African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN: 2375-1177 Vol. 12 (7), pp. 001-007, July, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research paper

Functional and Organoleptic Properties of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) Flours: A Comparative Analysis

S. B. Fasoyiro¹*, S. R. Akande¹, K. A. Arowora², O. O. Sodeko³, P. O. Sulaiman¹, C. O. Olapade¹ and C. E. Odiri¹

¹Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, P. M. B. 5029, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor-Plantation,
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
²Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

³Federal College of Agriculture, Moor-Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 5 February, 2024

Abstract

Three varieties of pigeon pea were processed using three processing methods: soaking, blanching and roasting at different temperatures and time periods and the dehulling efficiency of methods were assessed. The pigeon pea seeds were processed into flours using the appropriate methods that enhance dehulling efficiency. The chemical and functional properties of the flour samples were determined. The different flours were processed into traditional foods: bean cake (akara) and pudding (moinmoin). Sensory analyses of the products were determined. Higher protein and ash contents were recorded in the blanched and roasted samples than in the soaked samples. Phytate content of soaked samples were significantly reduced in comparison with the blanched and roasted seeds. The bulk density, water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity of the flours were in the range 50.12 - 62.30 g/ml, 110 - 155 g/100 g, 9 5 - 132g/100 g, respectively. Highest bulk density and water absorption capacity were recorded in flour sample from roasted pigeon pea seed of variety 5C. In comparison of the sensory qualities of the pigeon pea flours with cowpea as either akara or moinmoin, products of roasted seed flour were least accepted among the samples.

Key words: Pigeon pea, processing methods, functional properties, traditional foods, sensory qualities.
 

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN: 2375-1177 Vol. 12 (6), pp. 001-005, June, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Palmyra Palm Fruits in Northern Cameroon

Ahmed Ali¹*, Djibrilla Alhadji², Clergé Tchiegang² and Clément Saïdou³

¹Department of Chemical Engineering, University Institute of Technology (IUT), Ngaoundere, Cameroon.

²Department of Food Science and Nutrition, National Advanced School of Agro-industrial Sciences (ENSAI), Ngaoundere, Cameroon.

³Department of Food Processing and Quality Control, University Institute of Technology (IUT), Ngaoundere, Cameroon.

Accepted 12 February, 2024

Abstract

Palmyra palm (Borassus aethiopum Mart.) is a priority socio economic ligneous tree species naturally widespread in Cameroons Savannah regions. Its fruits are consumed as food and or food supplements especially during famine periods. Unfortunately, over 60% of the annual fruit yield is often lost within ten days after harvesting due to rot in storage. In the current study, we examined palmyra palm tree cultivars fruit nutritional and morphological attributes from agro - climatic zones of Cameroon. Significant differences in fruit morphology and similarity in nutritional composition per 100 g of fresh matter was observed (> 4.47 g sugars, 5.18 g fiber, >26 mg of provitamin A and >134.82 mg vitamin C. The pulp constituted 35% of the total mass of the fruit.

Key words: Cameroon, Borassus aethiopum, fruit nutrition attributes, morphology.
 

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN: 2375-1177 Vol. 12 (5), pp. 001-006, May, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research paper

Exploring the Persistence of Fish Allergies: The Role of Parvalbumin

Syed Hasan Arif * and Absar-ul Hasnain

Genetics Section, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University,
Aligarh-202002, UP, India.

Accepted 5 February, 2024

Abstract

Parvalbumins (PVs) form a major part of the fish skeletal muscle sarcoplasm, and were identified as the major cross-reactive allergens in a variety of fish species. Therefore, the intake of fish or fish-linked products may cause serious clinical problems. It is known that the biochemical and structural characteristics of a protein play a central role in determining its potential functions. This study is sought to evaluate the stability of PV’s structure which would be the foremost reasons in keeping them responsive yet after cooking. Here, PVs obtained from a commonly consumed fish Channa marulius were used as the test protein. The protein, PV turned out to be fairly resistant to high temperatures (90°C) and set on in a typical single band of 10 kD in SDS-PAGE. This suggests that following heating only partial and /or reversible loss of PV structure occurred, which rendered it allergenic to predisposed individuals.

Key words: Parvalbumin, allergen, stability, fish.
 

