Short-Term Effect of Grazing Exclusion and Uncontrolled Grazing on Species Abundance, Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Value in an Invaded Area by Euryops floribundus in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Grazing exclusion (GE) is the most effective rangeland restoration technique which facilitates species diversity and forage quality. This study aimed at assessing short-term impact of GE and continuously grazed rangeland on relative frequency, dry matter yield and nutritive value of dominant grasses in an area invaded by Euryops floribundus. A plot of 2.5 ha was measured and the boundaries demarcated using tape measure and steal pins, the plot was further divided into two subplots of 1ha each which were 5 m apart. One subplot was fenced and protected from grazing livestock, while one subplot was grazed continuously and not fenced. Three parallel belt transects of 100 m × 2 m with 3 m apart were laid out in both subplots. Woody plants occurring within the transects were identified and recorded to determine density. In each subplot, a 0.25 m2 quadrant measuring was thrown randomly to take detailed records on plant species, relative frequency of species and herbage biomass. Four dominant species at the two sites were harvested to determine the nutritive value. Results indicate that grazing exclusion (GE) facilitates grass species diversity, subsequently sixteen and thirteen grasses species were recorded in the GE and uncontrolled grazed (UG) sites, respectively. Eragrostis chloromelas (21.7%), and Themeda triandra (13.2%) had high relative frequencies in the GE site. Highest biomass production was recorded in the GE site (1400 kg·ha-1) compared to UG site (1102 kg·ha-1). Crude protein content was relatively lower at UG site (5.4% - 5.8%) as compared to GE site (7.2% - 7.8%). It was concluded that, GE showed a positive impact on a relative frequency (%), dry matter yield and crude protein content. UG creates a conducive environment for Euryops recruitment. Further studies are required to examine the impact of GE in long-term trial setup.

Effects of Plant Density on Forage Nutritive Value of Whole Plant Corn

In the field experiment, the effects of plant densities (75 000, 112 500 and 150 000 plants ha-1) on forage nutritive value of whole plant corn (WPC) were studied from 1999 to 2001. The results demonstrated that with the increasing of plant density, the forage matter yield per plant corn decreased significantly, while the fresh matter and dry matter per hectare corn increased significantly, and a higher grains yield was gotten at higher plant densities. Forage nutritive quality of whole plant corn was changed as plant density increased, the crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE) and general energy (GE) yields increased obviously. Increas- ing plant density reasonably with the application of plant growth regulators could improve plant properties, harvest more forage matter, and enhance forage nutritive value of WPC.

Effects of Previously Fermented Juice on Nutritive Value and Fermentative Quality of Rice Straw Silage

The effects of Previously Fermented Juice （PFJ） on the fermentative quality and changes in chemical composition during fermentation of rice straw silage were investigated. The results showed that the PFJ and diluted the PFJ （dPFJ） treated silages had significantly （p〈0.05） lower pH and ammonia-nitrogen content, while significantly higher lactic acid content compared with treatments. This study confirmed that the applying of the PFJ and the dPFJ improved fermentation quality of silage.

Evaluation on the Nutritive Value of Micro-storage Wheat Straw Using Gas Production Technique in vitro

[ Objective] The research aimed to improve the utilization ratio of wheat strew in Qinghai Province. [ Method] During wheat straw microstorage, the pH, crude protein （CP）, crude fiber （CF）, ether extract （EE） and water content in wheat strew at different micro-storage periods were determined. The effects of micro-storage time on the quality of wheat strew were studied and evaluated by using gas production technique in vitro. [Result] pH in each test group gradually decreased with the micro-storege time, which was all significantly lower than that in control group （P 〈0.01 ）. CP content in all test groups increased with the micro-storage time, which was all higher than that in control group. CF content in all test groups decreased with the h^icro-storage time, significantly lower than that in control group （ P 〈 0.01 ）. EE content in all experimental groups showed a gradual increase trend with the micro-storege time, which was all higher than that in control group, without significant difference compared with control group （P〉0.05）. Water content in test groups went down with the micro-storage time. With the increase of micro-storage time, net gas production, dry matter degradability, organic matter degradability, digestible energy and metabolizable energy went up gradually. [ Conclusion] Comprehensively considering the micro-storege effect of wheat strew in each period and actual production application, we suggest that 22-day micro-storege for wheat straw could meet the demand of actual production.

