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Article
Publication date: 9 July 2020

Chinu Chacko and Rajamohan Thankappan

The purpose of this paper is to compare the effects of repeatedly heated coconut oil, mustard oil and sunflower oil on antioxidant status in cholesterol-fed Sprague Dawley rats.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the effects of repeatedly heated coconut oil, mustard oil and sunflower oil on antioxidant status in cholesterol-fed Sprague Dawley rats.

Design/methodology/approach

The test oils were heated at 210 ± 10°C for 15 h. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. In total, 15% fresh/heated oils and 1% cholesterol were mixed with the experimental diet and fed to the animals for 60 days.

Findings

Chemical analysis revealed that repeated heating of oils resulted in changes in fatty acid composition and elevated lipid peroxidation, the effects being lower in heated coconut oil. Body weight gain significantly decreased in heated coconut oil (p = 0.02), heated mustard oil (p = 0.022) and heated sunflower oil (p = 0.001) fed animals. Malondialdehyde level was significantly increased (p = 0.001) in tissues of heated oils fed animals. Concentration of protein oxidation products was significantly increased (p = 0.001) in heated oils fed animals. Activities of antioxidant enzymes were decreased (p = 0.001) in heated oils fed animals. Total thiols were decreased (p = 0.001) in tissues of animals that were fed heated oils. Animals that were fed heated mustard oil and heated sunflower oil showed lower antioxidant levels and higher oxidation products when compared to those fed heated coconut oil.

Originality/value

Studies comparing the effects of thermally oxidized oils that vary in fatty acid composition are rare. The effects of fresh and heated oils that vary in fatty acid constitution, namely, coconut oil, mustard oil and sunflower oil, in cholesterol-fed rats are studied.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 51 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2013

Lei Xing and Peter Goldsmith

Two effects simultaneously shape the future soybean meal (SBM) demand in China: the income effect on meat consumption and the transition effect due to commercial feed usage in…

Abstract

Purpose

Two effects simultaneously shape the future soybean meal (SBM) demand in China: the income effect on meat consumption and the transition effect due to commercial feed usage in animal production. The income effect has been studied intensively in previous research and results in rapidly growing animal product consumption. The commercial feed transition effect, however, is not well understood. The accurate forecast of SBM demand requires an integration of both effects. This study aims to contribute to the commodity forecast literature: by estimating the non-commercial to commercial feed effect and then comparing to the income effect.

Design/methodology/approach

This research addresses the gap in the literature by considering the diffusion path of commercial feeding technology when forecasting China's future SBM demand. The paper addresses the following five objectives to accomplish this goal. Objective 1: estimate income elasticity of demand for meat; Objective 2: estimate the current commercial feeding gap; Objective 3: analyze the reasons for low SBM feeding ratios; Objective 4: estimate future SBM feeding ratios; Objective 5: forecast future soybean demand in China.

Findings

China needs 33 years from 2009 to achieve the SBM feeding ratio of 98 percent. The difference in future derived demand for SBM mainly comes from the transition effect of animal production industry in China. The income effect only contributes on average 2.1 percent of the theoretical SBM consumption quantity over the next 20 years. The feeding technology diffusion effect, however, causes an additional 3.6 percent annual compound growth rate on the demand increase for SBM over the same time periods. The livestock industry's transition effect is roughly equivalent to 1.5 times the income effect.

Practical implications

Policy makers, industry managers, and analysts will now have not only a more accurate estimate of future SBM demand, but also a better understanding of the structural components of that estimation. In particular, the role of commercial feed adoption is explicitly estimated.

Originality/value

This research is the first to estimate the effect of the shift from non-commercial to commercial feeding systems on overall SBM demand. The results show that not accounting for the diffusion of new commercial feeding technology creates under the estimates of future SBM demand.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 October 2021