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN: 2375-1177 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-004, March, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Short Communication

Prevalence of brucellosis markers in milk samples from Jos and neighboring regions

W. J. Bertu¹*, M. Dapar², A. M. Gusi¹, S. S. Ngulukun¹, S. Leo³ and L. D. Jwander⁴

¹Bacterial Research Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
²College of Animal Health and Production Technology, NVRI, Vom, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
³Quality Control Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
⁴Central Diagnostic Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Accepted 16 November, 2023

Abstract

A total of 200 milk samples comprising 100 from Fulani cattle herds and 100 from milk sellers in and around Jos metropolis were screened for Brucella antibodies by milk ring test (MRT). About 5 ml of bulk milk was collected immediately after milking into sterile bijou bottles with screw caps. Similarly, 5 ml of milk were also collected from milk sellers at various selling points within the Jos metropolis. This study was carried out within a period of four months, from March to June, 2005. The herds for this study were randomly selected and vaccinated herds and mastitic cows were excluded to avoid false positive reactions. 15% of the milk samples from Fulani herds were positive for Brucella antibodies while 12% of the samples obtained from milk sellers in designated sheds were positive for Brucella antibodies. The overall prevalence was 13.5%. The result showed a higher prevalence rate in herds where fresh milk was collected compared to those from milk sellers in designated shed. Since the milk samples were collected from pooled milk in the herd, the infected animals could not be easily identified. About 90% of the milk sold in the study area is neither pasteurized nor boiled. The finding of this study is of public health significance. Local milk producers and sellers should therefore be educated on the importance of pasteurization or boiling of milk and making these regulations mandatory for milk intended for human consumption.

Key words: Prevalence, Brucella antibodies, milk, Jos, milk ring test.
 

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN: 2375-1177 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-004, March, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Exploring the impact of sugar cane molasses on testicular steroidogenesis in cell cultures

Farzana Rahiman and Edmund John Pool*

Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Accepted 10 November, 2023

Abstract

Blackstrap molasses has been used for centuries in the preparation of food products and have also been used to treat numerous ailments such as high blood pressure, arthritis, ulcers, dermatitits, eczema, constipation, colitis, varicose veins and many other health problems. Reports suggest that blackstrap molasses may have endocrine disruptive effects in cattle. The present study investigated the effect of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarium) molasses on steroidogenesis in testis cell culture. Testis cell cultures were incubated with various concentrations of molasses. Luteinizing hormone was used to stimulate the production of testosterone in the testes cell culture. Supernatants of the testes cell cultures were then assayed for testosterone, oestradiol and cytotoxicity using commercially available kits. Results showed that low concentrations (12 - 50 ug/ml) of molasses increase testosterone secretion relative to control cultures (P < 0.05). None of the molasses concentrations tested were cytotoxic. This study has shown that molasses stimulate testosterone production. Therefore, molasses may potentially be used as a diet supplement to increase testosterone levels.

Key words: Molasses, testosterone, male reproductive system, immunostimulation.
 

African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN: 2375-1177 Vol. 12 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research paper

Managing listeria monocytogenes contamination in broiler carcasses with trisodium phosphate treatment

Ali M. Ahmed¹* and Nashwa M. Abd El-Atti²

¹Department of Food Hygiene and Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt.
²Department of Food Hygiene, Animal Health Research Institute, Ismailia Laboratory, Egypt.

Accepted 5 November, 2023

Abstract

The existence and control of Listeria species and Listeria monocytogenes on broiler’s ceca, meat and skin at the retail level of Ismailia city, Egypt were studied. Dipping chicken filets in solution of (wt/vol) 0, 5, 10 or 15% Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) for 0, 3, 7 or 10 min were applied to chicken samples inoculated with L. monocytogenes. The results of this study revealed that 92, 42 and 70% of broiler©s ceca, meat and skin were contaminated with L. spp. respectively. From the L. spp. positive samples, L. monocytogenes were the highest from ceca (60%, 30 of 50 samples), followed by skin (34%, 17 of 50), and meat (16%, 8 of 50). Dipping chicken filets into 0, 5, 10 or 15% TSP solution significantly reduced (P 0.05) the counts of L. monocytogenes in treated samples as compared to the control. Dipping in 10 or 15% TSP for 10 min were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) L. monocytogenes counts to <100 cfu/g. The obtained results concluded that dipping in 10% TSP for 10 min appears to be an effective treatment for reducing populations of L. monocytogenes on broiler filets to a standard safe limit.

Key words: L. monocytogenes, trisodium phosphate, broiler, meat, filets.