Digestibility Coefficients and Energy in Alfalfa Hay from Chimborazo and Tungurahua

This study was part of a project (Grasas By Pass), funded by Ciencias Pecuarias ESPOCH. Samples from Chimborazo and Tungurahua were analyzed. The statistical analysis included descriptive analysis and significance tests, including Tukey test. The following results of ranges were found in the first phase: humidity: 7.79% (± 0.06) – 9.99% (± 0.08); ashes: 9.16% (± 0.14) – 10.50% (± 0.01); protein: 18.73% (± 0.10) – 21.37% (± 0.52); crude fiber: 31.64% (± 0.26) – 41.69% (± 0.11); ethereal extract: 1.36% (± 0.22) – 2.13% (± 0.50); and ELN: 28.30% (± 0.09) – 34.46% (± 0.24). The results from the second phase were: F.D.N.: 41.39% (± 1.32) – 51.77% (± 0.01); F.D.A.: 37.36% (± 0.26) – 45.47% (± 1.04); and L.D.A.: 7.85% (± 0.48) – 9.30% (± 0.39). In vivo digestibility tests were developed in metabolic cages with six sheep per treatment for 11 days. The following results were found: Dry matter digestibility coefficient (C.D.M.S.): 60.78% – 66.42%; organic matter (C.D.M.O.): 61.97% – 68.24%; protein (C.D.P.B.): 74.35% – 80.23%; crude fiber (C.D.F.C): 43.73% – 59.39%; ethereal extract (C.D.E.E.): 26.56% – 51.76%; and E.L.N. (C.D.ELN): 67.26% – 81.96%. Finally, the Van Es equations were applied to estimate the values of E.M., E.Nl., E.Ng. and N.D.T. The digestibility and energy coefficients for the hay from Chimborazo - San Juan were higher, and there were lower values for Tungurahua – Cunchibamba. Keywords: chemical composition, digestibility coefficient, useful energy. RESUMEN Como parte del proyecto financiado Grasas By Pass, de la Facultad de Ciencias Pecuarias ESPOCH; se analizaron muestras procedentes de Chimborazo y Tungurahua; el análisis estadístico incluyó análisis descriptivo y pruebas de significancia según Tukey P < 0.0001, en la primera etapa se realizó el análisis proximal que reportó rangos de: humedad 7,79% (±0,06) –9,99% (±0,08), cenizas 9,16% (±0,14) – 10,50% (±0,01), proteína 18,73% (±0,10) – 21,37% (±0,52), fibra cruda 31,64% (±0,26) – 41,69% (±0,11), extracto etéreo 1,36% (±0,22) – 2,13% (±0,50) y E.L.N. 28,30% (±0,09) – 34,46% (±0,24). La segunda fase analizó: F.D.N. con valores de 41,39% (±1,32) – 51,77%(±0,01), F.D.A. 37,36% (±0,26) – 45,47% (±1,04) y L.D.A. 7,85% (±0,48) – 9,30% (±0,39). Se desarrolló las pruebas de digestibilidad In vivo en jaulas metabólicas con 6 ovinos por tratamiento durante 11 días, encontrándose rangos para el coeficiente de digestibilidad de la materia seca (C.D.M.S.) desde 60,78% – 66,42%; materia orgánica (C.D.M.O.) de 61,97% a 68,24%, proteína (C.D.P.B.) de 74,35% a 80,23%, fibra cruda (C.D.F.C) desde 43,73% hasta 59,39%, extracto etéreo (C.D.E.E.) 26,56% a 51,76%, y E.L.N. (C.D.ELN) desde 67,26% hasta 81,96%. Finalmente se aplicó las ecuaciones de Van Es para estimar los valores de E.M., E.Nl., E.Ng. N.D.T. Siendo más elevados los coeficientes de digestibilidad y energía para los henos de Chimborazo - San Juan y valores más bajos para Tungurahua- Cunchibamba. Palabras claves: composición química, coeficiente de digestibilidad, energía útil.

Proximal, Microbiological and Color Evaluation and Comparison of the Meat of Llamas (Lama glama) and Alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

