Impact of fire on the genetic variability of a natural population of Stylosanthes hippocampoides (Fabaceae) in Corrientes, Argentina

Stylosanthes hippocampoides, a native legume forage species, was first studied by our research team in 2016 to assess genetic variability in natural populations in northeastern Argentina. Recurrent fires in the following years raised concerns about their effects on population genetics. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the genetic variability and structure of S. hippocampoides populations before and after fire events, and to infer whether such disturbances influence genetic diversity. Using Geographic Information System tools, we selected one fire-affected population (ASI) and one unaffected population (TC). Genetic analyses were conducted using inter-simple sequence repeat markers, and pre- and post-fire genetic statistics were compared. Greater genetic variability was observed between populations than within them. The TC population exhibited higher intra-population genetic diversity than the ASI population. Genetic variability decreased in ASI post-fire, while TC slightly increased. However, neither change was statistically significant. Genetic structure analysis consistently grouped individuals by population, regardless of fire exposure. These findings provide a foundation for future research on Stylosanthes, incorporating additional populations with varied fire histories and examining post-fire recovery processes. Highlights: Fire impact on genetic variability of Stylosanthes hippocampoides populations in Corrientes Argentina were assessed. This is a preliminary study supporting fire-related conservation planning efforts. Genetic variability was higher among than within populations. Post-fire population showed genetic decline, not statistically significant. Genetic structure grouped individuals by population in all comparisons. This study explores fire effects and recovery in Stylosanthes.Stylosanthes hippocampoides, a native legume forage species, was first studied by our research team in 2016 to assess genetic variability in natural populations in northeastern Argentina. Recurrent fires in the following years raised concerns about their effects on population genetics. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the genetic variability and structure of S. hippocampoides populations before and after fire events, and to infer whether such disturbances influence genetic diversity. Using Geographic Information System tools, we selected one fire-affected population (ASI) and one unaffected population (TC). Genetic analyses were conducted using inter-simple sequence repeat markers, and pre- and post-fire genetic statistics were compared. Greater genetic variability was observed between populations than within them. The TC population exhibited higher intra-population genetic diversity than the ASI population. Genetic variability decreased in ASI post-fire, while TC slightly increased. However, neither change was statistically significant. Genetic structure analysis consistently grouped individuals by population, regardless of fire exposure. These findings provide a foundation for future research on Stylosanthes, incorporating additional populations with varied fire histories and examining post-fire recovery processes. Highlights: Fire impact on genetic variability of Stylosanthes hippocampoides populations in Corrientes Argentina were assessed. This is a preliminary study supporting fire-related conservation planning efforts. Genetic variability was higher among than within populations. Post-fire population showed genetic decline, not statistically significant. Genetic structure grouped individuals by population in all comparisons. This study explores fire effects and recovery in Stylosanthes

Arachis genetic resources: evaluation of peanut smut resistance in wild species:

