Alternative Fiber Sources Research Articles

Influence of dietary fiber sources on the physiological and behavioral stress responses of Greylag geese (Anser anser)

This experiment investigated the physiological and behavioral responses of Greylag geese (Anser anser) fed different fiber sources when exposed to the common stressors at harvest, primarily involving the procedures of fasting, transport, catching, etc. A total of 240 4-week-old Greylag geese were allocated to 4 diets with different fiber sources (corn straw silage [CSS], steam-exploded corn straw [SECS], steam-exploded wheat straw [SEWS], and steam-exploded rice straw [SERS]). The birds were fed for 12 wk and harvested at 16 wk for slaughter. Blood samples designated to determine stress status were collected before (pre-stress) and after (post-stress) the harvest procedure was carried out. Irrespective of the dietary differences, the harvest procedure caused the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to drop (P < 0.01) 13.57% and increased (P < 0.01) that of creatine kinase (CK) by 186.21% (post-stress vs. pre-stress), inferring that the birds had experienced a severe stress. As to the dietary effects, the birds fed alternative fiber sources did not develop dissimilar (P > 0.05) pre-stress blood parameters and behavioral sensitivities, while the birds fed CSS had a higher (P < 0.05) post-stress concentration of methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) than those offered SECS by 22.01%, suggesting that feeding Greylag geese alternative fiber sources influenced their stress response.

The Potential of Hydrothermally Pretreated Industrial Barks From E. globulus as a Feedstock for Pulp Production

This study focused on the use of industrial eucalyptus globulus bark as an alternative fiber source for bleached pulp and paper production. Bark has high extractives and ash contents (7.7% and 3.5%, respectively) but a mild hydrothermal pretreatment was tested, decreasing its values to 2.8% and 2.4%, respectively. Untreated and pretreated bark were kraft pulped at 15% and 20% (as Na2O) active alkali conditions. The pretreatment improved delignification when using low active alkali; kappa number 25.4 vs 17.5, and shives 3.1% vs 0%, respectively, with untreated and pretreated bark. The pretreatment resulted in a lower chemical demand to obtain pulps with similar yield and kappa number. It was possible to produce bleached pulps with good handsheet optical, physical, and mechanical properties with slightly lower values than those of industrial eucalypt wood pulps; e.g., brightness > 85% vs 87%, tear index > 4.2 vs 5.6 mn.m2.g−1, tensile index > 62 vs 69 n.m.g−1 for bark and wood pulps, respectively.

Sunflower stalk neutral sulfite semi-chemical pulp: an alternative fiber source for production of fluting paper

Sunflower stalk was evaluated as a potential fiber source to make fluting paper using neutral sulfite semi-chemical pulping process, in comparison with Mazandaran wood and paper industry mill made hardwood-based neutral sulfite semi-chemical (NSSC) pulp. Sunflower stalk consists of two distinct fractions including inner bulky pith and outer woody wall. The stalk has to be de-pithed for the purpose of papermaking because of lower cellulose, and higher ash content in pith-containing stalk. The results of pulping showed that the rate of delignification in NSSC cooking of de-pithed sunflower stalk with 20% lignin was surprisingly very low, despite of being a non-wood fiber source. However, sunflower stalk NSSC pulp showed very good response to refining and produced denser sheet due to lower digester yield and higher fiber flexibility coefficient, in comparison with Mazandaran wood and paper industry pulp sample. In addition, sunflower stalk pulp has been demonstrated to be an appropriate fiber source for making fluting paper at higher or comparable tensile-loaded strength properties such as tensile and burst, and higher compression-loaded strength properties including corrugated medium test and ring crush test.

