Agriculture and Natural Resources

Biophysical-based sustainable management of KHDTK Mungku Baru: Mapping conservation, research and utilization blocks

2025-07-31T11:33:57+07:00

Importance of the work: Sustainable management of Special Purpose Forest Area
(KHDTK) Mungku Baru, requires area planning based on mapping and determining
management blocks that are in accordance with biophysical conditions.
Objectives: To create management plots based on watershed boundaries and group them
into management blocks based on biophysical conditions: vegetation density, land surface
temperature, carbon stock and land cover type.
Materials and Methods: Management plots were designed by considering watershed
boundaries using the Digital elevation model (DEM), normalized vegetation index (NDVI)
analysis and land surface temperature (LST) analysis based on Landsat 9 imagery,
carbon stock analysis and land cover analysis. Management blocks were created based on
a weighted overlay of management plots with NDVI, LST, carbon stock and land cover.
Results: The overlay of management plots, NDVI, LST, land cover and carbon stocks
produced 26 conservation blocks, with an additional 24 plots in the research and
development block, 6 plots in the indigenous cultural block and utilization and 6 plots in the
rehabilitation block. The minimum area limit for KHDTK utilization was no more than 10%
of the area, in accordance with applicable regulations.
Main finding: The arrangement of the KHDTK Mungku Baru area was designed by creating
management blocks according to biophysical conditions, with the aim being to ensure the
sustainability of the KHDTK Mungku Baru.

Efficacy of bio-composted agricultural wastes and biocontrol agents in improving soil fertility and controlling dry root rot in King mandarin (Citrus nobilis) orchards

2025-07-31T13:40:51+07:00

Importance of the work: Intensification of King mandarin cultivation has been
threatened by dry root rot (DRR) disease, causing unsustainable growth of this citrus fruit.
Objectives: To evaluate the efficiency of bio-fertilizers (BF) in combination with
different bio-control agents on improving soil properties and controlling DRR disease in
King mandarin orchards.
Materials and Methods: Rice straw waste material was composted with isolated fungi
from King mandarin orchards and rice fields. Five treatments were conducted in a
complete randomized design: 1): common farmer practice (the control); 2): recommended
inorganic fertilizers (RIF); 3): RIF plus BF inoculated with Trichoderma asperellum
(BF1); 4): RIF plus BF inoculated with Gongronella butleri (BF2); and 5): RIF plus BF
inoculated with Trichoderma sp. from a commercial source (BF3).
Results: BF amendment led to significant increases in soil organic matter, soil pH, labile
nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium compared to the control
with its high dose of inorganic fertilizers. There was a significantly lower density of
Fusarium solani and DRR suppression (40–82.5%) as result of BF amendment, with BF
plus isolated Trichoderma and Gongronella butleri being the most effective treatment.
Consequently, in the second year harvest, fruit yield increased by about 3.5 times that of
the control treatments (p < 0.05).
Main finding: Using rice straw as waste material to make bio-compost with isolated
strains of native fungi could be an optimal practice for improving soil fertility and soil
suppression to reduce DRR and enhance fruit yield, promoting an eco-friendly system in
King mandarin orchards.

Genomic comparison of gamma-aminobutyric acid-producing Levilactobacillus brevis and Companilactobacillus zhachilii strains from Thai fermented foods

2025-07-31T14:05:15+07:00

Importance of the work: The GABA-producing Companilactobacillus zhachilii isolated from
fermented pork (‘nham’) demonstrates both efficacy and safety in GABA production.
Objectives: To identify the GABA-producing strains ASK-1 and ANB-1 to compare their genomes
with those of Levilactobacillus brevis and Companilactobacillus zhachilii strains.
Materials and Methods: Two fermented food samples were collected and used for the isolation of
lactic acid bacteria. The strains obtained were evaluated for GABA production. The selected strains
were identified based on their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Genomic comparisons of
the GABA-producing strains were performed using genome sequencing, assembly, annotation and
comparative analysis. This analysis included the examination of CRISPR regions, antimicrobial
genes, functional attributes and genome visualization.
Results: The GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria (ASK-1 and ANB-1) were isolated from
traditional Thai fermented foods (‘sai-krog-prieo’ and ‘nham’). The strains ASK-1 and
ANB-1 produced 9.12 ± 0.51 g/L GABA and 12.73 ± 0.57 g/L GABA, respectively. On the basis
of phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, strain ASK-1 presented 100%
sequence similarity to Levilactobacillus brevis ATCC 14687T, whereas ANB-1 presented 99.93%
similarity to Companilactobacillus zhachilii HBUAS52074ᵀ. Genome analysis identified ASK-1
as L. brevis ATCC 367, with an average nucleotide identity based on a BLAST (ANIb) value of
98.86% and ANB-1 with an ANIb value of 96.92%, to C. zhachilii HBUAS52074ᵀ. Additionally,
genomic studies revealed GABA-producing genes (gadA and gadB) via the KofamKOALA-KEGG
Orthology database.
Main finding: Levilactobacillus brevis ASK-1 and Companilactobacillus zhachilii ANB-1 efficiently
and safely produced GABA and exhibited probiotic properties, making them promising starter
cultures for functional food production in both local food and industrial fermentation processes.

