The aim of this study was to develop and examine the validity of using a phenotype scoring system (PTS), a new concept, in evaluating milk yield and constituents in different goat genotypes (Indigenous, British Alpines, Saanen and Toggenburg) raised in small scale production systems. Strategic decisions of small scale African farmers are mostly based on visual appraisal or body condition scoring (BCS) of their animals. BCS has been highly recommended as a means to evaluate both the energy and the health status of animals, especially in beef farming, but this method has been criticized for being too simple and too subjective because its evaluation is often done too late after the damage has already happened. Phenotype scoring (an approach which includes breed, udder size and BCS of the animal) is presented in this study as a better tool to evaluate milk yield in different goat genotypes raised under free range conditions. This has also been a good opportunity firstly to indicate which, among the three dairy breeds of goat under discussion, can adapt best to the African small scale farming system; secondly to review the relevance of some blood metabolites in characterizing milk production in different goat breeds and thirdly to study the milking capacity of the indigenous compared to the dairy goats raised under small scale production systems in South Africa. Thirty-two goats (8 Indigenous, 8 British Alpines, 8 Saanen and 8 Toggenburg) were raised in a free range system at the ARC-Irene experimental farm close to Pretoria. The experiment was a completely randomized experimental design with eight replicates per treatment group. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture into 10 ml heparinised tubes in the morning before feeding on a weekly basis over a period of two months. Blood plasma was immediately aspirated after centrifugation (3000G), kept on ice and brought to the laboratory for the analysis of glucose, cholesterol, urea nitrogen (BUN) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations. Immediately after, all does were entirely milked (followed by 1ml oxytocin IM injection and the kids taken away for a period of four hours) before a second milking session took place to measure the daily milk yield of the does. Milk samples were analyzed for lactose, milk proteins, milk fat, milk urea-nitrogen (MUN) and milk somatic cell count (SCC). In addition body condition score (BCS), age and data related to the goat genotype (breed, udder characteristics) were recorded. Results confirmed that milk yield from dairy goats was higher (p<0.001) than the milk yield of indigenous goats during the entire period of study. Milk lactose values recorded in this study (between 3.9 and 4.9%) were the most stable constituent in goat’s milk. Milk protein concentration (between 3.1 and 4.5%) was significantly higher in the indigenous than in dairy breeds, especially in week one and from week four onwards. Milk fat values (between 3.3 and 7.7%) displayed a decline in all breeds; but as from week three, the fat in milk of indigenous does increased and from week five onwards, it remained significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to that of dairy breeds. In conclusion, the superiority of dairy breeds in milk yield was proven while the quality of indigenous goat milk was recognized. Studies on the characterization of milk production in different breeds revealed that the Toggenburg was superior to the other breeds, followed by the British Alpines and the Saanen; but the British Alpines showed a better adaptability to the environment followed by the Toggenburg and the Saanen. The latter could not produce milk without feed supplementation and lost most body condition as compared to the other breeds. Statistical analyses indicated that breed influenced milk yield, milk fat and the protein content of milk (especially in the Saanen and Toggenburg goats). BCS influenced fat content, lactose, milk proteins, MUN and SCC and also milk yield. Udder size influenced milk proteins and milk yield while udder attachment was associated with milk yield only. These results show that PTS, because it takes into account BCS, breed and udder size, is a better tool for predicting milk yield of goats herded in small scale farming systems. Africans interested in dairy goat farming should adopt PTS as a means to evaluate milk yield especially since milk is sold per volume and not by quality in Africa. Finally, milk from the indigenous goats is superior in terms of lactose, fat and protein content. The latter quality attributes can be used as selection criteria since the milk industry pays premiums for the fat and protein content of milk. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

The effects of soil nutrient status on the performance of four South African wheat genotypes were investigated in a long-term fertilization experiment. The objective was to quantify the effects of soil fertility on yield, yield components, grain nitrogen content, grain protein yield, grain protein content, flour yield and bread-making quality. The relative contribution of main stems and tillers, as well as the contribution of first, second and third kernels in the spikelets to grain yield and grain protein content were determined. The interactive effects between photoperiod, temperature and vernalization on grain yield, yield components and grain protein content were also quantified. Increasing soil fertility increased grain yield and most components of yield, grain nitrogen content, grain protein yield, aboveground biomass and harvest index, but depressed mean kernel mass. Significant interactions between cultivar and