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Quinoa and amaranth flours and solvent-free extracted starches: proximate composition, technological and functional properties

Muchekeza, Jane T. — 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Quinoa and amaranth flours and solvent-free extracted starches: proximate composition, technological and functional properties Authors: Muchekeza, Jane T.; Nantanga, Komeine K. M.; Moyo Mambo; Itenge, Theopoline O. Abstract: Amaranth and quinoa are low-input, climate smart crops that are highly nutritious and increasingly in demand. Their flours are utilized in various baking products and other applications, such as sauces. However, solvent-free extracted starches from these crops have not been compared to their flours in diverse products, including meat products. This study examined parameters contributing to functionality in products for water extracted starch from amaranth and quinoa, comparing it to their flours. Analyses included proximate components, technological properties, and functional properties of the flours and starches. Results indicated significant differences in the proximate content of quinoa, amaranth flours, starches, and corn starch (p<0.05). The protein content of hydro-extracted starches was higher compared to alkali-extracted starches from other studies. Corn starch, used as a control, showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the porosity of all flours and starches. Porosity is crucial for fried meat products as it enhances oil uptake. In this study, it was desirably lower than 50% in all starches and flours. The water absorption index was within the recommended range for optimal functionality of flours and starches (2-3.5g/g). Swelling power was higher in extracted starches compared to their flours, which is advantageous for cooked products. The study indicates that quinoa and amaranth starch can serve as substitutes for corn starch in food products, as they exhibit similar properties to the more expensive corn starch. They exhibited better wettability and dispersibility properties. These parameters contribute to products like sausages, enhancing juiciness and texture, which are desirable traits for consumers. Additionally, the emulsion capacity of starches did not significantly differ between flours and starches. Therefore, quinoa and amaranth flours and starches can be used in emulsion products as fat replacements. The properties of water extracted starches analyzed in this study demonstrate their potential for use in other industries, such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and packaging materials.

Effects of climate change on goat production and mitigatory measures in semiarid savanna ecosystems

Mugoti Alban — 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Effects of climate change on goat production and mitigatory measures in semiarid savanna ecosystems Authors: Mugoti Alban; Nyamukanza Casper C.; Munengwa Anderson; Moyo Sizo; Chikumba Nation Abstract: Climate change poses a significant threat to goat production in semiarid savannas, disrupting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who rely on these hardy animals for both income and food security. This review analyses the unique vulnerabilities of goats in this ecosystem, focusing on how rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and altered vegetation impact their browsing behaviour, feed availability, and overall health. A systematic search of globally indexed scientific databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed literature on the impacts of climate change on goat production in semiarid regions was performed. This review mainly focused on studies published within the last two decades to capture the latest research advancements. Climate change negatively affects goat productivity through decreased availability of high-quality forage, impaired reproductive function due to heat stress, and increased incidence of diseases associated with changing weather patterns. These challenges disproportionately impact smallholder farmers who rely on goats for subsistence and income generation. However, promising mitigation strategies offer hope for building resilience. Emerging practices such as developing heat-tolerant goat breeds and utilizing drought-resistant forage species through selective breeding programmes and ecological restoration initiatives can be enhanced and adopted. Additionally, studies highlight the effectiveness of improved animal husbandry techniques, including strategic water resource management and diversified feed sources, in enhancing goat health and productivity under changing environmental conditions. By quantifying the potential impact of climate change on goat production and highlighting the positive outcomes of novel adaptation techniques, this review emphasizes the urgency of fostering resilient goat farming practices.

Characterization of urban production of roadrunner (indigenous) chicken in Harare, Zimbabwe

Hodzi Pride — 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Characterization of urban production of roadrunner (indigenous) chicken in Harare, Zimbabwe Authors: Hodzi Pride; Charambira Takudzwa; Mafigu Takudzwa; Masunda Blessed; Nhara Rumbidzai Abstract: In many developing countries, Roadrunner (Indigenous) chicken production in urban areas offers multifaceted opportunities. However,Plea this local enterprise also has some potential hazards and constraints. The research aimed to characterize Roadrunner chicken production in Harare. A descriptive survey was conducted whereby 107 respondents were identified using a multistage sampling approach and were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Respondents comprised 52% men and 48% women. Roadrunner chickens were kept either for sale only (58%) or both household consumption and sale (42%). All the respondents (100%) were not registered as poultry producers. The Roadrunner chicken breeds kept were the Boschveld (41%), Koekoek (21%), Autralorp (20%) and non-discrete native strains. The average flock size was 125, ranging from 25 to 715 birds and the average stocking density was 7 birds/m2. Only 8% of respondents practiced the free range system with supplementation and the rest (92%) provided feed to the chickens. Sixty-two percent (62%) of the farmers vaccinated their chickens against common poultry diseases. The average mortality rate was 7%, being caused by diseases (99%) and unknown (1%). Bio-security was achieved through cleaning, disinfection and restricted entry. The most preffered age at sale was 18–24 weeks. An informal market system was mainly used (95%) and the average selling price per bird was $8 (ranging from $6—$11). The most commonly reported challenges were unreliable customers, lack of capital, few markets, theft, and insufficient feeds. Adressing these challenges could improve urban production of roadrunner chickens and have a positive impact on Zimbabwe Poultry Industry.

Bat Rhabdoviruses: occurrence, detection and challenges in Africa

Mashura Getrude — 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Bat Rhabdoviruses: occurrence, detection and challenges in Africa Authors: Mashura Getrude; Maburutse Brighton; Chidoti Vimbiso; Zinyakasa Taona R.; Porovha Emildah; Nhara Rumbidzai Blessing; Mwandiringana Ellen; Gori Elizabeth Abstract: Bats carry zoonotic viruses which can be harmful to humans. Zoonotic diseases have caused huge economic losses in the production and trade of animal products and recurring diseases outbreaks and global pandemics. Studies have shown that Rabies and rabies related viruses (Lyssavirus genera, family Rhabdoviridae) are spread to humans by bats. The aim of this article is to assess the global distribution of bat Rhabdoviruses, detection and challenges in Africa. Studies have shown that the prevalence of Rhabdoviruses is high in Africa and Asia. In addition to Rabies virus, other bat Rhabdoviruses which were detected in Africa are Mokola, Lagos bat virus, Duvenhage, and Ledantevirus. In Asia Vesiculovirus and Ledantevirus were found. Australian bat lyssavirus was detected in Australia, Rabies virus was detected in American bats and European bat lyssaviruses were detected in Europe. Surveillance in Africa is inadequate due to lack of diagnostic capabilities meaning that infections maybe under reported.