Nutritional value of forage species from the Central Highlands Region of Mexico at different stages of maturity

This paper has two objectives, the first is to determine the chemical composition, gas production parameters and the gas release kinetics, at different stages of maturity, of three grasses and a legume commonly found in long established pastures in Mexico central highland plateau. The second is to combine the gas release kinetics analysis and the GP fitted to a mathematical model in order to improve the biological understanding of the fermentation kinetics obtained from the GP technique. Representative samples of Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu grass), Sporobolus indicus (mouse tail), Eleocharis dombeyana (reed), Trifolium amabile (Aztec clover) plus a composite sample were collected in the growing season (July, September and November 2003) and analysed using an in vitro gas production (GP) technique. The accumulated GP was fitted to the model described in PALMER et al. (2005). Significant differences (P<0.001) were observed among species and periods for chemical composition, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed regarding fermentation parameters and gas release kinetic, with T. amabile and P. clandestinum being the species with the highest fermentability, whereas S. indicus and E. dombeyana were poorly fermented. P. clandestinum and T. amabile showed higher nutritive value than S. indicus and E. dombeyana. Composite samples were influenced by the chemical and fermentation characteristics of all species. It was concluded that the use of gas release kinetics analysis was useful for differentiating the fermentation kinetic of the soluble and insoluble fraction in the grasses and legume. Therefore by performing both approaches, the gas release kinetics analysis and the GP fitted to a mathematical model, gave a better description of the fermentation kinetic of grasses and the legume was achieved when only one approach had been used

Understanding Factors Influencing Farmers’ Intention for Adopting Improved Grassland Using the Theory of Reasoned Action, in the Highlands of Central Mexico

Low adoption of improved grassland among small-scale dairy farmers has been attributed to different factors such as farmers and household characteristics, farm characteristics, institutional characteristics and capital constraints (Martínez-García et al., 2012). Several researchers illustrate the importance of farmers’ attitude, beliefs and social pressure from the salient referents in the adoption of innovations (Rehman et al., 2007; Rossi Borges et al., 2014). Regarding Mexico, there is a lack of information about understanding of attitudes, beliefs and social pressure underpinning farmers’ intentions to adopt agricultural innovations. In contrast to many adoption studies, it focuses on an innovation that has been successfully adopted. Therefore, the objective of this research was to understand factor influencing farmers’ intention for adopting improved grassland on their farms

Evaluación productiva y económica de un Sistema Silvopastoril Intensivo en bovinos doble propósito en Michoacán, México

Se evaluó el comportamiento productivo de bovinos doble propósito en un sistema silvopastoril intensivo (SSPi) en Apatzingán, Michoacán. La actividad se llevó a cabo mediante seguimientos técnico-económicos. Se monitorearon variables productivas y económicas (consumo de forraje, producción de leche, peso, ingresos y egresos) de 60 vacas de la raza Gyr, analizadas mediante estadística descriptiva y presupuestos por actividad. La carga animal fue de 2.06 UA ha-1, la producción de leche de 9.15 kg vaca-1 día-1, el ingreso de $1 495 225.15, el costo de producción de$406 042.43 y el margen bruto de $1 089 182.71 año-1. Se concluyó que el manejo de vacas Gyr en un SSPi favorece la producción de leche y carne y el ingreso en la unidad de producción (UP).UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DEL ESTADO DE MÉXIC

