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Superior rodent management is critical to preserve the diversity of wildlife, and to mitigate environmental and social damage. Pest management strategies can employ 21st century methods to balance the human-animal conflict, especially regarding rodents. Non-toxic fertility control has several advantages over the use of poison when the following parameters are true: 1) rate of removal exceeds rate of population increase; 2) compounds do not bioaccumulate in the rodents or the environment; 3) non-lethal method targets both males and females; 4) animals can be detected at low densities; 5) cost analysis favors fertility control over lethality; 6) method has socio-political acceptance. Our fertility control system meets each of these requirements. Utilizing plant-root-based extracts from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, we have formulated a proprietary rodent feed pellet that is efficacious in reducing mice and rat populations in multiple settings. The pellets target rodents with a population reduction capacity of 98% that is sustainable over 12 months. The cost of the pellet solution is less than 90% of other fertility control products, and less than 47% of poison products. The functional key to the success of fertility-control approaches is optimizing feeding protocols to achieve maximum population reduction. We have developed an application-based system to provide sustainable cost-effective management. The monitoring system captures consumption and feeder service data. Point-of-entry data validation is enforced. Compliance with the service program is monitored and configurable alerts are issued for outlying events. These data are ingested into a data analytics engine which generates real-time dashboards for oversight and analysis. Administrative features provide user management, project definition and configuration. In-line instructional documentation and pellet supply order forms provide support for field technicians. As a 501(c)3 non-profit charity we are funded by Open Philanthropy to provide the rigorous data sets presented: a 21st century solution to rodent management.

Sargassum is exploited as a biostimulant in agriculture for its rich bioactive compounds. Extracts from Sargassum promote plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance in agricultural and horticultural crops. Sargassum is a most abundant seaweed, and it occupies a huge proportion of coastal plants. This review unveils key active constituents present in Sargassum such as proximate and ultimate compounds, antioxidants, phytohormones, glucosinoids, bioactive compounds, and enzymes. As a biostimulant, Sargassum mitigates biotic and abiotic stresses. It has a positive impact on soil health, plant physiology, crop yield, animal antimicrobials, and animal feeding, as well as highlighting some sustainable agricultural practices discussed in the review. Integrating Sargassum-based biostimulants in agriculture holds promise for resilient and productive crops with minimal environmental impact. These characteristics are considered the future of ideal agrochemical properties in all dimensions of plant growth and development. These kinds of organic-based biostimulants will be ideal alternatives to toxic chemical agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The endeavour to elevate the nutritional value of oat (Avena sativa) by altering the oil composition and content positions it as an optimal crop for fostering human health and animal feed. However, optimization of oil traits on oat through conventional breeding is challenging due to its quantitative nature and complexity of the oat genome. We introduced two constructs containing three key genes integral to lipid biosynthesis and/or regulatory pathways from Arabidopsis (AtWRI1 and AtDGAT1) and Sesame (SiOLEOSIN) into the oat cultivar ‘Park’ to modify the fatty acid composition. Four homozygous transgenic lines were generated with a transformation frequency of 7%. The expression of these introduced genes initiated a comprehensive transcriptional reprogramming in oat grains and leaves. Notably, endogenous DGAT, WRI1 and OLEOSIN genes experienced upregulation, while genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, such as KASII, SACPD and FAD2, displayed antagonistic expression patterns between oat grains and leaves. Transcriptomic analyses highlighted significant differential gene expression, particularly enriched in lipid metabolism. Comparing the transgenic oat plants with the wild type, we observed a remarkable increase of up to 34% in oleic acid content in oat grains. Furthermore, there were marked improvements in the total oil content in oat leaves, as well as primary metabolites changes in both oat grains and leaves, while maintaining homeostasis in the transgenic oat plants. These findings underscore the effectiveness of genetic engineering in manipulating oat oil composition and content, offering promising implications for human consumption and animal feeding through oat crop improvement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food industry is intensifying its effort to enrich food composition in various nutrients through animal feeding, but these challenges can be limited by the costly feed resources, water scarcity, and pesticide pollution, making it crucial to explore alternative feedstuffs with fewer requirements. Blackthorns and hawthorns are characterized by their rich phytochemical and antioxidant profiles, suggesting their potential to enhance the performance of ruminants though the supply of bioactive substances. Our study revealed their rich composition of micronutrients; hawthorns showed a remarkable amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (57.23 g FAME/100 g total FAME), particularly omega-3 and omega-6, while blackthorn presented higher concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic acid (56.99 g FAME/100 g total FAME). In terms of lipo-soluble antioxidants, blackthorn exhibited higher levels of xanthophyll and vitamin E (123.83 mg/kg DM), including its isomers (alpha, gamma, and delta). Concerning the water-soluble antioxidants, hawthorns showed elevated composition of the total content of flavonoids and polyphenols, comparing with blackthorn. Moreover, hawthorns showed a high antioxidant capacity, as assessed through DPPH, ABTS, and TAC analyses. In terms of the scavenging capacity of blackthorn and hawthorn against superoxide radicals, blackthorn had higher radical scavenging potential against superoxide radicals, compared to hawthorn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava, a staple food crop, is widely used for starch production, but its inconsistent supply, price volatility, and substantial waste generation pose challenges to the cassava industrial market's growth. This study aims to identify a sustainable biorefinery pathway by optimizing conventional cassava starch plants (business-as-usual, BAU) for economic and environmental benefits. Four scenarios were evaluated: animal feed from peel waste (Scenario 1), fungal protein from thippi waste (Scenario 2), fish feed from digested wastewater (Scenario 3), and conversion of all waste streams into animal feed, fish feed, and fungal protein (Scenario 4). Scenario 4 emerged as the best pathway using the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, with a performance score of 0.282. Despite the highest energy consumption (18.91 MWh), Scenario 4 was favored for producing four value-added products alongside starch, yielding the highest profit at USD 8.85 million. In contrast, profits for BAU, Scenario 1, Scenario 2, and Scenario 3 were 1.91, 2.30, 5.01, and USD 8.79 million, respectively. Waste valorization in Scenarios 1, 2, 3, and 4 resulted in CO2 avoidance of 36.5., 42.6., 21.7, and 57.45 t CO2eq., respectively. However, producing value-added products increased energy consumption by 13, 73, 7, and 74% compared to BAU (4.58 MWh). The global warming potential analysis showed negative values for scenarios 2 and 4, at -436 and -434 kg CO2eq./t root, respectively. This study highlights the potential of a biorefinery approach for sustainable cassava starch production, providing insights for future research and policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin A is a foreign substance of natural origin. It can be found in a wide range of commodities, including animal feed. Ochratoxin A is a dangerous contaminant, which can have a negative effect on the health and production of animals. In this study, the incidence of ochratoxin A in a complete feed for broilers (n = 25) and pigs (n = 6) was determined. Ochratoxin A was detected in one sample of pigs feed (16.67 %) and its concentration was 1.221 µg.kg−1. This mycotoxin was not detected in the broiler feed samples. These results indicate that the feed samples collected were safe and do not pose a risk of acute mycotoxicosis in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut serves in the digestion of foods, the absorption of nutrients, and the maintenance of the host's health. Intestinal flora maintains a healthy gut by interacting with intestinal cells and inhibiting pathogens from adhering to the gut wall. Probiotics are widely used to regulate intestinal microflora, prevent and treat intestinal disorders,, and promote growth by replacing antibiotics in poultry. The current paper focuses on the effects of probiotics on gut health in general and stress factors that affect probiotic survivability from handling to the host animal's distal intestinal tract. We also go through the various ways of dealing with these stressful factors and methods adopted for industrial use. The use of encapsulation to preserve probiotics has been proven to be effective. The encapsulation strategy directly benefits stability by providing a physical barrier to safeguard them from unfavorable environments. Probiotics have been encapsulated using a variety of approaches. Here, we also discuss the effects of encapsulation on probiotic stability during different stages from processing to animal gut. Choosing the appropriate encapsulating process and