Date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) hold significant ecological, socio-economic, and nutritional value for populations in the Saharan region. To optimize the use of common date varieties, particularly those produced in large quantities in southern Algeria, technological valorization is essential. Date syrup, known as Robb, derived from the Hmira variety and produced locally through traditional methods, can be used to enhance industrial-scale yogurt production. Microbiological analysis of Robb was conducted following Algerian standards before the production of Robb-flavored yogurt. A trial production of a yogurt-Robb mixture was carried out at laboratory scale (POSL). The resulting products underwent sensory analysis, evaluated through a preference test by a panel of 70 participants, who provided tasting notes. The microbiological results showed that the date syrup was free from pathogenic and bacterial contaminants and met national requirements. The sensory evaluation determined the level of acceptability of the products with increasing date syrup concentrations among the tasters. The yogurt-Robb mixture containing a 7% date syrup concentration was the most preferred. The main descriptors influencing the tasters' choice were acidity, sweetness, and texture, while aroma and color had less influence. This study emphasizes the potential to add value to low-market-quality date by-products, specifically Robb, by utilizing them as a sweetener in the dairy industry. This approach can lead to the production of naturally flavored dairy products with significant nutritional and health benefits.
Soil contamination with heavy metals, particularly copper (Cu), poses a significant challenge to environmental health and agricultural. This study evaluates the potential of organic amendments, including walnut shell biochar (produced at 700°C), sunflower husk biochar (produced at 500°C) and nutshell flour, to reduce Cu availability in contaminated soils. The amendments were applied at two concentrations (2.5% and 5%) to soils spiked with 2,000 mg/kg Cu. The untreated control soil exhibited the highest mean Cu availability (342.7 mg/kg), highlighting the severity of contamination. Upon treatment with 2.5% walnut shell biochar, Cu availability decreased significantly to 231.6 mg/kg, while 2.5% sunflower husk biochar, further reduced Cu availability significantly to 222.2 mg/kg. A more substantial reduction was achieved with 2.5% nutshell flour, which lowered Cu availability significantly to 181.4 mg/kg. At the higher application rate (5%), the amendments showed enhanced efficacy. Walnut shell biochar and sunflower husk biochar reduced Cu availability to 223.2 mg/kg and 190.7 mg/kg, respectively. Notably, 5% nutshell flour exhibited the highest immobilization potential, decreasing Cu availability significantly to 142.9 mg/kg. While in other hand study also investigates the effects of walnut shell biochar, sunflower husk biochar, and nutshell flour on the pH of Cu-contaminated soil (2,000 mg/kg Cu), The untreated control soil had a neutral pH of 7.52, while Cu contamination significantly reduced pH to 6.47, reflecting increased acidity. Application of 2.5% and 5% walnut shell biochar and 2.5% sunflower husk biochar significantly elevated the pH to 8.0, 8.21 and 7.96, respectively, achieving near-neutral or slightly alkaline conditions. Conversely, 2.5% nutshell flour resulted in a marginal pH increase to 6.59, indicating limited neutralizing potential.
Examining the oil output and the physiochemical effects of various extraction methods on pumpkin seeds was the primary goal of the research. We used n-hexan as a solvent in two separate oil extraction processes, cold press extraction (CPE) and soxhlet extraction (SE), and we choose pumpkin seeds for the job. In terms of oil yield, the SE technique achieved 64.07%, while the CPE approach came in at 36.33%. The physicochemical characteristics of the seed oils were discovered to be substantially affected by the oil extraction process, species, and the interaction between the two. Acidity, iodine, peroxide, saponification, density, refractive index, and viscosity were some of the physiochemical parameters measured for pumpkin oil. In terms of chemical tests, the Soxhlet extraction method outperformed CPE by 125, 3.02, and 1.03 iodine values, peroxide values, and acid values, respectively. On the other hand, CPE had a higher saponification number at 187.13, and SE had a lower one at 187.13. In terms of physical tests, the SE method outperformed CPE by 1.47, 0.916, and 76.4 viscosity, respectively. Both the oil yield and its physiochemical qualities were improved by the soxhlet extraction process, according to the results.
