Supplementing the Diet of Dairy Goats with Dried Orange Pulp throughout Lactation: I. Effect on Milk Performance, Nutrient Utilisation, Blood Parameters and Production Economics

Dried orange pulp (DOP) can be incorporated into ruminant diets, but no reports have considered this strategy during the entire lactation period in goats. Two experiments were performed using lactating Payoya goats. In experiment 1, to study the effect, over 180 days, of DOP on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites and economic values, 44 primiparous goats were allocated into three groups: control diet (concentrate plus lucerne) and DOP40 and DOP80 diets, in which DOP replaced 40% and 80%, respectively, of the cereals. Nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation were also studied (experiment 2). The DOP diets did not affect milk yield and composition. DOP triggered lower intake and digestibility of ether extract and crude protein. Ruminal fermentation was unaffected by DOP, except for a decrease in butyrate for DOP80. The energy balance was unaltered by diet while the balance and retention of nitrogen decreased. Regarding plasma biochemistry, DOP supplementation caused changes that could indicate an improvement in hepatic function and reduced muscular damage and oxidative muscular stress. Moreover, DOP80 provided a profit increase of EUR 3.27/goat. In conclusion, the partial replacement of cereals by DOP is a profitable and healthy nutritional strategy in dairy goats and is suitable for the entire lactation period without compromising productivity.

Supplementing the Diet of Dairy Goats with Dried Orange Pulp throughout Lactation: II Effect on Milk Fatty Acids Profile, Phenolic Compounds, Fat-Soluble Vitamins and Antioxidant Capacity

Although dried orange pulp (DOP) as a short-term dietary supplementation has been proven an effective substitute for cereals in goat diets–without impairing milk quality–there have been no studies considering its use over the full lactation period. This study evaluated replacing cereal with DOP in goat diets for the full 180-day lactation period on milk’s fatty acid (FA) and antioxidant composition. Payoya goats were assigned to three diet groups: a control group consuming a commercial concentrate with alfalfa hay as forage; a DOP40 or DOP80 group, wherein 40% or 80% of the cereal in the concentrate was replaced by DOP. The α-tocopherol and phenolic compounds levels and the antioxidant capacity in the milk increased as the DOP percentage increased. Including DOP might improve the FA indices of milk in the context of human health, especially when included at the end of lactation because it contributes to reducing the thrombogenicity index and increasing both the monounsaturated/saturated FA and polyunsaturated/saturated FA indices and the amounts of indispensables α-C18:3 n-3 and C18:2 n-6 cis. Ultimately, DOP presents a plausible alternative to cereals in the diet of goats throughout lactation to improve the nutritional milk quality, especially the healthy antioxidant capacity.

Evaluation of Nutritional and Functional Properties of Squash Pulp Powder from Cameroon and Squash Base Biscuit

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and functional properties of powder from 2 Cameroonians squash pulp species (Cucurbita moschata Yellow and Orange pulp, and Cucurbita pepo orange pulp) and squash pulp-base biscuit to promote the integration of squash in the diet to help fight against micronutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases Methodology: The squash were cleaned and the pulp was blanched in boiling water for 3 minutes and dried at 60 °C for 24 h. The dried pulp was then finely crushed and sieved to obtain the powder. The proximal composition, the levels of macronutrients, vitamin C, carotenoids and minerals were determined as well as the functional properties. The powder sample with the highest carotenoid content was substituted by wheat flour in the proportions 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% for the biscuit formulation. Sensory properties (color, taste and overall acceptability) and total carotenoids content of the biscuit were then evaluated. Results: The nutrient contents per 100g of powder were 1.65g, 6.38-23.36 mg, 15.70-20.54 mg, 102.56-119.65 mg respectively for crude fibers, total carotenoids, vitamin C and potassium. Water absorption capacity (WAC), Water holding capacity (WHC) and oil holding capacity (OHC) varied from 7.50-8.25, 3.35-6.05 and 1.02-2.04 respectively. Values of swelling capacity (SC) and water solubility index (WSI) varied from 119-140 and 15-17.63, 314-348 and 22.33-24.9, 388-459 and 35.08-38.75 at room temperature, 65°C and 95°C respectively. Sensory analysis of the biscuits showed that the biscuit made with 10% of squash powder was the most appreciated and contained 2.29 mg/100g of total carotenoids. Conclusion: Regular consumption of these Cameroonians squash pulp powder or foods formulated with them could help to combat nutritional disease.

Effects of Orange Pulp Conservation Methods (Dehydrated or Ensiled Sun-Dried) on the Nutritional Value for Finishing Pigs and Implications on Potential Gaseous Emissions from Slurry

The inclusion of orange pulp (OP) in pig diets may promote the circular economy, but drying procedures might influence its nutritional value and environmental impact. The purpose of this study was to determine the energy value and nutrient digestibility of dehydrated (DOP) and ensiled sun dried (ESDOP) orange pulp. The potential ammonia (NH3) and methane (CH4) emissions derived from slurry were also measured. Digestible energies of 14.2 and 13.2 MJ/kg DM for DOP and ESDOP, respectively, were estimated by difference after a 500 g/kg substitution of a basal diet with OPs. A high fiber digestion efficiency was observed for both OPs. Pigs fed the basal diet showed a higher intake and a greater excretion of urine N than pigs fed with OP, but fecal N excretion did not differ among diets. A higher benzoic and hippuric acid content in urine was observed in OP than in basal diet. Altogether, these findings explained a lower pH in slurry of OP diets and a reduction of potential NH3 emissions. The biochemical CH4 potential also decreased, especially with ESDOP. Overall, both OP are relevant sources of energy for pig diets. Their inclusion in feeds generate favorable changes of slurry characteristics that reduce potential NH3 and CH4 emissions.

Resistance of transgenic papaya trees to papaya ringspot in Brazil

The objective of this work was to evaluate the resistance of transgenic papaya populations (PTPs) to Papaya ringspot virus-P (PRSV-P). 'Sunrise Solo' transgenic papaya plants were produced with the gene of the PRSV-P protein coat, and PRSV was mechanically inoculated in plants in greenhouse conditions. The presence of the CP/PRSV gene and homozygosis were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Selected plants and the 'Sunrise Solo' control were transplanted to the field for agronomic evaluations. The plants evaluated in greenhouse conditions showed resistance between 96.3 and 5.8%, without variation of symptoms. The PTPs 1/6, 1/7, 1/9, 1/10, 1/15, 2/38, 2/41, 2/56, 2/65, 3/27, 3/46, 3/48, 4/9, 4/27, 8/4, 8/23, 8/33, 18/3, 18/4, 18/8, 18/22, 18/27, 28/97, 28/104, and 28/110 showed no symptoms, they were ELISA negative, and most of them contained the CP and NPT II genes. PTPs 1/6 and 3/46 had the CP gene in homozygosis and in double insertion. PTPs 1/6/20, 1/6/59, 1/6/64, 1/6/90, 3/46/44, 3/46/52, and 18/27/97 had a well-formed fruit cluster, piriform fruit weighing approximately 500 grams, orange pulp, and less than 10% carpelloidy. PTPs 1/6/59 and 3/46/52 show resistance to PRSV, good agronomic characteristics, and the CP gene in homozygosis.