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Growth performance, nitrogen utilization and economics of Red Sokoto bucks fed Saccharomyces cerevisiae-treated groundnut haulm and dried cassava peel-based diets
This study investigated the
growth performance, nitrogen balance, and
economics of production of Red Sokoto
bucks (RSBs) fed Saccharomyces cerevisiaetreated,
biodegradable groundnut haulms
(SCGH) and dried cassava peels (DCP). Four
dietary treatments were formulated including
a control diet (T1; 0% SCGH:DCP) and DCP
in combination with SCGH at the different
proportions of 275:695 (T2), 375:595 (T3),
and 475:495 (T4) g/kg of dry matter (DM). A
combination of 5 g and 50 g of yeast as a
probiotic and molasses, respectively, were
added to 1 kg of GH after been dissolved in 1
L of water. Twelve healthy RSBs weighing 9.5
± 0.40 kg of body weight (BW) and aged 7 to
8 months were exposed to four treatments.
This was replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experiment
lasted for 90 days. The average final weight,
average daily weight gain (gram/day),
nitrogen intake, and nitrogen balance were
significantly influenced by the inclusion of
DCP and SCGH in the diets. There was no
significant difference (p > 0.05) between the
ADG of T1 (58.20 g/d) and the T4 (58.89 g/d)
groups. Feed conversion ratio and feed-cost
saving ($630.80) increased with the inclusion
of DCP and SCGH in the goats’ diets. In
conclusion, T4 (SCGH: 475g, DCP: 495g)
had a better chemical composition, ADG,
nitrogen balance, and feed-cost saving;
therefore, SCGH are recommended and are
readily available agricultural wastes that can
be fed to RSBs to improve performance and
nitrogen utilization in a cost-effective way,
especially during dry season
Optimal conditions for extracting high-quality pectin from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for less soluble hydrogel production
The research aimed to extract
high-quality pectin from water hyacinth for
less soluble hydrogel production. The product
adds value to water hyacinth waste and helps
solve environmental problems. The high
degree of esterification pectin can be prepared
as a hydrogel, which can be used in various
pollution treatment applications. The quality
of pectin depended on raw materials and
extraction conditions. The optimum condition
was initially predicted using the response
surface method (RSM). Three extraction
variables were studied, including pH 1.0-4.0,
temperature 50-110ºC, and extraction time
30-240 min. A total of seventeen runs
including five replicate runs were studied.
Functional groups of pectin were studied
using Fourier Transform Infrared
spectrophotometry. The degree of
esterification and emulsifying properties were
determined for assessing the quality of
extracted pectin. The result revealed that the
extraction conditions strongly affected both
the yield and the quality. The condition of pH
2.5, 110ºC, and 30 minutes had the highest
degree of esterification of 94.13 % but low
yield (1.42%). On the other hand, under the
conditions of pH 1.0, 110ºC, and 135 min
extract time had the highest yield of 3.85%
(about 76.6% of pectin content) however the
degree of esterification is low at 43.25 %.
Two mathematical models were proposed for
yield and number of ester groups. The result
will be used for the selection of high-quality
pectin to produce insoluble hydrogel for
pollution treatment in the future
Research on etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of urinary bladder disorders in pet carnivores
Estimation of heritability, genotypic variability and correlations analysis for yield and yield attributing traits among bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes
To find out genetic variability,
heritability, and trait association among yield
and yield-related traits among bread wheat
genotypes, an alpha lattice design was used in
triplicate manner where 50 wheat genotypes
were evaluated at the University of
Agriculture Peshawar during rabbi growing
season 2021-22 along with a regional check
genotype. Data were taken on ten parameters.
All the genotypes showed significant
variation among them, signifying the
possibility of enhancing genetic improvement
through breeding programs. Highly significant
differences were found in days to heading,
days to maturity, plant height, spike length,
grain filling duration, number of grains per
spike, biological yield and grain yield these
traits indicating diversity in yield potential.
Moderate to low heritability values were noted
for most of the traits. The study exhibits
positive correlations for plant height with
grain yield, spike length with biological yield
and harvest index with grain yield. On the basis
of high heritability and positive correlation of
grain yield with other traits, it is recommended
that G-41, G-3, G-12, G-37, G-34 and G-14
genotypes which have the potential to be
incorporate in further breeding programs
Comparing fodder production of maize varieties under varied nitrogen levels
Maize (Zea mays L.) plays a
significant role as a fodder crop, supporting
rural populations and livestock.
Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there is a
shortage of green fodder due to the
unbalanced use of fertiliser and improper
selection of maize varieties for fodder
production. This research aimed to address
the need for quality fodder by studying the
effects of nitrogen (N) on new maize
varieties, ultimately enhancing livestock
production and agricultural sustainability.
The experiment took place in the summer of
2022 at the Cereal Crop Research Institute in
Pakistan. Adopting an RCB design with
three replications, fodder maize varieties
(Jalal, Kaptan and Jumbo) were tested with
four N levels (0, 100, 150, 200 kg N ha−1)
applied during sowing, knee (V4), and
silking stages. The data upon analysis
revealed that different maize varieties had a
significant impact on the studied parameters.
Maize varieties affected days to tasselling
and silking, with the Jumbo variety
recording the longest duration (59 and 62,
respectively). Similar results were observed
for days to milking, with the Jumbo variety
taking the longest time (80 days). It also
recorded a higher leaf number (11.5), leaf
area (478 cm−2) and leaf area index (3.4).