Genetic resources are essential for crop improvement. Particularly, wild species related to peanuts are an important source of resistance to various factors. Thecaphora frezii, a pathogen causing peanut smut, leads to yield losses in Argentina’s peanut sector up to 35%. This study evaluated the response of 11 diploid species with A, B, F and K genomes, A. monticola (AABB), and diploid interspecific hybrids (BB), to T. frezii over two cropping seasons. Plants were grown in 20L pots (three replicates each) under field conditions and inoculated with teliospores of the pathogen (20,000 tel./g of soil). The disease was quantified through incidence (% of diseased pods) and severity (scale from 0 to 4). Among A genome species, A. duranensis exhibited the highest incidence at 15.27%; for K genome species, A. batizocoi reached 13.18%. Resistance to T. frezii was observed in the wild species A. diogoi and A. stenosperma (A genome), A. williamsii (B genome), A. trinitensis (F genome), A. cruziana (K genome), and the intragenomic hybrids, constituting new records. Our findings expand the peanut gene pool information for breeders and identify resistant genotypes, supporting the need to preserve wild peanut germplasm to ensure its availability. Highlights: Arachis species with B and F genomes displayed resistance to peanut smut, while AA and KK genome species exhibited varying susceptibility. Genotypes resistant to Tecaphora frezii were identified, expanding the peanut gene pool available for developing resistant genotypes. Wild Arachis species constitute important sources of alleles to diversify A. hypogaea genome and enhance resistance to multiple diseases, including peanut smut. Careful conservation of wild groundnut germplasm is crucial to ensure its availability for future breeding efforts.  Genetic resources are essential for crop improvement. Particularly, wild species related to peanuts are an important source of resistance to various factors. Thecaphora frezii, a pathogen causing peanut smut, leads to yield losses in Argentina’s peanut sector up to 35%. This study evaluated the response of 11 diploid species with A, B, F and K genomes, A. monticola (AABB), and diploid interspecific hybrids (BB), to T. frezii over two cropping seasons. Plants were grown in 20L pots (three replicates each) under field conditions and inoculated with teliospores of the pathogen (20,000 tel./g of soil). The disease was quantified through incidence (% of diseased pods) and severity (scale from 0 to 4). Among A genome species, A. duranensis exhibited the highest incidence at 15.27%; for K genome species, A. batizocoi reached 13.18%. Resistance to T. frezii was observed in the wild species A. diogoi and A. stenosperma (A genome), A. williamsii (B genome), A. trinitensis (F genome), A. cruziana (K genome), and the intragenomic hybrids, constituting new records. Our findings expand the peanut gene pool information for breeders and identify resistant genotypes, supporting the need to preserve wild peanut germplasm to ensure its availability. Highlights: Arachis species with B and F genomes displayed resistance to peanut smut, while AA and KK genome species exhibited varying susceptibility. Genotypes resistant to Tecaphora frezii were identified, expanding the peanut gene pool available for developing resistant genotypes. Wild Arachis species constitute important sources of alleles to diversify A. hypogaea genome and enhance resistance to multiple diseases, including peanut smut. Careful conservation of wild groundnut germplasm is crucial to ensure its availability for future breeding efforts

Feeding strategies for Holando Argentino steers aimed at different markets

The objective was to evaluate the performance and meat quality of Holando Argentino (HA) steers under different feeding strategies. One hundred twenty-eight HA steers (181.4 ± 25.5 kg of live weight [LW]) were allocated to four treatments: FL: feedlot finishing during 98 days; Gr1.25: grazing with 1.25% LW/day maize grain supplementation during 235 days; Gr0.70: grazing with 0.70% LW/day maize grain supplementation during 331 days; and GrFL: 287 days grazing background and 116 days feedlot finishing. Average daily gains (ADG) were 1.14, 1.02, 0.82, and 0.81 kg/day for FL, Gr1.25, Gr0.70, and GrFL, respectively (p<0.01). Adjusted productivity ranged between 710 and 741 kg LW/ha (p>0.05). GrFL and Gr0.70 presented the highest carcass weight (CW; 288.3 ± 5.0 and 267.8 ± 12.2 kg, respectively, p<0.001). Gr0.70 presented the lowest longissimus thoracis (LT) L* (p<0.01) and the highest a* (p<0.05). Intramuscular fat was the highest for GrFL (4.86 ± 0.93%, p<0.05). In all strategies, LT shear force presented values of tender meat (29.9 ± 3.4 N, p=0.60). HA steers have the flexibility to produce tender meat under different, high-productivity strategies. Highlights: Holando Argentino steers produced tender meat under contrasting feeding strategies with high productivity. Intramuscular fat content was mainly determined by total grain intake. Grains can be used at different phases to manage live weight gains, as well as subcutaneous and intramuscular fat endpoints. Average daily gains, fat thickness, and carcass weight influenced meat color.The objective was to evaluate the performance and meat quality of Holando Argentino (HA) steers under different feeding strategies. One hundred twenty-eight HA steers (181.4 ± 25.5 kg of live weight [LW]) were allocated to four treatments: FL: feedlot finishing during 98 days; Gr1.25: grazing with 1.25% LW/day maize grain supplementation during 235 days; Gr0.70: grazing with 0.70% LW/day maize grain supplementation during 331 days; and GrFL: 287 days grazing background and 116 days feedlot finishing. Average daily gains (ADG) were 1.14, 1.02, 0.82, and 0.81 kg/day for FL, Gr1.25, Gr0.70, and GrFL, respectively (p<0.01). Adjusted productivity ranged between 710 and 741 kg LW/ha (p>0.05). GrFL and Gr0.70 presented the highest carcass weight (CW; 288.3 ± 5.0 and 267.8 ± 12.2 kg, respectively, p<0.001). Gr0.70 presented the lowest longissimus thoracis (LT) L* (p<0.01) and the highest a* (p<0.05). Intramuscular fat was the highest for GrFL (4.86 ± 0.93%, p<0.05). In all strategies, LT shear force presented values of tender meat (29.9 ± 3.4 N, p=0.60). HA steers have the flexibility to produce tender meat under different, high-productivity strategies. Highlights: Holando Argentino steers produced tender meat under contrasting feeding strategies with high productivity. Intramuscular fat content was mainly determined by total grain intake. Grains can be used at different phases to manage live weight gains, as well as subcutaneous and intramuscular fat endpoints. Average daily gains, fat thickness, and carcass weight influenced meat color

