2022

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/3184

Browse

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7

listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Comparative Influence of Biochar and Zeolite on Soil Hydrological Indices and Growth Characteristics of Corn (Zea mays L.)
(MDPI, 2022-11-02) Ghorbani, Mohammad; Amirahmadi, Elnaz; Konvalina, Petr; Moudrý, J.; Bárta, Jan; Kopecký, Marek; Teodorescu, Răzvan-Ionuț; Bucur, Roxana-Dana
Biochar and zeolite, due to their porous structure, are supposed to be appropriate soil amendments especially in agricultural areas with a lack of water or unsuitable soils with coarse texture. Two soil additions that are intended to assist an increase soil water content (AWC) are biochar and zeolite. With this aim, the effects of biochar and zeolite at two levels of 5 and 10 t ha−1 (known as B5, B10, Z5, and Z10) on soil hydrological properties and consequently corn growth were investigated in this study. The results showed that the application of B5 and B10 significantly improved AWC by 76% and 48% due to increasing soil micro- and meso-pores. The application of Z5 and Z10, associated with an increase of macro-pores in soil, enhanced saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) up to 174% and 303% and caused losses. The highest specific surface area and mean weight diameter in soil obtained from B10 had an increase of 171% and 197% over the control. Biochar treatments considerably affected plant growth features and shoot nutrient content, whilst zeolite treatments had an impact that is much less apparent than that of biochar. Observations indicate that biochar greatly boosted nutrient availability and water retention in the soil by raising the share of micro- and mezzo-pores, respectively, and as a result, has benefited plant growth. Increasing the level of biochar application from 5 to 10% would have more positive effects on the water available in the soil and on plant root systems. In contrast, the high rate of application of zeolite particles due to coarseness and adding Na+ ions to the soil caused the dispersion of soil particles, the destruction of soil structure, increasing Ks and water loss and consequently a reduction in plant growth.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
The Effect of Sustainable Feeding Systems, Combining Total Mixed Rations and Pasture, on Milk Fatty Acid Composition and Antioxidant Capacity in Jersey Dairy Cows
(MDPI, 2022-04-01) Șanta, Anita; Mierliță, Daniel; Dărăban, Stelian; Socol, Claudia-Terezia; Vicaș, Simona-Ioana; Șuteu, Mihai; Maerescu, Cristina-Maria; Stanciu, Alina-Ștefania; Pop, Ioan-Mircea
This study was carried out to assess the effect of using pasture combined with total mixed ration (TMR) on milk production and composition, fatty acid (FA) profiles, fat-soluble antioxidant content, and total milk antioxidant capacity (TAC). In addition, the effect of milk pasteurization and storage at 2 °C for 4 days, lipophilic antioxidants and TAC were assessed. Two homogeneous groups of Jersey cows (n = 8) were constituted, which were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments: TMR (without access to pasture), or partial mixed diet (pTMR: grazing 8 h/day + TMR indoors). To establish FA profiles and lipophilic antioxidants’ changes in milk during the grazing period, in case of the pTMR group the experimental period was spilt in three grazing periods: P1 (May), P2 (June), and P3 (June/July). Milk yielded from cows having limited access on pasture (pTMR diet) showed an improved FA profile, with higher concentrations of FAs considered benefic for human health (vaccenic acid (VA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), omega-3 FA (n-3 FA)) (p < 0.01) and a lower concentration of FAs with hypercholesterolemiant potential (C12:0, C14:0, and C16:0) (p < 0.05), compared to that of the TMR diet. This change in FA profile was correlated with improved sanogenous lipid indices of milk fat (n-6/n-3 FA atherogenic index and thrombogenic index). Milk yielded during the P1 grazing period had higher concentrations of VA, CLA, and n-3 FA (p < 0.05) and lower concentrations of C14:0 and C16:0 (p < 0.01); it exhibited the best values for the main sanogenous fat lipid indices of fat. Moreover, pTMR milk showed a