Search Results (2,237)

The Inner Mongolian Plateau is a critical region for the development of herbivorous animal husbandry in China. However, its harsh climate and poor soil quality have constrained the sustainable growth of the alfalfa industry. This 3-year field study investigated the effects of potassium (K) fertilizer on the productivity and forage quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. ‘WL168’) in such specific conditions of the region. Five rates of K fertilizer (0 (CK), 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha⁻¹ of K₂O) were applied in three split applications. Forage harvests occurred three times annually in 2023 and 2024, and yield, yield components, and forage quality were determined. The results showed that the forage yield of alfalfa increased initially and then decreased with the rising K application rates, which paralleled the changes in the plant density, and plant height, especially the mass shoot⁻¹; forage yield was mainly correlated with mass shoot⁻¹. Appropriate K fertilizer improved forage quality, especially in 2024. With increasing application, crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDNs) first rose then declined, whereas neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) decreased steadily, leading to a consistent rise in the relative feeding value (RFV). Comprehensively considering both yield and quality under such condition, a K fertilizer application rate of 273.2 kg ha⁻¹ of K₂O is suggested as a reference for this region. Full article

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) forage production recommendations are often developed in natural environments with available water limitations, often resulting in highly variable responses and lower average responses. As farmland ownership changes and agriculture and irrigation technologies become more affordable the amount of irrigated hay production has increased. While much of the agronomic management does not differ between rain-fed and irrigated environments, nutrient use and uptake dynamics may. This requires a reevaluation and potential adjustment of current recommendations to allow for increased yield potential of irrigated production systems without detrimental impacts on the system. The objective of this study was to identify the need for further investigation of nitrogen application rates for forage bermudagrass production under irrigated conditions. Nitrogen applications of 0 to 280 kg N ha⁻¹, in 56 kg increments, were applied at spring green-up and following the first and second harvests. Dry matter biomass, crude protein, and total digestible nutrients increased with increasing nitrogen application rate, while yield and profit maximizing rates both exceeded the typical recommended rate for bermudagrass hay production. The responses noted for increased nitrogen application rates indicate the need for further investigation of N requirements of non-moisture-limited hay production. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of including 0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of spineless cactus (SC; Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) plus urea and ammonium sulphate (UAS) (9:1), replacing Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85), on nutrient intake and digestibility, feeding behaviour, water intake, and rumen dynamics. Five rumen-fistulated and cannulated crossbred wethers were randomly assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. A roughage:concentrate ratio of 70:30 was supplied. Organic matter (OM) and metabolisable energy (ME) intakes showed quadratic responses (p < 0.05), with maximum values of 1157 g/day and 14.50 MJ/day estimated at SC+UAS levels of 364 and 410 g/kg DM, respectively. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, and non-fibre carbohydrates, as well as water excretion in faeces and degradation rate of DM, increased with SC+UAS inclusion (p < 0.05). Indigestible neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intake, feeding and rumination times, voluntary water intake, NDF degradation and passage rates, as well as the indigestible NDF passage rate, decreased with SC+UAS inclusion (p < 0.05). In wethers’ diets with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 70:30, a roughage combination of SC+UAS and Tifton-85 hay in a 41:29 ratio is recommended to maximise ME intake. Full article

Natural products, such as turmeric rhizome meal (TRM), may hold the key to a sustainable solution to antimicrobial resistance rise and antibiotic prohibition in food-producing animals. This study evaluated the effects of dietary TRM at 0 (CON), 0.3 (TRM3), 0.6 (TRM6), and 0.9 g/kg (TRM9) on growth, nutrient digestibility, immunity, gut function, nutrient transport biomarkers, microbiome, and meat quality in 280 one-day-old male Ross 308 chicks over a 42-day feeding trial. Birds fed TRM indicated higher body weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). The TRM groups promoted higher (p = 0.001) serum immunoglobulin Y, immunoglobulin M, and interleukin-10 compared to the CON. Birds fed CON had higher interleukin-2 (p = 0.025), interleukin-6 (p = 0.027), and TNF-α (p = 0.008) levels compared to the TRM groups. Lactobacillus counts in jejunal villi and crypts were higher in the TRM groups than in the CON (p < 0.05). Dietary TRM increased electrogenic glucose and lysine transport, accompanied by up-regulation of claudin-5, zonula occludens 1, and mucin-2 expression (p < 0.05). In breast muscle, TRM fortification reduced malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05) while increasing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05). Thus, TRM is a potent, residue-free phytobiotic alternative to conventional antibiotic growth promoters in poultry systems. Full article

