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Genetic trends for Jersey dairy cattle in Zimbabwe were estimated. A total of 10,986 lactation records were obtained from Zimbabwe Livestock Identification Trust, with cows calving in the period 1996 to 2008. An ASReml program fitting an animal model was used for the analyses. The animal model that was used included overall mean, herd-year-season, previous calving interval, and days dry as fixed effects while linear and quadratic regression coefficients of age at calving as covariates. Random effects were cow, permanent environmental effects, and residual error. The pedigree file included 1,228 animals born from 1994 to 2005. The traits studied were milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, fat percent, protein percent, and LogSCC. Results indicated that milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield increased genetically ( P < 0.0001) on average by 1.420, 0.160, and 0.164 kg per year, respectively. Fat percent, protein percent, and LogSCC declined over the past 12 years ( P < 0.0001) at the rate of −0.021, −0.015, and −0.0002 per year, respectively. This was due to the negative correlation between milk composition and milk yield. The results implies that the selection applied in the last decade has achieved genetic progress and that there is genetic variance for continued improvement and for setting up an effective dairy breeding program in Zimbabwean Jersey herds for milk, fat, and protein production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the recent years' increase in herd size, the awareness of a group of cows with a generally lowered health and production level, the “loser cows,” has arisen in Denmark. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic correlations between the loser cow score, 305d protein yield and realized productive life (RPL) and inbreeding depression for the loser cow score. Estimation of genetic correlations and inbreeding depression was performed on 2644 first-lactation cows and 4914 multiple-lactation cows, respectively. We found no significant genetic correlation between the loser cow score and the inbreeding level or between the loser cow score and protein yield. However, the loser cow score was favorably correlated with RPL (−0.53). This implies that the prevalence of loser cows is neither a result of inbreeding depression nor an undesirable side effect of selecting for increased production. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has many advantages compared with traditional systems for the molecular farming of recombinant proteins. These include low production costs, rapid scalability at pilot level, absence of human pathogens and the ability to fold and assemble complex proteins accurately. Currently, the successful expression of several proteins with pharmaceutical relevance has been reported from the nuclear and the chloroplastic genome of this alga, demonstrating its usefulness for biotechnological applications. However, several factors affect the level of recombinant protein expression in Chlamydomonas such as enhancer elements, codon dependency, sensitivity to proteases and transformation-associated genotypic modification. The present review outlines a number of strategies to increase protein yields and summarizes recent achievements in algal protein production including biopharmaceuticals such as vaccines, antibodies, hormones and enzymes with implications on health-related approaches. The current status of bioreactor developments for algal culture and the challenges of scale-up and optimization processes are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under corn/soybean relay - strip - cropping systems, using 3 corn cultivars of different types (compact - type, semi - compact - type, flat - type) and 6 soybean cultivars (Gongdou 210, Zhechun 3, Xidou 3, Ledou 1, Gongxuan 1 and Nandou 02 -4) of different maturity groups, a two factor split block design experiment was carried out to study the effect of corn plant type on soybean nitrogen accumulation, translocation and seed protein yield. Results showed that aerial part of late - maturing soybean cultivars had the highest nitrogen accumulation a- mount (NAA) in different growth stages and different organs, which was 121.09% and 165. 33% more than those of early - and mid - maturing groups. The nitrogen accumulation rate (NAR) , effective pod number, seed yield and protein content of late - maturing soybean were 3. 78kg/hm2 ⋅ d, 60. 27 pod, 3 840. 22kg/hm2 and 48. 71% respectively, and they were significantly higher than that of other two soybean groups. NAA, NAR, translocation a- mount and effective pod number of all soybean tested decreased with the expansion of corn, i. e. from compact - type to flat - type. The highest seed and protein yield of soybean under compact - type corn shade were 2 609. 10kg/hm2 and 1 203. 