Age of regrowth as a factor affecting the nutritive value of hay of kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) offered to lambs

The changes in chemical composition of hay of kikuyu grass ( Pennisetum clandestinum ) harvested at 50, 70 and 90 d of regrowth, and its effect on intake, digestibility, fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen (Experiment 1) and oxygen uptake by portal-drained viscera (PDV) (Experiment 2) were evaluated. The experiments were carried out with Polwarth × Texel crossbreed lambs with a mean live weight (s.e.m.) of 35(3·0) kg housed in metabolic cages. Organic matter (OM), neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) and nitrogen (N) intake, as well as rumen ammonia-N concentration, decreased linearly with age of regrowth ( P  <   0·05). Acid-detergent fibre (ADF) and indigestible NDF intakes were similar for all treatments. Apparent digestibility of organic matter (OM), NDF and N, as well as true digestibility of OM, microbial protein synthesis in the rumen, N retention, pH of rumen fluid and sugars, amino acids and peptide concentrations in rumen fluid were similar for all treatments. Age of regrowth also did not affect the kinetics of passage of the particulate phase through the digestive tract nor oxygen uptake by PDV. Heat production by PDV represented an average of 0·039 of digestible energy (DE) intake. Increasing the age of regrowth of kikuyu grass from 50 to 90 d did not affect digestibility nor the efficiency of DE use by PDV tissues of lambs but it reduced the nutritive value of the hay due to a lower intake of OM. Intake of hay appeared to be most limited by the ADF and indigestible NDF concentrations of the hay.     

Effect of plant development during first and second growth cycle on chemical composition,condensed tannins and nutritive value of three sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) varieties and lucerne

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is a temperate legume that contains condensed tannins (CT), i.e., polyphenols that are able to bind proteins and thus reduce protein degradation in the rumen. Few studies have investigated the relation between plant phenology, CT characteristics and nutritive value of sainfoin. In this study we investigated differences among three sainfoin varieties (Esparcette, Ambra and Villahoz) that were of different geographical origin, and which were cultivated at the same site over the course of two growth cycles and compared with a tannin‐free legume, lucerne (Aubigny). Plants were harvested on nine dates in the first and four dates in the second growth cycle. Phenological stages were analysed for leaf‐to‐whole‐plant ratio, nitrogen (N), organic matter digestibility (OMd) by the pepsin‐cellulase method, cell‐wall concentration, N solubility (solN) plus CT concentration, biological activity and structures. Leaf‐to‐whole‐plant, cell‐wall concentration, N of sainfoin and lucerne were closely related to the phenological stage. Although sainfoin developed earlier than lucerne, its pepsin‐cellulase digestibility was higher than or close to lucerne. Esparcette had the lowest OMd, N and solN and the highest CT concentration. CT concentration, proportion of prodelphinidins (PD) and mean degree of polymerization (mDP) increased with the phenological stage (or plant maturity), and these parameters were associated with lower biological activity of CT. Sainfoin varieties differed in their relationships between phenological stages, nutritional parameters and CT characteristics. The results demonstrated that sainfoin can be a valuable alternative forage legume to lucerne.     

Effect of defoliation frequency and cutting height on growth,dry‐matter yield and nutritive value of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum (L.) Schumach)

Growth characteristics, dry‐matter (DM) yield, chemical components and in vitro dry‐matter digestibility (IVDMD) of Napier grass were studied in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. The treatments were three defoliation frequencies (60, 90 and 120 d after Napier grass establishment) and five cutting heights (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm above ground level). Except for leaf‐to‐stem ratio, all growth characteristics increased with decreasing frequency of defoliation. Similarly, DM yield of Napier grass increased as the frequency of defoliation decreased. Total ash, crude protein (CP), hemicellulose and IVDMD contents of Napier grass increased with increasing frequency of defoliation, whereas DM, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin and cellulose contents increased with a decrease in defoliation frequency. In contrast, cutting heights had no significant effect on most chemical components and IVDMD contents, although total ash and CP decreased as the height of cutting increased. The CP yield per cut and per day was highest at an intermediate defoliation frequency. The results of this study indicated that Napier grass could be categorized under medium‐ to high‐quality herbage if defoliated at 90 d after establishment in the mid and highlands of Ethiopia.     