Soybean Hulls in Equine Feed Concentrates: Apparent Nutrient Digestibility, Physicochemical and Microbial Characteristics of Equine Feces

The aim of this study was to evaluate the soybean hulls inclusion in concentrates for horses as an alternative fiber source, through the apparent digestibility of nutrients and physicochemical characteristics of the feces. Five mares (3.5 ± 0.8 year old; 492.5 ± 44.5 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Experimental diets were formulated for animals at maintenance and were composed of 60% energy from forage (Coastcross hay) and 40% from a concentrate, with increasing levels of soybean hulls (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28%). The inclusion of soybean hulls at any level in the concentrate had no effect (P > .05) on the following parameters: apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the diet; feces pH, buffering capacity (BC) to pH 5 (BC 5) and to pH 6 (BC six), and ratios of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. Diets with up to 28% soybean hulls in the concentrate can be used as equine feed without negatively affecting digestibility, the SCFAs concentrations or selected microbiota, and physicochemical characteristics in the feces.

Influence of feeding alternative fiber sources on the gastrointestinal fermentation, digestive enzyme activities and mucosa morphology of growing Greylag geese

The objective of this trial was to study the influence of dietary fiber sources on the gastrointestinal fermentation, digestive enzyme activity, and mucosa morphology of growing Greylag geese. In total, 240 Greylag geese (28-day-old) were allocated to 4 treatments (15 pens/treatment) differing in dietary fiber source: corn straw silage (CSS group), steam-exploded corn straw (SECS group), steam-exploded wheat straw (SEWS group), or steam-exploded rice straw (SERS group). At 112 days of age, 15 birds per group were euthanized to collect samples. No difference (P > 0.05) was found on all the gastrointestinal pH values and ammonia-nitrogen concentrations between the groups. The CSS and SERS groups had a lower (P < 0.05) proportion of acetic acid in the gizzard than the SECS and SEWS groups. The CSS group had a higher VFA concentration in the jejunum (P < 0.05) and acetic acid proportion (P < 0.01) in the ceca, and a lower (P < 0.01) butyric acid proportion than the other groups except for the SECS group. The SECS group had a higher (P < 0.01) acetic acid proportion and lower (P < 0.05) proportions of propionic acid and valeric acid in the ceca than the SEWS and SERS groups. Different fiber sources resulted in different VFA profiles, especially in the gizzard and ceca. Almost all gastrointestinal protease activities of the CSS group were higher (P < 0.05) than the other groups, along with lower (P < 0.01) amylase activities in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ceca. Lipase activity in proventriculus was highest (P < 0.01) in the SEWS group and its cecal activity was lower (P < 0.01) in the SECS and SEWS groups than the CSS and SERS groups with a higher (P < 0.01) lipase activity in the CSS group than the SERS group. The SECS and SERS groups had a higher cellulase activity in the ceca than the CSS and SEWS groups, with a higher (P < 0.01) rectal cellulase activity in the SERS group than the other groups. There was no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the intestinal mucosa morphology. These results suggest that corn straw silage improves protein digestion while steam-exploded straw provides more energy.

Linerboard Made from Soda-Anthraquinone (Soda-AQ) Treated Coconut Coir Fiber and Effect of Pulp Beating

The performance of coir fiber in the production of linerboard made from soda-anthraquinone (soda-AQ) pulp was evaluated. Based on chemical analysis, the composition of coir fiber is suitable for the pulping process. Out of nine pulping conditions characterized, a pulping condition of 18% active alkali for 90 min cooking time was chosen. These conditions provided the highest screened yield (48.99%), a low rejection yield (0.27%), high viscosity (11.73 cP), and a kappa number (41) that is acceptable for unbleached linerboard production. Beating strengthened the coir pulp. Analyzing the beating revealed that coir pulp was optimized at 1000 to 2000 revolutions, based on a graph of freeness vs. burst index. For all beating conditions (1000 to 8000 revolutions), FESEM micrographs showed the presence of internal and external fibrillation of the fiber, which gradually increased fiber conformability and improved the inter-fiber bonding within the paper formation. Based on its burst strength of 4.57 kPa.m2/g and ring crush test of 1.76 Nm2/g, which complies with the minimum requirement of the industry standard, coir fiber can be considered an alternative fiber source for linerboard production.

