• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.86-93
• /
• 2004

Sixteen early lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes, four animals in each group, were used in a Completely Randomized Design to evaluate the effect of varying levels of both ruminally protected fat and urea treated corncobs ensiled with or without corn steep liquor (CSL) on feed intake, digestibility and milk production and its composition. Four experimental diets were formulated. The control (C) diet was balanced to contain 0% fat and 35% urea treated corncobs ensiled with 0% CSL. The low fat (LF), medium fat (MF) and high fat (HF) diets had 45, 55 and 65% urea treated corncobs ensiled with 9% CSL and 2, 4 and 6% ruminally protected fat, respectively. Dry matter, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intakes by buffaloes remained similar across all treatments. However, DM and NDF as a percent of body weight and digestible DM intakes were higher in HF diet when compared to C, LF and MF diets. Digestible NDF intakes were also significantly higher in HF diet as compared to all other diets. The intakes of ADF and digestible ADF were higher in MF and HF than C and LF diets. The significant variation in digestible DM, ADF and NDF intakes may be attributed to the ammoniation of corncobs along with CSL that caused significant changes in the degradability and digestibility of the diets. Ether extract and digestible EE intakes differed significantly (p<0.05) among all treatments. Intakes of EE were the highest in animals fed HF diet, which was because of added fat. Apparent DM digestibility was the highest in animals C diet and was the lowest in those fed LF diet. Neutral detergent fiber and ADF digestibilities were higher in animals fed diets containing urea treated corncobs ensiled with 9% CSL when compared to those fed diets containing urea treated corncobs ensiled without CSL. Apparent digestibility of CP was noted highest (71.47%) in animals fed HF diet when compared to those fed MF (67.75%), LF (67.04%) and C (65.39%) diets. Milk yield (4% FCM) was the higher in buffaloes fed HF, MF and LF diets than those fed C diet. These results indicated that increasing levels both of fat and urea treated corncobs ensiled with CSL elevated the negative effects of poor quality fibrous feed on milk production by buffaloes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.18 no.7
• /
• pp.966-972
• /
• 2005

A study to compare the effects of supplementing Delonix elata, Grewia similis, Tamarindus indica and sunflower seed cake on intake and growth rate of dual-purpose goats fed low quality Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) hay was carried out. Twenty-eight male goats aged five to seven months (mean weight 12.93${\pm}$3.94 kg) were randomly allocated to four dietary groups in a completely randomised design. The diets were hay plus Grewia similis, hay plus Delonix elata, hay plus Tamarindus indica and hay plus sunflower seed cake. All diets were supplemented with maize bran. The experimental period was 90 days. Voluntary dry matter intake of the supplements was higher for Tamarindus indica (275.5 g/day) and Grewia similis (201.8 g/day) and lowest for sunflower seed cake (81g/day). Goats supplemented with Grewia similis had the highest hay intake (183.8 g/day) while those supplemented with sunflower seed cake had the lowest hay intake (98.9 g/day). Animals fed browse supplements gained significantly more weight (p<0.001) than those with sunflower seed cake. There were no significant differences in live weight change between goats fed the different browses. However, those fed Tamarindus indica gained an average of 20.79 g/d which was slightly higher than the gains for those on Grewia similis and Delonix elata while those fed sunflower seed cake lost weight. Correspondingly, goats supplemented with browse leaf meals had higher feed conversion ratios than those supplemented with sunflower seed cake and required 23.91 to 35.06 g DM of feed to produce one g of weight gain per day. In a separate study, the DM disappearance pattern indicated that Grewia similis and Delonix elata were highly degradable compared to Tamarindus indica. At 24 h of incubation, DM degradability was 627, 588 and 345 g/kg DM for Grewia similis, Delonix elata and Tamarindus indica, respectively. In another study in vivo DM digestibility ranged from 46.1% (for hay alone) to 56.2% (for hay plus Grewia similis). It was concluded that the addition of Tamarindus indica, Grewia similis and Delonix elata leaf meals to Cenchrus ciliaris hay resulted in increased total DM intake, in vivo digestibility and growth rate. Therefore, leaf meals of indigenous browses particularly Tamarindus indica and Grewia similis could be used as supplementary feeds for small ruminants grazing on poor quality roughages during the dry season rather than use of expensive, less effective and intermittently available sunflower seed cake.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.19 no.11
• /
• pp.1295-1300
• /
• 2009

A 2,172-bp full-length gene (aga-F78), encoding a protease-resistant $\alpha$-galactosidase, was cloned from Rhizopus sp. F78 and expressed in Escherichia coli. The deduced amino acid sequence shared highest identity (45.0%) with an $\alpha$-galactosidase of glycoside hydrolase family 36 from Absidia corymbifera. After one-step purification with a Ni-NTA chelating column, the recombinant Aga-F78 migrated as a single band of ~82 and ~210 kDa on SDS-PAGE and nondenaturing gradient PAGE, respectively, indicating that the native structure of the recombinant Aga-F78 was a trimer. Exhibiting the similar properties as the authentic protein, purified recombinant Aga-F78 was optimally active at $50^{\circ}C$ and pH 4.8, highly pH stable over the pH range 5.0-10.0, more resistant to some cations and proteases, and had wide substrate specificity (pNPG, melidiose, raffinose, and stachyose). The recombinant enzyme also showed good hydrolytic ability to soybean meal, releasing galactose of $415.58\;{\mu}g/g$ soybean meal. When combined with trypsin, the enzyme retained over 90% degradability to soybean meal. These favorable properties make Aga-F78 a potential candidate for applications in the food and feed industries.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.154-159
• /
• 2006

