The objective of the study was to determine the effects of Aloe ferox inclusion in drinking water on growth performance, blood biochemistry, physico-chemical characteristics, fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of broiler meat. The importance of A. ferox as a medicinal plant and factors that influence its utilization by communal poultry farmers were also investigated by use of a questionnaire survey. The survey revealed that the majority of respondents (84.6%) faced health challenges in their chickens and many relied (96.2%) on A. ferox to treat diseases and control parasites. The study also revealed that the choice of medicine (traditional or conventional) was influenced (P<0.05) by level of education and income. In the second phase of the research, a total of 600 Ross 308 day-old broilers, were randomly put in 6 treatment groups with 4 replicates, each having 25 birds. Fresh aqueous A. ferox leaf juice (ALJ) was administered in drinking water at a dosage of 20ml/litre to T1, T2 and T3 from day one to day 35, day one to day 14 and day 15 to day 28, respectively. Birds in T4 and T5 (positive controls) were treated with terramycin at the recommended dosage of 14g/litre of drinking water from day one to day 6 and from day 15 to 20, respectively; and birds in T6 (negative control) received distilled water from day 1 to 35. Feed Intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated for the 5 week trial. After slaughter, carcass characteristics particularly dressing percentage (DP) and relative organ weight (ROW) were calculated. Serum biochemistry was also determined. For meat quality, pH and color were recorded 45 minutes and 24 hours after slaughter from the breast muscle. Fatty acid profiling and oxidative stability were determined using meat samples from the breast and thigh muscles. The results for growth performance showed that thebirds which were given A. ferox for the first two weeks (T2) consumed significantly (P>0.05) more feed (189.4g) than those in the negative control (159.6g) at the beginning of the starter phase. Subsequently, their ADG recorded on day 7 (27.1g) and day 14 (43.1g) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the negative control (22.8g and 36.2g, respectively). Significant treatment effects (P<0.05) for FCR were reported in the 4th week for the birds that received A. ferox throughout (T1: 3.5). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by A. ferox inclusion in drinking water. The highest high density lipoprotein (HDL) values (2.78 mmol/L) were yielded in T2and T3 had the lowest values (0.61mmol/L) for low density lipoprotein (LDL). For physico-chemical properties, no significant effects (P>0.05) of treatment on pH, colour, cooking loss and tenderness were observed. However, the group treated with A.ferox throughout the production cycle, had the highest pH (6.2), lowest lightness (38.5), highest redness (4.1), highest tenderness (13.86N) and the lowest cooking loss (12.6%). Significant treatment effects (P<0.05) were observed on the composition of the PUFA eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3c8, 11, 14(n-6)) of the breast muscle which was significantly lower in the A. ferox treatment groups than the positive controls. For the thigh muscle, there were significant (P<0.05) treatment effects on composition of palmitoleic acid (C16:1c9) and g-linolenic acid (C18:3c6, 9, 12 (n-3)). No significant (P>0.05) effects were found on oxidative stability of both thigh and breast muscles. In conclusion, the wide use of A. ferox by communal chicken farmers showed its importance as a medicinal plant. Apart from it being an effective medicinal plant, A. ferox inclusion in drinking water results in improved FI, ADG, reduced in LDLC and better g-linolenic and palmitoleic acid composition in the meat.