Nutritive Value of Four Lucerne Cultivars Planted in Two Soil Types at Bathurst Research Station, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Medicago sativa (lucerne) is a widely used perennial fodder crop and ranked amongst the highly nutritive fodders globally. This study assessed the nutritive value (i.e. CP % and TDN %) of four lucerne cultivars under two soil types at Bathurst Research Station. A random grid (quadrant) sampling method was used for sampling and samples were submitted to the laboratory for analysis to determine forage quality. Data collection was carried out by separating harvested biomass for each cultivar using clean packs, weighed and dried at 70&#730;C for 48 hours then crude protein (CP %) and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN %) were determined. The results of the study showed that soil type (site) had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on the overall quality of dry matter produced. In soil 1 (S1) the overall CP % content was 11.48% while it was 19.03% in soil 2 (S2). Cultivar 3 (KKS 9911) was the least nutritive cultivar in site 1, while the same cultivar was the most nutritive cultivar in site 2 pertaining CP content. Soil type also significantly affected (P < 0.05) the overall total digestible nutrient (TDN %) content of different lucerne cultivars. In S1, C4 (WL 525) had the highest (P < 0.05) TDN content in comparison to the rest of the cultivars while in the same soil type C1 (SA Std.) had the least TDN content. The four tested lucerne cultivars generally produced highly nutritive lucerne in S2 while they produced less nutritive lucerne in relation to both CP and TDN content in S1.

Manufacturing Technique and Nutritive Value of Soumbara (Parkia biglobosa Seeds) and Dark Seed of Korhogo (Côte d’Ivoire)

Soumbara is produced in an artisanal way. This product has a relatively strong odor that is not appreciated by some consumers in C&#244;te d'Ivoire. From surveys of women and consumers, the manufacturing technique and the motivations for consumption of soumbara were revealed. For the chemical composition, the average water content is 13.33 ± 1.52 g/100 g MF, the average value of the ash content is 4 ± 0 g/100 g MS. The total protein and lipid levels are 16.37 ± 0.71 g/100 g DM and 21.55 ± 0.46 g/100 g DM respectively. Total carbohydrates, starch and total sugars are respectively 44.33 ± 1.46 g/100 g DM, 39.82 ± 32 g/100 g DM and 0.08 ± 0.01 mg glucose /mL. Concerning the phytochemical composition, the total polyphenols and total flavonoids have respectively contents of 2.74 ± 0.01 mg Eq AG mL of extract, and 0.82 ± 0.01 mg Eq Quer/mL of extract. The study notes that the iron and potassium contents are the most important with respectively 344.43 ± 1.20 μg/g and 174.5 ± 2.71 mg/g. The consumption survey revealed that soumbara produced in C&#244;te d’Ivoire is relatively more consumed (55.77%) than that produced in other countries (44.23%). This artisanal product is appreciated for its taste (50.97%) and its therapeutic character (37.5%) in the form of grain (68.27%), powder (23.08%) or paste (8.65%). These data show that soumbara is very rich in nutrients, polyphenols and flavonoids. These results justify the numerous uses of this ingredient, both in food and in traditional medicine.