Forage yield and chemical composition of canola (Brassica napus L.) as affected by sowing methods

The sowing method of spring‐type canola (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera) for forage has a major influence on its productivity and agronomic management. A field experiment was conducted in Matamoros, Coahuila, Mexico, during two growing seasons (2008–2009 and 2009–2010) to determine dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and net energy for lactation (NE_L) yields, as well as canola forage chemical composition as a function of six sowing methods. The treatments assessed were broadcast sowing and five different row spacings: 0·19, 0·38, 0·57, 0·76 and 0·95 m (double row, 0·20 m apart). In the first year, with a mean growing season temperature of 17·2°C, sowing methods did not affect DM yield, but CP and NE_L content and yield were higher in 0·19‐m row spacing. The mean temperature in the second year (13·5°C) was slightly lower than the long‐term mean (14·8°C) in the region, resulting in the highest DM (8840 kg ha^?1), CP (2486 kg ha^?1) and NE_L yields (51 103 MJ ha^?1) with 0·19‐m row spacing. In row‐sowing methods with over 0·19‐m row spacing, DM, CP and NE_L yields decreased by 19·3–39·7, 20·4–42·1 and 21·2–42·7% respectively. Results indicate that sowing methods significantly affected canola forage productivity.     

Effect of heat processing on in vitro protein digestibility and some chemical properties of African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) seeds

The effects of dry heat (roasting) and moist heat (boiling) on in vitro protein digestibility, protein fractions and other chemical properties of African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) seed that affect their utilization as a source of human food were investigated. Chemical analyses showed that the crude protein and fat contents of the unprocessed (raw) seeds were 20.1% and 13.7%, respectively. The level of phytic acid in the raw seed (1.19 mg/g) was lower than the levels found in some commonly consumed pulses in Nigeria. Albumin and globulin protein fractions were found to be the major seed proteins of African breadfruit seed, constituting 67.8% of the total protein of the raw seed. There were no significant (p<0.05) differences between crude protein, ash and fat contents of the raw and heat processed samples. Boiling proved more effective than roasting for improving protein digestibility and for reducing the levels of trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid and polyphenols of the samples. The complete removal of these antinutrients, however, would require a more severe heat treatment of the seed, which in turn would profoundly reduce the nutritional value and availability of proteins, as demonstrated by the low values obtained for in vitro protein digestibility, protein fractions and protein extractability.     

Effects of harvest date of timothy (Phleum pratense) on its nutritive value, and on the voluntary silage intake and liveweight gain of lambs

The effects of harvest date of timothy on the chemical composition of herbage and silage, and on the voluntary intake, liveweight gain and feed conversion efficiency by finishing lambs, were evaluated. The herbage was harvested and ensiled on three dates: 16 June (before heading), 20 June and 26 June. The silages were analysed for chemical composition and degradation characteristics by an in vitro gas production (GP) technique with end-point measurements (72 h) of degradability of organic matter (OM) and neutral-detergent fibre (NDF). There were clear effects of later dates of harvest increasing the concentration of NDF, and reducing the degradability of OM and NDF, and the rate of GP, of silages made from this herbage. The silages were fed ad libitum to lambs in a feeding experiment using a Latin square design. Later harvest dates decreased the voluntary intake of silage, liveweight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Lambs fed the early-cut silage had a liveweight gain of 152 g d⁻¹ and those fed the silage harvested 10 d later had a liveweight gain of 76 g d⁻¹. Changes in the chemical composition of herbage and silage and in in vitro degradation characteristics of silages with later harvests were associated, to a large extent, with the reduction in voluntary intake and liveweight gain of lambs.     

