Enhancing the nutritional value of Splenda (Setaria sphacelata) from a biochemical perspective
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Abstract
Rapid population growth drives urbanization, reduces land use, affects food supply, and causes inadequate nutrition, all of which lead to decreased livestock production regardless of genetics.
The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritional composition and ease of digestion of biologically processed feed ingredients, especially Setaria sphacelata (Splenda), when combined with wheat straw. To achieve this objective, five distinct diet groups were established and designated as D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5, each containing varying proportions of Splenda to wheat straw. The diets were placed in a mushroom house and kept there for a period of 30 days in order to facilitate the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms. Following a period of good development, the meals were evaluated to determine their nutritional properties, including levels of crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. The study sought to enhance the nutritional composition and ease of digestion of feed items. The study employed a Complete Randomized Block Design and identified noteworthy alterations in crude protein (CP), CF, NDF, and ADF concentrations in the diets. D4 exhibited the most substantial rise in CP contents, with D1, D2, D5, and D3 following suit. D5 had the greatest crude protein content, measuring 9.08%. D1 has the greatest fiber content at 34.84%, followed by D2 at 33.45%, and D5 at 30.20%. The NDF content exhibited a considerable reduction, with D5 displaying the lowest NDF percentage at 59.90%, followed by D4 at 64.64%, and D2 at 71.29%. D1 had the greatest ADF concentration, measuring 50.05%. According to the study, using D4 of Splenda in combination with a 75:25 proportion of wheat straw is a more efficient approach for biological treatment and enhancement of nutritive values. Further research is needed to explore its combinations and with other fibrous fodder crops to improve its nutritive values.
Keywords: Biological treatment; Crude Protein; Digestibility; Splenda; Wheat straw