Pelleting and particle size reduction of corn increase net energy and digestibility of fiber,protein,and fat in corn-soybean meal diets fed to group-housed pigs

Background Reduction of the particle size of corn increases energy digestibility and concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy.Pelleting may also reduce particle size of grain,but it is not known if there are interactions between particle size reduction and pelleting.The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that particle size reduction and pelleting,separately or in combination,increase N balance,apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD)of fiber and fat,and net energy(NE)in corn-soybean meal diets fed to group-housed pigs.Methods Six corn-soybean meal-based diets were used in a 3×2 factorial design with 3 particle sizes of corn(i.e.,700,500,or 300μm)and 2 diet forms(i.e.,meal or pelleted).Pigs were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water.Twenty-four castrated male pigs(initial weight:29.52 kg;standard diviation:1.40)were allotted to the 6 diets using a 6×6 Latin square design with 6 calorimeter chambers(i.e.,4 pigs/chamber)and 6 periods.Oxygen consumption and CO_(2)and CH_(4)productions were measured during fed and fasting states and fecal and urine samples were collected.Results Regardless of particle size of corn,the ATTD of gross energy(GE),N,and acid-hydrolyzed ether extract(AEE),and the concentration of NE were greater(P<0.05)in pelleted diets than in meal diets.Regardless of diet form,the ATTD of GE,N,and AEE,and the concentration of NE were increased(linear;P<0.05)by reducing the particle size of corn,but the increase was greater in meal diets than in pelleted diets(interaction;P<0.05).Conclusions Both pelleting and reduction of corn particle size increased nutrient digestibility and NE,but increases were greater in meal diets than in pelleted diets.

Determining the surface fault-rupture hazard zone for the Pazarcık segment of the East Anatolian fault zone through comprehensive analysis of surface rupture from the February 6,2023,Earthquake(Mw 7.7)

Following surface rupture observations in populated areas affected by the KahramanmaraşEarthquake(Mw 7.7)on February 6th,2023,along the Pazarcık segment of the East Anatolian Fault Zone(EAFZ),this study presents novel insights into physical criteria for delineating surface fault-rupture hazard zones(SRHZs)along ruptured strike-slip faults.To achieve this objective,three trench studies across the surface rupture were conducted on the Pazarcık segment of the EAFZ to collect field data,and earthquake recurrence intervals were interpreted using Bayesian statistics from previously conducted paleoseismological trenchings.The results of the proposed model indicate that the Pazarcık segment produced five significant surface-rupturing earthquakes in the last∼11 kyr:E1:11.13±1.74 kyr,E2:7.62±1.20 kyr,E3:5.34±1.05 kyr,E4:1.82±0.93 kyr,and E5:0.35±0.11 kyr.In addition,the recurrence intervals of destructive earthquakes on the subject in question range from 0.6 kyr to 4.8 kyr.Considering that the last significant earthquake occurred in 1513,the longest time since the most recent surface fault rupturing earthquake on this particular segment was 511 years.These results indicate that,in terms of the theoretical recurrence interval of earthquakes that can create surface ruptures on the Pazarcık segment,the period in which the February 6,2023,earthquake occurred was within the end of the expected return period.As a result,the potential for a devastating earthquake in the near future is not foreseen on the same fault.Finally,the SRHZ proposed for the Pazarcık section of Gölbaşıvillage was calculated as a 61-meter-wide offset on the fault lineament to reduce the negativities that may occur in the ruptured area in the future.It is recommended to take into account this width in the settlement of this area and nearby areas.