Nutritional quality of germinated cowpea flour (Vigna unguiculata) and its application in home prepared powdered weaning foods

Amino acid profiles, protein digestibility corrected aminoacid scores (PDCAAS), chemical scores, essential amino acid indexes, andcalculated biological values of control-cowpea flour (CCF), germinated cowpeaflour (GCF) prepared from cowpeas germinated at 25 ^°C for either24 h or 48 h and weaning foods prepared from cowpea flours weredetermined. Locally available rice, cowpea flour, banana-pumpkin slurry,and skim milk powder and sucrose in the ratio 35:35:15:15:5 were used to formulateweaning food containing not less than 15% protein. The ingredients werecooked into a slurry and oven-dried to produce flakes. The nutritional andsensory qualities of the weaning products were evaluated. Germination hadlittle effect on the amino acid profile of cowpeas. In vitro proteinquality and starch digestibility were improved in germinated cowpea flour. The PDCAAS of 24 h germinated cowpea flour (GCF) weaning food washigher (55.49%) than CCF-weaning food (46.74%). Vitamin A activityin 24 h GCF weaning food was higher than in CCF-weaning food. Invitro starch digestibilities of 24 h GCF and 48 h GCF-weaning foods werehigher than that of CCF weaning food. The 24 h GCF-weaning food which hada higher overall acceptability score by sensory panelist than 48 h GCFand CCF-weaning food is recommended for household consumption.     

Potential of Cistus ladanifer L. (rockrose) in small ruminant diets – effect of season and plant age on chemical composition,in vitro digestibility and antioxidant activity

Shrubs can provide an important contribution to the fodder resources for small ruminants in Mediterranean areas, but there is limited information on their feed value, including secondary metabolites and their seasonal differences. This study evaluated the effect of seasonal variation in chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and antioxidant activity of the aerial parts of plants of Cistus ladanifer of two age groups [young plants vs. older ones (2–6 years old)]. Aerial parts of C. ladanifer plants of both age groups were characterized by moderate cell‐wall content [321–410 g NDF kg^?1 dry matter (DM)], high levels of phenolic compounds (55·1–106 g gallic acid equivalents per kg DM) and condensed tannins (CT) (32·1–161 g kg^?1 DM), low protein content (55–100 g kg^?1 DM) and low digestibility (249–315 g of digestible organic matter per kg DM). During autumn and winter, C. ladanifer showed higher protein levels and lower cell‐wall content than in the other seasons. The highest values of phenolic compounds, CT and antioxidant activity were achieved during summer. Young plants showed higher levels of phenolic compounds during spring, summer and winter, and higher CT contents in summer (more than 54 g kg^?1 DM) compared to old plants. Aerial parts of C. ladanifer of both age groups may be used as a component of ruminant nutrition, but only as a supplement and associated with other feeding resources to complement its nutritional imbalances.     

Growth and chemical composition of wild oat (Avena fatua) under Mediterranean conditions

Wild oat (Avena fatua) is an annual cool‐season species that grows in areas with a Mediterranean climate and has potential as a forage source in Jordan. A field experiment was conducted during the growing seasons of 1999–2000 and 2000–2001 under sub‐humid Mediterranean conditions at Samta in the Ajloun Mountains, Jordan. Data on seasonal herbage mass, morphology and chemical composition of wild oat were collected at 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 days after emergence. Plant height increased rapidly beyond 100 days after emergence. The increase in herbage mass of dry matter was gradual and peaked at 140 days after emergence. The lowest concentration of crude fibre was at 60 and 80 days after emergence, with a range of 201–263 g kg^?1 DM. Crude fibre concentrations (610–630 g kg^?1 DM) peaked at 140 days after emergence (maturity). In contrast to concentrations of crude fibre, concentrations of crude protein decreased gradually with age. The calcium and phosphorus concentrations were sufficient to meet the maintenance requirements of ewes.     