Abimbola Abiodun Adeyemi-Doro, Sule Ola Salawu and Akintunde Afolabi Akindahunsi

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of two green leafy vegetables (Gongronema latifolium and Celosia argentea) on the hepatic biomarkers [Alanine Aminotransferase…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of two green leafy vegetables (Gongronema latifolium and Celosia argentea) on the hepatic biomarkers [Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)], cardiac biomarkers [Creatine Kinase (CK) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)] and histopathology of the heart of high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats, with the aim of evaluating the vegetables as functional foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental diets consisted of Control Diet (CD), High-Fat Diet (HFD), High-Fat Diet with Blanched Celosia argentea (HCB), High-Fat Diet with Unblanched Celosia argentea (HCU), High-Fat diet with Blanched Gongronema latifolium (HGB) and High-Fat Diet with Unblanched Gongronema latifolium (HGU). Seventy-five albino male rats (weighing 180–200 g) were used. The animals were divided into 15 groups of five albino rats each. Animals in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were fed with CD, HFD only and HFD with Atorvastin (5 mg/kg b.w), respectively. Animals in Groups 4, 5 and 6 were fed with 5, 10 and 15% HCB, respectively. Animals in Groups 7, 8 and 9 were fed with 5, 10 and 15% HCU, respectively, whereas animals in Groups 10, 11 and 12 were fed with 5, 10 and 15% HGB, respectively, and animals in Groups 13, 14 and 15 were fed with 5, 10 and 15% diet-inclusion of HGU, respectively.

Findings

The incorporation of the vegetal matter into the diet brought about a significant reduction (p = 0.05) in the activities of ALT, AST, CK and LDH when compared with HFD. However, the histological examination showed no pathological lesion, only at 15% inclusion of the vegetables.

Originality/value

The paper established that the incorporation of Celosia argentea and Gongronema latifolium into diet, most especially at 15% inclusion, may serve as functional food in the management of hyperlipidemia and associated complications.

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2009

Denyse M. Julien and Benny Tjahjono

The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project at a safari park in Buckinghamshire, UK. The aim is to introduce lean principles to the park, to enable the park to…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project at a safari park in Buckinghamshire, UK. The aim is to introduce lean principles to the park, to enable the park to increase profits through eliminating waste and improving the efficiency of key processes whilst concurrently increasing customer satisfaction. The research is based on a case study approach within the organisation over a period of three months. The project team worked together with management and staff to deliver tangible benefits to the park.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a case study approach within the organisation over a period of three months. The project team worked together with management and staff to deliver tangible benefits to the park. The team adopted a three stage approach linked by two decision points and used a variety of lean tools to help map the current state of practices in the park and to identify areas for improvement in the park's processes.

Findings

The project succeeded in identifying several key areas for improvement. The current situation across a range of customer facing processes is mapped and through detailed analysis and simulations, recommendations for improvements have been delivered to the management. The scope of the project is broad and so for the purpose of this paper, only one key area will be elaborated on, feed logistics. Feed logistics is the distribution network of feed throughout the park from receipt from the suppliers, the storage locations, through to the preparation areas and ultimately the animals.

Originality/value

The project demonstrated that in fact the underlying philosophies and tools of lean thinking can be used with significant benefits to drive improvements in the unusual setting of a safari park. The successful application of lean thinking into a safari park proved to be an extremely unique opportunity to observe the impact of those principles in generating both tangible and intangible benefits to that organisation. In particular, as discussed in this paper, the simplification of the feed network and distribution for the park eliminated waste in the form of movement, time and inventory.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2006

Toheeb Oluwakemi Bawala and Akintunde Olaleye Akinsoyinu

High cost of feed forms a major constraint to livestock production in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to show how improved nutritional strategies such as incorporation of…

413

Abstract

Purpose

High cost of feed forms a major constraint to livestock production in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to show how improved nutritional strategies such as incorporation of unconventional feed resources, such as rumen epithelial tissue scrapings (RETS), which are cheap in cost and availability into the livestock diets, can reduce feed cost and hence achieve a greater profit with a optimal animal performance, become imperative.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifteen lactating West African dwarf goats were randomly allotted into each of three dietary groups (A, B and C) of five animals in a completely randomized design. Each diet contained one of the three dietary protein sources, namely, urea (A), RETS (B) and groundnut cake (GNC) (C) representing non‐protein nitrogen, unconventional natural protein and conventional natural protein sources respectively. After 90 day feeding trial, the performances (dry matter intake, weight gain, milk yield/composition and the blood chemistry) of the goats fed with RETS diet (B) were assessed and compared with those of other two groups (A and C) fed with urea and GNC diets respectively.

Findings

The result show that goats fed with RETS and GNC diets had similar performances and performed better than those fed with urea diet.

Practical implications

RETS is inexpensive and portends no danger to animal health on account of toxicity, as compared to GNC and urea respectively. Its' inclusion in goat diet, however, gives a least cost wholesome ration formula.

Original/value

Nutrition accounts for a greater proportion of production cost expenses in livestock industry. The results indicate that the cost of production can be minimized with the utilization of unconventional feed resources in goat nutrition for farmers to achieve the maximum profit.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 36 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1986

Linda Friend

National Animal Health Week, usually the last week in May, was instituted by presidential proclamation in 1984. (The related observances Be Kind to Animals Week, sponsored by the…

130

Abstract

National Animal Health Week, usually the last week in May, was instituted by presidential proclamation in 1984. (The related observances Be Kind to Animals Week, sponsored by the American Humane Association, and National Pet Week, sponsored by the Auxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association, are usually celebrated during the first full week in May.)