Water quality assessment of streams and rivers for irrigation in Southern Continental Patagonia

This work aimed to analyze and classify the suitability of freshwater sources for irrigation in three large hydrographic regions of Southern Continental Patagonia: Coyle, Serrano, and Gallegos. In these regions, there is a lack of information on the irrigation suitability of surface waters. For this, 74 surface water locations were sampled from 42 watercourses in Santa Cruz province and Magallanes region in Argentina and Chile, during dry and wet seasons between 2017 and 2019. The concentration of ions of agricultural interest was evaluated in the laboratory. The pH ranged between 6.1-9.5 with little seasonal variability. The prevailing ions were Ca2+ Mg2+ and HCO3-, while the lower cation concentration was K+. The Sodium Adsorption Ratio was 0.58 ± 0.21 during winter and 0.46 ± 0.15 in summer. Most waters in the region have electrical conductivity values below 250 µS/cm and may be categorized as low-salinity waters. We determined no significant hazards for crops, vegetables, and pasture production in terms of the combined salinity and sodicity indicators. However, a potential negative impact on soil structural stability mainly due to Na+ concentration must be considered for the implementation of suitable irrigation projects. Highlights: Assessment of freshwater quality for irrigation in arid and semiarid environments of Southern Patagonia. Comparative interpretation of salinity and alkali hazards for crops and pasture irrigation and soil stability. The concentration of sodium in freshwater, although low, represents a significant risk for soil stability. Most rivers and streams have optimal quality for crops and pastures irrigation.This work aimed to analyze and classify the suitability of freshwater sources for irrigation in three large hydrographic regions of Southern Continental Patagonia: Coyle, Serrano, and Gallegos. In these regions, there is a lack of information on the irrigation suitability of surface waters. For this, 74 surface water locations were sampled from 42 watercourses in Santa Cruz province and Magallanes region in Argentina and Chile, during dry and wet seasons between 2017 and 2019. The concentration of ions of agricultural interest was evaluated in the laboratory. The pH ranged between 6.1-9.5 with little seasonal variability. The prevailing ions were Ca2+ Mg2+ and HCO3-, while the lower cation concentration was K+. The Sodium Adsorption Ratio was 0.58 ± 0.21 during winter and 0.46 ± 0.15 in summer. Most waters in the region have electrical conductivity values below 250 µS/cm and may be categorized as low-salinity waters. We determined no significant hazards for crops, vegetables, and pasture production in terms of the combined salinity and sodicity indicators. However, a potential negative impact on soil structural stability mainly due to Na+ concentration must be considered for the implementation of suitable irrigation projects. Highlights: Assessment of freshwater quality for irrigation in arid and semiarid environments of Southern Patagonia. Comparative interpretation of salinity and alkali hazards for crops and pasture irrigation and soil stability. The concentration of sodium in freshwater, although low, represents a significant risk for soil stability. Most rivers and streams have optimal quality for crops and pastures irrigation