Meat quality, oxidative stability and blood parameters from Graylag geese offered alternative fiber sources in growing period

The effects of dietary fiber sources on the meat quality, oxidative stability, and blood parameters of growing Graylag geese (28–112d) were investigated. The birds were randomly allocated into 4 treatments, of which dietary fiber was mainly from corn straw silage (CSS), steam-exploded corn straw (SECS), steam-exploded wheat straw (SEWS), and steam-exploded rice straw (SERS). No influence (P > 0.05) on the basic chemical components, oxidative stability, or organoleptic traits of muscle were observed, except that birds fed SECS had a higher (P < 0.05) protein proportion than those fed CSS or SERS, and CSS increased (P < 0.01) the cholesterol content when compared to SEWS or SERS. Regarding fatty acid profile in meat, CSS and SECS increased (P < 0.01) the proportion of C18:2n6t and decreased that of C21:0 and C22:0 when compared to the others. The birds fed SERS had a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of C20:0 and C22:0 than the others, a higher proportion of C20:5n3, n-3 fatty acids, Δ-9 desaturase (18) index compared to those fed CSS or SECS, and a lower (P < 0.01) proportion of C20:1n9 than those fed SECS or SEWS. Additionally, SEWS resulted in a higher (P < 0.01) proportion of C20:2 when compared to the others. In conclusion, these fibers affect just the protein proportion, cholesterol content, and fatty acid profile of breast muscle, along with the concentration of TG and MDA in blood, but not the other characteristics. No superior fiber source exists with respect to meat quality, suggesting that Graylag geese feeding should make the most economically of the convenient fiber source with appropriate pretreatment.

Replacement of Forage Fiber Sources with Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles and Corn Germ Meal in Holstein Calf Diets

This study was carried out to determine the effect of replacement of forage fiber sources from alfalfa and Leymus chinensis with nonforage fiber sources (NFFS) from dried distillers grains with solubles and corn germ meal on calves growth, rumen development and blood parameters. 48 female and 12 male calves ((110.55±15.36) kg of body weight and 12 wk of age) were assigned randomly to four dietary treatments (15 calves/treatment) in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets were: 0% NFFS (control), 9% NFFS (group 1), 18% NFFS (group 2), 27% NFFS (group 3), and contained equivalent neutral detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients, respectively. The dry matter intake was similar among diets, averaging 3.33 kg d−1, and no differences were detected for body weight, withers height, body length and heart girth. In addition, the development of rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum also were similar among diets. Dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber digestibilities increased with the increasing levels of NFFS in the experimental diets, but had no significant effect. Blood urea nitrogen, total protein and glubulin were not affected by the dietary treatment, but group 3 resulted in the highest (P<0.05) concentrations of glucose and the lowest (P<0.05) concentrations of triglycerides and albumin. In conclusion, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and corn germ meal (CGM) were available and alternative fiber sources for Holstein calf diets.

Dehydrated chicory pulp as an alternative soluble fibre source in diets for growing rabbits

Soluble fibre (SF) is an important nutrient to enhance fermentative activity and gut health in rabbits. The main source of SF in rabbit diets is sugar beet pulp (SBP), whereas, due to its high content of SF (34%), dried chicory pulp (ChP) could be an alternative to SBP. In a fattening trial with 192 hybrid weanlings 32 d old weighing 837±45 g, chicory pulp was used in replacement of SBP to study effects on production performances and slaughter characteristics. Rabbits were fed one of 4 iso-energetic (9.65 MJ digestible energy/kg) and isonitrogenous (15.6% crude protein) diets: a negative control (NC) diet with a low dietary SF content (7.3%), a positive control diet with quite a high SBP level (13.5%) and SF content (10.6%) and 2 diets with respectively 10% and 20% of chicory pulp (ChP10: 9.9% SF and ChP20: 13.7% SF). The SF content was measured as the difference between total dietary fibre and neutral detergent fibre, the latter corrected for ash and protein content. Each dietary treatment consisted of 12 replicates of 4 rabbits. Weight gain was high (on av. 54 g/d) and comparable for the NC, SBP and ChP diets. However, feed conversion ratio was improved (P&lt;0.05) with the ChP20 diet compared to the NC diet (2.88 vs. 2.97). Mortality was low and not influenced by the dietary treatment. Slaughter data were very similar and no effect of the SF level on caecal weight or slaughter yield was observed. It was concluded that chicory pulp is a good alternative soluble fibre source in balanced diets for rabbits and can be used at least up to 20% inclusion rate.

