Disease detection of brucellosis in goat population in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

A serological study of brucellosis in goats caused by Brucella melitensis was conducted in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. A total of 771 serum samples were collected from seven districts namely Rembau, Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Seremban, Port Dickson, Jempol, and Tampin. At least two farms were selected and a minimum of 100 serum samples were collected from each district. All sera were tested for brucellosis using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and complement fixation test (CFT). In this study, only Rembau and Kuala Pilah showed seropositivity for B. melitensis with RBPT and CFT at 1.0 and 2.5%, respectively. The CFT was more sensitive than the RBPT because the serum antibodies against B. melitensis detected by CFT were twice higher than that detected by RBPT. As suggested by the Office International des Epizooties OIE, CFT was used as a confirmatory test for brucellosis. This test is also recommended as a prescribed test for international trade and is used in the control and eradication programmes

Impact of storage temperatures on the quality of oven-dried black jelly mushroom, Auricularia nigricans (Agaricomycetes)

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of various storage temperatures (4, 25, and 35°C) on quality parameters and microbial counts of oven-dried black jelly mushroom (Auricularia nigricans) for a period of 60 days. The mushroom was dried using a cabinet dryer at 60°C for 24 h to a constant weight prior to storage. The water activity of oven-dried A. nigricans indicated a 96% increment (35°C) compared to 40% (4°C) after being stored for 60 days. Similarly, moisture content showed approximately 4-fold elevation at 35°C compared to a 2-fold increase at 4°C after 60 days. However, at the end of storage, total phenolic content underwent a 46% reduction for storage at 35°C compared to a 29% reduction at 4°C. Likewise, the ferric reducing antioxidant power was also reduced nearly 45% (35°C) compared to 40%(4°C). Microbial counts at 4°C were lower [6.40 log colony forming units (CFU)/g] compared to storage at 35°C (6.47 log CFU/g) after 60 days. Taken altogether, the best storage temperature for oven-dried black jelly mushroom was at 4°C