Dietary habits of lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota Bengalensis) in an agro-ecosystem, Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan

Dietary habits of bandicoot rats (bandicota bengalensis) were investigated in the agricultural crops of the Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan by analysing stomach contents. The research activities were conducted in major field crops including wheat-groundnut and in the fallow lands during non-crop season at the field boundaries. The specimens were captured from the fields using kill/snap traps, and dissected to collect their stomach samples for laboratory analysis. Light microscopic slides of the plant material were recovered from stomach samples and the reference materials were collected from the field. Results revealed that the bandicoot rat predominantly fed upon cultivated crops during cropping season but consumed wild vegetation during non-cropping season. There was no significance difference between summer and winter diets. Most frequently consumed crop food items were wheat (Triticum aestivum; 28.57%), groundnut (Arachis hypogea; 11.26%), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor; 10.17%), chickpea (Cicer arietinum; 9.52%), maize (Zea mays; 6.49%), millet (Pennisetum glaucum; 5.84%), barley (Hordeum vulgare; 4.98%) and mustard (Brassica campestris; 4.98%). Among wild vegetation were consumed khbal gha (Cynodon dactylon; 7.79%), baron dhab (Demostachya bipinnata; 7.36%) and Prickly flower (Achyranthes aspera; 3.03%). The study concludes that, in addition to consuming wheat and groundnut crops, the Lesser bandicoot rat also subsists on grasses, weeds, and some fodder crops, as important component of its diet in agro-ecosystem of the Pothwar Plateau.

Evaluation of milk quality from dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with chopped and mineralized groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

This study evaluated the effect of upgrading the quality of maize stover (MS) on milk nutritive value. The study involved feeding MS improved using urea (U), chopped groundnut stover (cGS), chopped soybean stover (cSS), mineralized groundnut stover solution (mGS) and mineralized soybean stover solution (mSS) to lactating dairy cows. The feeding trial involved twelve (12) dairy cows in their second parity. Effect of supplementation with MS improved with U, cGS, cSS, mGS and mSS on milk quality was evaluated following on-station feeding trials. The study involved 22 factorial experiments within a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). Milk samples were analysed for protein, lactose, fat and solid not fat (SNF). Mean milk protein levels ranged from 3.52mg/ml to 3,73mg/ml (s.e=0.03) for milk from cows fed on MS improved using cGS and mGS respectively. Protein and Lactose were observed to be the least variable (3.64g/ml ±0.12, and 5.24g ±0.24 respectively). Average milk fat content was highest (4.78%, se=0.52) in milk from cows fed on UET treated MS and lowest (3.43%, se=0.52) in milk from cows fed on gGS protein based MS. Within legume type milk fat was higher(4.75%±1.99) in milk from cows fed on MS blended with mGS than that in milk from cows fed on MS improved with cGS (3.43%±1.99). Similar result was observed in milk fat from cows fed on MS improved with the use of soybean. Lactose in milk from cows fed on UET treated MS was highest (5.51g, se=0.061) and lowest (5.10g, se=0.061) in milk from cows fed on MS blended with cGS. Milk from cows fed on MS improved with mGS was higher (9.61p/cwt, se=0.14) in SNF and lowest (8.88p/cwt, se=0.14) in milk from cows fed on MS with cGS. The milk density values ranged from 32.65sg, se=0.53 for milk from cows fed on UET treated MS to 30.42sg, se=0.053 for milk from cows fed on MS blended with cGS. Milk components were higher when cows were fed on MS improved using mineralized legume stover solutions.

Comparative evaluation of effect of legume type on feed intake among dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

This study evaluated the use of maize, groundnut and soybean stover in cattle feeding. The study assessed the value of upgrading the quality of crop residues. The study involved evaluation of palatability of maize stover improved using urea (U), chopped groundnut stover (cGS), chopped soybean stover (cSS), mineralized groundnut stover solution (mGS) and mineralized soybean stover solution (mSS). In the feeding trial, twelve (12) crossbred dairy cows in their second parity were used as experimental units. A 22 factorial experiment within a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used. Maize stover was chopped before being mixed with urea, chopped legume stover and mineralized legume stover solutions. The effect of supplementation using maize stover upgraded with U, cGS, cSS, mGS and mSS was studied for supplement intake levels. Urea Ensilage Treatment (UET) was used as the novel therapy in the study. Both legume type and processing method had influence on supplement intake of maize stover. Groundnut stover had significantly (p˂0.05) higher (0.99kg/day, se=0.04) effect on supplement intake of maize stover than soybean stover(0.83kg/day, se=0.04). The use of mineralized legume stover solution proved significant (p˂0.05) to the use of chopped legume stover in improving the intake of maize stover. Results have indicated that intake was highest (1.01kg/day, s.e=0.04) for mineralised groundnut stover solution and lowest (0.67kg/day, s.e=0.04) for Urea Ensiling Treatment.