Investigation of HCAR2 antagonists as a potential strategy to modulate bovine leukocytes

Background Dairy cows experiencing ketosis after calving suffer greater disease incidence and are at greater risk of leaving the herd. In vitro administration of beta-hydroxybutyric acid(BHBA;the primary blood ketone) has inhibitory effects on the function of bovine leukocytes. BHBA is a ligand of HCAR2 and the activation of these receptors promotes an anti-inflammatory response which may be related with immunosuppression observed in transition dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to identify and test antagonists for HCAR2 in bovine immune cells cultured with BHBA.Results We observed expression of HCAR2 at the protein level within lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes. The proportion of cells expressing HCAR2 tended to be greater in mid-lactation compared to early lactation cows;the increase was a result of increased proportion of T and B cells expressing HCAR2. Stimulation of HCAR2 with niacin or BHBA promoted Ca^(2+) mobilization in neutrophils and mononuclear cells. Mononuclear cells treated with BHBA had diminished intracellular Ca^(2+) responses when HCAR2 was knocked down by si RNA silencing, indicating Ca^(2+) mobilization was mediated by HCAR2 signaling. Two candidate antagonists for HCAR2, synthesized from niacin(NA-1 and NA-5), were tested;monocytes and neutrophils pre-treated with NA-1 and NA-5 had reduced Ca^(2+) mobilization after incubation with BHBA. Furthermore, NA-5 but not NA-1 prevented BHBA-associated reductions in cyclic AMP.Conclusions We demonstrated that HCAR2 is present on bovine leukocytes and has greater expression later in lactation. We confirmed that BHBA and niacin derived HCAR2 antagonists alter bovine leukocyte activity. Our results demonstrate that both BHBA and niacin affect bovine leukocyte Ca^(2+) mobilization in a HCAR2-dependent manner.

Roles of host proteases in the entry of SARS-CoV-2

The spike protein(S)of SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for viral attachment and entry,thus a major factor for host suscep-tibility,tissue tropism,virulence and pathogenicity.The S is divided with S1 and S2 region,and the S1 contains the receptor-binding domain(RBD),while the S2 contains the hydrophobic fusion domain for the entry into the host cell.Numerous host proteases have been implicated in the activation of SARS-CoV-2 S through various c leavage sites.In this article,we review host proteases including furin,trypsin,transmembrane protease serine 2(TMPRSS2)and cathepsins in the activation of SARS-CoV-2 S.Many betacoronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 have polybasic residues at the S1/S2 site which is subjected to the cleavage by furin.The S1/S2 cleavage facilitates more assessable RBD to the receptor ACE2,and the binding triggers further conformational changes and exposure of the S2'site to proteases such as type Il transmembrane serine proteases(TTPRs)including TMPRSS2.In the presence of TMPRSS2 on the target cells,SARS-CoV-2 can utilize a direct entry route by fusion of the viral envelope to the cellular membrane.In the absence of TMPRSS2,SARS-CoV-2 enter target cells via endosomes where multiple cathepsins cleave the S for the successful entry.Additional host proteases involved in the cleavage of the S were discussed.This article also includes roles of 3C-like protease inhibitors which have inhibitory activity against cathepsin L in the entry of SARS-CoV-2,and discussed the dual roles of such inhibitors in virus replication.

Classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy and chronic wasting disease:two sides of the prion coin

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies(TSEs)are a group of progressive and ultimately fatal neurologic diseases of man and animals,all resulting from the propagated misfolding of the host's normal cellular prion protein.These diseases can be spontaneous,heritable,anthropogenic/iatrogenic,or in some cases horizontally transmissible,and include such notable TSEs as bovine spongiform encephalopathy(BSE)of cattle and chronic wasting disease(CWD)of cervids.Although they are both unequivocally protein misfolding disorders,they differ markedly in their pathogenesis,transmissibility,and zoonotic potential.While the BSE epidemic has largely abated over the past three decades following global feed bans on ruminant meat and bone meal,CWD,which is readily transmitted through various forms of excreta,has rapidly expanded from its original endemic zone to encompass much of North America,along with recently identified foci in Scandinavia.Most importantly,although the classical form of BSE has proven transmissible to humans consuming contaminated beef or beef products,so far there have been no conclusive reports on the zoonotic transmission of cWD to humans.The underlying basis for these differences-whether host or agent directed-are not well understood,though may be due to inherent differences in the three-dimensional structure of the misfolded BSE or CWD prion proteins or the expression levels and tissue distribution of respective cellular prion proteins.With the uncontrolled geographic spread of CWD,it is imperative that we improve our understanding of the factors governing prion disease pathogenesis,transmission,and zoonotic potential.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2(LRP2)is required for lipid export in the midgut of the migratory locust,Locusta migratoria

