Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research
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Growth performance, physiological response, and tissue microarchitecture of the carp Labeo rohita challenged with AFB1 are improved by supplementing with turmeric
No full textAim of study: To examine the impact of dietary supplementation with turmeric (TM) (Curcuma longa) on growth, haematological, biochemical parameters, and histoarchitecture in rohu (Labeo rohita) challenged with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1).
Area of study: Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Material and methods: A completely randomized design involved the utilization of 225 fingerlings distributed across five treatments with three replicates each. Diets were allocated as follows: T1 denoted the negative control diet, T2 comprised AF100, while T3, T4, and T5 were formulated with AF25TM, AF50TM, and AF100TM, respectively.
Main results: The results indicated a negative correlation between AFB1 dosage in feed and fish growth, with higher doses resulting in decreased growth. Significant changes were observed in haematological parameters, including reductions in total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, haemoglobin, and packed cell volume, alongside alterations in biochemical parameters, such as decreases in total protein, albumin, and globulin levels, and an increase in glucose levels and albumin/globulin ratio. Additionally, elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were noted in T2 and T5 compared to other treatments. AFB1 exposure also led to damage in the microarchitecture of the brain, kidney, and liver tissues, although inclusion of TM at 25 ppb AFB1 showed signs of recovery.
Research highlights: The changes observed were dose-dependent, and supplementation of TM showed increased resistance against AFB1 and the greatest improvement in T3. Therefore, a diet containing 5 g TM kg-1 would lower AFB1 contamination of 25 ppb compared to 50 and 100 ppb. In conclusion, supplementing TM in fish feeds can help regulating the AFB1, which in turn can improve sustenance-based output
Feeding formaldehyde-treated sesame meal to lactating Murciano-Granadina goats: implications on milk yield and composition, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites
No full textAim of study: To investigate the effect of substituting sesame meal (SM) treated with different levels of formaldehyde instead of soybean meal (SBM) on rumen fermentation, milk composition, and hemato-chemical parameters in lactating goats.
Area of study: Kerman, Iran.
Material and methods: Forty Murciano-Granadina goats in mid-lactation were allocated to four groups as a completely randomized design for 56 d. They were fed with diets containing: 1) SBM (control), 2) 12.5% untreated SM, 3) 12.5% treated SM with 0.8 g formaldehyde/100g crude protein (CP), and 4) 12.5% treated SM with 1.2 g formaldehyde/100g CP.
Main results: The goats fed diet containing SM treated with 1.2 g of formaldehyde had greater (p < 0.01) intake of dry matter, CP and metabolizable energy (ME) than other groups. Milk yield and milk protein in goats fed diets containing 1.2 g formaldehyde-treated SM were greater than others (p < 0.01). Fat-corrected milk and total solids in groups fed diets containing formaldehyde-treated and untreated SM were greater than those in control (p < 0.01). Goats fed control diet showed a greater proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA), and short and medium-chain FA in their milk compared to other groups (p < 0.01). Partial replacement of SBM with formaldehyde-treated or untreated SM increased milk unsaturated FA and long-chain FA (p < 0.01). Goats fed formaldehyde-treated SM had lower acetate production (p < 0.01).
Research highlights: Partial replacement of SBM with formaldehyde-treated SM can be suggested to increase lactating goats' performance without adverse effects on their health
La tasa de alimentación de los peces afecta el rendimiento productivo del cultivo integrado de camarón patiblanco y lisa utilizando la tecnología biofloc
No full textAim of study: To evaluate the effects of different fish feeding rates on the growth performance, water quality, and water microbiology in the integrated culture of lebranche mullet (Mugil liza) and whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) using biofloc technology.
Area of study: Southern Brazil.
Material and methods: A 46-day experiment was performed to assess four feeding rates (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of mullet biomass) with four replicates per treatment. Shrimp were fed according to a feeding table. Eight-hundred L tanks were used for shrimp culture, while 90 L tanks were utilized for mullet culture, employing recirculation between the tanks through a submerged pump (Sarlo-Better 650 L hour-1).
