Effects of Different Nitrogen Application Strategies on Yield and Forage Nutritive Quality of Zea mexicana

A pool experiment was carried out to study the effects of different nitrogen applicationstrategies (rates and stages of nitrogen application) on yield and forage nutritivequality of Zea mexicana cultivated in summer, 2002. In the whole growing stage, its stemwas clipped three times at the height of 25cm when it was 110cm high (H1, H2 and H3 standfor the first, second and third harvest stage, respectively). Six indexes includingcrude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), nitrogen free extract (NFE), acid detergentfiber (ADF), crude ash (CA), and general energy (GE) were employed to evaluate the foragenutritive value. The results showed that the content of CP and EE increased but thecontent of CA and ADF decreased under the two nitrogen rates (High-rate N, 600kgha-1;Mid-rate N, 300kgha-1). The fresh and dry harvest biomass of the whole plants on H1 andthose of the leaves on H2 were also improved. But the stalks on H2 and the whole plantson H3 were affected mainly by dressing nitrogen fertilizer. The yield of CP and EE, CA,NFE, and GE was mainly affected by nitrogen rates. The ADF yield increased was due to theincrement of the fresh and dry harvest biomass. Nitrogen applied as base fertilizer forsummer Zea mexicana can be harvested a higher biomass and improve the forage nutritivequality.

Nutritional and Sanitary Quality of Infant Flours Produced in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The quality of infant flours used during the weaning age is of great importance in that it conditions the nutritional health of infants and young children. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and sanitary quality of infant flours produced in the city of Ouagadougou. This was a cross-sectional study including 11 out of 25 infant flour production units that gave their consent to partake in the study. In total, 25 infant flour samples have been collected from July to September 2021. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters were determined according to standard methods. The ANOVA analysis of variance showed significant differences between the means of the physico-chemical and the means of the microbiological parameters respectively. The results showed that 60% of proteins and 80% of lipid and total carbohydrate contents were below the authorised limits. The energy values were below the authorised limit in 88% of the cases. All instant infant flours had microbiological loads compliant with Burkinabè standards. As for infant flour to be cooked, 63.64% and 81.82% had satisfactory numbers of total coliforms and faecal coliforms respectively. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were detected in these samples with 86.36% of infant formulae having results below the recommended limit. These results show that the infant flours produced in Ouagadougou were somehow of acceptable quality. However, there is a need to improve the formulae for macronutrient contents, energy values and sanitary quality to comply with the recommendations.

Genetic Differences and Selection of Major Nutritional Quality Characters in Millet

[Objective] The aim was to enhance specificity and efficiency of quality breeding of millet. [Method] Difference analysis, correlation analysis, principal compo- nent analysis, and path analysis were conducted on nutritional quality characters of 29 millet varieties. [Result] Variance coefficients of nutritional quality characters among different varieties were in descending order of crude protein 〉 crude fiber 〉 fat 〉 water 〉 total carbohydrate. The results of correlation analysis suggested that crude protein exhibited extremely significant negative correlation with total carbohydrate （correlation coefficient of -0.822 4） and significantly negative correlation with fat （correlation coefficient of -0.380 7）; the rest characters showed no significant correla- tion. In addition, according to PCA and path analysis, four characters, including crude protein, fat, total carbohydrate and crude fiber, determined 97.35% of variance of nutritional quality and could be taken as references for selection of breeding ma- terials, with a determination coefficient of 1.000 0. Fat and carbohydrate were typical nutritional quality characters of breeding materials, which should be selected in low generation. However, crude protein and crude fiber should be selected for millet in high generation. [Conclusion] The research provides references for breeding of new millet varieties with high nutritional quality.

