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Open Access
Evaluation of wood quality of selected tropical pines raised in the high ranges of Kerala, for pulp and paper making
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding,College of forestry,Vellanikkara, 2010) Ajayghosh, V; KAU; Anoop, E V
A study entitled “Evaluation of wood quality of selected tropical pines raised in the high ranges of Kerala, for pulp and paper making” was conducted in the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2008-2010. The objective of the study was to evaluate the wood quality of Pinus caribaea Morelet, Pinus patula Schl. et Cham. and Pinus oocarpa Schiede grown in research trials of the Kerala forest department in the high ranges of Idukki district of Kerala. Increment core wood samples were collected at breast height from trees, selected at random, from each plot representing each species belonging to different age levels. These samples were then subjected to intensive investigations to find out radial variation (pith, middle and periphery), species variation and influence of age on different wood physical, anatomical and chemical properties. The study revealed that many of the characters studied were influenced by species and age interaction. Radial variation was also found to have significant difference within the species for characters studied. As a whole, under the present climatic condition P.caribaea was found to perform better with wood properties within the accepted range suitable for pulping and paper making. On the other hand, P. patula and P. oocarpa were also found to be promising species for pulping and papermaking with better derived fiber ratios. However, P. oocarpa had specific gravity value slightly more than that is recommended for pulp and paper making. Studies on chemical composition revealed that P. ooccarpa had better performance with higher cellulose and lower lignin content. So what needs to be determined is the relationship, if any, between wood and tracheid properties of these species and the products which can be manufactured from this renewable resource. For this, more extensive study is needed for which the results of this study could be used as a base line data for future tree improvement aspects of these species with reference to wood quality and to bring out their potential utility for future afforestation programmes and timber utility.
Open Access
Hepatoprotective effect of azadirachta indica (NEEM) and tridax procumbens (CHIRAVANAK) in rats
(Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology,College of veterinary and animal sciences,Mannuthy, 2010) Ranjana Mooken, KAU; Aravindakshan, C M
The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica and Tridax procumbens leaves in paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats and to compare their action. Forty adult male wistar rats weighing 150-200 g, divided into five groups comprising eight animals in each group, were used for the study. Groups I and II animals were administered with 3 per cent gum acacia suspension in distilled water at the dose rate of 5 ml/kg/day for ten days. Groups III and IV animals received ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica and Tridax procumbens leaves at the dose of 300 mg/kg and Group V animals received reference drug silymarin at the dose of 100 mg/kg/day in 3 per cent gum acacia for ten days. All the groups except the group I, received paracetamol orally on the eighth day at the dose rate of 2 g/kg in distilled water. Blood was collected from all the groups before and after the experiment for various biochemical and haematological parameters. Body weight was recorded on day 0 and 10th day. All the animals were sacrificed on 10th day and liver was taken for histopathological examination. Phytochemical analysis of the Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, diterpenes, triterpenes and saponins and that of Tridax procumbens (chiravanak) showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. Paracetamol administered group showed a decrease in body weight. Liver marker enzymes like ALT and AST were highest in paracetamol treated groups. The elevated levels of these enzymes were decreased by the herbal extracts thereby proving their hepatoprotective activity. A reduction in the total protein was observed in the paracetamol treated group. Both the herbal extracts elevated the total protein level to normal levels. Serum albumin level was also lowest in the paracetamol treated group because of the decrease in the total protein level. Both the extracts increased the serum albumin levels towards normal values. Serum bilirubin level was also highest in the paracetamol treated group Azadirachta indica and Tridax procumbens leaf extract at the dose rate of 300 mg/kg decreased the elevated level of bilirubin. The haematological parameters showed not much significant change with the treatment. From the biochemical studies it was noted that the administration of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract caused better reduction in serum parameters than that of Tridax procumbens extract. Gross examination of the liver showed normal appearance in all the four groups except the paracetamol treated group in which the liver showed areas of coagulative necrosis and congestion. On histopathological examination the paracetamol treated group showed extensive areas of centrilobular coagulative necrosis. The Azadirachta indica treated animals showed diffuse necrotic areas and fatty changes in certain lobules. The areas of regeneration with binucleate hepatocytes were abundant in this group. The Tridax procumbens treated group showed hypertrophied hepatocytes with vacuolation of cytoplasm and presence of fat droplets. The areas of regeneration with binucleate hepatocytes were scanty in this group. Silymarin treated animals have almost normal liver architecture like the control group. From the present study it can be concluded that the ethanolic extracts of leaves of A.indica and T.procumbens have significant hepatoprotective activities in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats and A.indica has a better hepatoprotective action compared to T.procumbens.
