This study evaluated the impact of rice bran storage duration on broiler chicken growth performance and meat quality. Ninety-six male Cobb 500 chicks were randomly assigned to four groups, each receiving one of four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets: a control corn-soy diet or diets containing rice bran stored for less than 24 hours, 1 week, or 30 days. Growth performance was monitored, and after 30 days, carcass traits, digestive organ measurements, and meat quality parameters were assessed. Diets containing rice bran stored for 1 week and 30 days exhibited elevated Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values, indicating increased lipid oxidation. Notably, broilers fed rice bran stored for 30 days showed reduced (P<0.05) final body weight, weight gain, and feed intake, along with a higher feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. This diet also led to increased relative weights and lengths of digestive tract organs and higher meat TBARS values. However, other meat quality characteristics, including cooking loss, drip loss, water holding capacity, pH, and color, remained unaffected by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, incorporating rice bran stored for 30 days into broiler diets can negatively influence growth performance and meat TBARS values.
Potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) from natural and anthropogenic sources, particularly in agriculture, may accumulate in soils and enter the food chain, posing health risks. Only a portion of these elements is bioavailable for plant uptake, which is strongly influenced by soil properties. This study quantified bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) to assess the uptake of Cd, Pb, As, Cu, and Zn by different vegetables, identified the soil properties influencing the bioavailability and accumulation, and evaluated whether Mehlich 3 extractable PTEs concentrations could serve as indicators of plant-available PTEs. Surface soil (0-15 cm) and corresponding vegetables were collected from two different cropping systems and soil types: vegetable-only Ultisol (Nuwara Eliya) and coarse-textured Entisol (Kalpitiya), and vegetable paddy rotation Ultisol (Badulla). PTE concentrations in soil and vegetables were measured using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer. Total concentrations (mg/kg) of Cd (0.88), Pb (15), As (14.6), Cu (53.5), and Zn (136.7), Mehlich 3 extractable Cd (0.245), Pb (3.6), Cu (5.55), and Zn (19.1) were higher in Ultisol in Nuwara Eliya, while the highest As (0.245) concentration was observed in the Entisol of Kalpitiya. Elevated BAF values were observed for Cd (0.53) in carrots, Zn (0.64) in beetroot from Nuwara Eliya, and Zn in carrots (0.75), beetroot (1.69), cabbages (0.67), beans (0.97), and red onions (0.68) in Badulla, and Zn in beetroots (2.7) and red onions (4.22), Cu in beetroots (0.50), and red onions (1.13), and Cd in red onions (0.79), from Kalpitiya showing the highest accumulation. BAFs of Pb (0.01-0.06) and As (0.01 -0.08) relative to low across three locations. Soils in Kalpitiya contained very low organic carbon (<2%) and clay (<3%), while soils from Nuwara Eliya and Badulla had higher organic carbon (>2%) and clay (>20%). Higher organic carbon and clay levels reduced the mobility of potentially toxic elements (PTEs).
In this study, freeze drying and spray drying were evaluated as techniques for encapsulating the volatile compounds in the steam distillate of black tea. A mixture of carrier materials was prepared by dissolving 0.1 g of gum arabic and 9.9 g of maltodextrin in warm water, then mixing it with 1 L of steam distillate of black tea. The prepared mixture was divided into two portions: one portion was freeze-dried, and the other was spray-dried to produce encapsulated black tea aroma powders. The sensory properties of the freeze-dried black tea aroma powder (FD-BTA) and spray-dried black tea aroma powder (SD-BTA) were assessed using a pairwise comparison test with thirty semi-trained panellists. Aroma profiles of FD-BTA and SD-BTA were analysed by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector techniques. The results indicated that FD-BTA had superior sensory properties compared to SD-BTA and contained 17 key volatile compounds, whereas SD-BTA contained only 8 compounds. FD-BTA retained high concentrations of tea aroma available in steam distillate, including linalool (262.64±33.88 mg/L) and methyl salicylate (190.02±28.58 mg/L). The encapsulation efficiencies of key black tea aroma compounds were significantly higher with freeze drying (linalool- 61.89±5.64%, methyl salicylate- 23.59±3.02%, geraniol- 39.45±6.92%, and β-ionone- 29.86±4.50%) than with spray drying (linalool- 4.93±0.25%, methyl salicylate- 0.70±0.10%, geraniol- 13.78±2.41%, and β-ionone- 13.86±1.88%). Overall, freeze drying was found to be more effective than spray drying for encapsulating aroma compounds in black tea steam distillate.
