/library/oar/handle/123456789/314 2026-05-24T10:59:28Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/146727 Title: Physicochemical characteristics, in vitro ruminal digestibility, bioactive compounds, and estimated methane production of wild floral species in goats from the republic of Malta : a descriptive study Authors: Buttigieg, Jamie; Sinagra, Emmanuel; Attard, Everaldo Abstract: Goats and other ruminants produce methane during digestion, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and reducing feed efficiency. This study evaluated 32 wild terrestrial plant species from Malta to determine their nutritional composition, antioxidant activity, and potential influence on methane production in goats. Crude protein levels ranged widely among species, with several plants exceeding 25% dry matter and the highest values approaching 32%. Fibre content also varied substantially, with neutral detergent fibre ranging from approximately 12% to 49%. Polyphenol concentrations ranged from 0.07% to 1.30% (w/w), while antioxidant activity differed markedly between species, with IC50 values from 0.37 to 55.9 mg/mL. In vitro methane production after 48 h ranged from about 30 to 198 L CH4 kg⁻¹ depending on the plant species. These results demonstrate that several local plants combine favourable protein content, moderate fibre levels, and bioactive compounds that may influence rumen fermentation and methane formation. The findings identify underutilized Maltese plant species that warrant further evaluation as supplementary feed resources for goats, although in vivo studies are needed before their use can be recommended in practice. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/146726 Title: Detection of contaminants in some typical Mediterranean fish : anisakis parasites and heavy metals Authors: Vella-Tonna, Ruth; Vassallo-Agius, Robert; Attard, Everaldo Abstract: The Mediterranean Sea is recognized for its high biodiversity but is also a hotspot for pollution. In this study, fish samples of four native marine species were collected from wild catches to determine contaminants such as Anisakis parasites and heavy metals, including nickel, lead, copper, zinc, and chromium, within local marine fish species. The detection of Anisakis parasites was performed by a visual inspection and a digestion method. Metal analysis was carried out on skin, muscle, viscera, and bones of fish, using Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy. This study demonstrated that Boops boops was the least infested species by Anisakis parasite, while Scomber colias was the most infested, with Sardinella aurita and Trachurus trachurus showing a lower infestation rate. Pearson correlation statistics revealed that infestation correlated with fish size but not with maturity or sex. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the carnivorous species were more prone to Anisakis infestation than the omnivorous species. The maximum levels of copper, nickel, chromium, lead, and zinc content in fish tissues were 13.2 ± 0.11, 19.5 ± 0.02, 19.9 ± 0.01, 28.8 ± 0.09, and 184.87 ± 0.63 µg/g, respectively. PCA revealed that heavy metal contamination does not discriminate between fish species and sex, as opposed to tissue type and location of catch. Some metals, such as zinc and lead, seem to accumulate more in muscle rather than the other tissues. These findings indicate that Anisakis infestation and heavy metal analysis should be monitored and extended beyond the current EU requirements. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/146691 Title: The modification of dairy cow rations with feed additives mitigates methane production and reduces nitrate content during in vitro ruminal fermentation Authors: Attard, Everaldo; Buttigieg, Jamie; Simeonidis, Kalliroi; Pastorelli, Grazia Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of feedstuffs and additives in dairy cow rations on rumen methane production and nitrate content in groundwater. Two basal rations and their supplements were analyzed in regard to proximate parameters, and an in vitro rumen fermentation system assessed methane release and nitrate levels over 72 h. Supplementing dairy cow rations with Brassica rapa (BR) boosted the ether extract content, while silage produced the highest amount of methane. Rapidly degrading substrates like BR and ground maize produced methane faster, but in smaller amounts, than straw and silage. BR, Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), and Posidonia oceanica (PO)-supplemented rations had mixed effects; PO reduced the methane yield, while OFI increased methane production rates. BR-supplemented rations had the lowest nitrate levels, making it suitable for anaerobic digestion. The multivariate analysis showed strong correlations between crude protein, dry matter, and ash, while high-nitrate substrates inhibited methane production, supporting the literature on the role of nitrates in reducing methanogenesis. These results emphasize the need to balance nutrient composition and methane mitigation strategies in dairy cow ration formulations. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/146690 Title: Microalgae as futuristic feeds for securing chicken production while promoting human health Authors: Siedenburg, Jules R.; Attard, Everaldo; Verschoor, Arjan Abstract: Livestock keepers face growing challenges, notably rising input prices and escalating biotic and abiotic stresses linked to environmental issues like climate change. These stresses pose problems for farmers but could also adversely affect wider society, including food security and the environment. Agricultural innovations are needed to help address such threats, and nature-based solutions are a promising locus of innovative farm inputs. The present paper reviews the available evidence on one species of microalgae– Arthrospira platensis– and its potential significance for chicken production given these challenges. It finds that this feed possesses multifaceted efficacy, namely boosting the production of meat and eggs, enhancing the resilience of production to biotic and abiotic stresses, and improving product quality. These effects could bolster the economic viability of chicken production. The observed quality effects also create scope for producing biofortified chicken products, with potentially major implications for public health. The paper summarises the evidence on these themes in non-technical language using intuitive metrics. It also frames its findings in terms of key target users of this innovative feed, namely farmers, farm advisors and policy makers. It concludes by discussing the potential significance of this agricultural innovation and highlighting key research and policy priorities. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z