soil fertility were observed for grain yield, grain number, kernel mass, protein yield, biomass and harvest index, indicating differences in cultivar ability to produce yield and quality. Within a cultivar, the main stem, first tiller and second tiller did not differ in mean grain protein content, indicating that late-maturing tillers do not affect the grain protein content of wheat. Grain protein content, flour yield, loaf volume, water absorption and mixograph peak mixing time varied with soil fertility. The interaction between cultivar and soil fertility was significant for the above mentioned parameters with the exception of mixograph peak mixing time, indicating wheat genotypes differences in bread-making quality potential. The potential ability of wheat cultivar Kariega to produce higher grain yield, protein yield and loaf volume in the K and P limiting soil fertility situations deserve further investigation. In a growth chamber study, the low temperature regimes and long photoperiod conditions resulted in the highest grain yield, number of grains, largest mean kernel size and highest grain protein content. / Dissertation (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Plant Production and Soil Science / unrestricted

Grain protein content (GPC) in wheat has been found to be regulated by the gene NAM-B1. Homologues to the NAM-B1 gene have been found in barley, HvNAM-1 and HvNAM-2. Previous studies have found that base mutations in the NAM-1 gene at base position 544 might have an impact on GPC. Previous studies also found that landrace of barley showed higher GPC than cultivated barley, indicating that plant improvement might have affected base mutations and therefore GPC. I wanted to study if there are any nutritional differences in Nordic barley and if those differences might correlate with haplotypes. Comparisons of barley varieties from four Nordic countries, and two varieties from the US used as low and high GPC controls, did not show any significant differences depending on their origin country and no differences regarding plant improvement status between the countries. When sequencing Nordic barley varieties, five haplotypes were found for the gene HvNAM-1, and two haplotypes for the gene HvNAM-2. A low polymorphism for both genes indicate a strong natural selection for the consensus haplotype which might be preferable for Nordic climate with a short growing season and cold temperatures. Even though it is not clear what is the cause of the low polymorphism in Nordic barley varieties, they showed a generally higher nutrient content than barley varieties of the high GPC and may be suitable for breeding for a yield with a high nutrient content.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / Basella alba (BA) and Hibiscus macranthus (HM) are used by traditional healers in Cameroon to treat male sexual fertility problems. Previous studies showed that in vivo administration of the leaf extracts of both plants caused a significant increase in rat seminal vesicle weight and spermatozoa numbers was accompanied by a significant increase in serum testosterone. The aim of this study was to establish the effects of BA and HM extracts on Sertoli cell functions. TM4 cell line was used in this study as it exhibited properties similar to the Sertoli cells (Mather, 1982). Sertoli cell play a key role in spermatogenesis by regulating and supporting germ cell development. Therefore, any alterations in Sertoli cell physiology or structure may lead to impaired spermatogenesis, germ cell loss and male infertility. Developing germ cells in the seminiferous tubule require a constant supply of lactate and pyruvate (Jutte et al, 1981; 1982) and toxicant induced alterations in these nutrients have been shown to induce germ cell necrosis (Monsees et al., 2000). TM4 Sertoli cells were cultured in DMEM/Ham F-12 (M) for one day and exposed to 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 μg/ml of BA and HM extracts, respectively, for four further days. The extracts were dissolved in 0.5 % DMSO in M, while 0.5 % and 2% DMSO in M were used as negative or positive controls, respectively, and 100mM ethanol as positive control where indicated. Results obtained from the Sertoli cells exposed to BA extracts, showed that the plant extract had no significant effect on the cell viability but induced a significant concentration-dependent increase in lactate (19-67%) and pyruvate levels (39-102%) and a concentration-dependent decrease in the protein content (9-42%). The H&E histological study confirmed that the BA extract had no cytotoxic effect, as there were no changes in the morphology of the cell. Likewise, apoptotic study using DAPI showed no alteration in the nucleus when compared to the negative control. The HM plant extract significantly enhanced mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (7fold) in the Sertoli cells but caused only slight alterations in the lactate and pyruvate levels. There was no effect seen in the protein content of the Sertoli cells. H&E and DAPI staining revealed that there were neither changes in the morphology of the cells nor any alteration regarding the mitotic and apoptotic indices. Thus, the HM extract did not have a cytotoxic effect on the cells. This study demonstrated that the Basella alba methanol extract may enhance spermatogenesis as it stimulated the source of energy required for the development of germ cells without exerting a cytotoxic effect. The Hibiscus macranthus extract stimulated mitochondrial dehydrogenase activities and may thus trigger changes in Sertoli cell physiology. In summary, both plant extracts enhanced certain Sertoli cell functions and thus might explain the positive in vivo effects of the combined plant extracts on rat spermatogenesis observed by Moundipa et al. (1999). / South Africa

