Alternative Protein Source In Diets Research Articles

Blood Parameter Response in Growing Alpine Goat Kids Fed Diets Containing Extruded Flaxseed or Pumpkin Seed Cake

Blood parameters can provide information on the nutritional status of goat kids, which is related to both health and performance. The present study aimed to research whether feeding extruded flaxseed (FS) and pumpkin seed cake (PC), as an alternative protein source in diets, has an effect on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of goat kids during growth. In the small-scale goat farm, 31 French Alpine goat kids aged 32 days were used for the study. The goat kids were subjected to three different feeding treatments: a mixture containing soybean meal and extruded soybeans (CON), a mixture containing 16% PC (PC-16), and a mixture containing 9% FS (FS-9). They were monitored during the suckling, weaning, and post-weaning growth periods. PC-16 and FS-9 in goat kids’ diets did not result in any changes regarding average daily weight gain. The WBC count was higher in goat kids fed FS-9 and PC-16 compared to CON (9.84 and 9.54 vs. 6.61 × 109 L) diets during the weaning period. GGT activity was lowest in the serum of goat kids fed PC-16 compared to CON post-weaning (38.65 vs. 48.40 U/L). In addition, FS-19 increased GPx compared to kids fed PC-16 post-weaning (809.7 vs. 600.8 U/L). Regarding blood parameters, PC-16 and FS-9 can be used in goat kids’ nutrition as alternative sources of proteins on a small-scale goat farm without compromising goat kids’ growth.

NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS AND CHEMICAL FINGERPRINTING OF BLACK SOLDIER FLY (Hermetia illucens) LARVAE MEAL NATIVE TO THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

The search for new protein sources for food formulation is increasing. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae have high levels of protein, good fat content and are rich in essential amino acids, making them an alternative source of dietary protein. In this work, the nutritional properties and metabolomic characterization of black soldier fly larvae meal native to the Peruvian Amazon reared on three organic waste substrates were carried out. The three meals had a high protein content (38.90-44.68%), lipids (26.96-31.01%), as well as a high potassium, calcium and low sodium content. The larvae meal fed with orange bagasse presented the best content of iron and manganese. The fatty acid profile showed a high content of palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids for the three flours. The most abundant essential amino acids in the three meals were leucine, lysine and valine. A total of 48 compounds were identified in the larvae meal fed with orange bagasse, 24 compounds in the larvae meal fed with oats and 44 compounds in the larvae meal fed with ripe banana pulp. These results indicate that black soldier fly larvae meals native to the Peruvian Amazon are a good source of proteins, minerals, essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids with high nutritional value.

Chemical Profile, Amino Acid Characteristics and Phytochemical Study of Mentha Piperita Leaf Protein Concentrates

Protein malnutrition is one of the global nutritional problems encountered in the less developed countries of the world, prompting researchers to search for alternative dietary protein sources that would alleviate problems of protein shortage and could also provide, to a certain extent, some important medicinal purposes. The leaves of the plant were washed with distilled water to remove dust, authenticated at the forest research institute Jericho Ibadan and processed for leaf protein concentrates to evaluate for proximate composition, mineral content, phytochemical analysis and amino acid profile using the standard method of analysis. The results of proximate analysis of the sample in g/100g showed moisture content (12.58±0.053), Ash (2.14±0.061), Fat (15.67±0.031), Crude protein (43.78±0.031), Crude fat (17.23±0.071) and Carbohydrate (8.58±0.113). The mineral composition of the sample had 0.19±0.00mg/g of magnesium, Na; 41.382±0.35mg/g, Fe; 1.292±0.002, K; 9.098±0.02, Fe; 1.293±0.00mg/g, Zn; 0.013±0.00mg/g, Cr; 0.026±0.00mg/g phosphorus; 19.520±0.29 Ni; 0.001±0.00, Cd; 0.0143±0.00mg/g, while lead and selenium were not detected in the sample. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed the presence of Tannin, Saponin, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, and phenol in reasonable amounts, revealing that the sample would possess certain important medicinal characteristics. The amino acid content of the samples showed valuable essential and non-essential amino acids. It is evident from the study that the leaf protein concentrates from Mentha piperita plants' source of nutrients, phytochemicals, and essential and non-essential amino acids, indicating that the plant could still be classified as nutraceuticals apart from cosmeceuticals due to the concentration of phytochemicals and nutritive parameters of the sample.

Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) meal is a viable protein source for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during a large-scale controlled field trial under commercial-like conditions

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL) from Hermetia illucens is a promising alternative protein source in diets for farmed fish. The larvae can efficiently convert low-value organic material into high-value protein in a production cycle with low arable land and freshwater inputs. A few recent studies have shown that BSFL is a suitable protein source for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in smaller controlled experiments. However, industry-relevant field trials conducted under large scale near-commercial conditions over a longer period are lacking. In this study, a feeding trial was performed to evaluate the impact of BSFL on growth performance and health of Atlantic salmon during the grow-out phase in seawater, in a commercial site in Vestland county, Norway. A total of 181,046 post-smolt Atlantic salmon were distributed into six duplicate sea cages and fed one of three diets (commercial-like control diet and two test diets partially replacing the protein content of the control diet with 4% and 8% defatted BSFL meal) for 21 weeks, until a relevant commercial slaughter size of 4.5–5.0 kg was reached. Health parameters were assessed, including histology of the distal intestine (DI), DI microbiota identification (by 16 s rRNA-seq) and salmon RNA-seq of DI and head kidney (HK). The results showed that the inclusion of BSFL meal supported growth performance and had no adverse effect on gut health. The beta diversity of the DI microbiota and the relative abundance of families Lactobacillaceae and the chitinolytic Bacillaceae increased in the fish fed the BSFL diets. Additionally, no histopathological changes were attributable to BSFL meal intake. Results from RNA-seq in DI revealed that BSFL inclusion modulates metabolic processes associated with lipids, response to estrogens, activity of immune receptors (to chemokines), phagocytosis and extracellular vesicles. Based on these results, black soldier fly larvae meal was shown to be a suitable alternative protein ingredient in inclusions of up to at least 8% for Atlantic salmon under industrial fish farming conditions.

Optimization of Heterotrophic Culture Conditions for the Microalgae Euglena gracilis to Produce Proteins.

Euglena gracilis is one of the few permitted edible microalgae. Considering consumer acceptance, E. gracilis grown heterotrophically with yellow appearances have wider food industrial applications such as producing meat analogs than green cells. However, there is much room to improve the protein content of heterotrophic culture cells. In this study, the effects of nitrogen sources, temperature, initial pH, and C/N ratios on the protein production of E. gracilis were evaluated under heterotrophic cultivation. These results indicated that ammonium sulfate was the optimal nitrogen source for protein production. The protein content of E. gracilis cultured by ammonium sulfate increased by 113% and 44.7% compared with that cultured by yeast extract and monosodium glutamate, respectively. The manipulation of the low C/N ratio further improved E. gracilis protein content to 66.10% (w/w), which was 1.6-fold of that in the C/N = 25 group. Additionally, amino acid analysis revealed that the nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor (NTP) could be affected by nitrogen sources. A superior essential amino acid index (EAAI) of 1.62 and a balanced amino acid profile further confirmed the high nutritional value of E. gracilis protein fed by ammonium sulfate. This study highlighted the vast potency of heterotrophic cultured E. gracilis as an alternative dietary protein source.

Does dietary inclusion of defatted yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) affect growth and body composition of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio)?

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of total and partial replacement of fishmeal with defatted yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal on one-summer-old common carp (Cyprinus carpio) with an initial bodyweight of 97.54 g ± 51.0 g. Fish were kept in an experimental recirculating aquaculture system (9 x 250 L tanks) and fed with two experimental diets formulated with mealworm meal replacements and one control, which had 100 g/kg fishmeal without mealworm meal (MWM0). In the first treatment, 50% of fishmeal was replaced with mealworm meal (MWM50). In the second treatment, fishmeal was replaced totally with mealworm meal (MWM100). Fish were fed three times per day at 3.0% of fish biomass. After six weeks of the experimental period, growth performance, nutrient utilization, body composition, and biometric indices were compared. The results revealed that the growth performance of common carp was not affected significantly by the inclusion level of mealworm meal. However, the highest weight gain was observed in MWM100, where specific growth rate was 0.76 ± 0.10 g/day. Crude fat content of the fish body differed significantly between experimental groups and the control. This investigation demonstrated that MWM could be used as an alternative dietary protein source to replace fishmeal without adverse effects on the growth performance of one-summer-old common carp.

