Search Results (21)

This study evaluated the effects of including 0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of spineless cactus (SC; Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) plus urea and ammonium sulphate (UAS) (9:1), replacing Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85), on nutrient intake and digestibility, feeding behaviour, water intake, and rumen dynamics. Five rumen-fistulated and cannulated crossbred wethers were randomly assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. A roughage:concentrate ratio of 70:30 was supplied. Organic matter (OM) and metabolisable energy (ME) intakes showed quadratic responses (p < 0.05), with maximum values of 1157 g/day and 14.50 MJ/day estimated at SC+UAS levels of 364 and 410 g/kg DM, respectively. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, and non-fibre carbohydrates, as well as water excretion in faeces and degradation rate of DM, increased with SC+UAS inclusion (p < 0.05). Indigestible neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intake, feeding and rumination times, voluntary water intake, NDF degradation and passage rates, as well as the indigestible NDF passage rate, decreased with SC+UAS inclusion (p < 0.05). In wethers’ diets with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 70:30, a roughage combination of SC+UAS and Tifton-85 hay in a 41:29 ratio is recommended to maximise ME intake. Full article

The success of optimal ruminant production relies heavily on feed efficiency to deliver the necessary nutrients to animals. Nutritional deficiencies in livestock pose a significant challenge in regions experiencing prolonged fluctuations in resource availability and quality. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the cumulative gas production (CGP) and in vitro degradability of silages made from spineless forage cactus (a native species) combined with high-fiber ingredients, to evaluate their viability as a sustainable, low-cost alternative to animal feed. The experiment involved ensiling spineless cactus genotypes with varying levels of sugarcane bagasse (0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 g/kg of dry matter) and a 1% urea–ammonium sulfate solution. The results indicated that for all genotypes studied, the CGP curves from silage composed solely of forage cactus differed significantly from those containing bagasse, which exhibited an initial phase characterized by little or no gas production. In vitro degradability was negatively influenced by the inclusion of bagasse at any level, resulting in decreased dry matter and organic matter degradability, as well as reduced CGP with increasing bagasse concentration. Therefore, the study demonstrated that the proposed combination of ingredients represents a promising sustainable feed supplement to enhance animal nutrition. Silage containing 150 g/kg of bagasse treated with urea offers a favorable balance between the energy required by rumen microflora and the benefits of fiber presence. Full article

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of including gliricidia hay (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% fresh matter—FM), replacing ground corn and cottonseed cake, on the quality of total mixed rations silages based on spineless cactus. Twenty-five experimental silos were distributed in a completely randomized design experiment (five treatments—five replications). Ash, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose contents increased linearly, whereas the non-fibrous and total carbohydrates decreased (p < 0.05). Crude protein and ether extract contents were quadratically influenced (p < 0.05). The pH values and acetic acid concentrations increased, whereas the lactic acid concentration decreased linearly (p < 0.05). Ammoniacal concentration was influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). Decreasing linear effects were observed on the maximum and minimum temperatures and thermal amplitude (p < 0.05). A quadratic effect was observed on forage losses (p < 0.05). Effluent losses decreased, and dry matter recovery was influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). The inclusion of up to 15.1% gliricidia hay in the production of total mixed ration silages based on spineless cactus preserves adequate standards of chemical composition (15.6% crude protein) and fermentation profile, while decreasing forage losses (7.3% FM) without compromising dry matter recovery and aerobic stability. Full article

Opuntia spp. (forage cactus or spineless cactus) is a plant native to Mexico that is commonly used as alternative nutrient-rich fodder in semi-arid regions. Due to its resistance to drought, forage cactus has become an important least-cost ingredient for formulating balanced rations for ruminants during times of scarcity. In addition, ensiling, an anaerobic fermentation process, is also a strategy used to allow a supply of bulky food all year round, since it conserves forage and maintains its nutritional value. In this sense, using the Scopus database and the visualization tool VOSviewer, the present work proposes a bibliometric analysis of forage cactus silage to track and map the evolution and main issues in the research field, current trends, and future directions. The results revealed that the first publication was in 2013; and since 2020, the number of publications has been growing. Brazil was highlighted, by far, as the most relevant country on the topic, and the top institutions were from northeast Brazil, which has been working on co-authored articles. The current hot research topics are focusing on the mixed silage of forage cactus and other forages such as gliricidia, maniçoba, and sorghum biomass, as well as evaluating the fermentative performance and chemical characteristics for improving ruminal diets, especially for goats and sheep. This study provides important information for researchers to identify gaps and direct their studies to better use the whole potential of forage cactus as an alternative roughage source. Full article

