Calcium Propionate Research Articles

Involvement of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon gamma-γ, and interleukins 1β, 6, and 10 in immunosuppression due to long-term exposure to five common food preservatives in rats.

Food preservatives are abundant in many products in the human environment. However, little is known about the impact of many food preservatives on the immune system and the immune related genes. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of five widespread food preservatives, including butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), potassium sorbate (PS), sodium benzoate (SB), boric acid (BA), and calcium propionate (CP), on haemato-immune functions. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to groups orally administered water (control), BHA (0.09mg/kg), PS (4.5mg/kg), SB (0.9mg/kg), BA (0.16mg/kg) or CP (0.18mg/kg) for 90 consecutive days. Leukogram and erythrogram profiles were assessed. Nitric oxide and immunoglobulin levels together with phagocytic and lysozyme activities were estimated. Histologic examinations and histomorphometric analysis of splenic tissues were performed. Variations in the mRNA expression levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFNγ), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were assessed. Anemic conditions, thrombocytopenia, leucocytopaenia simultaneous with lymphocytopaenia, monocytopenia, and esinopenia have been obvious following long term exposure to the tested food additives. Prominent exhaustion was noted in immunoglobulin and NO levels and in lysozyme and phagocytic activities. IFNγ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were obviously upregulated in the groups exposed to food preservatives. These results confirmed that continued exposure to high levels of BHA, PS, SB, BA, and CP has haematotoxic and immunotoxic effects. Furthermore, these adverse effects are mediated by cytokine production.

Calcium propionate supplementation alters the ruminal bacterial and archaeal communities in pre- and postweaning calves

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of calcium propionate (CaP) on rumen microbiota, fermentation indicators, and weight gain in calves both pre- and postweaning. Twenty-four newborn calves were randomly divided into 4 groups (2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement): either pre- (90 d) or postweaning (160 d), and either without or with dietary CaP supplementation (5% dry matter). The CaP supplementation increased the body weight and rumen weight of the calves and lowered NH3-N concentration in the rumen. Microbiota composition was characterized by sequencing the amplicons of the bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes. The CaP supplementation decreased the relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes but tended to increase that of Proteobacteria. In addition, CaP supplementation decreased the diversity of bacteria and archaea in the rumen compared with the calves fed the control diet. Linear discriminant analysis of the rumen microbiota revealed that Succinivibrionaceae and Methanobrevibacter were enriched in the CaP group postweaning. A correlation was also present between the acetate to propionate ratio and the species that acted as co-occurrence network hubs, including Succiniclasticum, Treponema, and Megasphaera. In conclusion, CaP supplementation can improve body weight gain and rumen growth and alter the ruminal microbiota in calves both pre- and postweaning.

The effect of alternative feeding strategies during rearing on the behaviour of broiler breeder pullets

Broiler breeders are feed-restricted during rearing to avoid the negative consequences of obesity during lay due to their genetic potential for fast growth rate. Feed restriction leads to chronic hunger, frustration and lack of satiety as indicated by hyperactivity, restlessness and oral-redirected behaviours that can become abnormal repetitive behaviours (ARBs). The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a rationed alternative diet and non-daily feeding schedules on the behaviour of broiler breeder pullets under simulated commercial conditions. At 3 weeks of age, 1680 Ross 308 pullets were allocated into 24 pens where they were fed with one of four isocaloric treatments until 22 weeks: 1) daily control diet; 2) daily alternative diet; 3) 4/3 control diet (four on-feed days with three non-consecutive off-feed days per week); and 4) graduated control diet (the feeding frequency varied with age). The alternative diet included a fixed inclusion rate of 40 % soybean hulls and an increasing concentration of 1–5 % calcium propionate. Ten focal pullets per pen (five on on-feed days, five on off-feed days) were continuously observed for 10 min at 7, 10, 14, and 18 weeks of age, starting 30 min after feed delivery. Data were analyzed using mixed linear regression models, with pen nested in the model and age or time of day as a repeated measure. Throughout rearing, pullets on the daily control diet were more active than pullets on the other three treatments (P < 0.001), while pullets on the alternative diet spent more time inactive compared to pullets on the control diet, regardless of feeding schedule (P = 0.02). The percentage of time spent performing ARBs was also lower in pullets fed the alternative diet (1.7 ± 0.8 %) compared to control pullets (26.0 ± 0.8 %; P < 0.001) during early rearing. Pullets on non-daily schedules spent more time in ARBs and locomotion during off-feed days compared to on-feed days (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that a rationed alternative diet can alleviate behavioural signs of chronic hunger, whereas non-daily feed restriction can promote signs of satiety during on-feed days. Compared to daily feed restriction with a control diet, alternative feeding strategies can reduce some of the behavioural signs of feed restriction.