Effects of Nitrogen on Grain Yield,Nutritional and Processing Quality of Wheat for Different End Uses

The effects of nitrogen on grain yield, nutritional quality and processing quality of wheat for different end uses were studied in Yangzhou from 2000 to 2002. Increasing N application amount and/or the ratio of topdressing N after elongation stage could raise grain yield, protein content, wet gluten content, sedimentation, falling number, development time and stability time. To produce strong-gluten and medium-gluten wheat, the suitable ratio of basis : tillering : elongation : booting N fertilizer was 3:1:3:3or5:1:2:2 with 180 - 240 kg N ha-1. To produce weak-gluten wheat, the ratio of basis : tillering : elongation N fertilizer should be 7 : 1 : 2 with 180 kg N ha-1 and 240×104 ha-1 seedlings.

Analysis on Nutrient Compositions and Nutritional Quality of Lota lota( Linnaeus) Muscle

In order to evaluate the nutritional quality of Lota lota(Linnaeus) muscle,the common nutrient components,amino acid composition and fatty acid composition in muscle of wild Lota lota(captured in Hailang reaches of Mudan River) were determined by routine methods. The results showed that the contents of moisture,crude protein,crude fat and ash were 81. 82%,15. 93%,0. 44% and 1. 06% in fresh muscle of Lota lota,respectively. Totally 17 amino acids,including seven kinds of essential amino acids(EAA),were detected in dry muscle of Lota lota(Linnaeus),accounting for 72. 43% of total dry muscle. The content of EAA was 29. 82%,accounting for 41. 17% of TAA,meeting the amino acid composition of high-quality protein standard required by Food and Agriculture Organization /Word Health Organization(FAO /WHO). There were four delicious amino acids(DAA) in dry muscle,accounting for 28. 34% of total dry weight.The percentage of DAA to TAA was 39. 13% in dry muscle. The contents of C20:5n- 3(EPA) and C22:6n- 3(DHA) in dry muscle were 8. 65% and 20. 32%respectively,which were significantly higher than that of the artificially cultured fish species,such as Oxyeleotris marmorata(EPA:2. 24%,DHA:4. 74%),Spinibarbus sinensis(EPA:0. 87%,DHA:3. 08%) and Glossogobius giuris(EPA: 3. 94%,DHA: 8. 10%). Based on the amino acids score(AAS) and chemical score(CS),the first limited amino acid in Lota lota(Linnaeus) was sulfur-containing amino acid(methionine + cysteine). The essential amino acids index(EAAI) of Lota lota(Linnaeus) was 62.58. It is concluded that Lota lota(Linnaeus) is abundant in amino acids and high-unsaturated fatty acids,and rational in composition of amino acids. Thus,Lota lota(Linnaeus) is a high quality freshwater fish with high nutritional value and health value,possessing good exploitation and utilization prospects.

Effect of Interplanting with Zero Tillage and Straw Manure on Rice Growth and Rice Quality

The interplanting with zero-tillage of rice, i.e. direct sowing rice 10-20 days before wheat harvesting, and remaining about 30-cm high stubble after cutting wheat or rice with no tillage, is a new cultivation technology in wheat-rice rotation system. To study the effects of interplanting with zero tillage and straw manure on rice growth and quality, an experiment was conducted in a wheat-rotation rotation system. Four treatments, i.e. ZIS （Zero-tillage, straw manure and rice interplanting）, Zt （Zero-tillage, no straw manure and rice interplanting）, PTS （Plowing tillage, straw manure and rice transplanting）, and PT （Plowing tillage, no straw manure and rice transplanting）, were used. ZtS reduced plant height, leaf area per plant and the biomass of rice plants, but the biomass accumulation of rice at the late stage was quicker than that under conventional transplanting cultivation. In the first year （2002）, there was no significant difference in rice yield among the four treatments. However, rice yield decreased in interplanting with zero-tillage in the second year （2003）. Compared with the transplanting treatments, the number of filled grains per panicle decreased but l000-grain weight increased in interplanting with zero-tillage, which were the main factors resulting in higher yield, tnterplanting with zero-tillage improved the milling and appearance qualities of rice. The rates of milled and head rice increased while chalky rice rate and chalkiness decreased in interplanting with zero-tillage. Zero-tillage and interplanting also affected rice nutritional and cooking qualities. In 2002, ZIS showed raised protein content, decreased amylose content, softer gel consistency, resulting in improved rice quality. In 2003, zero-tillage and interplanting decreased protein content and showed similar amylose content as compared with transplanting treatments. Moreover, protein content in PTS was obviously increased in comparison with the other three treatments. The rice in interplanting with zero-tillage treatments had higher peak viscosity and breakdown, lower setback, showing better rice taste quality. The straw manure had no significant effect on rice viscosity under interplanting with zero-tillage, but had the negative influence on the rice taste quality under transplanting with plowing tillage.