A subarctic Norwegian watercourse is known for its population of threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus 1758) with unusual pelvic spine polymorphism; the upper lake contains a mixture of specimens that are normal-spined, asymmetric-spined, and spineless. In contrast, the downstream lakes and the nearby marine site contain only the normal spined morph. We investigated the maternal-line genetic structure in the watercourse using mitogenomics. A total of 242 sticklebacks representing two lakes and a marine site were assessed based on individual and pooled DNA sequencing. While two distinct mitogenome clades were detected in the upper lake (Lake Storvatnet), only one of these clades was present in the downstream lake. The marine site pooled DNA sample, however, contained several mitogenome haplotypes. We present mitogenome sequence features that include gene-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms, molecular phylogeny, and genetic differentiation assessments based on pairwise comparisons of pooled population samples from each site. The Lake Storvatnet mitogenomes belong to two distinct Euro-North American (ENA) clades; one of the ancestral lineages likely corresponds to the original maternal lineage in the watercourse, and the other was introduced more recently. We hypothesize that the second invader carried nuclear genomic features responsible for the observed present-day pelvic spine polymorphism in Lake Storvatnet. Full article

Cyanobacteria, an important addition to biofertilizers, are gaining popularity for their multifaceted benefits in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration. However, harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater, predominantly caused by cyanobacteria, prevent sunlight penetration into the water and develop hypoxic and anoxic conditions. We collected cyanobacteria slurry from Lake Jesup (Central Florida, USA), repurposed it as a biofertilizer, and incorporated it in a typical South Florida calcite soil for high-value okra (Abelmoschus esculentus; var: Clemson spineless) production. Experiments were conducted at the Organic Garden Shade House and Greenhouse located inside the main campus of the Florida International University (FIU), FL, USA. A two-year experiment with four different treatments was conducted, namely, (a) control (C; no fertilizer applied), (b) total synthetic (TS), (c) total biofertilizer (TB; only cyanobacteria biofertilizer was applied), and (d) half and half (HH; 50% biofertilizer + 50% synthetic fertilizer), which were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications for each treatment. Our results indicate that TB and TS produced about 29 to 33% higher SPAD (soil plant analytical development) readings than the control. The absence of interveinal chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) in the TB and HH treatments suggests that the cyanobacteria-based biofertilizer had a role in supplying one of the critical micronutrients, iron (Fe). Analysis of the biofertilizer indicated 2000 ppm Fe content, which directly supports our observation. Similarly, average plant height (61 cm), yield (130 gm per pot), and crop biomass (67 gm) productions were significantly higher in TB than in the control. Overall, this study documents the potential of cyanobacteria biofertilizers as a viable option compared to synthetic fertilizers for sustainable crop production and soil health improvement. Full article