Hauliers’ perceptions and attitudes towards farm animal welfare could influence the operational and logistics practices in sheep transport

survey of Mexico-based sheep hauliers was conducted in order to investigate perceptions and attitudes toward farm animal welfare (FAW) and their influence on operational and logistic practices (OLPs) in sheep transportation. The statistical analysis consisted in the application of 2-factor analyses (OLP and animal welfare attitudes), additionally a cluster analysis; the latter allowed a segmentation of hauliers according to their attitudes and OLP. The factor analysis gave 3 OLP factors: logistic issues, economic losses, and welfare losses. In the case of factor analyses about animal welfare attitudes, we obtained 4 factors: training and regulations, animal needs, welfare improvement, and sensibility. The cluster analysis of this study showed the existence of 3 haulier profiles; these were “efficient and concerned,” “efficient and not concerned,” and “not efficient and concerned.” Our results showed that hauliers’ perceptions had a clear influence on the performance of their operative and logistic activities during the sheep transportation. This study highlights the individual hauliers’ risk factors which can be considered to improve not only animal welfare but also indicates the need to consider the transportation as a whole because of potential factor combinations and confusions. The attitudes of sheep hauliers toward FAWare a strategic component that requires being considered when hauliers are trained. If it can be shown that modifying hauliers’ attitudes leads to improved OLP, then there is an opportunity to develop specific training programs to modify certain haulier’s animal welfare attitudes, with a subsequent improvement of sheep welfar

PRODUCTIVE AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION UNITS OF BOVINE CATTLE FOR BEEF IN TLATLAYA, ESTADO DE MEXICO

La ganadería doble propósito es una actividad económica importante en zonas rurales por el ingreso que genera de la venta de leche y carne. El objetivo del trabajo fue realizar un análisis socio-económico de unidades de producción (UP) doble propósito (DP), orientadas a la producción de becerros para abasto. La información se obtuvo de 21 UP DP del Municipio de Tlatlaya, Estado de México, seleccionadas mediante muestreo aleatorio, durante 2015. El análisis económico se realizó a través de la metodología de presupuestos por actividad, considerando los ingresos en efectivo por venta de productos agrícolas, ganaderos, y precios y costos de oportunidad. Se observó que son UP con más de 50 años en la actividad, la principal fuente trabajo es la mano de obra familiar y el tamaño de hato es reducido. Más de 70 % de los ingresos provienen de la ganadería, principalmente de la venta de becerros para abasto. El ingreso se completa con la venta de maíz (Zea mays L.). El ingreso total unitario obtenido fue de $1,687.00 MXN por hectárea y$5,104 MXN por vaca. Sin embargo, el margen neto (MN) fue de solo $26,900 MNX. Se concluyó que la ganadería es una actividad económica importante en la zona de estudio. Las UP dedicadas a la producción de becerros para abasto perciben bajos ingresos y presentan un limitado margen de ganancia

Evaluación productiva y económica de un sistema silvopastoril intensivo en bovinos doble propósito en Michoacán, México

Se evaluó el comportamiento productivo de bovinos doble propósito en un sistema silvopastoril intensivo (SSPi) en Apatzingán, Michoacán. La actividad se llevó a cabo mediante seguimientos técnico-económicos. Se monitorearon variables productivas y económicas (consumo de forraje, producción de leche, peso, ingresos y egresos) de 60 vacas de la raza Gyr, analizadas mediante estadística descriptiva y presupuestos por actividad. La carga animal fue de 2.06 UA ha-1, la producción de leche de 9.15 kg vaca-1 día-1, el ingreso de $1 495 225.15, el costo de producción de$406 042.43 y el margen bruto de $1 089 182.71 año-1. Se concluyó que el manejo de vacas Gyr en un SSPi favorece la producción de leche y carne y el ingreso en la unidad de producción (UP)

Processes in meat oxidation and usage of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus (L.) Schleid.,) as a natural antioxidant