83 kg/hm2. Corn type and soybean cultivar showed significant interaction in effective pod number, seed number per pod, seed yield and protein yield. Among them, protein yield was closely related to seed yield. Results indicated that combination of late - maturing soybean and compact - type corn could get maximize soybean seed yield as well as protein yield under relay - strip - cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data used in the present study included 1,095,980 first-lactation test-day records for protein yield of 154,880 Holstein cows housed on 196 large-scale dairy farms in Germany. Data were recorded between 2002 and 2009 and merged with meteorological data from public weather stations. The maximum distance between each farm and its corresponding weather station was 50 km. Hourly temperature-humidity indexes (THI) were calculated using the mean of hourly measurements of dry bulb temperature and relative humidity. On the phenotypic scale, an increase in THI was generally associated with a decrease in daily protein yield. For genetic analyses, a random regression model was applied using time-dependent (d in milk, DIM) and THI-dependent covariates. Additive genetic and permanent environmental effects were fitted with this random regression model and Legendre polynomials of order 3 for DIM and THI. In addition, the fixed curve was modeled with Legendre polynomials of order 3. Heterogeneous residuals were fitted by dividing DIM into 5 classes, and by dividing THI into 4 classes, resulting in 20 different classes. Additive genetic variances for daily protein yield decreased with increasing degrees of heat stress and were lowest at the beginning of lactation and at extreme THI. Due to higher additive genetic variances, slightly higher permanent environment variances, and similar residual variances, heritabilities were highest for low THI in combination with DIM at the end of lactation. Genetic correlations among individual values for THI were generally >0.90. These trends from the complex random regression model were verified by applying relatively simple bivariate animal models for protein yield measured in 2 THI environments; that is, defining a THI value of 60 as a threshold. These high correlations indicate the absence of any substantial genotype x environment interaction for protein yield. However, heritabilities and additive genetic variances from the random regression model tended to be slightly higher in the THI range corresponding to cows' comfort zone. Selecting such superior environments for progeny testing can contribute to an accurate genetic differentiation among selection candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Field experiments were conducted at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India for three years from 2001-2002 to 2003-2004 to study the relative efficiency of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and mussoorie rock phosphate (MRP) in a rice-potato-mungbean cropping system. Phosphorus application significantly increased productivity, protein yield and energy output of rice-potato-mungbean cropping system and resulted in an increase in 0.5 M sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) extractable phosphorus (P) content in soil. The MRP at 35 kg P ha-1 was at par with 17.5 kg P ha-1 as DAP in terms of productivity, protein yield, and energy output but significantly superior in terms of PSB population in soil. Phosphorus balance (application - crop removal) was generally more positive for MRP than DAP and the highest with an application of 52.5 kg P ha-1 as MRP. Present study indicates that P requirement of a rice-potato-mungbean cropping system can be met with 76-79% higher dose of MRP as compared to DAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranth grains (Amaranthus cruentus) were air-dried at 40, 70 and 100 °C and a moisture range from 29.5 to 10.2, dry basis (d.b.). Dried grains were wet-milled at 53.9°C in the presence of SO2 aqueous solution in order to obtain fractions of starch, protein and fiber. Effect of drying temperature and SO2 concentration (0.01 - 0.05 w/v %) on fraction yields and protein content of starch were investigated using response surface method (RSM). A factorial design including triplicate of central point was performed. Starch and protein yields decreased as drying temperature increased while fiber yield and protein content in starch fraction shown the opposite behaviour. Protein yield and protein in starch fraction were affected negatively by SO2 concentration. Interaction among studied factors was only appreciable in fiber yield where a synergic effect was observed. The optimum conditions required to maximize starch together with the minimization of protein content in starch fraction included drying temperature of 40±C with amaranth soaking using 0.05 w/v % of SO2. These pr°Cess conditions lead to 35.1 ± 1.4% of starch yield with a protein content of 1.93 ± 0.015%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This research focused on the use of high-power ultrasound prior to soy protein extraction to simultaneously enhance protein and sugar release in the extract. Defatted soy flakes dispersed in water were sonicated for 15, 