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2(LRP2)is a multifunctional endocytic receptor expressed in epithelial cells.In mammals,it acts as an endocytic receptor that mediates the cellular uptake of cholesterol-containing apolipoproteins to maintain lipid homeostasis.However,little is known about the role of LRP2 in lipid homeostasis in insects.In the present study,we investigated the function of LRP2 in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria(LmLRP2).The mRNA of LmLRP2 is widely distributed in various tissues,including integument,wing pads,foregut,midgut,hindgut,Malpighian tubules and fat body,and the amounts of LmLRP2 transcripts decreased gradually in the early stages and then increased in the late stages before ecdysis during the nymphal developmental stage.Fluorescence immunohistochemistry revealed that the LmLRP2 protein is mainly located in cellular membranes of the midgut and hindgut.Using RNAi to silence LmLRP2 caused molting defects in nymphs(more than 60%),and the neutral lipid was found to accumulate in the midgut and surface of the integument,but not in the fat body,of dsLmLRP2-treated nymphs.The results of a lipidomics analysis showed that the main components of lipids(diglyceride and triglyceride)were significantly increased in the midgut,but decreased in the fat body and hemolymph.Furthermore,the content of total triglyceride was significantly increased in the midgut,but markedly decreased in the fat body and hemolymph in dsLmLRP2-injected nymphs.Our results indicate that LmLRP2 is located in the cellular membranes of midgut cells,and is required for lipid export from the midgut to the hemolymphand fat body in locusts.

Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Growth and Biomass Accumulation in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

The use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) is gaining interest in agriculture because of their impact on many aspects of plant growth. The present study examines the effects of nTiO2 (5 nm and 10 nm) applied to seeds and the seedlings as a foliar application on various aspects of growth characteristics and biomass accumulation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa, cv. Grand Rapids). Application of 10 nm nTiO2 to seeds through imbibition resulted in a significant reduction in shoot biomass accumulation while 5 nm nTiO2 did not affect the biomass accumulation in lettuce. The application of 10 nm nTiO2 reduced the fresh shoot biomass accumulation by about 18% compared to the control plants. Other growth characteristics such as shoot dry biomass, root fresh and dry biomass, plant height, and leaf area were not affected by the application of both 5 nm and 10 nm nTiO2. In addition, foliar application of these nanoparticles to the lettuce seedlings did not have a significant effect on most of the growth parameters examined, and the increasing concentration ranging from 5 nm/L to 400 mg/L did not produce a consistent response in lettuce. Thus, nTiO2 application to lettuce seeds had a notable negative impact on shoot growth while foliar application did not have a significant effect on many plant growth characteristics. However, foliar applications produced some symptoms of toxicity to the foliage in the form of necrotic or chlorotic patches on the leaves, which were more pronounced with increasing concentrations of both 5 nm and 10 nm nTiO2. However, these symptoms were apparent at a concentration as low as 50 mg/L of nTiO2. Thus, foliar application of nTiO2 may not have a significant impact on many of the growth characteristics in lettuce, but it can result in foliar toxicity.