The effect of alternative feeding strategies on the feeding motivation of broiler breeder pullets

Due to genetic selection for fast growth and high breast meat yield, commercial strains of broiler chickens and broiler breeders are predisposed to high feed intake; however, feeding broiler breeders ad libitum impairs their health and reproductive performance. Broiler breeders are feed-restricted throughout rearing to maintain health and performance, yet feed restriction results in hunger, feeding frustration and lack of satiety. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of alternative feeding strategies, including feed additives (separately or combined) and a fixed non-daily feeding schedule, on the feeding motivation and welfare of broiler breeders during rearing. At 3 weeks of age, 180 Ross 308 breeder pullets were allocated to 90 cages and fed with one of five isocaloric treatments: (1) daily control diet (control), (2) daily calcium propionate diet (CaP), (3) daily soybean hull diet (SBH), (4) daily alternative diet (alternative: CaP + SBH) and (5) 4/3 control diet (four on-feed days and three non-consecutive off-feed days per week). The CaP diet included calcium propionate at 1.4% from 3 to 6 weeks of age, and at 3.2% from 7 to 12 weeks of age, and the SBH diet contained soybean hulls included at 40%. The alternative diet included both soybean hulls and calcium propionate at the same inclusion rate as the SBH and CaP diets, respectively. Pullets were weighed and scored for feather coverage every week. A feed intake test was conducted at 3, 4, 8, 10 and 11 weeks of age for 10 min during on- and off-feed days. At 12 weeks of age, feather samples were analysed for fault bars. Data were analysed using linear mixed regression models, with cage nested in the models and age as a repeated measure. At 4 weeks of age, pullets fed soybean hull-enriched diets (SBH and alternative diets) and those on the 4/3 schedule had lower feed intake than control pullets (P = 0.02). Feathers from pullets fed the SBH diet had fewer fault bars than those fed the CaP diet (P = 0.04). The results indicated that the inclusion of soybean hulls (alone or combined with calcium propionate) and a 4/3 feeding schedule can reduce feeding motivation of broiler breeders during early rearing.

Effects of Par-Frying and Calcium Propionate on the Quality of Frozen Curry Puff

This study proves that the application of par-frying method and addition of calcium propionate able to prolong the shelf life and preserve the quality of frozen pastry curry puff during distribution and storage after exposure to fluctuating temperature. Par-fried curry puff added with 0.1% calcium propionate produce lower moisture content, oil uptake and weight loss than non-par fried puff. In addition, par fried curry puff was capable of preventing any visible black spots (after 4 weeks storage) which are related to the quality defect. No sensorial changes detected during sensory evaluation in terms of texture, appearance, taste and overall acceptability after addition of calcium propionate. There is a high possibility of frozen curry puff to be commercialized internationally without any deterioration.

