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This study aimed to point out the possible use of oak leaves (Q. petraea) in the production of fermented alcoholic beverages. Parameters such as antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, phenolics and sugars were determined using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. pH values were also determined, and in the final product with a fermentation length of 85 days, the alcohol content was determined and sensory analysis performed. The antioxidant capacity of the beverage was lower compared to the infusions before fermentation, and its highest values were recorded in the leaf samples, in which the highest values of phenolic compounds and the total phenolic content were also recorded. A decrease in the content of total phenolics was recorded with the increasing length of fermentation in beverage samples. However, the fermentation process had a positive effect on the contents of some phenolic substances such as catechin, gallic acid and gallocatechin. Sensory analysis showed a higher acceptability of the fermented beverage without the addition of orange, which could be caused by the higher sugar content in these samples. Oak leaves therefore represent a suitable raw material for the production of a fermented alcoholic beverage, without the need to enrich the taste with other ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acorns, the fruit of the oak tree, as well as oak leaves have been for a long time an important source of food in various cultures throughout history. However, over the time they have disappeared from the diet and their usage in the food industry was minimal, especially due to the high tannin content and astringency. Despite that, several products have begun to appear on the market in the recent years such as an acorn flour or acorn coffee substitute and some studies were focused on the possibilities of using oak leaves extracts as a natural antioxidant against protein and lipid oxidation in the meat industry as well as for the beverage production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to point out the possible use of oak leaves (Q. petraea) in the production of fermented alcoholic beverages. Parameters such as antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, phenolics and sugars were determined using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. pH values were also determined, and in the final product with a fermentation length of 85 days, the alcohol content was determined and sensory analysis performed. The antioxidant capacity of the beverage was lower compared to the infusions before fermentation, and its highest values were recorded in the leaf samples, in which the highest values of phenolic compounds and the total phenolic content were also recorded. A decrease in the content of total phenolics was recorded with the increasing length of fermentation in beverage samples. However, the fermentation process had a positive effect on the contents of some phenolic substances such as catechin, gallic acid and gallocatechin. Sensory analysis showed a higher acceptability of the fermented beverage without the addition of orange, which could be caused by the higher sugar content in these samples. Oak leaves therefore represent a suitable raw material for the production of a fermented alcoholic beverage, without the need to enrich the taste with other ingredients.

Different approaches for the functional finishing of textile are now assessed as the popular subjects. In this respect wool fabrics were dyed with the leaves of oak and acorn (the different parts of the oak tree). The dyeing processes were carried out by using different mordants in different mordanting-dyeing processes. The samples were then investigated in terms of the obtained colors, fastness values, and UV protection features. It was observed that by use of acorn and oak leaves, the wool fabrics can be colored even when the mordanting agents were not used. In that case, the fastness values to washing, rubbing, and light were perfect too. Addition of the different mordanting agents caused different colors. Generally brown colors in different shades were obtained during the studies and the mordanting method was also found as responsible for the differences in obtained colors. Meanwhile, it was observed that the undyed wool has exhibited an UV protection feature but by using different natural dye sources, the UV protection feature of the fabrics was significantly increased. It was also found that UV protection properties of the fabrics increased with only mordants (without dyeing) as well.

In this study, acorn and oak leaves were used as a natural dyestuff and wool fabrics were dyed by using grinded acorn and leaves of oak. Dyeing procedures The wool fabrics were dyed with two different natural dye sources obtained from oak tree, (acorn and oak leaves). Keywords: UV protection; natural colorant; wool fabric; acorn; oak leaves; textile; ; ; ; ; ; ; EN UV protection natural colorant wool fabric acorn oak leaves textile ZH 7925 7938 14 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Introduction The manufacturing philosophy can be expressed as generally set on mass and fast production and so sometimes the attention to the environment and human health can stay in the secondary plan. [Extracted from the article]

The genus Quercus supplies a large amount of residual material (e.g., bark, acorns, leaves, wood), the valorization of which can favor a supply of antioxidant polyphenols to be used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmeceutical sector. The recovery of specialized metabolites could also benefit livestock feeding, so much so that polyphenols have gained attention as rumen fermentation modifiers and for mitigating the oxidative imbalance to which farm animals are subject. In this context, leaves of Quercus robur L. from Northern Germany were of interest and the alcoholic extract obtained underwent an untargeted profiling by means of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) techniques. As triterpenes and fatty acids occurred, the alcoholic extract fractionation pointed out the obtainment of a polyphenol fraction, broadly constituted by coumaroyl flavonol glycosides and condensed tannins. Total phenol, flavonoid and condensed tannins content assays, as well as antiradical (DPPH● and ABTS+●) and reducing activity (PFRAP) were carried out on the alcoholic extract and its fractions. When the effects on rumen liquor was evaluated in vitro in terms of changes in fermentation characteristics, it was observed that oak leaf extract and its fractions promoted an increase in total volatile fatty acids and differently modulated the relative content of each fatty acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical parameters and mechanical properties of the tussah cocoon are of vital importance for the design of a tussah cocoon leaf stripper. In this paper, the freshly harvested tussah cocoons wrapped with fresh leaves (TCFL) and the plucked and dried tussah cocoons (TCDL) were taken as research objects. The physical parameters and mechanical properties of the tussah cocoon with wrapped leaves, leafless tussah cocoons, tussah cocoon shells, tussah pupae, cocoon handle, and oak leaves were measured. The experiment showed that firstly, the radial deformation of the cocoon shell of the tussah cocoon should be controlled to be within 1.05 mm and the axial deformation to be within 1.6 mm. The pressure on the fresh leaf cocoon shell and the dry leaf cocoon shell cannot exceed 14.54 ± 3.16 N and 32.43 ± 7.04 N, respectively. Secondly, when the oak leaves are peeled off, the tensile force on the fresh leaves and dry leaves should be greater than 5.05 ± 3.63 N and 3.35 ± 1.85 N, respectively. Finally, the cocoon stalk can have a negative impact on the leaf-stripping process. These results can provide theoretical support for the design of a tussah leaf stripper to avoid damaging the cocoon shell and tussah pupa during the leaf stripping process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation of quercetin and crushed oak leaves on some physiological and productive performance aspects of quails. A total of 525 quail chicks (7 days aged), were randomly distributed into 3 groups, each group 5 replicates, with 35 birds each. First group (T1) reared with standard ration, second group (T2) reared with standard ration supplemented with quercetin 750 mg.kg-1 diet and third group (T3) reared with standard ration supplemented with crushed oak leaves 10g.kg-1 diet. The treatment continued till the end of experiment, at 91 days age. Results revealed that quercetin administration (T2) led to significantly increase of yolk index, and oak leaves administration (T3) led to significantly increase of albumin weight. Both supplements administered in T2 and T3 groups led to the significantly increase of albumin index and Haugh unit compared with control (T1). Also, the administration of oak leaves in T3 group significantly enhanced ovary weight, relative ovary weight and number of mature ovarian follicles as compared with T2 and T1. Both supplements administered in T2 and T3 groups reduce Salmonella and E-coli occurrence, and quercetin supplements administered in T2 group led to the increase of Lactobacilli in enteric flora compared with T1. Also, quercetin supplements administered in T2 group reduce stress index significantly compared with control. The oak leaves administered in T3 group reduce the age of sexual maturity and feed conversion ratio (FCR) for egg production, and significantly enhance egg number and hen day production (HD%) compared with T1. Also, supplements administered in diets of T2 and T3 groups significantly increase egg mass compared with T1, whereas quercetin supplements administered in T2 group significantly reduce triglyceride compared with T1 and T3. Thus, the results of our study show that quercetin and oak leaves ration supplementation in quail improve many physiological and productive parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the experiment was to study the effect of different types of woody forages for fattening Liaoning cashmere goats. 24 both cashmere and meat strain of Liaoning cashmere female goats [2.5 years old and average body weight (43.41±1.76 kg)] were randomly divided into four groups, with six goats in each group. Group 1 was the control, and the others were feeding with 10% Vitex, Caragana microphylla and oak leaves. The experimental period was 75 d. The results showed that the crude protein content of Vitex was significantly lower than that of Caragana microphylla and oak leaves (P<0.05), the crude fat content of Vitex was extremely lower than that of Caragana microphylla and oak leaves (P<0.01), the crude fiber and acid detergent fiber content of Vitex was significantly higher than that of oak leaves ( P<0.05), the calcium content in the oak leaves was extremely higher than that of Vitex and Caragana microphylla (P<0.01), and the content of phosphorus in the oak leaves was significantly higher than that of Vitex (P<0.05). The daily weight gain in group 2~4 was extremely higher than that of group 1 (P<0.01), the feed to gain ratio in group 4 was significantly lower than that of group 1 (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude protein in group 4 was significantly higher than that in group 1 (P<0.05), and the apparent digestibility of crude fat was significantly higher than that in group 2 (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude fiber in group 4 was significantly higher than that in group 1 ( P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was significantly higher than that in group 2 (P<0.05). Using 10% Vitex, Caragana microphyllaand oak leaves could decrease the cost of ration and increase profiting of ?0.37~0.66 each goat in one day. The study indicates that Vitex, Caragana microphyllaand oak leaves could be used substituting other herbage to get better growth performance, digestibility and economic benefit, and in which oak leave was the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Quercus supplies a large amount of residual material (e.g., bark, acorns, leaves, wood), the valorization of which can favor a supply of antioxidant polyphenols to be used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmeceutical sector. The recovery of specialized metabolites could also benefit livestock feeding, so much so that polyphenols have gained attention as rumen fermentation modifiers and for mitigating the oxidative imbalance to which farm animals are subject. In this context, leaves of Quercus robur L. from Northern Germany were of interest and the alcoholic extract obtained underwent an untargeted profiling by means of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) techniques. As triterpenes and fatty acids occurred, the alcoholic extract fractionation pointed out the obtainment of a polyphenol fraction, broadly constituted by coumaroyl flavonol glycosides and condensed tannins. Total phenol, flavonoid and condensed tannins content assays, as well as antiradical (DPPH● and ABTS+●) and reducing activity (PFRAP) were carried out on the alcoholic extract and its fractions. When the effects on rumen liquor was evaluated in vitro in terms of changes in fermentation characteristics, it was observed that oak leaf extract and its fractions promoted an increase in total volatile fatty acids and differently modulated the relative content of each fatty acid.