The aim was to evaluate the chemical composition, carbohydrates, protein fractionation and in vitro gas production of silages composed of spineless cactus and tropical forages and their effect on sheep performance. Treatments consisted of silages: corn silage (CS), spineless cactus silage (SCS), spineless cactus + gliricidia (SCG), spineless cactus + buffel grass silage (SCBG) and spineless cactus + pornunça (SCP). Silos were opened 60 days after ensiling, and analyses were carried out. The digestibility test lasted for 36 days, with eight animals per treatment. A completely randomized design was adopted. Considering carbohydrate fractionation, CS, SCS and SCBG silages had higher total carbohydrate content (p = 0.001). The SCS silage presented a higher A + B1 fraction (p = 0.001). The SCBG and SCG silages showed a higher B2 fraction (p < 0.0001) compared to the CS and SCS silages. The SCBG and SCP silages presented a higher C fraction (p = 0.001). For protein fractionation, the SCP and SCG silages showed higher crude protein contents (p = 0.001). The CS and SCS silages showed a higher A fraction (p = 0.001). The SCBG silage presented a higher B1 + B2 fraction (p = 0.001). The SCG silage showed a higher B3 fraction (p = 0.006) compared to SCBG silage. The SCS and SCP silages showed a higher C fraction (p = 0.001). Exclusive SCS silage showed higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (p = 0.001), dry matter degradability (p = 0.001) and total gas production (p = 0.001). The use of the SCBG, SCP and SCG silages to feed sheep increased the dry matter intake (p < 0.001). Sheep fed the SCG silage showed greater dry matter and crude protein digestibility compared to the sheep fed the CS, SCS and SCP silages (p = 0.002). There was a higher water intake (p < 0.001) with the use of the SCS and SCG silages to feed the sheep. The SCP and SCG silages provided a greater intake (p < 0.001) and excretion (p < 0.001) of nitrogen by the animals. Although there were no differences between the treatments for daily gains, lambs that received the spineless cactus-based silage associated with tropical forages showed higher gains (160–190 g/day) than lambs that received CS silage (130 g/day). Thus, the use of spineless cactus associated with buffelgrass, pornunça and gliricidia to prepare mixed silages (60:40) to feed sheep has potential use to feed sheep, with positive effects on nutrient degradation and increases in dry matter intake. Under experimental conditions, we recommend the exclusive use of spineless cactus silage associated with buffel grass, pornunça and gliricidia in feeding sheep in semi-arid regions, as it provides nutrients, water and greater daily gains compared to corn silage. Full article

Loss of body armour, sometimes including a reduction in or loss of pelvic spines, is an adaptation observed in many isolated freshwater populations. Pelvic reduction in sticklebacks has previously been associated with recurrent, but variant, deletions within pelvic enhancer regions PelA and PelB, which regulate expression of the homeodomain transcription factor gene Pitx1. We investigated variation in nucleotide sequences of pelvic enhancers in sticklebacks collected from two small freshwater lakes in the same watercourse and a nearby marine site in subarctic Norway. Spineless, as well as asymmetrically spined and completely spined sticklebacks are present in the upper lake, while only specimens with complete spines are found at the other lake and the marine site. Observed variation at PelA between the three sites was mainly due to variable numbers of repeats at three fragile TG-repeat loci. The length of PelA, mainly at one of the TG-repeat loci, was consistently shorter among individuals in the upper lake compared with specimens from the two other sites. However, no obvious association was revealed between enhancer variants and pelvic status. No polymorphism was found at PelB. Thus, additional genetic factors and/or environmental cues need to be identified to fully explain the occurrence of pelvic reduction in sticklebacks in this lake. Full article

Brazil is one of the centers of diversity of Cactaceae, yet studies addressing both pollination biology and the breeding system in Brazilian cacti are scarce. We herein present a detailed analysis of two native species with economic relevance: Cereus hildmannianus and Pereskia aculeata. The first species produce edible, sweet, spineless fruits and the second species produces leaves with high protein content. Pollination studies were undertaken through fieldwork observations in three localities of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, over two flowering seasons, totaling over 130 observation hours. Breeding systems were elucidated utilizing controlled pollinations. Cereus hildmannianus is solely pollinated by nectar-gathering species of Sphingidae hawk moths. In contrast, the flowers of P. aculeata are pollinated by predominantly native Hymenoptera but also by Coleoptera and Diptera, which gather pollen and/or nectar. Both cacti species are pollinator-dependent; neither intact nor emasculated flowers turn into fruit, yet whereas C. hildmannianus is self-incompatible, P. aculeata is fully self-compatible. In sum, C. hildmannianus is more restrictive and specialized regarding its pollination and breeding system, whereas P. aculeata is more generalist. Understanding the pollination needs of these species is a necessary starting point towards their conservation but also for their proper management and eventual domestication. Full article

