Effect of different feeding regimens on physiological indicators, intestinal transcriptome, and bacterial flora of mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi).

Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) represents a typical carnivorous freshwater economic fish in China. Recently, the study of their feeding behavior to acclimate formulated diets has become a research focus. This study evaluated the effects of various diets on the body composition, nutritional content, digestive enzyme activity, gene expression, and gut microbiota of mandarin fish. Firstly, no significant differences were found in the muscle's basic nutritional components (moisture, crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash), as well as in the fatty acid and amino acid content, between the live feed group (LFSC) and the compound feed group (CFSC). However, mandarin fish in the LFSC group exhibited significantly higher lipase activity in the liver and intestine compared to the CFSC group, while amylase activity in the intestine showed an opposite pattern. Additionally, intestinal transcriptome analysis revealed 6238 differentially expressed genes and identified several differentially expressed clock genes associated with diet type. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis indicated that different feeding regimens influenced microbial composition, revealing correlations between bacterial genera and intestinal gene expression levels. These findings provided novel insights into the gut microbiota and transcriptomic responses of mandarin fish to different dietary types.

Nutrient strengthening and lead alleviation in Brassica Napus L. by foliar ZnO and TiO2-NPs modulating antioxidant system, improving photosynthetic efficiency and reducing lead uptake.

With the anticipated foliar application of nanoparticles (NPs) as a potential strategy to improve crop production and ameliorate heavy metal toxicity, it is crucial to evaluate the role of NPs in improving the nutrient content of plants under Lead (Pb) stress for achieving higher agriculture productivity to ensure food security. Herein, Brassica napus L. grown under Pb contaminated soil (300 mg/kg) was sprayed with different rates (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L) of TiO2 and ZnO-NPs. The plants were evaluated for growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, leaf exchange attributes, oxidant and antioxidant enzyme activities. The results revealed that 100 mg/L NPs foliar application significantly augmented plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, and leaf gas exchange attributes. Furthermore, 100 mg/L TiO2 and ZnO-NPs application showed a maximum increase in SPAD values (79.1%, 68.9%). NPs foliar application (100 mg/L TiO2 and ZnO-NPs) also substantially reduced malondialdehyde (44.3%, 38.3%), hydrogen peroxide (59.9%, 53.1%), electrolyte leakage (74.8%, 68.3%), and increased peroxidase (93.8%, 89.1%), catalase (91.3%, 84.1%), superoxide dismutase (81.8%, 73.5%) and ascorbate peroxidase (78.5%, 73.7%) thereby reducing Pb accumulation. NPs foliar application (100 mg/L) significantly reduced root Pb (45.7%, 42.3%) and shoot Pb (84.1%, 76.7%) concentration in TiO2 and ZnO-NPs respectively, as compared to control. Importantly, macro and micronutrient analysis showed that foliar application 100 mg/L TiO2 and ZnO-NPs increased shoot zinc (58.4%, 78.7%) iron (79.3%, 89.9%), manganese (62.8%, 68.6%), magnesium (72.1%, 93.7%), calcium (58.2%, 69.9%) and potassium (81.5%, 68.6%) when compared to control without NPs. The same trend was observed for root nutrient concentration. In conclusion, we found that the TiO2 and ZnO-NPs have the greatest efficiency at 100 mg/L concentration to alleviate Pb induced toxicity on growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient content of Brassica napus L. NPs foliar application is a promising strategy to ensure sustainable agriculture and food safety under metal contamination.

Effects of microplastics derived from biodegradable mulch film on different plant species growth and soil properties.

Biodegradable mulch residues contribute significantly to the presence of microplastics in soil ecosystems. The environmental impact of microplastics, especially biodegradable microplastics (bio-MPs), on soil and plants is of increasing concern. In this study, the responses of five crop species potted in soil treated with different mass concentrations of bio-MPs were assessed for one month. The shoot and root biomasses of cabbages and strawberries were inhibited by bio-MPs treatment. There was little variation in the growth indicators of identical plants with the addition of different mass concentrations of bio-MPs; however, a significant difference was observed among different plants with the addition of the same concentration of bio-MPs. The detrimental effects of bio-MPs were more pronounced in strawberries and cabbages than in the other plant species. Moreover, bio-MPs can affect the availability of soil nutrients and enzyme activities. Structural equation modeling showed that changes in soil properties may indirectly affect plant growth and nutrient uptake when exposed to bio-MPs. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the ecological effects of biodegradable mulch films.