Main results: Water quality variables and water microbiology, evaluated through bacterial counts, were unaffected by the fish feeding rates (p>0.05). Regarding growth performance, while shrimp were unaffected (p>0.05), mullet final mean weight, biomass, daily growth coefficient, and yield significantly increased with higher fish feeding rates (p<0.05). Mullet feed conversion ratio and survival were not influenced by the feeding management (p>0.05). Furthermore, linear regression models for the overall system productivity showed a positive correlation with the fish feeding rate. As the fish feeding rate increased, the yield of the integrated culture system also increased (p<0.05).
Research highlights: These findings emphasize the importance of considering appropriate feeding rates to maximize the productivity and overall performance of integrated aquaculture systems using biofloc technology
Propagación ex vitro y análisis fitoquímico de Serapias vomeracea (Burm.f.) Briq.: contribución a la conservación de especies de Orchidaceae
No full textAim of study: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the seed germination and antioxidant propertiesof Serapias vomeracea (Burm.f.) Briq. Specifically, the aims of the research were to explore the influence of the Tulasnellaceae spp, fungal isolate SVL-30 (MK250656), on germination and seedling development, compare antioxidant activity to that of ascorbic acid, analyse the phytochemical composition, and identify bioactive compounds present in the methanol extract.
Area of study: University of Ondokuz Mayıs, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology, Samsun, Türkiye.
Materials and methods: Pots containing S. vomeracea and SVL-30 fungus, along with a control group without fungus, were utilized for the experiment. The impact of the fungus on germination stages and seedling development was assessed. Antioxidant analysis involved determining phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50: 2.09 mg/mL). Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were measured to evaluate the physiological health of the plant. GC-MS analysis was employed to identify 19 bioactive compounds present in the methanol extract.
Main results: The fungus significantly stimulated germination, with 83.02% of seeds germinating, and 52.66%progressing to the seedling stage. Antioxidant analysis revealed substantial phenolic and flavonoid content in S. vomeracea seedlings, demonstrating potent antioxidant properties comparable to ascorbic acid. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents emphasized the balanced and healthy physiology of the plant. GC-MS analysis identified 19 bioactive compounds in the methanol extract, highlighting the potential bioactivity of S. vomeracea.
Research highlights: This study furnishes valuable information on the germination, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of S. vomeracea seedlings. The research underscores the potential bioactivity of the plant, substantiated by the identification of bioactive compounds. The findings lay the groundwork for further exploration of the potential health benefits of S. vomeracea. A strategic shift towards studies emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices is recommended, aiming to balance both conservation and utilization objectives.Objetivo del estudio: El principal objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la germinación de semillas y las propiedades antioxidantes de Serapias vomeracea (Burm.f.) Briq. Específicamente, la investigación buscó explorar la influencia de Tulasnellaceae spp., aislado SVL-30 (MK250656) en la germinación y el desarrollo de plántulas, comparar la actividad antioxidante con la del ácido ascórbico, analizar la composición fitoquímica e identificar los compuestos bioactivos presentes en el extracto de metanol.
Área de estudio: Universidad de Ondokuz Mayıs, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología, Samsun, Turquía.
Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron macetas que contenían S. vomeracea y el hongo SVL-30, junto con un grupo de control sin hongo. Se evaluó el impacto del hongo en las etapas de germinación y el desarrollo de las plántulas. El análisis antioxidante incluyó la determinación del contenido de fenoles y flavonoides, así como la actividad de eliminación de radicales DPPH (IC50: 2,09 mg/mL). Se midieron los contenidos de clorofila y carotenoides para evaluar la salud fisiológica de la planta. Se empleó análisis GC-MS para identificar 19 compuestos bioactivos presentes en el extracto de metanol.
