Edgar Molina

Cationic composition and the tannin content of five gums from Venezuelan Mimosaceae species

The growing interest in polysaccharides from source others than Acacia senegal has fostered research on polysaccharides from Venezuelan Mimosaceae spp. An analytical determination of cationic composition and polyphenol and tannin contents have been made of gum specimens from Acacia macracantha, Acacia tortuosa, Acacia glomerosa, Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Samanea saman. Calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium were the four major components of the ash composition of these Mimosaceae gums. In addition to these data, chromium, lead and vanadium were not detected at limit of detection (1 ppm) in any of the samples. The total tannin contents are comparable to other Acacia gums but the value of A. glomerosa is very low. Condensed tannins are very low in all the gum samples studied. This parameter, has not, to date, been reported for any gum. The results suggest that A. glomerosa may be useful for the food industry while the other studied gums may have some technological application.

Effect of the inclusion of Amaranthus dubius in diets on carcass characteristics and meat quality of fattening rabbits

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with Amaranthus dubius on carcass characteristics and meat quality of fattening rabbits. One hundred and six New Zealand White rabbits, weaned at 35 d of age, were assigned to three experimental diets including 0%, 16% and 32% of A. dubius (A0, A16 and A32), and were fed ad libitum until their slaughter at 87 d of age. Drip loss percentage (A0: 2.47, A16: 3.83 and A32: 3.61%; P < .05), dissectible fact percentage (A0: 3.02, A16: 3.63 and A32: 3.77%; P < .05) and thoracic cage percentage (A0: 12.97, A16: 13.68 and A32: 13.68%; P < .05) increased with diets including A. dubius. Contrarily, hind part percentage (A0: 40.00, A16: 38.95 and A32: 38.89%; P < .05) and compactness of the carcass decreased (A0: 2.38, A16: 2.42 and A32: 2.48; P < .01). The inclusion of A. dubius in the diets increased protein (A0: 21.52, A16: 23.76 and A32: 24.27%; P < .05) and fat contents (A0: 3.33, A16: 4.16 and A32: 5.39%; P < .05), while moisture of meat decreased proportionally (A0: 74.23, A16: 70.99 and A32: 67.70%; P < .05). These findings suggest that A. dubius can be considered as an alternative raw material for rabbit feeding in tropical and subtropical regions where it is widespread.