The effect of alternative feeding strategies for broiler breeder pullets: 2. Welfare and performance during lay

ABSTRACTFeeding broiler breeders to satiety has negative consequences on their health and reproduction. Alternative feeding strategies during rearing can improve welfare, although their implications during lay are not well understood. The objective was to examine the effect of rearing feeding treatments on the reproductive performance and feeding behavior of broiler breeders under simulated commercial conditions. At 3 wk of age, 1,680 Ross 308 pullets were allocated to 24 pens under 1 of 4 isocaloric treatments: 1) daily control diet; 2) daily alternative diet (40% soybean hulls and 1 to 5% calcium propionate); 3) 4/3 control diet (4 on-feed days, 3 non-consecutive off-feed days per week); and 4) graduated control diet. Feeding frequency of the graduated treatment varied with age and finished on a daily basis. At 23 wk of age, group sizes were adjusted to 40 hens, and 5 mature Yield Plus Males roosters were introduced to each pen. Pens were under the same daily feeding management and same diet during lay. The performance of broiler breeders (growth rate, body weight uniformity, and reproductive performance) was determined until 64 wk of age. At the end of lay, feeding motivation was examined with a feed intake test and a compensatory feeding test. Data were analyzed using linear mixed regression models, with pen nested in the models and age as a repeated measure. The laying rate of hens reared on the graduated treatment decreased slower compared to control hens, resulting in a higher cumulative egg production (178.2 ± 3.8 eggs/hen) than control hens (165.2 ± 3.8 eggs/hen, P < 0.01) by 64 wk of age. Hens reared on non-daily feeding treatments laid lighter eggs with relatively heavier yolks and had higher feed intake at the end of lay than hens fed daily during rearing (P = 0.02). In conclusion, rearing feeding treatments impacted the growth rate and body weight uniformity during lay, feeding motivation at the end of lay, and the laying rate and hatchability depending on hens’ age.

Calcium Propionate Increased Milk Parameters in Holstein Cows

Background: In the early lactation, dairy cows go through a period of negative energy balance because they do not intake enough food to supply the energetic demand of milk production. In this period, dairy cows are susceptible to metabolic disorders, although has little evidence that milk production contribute to increase diseases occurrence. Some alternatives to minimize metabolic disorders, that reduce milk yield, has been suggested, as increase energy density in the diet of dry cows 21 days before the parturition and include additives in the diet pre and post-partum. The aim of this study was to measure the productive parameters in dairy cows fed calcium salts as energetic source. Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Two Latin square 4x4 were used, whereas one comprehended of early lactation cows and the other of mid lactation cows. Animals of 2nd and 3rd parity were used only. Parity was distributed evenly among groups. The trial consisted of 4 groups with 4 treatments as follow: T1: 300 g of calcium acetate, T2: 200 g of calcium propionate, T3: 200 g of calcium salts of fatty acids, and T4: control without any calcium additive. The animals were milked twice a day, the first milking at 07:00 am and the second milking at 05:00 pm. Milk samples were collected in plastic containers with potassium dichromate. These samples were sent to the Laboratory of Milk Analysis of the Paranaense Association of Breeders of the Holstein Breed for analysis of fat, protein, lactose and total solids through the infrared method. Throughout the experimental period, the daily production of the animals under study was recorded. The production of milk (kg) was corrected to 3.5% fat using the formula PLA 3.5% = (0.432 + kg milk) + (0.1623 x kg milk x fat content).Discussion: Greater supply of glucose or propionate stimulate milk protein production, but the mechanism of this stimulation is unclear. Milk protein is dependent on energy supply, and deficient energy intake reduces milk protein levels. Calcium propionate provided enough energy supply and increased milk protein levels. The synthesis of lactose has influence in water absorption in mammary gland and lactose determine milk osmolarity. The lactose levels vary according blood glucose, somatic cells count and energy availability for physiological processes. In the literature, rarely has been found greater lactose concentration caused by feed intake, becoming very important the results found in this work. The diet energy concentration and consumption rate determine energy intake, which limit milk yield. Dairy cows in early lactation has marked increased of nutrient requirements to support milk production. Support milk lactose synthesis in the mammary gland is the one of responsible for increase of nutrients requirements. In this period, the glucose demands increases 2 times more than during late gestation. Propionate is converted to glucose in the liver and it will be support lactose synthesis in the mammary gland. Propionate supplementation in this work provided better energetic supply and it is possible to consider, evaluating the milk yield. It was concluded that calcium propionate increased milk parameters like: milk protein, lactose and milk fat. Holstein cows fed calcium propionate had greater milk yield than other groups.

Antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activity of hydrolyzed goat whey on Penicillium spp: An application as biopreservation agent in pita bread

Whey is a by-product of the cheese industry, yet it contains proteins that have a high nutritional value and are an important source of antifungal peptides. Food deterioration caused by toxigenic fungi is one of the challenges of food safety. In this context, trypsin was used to hydrolyse goat milk whey at 37. The resultant peptides were characterised by LC–ESI–TOF-MS. Antifungal activity of the goat milk whey hydrolysate (HGW) was determined against 10 toxigenic fungi from the genus Penicillium, in solid and liquid media. Furthermore, HGW was used as an ingredient for bread elaboration. Bread elaborated with HGW and inoculated with toxigenic fungi was included in a shelf-life study of the reduction of fungal growth, mycotoxin production and the use of the additive calcium propionate in bread. A total of 27 peptides from α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, κ-casein and lactoferrin were identified. HGW evidenced fungal growth inhibition and presented minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration ranges of 3.9–62.5 and 15.8–250 g HGW/L, respectively. Bread with HGW displayed a 1-log reduction of fungal growth, 85–100% mycotoxin production, and extended the shelf-life by 2 days.

Simple microencapsulation of plant essential oil in porous starch granules: Adsorption kinetics and antibacterial activity evaluation

In this work, corn porous starch was used as a food grade polymer to microencapsulate essential oil (EO), the effects of temperature on adsorption of EO were investigated, and adsorption kinetics curves were plotted. Using this approach, the sustained-release antibacterial effects of porous starch microcapsules containing EOs (PSM-EOs) against Penicillium roqueforti and Aspergillus niger were explored under accelerated volatilization under high temperature conditions, and microencapsulation was successfully applied to bread preservation. The results showed that temperature had a significant effect on the adsorption capacity, and adsorption rate was controlled by both liquid film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion. The activation energy (Ea) of the adsorption process was 7.96 K J/mol as calculated using the Arrhenius equation. The results of antibacterial experiments showed that PSM-EOs exhibited superior sustained-release antibacterial effects and significantly prolonged the shelf life of bread, compared with controls. Practical applications The spoilage caused by mold contamination is a serious challenge for the bread industry. At present, the main preservative used in baking products is calcium propionate, a chemical preservative. However, calcium propionate can be decomposed to produce propionic acid under the action of intestinal microorganisms. Propionic acid is an important factor in inducing diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new preservation techniques rather than bread with calcium propionate. In this paper, porous starch microcapsules containing essential oil were prepared, and the adsorption kinetics curve of porous starch to essential oil was plotted. On this basis, the inhibition effect of porous starch microcapsules containing essential oil in high temperature accelerated volatilization on the main mold (P. roqueforti and A. niger) causing bread corruption was investigated. The aim is to provide new ideas for bread preservation.

Study on the shelf life and quality characteristics of highland barley fresh noodles as affected by microwave treatment and food preservatives.

In this work, the effect of microwave (MW), ε‐poly‐L‐lysine (ε‐PL), calcium propionate (CP), and their combinations on the shelf life and quality characteristics of highland barley fresh noodle (HBFN) was studied. Firstly, the mixed flour was treated by MW (800 W) for different time. Subsequently, HBFN was prepared by mixing flour and sterilized water with addition of 0.04% ε‐PL combined with different concentrations of CP (0.025%, 0.020%, 0.015%) and stored at 25 ± 1°C. Changes of total plate count (TPC), moisture content, water state, textural properties, color, and pH in HBFN were monitored during storage. The results indicated that microwave treatment (40 s) provided 30% reduction of initial TPC of the flour without decline of noodle quality. Shelf life of HBFN treated with MW + ε‐PL (0.04%) + CP (0.02%/0.025%) reached 80 and 88 hr, respectively, and had good edible qualities during storage.