Principales resultados: El hongo estimuló significativamente la germinación, con un 83,02% de semillas germinadas y un 52,66% que progresaron al estado de plántulas. El análisis antioxidante reveló un contenido sustancial de fenoles y flavonoides en las plántulas de S. vomeracea, mostrando potentes propiedades antioxidantes comparables al ácido ascórbico. Los contenidos de clorofila y carotenoides resaltaron la fisiología equilibrada y saludable de la planta. El análisis GC-MS identificó 19 compuestos bioactivos en el extracto de metanol, destacando la potencial bioactividad de S. vomeracea.
Aspectos destacados de la investigación: Este estudio proporciona información valiosa sobre la germinación, la composición fitoquímica y la capacidad antioxidante de las plántulas de S. vomeracea. La investigación subraya la potencial bioactividad de la planta, respaldada por la identificación de compuestos bioactivos. Los hallazgos sientan las bases para una mayor exploración de los posibles beneficios para la salud de S. vomeracea. Se recomienda un cambio estratégico hacia estudios que enfaticen prácticas agrícolas sostenibles, con el objetivo de equilibrar tanto la conservación como los objetivos de utilización
Is social sustainability relevant for food consumers? Evidence from Chile
No full textAim of study: To examine consumer preferences in Chile, an emerging market, for cheese that emphasizes social sustainability features.
Area of study: Chilean consumers.
Material and methods: Three characteristics were included in the choice experiment: price, social sustainability (adherence to labor laws), and cheese type (Gouda, Chanco, and Artisanal cheese), each with three levels. A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of Chilean customers in order to collect data. To evaluate the effect, relevance, and main determinants of choice, a conditional logit model was employed.
Main results: The more attributes are at their most desirable levels, the more likely the cheese will be chosen. Therefore, the most sought-after cheese is that which is inexpensive, conforms to all labor laws, and is of the Chanco variety. When one or more of these three attributes are not at their most desirable level, then price (the lowest) is the attribute that governs the choice, followed by the social sustainability attribute (higher levels of compliance with labor legislation) and, finally, the type of cheese. In terms of socioeconomic variables, older consumers and those with higher education explain a greater preference for the social sustainability attribute over the type of cheese.
Research highlights: These results highlight the importance that social sustainability can have on companies to make their products preferred by consumers. This is the first study to examine the Chilean food industry's social sustainability attribute
Efecto de la masa corporal de los reproductores en el rendimiento de la puesta, la calidad de los huevos y los caracteres de incubación de la codorniz japonesa.
No full textAim of study: The aim of this research was to determine the effect of breeder body mass on egg laying performance, egg quality, and hatching traits of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).
Area of study: This study was carried out at the Poultry Unit and Research Centre of Çukurova University in the Republic of Türkiye.
Material and methods: In this study, a sum of 216 quails were used. The quails were divided into three experimental groups during the 5 weeks of age based on their body weight: high body mass (HBM), >310 g, medium body mass (MBM) from 290 to 310 g, and low body mass (LBM), <290 g; and then transferred to egg-laying cages. There were three replicates per group. Internal and external egg quality traits, hatching traits, and egg-laying performance were examined.
Main results: Egg production was statistically highest in the MBM group and the lowest in the HBM group (p≤0.05). The HBM group had the highest average egg weight and the lowest egg weight was observed in the LBM group (p≤0.05). The Haugh unit, albumen pH, shell thickness, yolk colour traits, shape index, albumen index, hatchability of fertile eggs, and yolk index were not statistically different among the experimental groups (p≥0.05). The fertility and hatchability of set eggs were statistically highest in the LBM group and lowest in the in the HBM group (p≤0.05).
Research highlights: Selection for HBM could improve egg weight, however; it may have a negative correlation with egg production and hatching traits.Objetivo del estudio: El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el efecto de la masa corporal de las reproductores en el rendimiento de la puesta, la calidad de los huevos y los caracteres de incubación de la codorniz japonesa (Coturnix japonica).
