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Context: Canola meal is a protein-rich feedstuff with an amino acid profile that is reasonably well balanced and has the potential to replace soybean meal in poultry diets. Aim: The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the crude protein content and apparent ileal digestible amino acid contents of Australian canola meals. Methods: Thirteen canola meal samples, processed by expeller or solvent extractions, were collected. The digestibility assay diets were based on dextrose and contained canola meal as the sole source of protein. The proportions of dextrose and canola meal were varied in each diet to obtain ~200 g/kg crude protein. Each diet was fed to three cages of six 35-day-old broilers for 7 days. At the end of the assay, digesta from the terminal ileum was collected for digestibility determination. Key results: Crude protein contents were positively correlated with amino acid contents (P < 0.05 to 0.001), except that of serine (r = 0.43; P = 0.11). Significant correlations between the crude protein content and ileal digestible contents were observed for most of amino acids, with coefficients of >0.80 (P < 0.05 to 0.001). Low correlation coefficients were observed for lysine (r = 0.48; P = 0.11) and serine (r = 0.55; P = 0.06). The poor correlation for lysine may be reflective of reduced lysine availability during processing. Conclusions: The results showed that the crude protein content of canola meal could serve as a predictor of apparent ileal digestible content of most amino acids for broiler chickens. Implications: Regression equations developed in the present study could be used to predict the content of ileal digestible amino acids in canola meal by using analysed crude protein contents. Canola meal (CM) is a potentially important protein source for poultry. The amino acid profile of CM is reasonably well balanced, but digestibility of amino acids is key to the nutritional value of CM. Amino acid analysis and in vivo digestibility assays are costly and time consuming. The aim of this study was to determine whether the digestible amino acid content of CM could be deduced from its crude protein content, which is routinely determined. This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Shortening the fattening period can reduce production costs and inedible fat, but may simultaneously negatively affect productivity and profitability. We hypothesized that increasing the crude protein and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in the formula feed could address the issues associated with shortened fattening periods without adversely affecting rumen fermentation. This study investigated the effect of a simultaneous increase of crude protein and TDN contents compared to conventional formula feed on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and meat composition of late fattening Hanwoo steers. Methods: Thirty Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups: control group (16.4% crude protein and 83.6% TDN based on dry matter) and treatment group (17.4% crude protein and 84.6% TDN based on dry matter). Result: The rumen parameters were similar between the control and treatment groups. Likewise, the effect of additional crude protein and TDN contents in the formula feed showed no significant impact on the growth performance or blood metabolites. The carcass weight and yield index were slightly higher in the treatment group compared to the control, yet these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the dietary treatment did not affect marbling score, meat color, fat color, texture, maturity, pH, surface colors, drip loss, cooking loss, sensory characteristics, or fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted during February, 2022 to February, 2023 to evaluate effect of dietary supplementation of Terminalia arjuna bark and Moringa oleifera leaf powder on external and internal egg quality parameters and egg composition of Uttara chicken. Day old chicks (n=72) were distributed into six treatment groups, having three replicates of 4 birds each. Birds were fed T0 (control diet), T1 (Basal diet+1% Arjuna bark powder+1% Sahjan leaf powder), T2 (Basal diet+1% Arjuna+2% Sahjan), T3 (Basal diet+1% Arjuna+3% Sahjan), T4 (Basal diet+1% Arjuna+4% Sahjan) and T5 (Basal diet+1% Arjuna+5% Sahjan). Eggs from the T3 group consistently exhibited higher (p<0.01) egg weight, thicker egg shell, greater egg shell weight, and improved albumen quality, as evidenced by higher albumen height, albumen index, and Haugh unit values. Yolk weight and yolk color score were also improved (p<0.01) in treatment groups, notably T2 and T3 as compared to control group. The eggs from the T3 group had significantly higher (p<0.05) crude protein content and lower yolk cholesterol levels compared to other groups. There was no significant difference in moisture (%) and ether extract (%) content of egg. Thus, it may be concluded that Arjuna bark @ 1% and Sahjan leaf @ 3% powder have positively influenced egg quality and egg composition of Uttara chicken indicating its potential as a beneficial dietary supplement in poultry diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Proficiency testing (PT) allows food laboratories to endorse their competency to provide food safety guarantees to producers and consumers. One of the recommended methods for assigning reference values in PT with a small number of participants consists in considering the results that a laboratory obtains by means of a calibration test based on certified reference material (CRM). The present study delves into the results from eight PT rounds on the determination of fat and crude protein from raw milk, with modifications in the number of samples and the analysis sessions from that required by the ISO 13528:2022. The uncertainty criterion of the assigned value established by the ISO 13528:2022 standard was met by 93% of the participating laboratories, which allowed most participants to be evaluated through z-score. The assigned values were generally compatible with the results obtained by the participants. Thus, it can be concluded that the design for the assignment of the reference value is appropriate for PT with a limited number of participants. It is recommended for future PT to limit the uncertainty of the CRM according to their availability and to update the standard deviation of the proficiency assessment for the Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy method (MIR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: This systematic review scrutinises the literature on white striping and wooden breast phenomena in broiler chickens, with a specific emphasis on identifying nutritional strategies designed to alleviate these myopathies. Additionally, the review sought to ascertain whether avian welfare was compromised when nutritional interventions were employed to address pectoral myopathies. Employing the ProKnow-C methodology, a total of twenty-two research articles were meticulously selected based on pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria, following the Knowledge Development Process – Constructivist approach. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies featuring the application of nutritional strategies, specifically evaluating their impacts on the incidence of myopathies and their broader ramifications on animal welfare. Collated data facilitated to identify various nutritional strategies, evaluating their influence on the occurrence of pectoral myopathies, with researchers predominantly focusing on either white striping or wooden breast, or concurrently investigating both conditions. Upon a comprehensive analysis of the scientific content, the selected articles were categorised according to the applied nutritional strategies, namely: levels of crude protein, amino acids, and/or energy; antioxidants and various mineral sources; quantitative dietary restriction; and food additives. Our findings revealed a multitude of strategies deployed by the industry to mitigate the incidence of pectoral myopathies. Predominantly, these strategies fell into two broad categories: those associated with growth rate alterations, involving manipulation or retardation of the birds' growth curve throughout the production phase; and those utilising dietary antioxidants, whether natural or synthetic. Approaches related to the growth curve aimed at mitigating myopathy severity by controlling or slowing down avian growth. It is noteworthy that the scarcity of studies examining the impact of pectoral myopathies on animal welfare raises concerns that necessitate urgent attention from the scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecological testing of soybean varieties of domestic and foreign selection was carried out during 2020-2022 on the experimental field Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillya of NAAS, which is located in the zone of the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine. The subject of research was domestic soybean varieties (Diadema Podillia, Tytan, Kobuko, Monada, Triada (Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillya of NAAS); Vorskla, Lehenda (National Research Center "Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences") and foreign (Merlin, Kardiff, Kent, Padua (SAATBAU LINZ eGen); Kioto, Kordoba, Briunensis (Semences Prograin Ink.); Senator, Alihator (Euralis Semences); Sultana (RAGT Semences) selection. All soybean varieties studied during 2020-2022 were entered into the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine. The maximum seed yield in the zone of the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine was recorded in the following varieties: Triada (3.41 t/ha), Kioto (3.29 t/ha), Alihator (3.25 t/ha), Kobuko (3.19 t/ha), Monada (3.15 t/ha), Kardiff (3.06 t/ha) and Tytan (3.05 t/ha). According to the results of the analysis of the mass of 1000 seeds, its highest indicators were noted in soybean varieties: Tytan - 194 g, Alihator - 192 g, Kent-193 g, Sultana - 200 g. According to the results of the biochemical analysis of soybean seeds, it was found that most of the studied varieties provided the content crude protein is more than 40%, while the Merlin, Alihator, Triada, Cardiff and Kent varieties had a crude protein content of 37.1-39.1%. The obtained results of the content of amino acids in soybean seeds show more noticeable indicators in the Tytan soybean variety. Thus, on the basis of a comprehensive approach to soybean productivity indicators, such varieties of domestic selection as Tytan and Kobuko, as well as foreign selection of Kioto, are recommended for agricultural production in the areas of seed production, animal feed and raw material in the selection process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jerusalem artichoke (JA) (Helianthus tuberosus L., family Asteraceae) is an important feedstock for biofuel production due to its high biomass yield per unit area and the low costs associated with plantation establishment and cultivation technology. The chemical composition of the aerial biomass of JA grown in a perennial cycle and harvested once or twice during the growing season was determined, to assess the potential of JA for energy production. The experiment was conducted in 2018–2020 in north-eastern Poland. The study demonstrated that the crude ash (CA) content of the biomass was significantly (by 24.1%) higher when JA was harvested twice rather than once during the growing season, making it less suitable for energy purposes. However, double cutting induced an increase in the content of crude fiber (CFR), cellulose, and hemicellulose (by 87%, 41%, and 52%, respectively) in JA biomass compared with single cutting. In addition, twice-harvested JA biomass was also characterized by higher concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) (by 40.7%, 38.9%, and 30.3%, respectively), and a lower (by 29.3%) concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC). These results indicate that the chemical composition of a JA biomass can be modified by selecting the appropriate harvest strategy, which is an important consideration for end users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Soybeans (Glycine max) are a preferred source of plant‐based proteins and oil in various applications in foods and feeds. When soybean is converted to soybean meal (SBM), the quality is determined by the protein content and its digestibility. Protein digestibility is reduced by anti‐nutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors (TI) and processing. The abundant genetic variations in soybean germplasm affect the quantitative trait of protein content. This study analysed the effect of location and planting dates on genetically identical soybeans grown in North Carolina (NC) and then compared the nutritional traits to similar commonly grown soybean varieties in other locations in the USA. The soybeans were analysed using NIRS and wet chemistry. It was found that soybean protein content ranged from 38.14% to 44.92% among the different varieties grown in three different locations in NC. Similarly, TI levels ranged between 28.22 and 33.11 mg g−1 among these varieties. The same varieties, when planted as either a full season or double crop, had different TI levels and were also impacted by planting location. However, there were no significant differences in the TI levels between the varieties and planting seasons. Furthermore, no significant difference in protein content among the varieties within the planting dates was found. Compared to soybeans grown in other parts of the USA, the average crude protein (CP) content was similar to those grown in Arkansas and Minnesota. The TI levels were significantly higher than those grown in Ohio, similar to that of Arkansas, and significantly lower than that of Minnesota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed Melia dubia leaf fodder proximate and cell wall composition to ascertain provenance and seasonal variations in Satpura and northern tip of Western Ghats (or Sahyadri) ranges falling in Gujarat, India. The study revealed significant variation (P ≤ 0.05) in proximate [moisture content (MC), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), organic matter (OM), total ash (TA), acid insoluble ash (AIA) and nitrogen free extract (NFE)] and cell wall attributes [neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), hemicellulose and cellulose content] among eight provenances in the winter and summer seasons. The MC, DM, CP, CF, EE, OM, TA and NFE ranged from 68.6–72.2%; 27.8–31.5%, 10.2–12.1%, 16.3–18.7%, 2.5–3.3%, 85.4–88.7%, 11.3–14.6% and 55.0–58.4%, respectively among eight provenances. DM, CP, CF, EE and OM (29.7%, 12.0%, 18.6%, 3.3% and 87.6%, respectively) were significantly higher in the summer. In contrast, MC, TA, AIA and NFE (70.9%, 13.6%, 1.0% and 58.4%, respectively) were significantly higher in the winter season. NDF, ADF, ADL, hemicellulose and cellulose content ranged from 32.2–38.5%, 23.8–30.2%, 11.8–20.8%, 6.9–9.7% and 9.3–12.3%, respectively among provenances. Further, M. dubia leaf cell wall composition varied significantly between winter and summer seasons. NDF, ADF, ADL and hemicellulose (36.2%, 27.6%, 16.9% and 8.7%, respectively) were higher during the summer season (S2); conversely, the cellulose content was higher (11.2%) in the winter season. Keeping in view the average proximate and fiber composition levels, M. dubia leaf fodder falls within the energy-rich fodder stuff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fodder Galega (Galega orientalis Lam.) is a perennial legume adapted to the temperate regions of the world. The objective of this research was to compare the performance of fodder Galega to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), and cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) in monocultures and grass–legume mixtures. From 2018 to 2020, a multiple-location trial was conducted at Swift Current, Saskatoon, Melfort, SK and Beaverlodge, AB, Canada. The average forage mass of fodder Galega in monoculture was 3226, 1176, and 1678 kg·ha–1 at Melfort, Saskatoon, and Swift Current, respectively, and was lower than alfalfa. However, fodder Galega and alfalfa had similar forage mass at Beaverlodge (7900 and 7670 kg·ha−1, respectively). The proportion of fodder Galega in the grass–legume mixtures was 36%–42% in 2019, decreasing to 3%–27% at Saskatoon. At Swift Current, fodder Galega in the mixtures was 11%–13% in 2019, which almost disappeared from the stand in 2020. At Beaverlodge, fodder Galega maintained 38%–47% in 2019 and increased to 47%–69% in 2020. Fodder Galega had similar acid detergent fiber to cicer milkvetch at two of four sites, which was lower than those of alfalfa and sainfoin. The crude protein of fodder Galega and its mixtures with grasses was lower than other mixtures at the three Saskatchewan sites, but was higher at Beaverlodge. Our results indicate that fodder Galega has potential to be utilized as a forage legume in cooler northern regions, but its productivity was low in the Dark Brown and Brown soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enrich the technical means of quality control of Torreya, the qualitative analysis model of storage time and conditions of Torreya grandis was established by near infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, a quantitative analysis model for protein and fat content of Torreya was established using chemometric methods. After preprocessing the spectra and selecting feature wavelengths, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model based on genetic algorithm (GA) and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) algorithm was developed, achieving an identification accuracy of 99.2% in distinguishing Torreya with different storage times and conditions. Furthermore, partial least squares (PLS), radial basis function neural network (RBF), and extreme learning machine (ELM) models were established and compared. Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) was used as a spectral feature selection method, resulting in 41 and 56 selected features for protein and fat content, respectively, significantly improving computational efficiency. The results showed that the D2-CARS-PLS model with second derivative (D2) preprocessing and CARS method was the optimal model, achieving good prediction performance for protein and fat content of Torreya with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.977 and 0.984, respectively. The findings demonstrated the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy technology for rapid and non-destructive detection of Torreya nut quality, providing a reliable analytical method for Torreya nut quality assessment.