Distribution of antioxidants and phenolic compounds in flour milling fractions from hard red winter wheat

Mature wheat kernels contain three main parts:endosperm,bran,and germ.Flour milling results in multiple streams that are chemically different;however,the distribution of antioxidants and phenolic compounds has not been well documented in terms of conventional milling by-product streams.In this study,multiple analytical methods were used to investigate antioxidant activity and phenolic compound compositions of hard red winter wheat(whole ground wheat),the parts of a wheat kernel(bran,flour,germ),and wheat by-product streams(mill feed,red dog,shorts)for the first time.For each mill stream,phenolic compounds(total,flavonoid,and anthocyanin contents)were determined and antioxidant activities were evaluated with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)radical-scavenging activity,ferric reducing/antioxidant power(FRAP),and total antioxidant capacity assays.Significant differences(P<0.05)were observed in phenolic concentrations among fractions of bran,flour,and germ milled from the same kernels and noted that germ accounts for the majority of antioxidant properties,whereas bran contains a substantial portion of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins.Mill feed was high in phenolic content(5.29 mg FAE/g),total antioxidant capacity(866 mg/g),and antioxidant activity(up to 75% DPPH inhibition and 20.26μmol FeSO_(4)/g).The comprehensive information on distribution of antioxidants and phenolic compounds provides insights for future human consumption of commonly produced co-products from flour milling,and for selecting and using different milling fractions to make foods with improved nutritional properties.

The Impact of Discount Rate and Price on Intertemporal Groundwater Models in Southwest Kansas

Agriculture plays a vital role in the growth and development of the High Plains Region of the United States. With the development and adoption of irrigation technology, this region was transformed into one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the world [1]. The primary source of irrigation in this region is the Ogallala Aquifer. Currently, water from the aquifer is being used at a much faster rate than natural recharge can occur, resulting in a high rate of depletion from this finite resource. Depletion of scarce water resources will have a significant economic impact on the long-term sustainability of the region. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact alternative prices and discount rates have on groundwater policy recommendations. Deterministic models of groundwater withdrawals were developed and used in order to analyze and evaluate the impact of high, average, and low crop prices in a status quo scenario as well as a policy scenario reducing irrigated acreage allocation. Furthermore, this study analyzes the effects and associated consequences of alternative discount rates on net and total revenue. As indicated by results of this study, alternative prices, costs, and discount rates utilized in a model have an effect on policy effectiveness.

Calibrating Vegetation Cover and Grassland Pollen Assemblages in the Flint Hills of Kansas, USA

Grassland cover and composition respond to climate and have undoubtedly changed during the Holocene, but quantitative reconstructions from fossil pollen have been vague about spatial scale and taxon-specific cover. Here, we estimate the relevant source area of pollen for sedimentary basins approximately 50 m in radius, and we report pollen productivity estimates for 12 plant taxa in the tallgrass prairies of central North America. Both relevant source area of pollen and pollen productivity estimates were calculated via the Extended R-Value Model. To obtain these estimates, we collected and quantified the pollen found in surface sediment samples from 24 ponds across the study area. Vegetation was surveyed in the field in a 100 m radius around each pond, and vegetation maps from the Kansas Gap Analysis Project (GAP) were used to a radius of 2 km. Pollen fall speeds were calculated according to Stoke’s Law. Pollen assemblages from basins approximately 50 m in radius have a relevant source area of 1060 m in this grassland landscape. Pollen productivity estimates range from 0.02 to over 30 among the 12 taxa: Artemisia, Ambrosia, Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Cornus, Fabaceae, Juniperus, Maclura, Poaceae, Populus, Quercus, and Salix. Woody taxa generally have higher pollen productivity than herbaceous taxa (except for Chenopodiaceae and Ambrosia).

Efficacy of Cooling Beef Taco Meat and Steamed Rice in United States School Foodservice Operations

Food is frequently cooked, cooled and reheated for service at a later time in schools and other foodservice operations in the United States [US]. Inadequate cooling of food has been associated with foodborne illness. The purpose of this study was to determine if practices commonly used in school foodservice to cool beef taco meat and steamed rice would meet US Food and Drug Administration [FDA] 2009 Food Code standards. Prepared products cooled at 5.08 cm and 7.62 cm depths in stainless steel counter pans were placed uncovered in a walk-in refrigerator, a walk-in freezer (beef taco meat only), and a walk-in refrigerator with an ice water bath. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean times and temperatures, with standard deviations. Cooling beef taco meat in a walk-in freezer at a depth of two inches and cooling steamed rice in a walk-in refrigerator at a depth of two inches with an ice water bath were the only methods that met both FDA Food Code time and temperature standards. Results suggest that challenges and risks exist with common methods used to cool food, especially if food volume is not reduced before cooling. Specific protocols for cooling procedures based on types of food and equipment are needed. These findings and recommendations are important for foodservice professionals who oversee food services and cooling practices in schools and other operations.