Open Access
Reliability of united score card for crossbred dairy cows of Kerala
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Dhanya, K; KAU; Anil, K S
The research work was conducted to assess the reliability of Unified score card for cross bred cows of Kerala. One hundred and ninety six animals of University cattle farms of Mannuthy, Thumbunnuzhi and Thiruvazhamkunnu were selected for the study. As per the Unified score card by Purebred Dairy Cattle Association, the animals were judged for frame, dairy character, body capacity, feet• and legs and udder. The type components were again subdivided as described in the scorecard to improve the accuracy of judging score. The body measurements of individual animals like height at withers, body length, chest girth, height at withers, height at pins, length of quarter, width between angles of hook and slope of rump were taken. The animals were categorized into four age groups, four parities and three stages of lactation. The emphasis of each of the components of unified score card to milk production was compared and statistical analysis was carried out as per methods suggested by Snedcor and Cochran (1994). Effects of age, stage of lactation and parity on judging using Unified Score Card were worked out. The body measurements were also correlated with the score and milk yield. Age, parity and stage of lactation were found to be nonsignificant for final score. The scores of frame, dairy character and udder for different age groups showed no significant difference, whereas, scores of body capacity and feet and legs differed significantly. The scores of dairy character and body capacity differed significantly with parity. No significant difference was shown for scores of frame, feet and legs and udder. Frame was found to be positively correlated with other components, the least being with udder (r=0.127) and highest with feet and legs (r =0.254) which was highly significant (p<0.01). Dairy character was significantly correlated with body capacity (r=0.169) and feet and legs(r=0.2S4) in addition to frame. Feet and legs was the only component to which udder showed positive significant correlation (pAge was found to be not significant for lactation yield (P~O.OS). The means of lactation yield differed significantly for different parities. All the type components were found to be positively correlated with lactation yield, all being significant. The standardized partial regression coefficients were highly significant for dairy character, udder. and body capacity whereas non significant regression coefficients were obtained for frame and feet and legs. Udder depth was having the highest regression coefficient (~=0.312) which was highly significant (p<0.01). Regression coefficients were significant and positive for skin (0.229), withers (0.188), ribs (0.174) and thighs (0.162). Both age and parity had significant positive correlation on body weight. Body weight was significantly (p<0.0 1) correlated with lactation yield with r=0.244. Height at withers, length, hip width girth and height at hook showed significant difference with age (p:SO.OS).The height at pins and slope were found to be not affected significantly by age. All the measurements except slope were significant and positive in correlation with body capacity. All height measurements, length and girth was found to be positively correlated with frame (p<0.0 1). Final score was having significant positive correlation with all height measurements (p:SO.OS). It was concluded that although the score card was found to be reliable on the production of crossbred cows of Kerala, the emphasis placed on type components was not in full agreement with what was prescribed by the purebred Dairy Cattle Association Dairy Cow Unified Score Card. Hence it was suggested that more weightage could be given to body capacity and dairy character compromising weightage on frame and feet & legs which necessitated further studies in this regard.
