Iron and phosphorus utilization in rats fed soaked and dehulled bambara groundnut supplemented with sorghum or crayfish

Thirty-six adult Wistar albino male rats (75–128 g) of age 8 weeks were used to study the effect of dehulled and soaked bambara groundnut combined with sorghum or crayfish on iron and phosphorus balances of rats fed for 10 days. Three out of the ten days were for adjustment and the rest for the balance period. Six diets were formulated and fed to the rats. The mixed protein diets provided 10% protein daily for the entire study period. Casein(CA) served as a reference protein. Rats fed the CA diet had significant decreases (p < 0.05) in food intake, maintenance body weight, phosphorus intake and phosphorus balance when compared with those of the test groups. As judged by iron nutriture, dehulled brown bambara groundnut (DBGB) appeared to be superior to the white variety. Soaking seriously affected iron utilization in brown variety. Dehulling produced significant increases (p < 0.05) in phosphorus balance in animals fed the white variety of bambara groundnut compared with the brown variety. On the other hand, soaking produced positive phosphorus balance in rats consuming the brown variety. Addition of crayfish produced a slight nonsignificant decrease (p > 0.05) in rodents eating the brown variety. These results suggested that varietal difference and treatment affected iron and phosphorus utilization in rats fed bambara groundnut in conjunction with sorghum and/or crayfish.     

Iodine metabolism and tissue mineral levels in rats fed rapeseed protein concentrates supplemented with zinc

A 16-week feeding test of Tower (Brassica napus) and Span (Brassica campestris) rapeseed protein concentrates (RPC) was carried out on male and female Charles River CD (Sprague-Dawley) weanling rats. The diets contained 10% or 20% protein (N × 6.25) from each RPC and were supplemented with 150 mg zinc/kg. The control groups received a purified diet with casein or a laboratory chow diet. The results of the test diet groups did not reveal any adverse effect due to RPC on thyroid metabolism or the metabolism of zinc iron, copper, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Nephrocalcinosis was observed in all female rats that were fed the test diets and the casein control diet, and therefore it could not be attributed to dietary RPC.Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, no. 120. Food Research Institute, no. 448.     

Growth rate,muscle protein composition,intestinal absorption of D-galactose and L-leucine and nitrogen balance in rats fed the raw legumeChamaecytisus proliferus L.

Growth rate, nitrogen balance, skeletal muscle nitrogen fractions and in vivo intestinal absorption of D-galactose (2 mM) and L-leucine (20 mM) have been measured in male growing rats (90–100 g initial body weight) fed 12% protein diets containing either casein (control) or the raw leafy legumeChamaecytisus proliferus L. (Western Canary Islands). As compared to control casein-fed rats, those fed the raw legume diet exhibited a significant reduction (P<0.01) in the rate of growth, nitrogen balance parameters, sarcoplasmic nitrogenous fraction of skeletal musculature and in vivo intestinal absorption of galactose and leucine; however, the non-protein nitrogenous fraction has been found significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of control animals, whereas the myofibrillar nitrogenous fraction remained unchanged. The possible nature of these findings is discussed.     

Mineral utilization of malted sorghum and corn with added crayfish in rats

Forty adult rats were used to study the mineral balances of malted and unmalted wet- or dry-milled sorghum and corn combined with crayfish and fed rats for 12 days. Five out of the twelve days were for adjustment and the rest for balance period. These mixtures each was calculated to provide 1.6 g N daily for the entire study period. Malting and wet milling produced increases in crude protein content of the cereal grains. However, the increases were much more evident in sorghum. Wet milling caused increases in calcium retention in corn groups. It produced the same effect on phosphorus balance only in sorghum groups. On the other hand, it produced positive iron balances only in unmalted corn and malted sorghum groups. The results suggest improved mineral nutriture due to malting except for the Fe retention of the MDC:CR group.     

Evaluation of the protein quality of rice supplemented with bean or crayfish in rats

Weanling male rats (45–60 g) were used to compare the supplemental effects to rice protein of bean or crayfish protein. Rats were fed various combinations of rice plus bean (B) or crayfish (C) to provide 1.6 g N/100 g of the daily diet for 28-day growth studies and a 7-day N balance period. Five different diets were fed. Six rats were assigned to each diet on the basis of body weight. Combinations of R:B of 80:20 and of R:C of 80:20 produced food intake, weight gain, PER, N intake, digested and retained N; and liver weight values that were comparable. However, increasing C to 30% of the dietary protein led to reduced value for food intake, weight gain, PER, N intake, digested and retained N, BV, NPU, and liver weight when compared with values obtained when B was increased to 30% (P<0.05). The results appear to indicate that, above a certain level of supplementation, brown bean protein is superior to crayfish as a supplement to rice protein.     