Salinity and cultivar effects on alfalfa forage yield and nutritive value in a Mediterranean climate

Background:Soil and water salinity are increasing problems worldwide,causing significantly reduced crop yields.Alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.)is often listed as salt-sensitive,but field testing of improved cultivars is limited.Forage systems and improved high-quality alfalfa varieties are needed to enable crop production under high salinity(HS)conditions.Methods:The objective of this study was to measure the yield and quality response of alfalfa to high saline conditions in the field and to document the relative saline tolerance of its varieties.HS irrigation water(electrical conductivity of water,or ECw 8.0–11.0 dS m−1)was applied to 33 nondormant alfalfa cultivars and were compared with low salinity(LS)treatments(ECw 0.5–1.2 dS m−1)over 4 years in a Mediterranean environment on a clay loam soil utilizing a split-plot design.Crops were harvested seven to eight times per year,and the forage quality was measured on selected harvests utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy.Results:The average yield loss due to HS treatment was 23.9%compared with LS treatment,but yields averaged 23.4 Mg ha−1 under HS over the 3 full years of production.This level of production is considered to be economically viable in this region.Differences in salinity tolerance between lines were identified in the field;individual cultivars lost 5%–35%of their LS yield when grown under HS conditions.Forage quality was significantly improved under HS versus LS conditions,but improvements were negatively correlated with biomass yield(R2>0.81),similar to responses observed in drought-stressed alfalfa.Conclusions:These yield results confirm greenhouse studies,indicating that alfalfa is highly salt tolerant once established in the field,with potential for further improvement with tolerant cultivars.Salinity tolerance should be chosen based on total biomass yield as well as on the salinity tolerance index(HS yield relative to LS yield).Agronomic practices to mitigate salinity and sodicity are critical,along with improved cultivars.

Nutritive value of forages consumed by ruminants during the dry season in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Background:In the Western Highlands of Cameroon(WHC),information on the nutritional value of fodder species consumed by ruminants is very limited.Methods:Through interviews with farmers and monitoring of animals on the range,information was obtained on the types of fodder resources consumed by the ruminants.Samples of each forage species were collected in 15 districts,mixed,chopped,and dried in a ventilated oven at 60°C,and then ground for chemical composition analysis.Results:Twenty-two forage species were identified.Among these species,Vernonia amygdalina(29.43%±0.45%dry matter[DM])and Pennisetum clandestinum(87.21%±1.33%DM)were,respectively,the highest in protein and neutral detergent fiber contents.Manihot esculenta was one of the most energy-rich forages in terms of forage unit for lactation and forage unit for meat production.Hierarchical ascending classification revealed three main groups of forages,respectively,rich in crude fiber(Group 1),protein(Group 2),and energy(Group 3).Conclusions:The present study identified 22 forage species browsed by ruminants in WHC.Further studies should be carried out to determine the antinutritional factors and to evaluate their nutrient value using in vitro or in situ digestibility techniques.

Improving the nutritional values of yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae as an animal feed ingredient: a review

Yellow mealworm larvae(YML;Tenebrio molitor) are considered as a valuable insect species for animal feed due to their high nutritional values and ability to grow under different substrates and rearing conditions. Advances in the understanding of entomophagy and animal nutrition over the past decades have propelled research areas toward testing multiple aspects of YML to exploit them better as animal feed sources. This review aims to summarize various approaches that could be exploited to maximize the nutritional values of YML as an animal feed ingredient. In addition, YML has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial or bioactive agent to improve animal health and immune function in production animals. The dynamics of the nutritional profile of YML can be influenced by multiple factors and should be taken into account when attempting to optimize the nutrient contents of YML as an animal feed ingredient. Specifically, the use of novel land-based and aquatic feeding resources, probiotics, and the exploitation of larval gut microbiomes as novel strategies can assist to maximize the nutritional potential of YML. Selection of relevant feed supplies, optimization of ambient conditions, the introduction of novel genetic selection procedures, and implementation of effective post-harvest processing may be required in the future to commercialize mealworm production. Furthermore, the use of appropriate agricultural practices and technological improvements within the mealworm production sector should be aimed at achieving both economic and environmental sustainability. The issues highlighted in this review could pave the way for future approaches to improve the nutritional value of YML.