30, 60 and 120s using a bench-scale ultrasound unit. The ultrasonic amplitudes used were: 0, 21, 42, 63 and 84μmpp (peak-to-peak). The respective power densities were 0.30, 0.87, 1.53 and 2.56W/ml. Scanning electron micrographs of sonicated samples showed the structural disruption of soy flakes. The particle size decreased nearly 10-fold following ultrasonic treatment at high amplitudes. Sonication at high amplitude for 120s gave the highest increase in total sugar released (50%) and protein yield (46%) when compared with non-sonicated samples (control). Ultrasonic pretreatment was also carried out with and without cooling for temperature moderation. The heat generated during sonication had no significant effect on protein and sugar release from defatted soy flakes. The use of ultrasound can significantly improve protein yield and reduce the overall cost of producing soy protein from flakes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Membrane proteins account for 70-80% of all pharmaceutical targets emphasizing their clinical relevance. Identification of new, differentially expressed membrane proteins reflecting distinct disease properties is thus of high importance. Unfortunately, isolation and analysis of membrane-bound proteins is hampered by their relative low abundance in total cell lysates, their frequently large size and their hydrophobic properties. We thus aimed to identify protocols that allow for highly efficient isolation and purification of membrane-bound proteins for subsequent protein profiling. We present a comparative study of different membrane protein extraction methods that vary in total protein yield between 0.02 and 4.8 mg using constant cell pellets of the colorectal carcinoma cell line SW620. We also demonstrate by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analysis that the majority of commercial membrane extraction kits harbor a substantial cytosolic contamination of their membranous fraction. Based on purity of membranous fraction, protein yield, time and costs, we show superiority of two commercial extraction kits for downstream proteome analyses of membrane proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative trait loci affecting clinical mastitis were detected and fine mapped to a narrow region on bovine chromosome 6 in the Norwegian Red cattle population. The region includes the casein gene cluster and several candidate genes thought to influence clinical mastitis. The most significant results were found for SNPs within the Mucin 7 gene. This gene encodes an antimicrobial peptide and constitutes part of the first line of defence for the mucosal immune system. Detection of long haplotypes extending several Mb may indicate that artificial selection has influenced the haplotype structures in the region. A search for selection sweeps supports this observation and coincides with association results found both by single SNP and haplotype analyses. Our analyses identified haplotypes carrying quantitative trait loci alleles associated with high protein yield and simultaneously fewer incidences of clinical mastitis. The fact that such haplotypes are found in relative high frequencies in Norwegian Red may reflect the combined breeding goal that is characterized by selection for both milk production and disease resistance. The identification of these haplotypes raises the possibility of overcoming the unfavourable genetic correlation between these traits through haplotype-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study was carried out at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, for three crop years (2000-2001 to 2003-2004) to find out the effect of cropping systems on the production and chemical and biological properties of soil. Rice-potato-mungbean cropping system gave 59-89% higher productivity, 30-46% higher protein yield, 18-38% higher energy output and resulted in 7-16% higher available P, 60% higher fungi population, 15% higher actinomycetes population, 14% higher microbial biomass and 3% higher CO2 evolution in soil than rice-wheat cropping system. Rice-rapeseed-mungbean cropping system also gave 12-15% higher productivity, 19-26% higher protein yield and resulted in 11-18% higher available P, 65% higher fungi population, 22% higher actinomycetes population, 12% higher microbial biomass and 2% higher CO2 evolution in soil than rice-wheat cropping system. However, the rice-potato-mungbean cropping system was significantly superior to the rice-rapeseed-mungbean cropping system in productivity, protein yield and energy output and thus recommended as in alternative to rice-wheat cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction effects of supplemental irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on grain protein yield, protein content and nitrogen use efficiency of rainfed wheat. An experiment was laid out in complete randomized two-factorial split-strip block design with supplemental irrigation (SLIR) treatments as without irrigation (Io), 30 mm irrigation water (IW) at the flowering stage (I1), 25 mm