Alternative dietary fiber sources in companion animal nutrition.

The US has a pet population of approximately 70 million dogs and 74 million cats. Humans have developed a strong emotional bond with companion animals. As a consequence, pet owners seek ways to improve health, quality of life and longevity of their pets. Advances in canine and feline nutrition have contributed to improved longevity and well-being. Dietary fibers have gained renewed interest in the pet food industry, due to their important role in affecting laxation and stool quality. More recently, because of increased awareness of the beneficial effects of dietary fibers in health, as well as the popularity of functional foods and holistic and natural diets, alternative and novel carbohydrates have become widespread in human and pet nutrition. Fiber sources from cereal grains, whole grains and fruits have received increasing attention by the pet food industry and pet owners. While limited scientific information is available on the nutritional and nutraceutical properties of alternative fiber sources, studies indicate that corn fiber is an efficacious fiber source for pets, showing no detrimental effects on palatability or nutrient digestibility, while lowering the glycemic response in adult dogs. Fruit fiber and pomaces have good water-binding properties, which may be advantageous in wet pet food production, where a greater water content is required, along with low water activity and a firm texture of the final product. Rice bran is a palatable fiber source for dogs and may be an economical alternative to prebiotic supplementation of pet foods. However, it increases the dietary requirement of taurine in cats. Barley up to 40% in a dry extruded diet is well tolerated by adult dogs. In addition, consumption of complex carbohydrates has shown a protective effect on cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress. Alternative fiber sources are suitable ingredients for pet foods. They have been shown to be nutritionally adequate and to have potential nutraceutical properties.

Characterisation of partially hydrolysed galactomannan from Caesalpinia pulcherrima seeds as a potential dietary fibre

A galactomannan extracted from the endosperm of Caesalpinia pulcherrima seeds was submitted to partial enzymatic hydrolysis to overcome the limitation of use of this polysaccharide as a dietary fibre ingredient, since the intact galactomannan may promote a considerable increase in the viscosity of food products, even when added at low concentrations. The total dietary fibre recovered from the partially hydrolysed galactomannan (PHGM) was 78.27%. The molar mass of PHGM and the absolute viscosity of aqueous solutions were reduced in relation to the intact galactomannan. Nevertheless, their structural characteristics were very similar when evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and also by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. A lack of growth promotion in the food-grade strains tested using PHGM during a preliminary in vitro fermentation assay suggests that the metabolism of these microorganisms most likely would not affect the galactomannan content in products during their production and storage. PHGM presented suitable properties to be added as an alternative dietary fibre source in a wide range of food products, particularly in beverages.

Integrated Study of the Potential Application of Remediated CCA Treated Spruce Wood in MDF Production

Public health awareness has increased in the past few years regarding the disposal of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) preservative-treated wood wastes. This study demonstrates the potential for using remediated CCA lumber and alternative fiber sources, such as sugar cane bagasse, to produce medium density fiberboard (MDF). The role of both remediated CCA loaded spruce wood and substitution of a part of it with sugar-cane bagasse fibers on the performance of MDF produced were evaluated. The remediation conditions were optimized from examining the FTIR-spectra and TGA analyses of the treated wood fibers resulted from changing the remediated pH (1.4–7.0) and temperature (20–80 °C) together with the efficiencies of removing the preservative metals. The results showed that CCA-remediated spruce fiber provided MDF with 59% and 75.5% reduction in water absorption and thickness swelling, respectively, and 93% increase in IB, compared to panels made from untreated wood. Blending both bagasse fibers with either untreated or remediated fibers had a positive impact on MDF properties. Compared to boards made with untreated control spruce fibers, boards made with up to 30% bagasse had up to 79% reduction in water absorption, 62% reduction in thickness swell, 38% increase in modulus of rupture (MOR), and 244% increase in internal bond (IB) strength. According to ANSI Standard for interior MDF, the remediated CCA-treated spruce was suitable for the manufacture of MDF, either individually or in blends with sugar cane bagasse.

