Showing 2384 results for Type of Study: Research
F. Zarmehr, J. Pourreza, A.h. Samie,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (1-2001)
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to determine the requirements of vitamin supplement and available phosphorus in broiler chickens from 42 to 56 days of age. In a completely randomized design, with a 3×3×3 factorial arrangement, 270 one-day-old commercial broiler chicks were divided into 27 groups (replicates) with 9 treatments, 3 replicates and 10 chicks in each group. Each of the nine diets was given to each treatment from 42 days of age. Levels of vitamin supplement were 0.5, 0.25, 0% and available phosphorus levels were 0.27, 0.22, 0.16%. Diets were isocaloric and isoprotein. Group weight and feed consumption of each replicate were determined after 42 and 56 days of age and daily gain, daily feed consumption and feed conversion were calculated. Percent of carcass components and tibia ash were determined.
Results indicated that removal of vitamin supplement from 42 to 56 days of age did not have any significant effects on daily gain, daily feed consumption, feed conversion, live weight, viscera, abdominal fat, carcass weight, wings, neck and back bone. Also, reduction of available phosphorus did not have any significant effect on daily feed consumption, feed conversion, live weight, viscera, abdominal fat, carcass weight, breast meat, femurs, wings, neck and tibia ash. Interaction between vitamin and phosphorus were significant for daily gain, daily feed consumption, live weight, wings, neck and tibia ash (P<0.005) and were highly significant for breast meat, femurs, and back bone (P<0.00l).
E. Rowghani Haghighi Fard,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (1-2001)
Abstract
Whole corn plant was ensiled in 70 gr minisilos for 60 days to evaluate the effects of addition of two levels of Cellulomonas uda bacteria (0, 1.2×105 and 2.4×105 cfu per gr of fresh forage) on fermentation and chemical composition of silage. The experiment was arranged as a completely randomized design. The silos were opened after 3 and 6 days of fermentation. The criteria measured included dry matter (DM), pH, organic matter, water soluble carbohydrates, crude protein, cell wall (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, cellulose, and ammonia-N contents.
Both levels of bacteria significantly decreased the pH of silages after 3 days (P<0.05). The final pH of silage with the higher level of bacteria was significantly lower, indicative of a greater fermentation of cellulose in this silage. Addition of bacteria resulted in a non-significant increase in the level of final residual water soluble carbohydrates. Final silage ammonia-N concentration was less than 0.8% of dry matter in all silages and was not affected by bacterial treatment. The ADF content was decreased by 11.9% in the silage containing the lower level of bacteria and by 1.8% in the silage which contained the higher level of bacteria. The NDF content increased in the control silage and that with the lower level of bacteria but decreased by 3.6 gr Kg DM-1 in the silage with the higher bacterial level. Hemicellulose contents increased in all silages but cellulose contents decreased by 9.38% (control), 17.37% (low bacteria) and 12.49% (high bacteria) in the control and bacteria-treated silages, respectively. The results indicated that the addition of 12×105 cfu Cellulomonas uda per gr of whole fresh corn plant was effective in increasing residual water soluble carbohydrates, reducing NDF and hydrolyzing cellulose of whole corn plant.
L. Mosharraf Boroujeni, J. Keramat,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (1-2001)
Abstract
Recent restrictions on the use of artificial food colours have prompted extensive research on natural pigments as suitable substitutes. The red beet Beta vulgaris L. has been found as a suitable source of natural red pigment since beet powder and concentrates can conveniently be used in food products. In this research, hot and cold extractions of randomly selected red beets were used after preparation and blanching. The extracts were filtered and passed through a column of Amberlite XAD-7 resins after adjusting the pH to 2.5. The adsorbed colour compounds were extracted from the resins by eluting the column with acidified alcohol. The solvent was removed by vacuum rotary evaporator and solid colour was obtained, using a freeze dryer.
Physicochemical properties of the solid colour were determined by measuring ash and sugar contents of the solid colour. Also, its purity and stability were investigated under different conditions.