Allelopathic effects of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) have been investigated on 3 weeds: Vicia sativa, Vicia ervila, Hordeum spontaneum and one important cereal crop Triticum aestivum L. (bread wheat). A Laboratory experiment was laid out and 0.00, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00 mg/ ml solutions of the ethanolic leaf extract were applied each with 5 replications. After 2 weeks, several germination indices and seedling growth characters were recorded. The chemical constituent of the extract was identified with GC–MS analysis. Eucalyptol, camphor, terpinene, linalool, ferruginol were identified as a dominant allelochemicals. A significant decrease was recorded in the germination % (G %) and germination velocity (GV) of Vicia ervilia, Vicia sativa and Hordeum spontaneum. While, seedling vigor index (SVI) was decreased significantly in Hordeum spontaneum and Triticum aestivum L. Although, a significant increase observed only in the root and shoot length of Triticum aestivum L., but it decreased significantly in the other parameters. A significant reduction in the seedling biomass of Vicia ervilia and Hordeum spontaneum was recorded. A remarkable increase was recorded in the seedling moisture content of Hordeum spontaneum and Triticum aestivum L. Generally, it can be concluded that rosemary exhibited a negative allelopathic effects on the weeds that can be used as a herbicide, but a positive promoter effect on Triticum aestivum L.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mash particle size and die speeds on the performance of machine and pellet quality for broiler chickens. Machine productivity (kgh-1), power consumption (kW), specific energy consumption (kwh kg-1), pelleting efficiency (%), pellet durability (%) and operating cost ($/h), were studied. The experiment consisted of a factorial arrangement of three mash particle sizes (2, 4, and 6 mm), with three die speeds (280, 300, and 320 rpm). Results showed that varying the mash particle size from 2 to 6 mm resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in machine productivity, while power consumption, specific energy consumption, pelleting efficiency, pellet durability and operating cost significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. By increasing the die speed from 280 to 320 rpm, the machine productivity significantly increased (P < 0.05), while power consumption, specific energy consumption, pelleting efficiency, pellet durability and operating cost significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The highest machine productivity of 86.01 kg.h-1 and the lowest power consumption, of 2.65 kW, specific energy consumption 0.029 kwh kg-1, operating cost 1.29 $/h was achieved with a mash particle size of 6 mm and a die speed of 320 rpm. Meanwhile, the highest pelleting efficiency of 92.92 % and pellet durability of 91.87% were recorded with a mash particle size of 2 mm and a die speed of 280 rpm. It was concluded that the mash particle size and die speeds significantly impact machine performance and pellet quality.
The current study focused on comparing two types of plants, Brassica juncea L and Canna generalis, in the bioremediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals, as well as evaluating the plant contamination with lead and cadmium according to global pollution standards. The experiment was carried out in the shade of the College of Agriculture at Al-Qadisiyah University, using a clay soil mixture collected from the agricultural departments of the directorate of Agriculture in Al Diwaniyah province, to assess the efficiency of Indian mustard and canna plants in the bioremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. Four levels of lead and cadmium concentrations were added to the soil before planting as nitrates for each element and left for 10 days to reach equilibrium. Indian mustard and canna plants were planted on 9/9/2023, and the total concentration of heavy metals was estimated before planting and after the experiment ended on 16/12/2023. The root and shoot parts were washed with tap water and then with distilled water, dried, and ground for digestion to determine their ability to absorb heavy metals as a key factor for phytoremediation according to the standards of plant pollution represented by the biological accumulation coefficient (BAC), the biological concentration factor (BCF), and the translocation factor (TF). The results show an increase in the concentration of lead and cadmium in the shoot and root parts of both Indian mustard and canna plants within increasing levels of addition. Indian mustard plants generally showed good accumulation of cadmium in their root part, exceeding a BCF value, while their ability to transfer lead and cadmium from the root part to the shoot part was weak. As for the canna plant, the results indicated its weak capacity to transfer lead from the roots to the shoot part, and it demonstrated superiority over Indian mustard in accumulating cadmium, due to higher values of BCF, BAC, and TF.