Linear Body Measurements and Carcass Characteristics of Rabbits Fed Orange (Citrus sinensis) Waste Meal as Alternative Fibre Source in Diet

A study was conducted to assess the effect of orange waste meal as an alternative fibre source on linear body measurements of rabbits. Twenty-four (24) weaned rabbits of cross breed and mixed sexes were used for the study. Experimental animals which weighed between 676.67g to 686.67g were allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Results of the study showed that head length (HL), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), length of hind limb (LHL) and length of fore limb (LFL) differed (p 0.05) statistically between the treatment groups. At the end of the experimental period of ten weeks, rabbits fed diet T 4 (endocarp + mesocarp) recorded higher (p 0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. Therefore, rabbits can effectively utilize orange waste meal as an alternative fibre source without adverse effects on linear body measurements and carcass characteristics.

Alternative Fiber Sources from Gracilaria Sp and Eucheuma Cottonii for Papermaking

Normal 0 false false false IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Private sectors have invested in the technology to grow some Gelidialian red algae families and also tried to convert the algae to pulp and paper over the last few years in order to replace raw materials from wood. Several modern systems with their all complexities which are similar to the wood pulp-based papermaking technology have been offered to overcome any recent issues settle in the converting process. Chemical bleaching agents have even been still a standard treatment that must be established for properly converting the algae pulp to a sheet of paper. In this present work, the two genus of red algae, called Gracilaria and Eucheuma , were simply processed to make pulps without use of any bleaching chemical agents. The potential use of pulps made of the red algae as raw materials for papermaking was mechanically studied by testing the sheets made of the red algae through a tensile test at a room temperature under 20 mm/min according to ASTM D 828-97 (2002). Tensile properties of the proposed algae-based paper sheets obtained under the constant rate are discussed. Tensile properties of the selected wood-based paper sheets obtained under the same condition are also presented in this paper. The results showed that pulps made of the red algae would be the alternative to those of the wood and other natural fibers as raw materials for papermaking. Doi : 10.12777/ijse.6.1.1-10 [ How to cite this article : Arham , N.A., Mohamad , N.A.N., Jai , J., Krishnan , J., Noorsuhana Mohd Yusof , N.M. (2013). Application of Response Surface Methodology in Extraction of Bioactive Component from Palm Leaves ( Elaeis guineensis ) . International Journal of Science and Engineering , 6(1),1-10. Doi: 10.12777/ijse.6.1.1-10

Oocyte maturation and embryo survival in nulliparous female pigs (gilts) is improved by feeding a lupin-based high-fibre diet

Inclusion of high levels of the high-fibre ingredient sugar-beet pulp in pre-mating diets has been shown to increase gonadotrophin concentrations and improve oocyte quality in nulliparous pigs (gilts). This study evaluated the effects of two alternative fibre sources on reproductive performance in gilts. Gilts received one of three diets from 3 weeks before puberty stimulation until Day 19 of the first oestrous cycle: control (39 g kg⁻¹ fibre), bran (500 g kg⁻¹ wheat bran, 65 g kg⁻¹ fibre) or lupin (350 g kg⁻¹ lupin, 118 g kg⁻¹ crude fibre). Diet did not affect circulating LH concentrations or ovarian follicle size. However, a higher percentage of oocytes collected from lupin-supplemented gilts reached metaphase II in vitro compared with those collected from bran-fed or control gilts (89±5% versus 72±5% and 66±5%, respectively; P<0.05). Furthermore, in a second experiment, gilts fed the same lupin-based diet before mating had improved embryo survival (92±5%) on Day 28 after mating compared with control gilts (76±4%; P<0.05). Therefore, feeding a high-fibre diet before mating can improve oocyte quality in gilts without changes in circulating LH, but this effect is dependent on the fibre source.