Memoria para optar al Título Profesional de Ingeniero Agrónomo Mención: Fruticultura / Aloe vera es una especie CAM resistente a la sequía de gran proyección económica debido a que tiene importantes propiedades relacionadas con el área de la industria cosmética, alimenticia y farmacológica, es una especie adecuada para ser cultivada en zonas áridas y semiáridas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la disponibilidad de agua en la producción de biomasa aérea y en la eficiencia en el uso del agua (EUA) de Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller). El trabajo se realizó en condiciones de invernadero en el Campus Antumapu de la Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas de la Universidad de Chile y comprendió la temporada 2007 y 2008. Los tratamientos hídricos se evaluaron a través de variación del peso de las macetas. El tratamiento 1 (T1) consistió en mantener las macetas entre el 60% y el 80% de la capacidad de campo (C. de C.) del suelo y el T2 consistió en mantener entre el 30% y el 50% de la C. de C. del sustrato. Para evaluar crecimiento se realizaron cosechas cada 45 días, con la finalidad de obtener: materia verde, materia seca, área foliar, número de hojas, número de hijuelos, distribución de asimilados y eficiencia del uso del agua. Las variables: EUA y distribución de asimilados, presentaron diferencias que estadísticamente no fueron atribuibles al efecto del tratamiento. Las variables: materia seca, materia verde, número de hojas, número de hijuelos y área foliar, presentaron diferencias que estadísticamente fueron atribuibles al efecto del tratamiento. El valor promedio calculado de EUA para la especie, en función de la materia seca fue de 10,8 g de MS L-1 kPa-1 para el T1 y T2. Mientras que los valores promedio calculado de EUA en función de la materia verde fueron de 85 y 68 g de MV L-1 kPa-1 para el T1 y T2 respectivamente. La distribución de asimilados en la planta para el T2 favoreció el desarrollo de las raíces, las que se encontraron más dispersas y en mayor cantidad alcanzando un 43% del peso total de la planta, todo esto como estrategia de sobrevivencia ante una condición hídrica desfavorable. / Aloe vera is a CAM species resistant to drought of great economic development because it has important properties related to the area of cosmetics, food and drug, is an appropriate species to be cultivated in arid and semiarid areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of water availability in biomass production and efficiency in water use (WUE) of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller). The work was conducted under greenhouse conditions Antumapu Campus of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Chile and understood the 2007 season and 2008. Water treatments were assessed through measurements on the variation of the weights of the pots. Treatment 1 (T1) was to keep the pots between 60% and 80% of field capacity (C. of C.) soil and T2 was to keep between 30% and 50% of the C. of C. the substrate. To evaluate growth harvests were performed every 45 days, in order to obtain: dry matter, leaf number, number of tillers, green matter, leaf area, water use efficiency and distribution of assimilates. The variables: WUE and distribution of assimilates, presented statistical differences were not attributable to treatment effect. The variables: dry matter, fresh matter, leaf number, number of tillers and leaf area, showed statistically differences were attributable to treatment effect. The calculated value of WUE for the species, based on the dry matter was 10.8 g DM L1 kPa-1 , for the T1. While the average values calculated according to the GM borders was between 85 and 68 g GM L-1 kPa-1 for de T1 and T2 respectively. The distribution of assimilates in the plant for T2 favored the development of roots, which were more dispersed and more of reaching 43% of the total weight of the plant, all of this as a survival strategy to unfavorable water conditions.

MSc (Botany) / Department of Botany

No description available.

Thesis (MSc. (Zoology)) --University of Limpopo, 2008 / Refer to document / National Research Foundation - Thuthuka programme

Caption "TW 10. Tree ferns (left) with Aloe arborescens in back to left, and natural forest at back. Ferns and aloes side by side where forest ought to be! June 1961.”