Nutritional characterization of Larrea divaricata Cav during winter and its potential as cattle and goats feed

The ever-increasing global demand for agricultural commodities and progressive climate change factors are displacing extensive beef cattle and goat ranching from temperate humid regions to peripheral regions with semi-arid characteristics. Extensive investigation is required on native desert plants to be safely incorporated into feed programs and to maintain the biodiversity and sustainability of these fragile ecosystems. Larrea divaricata is a native plant adapted to arid and semi-arid biomes of South and Western-South America. This research evaluates the nutritional composition of the browsing available canopy parts of Larrea divaricata during the winter season in a semi-arid region of Argentina. Its crude protein content resulted in 11.20% of dried matter and its soluble protein content resulted in nearly 80% of the crude protein. Acid detergent fiber fraction, ash-corrected neutral detergent fiber fraction, lignin, ash content, fat-like compounds, and non-fibrous carbohydrates resulted in 17.42, 35.51, 12.09, 9.96, 5.92 and 3.82% of dried matter, respectively. Essential bioelements Ca, Mg and K resulted within standard forage requirements. Total polyphenols and flavonoids resulted in 430 mg/g and 140 mg/g, respectively. These results demonstrate that Larrea divaricata can be an effective complement for winter-feeding beef cattle and goats in arid and semi-arid regions. Highlights: Larrea divaricatacan be an effective complement for winter-feeding beef cattle and goats in arid and semi-arid regions. Crude protein and carbohydrates resulted in 11.20% and 9.74% of dried matter, respectively. Essential bioelements resulted within standard forage requirements.The ever-increasing global demand for agricultural commodities and progressive climate change factors are displacing extensive beef cattle and goat ranching from temperate humid regions to peripheral regions with semi-arid characteristics. Extensive investigation is required on native desert plants to be safely incorporated into feed programs and to maintain the biodiversity and sustainability of these fragile ecosystems. Larrea divaricata is a native plant adapted to arid and semi-arid biomes of South and Western-South America. This research evaluates the nutritional composition of the browsing available canopy parts of Larrea divaricata during the winter season in a semi-arid region of Argentina. Its crude protein content resulted in 11.20% of dried matter and its soluble protein content resulted in nearly 80% of the crude protein. Acid detergent fiber fraction, ash-corrected neutral detergent fiber fraction, lignin, ash content, fat-like compounds, and non-fibrous carbohydrates resulted in 17.42, 35.51, 12.09, 9.96, 5.92 and 3.82% of dried matter, respectively. Essential bioelements Ca, Mg and K resulted within standard forage requirements. Total polyphenols and flavonoids resulted in 430 mg/g and 140 mg/g, respectively. These results demonstrate that Larrea divaricata can be an effective complement for winter-feeding beef cattle and goats in arid and semi-arid regions. Highlights: Larrea divaricatacan be an effective complement for winter-feeding beef cattle and goats in arid and semi-arid regions. Crude protein and carbohydrates resulted in 11.20% and 9.74% of dried matter, respectively. Essential bioelements resulted within standard forage requirements