Precipitation and seasonality affect grazing impacts on herbage nutritive values in alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Aims Grasslands used for animal husbandry are chosen depending on the nutritive values of dominant herbage species.However,the influence of grazing in combination with precipitation and growing season on the nutritive values of dominant species has not been explicated.Methods To unveil the influence of the different grazing intensities on the nutritional values,an ecological study was formulated,namely fencing(G0),light grazing(G1),moderate grazing(G2)and high grazing(G3).This ambitious study was undertaken on the nutritive values of the four dominant species of herbage in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)during growing season(June–September)for two successive years,namely 2015(rainy year)and 2016(droughty year).Important Findings We found that(i)the nutritive value of Kobresia capillifolia,Polygonum viviparum and Caragana sinica was noticeably increased by grazing,but negligible effect on Potentilla fruticosa nutritive value was recorded.(ii)During the rainy year(2015),compared with G0,Polygonum viviparum and Potentilla fruticosa displayed 5.4 and 1.5%increases in the crude protein(CP)content and 8.5 and 2.4%increases in vitro true digestibility(IVTD),respectively,while the neutral detergent fibre(NDF)decreased by 13.5 and 0.9%,respectively.During the droughty year(2016),compared with G0,C.sinica and Potentilla fruticosa showed increases in the CP content by 4.3 and 1.3%and increases in the IVTD by 10.7 and 0.4%,respectively,during G3,while the NDF decreased by 6.0 and 1.0%,respectively.(iii)The nutritive values of all species were higher in the years when the rains were good.However,the nutritive values suffered heavily during drought conditions.Besides,the highest and lowest values of nutrition were detected in June and in September,respectively.The inter-seasonal and the inter-annual changes in the nutritional values of species were higher for K.capillifolia and Polygonum viviparum than for Potentilla fruticosa and C.sinica,suggesting that Potentilla fruticosa and C.sinica had higher water-use efficiency.(iv)Grazing clearly reduced the drought tolerance of three species and showed no effects on Potentilla fruticosa.(v)Grazing clearly increased the inter-month variation in the nutritional value of K.capillifolia and Polygonum viviparum but showed no effects on Potentilla fruticosa or C.sinica.Evidently,the grazing effects impacting the nutritional value of the dominant species of herbage exhibited conspicuous inter-annual and seasonal variations with species-specific influences and responses.Our findings are expected to have far-reaching implications enabling the authorities to arrive at strategic decisions and designing of relevant policies for the efficient management of the ecosystems ensuring the speed restoration of the QTP under severe grazing and extreme climatic circumstances.

Review on Nutritive Value of Edible Insects

As an importam bio-resource, insect resources have not been put into full play as healthy food. Based on study and analysis, the nutritive value of edible insects was reviewed. The results showed that insects have rich protein (20%-70%), amino acid (30%-60%),fat (10%-50%),fatty acid, carbonhydrate (2%-10%), mineral elements, vitamins and other activated elements which are good for human 's health. As protein resources, the nutritive value of edible insects is as good as animal and plant resources. Insec...

The incredible queen of green:Nutritive value and therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera Lam.

Moringa oleifera,rightly called as the miracle tree,is the extensively grown and highly valuable species of Moringaceae family.The tree has a pantropical distribution with nativity to Indian subcontinent.Nutritionally and therapeutically,it is a highly valued plant.Vitamins,proteins,β-carotene,aminoacids and various phenolics such as β-sitosterol,caffeoylquinic acid,kaempferol,quercetin and zeatin with potential for nutritional and therapeutic applications are enriched in different plant parts.Different plant parts of this plant such as roots,leaves,bark,flowers,fruit of immature pods and seeds possess a number of therapeutic properties such as diuretic,antipyretic,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,antihypertensive,antitumor,antiulcer,antispasmodic,antidiabetic,cholesterol lowering,hepatoprotective and antimicrobial activities,and are being operational in various traditional medicine system for curing different health problems.Moringa is higly beneficial in depression,malnutrition,general weakness and osteoporosis.The present review is intended to emphasize the phytochemical constitution,traditional medicinal uses along pharmacological properties with the purpose to create public awareness regarding therapeutic and nutritive potential of this multipurpose tree as well as to facilitate the pharmacists and the researchers to fill the gap by exploring novel therapeutic compounds that will,of course,be in favor of humanity.