Incorporation of AMMI stability value and grain yield in a single non-parametric index (GSI) in bread wheat

In order to determine stable bread wheat genotypes with high grain yield via a single parameter, field experiments were conducted with 20 genotypes for 4 consecutive years in two different conditions (irrigated and rainfed) in a completely randomized block design with three replications in each environment. Combined analysis of variance showed highly significant differences for the GE interaction indicating the possibility of selection for stable entries. The results of additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis revealed 10% of total variability was justified by the GE interaction which was 2.5 times more than that of genotypes. Ordination techniques displayed high differences for the interaction principal components (IPC1, IPC2 and IPC3), exhibiting that 83% of the GE sum of squares was justified by AMMI1, AMMI2 and AMMI3, i.e., 3.77 times more than that explained by the linear regression model displaying the relative efficiency of AMMI1 model in comparison with regression model. AMMI stability value (ASV) discriminated genotypes G6, G9, G14, G15, G17 and G18 as the stable entries. As stability per se is not a desirable selection criterion, because the most stable genotypes would not necessarily give the best yield performance, hence, simultaneous consideration of grain yield and ASV in a single non-parametric index entitled: Genotype Selection Index (GSI), discriminated G6 and G17 with general adaptability and high grain yield for rainfed and irrigated conditions which was in agreement with the results of biplot analysis.     

Comparative study of the chemical composition of wild and cultivated beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Five wildPhaseolus vulgaris beans were compared with five cultivatedPhaseolus vulgaris beans in proximate composition, total (true) protein, amino acid composition, and toxic and antinutritional factors. The wild beans contained more protein (25.5% vs. 21.7%), ash (5.15 vs. 4.15%), crude fiber (7.08% vs. 5.04%) compared to cultivated beans while the former contained less fat (0.56 vs. 0.89%) and carbohydrates (61.64 vs. 68.05%). Sulfur amino acids were found to be limiting in both groups of bean as expected; however, the cultivated beans had a higher content of the limiting amino acids. Therefore, the cultivated beans showed a better amino acid profile than the wild beans. Toxic factors were not found in either type of bean; the determinations included saponins, alkaloids, and cyanogenic glycosides. The antinutritional factors investigated were hemagglutinins (lectins) and trypsin inhibitors. The wild beans presented a higher content of trypsin inhibitors (28 TUI per mg) and lectins (9.6) than the cultivated beans did (21 TUI per mg and 7 respectively). From the chemical point of view, domestication seems to be positive; however, the better protein nutritive quality of the cultivated beans should be further confirmed by biological assays.     

Changes in nitrogenous and other chemical constituents,protein fractions and in vitro protein digestibility of germinating fluted pumpkin ( Telfairia occidentalis Hook) seed

The effect of 7 days of germination on levels of nitrogenous and other nutrition related parameters, protein fractions and in vitro protein digestibility of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) seed was studied. The non-protein nitrogen gradually increased and the protein nitrogen content decreased during germination. Albumin and globulin fractions were found to be the major seed proteins of fluted pumpkin seeds, constituting about 58.6% of the total protein of the ungerminated (raw) seeds. The protein fractions, albumin and glutelin, were observed to increase by 61.5% and 57.0%, respectively, while a 54.6% decrease was noted in the prolamine fraction. The globulin fraction increased at the beginning of germination but decreased at the end. Germination significantly (p 0.05) increased the crude protein, nitrogen solubility and in vitro protein digestibility but decreased the fat, phytic acid and polyphenol contents of the seeds.     

Multichannel imaging for monitoring chemical composition and germination capacity of cowpea(Vigna unguiculata) seeds during development and maturation

This study aimed to set a computer-integrated multichannel spectral imaging system as a high-throughput phenotyping tool for the analysis of individual cowpea seeds harvested at different developmental stages. The changes in germination capacity and variations in moisture, protein and different sugars during twelve stages of seed development from 10 to 32 days after anthesis were nondestructively monitored. Multispectral data at 20 discrete wavelengths in the ultraviolet, visible and near infrar...     

Studies on chemical composition and utilization of the wild edible vegetable athalakkai (Momordica tuberosa)

A wild crop of athalakkai was identified, and the majornutrients of its fruits were assessed. South Indian recipes, poriyal,fry, pulikulambu, pickle, and vadagam, were prepared using athalakkai.Product acceptabilities were evaluated by a panel of 10 trained housewives using a 9, point hedonic scale. It was observed that athalakkai containshigher amounts of calcium, potassium, sodium and vitamin C than bittergourd (Momordica charantia L). It was also observed that athalakkaihad a high crude fiber (6.42 g/100 g) content. The recipes prepared fromathalakkai were highly acceptable. This research suggests the need to exploitthis wild vegetable commercially through its increased use. Howeverresearch should be conducted to identify the antinutritional factors and theeffect of processing on these factors.     