Salt stress amelioration and nutrient strengthening in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) via biochar amendment and zinc fortification: seed priming versus foliar application.

Soil salinity is a major nutritional challenge with poor agriculture production characterized by high sodium (Na+) ions in the soil. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and biochar have received attention as a sustainable strategy to reduce biotic and abiotic stress. However, there is a lack of information regarding the incorporation of ZnO NPs with biochar to ameliorate the salinity stress (0, 50,100 mM). Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the potentials of ZnO NPs application (priming and foliar) alone and with a combination of biochar on the growth and nutrient availability of spinach plants under salinity stress. Results demonstrated that salinity stress at a higher rate (100 mM) showed maximum growth retardation by inducing oxidative stress, resulted in reduced photosynthetic rate and nutrient availability. ZnO NPs (priming and foliar) alone enhanced growth, chlorophyll contents and gas exchange parameters by improving the antioxidant enzymes activity of spinach under salinity stress. While, a significant and more pronounced effect was observed at combined treatments of ZnO NPs with biochar amendment. More importantly, ZnO NPs foliar application with biochar significantly reduced the Na+ contents in root 57.69%, and leaves 61.27% of spinach as compared to the respective control. Furthermore, higher nutrient contents were also found at the combined treatment of ZnO NPs foliar application with biochar. Overall, ZnO NPs combined application with biochar proved to be an efficient and sustainable strategy to alleviate salinity stress and improve crop nutritional quality under salinity stress. We inferred that ZnO NPs foliar application with a combination of biochar is more effectual in improving crop nutritional status and salinity mitigation than priming treatments with a combination of biochar.

Comparison of nutritional profile between plant-based meat analogues and real meat: A review focusing on ingredients, nutrient contents, bioavailability, and health impacts.

In order to fully understand the nutritional heterogeneity of plant-based meat analogues and real meat, this review summarized their similarities and differences in terms of ingredients, nutrient contents, bioavailability and health impacts. Plant-based meat analogues have some similarities to real meat. However, plant-based meat analogues are lower in protein, cholesterol and VB12 but higher in dietary fiber, carbohydrates, sugar, salt and various food additives than real meat. Moreover, some nutrients in plant-based meat analogues, such as protein and iron, are less bioavailable. There is insufficient evidence that plant-based meat analogues are healthier, which may be related to the specific attributes of these products such as formulation and degree of processing. As things stand, it is necessary to provide comprehensive nutrition information on plant-based meat products so that consumers can make informed choices based on their nutritional needs.

Distribution Characteristics of Low-Molecular-Weight Organic Acids in Reclaimed Soil Filled with Fly Ash: A Study.

This study aims to assess the contents of different kinds of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) in reclaimed soil filled with fly ash in the Huainan mining area in China using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% phosphoric acid and acetonitrile in a volume ratio of 98:2, the detection was performed at a wavelength of 210 nm for 15 min. In addition, a cluster analysis was performed on the detected LMWOAs in the reclaimed soil. The correlations between the LMWOA and nutrient contents in the reclaimed soil were also analyzed. In total, eight and seven LMWOAs were detected in the reclaimed soil and filled fly ash, respectively. In contrast, no LMWOAs were detected in the fresh fly ash from a thermal power plant. The order of total LMWOA contents at different sampling points followed the order of farmland control soil > 1# (Triticum aestivum) > 4# (Phragmites australis) > 5# (Vigna radiata) > 2# (Sorghum bicolor) > 3# (Tamarix ramosissima) > fly ash-filled soil. The farmland control soil and fly ash-filled soil exhibited the highest and lowest LMWOA contents of 648.22 and 85.09 µg·g-1, respectively. The LMWOA contents in the reclaimed soil followed the order of oxalic acid > tartaric acid > malonic acid > lactic acid > acetic acid > citric acid > propionic acid > succinic acid. Indeed, oxalic acids exhibited the highest total amount of 1445.79 µg·g-1 and succinic acids exhibited the lowest total amount of 6.50 µg·g-1. The LMWOA contents in the reclaimed soil decreased with increasing soil depth, showing statistically significant differences between the 0-10 and 10-40 cm soil layers (p < 0.05). According to the obtained clustering results, the detected LMWOAs can be divided into two categories. The first category consisted of oxalic acid, while the second category included the remaining LMWOAs. The soil LMWOA contents of 4# (Phragmites australis) and 5# (Vigna radiata) were significantly different from those at the other sampling points. According to the Pearson correlation analysis results, the occurrence and characteristics of the soil LMWOAs can be controlled by regulating the pH values and available nutrient contents in the soil, thereby improving the eco-environmental conditions of the reclaimed rhizosphere.

