Nutritional Profiling of Some Barley Varieties and Their Potential as Animal Feed

The effects of cooking, germination, and fermentation on the chemical composition of cowpea were studied. There were noticeable trends in the protein, carbohydrate and crude fiber as a result of the different treatments. Both the germinated and fermented samples contained more ether extractable lipids than the raw and cooked samples. Untreated raw cowpea contained 5.9 mg/g phytic acid, 1.66 mg/g phytate phosphorus, 3.3 mg/g total phosphorus, 56.8 mg/g total sugar, and no reducing sugar. Cooking the dry beans at 100°C for 1 1/2 hours had little effect on the phytic acid and phytate phosphorus. There were, however, significant decreases in total phosphorus and sugars of the cooked beans. After germination for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours respectively, there was a significant decrease in phytic acid and total sugar and increase in total phosphorus and reducing sugar. Similar results were also obtained when the dry beans was fermented for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours respectively.

Effect of Inorganic Phosphate Source and Dietary Phosphorus Level on Laying Hen Performance and Eggshell Quality

Chickpea cultivars CM-68, C-44, Kabuli, CM-72 and 6153 were analysed for phytic acid, phytate phosphorus and total phosphorus. The effect of roasting and autoclaving on these constituents of whole seed and cotyledons was determined. The data revealed that roasting and autoclaving significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) the phytic acid of chickpea cultivars. Phytic acid of whole seed was reduced to a range value of 16-60% and 16-64% by roasting and autoclaving respectively depending upon the cultivar. In the cotyledon, the phytic acid was reduced to a range value of 32-68% and 18-68% during roasting and autoclaving respectively. Similar effect of these treatments was observed in phytate phosphorus however, total phosphorus was little affected.

THIS chapter considers phytate more from the perspective of what plants deposit into the crop seeds/grains/fruits that we use than from the human and animal nutrition perspective. We provide a synopsis of the results of a global survey by Lott et al. [1] of the phosphorus (P) and phytic acid (PA) deposited each year in the world’s major seed/grain/fruit crops, correct an error in those data, and extend the data to give information nutritional scientists can access more easily. It is important to point out that the beneficial and problematic aspects of phytic acid extend beyond animal nutrition aspects. Phytates, which are consumed in food by humans, swine, poultry, and other monogastric animals, often end up contributing to the eutrophication of our lakes and rivers through deposition of P-containing waste products [2]. The manure disposal problems associated with intensive animal farming operations are now widely recognized [3]. When animals are fed on grains/seeds, most of the total P consumed is PA-P, and thus, a large amount of the P in manure must be from phytate phosphorus that was not absorbed by the farm animals [4,5]. Phytate occurs in protein bodies and often, but not always, assembles into small, dense spheres called globoids [6–8]. Phytate concentration may vary in different tissues of a seed/grain/fruit [9,10]. Phytate is used by all seeds/grains/fruits as a mineral nutrient store for the growing seedlings. Generally, phytate accounts for one to several percent of the dry weight of grains and other dry seeds [1,11]. It provides substantial myo-inositol, P, K, and Mg to the growing seedling, and perhaps Ca, Fe, Zn, and Mn [11–15]. The synthesis and roles of phytate in plants have been reviewed by Greenwood [16], Lasztity and

Phytic acid, or myo-inositol hexakisphosphate, is the primary source of inositol and storage phosphorus in plant seeds and has considerable nutritional importance. In this form, phosphorus is unavailable for absorption by monogastric animals, and the strong chelating characteristic of phytic acid reduces the bioavailability of multivalent minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium. Currently, there is no simple quantitative method for phytic acid; existing methods are complex, and the most commonly accepted method, AOAC Official Method SM 986.11, has limitations. The aim of this work was to develop and validate a simple, high-throughput method for the measurement of total phosphorus and phytic acid in foods and animal feeds. The method described here involves acid extraction of phytic acid, followed by dephosphorylation with phytase and alkaline phosphatase. The phosphate released from phytic acid is measured using a modified colorimetric molybdenum blue assay and calculated as total phosphorus or phytic acid content of the original sample. The method was validated to a maximum linearity of 3.0 g phytic acid/100 g sample. Accuracy ranged from 98 to 105% using pure phytic acid and from 97 to 115% for spiked samples. Repeatability ranged from 0.81 to 2.32%, and intermediate precision was 2.27%.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a potential alternative to wet chemical methods for total soil phosphorus determination, but matrix effects related to physical and chemical sample properties need to be further understood. The aim of this study was to explore matrix effects linked to particle size distribution and chemical form of phosphorus on LIBS response and the ability of LIBS to predict total phosphorus in a range of different soil types. Univariate calibration curves were developed by spiking the soils with increasing doses of phosphorus, and limits of detection for LIBS determined phosphorous (P) (LIBS-P) were calculated. Different particle size distributions in otherwise identical soils were obtained by four milling treatments and effects of chemical form of phosphorus were examined by spiking soils with identical amounts of phosphorus in different chemical compounds. The LIBS-P response showed a high correlation (R2 > 0.99) with total phosphorus for all soils. Yet, the sensitivity of LIBS differed significantly among soils, as the slope of the calibration curves increased with increasing sand content, resulting in estimated limits of detection of 10 mg kg-1 for the sandiest and 122 mg · kg-1 for the most clayey soils. These limits indicate that quantitative evaluation of total phosphorus in sandy and loamy sandy soils by LIBS is feasible, since they are lower than typical total phosphorus concentrations in soil. A given milling treatment created different particle size distributions depending on soil type, and consequently different LIBS-P results. Thus, procedures that specify the required degree of homogenization of soil samples prior to analysis are needed. Sieving after milling could be an option, but that should be tested. The soils spiked with Fe(III) phosphate, potassium phosphate and phytic acid had similar LIBS-P, except for soils with hydroxyapatite, which resulted in markedly lower response. These results suggested that matrix effects related to the chemical nature of phosphorus would be minor for non-calcareous soils in humid regions, where apatites comprise only a small fraction of total phosphorus. Strategies to overcome matrix effects related to particle size and content of apatite-phosphorus by combining multivariate models and soil type groupings should be further investigated.

