Animal Protein Production Research Articles

GLOBAL FEED PRODUCTION DOWN SLIGHTLY IN 2023. Р.1

Global animal feed production remained steady in 2023 at 1.29 billion metric tons (BMT), but was down slightly, 2.6 million metric tons (MMT) — or 0.2% — from 2022’s. The overall lower demand for feed was due, in part, to the more efficient use of feed made possible by intensive production systems that focus on using animal nutrition, farm management and other technologies to lower feed intake while producing the same amount of protein, or more. A slowdown in the overall production of animal protein, in response to tight margins experienced by many feed and animal protein companies, also contributed to lower feed demand. Changing consumption patterns caused by inflation and dietary trends, higher production costs and geopolitical tensions also influenced feed production in 2023.

Polymorphism in the Mitochondrial Cytochrome B of Crossbred Madura-Limousine Cattle

Madura cattle breeders in rural Indonesia prefer to request artificial insemination services for their cows with Limousin bull's freeze-thawed semen. However, crossbred Madura-Limousin (Madrasin) bulls reported a high infertility rate. This study aimed to identify the mutation of cytochrome b (Cytb) mtDNA in Madura-Limousin crossbred cattle to develop a fundamental breeding approach that would promote animal protein production and preserve the genetics of purebred Madura cattle. Blood samples were collected from the two bulls of crossbred Madura-Limousin, purebred Madura, and Limousin bulls for DNA analysis. The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the Cytb mtDNA, which was then sequenced using the Sanger method. The MEGA 7.0 software was used with the neighbor-joining method to construct the phylogenetic tree. Compared to the purebred Madura cattle and purebred Limousin bulls, the crossbred Madura-Limousin bulls (also known as Madrasin) exhibited alterations in their nucleotide sequence as follows: Deletion of Adenine (number 37), mutation Guanine (66) to Cytosine, Thymine (73) to Cytosine, Guanine (78) to Adenine, Cytosine (84) to Guanine, Thymine (85) to Cytosine, Thymine (99) to Cytosine, Adenine (105) to Guanine, Adenine (114) to Guanine, Cytosine (126) to Thymine, Cytosine (141) to Thymine, and Adenine (144) to Cytosine, resulting in corresponding changes in the deletion of amino acid Isoleucine (position number 11) and mutation of Isoleucine (34) to Methionine. As observed in the resulting clades, the purebred Madura and Limousin cattle were grouped, while Madrasin crossbred cattle were separated. It could be concluded that Madrasin bulls exhibited alterations in their nucleotide and protein sequences of Cytb mtDNA, placing them in a distinct group from purebred Madura cattle and Limousin bulls.

Efficient production of single cell protein from biogas slurry using screened alkali-salt-tolerant Debaryomyces hansenii

Production of single cell protein (SCP) by recovering ammonia nitrogen from biogas slurry shows great potential against protein scarcity and unsustainable production of plant and animal proteins. Herein, a high-alkali-salt-tolerant yeast strain, Debaryomyces hansenii JL8-0, was isolated and demonstrated for high-efficient SCP production. This strain grew optimally at pH 8.50 and 2500 mg/L NH4+-N, and it could efficiently utilize acetate as the additional carbon source. Under optimal conditions, SCP biomass of 32.21 g/L and productivity of 0.32 g/L·h−1 were obtained in fed-batch fermentation. Remarkably, nearly complete (97.40 %) ammonia nitrogen from biogas slurry was recovered, probably due to its high affinity for NH4+-N. Altogether, this strain showed advantages in terms of cell biomass titer, productivity, and yield. A cultivation strategy was proposed by co-culturing D. hansenii with other compatible yeast strains to achieve high-efficient SCP production from biogas slurry, which could be a promising alternative technology for biogas slurry treatment.

Diet Mixing and Supplementation Present an Opportunity to Increase the Use of Encroaching Woody Plants by Goats.