Agroecological testing of soybean varieties of domestic and foreign selection was carried out during 2020-2022 on the experimental field Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillya of NAAS, which is located in the zone of the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine. The subject of research was domestic soybean varieties (Diadema Podillia, Tytan, Kobuko, Monada, Triada (Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillya of NAAS); Vorskla, Lehenda (National Research Center «Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences») and foreign (Merlin, Kardiff, Kent, Padua (SAATBAU LINZ eGen); Kioto, Kordoba, Briunensis (Semences Prograin Ink.); Senator, Alihator (Euralis Semences); Sultana (RAGT Semences) selection. All soybean varieties studied during 2020‒2022 were entered into the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine. The maximum seed yield in the zone of the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine was recorded in the following varieties: Triada (3.41 t/ha), Kioto (3.29 t/ha), Alihator (3.25 t/ha), Kobuko (3.19 t/ha), Monada (3.15 t/ha), Kardiff (3.06 t/ha) and Tytan (3.05 t/ha). According to the results of the analysis of the mass of 1000 seeds, its highest indicators were noted in soybean varieties: Tytan – 194 g, Alihator – 192 g, Kent –193 g, Sultana – 200 g. According to the results of the biochemical analysis of soybean seeds, it was found that most of the studied varieties provided the content crude protein is more than 40%, while the Merlin, Alihator, Triada, Cardiff and Kent varieties had a crude protein content of 37.1-39.1%. The obtained results of the content of amino acids in soybean seeds show more noticeable indicators in the Tytan soybean variety. Thus, on the basis of a comprehensive approach to soybean productivity indicators, such varieties of domestic selection as Tytan and Kobuko, foreign selection of Kioto are recommended for agricultural production in the areas of seed production, animal feed and raw material in the selection process.

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is an important silage crop and has an increasing popularity because of the need for relatively smaller quantities of water per unit dry matter production compared to maize. Regarding to high feed costs of protein supplementations, legumes can be used in livestock nutrition for their high protein content and, thus, providing cost savings. Since legumes have low dry matter yield, acceptable forage yield and quality can be obtained from intercropping cereals and legumes, compared to their sole crops. In this study, sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropped in different sowing densities and pure sweet sorghum crops were evaluated to the best intercropping system with respect to yield and quality of fodder. Sweet sorghum was sown alone (18.0 seeds/m2) and intercropped with climbing bean as follows: 18.0 seeds/m2 of sweet sorghum and 3.7 seeds/m2 of climbing bean, 18.0 seeds/m2 of sweet sorghum and 5.0 seeds/m2 of climbing bean and 18.0 seeds/m2 of sweet sorghum and 7.5 seeds/m2 of climbing bean. The highest dry matter yield was produced by 18.0 plants/m2 of sweet sorghum and 7.5 plants/m2 of climbing bean (20.7 t/ha), and the lowest by solo sweet sorghum (18.2 t/ha). Intercropping of sweet sorghum with climbing bean reduced neutral detergent fiber content, which in turn, results in increased forage digestibility. Based on forage yield and quality, this study showed that among all intercropped forages, of 18.0 plants/m2 of sweet sorghum and 7.5 plants/m2 of climbing bean treatment were better performing than other intercrops.