Animal studies have long been a cornerstone of biomedical and environmental health research, and scientists need assurance that animals used in these studies are being cared for in ways that will not unknowingly influence experimental outcomes. But a growing number of scientists have voiced concern over the possibility that certain estrogenic compounds present in lab animal feed may skew test results. These compounds are deemed potentially problematic because they can bind to estrogen receptors and induce estrogen-like effects in animals, humans, and cells grown in culture. Some experts have advocated strict standardization of rodent chows and even the removal of dietary phytoestrogens. This emergent controversy was the focus of “DIET II—The Effect of Variability in Estrogenic Activity of Commercial Animal Feeds: Interaction with Manufacturers, NIH Officials, and Scientific Societies to Develop a Solution,” a full-day meeting held 3 August 2006 in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The meeting, the second in a series on the topic, was cosponsored by the NIEHS and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). Discussions at the meeting centered on the variation in estrogenic activity between feed batches, the effects of these estrogenic components on endocrine-related end points, and the difficulties inherent in comparing, interpreting, and reproducing these end points over time within and between different laboratories when background levels of diet-related estrogenic activity are not adequately documented. Findings presented at this meeting made it clear that researchers studying estrogen-related end points can not afford to overlook the influence of the test rodent’s diet. “This workshop is an excellent example of the cumulative and self-correcting nature of the scientific process,” said ODS nutritionist Elizabeth Yetley, a conference co-organizer. “That is, through the accumulation of results from a body of experimental evidence, the importance of approaches for better-defined animal diets relative to their potential estrogenic activity have been identified, and measures to improve future research in this area are being undertaken by the scientific community.” Participants at the conference—organized by NIEHS scientists Jerrold Heindel and Julius Thigpen, along with Yetley and University of Missouri–Columbia biologist Frederick vom Saal—included investigators from the endocrine disruptor research community as well as representatives from animal feed companies. This spectrum of representatives reflected the fact that, in Heindel’s words, “researchers and animal care divisions of research institutions are beginning to pay attention to the phytoestrogen issue, and feed manufacturers want to know what the scientific community wants.” Heindel described a sincere interest on the part of both sides to reach a “win–win” solution, one that would yield animal diets of a known estrogenicity that could be used by researchers in all fields of physiology and toxicology, but that also would not unduly burden the feed manufacturers.

Twenty samples of faba beans which showed wide variations in the texture after cooking, were analyzed for phytic acid, phosphorus fractions and calcium contents of decoated seeds and seed coats. Wide variations were found in phytic acid, phosphorus and calcium contents among the samples of the same variety and from one year to another. Phytic acid and total phosphorus were concentrated in the decoated seeds while calcium was concentrated in the seed coats. Inorganic phosphorus represented a very small fraction (2 to 4%) of the total phosphorus. However, the mean value of phytate phosphorus constituted about 30% and 40% of the total phosphorus of decoated seeds and seed coats, respectively. A highly significant correlation was found between the total phosphorus and phytate phosphorus contents of decoated seeds. A positive significant correlation between phytic acid content and texture of cooked beans was found for samples of the 1980 crop, but not for samples of the 1981 crop. No significant correlation was found between the phytic acid/Ca ratio and the texture of cooked faba beans. These results indicate that phytic acid content does not affect the texture of cooked faba beans directly, but rather through interrelationships with other seed constituents.

