26 research outputs found
Metabolizable energy for broilers with different genetic growth potentials under a free-range system
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of metabolizable energy (ME) on performance parameters and carcass characteristics in slow-growing (experiment 1) and fast-growing (experiment 2) broilers in a free-range system. Were evaluated broilers from 35 to 70 days old in experiment 1 and 28 to 49 days old in experiment 2. A completely randomized experimental design was employed in both experiments, with five treatments and four replicates totaling 20 experimental units containing 15 broilers each. The treatments consisted of rations that had increasing metabolizable energy levels obtained by the substitution of soybean oil in the basal diet for the inert sand ingredient. The metabolizable energy levels studied in experiment 1 were 2700, 2800, 2900, 3000 and 3100 kcal/kg, and in experiment 2, they were 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100 and 3200 kcal/kg. In experiment 1, there was a linear (P<0,05) reduction in consumption
with the increase in the metabolizable energy level, and a quadratic effect (P<0,05) on the feed conversion was observed, which was estimated as 3046 kcal/kg the level that resulted in a better feed conversion of 2.648. In experiment 2, the metabolizable energy level exerted a significant quadratic effect (P<0,05) on the feed intake and metabolizable energy consumption, with a maximum feed intake (3361.27 g) estimated for 2842 kcal/kg, and the maximum energy intake was estimated at 10020 kcal. The feed conversion decreased linearly (P<0,05) with there was an increase in the studied levels. For broilers reared in a free-range system, for better feed conversion, the recommended metabolizable energy levels are as follows: for slow-growing broilers from 35 to 70 days of age, 3046 kcal/kg, and 3200 kcal/kg is recommended for fast-growing broilers from 28 to 49 days of age
Applications of lignin in the agri-food industry
Of late, valorization of agri-food industrial by-products and their sustainable utilization is
gaining much contemplation world-over. Globally, 'Zero Waste Concept' is promoted with
main emphasis laid towards generation of minimal wastes and maximal utilization of plantbased
agri-food raw materials. One of the wastes/by-products in the agri-food industry are the
lignin, which occurs as lignocellulosic biomass. This biomass is deliberated to be an
environmental pollutant as they offer resistance to natural biodegradation. Safe disposal of this
biomass is often considered a major challenge, especially in low-income countries. Hence, the
application of modern technologies to effectively reduce these types of wastes and maximize
their potential use/applications is vital in the present day scenario. Nevertheless, in some of the
high-income countries, attempts have been made to efficiently utilize lignin as a source of fuel, as a raw material in the paper industry, as a filler material in biopolymer based packaging and
for producing bioethanol. However, as of today, agri-food industrial applications remains
significantly underexplored. Chemically, lignin is heterogeneous, bio-polymeric, polyphenolic
compound, which is present naturally in plants, providing mechanical strength and rigidity.
Reports are available wherein purified lignin is established to possess therapeutic values; and
are rich in antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, antidiabetic properties, etc.
This chapter is divided into four sub-categories focusing on various technological
aspects related to isolation and characterization of lignin; established uses of lignin; proved
bioactivities and therapeutic potentials of lignin, and finally on identifying the existing research
gaps followed by future recommendations for potential use from agri-food industrial wastes.Theme of this chapter is based on our ongoing project- Valortech,
which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation
program under grant agreement No 810630