Soil warming affects sap flow and stomatal gas exchange through altering functional traits in a subtropical forest.

Climate warming influences the structure and function of ecosystems. However, the mechanisms of plant water use and gas exchange responses to climate warming have been less studied, especially from the perspective of different functional traits. We conducted a field experiment to investigate how soil warming (+2 °C) affects sap flow and stomatal gas exchange through plant functional traits and nutrient characteristics in a subtropical forest. We measured stomatal gas exchange of trees (Acacia auriculiformis and Schima superba) and shrubs (Castanea henryi and Psychotria asiatica), and monitored long-term sap flow of both tree species. Besides, plant leaf nutrient contents, functional traits, and soil nutrients were also studied. It is demonstrated that soil warming significantly increased maximum sap flow density (Js_max, 35.1 %) and whole-tree transpiration (EL, 46.0 %) of A. auriculiformis, but decreased those of S. superba (15.6 % and 14.9 %, respectively). Warming increased the photosynthetic rate of P. asiatica (18.0 %) and water use efficiency of S. superba (47.2 %). Leaf nutrients and stomatal anatomical characteristics of shrubs were less affected by soil warming. Soil warming increased (+42.7 %) leaf K content of A. auriculiformis in dry season. Decomposition of soil total carbon, total nitrogen, and available nitrogen was accelerated under soil warming, and soil exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ were decreased. Trees changed stomatal and anatomic traits to adapt to soil warming, while shrubs altered leaf water content and specific leaf area under soil warming. Warming had a greater effect on sap flow of trees, as well as on their leaf gas exchange (total effect: -0.27) than on that of shrubs (total effect: 0.06). In summary, our results suggest that the combination of functional and nutrient traits can help to better understand plant water use and gas exchange responses under climate warming.

The potential capability of substituting chemical fertilizers with crop straw and human-livestock-poultry manure in areas with different topographic characteristics.

Agricultural production and lifestyle are constrained by topography, causing notable under disparities in the composition, distribution, and environmental benefits of crop straw and human-livestock-poultry manure (CSHLPM) in areas with different topographic characteristics. Under the premise of the international consensus on sustainable development, it has become an objective requirement to improve the use of CSHLPM as fertilizer, and minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. Thus, an investigation was conducted to assess the difference in the quantity and composition of CSHLPM in plain, hill, and mountainous areas, taking Anhui Province of China as a case study, to evaluate the potential contribution of CSHLPM to farmland and identify the environmental benefits. The results show that the composition of CSHLPM in plain, hill, and mountainous areas varied greatly, and the reuse of CSHLPM in farmland could supplement, but not completely replace the use of chemical fertilizer to meet the needs of nutrients. In plain areas, CSHLPM did not provide the necessary amount of N and P2O5 for crop growth, whereas in mountainous areas, P2O5 was not available in adequate amounts for crop growth. Only in hilly areas can CSHLPM be used to completely replace chemical fertilizers and supply the necessary amounts of nutrients for crop growth. Based on the characteristics of different topographies, two constructive suggestions for improving the management strategy of CSHLPM were put forward: adjust the industrial structure of husbandry and planting, and specify the recommended ratios for mixing organic chemical fertilizers.

Temperature and Host Plant Impacts on the Development of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Linear and Nonlinear Modeling.

The tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most serious pests in field crops, vegetables, and ornamentals. Temperatures (15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 35, and 40 °C), host plants (soybean (Glycine max (L.)), maize (Zea mays L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and azuki bean (Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & H. Ohashi,), and the artificial diet-dependent developmental parameters and survival of S. litura were examined in this study. Stage-specific parameters such as threshold development temperature (LDT) and thermal constant (K) (Degree day (DD)) were determined by linear and nonlinear models (Sharpe-Schoolfield-Ikemoto), respectively. The total developmental time (egg-adult) decreased with increasing temperature on host plants and with an artificial diet. The total immature developmental time varied from 106.29, 107.57, 130.40, 111.82, and 103.66 days at 15 °C to 22.47, 21.25, 25.31, 18.30, and 22.50 days at 35 °C on soybean, maize, groundnut, azuki bean, and artificial diet, respectively. The LDT for the total immature completion was 7.50, 9.48, 11.44, 12.32, and 7.95 °C on soybean, maize, groundnut, azuki bean, and artificial diet, respectively. The K for the total immature completion was 587.88, 536.84, 517.45, 419.44, and 586.95 DD on soybean, maize, groundnut, azuki bean, and artificial diet, respectively. Temperature and host plant interaction also influenced the longevity and survival of adults. The findings of this study can be used to predict the number of generations, spring emergence, and population dynamics of S. litura. The nutrient content analysis of the host plants is discussed in terms of the developmental patterns of S. litura.

Comparison of Nutritional Components, Ruminal Degradation Characteristics and Feed Value from Different Cultivars of Alfalfa Hay.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different cultivars of alfalfa hay, including American Anderson (AA), American Golden Empress (GE), China Zhongmu No. 1 (ZM1) and China Gongnong No. 1 (GN1), on conventional nutrient composition, rumen degradation characteristics and feed value. Four healthy Holstein cows (137 ± 14 days in milk, 2.40 ± 0.50 parity) equipped with permanent ruminal cannulas were examined for the nylon-bag technique. The alfalfa hay samples were incubated in the rumen for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h according to the "gradual in/all out" schedule to detect the ruminal nutrients' degradability. Our results showed that various cultivars of alfalfa hay from different planting regions had significant differences on nutrient contents, rumen degradability and feed value. For nutritional components of alfalfa hay, the highest dry matter (DM) content was found in GE and the lowest in GN1 (p < 0.001); however, GN1 had the greatest concentration of ether extract (EE, p = 0.01), Ca (p < 0.001) and the lowest Ash (p < 0.001). Additionally, the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and highest starch contents were observed in AA and GE (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the cultivar of ZM1 represented the highest NDF, ADF and Ash contents, in conjunction with minimal CP and P concentrations (p < 0.001). In terms of rumen degradation characteristics, the effective degradation rate (ED) of DM in GE and ZM1 was significantly higher than that in AA and GN1 (p = 0.013). The NDF effective degradation was lower in ZM1 than the other three cultivars (p = 0.002), and in addition ZM1 also showed lower CP and ADF effective degradation than GE (p < 0.001). As far as feed value was concerned, the cultivar of alfalfa hay imported from the US, including AA and GE, exhibited higher relative feed value (RFV) and relative forage quality (RFQ) than Chinese alfalfa based on ZM1 and GN1 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results suggested that the cultivar of GE exhibited greater rumen degradable characteristics and feed value, while ZM1 showed the opposite status.

Diverse diets and low-fiber, low-tannin foraging preferences: Foraging criteria of Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) at low altitude in Huangshan.

Nutrient composition and food availability determine food choices and foraging strategies of animals, while altitude and geographical location affect species distribution and food availability. Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) have sophisticated foraging strategies as the largest species in Macaca. They are important in understanding the ecological evolution of the entire genus. However, the mechanism of food selection in Tibetan macaques at low altitudes remains unclear. In this study, we researched a wild Tibetan macaques group (Tianhu Mountain Group, 29 individuals) living in a low-altitude area around Mt. Huangshan, Anhui Province, China. We used instantaneous scan sampling to observe these macaques' foraging behavior from September 2020 to August 2021. We recorded the dietary composition and food availability, compared the nutrient content of staple food and non-food items, and analyzed the role of key nutrients in food selection. We found that Tibetan macaques forage on 111 plants belonging to 93 genera and 55 families. The food types included fruits (52.5%), mature leaves (17.0%), bamboo shoots (14.4%), young leaves (6.3%), flowers (4.5%), others (2.1%), stems (1.9%), and tender shoots (1.3%). Tibetan macaques forage for a maximum of 76 plant species during spring. However, dietary diversity was highest during summer (H' = 3.052). Monthly fruit consumption was positively correlated with food availability. Staple foods are lower in fiber, tannin, and water than non-foods. In addition, the time spent foraging for specific foods was negatively correlated with the fiber and tannin content of the food. The results showed that Tibetan macaques' foraging plant species and food types were diverse, and their foraging strategies varied seasonally. Our findings confirmed the effect of nutrients on food choice in Tibetan macaques. We highlighted the important role of fiber and tannin in their food choices and suggested that the foraging behavior of Tibetan macaques is highly flexible and adaptive.