All carbohydrates metabolized in the body must first be phosphorylated, As a result of Lundgaard's (1930 ) and Lohmann's (1934) discoveries, the focal interest of muscle biochemlstry has passed from the carbohydrate molecules to the phosphorus compounds, For glucose, the first reaction is the formation of a phosphate ester, glucose-6- phosphate, D. M. Neeedham (1938) found that ATP acts as a phosphorus donor, Glucose-6-phosphate may be transformed into glucose-1-phosphate or into fructose-6-phosphate. In liver, it may be hydrolized back to free glucose and inorganic phosphorus, Bate-Smith (1948) indicated that the free phosphate must be present before any breakdown of glycogen occurs and that the breakdown of glycogen will occur to the extent that free phosphate becomes available. Analysis of total and inorganic phosphorus in the liver is a measure of how much sugar is phosphorylated, This is related to the utilization of sugar, As the liver is an organ vitally concerned with the mechanism of carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, it stores , transforms, and regulates food materials, T. B, Osborne , et al. (1919) suggested that economy in nutrition during growth depends upon the correct adjustment between the proportions of protein and total energy supplied. Quo (19 55) found that total carbohydrate content of turkey livers increased slightly with the addition of sucrose to the ration, The effect of sucrose in the ration on the protein content of turkey livers has not been investigated, The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of short pre-slaughter feeding of various levels of sucrose to turkeys on total and inorganic phosphorus and protein content of turkey liver and muscle. This thesis is part of a larger project which includes the feeding of sucrose to various farm animals and poultry. This work has been 2 under investigation at Utah Agricultural Experiment Station since 1950. Weight gains, dressing percentages, liver weights, and total carbohydrate content, pH, total solids, ether extract and color of liver and muscle of the sucrose-fed-animal or bird has been determined, This thesis includes the total, inorganic, and organic phosphorus and protein values on both liver and muscle and measurement of color of liver of the sucrose-fed turkeys.

Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. has had limited use as a forage crop during the past fifteen. years in parts of the western United States, Canada, and Argentina. Erickson and Moxon (1947) reported kochia* to be a good emergency feed for sheep and cattle during dry years in South Dakota. Salguero (1946) said that this species could be utilized in Argentina as silage or pasturage if harvested before flowering. Bell, et al. (1952) in Saskatoon, Canada studied this species in a comparison with other introduced plants and reported that it seemed to have desirable nutrient characteristics for livestock roughage. Plummer (1949) reported beef cattle in Ephraim, Utah had eaten and gained normally on kochia hay.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第19771号 / 農博第2167号 / 新制||農||1040(附属図書館) / 学位論文||H28||N4987(農学部図書室) / 32807 / 京都大学大学院農学研究科地域環境科学専攻 / (主査)教授 飯田 訓久, 教授 近藤 直, 准教授 中村 公人 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

Rice is an important human staple food for over half of the world’s population. Amylose content (AC), gelatinization temperature (GT), grain protein content (GPC), percentage grain chalkiness (PGC), and mineral content are important parameters for evaluating rice quality, which attracts customers and breeders. Only limited genes or QTLs (OsAAP6, OsGluA2, OsASN1, Chalk5, OsHMA3, etc.) are reported regulating rice GPC, PGC, and mineral content due to the lack of genetic knowledge and molecular markers. To dissect the genetic architecture of rice grain quality regulation, genome wide association studies (GWAS) were performed using two populations (USDA-mini core collection and a panel of 662 rice accessions from the 3K Rice Genomes Project). A total of 28, 11, 4, 3, 40, 3, 4, 3, and 10 QTLs were identified associated with Cd, Co, Cu, K, Mo, Ni, Rb, Sr, and Zn under flooded environment, while, 23, 7, 7, 7, and 3 QTLs were detected to be associated with Cd, Fe, Mo, Ni, and Zn under unflooded environment, respectively. Moreover, 6, 5, and 2 significant QTLs were tightly associated with kernel length, kernel rate, kernel width, respectively. Furthermore, 44, 7, 27, and 20 QTLs were identified associated with AC, GT, GPC, and PGC, respectively. Overall, 53 (~ 20.08%) of the 264 QTLs were coinciding with previously reported QTLs/genes, and 211 (~ 79.92%) were novel QTLs. A candidate gene, OsPCAT (putative cationic transporter), associated with GPC in the dry season was selected for further analysis. The OsPCAT gene belongs to the amino acid transporters (AATs) family with nine closely related members reported in Oryza Sativa. The classification and evolution of the CAT family (a subgroup of AATs family) using 61 species were studied. The over-expression lines (OsPCAT-OX) and CRISPR-Cas9 knock-out lines (OsPCAT-KO) were developed to study the function of OsPCAT gene. The preliminary results showed the GPC in OsPCAT-OX lines was increased and OsPCAT-KO lines were decreased compared to WT. Overall, a large number of new and reported QTLs associated with rice grain quality have been identified. This work lays the foundation for marker development in breeding and further investigation on rice grain quality regulation.