higher α-tocopherol, retinol, and β-carotene content (p < 0.05), positively correlated with TAC values in milk (P1 ˃ P2 ˃ P3). By comparison, cows fed using the TMR diet yielded a higher quantity of milk (p < 0.05), but a lower fat and protein content (p < 0.01), and also a higher saturated FAs and n-6 FA content (p < 0.05) together with a lower concentration of lipophilic antioxidants in milk. Thermal treatment showed no effect on α-tocopherol and retinol content in milk, but their concentrations decreased during the storage, at the same time a TAC decrease. The results of this study prove the positive effect of using pasture combined with TMR on FA profiles, milk antioxidant content, and antioxidant capacity, with beneficial effects on nutrition and health in humans.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of European Catfish (Silurus glanis) Flesh
(MDPI, 2022-12-13) Simeanu, Cristina; Măgdici, Emanuel; Păsărin, Benone; Avarvarei, Bogdan-Vlad; Simeanu, Daniel
Quantitative and qualitative flesh production in the Silurus glanis species was comparatively studied between two fish groups: one from aquaculture (AG) and the other from a natural environment, the Prut River (RG). Morphometry was carried out on the fish, and then biometric and conformational indices were calculated. Better values were found in the aquaculture catfish. The Fulton coefficient was 0.82 in the Prut River fish and 0.91% in the farmed ones. The fleshy index reached 19.58% in the AG fish and 20.79% in the RG fish, suggesting better productive capabilities in the AG fish. Postslaughter, the flesh yield and its quality were assessed at different moments throughout the refrigeration period (0–15 days), and chemical compound loss occurred. In the AG samples, the water content decreased by 8.87%, proteins by 27.66%, and lipids by 29.58%. For the RG samples, the loss reached 8.59% in water, 25.16% in proteins, and 29%in lipids. By studying the fatty acids profile and sanogenic indices, good levels of PUFA (31–35%) were found, and the atherogenic index reached 0.35–0.41 while the thrombogenic index ranged between 0.22 and 0.27. Consequently, it can be stated that fish origin and especially the refrigeration period influence the flesh proximate composition and nutritional value of European catfish.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Analysis of Phylogeny and Genetic Diversity of Endangered Romanian Grey Steppe Cattle Breed, a Reservoir of Valuable Genes to Preserve Biodiversity
(MDPI, 2022-11-30) Davidescu, Mădălina-Alexandra; Simeanu, Daniel; Gorgan, Dragoș-Lucian; Ciorpac, Mitică; Creangă, Șteofil
Since 2000, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been drawing attention to the increasing numerical decline of Podolian cattle, which include the Romanian Grey Steppe. Currently, this breed is endangered, numbering under 100 heads across the territory of the entire country. Due to its qualities of rusticity, adaptability, and increased resistance to diseases and severe climate conditions, the Grey Steppe is considered a valuable genetic reserve for improving livestock production. This study aimed to quantify the genetic diversity of a population of 32 cattle from the area of N-E Moldova through the analysis of two mitochondrial markers, cytochrome b and the d-loop, which have been proven to be relevant to studies of genetic diversity and phylogeny. The results obtained based on the statistical analysis of the data using nucleotide sequence analysis software (DnaSP, SeaView, MegaX, PopArt, etc.) demonstrated that the breed belonged to the ancestral P′QT haplogroup, with direct descent from Bos taurus primigenius. Within this haplogroup, five cattle were identified, which could be used in the selection of crosses, with the aim of preserving valuable genetic resources for the improvement of other cattle breeds and the protection of biodiversity.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Influence of Supplemental Feeding on Body Condition Score and Reproductive Performance Dynamics in Botosani Karakul Sheep
(MDPI, 2022-11-25) Nechifor, Ionică; Florea, Alexandru-Marian; Radu Rusu, Răzvan-Mihail; Pascal, Constantin