Evaluation of modified dried vinasse as an alternative dietary protein source for broilers

AbstractThe increase in poultry production and the high cost of soybean led to the search for alternative protein sources. One of these sources is vinasse, a by‐product of the baker's yeast industry. Modified dried vinasse (MDV) can be produced for use in poultry nutrition by making some improvements in vinasse. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of the usage of MDV in broiler diets. A total of 192 daily male Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to four groups. MDV was included at the levels of 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% in the diets for 42‐day trial. Linear significant improvements in the final weight, body weight gain, feed efficiency, and digestibility were seen with increasing MDV levels. The use of MDV caused a significant reduction in feed consumption. The relative weight percentages of abdominal fat and serum cholesterol concentration were reduced linearly with increases in MDV levels. MDV inclusion linearly decreased the malondialdehyde concentration, but increased 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity in breast meat significantly. The protein content in breast meat was increased with MDV. Cecal beneficial microorganisms and serum IgG levels were increased linearly with MDV. In conclusion, results suggested that MDV could be a feasible option for alternative protein sources for broilers.

Effects of Blood Meal Inclusion Diet on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Survival Rate of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) in Concrete Pond

The inclusion of blood meal as a substitution for commercial fishmeal in the practical fish diets was evaluated in Clarias gariepinus juveniles (initial weight: 11.45±0.25g and initial length: 9.00±0.91cm) for a period of 39 weeks. The proximate analysis of blood meal had 50.04%, 4.95%, 0.98%, 3.05%, 16.51% and 19.00% representing value of crude protein, lipid, fibre, ash, moisture and nitrogen free extract, respectively. Five isonitrogenous diets (40% crude protein) containing fishmeal which was replaced by blood meal at graded level of 0% as control, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% were formulated. A total of 300 juveniles were used and randomly distributed into five treatments with each having triplicates of 20 fish per pond respectively. Fish were fed twice daily at 5% body weight in equal proportions at 8.00 am and 4.00 pm. At the end of the feeding trial, the results showed that growth performance were significant higher (p<0.05) in fish fed control diet (1263.55g) and 25% BM diet (1068.67 g), mean length gain (54.16 cm and 50.85 cm), protein efficiency ratio (31.59% and 24.22%) and percentage weight gain (11035.3% and 8476.03%) compared to other treatments diets with the lowest values of (675.35 g, 46.86 cm, 11.73% and 4190.63%, respectively) recorded in fish fed 100% BM diet. However, Feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, average daily growth and survival rate were not significantly difference (p>0.05) in all the dietary treatments. The water quality parameters monitored were within recommended ranged and were not affected by the supplemented diets. It can be concluded that inclusion of blood meal up to 25% can efficiently replace fish meal without any deleterious effects on growth, feed utilization and survival rate. The use of blood meal as an alternative protein source in diets of farmed fish species will reduce the cost of feeds; boost the profitability and sustainability of the fish production.

Spent media analysis suggests cultivated meat media will require species and cell type optimization

Cell culture media design is perhaps the most significant hurdle currently facing the commercialization of cultivated meat as an alternative source of dietary protein. Since media optimization for a specific culture system requires a significant amount of effort and investment, a major question remaining is whether media formulations can be easily shared across multiple production schemes for cells of different species and lineages. Here, we perform spent medium analysis to compare the specific nutrient utilization of primary embryonic chicken muscle precursor cells and fibroblasts to the murine C2C12 myoblast cell line. We demonstrate that these related cell types have significantly different nutrient utilization patterns collectively and on a per-cell basis, and that many components of conventional media do not appear to be depleted by the cells. Namely, glucose was not consumed as rapidly nor as completely by the chicken muscle precursors compared to other cells overall, and there were significant differences in specific consumption rates for several other key nutrients over the first day of culture. Ultimately, our results indicate that no one medium is likely ideal and cost effective to culture multiple cell types and that novel methods to streamline media optimization efforts will be important for the industry to develop.

