Effects of light spectra on growth and compositions of biomass,fatty acids,and pigments in three typical microalgae from different phyla

The growth and nutrients of photosynthetic organisms are significantly influenced by light spectra,yet this relationship is not well-understood in microalgae.Herein,we studied three microalgae species—Chaetoceros sp.,Isochrysis galbana,and Tetraselmis helgolandica—distinguished by their pigments.We exposed them to seven light spectra,including white(control),red,orange,green,blue,violet,and full spectrum.The results showed distinct responses in the three microalgae to varying light spectra.Optimal growth occurred under blue,violet,and white lights for Chaetoceros sp.,Ⅰ.galbana,and T.helgolandica,respectively,while orange,red,and green lights inhibited growth.Notably,green light significantly increased the protein content in all three microalgae.Carbohydrate and lipid content exhibited species-specific responses:the highest carbohydrate accumulation was achieved for Chaetoceros sp.under red light(73.27±1.45 mg/g),Ⅰ.galbana under orange light(122.89±12.28 mg/g),and T.helgolandica under blue light(43.62±2.79 mg/g).Meanwhile,the highest lipid content was obtained under violet light for Chaetoceros sp.andⅠ.galbana(250.80±7.27 and 320.23±5.75 mg/g,respectively),and under green light for T.helgolandica(255.12±31.19 mg/g).Furthermore,violet light greatly promoted the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in all three microalgae.Specific pigment compositions also responded to variations in light spectra.For instance,the diadinoxanthin content in Chaetoceros sp.increased significantly under orange light(194.77±13.78μg/g),while chlorophyll-a content inⅠ.galbana increased significantly under violet and blue lights((88.84±33.46)-(141.38±1.64)μg/g),and in T.helgolandica under red,green,and blue lights((1485.04±190.46)-(1886.60±387.42)μg/g).Additionally,Ⅰ.galbana exhibited the highest fucoxanthin,diadinoxanthin,andβ-carotene contents under white light.In conclusion,our results highlight the species-specific impact of light spectra on microalgae growth and nutrients,providing valuable guidance for flexible application of light spectra in microalgal production to enhance yields and target specific nutrients.

Effects of Fermented Puffed Feather Meal on Growth Performance,Serum Biochemical Indices,Meat Quality,and Intestinal Microbiota in Broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented puffed feather meal(FPFM)on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,meat quality,and intestinal microbiota in Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A single-factor design was adopted,and four treatments were administered with five replicates to 240 one-day-old AA broilers.The control group(group A)received a basal diet,while the experimental groups received a basal diet plus 33%(group B),67%(group C)and 100%(group D)FPFM,respectively.Compared with group A,(1)the average daily gain(ADG)in group C decreased(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio(FCR)in group D increased(P<0.05);(2)the level of serum urea nitrogen in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of triglyceride,high density lipoprotein,low density lipoprotein,cholesterol,and glucose contents in group D increased(P<0.05)at day 21;(3)the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group B and the immunoglobulin A in group C increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group D decreased(P<0.05)at day 42;(4)the share force of breast muscle and thigh muscle in group D increased(P<0.05);(5)the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum of group B increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the villus height in group C and D increased(P<0.05)at day 42;(6)the proteobacteria counts in the cecum digesta in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05)at day 21.The basal diet supplemented with 33%FPFM promoted protein metabolism,enhanced immunity and improved meat quality,promoted the digestion and absorption of nutrients,increased intestinal microbial diversity,and improved the content of beneficial bacteria without affecting the growth performance,it was possible to be used as a good substitute for fish meal.

Effects of nutrients and light intensity on the growth and biochemical composition of a marine microalga Odontella aurita