The application of modern communication technologies and digital devices to agricultural extension service deliveries could enhance the productivity of the extension agents through provision of accurate, timely and relevant information to the farmers. This study examined the Extension agents’ Perception on the use of ICTs for agricultural extension services in Kwara State, Nigeria. About 105 extension agents were randomly selected for the study. Statistical tools such as frequency count, percentage and mean score were used to analyse the data. The result showed that about 98.1 % of the respondents were willing to use ICTs devices for agricultural extension services. The usage of mobile phone for calls (mean =2.88) was the most frequently used ICTs. Digital/ICTs makes extension agents to easily linkup with researchers in order to solve the farmers’ problems (mean =4.47) was highest ranked perception statement. High cost of the Digital/ICTs devices (mean=2.62) was the most severe factor limiting the use of ICTs for extension services. The study therefore recommends that the Extension agents should be empowered to be able to have access and use the various ICTs for agricultural extension activities as they were willing to use it.
Genotype evaluation for stability and high yielding in maize is an important factor for boosting productivity and sustainability of maize production. A total of 25 maize genotypes were evaluated over six environments namely Bako (BK), Asosa (AS), Hawasa (HW), Pawe (PW), Jimma (JM) and Arsi-Negele (AN) using randomized complete block design with three replications during 2022 for the objective to identify superior and stable maize genotypes through stability analysis. Combined ANOVA revealed highly significant (p<0.01) difference among genotypes, environments, and genotype by environment interaction (GEI) for studied traits including grain yield (GY). The environment and GEI were found to be the most significant causes of the grain yield (GY) accounted 60.3% and 21.4 % of overall variation, respectively. The sum of the first two principal components of AMMI and GGE biplot explained the GEI variation for GY 74.5% and 78.1%, respectively. The AMMI and GGE biplot analysis depicted some genotypes G20, G25,G2, G17, G21, G13, G9 and G16 gave GY above the mean and less affected by GEI. The polygon view of the GGE biplot showed that the first mega-environment contains four environments BK, PW, AS, and HW with G20, the second and third environment contains JM and AN with G11 and G13 as winner genotypes (vertex), respectively. Environments AS, PW and BK identified as best environments based on its yield, discriminating and representativeness which were close to ideal environments. Genotypes G20 (3XM2110426) identified as ideal and G25 (BH520), G2 (3XM2110423), G17 (BH549), G21 (3XM2110422), G9 (3XM1900467) and G18 (3XM2110424) considered as desirable genotypes based on proximity to ideal genotypes. Therefore, G20 (3XM2110426) and G2 (3XM2110423) are recommended for verification and release after confirming the reliable performance of these genotypes through conducting multiyear evaluation and determining mega-environments for maize production in similar agro-ecologies of Ethiopia.
Non-destructive techniques for leaf area estimation are much sought after by both forest managers and researchers in the fields of biology and forest ecology. Leaf area (LA) can be determined by developing linear metrics, such as leaf length (L) and width (W). The objective of this study was to create a reliable approach for accurately estimating the leaf area (LA) of Quercus aegilops L. by using data of leaf length, width, or other dimensions. Seven non-destructive models were formulated to accurately estimate the leaf area (LA) of the species under investigation, developing the leaf dimensions of length (L) and width (W). The regression models that utilized a single dimension, such as length or breadth, were shown to be less effective in predicting the leaf area of Q. aegilops L. compared to models that integrated the product of length and width measurements. Among the seven produced models, the equation LA = 0.3256L*W1.016 was chosen as the final equation since it was considered the most suitable among the other equations.
