Yield and Nutritive Values of Semi- and Non-Fall Dormant Alfalfa Cultivars under Late-Cutting Schedule in California’s Central Valley

California is one of the major alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) forage-producing states in the U.S, but its production area has decreased significantly in the last couple of decades. Selection of cultivars with high yield and nutritive value under late-cutting schedule strategy may help identify cultivars that growers can use to maximize yield while maintaining area for sustainable alfalfa production, but there is little information on this strategy. A field study was conducted to determine cumulative dry matter (DM) and nutritive values of 20 semi- and non-fall dormant (FD) ratings (FD 7 and FD 8 - 10, respectively) cultivars under 35-day cut in California’s Central Valley in 2020-2022. Seasonal cumulative DM yields ranged from 6.8 in 2020 to 37.0 Mg·ha−1 in 2021. Four FD 8 - 9 cultivars were the highest yielding with 3-yrs avg. DM greater than the lowest yielding lines by 46%. FD 7 cultivar “715RR” produced the highest crude protein (CP: 240 g·Kg−1) while FD 8 cultivar “HVX840RR” resulted in the highest neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD: 484 g·Kg−1, 7% greater than the top yielding cultivars) but with DM yield intermediate. Yields and NDFD correlated positively but weakly indicating some semi- and non-FD cultivars performing similarly. These results suggest that selecting high yielding cultivars under 35-day cutting schedule strategy can be used as a tool to help growers to maximize yield while achieving good quality forages for sustainable alfalfa production in California’s Central Valley.

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.

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.

Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Ramie Plant [Boehmeria nivea （L.） Gaud] and Its By-Products from the Textile Industry as Feed for Ruminants

In order to verify the possible use of ramie as feed for ruminants, a study was undertaken on the chemical and nutritional evaluation of different parts of this plant. Four stocks of samples picked up in two different periods （summer and autumn） were analyzed. The standard chemical composition was determined on the whole plant and on its parts, the study was particularly focused on leaves and tops, not used in fibre production and available as livestock feed. Organic matter enzymic digestibility （OMD） was determined on all the samples by a double step method based on cellnlolytic andproteolytic enzymes. The chemical analysis showed good crude proteins content in leaves, tops and whole plant： 17.00 ~ 1.52%, 15.25 ~ 0.77% and 11.79 ~ 3.32% on dry matter （DM） basis respectively and good acid （ADF） and neutral （NDF） detergent fibre fractions. Lignin and ash resulted high in all plant parts and organic matter （OM） was consequently low, ash analysis showed high calcium concentration, especially in leaves, with values exceeding 4% of din, whereas the other micro （except the lead） and macroelements were in a normal range. OMD and energy values resulted poor in leaves, tops and in the whole plant and lower than the other forages commonly used as feed for runninants, thus the utilisation of ramie plant and its by-products requests further investigations.

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.

The Nutritive Value of Leaves and Fruits of Three Grewia Species under Semi-Arid Environment

This study was carried out to assess the leaves and fruits of Grewia mollis, Grewia tenax and Grewia villosa for their potentials to produce high nutritive value fodder under semi-arid conditions. The experiment was conducted at the farm of the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Juba-Khartoum-Sudan. Randomized Complete Block design with three replications was used. Proximate analysis was carried to estimate nutritive value, and mineral contents of leaves, seeds and fruit pulp of the three species. Results indicated significant difference （P ≤ 0.05） in nutritive value of the leaves among the three species; dry matter, ash, and acid detergent factor （ADF） kg/ha, while no significant difference was observed among the species in crude protein （CP） and nutrient detergent factor （NDF） kg/ha. Mineral contents of the leaves of the three species showed variations among the species and seasons. Seeds and fruit pulp were found to have considerable levels of nutrients and mineral contents. The nutritive value of the three species was higher in the rainy season compared to the dry season. The results of this study indicate that the three species can be introduced as a source of fodder in animal production farms and silvopastural systems.

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.

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.

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.