Along with the woody plant expansion that is predicted to continue at the expense of the grassy layer is the increasing societal demand for animal protein and livestock products. Unless concerted efforts by land users, ecologists, and animal scientists are made to increase the utilization of trees and shrubs as forage, it will be impossible to meet future demand for meat and meat products. We conducted two short-term pen experiments to determine the effects of (1) supplementation with polyethylene glycol (PEG-a polymer purported to bind and neutralize the negative effects of tannins), a high-protein source (soybean meal), and a high-energy source (yellow maize grain) and (2) diet mixing (single-species vs. multispecies diets) on the intake of condensed tannin-rich woody plants (i.e., Searsia lancea, S. pyroides, and Euclea crispa) by goats. While all three forage species were used in the diet mixing experiment (Exp. 2), only E. crispa was used in the supplementation experiment (Exp. 1). Supplementing goats with energy- and protein-rich sources significantly increased the intake of E. crispa (p < 0.05), 713.4 g ± 13.5 and 760 g ± 28.9, respectively, whereas those on the control diet maintained their intake at 540.32 g ± 11.2. Although PEG tended to increase the consumption of E. crispa by goats, the observed increase was not significant (p > 0.05) from that observed in other treatments. In the diet mixing experiment, goats offered a combination of all three forage species attained substantially higher dry matter intakes compared to the goats offered these species individually (p < 0.05). While longer-term field experiments are needed in the African savannas, we postulate from the current results that management strategies that provide animals with (1) a variety of species in the diet vs. monocultures and (2) a combination of nutrient-rich and tannin-rich species may improve the ability of goats to consume chemically defended woody plants.

Microbial electrosynthesis of single cell protein and methane by coupling fast-growing Methanococcus maripaludis with microbial electrolysis cells

Single cell protein (SCP) is a promising alternative protein source, as its production bypasses the disadvantages of animal protein production in industrial agriculture. Coupling a fast-growing hydrogen consuming organism with microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) could be a viable method for SCP production. In this study, a fast-growing and protein-rich methanogen, Methanococcus maripaludis was selected as the primary SCP source. The inoculation of M. maripaludis in MECs triggered cell synthesis with methane production. The doubling time measured was 11.2 h and the specific growth rate was 0.062 1/h. The highest SCP production rate was 13.7 mg/L/h. In the dried biomass, the weight of protein was over 60 %. Amino acid profiling of the harvested biomass demonstrated high abundance of essential amino acids. The electron flux analysis indicated that 31.3 % electrons in the electrochemical systems were directed into SCP synthesis. These results illustrated the potential for SCP production by coupling a fast-growing methanogen with MECs.

Trade-offs between higher productivity and lower environmental impacts for biodiversity-friendly and conventional cattle-oriented systems

CONTEXTBiodiversity loss caused by livestock production is a key environmental issue. Biodiversity-friendly livestock systems aim to favour biodiversity mainly for its own sake. Environmental impacts of biodiversity-friendly livestock systems have not been studied, nor have trade-offs between higher productivity and lower environmental impacts of these systems. OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to (i) assess the productivity and environmental impacts of a sample of cattle-oriented production systems representing a wide range of external inputs, productivity and consideration of biodiversity; (ii) identify trade-offs among the objectives of lower input use, higher productivity, lower environmental impacts and higher energy return on investment (EROI); (iii) relate the systems' production strategies to the trade-offs identified and (iv) identify perspectives for biodiversity-friendly livestock systems. METHODSThis study assessed the productivity and environmental impacts of a sample of seven cattle-oriented production systems: an agricultural rewilding system (biodiversity-friendly, in England), three suckler beef systems (two of them considered biodiversity-friendly, in France) and three dairy systems (one biodiversity-friendly and one conventional, in France). Life cycle assessment (LCA) was applied to assess six environmental impacts (i.e. terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, marine eutrophication, land occupation, and in particular, climate change and energy demand) and was combined with calculation of EROI. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSPer hectare of land occupied to produce livestock and their feed, production of human-edible animal protein and environmental impacts of these systems increased as energy demand (i.e. input use) increased. Per hectare, human-edible animal protein production, energy demand and climate change impact (considering carbon dynamics) ranged from 5 kg, 90 MJ and −5.5 t CO2-eq., respectively, for the agricultural rewilding system to 239 kg, 20,496 MJ and 8.3 t CO2-eq., respectively, for the conventional French dairy farm. Patterns of trade-offs varied among the production strategies of the farms. The four biodiversity-friendly farms in the sample had low productivity but also low environmental impacts per ha, especially for climate change and energy demand, due to being extensive systems with relatively high self-sufficiency. Biodiversity-friendly farms also had higher EROI than other farms that produced the same products. Using LCA to assess biodiversity-friendly systems, in particular agricultural rewilding, challenges its ability to consider natural baseline emissions and non-provisioning ecosystem services. SIGNIFICANCEThese results emphasise the need to consider the multiple functions of these systems and their overall environmental performances and sustainability. Current economic and social trends may provide opportunities for biodiversity-friendly livestock systems as a possible future for livestock systems.