The aim of this study to evaluate the effects of die holes diameter and speed of die on the performance of machine and feed pellet quality. Machine productivity (Kg.h-1), consumed power (kW), pellet durability (%) and pellet bulk density (g.cm-3) was studied. The study factors consisted of three diameter of die holes (3, 4, and 5 mm), and three speeds die (280, 300, and 320 rpm). Results showed with increasing of die holes diameter from 3 to 4 and to 5 mm give a significant increase in machine productivity, while consumed power, pellet durability and pellet bulk density a significant decreased. By increasing the die speed, from 280 to 300 then to 320 rpm, the machine productivity increased significantly, while consumed power, pellet durability, and pellet bulk density decreased significantly. The highest machine productivity 86.90 Kg.h-1, less consumed power 2.34 Kw recorded with die holes diameter of 5 mm and speeds of 320 rpm, while die holes diameter 3 mm and speed of die 280 rpm recorded the highest pellet durability 91.96% and pellet bulk density 0.6383 g.cm-3. It was concluded that the die holes diameter and die speed have a significant effect in the performance of machine and the pellet produced.
As the most consumed source of animal protein in Southern Algeria, this study focused on monitoring the quality of fresh camel meat stored at different temperatures by analyzing some physicochemical and microbiological parameters according to national standards. Dried and salted camel meat, locally called (Kadid), was used as a control sample. The microbiological results of fresh camel meat showed a total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF) load of 5,8 Log10 CFU/g, 3,86 Log10 CFU/g for total coliforms, and 2,95 Log10 CFU/g for fecal coliforms. All samples analyzed were free of pathogenic bacteria, namely coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS), Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. However, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) species with a load of 3,47 Log10 CFU/g were identified as follows: S. saprophyticus and S. epidermidis. In less than 7 days, sample B stored at room temperature experienced deterioration, with the microbial load exceeding the maximum acceptable threshold (M) set by national regulations, along with changes in physicochemical parameters, rendering the product unfit for consumption. This degradation was faster compared to the sample A stored at a maximum temperature of +10°C. However, for the control sample, the physicochemical results of dried and salted camel meat (Kadid) showed an acidic medium (pH=5,26). The analyzed samples had moisture content (MC %), sodium chloride content (SCC %), and total solid content (TSC %) of 10,73%, 0,3% (3g/L), and 89,27%, respectively. From a microbiological points of view, fresh camel meat stored at +10°C meets national legislation requirements for a maximum storage of one month. In contrast, the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of dried and salted camel meat (Kadid) allow it to be preserved for an extended period, even at room temperature. The traditional method of preparing and preserving the meat has proven effective against microbial contaminants. It maintains a balance of physicochemical parameters that enhance preservation and improve the nutritional and organoleptic quality compared to chilled fresh camel meat.
A study was conducted in agricultural season 2021to find out the effect of UV radiation duration and Biological combination (mycorrhiza G. mosseae and Azotobacter chrococcum)(F)on the germination and growth of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). jojoba seeds were treated with UV for different durations of 5, 10 and15minutes and coded it (UV5, UV10 and UV15).than seeds were transferred direct after being exposed to UV radiation in pots supported by Biological combination add it under seed by average 10 g every pot By" using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates". The results were analyzed statistical using SAS. The results showed significant increase in interactions UV5+F on number spores, colonization intensity and Mycorrhizal colonization percentage(37.00 g -1soil fungal spore, 55.7%, 90.00% respectively).The highest percentage of Nitrogen% and percentage of phosphorus(3.50%and0.33%) respectively compared by control(2.33.0.21) %respectively,germination percentage (89.67%),the lowest days on germination speed (9.5day) and high plant height(76.67 cm) compared to treatment uv15(75% and high number days for germination (16 days) which no significant differences in the control and the last treatment low high plant (66.33 cm) . The treatment UV10 +F showed a statistically significant increase on number of leaves (67leaves) and total chlorophyll content of jojoba leaves (31.33 spad) compared to control (31leaf, 14.33 spad). Leaf area showed no significant differences in the treatments. Results revealed that the seed treatment with biological combination and UV (particularly UV 5 improved some traits in jojoba seed.