Potential of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, meal as a sustainable dietary protein source for juvenile black porgy, Acanthopagrus schlegelii

A 12-week feeding trial was designed to evaluate the potential of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, meal (MW) as a locally available unconventional alternative source of protein for fish meal (FM) in a practical diet for juvenile black porgy. Five hundred twenty-five healthy fish (initial weight; 6.43 ± 0.00 g) were randomly distributed into five dietary groups in triplicate (35 fish per tank) and each group was hand-fed with one of the experimental diets containing graded level of a MW replacing 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% of FM protein designated as MW0, MW15, MW30, MW45, and MW60, respectively. Although replacing 60% of dietary FM protein resulted in lower daily feed intake, juvenile porgies fed the highest level of dietary MW (MW60) still performed as well as control group (MW0). A significant negative trend was detected between fillet lipid content and increasing inclusion levels of MW in the diets. There was a notable reduction in the n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in the fillets of fish fed the MW containing diets, which became more prominent with greater levels of dietary FM replacement. Serum lysozyme activity improved with increasing inclusion levels of MW in the diet. Furthermore, expression of the antioxidant enzyme-related genes including glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were markedly upregulated in liver of the fish fed diets replacing FM with MW when compared to fish fed the MW0 diet. Overall, the efficacy of MW as a promising alternative dietary protein source for juvenile black porgy has been proved not only in relation to weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization, but also the view point of health-promoting effects in fish.

Insect Protein-Based Diet as Potential Risk of Allergy in Dogs.

Simple SummaryThere is growing interest in the use of edible insects as an alternative source of protein and fat in food/feed formulations. Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae are rich in protein and other nutrients. Since insects are related to mites, a common allergenic species in dogs, we investigated the interaction between mealworm proteins and the immune system of allergic dogs sensitised to storage mites in this study. Using Western blot analysis, we confirmed the binding of IgEs from canine sera to mealworm proteins. With mass spectrometry analysis, we identified several T. molitor proteins, which are known as human allergens. The results of our study raised the possibility that dogs allergic to mites clinically show cross-reactivity to mealworm proteins.Before insects can be used widely as an alternative source of dietary protein, their allerginicity should be investigated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the potential adverse reactions of the immune system of dogs against Tenebrio molitor proteins. Dogs sensitised to storage mites T. putrescentiae and A. siro were included. Clinically healthy and clinically allergic dogs were compared. Proteins were extracted from mealworm larvae and their digestibility determined by in vitro incubation with digestive proteases. Mealworm protein extracts and digests were analysed by SDS–PAGE. Canine sera tested for the presence of mite-specific IgEs were used for subsequent Western blotting. LC-MS/MS analysis was used to identify mealworm proteins and their allergenic potential was predicted with the AllermatchTM tool. The binding of canine sera IgEs to mealworm proteins was confirmed; however, the differences between the two groups of dogs were not significant. Moreover, no clear correlation was found between sensitisation to storage mites and clinical status of the dogs. Altogether, 17 different proteins were identified, including tropomyosin, α-amylase, and Tm-E1a cuticular protein that are known cross-reacting IgE-binding allergens. Our results suggest that dogs allergic to mites may clinically express also the cross-reactivity with mealworm proteins.

PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS GIVEN DIFFERENT DIETARY LEVELS OF ACACIA SIEBERIANA DC. VAR. SIEBERIANA SEEDS

The study was aimed at evaluating the seeds of a leguminous plant, Acacia sieberiana DC as an alternative source of dietary plant protein for broilers. Five experimental diets containing 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20% Acacia sieberiana seeds (ASS) were formulated and fed to 5 groups of birds during starter (0 - 4 weeks), grower (5 - 8 weeks) and finisher (9-12 weeks) periods respectively. There were 3 replicates per treatment, with 10 birds per replicate. At the end of the experiment, average weekly liveweight gains of 128.90 ±24.17, 122.68±25.09, 112.79 ± 22.83, 96.40 ± 21.53 and 99.56 + 21.53g were obtained for the birds on 0, 5, 10 and 20% ASS inclusion respectively. The average weekly feed consumption values were 413.47 ± 63.63, 408.59 ± 63.82, 304.60 ± 61.70, 347.96 ± 58.0 and 352.83 ± 59.76g for the birds on 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% ASS respectively. The feed efficiencies were 0.289 ± 0.03, 0.272± 0.03, 0.264 + 0.03, 0.248 ± 0.03 and 0.253 ± 0.03 for the birds on 0. 5. 10. 15 and 20% ASS respectively. The data revealed that in general, the birds on 0, 5 and 10% ASS inclusion performed better (PÇ<.05) than birds on 15 or 20% ASS. Results of carcass evaluation show that the gizzard, lungs and heads of the control birds had significantly (PÇ<.05) higher weights than those of birds on 15 and 20% ASS. From these results it can be concluded that up to 10% ASS could be incorporated into poultry diet without deleterious effect on broilers.