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2016-06-13T13:41:47Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Cibele Cavalcanti Souza de Melo.pdf: 1262965 bytes, checksum: a0b751f71b7ca0dbc7f0a215b3c2b60f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-13T13:41:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cibele Cavalcanti Souza de Melo.pdf: 1262965 bytes, checksum: a0b751f71b7ca0dbc7f0a215b3c2b60f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-27 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / The aim was to evaluate the effect of the Aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis Miller), in association with the Tris base (hydroxymethyl aminomethane) or powdered coconut water (ACP- 106®) in canine semen conservation, as well as the action of this gel in the renewal process of the extender. Semen samples from five dogs, of breed Basset Hound, were used. In Experiment 1, samples were diluted in duplicate, using Tris plus 20% egg yolk (G1 and G2) or 5% Aloe vera (G3 and G4) and evaluated at 0, 48, 72 and 96 hours. After 48 hours, all samples were centrifuged for 10 minutes (400g) in a cooled centrifuge (5 °C). In the groups G1 and G3 the supernatant was removed and a new extender was added. In the other groups (G2 and G4) pellets were re-diluted in the same supernatant, without renewal. For Experiment 2, samples were divided into two equal aliquots, according to the treatments (G1: Tris + 20% egg yolk, control G2: Tris + 5% Aloe vera; G3: ACP-106® + 5% Aloe vera) and evaluated at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours after cooling. In both experiments were performed sperm kinetics and membrane integrity analysis (iMP). In Experiment 1 results the diluent renewal did not affect on any parameter analyzed in the group using egg yolk (G1), shown when comparing the two treatments of this substance. The G2 (without renewal) did not demonstrate a significant difference when compared to G1 (renewal). However, groups with Tris-Aloe vera (G3 and G4) were lower (P <0.05) than the groups with Tris-egg yolk (G1 and G2) after the renewal, and this has showed deleterious effect on the group that sperm received new diluent (G3) in all parameters. There were no statistical differences in Experiment 2 in the parameters of total motility, straightness and oscillation index and plasma membrane integrity comparing treatments and evaluation times. However, the progressive motility in G1 proved to be significantly higher (P <0.05) than the other treatments in the first assessment period (0h). However, at 24 the G3 showed values similar to G1. The linearity values of G3 were significantly higher (P <0.05) than other groups from the start of the evaluations. According to the findings from Experiment 1, it can be concluded that the replacement of diluent is not necessary for the preservation of canine spermatozoa undergo cooling (5 °C) for 96 h. Furthermore, it was found that the gel of Aloe vera may be used to replace egg yolk in dog semen cooling diluent at a concentration of 5% without renewal. In the Experiment 2, it can be concluded that Aloe vera can be used at a concentration of 5% to replace egg yolk in dog semen cooling diluent, regardless of the one used. / Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do gel da planta Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), associado ao diluidor Tris (hidroximetil aminometano) ou Água de coco em pó (ACP-106®) na conservação de sêmen de cães, bem como a ação desse gel no processo de renovação do diluidor. Foram utilizadas amostras seminais de cinco cães da raça Basset Hound. No Experimento 1, as amostras foram diluídas em duplicata, utilizando Tris + 20% de gema de ovo (G1 e G2) ou 5% de Aloe vera (G3 e G4), e avaliadas nos tempos de 0, 48, 72 e 96 horas. Após a análise de 48h, todas as amostras foram centrifugadas por 10 min (400g) em centrífuga refrigerada (5 ºC). Nos grupos G1 e G3 o sobrenadante foi removido e um novo diluidor foi adicionado. Nos outros grupos (G2 e G4) os pellets foram re-diluídos no mesmo sobrenadante, sem renovação. Para o Experimento 2, as amostras foram divididas em alíquotas iguais, de acordo com os tratamentos (G1: Tris + 20% gema de ovo, controle; G2: Tris + 5% Aloe vera; G3: ACP-106® + 5% Aloe vera) e avaliados nos tempos de 0, 24, 48 e 72 horas após refrigeração. Em ambos experimentos foram realizadas análises de cinética espermática e de integridade da membrana (iMP). Nos resultados do Experimento 1 a renovação do diluidor não influenciou em nenhum parâmetro analisado no grupo que utilizou gema de ovo (G1), fato evidenciado quando comparados os dois tratamentos que utilizaram esta substância. O G2 (sem renovação) não determinou diferença significativa quando comparado ao G1 (com renovação). Entretanto, os grupos com Tris-Aloe vera (G3 e G4) foram inferiores (P<0,05) aos grupos com Tris-gema de ovo (G1 e G2) após a renovação, e esta mostrou efeito deletério nos espermatozoides do grupo que recebeu novo diluidor (G3), em todos os parâmetros. No Experimento 2 não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas nos parâmetros de motilidade total, retilinearidade e índice de oscilação e integridade de membrana plasmática quando comparados os tratamentos e os tempos de avaliação. Entretanto, a motilidade progressiva no G1 mostrou-se significativamente superior (P<0,05) aos demais tratamentos no primeiro tempo de avaliação (0h). No entanto, às 24h o G3 demonstrou valores semelhantes ao G1. Os valores de linearidade no G3 foram significativamente superiores (P<0,05) aos demais grupos desde o início das avaliações. De acordo com os achados do Experimento 1, pode-se concluir que a renovação do diluidor não é necessária para a preservação dos espermatozoides caninos submetidos à refrigeração (5 ºC) por 96 h. Além disso, constatou-se que o gel da Aloe vera pode ser utilizado em substituição à gema de ovo, no diluidor de refrigeração de sêmen de cães, na concentração de 5%, sem renovação do diluidor. Já no Experimento 2, pode-se concluir que a Aloe vera pode ser empregada na concentração de 5% em substituição à gema de ovo no diluidor de refrigeração de sêmen de cães, independente do diluidor utilizado.

