Cereal-based Diets Research Articles

Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Grain Micronutrients Concentration in Aegilops tauschii.

Bread wheat is an important and the most consumed cereal worldwide. However, people with predominantly cereal-based diets are increasingly affected by micronutrient deficiencies, suggesting the need for biofortified wheat varieties. The limited genetic diversity in hexaploid wheat warrants exploring the wider variation present in wheat wild relatives, among these Aegilops tauschii, the wild progenitor of the bread wheat D genome. In this study, a panel of 167 Ae. tauschii accessions was phenotyped for grain Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations for 3 years and was found to have wide variation for these micronutrients. Comparisons between the two genetic subpopulations of Ae. tauschii revealed that lineage 2 had higher mean values for Fe and Cu concentration than lineage 1. To identify potentially new genetic sources for improving grain micronutrient concentration, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 114 non-redundant Ae. tauschii accessions using 5,249 genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) markers. Best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) values were calculated for all traits across the three growing seasons. A total of 19 SNP marker trait associations (MTAs) were detected for all traits after applying Bonferroni corrected threshold of -log10(P-value) ≥ 4.68. These MTAs were found on all seven chromosomes. For grain Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations, five, four, three, and seven significant associations were detected, respectively. The associations were linked to the genes encoding transcription factor regulators, transporters, and phytosiderophore synthesis. The results demonstrate the utility of GWAS for understanding the genetic architecture of micronutrient accumulation in Ae. tauschii, and further efforts to validate these loci will aid in using them to diversify the D-genome of hexaploid wheat.

Impact of xylanases on gut microbiota of growing pigs fed corn- or wheat-based diets.

This study investigated the effects of xylanase supplementations with cereal-based diets on nutrient digestibility and gut microbiota of growing pigs. A total of 96 individually penned pigs (initial BW = 22.7 ± 0.65 kg) were allotted to 12 treatments and subjected to a completely randomized block design experiment. Pigs in each treatment were fed an isocaloric wheat-based or corn-based diet with or without 1 of 5 types of xylanase supplements (XA, XB, XC, XD, XE). On d 42, all piglets were euthanized to obtain ileal and cecal digesta for microbial analysis, which involved high-throughput sequencing of the V1 — V3 regions of 16S rRNA gene. Corn- and wheat-based diets differed (P < 0.05) in digestion characteristics. Dietary treatments affected the alpha- and beta-diversities of microbiota in the cecum but not in the ileum. The wheat-based diet increased (P < 0.05) alpha-diversity and clustered separately (P < 0.05) compared with the corn-based diet. Wheat-based diet also promoted the relative abundance of genus (g.) Succinivibrio while corn-based diet promoted the proportion of family (f.) Veillonellaceae in the community. Among xylanases, only XC within the wheat-based diet altered (P < 0.05) the beta-diversity of the cecal microbiota compared with control. For each cereal-based diet and compared with the controls, xylanase treatments affected (P < 0.05) the proportions of 5 bacterial taxa in the ileum (f. Peptostreptococcaceae, order [o.] Streptophyta, f. Clostridiaceae, g. Clostridium and g. Streptococcus) and 8 in the cecum (g. Lactobacillus, g. Streptococcus, class [c.] Clostridia, f. Clostridiaceae, g. Megasphaera, g. Prevotella, g. Roseburia and f. Ruminococcaceae). Network analysis showed that across diets under control treatments, Bacteroidetes was the most influential phylum promoting cooperative relationships among members of the ileum and cecum microbiota. Xylanase treatment, however, reduced the influence of Bacteroidetes and promoted a large number of hub taxa majority of which belonged to the Firmicutes phylum. To maximize the efficiency of xylanase supplementation, our data suggest that xylanase C originated from Bacillus subtilis was more effective when applied to wheat-based diets, while xylanase A originated from Fusarium verticillioides was more beneficial when applied to corn-based diets.

Genetic Basis and Breeding Perspectives of Grain Iron and Zinc Enrichment in Cereals.