Effect of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on Growth, Mineral Composition, and Nutritional Value of Wheat & Lentil Sprouts

Sprouts are ready-to-eat and are recognized worldwide as functional components of the human diet.Recent advances in innovative agricultural techniques could enable an increase in the production of healthy food.The use of light-emitting diode(LED)in indoor agricultural production could alter the biological feedback loop,increasing the functional benefits of plant foods such as wheat and lentil sprouts and promoting the bioavailability of nutrients.The effects of white(W),red(R),and blue(B)light were investigated on the growth parameters and nutritional value of wheat and lentil sprouts.In the laboratory,seeds were sown under three different LED treat-ments:white,red,and blue light,while normal incandescent light served as a control.Percentage seed germina-tion improved by 18.34%and 12.67%for wheat and 18.34%and 12.67%for lentil sprouts under LED treatments R and B,respectively.An increase in total soluble protein and sugar by 33.4%and 9.23%in wheat and by 31.5%and 5.87%in lentils was observed under the R LED treatment.Vitamin C concentrations in wheat and lentils were significantly increased by R LED compared to all other treatments.Other parameters,including potassium and sodium concentrations,were significantly increased under red and blue light compared to the control;white light,on the other hand,significantly decreased all these parameters.According to the experimental data,red and blue LED light could be beneficial in the production of functional wheat and lentil sprouts with high nutrient concentrations.

Effect of Biostimulants Based on Natural Products on the Growth and Nutritional Value of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are widely grown in Cameroon and play a key role in the fight against food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty. However, its cultivation encounters problems due to abiotic and biotic stresses, which leads to the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which cause significant damage to the environment and human health due to the presence of synthetics residues in the seeds, pods and in the leaves that are eaten. Promoting the use of natural products is becoming a necessity for organic and eco-responsible agriculture that limits contamination problems and improves people’s purchasing power. This study aims to assess the effect of biostimulants based on natural products on the growth and nutritional value of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Bean seedlings from white variety (MEX-142) and red variety (DOR-701) were treated every seven days in the field from their pre-emergence, emergence and growth to their maturation under a randomized block experimental design. Six treatments and three repetitions with the biostimulants based on natural products and controls were thus performed and the agromorphological parameters were measured. After 120 days, the contents of growth biomarkers and defense-related enzymes were evaluated in leaves, while the contents of macromolecules, minerals and antinutrients were evaluated in seeds. These biostimulants significantly increased (P P < 0.0001) of antinutrients including oxalates, phytates, tannins and saponins in seeds compared to controls (T+ and T−). Treatment with biostimulants, in particular BS4, improves the performance of bean plants in the field as well as the biofortification of seeds regardless of the variety.

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.

Biological treatments as a mean to improve feed utilization in agriculture animals——An overview

As a result of agriculture practices, million tons of agriculture are produced as a secondary or by-products; however, with low nutritive values. Many methods are applied to improve the nutritive value and increase its utilization in ruminant＇s nutrition. The biological treatments are the most common with more safe-treated products. In most cases, the biological treatments are paralleled with decreased crude fiber and fiber fractions content with increased crude protein content. Direct-fed microbial and exogenous enzymes to animal are other ways of biological methods for improving nutritive value of feeds. Here in this review, we will try to cover the biological treatments of by-products from different sides view with different types of animals and different animal end-products.

Influence of preceding crop and tillage system on forage yield and quality of selected summer grass and legume forage crops under arid conditions

Among the crop production factors,preceding crop and tillage management affect the sustainable use of soil resources and ultimately crop growth and productivity.This study aimed at investigating the impact of preceding winter crops(grass or legume)and different tillage systems on forage yield,quality and nutritive values of three summer grass(Sudan grass,pearl millet and teosinte)and two legume forage crops(cowpea and guar)under arid conditions.The results exhibited that growing forage crops after legumes(as berseem clover)produced the highest fresh and dry forage yields and quality attributes compared with grasses(as wheat)with the exception of crude fiber content,which was decreased.Moreover,tillage practices showed positive impact on forage yields and quality attributes.The maximum forage yields and quality parameters were recorded under conventional tillage(CT)practice compared with reduced tillage(RT)and no-tillage(NT)systems.Among the evaluated crops,the highest yields of fresh forage,dry forage,crude fiber,crude protein and total digestible nutrient were exhibited by grass forage crops(Sudan grass,pearl millet and teosinte),whereas the highest crude protein content and the digestible energy values were produced by legume forage crops(cowpea and guar).The maximum fresh forage,dry forage,crude fiber,crude protein,total digestible nutrient and digestible crude protein yields were produced by pearl millet followed by Sudan grass under CT and RT after berseem clover.The highest net return was recorded by sowing pearl millet after berseem clover and applying CT followed by RT practices,which could be recommended for the commercial production.Moreover,it could be assumed that the combination of growing grass forage crops after legume crops under CT or RT systems could enhance forage crop yield and quality with an improvement in soil properties for sustainable agriculture with low cost and the highest net income.