Smartphone-based portable device for multi-sample colorimetric determination of nitrite in sausage

2025-07-31T14:45:07+07:00

Importance of the work: A custom-designed light box with a hat-shaped cover ensured
consistent illumination for image analysis using a smartphone-based method.
Objectives: To develop a simple, rapid and accurate smartphone-based method for
detecting nitrite in sausages.
Materials and Methods: Samples were analyzed on a microplate and images were
captured using a smartphone camera. Green color intensity was measured and correlated
with the nitrite concentration. The method was validated against the Association of
Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) standard, demonstrating high sensitivity and accuracy.
Results: Using the Griess reaction, the method formed an azo dye compound and provided
a portable, user-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional techniques.
A custom-designed photo box with LED lighting and a hat-shaped light fixture enabled
simultaneous analysis of multiple samples. The method provided excellent sensitivity
and accuracy, with a linear correlation between green color intensity and nitrite
concentration. The addition of 0.003% Brilliant Blue solution substantially expanded
the calibration curve’s linear range. Validation against the AOAC method confirmed
the reliability of the method, highlighting its potential for rapid, on-site food analysis.
Main finding: The custom-designed, hat-shaped light fixture effectively minimized
specular reflections from Light emitting-diode lighting, enabling the use of cost-effective
alternatives to iPads or tablets as illumination sources for simultaneous multi-sample
colorimetric measurements.

Dynamics of coastal weather effects on Moler disease in Indonesia shallot production

2025-07-31T15:00:42+07:00

Importance of the work: Coastal microclimatic factors influence pathogen dynamics;
however, their impact on shallot diseases, such as Moler disease, remains poorly understood.
Objectives: To investigate multivariate relationships between coastal weather parameters
and Moler disease development in shallot production systems.
Materials and Methods: Field surveys were conducted across 15 sites in Parangtritis,
Yogyakarta, Indonesia, during the late rainy and dry seasons. Disease incidence and
infection rates were assessed weekly alongside six weather parameters monitored via
an automatic weather station. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze
weather-disease relationships.
Results: Disease incidence was significantly higher during late rainy season (28.50%)
compared to dry season (12.03%, p = 0.03), with infection rates of 0.14 units/d and
0.09 units/d (p < 0.001). The PCA revealed 84.62% of the weather-diseases relationship
variance was explained by the two principal components. Radiation-precipitation
variables had strong positive associations with infection rates, while relative humidity
had an unexpected negative correlation (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = -0.55).
Temperature had a secondary influence through weak through positive F2 loadings
(25.54%, r = 0.25).
Main finding: Coastal weather-disease interactions deviated from inland patterns,
particularly in humidity-disease relationships, necessitating maritime-specific disease
prediction models for effective management.