Micronutrient deficiency, also known as “hidden hunger,” is an increasingly serious global challenge to humankind. Among the mineral elements, Fe (Iron) and Zn (Zinc) have earned recognition as micronutrients of outstanding and diverse biological relevance, as well as of clinical importance to global public health. The inherently low Fe and Zn content and poor bioavailability in cereal grains seems to be at the root of these mineral nutrient deficiencies, especially in the developing world where cereal-based diets are the most important sources of calories. The emerging physiological and molecular understanding of the uptake of Fe and Zn and their translocation in cereal grains regrettably also indicates accumulation of other toxic metals, with chemically similar properties, together with these mineral elements. This review article emphasizes breeding to develop bioavailable Fe- and Zn-efficient cereal cultivars to overcome malnutrition while minimizing the risks of toxic metals. We attempt to critically examine the genetic diversity regarding these nutritionally important traits as well as the progress in terms of quantitative genetics. We sought to integrate findings from the rhizosphere with Fe and Zn accumulation in grain, and to discuss the promoters as well as the anti-nutritional factors affecting Fe and Zn bioavailability in humans while restricting the content of toxic metals.

Efficacy of white rice-based diets in nursery pigs

Rice is a staple cereal consumed by much of the world's population but has received relatively little attention as a potential feedstuff for the animal industries in many parts of the world. It may be because its price is relatively high and only a small amount of rice produced is traded (6.2%). India, Thailand and Vietnam play a major role in the world rice export market. Rice is characterized by its high starch content, low fat and dietary fiber content, and lower crude protein content in comparison to other cereals. Rice-based diets have a higher apparent digestibility of nutrients than corn-based diets. Complete replacement of corn with rice in weaned pig diets does not affect growth performance, but feed efficiency is improved when corn is replaced with brown rice. Heat processing of rice does not influence digestibility and growth performance of pigs. Due to rice's high digestibility and low fiber content, pigs fed rice-based diets have lower concentrations of volatile fatty acids and viscosity of intestinal digesta compared to other cereal-based diets. Moreover, rice has been shown to have potential to ameliorate diarrhea, colonization of pathogens, severity of enteric bacterial diseases, and pig removals. The mechanism for this protective function is not fully understood, but it may be, to a certain extent, related to lower fiber content and high digestibility of rice and a so-called “rice factor". In practice, when availability and cost of rice permits, pork producers can benefit from the use of rice-based diets for piglets

Exemplary calculations of native thiamine (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2) contents in common cereal-based diets for monogastric animals

B vitamins, such as thiamine and riboflavin, are often supplemented in diets for farm animals to prevent deficiencies. However, information on the content of these two B vitamins in organic feedstuffs is scarce. Recently, up-to-date information was published by our group. The objective of this work was to use present data to determine the native contents of thiamine and riboflavin in diets used for monogastric animal feeding in organic farming. We used the results of our recent study on the native thiamine and riboflavin contents of organic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), triticale (Triticosecale L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), field peas (Pisum sativum L.), field beans (Vicia faba L.), and blue lupins (Lupinus angustifolius L.) from various variety field trials, which were conducted throughout Germany over 3 years, to calculate the minimum and maximum native amounts of thiamine and riboflavin in exemplary practical diets for swine and poultry. We found that exemplary common cereal-based diets in organic farming exceeded the thiamine recommendations for swine and poultry. However, riboflavin was deficient in most exemplary diets. To increase native riboflavin contents in the diet (i.e. for 100% organic diets), feedstuffs other than cereals and home-grown grain legumes are needed in monogastric animal feeding. In organic farming, roughage plays an important role. The inclusion of grass-clover silage has the potential to increase the native riboflavin contents in the diet. Evaluation of the use of grassland-derived or other products as suppliers of B vitamins, especially for monogastric animal feeding in organic farming, seems promising to improve riboflavin supply.