The development of feedstuff retainable phosphorus values for broilers

Spatial and seasonal distributions of soil phosphorus in a short-term flooding wetland of the Yellow River Estuary, China

A total of 183 samples representing 24 feedstuffs were analyzed for total phosphorus, phytate phosphorus content, phytase (Phy), and acid phosphatase (AcPh) activities with the objective to predict the capacity to hydrolyze phytic acid and to contribute to formulating environmentally adequate diets for monogastric animals. Of the cereals and cereal byproducts analyzed, only rye (5147 U kg(-)(1); 21 955 U g(-)(1)), wheat (1637 U kg(-)(1); 10 252 U g(-)(1)), rye bran (7339 U kg(-)(1); 56 722 U g(-)(1)), and wheat bran (4624 U kg(-)(1); 14 106 U g(-)(1)) were rich in Phy and AcPh activities. Legume seeds and oilseeds contained negligible Phy activity and a moderate amount of AcPh activity, except for kidney bean (33 433 U g(-)(1)) and full-fat linseed meal (13 263 U g(-)(1)). On the other hand, a significant linear regression between phytate phosphorus (y) and total phosphorus (x) was observed in cereal byproducts (R(2) = 0. 95; y = 0.8458x - 0.0367; P < 0.001) and oil seeds (R(2) = 0.95; y = 0.945x - 0.20; P < 0.001). Phy and AcPh were positively correlated with respect to phytate phosphorus in cereals, cereal byproducts, and other byproducts and negatively correlated in legume seeds and oilseeds. Except for cereals, the highest correlation between enzyme activities and phytate phosphorus was found for phytase. It is not possible to predict Phy and AcPh activities from phytate phosphorus content by linear and quadratic regressions. Finally, only highly significant and positive correlation was found between Phy and AcPh activities for cereals, cereal byproducts, and oilseeds.

Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) are essential indicators for assessing water quality. This study systematically analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution of TN and TP in China’s surface waters and examines the influence of natural factors and human activities on their concentrations. Utilizing data from 1387 monitoring sites (2020–2021) and employing K-means clustering and geographically weighted regression (GWR), we found that the national average concentrations were 3.89 mg/L for TN and 0.096 mg/L for TP. Spatially, higher TN and TP levels were observed in northern regions, coastal areas, and plains compared with southern, inland, and mountainous areas. Notably, TN concentrations reached up to 29.49 mg/L in the Haihe River basin and related plains, while TP peaked at 0.497 mg/L in the southeastern Shandong and northern Jiangsu coastal zones. Temporally, TN levels were approximately 50% higher in winter than summer, whereas TP levels were about 40% higher in summer. Key influencing factors included rainfall, elevation, fertilizer use, and population density, with spatial heterogeneity observed. Rainfall was the primary factor for TN change and the secondary factor for TP change. Soil type positively correlates with TN and TP changes, affecting non-point source pollution. Human activities such as land use, fertilizer application and population density had a significant effect on the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, while woodland had a significant impact on the improvement of water quality. The geographically weighted regression analysis showed spatial heterogeneity in the effects of each factor on TN and TP concentrations, and the best fit was at the watershed scale. The findings highlight the need for enhanced control of agricultural runoff, improved sewage treatment, and region-specific management strategies to inform effective water environment policies in China.

Corn, wheat and barley remain important sources of nutrients and energy in the diets of farm animals and poultry. According to statistics in the feed factories are allocated up to 45 % to corn, about 35 % to wheat, 25,5 % to barley. In this regard, the task of more appropriate use of the abovementioned grains and the search for alternative feed sources has appeared. In the Volgograd region sorghum of the variety Kamyshinskoe 75 is successfully grown, which is not inferior to corn in nutritional value. The purpose of the work was to increase the productive traits of farm animals and poultry when using sorghum as part of diets. A series of experiments was carried out on sheep of Volgograd breed under the conditions of the IFof the farm Abdalvagapov M. A., young pigs of three-breed hybrids at the LLC “TOPAGRO” enterprise, broiler chickens of the cross Ross-308 in the SRC Effi ciency and Safety of feed and Feed additives of the Volgograd State Agrarian University. The animals and poultry of the control groups were received the main diet with corn, and in the diet of animals and poultry of the experimental groups a complete replacement of corn with sorghum was made. Sorghum compared with corn was characterized by a predominant content of crude protein by 1,74 abs.%, crude ash by 0,38 abs.% and nitrogen-free extractive substances by 0,12 abs.%. At the end of the studies on sheep (age 120 days) in the experimental group the live weight was 35,19 kg, which was higher than in the control by 2,83 % (P &gt; 0,99). The live weight of young pigs at the end of the experiment was 129,95 kg or 2,66 % more than in the control group. Broiler chickens from the control group weighed 2198,36 g by the age of 35 days and by 0,9 % more then in the experimental group. Thus, the complete replacement of corn grain by sorghum in the diets of experimental animals and poultry had a positive eff ect on their growth rate.

Effect of milling, soaking, malting, heat-treatment and fermentation on phytate level of four Sudanese sorghum cultivars

Approaches and challenges to engineering seed phytate and total phosphorus