The physical parameters and mechanical properties of the tussah cocoon are of vital importance for the design of a tussah cocoon leaf stripper. In this paper, the freshly harvested tussah cocoons wrapped with fresh leaves (TCFL) and the plucked and dried tussah cocoons (TCDL) were taken as research objects. The physical parameters and mechanical properties of the tussah cocoon with wrapped leaves, leafless tussah cocoons, tussah cocoon shells, tussah pupae, cocoon handle, and oak leaves were measured. The experiment showed that firstly, the radial deformation of the cocoon shell of the tussah cocoon should be controlled to be within 1.05 mm and the axial deformation to be within 1.6 mm. The pressure on the fresh leaf cocoon shell and the dry leaf cocoon shell cannot exceed 14.54 ± 3.16 N and 32.43 ± 7.04 N, respectively. Secondly, when the oak leaves are peeled off, the tensile force on the fresh leaves and dry leaves should be greater than 5.05 ± 3.63 N and 3.35 ± 1.85 N, respectively. Finally, the cocoon stalk can have a negative impact on the leaf-stripping process. These results can provide theoretical support for the design of a tussah leaf stripper to avoid damaging the cocoon shell and tussah pupa during the leaf stripping process.

The effect of incorporation of two different mineral mixtures and/or oak leaves was studied on nutrient utilization and reproductive performance in anestrous heifers. Twenty-one anestrous heifers (18.2 ± 1.45 months; 229 ± 14.2 kg body weight) were randomly distributed into three similar groups. Heifers in control (T1) and first treatment group (T2) were fed concentrate mixture incorporated with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specific mineral mixture and a customized mineral mixture developed specially for Kumaon hills (MMKH), respectively, along with local green grass (Pennisetum orientale). In the second treatment group (T3), concentrate mixture was the same as that of T2, while the source of roughage was local oak (Quercus leucotricophora) leaves containing 3.35% condensed tannin. A digestibility trial was conducted after 120 days of study. The feed intake was similar among the groups. Digestibility coefficient of crude protein (CP) was lower in T3 than T2 and comparable to T1. Feeding oak leaves improved absorption of calcium as compared to grass-fed animals. Bioavailability of copper and zinc was higher (P < 0.05) in oak leaves and MMKH fed group (T3) as compared to T1, but similar to T2. Conversely, absorption of iron had the reverse trend and was reflected in serum Fe concentration. Hematological, biochemical, enzyme and hormonal profiles were not influenced by any of the treatments. The relative occurrence of estrus cyclicity and conception rate was more in groups T2 and T3, respectively, than other groups. It was concluded that feeding oak foliage-based diet containing 1.87% tannin along with customized mineral mixture developed for Kumaon hills improved certain nutrient utilization and reproductive performance as compared to local green grass supplemented with BIS-specific mineral mixture or MMKH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a new interpretation of the various expressions of the motif or sign of oak leaves, contained in the manuscript drafts of the novel Crime and Punishment. The expressions of the motif are decoded in the style of 3D letters, pointing to the key words of the third draft of the novel: "Dostoevsky", "Journal", "Routine". These signs, which are part of Dostoevsky's ideographic language, belong to the period of work on the novel from October to December 1865. It is the period in which the hero's ideology was radically transformed, and the philanthropic motivation of the murders (to help the mother and the sister) was substituted by the "Napoleonic idea" ("am I a trembling worm or do I have the right"). The examination of these signs in conjunction with the writer's notes contiguous with them, leads to the inference that these signs are genetically connected with the heraldry of the Dostoevsky clan, as well as with the symbolism of the 19th century "mundir" (uniform) attributions: the oak leaves were embroidery adorning a general's "mundir", and were a sign of recognition "for outstanding service". Napoleon's uniform, at the time of the Battle of Marengo, also had oak leaves embroidery; the battle is mentioned twice by Dostoevsky in the course of work on Crime and Punishment. Аннотация: В статье предлагается новая, сравнительно с предшествующими, трактовка изо бражения соединенных общим основанием дубовых листьев, сопровождающих страницы подготовительных материалов к роману «Преступление и наказание» и декорированных в стиле 3d букв, указывающих на ключевые слова третьей редакции романа—«Достоевский», «Journal», «Routine». Эти знаки идеографического языка Достоевского—принадлежность разработки сюжета романа в период с октября по декабрь 1865 года, когда глубокому изменению под верглась идеология главного героя романа, сменившего «филантропическую» мо тивировку преступления (помочь матери и сестре) на «наполеоновскую» («тварь дрожащая или право имею»). Рассмотрение этих знаков в связи окружающими записями в тетрадях писателя и в контексте текста романа «Преступление и наказание» приводит к мысли, что знаки генетически связаны с геральдической историей рода Достоевских, а также мундирной атрибутикой XIX века—знаком «За беспорочную службу» и шитьем в