Proximate composition, nutritional values and phytochemical screening of Piper retrofractum vahl. fruits

Objective: To investigate the proximate and mineral composition of the Piper retrofractum(P. retrofractum) vahl. Fruit and to evaluate its total alkaloids, phenol and flavonoid. Methods: The proximate composition of P. retrofractum fruit was ananlyzed using standard protocols according to Indonesian Standard and Association of Official Analytical Chemist. Meanwhile, mineral composition of the fruit was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Phytochemical screening and quantification were performed using standard protocols according to Harborn and spectrophotometric methods. Results: The results showed that P. retrofractum fruit contained carbohydrate(63.4%), crude protein(11.4%), total ash(4.29%), dietary fiber(28.8%) and total fat(2.97%). The fruit also contained calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphor, potassium, sodium and zinc in different concentrations. Additionally, quinone, sterol, glycosides and alkaloid were detected in both n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts. Moreover, tannin was presented also in ethylacetate and methanol extracts. Meanwhile, methanol extract contained sterol, glycosides, flavones, tannin and alkaloid. The results also revealed that methanol extract of the fruit contained highest phenol compared to other extract. Finally, small quantity of flavonoid(0.060 0%±0.000 2%) was observed. Conclusions: The overall results show that P. retrofractum contains potential nutritional and phytochemicals values, which support their function for pharmaceutical purposes.

Proximate composition and elemental analysis in soft tissues of freshwater mussels （Anodonta anatina） from the Chashma Lake, River Indus Pakistan

BACKGROUND： Aquatic invertebrates are playing an important role in assessment of the water contaminants and also serve as a major component of food chain. Freshwater mussels are considered to be the good bioindicator species of aquatic environment and widely used to determine the metals load. METHODS： Proximate composition and elemental analysis were carried out in edible （foot, mantle） and non-edible portion （gills） of freshwater mussels （Anodonta anatina） harvested from various site of Chashma Lake, River Indus Pakistan. RESULTS： The nutritional components were varied among the studied portion and muscular foot found to be the best part for consumption. Protein and fat contents were significantly higher in foot （15.90±0.88%, 1.19 ±0.26%） as compared to mantle （10.78±2.24%, 0.27±0.09%） and gills （6.44± 1.22%, 0.53 4-0.15%） respectively. For the macro minerals mantle had high concentration of Ca （46838±984 mg/kg）, Na （2706±343 mg/kg）, P （6921± 1063 mg/kg） and Mn （7207± 1046 mg/kg） as compared to foot. CONCLUSIONS： Heavy metals （Cd, Cu, Cr） concentration in edible portions were lower than the permissible limit by WHO whereas the concentration of Pb was slightly higher than the recommended value that might be the risk for the consumers. Being filter feeder gills accumulated the high concentration of all the metals and found to be the key portion for biomonitoring studies. Freshwater mussels of Chashma Lake Indus River are the rich source of protein and all the other micro and macro minerals therefore could be used as an excellent source of food.

Proximate composition,mineral contents,phytochemical constituents,antimicrobial activities and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy analysis of bark,stem and seed of Hippophae rhamnoides Linn