The amount of ash and sugar were negligible. The highest stability was observed at a pH value of 5 under cold and dark storage conditions. The purity of the solid colour was determined by scanning in the range of visible wavelengths and preparative TLC. The result showed that purity of the colour as a hundred percent betacyanins. The yield of production was calculated as 2.7 g powder per kilogram of beet. The colour was used in producing ice cream and frozen sherbets, which showed to be a suitable replacement for artificial colour carmoisine. Also the production cost of the colour was as low as less than 0.1 percent of that of ice cream or frozen sherbets.
S. Saboory Halestani, S.h. Dokhani, G.h. Kabir, R. Shokrani,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (1-2001)
Abstract
Four cultivars of olive, Kalamata, Marri, Zard and Fishmi were obtained from Roodbar town and treated with two methods, natural and controlled fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum as a starter culture at 25°C for 100 days. HPLC analysis experiments were conducted during the whole study period. A higher level (1.08% w/w) of total acidity was produced in Fishmi cultivar especially in the natural fermentation (0.8-1.1 g lactic acid/ml) than in other cultivars. Individual organic acids were determined by HPLC. Quantitative changes of organic acids in olives showed (P<0.0l) an increasing pattern of lactic and acetic acids during fermentation, but decreasing levels of malic and citric acids were revealed. The highest level of lactic acid (1.1% w/v) was observed in Zard cultivar and the type of fermentation had no effect on acid production. Malic and citric acids gradually disappeared during 50 days of fermentation period and this change was faster for citric acid during controlled fermentation. Malic acid did not follow this pattern.
S.j. Khajeddin,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (1-2001)
Abstract
Astracantha adscendens is an endemic species in Iran growing on alpine and above alpine timberline habitats on the Zagross Mountain Range. These habitats are characterized by steep slopes, heavy snowfalls and long ice formation periods. The present study was carried out in Chelgerd, Bakhtiari, and Fereidan, Isfahan. Slopes, elevation above sea-level, and magnetic north azimuth were measured. The canopy cover was also measured along four radii in upward, downward, left and right directions. Regression analysis was performed for the measured values of plant and environmental factors.
The results revealed that the upward radius had a high negative correlation with slope changes while the downward radius showed no relationship with slope variations. The two left and right radii had a high and positive relationship with each other, both reducing in length as the slope steepness increased. Shrub volume decreases with increasing slope steepness. Plant shape was classified into seven groups using Sorenson similarity index and constructing the dendrogram. Snow pressure bends the stem toward the soil surface. Snow gliding pressure scratches stem and its base buds above the bent stem. Soil and debris move downward the slope as a result of snow gliding and rainfall runoff as well as wildlife and domestic animals. Snow gliding along with other natural factors have various effects on A. adscendens plant form which can be grouped under three categories: direct mechanical effect of snow, physiological effect of snow, and indirect effect of precipitation and wildlife. The environmental factors and plant physiological responses to them change the A. adscendens plant form from a funnel or ob-conical shape to a semi-funnel or semi ob-conical form.
Y. Rezaenejad, M. Afyuni,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (1-2001)
Abstract
Due to high production of organic residues such as sewage sludge and compost, land application is probably the best way to prevent accumulated residues in the environment. However, the risk involved in the land application of organic residues should be evaluated prior to the assessment of their economic and fertilizer values. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic residues on soil chemical properties, yield and uptake of heavy metals and nutrients by corn (Zea mays L.). The study was a randomized complete block design with three replications with four treatments including cow manure, sewage sludge, municipal compost and inorganic fertilizer.
The organic amendments were applied to the plots at a rate of 50 t ha-1 and inorganic fertilizer treatment consisted of 250 kg ha-1 ammonium phosphate and 250 kg ha-1 urea.
Organic amendments significantly increased soil organic matter content, EDTA-extractable Fe, Zn, Cu and Pb and plant available P, K, and N. Uptake and concentration of nutrient in corn grain and shoots were significantly affected by treatments, whereas Cd and Pb concentrations were the same among the treatments. Cow manure and sewage sludge treatments had the highest and compost had the lowest corn silage and grain yields. Overall, the results indicated that cow manure and sewage sludge had a high fertilizer value and led to heavy metal concentrations in soil as well as corn tissues which were much lower than the reported standards.