A four-season field experiment was conducted for rice variety At 362 from the 2023 Yala season to the 2024/25 Maha season in the low-country dry zone of Sri Lanka, to examine the effects of single application of rice husk biochar and seasonal urea applications on grain nutritional and morphometric traits of rice. Grain amylose, iron (Fe) and ash percentages, antioxidant capacity, grain width, grain length, length-to-width ratio, grain thickness, equivalent diameter, grain volume, grain surface area and grain sphericity were measured. Four biochar rates (0, 1, 2, and 3 t/ha) and the recommended rate of partially burnt paddy husk (625 kg/ha), along with four urea levels (0, 67.5, 157.5 and 225 kg/ha), were arranged in a split-plot design with three replicates. The analysis of variance showed that rice husk biochar had a significant effect on all measured parameters across the four seasons. The application of urea also had a strong impact on some parameters such as antioxidant capacity, Fe content, grain volume, grain length and grain length-to-width ratio, although it did not always significantly affect on other measured parameters. Seasonal variation significantly influenced all measured parameters. Regarding interactions, the biochar × urea and urea × season effects were not significant, while the biochar × season interaction was significant for ash and Fe, indicating that the effect of biochar varied across seasons. The three-way interaction (biochar × urea × season) was not significant for any parameter. Dunnett’s test results indicated that most traits were significantly improved at higher levels of rice husk biochar compared to the partially burnt paddy husk treatment, except for antioxidant capacity. Overall, 3 t/ha of rice husk biochar combined with recommended urea level performed better than recommended rate of partially burnt paddy husk in enhancing and maintaining grain nutritional and morphometric traits over four seasons under low-country dry zone conditions in Sri Lanka.
Duckweed, a largely underexploited aquatic plant from the family Lemnaceae, is notable for its high protein content, encompassing all essential amino acids, and its abundance of micronutrients. This study explored the feasibility of incorporating duckweed powder into cookie formulations. Based on preliminary investigations, Lemna perpusilla and Spirodela polyrhiza were selected for the production of duckweed powder, which was subsequently assessed for its physicochemical, nutritional, and functional characteristics. Four cookie formulations were then prepared by substituting wheat flour with duckweed powder at levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, alongside a control sample composed entirely of wheat flour. Sensory evaluation was performed using a 9-point hedonic test with 40 semi-trained panelists and identified the most preferred cookie, which was further assessed. According to proximate analysis, the selected cookie showed significant differences (p<0.05) from the control, with higher crude protein 12.25±0.02%, crude fat 21.45±0.03%, crude fiber 10.25±0.03%, crude ash 3.76±0.04%, and digestible carbohydrate 47.23±0.10%. The cookie provided 430.98±0.05 kcal/100g, with 22.43±0.04% sugar, 0.74±0.02% salt, and 1.64±0.03% total dietary fiber. Mineral content was significantly higher (p<0.05). Functional properties such as total phenolic content (1.62±0.03 mgGAE/g), flavonoid content (282.05±0.01 mgCAT/g), DPPH radical scavenging activity (212.36±1.20 mM TE/g), and α-amylase inhibition (IC₅₀ 2.26±0.02 (μg/mL) were also high (p<0.05). Microbial levels remained within safe limits for one month, and all chemical and safety standards were met. The findings suggest that duckweed powder can serve as an effective partial replacement for wheat flour, enhancing both the nutritional profile and functional characteristics of cookie formulations.
The present study assessed the nutritional, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of five seaweed species in northern coast of Sri Lanka: Kappaphycus alvarezii, Sargassum wightii, Turbinaria ornata, Caulerpa peltata and Caulerpa racemosa. The proximate composition was measured in dried seaweed powder. The antioxidant properties were determined in seaweed water extracts as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2, 2- diphe-nyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Crude methanol and crude water extracts were examined for antimicrobial properties against four human pathogens; Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The protein, fat, ash and gross energy con-tents varied from 4.7-26.5%, 0.02-0.05%, 7.6-25.6% and 10-18.7 kJg-1, respectively. The two green seaweeds had the highest (p<0.05) protein and gross energy contents, while the other three species had higher (p<0.05) ash content. The TPC, FRAP and DPPH half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranged from 0.4-1.4 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g-1 dry weight, 2923.3-9193.5 mM FeSO4 g-1 dry weight and 1.5-8.5 mg mL-1, respectively. The S. wightii showed the highest (p<0.05) TPC and FRAP, where-as K. alvarezii had the lowest (p<0.05) DPPH IC50 value. No TFC response was observed. All seaweed methanol extracts showed antimicrobial activity against all four pathogens. The crude water extracts of K. alvarezii and T. ornata showed antimicrobial activity only against P. aeruginosa. Results showed that the selected seaweed species possess high nutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, they have the potential to be used in the food, pharmaceutical, and packaging industries.