Growth performance, appetite and plasma ammonia concentrations in heifers fed inoculated lucerne prior to ensilage, then supplemented with sodium bicarbonate

A study was conducted to explore the possibility of a synergistic effect of an inoculum of lactic acid bacteria and sodium bicarbonate in improving the nutritive value of lucerne silage. Twenty Holstein heifers (live weight 183 ± 9·4 kg) were assigned to four dietary treatments consisting of: lucerne uninoculated or inoculated prior to ensilage and then either unsupplemented or supplemented with NaHCO₃ (40 g kg⁻¹ dry matter (DM)). The lucerne silage contained 320 g kg⁻¹ DM and constituted 600 kg⁻¹ diet DM. The animals were fed once daily for 90 d and samples of jugular blood were analysed for plasma ammonia and indices of blood acid-base status. Inoculation of Lucerne reduced ( P <0·01) silage pH but had no other effect on silage composition. In the absence of NaHCO₃, liveweight gain and organic matter intake were improved by inoculating lucerne prior to ensilage; however, in the presence of NaHCO₃, inoculation reduced growth rate but had no major effect on intake. Dietary treatment did not (P>0·05) affect the concentration of plasma ammonia or measures bf blood acid-base status. The results suggest that NaHCO₃ may have nullifled any potential benefit of inoculating lucerne silage to improve its nutritive value for heifers.     

Nutritional responses of rats fed mixtures of plant and animal proteins

Twenty four male rats (45–65 g) were used to determine the nutritional responses to mixed plant and animal protein diets. Rats were fed various mixtures of sorghum (S), pigeon pea (PP), bread fruit (TAP) plus crayfish (CR) to provide 1.6 g N/100g of daily diet for a 35-day study period. Three different diets were fed to 6 rats assigned to each diet on the basis of body weight. Combination of PP:CR caused increases in N intake and retention, weight gain, and PER higher than for those of the other test groups. Its values for N intake and retention, and BV were higher than for those of the control except for food intake, NPU, weight gain and PER. Substitution of CR (20%) with TAP and PP as supplements to S decreased food intake, weight gain and PER and increased N intake, digested and retained N, NPU and BV. The results appear to indicate that (a) PP:CR blend was better than other blends as judged by the parameters, and (b) TAP and PP were superior to CR alone as supplement to S.     

Growth,blood chemistry and histology of rats fed zincsupplemented rapeseed protein concentrates

Two rapeseed protein concentrates (RPC) supplemented with zinc oxide were fed to male and female rats at two levels providing approximately half or all of the protein in a purified basal diet containing 20% protein (N×6.25). Control groups were given either a purified basal diet with casein or a laboratory chow diet. After 16 weeks, there were no significant (P<0.05) differences in body weight except the male rats fed the casein control diet had higher body weights than did other male rats. No significant differences were observed in organ weights including thyroids, hematology, bone marrow differential counts, serum glucose, urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin/globulin ratio, cholesterol, transaminases or alkaline phosphatase. The levels of serum vitamins A and E of females fed some of the RPC diets were less than in those fed the caseincontrol diet, but equal to those in females fed laboratory chow diet. Females fed either RPC or casein in the semi-purified diets, which contained zinc oxide, exhibited kidney calcification.Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, No. 112; Food Research Institute, No. 420.     

The nutritive value of all-vegetable protein diets based on legume,cereal and tuber in weanling rats

Thirty albino weanling male rats (45–55 g) were divided into five groups of six rats each on the basis of body weight and fed combinations of dehulled brown beans (DBB); parboiled rice (R); and cassava meal (G) which provided 10% protein for 35 days. Casein served as the reference protein. Combinations of DBB (50–80%); with R (18–48%); and G (2%) produced varied effects on body weight, nitrogen (N) intake, N digestibility and retention, BV, liver weight and plasma albumin (P<0.05).The DBB:R:G (70:28:2) blend induced decreases in all the parameters tested except for the BV and PER values. The control group produced digested and retained N, protein efficiency ratio (PER), weight gain and liver weight that were significantly higher than for those of the test diets (P<0.05). These results appear to suggest that starchy foods when blended with legumes at low levels produced good quality protein comparable to casein.     