Algal biotechnology has advanced greatly in the past three decades. Many microalgae are now cultivated to produce bioactive substances. Odontella aurita is a marine diatom industrially cultured in outdoor open ponds and used for human nutrition. For the first time, we have systematically investigated the effects of culture conditions in cylindrical glass columns and fiat-plate photobioreactors, including nutrients （nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur）, light intensity and light path, on O. aurita cell growth and biochemical composition （protein, carbohydrate, β-1,3-glucan, lipids, and ash）. The optimal medium for photoautotrophic cultivation of O. aurita contained 17.65 mmol/L nitrogen, 1.09 mmol/L phosphorus, 0.42 mmol/L silicon, and 24.51 mmol/L sulfur, yielding a maximum biomass production of 6.1-6.8 g/L and 6.7-7.8 g/L under low and high light, respectively. Scale-up experiments were conducted with fiat-plate photobioreactors using different light-paths, indicating that a short light path was more suitable for biomass production of O. aurita. Analyses of biochemical composition showed that protein content decreased while carbohydrate （mainly composed of 15-1,3-glucan） increased remarkably to about 50% of dry weight during the entire culture period. The highest lipid content （19.7% of dry weight） was obtained under 0.11 mmol/L silicon and high light conditions at harvest time. Fatty acid profiles revealed that 80% were Cx4, C^6, and C20, while arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid （EPA） accounted for 1.6%-5.6% and 9%-20% of total fatty acids, respectively. High biomass production and characteristic biochemical composition profiles make O. aurita a promising microalga for the production ofbioactive components, such as EPA and D-1,3-glucan.

Effects of Fresh Cupressus sempervirens Leaves Infusion on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested, washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water. The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period, water intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of infusion. Feed intake decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 ml of infusion/L drinking water. Live weight and weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with 6 ml/L, while feed conversion significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the same treatment compared with the control treatment without additives (T0). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P < 0.05) increase independently of the rate of incorporation of the infusion into the drinking water, with the exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05) high with 8 and 10 ml Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with infusion compared to the control without additive. In conclusion, 6 ml of Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.

Study of effects of environmental factors on biochemical compositions of four species of marine single-celled algae

Photosynthetic rates (PR ) of four species of marine single- celled algae were determined by means of 14C-tracer method under the experimental modelling conditions. The effects of environmental factors, such as light, temperature and nutrients, on the biochemical compositions of the algae were studied. The results indicate that the suitable light intensities for the growth of Phaeodactylum tricorntum, Dunaliella spp, Skeletonema costatum and Isochrysis galbana are in the range from 5. 8 X 103 to 15 x 103 lx, showing an increasing trend of photosynthetic rates with the heightened light intensities. The irradiance response of Dunaliella spp. and Isochrysis galbana is significant. The contents of carbohydrate increase, but those of protein decrease, and the contents of lipids change very little. The optimum temperatures for the growth of the four species of algae are 14, 26, 21 and 26t respectively, characterized by the maxima of PR and the contents of carbohydrate, protein and lipid as well as their variations. The apparent activation energies in the photosynthesis process of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Dunaliella spp., Skeletonema costatum and Isochrysis galbana are 23. 2, 38. 5, 22. 4 and 61. 7 kJ/mol respectively, and the temperature coefficients for the four algae are 1. 74, 1. 74, 1. 38 and 1. 69 respectively. The peaks of PR appeared in some culture media (N/P = 16 ) of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Skeletonema costatum, and in other media (N/P = 28) of Dunaliella spp. and Isochurysis galbana. The contents and their variations of carbohydrate, protein and lipid of the four species of algae are all maximum when N/P is equal to 16 in culture media.

Biofertilizing efficiency of Sargassum polycystum extract on growth and biochemical composition of Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo

Objective: To evaluate the effect of marine brown alga Sargassum polycystum extract on growth and biochemical parameters of Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo. Methods: Different concentrations of algal extracts (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 4.0%, and 5.0%) were prepared and applied to the crops at every 10-day intervals under natural conditions. After 30 d, the plants were harvested to evaluate the growth and biochemical parameters. Results: Seaweed liquid fertilizers treated seedlings showed maximum growth in 3.0% concentration when compared to the untreated seedlings. Similarly, biochemical parameters such as photosynthetic pigments, protein, reducing sugar, total sugar and amino acids exhibited increases in 3.0%concentration seaweed extract. Decreases in growth and biochemical parameters were noticed in concentrations higher than 3.0%. Conclusions: Presence of micronutrients and growth regulating substances in the liquid extract help healthier and faster productivity of the crop.

