Estimation of Daily Intake of Lead and Cadmium from Chicken Luncheon Meat Consumed in Damascus

Abdulkarim Husen^*(1)

(1). Syrian Arab Standardization and Metrology Organization, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Abdulkarim Husen. E-Mail: ablon80@yahoo.com).

Received: 12/04/ 2015 Accepted: 03/07/ 2015

Abstract

The research which was conducted in the laboratories of Syrian Arab Standardization and Metrology Organization (SASMO) aimed to estimate the daily intake of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) for adult person of 70 Kg weight when he consumed 100 g/day of canned chicken luncheon meat of 5 different brands samples, three of them were locally processed (A, B, and C), while two of them were imported (D, and E), and all brands were sold in the markets. The results revealed that lead levels of the samples differed significantly and ranged between 0.351 and 0.73 mg/Kg (p≤0.05). The samples A and E exceeded the permissible limit which is mentioned in the Syrian Standardization and Metrology number (2719) (>0.5 mg/Kg) in 2008. Regarding cadmium levels, it ranged between 9.37 and 15.22 µg/Kg, and all samples were within the permissible limit according to FAO, (1980) (>100 µg/Kg), and according to ECR, (2006) (>50 µg/Kg). The daily intake (DI) from elements was compared with acceptable daily intake (ADI), which is recommended by Syrian Standardization and Metrology number (575) in 2009 (250 µg/day/person of lead and 70 µg/day/person of cadmium). The results exhibited that the daily intake of lead ranged between 35.1 and 73 µg/day/person, with a contribution percentage ranged between 14.04 and 29.2% of the daily intake, on the other hand cadmium daily intake ranged between 0.937 and 1.522 µg/day/person with a contribution percentage ranged between 1.33 and 2.17% of the daily intake. We conclude that the consumed canned chicken luncheon meat of different studied brands constitutes an important source for lead and cadmium, with the possibility of exceeding the permissible limits for some brands.

Key words: Cadmium, Lead, Accepted daily intake, Chicken luncheon meat.

Full paper in Arabic:

تقدير المدخول اليومي من الرصاص والكادميوم الناتج من استهلاك لحم لانشون الدجاج في مدينة دمشق

The Role of Women in Improving the Added Value of Dairy Products in Sweida Province of Syria

Kenan Fawaz kamal Aldeen^*(1)

(1). Socio Economic Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR). Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Kenan Fawaz Kamal Aldeen. E-Mail: Kenana76@gmail.com).

Received: 17/11/2015 Accepted: 15/03/2016

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the proportion of female breeders of cows, who make dairy products, and study the effect of socio- economic variables affecting the women’s decision in making these products, and to determine the value-added, which is caused by the female breeders that due to the dairy products process, in Sweida, Syria. A stratified sample sized of 192 cow breeders was selected, based on a field questionnaire during 2014. The results showed that 82.3 % of cows’ breeders make one product at least of dairy products. The results also showed that 100% of them make yoghurt and labna, 98.7% make cheese, 72.2 % make ghee, 66.5 % make kishk, and 46.8 % make Aelchencklish. The results, also clarified significant negative relations between the dependent variable, which was a dummy variable represented by the women’s decision of making dairy products, and each of the independent variables involving, the educational level of a woman, having another job outside the house, price of milk. While there was a positive relations with each of the independent variables including, the families’ size, and economic awareness. Results also showed that the value-added, which is caused by women from making 1 kg of milk, is accounted to 10sp for yoghurt, 17.4sp of labna, 8sp for cheese, 9.2sp for ghee, 10.3sp Aelchencklish , and 81.4sp of the kishk, which achieved the highest profit as a result of making of milk.

Key words: Rural woman, Dairy Products, Value added.

Full paper in Arabic: دور المرأة في تحسين القيمة المضافة لمنتجات الألبان في محافظة السويداء من سورية

Econometrical Estimate of Cost and Production Functions of Non-Irrigated Apple in Suwayda Government, Syria

Alaa Al Zagout*⁽¹⁾ Safwan Abo Assaf⁽²⁾ Amgad Badr⁽²⁾ and Yehya Sharaf⁽³⁾

(1). Extension and Social Studies Department, Agricultural Extension Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform (MOAAR), Swayda, Syria.
(2). Economic and Social Studies Department, Agriculture Research Center in Swayda, General Commission for Scientific and Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Swayda, Syria.
(3). Extension Programs Division, Extension Department, Agricultural Extension Directorate, (MOAAR), Swayda, Syria.

(*Correspoding author: Dr. Alaa Al Zagout. E-Mail: alzagout@hotmail.com).