The article presents the results of studies (1991–1994, 2005–2007 and 2015–2018) conducted on leached heavy loam chernozem in the Republic of Mordovia. The purpose of the research is to conduct a comparative assessment of the effect of mineral fertilizers on the yield and quality of alfalfa and awnless brome. The analysis of long-term results showed that the productivity of alfalfa during three rotations of the field crop rotation was higher by 0.64, 1.05 and 0.15 t/ha compared with the awnless brome (5.73, 4.43 and 5.54 t/ha). The application of phosphorus-potassium (PK) fertilizers for alfalfa increased the harvest by an average of 18 %, with a payback of 1 kg a.i. of fertilizer with 8 kg of hay and an additional income of 1.3 rubles/rub. The use of a full mineral seed with doses of nitrogen N30–90 for awnless brome increased crop yield from 36 to 67 % compared to the PK variant (4.15 t/ha), additional income amounted to 1.15–1.29 rubles / rub, payback of 1 kg of a.i. of nitrogen – 32.7–45.5 kg of hay. The analysis of the experimental material showed that the concentration of crude protein in the green mass of alfalfa was 1.5 times higher than in the awnless brome (12.89 %). Complete mineral fertilizer increased the crude protein content in the green mass of the awnless brome in some years from 8 to 28 %, in alfalfa only by 2-3 % compared with the PK variant. According to the collection of crude protein per unit area, alfalfa crops (on average 1,133 kg/ha) differed favorably from awnless brome (684 kg/ha).

Abstract Diguo (Ficus tikoua Bur.), an ancient wild fruit, is widely spread in southwest China. However, there is little information on the phenotypic traits, quality characteristics, and aroma compounds available to diguo fruit. The present study is an investigation into the effects of geographical origin on the phenotypic traits and quality characteristics of wild diguo fruit collected from southwest China. The volatile compounds in the mixed fruit samples were also investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Our results indicated that significant variation existed among the sampling materials in all the phenotypic parameters. Fruit fresh weight ranged between 2.06 and 4.59 g. Moreover, significant variation existed among the selected materials in all macronutrients (dry matter, total soluble solids, crude protein, crude fat, and ash) and some nutritional parameters (glutamate, arginine, total soluble solids, maltose, and mannose, etc.). Regardless of their geographical origin, diguo fruit is relatively low in fat and fructose and high in fiber and glutamate. A total of 95 volatile constituents were identified in the frozen diguo fruit. In conclusion, diguo fruit with rich nutritional attributes has a promising future for commercial‐scale production. The variability of the observed morphological and nutritional features of diguo fruit provides important characteristics for improving the breeding of diguo as a modern fruit crop.

IntroductionThe agricultural systems are facing numerous challenges in maintaining and providing food security. Achieving this goal, considering the growing global population is possible through the application of sustainable agricultural principles to increase crop yield and reduce environmental costs. The widespread use of chemical inputs, particularly nitrogen fertilizers, by farmers globally to enhance yields has resulted in numerous environmental hazards, including soil and groundwater pollution. Intercropping systems emerge as a viable strategy to augment yield, curtail reliance on chemical fertilizers, and safeguard the environment. Enhancing the yield and quality of forage has become a paramount concern in the agricultural sector in recent times. Various approaches exist to achieve this objective, among which intercropping cereals and legumes stands out as a promising solution. One of the most sustainable farming methods in saline and arid lands is drying livestock products using salt-tolerant plants, which can also be beneficial for farmers.Materials and MethodsThis experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Institute of Zabol University using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental treatments include different patterns of intercropping kochia and cowpea, namely: 100% Kochia (K100), 50% kochia: 50% cowpea (K50:C50), 75% kochia: 25% cowpea (K75:C25), 25% kochia: 75% cowpea (K25:C75), 100% kochia: 50% cowpea (K100:C50), 50% kochia: 100% cowpea (K50:C100), 100% kochia:100% cowpea (K100:C100), and 100% cowpea (C100). Dry forage yield, yield components, percentage of crude protein (CP), ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and dry matter digestibility (DMD) were measured in Kochia plants. Additionally, in cowpea, economic and biological yield, the number of pods per plant, and the 1000-grain weight were measured. To assess the profitability of intercropping, the land equivalent ratio (LER) was utilized.Results and DiscussionAccording to the obtained results, the planting pattern had a significant effect on the yield of kochia and cowpea, as well as the morphological characteristics of cowpea, including height, lateral branch, stem weight, and leaf weight. Additionally, the planting pattern had a significant effect on the quality parameters of forage, including the percentage of protein, ash, ADF, and DMD of Kochia. The highest yield was obtained for kochia (22,788 kg.ha-1) in the cropping pattern of K100:C100, and for cowpea (3590.3 kg.ha-1) in pure cowpea. The highest percentages of protein (19.90) and ash (14.83) were achieved in the additive intercropping pattern of K100:C100. It also achieved the highest and lowest percentage of DMD (41%) and, ADF (41.30%), respectively, in the pattern of K100:C50. The research results indicated that the highest LER (1.80) was achieved from the treatment of K50:C50.ConclusionThe yield and quality of forage in dry areas have significant importance, considering the prevailing climatic conditions. Therefore, intercropping is considered a practical solution to achieve the mentioned goals. or Despite the numerous benefits of intercropping, the selection of compatible forage and companion plants that are suitable for specific regional conditions, combined with the design of an appropriate cropping pattern, can greatly enhance the yield and efficiency of this cultivation system. According to the results, intercropping demonstrates higher forage quality compared to the sole crop of Kochia. High-quality forage has higher percentages of CP, ash, and DMD while having lower levels of ADF. Based on these findings, the additive patterns K100:C100 and K100:C50 are recommended. The research results indicate an increase in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of both kochia and cowpea in intercropping. The LER in all replacement patterns was greater than one, indicating an increase in land efficiency compared to the sole crop. As a result, the natural potential of Kochia, a salt-tolerant plant, can be used as a suitable strategy for using saline soil and water resources and feeding livestock in the Zabol region.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of low crude protein (CP) level with essential amino acids (AA) addition on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, microbiota, and volatile fatty acid composition in growing pigs. A total of 160 growing pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc [LYD]; average initial body weight 16.68 ± 0.12 kg) were randomly allotted to one of the four treatments on the basis of initial body weight. A randomized complete block design was used to conduct this experiment in the Research Center of Animal Life Sciences at Kangwon National University. There were ten pigs/replicate with four replicates in each treatment. The treatments include; CON (Control, 17.2% dietary CP level), low protein (LP)-1.10 (15.7% dietary CP level + 1.10% lysine level), LP-1.15 (15.7% dietary CP level + 1.15% lysine level), LP1.2 (15.7% dietary CP level + 1.20% lysine level). The pigs fed CON and LP-1.2 diet showed greater final body weight than that of LP-1.1 diet (p < 0.05). Although average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed efficiency did not show any difference in phase 2 and 3, average daily gain and feed efficiency was significantly greater in CON and LP-1.20 in phase 1. However, the average daily feed intake did not show any difference during the experimental period. Isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid composition of LP treatments were lower than CON treatment in phase 2. Total branched chain fatty acid composition was significantly lower in LP treatment in phases 1 and 2. However, there was no significant difference among treatments in phase 3. The results of this study underscore the importance of AA supplementation when implementing a low-protein diet during the early growth phase (16–50 kg) in pigs.

