Featured Issue: Biokemistri Vol.24 No.3

Biokemistri has recently been updated on Bioline. Today we are featuring vol.24 no.3. 

This issue includes "The influence of zinc and selenium on some biochemical responses of Vigna unguiculata and Zea mays to water deficit condition and rehydration" by Semiu O. & Gbenga A. This article examines how zinc and selenium affect the biochemical reactions of cowpea and maize seedlings when they are subjected to conditions of rehydration and water deficit. In this study, cowpea and maize seedlings were subjected to water dehydration for two weeks. They were then tested to find their water content. Seedlings that were treated with selenium were found to have higher relative water content. When all samples were tested, it was found that seedlings had increased levels of the biochemical parameters tested. The results also indicated that the effects of water deficit were greater in maize seedlings than cowpea seedlings. The study concludes that antioxidate chemicals, especially selenium, are recommended to use for farmers that experience short-term drought.

This issue also includes "The effect of grower feed diet supplemented with Ganoderma lucidum against some enteric zoonotic parasites of pigeons (Columba livia)" by Osemwegie et al. This article looks at the effect of grower feed diet with mashed Ganoderma lucidum, also known as the Lingzhi mushroom, on zoonotic parasites of pigeons (Columba livia) in Benin City, Nigeria. For this study, pigeons were fed in wooden cages with saw-dusted floors, and then examined after 14 days. The results indicated that out of pigeons given feed not supplemented with Ganoderma lucidum, 77% of pigeons had Cestodes, also known as tapeworms. Nematodes and trematodes were also found among this group. The group of pigeons given feed supplemented with Ganoderma lucidum were found to have low numbers of helminth parasites, and an overall decrease in weight. The study concluded that these pigeons had improved intestinal health among other findings. This information could be used when considering probiotics and supplements used in poultry farming.

For these articles and other articles from this issue, click here.