京都大学 / 新制・論文博士 / 博士(農学) / 乙第13520号 / 論農博第2908号 / 新制||農||1096(附属図書館) / 学位論文||R4||N5420(農学部図書室) / 京都府立医科大学 / (主査)教授 中﨑 鉄也, 教授 土井 元章, 教授 及川 彰, 准教授 田中 朋之 / 学位規則第4条第2項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DGAM

by Wong Ka Hing. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Dedication --- p.i / Thesis committee --- p.ii / Acknowledgements --- p.iii / Abstract --- p.iv / Abstract (Chinese version) --- p.vi / Table of contents --- p.viii / List of tables --- p.xv / List of figures --- p.xviii / List of abbreviation --- p.xix / Chapter Chapter one: --- General introduction / Chapter 1.1. --- Definition --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2. --- Classification --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3. --- Potential food use of seaweeds --- p.7 / Chapter 1.4. --- Hong Kong seaweeds --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5. --- Sargassum species --- p.12 / Chapter 1.6. --- Hypnea species --- p.13 / Chapter 1.7. --- Ulva species --- p.14 / Chapter 1.8. --- Design of research project --- p.15 / Chapter Chapter two: --- "Effect of diflerent drying methods on proximate composition, amino acid profile and some physico-chemical properties of brown seaweeds, Sargassum hemiphyllum, Sargassum henslowianum and Sargassum patens" / Chapter 2.1. --- Introduction --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.1. --- Sample preparation --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.2. --- Proximate analysis --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.2.1. --- Crude protein content --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.2.2. --- Ash content --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.2.3. --- Total dietary fiber (TDF) content --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.2.4. --- Crude lipid content --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.2.5. --- Carbohydrate content --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2.2.6. --- Moisture analysis --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2.3. --- Amino acid analysis --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.3.1. --- "Amino acids excluding cystine, methionine and tryptophan" --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.3.2. --- Cystine and methionine --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.4. --- Physico-chemical properties --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.4.1 --- Swelling capacity (SWC) --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.4.2. --- Water holding capacity (WHC) --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.4.3. --- Oil holding capacity (OHC) --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.5. --- Statistical analysis --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3. --- Results and discussion --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.1. --- Proximate composition --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.2. --- Amino acid composition --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.3. --- Physico-chemical properties --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.4. --- Conclusions --- p.46 / Chapter Chapter three: --- "Effect of different methods on protein extarctability, in vitro protein digestibility and amino acid profile of seaweed protein concentrates isolated from brown seaweeds, Sargassum hemiphyllum, Sargassum henslowianum and sargassum patens" / Chapter 3.1. --- Introduction --- p.48 / Chapter 3.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.51 / Chapter 3.2.1. --- Sample preparation --- p.51 / Chapter 3.2.2. --- Extraction of seaweed protein concentrates --- p.51 / Chapter 3.2.3. --- Precipitation of seaweed protein concentrates --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2.4. --- Crude protein content analysis --- p.53 / Chapter 3.2.5. --- Extraction of total phenolic compounds --- p.53 / Chapter 3.2.6. --- Determination of total phenolic compounds --- p.54 / Chapter 3.2.7. --- In vitro protein digestibility --- p.55 / Chapter 3.2.8. --- Amino acid analysis --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2.9. --- Statistical analysis --- p.56 / Chapter 3.3. --- Results and discussion --- p.56 / Chapter 3.3.1. --- Effect of oven- or freeze-drying on protein extractability from seaweeds --- p.57 / Chapter 3.3.1.1. --- Total crude protein and total phenolic content in seaweeds --- p.57 / Chapter 3.3.1.2. --- "%Nitrogen, %protein, sample dry weight, amount of protein extracted and %yield of PCs" --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.2. --- Effect of oven- and freeze-drying on protein quality of seaweed PCs --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.2.1. --- Total phenolic content and in vitro protein digestibility of seaweed PCs --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.2.2. --- Amino acid composition --- p.64 / Chapter 3.3.3. --- Conclusions --- p.67 / Chapter Chapter four: --- "Proximate composition, amino acid profile and some physico- chemical properties of some red (Hypnea charoides and Hypnea japonica) and green seaweeds (Ulva lactuca)" / Chapter 4.1. --- Introduction --- p.68 / Chapter 4.