Objective:To compare the proximate composition,mineral contents,antimicrobial,phytochemical and Fourier transforms infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy analysis of bark,stem and seed of Hippophae rhamnoides.Methods:Proximate composition was determined according to the described methods.Mineral analysis was carried out by atomic absorption spectroscopy and flame photometer.Antimicrobial activities were evaluated according to the agar well diffusion method.Phytochemical qualitative analysis was carried out according to the described methods and functional groups were determined by FTIR Prestige-21 Shimadzu Japan.Results:The proximate analysis showed high content of protein and fiber in stem and bark.High content of Na(900 mg/L)and K(670 mg/L)was found in bark powder,while in seed,high contents of Ca(800 mg/L),Mg(725 mg/L),Fe(250 mg/L)Zn(90 mg/L)and Mn(65 mg/L)were found compared to stem and bark.Phenols,flavonoids and tannins showed high contents in stem and bark of all extracts.The bark aqueous extract showed high zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus(21 mm)and Escherichia coli(20 mm),while methanol extract of stem showed high zone of inhibition(14 mm and 13 mm)against Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli respectively.The aqueous extract of bark documented high zone of inhibition against Aspergillus niger(21 mm)and Aspergillus parasiticus(20 mm).FTIR spectra revealed the presence of OH,C-O and C=O functional groups.Conclusions:The study concludes that bark,stem and seed extracts will be useful guideline for the new syntheses of feed,food supplements and herb drugs with various combination,which can be used for the treatment of many diseases at global level especially in tropical regions as well as the male nutrition problems in these areas.

Proximate and Elemental Composition of Important Fish Species in Makkah Central Fish Market, Saudi Arabia

In spite of the established nutritive value of seafood, fishes have a special ability to store some toxic substances such as heavy metals because of its own respiration system. The goal of current study was to explore the proximate chemical composition, minerals content and levels of heavy metals in edible portions of some important commercial fish species available at Makkah Central Fish Market, Saudi Arabia. The obtained results showed that Indian oil sardine fish had the highest value of crude oil (dry weight) recorded 38.00%, while, rusty parrot fish sample had the least of 1.17%. In contrast, rusty parrot fish had the highest value of crude protein represented 90.75% (dry weight), meanwhile, Indian oil sardine had the least of 54.19%. Consuming about 250 g of Indian oil sardine will cover 100% of Fe RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances), eating 500 g of the same fish will cover about 30% of Ca RDA. While, 500 g of gilt head bream which has the highest content of K, Na and Mg will cover about 11.7%, 1.5% and 4.1% of these minerals RDA, respectively. As physical hazards, fourteen samples from the thirty three studied samples exceeded the permissible limit of Pb and Cd representing about 42%. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to eat head, gills or viscera of all fishes.

Effect of Fermentation Process on Nutritional Composition and Aflatoxins Concentration of Doklu,a Fermented Maize Based Food

Investigations were carried out to determine the influence of spontaneous fermentations as achieved at household level on the nutrients composition and aflatoxins concentration of maize during the processing into doklu, a fermented maize food product consumed in Cote d’Ivoire with legumes, soup and fried fish. Results showed that maize grains contained aflatoxin B1, G1 and G2 and that during fermentation all physicochemical parameters significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased except moisture and total titratable acidity contents which were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased. Fermentation also caused significant reduction in the concentration of total aflatoxins (72%), with the most important reduction in aflatoxin B1 (80%) after the soaking of maize grains. However, no aflatoxin was detected after 24 hours of fermentation until the final product was obtained. Despite the losses in some nutritional compounds, the fermented product, doklu, was found to have appreciable nutritional quality.

Effects of Different Weaning Protocols on Survival,Growth and Nutritional Composition of Pharaoh Cuttlefish(Sepia pharaonis)Juvenile

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal weaning protocols for rearing juvenile cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis,as well as to understand the feeding habits of cuttlefish and develop effective aqua-cultural practices.The effects of four experimental weaning protocols(i.e.,food type,cuttlefish size,food ration(bw d^−1)and feeding frequency(meals d^−1))on the growth,survival and muscle proximate composition of cuttlefish juvenile were studied in quintuplicate.The weaning period lasted 2 weeks.The results showed that cuttlefish fed with frozen white shrimp(Exopalaemon carinicauda)displayed a significantly higher survival,growth parameters,ingestion rate,food conversion rate,and muscle protein content when compared with the other prepared frozen foods.The larger individuals revealed better growth performance than smaller individuals,especially in terms of survival and specific growth rate,indicating that larger individuals were more receptive to frozen prey.Furthermore,size grading should be conducted to ensure better growth during weaning.As food rations increased,the survival,growth and muscle protein content of juveniles were promoted,whereas the most appropriate food ration for cuttlefish juvenile was 35%bw d^−1.Similarly,higher feeding frequency could stimulate the appetite of animals reared on weaning,and enhance survival,growth,and protein deposition compared to low feeding frequency.These results suggest that the optimal feeding protocols of juvenile weaning is as follows:the ideal prepared food is frozen shrimp,the weight of juveniles should be 4.0 g(32 days old)or more,the food ration should be 35%(bw d^−1),and the optimum feeding frequency is 4 meals day^-1.This study offers a promising starting point to successfully breed this candidate aquaculture species.