The purpose of this article is to rank potential methods for extending the shelf life of Arabic bread. The majority popular kind of bread consumed in world is Arabic bread (AB). It is made from wheat flour which is regarded as having little nutritional value, the phonels and moisture were assessed. This investigation looked at the shelf life of arabic bread that was kept at 25 ºC for three days, using two levels of olive leaf extract 4and 8%, at the end of the three-day storage period, The findings showed that the yeast-mold counts in control rose to 5.77 log CFU/g, However those that contain 8% OLWE showed lower value was 3.47 log cfu/g).beside the total bacteria in control rose to 5.95log cfu/g, while those containing 8% OLWE showed lower value than 3 was 2 log cfu/g), the OLWEs had a favorable impact on the wheat loaves' microbiological shelf life when they were kept at 25 °C.
. Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.)De.Wit is cultivated in Iraq as an ornamental plant .In this paper anatomical characters of different parts of Leucaena leucocephala were studied in details ,the study included the characteristics of the epidermal cells ,as the anticlinal walls and the distribution of stomatal complexes of the leaflet ,stem, calyx and corolla .The ornamentation of cuticle as well as the internal structure of the stem ,pulvinus ,petiole ,leaflet and fruit were described , different types of crystals distribution in different parts of the plant also present .It was found that most characters have a good taxonomic value as a diagnostic characters for this species.
Improvement in practices among farmers could play a major role in the reduction of brucellosis among farmers in the farming areas. The study aimed at assessing the practices enhancing the prevalence of brucellosis among rural women farmers in Kwara state, Nigeria. Three hundred women farmers were interviewed using a questionnaire with questions about socio-economic characteristics, living conditions of the respondents and their animals, level of awareness about brucellosis and practices they engaged in. Descriptive statistics, chi square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used to analyze data collected. About 72.0% of the respondents were aware of brucellosis. The study also revealed that 71.0% identified consumption of raw cow milk as a practice enhancing brucellosis transmission, 71.3% consumed raw cattle milk, majority consumed raw cattle meat products, 65.3% had contacts with infected people, 72.0% also had contact with infected cattle, 66.7% dumped of aborted cattle on the street and 72.0% treated sick cattle at home. Conclusively, Consumption of raw cow milk, consumption of raw cattle milk, consumption of raw cattle meat products, contact with infected people, contact with infected cattle, dumping of aborted cattle on the street and treating sick cattle at home were identified to be practices engaged in by the women farmers that enhanced the prevalence of brucellosis transmission. There is need for training programmes on preventive practices especially the rural women who have closest proximity to livestock in order to prevent human and animal morbidity and reduce the burden of brucellosis.
This study aims to estimate the in situ effect of Phoenician juniper leaves on the physicochemical and microbiological quality of fermented goat’s milk stored under ambient conditions. In this study, we used two samples. The first sample was goat's milk flavored with juniper leaves, compared to the control sample without juniper leaves. We analyzed three physicochemical parameters: pH, titratable acidity, and temperature. Furthermore, the bacteriological analysis focused on the following parameters: Total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF), total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CoPS), and pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella spp and Listeria monocytogenes). The physicochemical results showed a change in the pH and titratable acidity of both samples with a higher acidity for the test sample compared to the control sample. This change was marked by an increase in a load of total aerobic mesophilic flora and lactic acid bacteria, a decrease in the total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms, and the Staphylococci load in the test sample compared to the control sample, which experienced an increase in these bacterial parameters. For the test sample, juniper leaves reduced bacterial contaminants in fermented goat’s milk by 38% for total coliforms, 41% for fecal coliforms, and 89% for staphylococci. Both samples were free of Salmonella spp and L. monocytogenes. These results are probably due to the effect of bioactive compounds of Juniperus phoenicea L leaves known for their antimicrobial effect. This traditional practice of our ancestors can improve the quality of fermented goat’s milk stored even at ambient temperature.
This study aimed to extract apple juice from green apple fruits previously treated with aqueous extract of apple peels, before storing the extracted juice at a temperature of (4)°C, for a period of (30) days, and comparing it with the juice of untreated fruits in order to determine the effect of inhibiting the polyphenol enzyme. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in apple fruits according to the treatments mentioned in some characteristics of apple juice extracted from those fruits. The studied characteristics are: residual enzymatic activity, total soluble sugars, ascorbic acid content, total phenols content, and browning index, as they were immersed in Fruits treated with aqueous extract of apple peels had a significant effect in reducing the residual enzymatic activity and ascorbic acid values of the treated fruit juice, while the total soluble sugars and total phenols content had a significant increase in their values after the end of the storage period, while the browning index values were not affected at the end of storage.