Effects of Compound Herbal Medicine on Serum Biochemical Indexes and Egg Nutritional Quality in Laying Hens

[ Objective] To investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation on serum biochemical indexes and egg nutri- tional quality of laying hens. [Method] A total of 1 200 chickens at the age of 44 weeks were selected and randomly divided into five groups. After administration with different dosages of astragalus polysaccharides and berberine for 9 weeks, serum biochemical indexes were determined and nu- trient contents of egg were detected. [ ltesultl The contents of total protein, globulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） and alkaline phosphatase （ALP） in all treatment groups were significantly （ P 〈 0.05 or 0.01 ） higher than those in the control group. The cholesterol contents of all treatment groups were significantly （ P 〈 0.05 or 0.01 ） lower than those of the control group. E Conclusion~ The optimal concentrations of as- tragalus polysacchaddes and berberine in basic diets are 200 and 30 mg/kg, respectively.

Effects of Different Selenium Application Methods on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Biofortification and Nutritional Quality

Mineral nutrient malnutrition,especially deficiency in selenium(Se),affects the health of approximately 1 billion people worldwide.Wheat,a staple food crop,plays an important role in producing Se-enriched foodstuffs to increase the Se intake of humans.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different Se application methods on grain yield and nutritional quality,grain Se absorption and accumulation,as well as 14 other trace elements concentrations in wheat grains.A sand culture experiment was conducted via a completely randomized 3×2×1 factorial scheme(three Se levels×two methods of Se application,foliar or soil×one Se sources,selenite),with two wheat cultivars(Guizi No.1,Chinese Spring).The results showed that both foliar Se and soil Se application methods had effects on wheat pollination.Foliar Se application resulted in early flowering of wheat,while soil Se application caused early flowering of wheat at low Se levels(5 mg kg^(−1))and delayed wheat flowering at high selenium levels(10 mg kg^(−1)),respectively.For trace elements,human essential trace elements(Fe,Zn,Mn,Cu,Cr,Mo,Co and Ni)concentrations in wheat grains were dependent of Se applica-tion methods and wheat cultivars.However,toxic trace elements(Cd,Pb,Hg,As,Li and Al)concentrations can be decreased by both methods,indicating a possible antagonistic effect.Moreover,both methods increased Se concentrations,and improved grain yield and nutritional quality,while the foliar application was better than soil.Accordingly,this study provided useful information concerning nutritional biofortification of wheat,indicating that it is feasible to apply Se to conduct Se biofortification,inhibit the heavy metal elements concentrations and improve yield and quality in crops,which caused human health benefits.

Elevated Carbon Dioxide Level Suppresses Nutritional Quality of Lettuce and Spinach

Rising global CO2 levels are a major factor that impacts not only the environment but also many plant functions including growth, productivity and nutritional quality. The study examined the impact of elevated [CO2] on nutritional quality and growth characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Elevated [CO2] decreased the concentration of many important nutrients including nitrogen (protein), potassium and phosphorus in the edible parts of both lettuce and spinach. The nitrogen concentration in lettuce shoots was reduced by more than 30% at elevated [CO2] compared to the plants grown at ambient level of CO2. Similarly the concentration of a number of micronutrients including sulfur, zinc, copper and magnesium, was depressed in lettuce shoots. Although the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were higher in lettuce at elevated CO2, they were not affected in spinach. The photosynthetic activity was variable among the plant species while there was no increase in the carbon accumulation in these plants at elevated [CO2]. However, there was significant reduction in the leaf stomatal conductance in both lettuce and spinach in response to higher [CO2], which is likely affect both water loss from the leaves and their photosynthetic activity. The results indicate a broad adverse impact of rising [CO2] on the nutritional quality of commonly consumed leafy vegetables namely, lettuce and spinach.