Implications of vitamin D for flesh quality of grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella):antioxidant ability,nutritional value,sensory quality,and myofiber characteristics

Background Muscle represents a unique and complex system with many components and comprises the major edible part of animals.Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for animals and is known to enhance calcium absorption and immune response.In recent years,dietary vitamin D supplementation in livestock has received increased attention due to biological responses including improving shear force in mammalian meat.However,the vitamin D acquisition and myofiber development processes in fish differ from those in mammals,and the effect of vitamin D on fish flesh quality is poorly understood.Here,the influence of dietary vitamin D on fillet quality,antioxidant ability,and myofiber development was examined in grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella).Methods A total of 540 healthy grass carp,with an initial average body weight of 257.24±0.63 g,were allotted in 6 experimental groups with 3 replicates each,and respectively fed corresponding diets with 15.2,364.3,782.5,1,167.9,1,573.8,and 1,980.1 IU/kg vitamin D for 70 d.Results Supplementation with 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D significantly improved nutritional value and sensory quality of fillets,enhancing crude protein,free amino acid,lipid,and collagen contents;maintaining an ideal pH;and reduc-ing lactate content,shear force,and cooking loss relative to respective values in the control(15.2 IU/kg)group.Average myofiber diameter and the frequency of myofibers>50μm in diameter increased under supplementation with 782.5–1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D.Levels of oxidative damage biomarkers decreased,and the expression of antioxi-dant enzymes and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling molecules was upregulated in the 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D treatment compared to respective values in the control group.Furthermore,vitamin D supplementation activated cell differentiation by enhancing the expression of myogenic regulatory factors and myocyte enhancer factors compared to that in the control group.In addition,supplementation with 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D improved protein deposition associated with protein synthesis molecule(target of rapamycin)signaling and vitamin D receptor paralogs,along with inhibition of protein degradation(forkhead box protein 1)signaling.Conclusions Overall,the results demonstrated that vitamin D strengthened antioxidant ability and myofiber devel-opment,thereby enhancing nutritional value and sensory quality of fish flesh.These findings suggest that dietary vitamin D supplementation is conducive to the production of nutrient-rich,high quality aquaculture products.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Value and Acute Toxicity of the Seeds of the Fruit of Annona muricata L. (Sursop) Consumed in Kinshasa

In this paper, the author aimed to determine the nutritional value of soursop (Annona muricata L. fruit) consumed in Kinshasa as well as the study of the acute toxicity of its seeds. The fruit of Annona muricata L. was sampled according to the ISO 7002 standard for agricultural and food products. The selected fruits were ripe, without physical damage. The usual analytical methods allowed the determination of the nutritional value of the fruit pulp of Annona muricata L. The water content was measured by the method of loss of mass on drying. The total amount of ash was determined by incineration in the oven at 550°C. The mineral elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP0). The determination of acute toxicity was carried out on 25 female mice of the NMRI SUISSE species according to OECD 425 guidelines. For 100 grams of fresh material from the fruit pulp, we noted a very high water content of 84% ± 6%. We also note a particularly high amount of carbohydrates with a rate of 12.2% ± 2%. Protein and lipid content were relatively low at 1% ± 0.01% and 0.7% ± 0.3% respectively. The dietary fiber content was 0.8% ± 0.2%. An energy value of 49.3 Kcal per 100 grams of pulp was determined. The LD 50 obtained was 3320 mg/kg, indicating slight toxicity of soursop seeds. The results of this study show that the white pulp of the fruit of Annona muricata L. consumed in Kinshasa is rich in carbohydrates when we compare it to others biomolecules. It also contains dietary fiber and mineral salts making soursop an excellent constituent of a weight loss diet with a low energy intake.

