Journal of Agriculture and Food Research最新文献

{"title":"Trends of the maple syrup industry in the United States and implications for sustainable development","authors":"Emmanuel Owoicho Abah ,&nbsp;Mark Cannella ,&nbsp;Qingbin Wang ,&nbsp;Mark Isselhardt","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102743","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102743","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reviews the trends of U.S. maple syrup production and discusses potential implications for the industry's sustainable development. It analyzes the industry's development from 1840 to 2024, examines production variability using available data from 1916 to 2024, and evaluates key factors contributing to growth since 1950. Business-scale evolution was examined using data from 1992 to 2025, and price dynamics, purchasing power, and market growth were assessed using records from 1967 to 2023, with a focus on the post-2000 trends. U.S. maple syrup production, originally reported as granulated sugar, increased from 42.9 million gallons (syrup equivalent) in 1840 to a peak of 56.2 million gallons in 1860, followed by a steady decline in the next century as cane and beet sugars became more available and competitive in price. Domestic maple syrup output rebounded from a low of 0.8 million gallons in 1987 to 5.86 million gallons in 2024 the expansion of the national tap count and yield per tap. Production variability, measured by the coefficient of variation, declined from 37.5% in 1915-1924 to 16.9% in 2015-2024, despite episodic weather-related yield losses in several years. The logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) decomposition of the growth trends showed that 67.0% of the growth in U.S. maple syrup production was due to the expansion of the number of taps, and 33.0% was from yield improvements. Price data demonstrates that the national average nominal price rose from $5.33 in 1967 to $32.80 per gallon in 2023, but the inflation-adjusted real price received by producers, in 2000 dollars, fell from $25.95 to $17.31 per gallon over the same period. Increased investment and technical progress have been key factors in the recent growth of the United States maple syrup production, and continued forest and business management improvements are needed for the sustainable development of the industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 102743"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146161999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative meta-GWAS and lipidomics reveal genetic regulators of nutritional fatty acids and lipid metabolites in chicken liver lipid accumulation","authors":"Bingxing An ,&nbsp;Na Luo ,&nbsp;Peihao Liu ,&nbsp;Limin Wei ,&nbsp;Lingzhao Fang ,&nbsp;Jie Wen ,&nbsp;Guiping Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genetic basis of lipid metabolism in the poultry liver, the main site of fat synthesis, is poorly understood. We combined a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (meta-GWAS) of 1636 broilers with deep lipidomic profiling of 320 livers, identifying 18 genomic regions associated with abdominal fat percentage (AFP) and thousands of metabolite-associated loci. Mendelian randomization prioritized causal lipids, with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), phosphatidylserine (PS), and triglycerides showing the strongest effects. Fine-mapping and functional validation identified non-synonymous variations in <em>FAM161A</em>, <em>CD38</em>, and <em>MRPL44</em> as key regulators of DHA, PS, and glyceride levels, respectively. This multi-omics map provides novel molecular targets for breeding programs to reduce abdominal fat while enhancing valuable fatty acids like DHA, thereby improving the carcass quality of chicken meat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 102673"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146162000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identifying and mapping critical control and control points in consumer perception, awareness and valorization of Canary Island native dairy goats PDO cheeses","authors":"Eva Boyer Bustamante ,&nbsp;María del Rosario Fresno Baquero ,&nbsp;Cecilio José Barba Capote ,&nbsp;Luis Alberto Bermejo Asensio ,&nbsp;Juan Capote Álvarez ,&nbsp;Francisco Javier Navas González","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102716","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102716","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study identified and mapped critical points (CPs) and critical control points (CCPs) in consumer perception, awareness, and valorization of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses produced from native dairy goat breeds of the Canary Islands. Using data from 539 pre- and post-training questionnaires, Canonical Discriminant Analysis and a CHAID decision tree were applied to identify areas of