While mechanical dewatering is widely used in faecal sludge treatment, the agricultural potential of mechanically dewatered faecal sludge (MDFS) combined with anaerobic digestion (AD) remains underexplored, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where nutrient recovery is critical for food security. This study provides the first comprehensive characterisation of MDFS from Ghana’s largest treatment facility and evaluates anaerobic digestion effectiveness for agricultural application. Over six months, 182 composite MDFS samples from Lavender Hill Faecal Treatment Plant were analysed for physicochemical properties, nutrients, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants before and after AD treatment. MDFS demonstrated exceptional nutrient density, with total nitrogen (2141.05 mg/kg), phosphorus (190.08 mg/kg), and potassium (4434.88 mg/kg) concentrations comparable to commercial organic fertilisers. AD achieved significant pathogen reduction, decreasing total coliforms from 148,808.70 to 493.33 cfu/100 g (p < 0.001) and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs from 12.08 to 3.33 eggs/L, while maintaining nutrient integrity and keeping heavy metals within safe agricultural limits. Statistical modelling revealed a significant correlation between treatment duration and pathogen reduction efficiency. Despite substantial improvements, treated MDFS still exceeded some regulatory thresholds, indicating a need for complementary post-treatment strategies. This research establishes AD as an effective primary treatment for converting MDFS into a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser, supporting circular economy principles in urban sanitation systems and providing a sustainable pathway for agricultural nutrient recovery in resource-constrained settings. Full article

Carnivorous plants survive in harsh habitats with limited nutrients and a low pH. Much focus has been placed on carnivorous trap evolution as the primary mechanism to increase nutrient acquisition through insect digestion. Soil microbiome, however, may also play a pertinent role in nutrient acquisition influencing plant vigor and overall success. Dionaea muscipula, commonly known as the Venus’ flytrap, is endemic to rims of the Carolina Bays located in southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, where D. muscipula survives in nutrient poor soils with a vestigial root system. We utilized a combination of microscopy, plating, and metagenomics, to investigate the presence/absence of fungal partners that may contribute to success and vigor of D. muscipula in its native habitat in order to further conservation of this carnivorous plant. Results support that D. muscipula forms both mycorrhizal and fungal endophytic associations, most likely to aid nutrient uptake from otherwise nutrient-poor soils, as well as aid in stress defense. Several ectomycorrhizal, endophytic, and saprophytic fungal species were identified from the surrounding rhizosphere of D. muscipula roots presenting a first glimpse into fungal communities that may influence D. muscipula physiology and compose the microbiome of the Carolina Bays ecosystem. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) effectively treats organic waste and biomass. This process recovers energy as biogas, while a by-product known as digestate requires proper treatment. The goal of enhancing biogas production as a way of increasing the share of renewable fuels in the transport and industrial sectors comes with the drawback of managing digestates. When digestate cannot be used as an organic amendment, thermal processes provide alternatives for producing valuable energy products. Hydrothermal treatment is particularly promising due to its lower thermal requirements when paired with anaerobic digestion (AD), unlike gasification or pyrolysis. However, challenges such as managing by-products like process water and hydrochar contaminants, along with high operating and maintenance costs, need to be addressed before these technologies can be widely adopted in digestion plants. The present document reviews the current state of the art in hydrothermal carbonization and liquefaction as technologies for treating digestate, focusing on the key aspects that require further research and development. This review examines the existing gaps in the treatment and management of process water, as well as the techno-economic barriers faced when deploying hydrochar-related technologies and integrating them with digestion plants. Full article