Nutritional and nutraceutical variability in neglected niger(Guizotia abyssinica(L.f.)Cass.)accessions from Eastern Ghats of India

The exploitation of neglected niger accessions plays a crucial role in future breeding programs aimed to enhance the quality.Present study evaluated the genetic variation in nutritional and nutraceutical compositions of 30 indigenous niger accessions originating from Eastern Ghats of India,and compare them with three improved varieties of the locality.The proximate compositions(g/100 g)showed significant variations,with moisture ranging from 1.36 g to 4.95 g,ash from 1.06 g to 5.45 g,fat from 28.53 g to 44.11 g,protein from 8.84 g to 18.18 g,carbohydrate from 11.21 g to 35.09 g,fiber from 16.32 g to 26.62 g,and energy from 407.32 kcal to 526.84 kcal.Niger seeds are rich in phenol 41.10–82.20 mg/g,flavonoid 5.32–15.98μg/g,antioxidant 13.59–31.08%across the accessions.Principal component analysis revealed that the first two axis explained 41.8%of the total variation,indicating significant differences among genotypes.The heritability and genetic advance in percent of mean(GAM)ranged from 61.11%to 99.91%and 12.5%–89.1%among the traits across the populations.High heritability and GAM recorded in vitamin C,ash content,antioxidant capacity,flavonoid and phenol suggests that these traits may be important for niger breeding program.Altogether,some indigenous niger accessions such as Mangardora,Ganjeipadar and Kolabnagar had exceptionally rich in fat,protein and energy contents and are nutritionally superior compared to improved variety of the locality.Further,exceptional rich in flavonoid,antioxidant capacity and vitamin C was recorded in Manahar,Badapada and Mahadeiput.These nutrition rich accessions have ample opportunities for future breeding programs aimed to enhance the quality and hold great potential in food industry for making high value functional food.

Comparison of Nutritional Quality in Fish Maw Product of Croaker Protonibea diacanthus and Perch Lates niloticus

Fish maw(the dried swimbladders of fish) is ranked in the list of the four sea treasures in Chinese cuisine. Fish maw is mainly produced from croaker, which is the most highly priced. However, some of the fish maw being sold as croaker maw are in fact not from croaker, but from the Nile perch Lates niloticus. The present work determined and compared the proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid composition of croaker Protonibea diacanthus maw and perch L. niloticus maw. The results indicated that both maws were high protein sources and low in fat content. The dominant amino acids in both maws were glycine, proline, glutamic acid, alanine and arginine. These amino acids constituted 66.2% and 66.4% of the total amino acids in P. diacanthus and L. niloticus, respectively. The ratio of FAA: TAA(functional amino acids: total amino acids) in both maws were 0.69. This is a good explanation for why fish maws have been widely utilized as a traditional tonic and remedy in Asia. Except valine and histidine, all the essential amino acid contents in P. diacanthus were higher than in L. niloticus. Moreover, croaker P. diacanthus maw contained more AA and DHA than perch L. niloticus maw, showing a higher ratio of n-3 / n-6, which is more desirable.