旨在为核桃品种应用推广、生产加工和区域化种植提供参考，探究了不同地区‘娘青’核桃坚果的品质差异。以6个地区的‘娘青’核桃坚果为原料，以坚果表观性状（纵径、横径、棱径、三径均值、果形指数、单果质量、出仁率和壳厚）和核仁内含物（粗脂肪含量、粗蛋白质含量、脂肪酸组成及含量）指标为依据，采用主成分分析和对比现行地方标准产品质量分类等级对核桃坚果品质进行综合评价。结果表明:不同地区核桃坚果的三径、三径均值、单果质量、出仁率均存在显著性差异，其中三径均值和单果质量最大的是云南迪庆维西县的（3.63 cm、13.33 g），最小的是广西南丹县的（3.16 cm、10.09 g），出仁率最高的是云南大理剑川县的（47.26%），最低的是广西南丹县的（4188%）；果形指数和壳厚均无显著性差异，果形指数在1.14~1.30之间，壳厚在1.03~1.19 mm之间；不同地区的核仁粗蛋白质含量存在显著性差异，其中最高的是云南漾濞县顺濞乡的（15.90%），最低的是广西南丹县的（11.80%），而粗脂肪含量最高的是广西南丹县的（70.23%），最低的是云南漾濞县平坡镇的（62.70%）；油酸含量最高的云南迪庆维西县的（38.90%），亚油酸含量最高的是广西凤山县的（56.70%），亚麻酸含量最高的是广西南丹县的（11.14%），亚油酸与亚麻酸比值均在4~7之间；6个地区的‘娘青’核桃综合品质得分从高到低依次为云南大理剑川县、云南迪庆维西县、云南漾濞县顺濞乡、广西凤山县、云南漾濞县平坡镇、广西南丹县；云南迪庆维西县、大理剑川县、漾濞县的核桃坚果达到特级标准，广西凤山县的达到Ⅰ级标准，广西南丹县的达到Ⅱ级标准。因此，原产地云南漾濞县的核桃坚果适宜加工蛋白类产品，引种地云南维西县和剑川县的可开发为商业果品，引种地广西凤山县和南丹县的宜开发油脂产品。The quality differences of the Niangqing walnut from different regions was explored so as to provide reference for variety application and promotion, production and processing, and regionalised cultivation. With Niangqing walnuts from six regions as raw materials, based on the index values of nut appearance traits (longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, edge diameter, mean value of three diameter, fruit shape index, single fruit mass, kernel yield and shell thickness) and nucleolar contents (crude fat content, crude protein content, fatty acid composition and content), principal component analysis and the current local standard of nut classification were used to comprehensively evaluate the quality of walnut. The results showed that there were significant differences in the three diameter, mean value of three diameter, single fruit mass and kernel yield in different regions, among which the largest mean value of three diameter and single fruit mass was in Weixi County, Diqing, Yunnan (3.63 cm and 13.33 g) and the smallest was in Nandan County, Guangxi (3.16 cm and 10.09 g). The highest kernel yield was in Jianchuan County, Dali, Yunnan (47.26%), and the lowest was in Nandan County, Guangxi (4188%). There was no significant differences in the fruit shape index and shell thickness, with the fruit shape index between 1.14 and 130, shell thickness between 1.03 mm and 1.19 mm. There were significant differences in the crude protein content of walnut kernel in different regions, the highest in Shunbi Township,Yangbi County, Yunnan (15.90%) and the lowest in Nandan County, Guangxi (1180%). The highest crude fat content was in Nandan County, Guangxi (70.23%), the lowest was in Pingpo Town, Yangbi County, Yunanan (62.70%). The highest oleic acid content was in Weixi County, Diqing, Yunnan (38.90%), the highest linoleic acid content was in Fengshan County, Guangxi (56.70%), and the highest linolenic acid content was Nandan County, Guangxi (11.14%). The ratio of linoleic acid content to linolenic acid content in different regions was between 4 and 7. The comprehensive quality scores of Niangqing walnut in the six regions decreased in the order of Jianchuan County (Yunnan), Weixi County (Yunnan), Shunbi Township (Yunnan), Fengshan County(Guangxi), Pingpo Town (Yunnan), and Nandan County(Guangxi). The walnuts in Weixi County (Yunnan), Jianchuan County (Yunnan), Shunbi County (Yunnan) reached the super grade standard, the walnuts in Fengshan County (Guangxi) reached the grade Ⅰ standard, and the walnuts in Nandan County (Guangxi) reached the grade Ⅱ standard. Therefore, walnuts in Yangbi County are suitable for processing protein products, walnuts in Weixi County and Jianchuan County can be developed into commercial fruits, and walnuts in Fengshan County and Nandan County should be developed into oil products.

