Non alcoholic palm nectar from Cocos nucifera as a promising nutraceutical preparation

The role of iron-rich organic fertilizer in promoting the growth of Chinese cabbage and inhibiting the transformation of cadmium

The issue of heavy metal pollution caused by human production and living activities is progressively worsening. This study explored the effect of iron-rich organic fertilizer on the growth, quality, and cadmium (Cd) absorption of Chinese cabbage under Cd stress. The results showed that iron-rich organic fertilizer could increase the soluble protein content and root length of Chinese cabbage. Meanwhile, it could change the form of Cd to inhibit the enrichment of Cd in Chinese cabbage. The alkali hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN), total potassium (TK), organic matter (OM), and moisture content (MC) of the Z3 treatment group (2 % ferrous sulfate heptahydrate) were significantly higher than those of other treatment groups. The microbial network of Z3 was more complex than the other three groups. PICRUSt analysis and correlation analysis showed that the genes related to protein synthesis (e.g., glutathione S-transferase, zinc and Cd transporter, outer membrane protein, ArsR family transcriptional regulator, catalase, etc.) can also promote microbial absorption. This study aims to provide theoretical insights into soil Cd pollution immobilization techniques.

Coconut Palm: Food, Feed, and Nutraceutical Properties

Simple Summary

Different components of the coconut are being looked into and used as a potential substitute to create or substitute animal feed components. Different coconut products and by-products—such as coconut water, milk, copra, testa, flour, raw kernels, oil, and desiccated coconut—are used with livestock, especially ruminants and aquaculture industries. However, the use of coconut in animal feed may be limited by several things that make it less nutritious. There is a possibility to research new technologies, such as pre-treating coconut to reduce the effects of anti-nutritional substances before they can be used to feed the animals. This review article describes a few important discoveries, which gives a somewhat hopeful view of the future. Different parts of the coconut can and should be used more in animal feed. Coconut in animal feed makes it much cheaper to feed animals and helps them in the digestion process, growth, and health. However, innovative methods of processing, extracting, and treating coconut need to be encouraged to improve nutritional quality and make coconut products function efficiently in feed.

Abstract

The price of traditional sources of nutrients used in animal feed rations is increasing steeply in developed countries due to their scarcity, high demand from humans for the same food items, and expensive costs of raw materials. Thus, one of the alternative sources is coconut parts or coconut as a whole fruit. Coconut is known as the ‘tree of abundance’, ‘tree of heaven’, and ‘tree of life’ owing to its numerous uses, becoming a very important tree in tropical areas for its provision of food, employment, and business opportunities to millions of people. Coconut contains a rich profile of macro and micronutrients that vary depending on the parts and how they are used. It is frequently chosen as an alternative source of protein and fiber. Its uses as an antibacterial agent, immunomodulant, and antioxidant further increase its importance. Using coconut oil in ruminant feed helps to minimize methane gas emissions by 18–30%, and to reduce dry matter intake up to 4.2 kg/d. The aquaculture sectors also use coconut palm as an alternative source because it significantly improves the digestion, growth, lipid metabolism, health, and antioxidative responses. However, coconut is not widely used in poultry diets although it has adequate amount of protein and carbohydrate due to anti-nutritional factors such cellulose (13%), galactomannan (61%), and mannan (26%). This review considered the importance and potential of coconut usage as an alternative ingredient in feed and supplements in various livestock sectors as it has plentiful nutrients and functional qualities, simultaneously leading to reduced feed cost and enhanced production.