knowledge consolidation and persistent misunderstanding related to PDO labeling, production standards, and regulatory structure. Multivariate analysis clearly discriminated between pre- and post-training responses, with 82.6% of participants correctly classified under cross-validation (risk = 0.206 ± 0.018), indicating a strong overall effect of the training intervention. Post-training consolidation was observed in mandatory labeling elements, breed–origin association, counterlabel traceability, and key technological specifications, with correct response rates exceeding 90%. In contrast, CPs persisted in more complex regulatory aspects, including optional labeling elements, producer responsibilities, and the interaction between European and regional quality schemes, where accuracy remained moderate (approximately 50–90%) and interpretive ambiguity was evident. Overall, this research proposes a practical diagnostic framework for PDO systems by integrating CP–CCP mapping with multivariate and decision-tree approaches to identify where consumer education is most effective and where targeted communication is still required. The findings provide actionable guidance for regulators, producers, and quality-control bodies to optimize training strategies, improve label clarity, strengthen regulatory alignment, and enhance consumer trust and market valorization of PDO cheeses derived from endangered local goat breeds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 102716"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146162089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A microbial biorefinery for chitin and N-acetyl chitooligosaccharides from shrimp shell waste","authors":"Ligang Zhang,&nbsp;Dongwei Pan,&nbsp;Sijing Pan,&nbsp;Baolong Yuan,&nbsp;Yuling Wei,&nbsp;Jiling Li,&nbsp;Jiafa Wu,&nbsp;Hongyan Zhang,&nbsp;Naikun Shen","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102759","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102759","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global expansion of crustacean production has generated increasing volumes of chitinous waste, yet efficient recovery methods remain limited. Sustainable biorefinery approaches are urgently required to replace conventional chemical processes. This study proposes a microbial biorefinery strategy for comprehensive valorization of shrimp shell waste (SSW), focusing on the recovery of proteins, minerals, and chitin, as well as their conversion into value-added products. Three microbial strains were employed sequentially for deproteinization (DP), demineralization (DM), and chitin degradation. Strain GXUN-7 achieved a DP efficiency of 99.39%, yielding a hydrolysate enriched with free amino acids, 63.58% of which were essential. The hydrolysate exhibited a stimulatory effect on tobacco plant growth. Optimization of DM via orthogonal experimental design enabled GXUN-G1 to reach a 97.38% removal rate, with the resulting supernatant containing bioavailable calcium lactate suitable for plant nutrition. The recovered chitin exhibited a degree of acetylation of 88.93% and structural properties comparable to commercial chitin. The chitin-degrading strain GXUN-J6 produced hydrolysates with notable antioxidant activity, antimicrobial efficacy against <em>Phytophthora nicotianae</em>, and immunostimulatory effects, as evidenced by enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Operating under mild, non-corrosive, and energy-efficient conditions, the integrated bioprocess yielded ∼0.29 g of protein hydrolysate, ∼0.30 g of mineral supplement, ∼0.09 g of purified chitin, and ∼0.07 g of chitin hydrolysate per gram of SSW, demonstrating its environmental sustainability and economic viability. This eco-friendly, microbially driven biorefinery platform offers a promising and scalable solution for the circular utilization of shrimp shell waste.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 102759"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146162001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of modified atmosphere packaging for shelf-life extension of freeze-dried kimchi starter culture","authors":"Hyun Bok Song ,&nbsp;Hae Woong Park ,&nbsp;Seul-Gi Jeong ,&nbsp;Ho Myeong Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102915","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102915","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ensuring the long-term stability of freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starters is vital for improving the efficiency of fermented food production and reducing storage- and distribution-associated costs in the food supply chain. This study aimed to enhance the storage stability of a kimchi starter by optimizing the gas composition of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), a sustainable preservation approach applied to diverse agricultural and food products. A simplex