Serum and liver lipids of rats fed rubber seed oil

Crude rubber seed oil (RSO) was incorporated at the 5% level in diets free of cholesterol or containing 1% cholesterol, respectively. These studies were initiated for the purpose of evaluating the palatability and potential toxicity of RSO. Corn oil was used as a control. A considerable amount of unsaponifiable matter was detected in RSO. In addition, RSO was found to possess a fatty acid profile which was fairly different from that of corn oil, primarily due to a much higher content of linolenic acid and a lower content of linoleic acid in RSO. No adverse effects on food intake and average daily gain were observed in rats fed RSO in both cholesterol-free and cholesterol diets. The presence of RSO in cholesterol-free diets results in lower (p<0.05) serum and liver total cholesterol levels than in control animals. A relative hypercholesterolemic effect compared to corn oil was observed however, when RSO was added to diets containing 1% cholesterol. In summary, the physicochemical properties of RSO as well as the presence of cholesterol in the diet are important factors in evaluating the cholesterolemic effect of RSO.     

The effect of fluidized bed combustion residue on the composition and nutritional quality of food crops for hamsters and rats

Food crops (corn, oats, soybeans, vegetables) were grown on soils treated with fluidized bed combustion residue (FBCR) or hydrated lime. The composition of the foods and their nutritional quality were evaluated in growth, balance and carcass composition studies with growing hamsters and rats. Application of FBCR had little effect on elemental concentrations of dietary components. Weight gains in hamsters over a 6 week period were higher on FBCR than on lime-treated corn diets, but there were no differences due to FBCR in gains of hamsters on the oats diets or in rats on either of the cereal based diets. Apparent retention of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, sulphur and magnesium was determined by balance and by carcass analysis. Differences in mineral retention between FBCR and lime treatments were generally small and inconsistent. Analysis of the whole body of hamsters showed lower concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and copper with FBCR compared to lime-treated corn diets; little difference in body composition was found in the rat. There was no significant accumulation of heavy metals in liver, kidney, bone, serum or hair (of rats only) and no significant differences in concentrations of elements in organs due to application of FBCR to soils on which the dietary components had been grown.     

Water and nitrogen balance of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor moench (L.)) cv. Keller under semi-arid conditions

In the framework of the E.U. project Fair CT 96-1913 “Environmental studies on sweet and fibre sorghum, sustainable crops for biomass and energy”, a research has been carried out with the aim to study the water and nitrogen balance and determine the critical N dilution curve of sweet sorghum cv. Keller. A field experiment was performed, where three irrigation treatments (I₀ = dry control, I₅₀ = 50% ETm restoration, I₁₀₀ = 100% ETm restoration) and four nitrogen fertilization levels (N₀ = no nitrogen control, N₆₀ = 60 kg ha⁻¹, N₁₂₀ = 120 kg ha⁻¹; N₁₈₀ = 180 kg ha⁻¹) were studied. The final yield was significantly affected by the amount of water distributed but not by the nitrogen level. The treatments watered up to crop establishment (I₀) produced, in the average, 7.5 t ha⁻¹ of dry matter, against 21.1 and 27.1 t ha⁻¹ of I₅₀ and I₁₀₀, respectively. The crop determined a great reduction in nitrate concentration of soil water, irrespective of nitrogen supplied. The variation between N output and input (Δ) was negative in N₀, N₆₀ and N₁₂₀ and positive in N₁₈₀. The critical value of nitrogen uptake change in relation to the water availability. The amount of nitrogen supplied did not determine significant differences upon WUE. The crop seems to have a great potentiality in Mediterranean environment in terms of yield production.     

Sun protection factor, content and composition of lipid fraction of green coffee beans

Coffee is a much enjoyed beverage because of its unique flavor and taste characteristics. The lipid fraction of coffee beans, composed of wax, oil and unsaponifiable matter, prevents volatilization and loss of flavor during the roasting process. The lipid fraction extracted from green beans is high in linoleic acid and has an ultraviolet absorption. These properties that can be very useful and suitable for cosmetic products such as skin moisturizers and sunscreens. The aim of this study was to characterize the lipid fraction and to determine the sun protection factor of 10 species of Coffea. Significant variability was found for all the parameters investigated: the wax content varying between 0.0 and 2.8%, the oil content ranging from 6.9% to 32.4%, unsaponifiable matter from 0.3% to 13.5% and the sun protection factor from 0.0 to 4.1. Fatty acids widely used in the cosmetics industry, such as linoleic and oleic acid were found to be present in excellent proportion.     