Insights into abdominal structures atozoal ultrastructure of coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

2025-07-31T15:14:34+07:00

Importance of the work: The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei is an insect pest
of coffee worldwide; however, its abdominal ultrastructure remains undescribed, despite
its importance for informing targeted strategies to reduce its population and economic impact.
Objectives: To describe, using light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the
structure of the abdominal region of H. hampei with a focus on the ultrastructure of the
spermatozoa.
Materials and Methods: A sample of 20 mature male H. hampei, each with a total length
of 0.5–1.2 mm, was collected and processed using TEM.
Results: The epithelial ultrastructure of the midgut comprised enterocytes and
regenerative cells. Numerous mitochondria and lysosomes were observed together with
well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum in the enterocytes. Abundant lipid droplets
and glycogen molecules were scattered in the cytoplasm of lipid cells, which were mostly
found close to the integument. Testicular maturation was associated with the appearance
of spermatids and spermatozoa. The elongated spermatozoon was composed of a head
that had two main layers (an acrosomal layer and a central nucleus), a midpiece of
elongated and twisted mitochondria and a tail with a typical 9 + 9 + 2 flagellar axoneme.
Main finding: The presence of uniflagellate and biflagellate forms not only sheds light on
insect evolution and phylogeny but also raises questions about their functional role in the
reproductive success of H. hampei.

Isolation of high-amylase Rhizopus arrhizus from Vietnamese ‘Banh men’ for efficient hydrolysis of glutinous rice (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa)

2025-07-31T15:36:30+07:00

Importance of the work: Traditional fermented starters, such as ‘Banh men’, used in
the production of Vietnamese sweet-fermented rice are valuable sources of microbial
diversity with industrial potential. Identifying efficient amylase-producing molds from
these starters can enhance starch-based bioprocessing, while preserving traditional
fermentation knowledge.
Objectives: To isolate and characterize amylase-producing molds from Vietnamese Banh
men, assess their enzymatic activity and investigate their ability to hydrolyze glutinous
rice into fermentable sugars.
Materials and Methods: A sample of 14 mold strains was isolated from Banh men
and screened for amylase activity on starch agar. Top producers were identified
morphologically and via internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Selected strains were
cultivated in glutinous rice, with hydrolysis monitored based on the extract yield,
Brix value and sugar content (dinitrosalicylic acid method).
Results: Dominant isolates belonged to the Mucor and Rhizopus genera (70% prevalence).
The strains BMTS1 and BMCP2.3 (both Rhizopus arrhizus) had the highest amylase
activity (2.94 U/mL and 2.60 U/mL, respectively) and starch degradation indices (>95%).
During rice hydrolysis, both strains produced approximately 100 mL of extract after 72 hr,
with reducing sugars increasing from 6.38 mg/mL to 37.49 mg/mL and polysaccharides
declining by 89%.
Main finding: R. arrhizus BMTS1 and BMCP2.3 from Banh men are potent starch
hydrolyzing agents, offering a sustainable solution for converting glutinous rice into
sugar-rich substrates for food and beverage applications.

Evaluating efficacy of preoperative skin preparation with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% alcohol for reducing bacterial bioburden in dogs

2025-07-31T15:54:29+07:00

Importance of the work: Optimized antisepsis and protocols are essential for improving
veterinary surgical outcomes and preventing surgical site infections (SSIs).
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% alcohol
(CHG-Alc) in reducing the bacterial bioburden, including multidrug-resistant strains,
in canine surgical patients.
Materials and Methods: A sample of 10 client-owned dogs was involved in the proposed
standardized skin preparation protocol. Following an initial skin cleaning step, CHG-Alc
was sprayed onto the skin and left in contact for 3 min. Then, the excess solution was
gently removed. Bacterial cultures were collected at three time points: prior to antiseptic
application (the first), immediately after the 3-min contact period and removal of the
solution (the second) and 60 min after application (the third). Samples were processed
to quantify bacterial load, identify bacterial species and assess antimicrobial resistance.
Results: Pre-antisepsis, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the most frequently
isolated bacterium, including the multidrug-resistant strains. Bacterial counts decreased
significantly by over 99% at the second sampling time (p = 0.006), with complete absence
of growth (0 CFU/mL) at the third sampling time (p = 0.006).
Main Finding: CHG-Alc was highly effective for canine preoperative skin preparation,
significantly reducing bacterial counts and preventing reinfection. There should be strong
support for its use in veterinary preoperative protocols to minimize the risk of surgical
site infections.