It is essential to understand the decomposition characteristics for developing the optimum anaerobic digestion system of organic wastes. In this study, BMP (Biochemical Methane Potential) test using serum bottle was conducted to evaluate the anaerobic degradability of fish offal. 3 different groups of fish offal including waste from mackerel and hairtail handling except viscera and fish viscera were chosen for the substrates. Grinded fish offal was transferred anaerobically to serum bottle in amounts of 50 ml, 100 ml and 150 ml, respectively. BMP test was carried out in triplicate. Cumulative methane production and methane production rate depending on incubation time were evaluated. These results varied depending on substrate characteristics. The average values of ultimate methane yield ranged between $420ml{\cdot}CH_4/g{\cdot}VS$ and $490ml{\cdot}CH_4/g{\cdot}VS$, and the methane production and degradation rate of viscera were higher than those of other parts of fish offal. According to the analysis of elemental composition, average C/N ratio of fish offal used in this study was 5.2. Theoretical ultimate methane yield calculated from elemental composition was $522ml{\cdot}CH_4/g{\cdot}VS$. Biodegradability was calculated as 0.847.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.227-234
• /
• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this research was to develop and evaluate natural hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics produced from the heat treatment of pig bones. Methods: The properties of natural HA ceramics produced from pig bones were assessed in two parts. Firstly, the raw materials were characterized. A temperature of $1,200^{\circ}C$ was chosen as the calcination temperature. Fine bone powders (BPs) were produced via calcinations and a milling process. Sintered BPs were then characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and a 2-year in vitro degradability test. Secondly, an indirect cytotoxicity test was conducted on human osteoblast-like cells, MG63, treated with the BPs. Results: The average particle size of the BPs was $20{\pm}5{\mu}m$. FE-SEM showed a non-uniform distribution of the particle size. The phase obtained from XRD analysis confirmed the structure of HA. Elemental analysis using XRF detected phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) with the Ca/P ratio of 1.6. Functional groups examined by FTIR detected phosphate ($PO{_4}^{3-}$), hydroxyl ($OH^-$), and carbonate ($CO{_3}^{2-}$). The EDX, XRF, and FTIR analysis of BPs indicated the absence of organic compounds, which were completely removed after annealing at $1,200^{\circ}C$. The BPs were mostly stable in a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 2 years. An indirect cytotoxicity test on natural HA ceramics showed no threat to the cells. Conclusions: In conclusion, the sintering temperature of $1,200^{\circ}C$ affected the microstructure, phase, and biological characteristics of natural HA ceramics consisting of calcium phosphate. The Ca-P-based natural ceramics are bioactive materials with good biocompatibility; our results indicate that the prepared HA ceramics have great potential for agricultural and biological applications.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.51 no.5
• /
• pp.379-386
• /
• 2009

The aim of this study was tofind out the effects of supplementation of vitamin A to the diets of high or low amounts of concentrates for ruminants. In the first experiment, ruminal fermentation patterns with the data of pH, VFA production and cellulose disappearance rates in the rumen in vitro were investigated. In the second experiment, enzyme activities, gas production and dry matter degradabilities using cellulolytic bacteria, Ruminococcus flavefaciens were investigated. Ruminal pH was higher in low amounts of concentrates than in high amounts of concentrates as expected, however, no significant differences were found. Cellulose disappearance rates improved in vitamin A addition particularly in early incubation time (before 24h) and also the production of volatile fatty acids increased in vitamin A addition. These trends were more evident in diets containing high amounts of concentrates than in low amounts of concentrates and it may indicate that vitamin A is more required in the diets of high amounts of concentrates. In the second experiment, gas production, enzyme activities and dry matter degradabilities using cellulolytic bacteria, Ruminococcus flavefaciens were not different between vitamin A added and non-added diets. Ruminococcus flavefaciens may not require additional vitamin A for its own growth.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.59-69
• /
• 1999