Valorization of regional crude glycerol. Culture media optimization for batch docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production with Aurantiochytrium sp.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has many benefits for human health. Commercial DHA sources derive from marine fish but present several production challenges. Aurantiochytrium sp., an abundant marine microalga, becomes an alternative for DHA production. Crude glycerol produced by small-scale biodiesel refineries is a regional, available, and inexpensive waste that can be converted into value-added compounds. This study investigated crude glycerol as a potential carbon source for DHA-rich oil production using an aerobically isolated Aurantiochytrium sp. in batch shake flasks. We also optimized the culture medium formulation by varying carbon and nitrogen sources, thereby reducing medium costs while maximizing DHA production. A larger initial Aurantiochytrium sp. inoculum improved cell concentration and medium carbon depletion, increasing DHA productivity (PDHA). Increasing culture time showed no differences in Aurantiochytrium sp. growth parameters, but reduced DHA production. The absence of yeast extract in the culture media resulted in faster substrate metabolism by Aurantiochytrium sp. and increased DHA production. Crude glycerol yielded the highest PDHA (15.35 mg L-1 h-1) at 120 h. Crude glycerol can be used as a cheaper carbon source in media formulation with Aurantiochytrium sp. cultures for DHA production. Highlights: Crude glycerol is a cheap and highly available carbon source used by Aurantiochytrium for ω-3 DHA-rich oil production. Absent yeast extract in culture media enabled faster glucose metabolism, favoring lipid production and improving CTFA and CDHA. The largest initial inoculum (10.0% v/v) of Aurantiochytrium improved DCW, substrate depletion and PDHA. BCG medium yielded the highest CDHA and PDHA (84 g L-1 and 15.35 mg L-1 h-1, respectively) at 120 h. Quality assays of ω-3 DHA-rich oil product showed it is safer for human and animal food formulation.Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has many benefits for human health. Commercial DHA sources derive from marine fish but present several production challenges. Aurantiochytrium sp., an abundant marine microalga, becomes an alternative for DHA production. Crude glycerol produced by small-scale biodiesel refineries is a regional, available, and inexpensive waste that can be converted into value-added compounds. This study investigated crude glycerol as a potential carbon source for DHA-rich oil production using an aerobically isolated Aurantiochytrium sp. in batch shake flasks. We also optimized the culture medium formulation by varying carbon and nitrogen sources, thereby reducing medium costs while maximizing DHA production. A larger initial Aurantiochytrium sp. inoculum improved cell concentration and medium carbon depletion, increasing DHA productivity (PDHA). Increasing culture time showed no differences in Aurantiochytrium sp. growth parameters, but reduced DHA production. The absence of yeast extract in the culture media resulted in faster substrate metabolism by Aurantiochytrium sp. and increased DHA production. Crude glycerol yielded the highest PDHA (15.35 mg L-1 h-1) at 120 h. Crude glycerol can be used as a cheaper carbon source in media formulation with Aurantiochytrium sp. cultures for DHA production. Highlights: Crude glycerol is a cheap and highly available carbon source used by Aurantiochytrium for ω-3 DHA-rich oil production. Absent yeast extract in culture media enabled faster glucose metabolism, favoring lipid production and improving CTFA and CDHA. The largest initial inoculum (10.0% v/v) of Aurantiochytrium improved DCW, substrate depletion and PDHA. BCG medium yielded the highest CDHA and PDHA (84 g L-1 and 15.35 mg L-1 h-1, respectively) at 120 h. Quality assays of ω-3 DHA-rich oil product showed it is safer for human and animal food formulation

Impact of intra-vineyard soil heterogeneity on Malbec. Vine growth, yield and wine elemental composition and sensory profile