Snack bars are convenient, ready-to-eat foods with various natural ingredients and may serve as functional foods, offering bioactive phytochemicals. In this study, tomato-based snack bars enriched in plant proteins were evaluated for their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties by in vitro test, comparing different protein sources (pea and RuBisCO) and drying methods (microwave vacuum and oven). The rubisco bars exhibited the highest levels of polyphenols (10.12 ± 0.27 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (5.65 ± 0.47 mg CE/g), and demonstrated superior antioxidant capacity in DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP assays, particularly when microwaved. Rubisco bars also exhibited better inhibition activity of dipeptidyl-peptidase IV and pancreatic lipase, suggesting potential antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects. In contrast, pea bars displayed notable anti-inflammatory effects by reducing tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in intestinal cells. Both protein types were digestible, though rubisco bars released more peptides during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. While these in vitro findings provide insights into the functional potential of tomato-based snack bars, further studies, including in vivo investigations, are required to confirm their health-promoting effects and to evaluate physiologically relevant doses. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of tomato-based snack bars as sustainable, nutrient-rich functional foods with potential health-promoting properties. Full article

The parturition season of grazing Tibetan ewes spans from October to March, a period that exacerbates the adverse impacts of nutrient-deficient herbage on milk yield, body condition, and postpartum recovery. To alleviate the weight loss of ewes during the cold seasons, we provided concentrate supplements at four levels (dry matter (DM) basis), 260 g (C1), 440 g (C2), 520 g (C3), and 610 g (C4), alongside a basal diet of grazed pasture. A total of 96 multiparous Tibetan ewes (third parity, body weight: 45.17 ± 3.69 kg (body weight (BW) were enrolled within 12–18 h postpartum and randomly allocated to four dietary groups (n = 24 ewes per group). We measured growth performance, ruminal histomorphology, fermentation parameters, and digestive enzymes. A multi-omics technique (16S rRNA gene sequencing and RNA-seq) was employed to investigate the mechanisms underlying alterations in ruminal function. The results showed that increasing the concentrate level decreased body weight loss and increased average dry matter intake (p < 0.05). Rumen morphology was significantly altered: papilla width and muscle layer thickness were greatest in the C4 group, whereas submucosal thickness was highest in the C1 group (p < 0.05). Cellulase activity was lowest in the C1 group (p < 0.05). Papilla width of lactating Tibetan ewes in the C4 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that in the C1 and C3 groups. Concentrate supplementation altered ruminal microbiota composition and diversity. Each group exhibited a distinct microbial signature: the C1 group was characterized by Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Candidatus_Omnitrophus, Paenibacillus, and unclassified_Oligoflexaceae; the C2 group was enriched in Papillibacter, Anaerovibrio, V9D2013_group, and unclassified_Peptococcaceae; the C3 group was characterized by unclassified_Bacteroidales_RF16_group; and the C4 group was characterized by Ruminococcus, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Mitsuokella (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes (TRPA1, EPHB1, GATA3, C4, ABCG2, THBS4, and TNFRSF11B) that are predominantly involved in immune regulation, signal transduction, and nutrient digestion. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that Anaerovibrio was negatively correlated with propionate (r = −0.565, p < 0.05). However, it was positively correlated with the ratio of acetate and propionate (r = 0.579, p < 0.05). Moreover, Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group was negatively correlated with cellulase (r = −0.699, p < 0.05) and α-amylase (r = −0.514, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the increasing concentrate supplementation alleviates body weight loss in lactating Tibetan sheep by orchestrating improvements in rumen histomorphology, digestive function, altering bacteria composition, and ruminal immune and modulating host epithelial gene expression. Full article