lattice design was employed to evaluate the effects of CO₂, O₂, and N₂ ratios on the viability of <em>Latilactobacillus curvatus</em> WiKim0094 under accelerated shelf-life test conditions (37 °C and 55 °C for 10–20 days, representing ambient and stressed storage, respectively). Reduced O₂ and elevated CO₂ and N₂ concentrations were found to significantly improve cell survival. Inactivation kinetics were modeled to estimate the half-life of <em>Lb. curvatus</em> WiKim0094 under different packaging atmospheres. The optimized MAP condition (28% CO₂ + 72% N₂) extended the half-life to 74.9 days, over fivefold longer than that under atmospheric air (13.4 days), demonstrating enhanced stability. Growth profiling in MRS medium and validation in kimchi juice showed that MAP-stored powders retained rapid growth initiation and high dominance (71% at day 7), whereas air-stored cultures showed 30% slower growth and approximately 10% lower dominance. Overall, these findings highlight MAP as a practical and scalable preservation technology for maintaining the viability and activity of starter cultures, thus supporting sustainable cold-chain management and improved quality of fermented foods in the agri-food industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 102915"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147661567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Screening of low-nitrogen tolerant winter wheat cultivars: integrated evaluation from hydroponics to the field","authors":"Ning Li ,&nbsp;Ye Ma ,&nbsp;Mingze Zhang ,&nbsp;Cunmeng Ye ,&nbsp;Yujie Zhang ,&nbsp;Meijun Zhang ,&nbsp;Yugang Shi ,&nbsp;Daizhen Sun ,&nbsp;Jinwen Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102675","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102675","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers has resulted in significant environmental pollution and economic losses while decreasing nitrogen use efficiency in wheat. This study comprehensively evaluated low-nitrogen (LN) tolerance across 77 winter wheat cultivars through integrated field trials and hydroponic experiments. Field assessments over two growing seasons evaluated eight yield-related traits under high-nitrogen (HN: 270 kg/ha) and LN (0 kg/ha) conditions, while hydroponic screening assessed ten seedling phenotypic parameters under HN (4 mmol/L) and LN (0.4 mmol/L) treatments. Principal component analysis and the membership function method were used to generate a comprehensive LN tolerance index (CLNTI), categorizing cultivars into four types: highly tolerant (HT), moderately tolerant, moderately sensitive, and highly sensitive (HS). A strong correlation was observed between field and hydroponic evaluations, with three cultivars consistently displaying HT characteristics. Under LN stress, all cultivars exhibited decreased plant height, flag leaf size, light utilization capacity, and nitrogen metabolism enzyme activities. However, HT cultivars maintained substantially higher physiological activity compared with HS cultivars, demonstrated by larger flag leaves, superior chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and elevated relative chlorophyll content, along with enhanced activities of nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate synthase. Notably, HT cultivars developed enhanced root architecture under LN condition, characterized by increased total root length, root surface area, and tip number—adaptations not observed in HS cultivars, which exhibited root trait reductions. These results indicate that HT wheat optimizes root morphology for nitrogen acquisition, maintains nitrogen assimilation enzyme activities, and sustains stable photosynthetic efficiency to minimize yield reduction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 102675"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feeding during off-flavour purging in recirculating aquaculture systems? An exploratory characterisation of waterborne and feedborne odour-active compounds in Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)","authors":"Matteo Egiddi ,&nbsp;Mariana Rodrigues da Silva ,&nbsp;Eva Ortner ,&nbsp;Bastien Debeuf ,&nbsp;Helene M. Loos ,&nbsp;Andrea Buettner ,&nbsp;Jonathan Beauchamp","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2025.102615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2025.102615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Off-flavours are a major challenge in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), with geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) among key contributors to <em>earthy</em> taints. Purging unfed fish in flow-through (FT) water is a standard strategy for off-flavour removal, yet it entails high costs. This descriptive study examined off-flavour development in Russian sturgeon (<em>Acipenser gueldenstaedtii</em>) reared in two systems (RAS and FT depuration) under fed or unfed