K. Mohammadi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
In this paper, a numerical solution is presented for one-dimensional unsaturated flows in the subsurface. Water flow in the subsurface, however, is highly nonlinear and in most cases, exact analytical solutions are impossible. The method of reference-operators has been used to formulate a discrete model of the continuum physical system. Many of the standard finite difference methods and also the finite volume method are special cases of the method of reference-operators. Unlike elementary finite difference methods, the method of reference-operators may by used to construct finite difference schemes on grids of arbitrary structure. A one-dimensional model was developed to predict the soil-water suction (negative pressure head) and water content in a vertical column of a layered soil. The model was verified against some available analytical solutions and experimental results and, in all cases, it showed good agreement.
S.a. Khatoonabadi, A.m. Amini, A. Mirzaali,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
Experience has shown that all centralized planning, policy-making and decision-making which presuppose exclusion of public participation have never been successful in achieving their objectives. The goal of this research is to determine the driving and preventive factors of herders’ participation in rehabilitation designs of Aghghala ranges in Gorgan Province. The research method was direct observation in which measurement techniques were used. A questionnaire was used to divide the sample society into two categories: the experts who design the range management system, and the local herders.
Results obtained from this investigation showed that according to the experts training, economic, planning and social parameters have the greatest effects on local herders’ participation while the herders maintained that planning, economic, training and social parameters have the greatest effect on decreasing their participation.
J. Mohammadi, J. Givi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate land suitability for irrigated wheat in Falavarjan region (Isfahan) using the theory of fuzzy sets. This method differs from the usual land evaluation procedures in its use of weight for different land characteristics and in its method of determining land suitability index. The results were compared with those from parametric land evaluation method. The correlation between land indices and observed yield was higher for the fuzzy set method (r=0.35) as compared to the parametric method (r=0.14). The higher relationship given by the fuzzy set method illustrates its potential usefulness and applicability to land evaluation.
S.h. Dokhani, L. Rabiei Motmaen,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
Physicochemical characteristics of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) are very important for storage and processing qualities. The amount of reducing sugars (glucose and fructose) and organic acids at harvest, during and after storage is the most important factor. In this study, three potato cultivars (Moran, Marfona and Agria) were collected, dry cleaned and graded into three sizes. They were analyzed for specific gravity and dry matter content. Potato tubers were stored at 4°C and about 85% R. H. for 15 weeks and then reconditioned at room temperature (25±l)°C for 4 weeks. During the storage period of tubers, sugars (sucrose, glucose and fructose) were analyzed on a weekly basis, but citric, D-malic and D-pyroglutamic were analyzed on a monthly basis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were analyzed statistically in a completely randomized design with sampling and Duncans multiple range test.
The total sugar and organic acid contents of tubers significantly increased during the 15 weeks of storage at 4°C and decreased after reconditioning at room temperature. The size of tubers did not affect the accumulation of total sugars. Dry matter content and specific gravity of Agria tubers were higher than those of both Moran and Marfona. Also accumulation of reducing sugars was lower in Agria than in Moran and Morfona initially and after the storage and reconditioning periods. Therefore, Agria must be suitable for processing into chips or dry powder.
T. Sohrabi, A. Hosseini, K.h. Talebi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
During recent years, worldwide concern has been focused on the potential for contamination of surface waters and ground waters by agrochemicals in runoff and soil water from irrigated fields. Given this perspective, it is very important to correctly evaluate the levels of different agrochemicals in water, both from human toxicological and environmental viewpoints and to develop management strategies for reducing agrochemical loads to acceptable levels in the environment. The main objective of this study was to assess the qualitative changes of tailwater due to the use of agrochemicals and thereby to determine contamination loads. Four farms (A, B, C and D) were chosen in the Foumanat region in the F2 unit in 1996. The areas of these fields ranged from 0.22 to 0.6 ha having a number of unequal successive basins with variable inflow and outflow rates.