виде сплетенных дубовых листьев, украшавших генеральские мундиры, включая и мундир Наполеона Бонапарта во время битвы при Маренго, дважды упоминаемой Достоевским в процессе работы над романом «Преступление и наказание». [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tannin extract and n-3 fatty acid supplementation on nutrient digestibility, ruminal parameters, blood metabolites, and enzyme activity in lactating ewes. Thirty-six lactating ewes were allocated to 6 experimental groups. The dietary treatments were as follows: 1) control, 2) diet supplemented with 2% dry matter (DM) oak leaf tannin extract, 3) diet supplemented with 2% DM grape pomace tannin extract, 4) diet supplemented with 2% DM linseed oil, 5) diet supplemented with 2% DM oak leaf tannin extract and 2% DM linseed oil, and 6) diet supplemented with 2% DM grape pomace tannin extract and 2% DM linseed oil. The results showed the significant effects of treatments on final body weight, digestibility, and some blood metabolites (P < 0.05). Therefore, the treatment groups had higher final body weight, better nutrient digestibility, and higher values of blood parameters. In conclusion, our results showed that the dietary tannin extract and the n-3 fatty acid source improved nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites, and they had a trend of improving the ruminal volatile fatty acid profile while not having any adverse effects on the animals' performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition and in vitro gas production (GP) and fermentation parameters of Quercus infectoria and Quercus libani leaves following treatment with the Klebsiella pneumoniae, a tannin‐degrading bacterium. Methods and Results: This isolate was isolated on medium containing tannic acid as the sole source of carbon and energy, and identified based on 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. In both oak leaf species (i.e. Q. infectoria and Q. libani), inoculation with Klebsiella pneumoniae significantly increased (P < 0·05) dry matter (DM) loss. For Q. libani, crude protein content was increased (P = 0·02) by bacterial treatment vs. control. In both oak leaves, total phenolic content and total tannins were decreased (P < 0·05) as a consequence of bacterial treatment. However, bacterial processing didn't changed (P > 0·05) organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre or acid detergent lignin content of treated leaves. In both oak leaves the measuring parameters including GP volume, in vitro digestibility of DM and OM, estimated metabolizable energy, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, ammonia nitrogen concentration, total protozoal population and the subfamily Isotricha in treatments were higher (P < 0·05) than control. Conclusions: It can be concluded that biological treatment of Q. infectoria and Q. libani leaves with K. pneumoniae represents a useful approach to decrease their phenolic compound content and improve their nutritive value as ruminant feed. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study demonstrated that biologically processing of tannin‐containing by‐products with K. pneumoniae could increase their nutritive value as ruminant feeds and increase animal productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing oat fodder (OF) with fresh oak leaves (FOL) or chopped oak leaves (COL) on rumen fermentation and digestibility through in vitro gas production technique (IVGPT). Materials and Methods: Nine different diets were prepared by mixing OF with oak leaves (either FOL or COL) in different ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100). The rations were evaluated through Hohenheim IVGPT with 200 mg substrate and 30 ml of buffered rumen liquor. All the syringes were incubated at 39°C for 24 h in buffered rumen liquor of cattle. After 24 h, the total gas production was recorded, and the contents were analyzed for in vitro methane production, protozoa no. and ammonia-N. Results: Chopping (p

Nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) has been widely investigated for treatment of environmental contaminants. Various technologies are currently available to remove As(III) and phosphate from aqueous environment, but among them, adsorption is most common because its simplicity, treatment stability and cost effectiveness. This study is focused on the removal efficiency of As(III) in the presence of competing phosphate ions by nZVI synthesized using polyphenols from oak and mulberry leaf extracts producing OAK-nZVI and M-nZVI, respectively. The highest removal efficiency of As(III) was obtained for M-nZVI (up to 91% at all nZVI doses). 87% removal was obtained for OAK-nZVI. The same conclusion could be retrieved in the case of PO43− removal (the highest removal, up to 78% at all nZVI doses for M-nZVI). Concerning OAK-nZVI, removal efficiencies increased with increasing nZVI doses (21–76% for doses 2–16 mL). Adsorption of As(III) in the presence of competing PO43− ions on M-nZVI, decreased from 91% to 79%. On OAK-nZVI material, significant changes could not be observed. One can conclude that the presence of PO43− ions in arsenic aqueous solutions would reduce effectiveness of the M-nZVI for As(III) remediation. This conclusion was supported by the fact that M-nZVI particles had a greater antioxidative capacity in comparison to OAK-nZVI which directly influenced nanoparticles synthesis and stability.

