The aim of this research is to determine the influence of different variants of mineral fertilization (Control, NP, NK, PK, and NPK) on the macronutritional composition of Alexander's clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). The experiment was set up in a randomized block design with three replications on alluvial soil. Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Fisher’s LSD test) showed that combined NPK fertilization significantly (p ≤ 0.05 and p ≤ 0.01) increased the contents of proteins, fats, fibers and soluble sugars compared to the control variant. The highest values were observed in the NPK treatment, which indicates a synergistic effect of N, P and K in the biosynthesis of organic matter and improved nutritional quality of the Alexander clover.
The aim of this study was to assess the awareness, attitudes, and willingness to accept cultured meat among Macedonian consumers by employing a quantitative cross-sectional design. Data were collected electronically via Google Forms over a three-week period using a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic items and questions related to awareness of cultured meat, perceptions of food innovations, concerns, and willingness to taste or purchase. A total of 400 respondents voluntarily participated, forming a diverse yet non-representative convenience sample, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize the results, while chi-square tests were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics and consumer attitudes. The findings showed that most respondents were unfamiliar with cultured meat and expressed predominantly negativeattitudes toward this technology. The most frequently reported concerns were related to safety, taste, and quality. Only two demographic factors, gender and place of residence, demonstrated statistically significant but moderate associations with specific survey items. Overall, the results indicate low consumer acceptance and highlight the need for more effective communication and public education regarding the potential of cultured meat as a sustainable alternative.
This research investigated the influence of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder as dietary supplements on the growth performance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in an intensive cage culture system. Carp were divided into two groups: group K2 received 1% pomegranate peel/kg feed, while group K8 was the control and was fed with commercial feed. Over a 92-day period, growth indicators such as total weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and daily growth rate (DGR) were assessed. The addition of pomegranate peel in feed improved growth rate outcomes compared to the control, confirming their potential as natural, low-cost additives for aquaculture feeds. Phytogenic feed additives play a key role towards improved growth rate and more sustainable and economically carp farming.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zeolite, added to feed, on feed conversion and mortality rate in commercially farmed rainbow trout. The research was conducted at the Riboexport DOOEL pond in Gostivar, at the Vrutok source. Three pools were included in the study: group A – without zeolite, group B – feed with 1 % zeolite, and group C – feed with 2 % zeolite. The fish were reared under standardized conditions (length 4 m, width 1 m, depth 45 cm, total water volume 1.8 m³, temperature 11 °C, and oxygen concentration 9–11 mg/l). Each pool contained 200 juvenile rainbow trout with an initial weight of 46–48 g and length of 15–16 cm, monitored over a 12-week period. Measurements were taken 8 times, at 14-day intervals. Feed conversion was determined using the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), and mortality was recorded numerically. The results are presented using descriptive statistics, showing FCR values of 0.89 for group A, 0.84 for group B, and 0.89 for group C. No mortality was recorded in groups A and B (0 %), while 3 dead fish (1.5 %) were observed in group C. The best feed conversion was observed in the group receiving feed with 1 % zeolite. Fish mortality was not related to zeolite application but was attributed to mechanical injuries during manual handling.
Wine industry, with its long-standing tradition and global significance, generates substantial amounts of waste in the form of grape pomace a by-product consisting of seeds, skins, and stems. This residual material is rich in bioactive compounds such as dietary fibers, polyphenols, minerals, and essential fatty acids, all of which exhibit strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Opportunities are emerging for the reuse of this waste as part of the transition from the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” model toward sustainable solutions grounded in the principles of the circular economy. In light of the increasing demand for sustainability, current research efforts are focused on the valorization of grape pomace, including its application in the meat industry. The aim of this study is to promote sustainability in agro-industrial processes by exploring the functional properties of grape pomace and its utilization in meat processing. This paper examines the potential benefits of incorporating grape pomace in meat industry, emphasizing its role in food safety, innovation and development of products enriched with natural alternatives to synthetic additives, while simultaneously enhancing their nutritional profile.
This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with turmeric powder (Curcuma longa L.) on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) reared in an intensive cage system. The experiment lasted 92 days and included two groups: K5 (feed supplemented with 2% turmeric powder per kg) and K8 (control group, commercial feed without additives). FCR was monitored across three control measurements. The results showed that carp fed with the turmeric-supplemented diet (K5) achieved a consistently lower mean FCR compared to the control group (K8), indicating improved feed utilization efficiency. The biological trend clearly demonstrated the beneficial impact of turmeric on feed conversion. These findings suggest that turmeric acts as an effective natural phytogenic additive capable of enhancing feed efficiency and potential factor sustainable carp production.
In order to achieve greater animal protein and improve on feeding management, research conducted on rumen studies in growing West African Dwarf (WAD) rams fed polyenzyme treated cassava peel and corn cob based diet using forty (40) indigenous rams balanced for weight and grouped into four treatments with 10 animals per treatment in a complete randomized design.Inclusion of dried cassava peel meal untreated as T1; corn cob untreated as T2; polyenzyme treated cassava peel as T3 and polyenzyme treated corn cob as T4.The result for feed intake values ware the highest in T3 (13194.76g), while T1 (11804.61g) had the lowest value.Total bacterial and fungi were found to be the highest in T4 (128.000cfu/ml) and T1 had the lowest value.Total protozoa were found to be the highest in T4 and T1 had the lowest value.The values for rumen pH and rumen metabolites were found to be the highest in T4 and T3, while T1 had the lowest value.The value recorded for acetic acid was the highest for T1, while the least value recorded for T2.For butyric acid, T3 tended to have the highest value and T2 had the lowest value.Propionic acid was the highest in T2 and lowest in T1.The microorganism occurrence recorded for bacteria count was the highest in T4 for B. Succinogen, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus p. and R. flavefaciens, while the value obtained for E. coli (1.5 cfu/ml) was the highest in T3.The value recorded for fungi was the highest in T3(1.5 cfu/ml), while least in T2(1.0 cfu/ml).However, protozoa count, T3 tended to have the highest values for Dasyticha, Diplodidium and Isotricha.It was concluded that polyenzyme treated cassava peel and corn cob can be used as dry season feed without inhibiting the microbial activities rather encourages the population and maintain intermediate metabolites in the rumen.