Assessing the Safety Impacts of Increased Speed Limits on Kansas Freeways

Suitable speed limit is important for providing safety for road users. Lower-than-required posted speed limits could cause the majority of drivers non-compliant and higher-than-required posted speed limits may also increase the number of crashes with related severities. The speed limit raised in Kansas from 70 mph to 75 mph on a number of freeway segments in 2011. The goal of this study is to assess the safety impacts of the freeway sections influenced by speed limit increase. Three years before and three years after speed limit increase was considered and three methods were used: 1-Empirical Bayes (EB), 2-before-and-after with comparison group, and 3-cross-sectional study. The Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) were estimated and showed 16 percent increase for total crashes according to EB method. Further, the before-and-after with comparison group method showed 27 percent increase in total crashes and 35 percent increase on fatal and injury crashes. The cross- sectional method also presented 25 percent increase on total crashes and 62 percent increase on fatal and injury crashes. It was seen that these increases were statistically significant.

Ponderosa Pine Seed Source Test in Nebraska in the Central Great Plains of the United States

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws) has been planted widely in the Great Plains for wind breaks. A 1968 study recommended using material from south-central South Dakota and north-central Nebraska. A second test to further delineate seed sources (families) from numerous collection sites in this region was established in 1986. This paper reports results for survival, height, diameter, and D2H (diameter squared X height) measurements at 15 years. Results identify a wide range of suitable families within the region. A majority of the tested sources performed well, thus verifying the original recommendations.

Eating Quality of Beef from Arsi, Borana, and Harar Cattle Breed, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the eating qualities of Arsi, Borana, and Harar Cattle breeds in Ethiopia. A total of 39 bulls with age categories of <3, 4 - 6, and 7 - 9 years were used for the study. The bulls were purchased from mixed crop-livestock systems (Arsi and Harar) and Ranch (Borana) and slaughtered to evaluate the eating quality. WBSF device was used to evaluate instrumental tenderness while sensory panel testing was used to evaluate sensory tenderness, juiciness and flavor. The color of the meat was evaluated using Hunter Lab Mini Scan EZ while water holding capacity was evaluated using filter papers. A complete randomized design was used for the study. Breed significantly affected (P < 0.0001) instrumental tenderness with beef from Harar and Boran bulls were very tender (18.55 ± 5.34, 20.34 ± 4.06N, respectively) while beef from Arsi bulls intermediate in tenderness (40.60 ± 0.51N). Beef from all age group of Harar and Boran breeds were very tender while beef from the Arsi breed was very tender for age < 3 years, intermediate for 4 - 6 and tough for age group > 7 years of age. Flavor and juiciness was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by breed. Flavor from Harar and Boran breeds were moderately liked while flavor from Arsi was liked slightly. Beef from Boran breed was ranked juicier than beef from Harar and Arsi breed. Borana (<3 years) beef was higher (P < 0.05) in lightness (L*) than Arsi and Harar indicating more quality beef from Borana breed. From the study it was concluded that Arsi bulls older than four years of age produced tougher beef suggesting the use of this breed for beef at early age while beef from Borana and Harar breed can be used to 9 years of age as they produce very tender meat.

