The study was conducted in three districts of Sheka zone in southern Ethiopia with the objective of comparing the carcass quality characteristics of indigenous and F1-crosses (indigenous and Sasso) chickens. Six Kebeles were purposely selected from the three districts. A total of 180 households were purposely selected which possess a minimum of 3 adult chickens. While from 180 households 84 households were randomly selected to assess the carcass quality characteristics of local chickens and their F1-crosses (genotype 2 and 3). For the evaluation of carcass quality traits, 84 male chickens were used that were drawn from both indigenous and F1-crossbred chickens. The results indicated that the average values of the breast, thighs, neck, liver and gizzard, all carcass component values of chickens raised in Anderacha and Masha districts were higher (p<0.05) than those of Yeki. The highest breast and gizzard values were observed from Mash chickens and differed (p<0.05) from those of the two districts. The F1-crosses (genotype 2 and 3) were superior in all carcass comments to the local chickens except for dressing percentage which was highest in the local chickens. From the current study it can be concluded that the F1-crosses (genotype 2 and 3) had the highest carcass potentials and could be used as meat or dual-purpose chickens under the smallholder settings. However, care must be taken for unjustified distribution of exotic chicken breeds to prevent genetic dilution.

Interest with collagen due its unique properties and functions has been increased recently. Different sources such as avian, aquatic, bovine, porcine, recombinant, and synthetic are used to produce collagen. It has been utilized in the biomedical devices, pharmaceutical, food and beverage formulations, cosmetic industry, etc. Collagen-based drug delivery systems are used for the treatment of different diseases; whereas use of collagen in food formulations increases nutritive value of the foods with increased stability of emulsions. Collagen has also been applied as protein dietary supplements, carriers, food additive, edible film, and coatings. Collagen-based films and coatings help to preserve quality properties of the biological material and/or food samples. Extensive use of collagen draws more attention on structure, origin of sources, health benefits and current use; thus, structure, sources, functions, and applications of collagen are summarized.

Lactic acid fermentation provides a natural means to improve technological and nutritional quality of foods. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of the bioadhesion of L. plantarum on the microbial quality, the physicochemical proprieties and the antioxidant activity of tomato slices during 7 days of drying. The adhesion of L. plantarum to the tomato slices was explored by enumeration of viable cells, identification and ESEM microscopy. The assessment of adhesion of L. plantarum at different contact times has shown a higher increase in the number of L. plantarum adhering, which improved over 7.5 Log CFU/g DM after 7 days of drying. The ESEM observation showed also that tomato surface was covered by a compact biofilm of L. plantarum approved by microbiological identification. A reduction of the undesirable microorganisms such as total coliform , yeast and fungi was also detected. The physicochemical analyses revealed that L. plantarum adhesion decreased water loss on the tomato slices. Furthermore, after 7 days of drying, treated tomato exhibited a good capacity to preserve the antioxidant contents and consequently their antioxidant activity. Overall, the use of L. plantarum is an efficient approach to increase safety and shelf-Life of dried tomato slices.

Malnutrition is one of the major concerns to most countries
in Africa, particularly in developing countries where there are
shortages in nutritious foods for the young ones. The major nutritional
deficiency known is as a result of protein malnutrition
in humans. Although animal proteins are superior to plant proteins,
their ratio in diets, especially in developing countries, is
not likely to change in the immediate future due to inadequate
supply and high unit cost (Lopez-Bellido and Fuentes, 1986).

In most parts of our country, potato is an important food and
cash crop and also it has high yielding potential in Southern
Ethiopia however, its production and productivity is low
owing to a number of constraints. Disordered agronomic
practices, like application of low rates of inorganic fertilizers
and inappropriate spacing were among the major problems.
The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of five
rates of blended fertilizer rates (0, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg
NPS ha-1) and intra-row planting spacing of 20cm, 30cm and
40cm and laid out in a factorial arrangement by randomized
complete block design replicated three times

Calyx senescence of citrus fruit after harvest can contribute greatly to deterioration in quality and reduces the market value, as calyx detachment fruit facilitates fungal attacks. In this study, the effects of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyloxyacetic acid (3,5,6-TPA) on delaying calyx disorders of two citrus varieties were investigated

This study aimed to examine the relationships between fruit and vegetable (FV) and fast food (FF) consumption and immigration-related factors among Hispanics in California. The analysis of data from the 2015 California Health Interview Survey was performed using the Chisquare test and Spearman’s correlation. The sample included 4,959 adults, 311 adolescents, and 969 children, all Hispanics. Significant relationships were found between: parents’ countries of origins and FV consumption, X2 (8, N = 963) = 18.29, p < .05; fathers’ immigration status and FF consumption, X2 (6, N = 351) = 15.40, p < .05; adult immigration status and their FF consumption, X2 (6, N = 4,549) = 41.91, p < .05; father’s length of residence and FV consumption, X2 (8, N = 963) = 26.38, p < .05. The findings of this study can be used to guide public health nutrition policy and interventions.