Received: 04/05/ 2015 Accepted: 01/07/ 2015

Abstract

Apple production is an important agricultural productive activity in Suwayda, Syria, therefore this research aimed to estimate some measurements of the financial analysis, and costs and production functions of the available resources. The primary data was collected from Suwayda governorate using random sample of (268) observations during 2012. The main results of the study were as follow: Land rent, control, and pruning costs were the highest production costs of about 25%, 18%, 9% respectively. All farms within all scales were working in the first stage of the diminishing return law. The optimum size of the apple farm is about 9.5 hectares. The most important factors affecting apple production were: altitude, age of tree, phosphate fertilizer, potassium fertilizer, framer’s job, labor, invested capital, and summer tillage.

Keywords: Apple, Cost function, Production function, Optimum production size.

Full paper in Arabic: التقدير القياسي لدوال تكاليف وإنتاج التفاح البعل في محافظة السويداء

Economic Comparison Between Autumn and Summer Sowing of Sugar Beet in Al Raqqa Governorate, Syria

Smaan Al Atwan⁽¹⁾ Entessar Al-Jbawi⁽²⁾ Eyad Al-khaled*⁽³⁾and Alaa Jaafar⁽⁴⁾

(1). Economic Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
(2). Sugar Beet Research Department, Crops Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific and Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(3). General Organization of Remote Sensing (GORS), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Eyad Al Khaled. E-Mail: dr.eyadalkhaled@gmail.com).

Received: 09/07/ 2015 Accepted: 06/08/ 2015

Abstract

This research aims to study the actual cultivation and production of sugar beet in Al Raqqa governorate, Syria, in summer and autumn times, during 2011/2012 season, the study depended on the data collected, using a questionnaire covering the goal. 12 villages were selected representing the region of the study, 24 fields for summer time, and 26 for autumn time, thereby, total sample individuals were 50 fields. The study showed that the total economic efficiency in summer time (1.4) was higher than autumn time (1.2), indicating the profitability of production of the new promising -summer time sugar beet- which is recently recommended for north and eastern area of Syria (Al Raqqa and Der Al Zur).

Key words: Sugar beet, Total economic efficiency, Production costs, Farm income.

Full paper in Arabic:

مقارنة اقتصادية بين العروتين الخريفية والصيفية لمحصول الشوندر السكري بمحافظة الرقة في سورية

The Effect of Some Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors on Birth Weight and Weaning in Syrian Calves Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis)

Nader Drbas*⁽¹⁾and Mohammed Ayman Daba⁽²⁾

(1). Shatha Research Station, Agriculturual Research Center in Al Ghab, General commission for Scientoific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Al Ghab, Syria.
(2). Animal Breeding Research Department, Animal Wealth Research Administration, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Nader Drbas. E-Mail: n.drbas@gmail.com).

Received: 05/07/ 2015 Accepted: 21/08/ 2015

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Shatha Buffalo Research Station in Hama/Syria during 2011, to determine the effect of some factors affecting birth weight, weaning, and growth rate of born buffalo such as the father, season of birth and month of birth, sex and year of study.
The available station records were used for this purpose from 1997 up to 2008. The results showed a significant effect (p ≤ 0.01) for each of the year, season of birth, the father, and month of birth on birth weight, it was noticed that males were heavier than females at birth with a significant effect (p≤ 0.05), and weaning weight of 90 days influenced significantly (p≤ 0.01) by the year and month of birth, also the effects of father and sex were significant (p≤ 0.05), but no effect in terms of the number of the season. Considering the growth rate during breastfeeding period the impacts of year, father, and month of birth were significant (p≤ 0.01), also and the impact of sex was significant (p≤0.05), but no effect of the season number. The genetic heritability was estimated by the variance components of the parents, which was for birth weight 0.360 ± 0.03, and was for weaning weight 0.406 ± 0.06, while it was for growth rate 0.390 ± 0.02, this shows that there are several factors affect birth weight, and weaning, and growth rate in the Syrian calves buffalo during breastfeeding, therefore it is necessary to focus on improving the environment where the animal is besides the genetic improvement in breeding programs to get the required genetic gain.

Keywords: Buffalo, Birth weight, Weaning weight, Rate of daily growth, Heritability.

Full paper in Arabic:تأثير بعض العوامل الوراثية وغير الوراثية على وزن الميلاد والفطام في مواليد الجاموس السوري

The Effect of Supplementing Saccharomyces cerevisiae Live Yeast on Milk Production and Body Weight of Awassi Sheep

Mansur M Ahmad⁽¹⁾Muhannad Muna*⁽²⁾ Abdu Allah Nouh⁽¹⁾ Osman Kahel⁽¹⁾ Faesal Hanafi⁽¹⁾and Mohammad Toama⁽¹⁾.