conditions. Sturgeon fillets, water of both systems, and the commercial feed were analysed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC–MS/O) combined with aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), leading to the identification of 85 odour-active compounds. Water and fillets from RAS showed greater off-odour diversity and potency in terms of their flavour dilution (FD) factors, including geosmin, 2-MIB, 1,3-benzothiazole and pyrazines. In contrast, water and fillets from depuration exhibited fewer off-odours and more desirable notes, such as <em>green</em>, <em>fruity</em> and <em>popcorn-like</em> attributes. The influence of feeding was system-dependent: in depuration, fed animals exhibited lower FD values of key compounds (e.g.<em>,</em> geosmin) but higher odour diversity, including both pleasant (e.g.<em>, mushroom-like, citrus-like</em>) and unpleasant (e.g.<em>, ink-like, sweaty, pungent</em>) notes, whereas in RAS, lower compound diversity and minor odour profile differences were detected in fed sturgeons. Although not statistically relevant, observed differences between groups arose from shifts in relative odour attribute frequencies, compound diversity and FD values across water types and between feeding groups. Overall, sturgeon fed during depuration exhibited a preferable odour profile and a lower geosmin level, but new feedborne odorants were also introduced. The hypotheses generated in this study warrant future targeted sensory assessments and suggest formulation of finishing feeds that can mitigate off-odours and improve the marketability of RAS-reared fish.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 102615"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ergothioneine dynamics in a long-term farming systems trial: Effects of tillage, management, and oxidative stress on grain and soil ergothioneine","authors":"Saurav Das ,&nbsp;Emmanuel C. Omondi ,&nbsp;Philip O. Hinson ,&nbsp;Khang D. Nguyen ,&nbsp;Rachel Olson ,&nbsp;Robert Beelman ,&nbsp;Zachary Bitzer ,&nbsp;Dongxiao Sun ,&nbsp;Gladis Zinati ,&nbsp;Andrew Smith ,&nbsp;John Fagan","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102661","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102661","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated how long-term farming systems and tillage practices regulate ergothioneine (ERGO) dynamics in agricultural soils and grains, considering microbial mediation and oxidative stress interactions. The work was conducted in the <em>Farming Systems Trial</em> (FST) at the Rodale Institute using a split–split plot randomized complete block design comprising three farming systems, conventional (CNV), legume-based organic (LEG), and manure-based organic (MNR), under two tillage intensities, full tillage (FT) and reduced/conservation tillage (RT). The analysis was cross-sectional across treatments. Grain and soil ERGO were quantified using UPLC–MS/MS, microbial communities were assessed by PLFA profiling, and herbicide-induced oxidative stress was represented by a semi-quantitative Oxidative Stress Exposure Index (OSEI) derived from literature-based toxicity weights. Grain ERGO concentrations and partitioning coefficient were highest in CNV–RT systems, where herbicide exposure (glyphosate, atrazine, 2,4-D) increased oxidative stress. Organic systems maintained higher microbial biomass and residual soil ERGO but lower grain partitioning efficiency, indicating that microbial enrichment improves ERGO supply but not necessarily plant uptake. Reduced tillage enhanced grain ERGO across systems, consistent with increased arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) activity. The weak correlations between microbial biomass and grain ERGO (R² &lt; 0.2) suggest that oxidative signaling, rather than total microbial abundance, governs ERGO uptake. A weak negative association between soil organic matter and ERGO Partitioning Coefficient indicates that biologically buffered soils reduce oxidative demands in plants. Overall, ERGO accumulation in grain reflects the interaction between soil microbial context and plant oxidative status. These findings suggest that oxidative stress is a key management-responsive factor linking tillage practices, farming systems, soil health, and crop ERGO partitioning between soil and grain pools.