Open Access
Recovery of solids from surimi wash water and preparation of a fish feed with the recovered solids
(Department of Processing Technology,College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2010) Jibina, M.M; KAU; Krishnakumar, S
A study was conducted aimed at testing the efficiency of pH reduction and heat coagulation in the recovery of solids from surimi wash water (SWW) generated during water leaching of the meat of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and to reduce the nutrient load in SWW. The study also included the preparation of a fish feed with the recovered solids. Temperature for heat coagulation was optimized among four different temperatures viz., 65oC, 70oC, 75oC and 80oC. Optimum temperature that provided maximum recovery was 75 oC. Isoelectric precipitation was optimized using four different pH levels viz., 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5. Optimum pH which yielded maximum recovery was pH 5.0. By heat coagulation 1.97% solids with respect to SWW was recovered whereas isoelectric precipitation yielded only 1.41% solids. In relation to surimi the yield was 1.22% and 0.88% respectively. Heat coagulation reduced crude protein, crude fat and ash of SWW by 53.49%, 68.75% and 38.57% respectively whereas isoelectric precipitation reduced these parameters by 33.72%, 43.75% and 38.57% respectively. Heat coagulation reduced BOD and COD of SWW by 59.51% and 69.35% respectively whereas isoelectric precipitation reduced their levels by 52.92% and 63.9% respectively. Analysis of proximate composition of fish feed showed that the control using clam meat and the two feeds using recovered solids showed similar composition. Thus the use of these recovered solids in fish feed as an animal protein source is a possibility. This study recommends to surimi industry, two methods that are comparatively cheap and easy to implement for recovering solids from SWW. Heat coagulation and isoelectric precipitation can effectively recover solids from SWW and improve its quality. However, heat coagulation is the more efficient method of the two. After solid recovery, the wash water effluents are rendered safer. The recovered solids can serve as a good substitute to clam meat in the fish feed preparation even though the quantum of proteins recovered are relatively small.
Open Access
Indebtedness of farmers in mullankolly panchayath of Wayanad district
(Department of Rural Banking and Finance managementCollege of Co-operation,Banking &Management, Vellanikkara, 2010) Nataraja Subramanian, S; KAU; Padmini, E.V.K
The study entitled “Indebtedness of Farmers in Mullankolly Panchayat of Wayanad District” was conducted with the following objectives: (1).To assess the extent and magnitude of indebtedness of farmers in Mullankolly Panchayat of Wayanad district. (2).To identify the reasons for the indebtedness of the farmers. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data was collected from 90 farmers of Mullankolly Panchayat through conducting a survey by administering a pre-structured schedule. Farmers were classified into small, medium and large. The list of farmers was collected from three banks (i.e. Canara Bank, Co-operative Bank and North Malabara Gramin Bank) of the Panchayat. The sample size included 90 respondents i.e., 30 borrowers from each bank at random, of which 20 were defaulters and five were non-defaulters or prompt payers. Twenty officials (including secretaries and BoDs) from each bank were also interviewed to collect information on the effectiveness of the loan recovery system of the banks. Secondary data on selected performance indicators of the banks which were collected from books and accounts and annual reports of the above three banks were also used for the study. Statistical tools like Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR), simple averages, percentages, simple growth rate, chi-square test, efficiency index, priority index and bi-variate tables were used for the analysis. The analysis of the overdue amount of the selected banks revealed that during the reference period, Co-operative Bank of Mullankolly Panchayat (Co.BMP) had the highest amount of overdues. Profits of all banks eroded due to provisioning for accumulated overdues. Ca.BMP has shown the best performance in terms of lower overdues and higher profits when compared to the other banks. There has been an increase in the demand for agricultural loans as well as non-agricultural loans in all the banks, especially the scheme loans and non-farm loans respectively. Along with the increase in demand, the contribution of the overdues of non-agricultural loans to the overdues was also increasing tremendously in the case of Co.BMP and NMGBMP, whereas the contribution of the overdues of agricultural loans to the overdues was in creasing tremendously in the case of Ca.BMP. The overdues above four years were growing tremendously over the years for Co.BMP and NMGBMP whereas Ca.BMP has the highest amount of overdues in the age group of indebtedness of 1 to 2 years. The study found that in non defaulters’ case majority of the borrowers belong to monthly income group of