Objective: Lipid oxidation of meat is one of the most important factors affecting shelf life and is one of the decisive factors in the consumer's purchase decision of the product. Therefore, information related to lipid oxidation using rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus (L.) Schleid.) as a natural antioxidant is described and analyzed. Design/methodology/approach: Mechanisms of oxidation were explored and described, as well as the alternatives to stop this process and different methodologies to measure antioxidant activity and innovative alternatives that are currently being investigated. Results: Appling antioxidants is one of the most widely used methods to counteract the oxidation process in meat. Currently, using herbs and spices has gained great acceptance, as in the case of rosemary. Its usage obtained satisfactory results for inhibiting and delaying lipid oxidation. Limitations of the study/implications: Using rosemary may have some drawbacks such as incorporating a strong flavor to the meat and the effects that its active compounds may have when exposed to oxygen, heat and humidity. Therefore, it is necessary to research for alternatives that will allow better preservation and availability of its compounds. Findings/conclusions: Nanoencapsulation of rosemary may be an alternative to the drawbacks of its use, working as a protective barrier for improved performance and improving food safety. However, this innovation is just being explored and is therefore not possible to have a certainty of success when using these new technological alternatives

Physical-chemical properties and microstructural characterization of traditional mexican chili (Capsicum annuum L.) powders.

Es un artículo científico publicado en la revista Agro Productividad, la cual se encuentra indizada en CONACyT, LATINDEXThe chili (Capsicum annuum L.) (Solanaceae) is native of America, is consumed as vegetable, spice, and as source of vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, and capsaicin which produce the characteristic pungency of Capsicum species. The chili in Mexico is usually processed in dried form to conserve its color and flavor. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the physical-chemical properties and characterize the microstructure of four varieties of traditional Mexican chili (Capsicum annuum L.) powders: “Arbol”, “Guajillo”, “Piquin” and “Mole ranchero” (Ancho chili). Physical-chemical properties of chili powders were evaluated by means of moisture content, particle size, aerated and tapped bulk density, Carr index, Hausner ratio, angle of repose (flow properties), capsaicin, and carotenoids content. Microstructure of samples was characterized by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. ANOVA analysis and Tukey test were performed to evaluate the significant statistical difference between samples at 95% of confidence level. “Arbol”, “Guajillo”, “Piquin” and “Mole Ranchero” chili powders presented a cohesive behavior respect to its flow properties related to aerated and tapped bulk density, angle of repose, Carr Index, and Hausner ratio values under moisture content between 6.59-14.48 g H2O/100g d.s. “Arbol” and “Piquin” chili powders presented the higher capsaicin content, while “Guajillo” and “Mole ranchero” showed the higher carotenoids content. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of secondary amide, phenolic groups, alkanes, and aliphatic chains that belong to capsaicin structure at specific absorption bands. Microstructure of chili powders presented particles with surface imperfections as cracks and dents, and smooth surface that influence physical- chemical and flowability properties. Moisture content between 6.59 and 14.48 g H2O/100g d.s. influences the physical- chemical properties, flowability and microstructure of traditional Mexican chili powders. To improve physical- chemical properties and flowability behavior of chili powders is required that moisture content be lower than 6.59 H2O/100g d.s

Effect of Increasing Supplementation Levels of Coffee Pulp on Milk Yield and Food Intake in Dual-Purpose Cows: An Alternative Feed Byproduct for Smallholder Dairy Systems of Tropical Climate Regions

Se presenta el artículo en texto completoCoffee is one of the main traded commodities worldwide, unfortunately, it generates massive amounts of by-products like coffee pulp (CoP), which could be utilized as an alternative feedstuff for cattle contributing to mitigate coffee production environmental damage. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of CoP supplementation on milk production, milk composition, and grass dry matter intake (GDMI) by dual-purpose tropical cows. A 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design was conducted, where four multiparous dual-purpose Holstein x Cebu cows with an average live weight of 477 ± 7 kg and milk yield of 12.1 ± 2.7 kg/d were used. The cows grazed 10 h/d on a Cynodon plectostachius sward with a stocking rate of three cows/ha. All cows received 6 kg/d DM of an experimental concentrate (EC), and the treatments consisted of four supplementation levels of CoP: T1 = 0, T2 = 0.6, T3 = 0.9, and T4 = 1.2 kg DM/d, which was provided on top of the concentrate and mixed with the EC. Grass intake was determined by the n-alkanes technique. A significant difference was observed for the average total daily DM intake (p 0.05) were observed for milk yield, milk composition, body weight, and GDMI for all the inclusion levels of CoP. It was concluded that CoP can be included at levels of 0.6 to 0.9 kg DM/d in the diets of cows without compromising milk yield or GDMI.This research was funded by the ICAMEX-Estado de México under grant number 15-2005- 0724 and the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México under grant number 1873/2009C

Estudio de la actividad biológica de hidrolizados proteicos de Vicia faba L.