In Mendoza, viticulture is increasingly expanding into mountainous regions, taking advantage of cooler temperatures. High-altitude vineyards, characterized by greater soil heterogeneity, can significantly impact grapevine growth, development, elemental uptake, and wine sensory attributes. Despite its relevance, the effects of intra-vineyard variability on wine organoleptic quality and elemental composition remain underexplored in the existing literature. This study investigated a high-altitude vineyard planted with Vitis vinifera L. cv. "Malbec", focusing on two contrasting soil depth profiles: shallow soil (SS) and deep soil (DS). The DS exhibited a finer texture, higher water retention and greater cation exchange capacity than the SS. Additionally, DS contained higher concentrations of Mn, while SS was richer in Ca. Vegetative growth and yield varied according to soil type and vintage. Wines from DS showed higher [Mn], consistent with the soil, and increased [Fe] and [Cu] compared to SS wines, possibly due to indirect effects. Significant differences were observed in wine organoleptic properties, with SS wines exhibiting greater color intensity, astringency, and structure. Certain aromas, such as cherry and plum were negatively correlated with [Mn]. These findings highlight the influence of vineyard soils on the elemental composition and sensory profiles of wines, providing valuable insights into terroir characteristics for management strategies. Highlights: Intra-vineyard soil heterogeneity significantly affects vegetative growth, elemental composition, and the sensory profile of Malbec wine. Vines in deep soils exhibited greater vigor and produced more clusters per plant than those in shallow soils. Deep soils retain more water, have higher clay and silt content, and produce wines with higher Mn. In contrast, shallow soils are sandier and rockier, with lower water retention, leading to wines with greater color intensity, astringency, and structure.In Mendoza, viticulture is increasingly expanding into mountainous regions, taking advantage of cooler temperatures. High-altitude vineyards, characterized by greater soil heterogeneity, can significantly impact grapevine growth, development, elemental uptake, and wine sensory attributes. Despite its relevance, the effects of intra-vineyard variability on wine organoleptic quality and elemental composition remain underexplored in the existing literature. This study investigated a high-altitude vineyard planted with Vitis vinifera L. cv. "Malbec", focusing on two contrasting soil depth profiles: shallow soil (SS) and deep soil (DS). The DS exhibited a finer texture, higher water retention and greater cation exchange capacity than the SS. Additionally, DS contained higher concentrations of Mn, while SS was richer in Ca. Vegetative growth and yield varied according to soil type and vintage. Wines from DS showed higher [Mn], consistent with the soil, and increased [Fe] and [Cu] compared to SS wines, possibly due to indirect effects. Significant differences were observed in wine organoleptic properties, with SS wines exhibiting greater color intensity, astringency, and structure. Certain aromas, such as cherry and plum were negatively correlated with [Mn]. These findings highlight the influence of vineyard soils on the elemental composition and sensory profiles of wines, providing valuable insights into terroir characteristics for management strategies. Highlights: Intra-vineyard soil heterogeneity significantly affects vegetative growth, elemental composition, and the sensory profile of Malbec wine. Vines in deep soils exhibited greater vigor and produced more clusters per plant than those in shallow soils. Deep soils retain more water, have higher clay and silt content, and produce wines with higher Mn. In contrast, shallow soils are sandier and rockier, with lower water retention, leading to wines with greater color intensity, astringency, and structure

Comparison of fatty acid profiles of sacha inchi oil (Plukenetia huayllabambana), sesame oil (Sesamum indicum), and peanut oil (Arachis hypogaea) using two extraction methods for food purposes