Optimizing prediction of key water quality parameters in tilapia river based cage culture system using simple parameters based on different deep learning models

2025-07-31T16:03:45+07:00

Importance of the work: Deep learning (DL) models can predict key water quality
values in red tilapia culture using easily measured parameters.
Objectives: To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of water quality monitoring by
developing a predictive DL model.
Materials and Methods: Convolutional neural network (CNN), long short‒term memory
(LSTM) and a hybrid CNN‒LSTM model were fine‒tuned using the Python software.
Model performance was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute
error (MAE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), Nash‒Sutcliffe efficiency
(NSE) and the coefficient of determination (R²). The results were statistically analyzed
based on a t test.
Results: During data collection, the mean ± SD values of water quality parameters were:
dissolved oxygen (DO), 4.03 ± 0.41 mg/L; water temperature (Temp), 27.63 ± 1.42°C;
water pH level (pH), 7.45 ± 0.11; total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) at 0.14 ± 0.04 mg/L;
nitrite‒nitrogen (NO2-‒N), 0.04 ± 0.05 mg/L; alkalinity (ALK), 105.41 ± 9.94 mg/L;
and water transparency (Trans), 75.31 ± 22.80 cm. The study evaluated the CNN, LSTM
and CNN‒LSTM models, with CNN‒LSTM consistently offering the best balance of
accuracy and processing speed. Specifically, it excelled at 1,000 epochs for DO and TAN
predictions and at 2,000 epochs for NO2-‒N and ALK predictions, with no significant
differences compared to observed values using standard measurement methods.
Main finding: The hybrid CNN‒LSTM model that used easily measurable water quality
parameters (Temp, pH and Trans), effectively predicted more difficult‒to‒measure
water quality parameters (DO, TAN, NO2-‒N and ALK). Additionally, the hybrid model
outperformed the individual CNN and LSTM models, providing better prediction
accuracy and faster processing times.

Protective and therapeutic efficacy of mangosteen extract feed additive against Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND strain in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

2025-08-01T14:08:26+07:00

Importance of the work: Shrimp aquaculture has faced severe losses due to an epizootic bacterial disease caused by the Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND (VpAHPND) strain, characterized by pale-to-white color with atrophy of the hepatopancreas and migh mortality. This study highlights the potential of MEX1^TM, a phytobiotic from mangosteen pericarp extract, as a natural, prophylactic feed additive to enhance health and AHPND resistance in Pacific white shrimp.

Objectives: To assess the effect of 0.05% (weight per weight) MEX1^TM supplement on growth, immune response and resistance to VpAHPND.

Materials and Methods: Juvenile shrimp were fed a MEX1^TM-supplemented diet and performance was evaluated through growth indices, hematological profiles, enzyme activities and immersion-based AHPND challenge trials mimicking natural infection.

Results: MEX1^TM significantly improved growth performance (% weight gain, Fulton's condition factor, average daily gain, specific growth rate, % feed efficiency and feed conversion ratio) and survival rate, which increased from 58.30% in controls to 91.42% in the MEX1™-treated group. The extract enhanced protein digestive enzymes (trypsin and chymotrypsin) and hematological parameters (total hemocyte count, differential hemocyte count and superoxide dismutase). In the VpAHPND resistance test, of the three experimental groups evaluated: controls, Tre-MEX (as the VpAHPND-treated group and Pre-MEX (as the VpAHPND-protected group), the Pre-MEX group had significantly elevated cellular immune parameters and the lowest pathogen loads in the hemolymph, hepatopancreas and intestine compared to both the Tre-MEX and control groups.

Main finding: VpAHPND primarily targeted and damaged hyalinocytes, while MEX1^TM stimulated hematopoiesis, particularly granulocyte production, in response to infection. The mangosteen extract functioned as a growth promoter and an immunostimulant, boosting shrimp resilience against VpAHPND. These results supported the application of MEX1^TM as a natural, effective feed additive for disease prevention and performance enhancement in shrimp aquaculture.

Assessing climate change impacts on meteorological drought indices for agricultural areas in Chi River Basin, Thailand: Comparative analysis of standardized precipitation index and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index

2025-08-01T14:33:36+07:00

Importance of the work: Meteorological drought indices play a critical role in understanding the impact of climate change on water resources.

Objectives: To assess meteorological drought indices under future climate change impact in the Chi River Basin, a drought-prone region in northeast Thailand.

Materials and Methods: The responses to projected climate changes were elucidated for the widely used standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). Projections indicated shifts in rainfall and temperature based on three regional climate models (ACCESS, CNRM and MPI) under two commonly used climate change representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5).