IW at the grain filling stage (I2) and 55 mm IW at the flowering (FS) and grain filling stage (I3) and nitrogen application (N) treatments as without nitrogen fertilization (N0), net nitrogen as 30 (N1), 60 (N2) and 90 (N3) kg ha-1. All treatments received 326 mm precipitation during growing season. Results revealed that GPC will be increased with increasing N; and decreasing received water at the FS and grain filling stages (GFS). The highest and lowest GPC were 13.3 and 12.0% achieved from plots with I0N3 and I3N0 treatments. SLIR at GFS and FS + GFS produced the highest nitrogen use efficiency of 33.9 kg grain (kg nitrogen)-1 in the plots with N1I2 and N1I3 treatments. The protein yield (PY) increased with increasing in nitrogen application rates. The highest PY (701 kg ha-1) produced by nitrogen rate of 90 kg ha-1. Single irrigation at the GFS increased PY as 27% relative to rainfed production. The influence N and received water on GPC and PY were described by regression models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simplified, ploughless tillage and multi-species, multifunctional crop production are important components of sustainable agriculture. Technologies that combine these components can play an even greater pro-ecological role in modern agriculture. The claim is made that row intercropping of spring barley and peas, along with strip tillage, is an alternative to traditional methods of sowing cereals and legumes. This hypothesis was verified in a three-year field experiment in which row intercropping of barley and peas (alternating every row) was compared with traditional mixed-crop, within-row cropping (plants of each species in each row) and pure sowing of each species. Row intercropping of barley and peas using strip-till, one-pass technology, as compared with mixed-crop, within-row, improved the uniformity of plant emergence and plant density of peas before harvesting and reduced weed infestation. The productivity of barley and peas was higher than with pure sowing by 8.5% and 10.2%, respectively, and the productivity of peas was also higher by 38.9% than when sowing in mixed-crop, within-row. The yield of barley grain/seeds and peas under row-intercropping was 1.75 t ha−1 higher than the yield of pea seeds with pure sowing, and 0.79 t ha−1 lower than the yield of barley in pure sowing. On the other hand, the yield of grain/seed protein under this mixture was similar to the pea protein yield with pure sowing and 109 kg ha−1 higher than the barley protein yield with pure sowing. The positive results should inspire further research to obtain a better understanding of the conditions and effects of growing grains with legumes with strip-till one-pass technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic parameters for somatic cell score (SCS) in the Italian Holstein-Friesian population were estimated addressing the pattern of genetic correlation with protein yield in different parities (first, second, and third) and on different days in milk within each parity. Three approaches for parameter estimation were applied using random samples of herds from the national database of the Italian Holstein Association. Genetic correlations for lactation measures (305-d protein yield and lactation SCS) were positive in the first parity (0.31) and close to zero in the second (0.01) and third (0.09) parities. These results indicated that larger values of SCS were genetically associated with increased production. The second and third sets of estimates were based on random regression test-day models, modeling the shape of lactation curve with the Wilmink function and fourth-order Legendre polynomials, respectively. Genetic correlations from both random regression models showed a specific pattern associated with days in milk within and across parities. Estimates varied from positive to negative in the first and second parity, and from null to negative in the third parity. Patterns were similar for both random regression models. The average overall correlation between SCS and protein yield was zero or slightly positive in the first lactation and ranged from zero to negative in later lactations. Correlation estimates differed by parity and stage of lactation. They also demonstrated the dubiousness of applying a single genetic correlation measure between SCS and protein in setting selection strategies. Differences in magnitude and the sign of genetic correlations between SCS and yields across and within parities should be accounted for in selection schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three browse species, Afzelia africana Sm., Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss., and Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. were investigated as agroforestry system components in a subhumid zone of West Africa. The foliation, flowering and fruiting of ten trees per species were recorded every 15 days for 2 years. The total foliage biomass at maximum availability was determined by complete pruning of 75 trees. The chemical composition of the foliage and