Effects of species richness and functional groups on chemical constituents relevant for methane yields from anaerobic digestion: results from a grassland diversity experiment

Changes in livestock production systems have led to land‐use changes and abandonment, especially of semi‐natural grassland in agriculturally less favoured regions. The generation of energy from biomass of extensive, high‐diversity grasslands can be an alternative to their abandonment, and anaerobic digestion is one possible method for converting grassland biomass into energy. However, little is known about the effects of species richness (SR) and functional groups on chemical constituents relevant for anaerobic digestion and the resulting energy potential. In this study, changes in the herbage chemical constituents that are relevant for forage quality were studied along a well‐defined diversity gradient (one to sixty species) and across different combinations of functional groups (legumes, small herbs, tall herbs and grasses). Substrate‐specific methane yield (CH_4 sub) was estimated through the concentrations of forage‐quality parameters such as crude fibre (CF), crude protein (CP), crude lipid, nitrogen‐free extract and their documented digestibility values, as well as the respective methane yields. Results show that with increasing SR, the CF increased and CP decreased, even though these effects could not be fully disentangled from the presence of grasses. These trends led to a negative effect of SR on CH_4 sub, while the area‐specific methane yield (CH_4 area = CH_4 sub × biomass yield) increased due to a strong increase in biomass with increasing SR. The CH_4 sub was increased when legumes were present, and it declined with the presence of grasses. Generally, CH_4 sub and CH_4 area varied between functional‐group monocultures and all functional‐group mixtures.     

Use of fluorescence to determine reduction in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) nymph feeding when exposed to cyantraniliprole and imidacloprid through systemic applications

The Bemisia tabaci whitefly is an important pest of many agricultural crops. Direct feeding by this pest can cause physiological plant symptoms including irregular ripening in tomatoes and silverleaf disorder in squash. In addition, B. tabaci can transmit more than 100 plant viruses that cause severe diseases that affect crop yield and quality. Insecticides are often applied to control this pest and they may be applied to the foliage and/or to the soil. Insecticides that kill quickly or cause feeding cessation reduce the damage caused by B. tabaci on the host plant most effectively. In this study fluorescence was used to assess B. tabaci feeding and to determine the effect of systemically applied insecticides on feeding by the pest. Cyantraniliprole (Verimark™) and imidacloprid (AdmirePro^®) produced a rapid reduction in B. tabaci feeding. At 24 h after a systemic application, the percentage of whitefly nymphs still feeding in plants treated with cyantraniliprole (anthranilic diamide) and imidacloprid (neonicotinoid) were 19% and 33%, respectively. Both products showed a good reduction in insect feeding and since they have different modes of action they should be considered as rotational partners for B. tabaci control in areas where there is no resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides. While the fluorescein sodium salt cannot be used to trace the uptake of insecticides, it has been shown to reliably demonstrate feeding cessation of whitefly nymphs after foliar and systemic applications of insecticides.     

Effects of primary and secondary infection with potato virus X (PVX) on yield,size, chemical composition,blight resistance and cooking quality of potato varietyKerr's Pink

Summary Trials with hand-inoculated and virus-free seed were set out from 1966–1970 to determine the effects of primary and secondary infection with potato virus X (PVX) on yield, tuber size, chemical composition, blight resistance and cooking quality of potato varietyKerr's Pink. Results of these trials show that primary infection with PVX increased the proportion of blighted tubers, reduced the percentage dry matter and dry matter yield. There was no effect on marketable yield, size or cooking quality. Secondary infection with PVX reduced the marketable yield and the yield of dry matter but increased the yield of potatoes over 6 cm in diameter as a percentage of the total yield. There was no effect on percentage dry matter or cooking quality.