encapsulating material during is crucial for producing the best microcapsule as an additive for animal feed, which ultimately improves the animal's intestinal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research examined the potential of P. stratiotes to accumulate inorganic and organic nutrients from contaminated watercourses in Egypt. It also aimed to determine whether the biomass of the plant can be safely used as animal feed. Plant and water samples were taken seasonally for a year at three different sites using three randomly assigned quadrats. There were significant seasonal differences in water pH, dissolved oxygen, transparency, and water temperature. The highest biomass (314.52 g DM/m2) was recorded during spring, while the lowest (35.38 g DM/m2) during winter. Winter contributed to the highest contents of N and P (4.09 and 0.62%), while summer had the highest Ca (2.46%), and spring had the highest of Mg and Na (1.23 and 2.65%). The highest Co, Fe, Ni, and Pb values (17.28, 2517.36, 18.99, and 48.57 mg/kg) were highest in summer. The highest levels of crude protein and carbohydrates (26.47 and 42.59%), and the greatest levels of digestible crude protein, digestible energy, metabolized energy, net energy, and gross energy (21.07%, 2.79 Mcal/kg, 2.29 Mcal/kg, 1.14 Mcal/kg and 405.97 Kcal/100 g) were recorded in winter. Summer is ideal for harvesting P. stratiotes for phytoremediation, while winter is suitable for animal feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep farming is an important branch of the animal husbandry sector in Europe. In 2023, Romania's sheep and goat herds ranked third in the European Union, with more than 10 million heads, contributing substantially to the production of meat, traditional cheeses, and wool. However, in the current climate context, with extreme weather events and especially long periods of drought, providing optimal fodder ratio becomes a challenge for farmers. As animal nutritionists provide valid alternatives, consistent with the nutritional requirements of the species, the present work aims to present some economically efficient fodder alternatives to use for milk production in sheep farms of different sizes. The study brings added value to research in the field of using fodder alternatives in animal nutrition through the economic aspects researched because profitability is pursued in any activity, thus completing the technical arguments of previous studies in the literature in the field. Several economic indicators were calculated, such as the total value by categories of expenses, the value of production, the level of profit, and the rate of gross and net return. The analysis demonstrated that regardless of their size, the sheep farms located in lowland areas can reach positive values of profitability indicators when using alternative fodder in animal feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent attention has been given to animal feeding and its impact on human nutrition. Animal feeding is essential for meeting human dietary needs, making it a subject of significant interest and investigation. This review seeks to outline the current understanding of this disciplinary area, with a focus on key research areas and their potential implications. The initial part of the paper discusses the importance of animal feed resources and recognizes their crucial role in guaranteeing sufficient nutrition for both humans and animals. Furthermore, we analyzed the categorization of animal feeds based on the guidelines established by the National Research Council. This approach offers a valuable structure for comprehending and classifying diverse types of animal feed. Through an examination of this classification, we gain an understanding of the composition and nutritional content of various feedstuffs. We discuss the major categories of metabolites found in animal feed and their impact on animal nutrition, as well as their potential health advantages for humans. Flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, terpenoids, vitamins, antioxidants, alkaloids, and essential oils are the primary focus of the examination. Moreover, we analyzed their possible transference into animal products, and later we observed their occurrence in foods from animal sources. Finally, we discuss their potential to promote human health. This review offers an understanding of the connections among the major metabolites found in feedstuffs, their occurrence in animal products, and their possible impact on the health of both animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have estimated the potential of crop residues for energy generation globally and recognized its great potential, especially in rural areas where on-grid electricity is uneconomical. However, crop residues have other equally important uses as animal feed and as mulch for soil enhancement, especially in rural farming communities. Nevertheless, most of the known studies have neglected the estimation of the quantity of crop residues that will be required for feeding animals and also for the enhancement of soil through mulching in their energy potential estimation from crop residues. Neglecting these two important uses can lead to the over-exploitation of the residues for energy generation at the expense of conservation agriculture practices as well as depriving animals of quality feed which can lead to low crop yield and animal production, with the ability to cause hunger and poverty. This study has assessed the potential of electricity generation from agricultural residues in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district of Ghana using gasification technology, taking cognizance of the proportion of residues needed for animal consumption and soil enhancement. The results of the study indicate that out of the 207 646.22 t of residues that can be generated from maize, yam, cassava, millet, sorghum, and groundnut, 26 830.36 t (representing 13%) will be required by sheep, goats, and cows for consumption, and 13 936.17 t (representing 7%) will be required for mulching soils where the crops are planted. Also, it was found that a total of 592.17 MW∙h of electricity can be generated from crop residues without animal consumption and soil enhancement needs, while 461.89 MW∙h could be generated from the residues, considering animal feed and soil enhancement. This study has indicated that it is not enough to consider soil enhancement and animal feeding in agricultural biomass power generation through recovery factors without the exact quantification of residues required for these purposes since this can lead to a violation of conservation agricultural practice. Hence, it is concluded that the proper estimation of residues required for soil enhancement needs and animal feeding must be considered in the estimation of crop residues available for electricity generation following the method proposed in this study. It is further concluded from this study that, the proper utilization of crop residues serve as an important resource for meeting the electricity demand of the inhabitants in the study location without compromising on the residues that will be required for the consumption of all the animals in the location as well as for enhancement of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it was aimed to provide information about silage types, silage usage, feeding method of silage to dairy cows and solutions by organizing a survey in Karacabey district of Bursa city. A survey was applied to a total of 60 daily cow breeders, including large, medium, and small-scale enterprises. When asked “which type of silo do you use?”, 82% of the animal enterprises declared that they use bulk-type silage, while 10% declared that they use bank-type silage and 8% declared that they use bale-type silage. When the the animal enterprises were asked what they use as a silage additive, 70% of the breeders stated that they did not use additives in silage making, while 20% stated that they used bacterial inoculants plus enzymes in silage making, and %5 stated that they used yeast and the rest stated that they used enzymes. When the breeders were asked about the method of feeding the silage to dairy cows, 73.0% reported that they gave silage to their cows mixed with roughage and concentrate feed, 25.0% reported that they gave silage to their cows mixed silage with dry roughage and 2.0% reported that they gave only silage to their cows. As a result, it is seen that most of the breeders are dependent on maize for silage production and prefer the bulk-type silage. On the other hand, it has been determined that basic information about silage production and animal nutrition of small-scale livestock enterprises is insufficient. In this context, it can be recommended the small-scale enterprises to participate in training of organization which will increase their knowledges on subjects such as silage making and animal feeding. It may be suggested that they use other forage crops (food pulp residues and heat-resistant fodder crops) as a source of silage, and can also be fed the their animals daily by using a large bank type silage collectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The use of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and house fly (Musca domestica) as an alternative for farm animal feeding has very important implications for sustainability since it does not require the use of resources such as water and land for production, in addition to contributing to food security, especially in locations with a reduced supply of animal feed. Thus, the use of these insects as a source of nutrients can reduce the need for supplementation and the use of grains and forages. Dietary alternatives using insect-based products as an alternative for farm animal nutrition have been the object of study due to the high nutritional value of these feeds and the costs related to both their production and consequently their commercialization. Thus, the use of flies, especially larvae, has a high content of proteins and lipids (fat), as well as minerals and essential nutrients for development and growth, directly impacting the production of these animals, whether meat or milk. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compile data from the literature on the nutritional value of adults and larvae of Black soldier (Hermetia illucens) and housefly (Musca domestica) as a dietary alternative for animal feed. The Prisma checklist was used. After reviewing the data found in the literature, following the systematic review, it was noted that studies emerge that larvae of black soldier flies and domestic flies of the order Diptera obtain essential sources in the nutrition of ruminants, in addition to obtaining rapid digestibility, thus adhering to reproduction with high nutritional content, due to incident levels of protein, lipids, and minerals in M. domestica and Lucilia sericata, making it a target for inclusion in the diet of farm animals. In addition, it is concluded that both species are studied for their sustainable potential as well as for offering greater economic and nutritional viability when compared to ingredients present in production animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigated the relationship between feed particle size and growth performance or nutritional composition of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) larvae. Our results showed that appropriate feed particle size could promote the growth and improve the nutritional value of crayfish. The critical values of suitable particle sizes for SGR and FCR were achieved at 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm. When the particle size of the feed exceeded 0.55 mm and 0.588 mm, the growth of crayfish reached the highest value and the FCR was the lowest. Where the feed particle size exceeds 0.55 mm and 0.588 mm, the growth and feeding of crayfish are unaffected. Compared to other groups, group C has the highest nutritional value. Therefore, we recommend that the appropriate food size for juvenile crayfish is 0.71–0.85 mm (group C). A suitable feed size has a positive effect on animal feeding. For aquatic larvae, the correct feed size is very important for their growth. This experiment analyzed and compared the effect of different particle sizes of feed for larval stages on the growth performance, whole body composition, and muscle amino acid and fatty acid composition of crayfish. Five larval crayfish diets of different particle sizes, namely < 0.40 mm (Group A, control group), 0.40–0.50 mm (Group B), 0.71–0.85 mm (Group C), 0.90–1.00 mm (Group D) and 1.5 mm (Group E), were fed to 2000 crayfish (initial weight 0.0786 ± 0.0031 g) for 100 d. The results showed that as the particle size increased, final weight, weight gain (WG, p = 0.001) and specific growth rate (SGR, p = 0.000) of the crayfish tended to increase and then leveled off, with the control group being the lowest. The feed conversion ratio (FCR, p = 0.000) showed a decreasing and then equalizing trend with increasing particle size, but there was no significant difference between the groups except the control group. Broken-line regression analysis showed that the critical values for the appropriate particle feed size for crayfish larvae were 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm using SGR and FCR as indicators. Groups B, C and D had the highest crude protein content and were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.001). Group E had the highest umami amino acid (UAA) and was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.026). The content of isoleucine (Ile, p = 0.038) and phenylalanine (Phe, p = 0.038) was highest in group C and significantly higher than in the control group. Through principal component analysis, groups C and D were shown to contain leucine (Leu), glutamic (Glu), methionine (Met), valine (Val), histidine (His), Phe, and Ile levels significantly induced. The content of linoleic acid (C18:2n6, p = 0.000), linolenic acid (C18:3n3, p = 0.000), saturated fatty acid (SFA, p = 0.000), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA, p = 0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA, p = 0.000) and n-6 PUFA (p = 0.000) in group C was the highest and significantly higher than the control group. Principal component analysis showed that group C significantly induced the levels of C18:2n6, C18:3n3, DHA, EPA, n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA in muscle. Therefore, our results suggest that appropriate feed particle size can improve the growth performance and nutrient composition of crayfish. Based on the broken-line regression analysis of SGR and FCR, the critical values of optimal particle size for crayfish are 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm, and when the particle size exceeds these critical values (not more than 1.5 mm commercial feed), growth performance and FCR of the crayfish are no longer changed. Nevertheless, group C has high protein and low lipid content, as well as better nutrition with amino acids and fatty acids. Overall, combined with growth performance and nutrient composition, it is recommended that the particle size of the diet at the larval stage for crayfish is between 0.71 and 0.85 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: We attempted to establish a strategy for environmentally friendly treatment and resource utilization of residual organic sludge generated from bioenergy facilities (BF-rOS) using Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) larvae (BSFL). Mixing BF-rOS with food waste (FW) was necessary for its environmentally friendly treatment and utilization. Furthermore, BSFL reared with the BF-rOS/FW mixture could be used as ingredients in animal feed. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the preparation of BF-rOS/FW mixtures is an effective strategy for the environmentally friendly treatment and resource utilization of BF-rOS using BSFL. Residual organic sludge generated from bioenergy facilities (BF-rOS) is often disposed instead of recycled, thus contributing to further environmental pollution. This study explored the resource utilization of BF-rOS using Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL). When BF-rOS was fed to BSFL for two weeks, the dry weight per individual BSFL was approximately 15% of that of BSFL that were fed food waste (FW). However, the dry weight increased by approximately two-fold in BSFL that were fed effective microorganism (EM)-supplemented BF-rOS containing 60% moisture. However, under both conditions, the BSFL did not mature into pupae. In contrast, the highest dry weight per BSFL was observed with the BF-rOS/FW (50%:50%) mixture, regardless of EM supplementation. Furthermore, the highest bioconversion rate was observed when the BSFL were fed the BF-rOS/FW (50%:50%) mixture, and the frass produced by the BSFL contained fertilizer-appropriate components. In addition, the nutritional components of the BSFL exhibited a nutrient profile suitable for animal feed, except for those fed BF-rOS only. In conclusion, this investigation demonstrates that BF-rOS should be recycled for fertilizer production by mixing it with FW as a BSFL feed, which generates the valuable insect biomass as potential nutrition for animal feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The livestock-dairy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Rwanda, is experiencing rapid growth due to population expansion, urbanisation, and changing food preferences. The unmet local production demands are causing soil and water pollution, competition for biomass, land, and water, but also grassland degradation, biodiversity loss, and increased GHGs emissions. Rwanda has the lowest productivity in the region, largely due to inadequate and poor-quality livestock feed resources. To increase animal productivity, promoting forage species with higher nutritional value and better adaptation to drought-prone and poor-fertility soils could be beneficial. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study explores Brachiaria forage adoption and profitability and analyses policy objectives and measures to overcome adoption barriers and promote the transition from subsistence to market-oriented systems. Results show that Brachiaria, although advantageous from an economic point of view, is characterised by very low adoption rates. Furthermore, access to extension programmes is limited and often not supported by adequate incentives. To overcome such barriers, policy interventions should be harmonised and information and knowledge management prioritised, public and private extension and advisory services (EASs) programmes coordinated, agricultural input subsidies increased, and institutional coordination promoted to enhance climate-smart animal feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the main byproduct of beer production, huge amounts of brewer´s spent grain (BSG) are generated annually worldwide. BSG is being currently underutilized since they are mostly devoted to animal feeding. Nevertheless, BSG offers a wide range of upcycling possibilities due to its lignocellulosic nature. In this work, we have addressed the extraction of cellulose and its further conversion into cellulose acetate, a biodegradable polymer with potential industrial application, especially as food contact material. The effectiveness of both processes, cellulose extraction and acetate synthesis were monitored by performing a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of the products. The influence of reaction time (1–5 h) on acetylation extent and acetate properties was also assessed. The results reflected that the process effectively removed hemicelluloses and lignin from BSG, and yielded a cellulose pulp with 63% crystallinity and 351 °C maximum degradation temperature. However, around 28% of the cellulose was solubilized, with acid pretreatment as the most aggressive step (above 19% disappearance). Acetylation extent was practically not affected by reaction time, and cellulose acetate with degree of substitution approximately 2.60 was obtained already after 1 h. Infrared spectra and X-ray diffractograms were similar for all acetate samples. Nevertheless, the thermogravimetric analysis evidenced that at least 3 h were needed