Fresh fodder (67,777 kg ha−1) and dry fodder
yield (23,424 kg ha−1) were higher for the
Jumbo variety. In terms of N application,
tasselling (59) and silking (62) took more
days when 150 and 200 kg N ha−1 was
applied compared to the control. Compared
to the control plots (83 days), 200 kg N
delayed the milking stage by 10 days. A
higher but statistically similar leaf count, leaf
area and leaf area index were recorded with
150 and 200 kg N ha−1. The plant height of
maize was also higher, with 150 (196 cm)
and 200 kg N ha−1 (202 cm). Lastly, a higher
fresh fodder and dry fodder yield was
associated with 150 and 200 kg N ha−1.
Based on these results, the Jumbo variety,
with the application of 150 kg N ha−1, is
recommended for cultivation for economic
feasibility and to obtain a higher fodder yield
of maize
Evaluation of Blood C Reactive Protein (CRP) and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) Utility in Canine Epilepsy
Background: The role of neuroinflammation in epileptogenesis has been previously explored, and several biomarkers have been identified as being relevant in assessing the intensity of the inflammatory process. In human medicine, an increased C reactive protein (CRP) blood concentration and/or neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is considered a constant finding of epileptic activity. In veterinary medicine, only a few studies have been published regarding both of these topics. Hypothesis/objectives: Our aim was to assess the C reactive protein blood concentration and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in epileptic dogs, regardless of etiology. Method: This retrospective study was based on changes in routine blood parameters in 59 dogs with epileptic activity. Results: An increased C reactive protein concentration was observed mostly in the dogs affected by structural epilepsy, and all epileptic dogs displayed abnormal neutrophil-to-lymphocyte values. Conclusions: Based on the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report regarding the NLR in epileptic dogs. Both the CRP concentration and the NLR might be considered feasible non-specific markers of the neuroinflamation involved in epileptogenesis and might be used in the diagnosis of and therapeutic approach to cluster seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and in patients with structural epilepsy. Dogs diagnosed with IEis and high CRP concentrations and NLRs may be subject to non-documented cluster seizures. Both CRP and the NLR have limited diagnostic value in dogs with reactive seizures
Physiological particularities of maize plants and the effect of some antioxidants under conditions of moderate drought
Complex investigation on the
effect of Thiourea, Galmet and Thiogalmet
compositions on water status, intensity of
photosynthesis, water use efficiency, growth
and yield of ‘P458’ maize plants under
conditions of natural humidity in field trials
was performed. The beneficial effect of seed
and foliage pre-treatment with Thiourea,
Galmet and, in particular, the new chemical
composition Thiogalmet on plants’
biological processes conditioning a better
realisation of the physiological processes
associated with plant growth and
productivity was established. A significantly
greater positive impact of Thiogalmet on the
optimisation of hydration degree, water
retention capacity, stomatal conductance for
CO2/H2O, assimilation, water use efficiency,
plant growth and productivity was recorded.
There was an additive action of Thiourea and
Galmet in the composition of the Tiogalmet
preparation. Thiogalmet increased the yield
per unit area and improved the commercial
quality of the grain. Treating plants with
Thiourea, Galmet and Thiogalmet ensured a
27.20, 52.08 and 68.20% yield increase,
respectively, compared to the plants in the
control variant. Therefore, a major effect
was registered in the plants treated with the
new composition. The obtained information
demonstrates the possibility of mitigating the
adverse effects of drought on the
physiological response and production by
applying antioxidants
Phylogenetic Analysis of Alphacoronaviruses Based on 3c and M Gene Sequences Isolated from Cats with FIP in Romania
Coronaviruses are widespread in mammals and birds, causing mostly digestive and respiratory problems. In cats, feline coronaviruses undergo mutations while replicating, giving rise to the fatal coronavirus causing the feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) disease. Several mutations in viral genes, among them 3c and M, are involved in the development of FIP. In order to study these viral shifts, samples of 43 organs, feces, and ascites collected from cats showing clinical signs of feline infectious peritonitis were tested, and the sequences obtained for the 3c and M genes were analyzed. The 3c gene nucleotides showed truncations commonly observed in feline infectious peritonitis virus. Additionally, the sequences corresponding to the 3c genes obtained from different organs of the same individual displayed high similarities, supporting the internal mutation theory. The analyses of the M gene and putative polypeptides showed similarities with canine coronaviruses, supporting the recombination theory between feline and canine coronaviruses. Infectious coronaviral strains are still challenging because of the difficulty in obtaining an effective vaccine for their prevention, and also because of the limited alternatives for therapy of FIP in cats
Research on the technical and economic viability of the irrigation arrangement for fruit plantations at SC Livada Mere de Iteşti, Bacău county
The impact of climate change on the sustainability of wine production and the structure of wine consumption in the Northeast Region of Romania
This study was carried out
with the aim of investigating and analysing
different aspects related to viticulture and
wine production in the northeast region of
Romania. The methodology focused on the
use of statistical data and field research, with
an emphasis on the impact of potential
climate change on wine production and
consumer preferences. The analysis of the
evolution of vine cultivation in the northeast
region of Romania was carried out using
statistical data on grape harvest, area planted
to vines and wine production. The results
showed significant changes in these
indicators over the period analysed (2013-
2022), reflecting the dynamics of the wine
industry in the region. A survey of a sample
of 50 respondents provided relevant data on
their preferences. Analysis of this data
revealed information on preferred wine types,
consumption habits and purchasing
preferences. Although the population‘s
preference for white wine is evident, climate
change may pose a challenge for the region,
and in the future, it may be necessary to adapt
vineyard locations and cultivate vine varieties
more suitable for red wine production. These
issues have important implications for
planning and developing the future of the
wine industry in the northeast region