Scientific Findings on the Quality of River Buffalo Meat and Prospects for Future Studies

The objectives of this review are to detect scientific findings and areas of opportunity in the study of river buffalo meat from primary production through commercialization and to establish future areas of research linked to each step of the meat supply chain to strengthen and improve the production and quality of buffalo meat in the future. Recent studies show that buffalo meat is healthy and that the prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is not related to intramuscular fat consumption. The current grand demand for food constitutes an ongoing challenge for agricultural production. Of course, this demand includes meat, but the animal species traditionally destined for human consumption are no longer capable of satisfying requirements. This review detected gaps in studies of the alimentary systems of this species (including its digestive tract) and a paucity of analyses designed to determine the optimum slaughtering age. Identifying –and correcting– practices that foster contamination, reduce the shelf life of buffalo meat, and suggest appropriate conservation and packaging methods during commercialization are two additional pending concerns. This study concludes that marketing buffalo meat represents a great challenge for producers and researchers, one that requires a multi- and interdisciplinary approach that examines in detail every step of the productive chain

Analysis of backyard agriculture and livestock production activities in the South Huasteca Region in San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Objective: To carry out a diagnosis and assess the importance of backyard agriculture and livestock production in rural communities of the XV District in the South Huasteca Region of the State of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, on the social, economic and nutritional context of the population. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was carried out with two blocks of surveys, the first with the local government and the second with peasants, evaluating the socioeconomic status, importance of livestock and agriculture, nutritional status and culture. The method was deductive and descriptive; the information was with multivariate analysis of principal components. Results: Government support does not reduce poverty. Families feel secure with their material goods. The nutritional status of the population is lacking. Raising chickens, turkeys and Creole pigs prioritizes livestock activity. Self-consumption and the commercialization of plant species is a traditional activity. There is a culinary culture. Limitations on study/Implications: The restriction of information by the municipal government; the pandemic problems to generate more information from the surveys. Conclusions: It is necessary to create efficient programs that improve agricultural and livestock production in the region, with the purpose of improving the nutritional status of the population and generating economic resources to reduce poverty

CAROTENOIDS DIGESTION IN AFRICAN STARGRASS (Cynodon plectostachyus) DETERMINED WITH In Situ TECHNIQUES IN CATTLE

Dry matter (DM) and total carotenoids disappearane in the rumen and intestinal passage of African stargrass (AS) were measured in 4 Holstein steers using rumen In situ and a mobile nylon bag technique in duodenum, respectively. A higher proportion of DM and total carotenoids (

PROTEIN FRACTIONS AND IN VITRO FERMENTATION OF PROTEIN FEEDS FOR RUMINANTS

The objective of this study was to evaluate 20 protein feeds grouped in forages, vegetal by- products and animal by-products used for ruminant diets. Protein fractions (PF): A, non-protein nitrogen (NPN); B1, buffer-soluble protein; B2, buffer-insoluble, NDF-soluble protein; B3, NDF-insoluble, ADF-soluble protein; and C, ADF-insoluble protein, were determined for each ingredient.  Protein composition was correlated with total gas production in vitro (GP), gas production rate (S), lag time (L), DM disappearance (DMDIV) and residual protein (RPIV). The completely randomised designed was analysed using mixed proc. and Tukey contrasts. Forages contained 18.29, 7.86, 66.00, 2.96, 4.89% of fractions A, B1, B2, B3 and C, respectively. Vegetable by-products contained 22.55, 4.55, 59.51, 8.84, 4.55% of each fraction, in the same order. Animal by-products contained 19.13, 4.52, 70.24, 3.74, 2.37% of each fraction, in the same order. Vetch, wheat bran and poultry litter had the greatest Vmax in each group. Vmax was correlated (P≤0.01) with total protein (r = -0.45), ADF (r = 0.27) and DMDIV (r = 0.61). In conclusion, there were differences in protein composition and kinetics of in vitro gas production among ingredients