Influence of Sorbent Type on Drying Efficiency, Production Costs and Nutritional Values of Mango By-Products Feeds for Livestock

The aim of the study was to determine the best food absorbents between wheat, rice and maize bran and palm kernel cake, from a technical and economic point of view, in order to make a better recommandation for their use in the production process of food based on mango by-products (peels, peels + pulp). To this end, series of 18 kg of fresh feed were prepared and spread out in a stall for sun-drying using a randomized Fisher system. Preparations were made using either mango peels (75%) + absorbent (25%) or pulp + mango peels (67%) + sorbent (33%). The results show that mango Peel feed loses more water (WL) with lover production yields (PY), higher mango incorporation rates into dry feed (MRI), longer drying times (UDT) and lower production costs (CPkgPD) than mango peel + pulp. The average DM, MAT, ADF and NDF fiber contents were almost equal to those of mango peels + pulp feed. The average Crude Fiber (CF) (25.13%) and DEp (2839 kcal/kgDM) contents were higher for mango skin feed than for mango skin + pulp feed, at 8.59% and 2536 for MAT and DEp respectively. Mango peels + wheat bran (PSB25) and whole mango (MESB33) feeds recorded the highest and almost equal levels of TCP, NDF and MM. Production costs per kg of feed dry mater (CPkgDM) for feed produced at 25% were on average 33% higher than for whole mango (WM) feed. Excluding mango raw material, palm kernel meal (PK), rice bran (RB), maize bran (MB) and wheat bran (WB) can be ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in terms of cumulative performance of production parameters. Producers can then choose the type of sorbent they wish to use according to this ranking and the local availability of the sorbent. These feeds can be used for both ruminants and monogastrics, but are better suited to ruminant feeding due to their high fiber content.

Comparative Study of the Protein Contents of Local and Imported Rice Consumed in Senegal

Protein is essential for the growth and maintenance of the body. They play a crucial role in different biological processes. This study focuses on comparing the protein contents of local rice grown in the Senegal River valley and rice imported from Asia. The objective is to evaluate the importance of the protein nutritional value of local rice compared to imported rice. Protein contents were determined using the Kjeldahl method. The results of the protein assays show that local rice varieties such as Sahel 108 and Sahel 134 grown in the Thilène basins had protein percentages comparable to those of imported rice. The protein percentages were 15.19% ± 0.91% for the Sahel 108 variety and 16.62% ± 0.01% for the Sahel 134 variety compared to 15.8% ± 0.01% on average for imported rice. Thus from the point of view of protein content, local rice has a nutritional value identical to that of imported rice which it can validly replace. It is important in Senegal to encourage local production, which would make it possible to reduce imports on the one hand and to make quality rice available to the local Senegalese market on the other. Sahel varieties with high protein contents deserve large-scale development to meet the country’s protein needs.

Solid state fermentation of rapeseed cake with Aspergillus niger for degrading glucosinolates and upgrading nutritional value

Background： Rapeseed cake is a good source of protein for animal feed but its utilization is limited due to the presence of anti-nutritional substances, such as glucosinolates （GIs）, phytic acid, tannins etc. In the present study, a solid state fermentation （SSF） using Aspergillus niger was carried out with the purpose of degrading glucosinolates and improving the nutritional quality of rapeseed cake （RSC）. The effects of medium composition and incubation conditions on the GIs content in fermented rapeseed cake （FRSC） were investigated, and chemical composition and amino acid in vitro digestibility of RSC substrate fermented under optimal conditions were determined. Results： After 72 h of incubation at 34℃, a 76.89% decrease in GIs of RSC was obtained in solid medium containing 70% RSC, 30% wheat bran at optimal moisture content 60% （w/w）. Compared to unfermented RSC, trichloroacetic acid soluble protein （TCA-SP）, crude protein and ether extract contents of the FRSC were increased （P〈 0.05） 103.71, 23.02 and 23.54%, respectively. As expected, the contents of NDF and phytic acid declined （P〈 0.05） by 9.12 and 44.60%, respectively. Total amino acids （TAA） and essential amino acids （EAA） contents as well as AA in vitro digestibility of FRSC were improved significantly （P 〈 0.05）. Moreover, the enzyme activity of endoglucanase, xylanase, acid protease and phytase were increased （P 〈 0.05） during SSF. Conclusions： Our results indicate that the solid state fermentation offers an effective approach to improving the quality of proteins sources such as rapeseed cake.