Chemical and biochemical quality of organic and/ or mineral fertilization resources - A dataset from the Highlands of Madagascar.

A basic understanding of the fertilization resources (FR) characteristics is required to drive soil functions following the FR application, and to improve crop productivity. The datasets presented include the FR characteristics, i.e. their nutrient contents and biochemical quality, and their effects on soil in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization. We selected nineteen FR from local farmers, from laboratory institution and from commercial producers. The soil used in experiment was sampled in Imerintsiatosika locality, located in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. Nutrient contents of FR were evaluated by measuring total carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur contents. Biochemical quality of the products was assayed by fractioning organic matter of organic resources in soluble compartments, hemicelluloses, celluloses and lignin equivalent. Laboratory incubations in microcosm experiments were conducted with the mixture of soil and fertilization resources to determine C and N mineralization rates. Carbon mineralization rate was measured using microgas chromatography, and nitrogen mineralization rates were analyzed by colorimetry on a continuous flow analyzer.

Foliar spray of silicon nanoparticles improved the growth and minimized cadmium (Cd) in wheat under combined Cd and water-limited stress.

The effects of foliar supply of silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) on growth, physiology, and cadmium (Cd) uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were examined in different soil moisture levels. Seeds were sown in soil containing excess Cd (7.67 mg kg-1) and Si-NPs were applied through foliar dressing with various levels (0, 25, 50, 100 mg L-1) at different time intervals during growth period. Initially, all pots were irrigated with normal moisture level (70% water-holding capacity) and two moisture levels (35%, 70% WHC) were initiated after 6 weeks of plant growth for remaining growth duration and harvesting was done after 124 days of sowing. The results demonstrated the lowest plant growth, yield, and chlorophyll concentrations while the highest oxidative stress and Cd concentrations in plant tissues in water-stressed control (35% WHC) followed by normal control (75% WHC). Si-NPs enhanced the growth, photosynthesis, leaf defense system, and Si concentrations in tissues while minimized the Cd in wheat parts particularly in grains either soil normal or water-stressed conditions. Of the foliar spray, 100 mg L-1 of Si-NPs showed the best results with respect to growth, Cd and Si uptake by plants, and soil post-harvest bioavailable Cd irrespective of soil water levels. In grain, Cd concentration was below threshold limit (0.2 mg kg-1) for cereals in 100-mg kg-1 Si-NPs treatment irrespective of soil water levels. Si-NPs foliar dressing under Cd and water-limited stress might be an effective strategy in increasing growth, yield, and decreasing Cd concentration in wheat grains under experimental conditions. Thus, foliar dressing of Si-NPs minimized the Cd risk in food crops and NPs entry to surroundings, which might be possible after harvesting of crops in soil-applied NPs.

Endophyte colonization enhanced cadmium phytoremediation by improving endosphere and rhizosphere microecology characteristics.

This study investigated the phytoremediation efficiency of Cd-contaminated soils by hyperaccumulator P. acinosa and its endophyte B. cereus, and evaluated the variation of rhizosphere/endosphere microecology characteristics. The result showed that endophyte PE31, which could successfully colonize on P. acinosa root, increased plant Cd uptake by 42.90% and 28.85% in low and high Cd contaminated soils by promotion of plant biomass and Cd concentration in plant tissues. The improved phytoremediation may attribute to the endophyte inoculation, which significantly improved the bioavailable heavy metal (HM) percentage, nutrient cycling related enzyme activities and nutrient contents including available potassium, phosphorus and organic matter. Additionally, the relative abundance beneficial bacteria Bacillus (significantly increased by 81.23% and 34.03% in the endosphere, and by 4.86% and 8.54% in rhizosphere in low and high Cd contaminated soils) and Lysobacter, showed positive and close correlation with plant growth and HM accumulation. These results indicated that endophyte inoculation could reshape rhizosphere and endosphere microecology characteristics, which enhanced the potential for phytoremediation of Cd contaminated soils.

Chronic diseases are first associated with the degradation and artificialization of food matrices rather than with food composition: calorie quality matters more than calorie quantity.