^(1).Animal Wealth Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
^(2). Latakia Research Center , GCSAR, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Muhannad Muna, Latakia. E. mail: muhannadmuna@yahoo.com)

Received: 08/03/ 2015 Accepted: 18/06/ 2015

Abstract

This study was carried out at sheep section – Shami Camels Research Station, Damascus country side. Twenty-four lactating Awassi ewes homogenous in terms of age (5 years) and production season (fourth) and milk yield in the previous season. The ewes were divided randomly into three groups. All housing and management conditions were similar for all sheep throughout experiment period (105 day post-weaning). The first group T (control) was fed on basic ration (concentrate feed, barley-vetch hay, fresh forage), while the second T1 and the third T2 groups were fed on basic ration supplemented by yeast (3 and 5 g/head/day, respectively). The results showed that the average total gain was higher in T2 (P≤0.05) as compared with control (6.25 vs. 4.89). Milk yield amounted 65.82±2.47, 71.57±3.86, and 70.27±7.81 kg for T, T1 and T2, respectively. T1 milk yield was higher (P≤0.05) by 8.7% than that of T. There was no significant differences between the three groups for milk components (fat, protein, lactose and total solids), while amount of total fat was significantly (P≤0.05) more than 16.1 and 13.7%, respectively for T1 and T2. It can be concluded that the addition of live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae at a rate of 3 g/head/day to the diets of dairy ewes gives the highest milk production vs 5 g/head/day for better gain in body weight.

Keywords: Awassi sheep, Yeast culture, Milk yield, Fat.

Full paper in Arabic: تأثير خميرة السكرومايسيس سرفيسيا الحية على إنتاج الحليب والوزن الحي في أغنام العواس

Diseases Survey of Pure and Hybrid (1/2 Mountain, 1/2 Shami) Mountain Goats at Aura Goats Research Station, Syria

Abdul Naser Al-Omar*⁽¹⁾ Huseen Alsulaiman⁽²⁾ Mohamed Zuheir Salam⁽³⁾and Ayman Debba⁽³⁾

(1). Hama Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GSCAR), Hama, Syria.
(2). Department of Animal Health/ Ministry of Agriculture, Damascus, Syria.
(3). Animal Wealth Administration, GSCAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abdul Naser Al-Omar. PO Box 682, Hama, Syria. E-Mail: abdnaser64@gmail.com).

Received: 08/03/ 2015 Accepted: 18/06/ 2015

Abstract

This research was carried out aiming to survey diseases of Mountain and Hybrid goats (1/2Mountain, 1/2Shami) and to assess disease infections and their rates at Aura Goats Research Station in Al-Sweida, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GSAR), Syria, during 2006-2011. The most important repeated infections at the station were recorded by using phytosanitary records, and observing goats closely, in addition of making serum laboratory exams for Toxoplasm gondii by using Toxo –Hat Fumouze test, and Chlamydia Psittaci by using (ELISA) test. These infections were classified according to their positions in the animal’s body systems. Results showed that Mountain and Hybrid goats at the station were infected with several diseases, where the infection rates varied from race to race. The infections with alimentary and respiratory systems diseases were higher, where infection rates with alimentary system diseases at Mountain and Hybrid goats were (46.36, 33.36)% respectively, whereas infection rates with respiratory system diseases were (21.51, 24.31)% respectively. Mastitis, nervous system diseases, metabolic diseases, urinary system diseases, skin diseases, abscesses, foot infectious, eyes diseases, general weakness and frailness had related rates in Mountain and Hybrid goats, but Enterotoxaemia spread in Mountain goats only. The statistical analysis showed that there is no significant difference in most diseases between Mountain and Hybrid goats except alimentary system, metabolic, urinary system diseases (p<0.05). Serological tests showed infection prevalence with Toxoplasma gondii, Chlamydia Psittaci in both races, but with different rates, where the serum spread rates of Toxoplasm gondii were 13.04%, 16.66% in Mountain and Hybrid goats respectively, whereas the spread rate of Chlamydia Psittaci was 4.16% in Hybrid goats, without any infection in Mountain goats. Chi square test showed insignificant difference of diseases rates between Mountain and Hybrid goats for both diseases, where chi square value was (1.148) (P≥0.05).

Key words: Disease infections, Mountain goats, Hybrid goats.

Full paper in Arabic:

تقصي الإصابات المرضية لدى الماعز الجبلي النقي والهجين (2/1 جبلي, 2/1 شامي) في محطة بحوث عرى، سورية

Heterosis for Seed Yield and its Components Seed Characters and its Quality of Squash Cucurbita pepo L.