Properties of fibres/culm strands from mat sedge - Cyperus pangorei Rottb.

The anatomical, chemical, and physico-mechanical properties of the fibres of C. pangorei were investigated in this study. The results indicate that the rind region that is split and used in mat making contains compactly arranged fibrovascular bundles and a discontinuous patch of fibrous sheath. The frequency and the R/T ratio of the bundles were high in the rind region and were indicative of fibre strength. Lignin and cellulose, the major cell wall substances, were localized with heterochromatic, fluorescent, and natural dyes. The holocellulose content was high (82.2 %), and the lignin content was comparatively low (13.28 %) as analyzed by the method of Doree. Very thick walled, thick walled, very thin walled, and thin walled fibres were characterized when fibres were macerated, and their derived values indicated a high Slenderness and Runkell ratio that is indicative of tear resistance. The tenacity and percentage elongation of the split culm strands was also high, and this implies high strength of the fibre strands. The fibre of this mat sedge thus has favorable characteristics to be potentially utilized in the mat and silkmat industry. Furthermore the plant’s annual harvesting period, biomass, and appropriate fibre characteristics makes this sedge very attractive as an alternative fibre source in the miscellaneous plant fibre industry.

Nutritive value of sun-dried grape pomace, incorporated at a low level in complete feed for the rabbit bred under Magrebian conditions

The nutritive value and potential use of sun-dried grape pomace (g/kg as fed: 140 of crude protein (CP), 529 of neutral detergent fi bre (NDF), 460 acid detergent fi bre , 293 acid detergent lignin) for fattening rabbits was studied by comparing 3 experimental diets containing a low but increasing incorporation rate of grape pomace (GP): 0% (control, GP0), 3% (GP3), and 6% (GP6) in substitution to the control diet (251 g NDF and 175 g CP/kg) formulated with raw materials available in the area of Tiaret (Algeria): barley, wheat bran and straw, soybean meal and faba bean. Three groups of 30 rabbits (individually caged) were fed ad libitum the three diets from weaning (35 d, mean weight 460±83 g) to 77 d of age. The dry matter digestibility was obtained from total and individual faecal collection on all animals (3 x 30), during four consecutive days each week from 42 to 77 d of age. Then, faeces from 10 rabbits per group were selected for nutrient analyses. Intake and weight gain were recorded twice a week during the whole fattening period. Incorporating 3 or 6% of GP in a low fi bre diet impaired from 35 to 77 d growth rate (-8.8% for GP3 and GP6 vs. GP0, P<0.01), feed conversion (+8.5% for GP6 vs. GP0, P<0.01), and dressing out percentage (-2.5% for GP3 and GP6 vs. GP0, P<0.001). The digestibility of organic matter was linearly reduced from 72.8 to 70.0% with the GP incorporation rate (P<0.01), while crude protein digestibility remained unaffected and averaged 78.7%. The predicted nutritive value of sun-dried GP calculated by regression was high but highly variable for digestible energy (9.33±2.01 MJ DE/Kg, raw basis), and particularly for the digestible protein content (81.8±77.2 g DCP/kg). Thus, the sun-dried whole grape pomace could be considered as an alternative fibre source for the rabbit feeding in Magrebian area.