A quantitative analysis showed that the tailwater ratio in farms A, B, C and D ranged from 2 to 64% during the irrigation season. The outflow water was classified as C3S1. The changes in qualitative factors were not significant and did not follow any certain pattern during the irrigation season. The changes in SAR, EC, Cu, Zn, B, P, K and DO in the inflow and outflow waters were also insignificant. After fertilizer application, the increase in nitrogen concentration in the outflow was significant. The average pollution loads in the inflow and outflow were about 1618 and 1476 kg/day/ha, respectively. The remaining load in the rice fields was about 142 kg/day/ha, which was meaningful at 1% level. The fifth farm (E) located in Lahidjan was sprayed with diazinon. Water samples were analyzed each day for diazinon residues for 10 days after application. Sample analysis showed that the concentration of the insecticide was 93.08 mg/l immediately after application and gradually reduced to 0.98 mg/l ten days after spraying.
S. Kouchakzadeh,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
Bridge abutments are usually located in the floodplain zone of rivers where velocity and shear stress are not uniformly distributed. The influence of channel geometry and lateral momentum transfer in compound flow field on the scouring phenomenon has not been fully investigated and understood yet. The impact of lateral momentum transfer on the local scour at abutments terminating in the floodplain of a compound channel is presented in this paper.
It is shown that, by accounting for lateral momentum transfer at small floodplain/main channel depth ratios (λa/H<0.3), estimates of maximum local scour depth are increased by up to 30%. Therefore, ignoring the influence of the lateral momentum transfer, in such circumstances, might result in unrealistic estimation of the scour depth. To draw a more general conclusion, more data are required to assess the influence of different parameters affecting the phenomenon in compound flow conditions.
S. Ayoubi, A. Jalalian, J. Givi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
Qualitative land suitability evaluation is based on the physical parameters affecting the yield agricultural crops. The socio-economic factors are not considered in such evaluations. This study was carried out to assess the qualitative land suitability for irrigated wheat, barley, maize and rice in northern Baraan. Five soil series and 25 different phases were first delineated. Land utilization types commonly practiced in the region with intermediate input levels were considered. Physical requirements of the crops were determined and ranked using the available information. FAO framework and the proposed method of Sys were used for the evaluation. Qualitative evaluation was carried out according to both simple limitation and parametric methods by comparing land and climatic characteristics with crop requirements.
It was shown that in addition to climatic factors, soil salinity, drainage and some soil physical properties such as texture, gravel and lime are the most limiting factors. Land physical suitability for rice production was very low in most land units. The results from physical evaluation by parametric method were very close to those from the simple limitation approach.
M. Sharifi, M. Kalbasi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
Evaluation of nutrient status in soil is important from nutritional, environmental and economical aspects. Potassium is a very important plant nutrient not only because of its large demand, but also because of its important physiological and biochemical functions in plant. In order to evaluate K availability and common K extractants in the central region of Isfahan Province, surface soil samples from 26 important soil series were taken, out of which 16 soil samples were selected for further study based on their ammonium acetate extractable K and texture. Available K was extracted from the soil samples by NH4OAC (4 methods), CaCl2 (2 methods), NaCl (2 methods), NaOAC, AB-DTPA, Mehlich I, Mehlich III, Morgan-Wolf and HNO3. A green house experiment using corn (Zea mays L.) variety Single-cross 704 as the test plant with 2 treatments (zero and 150 mg/kg K) and three replications was performed with the 16 selected soils to correlate K uptake with K extracted by different extractants.
From XRD analysis, the dominant clay mineral was found to be Illite. Based on the amount of potassium extracted by these extractants from the soils the extractants used in this research may be divided into three groups: relatively weak extractants including CaCl2, Mehlich I and Morgan-Wolf relatively strong extractants including NH4OAC, NaCl (2N), Mehlich III, AB-DTPA, NaOAC and NaCl (1N), the strongest and weakest extractants in this group were NH4OAC and NaCl (1N), respectively and finally, a very strong extractant which includes only HNO3. In each group, the quantities of extracted K showed high correlation with each other. A high and significant correlation was observed between the quantities of K extracted by NH4OAC, AB-DTPA and HNO3. The amount of K extracted by 2N NaCl, 1N NaOAC, 1N NH4OAC, and AB-DTPA was significantly correlated with K taken up by plant and its K concentration. 2N NaCl and 1N NaOAC were selected as the most suitable extractants for K based on their high correlation coefficients with plant uptake (0.79** and 0.72**, respectively) and K concentration in plant (0.86** and 0.85**, respectively). Yield, relative yield and plant response were not significantly correlated with K extracted by different extractants indicating that available K of the selected soils was not a limiting factor for corn growth therefore, it was impossible to determine the critical level of K for corn by the selected extractant.