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Zusammenfassung In den Jahren 1966 bis 1970 wurden 9 Versuche durchgeführt, um den Einfluss der Prim?r- (5 Versuche) und der Sekund?r- (4 Versuche)_Infektion mit PVX auf Ertrag, Gr?sse, chemische Zusammensetzung, Knollenf?ule und Kochqualit?t der SorteKerr's Pink unter Feldbedingungen festzustellen. Jeder Versuch umfasste als randomized block 2 Verfahren mit 6 Wiederholunge. Die Verfahren bestanden im Falle der Prim?rinfektion aus gesundem und infiziertem Pflanzgut, und im Falle der Sekund?rinfektionen aus gesundem Pflanzgut sowie aus Pflanzmaterial, das im vorhergehenden Jahr infiziert worden ist. Die Infektion wurde von Hand vorgenommen, indem jeder Stengel jeder Pflanze mit Karborundumpuder (400 Mesh) verletzt und mit infiziertem Tabaksaft inokuliert wurde. Das Inokulum wurde hergestellt, indem gleiche Anteile von Virusst?mmen, die auf weissem Burley-Tabak gew?hnlich vorkommende Symptome hervorrufen, erzeugt wurden. Die Ergebnisse der Versuche zeigen, dass bei Sekund?rinfektionen mit PVX der Gesamtertrag signifikant abnimmt (Tabelle 1). Der Einfluss des PVX auf die Gr?sse (Tabelle 2) ist im Falle der Prim?rinfektion nicht signifikant, aber das Gewicht von Knollen über 6 cm Durchmesser nach der Sekund?rinkektion nimmt um 15% zu. DiePhytophthora-Knollenf?ule (Tabelle 3) nahm bei Verwendung von gesundem Pflanzgut in allen F?llen ab, aber signifikante Ergebnisse wurden nur im Vergleich mit der Prim?rinfektion erreicht. Bei Prim?rinfektion mit PVX trat eine signifikante Reduktion in Prozent der Trockensubstanz ein (Tabelle 4), w?hrend die Trockensubstanzertr?ge pro Hektare (Tabelle 5) sowohl bei Prim?r-als auch bei Sekund?rinfektion signifikant abnahmen. Es bestand kein signifikanter Einfluss auf die Kochqualit?t.

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Résumé Les auteurs ont effectué 9 essais durant la période 1966–1970 afin de déterminer l'effet des infections primaire (5 essais) et secondaire (4 essais) avec le PVX sur la production, le calibre, la composition chimique, la résistance auPhytophthora et la qualité culinaire chez la variétéKerr's Pink dans des conditions de plein champ. Chaque essai comportait deux traitements en six répétitions réparties au hasard dans un bloc. Dans le cas d'infection primaire, les traitements consistaient en plants sains et plants infectés, et dans le cas d'infection secondaire en plants sains et en plants provenant du matériel infecté l'année précédente. L'infection a été réalisée à la main par inoculation de chaque tige de chaque plante avec du jus de tabac infecté après étant endommagé par la poudre de carborundum de tamis 400. L'inoculum provenait de la multiplication de proportions égales de strains de virus produisant les sympt?mes communs sur le tabacWhite Burlley. Les résultats des essais montrent que, dans le cas d'infection secondaire de PVX, la production globale est significativement diminuée (tableau 1). L'effet du PVX sur le calibre (tableau 2) n'est pas significatif dans le cas d'infection primaire, mais à la suite de l'infection secondaire, il se révèle un accroissement de 15% dans le poids des tubercules supérieurs à 6 cm. Dans tous les cas, on constate une diminution de l'attaque des tubercules par le mildiou lors de l'utilisation de plants sains mais les résultats ne sont significattifs que lors de l'infection primaire. On observe une réduction significative du pourcentage de matière sèche (tableau 4) dans le cas d'infection primaire de PVX, tandis que les productions de matière sèche par hectare (tableau 5) sont significativement réduites à la fois par les infections primaire et secondaire. Il n'appara?t aucun effet significatif sur la qualité culinaire.