Results: Analysis of the SPI and SPEI values derived from computed monthly data for 1 mth, 3 mth and 6 mth drought intervals indicated a temporal shift in drought conditions. Specifically, SPI exhibited a dry-to-wet-to-dry pattern across the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, while SPEI showed a persistent wet condition in the 2020s and 2050s, followed by a shift to dry conditions in the 2080s. Strong positive correlations (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.86–0.97) between SPI and SPEI were observed from the 1990s to the 2080s. The SPI signaled potential drought events across all agricultural areas, while the SPEI indicated unaffected or wet conditions. However, the SPEI had a slower response to changes in drought conditions compared to the SPI. Model performance for both the SPI and SPEI showed unsatisfactory alignment with observed data under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 during 2011−2020.

Main finding: SPI and SPEI values can be used as components of a composite drought indicator, aligning with recommendations from the World Meteorological Organization and the Global Water Partnership in 2016 for a multi-indicator approach to provide a comprehensive representation of all drought types.

Characterization of indole-3-acetic acid-producing marine yeasts and their effect on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings

2025-08-01T14:44:10+07:00

Importance of the work: The marine yeasts Rhodotorula mucilaginosa DMKU 7233-1 and Papiliotrema laurentii DMKUFC10-4 had strong potential for producing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Their cell suspension promoted tomato seed germination and increased stem size.

Objectives: To screen IAA-producing yeasts, analyze their phytobeneficial attributes, evaluate their antagonistic activity against Agroathelia rolfsii, to study low-cost substrates suitable for IAA production and to evaluate the effectiveness of yeast cells on tomato seed germination.

Materials and Methods: In total, 49 marine yeasts were screened for IAA production. Phytobeneficial attributes (nutrient solubilization, production of cell wall-degrading enzymes and synthesis of active substances) were evaluated. The antagonistic activity was studied between the yeasts and A. rolfsii. Low-cost carbon sources for IAA production were investigated and tomato seed bioassays were conducted.

Results: The marine yeasts R. mucilaginosa DMKU 7233-1 and P. laurentii DMKUFC10-4 produced the best results for IAA production. Although neither strain could solubilize phosphate or zinc oxide, and they did not produce siderophores or NH₃, both strains were able to produce catalase and cellulase. There was no antagonistic activity between either of the yeast strains and A. rolfsii. IAA production in sugarcane molasses medium amended with 0.1% L-tryptophan (L-trp) yielded the best results at 1,379.4 ± 29.6 mg/L with DMKU 7233-1 and 681.4 ± 38.8 mg/L with DMKUFC10-4. Tomato seedlings treated with P. laurentii DMKUFC10-4 had a high germination rate (100%), while R. mucilaginosa DMKU 7233-1 produced the best outcome based on enhancement of stem size.

Main finding: The yeast strains DMKU 7233-1 and DMKUFC10-4 were effective at producing IAA in a medium amended with 0.1% L-trp. Sugarcane molasses was a suitable carbon source. Cell suspension of both yeast strains promoted the growth of tomato seedlings.

Probiotic properties and antibacterial activity against aquatic pathogens of non-starch, polysaccharide-degrading Bacillus velezensis newly isolated from termite (Termes comis) guts

2025-08-01T14:58:33+07:00

Importance of the work: Termite gut bacteria harboring non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degradation and probiotic properties are beneficial as a microbial fermentation additive for plant-based animal feed.

Objectives: To evaluate the probiotic properties and antimicrobial activity against aquatic animal pathogens of NSP-degrading Bacillus sp. isolated from the guts of the termite Termes comis.

Materials and Methods: NSP-degrading bacteria were isolated and screened from the guts of termites. The selected bacteria were identified molecularly and assayed for NSP-degrading activity, as well as being evaluated for their antimicrobial ability and probiotic properties (stress tolerance, antioxidant activity, bacterial safety profile and cell surface characteristics).

Results: Among the 49 bacterial isolates obtained from the termite gut samples, the isolates Tc10, Tc19 and Tc44 were selected based on the presence of NSP-degrading enzymes (cellulase, pectinase and xylanase). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, these three isolates were closely related to Paenibacillus lutimineralis (Tc10), Paenibacillus alvei (Tc19) and Bacillus velezensis (Tc44). Among them, only B. velezensis Tc44 could survive in gastrointestinal tract conditions of pH 2.5 and 0.3% bile salt, exhibiting broad-spectrum inhibition against all five tested aquatic pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, it had the highest antioxidant activity and presented NSP-degrading enzyme activity against all tested types, as well as being harmless based on hemolytic activity, biogenic amine production and antibiotic susceptibility. In addition, Tc44 had the highest adhesion capability to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells, with anti-adhesion ability against all the tested pathogens, based on competition, inhibition and displacement assays.