Use of alternative plant and animal protein blends, in place of fishmeal, in diets for juvenile totoaba, Totoaba macdonaldi

The present study evaluated the replacement of fishmeal (FM) by blends of alternative protein sources in diets for juvenile (8.0 ± 0.5 g) Totoaba macdonaldi. Using a FM-based control diet containing 53% crude protein and 13% crude fat, a 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted replacing FM, at levels of 33, 66 and 100% by weight, with three blends of the test ingredients, as follows: 1) Arthrospira meal blend: 70% Arthrospira sp. meal, 15% blood meal, 15% soy protein concentrate (SPC); 2) blood meal blend: 70% blood meal, 15% Arthrospira sp. meal, 15% SPC; and 3) SPC blend: 70% SPC, 15% blood meal, 15% Arthrospira sp. meal. At the end of the 6-week feeding trial, significant effects of the alternative protein blends were detected, in which fish fed the Arthrospira meal and SPC blends had significantly (P < .05) better performance than fish fed the blood meal blend across all growth parameters (percent weight gain and thermal growth coefficient) and feed utilization indices (feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio). Also, fish fed the former two blends deposited more crude protein and fat in whole body and muscle tissues, concurring with the growth response observed. However, the effects of protein blend on body condition indices (hepatosomatic index, condition factor, and muscle ratio) and on the concentrations of trypsin and chymotrypsin in anterior intestine and pyloric caeca, did not depict clear trends. A correspondence between levels of dietary amino acids (AA) in blends and accumulated AA in muscle, was not observed. However, significant effects of the level of FM replacement were also detected, in which the responses in growth, feed utilization, most body condition indices, and proximate composition of fish whole body, deteriorated as the level of FM replaced increased. All things considered, results indicate that the Arthrospira meal and SPC blends, but not the blood meal blend, can be used to replace at least 33% FM in the diet for totoaba, without adversely affecting growth and survival. The possible reasons for the decreased performance of fish fed the blood meal blend, or when fed any of the blends at levels higher than 33%, are discussed.

Protein hydrolysates from poultry by-product and swine liver as an alternative dietary protein source for the Pacific white shrimp

Protein hydrolysates from poultry by-product (CPH) and poultry by-product plus swine liver (PHPPL) were evaluated for digestibility and attractiveness for Litopenaeus vannamei, their effect on growth as a substitute for salmon by-product meal. Initially, the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of the protein hydrolysates was determined and their attractiveness was also evaluated. Subsequently, five diets with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % substitution of the salmon by-product meal protein by PHPPL, were evaluated. The experiment was conducted for 42 days in a clear water system. For the digestibility assay, the protein hydrolysates had high ADC for protein, dry matter, energy, and essential amino acids for L. vannamei. However, PHPPL had better digestibility results than CPH, so it was used in the growth assay. No difference in the attractiveness of the tested ingredients was observed (p ≥ 0.05). In the growth assay, survival was no different (p ≥ 0.05) among shrimp fed the different protein replacement levels. However, we observed an increase in shrimp growth with the treatment of 25 % protein replacement. Diet with 50 % protein replacement promoted growth similar to that of the control diet with a subsequent decline of up to 100 % of protein replacement. Therefore, it can be concluded that up to 25 % of dietary protein replacement with PHPPL can improve shrimp growth.

Heat-treated bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) residue meal as an alternative protein source in pelleted diets for Nile tilapia fingerlings: growth, body composition, and physical characteristics of diets.