to obtain a product with high thermal stability. This work addressed for the first time the acetylation of cellulose isolated from BSG, and may serve as basis for the manufacturing of a biobased plastic with application in sectors such as food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato industry is a relevant socio-economic activity in the European Union, while it generates a large variety of residues. Tomatoes unfit for consumption, tomato peels, seeds, industrial pomace, and plants are examples of residues of this industry. Commonly, some of the residues can be left in the field, composted, used for animal feeding, or valorized through anaerobic digestion. However, more economic value can be attributed to these residues if a biorefinery approach is applied. Indeed, many value-added compounds can be obtained by the integration of different processes while closing the carbon and nutrient loops. The extraction of bioactive compounds followed by anaerobic digestion and composting seems to be a viable proposal for a biorefinery approach. Thus, this study aims to review the biorefinery strategies for valorizing tomato residues, highlighting the main processes proposed. The recovery of lycopene, β-carotene, and phenolic compounds has been widely studied at the lab scale, while energy recovery has already been applied at the industrial scale. Although techno-economic analysis is scarce for tomato residue valorization processes, positive net present values (NPV) and low payback times (PBT) have been reported in the literature. Thus, more work comparing multiple extraction technologies and biorefinery strategies coupled with economic and environmental assessment should be performed to select the most promising management route for tomato residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic waste is the main fraction of municipal solid waste in most developing countries. Despite various efforts, municipalities often fail to properly handle generated waste due to poor source segregation, inefficient collection system, insufficient financial resources, and a lack of proper treatment and disposal facilities. In India, organic waste mainly ends up in open dumpsites. The Government of India launched the Swachh Bharat Mission and enacted legislation to improve solid waste management. This notwithstanding, the most populous state of the country, Uttar Pradesh (UP), faces serious challenges in terms of achieving the national environmental policy goals. This study attempts to assess organic management practices in UP by analyzing the existing situation. The study reviewed the legal and financial frameworks governing the waste sector, the responsibility of stakeholders, waste segregation and collection mechanisms in place, and treatment and disposal methods. The identified gaps were analyzed to provide recommendations for the local conditions. The study recommends the control of incoming materials in centralized facilities compost facilities to enhance compost quality and enhance the management of organic waste via source segregation, animal feeding, and treatment in a decentralized manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel., also known as the "Alkali Grass", is a major forage grass in the eastern and northeastern steppe vegetation in the Songnen Prairie. It is of great practical significance for grassland management to understand the influence of animal saliva on L. chinensis during animal feeding. In this study, we used clipping and daubing animal saliva to simulate responses to grazing by L. chinensis, and analyzed the physiological and metabolomic changes in response to simulated animal feeding. Results showed that the effects of animal saliva on physiological and metabolic processes of the treated plants produced a recovery phenomenon. Moreover, the effects of animal saliva produced a large number of differential metabolites related to several known metabolic pathways, among which the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway has undergone significant and persistent changes. We posit that the potential metabolic mechanisms of L. chinensis in response to simulated animal feeding are closely related to flavonoid biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of the compound feeds for animals and poultry directly depends not only on the components included in it but also on the type of mixer used. Horizontal mixers as compared to the vertical ones allow for a shorter period of time to obtain high-quality mixtures due to the intensification of the process of material movement by belt working bodies. The aim of the research is to determine optimal technological parameters of a horizontal mixer with a 0.3 m3 mixing chamber with a belt working body. The mixer is designed to produce mixed compound feeds of high uniformity in production lines, workshops or can be used as an independent machine for mixing loose components. The research was carried through multifactorial experiment. As the result, mathematical models of the mixer working process were obtained, two-dimensional cross sections of the response surfaces were built. The obtained mathematical models make it possible at the design stage to identify the dependence of qualitative and energy indicators on factors at the considered levels of variation. According to the results of the multifactorial experiment, it has been established that the best mixing quality of 94.8 % is achieved when the mixing chamber is loaded by 58 % at a speed of rotation of the mixer shaft of 30 min-1, mixing time of 6 minutes with simultaneous supply of the control and the main components. At the same time, the throughput is 0.78 t/h, and the specific energy consumption is 2.04 kWh/t.

Background: Premature infants commonly encounter difficulties with oral feeding, a complication that extends hospital stays, affects infants' quality of life, and imposes substantial burdens on families and society. Enhancing preterm infants' oral feeding skills and facilitating their transition from parenteral or nasal feeding to full oral feeding pose challenges for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) healthcare professionals. Research indicates that oral motor interventions (OMIs) can enhance preterm infants' oral feeding capabilities and expedite the transition from feeding initiation to full oral feeding. Nonetheless, the most suitable timing for commencing these interventions remains uncertain. Methods: This is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Preterm with a gestational age between 29+0 to 34+6 weeks will be eligible for the study. These infants will be randomized and allocated to one of two groups, both of which will receive the OMIs. The intervention commences once the infant begins milk intake during the early OMIs. Additionally, in the late OMIs group, the intervention will initiate 48 h after discontinuing nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Discussion: OMIs encompass non-nutritive sucking and artificial oral stimulation techniques. These techniques target the lips, jaw, muscles, or tongue of premature infants, aiming to facilitate the shift from tube feeding to oral feeding. The primary objective is to determine the ideal intervention timing that fosters the development of oral feeding skills and ensures a seamless transition from parenteral or nasal feeding to full oral feeding among preterm infants. Furthermore, this study might yield insights into the long-term effects of OMIs on the growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants. Such insights could bear substantial significance for the quality of survival among preterm infants and the societal burden imposed by preterm birth. Trial registration: chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2300076721. Registered on October 17, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The silkworm has fascinated people all around the world for centuries due to numerous applications of by-products resulting from its metamorphosis. A decline has been noticed due to industrialization and some disease concerns; however, several reasons strengthen compelling arguments for keeping up this species. The most prevalent nutrients identified along silkworm rearing, from mulberry leaves up to larvae, pupae, and silk, are proteins. The biological value of protein is based on amino acids. The presence of other nutrients, especially fatty acids (n-3 family), vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, along with the profile in amino acids, which are taken from mulberry leaves and metabolized by larvae and then transferred to pupae, strengthen the conviction according to which silkworm by-products have a great nutritional potential that is either comparable with fish meal or better than other aquaculture-specific feedstuffs. This paper aims to present deep knowledge about amino acids (classification, metabolism, occurrence, mechanisms, and potential functions) for silkworms and fish to further understand these species. The silkworm Bombyx mori, the second most varied group of insects, is a fascinating insect that belongs to the Lepidoptera species. We aimed to deepen our knowledge about the composition and significance of amino acids (AA) from the sericulture chain to fish. AAs are the most prevalent molecules throughout the growth process of silkworms. We described AAs classification, occurrence, metabolism, and functions. Online datasets revealed that the essential AAs (EAA) level in fish meal and silkworm pupae (SWP) is comparable. SWP have a high content of methionine and lysine, which are the principal limiting AAs in fish diets, indicating that SWP have nutritional potential to be added to fish diets. Additionally, an overview of the data analyzed displays that SWP have a higher protein efficiency ratio than fish meal, the classical protein-rich source (>1.19 times), and compared to soybean meal, the second-most preferred source of protein in aquaculture (>2.08 times), indicating that SWP can be considered effective for animal feeding. In this study, we provide an overview of the current knowledge concerning AAs, paying special emphasis to EAAs and explaining, to some extent, certain mechanisms and functions of these compounds, from mulberry leaves to larvae–pupae and fish diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for roughage in the animal nutrition industry has led to the search for various alternative roughage. In this context, as a result of the research, tree leaves have the potential to be considered as a nutritious and balanced forage source for animals. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the usability of apple (Malus domestica), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), cherry (Prunus avium), grape (Vitis vinifera), and umber mulberry (Morus rubra) leaves in ruminant nutrition. As a result of the research, nutritional contents of tree leaves (dry matter, crude protein, crude ash, crude oil, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, tannin), in vitro gas, carbon dioxide and methane gas production, in vitro gas post-production rumen fluid volatile fatty acid contents were found to be different from each other (P<0.05). In addition, although metabolic energy, organic matter digestion, digestible dry matter, dry matter consumption and relative feed values were found to be different in tree leaves (P<0.05), the highest values of these parameters were found in mulberry leaves. Metabolic energy (ME-J/kgDM) in grape, mulberry, apple, apricot and cherry is 9.24, 10.69, 10.07, 10.24, 9.33, organic matter digestibility (OMD-%) is 56.49, 58.98, 54.46, 57.34, and 58.31, respectively. has been detected. In the volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid of the leaves after in vitro gas production; Total volatile fatty acid (TVFA-mmol/L) was defined as 69.16, 76.25, 66.04, 68.63, and 65.24, acetic acid (AA-mmol/L) was determined as 44.90, 48.52, 41.93, 46.82, and 43.62, respectively. As a result of our detailed studies, it has been determined that the leaves of various fruit trees stand out with their considerable nutritional content. The most important reason for the differences in the findings is that the nutritional content of tree leaves is different from differs. As a result of our comprehensive study, these nutritional content differences offer significant potential for using leaves of various fruit trees as a source of forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha seed cake (JSC) derived from Jatropha curcas seeds is a by-product of biodiesel production and, due to its high protein content, has been considered as a potential animal feed ingredient. However, the presence of toxic compounds such as phorbol esters and other anti-nutritional factors limits its use in animal feeding. Several detoxification approaches have been used to tackle these constraints and this review aims to summarize the recent advances in JSC treatment aiming to enhance its potential as an animal feedstuff. The review first provides an overview of the structure and composition of phorbol esters and other anti-nutritional compounds, discussing its toxic effects on different animal species. It then explores several detoxification methodologies giving special emphasis to its effects on the nutritional composition of JSC and on the use of the treated substrate as a feed ingredient in fish, poultry, pigs, and ruminants, highlighting their growth performance, nutrient utilization, and animal health issues. Overall, the review concludes that these treatments hold great potential for the detoxification and utilization of JSC as an animal feed ingredient. However, further research is needed to optimize the treatment conditions, evaluate the economic feasibility, and assess the long-term effects of treated JSC on animal health and product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This experiment was conducted in the Research and Application Field of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, during the 2020 and 2021 summer period. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of different harvesting heights on forage yields and crude ash, fat, protein, and carbon and nitrogen content of leaves and stalks of sweet sorghum (SS) and sorghum sudangrass hybrid (SSH) cultivars. Methods: Nutri Honey and Nutrima varieties of SSH and the M81-E and Topper-76 varieties of SS were used in this study. The experiment was conducted using the randomized complete block design with four replications. The main plots each included two early and late varieties of SS and SSH cultivars, while the subplots were used to test different harvesting heights (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 cm) and physiological parameters of each crop. Results: The results of this study showed that dry forage yields increased with plant growth, with the amount of forage produced at the end of the growth cycle increasing 172.2% compared to the early growth stages. Carbon (C) content of leaves decreased by 6.5%, nitrogen (N) by 46%, crude protein (CP) by 54%, crude fat (CF) by 34%, while crude ash (CA) content increased by 6% due to the increase in plant height harvest. At the same time, in parallel with the increase in plant height at harvest, the nitrogen content of the stems of the plants decreased by 87%, crude protein by 65%, crude ash by 33% and crude fat by 41%, while the carbon content increased by 4%. As plant height at harvest increased, hay yield increased but nutrient contents of the hay decreased. However, the Nutrima, Nutri Honey and M81-E sorghum cultivars, harvested three times at heights of 90 to 120 cm, are recommended for the highest yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a significant cereal crop belonging to Poaceae that is essential for human food and animal feeding. The production of barley grains was around 142.37 million tons in 2017/2018. However, the growth of barley was influenced by salinity which was enhanced by applying a foliar spray of salicylic acid. The current study investigated to evaluated the potential effect of SA on the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants under salinity stress and its possible effects on physiological, biochemical, and growth responses. The experiment was conducted at Postgraduate Research Station (PARS), University of Agriculture; Faisalabad to assess the influence of salicylic acid on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under highly saline conditions. The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replicates. In plastic pots containing 8 kg of properly cleaned sand, two different types of barley (Sultan and Jau-17) were planted. The plants were then watered with a half-strength solution of Hoagland's nutritional solution. After the establishment of seedlings, two salt treatments (0 mM and 120 mM NaCl) were applied in combining three levels of exogenously applied salicylic acid (SA) (0, 0.5, and 1 mg L-1). Data about morphological, physiological, and biochemical attributes was recorded using standard procedure after three weeks of treatment. The morpho-physiological fresh weight of the shoot and root (48%), the dry mass of the shoot and root (66%), the plant height (18%), the chlorophyll a (30%), the chlorophyll b (22%), and the carotenoids (22%), all showed significant decreases. Salinity also decreased yield parameters and the chl. ratio (both at 29% and 26% of the total chl. leaf area index). Compared to the control parameters, the following data was recorded under salt stress: spike length, number of spikes, number of spikelets, number of tillers, biological yield, and harvest index. Salicylic acid was used as a foliar spray to lessen the effects of salinity stress, and 1 mg L-1 of salicylic acid proved more effective than 0.5 mg L-1. Both varieties show better growth by applying salicylic acid (0 mg L-1) as a control, showing normal growth. By increasing its level to (0.5 mg L-1), it shows better growth but maximized growth occurred at a higher level (1 mg L-1). Barley sultan (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the best variety as compared to Jau-17 performs more growth to mitigate salt stress (0mM and 120mM NaCl) by improving morpho-physiological parameters by enhancing plan height, Root and shoot fresh and dry weights, as well as root and shoot lengths, photosynthetic pigments, area of the leaves and their index, and yield attributes and reduce sodium ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spears or cladophylls are edible parts of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) implemented in a human diet while its hard-stem by-products have been used for animal feeding. In this study, the asparagus hard-stem was proved to be rich in dietary fiber and total phenolics with high antioxidant capacity. Wheat flour was partially replaced by asparagus hard-stem powder (AHP) in the cracker recipe and the AHP ratios were 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, 20% of the blend weight; the nutritional constituents, antioxidant capacities, physical attributes, and sensory overall acceptability of crackers were then evaluated. As the AHP ratio increased from 0 to 20%, the dietary fiber and total phenolic contents of the fortified crackers were improved by 5.0 times and 3.2 times, respectively, while their ferric reducing antioxidant power and DPPH scavenging capacity were enhanced by 6.1 and 1.4 times, respectively. Besides, the elevated ratio of AHP also increased the product hardness and reduced its overall acceptability. The impacts of water amount used in the dough kneading on the high-fiber cracker quality were then investigated. At 20% AHP level, the appropriate water amount was 55 g/100 g of the flour blend to reduce hardness and improve overall acceptability of the fortified crackers. The study results show that AHP is a potential dietary fiber and antioxidant ingredient for high-fiber cracker making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk and dairy products are among daily-consumed foods in most countries. However, milk production and characteristics depend mainly on animal feeding and additives. The basic feeding corresponds to green or conserved forage and concentrate. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a conserved oat forage form (hay, H, or silage, S) and rosemary essential oils (REO) as additives on milk production and the fatty acid (FA) profile of Sicilo-Sarde dairy sheep. Forty-eight lactating Sicilo-Sarde ewes were ranked into four homogenous groups. Two groups were fed oat hay (H) and the other group oat silage (S) ad libitum. All the ewes were supplemented with 600 g d -1 of concentrate. Within each form of forage, one group of ewes received a control concentrate, and the other group received the REO concentrate. The milk yield was not affected by REO intake but tended to be higher (P=0.07) for oat hay than for silage (570 vs. 510 mL d -1). The milk protein content was greater for oat silage than hay diets (5.8 vs. 5.3 %), given that the silage form contains more crude protein. In addition, the silage form of forage improved the milk FA profile, with higher C18: 3n-3 (0.70 vs. 0.45 %) long-chain FA and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) n3 proportions and a lower PUFA n-6/n-3 dietetic ratio (P<0.05). The milk of ewes receiving REO contained a lower percentage of vaccenic acid and n-6 PUFA but a higher percentage of n-3 PUFA and consequently lower n6/n3 (2.56) and PUFA / SFA (P<0.05) ratios. In conclusion, REO could be recommended for dairy ewes fed silage to improve the nutritional quality of their milk for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global demand for protein is on the rise owing to the exponential increase in the world population and to meet the global protein requirements, it is imperative to seek alternative sources of proteins in farm animal feeding. Recognizing the importance of proteins and the fact that a major portion of human protein requirements is derived from livestock in the form of meat, milk, and eggs, the available protein-feeding stuff in the form of soybean meal cannot be regarded as sufficient for feeding to livestock. Oil seeds such as rapeseed meal and canola meal have a crude protein content of 30%-40% and are widely used and hence a potential alternative protein source to soybean meal. Going forward, Grain legumes such as peas, faba beans, and lupins, another alternative source of proteins have the potential to replace traditional protein feeds completely or partially such as bone and fish meals. Duckweed with a protein content of 20%-45% is another plant-based potential protein source that can be employed in livestock feeding particularly pigs owing to its huge potential as a growth promoter as evidenced by studies in pigs and piglets. Because of their nutritional qualities and possible environmental advantages, insects represent another class of alternative protein sources that have enormous potential to function as sustainable protein sources. Several insect species have been assessed for use as animal feeds; the most promising ones include the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, TM), the common house fly (MD), and the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI). Byproducts from aquaculture and fisheries are abundant in macro- and micronutrients, and their utilisation can provide fishmeal and fish oil, which can then be further adapted for use as a source of protein in animal nutrition. Employing microalgae as an alternative source of protein in animal feeding is somehow a new concept. Many nutritional and toxicological studies have demonstrated the potential of algae biomass as a valued feed supplement or substitute for conventional protein sources such as soybean meal. While these alternative protein sources in livestock feeding may serve as useful tools, parameters such as feed safety and acceptability should be monitored based on feed safety regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Stable flies, known for inflicting painful bites on livestock, cause substantial economic losses worldwide by hindering animal feeding and potentially transmitting diseases. Current chemical control methods face challenges of resistance and environmental risks. To address this, an integrated pest management approach is proposed and tested in a sanctuary in western Spain. This strategy combines cultural practices, animal protection, the release of natural enemies targeting immature stages (predatory mites and two species of wasp parasitoids), and a specialized trapping system for adults. The study highlights the use of this holistic strategy toward a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for stable fly control. This approach aims to mitigate economic losses and reduce reliance on traditional insecticides, contributing to improved livestock well-being and ecosystem health. Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, stand as formidable pests with a global impact, inflicting significant economic losses on the livestock sector. Larval development occurs in diverse substrates, including decomposing plant material and manure, while emerged adults pose a threat through blood-feeding on both animals and humans. Conventional chemical control methods, predominantly reliant on insecticides, not only pose environmental risks but also face challenges of resistance among stable fly populations. To address this pressing issue, we propose an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for stable fly control. This approach involved a combination of sanitary-cultural practices, animal protection, the release of natural enemies targeting immature stages, and a specialized trapping system for adults. The Stomoxycc® trap, designed for mass trapping of adult Stomoxys, was employed alongside the release of the predatory mite Macrocheles robustulus and two wasp parasitoids, Spalangia cameroni and Muscidifurax raptor (under the commercial brands Biomite® and Biowasp®) on animal bedding as a key component of this IPM strategy. The implementation of this initiative has been undertaken at a significant sanctuary for donkeys and mules in western Spain. In this publication, we present the application and results of the IPM strategy utilized and provide insights into its use as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for controlling stable fly populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: To improve the quality of feedstuff for use as animal feed, four alternative pretreatment methods (extrusion, microwave irradiation, gamma irradiation, or NaOH hydrolysis) were applied for cassava chips. The proximate chemical compositions and nutritive profiles were significantly altered due to the pretreatment methods (p < 0.05), as well as the physicochemical properties in aspects to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis. Based on in vitro carbohydrate digestibility, microwave irradiation was suitable for improving nutrient bioavailability in the aquatic animal model, Nile tilapia, while microwaving, followed by extrusion or gamma irradiation, was suitable for the poultry model, broiler chicken. However, no differences were observed for the ruminant model. Our in vitro screening investigations support the use of pretreated cassava chips for animal feeding, especially for fish and broiler. Physical pretreatment procedures can significantly influence the quality of food and feed raw materials. To increase the ability to be digested in animals, cassava chips were pretreated by four alternative methods (extrusion, microwave irradiation, gamma irradiation, or NaOH hydrolysis), and then the chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of the pretreated samples were assessed and compared with unprocessed cassava chips (control). The chemical compositions (crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash, non-fiber carbohydrate, and gross energy) were significantly altered due to the pretreatment methods (p < 0.05). The nutritive profile was qualitatively changed when assessed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Some physicochemical properties in association with enzymatic hydrolysis, which include pH, water solubility, water absorption capacity, thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry), diffraction pattern (X-ray diffractometry), and microstructure (scanning electron microscopy), were significantly changed. In vitro carbohydrate digestibility based on digestive enzyme extracts from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) suggests the microwaving method for cassava chips preparation, while microwaving, followed by extrusion or gamma irradiation, was suggested for broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus). There were no differences in the pepsin-cellulase digestibility values tested for the ruminant model. These findings suggest the use of pretreated cassava chips in animal feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Both wild (Sorghum halepense) and cultivated Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) species are commonly used for animal feeding. However, sorghum plants naturally produce dhurrin, a cyanogenic glycoside releasing cyanide; this extremely toxic molecule potentially causes lethal toxicoses, particularly in ruminants. This was the case in a number of farms located in Northwest Italy during August 2022, under weather conditions (drought, tropical temperatures) known to increase plants' dhurrin content. Sixty-six bovines died after grazing Sorghum pastures (Sorghum bicolor or Sorghum halepense) or being fed with Sorghum-containing hay (Sorghum halepense). The reported clinico-pathological findings clearly indicated cyanide poisoning, and chemical analysis revealed high concentrations of dhurrin in the plant materials. The successful management of such toxicosis should rely on the prompt removal of the contaminated fodder and the administration of the antidote sodium thiosulphate. Dhurrin content should be carefully monitored, particularly in the hot season, and both farmers and veterinarians should be made aware of the risks associated with feeding cattle even with cultivated Sorghum, particularly if grown under adverse climatic conditions. Sorghum plants naturally produce dhurrin, a cyanogenic glycoside that may be hydrolysed to cyanide, resulting in often-lethal toxicoses. Ruminants are