Área de estudio: Este estudio se llevó a cabo en Poultry Unit and Research Centre of Çukurova University, República de Turquía.
Material y métodos: En este estudio se utilizaron un total de 216 codornices, las cuales se dividieron en tres grupos experimentales a las 5 semanas de edad según su peso corporal: alta masa corporal (HBM), >310 g, masa corporal media (MBM), de 290 a 310 g y baja masa corporal (LBM), <290 g. Luego, se trasladaron a jaulas de ponedoras. Cada grupo contó con tres repeticiones. Se examinaron las características internas y externas de calidad de los huevos, los rasgos de incubación y el rendimiento de la puesta.
Resultados principales: La producción de huevos fue estadísticamente más alta en el grupo MBM y más baja en el grupo HBM (p≤0,05). El grupo HBM tuvo el peso promedio de huevo más alto, mientras que el peso más bajo se observó en el grupo LBM (p≤0,05). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos experimentales en la unidad Haugh, el pH de la albúmina, el grosor de la cáscara, el color de la yema, el índice de forma, el índice de albúmina, la incubabilidad de los huevos fértiles y el índice de yema (p≥0,05). La fertilidad y la incubabilidad de los huevos colocados fueron estadísticamente más altas en el grupo LBM y más bajas en el grupo HBM (p≤0,05).
Aspectos destacados de la investigación: La selección para HBM podría mejorar el peso del huevo; sin embargo, podría tener una correlación negativa con la producción de huevos y los caracteres de incubación
La caracterización genética del contenido gástrico de las arañas revela la depredación natural sobre los vectores de Xylella fastidiosa en agroecosistemas del suroeste de España
No full textAim of study: To elucidate which species and specific guilds of spiders prey on vectors of Xylella fastidiosa from agroecosystems in southwestern Spain using metabarcoding approach.
Area of study: Southwestern Spain.
Material and methods: Spiders sampling was carried out on ground cover vegetation of olive, citrus and vineyard fields using a battery powered aspirator. DNA was isolated from each sample using E.Z.N.A.® Tissue DNA kit (Omega Bio-tek). A primer pair was designed to specifically amplify DNA from the following spiders’ potential prey belonging to the order Hemiptera: Philaenus spumarius, Neophilaenus campestris, Neophilaenus lineatus, Lepyronia coleoptrata, Aphrophora sp., Cicadella viridis, and Cercopis sp. Taxonomic assignment was conducted using the MetaCOXI reference database, based on the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) and the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD).
Main results: Neophilaenus campestris was detected in two spider species: Enoplognatha caricis (Theridiidae) and Thanatus vulgaris (Philodromidae) (10.4% of the captured specimens). In addition, L. coleoptrata was preyed on by Haplodrassus macellinus (Gnaphosidae) (3.5%). In contrast, P. spumarius DNA was not detected in any of the spider samples. However, aphrophorid DNA was detected in the gut of spider collected in vineyards and citrus orchards but not in olive orchards. Concerning the spider guilds, aphrophorids were detected in the gut of “other hunters”, “ground hunters” and “space-web” spiders.
Research highlights: Some species of spiders found in vineyards (50% of captured specimens) consumed N. campestris.Objetivo de estudio: Dilucidar qué especies y gremios de arañas depredan sobre los vectores de Xylella fastidiosa en agroecosistemas del suroeste de España empleando técnicas de secuenciación masiva.
Área de estudio: Suroeste de España.
Material y métodos: El muestreo de arañas se realizó sobre la cobertura vegetal asociada a cultivos de olivar, cítricos y vid usando un aspirador de batería. El ADN se aisló de cada muestra utilizando el kit E.Z.N.A.® Tissue DNA (Omega Bio-tek). Se diseñó un par de cebadores para amplificar el ADN específico de las presas potenciales de las arañas pertenecientes al orden Hemiptera: Philaenus spumarius, Neophilaenus campestris, Neophilaenus lineatus, Lepyronia coleoptrata, Aphrophora spp., Cicadella viridis y Cercopis spp. La asignación taxonómica se realizó utilizando la base de datos de referencia MetaCOXI, basada en European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) y Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD).