the proportion of trees pruned on the pasture were determined. The phenological phases of the species began in the dry season and ended at the end of the rainy season. Afzelia africana and Pterocarpus erinaceus were totally defoliated during 2-6 weeks while K. senegalensis replaced the foliage progressively and earlier. The crude protein content was significantly different (123 g, 102 g and 92 g kg-1 dry matter (DM) for Afzelia africana, Pterocarpus erinaceus and K. senegalensis, respectively). The foliage biomass per tree of K. senegalensis, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Afzelia africana differed significantly (41 kg, 30 kg and 21 kg DM ha-1, respectively) while Pterocarpus erinaceus had the highest available foliage biomass per ha. The trees of Afzelia africana were intensively pruned. There was a significant relationship found between foliage biomass and circumference of the crown for Afzelia africana (R2 = 82%) and Pterocarpus erinaceus (R2 = 81%). Relationships were also found between circumference of the branches and foliage biomass. In conclusion, the trees are important potential fodder and nitrogen sources for animals in the agrosilvopastoral system and the phenological differences make the fodder available during a long period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Combining two or more treatments within an integrated weed control strategy can provide benefits to crops. While several studies have examined Cirsium arvense L. Scop control in pastures, few have assessed corresponding aggregate forage responses. These responses include the tradeoff of improved grass yield due to weed reduction combined with the potential loss of desirable forbs. We evaluated the 3-year response in pasture forage yield and quality in central Alberta, Canada, to one-time mowing or herbicides (2,4-D ester, 2,4-D+mecoprop+dicamba, clopyralid, or picloram+2,4-D) applied at the early bud stage of C. arvense growth, both with and without annual spring fertilization, at 4 locations. Forage (grass and non-thistle forb) dry matter yield and quality (crude protein concentration and yield, phosphorus, and acid detergent fiber) were determined. Herbicide treatment increased grass yields during the second year in response to reduced weed competition, with these increases consistent in relative magnitude regardless of fertilization. In contrast, herbicides reduced non-thistle forbs, including legumes. Where herbicides were combined with fertilization, grass yield and quality increased, but was partly offset by a decline in forb yield and associated quality. When combined with fertilization, picloram+2,4-D at 0.24+0.89kga.i.ha−1 nearly eliminated legumes by the second year. While the loss of desirable forbs is likely to be offset by improved grass yields following weed control in forage swards containing only a minor forb component, this was less likely in swards containing abundant forbs. In this latter situation, alternative weed control strategies may be necessary to maintain forage yield and quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The formation of yield in two different combinations: vetch with wheat or oats, and the effect of vetch on yield potential of cereals has been investigated in Estonian field experiments over three years. We found that the inclusion of vetch seed in cereal seed and increase of its seed density led to considerable decrease in the yield of the cereal component (R=0.980-0.998). The adverse effect of vetch on cereal yield led to a reduction in wheat yield by up to 1861 kg ha-1 on average for the three years, and in oats yield by up to 1413 kg ha-1. One reason for the decreases in cereal yields was the formation of smaller grains in cereals under increased vetch seed densities. As a three-year average, the wheat 1000-seed weight decreased by up to 6.3 g while the corresponding figure for oats under identical conditions was 2.5 g. The inclusion of vetch in a crop and the increase of its seed density led to a substantial increase in the protein content of cereal grains. In oats, the change in grain protein content was smaller. At the same time, the maximum protein yield per area unit in cereals was obtained from their monocultures. In a mix with vetch, the amounts of nitrogen consumed by cereals decreased and protein yield of cereals per area unit reduced at higher vetch seed densities. Vetch-cereal mixes had an advantage over cereal monocultures as far as protein yield was concerned. In vetch-wheat and vetch-oats mixes the maximum protein yield was 500 kg ha-1 and 438 kg ha-1, respectively, on average for the three years. Of the two combinations, vetch-oats mixed crop gave the highest yield of grain, whereas the higher mixed crop yield resulted from the oats component. Oats is somewhat more competitive with vetch than wheat. Vetch-wheat mixed crop gave the highest protein yield because the protein content of wheat grains was higher than oat grains. Legume-cereal mixes are particularly suited for the conditions of organic farming as they ensure a