Simple Summary: Nutritional factors are crucial to performance and meat quality. We investigated the effects of dietary CP and lysine levels on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and myofiber characteristics in slow-growing chicken and found that 18.0% CP increased BWG and shear force and had the lowest myofiber density and the largest myofiber diameter. Dietary lysine level affected myofiber diameter. Reducing dietary CP level and adding appropriate lysine can reduce myofiber diameter and increase perimysium thickness and endomysium thickness, therefore reducing shear force and improving meat tenderness. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) and lysine levels on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and myofiber characteristics of slow-growing chicken. A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was arranged, and the chickens were fed with 3 levels of dietary CP (16.0%, 17.0%, 18.0%) and 3 levels of dietary lysine (0.69%, 0.84%, 0.99%). A total of 540 8-week-old Beijing-You Chicken (BYC) female growing chickens were randomly allocated to 9 groups, 5 replicates per group, and 12 chickens per replicate. The birds were randomly allocated to one of the 9 experimental diets. Growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and myofiber characteristics were determined at 16 weeks of age. The results showed that dietary CP level and the interaction of dietary CP and lysine levels affected average feed intake (AFI) (p < 0.05). The AFI in the 16.0% CP and 17.0% CP groups was higher than in the 18.0% CP group (p < 0.05). Dietary CP levels significantly affected body weight gain (BWG) (p < 0.05) at 9 to 16 weeks. The 18.0% CP group had the highest BWG (93.99 g). Dietary CP levels affected the percentage of leg muscle yield, and the percentage of leg muscle yield of the 16.0% CP group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). Dietary CP and lysine levels alone and their interactions did not affect pH24h, drip loss, and cooking loss of breast muscle (p > 0.05). The shear force of the 18.0% CP group (29.55 N) was higher than that in the other two groups (p < 0.01). Dietary CP level affected myofiber characteristic (p < 0.01), with the lowest myofiber density (846.35 p·mm−2) and the largest myofiber diameter (30.92 μm) at 18.0% CP level. Dietary lysine level affected myofiber diameter, endomysium thickness, perimysium thickness (p < 0.01), with the largest myofiber diameter (29.29 μm) obtained at 0.84% lysine level, the largest endomysium thickness (4.58 μm) at 0.69% lysine level, and the largest perimysium thickness (9.26 μm) at 0.99% lysine level. Myofiber density was negatively correlated with myofiber diameter and endomysium thickness (R = −0.883, R = −0.523, p < 0.01); perimysium thickness had a significant negative correlation with shear force (R = −0.682, p < 0.05). Therefore, reducing dietary CP level and adding appropriate lysine can reduce myofiber diameter and increase perimysium thickness, reducing shear force and improving meat tenderness. A high lysine level (0.99%) in the low-CP (16.0%) diet can improve meat tenderness by regulating the myofiber characteristic without affecting production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crude protein (CP) content is an important determining factor for the quality of alfalfa, and its accurate and rapid evaluation is a challenge for the industry. A model was developed by combining Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIS) and chemometric analysis. Fourier spectra were collected in the range of 4000~400 cm−1. Adaptive iteratively reweighted penalized least squares (airPLS) and Savitzky–Golay (SG) were used for preprocessing the spectral data; competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and the characteristic peaks of CP functional groups and moieties were used for feature selection; partial least squares regression (PLSR) and random forest regression (RFR) were used for quantitative prediction modelling. By comparing the combined prediction results of CP content, the predictive performance of airPLST-cars-PLSR-CV was the best, with an R P 2 of 0.99 and an RMSEP of 0.053, which is suitable for establishing a small-sample prediction model. The research results show that the combination of the PLSR model can achieve an accurate prediction of the crude protein content of alfalfa forage, which can provide a reliable and effective new detection method for the crude protein content of alfalfa forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research compared how different levels of dietary crude protein (CP) and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) affect the growth performance, nitrogen utilization, serum parameters, protein synthesis, and amino acid (AA) metabolism in broilers aged 1 to 10 days. In a 4 × 3 factorial experimental design, the broilers were fed four levels of dietary CP (20%, 21%, 22%, and 23%) and three levels of dietary AME (2800 kcal/kg, 2900 kcal/kg, and 3000 kcal/kg). A total of 936 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to 12 treatments with 6 replications each. Growth performance, nitrogen utilization, serum parameter, gene expression of protein synthesis, and AA metabolism were evaluated at 10 d. The results revealed no interaction between dietary CP and AME levels on growth performance (p > 0.05). However, 22% and 23% CP enhanced body weight gain (BWG), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), total CP intake, and body protein deposition but had a detrimental effect on the protein efficiency ratio (PER) compared to 20% or 21% CP (p < 0.05). Broilers fed diets with 2800 kcal/kg AME showed increased feed intake (FI) and inferior PER (p < 0.05). Broilers fed diets with 3000 kcal/kg AME showed decreased muscle mRNA expression of mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) and Atrogin-1 compared to those fed diets with 2800 kcal/kg and 2900 kcal/kg AME (p < 0.05). Increasing dietary CP level from 20% to 23% decreased muscle mTOR and increased S6K1 mRNA expression, respectively (p < 0.05). The muscle mRNA expression of Atrogin-1 was highest for broilers fed 23% CP diets (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) and Liver alanine aminotransferase of the 22% and 23% CP groups were higher than those of 20% CP (p < 0.05). Significant interactions between dietary CP and AME levels were observed for muscle AMPK and liver lysine-ketoglutarate reductase (LKR) and branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Dietary AME level had no effect on muscle AMPK mRNA expression for broilers fed 21% and 22% CP diets (p > 0.05), whereas increasing dietary AME levels decreased AMPK mRNA expression for broilers fed 23% CP diets (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of LKR and BCKDH was highest for broilers fed the diet with 2800 kcal/kg AME and 22% CP, while it was lowest for broilers fed the diet with 3000 kcal/kg AME and 20% CP. The findings suggest that inadequate energy density hindered AA utilization for protein synthesis, leading to increased AA catabolism for broilers aged 1 to 10 days, and a dietary CP level of 22% and an AME level of 2900 to 3000 kcal/kg may be recommended based on performance and dietary protein utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the herbage quality and mineral composition of pastures is crucial for understanding the nutritional dynamics of grazing ecosystems. This study analyzed the quality of herbage and mineral content in four unique natural pasture regions of the Sivrice District (Hazar Lake) in Elazig Province between 2022 and 2023. The average values determined in dry herbage over two years are as follows: crude protein content in leguminous plants was (CP) 21.21%, acid detergent fibre (ADF) 18.21%, and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) 33.89% of the sample consists of digestible dry matter (DDM) with a content of 74.71% and a dry matter intake (DMI) of 3.58%. The relative feed value (RFV) is 207.79%, while the potassium (K) content is 2.71%, magnesium (Mg) is 0.32%, calcium (Ca) is 2.66%, and phosphorus (P) is 0.42%. In grasses, the crude protein (CP) content is 13.75%, acid detergent fibre (ADF) is 27.49%, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) is 51.30%, with DDM of 67.49%, DMI of 2.37%, RFV of 124.32%, and K, Mg, Ca, and P contents of 2.54%, 0.20%, 0.54%, and 0.40%, respectively. In other plant families, the CP content is 18.30%, ADF is 25.22%, NDF is 35.21%, with DDM of 69.26%, DMI of 3.47%, RFV of 187.10%, and K, Mg, Ca, and P contents of 2.66%, 0.32%, 1.46%, and 0.32%, respectively. The two-year study indicated that all the pastures studied were in generally good condition in terms of herbage quality, but Pasture-4 (Surek village) had higher values than the other pastures in terms of HP, ADF, NDF, DDM, DMI, RFV, Ca and Mg, especially in legumes and plants belonging to other families; and Pasture-3 (Guney village) had higher values than the other pastures in terms of the same characteristics in grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research aimed to find out the VFAs profile and methane gas production in fat-tailed sheep that fed rice straw ammoniated with commercial urea (T1), and rice straw ammoniated with urine (T2). Eight thin-tailed sheep aged 1.5 with an average body weight of 20 kg were used in this study. All the object studies were placed in individual metabolism cages. The feed concentrate used in this study was 2.3 % from the body weight of livestock, rice straw was ammoniated and water was given ad libitum, and feed was given twice a day at 7.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Concentrate were given first, then 1 hour later the ammoniated rice straw was given. The drinking water was provided ad libitum. Methods: This research was conducted in three stages, 1) total collection, 2) measure methane gas production, and 3) rumen fluid collection. A completely randomized design with 2 treatments and 4 replications was used in this study. After all data was collected, then it was analyzed using the Independent T-test using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software. Results: The results show no significance (P > 0.05) on rice straw ammoniated with commercial urea (T1), and rice straw ammoniated with urine (T2) for methane gas production (1,328.68±349.56 vs 1,463.95±215.41), VFA Total (40.74±13.09 vs 34.79±6.34), NH3 production (9.17±3.67 vs 8.78±2.94). It indicates that ammoniated using commercial urea or urine does not interrupt rumen fermentation. Conclusions: It could be concluded that crude protein digestible, methane gas production, and VFAs profile especially the fermentation conditions in the rumen are not affected by ammoniation from commercial urea or urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to determine the forage production and nutritional quality of six buffel grass ecotypes in vegetative and physiological maturity stages. The experiment was carried out at the Los Cañones Experimental Station in Zacatecas, Mexico. The ecotypes were as follows: E-42, E-45, E-66, E-72, E-S245, and the Titan variety as a control. The experiment design was a completely randomized block with three replications, and the evaluation years were from 2020 to 2022. The variables measured were as follows: plant height (PH), dry matter yield (DMY), leaf (Lf) and stem-inflorescence (St), crude protein (CP), neutral (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Pearson's correlation and a combined analysis of variance were performed for each growth stage. A correlation analysis showed significant relationships (p < 0.05) between variables. In the vegetative stage, ecotypes E-42, E-45, and E-S45 showed accumulations of over 12% of CP, which were higher (p < 0.05) than the ones for Titan. Low values of E-S245 (p < 0.05) for NDF (63.44%) and ADF (44.49%) stood out among all ecotypes. In the maturity stage, Titan was surpassed by E-45 and E-S245 with CP higher than 4%. The neutral and acid fibers in E-42, E-45, and E-S245 were less than in Titan (p < 0.05). Ecotypes E-42 and E-S245 are alternatives to improve feed efficiency in the dry subtropical climate of Zacatecas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), and crude protein of soft white winter wheat–club variety (Barbee) and soft white winter wheat common variety (Zvezdana) susceptible to leaf rust and powdery mildew under different cultivation practices. Results revealed divergence in associations between yield, TKW, and crude protein loss of winter wheat varieties susceptible to obligate pathogens. Under the same level of leaf rust infection, N-input limited yield loss of the two varieties but not to the same extent. TKW loss was affected only by variety×cultivation practice and was significantly correlated with yield loss (r = −0.727, p = 0.011) and crude protein loss (r = −0.600, p = 0.05) only in club winter wheat. We suspected that Ninput affects the difference in the relationship between yield and TKW loss among varieties. Crude protein and yield loss had a low association (R2 = 18%, p = 0.05). Finally, this study indicated that more attention should be paid to the determination of pathogen pressure that triggers yield loss. It also pointed out that yield, TKW, and crude protein response to fungicides could differ in susceptible varieties. The contribution of fungicide to yield enhancement was highly associated with the specific reaction of the variety to pathogen infection rather than solely the disease level itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leys are an important part of northern European livestock production, particularly for ruminants since monogastric animals are limited in their ability to digest the fibres of the forage. Crop fractionation methods are a promising option to make forages more beneficial for monogastric animals and decrease the amount of imported protein feed. A leaf stripping harvesting technique was evaluated at Röbäcksdalen in northern Sweden in mixed grass‐clover leys over 2 years. The PremAlfa Mini leaf stripper (Trust'ing‐Alf'ing, Nantes, France) worked well in mixed stands, harvesting on average a third of the available forage biomass, primarily in the form of leaves and soft stems from the clover plants. It proved successful in producing a forage fraction that had a significantly higher crude protein (CP) concentration (+39.1%) and lower neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom) concentration (−21.4%) than the pre‐harvest mixed sward (all significant at p <.05 level). Due to the remaining high level of aNDFom in the leaf stripper fraction, it is more suited for use as an energy source for monogastrics rather than as a protein supplement. Alternatively, the leaf stripper fraction could be used to increase digestibility and CP content in the feed rations of high producing dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diguo (Ficus tikoua Bur.), an ancient wild fruit, is widely spread in southwest China. However, there is little information on the phenotypic traits, quality characteristics, and aroma compounds available to diguo fruit. The present study is an investigation into the effects of geographical origin on the phenotypic traits and quality characteristics of wild diguo fruit collected from southwest China. The volatile compounds in the mixed fruit samples were also investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Our results indicated that significant variation existed among the sampling materials in all the phenotypic parameters. Fruit fresh weight ranged between 2.06 and 4.59 g. Moreover, significant variation existed among the selected materials in all macronutrients (dry matter, total soluble solids, crude protein, crude fat, and ash) and some nutritional parameters (glutamate, arginine, total soluble solids, maltose, and mannose, etc.). Regardless of their geographical origin, diguo fruit is relatively low in fat and fructose and high in fiber and glutamate. A total of 95 volatile constituents were identified in the frozen diguo fruit. In conclusion, diguo fruit with rich nutritional attributes has a promising future for commercial‐scale production. The variability of the observed morphological and nutritional features of diguo fruit provides important characteristics for improving the breeding of diguo as a modern fruit crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx was assessed for nutritional value and biocidal potential. Proximate analysis revealed moisture content of 2.85%, while protein, fat and carbohydrate contents were 18.31%, 3.40% and 73.62% respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of reducing sugars, flavonoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. Inhibition zones due to sensitivity testing of the ethylacetate fraction (10 mg/ml) ranged between 10.33±0.58 and 17.17±0.76 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CISp1) and Escherichia coli (NCIB 86) respectively. The partially purified ethylacetate fraction (5 mg/mL) inhibition zones ranged between 12.00±1.00 (P. aeruginosa (CISp1)) and 24.00±0.00 (P. aeruginosa (NCIB 950)) while MIC ranged between 1.25 and 2.50 mg/mL. After 120 min of direct contact between the fraction (1×MIC) and Staphylococcus aureus, total cell death was 74.7%. Absolute mortality rate was achieved 3×MIC concentration at 120 mins and 60 mins for Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia, respectively. + Amount of K leakages at 1×MIC was 2.24µg/mL from S. aureus and 3.38µg/mL from K. pneumoniae. In general, leakages of cytoplasmic contents increase with increase in the concentration of the extract and the contact time. The green calyx of H. sabdariffa was found to have combined nutritional and medicinal values, thus, confirm its traditional application as food and in the treatment of infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plastic film mulching (PFM) and deficit irrigation (DI) are vital watersaving approaches in arid agriculture. Cyperus esculentus is a significant crop in dry zones. However, scant data exists on the impacts of these water-saving methods on C. esculentus yield and quality. Method: Using randomized block experiment design. Three irrigation strategies were tested: CK (standard irrigation), RW20 (20% water reduction), and RW40 (40% water reduction). Mulchin treatments included film mulching (FM) and no film mulching (NFM). Results: Results revealed substantial effects of film mulching and drip irrigation on soil nutrients and physical properties, with minor influence on grass, root, and tuber stoichiometry. PF treatment, DI treatments, and their interaction significantly affected C. esculentus forage and tuber yields. Initially, grass and tuber yields increased and then decreased with reduced irrigation. The highest yields were under RW20 (3716.31 and 4758.19 kg/ha). FM increased grass and tuber yield by 17.99% and 8.46%, respectively, over NFM. The water reduction augmented the biomass distribuiton of the leaf and root, while reducing the tuber biomass in NFM. FM significantely impacted grass ether extract content, while reduced water influenced grass and tuber crude protein and tuber ether extract content. Mild water stress increased ether extract, crude protein, and soluble matter in grass and tubers, while excessive RW decreased them. Conclusion: Integrating soil traits, nutrients, yield, and quality, findings indicate C. esculentus yield and quality primarily hinge on soil water content, pond hydrogenase, and electrical conductivity. Based on this results, the recommended strategy is to reduce irrigation by 20% for cultivating C. esculentus in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in soils not only reduces the productivity of forage crops, but also results in inadequate dietary zinc intake for livestock. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different rates and methods of applying ZnSO4 to both soil and foliage on the yield and quality of fodder maize grown in a sandy loam soil testing low in DTPA-extractable Zn. A 2-year field experiment was conducted with six treatments including control, foliar application of 0.3% ZnSO4 at 30 days after sowing (DAS) (F1), foliar application of 0.3% ZnSO4 at 30 and 40 DAS (F2), soil application of 16 kg ha−1 ZnSO4 (S16) and a combination of both soil and foliar ZnSO4 application (S16 + F1 and S16 + F2). Increase in green herbage yield by 25%, dry matter yield by 47% and Zn content by 79% was observed under S16 + F2 treatment over the control. Zinc application improved N, K, Cu and crude protein content of herbage significantly over the control. Thus, the study shows that significant improvement in growth parameters, herbage yield and quality of maize can be achieved with soil Zn application + two foliar sprays of ZnSO4 at 30 and 40 DAS, thereby ensuring availability of improved fodder Zn to the livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is a perennial herbaceous leguminous forage crop with a high content of crude protein, palatability, nutritive value and non-bloating. It can be offered in the form of green forage, grazing pasture, hay, or silage. To mitigate the dry season feed shortage, the agronomic performance and chemical composition of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) accessions were studied in the mid-altitude of Soddo and Abeshgie Woredas of Garage Zone of Ethiopia. For the screening, five International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) accessions (No 5708, 16006, 6582, 10558, and 10556) and four wild sainfoin accessions were collected from Worabe, Albazer, Meskan Dubo Tuto and Gibie river basin with morphological variation. They were subjected to initial screening followed by field trials for a period of fifteen months per session. Among the twenty-nine agronomic parameters (for screening purpose), based on the dendrogram results, fifteen data points were used for location wise (Buee and Tatesa) evaluation purposes. The results indicated that, with the exception of leaf length, leaf width, and annual seed yield, all parameters were affected by the accession by location interaction. The highest (P<0.001) cumulative dry matter, seed yield, and crude protein (CP%) contents were recorded for Worabe sainfoin, ILRI 5708 and ILRI 16006, respectively. Lower (P<0.05) condensed tannin (CT) was recorded in ILRI 5708, Worabe's and Albazer's sainfoin without any significant difference. During the first 24-hour incubation period, the highest and least (P<0.001) gases were produced from ILRI 16006 and Albazer, and ILRI 5708, respectively. The highest and least (P<0.001) methane gas was recorded from ILRI 16006 and ILRI 5708 respectively. The results indicated that Worabe sainfoin was superior to the result in all evaluated parameters. So, Worabe sainfoin hay mixture with crop residues can be used to enhance the nutritional value of crop residue-based poor feed resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on productivity, fungal diseases and the quality of seed peas grown on sod-podzolic medium-clay soil in 2021–2023 using pre-sowing seed treatment separately and in combination with plant vegetation treatment with experimental preparations based on local strains of the genus Streptomyces (A4 and 8A1-3) are presented. The comparison drugs were the chemical fungicide Pioneer, KS and the biological drug Pseudobacterin-2, J. The assessment of the biological effectiveness (BE) of the drugs was carried out on cultivars of peas of various morphotypes bred by the FARC North-East: ‘Falensky yubileiny’, ‘Falensky usaty’, ‘Falensky kormovoy’. The biological effectiveness of all tested preparations in protecting peas from root rot and ascochitosis was determined by the weather conditions of the year of research. In 2021, a significant decrease in the development of root rot compared with the control (38.4 %) was facilitated by seed treatment with a preparation based on S. antimycoticus 8A1-3 strain (29.0 %). A significant reduction in the development of pea root rot in 2022 was achieved by seed treatment with the chemical fungicide Pioneer (by 9.1 %), the reference bio-drug Pseudobacterin-2 (by 9.9 %) and the test strain S. antimycoticus 8Al-3 (by 7.1 %). In protecting peas from ascochitosis in 2022, the strain Streptomyces A4 (BE 72.7 %) proved itself as a Pioneer chemical fungicide (BE 72.7 %), and the strain Streptomyces 8A1-3 (BE 84.1 %) significantly surpassed them in effectiveness. The effect of drugs on the yield of peas in the years of research (HTC = 0.77–0.83 with an average long-term HTC = 1.4) was estimated as insignificant. Treatment with both experimental and commercial preparations of seeds and vegetative plants did not adversely affect the grain size and the content of crude protein in it. The ‘Falensky usaty’ was distinguished among the studied cultivars by large seeds: the mass of 1000 grains was 258.8±18.5 g. The ‘Falensky kormovoy’ and the ‘Falensky jubileiny’ cultivars proved to be medium-seeded ones (174.7±23.1 and 147.9±37.1 g, respectively). The content of crude protein in grain was negatively affected by the development of root rot on peas (correlation coefficient r =-0.77). The maximum crude protein content was recorded during the joint treatment of seeds and plants with a preparation based on S. castalarensis A4 (24.0±2.6 %) in the ‘Falensky jubileiny’ cultivar, with Pseudobacterin-2 (23.1±2.0 %) in the ‘Falensky kormovoy’ cultivar, with a preparation based on S. antimycoticus 8A1-3 (21.1±1.7 %) in the ‘Falensky usaty’ cultivar.