Forages like alfalfa haylage (AH), which are high in crude protein (CP), require energy-rich supplements to optimise nutrient intake, improve digestibility, and enhance nitrogen use efficiency thereby promoting sustainability in livestock production. The objective of the study was to determine whether corn or barley serves as better supplement to AH for achieving these goals. A feeding trial was conducted as an incomplete change-over design with four treatments, four periods, and four animals per period. The concentrate was fed at a rate of 30 g kg⁻¹ M^0.75 wether sheep d⁻¹ and consisted of: (i) 100% corn (CG), (ii) 67% corn and 33% barley (CG67), (iii) 33% corn and 67% barley (BG67), and (iv) 100% barley (BG). CG67 showed lower dry matter intake (DMI) (p < 0.001) but higher dry matter (DM) digestibility (p < 0.01). BG had the highest intake of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (p < 0.01), CP (p < 0.001), and CP digestibility (p < 0.001). Both BG and BG67 exhibited higher N balance than CG and CG67 (p < 0.001). The results suggest that, given the quality of AH and the concentrate level of 30 g kg⁻¹ M^0.75 used in this study, supplementing barley to an AH-based diet is more beneficial for enhancing sustainability in sheep nutrition than supplementing corn. Full article

Chlorella vulgaris is a nutrient-dense microalga with recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties, making it an attractive candidate for functional food applications. In such contexts, both chemical composition and particle size can influence dispersibility, bioactive release, and physiological effects. In this study, two commercial C. vulgaris powders from India (Sample 1) and the UK (Sample 2) were compared with respect to particle size, metabolite composition, and biological activity. Sample 1 exhibited finer particles, while Sample 2 was coarser. GC–MS profiling revealed distinct compositional differences: Sample 1 displayed a higher relative abundance of saturated fatty acids, β-sitosterol, β-amyrin, and glucitol, whereas Sample 2 contained higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids, betulin, salicylic acid, and specific carbohydrates. In vitro assays showed stronger inhibition of albumin denaturation by Sample 1 compared with Sample 2 and prednisolone. Ex vivo tests indicated that both samples induced tonic contraction of gastric smooth muscle through muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and L-type calcium channels, as evidenced by the marked reduction in responses after atropine and verapamil treatment, with Sample 1 producing a more pronounced effect. Immunohistochemistry further demonstrated broader IL-1β upregulation with Sample 1 and localized nNOS modulation with Sample 2. Overall, the results demonstrate that the interplay between composition and particle size shapes the bioactivity of C. vulgaris, supporting its targeted use in digestive, neuroimmune, and cardiometabolic health. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) plays a crucial role in renewable energy production and waste management by converting organic waste into biogas and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Optimized bioreactor performance depends on two main categories of factors: (1) reactor and geometric factors of agitator geometry, blade configuration, rotational speed, torque, power consumption, and the impeller-to-tank ration (d/D), and (2) fluid property factors of viscosity and flow characteristics, which relates turbulence, circulation patters, and stratification. Impeller power strongly influences nutrient distribution, gas exchange, and temperature uniformity within the reactor. While higher power inputs improve turbulence and prevent stratification, they also increase energy demand. This study evaluated fifteen blade configurations to determine the optimal fluid circulation using ANSYS 2024 R1 Fluent simulations. The bioreactor tank, with a diameter of 0.130 m and a height of 0.225 m, was tested at speeds ranging from 40 to 150 RPM. Among the single-blade configurations, the curved blade achieved the highest velocity at 0.521 m/s, generating localized circulations. The Rushton blade produced strong radial flows with a velocity of 0.364 m/s, while the propeller blade reached 0.254 m/s, supporting axial flow. In double-blade arrangements, the curved-propeller combination exhibited velocities between 0.261 and 0.342 m/s, enhancing fluid motion. The three-blade configurations resulted in the highest power consumption, ranging from 1.94 W to 1.99 W, with power increasing at higher RPMs and larger impeller sizes. However, torque values decreased over time. The most efficient mixing was achieved at moderate RPMs (80–120) and an impeller-to-tank diameter ratio (d/D) of approximately 0.75. These findings highlight the significance of blade selection in balancing mixing efficiency and energy consumption for scalable AD systems. Full article

