Breed effect on quality veal production in mountain areas: Emphasis on meat

This study was designed to compare the quality of veal produced from ‘Tudanca x Charolais’ cross (n=6) and Limousin (n=6) breeds when allowed to feed freely on mountain pastures and suckle naturally from birth to 7 months of age. After 80 days of age calves also had access to concentrate (maximum of 3 Kg/day), while mothers did not. At slaughter, Limousin calves were heavier (P<0.01) and provided better carcass yield (P<0.05) and conformation (P<0.001) than Tudanca calves. Tudanca beef provided higher fat content (P<0.05) was less tough (P<0.05), and was scored as more tender and juicy (P<0.1) with higher acceptability than Limousin beef (P<0.1). In general, Tudanca had a better fatty acid profile than Limousin beef, especially in terms of the content of polyunsaturated (P<0.05), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (P<0.05) and their n-6/n-3 ratios (P<0.1), as well as vaccenic acid (P<0.1) and the overall trans-18:1 isomer profile.

Microstructure Evolution of Laser Pulse processed Ductile Iron Surface

Pulsed laser beam was used to modify surface processing for ductile iron. The microstructures of processed specimen were observed using optical microscope (OM). Nanoindentation and micro-hardness of microstructures were measured from surface to inner of sample. The experimental results show that, modification zone is consisted of light melted zone, phase transformation hardening area and transient area. The light melt area is made up of coarse dendrite crystalline with a thickness less than 20um, phase transformation hardening area mainly of laminal or acicular martensite, retained austenite and graphite, i.e. M+A prime+ G. The cow-eye microstructure around graphite sphere always is formed in phase transformation hardening area zone, which consisting of a variety structure with the distance from the surface. So, it maybe as a obvious sign distinguishing modification zone border. Finally, the microstructures evolution of laser pulse processed ductile iron was analyzed coupling with beam energy distribution in space and laser pulse heating procession characteristics. The analysis shows that energy distribution of laser pulse has an important effect on microstructure during laser pulse modified ductile iron. Multi-scale and interlace arrangement are the important features for laser pulse modified ductile iron. Of microstructure.

Optimization of solution-processed oligothiophene:fullerene based organic solar cells by using solvent additives

The optimization of solution-processed organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells with the acceptor-substituted quinquethiophene DCV5T-Bu-4 as donor in conjunction with PC61BM as acceptor is described. Power conversion efficiencies up to 3.0% and external quantum efficiencies up to 40% were obtained through the use of 1-chloronaphthalene as solvent additive in the fabrication of the photovoltaic devices. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy investigations of the photoactive layer gave insight into the distribution of donor and acceptor within the blend. The unique combination of solubility and thermal stability of DCV5T-Bu-4 also allows for fabrication of organic solar cells by vacuum deposition. Thus, we were able to perform a rare comparison of the device characteristics of the solution-processed DCV5T-Bu-4:PC61BM solar cell with its vacuum-processed DCV5T-Bu-4:C-60 counterpart. Interestingly in this case, the efficiencies of the small-molecule organic solar cells prepared by using solution techniques are approaching those fabricated by using vacuum technology. This result is significant as vacuum-processed devices typically display much better performances in photovoltaic cells. Keywords

Über Fischereiressourcen und ihre Nutzung

The reduction of discards will only be achieved, if more effective methods of catch selection will be developed and used. In principle, the unavoidable by catch of commercial fish should be used for human consumption, independent of the requirements for minimum length and existing catch quotas. The amount of such bycatch should be charged to the total catch quota and preferably be used for processing of fish portions with skin (carcasses with skin), because this kind of processing results in higher yields and nutrional advantages compared to fillet processing. Unfortunately, nowadays, in the German fishery and fish trade this traditional form of supply is only of minor importance because of the predominance of fillets and fillet products. However, cooperation between fishing industry and fish trade and a good advertising of processed fish portions with skin could overcome this problem. In the pelagic fishery of herring, mackerel and other similar pelagic species the bycatch of small sized specimen of these species can be a problem. These small sized fish can principally be processed to traditional fish products, but the processing costs for them are much higher. The prospects for processing of the bycatch into minced fish meat, fish protein concentrate or fish protein hydrolysate are very poor under the existing regime in the German fishing industry. A further way for processing of the bycatch, which can not be used for human consumption, is the production of fishmeal. However, only three German factory ships dispose of fish meal plants. Under the current economic conditions, i.e. because of limited storage capacity, the Ger-man trawler and cutter fleet is not able to transport the bycatch for fish meal production ashore.

The market for processed foodstuffs in Nigeria: The case of canned fish

This paper highlights the potential contribution of the processed food industry (especially with regard to prepared and preserved fish) to the domestic industrial sector. Data for the study were collected from a sample of 85 retail canned fish sellers in South-Western Nigeria (45 and 40 respondents in Oyo and Lagos states respectively). Approaches were also made to government officials and merchant-agents connected with the importation, trade-regulation and distribution of fish in Nigeria. The study examined, in considerable detail, the marketing channels, services, prices and margins of canned fish in the area of study. The paper concludes that efforts should be made to encourage local processing and canning of fish not only to save on foreign exchange and importation costs but also to be able to meet the rapidly growing demand for this product in the country

An appraisal of the efficiency of fish marketing system in Lake Chad basin

Fish products from the Chad Basin Lake play important role in meeting fish protein needs of Nigeria: they contribute not less than 25% of the total domestic fish supply and are significant in determining the availability of processed products and reduction of post-harvest losses. Processors, marketers and consumers are the major actors in appraising a marketing system. The results show that most sellers (4-7.5%) are within the age range of 30-39 years. Desires for more earnings led the markets to diversify their business activities to food stuff trading (37.5%), dried meat/livestock sales (37.5%), farming (12.5%), and transportation (12.5%). 65% of traders dispose off their products mostly in the mornings and evenings, 70% of the products are sold smoked while 50% of products are sold to individual consumers. Lake Chad fish products have a long distribution chain. There is also a high degree of buyers and sellers concentration in the primary fish markets and secondary (urban) markets. The products have a vertical regional movement with southern traders (82.5%) dominating the business, thus making the products popular all over Nigeria. Product differentiation with imperfect pricing policy is common occurrence. Lake Chad fish marketing system has distortions that impede its efficiency, recommendations are made on how to ensure a better efficiency of the system