Nutrient value of wild fodder species and the implications for improving the diet of mithun (Bos frontalis) in Dulongjiang area, Yunnan Province, China

Wild fodder plants are valuable because they provide an important livestock feed resource globally,especially for smallholder farmers,and have important roles in natural resource management.In-depth knowledge of wild forage plants can motivate local people for feed resource and habitat conservation of threatened herbivores such as Mithun(Bos frontalis).Mithun occur in small patches in the mountains of Dulongjiang,nearby villagers domesticated this animal but left animal to freely graze in the mountains.Many fodder plants occur in these mountains,however,little is known about their nutritional value.We conducted an ethnobotanical survey to document important wild fodder plants consumed by mithun in the Dulongjiang Township.The nutritional content of 21 highly mentioned wild fodder plants in an ethnobotanical survey was examined.Laboratory analysis showed that Fagopyrum dibotrys were the fodder species with the highest crude protein(CP)content(26.89%),followed by Polygonum molle(21.88%)and Hydrangea longipes(21.12%).Synthesis of relative feed value index and grey relational grade,P.molle,H.longipes and Tetrastigma obtectum were ranked the top three nutritional fodders.There was a significant difference between 21 species on their in vitro digestibility and the most highly digestible fodder species was Elatostema hookerianum.Linear model analysis on relationship between frequency of citation of 21 wild forage plants by local farmers and their nutrient composition showed that the frequency was significantly positively correlated with the nutritional value of the feed(R2?0.28,P<0.05).We concluded that these species have high nutritional values to improve mithun production in integrated crop-livestock systems.Fodder species or mixtures of species with useful nutritional characters could be cultivated to improve livestock productivity,habitat conservation including that of mithun and wild forage resource management.

Low Light During Grain Filling Stage Deteriorates Rice Cooking Quality, but not Nutritional Value

To investigate the effect of low light （LL, 50% natural light） during grain filling （GF） stage on rice transamination, amino acid （AA） accumulation, nutritional value, and cooking quality in three different rice genotypes, transaminase activities and AA levels in grains during GF stage and the traits that significantly affected rice quality （physical appearance, cooking quality, and nutritional value） were analyzed. LL did not disturb transamination in rice grains during GF stage, as minimal impact was found on alanine and aspartate transaminase activities. Nevertheless, most AAs in caryopses, including lysine and threonine, increased in response to LL, except for sulfur-containing AAs. These results suggest that AA metabolism and accumulation in rice grains were rarely suppressed by LL during GF stage. Rice nutritional ingredients at harvest, such as major protein components including glutelin and most important essential amino acids （EAAs） including lysine and threonine, increased significantly in response to LL, whereas most protein and EAA ratios were rarely affected. However, LL markedly affected physical appearance of rice grains by reducing brown rice rate, milled rice rate, and 1000-grain weight and increasing the chalkiness rate. In addition, cooking qualities decreased in response to LL, while breakdown values and amylose levels decreased and setback values increased. We concluded that LL during GF stage decreased the cooking quality of rice, but could potentially improve the nutritional value of rice.

Nutritional Value of Lippia nodiflora( L. ) Greene as Feed

To analyze the nutritional value as feed,the aerial stem and leaves of Lippia nodiflora( L.) Greene and Phyla nodiflora( L.) Greene were sampled to measure the nutritional indices. The nutritional indices were also compared with common forage grass,and the development value of L. nodiflora as feed was analyzed. Compared with P. nodiflora,L. nodiflora had obvious fast-growing and high-yield abilities. The contents of crude fat,crude fiber,crude ash,lysine,vitamin C,Ca,and Fe in L. nodiflora were obviously higher than that in P. nodiflora,but the content of crude protein and total P in L. nodiflora were significantly lower than that in P. nodiflora. Compared with common forage feed ryegrass,alfalfa,millet straw and corn straw,L. nodiflora had higher contents of crude fat and crude ash and lower contents of crude fiber and crude protein. Therefore,L. nodiflora had higher development value as feed.