Vasorelaxation, induced by Dictyota pulchella (Dictyotaceae), a brown alga, is mediated via inhibition of calcium influx in rats

This study aimed to investigate the cardiovascular effects elicited by Dictyota pulchella, a brown alga, using in vivo and in vitro approaches. In normotensive conscious rats, CH(2)Cl(2)/MeOH Extract (CME, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) from Dictyota pulchella produced dose-dependent hypotension (-4 ± 1; -8 ± 2; -53 ± 8 and -63 ± 3 mmHg) and bradycardia (-8 ± 6; -17 ± 11; -257 ± 36 and -285 ± 27 b.p.m.). In addition, CME and Hexane/EtOAc Phase (HEP) (0.01-300 μg/mL) from Dictyota pulchella induced a concentration-dependent relaxation in phenylephrine (Phe, 1 μM)-pre-contracted mesenteric artery rings. The vasorelaxant effect was not modified by the removal of the vascular endothelium or pre-incubation with KCl (20 mM), tetraethylammonium (TEA, 3 mM) or tromboxane A(2) agonist U-46619 (100 nM). Furthermore, CME and HEP reversed CaCl(2)-induced vascular contractions. These results suggest that both CME and HEP act on the voltage-operated calcium channel in order to produce vasorelaxation. In addition, CME induced vasodilatation after the vessels have been pre-contracted with L-type Ca(2+) channel agonist (Bay K 8644, 200 nM). Taken together, our data show that CME induces hypotension and bradycardia in vivo and that both CME and HEP induce endothelium-independent vasodilatation in vitro that seems to involve the inhibition of the Ca(2+) influx through blockade of voltage-operated calcium channels.     

Physical and nutritional qualities of extruded weaning foods containing sorghum,pearl millet,or finger millet blended with mung beans and nonfat dried milk

Sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet flours (60% of each) were blended with toasted mung bean flour (30%) and nonfat dry milk (10%) and extruded (Brabender single screw) to make precooked, ready-to-eat, weaning foods. The extruded foods had high cold paste viscosity, but their cooked paste viscosity was lower than that of the respective blends. Chemical scores of the extruded foods were 78 for sorghum, 80 for pearl millet, and 96 for finger millet. Protein digstibility corrected amino acid scores (PD-CAS) were similar for pearl millet (68%) and finger millet (69%); PD-CAS for sorghum was 57%. Total dietary fiber content of the foods ranged from 7.6 to 10.1%, with the soluble dietary fiber content of the foods being about 10% higher than that of the corresponding blends. Extrusion enhanced the in vitro protein digestibility of foods, but no marked difference occurred in the in vitro carbohydrate digestibility among the unprocessed blends and the extruded foods. The net protein ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and biological values were higher for the finger millet food than for the pearl millet food, probably because of the higher lysine content of the finger millet protein.Contribution No. 95-253-J of the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station.     

施钙对间作遮荫条件下花生生育后期光合特性、糖代谢及产量的影响

于2016-2017年以花育25号为材料,在花生单作和间作条件下,设置施钙和不施钙处理,研究钙肥对单作花生、间作中间行和间作边行花生的植株性状、功能叶生育后期光合特性、糖代谢酶活性及产量的影响。结果表明,施用钙肥降低了花生主茎高和侧枝长,增加了花生分枝数、主茎节数,提高了叶片叶绿素含量、光合速率、蔗糖含量及蔗糖代谢相关酶活性;单作和间作花生荚果产量平均增产397.2 kg/hm^2,平均增产率19.9%。相同施钙水平下,越靠近玉米行的间作边行花生受遮荫影响越大,其主茎高、侧枝长较大,蔗糖合成酶(SS)、蔗糖磷酸合成酶(SPS)活性等生理指标低于单作花生。与单作不施钙比较,施钙显著增加了间作花生叶绿素含量,使其光合特性、蔗糖含量、SS、SPS酶活性无显著降低,降低了间作花生的减产幅度。本试验条件下,每公顷施用钙肥300kg可部分缓解间作遮荫对花生的不利影响。     

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.     