Dry Season Feeding Technologies: Assessing the Nutritional and Economic Benefits of Feeding Hay and Silage to Dairy Cattle in South-Western Uganda

South-western Uganda annually experiences prolonged drought that results in dramatic drop in milk production of dairy cattle. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional value and economic benefits of feeding silage and hay to dairy cattle in the sub-region. The cross-sectional study covered seven districts with 105 farmers interviewed during the wet and 45 others in the dry season. Up to 88 soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil texture, soil pH, organic matter and total Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Sodium and Magnesium. Likewise, 148 forage (105 fresh, 25 silage and 18 hay) tissues from 21 pasture species were collected and analyzed for nutritional values. Using a questionnaire, data on production costs and milk revenues were collected for cost-benefit analysis. Results showed that silage of Napier grass treated with molasses (10.2 MJ/kg) and hay of naturally established pastures (10.6 MJ/kg) had the highest metabolisable energy (ME) values, while the lowest (8.30 MJ/kg) was for star grass. Hay of star grass presented the highest level of crude protein (21.4%) with maize (corn) showing the lowest (9.38%). Digestibility of hay of naturally established mixed pastures was the highest (64.4%), followed by that of silage of Napier grass treated with molasses (62.0%), while star grass hay had the lowest (52.6%). With exception of silage made from maize, all the other six forms of silage had a good crude protein (CP) content. Regardless of the good CP content (≥9.9%), all silage untreated with additives was poor in quality since its ME was less than 9.9 MJ ME/kg and ration digestibility less than 67%. Nonetheless, feeding of silage and hay increased milk yield and farm productivity with a benefit-cost ratio of 5.5 and 2.7 for silage and hay respectively.

Effect of selected fungi on the reduction of gossypol levels and nutritional value during solid substrate fermentation of cottonseed meal

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of six individual strains of fungi on the reduction of gossypol levels and nutritional value during solid substrate fen＇aentation of cottonseed meal （CSM）. Six groups of disinfected CSM substrate were incubated for 48 h after inoculation with either of the fungi C. capsuligena ZD- 1, C. tropicalis ZD-3, S. cerevisae ZD-5, A. terricola ZD-6, A. oryzae ZD-7, or A. niger ZD-8. One not inoculated group （substrate） was used as a control. Levels of initial and final free gossypol （FG）, crude protein （CP）, amino acids （AA） and in vitro digestibility were assayed. The experiment was done in triplicate. The experimental results indicated that microbial fermentation could greatly decrease （P〈0.05） FG levels in CSM. The detoxification efficiency differed between the species of microorganisms applied. From the perspective of reducing CSM potential toxicity, C. tropicalis ZD-3 was most successful followed by S. cerevisae ZD-5 and A. niger ZD-8. They could reduce FG levels of CSM to 29.8, 63.07 and 81.50 mg/kg based on DM （dry matter）, respectively, and their detoxification rates were 94.57%, 88.51% and 85.16%, respectively. If crude protein, amino acids content and their in vitro digestibility were also taken into account, Aniger ZD-8 may be the best choice. The CP content of CSM substrate fermented by C. tropicalis ZD-3 and A. niger ZD-8 were improved by 10.76% and 22.24%; the TAA （total amino acids） contents were increased by 7.06% and 11.46%, and the EAA （essential amino acids） were raised by 7.77% and 12.64%, respectively. Especially, the levels of methionine, lysine and threonine were improved greatly （P〈0.05）. The in vitro CP digestibility of CSM fermented by C. tropicalis ZD-3 and A. niger ZD-8 was improved by 13.42% and 18.22%, the TAA were increased by 17.75% and 22.88%, and the EAA by 16.61% and 21.01%, respectively. In addition, the in vitro digestibility of methionine, lysine and threonine was also improved greatly （P〈0.05）.

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.