Effect of Se-S Cooperated Application on the Mineral Content and Nutrition Quality of Garlic （Allium Sativum L.）

Eleven nutrition elements and 5 quality elements of garlic （Allium sativum L.） in different Se, S level and their interaction pot experiments were analyzed by atom absorbing spectrophotometer, titration and fixing sulfur method. The mineral elements were analyzed by the Principal Component Analysis and the Factor Analysis on the SPSS 10.0 and three main factors were picked. The results showed that Se, S and Se-S cooperated application enhanced the garlic nutrition quality by increasing mineral nutrition. The garlic Vc was the highest after using higher Se compared middle S level （S 20 mg/kg soil ＋ Se 40 mg/kg soil）. Lower Se level compared middle S level （S 40 mg/kg soil ＋ Se 20 mg/kg soil） get the highest garlic abio-Se in all treatments. The garlic organic Se content was the highest after using higher Se compared middle S （S 40 mg/kg soil ＋ Se 40 mg/kg soil）. The treatment lower S compared lower Se level get the highest garlic allicin in all treatment. It showed that the fresh eating factor was affected by the element Se. The flavor factor and health care factor were affected by both Se and S.

Can Improve Iron Biofortification Antioxidant Response,Yield and Nutritional Quality in Green Bean?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of iron biofortification on antioxidant response, yield and nutritional qualityof green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under greenhouse conditions. Fe was applied using two forms (FeSO4 and Fe-EDDHA) at four doses of application (0, 25, 50 and 100 μm) added under a hydroponic system, and were tested over a period of 40 days. The Fe content was assessed in seeds, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes, production of H2O2, yield and nutritional quality. The results being obtained indicated that the accumulation of Fe in bean seeds enhanced with the application of Fe-EDDHA at the dose of 25 μm. This demonstrated that low Fe application dose was enough to increase Fe levels in seeds of common bean. In addition, Fe-EDDHA application form at 50 μmol was the best treatment to improve crop yield. Respect to antioxidant system, chelated form of Fe (Fe-EDDHA) was more effective in the activation of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GSH-PX), and a lower content of H2O2 in green bean seeds. Finally, to raise the Fe concentration in bean under biofortification program was a promising strategy in cropping systems in order to increase the ingestion of iron and antioxidant capacity in the general population and provided the benefits that this element offered in human health.

Recent Advances to Enhance Nutritional Quality of Rice

The nutritional quality of rice is a major concern,along with the need to enhance productivity to feed the continuously growing population.Therefore,there is a requirement to breed high-yielding rice varieties with improved nutritional quality that can help combat malnutrition,a global health issue.Undoubtedly,breeding approaches have played a significant role in increasing rice yield while enhancing its nutritional content.In addition to traditional breeding techniques,other recent approaches,such as genetic engineering,gene editing,omics methods,and agronomic practices,must also be employed to meet the nutritional needs of the current population.In this review,we offered detailed information on the development of nutritionally improved rice varieties through the enhancement of protein content,microand macronutrients,vitamins,and oil quality using genetic engineering approaches.We also identified QTLs associated with amino acids,proteins,and micronutrients in rice.Furthermore,omics approaches provide a range of tools and techniques for effectively exploring resources and understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in trait development.Omics branches,including transcriptomics,proteomics,ionomics,and metabolomics,are efficiently utilized for improving rice nutrition.Therefore,by utilizing the information obtained from these techniques and incorporating all of these recent approaches,we can effectively modify the rice genome,directly enhancing the nutritional value of rice varieties.This will help address the challenges of malnutrition in the years to come.