The effect of feeding tannin-degrading bacteria ( Streptococcus gallolyticus strain TDGB 406) on carcass characteristics of goats fed with oak ( Quercus semicarpifolia) leaves was studied on 18 male goats (4 months old, average body weight 9.50 ± 1.50 kg), distributed into three groups of six animals each. The animals of group 1 served as control, while the animals of groups 2 and 3 were given (at 5 ml/kg live weight) autoclaved and live culture of isolate TDGB 406 (10 cells/ml), respectively. The animals were fed with oak leaves as a basal roughage source and maize hay along with fixed quantity of concentrate mixture. After 4 months of feeding, the animals were slaughtered for carcass studies. The feeding of live culture of isolate TDGB 406 did not cause any effect ( P > 0.05) on pre-slaughter weight, empty body weight, carcass weight, dressing percent, and yield of wholesale cuts (neck, rack, shoulder, breast, shank, loin, leg, and flank) of the goat meat. The chemical composition of longissimus dorsi muscle was comparable ( P > 0.05) among the groups. The organoleptic evaluation of pressure-cooked meat in terms of tenderness and overall palatability was increased significantly ( P < 0.05) in the meat of group 3 where live culture was supplemented. The other attributes were similar among the groups. It was concluded that supplementation of tannin-degrading bacteria S. gallolyticus strain TDGB 406 to goats fed with oak leaves did not affect the carcass characteristics and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep adapted to consume tannins rich feeds such as oak leaf (OL) appear to develop defensive mechanisms by their ruminal bacteria against these polyphenols. The capabilities of ruminal isolated tannins resistant bacteria from these animals to ferment a tanniniferous feed (i.e., pistachio hulls, (PH) which were incubated with rumen fluid from Holstein dairy cows was assessed. Six g positive cocci were isolated from the rumen of sheep and the 16s rRNA gene sequences showed them to be closely related to Streptococcus gallolyticus. In three runs of in vitro gas production (GP), the effect of two of the isolates incubated with buffered-ruminal fluid of Holstein cow and PH was evaluated. The GP was recorded from 1 to 96 h of incubation. Incubating either of the isolates with PH caused a significantly higher in vitro gas production, estimated parameters, in vitro organic matter disappearance, metabolisable energy and volatile fatty acids than those without any isolate. The improvement in the ruminal parameters when either of the isolates was used suggested the possible presence of isolated tannins-resistant bacteria (Streptococcus gallolyticus sp.), however, in vivo studies must be conducted to confirm the in vitro results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 120 days of growth study was conducted on goats to assess the comparative effect of feeding two species of tanniferous oak leaves ( Quercus semecarpifolia and Quercus leucotricophora ) having varied levels of tannin on nutrient utilization, growth performance and gastrointestinal nematode load in goats. Eighteen crossbred (Chegu × Jamunapari) goats of 7–9 months old (body weight, 15.99 ± 1.53 kg) were divided into three groups of six in each in a completely randomized block design. Animals in all the three groups were fed similar concentrate mixture with different roughage sources (30:70). Animals were fed green grass (PS, Pennisetum clandestinum ) in group T 1 and oak leaves i.e. Quercus semecarpifolia (QS) and Quercus leucotricophora (QL) in groups T 2 and T 3 , respectively. The level of condensed tannin (g kg −1 dry matter (DM)) was found to be more in QL (34) than QS (17), whereas the level of hydrolysable tannin (HT) (g kg −1 DM) was more in QS (61) than QL (31). A metabolic trial of six days duration was conducted after 90 days of growth trial. Dry matter intake (DMI) through roughage and total DM intake (g d −1 ) in oak leaves fed groups ( T 2 and T 3 ) was higher ( P < 0.05) than grass fed group ( T 1 ). Feeding of QL in T 3 had a depressing effect ( P < 0.05) on DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and total carbohydrate (TCHO) digestibility as compared to feeding of PC. DM and OM digestibility were lower ( P < 0.05) in T 2 fed QS whereas CP, NDF, ADF and TCHO digestibility were at par with control ( T 1 ). However, EE digestibility was higher ( P < 0.05) in T 2 . Daily nutrient intake per kilogram metabolic body weight in both the oak leaves fed groups was higher ( P < 0.01) than green grass fed group. Nitrogen and calcium balances (g d −1 ) and its efficiency of utilization were higher ( P < 0.05) in oak leaves fed group. Average daily gain (g d −1 ) was higher in T 2 (32.5) and T 3 (25.7) compared to T 1 (13.5). Feed gain ratio (DMI/body weight gain) was better in T 2 (22.9) than T 1 (39.5) but at par with T 3 (29.9) ( P < 0.05). Feeding of oak leaves (10–19 g kg −1 DM CT in diet) significantly reduced ( P < 0.01) the gastrointestinal nematode load in goats. It can be concluded that feeding of oak leaves ( Quercus spp.) to kids was beneficial in augmenting nutrient utilization, growth performance and feed efficiency as compared to animals fed green grass (PS). However, goats fed tannin (g kg −1 DM) with QS based diet (CT, 10; HT, 34) showed comparatively better performance than feeding of QL based diet (CT, 19; HT, 16). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant negative environmental impact has been noticed at the campus garden of Gdansk University of Technology in Gdansk, Poland, when the withered leaves of Quercus robur Oak Tree (OL) cover large areas at such places. In this regard, an attempt has been made to recycle the most abundant agricultural leaf waste into a high quality local activated carbon (LAC) for use in the decolorization processes of dye industrial wastewater. A novel AC prepared from OL was studied for removing of crystal violet dye (CV) from aqueous solution under various experimental conditions. The effect of an OLAC adsorbent dose (5-30 mg/25ml), pH (3.0-9.0), two levels of shaking (90 and 130 rpm) under different contact times as compared to the sorption process at soaking in a beaker for one day, and CV initial concentrations (5-40 mg/l) were all studied in a batch mode process. The sorption exhibited high efficiency for CV adsorption and the equilibrium state could be achieved in 20 minutes for the different CV initial concentrations. CV uptake was proved to increase with the increase in OLAC dose, pH, shaking rate, contact time, and CV initial concentration. The applicability of Lungmuir and Freunflich isotherm equations was investigated. The Freundlich isotherm exhibited a better fit with the experimental data with linear regression value (R²) of 0.9937, although the isotherm parameters of the Langmuir isotherm also indicate favourable adsorption. The maximum capacity (qm) obtained from Langmuir isotherm model was 41.15 mg/g for CV. The results of this study demonstrated the feasibility of applying the low cost and abundantly available OL as a raw material for the preparation of high-quality AC the for removal of CV from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, low-heat alkaline pretreatment was evaluated to determine the extent to which urban landscape waste (yard waste), corn stover, and switchgrass could be codigested under conditions typical of US farm-based anaerobic digestion (AD). Waste heat from combined heat and power (CHP) units associated with AD could make such pretreatment economical. Short-term batch digestion studies and 8-week continuous-feed studies were used to screen and evaluate various pretreatment conditions. Results indicate that maple and oak leaves did not digest well, even with pretreatment. Pretreatment did improve digestion of corn leaves and stalks as well as switchgrass. However, these materials also digested reasonably well even without pretreatment. No digester operational problems were observed during continuous-feed studies of intermittently stirred bench top digesters, but optimal levels of alkali, temperature, and pretreatment time may be specific to the feedstock, particle size, and digester loading rate. Results suggest that some common lignocellulosic biomass materials, such as corn stover and switchgrass, could be successfully codigested in many existing farm-based digesters. Interestingly, without pretreatment, switchgrass digestion improved over 20-fold when digested with seed culture from a dairy digester compared to seed culture from a municipal digester, suggesting that culture acclimation could be as important as pretreatment in improving digestion of specific lignocellulosic feedstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As a very invasive insect species, Lymantria dispar is adaptable and sensitive to a changing environment. In insects the neuroendocrine system first reacts to stress by production of prothoracicotropic neurohormones (PTTH) that control ecdysteroid synthesis (morphogenetic and stress hormones). In this article, we report changes in the L2' brain neurosecretory neurons that synthesize PTTH in L. dispar larvae after feeding on locust tree leaves (Robinia pseudoacacia), an unsuitable host plant. Groups of larvae (n = 20 per experimental group) were offered this in comparison with oak leaves (Quercus robur), a suitable control diet, for 3 days after molting into the fourth instar. L2' neurons and their nuclei were enlarged and the amount of neurosecretory product in the cytoplasm was increased (15.5%) after consumption of locust tree leaves in comparison to the control. Furthermore, activities of the following antioxidative defense components were estimated: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and amount of glutathione in the midgut. Higher SOD activity (13.85 ± 0.9 U/mg prot.) and glutathione amount (0.56 ± 0.06 μMGSH/g tissue) but unchanged CAT activity was found in the midgut of larvae offered locust tree leaves when compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates how tanniniferous oak leaves affect nutrient utilization and growth performance in goats growing in temperate sub Himalayas. Findings showed that the chemical composition and fiber fraction of concentrate mixture, oak leaves, and native hay given to goats were within the normal range. The nutrient digestibilities were found to be similar except ether extract digestibility which was higher in the group which was fed with oak tree leaves.

After an initial survey on feeds and feeding practices at Kumaon Himalaya, the potential of oak leaves feeding was evaluated in six native heifers ( Bos indicus; 101.5 kg BW, 18-24 months) in a partial switch-over design involving two animals each on each treatment at a time. The feeding treatments involved high and low levels of oak leaves ( Quercus leucotrichophora, oak leaves (OL)) supplemented to local mixed grass hay (GH) which were GH (G1), GH + low level (42.5 %) of OL (G2) and GH + high level (63.6 %) of OL (G3). The feeding trial for each treatment was conducted for 40 days that ended with a digestibility trial of 6-day duration. The dry matter (DM) intake (kg/day) was non-significantly higher in G3 (3.52) than G2 (3.11) and G1 (2.96). Intake of crude protein (CP) (g/day) was significantly ( P < 0.001) higher in both G2 and G3 than G1. The digestibility of DM, CP, organic matter, ether extract and total carbohydrates increased ( P < 0.001) linearly in OL-fed groups as compared to control. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) (kg/day) intake was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in G3 compared to G1, but it was comparable between G1 and G2. Intake of DM, CP, digestible CP (DCP) and TDN/metabolizable energy (ME) per kilogram metabolic body weight was significantly higher ( P < 0.01) in G3 than G2 which in turn was also higher ( P < 0.01) than G1. The animals under G1 had negative gain (−50 g/day) compared to 146 and 306 g/day in G2 and G3, respectively. Feeding of OL reduced serum urea and creatinine level and supported serum protein concentration better in G3 compared to G2. The feeding of cattle on GH alone was lacking in both energy and protein for sustaining minimum levels of production, whereas in combination with OL at 36.4:63.6 ratios supported minimum level of production (ADG 300 g) with near nutritional adequacy for major nutrients (CP, DCP, TDN, ME) but with a caution for the minor nutrients like calcium and phosphorus that need to be supplemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The capabilities of rumen fluid (RF) from two indigenous Iranian goats (i.e., Markhoz, Alamout) to ferment tanniniferous (i.e., oak leaves) and non-tanniniferous (i.e., a mixture of lucerne hay and barley grain) feeds were studied. Five air dried samples from each of three oak species (i.e., Quercus persica, Quercus infectoria, and Quercus libani) were used to determine their chemical composition, phenolic compounds and protein precipitable phenolics (PPP). In three runs of in vitro gas production, the influence of non-tannin containing substrate incubated with either RF (i.e., Markhoz or Alamout) was assessed. Gas production (GP) was recorded from 1 to 96h of incubation. Effects of tannins on in vitro gas production, in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD) and estimated metabolisable energy (ME) were assessed by a polyethylene glycol (PEG) tannin bioassay. There were no differences in gas production and IVOMD for a non-tannin substrate incubated with RF from either breed of goat. However, RF from Markhoz goats produced consistently more gas than RF from Alamout goats among oak species. The PEG treatment improved (P<0.01) the IVOMD in RF and estimated ME from both breeds of goats for all oak species. The RF from Markhoz goats fermented oak leaves more effectively than RF from Alamout goats, possibly due to the presence of tannin-degrading bacteria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For evaluating the feeding value of oak leaves as a supplement to wheat straw an in vivo study was conducted involving fifteen male calves (aged 6–9 months, average body weight 84 kg,) distributed randomly into three equal groups. The calves in group 1 (G1) received a maintenance diet of concentrate (C) and wheat straw (WS) as the sole roughage; in group 2 (G2), C, WS and oak leaves (OL) at a ratio of 31:39:30 on dry matter (DM) basis and in group 3 (G3), C, WS and OL at a ratio of 33:45:22. The feeding lasted for 4 weeks and included a metabolism trial of 6 days duration. The DMI (kg/day) increased (41 and 38% in G2 and G3, respectively) with supplementation of oak leaves, being higher in G2 (2.90) followed by G3 (2.82) and G1 (2.05). Digestibility (%) of DM, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber was higher in G2 (51.5, 55.8, 49.0) compared to G1 (43.9, 49.3, 43.7) and G3 (45.4, 50.1, 44.0) contributing to higher ME intake (17%). Increased N utilization efficiency (20.6, 67.7 and 55.1% in G1, G2 and G3, respectively) and microbial protein production (180, 209, 194 g/day) coupled with a decrease in plasma urea level (about 25%) was observed in oak leaf supplemented groups. Supplementation of WS/OL ratio of 44:56 enhanced DMI, digestibility, efficiency of N utilization and body weight gain compared with a WS/OL ratio of 100/0. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The nutritive value of three species of oak trees leaves was assessed by chemical analysis as well as by an in situ and in vitro gas production method. The chemical composition (g/kg DM basis) of three species, Quercus persica, Q. infectoria and Q. libani were 951, 927, 946 organic matter (OM); 115, 92, 123 crude protein (CP); 532, 540, 512 neutral detergent fiber (NDFom); 317, 300, 331 acid detergent fiber (ADFom); 98, 103, 95 lignin (lignin(sa)); 8.9, 11.7, 19.2 water soluble carbohydrates (WSC); 78, 115, 104 total phenols; 73, 109, 100 total tannins (TT); 14, 15, 12 condensed tannin (CT); and 46, 87, 62 hydrolysable tannin (HT). Protein precipitable phenolics (PPP) were respectively 160, 190 and 230 (g/kg total phenols). Effects of tannins on in vitro gas production, in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolisable energy (ME) and effective DM digestibility (ED) were assessed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) tannin bioassay. Among species, Q. Libani had the highest gas production. This species also had the highest (P<0.05) increase in gas production, OMD and ME due to the addition of PEG. Using this in situ method the soluble component (A), insoluble but fermentable component (B), the degradation rate of B (c), the potential degradability (A+B) and the effective degradability (ED) of the oak leaves were influenced (P<0.05) by species, PEG treatment and interaction of species and PEG treatment. Adding PEG to Quercus species suggests that these feeds have potential as small ruminant feeds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An isocratic ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography (IP-RP-HPLC) method with UV detection was developed to identify and quantify ellagic acid (EA). This phenolic compound is widely distributed in the plants and is often present in the diet of ruminants. The method was validated and validation parameters were: linearity range 5–100mg/L; correlation coefficient, 0.9995; mean recoveries (99.94 and 101.07%) and detection limit 1.4mg/L. Method was applied for the determination of ellagic acid in oak leaves and in ruminal fluid from to a vitro ruminal system. The proposed method proved to be rapid and accurate and can be successfully used in ruminant nutrition studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Saliva