Effects of amylose and wheat bran on the levels of blood serum urea nitrogen (BUN), other blood parameters,growth and fecal characteristics in rats

A basal diet (containing 20% soybean protein isolate) was supplemented with limiting amino acids (AA, methionine, threonine and tryptophan); wheat bran (WB, 24.3%); amylose (AM, 10%) or a combination of AA and WB or AM to investigate their effects on the levels of blood serum urea nitrogen (BUN), other blood parameters, growth and fecal characteristics in young rats. After 3 weeks feeding, supplementation of the basal diet with AA or WB resulted in improved growth (gain/food ratio) while the addition of AM had no effect on rat growth. Addition of WB to the basal diet had no effect on BUN while the addition of AA and AM caused about 20 and 12% reduction in BUN values, respectively. Rats fed the AA-AM diet had the lowest BUN values (42% lower than those fed the basal diet). Fresh volume, fresh weight, moisture and dry weight of feces in rats fed the WB diets were about four to five fold higher than in those fed the AM diets. The results suggested that BUN may not be a good predictor of growth and protein quality in diets containing AM or a source of dietary fiber (WB).     

Influence of dietary soybean trypsin inhibitors and DL-ethionine on sulfur amino acid adequacy of diets for young rats

Weanling male Wistar rats were fed 20% protein diets based on casein or either of two combinations of soy protein isolate and ground raw soy providing three levels of soybean trypsin inhibitors (SBTI; 0,448 and 808 mg of trypsin inhibited per 100g of diet respectively). DL-ethionine was included at three levels (0,0.05% and 0.10%) with each level of SBTI. After 4, 8 and 12 weeks ofad libitum feeding, diets containing SBTI without DL-ethionine were associated with decreases in weight gain, feed efficiency, serum cholesterol and serum urea nitrogen. Higher levels of triglycerides, glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and altered serum free amino acid levels were also found. Increased dietary levels of DL-ethionine also resulted in deficits in growth and feed efficiency, decreased serum cholesterol, increased SGPT and similar alterations in serum free amino acids. Combination of dietary SBTI with DL-ethionine resulted in even greater growth deficits and serum cholesterol decreases as well as increases in SGPT and serum triglycerides and changes in serum free amino acid levels. Methionine deficiency in the young rats fed SBTI and DL-ethionine was indicated by the changes in serum amino acids and growth deficits. Moderation of some effects over the 12 week test period suggested decreased methionine requirements in the older rats.     

Effect of amino acid supplementation on protein quality of soy-based infant formulas fed to rats

The powder forms of soy-based infant formulas obtained from four manufacturers were fed to weanling rats for two weeks, as the sole source of protein in diets containing 8% protein, 20% fat, and adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins. The relative protein efficiency ratio (RPER) and the relative net protein ratio (RNPR) values (casein + methionine=100) of diets containing unsupplemented formulas were 71–81 and 78–85, respectively. Supplementation of the formula diets with lysine (0.2%), methionine (0.2%), threonine (0.1%) or tryptophan (0.05%) increased the level of the supplemental amino acid in rat serum but generally failed to improve the RPER or RNPR values. Addition of all four essential amino acids to the formula diets, however, caused a marked improvement in their protein quality (RPER or RNPR values=100). The data suggested that proteins in soy-based formulas could be marginally co-limiting in several indispensable amino acids.Presented in part at the 202nd annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, New York City, 25–30 August 1991.     

Influence of native endophytic bacteria on the growth and bacterial crown rot tolerance of papaya (Carica papaya)

The native plant microbiome is composed of diverse microbial communities that influence overall plant health, with some species known to promote plant growth and pathogen resistance. Here, we show the antibacterial and growth promoting activities of autoclaved culture metabolites (ACM) from native endophytic bacteria (NEB). These NEB were isolated from a papaya cultivar (var. Cariflora) that is tolerant to bacterial crown rot (BCR) caused by Erwinia mallotivora. In this cultivar, bacterial colonization in tissues recovering from the disease was observed before onset of tissue regeneration or ‘regrowth’. We further isolated and characterized these bacteria and were able to identify two culturable stem NEB related to plant endophytic genera Kosakonia sp. (ex. Enterobacter sp., isolate EBW), and to Sphingomonas sp. (isolate EBY). We also identified root NEB under genus Bacillus (isolates BN, BS, and BT). Inhibition assays indicated that ACM from these NEB promptly (within 18-30 h) and efficiently inhibited (60–65% reduction) E. mallotivora proliferation in vitro. When surface-sterilized papaya seeds were soaked in ACM from isolates EBY and EBW, germination was variably retarded (20–60% reduction) depending on plant genotype, but plant biomass accumulation was significantly stimulated, at around two-fold increase. Moreover, greenhouse experiments show that ACM from all isolates, especially isolate EBW, significantly reduced BCR incidence and severity in a susceptible genotype (var. Solo), at around two-fold. In general, our observations of pathogen antagonism and plant growth promotion leading to disease reduction, suggested the influence of native endophytic bacteria to increased fitness in plants, and tolerance against the re-emerging crown rot disease of papaya.