81 Creating a More Efficient Production System (Feed Efficiency in the Real World)

Abstract Modern food production is the subject of much scrutiny, especially with regard to potential environmental impact and sustainability. To accurately assess impact, both costs and benefits should be evaluated, and inputs and outputs should be standardized. Emphasis is commonly placed on efficiency when comparing production of various animal proteins. Efficiency of a process can be described as a ratio. This ratio is simply: 1) input to output or 2) output to input. The relationship of input to output such as feed input to gain (i.e., body weight, carcass weight, or retail cut weight) output is termed feed to gain (F:G) and the relationship of output to input is termed gain to feed (G:F). Production efficiency is optimal when animals are depositing lean tissue and poorest when the animal fattens and approaches chemical maturity. Because of the energy density of tissues deposited, energetic (calorie:calorie) efficiency can look very different than production (feed) efficiency. Factors related to animal health are also important as a reduction in death loss can offer a substantial boost to efficiency. Feed efficiency should be expressed on a dry matter basis. Failure to account for moisture content in a feedstuff can make feed efficiency appear poorer, especially when cattle are compared with non-ruminants, which typically consume drier diets. Should the environmental impact of beef production be lifetime or feedyard only? Much, if not all, of what a cow eats has no other value to mankind. The authors believe that the creation of human available calories from cellulose must be accounted for. For a more just comparison, efficiency could be measured using inputs that could have been used for human consumption, when making across species comparisons. With this in mind, non-ruminants are not nearly as attractive for large-scale protein production. There would also be value in evaluating efficiency of input to ideal protein output, rather than just weight gain or pounds of food produced. In that scenario plant-based foods would fare poorly. How best can cattle be used to supply the bioavailable nutrients for a growing population? Modern cattle eat large amounts of feed, get very large and have the ability to fatten and still be very efficient. Continual improvement and advancement is critical; but more meaningful assessments of efficiency are possible when the appropriate input:ouput comparisons are evaluated.

Improvement of kefir fermentation on rheological and microstructural properties of soy protein isolate gels

Soy protein isolate (SPI) has become a promising plant-based material as an animal protein products alternative. However, its application was limited due to the weak gelling properties. To investigate the effect of kefir fermentation on SPI gels properties, SPI-polysaccharide gels was produced by unfermented and kefir-fermented SPI using different concentration of KGM, chitosan, and calcium chloride in this study. Characterization of fermented SPI gels showed that fermentation by kefir grains can be applied to improve the textural strength, mechanical structure, and thermal characteristics of SPI gels. Compared to unfermented SPI gels, the water-holding capacity was remarkably enhanced to 63.11% and 65.71% in fermented SPI-chitosan gels. Moreover, the hardness of fermented SPI-KGM gels were significantly increased to 13.43 g and 27.11 g. And the cohesiveness and resilience of fermented-KGM gels were also improved than unfermented samples. Results of rheological characterization and thermogravimetric analysis revealed the strengthened mechanical features and higher thermal stability of fermented SPI gels. Additionally, the main role of hydrophobic interactions and secondary structure variations of SPI gels were demonstrated by intermolecular force measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Moreover, the network structure was observed more compact and homogeneous performed by microstructural images in fermented SPI gels. Therefore, this research provided a novel approach combining multi-species fermentation with protein gelation to prepare SPI gel materials with improved nutrition and structural properties.

Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, and In Vitro Digestion of Transglutaminase-Crosslinked Whey Protein and Potato Protein Hydrolysate Composite Gels.