particularly sensitive to cyanogenic glycosides due to the active role of rumen microbiota in dhurrin hydrolysis. This work provides an overview of a poisoning outbreak that occurred in 5 farms in Northwest Italy in August 2022; a total of 66 cows died, and many others developed acute toxicosis after being fed on either cultivated (Sorghum bicolor) or wild Sorghum (Sorghum halepense). Clinical signs were recorded, and all cows received antidotal/supportive therapy. Dead animals were subjected to necropsy, and dhurrin content was determined in Sorghum specimens using an LC–MS/MS method. Rapid onset, severe respiratory distress, recumbency and convulsions were the main clinical features; bright red blood, a bitter almond smell and lung emphysema were consistently observed on necropsy. The combined i.v. and oral administration of sodium thiosulphate resulted in a rapid improvement of clinical signs. Dhurrin concentrations corresponding to cyanide levels higher than the tolerated threshold of 200 mg/kg were detected in sorghum specimens from 4 out of 5 involved farms; thereafter, such levels declined, reaching tolerable concentrations in September–October. Feeding cattle with wild or cultivated Sorghum as green fodder is a common practice in Northern Italy, especially in summer. However, care should be taken in case of adverse climatic conditions, such as severe drought and tropical temperatures (characterising summer 2022), which are reported to increase dhurrin synthesis and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-traditional forage crops are an important element of various concepts with which modern agriculture solves one of the main challenges, namely the effects of a changing climate and global warming. Based on the experimental activity carried out during the period 2022-2023 and an assessment of the biological manifestations of Phalaris canariensis L. in the Central Northern Bulgaria conditions, the phenological development of the species, its productivity, biochemical composition and digestibility were established. The vegetation period of the crop was short (98 days), for which it was necessary to accumulate a temperature sum of 1928°С. The heading and flowering phenological stages, in which animal feeding is generally recommended, occured 50 and 60 days after germination, respectively, at accumulations of 780 and 996°C. The species was characterized by a fast rate of growth and biomass accumulation from the stem elongation stage (571.4 kg/ha) to the following phenological stages of germination, flowering and milk maturity, with values of 1601.7, 2797.3 and 3639.5 kg/ha respectively. A similar trend was found in terms of green mass productivity, with a variation of 4.2 to 19.7 t/ha. Biochemical analysis of biomass at five harvesting stages (stem elongation, heading, flowering, milk and wax maturity) showed a favorable forage composition and nutritional value, with average values as follows: CP - 148.5 (ranging from 82.3 to 252.5),, CF - 251.0 (162.9 ÷ 308.1), NDF - 539.6 (375.5 ÷ 642.0) g/kg DM, IVDOM - 57.9 (43.5 ÷ 70.5)%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The prospective identification of mowing events holds promise for application across diverse domains, including the assessment of arthropod biodiversity as an explanatory factor and the evaluation of general agricultural practices. An examination of their occurrences over time has the potential to enhance the efficient allocation of inherent territorial resources for animal feeding. The extensive identification of mowing events on a territory holds significant potential to help monitor shifts in biodiversity and contribute to assessing the impacts of drought events. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into farming practices and their consequential economic and ecological effects. To overcome challenges in obtaining reference grazing information directly from the field, this study introduces a novel methodology leveraging the compressed sward height (CSH) derived from Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and meteorological data, boasting an accuracy of 20 mm. Our central hypothesis posits that the mowing status of a parcel can be automatically discerned by analyzing the distribution and variation of its CSH values. Employing a two-step strategy, we first applied unsupervised algorithms, specifically k-means and isolation forest, and subsequently amalgamated the outcomes with a partial least squares analysis on an extensive dataset encompassing 194,657 pastures spanning the years 2018 to 2021. The culmination of our modeling efforts yielded a validation accuracy of 0.66, as ascertained from a focused dataset of 68 pastures. Depending on the studied year and with a threshold fixed at 0.50, 21% to 57% of all the parcels in the Wallonia dataset were tagged as mown by our model. This study introduces an innovative approach for the automated detection of mown parcels, showcasing its potential to monitor agricultural activities at scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The British Standards Institution's Publicly Available Specification 440 (PAS 440) provides a Responsible Innovation Framework (RIF) that companies can use to continuously monitor the societal, environmental and health benefits and risks of their innovations, as well as relevant changes to the supply chain and regulations. PAS 440 is intended to help companies achieve the benefits of innovation in a timely manner and avoid any potential harm or unintended misuse of a new product, process or service. Here, the authors have applied the PAS 440 RIF to a novel single‐cell protein (SCP) animal feed ingredient taking into consideration the perspectives of the value chain partners (VCPs), companies and laboratories involved in an Innovate UK research project. The authors' findings show how VCPs can use PAS440 to demonstrate that they are innovating responsibly. Using this approach to responsible innovation along the value chain—from manufacturing scale‐up, through regulatory approval, to incorporation in animal feed and from there to food on supermarket shelves—can support the development of innovations that contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of the animal feed sector. The authors conclude that the PAS 440 Guide can facilitate the progress of a new product throughout a value chain and contribute to coordinating responsible behaviour among companies involved in the value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Measuring and monitoring physical growth is a key element in assessing children's health. The physical and mental development of a growing child are indicators of good health and nutrition. This study aimed to explore the patterns of growth parameters among children under 5 years old attending primary health care centres (PHCCs) in rural northern Abha. Feeding habits during the first 2 years of life were also assessed. Method: This study was conducted on 1–5 April 2022 in all (PHCCs) in Billasamr and Ballahmar, two neighbourhoods of northern Abha. The investigator designed a form for collecting each child's age (months), weight (kilograms), gender, birth order, number of family members, type of feeding (exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive bottle feeding, or mixed feeding), and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Results: Gender affected the body weight of Saudi infants, as boys weighed significantly more than age-matched girls. Birth order also affected body weight. During the first and third years of life, Saudi children's body weight was not significantly affected by feeding type. During the second and fifth years of life, formula-fed children weighed more than breastfed or combination-fed children. However, during the fourth year of life, body weight was highest in combination-fed children. Conclusion: Growth patterns over time, established from multiple data points, must be used in conjunction with other medical and family history to evaluate appropriate growth. Recording and tracking body size, especially recumbent length and weight, as part of well-baby care is critical for any assessment of child wellbeing and health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic xylanases are widely used in industries such as biofuels, animal feeding, and fruit juice clarification due to their tolerance to acidic environments. However, the factors controlling their acid stability, especially in GH10 xylanases, are only partially understood. In this study, we identified a series of thermostable GH10 xylanases with optimal temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 °C, and among these, five enzymes (Xyn10C, Xyn10RE, Xyn10TC, Xyn10BS, and Xyn10PC) exhibited remarkable stability at pH 2.0. Our statistical analysis highlighted several factors contributing to the acid stability of GH10 xylanases, including electrostatic repulsion, π-π stacking, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, and Van der Waals interactions. Furthermore, through mutagenesis studies, we uncovered that acid stability is influenced by a complex interplay of amino acid residues. The key amino acid sites determining the acid stability of GH10 xylanases were thus elucidated, mainly concentrated in two surface regions behind the enzyme active center. Notably, the critical residues associated with acid stability markedly enhanced Xyn10RE's thermostability by more than sixfold, indicating a potential acid-thermal interplay in GH10 xylanases. This study not only reported a series of valuable genes but also provided a range of modification targets for enhancing the acid stability of GH10 xylanases. Key points: • Five acid stable and thermostable GH10 xylanases were reported. • The key amino acid sites, mainly forming two enriched surface regions behind the enzyme active center, were identified responsible for acid stability of GH10 xylanases. • The finding revealed interactive amino acid sites, offering a pathway for synergistic enhancement of both acid stability and thermostability in GH10 xylanase modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Moringa stenopetala is a