Bacterial population, signal compounds of pollution, bacterial productivity, heterotrophic activity and the activities of extracellular enzymes were analyzed four times from July 1994 to April 1995 at Daejin, Galnam, Pohang, and Ulsan in the coastal area of Bast Sea in order to investigate the state of eutrophication. The population of heavy metal resistant bacteria in Pohang was the highest among all stations. The bacterial populations which could utilize C -P compounds (phosphonate) showed the highest at Pohang that was expected for the industrial and agricultural effluents to inpour. It could be useful as an index of expectation about the influx of industrial sewages and agricultural effluents. The activities of extracellular enzymes for the degradation of organic matter were the highest in the Ulsan Chuyongam, but low in Daejin. These results showed positive relationship with the population of heterotrophic bacteria and bacterial productivity The ratio of poly-P and DNA in Pohang was the highest, and that in Ulsan, Galnam, and Daejin consecutively, corresponding with the distribution of heterotrophic bacteria. In case of the heterotrophic activities, each of the stations gives difference of seasonal variation in heterotrophic activities. Bacterial productivity seemed to be dependent on seasons; the highest in summer and the lowest in fall and winter. These seasonal variations of bacterial productivity seems to be similar with those of heterotrophic bacteria. It is suggested that the state of eutrophication could be evaluated by the criteria of the population sizes and the productivities of microorganisms, the amount of poly-P, heterotrophic activity, the activities of extracellular enzymes, etc.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.193-201
• /
• 2014

This study was conducted to examine the effects of defaunation (removal of live protozoa) on fermentation characteristics, degradation of ryegrass hay and $CH_4$ (methane) production by rumen microbes when incubated with plant oils (SO, sunflower oil and LO, linseed oil) in vitro. Sodium lauryl sulfate (0.000375 g/ml) as a defaunation reagent was added into the culture solution and incubated anaerobically up to 24 h at $39^{\circ}C$. pH from defaunation was increased for all treatments from 6 h incubation times (p<0.01-0.001) compared with those from fauantion. Concentration of ammonia-N from defaunation is higher than that from faunation at 3 h (p<0.001), 12 h (p<0.05) and 24 h (p<0.001) incubation times. Defaunation decreased (p<0.01-0.001) total volatile fatty acid concentration at all incubation times. Molar proportions of $C_2$ (acetate, p<0.05-0.001) and butyrate (p<0.01-0.001) were also decreased by defaunation at all incubation times. Molar proportion of $C_3$ (propionate), however, was increased by defaunation at all incubation times (p<0.001). Thus the rate of $C_2$ to $C_3$ was decreased by defaunation at all incubation times (p<0.001). Defaunation decreased ED (effective degradability) of dry matter (p<0.001) and ED of neutral detergent fiber (p<0.001) of ryegrass hay. Defaunation decreased total gas, $CH_4$ production, $CH_4$ % in total gas and $CH_4/CO_2$ at all incubation times (p<0.001). Oil supplementation decreased total gas (p<0.05-0.001), $CH_4$ production (p<0.001) and $CH_4$ % in total gas (p<0.001) compared with control at all incubation times. The result of this study showed that defaunation combined with oil supplementation may cause an alteration of microbial communities and further medicate the fermentation pattern, resulting in both reduction of degradation of ryegrass hay and $CH_4$ production. No difference, however, was observed in all the examinations between SO and LO.

• Journal of Korea Soil Environment Society
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.63-75
• /
• 1999

This study was performed to investigate applicabilities of sewage sludge and papermill sludge as carbon sources in biologically treating abandoned acidic mine drainage, and effects of limestone. In spite of ranging average 3.3 in influent pH, SRB(Sulfate Reducing Bacteria) was well grown. because effluent pH was maintained by alkalinity a little under for whole stages. TCODcr was high in effluent with washing out in early stage. but its concentration was low with passed time and did not cause the problem of secondary pollution. Removal rate of Mn was remarkably low, but in case of heavy metals such as Fe, the fixation trends showed high as the volume of ${SO_4}^2$ reduction increased. In case of mixing sewage sludge and papermill sludge, when their mixing ratio were 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 respectively, rate of ${SO_4}^2$ reduction and removal rate of heavy metals were high. The mixing ratio 1 : 1 was considered as the most appropriate, because degradability of swewage sludge under short time was higher than that of papermill sludge. As a result of investigating efficiencies of limestone and biological treatment, biological treatment excelled limestone in neutralization and removal rate of heavy metals.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.365-374
• /
• 2016

In high-latitude regions, temperature has risen ($0.6^{\circ}C$ per decade) and this leads to the increase in microbial degradability against soil organic carbon (SOC). Furthermore, the decomposed SOC is converted into green-house gases ($CO_2$ and $CH_4$) and their release could further increase the rate of climate change. Thus, understanding the microbial diversity and their functions linked with SOC degradation in soil-thawing model is necessary. In this study, we divided tundra soil from Council, Alaska into two depth regions (30-40 cm and 50-60 cm of depth, designated as SPF and PF, respectively) and incubated that for 108 days at $0^{\circ}C$. A total of 111,804 reads were obtained through a pyrosequencing-based metagenomic study during the microcosm experiments, and 574-1,128 of bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and 30-57 of archaeal OTUs were observed. Taxonomic analysis showed that the distribution of bacterial taxa was significantly different between two samples. In detail, the relative abundance of phyla Actinobacteria and Firmicutes largely increased in SPF and PF soil, respectively, while phyla Crenarchaeota was increased in both soil samples. Weight measurement and gel permeation chromatography of the SOC extracts demonstrated that polymerization of humic acids, main component of SOC, occurred during the microcosm experiments. Taken together our results indicate that these bacterial and archaeal phyla could play a key function in SOC degradation and utilization in cold tundra soil.