Tracing intensive fish and meat consumption using Zn isotope ratios: evidence from a historical Breton population (Rennes, France)

Here we report Sr and Zn isotope ratios of teeth of medieval to early modern Breton people a population whose diet is known from historical, archeological and collagen isotope data. Most of the population, buried in the Dominican convent of Rennes, France, consists of parliamentary nobles, wealthy commoners and ecclesiastics, who had a diet rich in animal products. Our aim is to assess how the Zn isotope ratios of their teeth compare to those of other French historical populations previously studied, which were characterized by cereal-based diets, and those of modern French individuals, who daily eat animal products. We describe a clear offset (∼0.35‰) between local and non-local human individuals in Zn isotope ratios. The δ66Zntooth values of local individuals overlap that of modern French people, and are lower than those of local carnivores. Non-local δ66Zn values are similar to those of historical individuals analyzed previously. We conclude the lower Zn isotope ratios of local humans relative to the associated fauna can be explained by the consumption of carnivorous fish and pork, in agreement with historical, zooarchaeological and collagen (C, N, S) isotope data. Zn isotopes could therefore be a tracer of fish and/or substantial meat consumption in ancient populations.

Lysine Requirements of Healthy Pregnant Women are Higher During Late Stages of Gestation Compared to Early Gestation

Lysine is the first limiting amino acid in cereal proteins and is found mainly in animal-derived products. Current Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommendations extrapolate lysine requirements during pregnancy from nonpregnant adult data, and may underestimate true requirements. Our objective is to define a quantitative lysine requirement in healthy pregnant women and to determine whether requirements vary between 2 phases of gestation. Fourteen pregnant women in early (12-19 wk) and 19 women in late (33-39 wk) gestation were studied using the indicator amino acid oxidation technique. Individual lysine intakes (6-84 mg · kg-1 · d-1, deficient to excess) were tested on each study day as a crystalline amino acid mixture based on egg protein composition. Isonitrogenous diets maintained protein intake at 1.5 g · kg-1 · d-1 and calorie intake at 1.7 times resting energy expenditure during each study day. Phenylalanine and tyrosine intakes were held constant across all lysine intakes. Breath and urine samples were collected at baseline and isotopic steady state. Lysine requirements were determined by measuring the oxidation of L-[1-13C]-phenylalanine to 13CO2 (F13CO2). Biphase linear regression crossover analysis was used to determine a breakpoint (which represents the estimated average requirement, EAR) in F13CO2. The EAR for lysine during early gestation was determined to be 36.6 mg · kg-1 · d-1 (R2 = 0.484, upper 95% CI = 46.2 mg · kg-1 · d-1), similar to an earlier adult requirement of 36 mg · kg-1 · d-1. The EAR for lysine during late gestation was determined to be 50.3 mg · kg-1 · d-1 (R2 = 0.664, upper 95% CI = 60.4 mg · kg-1 · d-1), 23% higher than the current pregnancy DRI EAR recommendation of 41 mg · kg-1 · d-1. Our results suggest that lysine requirements are higher during late gestation compared to early gestation, and that current dietary lysine recommendations during late stages of pregnancy may be underestimated. The results have implications for populations consuming cereal-based diets as their primary source of protein. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01776931.

The Silencing of Carotenoid β-Hydroxylases by RNA Interference in Different Maize Genetic Backgrounds Increases the β-Carotene Content of the Endosperm.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple food in many parts of Africa, but the endosperm generally contains low levels of the pro-vitamin A carotenoid β-carotene, leading to vitamin A deficiency disease in populations relying on cereal-based diets. However, maize endosperm does accumulate high levels of other carotenoids, including zeaxanthin, which is derived from β-carotene via two hydroxylation reactions. Blocking these reactions could therefore improve the endosperm β-carotene content. Accordingly, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the endogenous ZmBCH1 and ZmBCH2 genes, which encode two non-heme di-iron carotenoid β-hydroxylases. The genes were silenced in a range of maize genetic backgrounds by introgressing the RNAi cassette, allowing us to determine the impact of ZmBCH1/ZmBCH2 silencing in diverse hybrids. The β-carotene content of the endosperm increased substantially in all hybrids in which ZmBCH2 was silenced, regardless of whether or not ZmBCH1 was silenced simultaneously. However, the β-carotene content did not change significantly in C17 hybrids (M7 × C17 and M13 × C17) compared to C17 alone, because ZmBCH2 is already expressed at negligible levels in the C17 parent. Our data indicate that ZmBCH2 is primarily responsible for the conversion of β-carotene to zeaxanthin in maize endosperm.