This study investigated the potential of banana (Musa acuminata) and mango (Mangifera indica) peel pectin as a functional ingredient in probiotic yoghurt. Pectin was extracted, characterised, and incorporated at concentrations of 0.1–10% (w/v) to evaluate effects on physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties during 28 days of refrigerated storage. Banana peels contain a higher pectin content (15.87%) than mango peel (13.32%), both of which met international standards for food-grade pectin. Yoghurts fortified with peel-derived pectin exhibited improved water-holding capacity, reduced syneresis, and enhanced acidity development relative to controls, with banana pectin exerting greater gel-strengthening effects. Probiotic viability remained above the recommended therapeutic threshold of 10⁶ CFU/g in formulations containing 5–10% pectin, confirming its prebiotic contribution. Microbiological analyses verified the absence of E. coli and coliforms, while yeast and mold counts remained within acceptable safety limits throughout storage. Sensory evaluation indicated that 1% banana peel pectin produced the most favorable yoghurt, receiving higher taste and overall acceptability scores compared with both mango peel and control samples. These results suggest that banana and mango peel pectin can enhance yoghurt quality, extend probiotic viability, and improve consumer preference, while simultaneously valorizing fruit-processing by-products. The integration of peel-derived pectin into dairy systems highlights its potential as a cost-effective, natural stabilizer and prebiotic fortifier, contributing both to functional food innovation and to sustainable waste reduction in the food industry.
The potential use of seaweed phycocolloids as stabilizing agents in gelatin-free set-yoghurt was evaluated. Three seaweed phycocolloids, namely carrageenan, alginate, and agar-agar, were extracted from Kappaphycus alvarazii, Sar-gassum wightii, and Gracilaria salicornia, respectively. Pre-liminary trials were conducted to determine the optimal in-corporation levels of phycocolloids in gelatin-free set-yoghurts. Based on syneresis percentage, 0.12% (w/v) car-rageenan, 0.2% (w/v) alginate, and 0.3% (w/v) agar-agar levels were selected as the best incorporation levels for set-yoghurt production. The hardness, syneresis, color, proxi-mate composition, and sensory properties of the set-yoghurt containing selected levels of phycocolloids were assessed in comparison with the control, a set-yoghurt con-taining gelatin (0.8% w/v). All the phycocolloids-incorporated set-yoghurt showed lower (p<0.05) hardness and yellowness and higher syneresis compared to gelatin incorporated set-yoghurt (0.8% w/v), and higher lactic acid bacteria count on day 7 of storage at 4 ℃. Protein content was high (p<0.05) in gelatin added set-yoghurt and lowest in agar-agar set-yoghurt. Alginate-added set-yoghurt had a similar protein content as the gelatin-incorporated yoghurt. Consumer preferences for all sensory attributes of alginate yoghurt were comparable to or higher than those of gelatin-added yoghurt, whereas carrageenan and agar-agar-incorporated set-yoghurt received lower preference for certain sensory attributes such as flavor, texture, and mouth feeling. In conclusion, carrageenan, alginate, and agar-agar derived from seaweed can be effectively utilized as stabilizers in set-yoghurt. Out of the tested phycocolloids, alginate stands out as it maintains the sensory attributes and protein content, making it a particularly suitable choice to use as a stabilizing agent in set-yoghurt.