The Ratio of Flesh to Body and Analysis on Biochemical Composition of Muscle in Pachyhynobius Shangchengensis

[Objective] The ratio of flesh content and biochemical compositions in muscles of Pachyhynobius shangchengensis were researched in this experiment to provide basic referrences for studying nutritive physiological ecology of Pachyhynobius shangchengensis. [Method] The biochemical analytic method was used to detect the ratio of flesh content and biochemical compositions in muscle of Pachyhynobius shangchengensis. [Result] The ratio of flesh contents of female and male Pachyhynobius shangchengensis were 54.93% and 55.84% respectively. The contents of protein, total saccharides and fatty acid of female Pachyhynobius shangchengensis were 15.44% ,1.70% and 0.68% respectively,while the same contents of male Pachyhynobius shangchengensis were 15.67%, 1.89% and 0.53% respectively. The total content of 18 kinds of amino acids was 12.72% （the proportion in fresh weight）, among which the content of 8 kinds of essential amino acids was 4.68%. The essential amino acids index（EAAI） was 72.68 and limiting amino acids was valine. There were 11 kinds of fatty acids in muscles of Pachyhynobius shangchengensis, among which the content of unsaturated fatty acids （80.02%） was higher than that of saturated fatty acids（ 19.98% ）. [ Conclusion] Pachyhynobius shangchengensis was a kind of valuable natural resource belonging to the nutritious type of low fat content and high protein content.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten on Growth Performance, Cell Immunity and Serum Biochemical Indices of Weaned Piglets (Sus scrofa)

To investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with hydrolyzed wheat gluten （HWG） on growth performance, cell immunity and serum biochemical indices of weaned piglets, 160 crossed （Large White×andrace） and weaned piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 4 replicates of 10 piglets each. The piglets in each treatment were fed an experimental diet containing either 0 g kg-1 HWG （control group）, 30 g kg-1 HWG （3% HWG group）, 50 g kg-1 HWG （5% HWG group）, or 2.5 g kg-1 glycyl-L-glutamine （0.25% Gly-Gln group）. The results showed that the diarrhea rates in 3% HWG and 5% HWG groups were significantly lower than in control group from d 1 to 14 （P〈0.05）, while the average daily gain （ADG） in each of two groups was increased （P〉0.05）. When compared with control group, dietary supplementation with 3% HWG increased the ratio of CD4＋：CD8＋ and the ratio of serum albumin and globulin concentrations （A：G） on d 14 and 28, as well as the proliferation of T- and B-lymphocytes （P〉0.05） on d 28. In addition, on d 14 and 28, the A：G ratio in 5% HWG group was significantly higher than in control group （P〈0.05）, while the ratio of CD4＋：CD8＋ increased slightly （P〉0.05）. Interestingly, 0.25% Gly-Gln group had higher proportion of CD3＋ （P〉0.05） and CD4＋ （P〈0.05） on d 14 than control group, but growth performances of 0.25% Gly-Gln group were negatively affected at all experiment stages. These results suggested that HWG might improve the growth performance of piglets by strengthening cell immunity and decreasing the occurrence of diarrhea during the prophase after weaning.

Biochemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Different Shell Color Strains of Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas

The shell color of Pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas) is a desirable trait; but the nutritional studies on C. gigas with different shell colors have not been conducted. Through successive selective breeding, five shell color strains of black(B), purple(P), orange(O), golden(G) and white(W) C. gigas have been developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and nutritional value of five shell color strains and one commercial population with a common color. The biochemical composition including moisture, total protein, glycogen, ash, total fat, fatty acids(FA), amino acids and minerals was detected. The results indicated that the protein(50.76%–56.57%) was the major component. The content of glycogen showed a significant difference between orange shell and golden shell strains, as well as between commercial population and golden shell strain. In addition, all shell color strains contained a large amount of essential amino acids(12.20–14.15 g(100 g)^(-1)), of them leucine(2.81–3.29 g(100 g)^(-1)) and lysine(2.79–3.28 g(100 g)^(-1)) were predominant. The oysters were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids(42.26%–45.24% of total fatty acid) with high levels of DHA(18.53%–21.16% of total fatty acid) and EPA(17.23%–18.68% of total fatty acid). Significant differences of mineral contents(Mg, Zn, Fe and Cu) were identified among the six populations. These results indicated that C. gigas with different shell colors presented rich nutritional value with high protein, glycogen, essential amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The biochemical composition obtained in this study is useful for selective breeding of C. gigas with different shell colors.