Effect of Time and Temperature on Biodiesel Production using Melon (Cucumeropsismannii), Groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and Soya bean (Glycine max)

This study investigated the optimum condition for biodiesel production at varying temperatures and time using melon (Cucumeropsismannii), groundnut (Arachis hypogea), and soya bean (Glycine max) seed oils. Extraction of oil from Cucumeropsismannii, Arachis hypogea, and Glycine max was accomplished using n-hexane (67.7-69.2oC) as the solvent. Biodiesel was produced from the three different seed oils at varying temperatures of 65oC, 55oC, and 45oC and also at the varied time of 60mins, 50mins and 40mins. The best percentage yield was obtained at a temperature of 65oC and a period of 60 minutes. At 40 min, the process was not complete. A good number of the transesterification process was completed at 50 mins. Also, at the lower temperature of 45oC, the method was not complete. The maximum % yield of the biodiesel obtained was 90.83% for Glycine max, 78.00% for Arachis hypogea, and 77.58% for Cucumeropsismannii seed oils. Fuel properties such as kinematic viscosity, pour point, carbon residue, cloud point, water content, flash point, cetane index, and sulfated ash were examined on the biodiesel. The flash point, carbon residue, kinematic viscosity, and water content were within the standard specified for petrol diesel. Cloud point and pour points of this product were found to be greater than that of petrol diesel. The cetane index was lower than the standard specified for petrol diesel and the three samples contained no sulfated ash. Therefore, melon (Cucumeropsismannii), groundnut (Arachis hypogea), and soya bean (Glycine max) are good alternatives to biodiesel production. Copyright (c) The Authors

Groundnut Shells as a Potential Feed Supplement for Ruminants on Pastures: A Review

Communal grazing does not offer adequate forage for ruminants throughout the year. This problem is exacerbated during the dry season when grazing is scarce and of poor nutritional quality. Mineral shortages are common in communal grazing environments and yet they are nutritional requirements for optimal development, physiologic functioning and productivity in animals, as well as for cattle growth, reproduction and health. However, the use of groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) shell (GNS) that are readily available but have no direct nutritional benefit in humans, have not been extensively investigated as a potential source of animal feed. This paper investigates the potential of GNS as feed supplement for ruminants on pasture and its use in other industries. After extracting the seed, the groundnut shell, accounts for roughly 21-29 per cent of the total weight of the nut. Despite the high lignin content of the shell that necessitates adequate processing before use in animal feed, groundnut shell includes 0.50 per cent crude protein, 59.0 per cent crude fiber, 2.50 per cent ash and 4.43 per cent carbs. Sodium (42.00 mg/100 g), potassium (705.11 mg/100 g), magnesium (3.98.00 mg/100 g), calcium (2.28 mg/100 g), iron (6.97 mg/100 g), zinc (3.20 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (10.55 mg/100 g) are all abundant in groundnut shells. In view of this, GNS, a by-product of industrial processing of groundnuts is a rich source of nutrients and can be used to supplement ruminants on pastures during times when pastures are in short supply and of poor quality. Studies are needed to investigate their use to supplement cattle on pasture grazing during times of feed shortage. However, its use as animal feed supplement is likely to face challenges from other industries such as biofuel production.