Abdulmohsen Khaleel Murie^*(1) Mohammad Yahya Muaalla⁽²⁾ Mitiadi George Burass⁽³⁾ Bollous Khouri⁽²⁾ and Antoen Antoen⁽¹⁾

(1). Hurticulture Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(2). Crops Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.
(3). Hurticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(*Correponding author: Dr. Abdulmohsen Khaleel Murie. E-Mail: abdmmurie@yahoo.com).

Received: 08/04/ 2015 Accepted: 22/06/ 2015

Abstract

The study was conducted at Altyba Research Station of the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Syria, during 2008-2009 seasons, using nine parental lines and their 36 F1 hybrids, which were obtained by half diallel crossing, to study the charateristics of the mature friuts, seed yield and its components, seed charateristics and their quality, also to estimate hetrerosis, to determine the superior hybrids that to be invested in the agricultural production. Randomized complete block design with three replications was applicated. Results showed that most of the crosses recorded a positive and high significant of heterosis, in most characters, the heterosis ranged from 2.92% to 141.06% compared to mid parents, and ranged from 0.19% to 134.83% compared to the better parent. Hybrids of (5×6، 4×7، 4×6) exhibited higher heterosis values (102.74%، 89.48%،77.23%) for seed yield, modrate heterosis values for 100 seed weight (14.06%، 16.80%، 19.63%), and for fat content (7.48%، 8.90%، 5.44%), respectively. Hybrids )5×6، 4×7، 4×6) are considered promissing to be invested for seed production purpose, and supporting raw medical material to extract vitamin E.

Key words: Cucurbita pepo, Heterosis, Seed yield components, Seed characters, Quality characters,

Full paper in Arabic:

قوة الهجين للإنتاجية البذرية ومكوناتها، صفات البذور وخصائصها النوعية في قرع الكوسا Cucurbita pepo

Evaluation and Selection of Wild Olive (Olea sylvestris) Phenotypes Spread in Hama Governorate, Syria

Reem Abdelhamid ^*(1)

(1). Horticulture Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Reem Abdelhamid. E-Mail: reem_ahamid@yahoo.com).

Received: 08/10/ 2014 Accepted: 16/06/ 2015

Abstract

This research was carried outduring the period 2009-2012to identify locations of wild olive (Oleasylvestris) distribution in Hama governorate in Syria. The most important three locations of wild olive were chosen i.e. Sigata, Tal Aafar, and Ain Al Nabed. 20 morphotypes were selected and characterized from the three main regions, depending on IOC application; also the fruits were characterized depending on the oil content. The results indicated wide diversity within wild olive genotypes at the same location and between all locations. Wild olive is a collection of genotypes rather than ecotypes. Genotypes wa6, wt8, and ws2 were selected as double purpose (oil and pickling), wa4 and wt4 for oil, while wt6 was selected as pickling genotype. The results exhibited the efficiency of the characterization of wild olive phenotypes methods, and it is recommended to be used in olive biodiversity studies.

Key word: Wild olive, Phenotypes, Evaluation, Selection, Oil content.

Full paper in Arabic:

تقييم وانتخاب طرز مورفولوجية من الزيتون البري (Olea sylvestris) المنتشرة في محافظة حماه السّورية

Toxicity Estimation of Dimethoate Insecticide on Sf9 Insect Cell Line in Vitro

Manal Saleh*⁽¹⁾ Jamal Hajjar⁽²⁾ and Abdul kader Rahmo⁽¹⁾

(1). General Organization of Biotechnology, Damascus, Syria.
(2). Department of Arid Area Cultivation, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia.
(3). Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Damacus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Manal Saleh. E-Mail: manalcapno@gmail.com).

Received: 10/05/ 2015 Accepted: 07/07/ 2015

Abstract

Chemical insecticides have a major role in insect pest control, especially organophosphates insecticides; their non-selective mode of action may cause devastating environmental problems. In vitro assays with cultured insect cells were used as the first step in toxicity studies and to achieve a simple, low cost and rapid system that allows testing of insecticides. In this study, the effect of the organophosphorus pesticide “Dimethoate” was evaluated in vitro on cultured Sf9 cell line. Cell viability was estimated using Trypan blue stain. Analysis of regression was used to estimate the 50% inhibition of cell growth (IC₅₀), resulting in: IC₅₀ =75µM. Deformation of treated cells was observed, as cells became larger and included cavities; number of deformed cells was positively correlated with concentration of Dimethoate. This research presents an important example of applying in vitro insect cell culture as a useful tool in the prescreening of insecticides’ effect and mode of action, especially newly introduced ones.

Key words: Insect cell lines, In vitro test, Dimethoate, IC_50.

Full paper in Arabic:

تقدير سمية مبيد دايمثوات باستخدام خط الخلايا الحشرية Sf9 المزروعة مخبرياً