The production of animal protein usually leads to higher carbon emissions than that of plant protein. To reduce carbon emissions, the partial replacement of animal protein with plant protein has attracted extensive attention; however, little is known about using plant protein hydrolysates as a substitute. The potential application of 2 h-alcalase hydrolyzed potato protein hydrolysate (PPH) to displace whey protein isolate (WPI) during gel formation was demonstrated in this study. The effect of the ratios (8/5, 9/4, 10/3, 11/2, 12/1, and 13/0) of WPI to PPH on the mechanical properties, microstructure, and digestibility of composite WPI/PPH gels was investigated. Increasing the WPI ratio could improve the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″) of composite gels. The springiness of gels with the WPH/PPH ratio of 10/3 and 8/5 was 0.82 and 0.36 times higher than that of the control (WPH/PPH ratio of 13/0) (p < 0.05). In contrast, the hardness of the control samples was 1.82 and 2.38 times higher than that of gels with the WPH/PPH ratio of 10/3 and 8/5 (p < 0.05). According to the International Organization for Standardization of Dysphagia Diet (IDDSI) testing, the composite gels belonged to food level 4 in the IDDSI framework. This suggested that composite gels could be acceptable to people with swallowing difficulties. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images illustrated that composite gels with a higher ratio of PPH displayed thicker gel skeletons and porous networks in the matrix. The water-holding capacity and swelling ratio of gels with the WPH/PPH ratio of 8/5 decreased by 12.4% and 40.8% when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Analysis of the swelling rate with the power law model indicated that water diffusion in composite gels belonged to non-Fickian transport. The results of amino acid release suggested that PPH improved the digestion of composite gels during the intestinal stage. The free amino group content of gels with the WPH/PPH ratio of 8/5 increased by 29.5% compared with the control (p < 0.05). Our results suggested that replacing WPI with PPH at the ratio of 8/5 could be the optimal selection for composite gels. The findings indicated that PPH could be used as a substitute for whey protein to develop new products for different consumers. Composite gels could deliver nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to develop snack foods for elders and children.

Development of the recipe and technology of semi-finished mock cutlets of functional purpose

Increase in animal protein resources is of great importance on a global scale. Proteins of animal origin provide the human body with basic macroand micronutrients and support normal human life and activities. Poultry meat occupies a significant proportion in the state program of production and sale of animal proteins. From year to year, the growth and consumption of poultry meat (30...35 %) is constantly increasing. Mechanically deboned poultry meat is characterized by less technological potential and is in need of increase its functional and technological properties in the formation of food systems with specified properties.The article shows the possibility of expanding the assortment of meat chopped semi-finished products (cutlets) of functional purpose using a compositional mixture in a recipe that helps to increase biological and nutritional value.The purpose of the research is to develop the recipe and technology of mechanically deboned poultry meat semi-finished products (cutlets) of functional purpose using non-traditional raw materials, namely compositional mixture (CM).The qualitative and quantitative composition of the compositional mixture for cutlets of functional purpose from mechanically deboned poultry meat has been substantiated and selected.The influence of the dosage of the compositional mixture consisting of a solid Adygh cheese«Mate» (powder), oatmeal and garlic powder, on the consumer properties of mechanically deboned poultry meat has been investigated. The quality indicators (organoleptic and physico-chemical ones) cutlets of functional purposes have been investigated.The recipe and technology of functional cutlets has been developed where wheat bread is replaced completely (100%) with a compositional mixture and coating with oatmeal flour. This technology has shown the best quality indicators.

Serum-free alginate-C2C12 cells microcapsule as a model of alternative animal protein source.

Due to the climate change crisis, and environmental impacts of the traditional meat sector, the production of artificial animal protein based on in vitro cell culture technology is proposed as an alternative. Furthermore, since traditional animal serum-supplemented cultures pose scientific challenges such as batch variation and contamination risks, artificial animal protein cultures are currently in urgent need of not only serum-free cultures, but also microcarrier culture systems for scalability. However, serum-free microcarrier-based culture system for the differentiation of muscle cells is not available to date. Therefore, we established an edible alginate microcapsules culture system for the differentiation of C2C12 cells in serum-free conditions. Furthermore, metabolites related to central carbon metabolism were profiled based on targeted metabolomics using mass spectrometry. The C2C12 cells cultured in alginate microcapsules displayed high viability throughout 7 days and successfully differentiated within 4 days in serum and serum-free cultures except for AIM-V cultures, which was confirmed by CK activity and MHC immunostaining. Lastly, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to compare metabolite profiles between monolayer and alginate microcapsule culture systems. Alginate microcapsule culture showed higher levels of intracellular glycolysis and TCA cycle intermediates, lactate, and the contribution of essential amino acids compared to the monolayer culture. We believe our serum-free alginate microcapsule culture system is adaptable to different species of muscle cells and contributes to future food technology as a proof of concept for the scalability of alternative animal protein source production.