     

Prospects of raising Sahiwal cow calves for veal production under tropical environment

The objective of present study was to evaluate the growth potential of Sahiwal calves for veal production on whole milk or whole milk and milk replacer combined in a ratio of 50:50 (MMR). For this purpose, 48 Sahiwal calves (both male and female) were assigned to four dietary treatments having 12 animals/treatment. Calves in the treatments A and B were offered whole milk at 15 or 20 % of their body weight (BW), respectively, up to day 84 adjusted on weekly basis. The calves in treatments C and D received the same amount of milk as in treatments A and B until day 21, respectively, after which 50 % of the milk offered was replaced with a blend of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) flour and vegetable (corn) oil mixed in water (MR) until day 84. The constituted MR had 3.1, 2.8, and 14.3 %, CP, EE, and DM, respectively. The growth and intake data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis, with MIXED Procedures of SAS in a 2?×?2 factorial design. The two factors were feeding level and feeding source. Calves offered whole milk grew faster (P?<?0.05) and had greater weaning weights (P?<?0.05) than those offered MMR (606.4?±?18.1 vs 331.3?±?18.1 g/day and 70.4?±?1.5 vs 47.8?±?1.5 kg, respectively). Greatest daily BW gain (656?±?26 g/day) and weaning weight (74.6?±?2.1 kg) were observed in calves given treatment B while the lowest production cost/kg of BW gain (≈US$3.6?±?0.2) was observed in calves given treatment A. The daily BW gain of calves fed milk ad libitum was 716?±?40 and 836?±?40 g/day, during 5–8 and 9–12 weeks, respectively. The number of days calves exhibited scours was higher in calves offered MMR than those offered whole milk. Replacement of 50 % milk with a blend of chickpea flour and vegetable oil, as an alternative to milk replacer, did not support growth equivalent to whole milk and was not effective in reducing feeding cost during the weaning period. Sahiwal calves may have promise for being raised for veal production under tropical environments.     

Anti-oxidant enzyme responses during in vitro embryogenesis in Catharanthus roseus

Summary

The present study was carried out to analyse the activities of several anti-oxidant enzymes at various stages of somatic embryogenesis in Catharanthus roseus. The hypothesis was that anti-oxidant enzymes accumulated as part of a cellular defence mechanism in response to stress. We therefore measured superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities in various in vitro-grown tissues such as embryogenic and non-embryogenic calli, and in embryos at various stages. SOD activity increased gradually from the early embryogenic stage to heart-shaped stage embryos, but declined in the later stages (i.e., torpedo-shaped and cotyledonary embryos). In contrast, APX activity was high in non-embryogenic callus and decreased rapidly during the stage of embryo initiation. This pattern was the same for CAT. The maximum CAT activity was observed in non-embryogenic callus, then it declined almost linearly at the embryonic and post-embryonic developmental stages. The effect of exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on in vitro embryogenesis was also evaluated. Lower H₂O₂ levels (0.025 mM) promoted embryo formation, whereas higher levels (0.10 mM) inhibited embryogenesis in C. roseus. Finally, higher soluble protein, free amino acid, and proline contents were found in embryogenic calli compared to non-embryogenic calli.     

Assessment of Fulvic Acid-Like Fractions during Tannery Waste Composting

Changes in the structural composition of fulvic acids were followed during composting of tannery solid waste after neutralization of its acidity by ammonium or by lime. Different techniques (elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy) were applied. During both trials of composting, a decrease of carbon and increase of oxygen occurred, which originated from strong microbial oxidation and preservation of some structures during composting. In fact, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra showed the preservation of anomeric or tannin structures around 105 ppm. The infrared (IR) spectral data showed a decrease in the intensity of COO^? group bands (1623 and 1399.5 cm^?1); this is correlated with a decrease of fulvic acid levels. The variations observed in NMR spectra could be explained by the involvement of COO^? groups of certain structures in polycondensing to form humic acids. The fulvic acids remain composed of less polycondensed structures with a –COOH extremity, as supported by a decrease of the C/H ratio. In contrast, in the trial with addition of ammonia a slight increase in N content occurred, a decrease in absorbance in the 1730–1000 cm^?1 regions compared to the absorbance around 3400 cm^?1, and a strong decrease of carboxyl carbon in the ¹³C-NMR spectra.     

Evaluation of decay resistance of wood products made from borax-impregnated wood and bonded with a formaldehyde-free cornstarch and tannin adhesive

? At present, the production of wood composites mainly relies on the petrochemical-based and formaldehyde-based adhesives such as phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins and urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins, which are non-renewable and therefore ultimately limited in supply.

? This paper concerns the decay resistance of wood products bonded with a new, environment-friendly adhesive derived from abundant and renewable cornstarch and tannin. To improve the total resistance of the composite against both Coriolus versicolor and Coniophora puteana rot fungi, borax (di-sodium tetraborate) was added in proportions of 0.5%, 1% and 2% (w/w) to the cornstarch-tannin adhesives.

? The results show that increasing the concentration of borax in the adhesive decreased the mechanical properties of the composite. The best way to avoid this problem was to use wood impregnated with borax.

? Biodegradation studies were conducted on new composites, first without any treatment, followed by borax at 0.5% aqueous solution treatment. The results show that wood impregnated with borax, in the presence of tannin and sodium hydroxide in the adhesive improves the total resistance of the wood composite against both Coriolus versicolor and Coniophora puteana rot fungi.

     

Germination,growth and ions uptake of moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) grown under saline condition

Salinity is the major environmental stress that affects the growth and productivity of plants. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of salinity on growth and ions uptake by moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) plant. The experiment was carried out in two phases. Initially, a germination test was conducted in the laboratory under the different salinity levels (control, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dS m^?1) and found that moringa seeds were germinated only at 5 and 10 dS m^?1 salinity levels, and no germination occurred at higher salinity levels (15 and 20 dS m^?1). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications. In the second phase, three-week old nursery grown plants of moringa were shifted in pots under the five salinity levels (control, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dS m^?1). The experiment was laid out in CRD and replicated four times. In pot experiment, the root, shoot length, and dry weights were significantly affected by increasing the salinity levels. The uptake of K⁺ and Ca²⁺ was highly affected at different salinity levels as compared to control and Na⁺ ions accumulation was higher in roots rather than shoot. The results reveal that moringa plant can germinate, survive, and can be cultivated in areas with moderate saline condition.