Brachiaria species have gained widespread usage in the tropics and subtropics. Brachiaria Mulato II, a recently in-troduced hybrid cultivar within the Brachiaria genus, has not undergone comprehensive agronomic evaluation in Sri Lanka. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the ef-fects of fertilizer types (U625-control: 17-12-14-0-0, com-mercial mixture-CM1: 14-8-12-1-7, and CM2: 14-6-20-1-7; N-P-K-S-Mg) and plant spacings (15×50 cm and 30×50 cm) on dry matter yield (DMY), morphological characteristics (plant height-PH, leaf-to-stem ratio-LSR, and number of till-ers per plant-NTPP), and chemical composition (ash, crude protein-CP, Neutral detergent fiber-NDF, and acid detergent fiber-ADF) of Mulato II grass. The experiment was con-ducted in Hambantota district Sri Lanka under irrigated conditions. The experimental design was a factorial layout (3×2) in a randomized complete block design with four rep-lications. PH, NTPP, LSR, DMY, and ASH content are signifi-cantly different within fertilizer types while all the parame-ters except ASH are significantly different within spacing. Overall, the highest PH, DMY, and ADF were shown by close spacing while wide spacing showed high NTPP, LSR, CP and NDF. Treatments CM1 (11.2 t/ha) and CM2 (11.7 t/ha) rec-orded the highest and statistically similar DMY values, which were significantly greater than that of the control (9.6 t/ha). It can be recommended that Mulato II has the potential to be cultivated using CM1 and CM2 having com-petitive DMY, CP, NDF, and ASH content compared to com-monly used improved grasses in the dry zones of Sri Lanka. The research indicates that close spacing increases the for-age DMY while wide spacing increases the forage quality.
Lactic acid bacteria inoculants are employed to accelerate forage ensiling ensuring silage quality. Inoculants for ensiling are not produced locally and are restricted for importation in Sri Lanka. This study evaluated the potential of locally produced, freeze-dried Lactobacillus inoculants containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus , and Lactobacillus oris, on ensiling of guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) forage. The experiment was conducted as a complete randomized design (CRD). Guinea grass forage harvested at the 10 % flowering stage were chopped and inoculated with each Lactobacillus (i.e. treatments ) species (i.e. 106 CFU/g fresh forage) or sprayed with deionized water (i.e. control). Six laboratory silos were prepared with each inoculant and one silo was the control. Silage samples were taken from 3 silos opened at 2 weeks and from the remaining 3 silos at 52 weeks post-ensiling. All samples were assessed for pH value and lactic acid content. In addition, the samples taken at 52 weeks were analyzed for organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) content. Guinea grass ensiled with Lactobacillus exhibited significantly (P<0.05) high lactic acid content and low pH valu e compared to the control as early as 2 weeks ensiling. At 52 weeks, guinea grass inoculated with L. rhamnosus recorded, significantly (P<0.05) higher lactic acid content c ompared to that inoculated with L. plantarum. Nevertheless, at 52 weeks guinea grass ensiled with, both L. rhamnosus and L. oris recorded significantly lower (P<0.05) pH values than those inoculated with L. plantarum. Inoculation of guinea grass with Lactobacillus significantly (P<0.05) increased the OMD and ME content of silage. This study concluded that locally produced, freeze-dried L. rhamnosus, and L. oris inoculants have the potential to enhance the ensiling guinea grass.
This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of implementing principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering method for grouping cows in a dairy herd based on their performance on multiple traits related to milk production and reproduction, for implementing need based, group specific management practices. The proposed method was tested on two different management systems, namely System A (Friesian x Jersey crossbreds managed intensively under Low Country Dry Zone) and System B (Sahiwal crossbreds managed semi intensively under Low Country Intermediate Zone). Six large scale state dairy farms were grouped into the two systems with 1507 lactation records of 643 cows belonging to System A and 552 lactation records of 185 cows in System B. Means of calf birth weight, age at first calving, lactation length (LL), total milk production (MP), average daily yield, and calving interval (CI) of System A were significantly superior to the respective means of System B (p<0.05). The PCA used MP, LL and CI traits where all three traits exhibited significant positive pairwise correlations (p<0.05). For both systems, the first two PCs explained over 85% of the total variation of traits. Traits MP and LL played a major component in PC1 (production component) and CI was loaded heavily for PC2 (reproduction component). For both systems, the K- means clustering approach was effective with the three clusters of cows formed within a system showing significant differences for MP, LL and CI (p<0.05).