relatively good harvest and a high protein yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a short-season grain crop in semi-arid regions of North and South America and Asia. The objective of this study was to evaluate seeding rates and nitrogen (N) fertilization on proso millet seed yield, crude protein levels, and biomass yield under irrigated and dryland conditions in a Mediterranean-type transition climate near Bursa, Turkey. Seeds per panicle, panicle length, seed weight per panicle, fertile tillers, protein yield, and plant height were also evaluated. Results indicated seeding rate did not affect seed yield significantly. Seed and protein yield increased with increasing N doses although biomass did not significantly increase. Panicle length, seeds per panicle, and seed weight per panicle decreased with increasing seeding rates. This study proved proso millet can be grown for grain and forage as a short-season dryland and irrigated rotational crop in a Mediterranean-type climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine associations between susceptibility to clinical mastitis and protein yield in first-lactation Norwegian Dairy Cattle (NRF) cows. Records from 372,227 first-lactation daughters of 2411 NRF sires were analyzed bivariately, using a threshold-liability model for clinical mastitis and a linear Gaussian model for 305-d protein yield. The mean (SD) of the posterior distribution of heritability was 0.08 (0.004) for susceptibility to clinical mastitis and 0.19 (0.007) for 305-d protein yield. The posterior mean (SD) of the genetic correlation between susceptibility to clinical mastitis and 305-d protein yield was 0.43 (0.03). Posterior means of the correlations between herd-5-yr effects, and between model residuals were 0.19 and -0.008, respectively. Corresponding estimates of genetic, herd-5-yr, and residual correlations from a bivariate linear model analysis were 0.42, 0.18, and -0.008, respectively. An antagonistic genetic relationship between clinical mastitis and protein yield was corroborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from 1,815,581 first insemination records from daughters of 2697 Norwegian Dairy Cattle (NRF) sires were analyzed. A multitrait model was used to estimate genetic parameters and genetic change for 56-d nonreturn rate in virgin heifers (NR56D0), for 56-d nonreturn rate in first lactation cows (NR56D1L), for interval from calving to first insemination (CFI1L), and for protein yield (PY3051L). The heritabilities for NR56D0, NR56D1L, CFI1L, and PY3051L were 1.08, 0.99, 3.01, and 20.80%, respectively. Genetic correlation between heifer and cow fertility was high and favorable between NR56D0 and NR56D1L (0.54) and moderate and unfavorable between NR56D0 and CFI1L (0.24). The genetic correlations between NR56D1L and CFI1L and between NR56D0 and PY3051L were 0.08 and 0.04, respectively. A small, unfavorable genetic correlation between NR56D1L and Pyp3051L (-0.18) was found, while the genetic correlation between PY3051L and CFI1L was strongly unfavorable (0.47). Since 1972, NRF sires have been selected for NR56D0 using breeding values estimated from large progeny groups and with considerable weight in the total merit index. A linear regression analysis of sire PTA on year of first insemination of daughters showed an annual genetic change of 0.14% units for NR56D0. Selection was able to stabilize the genetic change of NR56D1L (0.03%/yr) but an undesirable change for CFI1L (0.11 d/yr) was found. The change of sire PTA for PY3051L was 0.63 kg/yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotype by environment interaction for production and fertility was studied by use of a reaction norm model. Milk recording data, comprising 927 929 records, were analysed to predict reaction norms for young bulls of the Nordic Red dairy breeds. Random regressions were estimated for each bull, regressing phenotypic values of daughters on herd environment. The phenotypic measures were 305 days kg protein production and days open in first lactation. The herd environment was defined as the herd-year average of protein production and days open, respectively. Heritability of protein production and days open and genetic correlation between the two traits were estimated as functions of the herd environment. The results showed that the genetic parameters change over environments, which are measured on a continuous scale across countries. Grouping of observations is avoided and thereby the problem of genetic connectedness between groups or countries may be avoided. Although significant genetic variation for the slope of the reaction norm was found, there was little reranking of sires, except between extreme environments. More appropriate models and methods need to be developed for further studies of genetic variation in reaction norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted from 1992 to 1996 on an existing alfalfa ( Medicago sativa Leyss) stand located on a P-deficient Black Chernozem (Typic Boroll) soil at Ponoka, Alberta, to compare the