Objective: Evaluate the antioxidant and quelating activity of Vicia faba protein hydrolysates. Design/methodology/approach: Bean seeds of the San Pedro Tlaltizapan variety, purchased from the Institute of Agricultural, Aquaculture and Forestry Research of the State of Mexico (ICAMEX) were used. A protein substrate was prepared for enzymatic hydrolysis by alkaline extraction of the protein, followed by isoelectric precipitation from the defatted flour, the concentrate obtained was named CP. Subsequently, enzymatic hydrolysis of the PC was carried out with a sequential pepsin-pancreatin system and the degree of hydrolysis was determined. Finally, the antioxidant and chelating activity of protein hydrolysates was determined. Results: The defatted bean flour presented 18.6g of protein / 100g sample. While the concentrate obtained with this flour presented 62.7g of protein / 100g of sample. The protein increase in the concentrate was 3.4 times showing a significant difference (p?0.05) with the defatted bean flour. The total hydrolysis time was 90 min (45 min for each enzyme in the case of the sequential system). The highest GH obtained with the sequential system was 16% at 45 min. On the other hand, the chelation percentage of these hydrolysates was less than 25%. Limitations on study/implications: The protein concentrate of Vicia faba was not free of phenolic compounds, so this would be a limitation in the degree of hydrolysis and consequently in the chelating and antioxidant activity. Findings/conclusions: The protein hydrolysates of Vicia faba obtained through the sequential pepsin-pancreatin system present good antioxidant activity by the various methods studied, showing that when pancreatin is added to the system, these activities improve, since hydrolysates are active, they could be used as functional ingredients in food products.Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad antioxidante y quelante de los hidrolizados proteicos de Vicia faba. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se utilizaron semillas de haba de la variedad San Pedro Tlaltizapan, adquiridas en el Instituto de Investigación Agropecuaria, Acuícola y Forestal del Estado de México (ICAMEX). Se preparó un sustrato proteínico para la hidrólisis enzimática por extracción alcalina de la proteína, seguida de precipitación isoeléctrica a partir de la harina desengrasada, el concentrado obtenido se denominó CP. Posteriormente se llevó a cabo la hidrólisis enzimática del CP con un sistema secuencial pepsina-pancreatina y se determinó el grado de hidrólisis. Finalmente se determinó la actividad antioxidante y quelante de los hidrolizados proteicos. Resultados: La harina de haba desengrasada presentó 18.6g de proteína/100g muestra. Mientras que el concentrado obtenido con esta harina presentó 62.7g de proteína/100g de muestra. El aumento de proteína en el concentrado fue 3.4 veces mostrando diferencia significativa (p?0.05) con la harina de haba desengrasada. El tiempo total de hidrólisis fue de 90 min (45 min para cada enzima en el caso del sistema secuencial). El mayor GH que se obtuvo con el sistema secuencial fue de 16% a los 45 min. Por otra parte, el porcentaje de quelación de estos hidrolizados fue menor al 25%. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: El concentrado proteico de Vicia faba, no estaba libre de compuestos fenólicos, por lo que esto sería una limitante en el grado de hidrólisis y consecuentemente en la actividad quelante y antioxidante. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Los hidrolizados proteicos de Vicia faba obtenidos a través del sistema secuencial pepsina-pancreatina presentaron actividad antioxidante por los diversos métodos estudiados, mostrando que, al adicionar pancreatina al sistema, estas actividades mejoran, por lo tanto, los hidrolizados podrían ser utilizados como ingredientes funcionales en productos alimenticios