Main finding: Scientific knowledge was documented of NSP-degrading Bacillus-based probiotics obtained from gut samples of the soil-feeding Termes comis, which could be beneficial for nutritive improvement in animal feed and the prevention of aquatic animal disease in aquaculture.

Identification of water stress in tomato based on spectral indices and physiological parameters

2025-08-01T15:08:37+07:00

Importance of the work: Generally, farmers use a large amount of water to produce greenhouse cherry tomatoes, resulting in increased production costs and possibly suboptimal excessive water use.

Objectives: To investigate the optimum water content for ‘Sweet Boy’ cherry tomato production, based on changes in tomato physiology and yield.

Materials and Methods: A completely randomized design was used, consisting of four levels of pot water capacity (PC; 60%PC, 80%PC, 100%PC (the control) and 120%PC) as the water-holding level in the growing medium. Physiological responses and tomato yield in each treatment were measured.

Results: Water levels of 60%PC and 80%PC decreased the tested spectral indices (the normalized difference vegetation index, the normalized difference red-edge index and the photochemical reflectance index). Furthermore, a water content of 60%PC significantly reduced the net photosynthetic rate (22.63–32.08%) and stomatal conductance (57.23–88.29%) in the vegetative and flowering stages compared to 100%PC. In addition, 100%PC achieved similar physiological and yield responses as 120%PC. After fruit harvest, 60%PC and 80%PC reduced the fruit weight and the total yield per plant. However, 60%PC produced significantly higher total soluble solids (9.48°Brix), ascorbic acid (9.11 mg/kg fresh weight, FW) and lycopene (4.24 mg/kg FW) contents than the control.

Main finding: Irrigation at 100%PC and 120%PC produced similar physiological responses and yields in cherry tomato plants. Therefore, 100%PC irrigation reduced water use by 32% compared to the 120%PC treatment while maintaining high yield and acceptable fruit quality. It is recommended that farmers irrigate at 100%PC to optimize productivity and efficient water use.

Anthocyanins in goat diets: A Review

2025-07-31T11:59:27+07:00

Anthocyanins are common in fruits (especially berries), vegetables, grains and purple- or red-colored
flowers. They have antioxidant properties and thus play a role in preventing or reducing the risk of chronic
disorders such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Anthocyanin-containing plants included in
the diet of goats increased the anthocyanin content of milk, which adds value by providing functional
benefits for consumers’ health. In addition, they improved growth performance and meat quality
and prevented lipid oxidation by promoting the antioxidant status and elevating the proportions of
polyunsaturated fatty acids in the muscle or superoxide dismutase activity. However, anthocyanin
concentration is plant type-specific. Therefore, it is necessary to further investigate the nutritional values
and anthocyanin levels of plant materials for application in the diets of ruminants, including goats, and
anthocyanin persistence in the fresh and processed milk or meat.
Importance of the work: Anthocyanin-rich plants have considerable potential for use as natural
antioxidants in meat or dairy goat diets.
Objectives: To gather insights into the role of anthocyanins in goat nutrition, contributing to future research
and sustainable goat production.
Materials and Methods: A systematic approach was adopted, including defining the scope, searching
appropriate databases and keywords, selecting reliable and up-to-date references, collecting and organizing
data in a structured manner and synthesizing the collected data.
Results: Anthocyanin is a pigment present in the flavonoid compounds commonly found in plants,
with antioxidant effects that are beneficial to ruminant animals and human health.
Anthocyanin-rich plants have considerable potential for use as natural antioxidants in meat or dairy
goat diets, since they can: 1) improve the proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids in muscle; 2) reduce
oxidative stress; 3) reduce methanogenic bacteria and improve rumen fermentation; 4) enhance superoxide
dismutase; and 5) enhance the anthocyanin composition in the milk.
Main finding: The use of anthocyanin-rich plants in goat diets can have a positive impact on goat health
and increase production, enabling them to produce functional dairy products or meat that is beneficial
for consumer health.