A survey was carried out in 144 dairy cattle farms in the Western Province of Sri Lanka to identify management factors that affect welfare of dairy calves. A total of 392 calves were monitored in farms with the herd size of 5.4+2.0 with milk production of 22.9+12.5 L/day/farm. Among the calves, majority were Jersey (63.0%) and Friesian (33.0%) crosses. Risk factors were identified as, not using calving pens (100%), lack of naval disinfection (64.3 %), lack of calf pen (93.1%), dam-fed colostrum (100%), mortality (28.0% of farms), prevalence of hock wounds (39.9%) and diseases (53.4%). Concrete/cement was the prominent flooring category (93%) with considerably unfriendly footing (injurious 24.2%, slippery 51.0%, unclean 67.1%). Injurious floors significantly augmented hoof temperature (P<0.001). Slipperiness and dirty floors positively (P<0.05) affected on prevalence and severity of hock wounds by 14.5% (P<0.001) and 59.6% (P<0.001) respectively. Stockperson attitude varied with the age where and youths (19-30 years) concerned more about proper flooring (85.7%), calf-pen (6.9%), concentrate/roughage access (10-14 days after birth) (14.2%), welfare/nutrition (78.6%) and calf mortality than the adults and seniors. Welfare and ethical considerations towards male calves were satisfying with better weaning age (3.8±0.9 months), concentrate supplement (0.58+0.28 kg/day) and selling after six months of age (93.0%). However, both female and male calves were underweight for their corresponding ages. In conclusion, this study will assist in developing intervention strategies to improve calf welfare for the better raising of calves into a well grown cow.
The sugarcane industry in Sri Lanka is facing a decline in sugar recovery rates, emphasizing the need for improved technology transfer and capacity building among extension staff. This study explored the use of an ICT stewardship approach to enhance extension services in the Monaragala District through a five-phase action research framework: (i) information needs analysis, (ii) choosing technology, (iii) rapid prototyping, (iv) designing and implementing the communication campaign, and (v) evaluation. Information needs were assessed through four focus group discussions and a semi-structured questionnaire (n=28). WhatsApp Messenger, preferred by users, was selected as the communication platform. Three WhatsApp groups were created for the extension officers of three sugar companies, and a three-week campaign was conducted to disseminate technical content. Feedback was collected through a questionnaire (n=40), and descriptive methods were used to analyze data. Key information needs included cane quality improvement (93%), weed management (82%), and water management (82%). WhatsApp was the most commonly used platform, followed by Facebook (71%), and SMS (64%). ICT tools were mainly used for sharing curated content (96%), accessing expertise (79%), and facilitating meetings and conversations (75%). Video-based messages were rated the most effective (85%), and 38% of respondents regularly re-shared the information with farmers. Most participants rated the campaign as highly successful (75%) or successful (25%). Challenges included time constraints, poor network access, and data limitations. The study concludes that the ICT stewardship approach is an effective strategy for strengthening technology transfer and capacity building among extension officers in the sugarcane industry.
Sarcopenia involves age-related muscle loss, posing a significant concern for older people. This study investigates the relationship between dietary patterns and sarcopenia prevalence among the ageing population in the Polonnaruwa district, Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 randomly selected individuals aged 65 and above. Assessments included nutritional status using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short form, dysphagia risk with the EAT-10 tool, and physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia-2019 (AWGS) criteria, including the SARC-Calf questionnaire, handgrip strength, Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI), and gait speed. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression for the outcome variable (prevalence of sarcopenia) using continuous predictors (age and BMI), and Chi-square tests for categorical predictors (nutritional status and gender), were performed with a significance threshold of 0.05. The average age of participants was 70.7 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 49.6%, affecting 44.6% of males and 52.9% of females. The odds of sarcopenia increased with age (OR: 1.0654, p>0.05) and decreased with higher BMI (OR: 0.7542, p<0.05). Significant associations were observed between sarcopenia and legume consumption, nutritional status, and physical activity levels (p<0.05), while no significant associations were found between sarcopenia and gender, dysphagia, smoking, drinking water, vegetarianism, meat, dairy, and alcohol consumption (p>0.05). These findings highlight that adequate nutrition, increased physical activity, and legume consumption may protect against and delay the onset of sarcopenia, suggesting targeted interventions for aging people in Polonnaruwa.
Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) is a vital crop in Sri Lanka due to its nutritional and economic significance. Pumpkins are vulnerable to diverse viral infections, often resulting in substantial yield and quality losses. The present study was conducted at Onesh Agri (Pvt) Ltd.'s farm in Thanamalwila (DL1 b), Sri Lanka. The study aimed to evaluate the viral disease resistance and morphological traits including number of laterals per vine, time to first female flower, leaf length and width and yield traits, including days to commercial harvest, number of fruits per vine, weight of fruit, fruit length and breadth of 60 pumpkin accessions developed by the World Vegetable Center, Taiwan, under local environmental conditions. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with border rows planted with the virus-susceptible F1 variety Suprema as a control. Based on their quantitative traits, hierarchical cluster analysis grouped tested accessions into two major cluster groups, comprising 23 and 34 accessions in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Among these, 11 accessions namely, PUMP003, PUMP009, PUMP017, PUMP019, PUMP023, PUMP026, PUMP030, PUMP033, PUMP034, PUMP043, and PUMP047 demonstrated partial resistance to common viral diseases. Notably, PUMP017 (36.5±1.18) was identified as early flowering, while PUMP033 (62.0±1.95) early fruiting. The PUMP026 (5.6±0.48) produced the highest number of fruits per vine, and PUMP030 (4121.0±195.98 g) yielded the heaviest fruits with favorable fruit dimensions and flesh thickness. These findings provide valuable insights for future pumpkin breeding programs aimed at developing new varieties with enhanced resistance to viral diseases in the Sri Lankan context.
An understanding about pollution status is vital for remediating water resources, which is lacking in context of Sri Lanka’s lagoon system. The aim of this study was to assess the pollution in a lagoon in terms of degree, dynamics and sources of pollution using water quality indices. The water samples collected from up, mid and down streams of Sainthamaruthu lagoon across different rainfall seasons were analyzed for pH, temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−) and Total Phosphorus (TP). The measured variables were subjected to computation of Water Quality Index (WQI), Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) and statistical analyses. Subsequently, it was found that upstream region of the lagoon was severely polluted during North East Monsoon (NEM) whereas significantly higher concentrations of nutrient pollutants (NH4+= 4.5 mg/L, TP=3 mg/L) and physiochemical attributes (EC=3007μS/cm, TDS=801.7 mg/L) respectively were associated with the higher pollution in NEM. Meanwhile, the other regions were moderately polluted throughout the year. Besides, the greater WQI (greater than 100) observed at all the regions across the different rainfall seasons implied that Sainthamaruthu lagoon was not suitable for drinking and fish culture. Furthermore, the results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the pollution in Sainthamaruthu lagoon is caused by mixed sources of natural and anthropogenic factors including mineralization, sea water intrusion, effluent discharge and wastewater release. Ultimately, this study scientifically proved the occurrence of pollution in Sainthamaruthu lagoon and the facts identified could be used during remediation of the lagoon in near future.
Impairment of wild shrimp biodiversity is one of the key ecological concerns linked to shrimp aquaculture. This study assessed the abundance and biodiversity of wild shrimp along the coastal region of Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka, considering shrimp farming and non-shrimp farming areas. Sampling was conducted at six locations, consisting three non-shrimp farming sites in Batticaloa Lagoon (Arayampathy, Kallady, and Muhathuwaram) and three (shrimp farming sites in the Vaharai Lagoon (Vattawan, Panichankeni, and Vaharai), during the period from July 2022 to August 2023. Wild shrimp species were identified using the taxonomic keys, and biodiversity was analysed using Simpson’s and Shannon’s indices via PAST3 software. Results revealed that Simpson’s diversity index (1–D) was significantly highest at Arayampathy (0.6653) and lowest at Vattawan (0.4804), indicating reduced diversity near intensive shrimp farming zones. Shannon’s diversity index also followed a similar pattern, showing high diversity in non-farming areas. Muhathuwaram recorded the highest average shrimp abundance of 85 individuals per catch, whereas Vattawan had the lowest (42 individuals). The observed patterns suggest a significant ecological separation between the sites, with non-farming areas showing greater richness and evenness. The decline in wild shrimp biodiversity and abundance in farming areas is likely driven by effluent discharge from shrimp farms, but may also be influenced by habitat degradation, agricultural runoff, overfishing, and broader environmental changes. These findings highlight the need for strict regulation of farm discharges and introduction of broad ecosystem-based approach in shrimp farming management.