fast-growing deciduous cabbage plant for human food and animal feeding in the dry season in Ethiopia's Dawro zone. However, little is known about the proximate and physicochemical parameters of seed oil of M. Stenopetala grown in the study area. Methods: In this study, the proximate composition and physicochemical parameters of oil extracted from M. stenopetala seeds were conducted through the Soxhlet extractor as the extracting medium. This study analyzed five selected varieties of M. stenopetala seed oils. Result: The proximate analysis of M. stenopetala seed oils revealed that the moisture content ranged from (7.23±0.61%-10.52±0.52%), Oil yield (29.41±1.05%-40.18±0.89%), Ash content (4.91±0.22%-5.77±0.04%), whereas the average crude fiber content was (6.88±0.24% -8.55±0.22%) and crude protein content (26.07±0.62%-30.01±1.31%). The physicochemical parameters of seed oil obtained confirmed that the oils were of good quality to those in the Association of Official Analytical Chemists standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flood disaster in the coastal area of Pekalongan City resulted in stagnant water, thus impacting the community's livelihoods previously. The adaptation that has been made to deal with these conditions is by cultivating saline tilapia. Feed is the most important factor in supporting the growth of saline tilapia production. However, research on feed quality and frequency that has been carried out for tilapia production has not been optimal in obtaining the results obtained. This study aims to determine the effect of different feeding rates on growth performance, feed utilization, and survival rate of tilapia reared in stagnant brackish water. The study consisted of feeding rates of 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% with three replications, and parameters were observed every seven days. Based on the research results it is known that the optimal feeding rate in saline tilapia culture ranges from 6.67% - 7% based on growth parameters. Although the other parameters do not show the same feeding rate as the growth parameter, these parameters are still in a good range for saline tilapia culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is one of the world's earliest domesticated crops, which is widely used for beer production, animal feeding, and health care. Barley seed germination, particularly in increasingly saline soils, is key to ensure the safety of crop production. However, the mechanism of salt‐affected seed germination in barley remains elusive. Here, two different colored barley varieties were used to independently study the regulation mechanism of salt tolerance during barley seed germination. High salinity delays barley seed germination by slowing down starch mobilization efficiency in seeds. The starch plate test revealed that salinity had a significant inhibitory effect on α‐amylase activity in barley seeds. Further, NaCl treatment down‐regulated the expression of Amy1, Amy2 and Amy3 genes in germinated seeds, thereby inhibiting α‐amylase activity. In addition, the result of embryogenic culture system in vitro showed that the shoot elongation of barley was significantly inhibited by salt stress. These findings indicate that it is a feasible idea to study the regulation mechanism of salinity on barley seed germination and embryo growth from the aspect of starch‐related source‐sink communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation with selenium yeast (SeY) and glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the transfer of antioxidative capacity between the mother and fetus during pregnancy and its underlying mechanisms. A total of 160 sows with similar body weight and parity of 3–6 parity sows were randomly and uniformly allocated to four groups (n = 40) as follows: CON group, SeY group, GML group, and SG (SeY + GML) group. Animal feeding started from the 85th day of gestation and continued to the day of delivery. The supplementation of SeY and GML resulted in increased placental weight and reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in sow plasma, placental tissues, and piglet plasma. Furthermore, the redox balance and inflammatory markers exhibited significant improvements in the plasma of sows fed with either SeY or GML, as well as in their offspring. Moreover, the addition of SeY and GML activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway, while downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and proteins associated with inflammatory pathways (MAPK and NF-κB). Vascular angiogenesis and nutrient transportation (amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose) were upregulated, whereas apoptosis signaling pathways within the placenta were downregulated with the supplementation of SeY and GML. The integrity of the intestinal and placental barriers significantly improved, as indicated by the increased expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1, along with reduced levels of DLA and DAO with dietary treatment. Moreover, supplementation of SeY and GML increased the abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Clostridium_sensus_stricto_1, and Bacteroidota, while decreasing levels of gut microbiota metabolites LPS and trimethylamine N-oxide. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative relationship between plasma LPS levels and placental weight, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In summary, dietary supplementation of SeY and GML enhanced the transfer of antioxidative capacity between maternal-fetal during pregnancy via gut–placenta axis through modulating sow microbiota composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate nutrient intake during complementary feeding (CF) can affect healthy infant growth and development. A randomized clinical trial was conducted to examine the energy and nutrient intake in Brazilian children randomly assigned to three distinct CF methods. Mother-infant pairs participated in the study, with mothers receiving interventions in one of three CF approaches: (A) strict Parent-Led Weaning (PLW); (B) strict Baby-Led Introduction to Solids (BLISS); and (C) a mixed method. Assessments were made at 5.5 months, nine months, and 12 months of the child's age. Food consumption was measured through 24-h dietary recalls at nine and 12 months, with intake estimates calculated using the Brazilian Food Composition Table. Means or medians of energy and nutrients were compared between groups using ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test or the Kruskal–Wallis test. A total of 115 infants were evaluated at nine months, and 102 at 12 months. Children in the PLW, BLISS, and mixed method groups exhibited comparable dietary intakes of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients at both nine and 12 months. Infants following PLW, BLISS, and mixed methods demonstrated similar levels of energy and nutrient intake, underscoring the effectiveness of these strategies in ensuring comparable nutrient intake during the critical phase of CF. Trial registration The trial was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) with identifier [RBR-229scm U1111-1226-9516], [https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-229scm]. The full data of the first registration was on 24/09/2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter to the editor discusses the diagnosis and potential role of gut-originating immunoglobulin E (IgE) in non-IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy (CMA). The study measured fecal IgE levels in infants with suspected non-IgE CMA before and after an oral food challenge (OFC) with cow's milk protein. The results showed a transient increase in fecal IgE levels in confirmed non-IgE CMA cases, which decreased when dairy products were removed from the diet. These findings suggest a possible involvement of gut-originating IgE in the pathogenesis of non-IgE CMA. Further research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings and explore the mechanisms involved. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Aim: At present, detailed studies are being conducted to confirm the safety of the use of metal-containing ultrafine particles (UFP) in animal feeding, preventing the possibility of negative effects on productive qualities and physiological state, as well as on the environment and final consumer, that is, humans. Thus, the purpose of this research was to study the safety of cobalt- and manganese-containing UFP (UFP Co3O4, Mn2O3 UFP) together with Origanum vulgare (PB) herb extract in a bioluminescence inhibition test, as well as the effect of this composition on ruminal digestion in vitro. Materials and Methods: The safety of the studied samples was determined using a multifunctional microplate analyzer TECAN Infinite F200 (Tecan Austria GmbH, Austria), recording the luminescence value of the bacterial strain Escherichia coli K12 TG11 (Ecolum, JSC NVO Immunotech, Russia). Dry matter (DM) digestibility studies were performed using the in vitro method on an "artificial rumen" model using an ANKOM Daisy II incubator unit (AD II; USA). The number of protozoa in ruminal fluid was counted in a Goryaev chamber. The bacterial mass was assessed by differential centrifugation followed by drying. This method is based on differences in the sedimentation rate of particles that differ in size and density. Results: UFP Co3O4 and Mn2O3 at concentrations above 1.5 × 10-5 and 1.9 × 10-3 mol/L, respectively, have a pronounced bactericidal effect, suppressing more than 50% of the luminescence of E. coli K12 TG1. The combined use of UFP metals and plant extract increases the luminescence of the test object, indicating its safety. The combined use of UFP and PB increases the digestibility of feed DM in vitro and the number of protozoa in 1 mL of ruminal fluid; however, the combination of UFP Mn2O3 + PB (13.8%) yielded the best result, which is recommended for further in vivo research. Conclusion: Origanum vulgare extract reduces the toxicity of UFP Co3O4 and Mn2O3 in vitro, indicating that their combined use is safer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]