Proximate Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Beef from Arsi, Borana and Harar Cattle Breeds in Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to determine proximate composition and profile of fatty acid of beef from Arsi, Borana and Harar Cattle breeds in Ethiopia. A total of 39 bulls with three age categories were used for the study. The bulls were purchased from mixed crop livestock system (Arsi and Harar cattle breeds) and Ranch (Borana cattle breed). Complete randomized design was used for the study. Longissimus dorsi muscle was used to evaluate proximate composition and profile of fatty acid. The result of the study indicated that mean of percentage of dry matter, ash, crude fat and crude protein were ranging 22.43 - 24.26, 0.32 - 1.28, 4.32 - 7.88, 17.21 - 22.76, respectively. At age younger than 3 years, Harar bulls contain more crude fat compared to Arsi bulls while the vice versa was true for crude protein. The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was higher than saturated fatty acid (SFA) in the three breeds studied across all age categories. However, significantly higher (P < 0.01) PUFA and lowest (P < 0.05) SFA found in Harar breed whereas the opposite hold true for Arsi bulls. Ratio of n-6: n-3 in the muscle of bulls under the study was ranged from 2.10 to 2.57. Concentration of PUFA and MUF in muscle of the three breeds were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by age. From the study it was concluded that Arsi, Boran and Harar bulls under the three age categories contained more than 3% minimum crude fat that is required to insure palatability of the beef. The higher concentration of PUFA over SFA in all breeds across age categories indicated that the meat from these cattle breeds has less risk hazard to human health. However, a strategy needs to be developed to increase the ratio of n-6: n-3 to the nutritional recommendations by the World Health Organization which is 4:1 to 5:1. Moreover, the cause of the difference in proximate composition and profile of fatty acid between breeds under the study at different age categories needs to be investigated.

Genetic architecture of quantitative trait loci(QTL)for FHB resistance and agronomic traits in a hard winter wheat population

Wheat resistance to Fusarium head blight(FHB)has often been associated with some undesirable agronomic traits.To study the relationship between wheat FHB resistance and agronomic traits,we constructed a linkage map of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)using an F6:8 population from G97252WG97380A.The two hard winter wheat parents showed contrasts in FHB resistance,plant height(HT),heading date(HD),spike length(SL),spike compactness(SC),kernel number per spike(KNS),spikelet number per spike(SNS),thousand-grain weight(TGW)and grain size(length and width).Quantitative trait locus(QTL)mapping identified one major QTL(QFhb.hwwg-2DS)on chromosome arm 2DS for the percentage of symptomatic spikelets(PSS)in the spike,deoxynivalenol(DON)content and Fusarium damaged kernel(FDK).This QTL explained up to 71.8%of the phenotypic variation for the three FHB-related traits and overlapped with the major QTL for HT,HD,SL,KNS,SNS,TGW,and grain size.QTL on chromosome arms 2AL,2DS,3AL and 4BS were significant for the spike and grain traits measured.G97252W contributed FHB resistance and high SNS alleles at QFhb.hwwg-2DS,high KNS alleles at the QTL on 2AL and 2DS,and high TGW and grain size alleles at QTL on 3AL;whereas G97380A contributed high TGW and grain size alleles at the QTL on 2AL and 2DS,respectively,and the high KNS allele at the 4BS QTL.Combining QFhb.hwwg-2DS with positive alleles for spike and grain traits from other chromosomes may simultaneously improve FHB resistance and grain yield in new cultivars.

The role of time preferences in contract breach:Evidence from Chinese poultry farmers participating in contract farming

Farmers’contract breach behavior is cited as one of the major stumbling blocks in the sustainable expansion of contract farming in many developing countries.This paper examines farmers’contract breach decisions from the perspective of time preferences.The empirical analysis is based on a household survey and economic field experiments of poultry households participating in contract farming conducted in Jiangsu Province,China.A discounted utility model and a maximum likelihood technique are applied to estimate farmers’time preferences and the effect of time preferences on contract breach in the production and sales phases are explored with a bivariate probit model.The results show that,on average,the poultry farmers in the sample are generally present biased and impatient regarding future utility.The regression results show that farmers with a higher preference for the present and a higher discount rate are more likely to breach contracts,and time preferences play a greater role in the production phase than in the sales phase.When considering heterogeneity,specific investments and transaction costs promote contract stability only for farmers with a low degree of impatience.Moreover,compared with large-scale farmers,small-scale farmers’contract breach decisions are more significantly affected by their time preferences.These results have implications for contract stability policies and other issues that are impacted by the linking of behavioral preferences to agricultural decisions.