The aim of this research was to study the impact of supplementary feeding on reproductive traits in sheep. Two groups, L1 (control) and L2 (experimental treatment), of adult females aged between two and six years belonging to the Botosani Karakul sheep breed were formed. The experimental treatment group (L2) received supplementary feeding 25 days prior to mating. Improvements in body condition and significant increases in live weight occurred by the time of mating in those ewes that had been flushed (L2) (p < 0.01 vs. L1). The number of lambs per individual parturition was influenced by the body condition score (BCS), especially in females with a BCS of 2.0. The total number of weaned lambs in females with a BCS of 2.0 differed in comparison to that of females with a BCS of 2.5 or 3.0. All results highlighted that supplementary feeding applied to ewes prior to mating affected their reproductive and economic performance, translating to an increased live weight of the litter at weaning in the L2 group (p < 0.01 in lambs from BCS 2.0 ewes and p < 0.001 in lambs from BCS 2.5 to 3.5 ewes).
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Qualitative and Nutritional Evaluation of Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) Meat Production
(MDPI, 2022-11-21) Simeanu, Daniel; Radu Rusu, Răzvan-Mihail; Mintaș, Olimpia-Smaranda; Simeanu, Cristina
Polyodon spathula is a valuable species of sturgeon native to North America that has acclimatized very well in Europe. Detailed knowledge of the quantitative and qualitative productive performance of paddlefish meat is of interest. Through this article, we aimed to highlight the chemical composition, cholesterol, and collagen content of fillets issued from paddlefish aged two and three summers and to highlight, as well as the nutritional value, the profile of fatty acids and amino acids, the sanogenic indices and the biological value of proteins for the epaxial and hypaxial muscle groups. The chemical analysis of the fillets by age indicated slightly higher values in summer three, compared to summer two: +5.32% dry matter, +0.89% protein, +41.21% fat, therefore +10.94% gross energy and for collagen by 2.94%; instead, for water, minerals and the W/P ratio the values were lower by 1.52%, 10.08%, and 2.29%. The nutritional assessment revealed that paddlefish has a meat with high PUFA content (approx. 22% of total fatty acids) and good values of sanogenic indices (Polyunsaturation Index = 7.01–8.77; Atherogenic Index = 0.57; Thrombogenic Index = 0.38–0.39; Hypocholesterolemic Fatty Acids = 33.01–41.34; Hypocholesteromic/Hypercolesteromic Fatty Acids ratio = 1.9). Also, the proteins of these fish are of good quality for young and adult consumers (EAA index = 156.11; Biological Value = 158.46; Nutritional Index (%) = 28.30) and good enough for children (Essential Amino Acids Index = 96.41; Biological Value = 93.39; Nutritional Index (%) = 17.45).
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Contents and Physicochemical Traits of Romanian Monofloral Honeys
(MDPI, 2022-09-02) Albu, Aida; Radu Rusu, Răzvan-Mihail; Simeanu, Daniel; Radu Rusu, Cristina-Gabriela; Pop, Ioan-Mircea
Since ancient times, honey has been appreciated not only for its sensorial traits, but also for the observed effects in rejuvenation and treatment against several bad health conditions, when used externally or internally, along with other beehive products, such as pollen, propolis and royal jelly. Today, it is known that such effects are generated by compounds bearing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative features (enzymes, polyphenolic molecules). The purpose of this study was to assess the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 28 samples of Romanian raw monofloral honey (acacia; linden; rapeseed, sunflower and mint), and to establish their correlations with several qualitative parameters. Pearson’s test revealed a strong positive correlation between total phenolic content and total flavonoids (r = 0.76) and color intensity (r = 0.72). For total flavonoid content, correlations were strongly positive with color intensity (r = 0.81), ash content (r = 0.76) and electrical conductivity (r = 0.73). The relevant levels of polyphenols and flavonoids identified in the analyzed honey types demonstrate its antioxidant potential, with essential nutritional and sanogenic features in human nutrition.

Browse

Recent Submissions