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1994

Derek Mozley

Three events of significance to this country took place in 1899 – the British Food Journal was launched, Australia retained the Ashes, and the Boer War hostilities commenced. If…

1001

Abstract

Three events of significance to this country took place in 1899 – the British Food Journal was launched, Australia retained the Ashes, and the Boer War hostilities commenced. If challenged on the order of their importance, cricketers and Empire‐builders may be excused their preference. However, looking at it purely from the standpoint of pro bono publico, the dispassionate observer must surely opt for the birth of a certain publication as being ultimately the most beneficial of the three.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 96 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2009

Miranda P.M. Meuwissen, Alex L.A. Van Andel, Marcel A.P.M. Van Asseldonk and Ruud B.M. Huirne

The purpose of this paper is to assess direct and indirect damages of dairy processors and pig and poultry slaughterhouses in The Netherlands following the occurrence of a feed…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess direct and indirect damages of dairy processors and pig and poultry slaughterhouses in The Netherlands following the occurrence of a feed crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from a number of feed crisis scenarios the paper analyses processing industry damage parameters through a combination of sector data and individual company assessments. In case of confidential data, outcomes are presented as indices.

Findings

The paper finds that, in the most likely scenario, it is expected that a feed crisis affects 15 processors, i.e. 20 per cent of processing business in The Netherlands. Processors' direct damage is largely (>90 per cent) determined by the mixing of produce during various phases of processing. Indirect damage is on average perceived not to exceed direct damage.

Practical implications

The results are useful in current stakeholder debates on sharing damage burdens of feed crises across supply chain partners.

Originality/value

This paper extends currently available risk analyses of feed contaminations by eliciting damage beyond farm level.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 111 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2018

Isaac Ankamah-Yeboah, Jette Bredahl Jacobsen and Søren Bøye Olsen

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential market impacts of the use of insect-based protein for fish feed as an innovative approach out of the fish-meal trap.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential market impacts of the use of insect-based protein for fish feed as an innovative approach out of the fish-meal trap.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was used to elicit information on fish consumption choices among 610 German consumers using a discrete choice experiment. Mixed logit and latent class logit models were used to model consumers’ preference heterogeneity.

Findings

Results show that consumers’ preferences for fish attributes such as filets, freshness, ecolabelling and domestic production are heterogeneous and important in consumption choices. The minor share of the respondents is sensitive, while the remaining is indifferent regarding the use of insect based protein as feed in trout production. For this sensitive segment, consumption would be expected to be reduced unless the price is reduced or other attributes such as convenience aspects are improved.

Research limitations/implications

The implication is that firms can substitute without a significant impact on the market demand given that the majority of consumers are indifferent regarding feed sources for trout production. As a result, it provides an innovative way to ensure sustainable use of resources and reduces the threat of fish meal trap while reducing pressure on the already over-exploited marine life.

Originality/value

The results provide first insights into the market impact of using insects in the animal protein value chain. It is important especially with Europe’s recent lift of the ban on using insect-based protein in the animal food industry.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 120 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 June 2020

Austin Rong-Da Liang, Teng-Yuan Hsiao, Dun-Ji Chen and Jie-Heng Lin

Previous studies have discussed individual effects that certain agritourism activities have on visitor response while ignoring interaction effects. Therefore, the purpose of this…

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Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies have discussed individual effects that certain agritourism activities have on visitor response while ignoring interaction effects. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to discuss both the individual and interaction effects of agritourism activities on tourist revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study classified agritourism activities into four categories and collected 883 valid samples. Logistic regression was then applied to test the influence of agritourism activities on tourist revisit intention.

Findings

Based on the results of the statistical analysis, it was found that those agritourism activities, which required mutual cooperation such as do-it-yourself (DIY), animal interaction/feeding and fruit and vegetable picking, enhanced tourist revisit intention. Furthermore, the agritourism groups participating in activities with or without children did not have consistent revisit intentions regarding animal feeding/interaction activities. In particular, this study found that willingness to revisit for tourists with children was influenced by animal feeding/interaction, but not for tourists without children.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates that not all agritourism activities enhance revisit intention. For this reason, agritourism businesses should consider redesigning their activities related to visitor and animal interactions as increasing conscientiousness regarding animal welfare, especially with regard to animal abuse. Additionally, those activities focused on education and ecology are not as appreciated by tourists as they may have been previously assumed between different groups.