Effects of different proportions of two Bacillus sp. on the growth performance, small intestinal morphology, caecal microbiota and plasma biochemical profile of Chinese Huainan Partridge Shank chickens

A total of 900 one-d-old Chinese Huainan Partridge Shank chickens were randomly allocated into nine groups with five replicates of 20 each.Birds were fed with basal diet,basal diet supplemented with 150 mg kg^（–1） aureomycin,basal diet supplemented with different proportions of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis,which was 0：1.0×10~6,2.5×10~5：7.5×10~5,3.3×10~5：6.6×10~5,5.0×10~5：5.0×10~5,6.6×10~5：3.3×10~5,7.5×10~5：2.5×10~5 and 1.0×10~6：0,respectively.The duration of the experiment was 56 d.The results indicated that dietary supplementation of 6.6×10~5：3.3×10~5 of B.lichenifornis：B.subtilis improved final body weight,increased the average daily gain,and reduced feed/gain ratio（P〈0.05）.The numbers of total Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium sp.in the caecum significantly increased,and the numbers of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp.significantly declined compared to that of the control（P〈0.05）.Intestinal villous height and villous height to crypt depth ratio of the duodenum,jejunum,and ileum were significantly higher than that of the control,and intestinal crypt depth of the duodenum and ileum was significantly lower（P〈0.05）.The total antioxidant capacity,total superoxide dismutase,and glutathione peroxidase ability in plasma significantly improved,while the malondialdehyde concentration in plasma decreased（P〈0.05）.Compared to the control,plasma concentrations of ammonia,uric acid and urea nitrogen and the activity of xanthine oxidase were reduced（P〈0.05）.In conclusion,an inclusion of 6.6×10~5：3.3×10~5 of B.licheniformis：B.subtilis to the diet improved the growth performance,caecal microbiota,plasma biochemical profile,and significantly improved the small intestine morphology,while reducing the mortality rate.

Effects of Dietary Crude Fiber Levels on Growth Performance and Serum Biochemical Index of Dingan Geese Aged from 35 to 70 Days

[Objective] The study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary crude fiber on growth performance and serum biochemical in-dex of Dingan geese aged from 35 to 70 days.[Method] A total of 120 Dingan geese on day 28 with the same genetic background and similar initial weight(1 384.83.73±0.76 g) were randomly assigned into 3 groups, with 4 replicates per group and 10 geese per replicate. Geese were fed the diets containing 4.29%, 5.29% and 6.29 % crude fiber, respectively. The experiment lasted 35 d.[Result] Final weight and daily gain of 5.29 %CF group were significantly higher than those of 6.29 % CF group(P<0.05);Feed intake was markedly higher than those of 4.29% and 6.29 % CF groups(P<0.05);Feed gain ratio was significantly lower than that of 6.29 % CF group(P<0.05). Compared with 4.29% and 6.29 % CF groups, serum albumin concentrations of 5.29 % CF group increased significantly(P<0.05), while serum total protein and globin contents were higher(P>0.05), but serum uric acid level was lower(P>0.05).[Conclusion] 5.29 % crude fiber could lead to higher growth performance of Dingan geese.

Study on Growth,Serum Biochemical and Antioxidant Enzyme Indices of Juvenile Siganus guttatus Fed with Enteromorpha prolifra and Artificial Feed

In order to provide reference for using Sigartus guttatus to control overgrowth of Ertteromorpha prolifra, the growth, serum biochemical and antioxidant enzyme indices of juvenile S. guttatus respectively fed with E. prolifra and artificial feed were studied. One hundred and eighty individuals were cultivated for 90 days in six 2.5 m × 1.5 m × 1.5 m cages （30 ind. per cage） which mesh size were 0.5 mm. The experimental animals were divided into two dietary groups （ three cages for each group） that were fed with E. prolifra and artificial feed respectively. During the culture period, temperatures ranged from 23.0 to 26.5℃, pH was between 7.8 and 8.2, dissolved oxygen was more than 5.0 mg/L. The weight gain rate, specific growth rate, relative growth rate, hepato-somatic index of juvenile S. guttatus fed with E. prolifra were significantly lowe than that fed with artificial feed （P 〈 0.05）. The total protein （TP）, urea nitrogen （UN） and alkaline phosphatase （AKP） of juvenile S. guttatus fed with E. Prolifra were significantly higher than that fed with artificial feed （P 〈0.05）, while glutamic oxalacetie transaminase （AST/GOT） and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase （ALT/GPT） of juvenile S. guttatus fed with E. prolifra were significantly lower than that fed with artificial feed （P 〈 0.05 ）. SOD, GPX and anti-superoxide anion radical activity in liver, kidney, gill and muscle of juvenile S. guttatus fed with E. prolifra were higher than that fed with artificial feed, and these antioxidant enzyme activities in kidney of juvenile S. gtatatus fed with E. prolifra was significantly higher than that fed with artificial feed （P 〈 0.05）, while CAT and hydroxyl radical-inhibiting activity in liver of juvenile S. guttatus fed with arti- ficial feed were significantly higher than that fed with E. prolifra （P 〈 0.05 ）. Juvenile S. guttatus fed with E. prolifra showed poor growth performance but better antioxidant defense system. S. guttatus is easily raised and has stronger ability of digestion and absorption of E. Prolifra. The technique that uses S. gtatatus to control E. prolifra deserves deeply study.