more than Rs.10000 category (56.7%). In low, medium and high defaulters case, majority of the farmers belong to income group of below Rs.5000 i.e. 50 percent, 57.1 percent and 60 percent respectively. This may be due to the reason that majority of the farmer defaulters belong to farming community. Their major source of income is agriculture and agriculture has become a loss making proposition in the area year by year because of the price fluctuations in the market for their produce. The reasons for growing volume of indebtedness were multifarious in nature. The defaulters were of the view that inadequate income, fixation of unrealistic dues, lack of access to consumption loans, diversion of income, misutilisation of loans, ill health of borrowers and family members, faith in loan waiver policy and defective loan policies resulted in non-repayment of the loan amount. Since the loan repayment mechanism of these banks were not linked to the salary deduction scheme, it led to greater chances of willful default. Those borrowers who received adequate income had a tendency for conspicuous consumption which added to the magnitude of willful default. Misutilisation of loan amount was least in Ca.BMP, which indicates the presence of effective supervision and monitoring mechanism in the bank. From the inter-bank comparison on the effectiveness of the present loan recovery management system, it was found that Ca.BMP showed an outstanding performance in this regard, whereas NMGBMP revealed to be the least efficient bank. According to the officials and employees of three banks, the reasons for poor recovery included poor member relations, lack of modern management techniques and absence of Management Information System, lack of staff training programme, lack of infrastructural facilities, inadequate quality of work environment and ineffective legal machinery for recovering dues from the borrowers. As a remedial measure to minimise overdues, legal machinery has to be made effective and legal action should be imposed on defaulters promptly. The suggestion shows that the analysing credit worthiness of the borrowers is the important thing from bankers’ point of view. They were of the opinion that coercive action against willful defaulters would be an essential element for a better recovery system. Formation of special recovery cell has also been emphasised. Identification of the beneficiaries by the bank field level functionaries, incentives for prompt repayment, formation of special recovery cell using the existing staff and Board of Directors are the other suggestions suggested by the three bank officials. The banks must therefore perceive that prolonged existence of this disease is not beneficial to the organisation and a strong mechanism to check this menace has to be created.
Open Access
Effect of coconut oil on lipid profile and antioxident status in rats
(Department of Veterinary Biochemistry,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Sreeji, K.P; KAU; Sisilamma, George
The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various preparations of coconut oil (copra oil, seasoned coconut oil and virgin coconut oil) and fish oil on lipid profile and antioxidant status in rats. Adult male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were randomly divided into five groups and administered with oils as follows: G1 – normal control (NC), G2 – copra oil (CO), G3 – seasoned coconut oil (SCO), G4 - virgin coconut oil (VCO) and G5 – fish oil (FO). Oils were administered orally to rats at a dose of 16.4g/kg body weight per day using an orogastric tube for a period of 90 days. Blood samples were collected on day 0 (before oil administration), 45 and 90 and serum was separated. Body weight was also recorded on the above days. Animals were euthanized on day 90; liver and heart were separated and weighed. Serum were analyzed for biochemical parameters viz., TAG, TL, TC, HDL, LDL and VLDL and tissues for TC, TAG, LP and GSH. Liver glycogen was also estimated. Representative samples of liver and heart tissues were subjected to histopathological examination. Administration of CO and SCO for 3 months did not show any significant variation in body weight. VCO administration significantly (P< 0.05) decreased whereas, FO administration significantly (P< 0.05) increased the body weight, when compared to NC. Serum TAG and VLDL were significantly (P< 0.05) increased while, LDL was decreased by CO administration. Serum TL, TC and HDL were similar to that of NC. SCO administered rats showed significantly (P< 0.05) higher levels of TL, TC, TAG, HDL, LDL and VLDL. VCO administration significantly (P< 0.05) increased the level of HDL and decreased LDL. Moreover, VCO administered rats did not show any significant variation in the levels of TL, TAG, TC and VLDL. Administration of FO showed the levels of TC, HDL and VLDL similar to that of NC, but TAG increased significantly (P< 0.05) and TL and LDL showed a significant (P< 0.05) reduction. When HDL/LDL ratio was compared, CO, VCO and FO administered rats showed higher values when compared to NC. SCO administered rats, showed a value similar to that of day 0 but