Present study was conducted at Central Research Station of BAIF Development Research Foundation, Urulikanchan, Pune during 2013 to 2015 with an objective to determining the nutritive values and keeping quality of legume blocks. Leaf meals were prepared from sun dried leaves and chaffed twigs of subabul (Leucaena&nbsp;leucocephala), desmanthus (Desmanthus vergatus), sesbania (Sesbania sesban) and lucerne (Medicago sativa). Five blocks were prepared by adding molasses, corn flour, mineral mixture and salt. Chemical composition such as dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), ash and silica content were determined according to standard analytical procedures. The chemical composition was more or less similar in fresh and stored legume blocks in all the recipes and did not vary much during storage. Further, no deterioration in colour, odour or texture was observed in storage, or any apparent contamination with mould. Among the five leguminous blocks, highest nutritive values in terms of CP, CF, EE, ash and silica were observed in sesbania legume block (22.17, 12.14, 3.52, 10.71 and 0.52%) followed by blocks of subabul (20.52, 10.61, 3.42, 10.72 and 0.81%) respectively. The cost of per kg production of leguminous block of subabul and sesbania was low as compared to lucerne blocks, which were Rs. 20, 21 and 29 correspondingly. All the goats offered legume blocks accepted them readily. All the blocks were offered to difeerent five goats for feeding and their acceptance and the intake was 100 per cent. &nbsp;Hence, the leguminous blocks prepared from sesbania and subabul leaf meal were selected as the best leguminous blocks as goat feed. 
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Leguminous blocks: Nutritional values and economics

Goat is one of the main contributors of milk and meat products. Goat milk is different from cow and human milk in composition, nutritional and therapeutic attributes. The compositional differences are of significance in indicating the technological suitability for goat milk processing and its products. The differences in composition of cow milk and goat milk may result into the products with different sensory characteristics, nutritional and therapeutic values. &nbsp;Goat milk contains higher amount of Ca, Mg and P than cow and human milk but vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate contents are less. Goat milk is recommended for infants, old and convalescent people. Three fatty acids viz., caproic, caprylic and capric have great medicinal values for patients suffering from a variety of ailments. Further, it is worthwhile to compare the milk of goats with that of cows and note benefits or limitations which may result from differences found. Goat milk products other than cheese and pasteurized milk are considered to be the diary products with greatest marketing potential. Therefore, several characteristic of goat milk are currently the focus of increased research interest. Fermented goat milk incorporating live probiotic cells represent a group of products with great prospects in the future with regard to their nutritive and therapeutic properties.&nbsp;

Composition, nutritional and therapeutic values of goat milk: A review

In order to assessment of the effects of different plant density (20, 30, 40 S.B M + 8 C; 20, 30, 40 S.B I + 8 C plants m-2 and sloe cropping of S.B. M40 and S.B. I 40) on forage nutritive value of sweet basil cultivars (Mubarake and Italian large leaf) a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in University of Tabriz, Iran. Results showed that the effect of different plant density of sweet basil cultivars was significant (p&lt;0.05) on dry matter (DM), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash, crude protein (CP) and oil yield of sweet basil cultivars. However, oil percentage of both sweet basil cultivars was not affected by different plant density with corn plants. DM, ADF, CP percentage and yield and also oil yield of both sweet basil cultivars were significantly decreased as result of different plant density with corn plants, in contrast, ash of both cultivars increased in those treatments. ash, CP%, CP and oil yield of Mubarake cultivars were greater than that of Italian large leaf cultivar in sole plant density. It was concluded that different plant density between sweet basil+ corn had positive effect on forage nutritive value of both sweet basil cultivars.

Forage nutritive value of sweet basil cultivars affected&nbsp;by different plant density with corn

Background:&nbsp;Soil moisture affects alfalfa biomass, nutritive value and physiological processes. Implementing precision agriculture for moisture management during alfalfa cultivation can help sustain high-quality forage production. This study aimed to assess limited irrigation effects on biomass, growth characteristics, nutritive value and hyperspectral wavelength in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). 
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Methods: The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Kansas State University from May to November 2024. Irrigation was applied based on field capacity (FC) at four levels namely 55% (FC55), 70% (FC70), 85% (FC85) and 100% (FC100). 
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Result: The findings indicated that above- and below-ground biomass and growth characteristics, including growth stage, leaf area index, number of nodules, crown size and taproot diameter as well as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) improved with increasing FC. FC85 appeared to be the optimal growth condition related to roots and nodules. The leaf to stem ratio was highest in FC55, which showed the same trend as nutritive values, including crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and relative feed value (RFV). The hyperspectral reflectance was high in FC55, indicating drought stress. The optimal field capacity for balanced above- and below-ground growth in alfalfa appeared to be 85% while showing signs of water stress in FC55.