Seasonal Changes of Reproductive Activity and Biochemical Composition of Pen Shell Atrina pectinata Linnaeus,1767 in Bohai Sea,China

Seasonal variations in the biochemical composition and the reproductive cycle of pen shell Atrina pectinata in Bohai Sea were investigated from May 2013 to April 2014. Histological analysis indicated that the reproductive cycle of A. pectinata can be divided into two phases, inactive stage and gametogenesis, which were equally and significantly influenced by seawater temperature and food availability. Gametogenesis began in late autumn(October), and completed in June and July. Spawning took place in August, coinciding with the highest water temperature and the richest phytoplankton. The significantly high glycogen content in adductor muscles sustained throughout the late active and ripeness stages, but plummeted during spawning and inactive stages. The protein content in female gonads exhibited a synchronous increase along with oocyte diameter and lipid content, suggesting that the female gonads could accumulate protein and lipid for vitelline in A. pectinata. Furthermore, the RNA/DNA ratio was found to be a useful index to indicate the level of gonad maturation in both males and females. The findings of the present study provided a foundation for the fishery resource administration and the aquaculture development of this species.

Effects of Dietary Protein and Fat Levels on Growth Performance and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Male Mink

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein and fat levels on growth performance and serum biochemical parameters of male minks during the growing period. A total, of 90 healthy male minks at the age of 60 d were randomly assigned into six groups with 15 replicates per group and one mink per replicate. The minks were fed six experimental diets with two protein levels （32% and 36% ） and three fat levels （ 10% , 20% and 30% ） for a 7-day preliminary period and then for 60-day experimental period. The results showed that the final body weight and average daily weight gain （ADWG） were significantly higher in low-protein, middle-fat group and low-protein, high-fat group than those in low-protein, low-fat group and high-protein, low-fat group （P 〈 0. O1 ）. The final weight and ADWG were increased with dietary fat level increasing, and the two indices of 20% and 30% fat groups were significantly higher than those of 10% fat groups （ P 〈 0. O1 ）. The ratio of feed intake to weight gain （F/G） in low-protein, high-fat group was the lowest, which was significantly lower than that in low- protein, low-fat group and high-protein, high-fat group （P 〈 0.05 ）. Serum urea nitrogen （UN） in low-protein, high-fat group was significantly lower than that in other groups （P 〈 0. 01 ）. Serum alanine transaminase （ALT） activity in 32% protein groups was significantly higher than that in 36% protein groups （P 〈 O. 05）. Serum triglyceride （TG） content in low-protein, high-fat group and high-protein, high-fat group was significantly higher than that in low-protein, low-fat group and high-protein, low-fat groups （P 〈 0.05 ）. Serum TG, total cholesterol （TCHO） and high-density lipoprotein （HDL） contents increased with the increase in dietary fat level, and they were all the highest in low-protein, high-fat group. The growth performance and serum biochemical parameters of minks were not affected by the interaction between dietary protein and fat levels （P 〉 O. 05 ）. Considering all the factors, when the dietary protein is 32% and the fat level is 20% to 30% under the condition of this experiment, the dietary protein and fat utilization rates are higher, and the male minks during the growing period can get a better growth performance.