Synergistic antimicrobial effect of lactocin AL705 and nisin combined with organic acid salts against Listeria innocua 7 in broth and a hard cheese

SummaryThe effectiveness of antimicrobial mixtures against Listeria innocua 7, used as a L. monocytogenes surrogate, was investigated in broth and a food system. Synergistic effects were found for nisin (Nis), potassium sorbate (PS), calcium propionate (CP) and sodium lactate (SL), Nis + PS being the most effective binary mixture that exhibited listericidal activity in broth. To assess the effect of adding lactocin AL705 (AL705) to Nis + organic acid salt combinations, tridimensional isobolograms were generated. Sub‐MIC combinations of the antimicrobials exerted bactericidal activity against L. innocua 7 after AL705 addition to the binary mixtures. However, when applied on Sardo cheese contaminated with L. innocua 7 (initial inoculum 4.45 ± 0.06 CFU g−1), only Nis + PS + AL705 produced count reductions respect to the control, reaching 3.04 ± 0.35 CFU g−1 counts after 15 days at 15 °C. Ternary combinations containing AL705 showed potential to reduce antimicrobial usages for L. innocua 7 inhibition.

Antifungal activity and shelf life extension of loaf bread produced with sourdough fermented by Lactobacillus strains

The objective of this study was to evaluate a water-soluble extract from sourdoughs fermented with the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for antifungal reflect on loaf bread. The extracts produced by Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 749 and L. bulgaricus CECT 4005 were effective against strains of Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., and Aspergillus spp., with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 1.6 to 200 mg/ml and minimum fungicidal concentration from 1.6 to 400 mg/ml. LC-ESI-MS-TOF was used to analyze the antimicrobial compounds. Several antimicrobial phenolic acids were found. Fermented sourdoughs used for the production of loaf bread produced a reduction of fungal growth in relation on the sourdough control and improved to the shelf life of 1 to 2 days compared to control bread with 0.2% calcium propionate. Therefore, LAB are an alternative to synthetic compounds for decreasing fungal contaminants and prolonging the shelf life of food. Practical applications This study presents the importance of sourdough fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum spp. and the production during the fermentation of bioactive metabolites with antifungal activity. When applied in the preparation of bread, it is able to increase the useful life of the bread and its efficiency can be compared to that of calcium propionate. It is thus an alternative to synthetic compounds for decreasing fungal contaminants and prolonging the shelf life of food.

Conditioned place avoidance using encapsulated calcium propionate as an appetite suppressant for broiler breeders.

Broiler breeders, the parent stock of meat chickens, are feed-restricted throughout the production cycle to avoid obesity-related problems in their health and reproductive performance. Broiler breeders often show signs of chronic hunger, lack of satiety and feeding frustration, and the development of alternative feeding strategies has investigated the inclusion of calcium propionate (CaP) as an appetite suppressant. The mechanisms involved in the reduction of voluntary feed intake are unknown, but are thought to be due to low palatability, gastrointestinal discomfort, or both. The objective of this experiment was to examine the effect of CaP as an appetite suppressant on the experience of a negative affective state, using a conditioned place preference test. Twenty four broiler breeders were trained to associate the consumption of CaP or a placebo pill with a red or blue place, depending on inherent colour preference. Pullets consumed two pills followed by 20 g feed allotment. The CaP pill contained 160 mg of CaP and the placebo pill had 160 mg of feed. Conditioning lasted for 90 min/pullet/day over 8 consecutive days at 7 and 9 weeks of age, and pullets’ choice was tested in a T-maze twice on two consecutive days at both 8 and 10 weeks of age. Data were analysed using a linear mixed regression model, with pen nested in the model and age as a repeated measure. Pullets were less likely to choose the place conditioned with the consumption of CaP (P<0.05) and the preference of the placebo linearly increased with training sessions (P<0.05). These results suggest that calcium propionate as an appetite suppressant can induce a negative affective state, reducing feed intake in broiler breeders fed CaP diets by causing an avoidance response rather than satiety.