Cultivation Systems Using Vegetation Cover Improves Sustainable Production and Nutritional Quality of New Rice for Africa in the Tropics

Little is known about the impact of direct sowing under vegetation cover on the production and quality of New Rice for Africa （NERICA） on poor oxisol. In this study, two NERICA varieties （NERICA 3 and NERICA 8） were grown under tropical oxisol soil with very low nutrient contents. Four cultivation systems were used in completely randomized block design, including plowing （control）, unplowed soil with dead vegetation cover （DVC）, unplowed soil with live vegetation cover （LVC） and unplowed soil with mixed vegetation cover （MVC）. DVC significantly improved the exponential growth of NERICAs. NERICA 3 was the more productive （2.16–3.05 t/hm2） compared with NERICA 8 （0.71–1.21 t/hm2）. Cultivation systems improved the nutritional quality of NERICAs. The total protein content of NERICA 3 under DVC and MVC was 84.8% and 75.0% higher than control, respectively. The total soluble carbohydrate contents of NERICA 8 under LVC and MVC was 73.2% and 57.3% higher than control, respectively. These results suggested that conservative approach like direct sowing on unplowed soil with vegetation cover systems can improve the nutritional quality of rainfed NERICAs and their sustainable production under poor oxisol soil in sub-Saharan Africa.

Effects of Variable Lighting Intensity on Growth Characteristics and Nutritional Quality of Hydroponically Grown Arugula(Eruca sativa Mill.)

Arugula(Eruca sativa Mill.),as an edible medicinal vegetable of peculiar flavor,is served as uncooked dish.The influence of variable lighting intensity(LI)on the growth characteristics and nutritional quality of hydroponically grown arugula was investigated by using light-emitting diodes(LEDs)to light the hydroponically grown arugula for a reference for industrialized arugula production.The dynamic demands of arugula for LI in the seedling stage,initial growth stage and vigorous growth stage were tested under two light quality conditions including a red/blue light ratio of 7:1 and a light/dark photoperiod of 12 h/12 h.Then,the curves of variable LI-induced changes in the growth indices of arugula in different development periods were drawn.Next,the influence of variable LI on the growth characteristics and nutritional quality of arugula was investigated by measuring the dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content,vitamin C content and soluble protein content.Variable LI significantly increased the height,stem diameter,leaf width,dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content and soluble protein content of arugula plant.Plant height,stem diameter,dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content and soluble protein content were the highest in the group exposed to LI of 200,300 and 300μmol•m^(-2)•s^(-1)during the seedling stage,initial growth stage and vigorous growth stage,respectively.The greatest leaf width was achieved at LI of 100,250 and 350μmol•m^(-2)•s^(-1),respectively.High intensity LI markedly repressed the synthesis of vitamin C.

Effects of Altitude Change on Nutritional Quality and Elymus nutans Regularity in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

In order to reveal the effects of different altitudes on the nutritional quality of wild forage in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,this study used Elymus nutans as the tested plants to evaluate the changes of nutrient contents and the correlation between the nutrient contents and altitudes.Four sampling sites were set up at altitudes of 2562,2660,2775 and 2905 m with the vertical distance among each sampling point was about 100 m.The results showed that the crude protein,ash and phosphorus contents of Elymus nutans decreased significantly with an increase in altitudes.The crude protein contents decreased by 1.87%with each 100 m increase in altitudes.The variation rule of crude protein contents with altitudes in the simulated curve was"y=-0.0187x+63.244(R^(2)=0.9557)".The crude ash contents decreased by 1.77%with each 100 m increase in altitudes.The variation rule of crude ash contents with altitudes in the simulated curve was"y=-0.0177x+56.144(R^(2)=0.978)".Neutral detergent fiber(NDF)and acid detergent fiber(ADF)showed an overall increasing trend with the increase of altitudes,but the most obvious increase was at 2775 m.The contents of crude fat and Ca did not change regularly with altitudes.