Identification of phytochemical compounds in Calophyllum inophyllum leaves

Objectives: To investigate the proximate composition, mineral content, and phytochemical compounds in Calophyllum inophyllum(C. inophyllum) leaves. Moreover,isolation and identification of pyrene were also performed.Methods: C. inophyllum leaves were extracted with methanol by percolation methods.The proximate composition of C. inophyllum leaves was analyzed by standard methods.Mineral contents in this plant were analyzed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Phytochemical screening and analysis of this plant were performed by spectrophotometric method. Washing method with carbon disulfide was used for isolating dihydropyrene compound from C. inophyllum leaves extracts.Results: The result revealed that C. inophyllum leaves contained 11.24% moisture,4.75% ash, 6.43% crude protein, 23.96% crude fiber, 9.91% carbohydrate, and energy(79.17 kcal/100 g). The leaves also contained 0.007% iron, 1.240% calcium, 0.075%sodium, 0.195% magnesium, 0.100% ppm potassium, and 0.040% phosphorus. Moreover, 11.51% alkaloid, 2.48% triterpenoid, 2.37% flavonoid, 7.68% tannin, 2.16%saponin, 2.53% polyphenol, were identified in the methanolic crude extracts of C. inophyllum leaves. It was found that trans-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-10 b,10 c-dimethyl-10 b,10 c-dihydropyrene was obtained at purity of 79.18%(22.17% yield)from C. inophyllum leaves.Conclusions: C. inophyllum leaves may be used as a good source of fiber. It was found that C. inophyllum leaves have the potential as herbal drugs due to their phytochemical content. The separation, isolation, and purification of bioactive compounds from this methanolic crude extract and their biological activity are under further investigation.

Rosa x alba:source of essential minerals and volatile oils

Rosa x alba is cultivated almost exclusively for the production of aromatic water and fruits widely used as ingredients in some traditional food preparations sold commercially.Results of the proximate and elemental analyses revealed that flowers exhibited higher moisture content while the dry matter content was higher in leaves.Total fat and ash was higher in fruits when compared with leaves and flowers.All studied organs were found to be rich in essential mineral such as K,Ca,P and Mg.Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the volatile oils revealed different composition patterns between organs.Linalool and geraniol were found as major constituents of the leaf oil whereas 2-phenethyl alcohol and eugenol were the major constituents of the floral oil.In contrast,fruits showed very distinct composition and alkanes/alkenes were found to have the major contribution.The present composition could justify the traditional use of Rosa x alba which could be considered as a potential source of essential minerals and volatile constituents.

Impact of Traditional Treatments on the Nutritional Value of Seeds of Jack Fruit (<i>Artocarpus heterophyllus</i>)

Impact of traditional treatments on the nutritional value of Artocarpus heterophyllus seeds was evaluated. Four traditional processing methods were used (boiling, roasting, soaking and fermentation). Boiled A. heterophyllus (BAH) samples were boiled in water for 60 minutes, roasted A. heterophyllus (RAH) samples were roasted in fine sand, soaked A. heterophyllus (SAH) were soaked in clean water for 48 hours before boiling while the fermented A. heterophyllus (FAH) samples were boiled and wrapped in black bag for 48 hours. The mean proximate content (%) of the unprocessed A. heterophyllus (UAH) seeds was;protein (15.88 ± 0.08), fibre (10.04 ± 0.09) ash (5.05 ± 0.07), moisture (29.25 ± 0.35), fat (10.26 ± 0.35) and carbohydrate (29.52 ± 0.4). Processing affected the proximate and mineral composition of A. heterophyllus seeds. All the processing methods used reduced the protein content. There were significant increases (p < 0.05) in manganese (Mn), magnesuim (Mg), potassium (K), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), iodine (I), chlorine (Cl) and phosphorous (P) BAH and SAH samples and a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in Mg, calcium (Ca), selenium (Se), Cu, Cl, zinc (Zn) and Mn in FAH sample. Processing increased the level of phosphorous in all the samples. A. heterophyllus seeds are rich in nutrient and can serve as an alternative source of nutrients for both man and animals.