PURPOSE: For decades, it has been customary to relate human health to the nutritional composition of foods, and from there was born food composition databases, composition labelling scores and the recommendation to eat varied foods. However, individuals can fully address their nutritional needs and become chronically ill. The nutrient balance of a food is only a small part of its overall health potential. In this paper, we discussed the proof of concept that the increased risk of chronic diseases worldwide is primarily associated with the degradation and artificialization of food matrices, rather than only their nutrient contents, based on the assumption that "food matrices govern the metabolic fate of nutrients". METHODS: An empirico-inductive proof of concept research design has been used, based on scientific data linking the degree of food processing, food matrices and human health, notably on the glycaemic index, nutrient bioavailability, satiety potential, and synergistic effects. RESULTS: We postulate that if the nutrient content is insufficient to fully characterize the diet-global health relationship, one other dimensions is necessary, i.e., the food matrix through the degree of processing. Both matrix and nutrient composition dimensions have been included under the new concept of the 3V index for Real (Vrai), Vegetal (Végétal), and Varied (Varié) foods. The Real metric, reflecting the integrity of the initial food matrix, is the most important, followed by the Vegetal (nutrient origin) and the Varied ("composition" effect) metrics. CONCLUSION: Concerning their effects on health, food matrix comes first, and then nutrient composition, and calorie quality matters more than calorie quantity.

Combined effect of Zinc lysine and biochar on growth and physiology of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to alleviate salinity stress.

Globally, Food security main threaten by abiotic stress like salinity and levels amongst the majority serious environmental stressors which reduce crop yield mass production. Biochar application has received much attention in agricultural practices as it enhances crop quality and production. The present study was carried out to analyze the role of lysine zinc and biochar on growth enhancement of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. PU-2011) under saline stress (EC 7.17 dSm-1). Seeds were sown in pots containing saline soil with and without 2% biochar, and foliar application of Zn-lysine (0, 1.0, and 2.0 mM) was made at different time intervals during plant growth. A combined application of biochar and Zn-lysine 2.0 mM highly improved the physiological attributes such as chlorophyll a (37%), chlorophyll b (60%), total chlorophyll (37%), carotenoids (16%), photosynthesis rate (Pn) 45%, stomatal conductance (gs) 53%, transpiration rate (Tr) 56%, and water use efficiency (WUE) 55%. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) 38%, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 62%, and electrolyte leakage (EL) 48% were decreased with the combined application of biochar and Zn-lysine 2.0 mM as compared with other treatments. The activities of catalase (CAT) 67%, superoxide dismutase (SOD) 70%, and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) 61% as well as catalase (CAT) 67% were regulated with the combined biochar and Zn-lysine 2.0 mM treatment. Similarly, the combined application of biochar and zinc-lysine (2.0 mM) enhanced the growth and yield attributes such as shoot length (79%), root fresh weight (62%), shoot fresh weight (36%), root dry weight (86%), shoot dry weight (39%), grain weight (57%), and spike length (43%) as compared with untreated control. The concentrations of sodium (Na) decreased whereas potassium (K), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were enhanced in plants with the combined application of Zn-lysine and biochar. Overall, results showed that the combined application of Zn-lysine (2.0 mM) and biochar significantly inhibited the negative effect of salinity and improved the growth and physiological performance of wheat plants. The combined use of Zn-lysine and biochar might be a practical solution to tackle salt stress in plants, but field studies by growing various crops under varied environmental conditions are needed before any recommendation to farmers.

Chemical Compositions of Brown and Green Seaweed, and Effects on Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chickens.

This study aimed to analyse the nutritional properties, apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of broiler chickens fed with brown seaweed (BS) and green seaweed (GS). Proximate analysis was performed to determine the nutrient composition of seaweed. The amino acids were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the minerals content. The gross energy (GE) was determined using a fully automatic bomb calorimeter, and the AME value was calculated. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used as an indigestible marker to calculate the AID. A digestibility trial was conducted to investigate the effects of seaweeds on crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), amino acids (AA) and minerals digestibility, and AME on broiler chickens. Thirty-six broiler chickens were randomly distributed into two dietary treatment groups with six replicates and three birds per replicate. Results showed that brown and green seaweed was a source of macro and micronutrients. For the AME and AID of seaweed-based diets, the results showed that the AME value for BS and GS was 2894.13 and 2780.70 kcal/kg, respectively. The AID of BS and GS was 88.82% and 86.8% for EE, 82.03% and 80.6% for OM, 60.69% and 57.80% for CP, 48.56 and 44.02% for CF, and 17.97 and 19.40% for ash contents, respectively. Meanwhile, the AID of CP and CF was significantly higher for BS compared to the GS. Findings showed that the AID of various AA was 40.96 to 77.54%, and the AID of selected minerals (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe) for both BS and GS groups were above 90%.

