and dried to determine the in-situ dry matter digestibility (DMD). Both pre- and post-digestion samples were analysed using NIRS to quantify key quality components relating to acid detergent fibre, starch and protein. This phenotypic data was used to identify trait associated QTL and compare them to previously identified QTL. Though a number of genetic correlations were identified between the phenotypic data sets, the only correlation of most interest was between DMD and starch digested ( r = −0.382). The significance of this genetic correlation was that the NIRS data set identified a putative QTL on chromosomes 7H (LOD = 3.3) associated with starch digested. A QTL for DMD occurred in the same region of chromosome 7H, with flanking markers fAG/CAT63 and bPb-0758. The significant correlation and identification of this putative QTL, highlights the potential of technologies like NIRS in QTL analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on detecting the persistent organic pollutants (POP), particularly selected polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and dioxin-like (DL) polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in food and animal feeds. Aside from regulating dioxin and DL PCB levels, performance-based measurement system (PBMS) and response-binding assay (RBA) are used in detecting levels of POP. The cost of RBA and gas chromatography coupled to sector high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) is assessed.

Barley ( Hordeum vulgare) is a major feed source for the intensive livestock industry. Competitiveness against other cereal grains depends largely on the price per unit of expressed feed quality. The traits which contribute to feed quality in barley are largely quantitative in nature but little is known about their genetic control. A study to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with feed quality was performed using a F6-derived recombinant inbred barley population. Samples from each line were incubated in the rumen of fistulated cattle, recovered, washed and dried for determination of in situ dry matter digestibility. Additionally, both pre- and post-digestion samples were analysed to quantify the content of key quality components relating to acid detergent fibre, total starch and protein. The data was used to identify trait-associated QTLs. Genetic analysis identified significant QTLs on chromosomes 2H, 5H and 7H. Genetic markers linked to these QTL should provide an effective tool for the selection and improvement of feed barley in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible and short-wave near-infrared spectroscopy (Vis/SW-NIRS) was investigated in this study to distinguish four different brands of granular and ground fish feeds. A total of 240 samples were prepared for spectra collecting from a field spectroradiometer (325-1,075 nm), 160 of which were randomly selected to create the calibration model, and the rest 80 ones to verify the model. Three types of pretreatments including standard normal variate (SNV), multiplicative scattering correction (MSC), and Savitzky-Golay smoothing were adopted to eliminate the system noises and external disturbances. Then partial least squares analysis was implemented for calibration models. For granular samples, the discrimination ability of SNV and MSC was better than smoothing. However, for ground samples, the recognition ability of smoothing surpassed SNV and MSC. Moreover, for threshold values of ±0.1 and ±0.2, the average discrimination accuracy rates were 85.8% and 97.5%, respectively, for four granular samples and 95.4% and 100%, respectively, for ground samples, which signified the better discrimination performances of ground samples than granular ones. The results indicated that Vis/SW-NIRS technique could be promising to be applied as a rapid and highly accurate way for the qualitative discrimination of fish feeds brands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley forage quality has a direct relationship to animal performance, but forage quality traits are often neglected or not accessible to the plant breeders. Doubled haploid lines (145) from the cross Steptoe × Morex were grown in 2 years of trails under irrigated conditions to evaluate the variation in forage quality characteristics, identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for these traits and determine if variation in forage quality characteristics among barley lines is heritable. Forage quality traits were determined at plant anthesis and at peak forage yield stages. A total of 32 QTL were identified that conditioned forage traits at anthesis stage, and 10 QTLs were identified at peak forage yield. At anthesis, forage traits were highly to moderate heritablely, while at peak forage yield, all traits were weakly heritable, indicating that selection progress for these traits will be effective at early stages of maturity. This research has identified and mapped QTL for barley forage quality and will allow deployment of genes for improved forage quality via marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers in developing countries cannot afford inorganic fertilizers. Multipurpose tree leaves or livestock manure are major sources of nutrients for soil fertility replenishment. Nutrient release from these organic inputs depends on their chemical composition and on soil properties. This study determined the chemical composition of leaves of four African browse species and manure from goats fed leaves as protein supplements, and their mineralization of C, N and P. Cumulative evolved CO2 was significantly correlated with the initial N content of the organic inputs ( r 0.83, P<0.05) and the C : N ratio ( r 0.80, P<0.05), and was negatively correlated with the lignin : N ratio ( r–0.71, P<0.05). Cumulative P released was negatively correlated with the C : P ratio ( r 0.76, P<0.05) and positively correlated with initial P content of the organic amendments ( r 0.76, P<0.05). Cumulative N mineralized was not significantly correlated with initial N, lignin or P concentrations of the organic inputs. Leaves from Acacia karro and Acacia nilotica had high concentrations of polyphenols, which may have caused immobilization of N in both leaves and manure. Gliricidia sepium leaves had low amounts of soluble polyphenols, a high N content and a high rate of N mineralization, but the manure from goats fed Gliricidia leaves immobilized N. The leaves of all browse species immobilized P, but the manure released P. The results suggested that some browse leaves cannot meet the N and P requirements of crops due to their low P content and prolonged N and P immobilization. However, the manures had higher P contents and rates of P mineralization, which suggested that manure is a good source of P for crops. The implications of these results for nutrient cycling in mixed farming systems is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although not essential to most plant species, silica plays an important role in the protection of plants against different types of stress. In monocots, the main role of silica is protection against herbivores. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood yet, it is clear that silica discourages the grazing of herbivores. Hence, high silica concentrations are unwanted in forage crops and grasses that are grown as a feed for ruminants. In this paper, we explored the possibilities to select forage grasses with a low silica concentration. In a yield trial comparing five forage grass species under cutting management, we found the highest and lowest silica concentrations respectively in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) (0.7% averaged over all cuts) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) (0.35% averaged over all cuts). We found a negative effect of the silica concentration on digestibility of the organic mass (DOM). This effect was particularly strong in the first cut: − 4.9% points DOM per 0.1% points in silica concentration. In a screening of tall fescue nurseries for silica concentration, a range between 0.05% and 1.57% was found and there was a weak negative correlation between DOM and silica concentration. Based on a progeny test, a narrow sense heritability for silica concentration of 0.78 was calculated. Given the presence of both variation and a high heritability, selection for lower silica concentrations in tall fescue is promising. The simultaneous selection for DOM and low silica content offers good perspectives to improve the feeding quality of tall fescue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]