Considerations for gluten free foods-pearl and finger millet processing and market demand

The market demand for gluten free foods is increasing due to frequent incidences of celiac disease and increasing awareness on consumption of gluten free foods.Millets have become the major constituent of diet as they are gluten-free and also excellent sources of micro and macro nutrients such as vitamins,minerals,dietary fibers and phenolic compounds.Among various millets,the finger millet and the pearl millet are the two most important and common millet varieties grown extensively.Since,they are regarded as the staple foods of the poor and vulnerable populations,development of new products and improvements in their nutritional quality will aid in the general health of these population.Processing of millets and production of variable gluten-free ready-to-eat and nutritional supplements has increased their market value in the recent years.Furthermore,processing can also help in shelf-life extension of the millets with nutritional enrichment,expanding its markets to non-traditional millet consumers.In this context,the present review is aimed to focus on the current processing methods to develop products from the two millet varieties that are gluten free and outline their nutritional benefits.

Textural and functional analysis of sorghum flour cookies as ice cream inclusions

Flour serves as one of the primary ingredients of cookies,which affects dough properties,physical changes during baking,and post-baking cookie properties.Two gluten-free cookie formulations were developed with the goal of use as inclusions in frozen desserts.Blonde and chocolate cookies were made with sorghum flour or all-purpose wheat flour and then evaluated for physical and chemical properties.To determine functionality in a frozen state,texture analysis was conducted on cookies at−30℃,−17°C,and 20℃,replicating various ice cream storage temperatures.To simulate the process effect of incorporating the product into a frozen dessert,cookies were crumbled mechanically,and the crumbles were separated based on size.When evaluating cookies,no significant differences(P<0.05)were observed in width(W),thickness(T),spread,and W/T ratio for flour source within formula.Blonde cookies had lower moisture contents than chocolate cookies;further,blonde cookies made from sorghum flour had less moisture than those made with wheat flour.As the cookie temperature decreased from 20℃to−17℃,cookie hardness increased,with flour type having no effect.Within formula,cookies had similar instrumental color parameters.However,blonde cookies made from sorghum flour produced more smaller-sized pieces than those made from wheat flour.The results of this study demonstrate that sorghum flour cookies have desirable properties for use as inclusions in ice cream and other frozen desserts.

Genomic location of Gb1, a unique gene conferring wheat resistance to greenbug biotype F

Greenbug(Schizaphis graminum, Rondani) is a serious insect pest in many wheat growing regions and has been infesting cereal crops in the USA for over a century. Continuous occurrence of new greenbug biotypes makes it essential to explore all greenbug resistant sources available to manage this pest. Gb1, a recessive greenbug resistance gene in DS28A, confers resistance to several economically important greenbug biotypes and is the only gene found to be resistant to greenbug biotype F. A set of 174 F_(2:3)lines from the cross DS28A × Custer was evaluated for resistance to greenbug biotype F in 2020 and 2022. Selective genotyping of the corresponding F_(2) population using single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) markers generated by genotyping-by-sequencing(GBS) led to the identification of a candidate genomic region for Gb1. Thus, SSR markers previously mapped in this region were used to genotype the entire F2population,and kompetitive allele specific PCR(KASP) markers were also developed from SNPs in the target region.Gb1 was placed in the terminal region of the short arm of chromosome 1A, and its location was confirmed in a second population derived from the cross DS28A × PI 697274. The combined data analysis from the two mapping populations delimited Gb1 to a < 1 Mb interval between 13,328,200 and 14,241,426 bp on1AS.