Production and Characterization of a Novel Low-Sugar Beverage from Red Jujube Fruits and Bamboo Shoots Fermented with Selected Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

Red jujube fruits and bamboo shoots are rich in many nutrients and have the advantage of high yield in China. However, the storage of fresh fruits is difficult, and there are no fermented products using both as raw materials. In order to develop the two raw materials into novel products and improve their nutritional value, this study reports the production and characterization of a beverage via fermentation of red jujube fruits and bamboo shoots with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. L. plantarum TUST-232 was selected as the starter from several different strains by comparing pH value and the number of viable cells, which reached 8.91 log CFU/mL in the beverage fermented for 14 h at 37 °C with 0.3% inoculation. After fermentation, the beverage showed improvement in the contents of several nutrients and antioxidant indices, with a decrease of 44.10% in sucrose content, along with increases of 11.09%, 12.30%, and 59.80% in total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide anion scavenging ability, respectively. These results indicate that L. plantarum fermentation of red jujube fruits and bamboo shoots could be an effective way to develop a new beverage with high nutritional value, high antioxidant capacity, and high dietary fiber content. This research provided experimental support for the development of new fermentation products with the functions of improving health and body functions.

Investigations into the chemical composition and nutritional value of single-cultivar rapeseed meals for broiler chickens.

A study was conducted to 1) investigate the influence of rapeseed cultivar on the range of variation in the chemical composition and feed value of rapeseed meals (RSM) for broilers and 2) to compare between single-cultivar RSM and a batch of UK-sourced proprietary rapeseed meal. Chemical composition was determined for a total of 10 single-cultivar RSM produced via prepressed solvent-extraction and a proprietary RSM. To investigate RSM digestibility a total of 360 birds were housed, six birds per pen, and between day 13 to 21 of age they received a diet containing per kg 250 g RSM and 750 g basal feed based on wheat and soybean meal. Titaniumdioxide (7 g/kg) was added as an inert marker. For the determination nitrogen-corrected metabolisable energy (AMEn) total excreta and feed intake were quantified over the last 4 d of the experiment. On the final day of the experiment ileal digesta were collected for determination of preceacal crude protein digestibility (pcCPD). With the exception of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), glucosinolates and soluble non-starch polysaccharides the coefficients of variation (CV%) for all major components were similar across all RSM (0.5 < CV% < 0.6). Glucosinolate contents were highest in the 10 single-cultivar RSM whereas NDF levels were greater in the proprietary RSM. Across the 10 single-cultivar RSM there was no significant effect of cultivar on AMEn or pcCPD. Pre-planned orthogonal contrasts indicated that the mean AMEn content and pcCPD of the proprietary RSM was significantly lower than the 10 single-cultivar RSM (p < 0.001). In view of the above, processing rather than cultivar appears to be the main driver of nutritional value in RSM fed to broilers.

Comparing the nutrient changes, heavy metals, and genotoxicity assessment before and after vermicomposting of thermal fly ash using Eisenia fetida.

Fly ash (FA) is available in an unstable state and can be ameliorated by vermicomposting. The different ratios of FA viz (FA10, FA15, FA20, FA25, FA50, FA75) were mixed with another organic waste, i.e., cattle dung. Supportive effects of FA were seen on the reproductive parameters of the earthworms up to FA25. Some beneficial changes have been reported in pH, EC, TOC, TKN, TAP, TNa, TK, and potentially toxic heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb). The genotoxicity test was performed to assess the toxic effects of the fly ash which has not been done till now. Low genotoxicity potential and high onion root growth were observed in the post-vermicompost samples which were not even reported yet by any other study. These results clearly indicated that the vermicomposting process offers the best option to manage the FA by converting it into an ecofriendly, nutrient-rich, and properly detoxified manure with the help of earthworms which also indicate its economically best-fit applications for the large scale agricultural practices.