The effect of alternative feeding strategies for broiler breeder pullets: 1. Welfare and performance during rearing.

ABSTRACTBroiler breeders have impaired reproductive performance when fed to satiety but they can achieve an optimal hatching egg production under feed restriction. Feed restriction is a welfare concern due to signs of hunger, lack of satiety, and frustrated feeding motivation. The objective of this research was to examine the effect of a rationed alternative diet and non-daily feeding schedules on the performance and welfare of broiler breeder pullets reared under simulated commercial conditions. At 3 wk of age, 1,680 Ross 308 pullets were allocated to 24 pens fed with 1 of 4 treatments: 1) daily control diet (control); 2) daily alternative diet (40% soybean hulls and 1 to 5% calcium propionate); 3) 4/3 control diet (4 on-feed days per week; 3 non-consecutive off-feed days per week); and 4) graduated control diet (feeding frequency varied with age). Body weight and body weight uniformity were recorded at 3, 5, 7, 11, 17, and 21 wk of age. Pullets were scored for feather coverage, foot lesions, and hock burns biweekly. Physiological indicators (plasma glucose, corticosterone, hematology, and feather traits) and feeding motivation were also determined throughout rearing during on- and off-feed days. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed regression model, with pen nested in the model and age as a repeated measure. Compared to control, pullets under the 3 alternative feeding strategies had a lower feeding motivation during early rearing (P = 0.03), better feather coverage throughout rearing (P = 0.001), fewer feather fault bars (P = 0.006), and a delayed increase in the basophil to lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.001). These results indicate that the 3 alternative feeding strategies (the alternative, the graduated, and the 4/3 schedule) may decrease feeding motivation and alleviate stress compared to the control, suggesting an overall improvement in broiler breeder welfare without negative consequences on their performance.

Evaluation of monensin, yeast and glucogenic precursor on growth performance, ruminal fermentation and digestive kinetics of feedlot steers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of monensin, yeast and glucogenic precursors on growth performance and digestive characteristics of feedlot beef cattle. The treatments evaluated were: control, monensin (40 mg/kg DM), S. cerevisiae (10 g/a/d) and a mix of 1,2-propanediol and calcium propionate as glucogenic precursors (20 g/a/d) as D1, D2, D3 and D4, respectively. In trial 1, eighty steers (261±8 kg) were evaluated for 120d for growth performance variables. Thus, supplementation increased the average daily gain, feed efficiency and final weight (P less than 0.05). In Trial 2, four steers (260±5 kg) were used to evaluate ruminal fermentation and total digestive parameters. The ruminal propionate concentrations and the flow of nitrogen to duodenum increased with supplementation (P less than 0.05) whereas the ruminal digestion of nitrogen decreased with supplementation (P less than 0.05). It is concluded that productive parameters and propionate production are higher when supplementing with 10 g/a/d of S. cerevisiae and 20 g/a/d of the glucogenic precursor which presented a lower ruminal protein degradation.

Development of a Bioactive Sauce Based on Oriental Mustard Flour with Antifungal Properties for Pita Bread Shelf Life Improvement.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced in the secondary metabolism of fungus belonging to the genus Aspergillus and Penicillium. In this study, the employment of oriental mustard flour (OMF) as an ingredient in a packaged sauce was evaluated for the generation in situ of the antimicrobial compound allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) in order to preserve pita bread contaminated with Penicillium verrucosum VTT D-01847, an OTA producer, in an active packaging system. Four different concentrations (8, 16, 33 and 50 mg/g) were tested. Mycelium formation, mycotoxin production, AITC absorbed by the food matrix, and volatilization kinetics were studied for each concentration. The results obtained were compared with bread treated with the commercial additive calcium propionate (E-282). The results showed a shelf life increase of two and three days with the employment of 33 and 50 mg/g of OMF, with a significant reduction of the fungal population (3.1 and 5.7 logs, respectively) in comparison with the control experiment. The use of 16 and 33 mg/g of OMF in the sauce formulation decreased the concentration of OTA in the bread samples while no OTA production was detected employing 50 mg/g of OMF.