VCO administered group showed the highest value. Administration of CO and FO significantly (P< 0.05) increased the weight of liver and heart while VCO administration did not show any significant variation from that of NC. SCO significantly (P< 0.05) decreased weight of liver whereas, weight of heart was similar to that of NC. Level of liver glycogen decreased significantly (P< 0.05) in all oil administered groups except VCO, which showed a level similar to that of NC. Administration of CO significantly (P< 0.05) increased the level of TC in heart and TAG in both the tissues, while TC in liver was similar to that of NC. SCO administration significantly (P< 0.05) increased TC whereas, the TAG levels were similar to that of NC in both the tissues. VCO consumption significantly (P< 0.05) decreased the level of TC in both the tissues, while it increased TAG in heart without affecting liver TAG. FO administration did not show any significant variation in the level of TC and TAG in heart, but it significantly (P< 0.05) decreased the level of TC without affecting liver TAG. Administration of CO and FO significantly (P< 0.05) increased the levels of LP and GSH in both the tissues except for liver GSH in FO group, which was similar to that of NC. Feeding SCO maintained the level of LP in both the tissues, while GSH increased significantly (P< 0.05) in heart while its level in liver was unaffected. VCO intake significantly (P< 0.05) reduced the level of both LP and GSH in heart, but maintained the normal level in liver. Hepatocytes of rats administered with CO showed diffused necrosis with vacuolation and central venous congestion and lesions in heart were characterized by congestion and moderate hyalinization. SCO administered rats showed dilatation of sinusoids and diffuse congestion of liver but histological architecture in heart tissue was normal. VCO and FO administration exhibited normal histological architecture of both liver and heart except for a mild degeneration of hepatocytes in VCO consumed group. Based on the above observations it could be suggested that long term consumption of VCO and FO might not cause any adverse effects on serum and tissue lipid profile except for oxidative stress by FO. CO and SCO feeding revealed some adverse effects, but it is worth mentioning that the dose of oil administered (16.4 g/kg body weight, i.e. 30 kg/head/year) was very high, which stands in between per capita world average consumption (17.8 kg/head/year) and consumption of developed western world (44 to 48 kg/head/year), also which is more than double the per capita coconut oil consumption in Kerala (14 kg/head/year). Therefore, consumption of CO and SCO at a lower dose or the per capita consumption in Kerala as stated above might not elicit adverse effects as observed in the present study.
Open Access
Effect of elevated CO2 concentration on growth and physiology of selected tropical tree seedlings
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2010) Neenu Somaraj; Gopakumar, S
The present study entitled “Effect of elevated CO2 concentration on growth and physiology of selected tropical tree seedlings.” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2008-2010. There are references that elevated CO2 typically increases tree seedling growth and has also modified physiological processes. Polybag seedlings of five economically important tree species were exposed to 500-550 ppm CO2 concentration and another similar set of plants were raised under ambient atmospheric CO2 condition (370-380 ppm). The growth rates and physiology were observed for eight months. Tree seedlings under elevated CO2 concentration put in more height and collar diameter than the seedlings under atmospheric CO2.A higher leaf production and larger leaf area was recorded in seedlings under elevated CO2 concentration. The different levels of CO2 also showed significant effects on the total dry matter content. However, interactions between two CO2 levels and five tree seedlings had no significant impact on the shoot: root ratios throughout the study period. The different CO2 treatment did not significantly affect the relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), specific leaf area (SLA) and the leaf area ratio (LAR) of seedlings. However, both CO2 levels showed significantly different impact on the leaf weight ratio (LWR) of seedlings. Seedlings under elevated CO2 recorded lowest number of stomata compared to seedlings under atmospheric CO2 concentration. The varying CO2 concentrations showed significant effect on the rate of photosynthesis of the tree seedlings. Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b in tree seedlings was not significantly influenced under different CO2 concentrations. However, total chlorophyll content showed significant influence. Seedlings under elevated CO2 recorded lowest soluble protein content compared to seedlings under atmospheric CO2 concentration. Hence, CO2 enrichment technique can be used as an economically viable nursery technology for production of more healthy and vigorous planting stock to meet the increasing demand for social forestry /agro forestry programme.