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.71 / Chapter 4.2.1. --- L Sample preparation --- p.71 / Chapter 4.2.2. --- Proximate analysis --- p.71 / Chapter 4.2.3. --- Amino acid profile --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2.4. --- Physico-chemical properties --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2.5. --- Statistical analysis --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3. --- Results and discussion --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.1. --- Proximate composition --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.2. --- Amino acid composition --- p.78 / Chapter 4.3.3. --- Physico-chemical properties --- p.81 / Chapter 4.3.4. --- Conclusions --- p.86 / Chapter Chapter five: --- In vitro protein digestibility and amino acid profile of seaweed protein concentrates isolated from some red (Hypnea charoides and Hypnea japonica) and green seaweeds (Ulva lactuca) / Chapter 5.1. --- Introduction --- p.88 / Chapter 5.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.89 / Chapter 5.2.1. --- Sample preparation --- p.89 / Chapter 5.2.2. --- Extraction and precipitation of seaweed PCs --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2.3. --- Crude protein analysis --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2.4. --- Extraction and determination of total phenolic contents --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2.5. --- In vitro protein digestibility --- p.91 / Chapter 5.2.6. --- Amino acid analysis --- p.92 / Chapter 5.2.7. --- Statistical analysis --- p.92 / Chapter 5.3. --- Results and discussion --- p.93 / Chapter 5.3.1. --- Protein extractability --- p.93 / Chapter 5.3.1.1. --- Crude protein and total phenolic contentin seaweeds --- p.93 / Chapter 5.3.1.2. --- "%Nitrogen, %protein, sample dry weight, amount of protein extracted and %yield of PCs" --- p.95 / Chapter 5.3.2. --- Protein quality --- p.97 / Chapter 5.3.2.1. --- Total phenolic content and in vitro protein digestibility of seaweed PCs --- p.97 / Chapter 5.3.2.2. --- Amino acid composition --- p.99 / Chapter 5.3.3. --- Conclusions --- p.103 / Chapter Chapter six: --- Biological evaluation on protein quality of seaweed protein concentrates isolated from Hypnea charoides and Hypnea japonica / Chapter 6.1. --- Introduction --- p.104 / Chapter 6.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.114 / Chapter 6.2.1. --- Sample preparation --- p.114 / Chapter 6.2.2. --- Extraction and precipitation of seaweed protein concentrates --- p.114 / Chapter 6.2.3. --- Diet preparation --- p.115 / Chapter 6.2.4. --- Rat bioassay --- p.117 / Chapter 6.2.5. --- Biological indices --- p.118 / Chapter 6.2.6. --- Statistical analysis --- p.119 / Chapter 6.3. --- Results and discussion --- p.119 / Chapter 6.3.1. --- Protein quality of seaweed PCs --- p.119 / Chapter 6.3.2. --- Weight of major organs --- p.126 / Chapter 6.3.3. --- Conclusions --- p.129 / Chapter Chapter seven: --- Functional properties of protein concentrates isolated from Hypnea charoides and Hypnea japonica / Chapter 7.1. --- Introduction --- p.130 / Chapter 7.2. --- Materials and methods --- p.136 / Chapter 7.2.1. --- Sample preparation --- p.136 / Chapter 7.2.2. --- Preparation of protein concentrates --- p.137 / Chapter 7.2.3. --- Nitrogen solubility --- p.137 / Chapter 7.2.4. --- Water and oil holding capacity --- p.138 / Chapter 7.2.5. --- Viscosity --- p.139 / Chapter 7.2.6. --- Emulsifying activities and emulsion stability --- p.140 / Chapter 7.2.7. --- Foam capacity and foam stability --- p.141 / Chapter 7.2.8. --- Statistical analysis --- p.142 / Chapter 7.3. --- Results and discussion --- p.142 / Chapter 7.3.1. --- Nitrogen solubility --- p.142 / Chapter 7.3.2 --- Wafer and oil holding capacity --- p.145 / Chapter 7.3.3. --- Viscosity --- p.147 / Chapter 7.3.4 --- Emulsifying activities and emulsion stability --- p.149 / Chapter 7.3.5. --- Foam capacity and foam stability --- p.153 / Chapter 7.3.6. --- Conclusions --- p.157 / Chapter Chapter 8: --- Conclusions --- p.158 / References --- p.160 / Appendix --- p.195 / Related publications --- p.202