Assessing Consumer Acceptability of Composite Cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta</i>) Bread

Cassava has gained attention as a potential industrial crop. The roots are processed into cassava flour for bakery and confectioneries. With the ever increasingly expensive level of wheat flour import for bread production in developing countries like Ghana, the need for other highly nutritious yet readily available and less expensive source of composite flour is important. The aim of the study was to investigate consumer acceptability of bread developed from cassava flour and wheat flour. A 4 × 3 factorial design was used to develop bread samples (A = 100% wheat flour, control, B = 10% cassava flour + 90% wheat flour, C = 20% cassava flour + 80% wheat flour and D = 30% cassava flour + 70% wheat flour). Sensory evaluation was performed on the bread samples using the 9-point hedonic scale to evaluate sensory attributes like colour, gumminess, mouth-feel, taste, flavour, and overall acceptability. The proximate compositions of the products were also evaluated using the A. O. A. C (2005) official methods. Statistically, there was significant difference among the protein and carbohydrate of all flour products developed. However, the energy content of products with 30% cassava flour replacement was significantly higher than other replicates. The control had the lowest moisture content of 17.5% with product 20% cassava flour replacement having the highest moisture content of 18.2%. In terms of overall acceptability 10% cassava flour replaced bread was rated like extremely ahead of the control sample which was rated as like very much. These results showed that the 10 and 20% wheat/cassava composite flour bread recipe could be a viable alternative to achieve the desired economic, food security and health.

Evaluation of the Effect of Gurusa, a Ugandan Cereal-Based Fermented Food on Serum Lipid Profile and Body Weight of Wistar Albino Rats

The effect of Gurusa, a fermented traditional food on lipid profile and body weight was investigated. Thirty male albino rats weighing between 75 - 115 g assigned into five study groups designated A to E (n = 6) were fed 20 g of prepared pellets and tap water given ad libitum. The animals were served graded doses of Gurusa. Group A was served 100% rat chow pellets (made of maize bran);groups B, C and D were given pellets of 75% rat chow and 25% Gurusa, 50% rat chow and 50% Gurusa, 25% rat chow and 75% Gurusa respectively while group E was served 100% Gurusa. The lipid profile showed a dose dependent effect of Gurusa administration as one moves down the groups. Group D had a reverse action of group B and showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in TC, TG and HDL compared to groups A and B but a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in LDL compared to group B. Weight changes in group B produced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in MWI and GR compared to the other groups. There was no significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference in MWI and GR of group D when compared with group A. However group C showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in MWI and GR when compared with group A. Gurusa consumption alters both lipid profile and body weight and its combination with maize bran or other foods rich in dietary fibre, have potential to serve therapeutic purposes in the prevention of atherosclerosis and obesity depending on the intended objective.

Consumer Acceptance and Physicochemical Properties of Developed Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) Candy

The acceptability and physicochemical qualities of carambola candy were evaluated in order to increase fruit consumption. The goal of this investigation was to see whether there were any techniques to preserve carambola in the form of candy. Sugar in various forms (white sugar, corn syrup, icing sugar, and molasses) was employed in candy making process in this study. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, vitamin C, total sugar content, organoleptic quality and microbial status of the prepared candy were analyzed. Protein, fat, vit-C, and total sugar content of carrambola candy were found to be higher with white sugar solution but moisture and ash content was found to be higher with molasses. On the microbiological analysis, total fungal growth was tested visually at 0 to 90 days and compared with refrigeration and room temperature. Fungal growth was found at 90 days at room temperature for all types of carambola candy. Sensory attributes revealed that sample 2 (corn syrup-based candy) was most delicious and appreciated among other samples. The best characteristic of carambola candy was found with white sugar solution, with sufficient nutrient and lowest fungal growth than candy prepared with corn syrup, icing sugar solution and molasses.