Resultados principales: Neophilaenus campestris fue detectado en dos especies de arañas: Enoplognatha caricis (Theridiidae) y Thanatus vulgaris (Philodromidae) (10.4% de los especímenes capturados). Además, L. coleoptrata fue depredada por Haplodrassus macellinus (Gnaphosidae) (3.5%). No se encontró ADN de P. spumarius en ninguna de las muestras. Hubo depredación sobre Aphrophoridae en todos los cultivos excepto en olivar. Finalmente, los gremios de arañas “otras cazadoras”, “cazadoras terrestres” y formadoras de “telas aéreas espaciales” depredaron sobre Aphrophoridae.
Aspectos destacados de la investigación: Algunas especies de arañas encontradas en los viñedos (50% de los especímenes capturados) consumieron N. campestris
Características comerciales y estado antioxidante de la leche de cabra en granjas pastorales mediterráneas
No full textAim of study: To enhance the viability of goat farms in Mediterranean mountain areas, studies have proposed strategies to improve the marketing of their animal products. The primary aim of this work was to provide an overview of the commercial traits and antioxidant composition of milk produced on Payoya farms. A second aim was to assess the relationships between the antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the hygiene-sanitary parameters in milk.
Area of study: Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (Southern Spain).
Material and methods: The commercial traits (total solids, fat, protein, lactose, bacterial and somatic cell counts) and TAC of milk were determined monthly throughout the year. Milk samples were collected from sixteen Payoya farms under grazing-based management systems classified into three clusters
Material and methods: The commercial traits (total solids, fat, protein, lactose, bacterial and somatic cell counts) and TAC of milk were determined monthly throughout the year. Milk samples were collected from sixteen Payoya farms under grazing-based management systems classified into three clusters (Low-productivity grazing farms, More instensive grazing farms, High-productivity grazing farms).
Main results: No significant differences were found between clusters in the milk quality. Principal changes were observed in the milk composition in different months due to the variation in the lactation stage and differences in feeding regimens. The negative correlation between the TAC and the somatic cell count contributes to the important role of antioxidants in maintaining optimal udder health. Vitamin A could be involved in this antioxidant mechanism due to the positive correlation between the TAC and retinol determined in a previous study.
Research highlights: The information generated on the quality of goat milk would contribute to establishing the records of the traceability system to guarantee that the animal products obtained are of the Payoya native breed.Objetivo del estudio: Para mejorar la viabilidad de las explotaciones caprinas en las zonas mediterráneas de montaña, se han propuesto estrategias para mejorar la comercialización de sus productos. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue proporcionar una visión general de las características comerciales y la composición antioxidante de la leche producida en explotaciones caprinas de raza Payoya. Un segundo objetivo fue evaluar las relaciones entre la capacidad antioxidante (TAC) y los parámetros higiénico-sanitarios de la leche.
Área de estudio: Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema (Sur de España).
Material y métodos: Mensualmente y a lo largo de un año, se han determinado parámetros comerciales (sólidos totales, grasa, proteína, lactosa, recuentos totales de bacterias y de células somáticas) y la TAC de la leche. Se recogieron muestras de leche de dieciséis granjas de raza Payoya con sistemas de manejo basados en el pastoreo y clasificadas en tres grupos (Granjas de pastoreo de baja productividad; Granjas de pastoreo más intensivas; Granjas de pastoreo de alta productividad).
Resultados principales: No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos en relación con la calidad de la leche. Los principales cambios en la composición de la leche se observaron en los diferentes meses debido a la variación en la fase de la lactación y a las diferencias en la alimentación. La correlación negativa entre la TAC y el recuento de células somáticas pondría de relieve el importante papel de los antioxidantes en el mantenimiento de la salud óptima de la ubre. La vitamina A podría estar involucrada en este mecanismo antioxidante debido a la correlación positiva entre la TAC y el retinol determinada en un estudio previo.