and faecal samples were collected from hill cattle (no. = 10) given tannin-rich oak (Quercus incana) leaves in the north-west Himalayan region of India. Amino acid composition of the saliva samples after thawing to remove precipitated proteins by centrifugation, and dialysis (molecular weight cut off: 3500) to remove small moieties revealed 6·4 (s.d. 0·6) % proline, 15·6 (s.d. 0·6) % glutamine plus glutamate and 9·2 (s.d. 1·0) % glycine on molar basis. For Holstein Friesian cattle (no. = 4) which had no history of consumption of tannin-containing foods, these values were 6·5 (s.d. 0·4) %, 15·2 (s.d. 0·5) % and 9·8 (s.d. 0·7) % respectively. Proline concentration in the proteins present either as free or as tannin-protein complexes in the lyophilized faecal samples from hill cattle was 4·7 (s.d. 0·2) % (on molar basis) of the total amino acids and 5·3 (s.d. 0·2) % in Holstein Friesian cattle. In the faeces of oak-fed cattle, the tannin and condensed tannin levels on dry-weight basis were 0·81 (s.d. 0·20) % as tannin acid equivalent and 0·06 (s.d. 0·04) % as leucocyanidin equivalent respectively. For tannic acid, the relative affinity of salivary proteins, using the competitive binding assay, was about six-times higher than that of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and was of the same order as that of gelatin. Turbidity of complexes formed between salivary proteins or BSA and tannic acid showed proportionately about 0·50 lower turbidity for salivary proteins in 0-2 mol/I acetate buffer (pH 4·9 containing 0·17 mol/l NaCl) and proportionately about 0·84 lower turbidity in distilled water. The results suggest that unlike rats or mice, the proline-rich proteins do not appear to be of any physiological significance in the adaptation of cattle to tannins. However, the salivary proteins of cattle though not rich in proline, have a high affinity for tannins and these proteins have a high tendency to form soluble tannin-protein complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Yeast-form cells of Ajellomyces dermatitidis transferred to unsterilized and sterilized oak leaves in a humidity chamber failed to grow and produce mycelium. Transfers of these cells to Mycobiotic agar resulted in the growth of A. dermatitidis from all 5 autoclaved and 4 of the 11 unsterilized leaves. Soaking oak leaves with human airways secretions or saliva and inoculating them with yeast-form cells, and pouring sterile HO on the leaves 10 days to 2 months later, permitted growth on 11 out of 36 leaves. It was concluded that these two natural substances, airways secretions and saliva, inhibited bacteria and furnished nutriment to A. dermatitidis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of oak leaves infusions and fermented beverages from Quercus convallata and Q. arizonica in vitro and in vivo. Female C57BL/6 mice fed with high saturated fat and fructose diet-induced obesity were treated with oak leaves beverages (200 μL/per day equivalent to 15mg of lyophilized sample/Kg of body weight for infusions and 31mg of lyophilized sample/Kg of body weight for fermented beverages) for 3months and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Blood plasma was obtained for determination of glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers (ABTS, nitric oxide, and ORAC assays). Insulin resistance was estimated using the product of triglycerides and glucose (TyG). Oak leaves infusions and fermented beverages exhibited exerted inhibition of α-amylase (8-15% and 5-9%, respectively) and α-glucosidase (98% and 99%, respectively) enzymes. After OGTT, the groups treated with either oak leaves infusions or fermented beverages showed lower glucose levels compared with the obesity control group (18%) and a similar glucose tolerance to healthy control group. On long-term evaluation, intervention groups showed a significant reduction in fasting glucose concentrations (41-50% for oak leaves infusions and 52-66% for fermented beverages) and TyG index (4.2-4.6% for oak leaves infusions and 5.9-7.5% for fermented beverages) compared with the obese control group. Oak leaves infusions and fermented beverages had antioxidant potential in vitro and scavenging activity for radicals such as peroxyl and peroxynitrite anions. Our results suggest anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of beverages prepared with leaves of Quercus species in vitro and in vivo., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing oat fodder (OF) with fresh oak leaves (FOL) or chopped oak leaves (COL) on rumen fermentation and digestibility through in vitro gas production technique (IVGPT)., Materials and Methods: Nine different diets were prepared by mixing OF with oak leaves (either FOL or COL) in different ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100). The rations were evaluated through Hohenheim IVGPT with 200 mg substrate and 30 ml of buffered rumen liquor. All the syringes were incubated at 39°C for 24 h in buffered rumen liquor of cattle. After 24 h, the total gas production was recorded, and the contents were analyzed for in vitro methane production, protozoa no. and ammonia-N., Results: Chopping (p<0.01) reduced the tannin fractions as well as non-tannin phenol. Increase in levels of oak decreased total gas production, methane, organic matter (OM) digestibility, and metabolizable energy (ME) values. The polyphenol content of the substrate did not show any significant difference on the protozoal count., Conclusion: In vitro studies revealed that the addition of oak leaves reduced the methane production and ammonia nitrogen levels; however, it also decreased the OM digestibility and ME values linearly as the level of the oak leaves increased in the diet. Chopping was effective only at lower inclusion levels. Further studies, especially in vivo studies, are needed to explore the safe inclusion levels of oak leaves in the diet of ruminants.