The chemical profiling, characterization of Aloe products and phytochemical properties of Aloe vera were studied. The adulteration of commercial products derived from medicinal plants has been a major muddle for both the society and the pharmaceuticalindustry. Economically motivated adulteration includes the potential for contaminated, sub‐potent or counterfeit medication to enter the supply chain at several levels, from the production of raw ingredients through to the point of retail sale. Darwin’s theory of evolution states that, species undergo genetic variation with time to adapt to environmental changes. Therefore, the same species growing in widely different habitats may drift from the original genetic makeup as a mechanism of adaptation and that may result in them having different chemical profiles. Therefore this study aimed at investigating the phytochemical properties of Aloe vera growing in South Africa. Also, this study aims to utilize Thin Layer Chromatography to profile this plant, as well as use Infra Red spectroscopy to characterize commercial Aloe vera products. A large quantity of Aloe vera plant was collected from AloeWay, Iphofolo Game Farm, Polokwane in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The identity of the plant was confirmedrom literature and authenticated by Professor DS Grierson of Botany Department, University of Fort Hare, Alice. The plant leaves were divided into two portions. One portion was extracted fresh while the other was cut into pieces and oven dried at 400C then and milled to a homogenous powder once dried completely. The phytochemical composition of the gel and leaf extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenols at different concentrations. Results showed that the dry plant material yielded more phytochemicals than the fresh plant material. In particular, it was found that the acetone extract showed much more amounts ofphychemicals than the dichloromethane and aqueous extracts. The percentage compositions of phenols (71.86), flavonols (36.61), proanthocyanidins (82.71), saponins (37.73) and alkaloids (13.29) were significantly high in the acetone extract, followed by the dichloromthane extract with values of 46.85, 37.73, 49.51, 89.0 and 11.11 respectively, while the least composition was found in the aqueous extract. Furthermore, flavonoids were somewhat high in composition in both the aqueous extract of the dried and of the fresh plant material while others were very low. Tannins levels were significantly very low in all the solvent extracts. It was found that the acetone extract showed great amounts of phytochemicals than dichloromethane and aqueous extracts. Since A. vera is used in the treatment of different ailments such as skin wounds and abrasions, eczema, constipation, rheumatoid arthritis etc, the medicinal uses of this plant could be associated to such analysed bioactive compounds. Acetone, hexane, ethanol, water and dichloromethane were used to extract the Aloe vera leaf and the best solvent extract was determined. Thin layer chromatography was used to profile the leaf extracts with the aim of documenting the main phytochemicals present in the Aloe vera growing in South Africa. The best spraying reagent was determined. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer was used to validate the presence of Aloe vera ingredients in commercial products. The yield extraction ability of the solvent was the order: water>ethanol> hexane >dichloromethane and acetone for the dry portion. However, for the plant extracted fresh, the order of yield produced was ethanol-acetone-dichloromethane > and water. The different solvent systems separated the compounds differently. Hexane: acetone: ethanol (20 : 5: 2) and Benzene: ethanol: ammonium (80): ethanol (10): ammonium solvent systems were noted to be the best mobile phase as they gave the best separation compared to other systems.EMW [ethyl acetate (81): methanol (11): water (8)] showed better separation than the other two separating solvent systems. Vanillin- sulphuric acid spray was seen to be the best spraying reagent as compared to vanillin- phosphoric acid. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer validated the presence aloe ingredients in aloe vera commercial products.

Manure production and nutrient management in pasture-based dairy production systems by Walter Svinurai The effect of dietary treatments on nutrient excretion was determined and an attempt to improving the retention of excreted nitrogen in stored manure using Aloe ferox leaf gel (AFLG) and pine bark was conducted at a pasture-based dairy farm. The animal mass-balance method was used to determine nutrient excretion by cows fed on three dietary treatments, Lolium perrene-based treatment (LP), Lolium multiforium-based treatment (LM) and Lolium perenne- Trifolium repens -based treatment (LTF). In separate experiments, slurry from dairy cows fed LM was amended with AFLG and pine bark at concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/l and stored under anaerobic conditions for 16 days. The highest and lowest excretions of N, P and K were observed in LM and LP treatments, respectively. Increasing dietary N improved K and N retention in milk and, consequently increased milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and N excretion (P < 0.05). The concentrations of AFLG affected N and P retention in manure (P < 0.05). The highest retention in total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) of the initial was 42% AFLG at 25g/l inclusion rate. Ammonium nitrogen (AMN) concentration increased significantly due to the interactive effect of AFLG inclusion rate and time. Pine bark powder significantly improved N and P retention in manure at all concentrations. The retention in TKN was higher (P < 0.05) at 25g/l pine bark powder than other concentrations. The interaction effect of inclusion rate and time increased iii AMN (P < 0.05). Dietary treatments significantly affected nutrient excretion, and AFLG and pine bark considerably improved N retention in stored slurry. Findings from the filed trial suggest the need for more attention on managing dietary nutrients in the post-rainy and cool-dry season when growth of pasture influenced choice of dietary treatments that led to high nutrient excretion. Field simulation of the additives to determine their efficacy and environmental hazards was recommended.

MSc (Botany) / Department of Botany / See the attached abstract below