Laboratory experiment was conducted in the College of Agricultural Engineering at Al-Furat University in Deir Ez-Zor. The seeds of durum wheat (Triticum durum L., var. Sham 7) were soaked before planting in Petri dishes with two solutions: silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and regular silver nitrate (AgNO3) at four concentrations (10-20-40-80 ppm) in addition to soaking in distilled water (control treatment) for a duration soaking of 1,2 and 3 hours. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by green methods from extract of dried Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves and the resulting silver nanoparticles exhibit a spherical shape with dimensions of 12 nanometers as described by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface plasmon resonance peak at a wavelength of 450 nm is based on UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results of seed soaking experiment indicated that the seed soaking of durum wheat before planting in silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) or regular silver nitrate (AgNO3) for two hours had a significant effect on the studied germination indicators (germination rate, germination percentage, shoot length, root length, dry weight of shoots and roots). The values were higher when seeds were soaked in a 20 and 40 ppm of silver nanoparticles. The study recommends to soaking wheat seeds in a solution of silver nanoparticles at a concentration of 20-40 ppm for two hours before planting, also recommends to conducting several seed priming experiments with different nanomaterials for other varieties and crops.
In southern Iraq, the local buffalo holds significant importance as a domestic animal. This study aimed to contribute to the documentation and preservation of buffalo by examining the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the tongue and lingual papillae in adult buffalo aged 1-1.5 years. Six tongue specimens from each buffalo were analyzed to investigate both anatomical and histological features, including the comparison of statistical data between the tongues. The study delineated various lingual papillae on the tongue, revealing the presence of five identifiable types on the tongue surface. Among these, three were categorized as mechanical papillae (filiform, conical, and lenticular), while two were identified as gustatory papillae (vallate and fungiform). Although certain morphological features of the buffalo tongue resembled those of other ruminants, the lingual prominence in buffalo was notably higher and more developed. Notably, there were more mechanical papillae, covered by a thicker, keratinized epithelium. The research concluded that the buffalo's tongue exhibited strength, highlighting its crucial role in food prehension. The buffalo's tongue, characterized by a gray or blackish color, a rounded margin without a median groove, and a sharp, rounded anterior edge, was found to possess distinctive properties contributing to its efficient grasping of food. Overall, the study identified key attributes of the buffalo tongue, shedding light on its potency and its role in facilitating the buffalo's feeding behavior.
This study presents a comprehensive examination of the application of intercropping as a pivotal strategy for enhancing agricultural diversity, with a focus on evaluating diverse biological and Zeoponic nutrition systems in the intercropping of smooth vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum). The experimental design employed was a randomized complete block format with three replications, conducted at the Kermanshah University Research Farm during the cropping year of 2021-2022. The primary plot configuration included four different fertilizer types: a control without any fertilizer (C), with biofertilizer (B), with Zeoponic fertilizer (Z), and a compound strategy with biofertilizer combined with 50% Zeoponic fertilizer (BZ50). Subplots were dedicated to additive intercropping systems, namely: 100% vetch (V100), 100% vetch intercropped with 50% coriander (V100C50), and 100% vetch intercropped with 100% coriander (V100C100). The findings of this experiment revealed that the highest fresh forage yield (12,227 kg/ha) was achieved through the sole cropping of vetch with biofertilizer and a 50% application of Zeoponic fertilizer. Both species exhibited enhancement of different attributes when intercropped under various fertilization regimes. Particularly, the crude protein content (24.5%) and total ash content (10.25%) of vetch were highest in sole cultivation. Furthermore, in the intercropping system with the application of biofertilizers, the highest levels of indigestible fiber (39.6%) and neutral extract fiber (NDF) (34.44%) were recorded. Consequently, the additive intercropping of vetch and coriander is proposed as a recommendable strategy for a medicinal forage combination within the geographic scope of this study.