In this study, the meat of llama (Lama glama) and alpaca (Vicugna pacos) were examined. Data were analyzed through the analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the Centurion Statgraphics software. The bromatological characteristics of the meat were evaluated through proximal analysis. A high percentage of protein content was identified, with a higher value in the llama meat (24.025%). Regarding the ethereal extract, minimum values ​​were obtained in the alpaca meat (2.707%), indicating lean meat. The humidity was variable depending on the conditions of the conservation, and the organic matter present in the meat defined the ash content, which was not higher than 5%. In terms of the microbiological analyses, the value ​​of viable aereobic mesophiles in llama meat was 1330 cfu/g, and in alpaca meat it was 1490 cfu/g; and the values for E. coli were 0.500 cfu/g and 1,250 cfu/g, respectively. Keywords: software, Lama glama, Vicugna pacos, proximal analysis, microbiological requirements. RESUMEN La carne de Llama (Lama glama) y Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) cumple con los requisitos para ser considerada como carne; Mediante el análisis de varianza (ANOVA) utilizando el Software Statgraphics Centurion se evalúa los requisitos bromatológicos por medio del análisis proximal de las carnes en estudio, donde se identifica un alto porcentaje en el contenido de proteína, lo que conlleva a un elevado valor biológico en ambas especies, siendo más destacada, en la carne de llama con 24,025%; En cuanto a extracto etéreo se obtiene valores mínimos en especial en la carne de alpaca con 2,707%, favoreciendo a la obtención de carne magra; En lo referente a humedad va a ser variable dependiendo de las condiciones de conservación de la misma, mientras tanto la materia orgánica presente en la carne define el contenido de cenizas, el cual no podrá ser mayor al 5%. En relación a los análisis microbiológicos los valores de Mesófilos Aereobios Viables en la carne de llama fueron 1330 ufc/g, en la carne de alpaca 1490 ufc/g, para E. Coli de 0,500 ufc/g, y 1,250 ufc/g respectivamente encontrándose dentro de lo establecido en la Norma, y valores no permisibles por la presencia de Coliformes Totales. Palabras clave: software, Lama glama, Vicugna pacos, análisis proximal, requerimientos microbiológicos.

Morphological, physical and chemical analysis of acorns from three oak species from Durango, Mexico

Introduction: In Mexico, there is a lack of information on morphological, physical and chemical characteristics of acorns of Quercus, which makes it difficult to make decisions on the use that can be made to the fruits. Objectives: To identify the morphological, physical and chemical characteristics of Quercus rugosaNée, Q. sideroxyla Humb. & Bonpl. and Q. deserticola Trel. acorns. Materials and methods: From each species, 10 trees were selected and 30 acorns per tree were collected. Mature acorns were characterized morphologically (polar and equatorial diameter, shell weight and total weight) and in physicochemical characterization (moisture, dry matter, ash, crude fiber and protein, ethereal extract and tannins) green and mature acorns were used. Differences among species and among maturity stages were determined with an analysis of variance (P ≤ 0.05) and subsequent Tukey’s test. Results and discussion: Morphology varied among species and among trees of the same species (P < 0.05); Q. deserticola had the largest acorn size (15.69 mm) and weight (1.94 g), and Q. sideroxylaproduced the smallest acorns. Maturity stage and species significantly (P < 0.05) influenced chemical composition; mature acorns had higher content of ethereal extract (8.88 %) and protein (8.40 %). Pearson’s correlation indicated that acorn weight was strongly associated with crown diameter and diameter at breast height. Conclusion: Significant differences were found in morphology and chemical composition of acorns of each species, although they inhabit sites with similar characteristics.

Bromatological composition and dry matter production of corn hydroponic fodder

The objective was to evaluate sowing density influence on hydroponic corn fodder bromatological composition, harvested in different ages raised on grass mix substrate. The experimental design used was completely randomized with six replications for each treatment, using 2.0 m² plots (1.0 x 2.0 m). The densities were distributed into factorial array (4x4), consisting in four sowing densities (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kg m-²) and four cutting ages (10, 15, 20 and 25 days). The dry matter content (DMC) and production (DMP) and crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), Fiber neutral detergent (FND) and ethereal extract (EE) were analyzed each cutting age. In terms of DMP (kg m-²), EE (%) and DMC (kg m-²), it is recommended to use the density 1.0 kg m-² with cutting age of 25 days. Regarding CP (%) the best result was at 15 days of cut and density 2.5 kg m-² and the values for FND (%) and ADF (%) were higher at 25 days at 2.0 kg density 2,0 kg m-². The choice of both best harvesting age and density will depend on what is desired of the nutritional forage (CP, EE, NDF, ADF, DMC and DMP) as well its destination, since very close values were found in all analyzes, regardless of density and age of harvest analyzed.

Macauba palm cake as additive in elephant grass silage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the addition of macauba palm cake (Acrocomia aculeata) on the chemical composition, fermentation and aerobic stability of elephant grass silages (Pennisetum purpureum). The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The treatments were composed of six levels of macauba palm cake (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30%) as additive to elephant grass silage. Dry matter and ethereal extract content of the silage increased linearly with the inclusion of the additive. Addition levels of 15.54% would provide 35% of dry mass, and the limit of 7.00% of ethereal extract in the silage could be obtained with 10.47%. The neutral detergent fiber content reduced linearly from 68.97 to 52.59%, but lignin increased linearly from 6.56 to 7.70%. There was a reduction of 0.17% in the ammoniacal nitrogen content for each 1% of cake. The minimum value of dry matter losses (1.33%) was estimated to the inclusion level of 23.70%. The aerobic stability increased with inclusions between 18 and 24% of cake. The use of levels between 10 and 15% of macauba palm cake are sufficient to optimize dry matter and ethereal extract contents of the silages and to provide a high aerobic stability with minimum losses.