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 102661"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Grain quality of different type of rice varieties under different environments and cultivation techniques","authors":"Kun Liu ,&nbsp;Danping Hou ,&nbsp;Chenyu Wang ,&nbsp;Hong Zhao ,&nbsp;Li Ren ,&nbsp;Shan Deng ,&nbsp;Yu Zhang ,&nbsp;Jingli Zhang ,&nbsp;Jian Huang ,&nbsp;Yiying Zhang ,&nbsp;Shouguo Li ,&nbsp;Jingyan Huang ,&nbsp;Hairong Chen ,&nbsp;Yunxia Chu ,&nbsp;Lijun Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102645","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Enhancing quality has become a pivotal goal in rice production. However, the effects of temperature and light environments on rice quality across different varieties were unclear. In this study, nine widely promoted rice varieties were selected as materials and classified into five types: inbred <em>indica</em> rice, inbred <em>japonica</em> rice, <em>indica</em> hybrid rice, <em>japonica</em> hybrid rice and <em>indica</em>/<em>japonica</em> hybrid rice. The study investigated the changes in temperature and light environments and rice quality in them under different environments. Additionally, the regulation of alternate wetting and moderate soil drying (AWMD) irrigation on them were examined. The results indicated that: (1) under different environments, inbred <em>japonica</em> rice exhibited higher head milled rice rate, breakdown and taste value, as well as lower length-to-width ratio, amylose content, protein content and setback. (2) The minimum and maximum temperatures were negatively correlated with head milled rice rate and were positively correlated with peak viscosity and hot viscosity. Notably, both minimum and maximum temperatures during the middle-early and late grain filling stages showed significant positive correlations with viscosity. (3) Compared with the continuously flooded regime, canopy temperatures in Nangeng 9108, Changyou 5 and Yongyou 2640 were reduced by 5.30 %, 3.42 % and 2.90 % under the AWMD regime, respectively. Moreover, AWMD significantly increased head milled rice rate while decreasing peak viscosity, hot viscosity and viscosity across different rice types, with a more pronounced effect observed in Nangeng 9108. This study could provide theoretical insights for temperature and light environments and rice quality and offers novel perspectives for improving rice quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 102645"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intra-wet season variation in rangeland fodder quality influences feed conversion, growth and methane emissions in West African zebu cattle","authors":"Gérard Xavier Gbenou ,&nbsp;Boko Michel Orounladji ,&nbsp;Luc Hippolyte Dossa ,&nbsp;Denis Bastianelli ,&nbsp;Ollo Sib ,&nbsp;Bienvenu D'Ela Somda ,&nbsp;Palipougni Diabri ,&nbsp;Florentin Sanou ,&nbsp;Souleymane Sanogo ,&nbsp;Laurent Bonnal ,&nbsp;Paulo Salgado ,&nbsp;Alexandre Ickowicz ,&nbsp;Philippe Lecomte ,&nbsp;Mohamed Habibou Assouma","doi":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102670","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Livestock in sub-Saharan Africa is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly enteric methane (eCH₄), with emissions intensities and yield often elevated. In this region, wet-season rangeland fodder is the primary feed source for livestock. This study evaluated the effects of fodder growth stage and feed allowance on feed intake, digestibility, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and eCH₄ emissions in cattle. Over a 112-day period, including a 14-day adaptation and a 98-day data collection phase, ten Sudanese Fulani zebu bulls (52 ± 1.2 months of age, 195 ± 14.6 kg body weight) were fed green rangeland fodder. They were divided into two groups of five animals each: one received fodder at a high allowance level of 4.5 % of body weight (BW) dry matter (DM) basis (4.5ING), while the other received 2.5 % of BW (2.5ING). Voluntary intake, digestibility, and eCH₄ (GreenFeed®) were measured daily across three fodder growth stages: vegetative stage (VeS), reproductive stage (ReS), and mature stage (MaS). ADG and FCR were assessed fortnightly. DM intake decreased progressively from VeS to MaS with the highest values recorded for 4.5ING (P &lt; 0.05). Digestibility was affected only by growth stage, decreasing from VeS to MaS (P &lt; 0.05). Both ADG and FCR were influenced by fodder growth stage and feed level. The lowest eCH₄ yield and intensity were observed in VeS (P &lt; 0.05). Fodder level influenced eCH₄ intensity (P &lt; 0.05). Intra-wet season fodder growth stage significantly affected intake, digestibility, growth, and eCH₄ emissions in cattle, while feed allowance influenced performance and eCH₄ intensity. Significant interactions effects were observed between fodder growth stage and feed allowance for all parameters except digestibility. The best animal performance, along with the lowest eCH₄ yield and intensity were observed in 4.5ING animals during VeS. These findings suggest that optimizing feed availability at the beginning of the wet season is an effective feeding strategy to enhance productivity while mitigating methane emissions in extensive livestock systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34393,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agriculture and Food Research","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 102670"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}