Alternative fibre sources for steers and calves fed high-grain feedlot diets

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fibre source (FS) in high-grain feedlot diets on liveweight gain (LWG) of steers and calves and carcass traits of steers at slaughter. Eighteen steers (330 ± 27.3 kg) and 18 calves (153 ± 11.9 kg) were randomly allotted within animal category to one of three high-grain diets varying in the FS, including either grass hay (H, 66% neutral detergent fibre (NDF)), rice hulls (RH, 85% NDF) or wood chips (W, 90% NDF), and a total mixed ration formulated for equal levels of digestible DM, crude protein and NDF, within category. Animals were individually fed (3 kg DM/100 kg LW, distributed in four meals) during 56 days. The LW increased linearly with time in all treatments (P &lt; 0.01). FS did not affect calves’ LWG (P &gt; 0.05), but it resulted in differences in steers LWG (H: 1.77b; RH: 1.51c; W: 2.02a kg/day, P &lt; 0.05). However, no differences were observed in hot carcass weight (P &gt; 0.05), which resulted in higher carcass yield (P &lt; 0.05) for steers fed RH (55.0%) compared with H (53.5%) and W (53.3%). There was a significant interaction (P &lt; 0.05) for feed : gain ratio, with an improvement of this value observed only for steers fed the W diet. Although varying the FS affected rumination of calves and steers (P &lt; 0.01) and the time spent eating of steers (P &lt; 0.05), it did not represent any constraint for animal production. This study suggests by-products high in fibre content, such as RH and W, could be used in substitution to H in high-grain feedlot diets when fed at equal NDF concentration in the ration, both for calves and steers. Because calves are sometimes grown on a high-concentrate diet during winter before spring grazing, further research is needed to quantify potential residual effects on LWG after they return to pasture.

BAKING AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF MUFFINS INCORPORATED WITH APPLE SKIN POWDER

ABSTRACT Apple fruit skin, a rich source of dietary fiber and phenolics, is a by‐product of apple processing. The feasibility of incorporating dried apple skin powder (ASP) as a value‐added food ingredient in bakery food products using a model system of muffins was investigated. The blanched, dehydrated and ground ASP was incorporated into muffins at 0, 4, 8, 16, 24 or 32% (w/w) levels with replacement of equivalent amount of wheat flour of a standard muffin mixture. The highest level of replacement (32% w/w) had a significant adverse effect on the baking characteristics. A taste panel of 66 panelists showed that the replacement of wheat flour with 8, 16 or 24% ASP in the muffin mixture did not affect the overall acceptability. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIdentification of ways to incorporate apple skins, one of the by‐products of apple pie and sauce manufacturing, as a health food ingredient in human diet could provide many health benefits. Furthermore, better use of the by‐product will also provide benefits to the apple industry as well as solutions for environment concerns associated with disposal. The results of the present study indicate that blanched and dehydrated apple skin powder (ASP) could be considered as an alternative dietary fiber source or specialty food ingredient for muffins. Therefore, the potential for the industrial exploitation of ASP as a health food ingredient for the bakery industry and selected functional foods is promising.

Apparent digestibility of diets with combinations of soybean hulls and coastcross (Cynodon sp.) hay offered to ram lambs

Soybean hulls (SH) are an alternative fiber source that may be used to maintain neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration while increasing the energy concentration of ruminant diets. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of replacing coastcross (Cynodon sp.) hay NDF by SH NDF on the apparent digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance of Santa Inês ram lambs. Twenty-four animals (42.5 ± 3.6 kg of body weight and six months old) were placed in metabolism crates and assigned in a randomized complete block design defined by body weight (BW). Experimental diets provided a similar concentration of NDF (52%) and crude protein (15%). Hay NDF from a 70% roughage-based diet was replaced with SH NDF by 33%, 67%, and 100%, resulting in 0, 25, 52, and 77% of SH in the dietary dry matter (DM), respectively. There was a linear increase (p &lt; 0.01) on dry matter and organic matter (OM) intakes expressed as kg day-1 and % of BW, with SH inclusion. The OM digestibility showed a quadratic effect (p &lt; 0.05) with SH inclusion while crude protein digestibility showed a linear decrease (p &lt; 0.0001). A quadratic effect was also observed for NDF (p &lt; 0.05) and acid detergent fiber (p &lt; 0.01) digestibilities. The N retentions, as % of N consumed and % of N absorbed, resulted in quadratic effects (p &lt; 0.05) with SH addition. There was no effect (p &gt; 0.05) on water intake when SH replaced hay. The SH can replace forage and may be included up to 77% in the dietary DM of ram lambs with satisfactory values of nutrient digestibilities.