The study aimed to evaluate heat-treated bean residue meal (Phaseolus vulgaris)-BRM-as an alternative protein source in diets for Nile tilapia fish. A completely randomized design was used, totaling four (n = 4) dietary treatments: diet without BRM (CON), raw BRM (RBRM) and heat-treated BRM at 100°C for 15min (BRM15), and 30min (BRM30) before inclusion in diets. Nile tilapia fingerlings (1.3g initial weight) were hand-fed the experimental diets for 66days, divided equally into three meals per day. Performance parameters, body composition, nutrient retention, and physical characteristics of diets were evaluated. Growth and feed conversion were lower (P <0.05) in fish fed BRM. Protein productive value was higher (P <0.05) in fish fed CON diet than in fish receiving BRM. However, 30min heat treatment of BRM increased (P <0.05) protein retention in fish. Fish fed BRM30 also had higher protein content (P <0.05) and reduced body lipid content (P <0.05) than those fed CON diet. The physical characteristics (durability, dry matter leaching, waterproof time, and water stability time) were significantly improved (P <0.05) in the BRM30 diet compared with other dietary treatments. The dietary inclusion of BRM at the level of 15% is not recommended for tilapia due to low growth performance and feed efficiency, regardless of preheating treatment. However, research on longer heat treatment time is needed due to the improvements observed in nutrient retention and physical characteristics of diets.

Shellfish Tropomyosin IgE Cross-Reactivity Differs Among Edible Insect Species.

Insects are a potentially environmentally friendly alternative dietary protein source to supplement mammalian and fish sources, but potential allergenic risks are a concern. Consumption of insects may result in anaphylaxis and has been implicated in cross-reactivity with shellfish. Many allergenic proteins may be involved in cross-reactivity, including tropomyosin (TM). The uniformity of TM cross-reactivity among edible insects is unknown. Candidate edible insects for variability in shellfish IgE cross-reactivity are investigated. Selected insects and known related sources of allergens are extracted and probed by immunoblot with sera/plasma from patients sensitized to insects or shellfish. Quantification of TM in these extracts is performed using mass spectrometry. A comparison of the quantity of TM and the IgE reactivity of TM from these insects is performed. Distinct patterns of IgE cross-reactivity are observed with three insect species showing diminished reactivity. This pattern is not consistent with the amount of TM present in these insects, or with overall sequence homology. Insects display a diversity of TM-associated IgE reactivity. It is likely that minor sequence features and/or structural effects are primarily responsible. Additionally, it is demonstrated that some insect species may present significantly less IgE cross-reactivity to shrimp than do others.

The effect of NSP-degrading enzymes on gut physiology and growth performance of turkeys fed soybean meal and peas-based diets

The aim of this study was to determine nutrient digestibility, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) production, bacterial enzyme activities and production performance effects of peas as an alternative dietary protein source. Diets containing peas were fed to growing turkeys for 8 weeks. The experimental design involved two diets, a wheat-soybean meal (SBM) diet and a wheat-SBM-peas diet, each with and without the addition of NSP-degrading enzymes. Peas were added at 300 g/kg at the expense of wheat and SBM. Nutrient digestibility, energy metabolizability and nitrogen retention remained unchanged in all groups. The SBM and peas diets did not affect the final body weights (BW) of birds, but the peas diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased FCR relative to the SBM diet (1.80 vs. 1.74 kg/kg). Enzyme supplementation significantly increased the final BW of turkeys (3.88 vs. 3.75 kg), irrespective of the diet type. A diet by enzyme interaction revealed that during the first 4 weeks of feeding, the enzyme preparation improved feed utilization in the SBM diet but not in the peas diet (1.37 vs. 1.44 kg feed/kg BWG). Enzyme supplementation decreased apparent ileal viscosity (1.60 vs. 1.82 mPas). Cecal ammonia concentrations and the activity of bacterial β-glucosidase, β-xylosidase, and α-arabinofuranosidase decreased significantly in response to peas diets, irrespective of enzyme supplementation. Enzyme supplementation significantly decreased β-glucosidase activity and the SCFA pool in the ceca, regardless of diet type. A diet by enzyme interaction revealed that the NSP-degrading enzyme supplements significantly decreased cecal SCFA concentrations but only in the peas diet (163 vs. 221 μmol/g). Excreta moisture content was significantly lower in the peas diet, regardless of enzyme supplementation and diet type. The Foot Pad Dermatitis (PFD) score was considerably (P < 0.05) reduced in the peas diet (1.43 vs. 1.53–1.60 in the remaining groups). In conclusion, peas could be effectively used in the diets of young growing turkeys at 300 g/kg at the expense of wheat and SBM without any negative effects on the gastrointestinal function and final BW. However, higher FCR values were noted for the peas diet. The benefits of the NSP-degrading enzymes included a decrease in ileal viscosity and excreta moisture content, an increase in cecal butyrate production, and an increase in the final BW of turkeys.