Sponges are aquatic, spineless organisms that belong to the phylum Porifera. They come in three primary classes: Hexactinellidae, Demospongiae, and Calcarea. The Demospongiae class is the most dominant, making up over 90% of sponge species. One of the most widely studied genera within the Demospongiae class is Xestospongia, which is found across Southeast Asian waters. This genus is of particular interest due to the production of numerous primary and secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological potentials. In the current review, the antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic properties of metabolites from several varieties of Southeast Asian Xestospongia spp. were discussed. A total of 40 metabolites of various natures, including alkaloids, fatty acids, steroids, and quinones, were highlighted in X. bergquistia, X. testudinaria, X. muta, X. exigua, X. ashmorica and X. vansoesti. The review aimed to display the bioactivity of Xestospongia metabolites and their potential for use in the pharmaceutical sector. Further research is needed to fully understand their bioactivities. Full article

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a highly adaptable but underutilized oilseed crop capable of growing in marginal environments, with crucial agronomical, commercial, and industrial uses. Considerable research is still needed to develop commercially relevant varieties, requiring effective, high-throughput digital phenotyping to identify key selection traits. In this study, field trials comprising a globally diverse collection of 350 safflower genotypes were conducted during 2017–2019. Crop traits assessed included phenology, grain yield, and oil quality, as well as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral data for estimating vegetation indices. Phenotypic traits and crop performance were highly dependent on environmental conditions, especially rainfall. High-performing genotypes had intermediate growth and phenology, with spineless genotypes performing similarly to spiked genotypes. Phenology parameters were significantly correlated to height, with significantly weak interaction with yield traits. The genotypes produced total oil content values ranging from 20.6–41.07%, oleic acid values ranging 7.57–74.5%, and linoleic acid values ranging from 17.0–83.1%. Multispectral data were used to model crop height, NDVI and EVI changes, and crop yield. NDVI data identified the start of flowering and dissected genotypes according to flowering class, growth pattern, and yield estimation. Overall, UAV-multispectral derived data are applicable to phenotyping key agronomical traits in large collections suitable for safflower breeding programs. Full article

In Kutch (Gujarat District, India), there is a growing concern about the lack of good quality forage owing to the arid climate and poor soil health. Opuntia ficus-indica has been increasingly recognized as a drought-resilient forage in arid Kutch. This study seeks to identify the maturity phase of cactus cladodes with the best forage qualities. Five accessions of spineless forage cactus (CBG, No. 1270, No. 1271, No. 1308, and Bianca Macomer) and three cladode maturity phases (young, intermediate, and mature) were examined in a randomized block design experiment in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement. Although only mineral matter and total carbohydrate concentration were significantly different among the accessions, CBG showed better forage qualities than other accessions. Dry matter, organic matter, mineral matter, crude protein, ether extract, and total carbohydrate accumulations were higher in the intermediate phase. In the mature phase, relatively difficult to digest fiber components such as neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose increase. Our findings indicate that for spineless forage cactus grown in arid areas, the intermediate phase is the best phase to harvest cladodes for feeding livestock. Full article

