Integrated AHP-TOPSIS framework for fodder pellet evaluation with fibre-digestibility correlation analysis

Pelleted feeds ensure balanced nutrition, improved digestibility, long-term preservation and enhanced palatability, making them vital for livestock during lean seasons. With the growing demand for optimized feed formulations, evaluating complex nutritional data has become crucial. However, ranking feed combinations using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods remains a significant challenge. This study, conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, during 2024–2025, assessed 27 fodder pellet combinations using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework that integrated the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Pellets comprised Bajra Napier hybrid, Guinea grass, Fodder maize and legumes such as Lucerne, Desmanthus and Agathi, combined with crop residues from rice, maize and groundnut. Nutritional parameters, including crude protein, fibre fractions (ADF, NDF, ADL, cellulose and hemicellulose), crude fat, total ash, palatability and in vitro dry matter digestibility, were studied. AHP assigned weights to each parameter, while TOPSIS ranked combinations by closeness to the ideal solution. The Bajra Napier Hybrid + Agathi + Groundnut haulms combination had the highest TOPSIS score (0.8808), indicating superior nutritional performance. This study validates AHP-TOPSIS as a reliable tool for optimizing fodder pellet formulations. Correlation studies showed a negative relationship among various pellet formulations. Guinea grass + Desmanthus + Maize stover exhibited the highest crude fibre content (32 %) with moderate digestibility (66 %), indicating greater fibre accumulation. Conversely, Fodder Maize + Agathi + Groundnut haulms had a lower crude fibre content (28%) but achieved a digestibility of 64%, making it a favourable choice for improved nutrient bioavailability. The findings from this study can guide feed industries and farmers in selecting nutritionally balanced, cost-effective pellet combinations that contribute to local fodder availability and support sustainable livestock nutrition strategies

New insights into method development and characterization of amorphous silica from wheat straw

Amorphous silica, a specialised silicate adsorbent is extensively extracted from agricultural residues for application in various environmental domains. Wheat straws are a rich source of silica that have earlier been overlooked however demand for value addition. The study presents an innovative approach to extracting silica from wheat straw and standardising the extraction process to produce clean product. The sodium silicate solution and the amorphous silica synthesis were obtained by modifying the template mediated sol–gel method. Optimum temperature, concentration and pH were identified for the cleaner production of silica with maximum yield and favourable adsorbent characteristics. The crystallographic properties analysed by the X-Ray Diffraction revealed the amorphous nature of silica extracted from ash at 650 °C for 4 h. The structure of phytolith present in the wheat straw was observed in the form of articulated elongate undulate epidermal phytolith under scanning electron microscopy. The Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrum exhibited higher amount of silica (Si %) of 70.10% with a minimal percentage of potassium (9.96%). The sharp bend at 1025 cm−1 is attributed to the siloxane (Si–O-Si) vibrations in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic graph of amorphous silica. The specific surface area measurements of amorphous silica showed type II isotherm curve with a hysteresis of H3 type. The optimum conditions derived to produce amorphous silica were 3 M NaOH and 3 M H2SO4 at pH 9

New insights into method development and characterization of amorphous silica from wheat straw

Abstract Amorphous silica is extensively extracted from agricultural residues. Wheat straws are a rich source of silica that have earlier been overlooked however demand for value addition. The proposed study describes an innovative approach for extracting silica from wheat straw and evaluating its structural, textural, and physico-chemical characteristics. Optimum temperature, concentration and pH were identified for the cleaner production of silica. The crystallographic properties analysed by the X-Ray diffraction revealed amorphous nature of silica extracted from ash at 650°C for 4h. The structure of phytolith present in the wheat straw was observed in the form of articulated elongate undulate epidermal phytolith under scanning electron microscope. The energy dispersive X-ray spectrum exhibited higher amount of silica (Si %) of 70.10% with a minimal percentage of potassium (9.96%). The sharp bend at 1025 cm-1 attributed the siloxane (Si-O-Si) vibrations in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic graph of amorphous silica. The specific surface area measurements of amorphous silica showed type II isotherm curve with a hysteresis of H3 type. The optimum conditions to obtain amorphous silica were 3M NaOH, 3M H2SO4 and pH 9.</jats:p