Public, private, and public-private partnerships to implement One Health as an action to address antimicrobial resistance in ColombiaParcerias públicas, privadas e público-privadas para a implementação da Saúde Única como uma ação contra a resistência a antimicrobianos na Colômbia

This article describes the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and public-private coordination to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the One Health approach. These partnerships are developed between governmental actors, private companies, and social organizations to build agendas, decision-making, and the management of projects of common interest. A case study from Colombia is presented. It describes examples of response from the public sector when the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a colistin resistance alert in 2016; from the animal protein production sector under an industry partnership for the rational use of antimicrobials; and, finally, from a public-private partnership in the swine sector, with governmental institutions and international cooperation, to take action to mitigate the risk of AMR. In Colombia, the establishment of partnerships with organizations representing agricultural producers has generated impactful actions such as strengthening ongoing communication channels between the public and private sectors; characterizing the conditions of the agricultural production chain; establishing mechanisms for consultation and validation of health policies related to AMR; obtaining a baseline of indicator pathogens and identification of possible flows of AMR spread; and, finally, achieving knowledge transfer and capacity-building with national and international experts, with actions to raise awareness about the problem of AMR and its impact on public health. The strategic model developed in Colombia through public-private collaboration can inspire other low- and middle-income countries to optimize their use of resources to obtain results that contribute to the national AMR mitigation plan.

Analisis Kendala Budidaya Ikan Nila Dengan Metode Bioflok Di desa Karawana Kec. Dolo Kab. Sigi

Efforts to increase income, provide employment, contribute to the availability of animal protein and increase production activities are part of food security in the aquaculture sector. Based on data reported from the DGT KKP Statistics, (2021) aquaculture can increase production activities, where in 2020 the third quarter of fish farming production reached 11.5 million tons and increased to 12.25 million tons in 2021 in the third quarter. Alternative techniques that can be done as an effort to increase fish farming production results are optimizing the use of biofloc system technology (Pramono et al., 2018; Faridah et al., 2019 and Permana et al., 2021). This biofloc system is a union of living organic substances into the form of blobs, where this biofloc is composed of the word bio which means life while floc means blob. For example, in tilapia farming, to increase production results so that they can ... Meeting market demand can implement a biofloc system. Tilapia is classified as a type of freshwater fish that is in great demand in the market. The advantages of implementing a biofloc system in tilapia farming are environmentally friendly so that it is easy to carry out advanced cultivation, there is efficiency in water utilization, short maintenance period, and maximizing stocking density. In addition to the advantages, there are also obstacles faced, fish farming with a biofloc system such as lack of understanding of fish farming with the biofloc method, directly providing feed without paying attention and lack of water quality control. Furthermore, the research conducted implemented the observational descriptive method.

A new journal dedicated to the science of sustainable food proteins

Harjinder Singh, Editor-in-Chief In the next decade, we will see a dramatic dietary shift toward more plant-based and alternative proteins. Global population growth and the dietary changes associated with rising standards of living are placing tremendous pressure on the systems that provide our proteins. How will we reconcile the creation of new protein foods that are not only sustainable but also affordable and highly nutritious? Sustainable Food Proteins (SFP) is a new international, open access, peer-reviewed journal focused on the research attempting to answer this question. The journal publishes high-quality original research articles, reviews, and opinion pieces on all aspects of the science dedicated to the advancement of sustainably derived protein foods. It covers the entire spectrum from protein sourcing to food formulations, to analytical characterization, to digestion and nutrition, and the nuanced research in between. The food industry is clamoring for knowledge on novel protein sources, structures, and functionality to inform formulations, as well as sensory information that may drive consumer perceptions. We are interested in manuscripts on these topics, as well as on novel techniques used to characterize and enhance these functionalities. For example, we are accepting papers on processing and extraction technologies, especially for edible proteins that are not sourced from traditionally farmed livestock. We welcome submissions on recombinant technologies for protein production (in bacteria, yeast, or plants) and cell culture-based production of animal protein. We also seek papers on addressing scientific challenges in food product formulations and product development using alternative protein ingredients. We welcome research on the digestibility, nutritional quality, and health impacts of alternative proteins and protein-based foods. There is currently a significant focus on protein science and innovation to transform our food system to become more environmentally sustainable. The academic community and scientists in the food industry now have a dedicated forum to showcase their important work. The editorial board of SFP is eager to share those findings in our journal and our goal is for SFP to be the leading journal where anyone interested in this burgeoning field can find cutting-edge protein research.