Effects of a Dehydrating Agent on Dry Matter Accumulation and Nutritional Quality of Different Maize Varieties

The high water content of corn grain at harvest is a challenge in Northeast China,where the growing season is short.Using a dehydrating agent before harvest can help corn seeds dehydrate quickly.The dry matter accumulation and nutrient quality of maize were systematically studied by field experiments and instrumental analysis using maize varieties of different maturities as test materials.The results showed that the accumulation of dry matter was enhanced by an increased dosage of a dehydrating agent.When the dehydrating agent dosage reached 1800 mL•hm-2,the dry matter accumulation of early-maturing varieties increased by 24.1 g,and the water content decreased by 8.08%.Different maize varieties were treated with the same dose;early-maturing varieties showed significant effects on grain dry matter accumulation,and kernel dry matter accumulation increased by 7%.The effects of different doses on grain dehydration were obvious,and the effects on different maize varieties varied.Medium-ripening maize varieties showed the most significant effect,with a 19.5%reduction in water content.The effects of dehydrating agent doses on maize yield,grain nutrient quality and seed germination rate were not significant.Therefore,a dehydrating agent promoted the accumulation of dry matter in grain and accelerated the rapid dehydration.

Supplemental UV-A and UV-B Affect the Nutritional Quality of Lettuce and Tomato: Health-Promoting Phytochemicals and Essential Nutrients

UV radiation plays an important role not only in plant growth and development but also in the accumulation of essential nutrients and health-promoting phytochemicals in plants. The main objective of this study was to examine the effects of supplemental UV-A, UV-B, and UV-AB on the nutritional quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa, cv. red leaf “New Red Fire” and green leaf “Two Star”) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. BHN-589) grown in a greenhouse. Supplemental UV radiation was provided by UV lamps 5 - 6 days prior to harvest. Supplemental UV-A produced higher accumulation of total phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant capacity in red leaf lettuce compared to other treatments. Overall, supplemental UV-A produced a stronger response than other UV treatments and control in the accumulation of many phenolic compounds including luteolin-7-glucoside, quecetin-3-glucoside, and apigenin-3-glucoside in red leaf lettuce. However, UV-B and UV-AB had a negative response in the accumulation of many phenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid, luteolin-7-glucoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, and apigenin-3-glucoside in both red and green leaf lettuce varieties. In tomato fruits, supplemental UV-A had no effect on their total phenolic concentration. However, supplemental UV-B radiation for 3 h or UV-AB radiation for 9 h exposure produced higher total phenolic concentration in the fruits compared to other supplemental UV treatments. Supplemental UV-AB (3 hexposure) was generally more effective than other UV treatments in increasing the accumulation of a number of phenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, chicoric acid, luteolin-7-glucoside, and other flavonoids in ripe tomato fruits. Supplemental UV-A produced higher accumulation of carotenoids including lutein and β-carotene than other supplemental UV treatments, while supplemental UV-AB increased the accumulation of lycopene in fully ripe tomatoes. With regard to the essential nutrients, green leaf lettuce was more responsive to the supplemental UV treatments than red leaf lettuce. All the supplemental UV treatments produced an increase in protein concentration in the leaves of green leaf lettuce. However, supplemental UV-AB produced a stronger response compared to the control and other UV treatments in increasing the accumulation of many nutrients including protein, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and zinc in green leaf lettuce “Two Star”. Supplemental UV-treatments did not affect the accumulation of any essential nutrients in fully ripe tomato fruits. The results show that supplemental UV enhances the nutritional quality of lettuce in relation to both health-promoting phytochemicals and essential nutrients. Similarly, supplemental UV enhances nutritional quality in tomato fruits with higher accumulation of both phenolic compounds and carotenoids than does the control treatment.