Cytotoxicity, antifungal and anti mycotoxins effects of phenolic compounds from fermented rice bran and Spirulina sp

Abstract The safety of chemical preservatives has been called into question due to their potential harmful effects on food. Natural compounds may serve as alternative food preservatives and offer a better safety profile. We investigated the cytotoxic, antifungal and anti-mycotoxic (Penicillium verrucosum CCT 7680) activities of phenolic compounds from Spirulina sp. LEB-18 and from rice bran biomass produced by Rhizopus oryzae in comparison with the chemical preservative calcium propionate. The phenolic compounds tested did not show cytotoxic activity in NIH/3T3 cells. Phenolic compounds from fermented rice bran and Spirulina sp. LEB-18 showed promising results, inhibiting fungal growth by 39.8% and 20.2%, respectively, and ochratoxin A by 40.2% and 29%, respectively. When the effects of phenolic compounds were compared with those of calcium propionate, the efficiency of the phenolic compounds from rice bran and Spirulina were 2.5 and 1.5 times higher, respectively.

Addition of calcium propionate to finishing lamb diets

Calcium (Ca) propionate can be added to ruminant diets as a glucogenic substrate. However, due to its hypophagic effect, it is necessary to establish the optimal dose that can be used to replace grains in finishing diets for lambs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of four concentrations of Ca propionate in lamb diets on productive performance and rumen fermentation. Thirty two Hampshire x Suffolk lambs (23.82 ± 0.40 kg initial body weight), distributed in a completely randomized design, were given a diet with four concentrations of Ca propionate (g kg−1): 0, 10, 20 or 30 g, for 42 days. The results were tested for linear or quadratic responses. The final weight, average daily gain and feed: gain ratio showed quadratic responses (P ≤ 0.01). The optimal dose was established at 13.77 g kg−1 DM. Addition of Ca propionate did not affect variables related to rumen fermentation (pH, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, butyrate or rumen ammonia-N; P ≥ 0.05) . Nonetheless, glucose and propionate concentrations showed a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.05). The highest concentrations of propionate in rumen were observed with 15.14 g kg−1 DM. Results indicate that Ca propionate can be included in a dose of up to 13.77 g kg−1 DM in feedlot rations, to attain best lamb performance.

Inventory control of raw material on sweet bread production

The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate the management of raw material procurement on sweet bread production in Company X. Raw materials are the main factors that support the smooth and effective of the production process. The availability of raw materials must be in accordance with the quality, quantity, timeliness and minimum costs. Therefore, companies need to maintain the level of raw material inventory to avoid the problem of procurement of raw materials, which can affect the company’s profit. To plan raw material requirements, the method used is Material Requirement Planning (MRP) with the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) technique. From the results of raw material requirements calculation, it can be seen that ordering all raw materials is done once a month. Raw materials are ordered in period 0 (the period before the production process), with the number of orders for wheat flour of 28,900 kg, yeast of 1,000 kg, salt of 2,625 kg, sugar of 8,050 kg, powdered milk of 2,125 kg, glutenfat of 2,256 kg, butter of 2,520 kg, bread improver of 220 kg, calcium propionate of 250 kg, water of 3,300 L, ice cubes of 11,830 kg and packaging materials of 455,000 packs. The cost of raw materials inventory in one month reaches IDR 61,707,525.48 or 13.06% of the total sales of sweet bread per month.

Improvements in Social Cognition, Executive Functioning, and Trichotillomania with Characteristics of Trichophagia in a 26-year-old Female Patient Following Neurological Rehabilitation.