Study of the Biochemical Composition of Senegalese Mango Varieties Intended for Export and Local Consumation

Biochemical characterization was carried out on five mango varieties grown in Senegal, two of which are intended for export (Kent and Keitt) and three to local consumption, on the one hand, and to national marketing, on the other. It can be seen that the flavanols composition is between “0.74 ± 0.03 mg/100 g” to “4.70 ± 0.33 mg/100 g” and the total polyphenols composition is “265.83 ± 33.70 mg gallic acid/100 g” to “834.29 ± 25.78 mg gallic acid/100 g”. This analysis shows that the variety Bk is richer in polyphenols followed by the variety Dr then Knt and finally the lowest proportions are noted with the varieties Kt and SL. The analysis of antioxidant activity shows us percentages ranging from “4.16% ± 2.68% inhibition” to “50.21% ± 3.91% inhibition”. It was noted that the SL and Knt varieties give the highest inhibition percentages of “50.21 ± 3.91” and “33.97 ± 0.36” respectively. Variety Bk gives the lowest percentage followed by variety Kt. The Dr variety is the richest in flavonoids “11.75 ± 0.27” followed by the SL variety “11.27 ± 0.10” and the lowest composition is noted in the Knt variety “1.91 ± 0.04”. For total sugars, the most important contents are found in the varieties: Bk “12.71 ± 0.32 mg/100 g” followed by Dr “11.5 ± 0.33 mg/100 g” and SL “9.86 ± 0.06 mg/100 g”. This time the variety Kt stands out with also important proportions. For quantification, there is a slight difference in the values obtained for the different varieties studied. However, the highest values are observed in local varieties: “0.36 ± 0.06 g/100 g” for Bk and Dr followed by SL “0.31 ± 0.01 g/100 g”. The study of the mineral composition shows that the local varieties are the richest and the Knt variety is the poorest. The difference in composition noted within the same variety can be explained by the fact that some varieties have an advanced maturity compared to others.

Phytotoxicity of Chromium on Germination, Growth and Biochemical Attributes of <i>Hibiscus esculentus</i>L.

Chromium is found in all phases of the environment, including air, water and soil. The contamination of environment by chromium has become a major area of concern. Chromium effluent is highly toxic to plant and is harmful to their growth and development. In present study, a pot experiment was carried out to assess the phytotoxicity of chromium in Hibiscus esculentus at different concentration (0.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg·kg-1) of chromium metal. The phytotoxic effect of chromium was observed on seed germination, seedling growth, seedling vigor index, chlorophyll content and tolerance indices of Hibiscus esculentus. All results when compared with control show that chromium metal adversely affects the growth of Hibiscus esculentus by reducing seed germination and decreasing seedling growth. The toxic effects of chromium metal to seed germination and young seedling are arranged in order of inhibition as: 0.5 > 2.5 > 5 > 10 > 25 > 50 > 100 mg·kg-1 respectively. The toxicity of chromium metal to young seedling and their effects on chlorophyll content were increased with higher concentration of chromium in the soil system. The major inhibitory effect of chromium in Hibiscus esculentus seedling was determined as stress tolerance index (%). The present study represents that the seed and seedling of Hibiscus esculentus has potential to counteract the deleterious effects of chromium metal in soil.

Effects of NaCl stress on the biochemical substances in Bt cotton as well as on the growth and development and adult oviposition selectivity of Helicoverpa armigera

Background:Recently,due to the development of food security strategies,cotton has been planted in inland saline-alkali dry soils or in coastal some saline-alkali soils in China.Under the condition,to comprehensively prevent and control Helicoverpa armigera in cotton fields with saline-alkali soils,it is important to study the larval growth and development of H.armigero and to study adult oviposition selectivity in H.armigera adults that feed on NaCI-stNaCled cotton plants.Results:In this study,Bt cotton GK19 was used for the experimental group and its nontransgenic parent Simian 3 was used for the control to study the effects of biochemical substances in cotton as well as larval growth and development and adult oviposition selectivity of H.armigera.The experiments were performed by growing cotton indoors under NaCl stress at concentrations of 0 mmol-L-1,75 mmol-L-1 and 150 mmol-L-1,respectively.The results showed that the expression of Bt protein was significantly inhibited for NaCI-stressed Bt cotNaClThe content of soluble protein and K+ in the leaves of cotton were decreased,while the content of gossypol and Na+were increased.In addition,the 5th instar H.armigera larvae exhibited shorten the life span in a 13-day trial period.Under enclosure treatments and at different female densities,the adult oviposition of H.armigera decreased on high NaCI-stressed nontransgenic coNaCl,while the oviposition on Bt cotton tended to first increase but then decrease under low,moderate and high NaCl stress treatments.Conclusions:Under certain content ranges of NaCl stress treatments,larval of H.armigera growth and development,and adult oviposition were no significant difference in the change for a certain period.However,under high NaCl stress,larval growth,development and adult oviposition were affected,which may provide insights for the prevention and control of H.armigero for Bt cotton in saline-alkali soils.