Aspectos destacados de la investigación: La información generada sobre la calidad de la leche de cabra contribuiría a establecer el sistema de trazabilidad que garantice la autenticidad de los productos de raza autóctona Payoya
Influencia de las concentraciones de fertilizante de urea ecológicamente relevantes en los nematodos: Un experimento de microcosmos
No full textAim of study: Urea remains one of the most widely used chemical fertilisers in the world and is used extensively in the Philippines as a major source of nitrogen for crops. However, we have a very limited understanding of its impact on soil fauna such as nematodes. In this study, we demonstrated the suitability of the microcosm set-up to assess chemical effects on nematode communities under controlled conditions and determined the effects of urea on nematode communities.
Area of study: The soil samples were obtained from a relatively “less disturbed” field in Bukidnon, Central Mindanao and were taken for experimentation in a greenhouse at Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics (PRISM), Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Philippines.
Material and Methods: The soil was collected and analysed for its physiological properties. The soil was then exposed to urea concentrations (0 mg/kg, 19.67 mg/kg, 39.33 mg/kg and 78.66 mg/kg) in a microcosm for 45 days. Nematodes were then collected and processed using a modified dish method.
Main results: Firstly, the natural microcosms (without urea) showed that nematode abundance and the number of genera decreased by 28% and 35%, respectively. The results suggest that the current microcosm setup may still be useful in testing the effects of certain chemicals of interest. Secondly, no significant effects on the number of genera and diversity indices were observed with urea, except on the day 15 when nematode abundance was significantly higher at 39.33 mg/kg than at 19.67 mg/kg.
Research highlights: This study shows that the above ecologically relevant urea concentrations had no negative impact on nematode community structure during the 45-day exposure.Objetivo del estudio: La urea sigue siendo uno de los fertilizantes químicos más utilizados en el mundo y se utiliza ampliamente en Filipinas como una fuente principal de nitrógeno para los cultivos. Sin embargo, tenemos una comprensión muy limitada de su impacto en la fauna del suelo, como los nematodos. En este estudio, demostramos la idoneidad del sistema de microcosmos para evaluar los efectos químicos en las comunidades de nematodos en condiciones controladas y determinamos los efectos de la urea en dichas comunidades de nematodos.
Área de estudio: Las muestras de suelo se obtuvieron de un campo relativamente “menos perturbado” en Bukidnon, Mindanao Central, y se llevaron a cabo experimentos en un invernadero en Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics (PRISM), Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Ciudad de Iligan, Filipinas.
Material y Métodos: El suelo fue recolectado y analizado para determinar sus propiedades fisiológicas. Luego, el suelo se expuso a concentraciones de urea (0 mg/kg, 19.67 mg/kg, 39.33 mg/kg y 78.66 mg/kg) en un microcosmos durante 45 días. Posteriormente, se recolectaron los nematodos y se procesaron utilizando un método de placa modificado.
Resultados principales: En primer lugar, los microcosmos naturales (sin urea) mostraron que la abundancia de nematodos y el número de géneros disminuyeron en un 28% y un 35%, respectivamente. Los resultados sugieren que la configuración actual del microcosmos puede ser útil para probar los efectos de ciertos químicos de interés. En segundo lugar, no se observaron efectos significativos en el número de géneros ni en los índices de diversidad con la urea, excepto en el día 15, cuando la abundancia de nematodos fue significativamente mayor a 39.33 mg/kg que a 19.67 mg/kg.
Aspectos destacados de la investigación: Este estudio muestra que las concentraciones de urea ecológicamente relevantes mencionadas anteriormente no tuvieron un impacto negativo en la estructura de la comunidad de nematodos durante la exposición de 45 días