3D printing of salmon fillet mimic: Imparting printability via high-pressure homogenization and post-printing texturization via transglutaminase

Sustainability and environmental concerns towards animal protein production demands urgency in dietary shifts towards plant-based meat and seafood analogues. This study aimed to develop plant-protein based salmon mimics through three-dimensional (3D) printing of plant protein-based food inks coupled with post-printing transglutaminase (TGase) treatment. The simulant for the myosepta (white fat tissue) was developed as a pea protein emulsion with 5.5% protein content. To impart post-printing structural stability via high pressure homogenization (HPH), a minimum oil content of 30% was required. The myosepta simulant was then assembled with a red lentil protein emulsion which serves as the myomere simulant (orange muscle tissue) via 3D printing to form the salmon fillet mimic. Post-printing structural stability for the myomere simulant was conferred through gelation of its high protein content of 22%. Post-printing incubation at 55 °C substantially stimulated TGase to transform the emulsions from printable pastes to solids with texture profile comparable to real salmon fillet. Confocal imaging reflected the formation of porous protein networks in both simulants. In the texturized salmon mimic, the myosepta simulants with 5.5% protein content and 30–45% oil content achieved resemblance as a protein-stabilized oil droplet network with comparable mean oil droplet diameter d of below 1 μm. Whereas, the myomere simulant yielded a fibrous hierarchical structure resembling salmon myofiber and its constituent myofibrils through printing-induced alignment of protein aggregates. 3D printing with HPH ink plus post-printing texturization are critical contributors towards developing a plant-based mimic with macronutrient content, physicochemical properties and texture comparable to real salmon fillet.

Absence of microbiome triggers extensive changes in the transcriptional profile of Hermetia illucens during larval ontogeny

Black soldier fly larvae (BSF, Hermetia illucens) have gained much attention for their industrial use as biowaste recyclers and as a new source of animal proteins. The functional effect that microbiota has on insect health and growth performance remains largely unknown. This study clarifies the role of microbiota in BSF ontogeny by investigating the differential genomic expression of BSF larvae in axenic conditions (i.e., germfree) relative to non-axenic (conventional) conditions. We used RNA-seq to measure differentially expressed transcripts between axenic and conventional condition using DESeq2 at day 4, 12 and 20 post-hatching. Gene expression was significantly up or down-regulated for 2476 transcripts mapped in gene ontology functions, and axenic larvae exhibited higher rate of down-regulated functions. Up-regulated microbiota-dependant transcriptional gene modules included the immune system, the lipid metabolism, and the nervous system. Expression profile showed a shift in late larvae (day 12 and 20), exposing a significant temporal effect on gene expression. These results provide the first evidence of host functional genes regulated by microbiota in the BSF larva, further demonstrating the importance of host-microbiota interactions on host ontogeny and health. These results open the door to optimization of zootechnical properties in alternative animal protein production, biowaste revalorization and recycling.

Constraint and Opportunity of Village Chicken Production in Ethiopia

The higher chicken ownership of women was observed in all of the three agro-climatic zones Feeding, watering, cleaning, house construction, treating sick chicken, and buying and selling live chicken are common activities in poultry farms. Approximately 80% of the chicken populations in Africa are reared in free scavenging systems. Small holder farming families, landless labourers and people with incomes below the poverty line are able to raise chicken with low inputs and harvest the benefits of eggs and meat via scavenging feed resources. In most African countries, the rural chicken population accounts for more than 60% of the total national chicken population. Ethiopia is more responsible for chicken rearing in both male and female headed households, while men are responsible for crop cultivation and other off-farm activities. In a number of African countries, approximately 80% of the chicken flocks are owned and largely controlled and managed by rural women. In male headed households, the wife and husband are coowners of the chickens but sometimes children own some chicken in the flock and are allowed to sell their chicken and eggs to cover expenses for school or to purchase clothes. The proportional contribution of poultry to the total animal protein production of the world by the year 2020 is believed to increase to 40%, the major increase being in the developing world. However, most communities lack the required husbandry skills, training and opportunity to effectively improve their household chicken production.