Vegetable oil consumption has increased in recent decades due to the high content of monounsaturated (Omega 9) and polyunsaturated (Omega 3 and 6) fatty acids. Forthis reason, this research compared the fatty acid profile of sacha inchi, sesame and peanut oils under two extraction methods for food purposes. A completely randomized experimental design considered an A*B factorial arrangement with 3 repetitions. Factor A corresponds to oilseed type and Factor B is extraction method. The results showed that both factors significantly influenced (p<0.05) bromatological characteristics (pH, acidity, peroxide value, relative density and ash). The lowest concentration of saturated fatty acids was obtained in sacha inchi oil + cold pressing (6.80 g/100 g), while monounsaturated fatty acids increased in peanut oil + hot pressing (51.51 g/100 g). Sacha inchi oil + cold pressing had the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (84.36 g/100 g). Highlights:  Comparison of lipid profiles in sacha inchi, sesame, and peanut oils. Cold extraction preserves quality, hot extraction increases yield. Cold-pressed sacha inchi contains more polyunsaturated fatty acids. Hot-pressed peanut is more stable and has lower acidity. Sacha inchi provides omega-3, while peanut and sesame are more oxidation-stable.Vegetable oil consumption has increased in recent decades due to the high content of monounsaturated (Omega 9) and polyunsaturated (Omega 3 and 6) fatty acids. Forthis reason, this research compared the fatty acid profile of sacha inchi, sesame and peanut oils under two extraction methods for food purposes. A completely randomized experimental design considered an A*B factorial arrangement with 3 repetitions. Factor A corresponds to oilseed type and Factor B is extraction method. The results showed that both factors significantly influenced (p<0.05) bromatological characteristics (pH, acidity, peroxide value, relative density and ash). The lowest concentration of saturated fatty acids was obtained in sacha inchi oil + cold pressing (6.80 g/100 g), while monounsaturated fatty acids increased in peanut oil + hot pressing (51.51 g/100 g). Sacha inchi oil + cold pressing had the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (84.36 g/100 g). Highlights:  Comparison of lipid profiles in sacha inchi, sesame, and peanut oils. Cold extraction preserves quality, hot extraction increases yield. Cold-pressed sacha inchi contains more polyunsaturated fatty acids. Hot-pressed peanut is more stable and has lower acidity. Sacha inchi provides omega-3, while peanut and sesame are more oxidation-stable

Enterococcus gallinarum CRL 1826 as a probiotic for ranaculture: in vitro safety, technological, and physiological properties:

This study aimed to progress in designing a probiotic containing autochthonous Enterococcus gallinarum CRL 1826 for application during the life cycle of Lithobates catesbeianus in hatchery conditions. We assessed bacterial resistance to chemotherapeutics used in ranaculture, the presence of genes encoding virulence factors (VF) and vancomycin resistance, and bacterial survival and maintenance of beneficial properties after freeze-drying and storage. The strain exhibited resistance to antiseptics, sensitivity to most chemotherapeutics, presence of vanC, and absence of VF genes. It demonstrated resistance to freeze-drying and the highest survival when using skim milk+sucrose and storage at 4°C for 24 months. It also displayed bacteriocin activity against Listeria monocytogenes. Pre-lyophilized and lyophilized cultures grew/resisted individual gastrointestinal conditions and simulated gastrointestinal digestion, keeping bacteriocin activity and surface properties. For the first time, we demonstrated that E. gallinarum CRL 1826 is a safe bacterium with technological and physiological properties that would allow bullfrog gut colonization. These studies are essential for progressing towards selecting E. gallinarum CRL 1826 as a probiotic to prevent epizootics during bullfrog breeding and control foodborne bacteria, potentially improving growth performance of L. catesbeianus. Highlights: Enterococcus gallinarum CRL 1826 was sensitive to chemotherapics used in ranaculture. The strain did not display virulence and transferable vancomycin resistance genes. The dried strain showed great survival and bacteriocin activity for 24 months’ storage. The LAB resisted the gastrointestinal conditions and kept its bacteriocin activity.This study aimed to progress in designing a probiotic containing autochthonous Enterococcus gallinarum CRL 1826 for application during the life cycle of Lithobates catesbeianus in hatchery conditions. We assessed bacterial resistance to chemotherapeutics used in ranaculture, the presence of genes encoding virulence factors (VF) and vancomycin resistance, and bacterial survival and maintenance of beneficial properties after freeze-drying and storage. The strain exhibited resistance to antiseptics, sensitivity to most chemotherapeutics, presence of vanC, and absence of VF genes. It demonstrated resistance to freeze-drying and the highest survival when using skim milk+sucrose and storage at 4°C for 24 months. It also displayed bacteriocin activity against Listeria monocytogenes. Pre-lyophilized and lyophilized cultures grew/resisted individual gastrointestinal conditions and simulated gastrointestinal digestion, keeping bacteriocin activity and surface properties. For the first time, we demonstrated that E. gallinarum CRL 1826 is a safe bacterium with technological and physiological properties that would allow bullfrog gut colonization. These studies are essential for progressing towards selecting E. gallinarum CRL 1826 as a probiotic to prevent epizootics during bullfrog breeding and control foodborne bacteria, potentially improving growth performance of L. catesbeianus. Highlights: Enterococcus gallinarum CRL 1826 was sensitive to chemotherapics used in ranaculture. The strain did not display virulence and transferable vancomycin resistance genes. The dried strain showed great survival and bacteriocin activity for 24 months’ storage. The LAB resisted the gastrointestinal conditions and kept its bacteriocin activity