effectiveness of broadcasting (spread over the soil surface) versus banding (1.5 cm wide band placed 5 cm deep and 15 cm apart, using a coulter-type disc drill) of annual and one-time applications of P fertilizer on dry matter yield (DMY), P-use efficiency of applied P (PUE), protein yield (PY), recovery of fertilizer P (PR), net returns (NR) and non-renewable energy performance of alfalfa hay. There was a marked increase in DMY and PY from all the P application treatments in all the five years. Banding produced greater increase in DMY and PY than broadcasting, with both the annual (by 954 kg DMY ha−1 and 205 kg PY ha−1) and one-time application (by 742 kg DMY ha−1 and 173 kg PY ha−1) applications. The PUE (averaged across P rates and years) was greater with banding as compared to broadcasting by 58 kg DMY kg−1 P ha−1 for annual applications, and by 47 kg DMY kg−1 P ha−1 for one-time applications. In the same order, PR values were 16.0 and 12.1% greater with banding than broadcasting. Despite the higher costs of banding than broadcasting, net returns were significantly higher with banding in nearly all years. The differences between banding and broadcasting were generally greater at lower than at higher P rates. Based on the 5-year means, annual and one-time P applications produced similar increase in DMY, PY, PUE, PR and NR. In contrast, non-renewable energy inputs were higher for banding than broadcasting, but energy use efficiency was similar for both methods of application. In conclusion, method of P placement had the greatest effect on DMY, PY, PUE, PR, NR and energy performance, whereas annual and one-time applications showed similar results. The results suggest that alfalfa forage productivity and profitability can be improved by banding the P fertilizer with a coulter type disc in comparison to the conventional application method of broadcasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cellular response of a heat-shocked controlled chemostat of Escherichia coli JM105 [pSH101] was characterized and compared to that of a similar culture induced by isopropyl-β- d-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The proteases elicited by the IPTG pulse were previously shown to be upregulated by the stringent stress response and were shown here to be upregulated by heat shock, although to a lesser extent. Owing to the apparent overlap between these responses, a relaxed mutant ( rel −, devoid of the stringent response; JM109) was examined for its response to both a chemically imposed stringent response and to IPTG induction in controlled chemostats. There was no significant upregulation of protease activity under either imposed stress. More important, a nine-fold increase of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity was found for the IPTG-induced relaxed mutant culture. Additionally, the responses from heat shock and IPTG induction were examined in batch cultures. The culture that was simultaneously IPTG-induced and heat-shocked was observed to have the highest CAT activity as well as the most rapid loss in activity after a maximum. Control experiments indicated that the heat shock did not affect loss of CAT activity; instead, the loss of activity correlated with the amount of CAT synthesized. Furthermore, an increase in CAT expression was found during heat shock. Results indicated that heat shock and, alternatively, the use of stringent response-mutant hosts could both be used to facilitate increased recombinant protein yields in the E. coli expression system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human transthyretin (hTTR), a serum protein with a main role in transporting thyroid hormones and retinol through binding to the retinol-binding protein, is an amyloidogenic protein involved in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy, and central nervous system selective amyloidosis. hTTR also has a neuroprotective role in Alzheimer disease, being the major Aβ binding protein in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that prevents amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation with consequent abrogation of toxicity. Here we report an optimized preparative expression and purification protocol of hTTR (wt and amyloidogenic mutants) for in vitro screening assays of TTR ligands acting as amyloidogenesis inhibitors or acting as molecular chaperones to enhance the TTR:Aβ interaction. Preparative yields were up to 660 mg of homogenous protein per L of culture in fed-batch bioreactor. The recombinant wt protein is mainly unmodified at Cys10, the single cysteine in the protein sequence, whereas the highly amyloidogenic Y78F variant renders mainly the S-glutathionated form, which has essentially the same amyloidogenic behavior than the reduced protein with free Cys10. The TTR production protocol has shown inter-batch reproducibility of expression and protein quality for in vitro screening assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel glabrous brown and yellow canary seeds have similar composition. • Main glabrous canary