ABSTRACT: The present study investigated the optimal concentration of dietary ME and CP for the fatty acid profile of meat, gut microbiome, and cecal metabolome in Danzhou chickens from 120 to 150 d of age. A total of seven hundred and twenty 120-d-old Danzhou female chickens, with a similar BW, were randomly allocated into 6 treatments with 6 replicates and each of 20 birds. The chickens were fed 2 levels of dietary ME (11.70 MJ/kg, 12.50 MJ/kg), and 3 levels of dietary CP (13%, 14%, and 15%). The results showed that dietary ME and CP levels didn't affect final BW, ADG, ADFI, and feed gain ratio (g: g) (P > 0.05). The serum concentrations of triglyceride, insulin, and glucose in the 12.50 MJ/kg group were the highest (P < 0.05). Dietary ME, CP levels, and their interactions affected (P < 0.05) the fatty acid content in the breast muscle, thigh muscle, and liver. The levels of C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C22:1, C18:2, C18:3, C22:6, and SFA of the liver in the high ME group were higher than those in the low ME group (P < 0.05). The levels of C16:0, C14:1, C18:1, C22:5, SFA, MUFA and USFA in the low CP group were higher than the corresponding values in the other groups (P < 0.05). Dietary ME and CP levels altered the composition and relative abundance of microbiota in the cecum of chickens at various taxonomic levels to different extents. Significant effects of interactions were found between dietary ME and CP on the relative abundance of 10 species (P < 0.05), and among these species, 6 species belonged to the genus Bacteroides. Notably, the relative abundance of 2 probiotic species including Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus salivarius was significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary ME level. There were 6 differential metabolites in the cecum, comprising thromboxane A2, 5,6-DHET, prostaglandin D2, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 12(S)-HPETE and prostaglandin I2 significantly reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing the dietary ME level; all of them are involved in arachidonic acid metabolism. In conclusion, the present study suggested that the dietary levels of 12.50 MJ/kg ME and 14% CP enhanced meat quality in terms of fatty acid composition, and showed benefits for maintaining intestinal health via positive regulation of cecal microbiota in native growing Danzhou chickens.