Nutritional and morpho-anatomical characterization of Phyllostachys aurea (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae) foliage for Argentine livestock systems

Bamboo cultivation in Argentina could represent a major economic activity if its various applications were revealed. This study characterized the anatomy and micromorphology of leaf blades by optical and scanning electron microscopes. Foliage leaves presented predominant parenchyma and scarce sclerenchyma. Foliage chemical and biological composition were analyzed in 3 populations of P. aurea sampled in two contrasting seasons of the year. The six samples evaluated showed 13% protein, adequate for ruminant feed. Neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) was approximately 60% DM, a probable limiting factor for consumption. Significant differences in ADFom (acid detergent fiber) and ADLom (acid detergent lignin) favored spring results, with lower values than winter results. The presence of silica in different cell types could limit digestion. Fermentation kinetics indicated that dry matter digestibility is close to 50%, and higher in spring given lower amounts of indigestible components. In addition, all samples analyzed had a low content of immediately soluble material and a high content of potentially fermentable insoluble material. Anatomy and chemical-nutritional characterization allow P. aurea foliage to be considered in ruminant feeding. Highlights: Nutritional and morpho-anatomical studies are complementary in the evaluation of forages for ruminants. Anatomy and chemical-nutritional characterization allow aurea foliage to be considered in ruminant feeding. Silica in epidermis, trichomes, cell walls or lumen of grasses acts as structural inhibitor of microbial digestion leading to lower acceptability and DMD. The high silica content accounts for 82% of the total ash, suggesting the presence of indigestible substances. Phyllostachys aurea foliage leaves showed 13% protein, adequate for ruminant feed and neutral detergent fiber was approximately 60%DM.Bamboo cultivation in Argentina could represent a major economic activity if its various applications were revealed. This study characterized the anatomy and micromorphology of leaf blades by optical and scanning electron microscopes. Foliage leaves presented predominant parenchyma and scarce sclerenchyma. Foliage chemical and biological composition were analyzed in 3 populations of P. aurea sampled in two contrasting seasons of the year. The six samples evaluated showed 13% protein, adequate for ruminant feed. Neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) was approximately 60% DM, a probable limiting factor for consumption. Significant differences in ADFom (acid detergent fiber) and ADLom (acid detergent lignin) favored spring results, with lower values than winter results. The presence of silica in different cell types could limit digestion. Fermentation kinetics indicated that dry matter digestibility is close to 50%, and higher in spring given lower amounts of indigestible components. In addition, all samples analyzed had a low content of immediately soluble material and a high content of potentially fermentable insoluble material. Anatomy and chemical-nutritional characterization allow P. aurea foliage to be considered in ruminant feeding. Highlights: Nutritional and morpho-anatomical studies are complementary in the evaluation of forages for ruminants. Anatomy and chemical-nutritional characterization allow aurea foliage to be considered in ruminant feeding. Silica in epidermis, trichomes, cell walls or lumen of grasses acts as structural inhibitor of microbial digestion leading to lower acceptability and DMD. The high silica content accounts for 82% of the total ash, suggesting the presence of indigestible substances. Phyllostachys aurea foliage leaves showed 13% protein, adequate for ruminant feed and neutral detergent fiber was approximately 60%DM