The Brazilian semi-arid region is marked by a variable spatial-temporal rainfall distribution, concentrated over a 3 to 4 month season. Limited water availability is the main obstacle to the production of forage plants of C3 metabolism (such as corn and soybeans) and C4 metabolism (such as sugarcane), as well as livestock. To mitigate this forage supply, the spineless cactus (SC) has been cultivated in the region, producing high biomass amounts in this harsh environment. Recently, this remarkable capacity to produce biomass has drawn the attention of the renewable energy sector, supported by recent studies demonstrating the feasibility of its biomass as a raw material for bioenergy production. However, before moving to commercial scale, it is necessary to demonstrate that large-scale production has energy and economic viability for clean energy investors. Thus, the objective of this article was to analyze the energetic and economic viability of forage cactus cultivation systems in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The data used were extracted from the literature, based on forage production. For the energy evaluation, the energy balance was performed and the energy efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy, and net energy metrics were applied. The financial feasibility analysis used the Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The energy balance revealed that the SC cultivation is viable for biomass commercial-scale production, with an energy efficiency of 3.36, an energy productivity of 0.25 kg MJ⁻¹, a specific energy of 13.5 MJ kg⁻¹, and an energy balance of 127,348 MJ ha⁻¹. For the economic aspect, considering an attractive minimum rate of return of 8%, production also proved to be viable, in a time horizon of three years. The Net Present Value and IRR metrics were USD 2196 and the IRR was 46%, respectively. The results found are important to encourage new investments in rural properties in the semi-arid region, and cultivation in new areas proved to be an efficient alternative from an energy and economic point of view, in addition to collaborating for the energy transition to sustainable sources and in the mitigation of regional environmental impacts. Full article

Given the severe droughts caused by global warming, smallholder beef cattle farmers are faced with serious forage and feed scarcity. This becomes worse for resource-poor farmers who cannot afford commercial feeds. It is therefore crucial to assess the use of low-cost alternative feed resources to supplement free-range beef cattle and ensure sustainable livestock production in ways that stimulate free-range beef farmers’ participation in mainstream beef market. In an attempt to improve free-range beef cattle herds and explore the economic viability of utilizing Opuntia ficus-indica (spineless cactus) cladodes as a supplementary feed, we investigated the impact of cactus diets on animal growth performance and carcass characteristics of Nguni cattle heifers. Four dietary treatments were randomly assigned to thirty-two heifers aged 24 months, weighing, on average, 172.20 ± 27.10 kg, with each dietary treatment replicated to eight individually penned heifers for 90 days. The dietary treatments were control diet (pasture-based energy + protein sources), 10% cactus diet, 20% cactus diet and commercial diet (crop-based energy and commercial protein source). The energy concentration of the control diet was 9.35 MJ/Kg DM and the cactus was included on dry matter basis during formulation of compound diets. Thus, cactus was administered in a dry rather than wet form. The animals were confined in feeding pens 24/7 without access to pasture, with feed and water provided ad libitum. The heifers fed commercial and control diets attained significantly (p < 0.05) higher dry matter intake, average daily gains, fat thickness, carcass conformation scores and lower feed conversion ratio than those fed cactus diets. However, the final body weight gains and carcass weights, rib-eye muscle area and meat pH_{45min and 24h} were comparable (p > 0.05) between heifers fed cactus diets and those fed commercial and control diets. The 10 and 20% cactus diets had greater gross margins (p < 0.05) of $17.47 and $18.62, respectively, than the other diets, due largely to reduced total variable costs. The comparability of carcass traits of heifers fed cactus diets and those fed non-cactus diets as well as higher economic returns from cactus inclusion warrants the use of cactus diets, particularly during drought when commercial feed prices rise. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85) with 0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 g/kg dry matter (DM) of spineless cactus (SC, Nopalea cochenilifera Salm-Dyck) plus urea and ammonium sulfate (UAS; 9:1) on DM, digestible organic matter (DOM) and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) intakes, as well as ruminal fermentation, N-balance, and microbial protein supply (MPS). Five rumen-fistulated and cannulated crossbred wethers, weighing 43.8 ± 5.80 kg, were randomized in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Isonitrogenous diets (14% crude protein) were supplied with a roughage/concentrate ratio of 70:30. The DOM intake, N-retained, and MPS showed quadratic responses (p < 0.05), with maximum values estimated at the levels of SC+UAS of 414, 438 and 418 g/kg DM, respectively. Rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen, iNDF intake, N-urinary excretion, and serum urea and plasma ammonia reduced linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing SC+UAS inclusion. Ruminal acetate and propionate concentrations increased linearly with increasing SC+UAS inclusion. In wethers fed diets with a roughage/concentrate ratio of 70:30, roughage constituted of a SC+UAS/hay (Tifton-85) ratio of 41:29 is recommended in order to maximize the DOM intake, N-retention, and MPS. Full article