The production of high-protein feed stays an integral part of the development of feed production. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological characteristics of Hungarian vetch when grown in agrophytocenoses using different types of winter cereals. Changes in the chemical composition of dry matter at different microstages of growth and development were studied, and the influence on the yield, nutrient content, and digestibility of plant material was determined depending on the stages of growth and development. The study was conducted using field, laboratory, laboratory-field, and statistical methods. It was found that to reach the full flowering phase, the sum of active temperatures should be 754°C, with precipitation of about 100 mm and daylight hours of 973 h. Observations of the growing season indicate the relationship between plants and the environment, which is important to consider when growing Hungarian vetch. Vetch plants reach a height of 100-104 cm in conditions of excessive moisture. The phytocoenotic balance of such mixtures, specifically vetch of the Orlan variety and winter triticale of the Bozhych and Bohodarske varieties, ensures sustainable productivity and nutritional value of plant material. The best harvesting time for high quality vetch is from the beginning to the middle of flowering, which ensures a crude protein content of 17-20% in dry matter. The effectiveness of mixed phytocoenoses has been confirmed by ecological tests of crop combination models in different soil and climatic zones of Ukraine, where yields of 36.2-51.8 t/ha of green mass and 7.1-11.5 t/ ha of dry matter were obtained over the years of use. The creation of a mixed crop allows producing high-quality plant material that is superior in energy and protein content to conventional vetch and oat mixtures. It was recommended to create such mixtures by sowing 2.5 mln/ha of cereal and 2.1 mln/ha of leguminous components after applying N45P45K45 to form a crop with high digestibility and nutrition. The system of mixed cropping of Hungarian vetch is promising for the production of silage and high-quality haylage in the face of climate change and as a precursor for post-cutting sowing of maize or sorghum crops

Abstract The quantity and composition of rice proteins play a crucial role in determining taste quality of sake, Japanese rice wine. However, the spatial distribution of proteins within rice grains, especially in endosperm tissue, and the differences between rice varieties remain unclear. Here, we analyzed the crude protein contents and composition ratios of table (Nipponbare and Koshihikari) and genuine sake rice varieties (Yamadanishiki, Gohyakumangoku, Dewasansan, Dewanosato, and Yumenokaori) to elucidate their spatial distribution within the Japonica rice grain endosperm. Seven sake rice varieties were polished over five harvest years using a brewer’s rice-polishing machine. We obtained fractions at 90–70% (the outermost endosperm fraction), 70–50%, 50–30%, and 30–0% (the central region of the endosperm fraction). Yamadanishiki and Dewanosato exhibited considerably lower crude protein contents than the other cultivars. After applying SDS-PAGE, the protein composition, comprising glutelin/total protein (G/TP), prolamin/TP (P/TP), and G/P ratios of these fractions was determined. In white rice (at a 90% rice-polishing ratio), the average ratio of the major protein composition was G/TP 41%, P/TP 21%, and G/P ratios of 1.97. Gohyakumangoku and Yamadanishiki had higher G/TP ratio, while Dewanosato had a lower value. Despite having lower crude protein contents, Yamadanishiki and Dewanosato exhibited significantly varying G/TP ratios. The G/TP ratio markedly varied among rice varieties, particularly in the rice grains’ central region. The 50–30% fraction had the highest P/TP ratio among all tested rice varieties, suggesting spatial differences in P/TP within rice grains. Koshihikari had the lowest P/TP ratio. In addition, the 50–30% fraction had the lowest G/P ratio among all tested rice varieties, with Gohyakumangoku having the highest G/P ratio. Dewanosato had the lowest G/P value, and this value significantly differed from that of Yamadanishiki in the 30–0% fraction. We found substantial differences in protein composition within distinct spatial regions of rice grains, and larger differences among rice varieties were observed in the rice grain’s central region.

To predict the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) in dogs we developed an in vitro system using an in vitro digestion method and a statistical analysis. The experimental diets used chicken meat powder as the protein source, with CP levels of 20% (22.01%, analyzed CP value as dry-based), 30% (31.35%, analyzed CP value as dry-based), and 40% (41.34%, analyzed CP value as dry-based). To simulate in vivo digestive processes a static in vitro digestion was performed in two steps; stomach and small intestine. To analyze ATTD the total fecal samples were collected in eight neutered beagle dogs during the experimental period. CP digestibility was calculated by measuring CP levels in dog food, in vitro undigested fraction, and dog feces. In result, CP digestibility at both in vivo and in vitro was increased with increasing dietary CP levels. To estimate in vivo digestibility the co-relation of in vivo ATTD and in vitro digestibility was investigated statistically and a regression equation was developed to predict the CP ATTD (% = 2.5405 × in vitro CP digestibility (%) + 151.8). The regression equation was evaluated its feasibility by using a commercial diet. The predicted CP digestibility which was calculated by the regression equation showed high index of similarity (100.16%) with that of in vivo in dogs. With that, it would be a feasible non-animal method to predict in vivo CP digestibility by using in vitro digestion method and the proposed linear regression equation in adult dogs.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the forage yield, morphology, and nutritional value of three winter cereal wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. BRS Umbu), white oats (Avena sativa cv. URS Guará), and black oats (Avena strigosa cv. Embrapa 139), harvested in two successive cuts, at the vegetative and full vegetative stages, applied or not with fungicide pyraclostrobin. Pyraclostrobin was sprayed two times during the vegetative stage, the first application at the phenological stage V5, and the second, 12 days after the first cut of each forage species. In general, the application of pyraclostrobin resulted in an increase in the participation of leaves in the plant structure, from 72.2% to 86.9% in the second cut; and crude protein increased, and lignin decreased (from 22.75% and 9.89% to 25.60% and 6.30%, respectively) in the first cut and (from 20.82% and 11.73% to 22.28% and 9.20%, respectively) in the second cut. Black and white oats had a higher cumulative biomass production, 3,698 kg ha-1, and 3,277kg ha-1, respectively, and white oats had the lowest content of acid detergent fiber (27.90%) at the second cut.

The seeding rate holds the potential to enhance crop nutritional value; however, its impact on the forage quality of clover remains relatively unexplored. This study aimed to assess the impact of various cropping patterns and seeding rates on the forage yield and quality of Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.) and crimson clover (T. incarnatum L.). A factorial experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and three replications across two regions in Iran—Karaj and Shahrekord—over two cropping seasons (2020–2022). The experimental setup included five cropping patterns: Persian clover monoculture (PC100%), crimson clover monoculture (CC100%), and three replacement intercropping patterns: PC25%–CC75%, PC50%–CC50%, and PC75%–CC25%. Each pattern was evaluated at two seeding rates: 20 and 25 kg ha−1 (SR20 and SR25, respectively). The results indicated that the highest crude protein yield was observed in crimson clover monoculture at SR25 (1.03 Mg ha−1), followed by the PC25%–CC75% intercropping system at SR20 (1.00 Mg ha−1), both in Shahrekord during the second year. Additionally, the Persian clover monoculture at SR25 and the PC25%–CC75% intercropping system at SR20 in Karaj, as well as crimson clover monoculture at SR25 and the same intercropping system in Shahrekord, produced the highest crude protein yields. Furthermore, the PC50%–CC50% pattern at SR20 exhibited the highest forage quality for both species. Based on the findings, the PC25%–CC75% intercropping system with SR20 is recommended to farmers for enhancing forage productivity and quality in sustainable agricultural practices.