Limited Irrigation Effects on Biomass, Growth Characteristics, Nutritive Value and Hyperspectral Wavelength in Alfalfa

<div>Background: This study was taken up to assess the effect of time of sowing and number of irrigations on the yield of maize cultivar J-1006 and to see their impact on the nutritive value of fresh and ensiled fodder. 
 
Methods: Maize cultivar J-1006 was sown at 50 cm row to row and 10 cm plant to plant spacing at 10 days interval in quintuplicate. The crop was harvested after 80-85 days of sowing. The J-1006 on the first date of sowing (B1) was given one irrigation and rest of the sowings (B2-B5) received two irrigations till harvest. The nutritive value (NV) of fresh and ensiled maize fodder was assessed by in vitro gas production (IVGP) technique. 
 
Result: Highest biological, DM and protein yield was recorded in B2 maize fodder while the lowest was recorded in B5. The cell wall constituents were the highest (P&lt;0.01) in B1 and the lowest in B5 fodder resulting in highest (P&lt;0.01) microbial biomass production (MBP) and the NV in B5 maize fodder. Irrespective of time of sowing, OM, NDF and hemicellulose contents were reduced (P&lt;0.01) in ensiled maize fodder. The net gas production (NGP; P&lt;0.01) and ME (P&lt;0.05) were depressed and the total and individual VFAs and MBP were improved (P&lt;0.01) in the ensiled maize. Irrespective of processing, the maize given two irrigations resulted in higher (P&lt;0.01) MBP and NV as comparison to that given single irrigation. It was concluded that B5 maize fodder with the lowest yield given two irrigations had the best nutritive value.&nbsp;</div>

​Effect of Sowing Time on Production Potential of Maize Fodder and its Nutritive Value Before and After Ensiling

Background: An experiment was conducted to study the chemical composition of spent mushroom (Pleuroyus ostreatus) paddy straw (SMPS) and its nutritive value in cattle. Samples of the SMPS were collected from various mushroom farms of Assam and were analysed for proximate principles according to the <a href="#aoac_2012">AOAC (2012)</a> and fraction of fibre were estimated according to the <a href="#van_1991">Van Soest method (1991)</a>. 
 
Methods: Three digestion trials were conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of SMPS (difference method) by using a group of six mature healthy and non-productive cows of approximately same age and similar body weight. In first trial, only para grass was fed to animals, in second trial, para grass along with GNC were fed together and in third trial, SMPS and GNC were fed together to determine the digestibility for various nutrients of the SMPS.&nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;The average chemical composition of SMPS were 42.65&plusmn;1.33, 76.30&plusmn;0.40, 7.23&plusmn;0.24, 1.31&plusmn;0.06, 21.25&plusmn;0.76, 23.69&plusmn;0.49, 46.51&plusmn;0.57, 62.03&plusmn;1.18 and 49.26&plusmn;0.67 per cent of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, TA, NFE, NDF and ADF, respectively. The DCP and TDN content of SMPS were 4.75 and 59.76 per cent, respectively. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that Spent Mushroom (Pleurotus ostroeatus) paddy straw had higher CP and total ash and lower CF and higher nutritive value (DCP and TDN) compared to paddy straw and could be used as a maintenance types of roughage source for feeding to cattle.

Chemical Composition of Spent Mushroom Paddy Straw (SMPS) and its Nutritive Value in Cattle

Background: A negative impact on livestock productivity and the environment due to accumulation of greenhouse gases, might be mitigated by using secondary metabolic compounds from plants in the form of tannins which potentially proven in reducing the methane production of ruminants. This study aims to explore the Fodder Trees Species (FTS) in terms of nutritional value, energy metabolism content and its potential as an inhibitor of methane gas produced in rumen fermentation.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This research was carried out in two stages. Phase I, evaluation of the nutritional value of the FTS which includes a proximate analysis and analysis of the NDF and ADF fiber fractions components. Phase II, the evaluation of FTS with in vitro gas methods.&nbsp;The study was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 6 species of FTS as treatment and 4 replications. Profil GP and metan&nbsp; production are measured at incubation time of 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. DM digestibility, OM digestibility, N-amonia and energy metabolism were measured at the end of in vitro gas study.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The Species of FTS has varied chemical composition, potential nutritional value and not only provides protein but also a source of energy for ruminant animal. At incubation times of 12 to 24 hours, the production of methane gas from M. oleifera, S. grandiflora and L. leucocephala is greater than that from G. sepium and C. calothyrsus. However, at incubation times exceeding 24 hours, C. calothyrsus produces more methane gas than P. falcataria and G. sepium. The highest levels of N-ammonia are produced by M. oleifera, L. leucocephala, S. grandiflora and C. calothyrsus, while the lowest levels are observed in P. falcataria and G. sepium. P. falcataria and G. sepium found as the potential low methane-producing feeds and have protein characteristic which are resistant to rumen microbe digestion.