Characterising infant and young child feeding practices and the consumption of poultry products in rural Tanzania: A mixed methods approach.

Suboptimal breastfeeding practices, early initiation of complementary feeding, and monotonous cereal‐based diets have been implicated as contributors to continuing high rates of child undernutrition in sub‐Saharan Africa. Nutrition‐sensitive interventions, including agricultural programs that increase access to nutrient‐rich vegetables, legumes, and animal‐source foods, have the potential to achieve sustainable improvements in children's diets. In the quest to evaluate the efficacy of such programs in improving growth and development in the first 2 years of life, there is a role for mixed methods research to better understand existing infant and young child feeding practices. This analysis forms part of a longitudinal study assessing the impact of improvements to poultry health and crop production on diets and growth of 503 randomly selected children from eight rural communities in Manyoni District in central Tanzania. Using an explanatory sequential design, the quantitative phase of data collection was conducted between May 2014 and May 2016, comprising six monthly structured questionnaires, four monthly household‐level documentation of chicken and egg consumption, and fortnightly records of children's breastfeeding status. The subsequent qualitative phase involved in‐depth interviews with a subset of 39 mothers in October 2016. Breastfeeding was almost universal (96.8%) and of long duration (mean = 21.7 months, SD = 3.6), but early initiation of complementary feeding was also common (74.4%; mean = 4.0 months, SD = 1.8), overwhelmingly driven by maternal perceptions of insufficient milk supply (95.0%). Chicken and eggs were infrequently eaten, but close associations between maternal and child consumption patterns (p < .001) suggest the potential for strategies that increase household‐level consumption to bring nutritional benefits to young children.

Association analysis of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) resistance in the USDA cowpea germplasm collection

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is an important legume crop, widely grown in Africa, South America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the southern United States. Cowpea is consumed as both fresh vegetable and dry grain, and as an animal feed and fodder, and it is a major dietary protein source that complements cereal-based diet. Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) causes a severe yield loss of cowpea in many areas worldwide notably in the Africa. Utilization of host genetic resistance is the most effective control method for the viral disease. The objective of this research is to conduct genome-wide association analysis and identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with CPMV resistance in cowpea. Three hundred and thirty-three cowpea germplasm accessions, originally collected from 39 different countries and 1033 SNPs identified from genotyping by sequencing approach were used in this study. Single marker regression, general linear model, and mixed linear model in Tassel 5 were used for association analysis of CPMV resistance. Six SNP markers (C35069548_1883, scaffold65342_6794, scaffold66293_6549, scaffold95805_2175, C35081948_540, and scaffold17319_4417) were strongly associated with the CPMV resistance, of which the first three were associated for immune and the remaining three were associated with hypersensitive response. SNP markers identified in this research will be a potential tool to use in cowpea molecular breeding to develop CPMV resistant cultivars through marker-assisted selection.