Effects of soaking,cooking and fermentation on composition,in-vitro starch digestibility and nutritive value of common beans

A common bean variety, grown in Burundi, was either fermented, soaked and/or cooked, and then assessed for nutrient composition, in-vitro starch digestibility and protein nutritive value. A decrease in ash, most minerals, vitamins, and some essential amino acids was noted for soaked, cooked and soaked-cooked beans. Compared to untreated beans, soaking decreased soluble sugar (9.8 percent) but increased starch (7.3 percent) and soluble fiber (16.9 percent). In cooked beans, an increase in soluble sugar (1.5 percent), and a decrease in thiamine (81.7 percent), starch (24.6 percent) and soluble fiber (16.6 percent) and nitrogen (2.9 percent) contents were observed. Crude fiber (6.9 percent) and starch (10.0 percent) increased while fat (17.6 percent), fatty acids (linoleic: 10.7 percent; linolenic: 14.3 percent) and soluble sugars (25.4 percent) and nitrogen (14.4 percent) decreased in soaked-cooked beans. Fermentation increased potassium (11.6 percent), soluble fiber (18.9 percent), and some amino acids but decreased fatty acids (linoleic: 13.5 percent; linolenic: 19.9 percent), soluble sugar (75.2 percent) and vitamin (riboflavin: 41.0 percent; niacin: 24.5 percent) contents in common beans. However, the in-vitro starch digestibility was greatly improved (12.3 percent) by cooking while it decreased in soaked beans (29.2 percent). Soaking-cooking and fermentation did not have any significant effect on the digestibility of common bean starch. Finally, among the five treatments applied to common beans, only fermentation showed a significant improvement (8.3 percent) on the protein nutritive value of this legume.     

Serum and liver lipids in rats fed diets containing corn oil,cottonseed oil,or a mixture of corn and cottonseed oils

Previous research has demonstrated that the total replacement of corn oil (CO) with cottonseed oil (CSO) in the diets of growing male rats results in a lowering of the total cholesterol (TC) concentration in the serum. It is not, however, known if a partial replacement of dietary CO with CSO would be sufficient to lower TC levels, nor is the effect of replacing dietary CO with CSO on other indices of cholesterol status (e.g., the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], non-HDL-C [i.e., very-low and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol], or the TC/HDL-C ratio). Growing male rats were fed diets having CO, CSO, or a CO/CSO (1:1, w/w) oil mixture (OM) as the source of dietary oil (diet groups CO, CSO, and OM, respectively). There were no differences between CO and OM groups for TC, HDL-C, non-HDL-C, or the TC/HDL-C ratio. However, TC was significantly lower (p 0.05)for the CSO group than the CO group (2.85 vs. 3.23 mmol/l, or 110 vs. 125 mg/dl, respectively) as was HDL-C (1.83 vs. 2.13 mmol/l, or 71 vs. 82 mg/dl, respectively), but there were no differences between these groups for non-HDL-C or the TC/HDL-C ratio. Diet had no effect on serum triglycerides (TGs) or on total liver content of either cholesterol or TGs. Thus, partial (50%) replacement of CO with CSO was without effect on any of these serum indices of cholesterol status, but total replacement resulted in lower TC and HDL-C, without affecting non-HDL-C or the TC/HDL-C ratio. Because, relative to CO, CSO has higher levels of saturated fatty acids but lower levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, the cholesterol-lowering effect of CSO appears to be unrelated to its fatty acid composition, and may be caused by a component of its nonsaponifiable fraction.     

Nutritive value of rapeseed proteins and fractions supplemented with methionine and tyrosine in rats

Rapeseed protein concentrate (RPC), rapeseed 2S and 12S fractions, a blend of 2S and 12S fractions, retentate (RET) and precipitate (PRE) proteins obtained during rapeseed fractionation were compared to casein for nutritive value as determined by net protein ratio (NPR) and apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC). Tyrosine concentration in rapeseed 2S fraction was the lowest compared to all other protein sources and methionine was the first limiting amino acid. The NPR and ADC of RPC, RET, and fraction 12S did not change significantly (P<0.05) following supplementation with methionine, but for PRE the NPR was decreased significantly (P<0.05). However, the rapeseed 2S fraction supplemented with tyrosine had a NPR significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of RPC and not significant (P<0.05) different from that of casein. The NPR of the 2S and 12S blend was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of RET and PRE; however, no significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in NPR and ADC of the blend when supplemented with tyrosine. The nutritive value and digestibility of rapeseed 2S fraction were improved by supplementation with tyrosine and by blending with the 12S fraction.