Event Abstract Back to Event Improvements in Social Cognition, Executive Functioning, and Trichotillomania with Characteristics of Trichophagia in a 26-year-old Female Patient Following Neurological Rehabilitation. Trevor D. Eason1* 1 Carrick Institute, United States Presentation: A 26-year-old female patient presented with social cognitive impairment, memory decline, executive function limitations, persistent episodes of pica via trichophagia, and trichotillomania. The history included episodes of hair pulling and ingestion with no memory or recollection of the episode. Social cognition and executive functioning cues were slow and mild cognitive impairment had been made evident in the previous diagnosis. The patient stated that she had never been able to act appropriately in society after a history of multiple streptococcus A and mycoplasma pneumonia infections when she was 2 years old. The patient's mother stated that the mental processing of the patient is evident yet slower than the expected norm. Findings: During neurocognitive testing on the C3 Logix program, upon intake, Trails A time was measured at 49.1 seconds while Trails B time was measured at 55.9 seconds. Her simple reaction time was 423 milliseconds and her choice reaction time was 511 milliseconds. Her initial symptom severity score was 56% based on the associated subjective questionnaire where 0% is no symptoms. A Comprehensive Assessment of Postural Systems (CAPS®) (Pagnacco 2014) was performed assessing the patient's balance and stability, on both a solid and foamed surface, with his eyes opened, eyes closed, and with multiple head positions. Her average balance and stability score on intake was calculated as 67.12%. Comprehensive behavioral Intervention score of 23.5%. Videonystagography (VNG®) demonstrated saccadic oscillations. These eye movements were observed with similar frequency (15-20 Hz.) and equality sided to side with gaze fixation eliminated in primary position. Methods: A 12-day multi-modal neurological rehabilitation program was administered in 12 one-hour treatment sessions (Carrick, 2017). Each session consisted of neurological and vestibular rehabilitation exercises directed towards the cerebellum and basal ganglia integration, somatosensory evoked potentials, comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) treatment associated with habit reversal training and function-based treatments, orthoptic training, and off-vertical axis rotation (Gdowski 1999) using a multi-axis rotational chair. Based on clinical symptoms indicating alterations in energy production, she was placed on multiple nutrient formulas containing pantothenic acid (300 mg), L-α glycerylphosphorylcholine (100 mg), acetyl L-carnitine hydrochloride (25 mg), Butyric acid and calcium propionate blend (575 mg) and Huperzia serrata (75 mcg) 3 times daily. Also, the patient administered a gastrointestinal tissue repair compound containing a proprietary blend of sodium (10 mg), L-Glutamine (3.5 g), deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract (500 mg), aloe vera gel concentrate (50 mg), ginger extract (40 mg), and an enzymatic blend once daily with a meal. Outcomes: Upon discharge, Trails A time decreased to 37.6 seconds (-23.4%), and Trails B time decreased to 42.7 seconds (-23.6%). Simple reaction time decreased to 347 seconds (-18.0%), and choice reaction time decreased to 386 seconds (-24.5%). Symptom severity score decreased to 23 (-58.9%) where 0 is no symptoms. The average balance and stability score improved resulting in a score of 79.17% (+18.0%). Upon Videonystagography (VNG®), saccadic oscillation frequency was diminished per time observed with gaze stability in primary position, 20 degrees horizontally and 15 degrees vertically (circumferentially). Comprehensive behavioral Intervention score 49.8% (+111.9 %). No nystagmus was observed with gaze fixation eliminated in primary gaze position. Concurrently, the patient is now able to implement awareness strategies to compete against her trichotillomania and trichophagia episodes which ultimately proves an increase in executive functioning. Conclusions: The author suggests further investigation into the use of multi-modal neurological rehabilitation strategies, comprehensive behavioral interventions and supplemental clinical nutrition strategies for the treatment of trichotillomania with associated trichophagia, and cognitive impairment.​ The author also suggests further investigation into multi-modal, intensive approaches to improve stability scores, simple and choice reaction times, symptom severity scores and multimodal integration associated with proper neurological and cognitive function. Acknowledgements The author would like to thank and acknowledge Professor Frederick Carrick and his pioneering work in the field of clinical neuroscience. The author would also like to thank the Carrick Institute for providing the education utilized to create the multi-modal treatments implemented in this case study.