We determined the most suitable level of inclusion of spineless cactus in silage of BRS capiaçu on the fermentative profile and nutritional value of the silage produced. The treatments consisted of the inclusion of spineless cactus (Opuntia spp.) in BRS capiaçu grass ensilaged with increasing proportions (15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% of natural matter-NM) and a control treatment. A completely randomized design with five treatments and eight replications was used. The BRS capiaçu grass was harvested after 100 days of regrowth. For the silage, experimental PVC silos of known weights, 50 cm long and 10 cm in diameter, were used. The inclusion of spineless cactus in BRS capiaçu grass ensilage resulted in a linear increase in pH (P

ABSTRACT: Balanced ratios of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can enhance chicken growth, immunity, and muscle synthesis. However, these ratios can be affected by changes in crude protein (CP) levels or the substitution of protein sources, leading to BCAA antagonism. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on chicken growth. In Experiment 1, a total of 960 0-d-old male Cobb 500 broilers were divided into 6 treatments with 8 replicates. Three different BCAA ratios were used in High or Low CP diets as follows: 1) Low Leu group (Low level of leucine with increased valine and isoleucine levels), 2) Med Leu group, and 3) High Leu group (High level of leucine with reduced valine and isoleucine levels) for a total of 6 diets. In Experiment 2, a total of 640 0-d-old male Cobb 500 broilers were divided into 4 treatments with 8 replicates. The four diets had either High or Low CP and one of two protein sources with the same medium levels of BCAAs: 1) the soybean meal (SBM) group, which had SBM as the main protein source (protein bound AA), and 2) the wheat middlings with non-bound AAs (WM+AA) group (non-bound AA), which had additional non-bound AAs to replace SBM. The High Leu diet had a negative effect on overall growth performance, carcass weight, breast muscle weight, and body mineral composition compared to the Low Leu and Med Leu groups, particularly in the High CP diet (P < 0.05). The SBM group showed increased growth performance, breast muscle weight, expression levels of genes promoting muscle growth, and improved bone mineral composition compared to the WM+AA group, and the High CP group intensified the negative effect of the WM+AA diet (P < 0.05). In summary, balanced BCAA ratios and SBM-based diets have positive effects on chicken growth and muscle accretion, whereas excessive leucine and non-bound AA levels in the diets may negatively affect growth performance and meat yield in chickens.

Introduction: Adequate crude protein (CP) content in diets plays a crucial role in the intestinal health of the animal. This study investigated the impacts of CP content in diets on the intestinal microbiome and metabolome profiles in growing Huanjiang mini-pigs. Methods: A total of 360 pigs with similar body weight (BW) were allocated for three independent feeding trials based on three different BW stages, including (i) 5-10 kg BW, diets consisting of 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22% CP content; (ii) 10-20 kg BW, diets consisting of 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20% CP content; and (iii) 20-30 kg BW, diets consisting of 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18% CP content. These experiments lasted 28, 28, and 26 days, respectively. Results: The results showed that the Shannon and Simpson indices were decreased (p < 0.05) in the ileum of pigs in response to the 14-18% CP compared with the 20% CP content at 5-10 kg BW stage, while diets containing 12 and 14% CP had higher Chao1 (p < 0.05) and Shannon (p = 0.054) indices compared with 18% CP at 20-30 kg BW stage. Compared with the 20% CP, the diet containing 16% CP displayed an increasing trend (p = 0.089) of Firmicutes abundance but had decreased (p = 0.056) Actinobacteria abundance in the jejunum at 5-10 kg BW stage. In addition, a diet containing 16% CP had higher Lactobacillus abundance in the jejunum and ileum compared with the 18, 20, and 22% CP, while had lower Sphingomonas and Pelomonas abundances in the jejunum and Streptococcus abundance in the ileum compared with the diet containing 22% CP (p < 0.05). Diets containing lower CP content altered differential metabolites in the small intestine at the early stage, while higher CP content had less impact. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a diet containing lower CP content (16% CP) may be an appropriate dietary CP content for 5-10 kg Huanjiang minipigs, as 16% CP content in diet has shown beneficial impacts on the intestinal microbiome and metabolome profiles at the early growth stage of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantity and composition of rice proteins play a crucial role in determining taste quality of sake, Japanese rice wine. However, the spatial distribution of proteins within rice grains, especially in endosperm tissue, and the differences between rice varieties remain unclear. Here, we analyzed the crude protein contents and composition ratios of table (Nipponbare and Koshihikari) and genuine sake rice varieties (Yamadanishiki, Gohyakumangoku, Dewasansan, Dewanosato, and Yumenokaori) to elucidate their spatial distribution within the Japonica rice grain endosperm. Seven sake rice varieties were polished over five harvest years using a brewer's rice-polishing machine. We obtained fractions at 90–70% (the outermost endosperm fraction), 70–50%, 50–30%, and 30–0% (the central region of the endosperm fraction). Yamadanishiki and Dewanosato exhibited considerably lower crude protein contents than the other cultivars. After applying SDS-PAGE, the protein composition, comprising glutelin/total protein (G/TP), prolamin/TP (P/TP), and G/P ratios of these fractions was determined. In white rice (at a 90% rice-polishing ratio), the average ratio of the major protein composition was G/TP 41%, P/TP 21%, and G/P ratios of 1.97. Gohyakumangoku and Yamadanishiki had higher G/TP ratio, while Dewanosato had a lower value. Despite having lower crude protein contents, Yamadanishiki and Dewanosato exhibited significantly varying G/TP ratios. The G/TP ratio markedly varied among rice varieties, particularly in the rice grains' central region. The 50–30% fraction had the highest P/TP ratio among all tested rice varieties, suggesting spatial differences in P/TP within rice grains. Koshihikari had the lowest P/TP ratio. In addition, the 50–30% fraction had the lowest G/P ratio among all tested rice varieties, with Gohyakumangoku having the highest G/P ratio. Dewanosato had the lowest G/P value, and this value significantly differed from that of Yamadanishiki in the 30–0% fraction. We found substantial differences in protein composition within distinct spatial regions of rice grains, and larger differences among rice varieties were observed in the rice grain's central region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) production faces challenges due to shifting environmental conditions, potentially leading to a transition towards cooler or highland Mediterranean environments. This study assessed the responses of five lentil genotypes across five diverse locations (L1–L5) managed under organic cropping systems over two seasons, focusing on key parameters including seed yield (SY), crude protein (CP), cooking time (CT), seed loss percentage (SL), and yield loss per hectare (YL) caused by bruchid (Bruchus sp.). Excessive seasonal rainfall (500 mm), low winter temperatures (−17.9 °C), bruchid SL, and spring sowing were identified as crucial, particularly in challenging environments like highlands. Genotype selection was highlighted as essential for balancing yield and stability, with the small-seeded cultivar 'Dimitra' demonstrating lower YL due to bruchid. Additionally, increased CP was noted in response to heightened bruchid infestations. Specific recommendations were proposed for different environments: In productive lowland areas with low bruchid pressure and high CTs (L1), prioritizing cultivars like 'Samos', 'Dimitra', and 'Thessalia' enhances quality. Locations with high bruchid populations (L4) were not favored organic production but can serve as genetic resistance screening sites. High-elevation environments (L3, L5) proved significantly less productive, underscoring the requirement for earlier and winter-hardy cultivars. These insights guide lentil cultivation, emphasizing the need for tailored breeding strategies adaptable to changing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa is a medium-sized growing tree that can reach 30 feet in height. Malnutrition is a great concern to human health. It occurs as a result of poor intake of food nutrients. Previous research has indicated that adding Moringa oleifera to animal feed can improve growth, blood chemistry, antibacterial activity, immune enhancer, antioxidant activity, and hypo-cholesterol effect. For this reason, this paper aimed to proximately analyze and determine the nutritional content of Moringa oleifera leaves taken from a horticultural garden in Gwagawlada, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, using suitable standard methods. The nutritional contents of M. oliefera leaves were evaluated and the proximate composition shows that the moisture content recorded for the M. oleifera was 13.67%, the protein content was 28.50% while the fiber content of the three treatments recorded was 3.00%, the ash content recorded was 9.33% and the carbohydrate content was noticeably greater than other nutrient contents of the M. oleifera leaves being 56.50%. However, since M. oleifera is a cheap source of nutrients, it can serve as food supplementation, fortification, and complementation (especially in infant feed). Also, Moringa oleifera leaves can be utilized as a dietary supplement to boost cattle performance and efficiency of fodder or can be substituted for traditional crops for economic sustainability, environmentally friendly, safer, and low-cost production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]