A Baseline Study on the Quality and Safety of Consumption of a Pest Species(Sarotherodon melanotheron)in Bataan,Philippines:Basis for Its Productive Utilization in the Fisheries Sector

The baseline study profiled Black-chin Tilapia(Sarotherodon.melanotheron),a fish farm pest species in Bataan,Philippines,in terms of yield(processing and fillet),proximate composition(moisture,ash,crude fat,and crude protein),heavy metal load(cadmium[Cd],lead[Pb],arsenic[As],and mercury[Hg]),and microbial count(aerobic plate,Escherichia coli,and Staphylococcus aureus counts).The purpose was to establish the species’safety and quality for consumption and potential utilization in the processing of higher value fishery products.A completely randomized experiment using two factors,fish size(standard and small sizes)and collection season(dry and wet seasons),was employed.The collected data were also compared against food consumption and processing standards and/or previous reports on more valuable species.The results showed that the species has a comparable yield and mineral load with the more popular farmed Nile Tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus).It has high moisture and protein compositions.It is a lean fish that can serve as a cheaper functional raw material for processed fishery products.Moreover,the results showed that the species have no As,Cd,and Pb contamination,although traces of Hg,far below the permissible limits,were detected.The Hg load varies across collection season and fish maturity suggesting its manageability.For the microbial contents,the species’aerobic plate,Escherichia coli,and Staphylococcus aureus counts were far below the standard limits,although best post-capture practices are still suggested due to the kind of microbial parameters measured.It was concluded that the Sarotherodon melanotheron infesting Bataan farm ponds can be consumed safely and has the quality of potential raw material for processed fishery products.However,further information is still needed to establish the best post-capture handling on the species.Also,more studies must be done to determine the impact of storage and processing on its stability.

The Influence of Storage Conditions on the Microbial Quality of Daucus carots(Carrots)and Capsicum annuum(Green Pepper)

The influence of different storage conditions on the microbial quality carrot(Daucus carots)and green pepper(Capsicum annuum)was determined using standard microbiological method from day zero to day ten.Total bacteria count for carrot stored at room temperature ranged from Log10Cfu/g3.22 to 7.45 and for carrot stored at refrigeration temperature ranged from Log10 Cfu/g 2.13-3.14.Total bacteria count for green pepper stored at room temperature ranged from Log10Cfu/g 4.22 to 7.45 and for green pepper stored at room temperature ranged from 1.12 to 4.14 for refrigeration temperature.Bacteria isolated includes E.colI(4%),Bacillus sp.(8%),Pseudomonas(16%),Proteus vulgaris(4%),Staphylococcus sp.(28%),Klebsiella(8%),Salmonella(12%),Micrococcus sp.(12%)and Acinetobacter(8%).Fungal count for carrot at room temperature ranged from Log102.22 to 2.54 Cfu/g and 2.01 to 2.34 Cfu/g for refrigeration temperature.Fungal count for green pepper at room temperature ranged from Log10 Cfu/g 3.02 to and 7.45,Log101.81 Cfu/g to 3.34 for refrigeration temperature.Fungal isolated includes Penicillium(33.3%),Aspergillus(53.3%),and Candida(13.4%).Proximate composition indicates that moisture,ash,carbohydrates,lipid and fibre are lower at room temperature compared to refrigeration temperature.Temperature and storage duration have been said to affect the content of fruits and vegetables,therefore constant temperature and appropriate storage condition should be maintained.

Development of a Laboratory Cement Quality Analysis Apparatus Based on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Determination of the chemical composition of cement and ratio values of clinker plays an important role in cement plants as part of the optimal process control and product quality evaluation. In the present paper, a laboratory laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy （LIBS） apparatus mainly comprising a sealed optical module and an analysis chamber has been designed for possible application in cement plants for on-site quality analysis of cement. Emphasis is placed on the structure and operation of the LIBS apparatus, the sealed optical path, the temperature controlled spectrometer, the sample holder, the proper calibration model established for minimizing the matrix effects, and a correction method proposed for overcoming the ＇drift＇ obstacle. Good agreement has been found between the laboratory measurement results from the LIBS method and those from the traditional method. The absolute measurement errors presented here for oxides analysis are within 0.5%, while those of ratio values are in the range of 0.02 to 0.05. According to the obtained results, this laboratory LIBS apparatus is capable of performing reliable and accurate, composition and proximate analysis of cement and is suitable for application in cement plants.