Open Access
Morphological and biochemical characterization of aromatic rice(Oryza Sativa L.) cultivars of Wayanad district of Kerala
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2010) Sumalatha, T V; KAU; Elsy, C R
The present study was undertaken in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics and in the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Ve!!anikkara and at RARS, Ambalavayal during 2008-2010 with an aim to characterize the aromatic rice cultivars of Wayanad district, based on morphological, nutritional and biochemical studies. Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala are two popular and traditional non-Basmati aromatic ricecultivars of Wayanaddistrict, Kerala. In Wayanad Gandhakasala is cultivated in an area of 327 ha, while Jeerakasala in 22 ha. Based on grain characters 10 samples of Gandhakasala and two samples of Jeerakasala were selected for characterization. Deepthi (WND.3) was used as check variety. Among morphological studies, qualitative characters like leaf bladepubescence, . panicle exsertion, spikelet awning, awn colour, lemma and palea pubescence and seed . . coat colour showed variation and hence these can be used as morphological markers to distinguish aromatic genotypes among themselves and with Deepthi. Straw coloured short and partial awns were the characteristic feature' of Jeer aka sa I a grains, while awns were absent i!1 Gandhakasala and Deepthi. Aromatic genotypes exhibited well exserted panicles and white seed coat colour whereas Deepthi showed moderately welIexserted . . panicles and red seed coat colour. Mean performance of aromatic genotypes indicated that ligule length, grain length, grain breadth, 1000 grain weight, days to 50 per cent heading, milling recovery and maturity days provided a good base for selection. Jeerakasala genotypes took more days to 50 per cent heading and to maturity than Gandhakasala genotypes and Deepthi . . In general Gandhakasala genotypes had lesser 1000 grain weight with a mean value of 13.78 gm compared to Jeerakasala (19;82 gm) and Deepthi (26.17 gm). High grain breadth and grain length would have added to high 1000 grain weight in Deepthi. In general aromatic genotypes have lesser milling recovery than Deepthi, indicating the need [or specially designed milling machines for maximum milling recovery. The genotype GT2 appeared to have higher total carbohydrate content of 81.87 per cent/while it Was Iow for JT12 (58. 40%). Jeerakasala genotypes exhibited low mean carbohydrate content of 61.06 per cent' compared to Gandhakasala( 69.56%) and Deepthi (71.73%). The three Gandhakasala genotypes GT3, GT9 and GT7 exhibited intermediate proteincontent, indicating their nutritional superiority. The amylose content of aromatic genotypes ranged between 17.87(GT4) and 23.07 (GT2) percent. Five aromatic genotypes GT1, GT2, GT8, GTlO and JT12 had intermediate amylose content. Since intermediate amylose rice is preferred in most of the rice growing regions of the world, these genotypes will have better preference in market. Most of aromatic genotypes under study were moderately aromatic, indicating their suitability for commercial cultivation. Biochemical characterization based on isozyme studies revealed the possibility of utilizing peroxidase polymorphism for identifying the aromatic rice genotypes especially Gandhakasala genotypes from other cultivars. Studies on esterase. polymorphism revealed the presence of EST-2 band only in Deepthi indicating its use as a biochemical marker to distinguish aromatic rice genotypes from Deepthi. Heritability and genetic gain studies indicated that selection of characters like length of sterile glumes, lOOO grain weight, grain length and peroxidase activity may be effective in crop improvement programme. Correlation and path studies revealed that grain yield could be improved by simultaneous selection for high seedling height, grain breadth, milling recovery and straw yield.