Chemical Composition of Pineapple Press Residues (Ananas comosus) and Effect on Growth Performance of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

With a view to improving rabbit production performance, a trial on the chemical composition of pineapple press residue (Ananas comosus) and the effect of its incorporation in the ration on rabbit growth performance (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was carried out at the KUATE Cunicole Farm in Bandjoun, in Western Cameroon. To do this, 36 rabbits of the local breed, aged 53 days with an average weight of 1337 ± 119 g were distributed and randomly assigned to 3 experimental rations corresponding respectively to treatments or batches T0, T1 and T2. The animals in treatment T0 received a ration containing no pineapple press residue, while those in treatments T1 and T2 received a ration containing 20% and 40% pineapple press residue, respectively. These residues were dried and ground for chemical composition analysis. The feed served as well as refusals from the previous day were weighed each morning to assess feed intake. The animals were weighed every 7 days to assess weight performance. At the end of the trial which lasted 7 weeks, the animals were fasted for 24 hours, then sacrificed to evaluate carcass characteristics and the relative weights of some digestive organs. The results of this study showed that pineapple press residues had a high crude fiber content (19.2%) and energy (2500 Kcal/kg DM). Their incorporation had no significant effect on feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The average live weight, weight gain and average daily weight gain of the animals receiving the ration with 20% inclusion of pineapple press residue were comparable to those of the control group and significantly higher than those of animals fed with 40% inclusion of pineapple residue. The highest carcass yields were obtained with rabbits fed 20% pineapple press residue in their ration. The cost of feed for the production of a kilogram live weight of rabbit tends to decrease with the ration incorporated with 20% pineapple press residue. Pineapple press residues constitute a by-product that can be recycled and their incorporation at 20% can increase rabbit growth performance and reduce production costs.

Impacts of X-ray irradiation on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells growth and physiological-biochemical characteristic

In this paper, the growth curves of yeast cells exposed to X-rays were detected, and then fitted by Gompertz equation. The yeast cells treated with 50–125 Gy showed an increased exponential growth rate, and lower total biomass at plateau. At doses ≥ 150 Gy, cells showed a decreased exponential growth rate and higher total biomass at plateau. DNA lesions were detected by comet assay. Meanwhile, intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS), reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential(?Ψ m) and cell membrane integrity were evaluated. We conclude that X-ray irradiation results in DNA lesions, ROS accumulation and?Ψ m decline in a dose-dependent manner, and that these changes may be one of causes of X-rays-induced apoptosis in yeast. Furthermore, yeast cell membrane integrity appeared compromised following irradiation,suggesting that membrane damage may also have a role in the biological effects of radiation.

EFFECT OF Cu, Cd AND Cu:Cd MIXTURE ON THE BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF TWO PENAEID SHRIMP POSTLARVAE

In two penaeid shrimp (Penaeus monodon and Penaeus penicillatus)postlarvae exposed to 10, 50, 500μg/L Cu, Cd and CuLCd(1:1) mixture respectively,the total carbohydrate(CHO), ash, lipid and moisturegradually decreased to a little less than that in the controls without exposure to the twe metals asconcentration increased; but the protein amount gradually increased to a little above that in the controls.Cu caused more reduction in CHO, ash, and lipid as compared to Cd. In contrast, reduction in total constituents was not notable in the case of exposure. to 1:1 mixture of both metals.There were negligiblechanges in all components at 10 μg/L exposure of each metal. Cu, like Zn, probably induced synthesis of specific metal binding proteins (metallothionine) causing increase in synthesis of proteins.In mixture,Cd had antagonistic effects on total composition of constituents in postlarvae.