A. Abtahi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
The effect of soil salinity on plant growth is due to two factors, namely, increase in osmotic pressure of soil solution and the ionic composition of salt. The present experiment was conducted to obtain information about the response of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) to salinity and ionic composition of the salt. Salinity with different relative composition of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate were applied to two pistachio cultivars, Fandoghi and Badami. Yield (dry matter of leaf and shoots produced in each pot) of plants were compared by the analysis of variances method of F and Duncan tests.
The yields of the cultivars were significantly different (P≤0.01) with Fandoghi cultivar producing less shoots and leaf and, consequently, lower total dry matter. Increasing the salinity level decreased the plant growth. Leaves were more sensitive to salinity. Increasing the ratio of sulfate salt alleviated the depressive effect of salinity such that when salinity was 100% sodium sulfate, the dry matter yield of shoots was 1.5 times and that of leaf was 1.7 times higher compared to the treatment where salinity was 100% sodium chloride. Leaf was more sensitive than shoots and, therefore, it showed a more positive response to chloride decreasing.
A. Mirlohi, M.a. Hajabassi, S.j. Razavi, E. Ghanaati,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
Soil loss due to erosion is a common problem in most parts of Iran. Reduced soil organic matter and lack of proper agricultural management have intensified the problem in recent years. Conservation tillage systems are becoming more widely used in corn production in other parts of the world because of soil losses due to wind and water erosion and energy inputs. Changes in tillage methods, however, create different environments for the germination, development and maturation of corn plants. Most corn hybrids have been selected and developed under conventional tillage systems but these hybrids mayor may not be well adapted to both systems. This study aims to evaluate the performance of five locally grown corn hybrids under zero and conventional tillage methods. The experiment was conducted for 2 years on a plot of land specified for this study. Experimental design was a split plot with randomized complete block arrangement and four replications.
Seedling and juvenile plant growth were not affected by tillage method and were similar for all hybrids. Plant dry matter was affected significantly by the cropping system and was lower in no-till method. Plant leaf area index and stem diameter reduced significantly in the no-till system. Reduction was greater in the second year of the experiment. Also grain yields were significantly different among years, tillage method and plant genotypes. Yield reduction was highest in the second year of the experiment under no-till cropping system. There was no interaction between tillage method and corn genotypes, indicating that, usually genotypes perform similarly with regard to grain yield under both tillage methods. The results suggest that corn production under no-till system in Isfahan is probably associated with yield reduction.
A. Soltani, A.m. Rezai, M.r. Khajeh Pour,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
Identification of easily measured physiological traits contributing to yield under specified environmental conditions would benefit genotypic selection for grain sorghum. A field experiment was conducted to determine broad-sense heritability and expected genetic advance, and to examine the relationships of grain yield with 11 physiological traits related to developmental periods, vegetative growth, growth rate, grain filling rate, and partitioning to the grain.
Sorghum genotypes exhibited significant differences for all traits, except for grain yield. Broad-sense heritability estimates ranged from a low of 49.6 (for grain filling rate per unit area) to a high of 99.4 (for days to maturity). Expected genetic advance ranged between 9.2% (for days to transition of vegetative to reproductive phase, days to maturity and number of leaves) and 39.8% (for grain filling rate per grain unit). Generally, grain yield gave a significant negative correlation with physiological traits related to development and vegetative growth. But, this correlation was positive and significant for growth rate, grain filling rate, and harvest index. Grain yield was low in its coefficient of genetic variation and expected genetic advance. It is, therefore, concluded that indirect selection for grain yield via growth rate, grain filling rate per unit area and harvest index is efficient. Results suggest that use of easily measured physiological traits in sorghum breeding is possible.