Hepatic proteome changes induced by dietary supplementation with two levels of native chicory inulin in young pigs

Inulin-type prebiotics are known as health-promoting dietary components and still remain a promising alternative to replace antibiotics for improving performance of young animals. Recent studies have proven that dietary inulin may positively affect the liver transcriptomic profile. However, its effect on the hepatic proteome in growing pigs is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of the study was to gain insight into the effect of dietary supplementation with two inulin levels on the accumulation of the hepatic proteins and expression of selected genes. The experiment was carried out on a total of 24 castrated male piglets, which were assigned to three groups, fed from the 10th day of life an unsupplemented cereal-based diet or diets supplemented with 1% or 3% of native chicory inulin. Liver and blood samples were collected after 40 days of feeding and liver proteins were resolved using two-dimensional electrophoresis. To check whether modifications in accumulation of selected proteins were due to higher levels of mRNA and not due to decrease in protein degradation, real-time PCR was employed. Feeding diet with 3% of inulin induced significant down-accumulation of proteins involved in cytoskeleton organization and four isoforms of 14-3-3 protein and its mRNA. Both levels of inulin had also the potential to induce the expression of genes and accumulation of proteins directly or indirectly involved in controlling hepatic triglycerides level by increasing its lipolysis to fatty acid and glycerol. Dietary supplementation with inulin significantly increased liver cholesterol and TG concentration but decreased total plasma cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels, and additionally reduced fibrinogen concentration, especially at 3% dietary level. Inulin level did not affect plasma liver enzymes, albumin, total protein content and immunoglobulin G levels. In conclusion, 1% of inulin is not sufficient to exert its effects on changes in hepatic protein expression, whereas feeding diet with the 3% inulin addition down-regulates expression of proteins involved in organization of cytoskeleton in hepatocytes and affects lipid metabolism in the liver causing alterations in expression of specific proteins, greater accumulation of cholesterol and TG, and changes in lipid profile of blood plasma.

Extent of adoption of improved practices of gram production technology by gram growers in tribal district of Pratapgarh, India

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pratapgarh has conducted 88 front line demonstrations on gram in 35.2 ha. area under real farming situations in 2012 in the farmer’s fields of six adopted villages (Avleshwar, Basad, Dalmu, Dhamotar, Manohargarh and Kherot) of Pratapgarh (Raj). All the 6 villages where FLDs were conducted by KVKs were included in the study. The total sample size was 176 consisting of 88 beneficiary and 88 non-beneficiary farmer’s. Gram is called Chickpea or Gram (Cicer aritinum L.) in South Asia and Garbanzo bean in most of the developed world. Gram is a major pulse crop in India; Gram is widely appreciated as health food. It is a protein-rich supplement to cereal-based diets, especially to the poor in developing countries, where people are vegetarians or cannot afford animal protein. There was significant difference in the extent of adoption of gram production technology between beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers.

Nutritional quality of maize–groundnut composite flours and resultant porridges

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to composite maize, a cereal grain with low protein and lysine content, with groundnut a rich source of protein, to improve the nutritional quality of maize–groundnut composite flours and their resultant porridges.Design/methodology/approachDefatted and full fat groundnut flours were used to prepare maize–groundnut composite flours and porridges at the ratio of 100:0, 55:45, 70:30 and 85:15, respectively. They were analyzed for proximate composition, energy value, amino acid and fatty acid profiles.FindingsCompositing maize with groundnut significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased proteins from 10 per cent in maize flour to up to 21 per cent in composite porridge (denoted DFC1). The energy values for composite porridges were 434 Kcal/100 g when compared with 398 Kcal/100 g established for maize porridge alone. Lysine content was three times higher in composite flours than for maize flour, while for composite porridges, lysine was four times higher than in maize porridge. There was an increase of 35 per cent in oleic acid content when maize flour was composited with groundnut flour.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is required to evaluate the properties of full fat and defatted maize–groundnut porridges and their effects on consumer acceptability.Originality/valueIt can be concluded that compositing maize with full fat and defatted groundnut has the capability of improving the nutritional quality of cereal-based diets consequently contributing to a significant increase in nutritional security of African populations and those of other developing countries of the world.

Perspective: What Makes It So Difficult to Mitigate Worldwide Anemia Prevalence?