Increasing interest in functional nutrition has driven the incorporation of probiotics into pet food formulations to enhance digestive health, immune response, and overall well-being in companion animals. This systematic review examines scientific publications, patents, and market developments related to probiotic-enriched pet food from 2014 to 2024. We evaluate major probiotic taxa—including Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Bacillus spp., and Saccharomyces cerevisiae—based on their resilience during processing, gastrointestinal survival, and documented health benefits. Delivery technologies such as microencapsulation, coating matrices, and post-processing supplementation are analyzed for their effectiveness in preserving probiotic viability within dry and wet food matrices. Patent landscape analysis highlights innovation trends in strain selection, formulation design, and processing methods. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that probiotic supplementation modulates gut microbiota composition, improves fecal parameters, enhances immune markers, and promotes nutrient absorption in both canine and feline models. Market data reveal rapid expansion of commercial probiotic pet food products, yet scientific research remains limited compared to human nutrition. Overall, the findings indicate that while probiotics hold clear potential to improve gastrointestinal health and immunity in pets, evidence remains fragmented, particularly for cats and long-term outcomes. Bridging the gap between industrial innovation and controlled clinical validation will be essential for developing next-generation probiotic pet foods. Full article

Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) is a commercially important species in China. The number of pyloric caeca, essential for digestion and nutrient absorption, varies considerably (198–386) among individuals, but its relation to growth remains unclear. In this study, 300 samples from the first filial generation (F1) of farmed wild stocks were reared for 56 days and grouped based on pyloric caeca number. Fish with more pyloric caeca (≥289) exhibited significantly higher weight gain rates (WGRs), specific growth rates (SGRs), and digestive enzyme activities compared to those with fewer caeca (≤229). The final body weight (FBW) and the WGR showed moderately positive correlations with caeca number. These results showed that pyloric caeca number may be a valuable trait for selective breeding. To explore its genetic basis, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified over 1.4 million SNPs across 24 chromosomes. Twelve SNPs were potentially associated with pyloric caeca number, and we successfully identified one SNP that could effectively distinguish groups with the extreme number of pyloric caeca. Candidate genes near significant loci were enriched in pathways related to cell proliferation, differentiation, and metabolic regulation. These findings suggest a potential association between pyloric caeca number and growth, providing a possible reference for future molecular breeding in mandarin fish. Full article

Aquaculture effluents rich in phosphorus and nitrogen (P and N) can lead to eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems. These nutrients may contribute to harmful algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and deterioration of water quality, which poses a threat to aquatic biodiversity. In shrimp diets, environmental impacts from P and N nutrient leaching can be reduced by improving dietary P digestibility through the use of alternative ingredients. While fishmeal, with its high phosphorus content, has traditionally been a primary source, its declining use due to cost and limited availability necessitates the inclusion of inorganic P sources to meet shrimp nutritional requirements. Optimising these sources ensures adequate phosphorus availability while minimising nutrient waste. This study evaluated the effects of inorganic phosphate supplementation (monoammonium phosphate, MAP; monosodium phosphate, MSP; and sodium calcium phosphate, SCP-2%) in standard diets (35% CP) on nutrient digestibility, residue generation, and performance of Litopenaeus vannamei. Results showed that phosphorus digestibility exceeded 96% across all phosphate sources, with MSP achieving the highest values. Calcium digestibility was notably higher in diets containing monocalcium phosphate, such as SCP-2%, which demonstrated superior digestibility values. No significant differences were observed in nitrogen or phosphorus excretion; however, residue analysis revealed that SCP-2% diets generated the lowest nitrogenous waste relative to ingested nitrogen, whereas MAP diets produced the highest nitrogen residues, followed by the Control diet. For phosphorus residues, the Control diet showed the greatest proportion relative to ingested phosphorus, followed by MSP. Phosphate inclusion did not affect shrimp growth, survival, or body composition. However, phosphorus and calcium retention efficiencies were inversely proportional to their dietary content, underscoring the importance of optimising phosphate sources to enhance nutrient utilisation and minimise environmental impact. Full article