Behaviour of Salicornia neei Cultivated in Different Spacing and Irrigated with Desalinizer Tailings

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of line and row spacing on biomass yield and minerals absorbed by Salicornia neei irrigated with desalination reject. The experiment was conducted in beds at the headquarters of the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco-IPA, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments consisting of six spacings between plants and rows: 5x5, 10x10, 15x15, 20x20, 30x30 and 40x40 cm, with three repetitions and 30 Salicornia neei plants per repetition. After six months, the aerial part of the plant was collected and analyzed bromatologically. It was statistically noticed that the 15x15 cm spacing between plants favored where most bromatological determinations: dry matter weight - DMW (9,353.0 kg/ha); total nitrogen - NT (3.09%); total protein - PT (19.31%); acid detergent fiber - ADF (30.50%); neutral detergent fiber - NDF (38.15%); total fiber - FT (26.71%) and ethereal extract - EE (1.91%). Regarding the phytoextraction by Salicornia neei, the most efficient spacing were: 20x20 cm for sodium - Na (15.5%); 30x30 cm for potassium - K (3.00%) and 40x40 cm for calcium - Ca (4.18%) and magnesium - Mg (3.90%), showing the potential use of Salicornia neei in soils affected by salts.

Dietary levels of methionine plus cystine and chelated copper on the chemical composition of eggs and yolk cholesterol of 49-week-old brown laying hens

The present study aims to evaluate the possible interactions of dietary levels of methionine plus cystine (Met + Cys) and organic copper (Cu) on the chemical composition of eggs, using 320 Hy-Line Brown hens at 49 weeks of age. Composition and deposition variables were evaluated in a 4 × 5 factorial arrangement, with total analysed levels of 18, 44, 71, and 99 mg kg-1 of Cu and 0.613, 0.631, 0.816, 0.918, and 0.955% Met + Cys. We allocated four replicate cages (four hens/cage) to each treatment group. Two eggs per plot were sampled to determine the chemical composition of albumen and yolk, based on natural and dry matter and on daily rates of deposition. An interaction effect of Met + Cys and Cu levels was observed for deposition rates of ash and Cu in the yolk, and the chemical composition of Ethereal Extract (EE) and ash in eggs, EE in albumen and Nitrogen, EE, and ash in the yolk. An isolated effect was observed for Met + Cys on egg chemical composition and on shell and yolk fractions, as well as on deposition rates of albumen N, EE, and ash, and yolk EE. The yolk cholesterol content increased by 18.17% with increasing Met + Cys in diets. In conclusion, the chemical composition of eggs varied with dietary Met + Cys and organic Cu concentrations. Dietary levels of Met + Cys determined the yolk cholesterol concentration in laying hens.

Performance of pacu juveniles fed diets supplemented with L-carnitine

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on the productive performance and physiology of juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). A total of 288 pacu, with an initial average weight of 9.62±0.74 g, were fed experimental diets supplemented with 400, 800, 1,200, 1,600, and 2,000 mg kg-1 L-carnitine and a control diet (without supplementation), for 128 days. The following were evaluated: growth performance; carcass centesimal composition; intestinal, muscle, and hepatic histomorphologies; and oxidative stress. The fish hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic fat indexes increased with the inclusion of L-carnitine in the diets. The evaluation of carcass centesimal composition showed that the diets supplemented with 2,000 mg kg-1 L-carnitine caused a reduction in protein content and an increase in that of ethereal extract. Intestinal histomorphology indicated changes in the villi with L-carnitine supplementation. Moreover, hepatic lipid peroxidation occurred with the inclusion of 2,000 mg kg-1 L-carnitine. The supplementation with L-carnitine in the diets of pacu juveniles does not influence the development of the fish until the rate of 1,600 mg kg-1. However, high carcass lipid levels, as well as an increase in the hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic fat indexes, are observed in fish fed diets containing 2,000 mg kg-1.

Compositional and antioxidant analysis of peels from different banana varieties (Musa spp.) for their possible use in developing enriched flours

The banana peel represents about 30% of the fruit, it is discarded and could be used for food development, due to its chemical and antioxidant composition. It is rich in fiber, proteins, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium and in phenolic compounds; which could be used in the treatment of certain types of cancer and coronary heart disease. The objective was to bromatologically evaluate banana peels of five different varieties, as well as their antioxidant activity and sensory acceptance for use in food fortification. Bromatological and antioxidant capacity analyzes of five banana varieties (roatán, macho, morado, manzano, and dominico), cereal flour formulation for product generation and sensory evaluation of the food product were performed. The macho banana peel obtained the highest values for protein, fiber and ethereal extract; presented a high antioxidant capacity for ABTS•+ and DPPH• methods. The five varieties of banana peel showed the presence of linoleic and linolenic fatty acids. The macho banana peel, obtained a high presence of essential amino acids. Products with banana peel flour were made with three other flours, where interaction with cornmeal was the best. The sensory evaluation was made with a nacho-type snack, the results showed tendency neither I like nor dislike for attributes of smell, color and flavor. A series of applications for the banana peel were generated to help its production chain and increase food availability.