M. Shivazad, A. Seidavy,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
An experiment was conducted in order to study the possibility of compensatory growth by changing dietary nutrients concentration in the female Arian broiler chicks using a completely randomized design by means of standard and diluted diets. By standard diet is meant diet recommended by Arian’s guide catalogue and by diluted diet is meant the diet used in Iran broiler farms. However, both diets contain the same nutrient/energy ratios. Chicks in the seven treatments received in their starter, grower and finisher stages standard and standard and standard, standard and diluted and diluted, diluted and standard and diluted, diluted and diluted and standard, diluted and standard and standard, diluted and diluted and diluted, standard and standard and diluted respectively. Furthermore each treatment contained three replicants and each replicant contained 30 chicks. This experiment was conducted in autumn using 630 female Arian broiler chicks for eight weeks.
It was concluded that weight gain of chicks receiving standard diets during all stages of their growing period was the same as the chicks receiving diluted diet during their starter period and standard diets during grower and finisher periods. Feed consumption and feed conversion ratio of these treatments were statistically lower than other treatment groups. Furthermore, production index and percentage of mortality was better than other treatment groups. Likewise, viscera% and abdominal fat% remained significantly constant in all treatment groups. But the cost of feed per unit of live body weight was lower in the treatment receiving diluted diets in all three stages of their growing period.
A. Foroozandeh, A.h. Samie, G.r. Ghorbani,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
The objectives of this study include the determination of the growth potential of Naeini lambs when fed with diets varying in energy and protein concentrations and also an investigation of the influence of level of energy and/or protein intake on carcass characteristics and composition. Ninety Naeini weather lambs (initial live weight 29.89 ± 2.9 kg) were used in a 92-day feeding experiment. Animals were blocked to each of nine dietary treatments. Diets contained either 2, 2.25 or 2.5 Mcal ME/Kg DM and 11.7, 13.2 or 14.7% CP diets were fed in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement in randomized complete blocks.
Lambs fed with high energy diets consumed significantly more feed (P<0.05) than lambs given the medium (ME) or low energy (LE) diets. The average final body weight and daily weight gain for lambs fed with HE, ME and LE diets were 41.4, 38.3, 34.5 Kg and 162, 124, 74 g/d, respectively, which were significantly different (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio in HE group was significantly lower (8.3) than ME (10.4) or LE (14.3) groups. Energetic efficiencies and protein efficiencies were better for HE than for ME and LE diets. Increasing dietary energy significantly (P<0.05) improved energy and protein efficiencies of the diets. Dressing percentage, lean meat and eye muscle depth were significantly (P<0.05) improved with increasing levels of energy in the diet, but also increased dissectible fat. No significant changes were observed in bone percentage and body ash due to any changes in dietary energy. As the protein level of rations increased, feed conversion ratio and carcass meat percentage increased, but carcass protein percentage decreased.
J. Keramt, S. Malek,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2001)
Abstract
Molasses are produced in large amounts by sugar cane and sugar beet factories every year. However, they are considered as the waste product of the crystallization plants. Thus, although they contain significant amounts of materials with deep black colour which can be separated as food colour, molasses are very cheap and feasible to be used for this purpose. Aliquots of diluted molasses, after adjusting the pH, were passed through the column followed by extraction with acidified alcohol. The highest yield of extraction (76.3%) was obtained by using diluted molasses (10° BX) and 150 ml of Amberlite resins. The solvent was removed and the solid colour was obtained by evaporating the water using a freeze drying system.
The colour was characterized by determining its solubility, amount of ash, and sugar content and its colouring ability. Also, the stability of the colour under different conditions of acidic pH, temperature, and visible light was investigated. In addition, the colour values of the colour solution were measured by Hunter lab system.
The colour was compared with the imported caramel which is used in the black soft drinks of Zam Zam. Both had almost the same values of λmax. Also, their sensitivities to pH changes were similar. Samples of soft drinks made by using the prepared colour were compared with those made by caramel under different conditions of storage such as temperature and light. On the whole, the colour was found to be a very suitable replacement for caramel in the production of black soft drinks.
Also the colour was used as partial replacement for cocoa powder in making chocolate milk. The taste panel showed that cocoa powder can be replaced by the colour powder by 20% with almost no detectable differences. The caramel from molasses is safe and can be used as a food colour. The cost of production was estimated at about 10 Rials per gram of caramel. Thus, from an economical point of view, industrial production of caramel from molasses is profitable.