Comparison of the effects of cooking methods on nutritional composition of fresh and salted Tenualosa ilisha

Fresh and salted Tenualosa ilisha is very popular among the common people of Tripura,North-eastern part of India.In the present study,nutritional value of fresh and salted T.ilisha and the effects of different cooking methods such as boiling and frying on them were evaluated.Significant differences were detected in proximate composition as well as in mineral,amino acid and fatty acid content.The increased amount of protein,ash,dry matter and mineral content was observed in salted T.ilisha but reverse was observed in case of amino acid and fatty acid content.Fried sample of both fresh and salted T.ilisha contained more amount of protein,fat,dry matter,ash,minerals and fatty acids than the boiled fish which play an important role in human health.In conclusion,frying process for preparation of fish is found to be good for cooking.

A preliminary study of dietary protein requirement of juvenile marbled flounder (Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal dietary protein level for juvenile marbled flounder.Five semi-purified test diets were formulated to contain different protein levels(CP)including 42.7%,47.4%,53.3%,58.8%,and 64.5%(dry matter),named as CP42.7,CP47.4,CP53.3,CP58.8,and CP64.5,respectively.Five hundred and twenty-five juveniles(6.0±0.1 g)were randomly distributed into 15 tanks(300 L tanks),resulting in 35 fish per tank(n-3 tanks).Fish were fed the test diets 5 times per day until satiation.The CP58.8 resulted in the highest gain in weight and the best efficiency in feed utilization among the tested protein levels(P<0.05).Fish fed the CP58.8 diet showed significantly higher whole-body protein and lipid contents than the fish that were fed the other diets(P<0.05).Fish fed the CP53.3,CP58.8,and CP64.5 diets showed a significantly higher dorsal-muscle lipid content than the fish that were fed the CP42.7 and CP47.4 diets(P<0.05).The one-slope straight broken-line regression analysis on the results of the thermal growth coefficient and feed conversion ratio indicated that the estimated optimum dietary protein level was 58.8%.Taken together,it is suggested that the dietary protein level of 58.8%is optimal for better growth and high efficiency in feed utilization for the juvenile marbled flounder.

Structural,physicochemical,antioxidant and in vitro digestibility properties of banana flours from different banana varieties(Musa spp.)

Green bananas occupy an important position in the diet of Tanzanians with potential beneficial health effects.Banana flours prepared from five Tanzania banana varieties(Mzuzu,Malindi,Mshale,Bukoba,and Moshi)were compared for the proximate composition,structure,physicochemical properties,antioxidant activities,and in vitro digestibility properties.The total starch content of banana flours was 58.01%-68.74%,and the amylose content was 16.67%-23.11%.All the samples exhibited B-type crystals.Bukoba had the highest pasting temperature and peak viscosity,and Malindi had the lowest breakdown.The peak temperature(Tp)and the enthalpy change(ΔH)of samples differed from 65.99◦C to 67.25℃ and from 7.98 to 12.59 J/g,respectively.The total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content in banana flour were positively correlated with DPPH and FRAP values,respectively.Bukoba and Moshi presented the stronger antioxidant activities among the varieties.Banana flours with the high resistant starch(RS)content(89.20%-90.86%of total starch)were highly resistant to enzyme digestion.Banana flour can be considered as a potential source of bioactive components.The varying physicochemical properties of banana flours from different varieties could broaden their application as formulations in food and nonfood industries and promote the rational utilization of banana resources of Tanzania.