Effect of Soil Selenium on Nutritional Quality of Vegetables in the Selenium-enriched Areas of Qinghai Plateau

In order to improve the added value of the main vegetable products in Qinghai Province,we researched the effect of soil selenium content on vegetable quality in selenium-enriched area of Qinghai. Through the analysis of Qinghai selenium-enriched soil selenium content and5 kinds of main vegetables corresponds to the total selenium,part of the mineral elements and soluble sugar and VC content,the effects of soil selenium levels on selenium absorption and nourishment quality of vegetables were researched. The results showed that he Qinghai selenium-enriched soil selenium content in the range of 100. 00-563. 00 μg/kg,among them,the soil samples with sufficient selenium and rich selenium accounted for 76. 53% and 18. 88%,respectively. Soil selenium content of garlic sampling area was relatively high,and soil selenium content of sugar beet sampling area was relatively low. Vegetable selenium content was in the range of 11. 00-340. 94 μg/kg,the average content of total selenium content of garlic was up to 170. 40 μg/kg,and the average content of the total selenium content of radish is 73. 00 μg/kg.90. 63% of the vegetables in the region reached the level of sufficient selenium,and 70. 31% reached the level of selenium enrichment. The average content of Ca and Mg was higher than the national average. There was no significant correlation between selenium content of soil and vegetable and nutritional quality.

Nutritional Quality of Meat from Cattle Breed in Livestock Production Area of Cameroon

In Cameroon, foods of animal origin are an important part of the population’s diet. To improve meat consumption and assure its safety, the Government plan a project for the industrialization of cattle and pig industries by building a slaughter chain, cold stores and acquiring of vehicles and trucks for the transport of meat from livestock production areas to other parts of the country. Maroua city in the Far North Region has been selected to host a modern mixed slaughterhouse with a slaughter capacity of 150 cattle/day. To assess the impact of this project, it is important to define a baseline in term of beef quality prior to the implementation of such a project. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality of beef in Maroua (as a reference for livestock production area in Cameroon) in relation to demographics of cattle (production system, type of production, age, breed, body condition score [BCS], and sex). In 2014, data on demographics of 202 cattle, randomly selected in the traditional slaughterhouses of Maroua were collected. At the end of the slaughter chain, approximately 250 g of thigh were sampled from each animal selected. However, 76 randomly selected thigh meat samples were suggested for chemical composition analysis by using standard methods. Results revealed that dry matter (26.30% - 29.88% of fresh matter), ash (0.92% - 1.09% of fresh matter), total fat (10.12 - 19.58 of fresh matter) and protein (8.60% - 27.59% of fresh matter) content of beef were between the acceptable ranges for table meats. The total protein content found was affected by the BCS, the age at slaughter, the breed and the sex of the animal. In addition, as expected, the total fat content increased with the BCS and varied with the age at slaughter and the type of production. Since the fat content decreased with age and varied with the type of production, it would be interesting for further study, to determine the fatty acids profile of meat from fattening cattle of less than 8 years old.

Variation in Yield and Physicochemical Quality Traits among Mutants of Japonica Rice Cultivar Wuyujing 3

To select elite germplasms, 112 mutants derived from japonica rice cultivar Wuyujing 3 were evaluated. The yield components such as panicle number per square meter, grain number per panicle, and grain weight were measured. The quality traits such as percentage of chalky grains（PCG）, brown rice yield（BRY）, milled rice yield（MRY）, degree of milling（DM）, amylose content（AC）, protein content（PC）, and relationships among traits were inverstigated. Results showed that grain yield ranged from 2.15 to 12.49 t/hm2 with a mean of 6.4 t/hm2 and number of grains per square meter contributed for 94.64% in grain yield variation. For quality traits, all rice mutants had short size（grain length ≤ 5.5 mm） and bold shape（grain length to width ratio = 1.10-2.00）. Most of rice mutants（87.5%） had PCG values below 20%. All mutants had MRY values above 50%, AC values below 20%, and PC values below 10%. Percentage of chalky grains was significantly negatively correlated with MRY and positively correlated with DM. BRY and MRY were significantly negatively correlated with DM. PC was significantly and positively correlated with MRY and negatively correlated with DM, while AC had no significant correlation with these quality traits. It was concluded that there were 25 rice mutants which fulfilled the major requirements of Jiangsu standard japonica rice such as low percentage of chalky grains, low amylose content, optimal protein content, and which could be used as elite germplasms. Thus the mutants identified may lead to significant progress in improvement of rice quality.