Identifikasi Kualitas Benih Kacang Tanah (Arachis Hypogaea L.) Varietas Lokal Tuban Menggunakan Uji Tetrazolium dan Uji Daya Berkecambah

Kacang tanah (Arachis hypogea L.) merupakan komoditas kacang-kacangan utama di Indonesia karena memiliki sumber protein nabati dan nilai gizi yang tinggi. Salah satu faktor yang menghambat upaya peningkatan produksi kacang tanah yaitu minimnya benih yang bermutu tinggi yang dapat dipengaruhi oleh lama penyimpanan benih. Salah satu upaya yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengurangi rendahnya mutu suatu benih yaitu melakukan pengujian dini mutu benih. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui viabilitas benih kacang tanah varietas tuban dengan menggunakan uji tetrazolium dan daya berkecambah pada penyimpanan benih yang lama. Pengujian ini dilakukan dengan 2 metode yaitu uji tetrazolium dan uji daya berkecambah. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan metode purposive sampling dengan 4 kali ulangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terjadi penurunan viabilitas benih kacang tanah yang disimpan selama 1 tahun, dari 86% turun mencapai 34%, dengan kondisi kadar air meningkat dari 6.8% menjadi 7.4%. Selain itu, hasil uji daya berkecambah benih kacang tanah ditemukan sebanyak 34% normal, 45% kecambah abnormal dan 21% kecambah mati. Berdasarkan uji tetrazolium, ditemukan bahwa benih yang viabel sebesar 79% dan benih non viabel sebesar 21%. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa perlu adanya upaya peningkatan viabilitas dan daya berkecambah benih kacang tanah varietas tuban. Identifikasi awal kualitas benih merupakan hal yang penting bagi para pelaku usaha tani agar terhindar dari kegagalan panen.

Double Production in Groundnut with Phosphatic Biofertilizers

Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L., 2n=20) is nitrogen fixing pulse crop, belong to Leguminocae family. The present study conducted on production of groundnut with phosphatic biofertilizers. The experiment was conducted at Madhav village and Sattasar village in May, 2015. The mycorrhiza solid powder dissolved with molasses + water to form organic product. The seed poured in the formulated organic product for 24 hrs. Later, the seed was placed in the prepared land. The seed emerged from the soil in 7-10 days and the flower appeared in the plant within 35 days after sowing. The healthy nodule was formed in the root organ with application mycorrhiza solid powder. The application of mycorrhiza solid powder progresses morphological growth, yield, soil property and soil biology. Keywords: groundnut, production, biofertilizer, nodule formation

DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A SMALL-SCALE GROUNDNUT SHELLING MACHINE

Food serves as one of the requirements for the survival of every living being. It exists in various forms and one of this is Groundnut. Groundnut (Arachis hypogea), apart from being considered for food, creates jobs and sources of income for the teeming populace and contributes to GDP of the countries where grown; its contributions to the national growth increase when its production is mechanized. However, in spite of the use of mechanized method of farming, the contributions are still low in developing countries, compared to the developed countries. Some of the factors responsible for this center on the fact that the available machineries are for turkey projects, which are expensive and as such they are viewed irrelevant among the small scale stakeholders in the developing nations, based on the quantity of their produce. In order to find solution to some of these challenges, the present study utilizes the characteristics of both nuts and shells of groundnuts to develop and evaluate the performance of a 20 kg/h groundnut shelling machine. The machine comprises five basic units, namely: the hopper, neck, shelling unit, power transmission unit and frame. The developed machine with a theoretically loading capacity of 2.5 kg/batch, required average of 58.02 minutes to shell the rated capacity to attain shelling efficiency of 80.39 % with loss of 3.125 % due to crushing. Findings show that the minimum productivity of the machine is 20.666 kg/hr, which improves as the moisture content of the feedstock reduces.

Rizobactérias promotoras do crescimento vegetal estimulam o crescimento das raízes e o rendimento da cultura do amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A província de Córdoba concentra 88% da área de cultivo de amendoim (Arachis hypogea L.) na Argentina. O uso de rizobactérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas (PGPR) é uma alternativa para reduzir os suprimentos sintéticos e melhorar o rendimento das colheitas. Pseudomonas e Bacillus são os principais gêneros que induzem o crescimento da cultura quando associados à rizosfera. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o impacto do PGPR em alguns traços associados ao crescimento, tanto em condições de campo como de câmara. O PGPR estimulava o crescimento das raízes, a biomassa total e o rendimento das culturas de amendoim no campo. O crescimento radicular estava entre +10 e +150% em relação ao controle. O PGPR aumentou o rendimento entre 26-44% em relação ao controle. Os resultados sugerem efeitos positivos do PGPR sobre a cultura do amendoim.