     

Effects of cooking,germination and fermentation on the chemical composition of Nigerian Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

The effects of cooking, germination, and fermentation on the chemical composition of cowpea were studied. There were noticeable trends in the protein, carbohydrate and crude fiber as a result of the different treatments. Both the germinated and fermented samples contained more ether extractable lipids than the raw and cooked samples. Untreated raw cowpea contained 5.9 mg/g phytic acid, 1.66 mg/g phytate phosphorus, 3.3 mg/g total phosphorus, 56.8 mg/g total sugar, and no reducing sugar. Cooking the dry beans at 100°C for 1 1/2 hours had little effect on the phytic acid and phytate phosphorus. There were, however, significant decreases in total phosphorus and sugars of the cooked beans. After germination for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours respectively, there was a significant decrease in phytic acid and total sugar and increase in total phosphorus and reducing sugar. Similar results were also obtained when the dry beans was fermented for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours respectively.     

Long-term evolution and prediction of feed value for permanent mountain grassland hay: Analysis of a 32-year data set in relation to climate change

Elevation of mean air temperature related to climate change speeds up plant maturity, which influences mostly forage feed value. The objective of the study was to assess variation in hay quality harvested over 32 years at the same experimental site, and whether feed value is better predicted by combining agro-climatic variables with chemical composition. From 1979 to 2010, the in vivo digestibility (OMd) and voluntary dry matter intake (VDMI) of 271 hays, harvested during the first vegetation cycle on permanent grasslands, were measured in sheep. Over 32 years, the mean air temperature between February and August increased significantly by 1.34°C. Cutting date was advanced by 6 days, but the average sum of temperature at cutting (ST) increased significantly by 13%. Crude protein (CP) content declined (−22%, p < .001), crude fibre content increased (+8%, p < .001), OMd decreased (−3%, p = .012) and VDMI increased (+9%, p = .011). Changes in the chemical composition and OMd were consistent with the increase in ST. Finally, the prediction of OMd from CP and crude fibre contents (R² = .57, RMSE = 2.99) was slightly improved by the addition of ST and hay drying time (R² = .60, RMSE = 2.83). Climate change may have a negative indirect effect on hay quality if an earlier cutting date does not compensate for its effect on the faster maturation of the plants. Moreover, agro-climatic criteria could help to monitor and predict hay quality in relation to intra- and inter-annual climatic changes.     

Resistance of Bt-maize (MON810) against the stem borers Busseola fusca (Fuller) and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and its yield performance in Kenya

A study was conducted to assess the performance of maize hybrids with Bt event MON810 (Bt-hybrids) against the maize stem borer Busseola fusca (Fuller) in a biosafety greenhouse (BGH) and against the spotted stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) under confined field trials (CFT) in Kenya for three seasons during 2013–2014. The study comprised 14 non-commercialized hybrids (seven pairs of near-isogenic Bt and non-Bt hybrids) and four non-Bt commercial hybrids. Each plant was artificially infested twice with 10 first instar larvae. In CFT, plants were infested with C. partellus 14 and 24 days after planting; in BGH, plants were infested with B. fusca 21 and 31 days after planting. In CFT, the seven Bt hybrids significantly differed from their non-Bt counterparts for leaf damage, number of exit holes, percent tunnel length, and grain yield. When averaged over three seasons, Bt-hybrids gave the highest grain yield (9.7 t ha⁻¹), followed by non-Bt hybrids (6.9 t ha⁻¹) and commercial checks (6 t ha⁻¹). Bt-hybrids had the least number of exit holes and percent tunnel length in all the seasons as compared to the non-Bt hybrids and commercial checks. In BGH trials, Bt-hybrids consistently suffered less leaf damage than their non-Bt near isolines. The study demonstrated that MON810 was effective in controlling B. fusca and C. partellus. Bt-maize, therefore, has great potential to reduce the risk of maize grain losses in Africa due to stem borers, and will enable the smallholder farmers to produce high-quality grain with increased yield, reduced insecticide inputs, and improved food security.