Open Access
Formulation of low fat beef burger with fat replacers
(Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2010) Govande Premanand Lxmanrao, KAU; George Oommen, T
Health conscious meat consumers prefer low fat meat products due to increasing incidents of high fat induced diseases. Manufacturing meat products with fat replacers (FR) enable to reduce fat and to alleviate the problems with the reduction of fat in products. Therefore, the present study was undertaken with the objectives of developing a palatable and economic formulary for low fat beef burger (LFBB) with carrageenan (CG), tapioca starch (TS), pregelatinised pork skin collagen (PSC) and their blends as FR and to assess its pH, cooking characteristics, proximate composition, nutritional value, textural and organoleptic qualities and shelf life under aerobic (AP) and vacuum packaging (VP) at 0-4oC and -20oC and its cost of production. Beef burgers (BB) are formulated at two different fat levels, viz., full fat (FF) 20 per cent and low fat (LF) 5 per cent as controls. Seven formulations of LFBB with 5 per cent fat are prepared with 0.5 per cent CG, 1.5 per cent TS, 2 per cent PSC and their blends, viz., CG-TS - 0.5% CG & 1.5% TS; CG-PSC - 0.5% CG & 2.0% PSC; TS-PSC - 1.5% TS & 2.0% PSC; CG-TS-PSC - 0.5% CG, 1.5% TS & 2.0% PSC as FR. BB are prepared as per the formularies with minced lean beef trimmings, tallow, salt, spices and condiments, rusk, ice flakes and FR. They are packaged aerobically in HDPE and in vacuum in polyethylene-polyamide (PEPA) pouches. pH, cook yield (CY), cook loss (CL), fat retention percentage (FRP), moisture retention percentage (MRP), dimensional shrinkage (DS), water holding capacity (WHC), Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF), Hunter L*, a*, b* colour values, proximate and mineral composition and nutritional value, purge loss (PL), Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) value and sensory qualities are assessed on d 0, 10, 20 and 30 of storage at 0-4oC and -20oC or till spoilage, whichever is earlier. Six trials of the experiment were conducted. Cooking reduced the acidity of all the burgers. By the addition of FR a significantly (P< 0.05) very low acid cooked LFBB could be prepared. CY of burgers with CG-TS-PSC was significantly (P< 0.05) the highest with 85.84 per cent. LFBB with blends of FR significantly (P< 0.05) increased CY and correspondingly reduced CL. The DS in LFBB with CG-TS-PSC was significantly (P< 0.05) the lowest with 13.21 per cent. Addition of blends of FR holds water and fat in LFBB and reduces DS during cooking. FRP and MRP in CG-TS-PSC formulation was significantly (P< 0.05) the highest with 97.66 and 74.36 per cent, respectively due to blends of CG, TS and PSC. The WHC of LFBB with CG-TS-PSC was 95.36 per cent and WBSF value 5.30 N comparable to FF and the burgers were significantly (P< 0.05) most succulent, juicy and tender with the addition of blends of FR compared to tougher BB without FR. According to Hunter L*, a*, b* values, LFBB with blends of FR, especially CG-TS-PSC was lighter, less reddish (more bluish) and less yellowish (more greenish) and comparable to FF burger. Fat content in the beef trimmings and PSC were < 1.76 per cent. Cooking significantly (P< 0.05) reduced moisture content with a corresponding increase in the protein, fat, carbohydrate and ash. The percentage total calorific value of LFBB ranged from 6.36 to 7.18 of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). The contribution of fat to RDA of calorific value was from 2.22 to 2.42 per cent only, which was below the recommended 30 per cent. More than one third of the daily requirement of protein is obtained from 100g of LFBB. LFBB with FR are good sources of Na, K and P but not of Ca. Blends of FR in LFBB, especially CG-TS-PSC, were more efficient in significantly (P< 0.05) reducing PL and TBARS value on storage at 0-4oC for 10 days and at -20oC for 30 days in AP and VP. TBARS values were lower than the acceptable range of 1mg malonaldehyde/kg for oxidative rancidity. The low fat content and the presence of onion containing antioxidants in the formulary would have synergistically acted with CG in reducing the TBARS. On sensory evaluation on zero day, the LFBB with CG-TS-PSC scored significantly higher (P< 0.05) values of 7.00 and above for very good appearance and colour, very intense flavour, very desirable texture, juiciness, practically nil mouth coating and very acceptable overall acceptability similar to FF burger. But saltiness was very desirable than in FF. The LFBB with CG-TS-PSC in AP and VP retained all the sensory attributes and proximate composition even on storage. The very acceptable nature of CG-TS-PSC formulation might be due to the synergistic effect of fat replacers. The LFBB with 5 per cent fat and CG (0.5%), TS (1.5%), PSC (2%) and their blends as FR are developed economically with very acceptable overall acceptability, CY, nutritional quality, reduced PL and oxidative rancidity and shelf life up to 10 days at 0-4oC and 30 days at -20oC under AP and VP. The best LFBB with overall acceptability was CG-TS-PSC followed by CG-TS, CG-PSC, TS-PSC, PSC, CG and TS. Blends of FR are better than single FR, particularly CG-TS-PSC, as they increased CY, FRP, MRP, WHC, sensory attributes and decreased pH, CL, DS, WBSF, PL and TBARS. Further investigations with production of large quantities are required for calculation of cost of production at commercial scale.

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