Alternative dietary protein source for nile Tilapia: Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica, Ferussac, 1821)

The present study was conducted for two months between November 2019 and December 2019 to investigate the growth performance of Nile Tilapia fed with diets containing soyabean 100% (T1), soyabean and Achatina fulica: 50/50% (T2) and A. fulica 100% (T3). The experimental diets were formulated with 45% crude protein content. The stocking density was 30 fingerlings per tank of size 1m*1m*0.8m with three replications for each treatment. The tanks were stocked with the fingerlings of uniform size 9 ± 677 cm and weight 24 ± 0.66g. The experimental fishes were fed twice a day at 5% of their body weight. No significant differences (p˃0.05) in average weight gain, apparent feed conversion ratio (AFCR), daily weight gain, gross fish yield and net fish yield were observed. The study revealed that Giant African Snail (GAS) can be used either as partial or total replacement for soyabean as protein source for the fish. The use of harmful pest A. fulica in fish feed shows bright prospect in reducing the feeding expenses together with its suitable management.

Mycoprotein as a possible alternative source of dietary protein to support muscle and metabolic health.

The world's population is expanding, leading to an increased global requirement for dietary protein to support health and adaptation in various populations. Though a strong evidence base supports the nutritional value of animal-derived dietary proteins, mounting challenges associated with sustainability of these proteins have led to calls for the investigation of alternative, non-animal-derived dietary protein sources. Mycoprotein is a sustainably produced, protein-rich, high-fiber, whole food source derived from the fermentation of fungus. Initial investigations in humans demonstrated that mycoprotein consumption can lower circulating cholesterol concentrations. Recent data also report improved acute postprandial glycemic control and a potent satiety effect following mycoprotein ingestion. It is possible that these beneficial effects are attributable to the amount and type of dietary fiber present in mycoprotein. Emerging data suggest that the amino acid composition and bioavailability of mycoprotein may also position it as a promising dietary protein source to support skeletal muscle protein metabolism. Mycoprotein may be a viable dietary protein source to promote training adaptations in athletes and the maintenance of muscle mass to support healthy aging. Herein, current evidence underlying the metabolic effects of mycoprotein is reviewed, and the key questions to be addressed are highlighted.

A Nutritional Evaluation of Insect Meal as a Sustainable Protein Source for Jumbo Quails: Physiological and Meat Quality Responses

The use of insect meals in place of soybean meal in diets is critical for sustainable intensification of poultry production, but the utility of this alternative dietary protein source is unknown for the Jumbo quail. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of partial substitution of soybean with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal on feed intake, physiological, and meat quality parameters of Jumbo quails. Three hundred and fifteen mixed-gender quails (53.8 ± 5.19 g live-weight) were reared on five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental diets formulated by replacing soybean products with BSFL meal at 0 (BSFL0), 25 (BSFL25), 50 (BSFL50), 75 (BSFL75), and 100 (BSFL100) g/kg. Feed intake, body weight gain, gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), blood parameters, and carcass and meat quality traits were determined. Quadratic trends were observed for overall feed intake (y = 605 (±17.56) + 2.1 (±0.82)x − 0.02 (±0.008)x2; R2 = 0.20; p = 0.023) and overall body weight gain (y = 155 (±4.70) + 0.57 (±0.22)x − 0.005 (±0.002)x2; R2 = 0.22; p = 0.026) in response to BSFL levels. However, there were neither linear nor quadratic trends for meat quality and blood parameters, except for albumin-to-globulin ratio. Only gizzard size linearly increased (y = 0.05 (±0.004)x + 2.3 (±0.09); R2 = 0.18; p = 0.04) with BSFL levels. We concluded that BSFL meal could replace soybean products in Jumbo quail diets at 54 g/kg without compromising weight gain and meat quality.