Nutritive Value, Energy Metabolism, Organic Matter Digestibility of Some Fodder Tree Species and its Potential as Methane Inhibitor

Background: Need for fodder in semi arid conditions prompted us to investigate nutritional of some resilience forage in Algerian rangelands. The study purpose is to evaluate nutritional attributes value of Artemisia herba alba Asso, Atriplex halimus and Salsola vermiculata. The study area is located at the northeastern of Algeria at Tebessa province. 
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Methods: Nutrient composition value, fiber composition and in vitro digestibility were determined by the method of the AOAC (1990). In vitro digestibility was determined by the enzymatic pepsin-cellulase method and the nutritional performance parameters were calculated according to the INRA 2018 system. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Nutritional composition analysis results revealed a significant level of organic matter contents; it varies from 74% to 91%, while the total nitrogenous matter was more than 14% DM, the higher level is recorded by Atriplex halimus with 17%. Results of fiber contents mention a significant values, the lower level is recorded by Atriplex halimus (NDF 54% DM; ADF 24%DM and ADL 10%DM). However a significant level of digestible dry matter and digestible organic matter were assessed for all spicies, Atriplex halimus is significantly higher with 60% D.cell&nbsp; DM&nbsp;and 50.5% D.cell&nbsp;OM compared with Artemisia herba alba Asso and Salsola vermiculata.&nbsp; These findings suggest that these spices could constitute a favorable nutritional value for livestock. And it can guarantee the sustainability of breeding.

Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Artemisia herba alba Asso, Atriplex halimus and Salsola vermiculata in Algeria Steppe Rangelands

Background: Azolla is a free floating aquatic fern fixes atmospheric nitrogen in association with nitrogen fixing blue green algae. There have been some studies about the differences in temperature, rainfall and humidity influence on Azolla production. Hence, the present experiment was undertaken to study the effect of seasonal variation on growth and nutritive value of Azolla under the agro climatic condition of Assam. 
 
Methods: Azolla beds were used to cultivate Azolla pinnata with three replications and the size of the individual beds were (10&times;4) m. Deep bore well was the source of water for growing with pH 5.8. The fresh Azolla pinnata was collected from the nearby pond of the farm and further cultured. The meteorological data were collected everyday and production data were collected fortnightly. Two samples of fresh Azolla pinnata were collected and analysed for its nutritive value during the month of January and June 2021 in order to evaluate the difference of nutritive value due to seasonal variation. 
 
Result: Highest fresh Azolla was recorded in bed 2 (9.5 kg) in the month of May and lowest being recorded by the bed 2 (2.0 kg) during January. The increased Azolla production during May to June was attributed to the rise of temperature prevailed in the surrounding area of ZLRS, Mandira. There were no significant differences between the two seasons regarding the nutrient content of Azolla.

Effect of Seasonal Variation on Growth and Nutritive Value of Azolla pinnata under Agro Climatic Condition of Assam

Background: Uses of indigenous herbs and spices have become ubiquitous on modern culinary systems. But to date literatures on nutritional aspects of these group of plants are limited. Therefore the present study was done to evaluate the nutritional and anti-nutritional compositions of five indigenous spices commonly used in Karbi cuisines. The present study will help identify long forgotten multifunctional food resources which was previously neglected due to its low quantity in use. 
 
Methods: The nutritional compositions were determined according to procedures established by Association of official Analytical chemists 1990 and the anti-nutritive factors of the samples were determined according to the procedure described in the reported scientific publications. 
 
Result: The results showed appreciable amount of nutrients in Citrus macroptera Montrouz., Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., Ocimum citriodorum Vis., Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton. and Zanthoxylum armatum DC. The energy value of these five spices showed remarkable values, with the highest value observed in Ocimum citriodorum Vis. (354.08 Kcal) and lowest in Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (108.67 Kcal). The moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fats, total carbohydrate and crude fibre content of the studied spices vary from 0.85-7.45%, 3.30-14.25%, 1.85-25.30%, 1.80-43.09%, 7.03-32.32% and 1.39-72.55% in range respectively. The vitamin C content was estimated highest in Perilla frutescens&nbsp;(L.) Britton. (34 mg/100 g) and lowest in&nbsp;Citrus macroptera Montrouz. (22 mg/100g). The phytate (17.22-18.85 mg/100 g), oxalate (10.15-12.42 mg/100 g), tannin (9.45-11.61 mg/100 g) and saponin (8.82-10.55 mg/100 g) contents were very low and hence these spices are less toxic for human consumptions.