seed proteins are prolamins and glutelins. • Protein isoelectric precipitation at pH 5 resulted in the highest protein yield and recovery. • High purity canary seed protein isolates were obtained. • Canary seed protein isolate had higher foaming and emulsifying capacities than soy protein isolate. Glabrous canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) is a novel true cereal grain produced primarily in Western Canada which has been approved for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada in 2016. Due to its high protein content (22%), this new edible grain is emerging as an alternative source of plant proteins. In the present work, protein extractability from four novel glabrous (2 yellow and 2 brown) canary seeds varieties was improved based on the selection of optimal pH of protein solubilisation and precipitation. Solubilisation at pH 12 followed by acid precipitation at pH 5 were retained as optimal conditions. Scale up of the protein optimized wet fractionation process resulted in highly purified canary seed protein isolates (purity of 91 to 93%) with protein recovery yield of 65 to 69%. In parallel, for the others canary seed components, a good recovery yields were obtained for the oil fraction (6.1–6.7 g/100 g flour), starch fraction (48.1–54 g/100 g flour), and crude fiber fraction (15.1–19.7 g/100 g flour). The study of the functional properties of the obtained canary protein isolates revealed, higher solubility at acidic than alkaline region; enhanced fat and water holding capacities and notably higher foaming and emulsifying capacities than control soy protein isolate. With growing global demand for protein, glabrous canary seed has high potential in the food industry, particularly as a good source of functional gluten free cereal proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate grain yields, protein yields, and net metabolic energy yields of different combinations of spring types of barley, oat, and wheat arranged in 10 mixtures and grown under different soil types. Naked cultivars of barley and oat were used. The three-year field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Advisory Centre in Szepietowo, Poland. The study showed that the major factor determining yields of the mixtures was soil quality. Within the better soil (Albic Luvisols), the highest yield was achieved by a mixture of covered barley and wheat and by a mixture of covered barley with covered oats and wheat, but only in treatments with lower sowing density. Moreover, on the better soil, significantly higher protein yields were obtained for mixtures of barley (covered or naked grains) with wheat as compared to the mixture of covered barley with covered oats, or the mixture of covered barley with naked oats and wheat. The highest yields of net metabolic energy, regardless of soil type, were obtained from a mixture of naked barley with wheat, while the lowest from a mixture of covered barley with naked oats and wheat. Mixed sowings increase biodiversity of canopies, which allows a better use of production space. They also increase health and the productivity of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exploring suitable split nitrogen management is essential for winter wheat production in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China (HPC) under water-saving irrigation conditions, which can increase grain and protein yields by improving nitrogen translocation, metabolic enzyme activity and grain nitrogen accumulation., Methods: Therefore, a 2-year field experiment was conducted to investigate these effects in HPC. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at a constant total rate (240 kg/ha), split between the sowing and at winter wheat jointing growth stage in varying ratios, N1 (0% basal and 100% dressing fertilizer), N2 (30% basal and 70% dressing fertilizer), N3 (50% basal and 50% dressing fertilizer), N4 (70% basal and 30% dressing fertilizer), and N5 (100% basal and 0% dressing fertilizer)., Results: We found that the N3 treatment significantly increased nitrogen accumulation post-anthesis and nitrogen translocation to grains. In addition, this treatment significantly increased flag leaf free amino acid levels, and nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities, as well as the accumulation rate, active accumulation period, and accumulation of 1000-grain nitrogen. These factors all contributed to high grain nitrogen accumulation. Finally, grain yield increase due to N3 ranging from 5.3% to 15.4% and protein yield from 13.7% to 31.6%. The grain and protein yields were significantly and positively correlated with nitrogen transport parameters, nitrogen metabolic enzyme activity levels, grain nitrogen filling parameters., Conclusions: Therefore, the use of split nitrogen fertilizer application at a ratio of 50%:50% basal-topdressing is recommended for supporting high grain protein levels and strong nitrogen translocation, in pursuit of high-quality grain yield., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2021 Zhang et al.)