Anemia can be related to decreased production or increased loss of erythrocytes, or both, leading to many underlying and often overlapping causes. A largely cereal-based diet with plenty of phytates, polyphenols, and other ligands that inhibit intestinal iron absorption predominated in preindustrial Europe and predominates in present-day developing countries alike. In both situations, we find poor hygienic conditions, which frequently lead to anemia of inflammation. The large number of possible causes and their interaction shows why it is so difficult to mitigate anemia prevalence. Diagnostic biomarkers are required to differentiate the different types of anemia and to treat them appropriately. Some of them are well established in adults [e.g., concentrations of serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and serum iron or the ratio of sTfR to log ferritin]. Others, such as serum hepcidin, hold considerable promise, although they are not yet widely used. A particular issue is to establish reference values for biomarkers in infants and children at different ages. The fact that resource-rich postindustrial societies have a very low prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia offers hope that common types of anemia can be eliminated. In contrast, inborn forms of anemia, such as thalassemia, and anemias related to underlying diseases (e.g., bleeding tumors or peptic ulcers, gynecologic blood losses, or renal diseases) require an operational health system to be addressed appropriately.

Interactive effects of protein and carbohydrates on production of microbial metabolites in the large intestine of growing pigs

ABSTRACTThe study aimed at determining the effect of protein type and indigestible carbohydrates on the concentration of microbial metabolites in the large intestine of pigs. The experiment involved 36 pigs (15 kg initial body weight) divided into six groups, fed cereal-based diets with highly digestible casein (CAS) or potato protein concentrate (PPC) of lower ileal digestibility. Each diet was supplemented with cellulose, raw potato starch or pectin. After 2 weeks of feeding, pigs were sacrificed and samples of caecal and ascending, transverse and descending colon digesta were collected for analyses of microbial metabolites. PPC increased the concentration of ammonia, p-cresol, indole, n-butyrate, isovalerate and most of the amines in comparison with CAS. Pectin reduced the production of p-cresol, indole, phenylethylamine and isovalerate in the large intestine compared with potato starch. Starch and pectin increased mainly the concentration of n-butyrate and n-valerate in the colon compared to cellulose. Interaction affected mainly amines. Feeding PPC diet with potato starch considerably increased putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine and total amines concentrations compared with PPC diets with pectin and cellulose, whereas feeding CAS diet with starch reduced their concentrations. There was also a significant effect of interaction between diet and intestinal segment on microbial metabolites. In conclusion, PPC intensifies proteolysis in the large intestine and also n-butyrate production. Raw starch and pectin similarly increase n-butyrate concentration but pectin inhibits proteolysis more efficiently than starch. The interactive effects of both factors indicate that pectin and cellulose may beneficially affect fermentative processes in case of greater protein flow to the large intestine.

Meeting nutritional needs in the first 1000 days: a place for small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements.

The first 1000 days of life is marked by intense metabolic activity and tissue deposition. The increased nutritional needs during this period, and the challenges to meeting them, are often not understood or appreciated. Here, we describe the nutritional needs during the first 1000 days, highlight the challenges to meeting these needs in developing countries, outline intervention strategies, and examine the consumption of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) as a promising strategy. In low-income settings, the challenge to meeting nutritional needs during the first 1000 days is worsened by overreliance on cereal-based diets of low nutrient density and high prevalence of infections and infestations. Dietary diversification is the ideal long-term solution to nutritional deficiencies, but difficulties with obtaining adequate amounts of iron, zinc, and certain vitamins may still remain. Several other interventions are available, but applying them is often fraught with challenges, including cost and contextual factors limiting efficacy. Evidence suggests that SQ-LNS supplementation may help reduce inadequate gestational weight gain and promote fetal and child growth and development in some populations. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of SQ-LNS and other fortified products in different contexts and within integrated programs that address other determinants of maternal and child undernutrition.