Originality/value

The findings of this study reveal that if the types of agritourism activities could fulfill visitors' expectations and desires they are more likely to have a satisfying experience. The authors consider some of these notions to be a kind of unrealistic fantasy regarding agritourism and the kind of activities involved therein. This kind of fantasy is likely formed by visitors 2019 past experiences and culture. As a result, the authors conclude that agritourism activities focused on the education of plants and ecology do not achieve the truly preferred aim of better interaction between people.

农业观光:体验设计、活动及再游意愿摘要

目的

先前研究讨论农业观光活动的各别效果对游客反应的影响, 却忽略了交互作用。因此, 本研究目的为讨论农业观光活动的各别及交互效果对游客再游意愿的影响。

设计方法论方式

本研究将农业观光活动分为四类并收集883份有效问卷, 应用逻辑回归以检测农业观光活动对游客再游意愿的影响。

研究发现

根据统计分析结果, 本研究发现农业观光活动需要互助合作, 例如自己动手作、动物互动喂食, 以及采摘蔬果等活动, 都会提升游客的再游意愿。更进一步的, 农业观光族群分为与孩童同行及未与孩童同行二类时, 动物喂食互动活动对其再游意愿的影响并不相同。更特别的是, 本研究发现游客与孩童同行时, 其再游意愿会受到动物喂食互动的影响;但是, 游客并未与孩童同行时则不会。

研究意涵

本研究证实了并非所有的农业观光活动都能提升再游意图。为此, 农业观光企业应考虑重新设计其游客与动物互动的观光活动, 例如增加对动物福祉的责任心, 特别是虐待动物的问题。另外, 关注在教育及生态的农业观光活动在先前区分的不同族群里都不受到青睐。

研究价值

本研究发现显示了假若农业观光类型必须符合游客的预期及渴望, 游客才能感到满意的体验。作者认为游客对参与的某些观光活动之预想是一种不切实际的想像, 而这类想像是来自游客先前的经验及文化。因此, 作者综述关注植物及生态类的农业观光活动并不能达到人际间互动的目的。

Agroturismo: diseño de experiencia, actividades e intención de volver a visitor

Objetivo

Estudios anteriores han tratado los efectos individuales que tienen algunas actividades agroturísticas sobre la respuesta del visitante ignorando los efectos de interacción. Por eso, el objetivo de este estudio es tratar conjuntamente los efectos individuales y de interacción de las actividades agroturísticas sobre la intención de volver a visitar del turista.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Este estudio clasificó las actividades agroturísticas en cuatro categorías y recopiló 883 muestras válidas. A continuación, se aplicó la regresión logística para poner a prueba la influencia de las actividades agroturísticas sobre la intención de volver a visitar del turista.

Resultados

Sobre la base de los resultados del análisis de estadística, se mostró que las actividades agroturísticas que requieren cooperación mutua, como el bricolaje, la interacción con animales o nutrición de ellos, así como la recogida de frutas y verduras aumentaron la intención de volver a visitar del turista. Asimismo, los grupos de agroturismo que participaron en actividades con o sin niños no tienen intenciones de volver a visitar consistentes a propósito de las actividades que implican interacción con animales o nutrición de ellos. En particular, este estudio desveló que la voluntad de volver para los turistas con niños está influenciada por las interacciones con animales o nutrición de ellos, mas no para los turistas sin niños.

Implicaciones del studio

Esta investigación demuestra que no todas las actividades agroturísticas fomentan la intención de volver a visitar. Por esta razón, las empresas de agroturismo deberían considerar volver a diseñar sus actividades en relación al visitante e interacciones con animales con escrupulosidad acerca del bienestar animal, especialmente con respeto al abuso animal. Además, estas actividades con enfoque sobre la educación y la ecología no son tan apreciadas por los turistas como muchos han ido asumiendo desde diferentes grupos.

Originalidad/valor

Los resultados de este estudio muestran que si los tipos de actividades agroturísticas consiguen llenar las expectativas y los deseos de los visitantes, son mucho más propensos a tener una experiencia satisfactoria. Consideramos ciertas de estas nociones como fantasías poco realistas por lo que se refiere al agroturismo y al tipo de actividades implicadas en aquel. Este tipo de fantasías está probablemente formado por las experiencias pasadas y la cultura de los visitantes. Como resultado, concluimos que las actividades agroturísticas con foco en la educación sobre plantas y ecología no consiguen el verdadero objetivo preferido que es una mejor interacción con la gente.

1 – 10 of over 5000