Plant-based Protein Food Products: Perceptions from the Greek Food Industry

The food industry is under pressure to improve food production and reduce its impact on the environment. Furthermore, consumers today are increasingly shifting to more sustainable diets. In this context, plant-based protein sources appear as a promising solution. This study investigates the perceptions of company representatives operating in Greece who produce or intend to produce, food products containing plant-based proteins. Based on 360 responses, this quantitative analysis a) identifies the main drivers and barriers for consumer acceptance of these products, b) ascertains the most popular choice (word and phrase) on their labels, and c) explores variations in key marketing factors such as organoleptic characteristics, price, and promotion of plant protein-based products versus those with animal protein sources. According to the findings, “human health” is the prevailing incentive to shift to the consumption of plant-based protein food products. Additionally, “reluctance” is the predominant barrier for consumers to change their eating habits. Regarding the use of words and phrases on labels, the word “plant-protein” and the phrase “high in vegetable protein” were found to be the most popular. Furthermore, there is an agreement that both the organoleptic characteristics and the promotional strategies of plant-based protein products and animal-based protein products, are or should be similar. Interestingly, the majority of respondents noted that the price of plant protein products is or will be higher compared to animal protein products. This study provides meaningful insights into the food and beverage industry and companies that either have or will have products with plant-based sources of protein.&#x0D; Keywords: alternative proteins, alternative products, plant-based proteins, plant-based substitutes, food industry, business perceptions

Public attitudes toward the use of technology to create new types of animals and animal products.

Philosophers have used thought experiments to examine contentious examples of genetic modification. We hypothesised that these examples would prove useful in provoking responses from lay participants concerning technological interventions used to address welfare concerns. We asked 747 US and Canadian citizens to respond to two scenarios based on these thought experiments: genetically modifying chickens to produce blind progeny that are less likely to engage in feather-pecking (BC); and genetically modifying animals to create progeny that do not experience any subjective state (i.e. incapable of experiencing pain or fear; IA). For contrast, we assessed a third scenario that also resulted in the production of animal protein with no risk of suffering but did not involve genetically modifying animals: the development of cultured meat (CM). Participants indicated on a seven-point scale how acceptable they considered the technology (1 = very wrong to do; 7 = very right to do), and provided a text-based, open-ended explanation of their response. The creation of cultured meat was judged more acceptable than the creation of blind chickens and insentient animals. Qualitative responses indicated that some participants accepted the constraints imposed by the thought experiment, for example, by accepting perceived harms of the technology to achieve perceived benefits in reducing animal suffering. Others expressed discomfort with such trade-offs, advocating for other approaches to reducing harm. We conclude that people vary in their acceptance of interventions within existing systems, with some calling for transformational change.

Morphological aspects of rumen papillae of lambs fed agro-industrial wastes.

Sheep meet production systems require roughage feed of good nutritional quality. However, the production of sorghum or corn silage, besides expensive, also depends on large cultivable areas and favorable weather conditions. Thus, agro-industrial residues have stood out as a feed alternative that contribute to the reduction of production costs and to the conservation of the environment. Fragments of the ruminal mucosa of 30 healthy lambs fed with agro-industrial residues and slaughtered with a final weight of 36 kg were analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. We observed that the coproducts grape residue and wet brewery residue affected the shape, dimensions, and cytoarchitecture of the rumen epithelium in contrast to traditional sorghum silage. The rumen papillae of lambs fed grape waste were larger, and their epithelium was thinner when compared to the papillae of lambs fed wet brewery waste and sorghum silage. It can be assumed that the increased mucosal surface area of the rumen contributed to greater weight gain and reduced time to slaughter. The use of a greater variety of agro-industrial residues as a substitute for traditional feedstuffs contributes to the increase in animal protein production in many countries, making the confinement of sheep more viable and sustainable.