Plant-based non-meat ingredients have been studied for decades and recently gained more attraction in the food industry and research communities. The current study was conducted to produce chicken meatballs incorporating boiled-dried (Plukodiyal) and dried Palmyrah (Odiyal) flour with a focus on reducing manufacturing costs. Chicken meatballs were prepared with two flours as binders at the levels of 5% and 10% (w/w). Different treatment samples were stored at 4±1 °C for five days until further analysis. Sensory properties, proximate composition, physical properties such as processing yield, diameter changes, cooking loss, colour, and microbial properties such as total viable plate count, total yeasts and mould count and total coliform count of meatballs were determined. Five formulations (Control, T1- 5% Odiyal, T2 -10% Odiyal, T3- 5% Plukodiyal, 10% Plukodiyal) were produced and subjected to sensory evaluation to obtain the optimum product in terms of aroma, taste, texture, juiciness, and overall acceptability. From the sensory evaluation, the treatments T2 (10% of Palmyrah unboiled flour) and T4 (10% of Palmyrah boiled flour) were found to be significantly (P< 0.05) superior in terms of taste and overall acceptability. From the physicochemical analysis, T2 was found to be significantly superior (P< 0.05) in terms of taste, colour, fat content (3.96±0.03%), crude fibre content (2.16±0.06%), diameter reduction (3.27±0.03%), and cost of production for ingredients based (LKR.109.36). The results of the present study suggest that Palmyrah has excellent prospects for the formulation of chicken meatballs as a viable alternative to wheat flour. Incorporating Palmyrah flours was positively associated with processing yield, moisture retention, diameter reduction, sensory properties, and nutrients such as high crude protein and low fat. Under aerobic refrigerated (4±1 °C) storage, Palmyrah flour incorporated meatballs retained their microbiological quality for up to three days. Thus, Palmyrah flour, a valuable ingredient often ignored, can be recommended as a viable binding agent for chicken meatballs.
Cinnamon spent bark waste (CBW) is the residue resulted after cinnamon oil extraction. It is accumulated in high quantities in cinnamon oil distillation plants and creates disposal problems. The aim of this study was to extract dietary fiber (DF) from CBW using aqueous, chemical and enzymatic methods and evaluate the functional properties of resulted fiber. CBW reported a very low content of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) but significantly higher (p<0.05) insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) content (0.84 % and 78.86 % respectively). Therefore, only the IDF fraction was extracted and functional properties including water holding capacity (WHC), water swelling capacity (WSC), oil holding capacity (OHC) and glucose adsorption capacity (GAC) were determined. Chemical and water extraction methods resulted the significantly lowest (70.92 %) and highest (93.87 %) DF yields (p<0.05) respectively. Chemical extraction produced DF with significantly higher (p<0.05) WHC (3.91 g/g) compared to CBW (3.29 g/g). Moreover, DF obtained by enzymatic extraction reported significantly higher (p<0.05) WSC (0.90 mL/g) than CBW (0.17 mL/g). All the extraction methods produced fiber with significantly higher (p<0.05) OHC compared to the original samples. Chemically extracted fiber reported the significantly highest (p<0.05) OHC (3.6 g/mL) compared to the other fiber products. GAC of fiber extracted by chemical (0.86 mmol/g) and enzymatic (0.35 mmol/g) treatments were significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of water (0.08 mmol/g) extracted fiber and original samples. Results suggested that though the yield of DF was low, functional value of DF obtained by chemical extraction is better than enzymatic and water extraction methods.
Understanding how gender dynamics influence collective efficacy beliefs is crucial for crafting effective and enduring conservation strategies to ensure the sustainability of common natural resource pools in agrarian regions of the developing world. This study explores the influence of gender on perceptions of collective action in the Mahakanumulla Tank Cascade System, offering unique insights into the socio-cultural aspects that shape conservation behavior in human-curated natural landscapes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data from 463 households dispersed across six village divisions. The survey focused on three dimensions of collective efficacy: individual self-efficacy, group efficacy in executing collective action, and the efficacy of collaboration in accomplishing shared goals. The study could reveal significant disparities between men and women in their perceptions of a community's potential to sustain collective action. Female respondents assessed their community's capacity to coordinate collective action as comparatively less adequate than their male counterparts. Moreover, there was a strong correlation (p<0.05) between land ownership and collective efficacy, as those who owned land demonstrated higher levels of confidence in their collective endeavors. These findings highlight the importance of adopting more gender-responsive solutions to effectively manage natural resource pools in traditional societies.