Influence of different inclusion levels and chain length of inulin on microbial ecology and the state of mucosal protective barrier in the large intestine of young pigs

The objective of the study was to examine the effect of inulin level, in regard to its degree of polymerisation (DP), on microbial activity and mucosal immune system of the large intestine of pigs. A total of 56 castrated male piglets (PIC × Penarlan P76) were allocated to seven groups and fed from the 10th day of life cereal-based diets without the addition of inulin or with 1%, 2% or 3% of inulin with an average DP of 10 (IN10) or 23 (IN23). Pigs were sacrificed at the age of 50 days. Feeding IN10 diets increased fructan concentration in the large intestine compared with IN23 diets, but did not affect microbial activity, except for digesta pH and mucinase activity in the middle colon, which were greater at the 1% level compared with the control group and other IN10 diets, respectively. The concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A in the caecum and middle colon was reduced by the 1% IN10 diet compared with the control group. Pigs fed the 2% IN23 diet had a higher butyric acid concentration in the caecum and proximal colon and greater isoacid concentrations in the middle and distal colon in comparison to the control. Dietary level of IN23 did not affect secretory immunoglobulin A concentration but the count of caecal intraepithelial lymphocytes was higher in pigs on the 1% IN23 diet than on the control diet. Neither IN10 nor IN23 diets affected populations of Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus spp. In conclusion, the effects of inulin in the large intestine of pigs depended on dietary level and DP. IN23 increased short-chain fatty acid production at the 2% level and slightly activated mucosal immune status at the 1% level.

Content of iron, zinc and manganese in grains of Triticum aestivum, Secale cereale, Hordeum vulgare and Avena sativa cultivars registered in Russia

Micronutrient deficiency associated with low dietary intake is the most prevalent public health problem worldwide. This is especially true for cereal-based diets which are poor in the amount and bioavailability of micronutrients. To screen for high micronutrient content the genotypic variation in iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) contents the whole grain of cereals (Triticum aestivum L., Secale cereale L., Hordeum vulgare L. and Avena sativa L.) was investigated. All 65 considered accessions were highly productive modern cultivars/breeding lines registered in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation and are presently accepted for cultivation in the country. A variation in microelement concentrations of cereal grains was indicated (mg kg−1): wheat Fe 15–22, Zn 14–21 and Mn 2.4–4.1; rye Fe 14–30, Zn 16–24 and Mn 2.6–7.0; barley Fe 24–79, Zn 6–33 and Mn 7–21; oat Fe 19–37, Zn 10–70 and Mn 3.5–9.9. Generally, the highest genetic potential for promoting direct consumption and breeding to increase microelement content was observed within barley and oat. Among barley genotypes, contents of Fe, Zn and Mn varied 3–5.5-fold. Oat showed 7.0-fold variation in Zn and almost threefold variation in Mn. Genotypic variation for seed micronutrients among wheat and rye cultivars was relatively narrow (1.5–2-fold). The distribution of micronutrient content among the cultivars differed for each element. Nevertheless, cereal cultivars with relatively high density of all micronutrients (Fe, Zn and Mn) were found. The identified cultivars of cereals with high micronutrient content are important for breeding programs and for providing enhanced micronutrient diets for human consumption in Russia.

Effect of Replacing Soybean Meal by Raw or Extruded Pea Seeds on Growth Performance and Selected Physiological Parameters of the Ileum and Distal Colon of Pigs.

The use of pea seeds is limited due to the content of antinutritional factors that may affect gut physiology. Heat treatment such as extrusion may reduce heat-labile antinutritional factors and improve the nutritional value of pea seeds. This study determined the effect of partial replacement of soybean meal in pig diets by raw or extruded pea seeds on growth performance, nitrogen balance and physiology of the ileum and distal colon. The experiment was carried out in 18 castrated male piglets of initial body weight of 11 kg, divided into three groups. The animals were fed cereal-based diets with soybean meal (C), which was partly replaced by raw (PR) or extruded pea (PE) seeds. Nitrogen balance was measured at about 15 kg body weight. After 26 days of feeding, tissue samples were taken from the ileum and distal colon for histological measurements, and colonic digesta samples for analyses of microbial activity indices. The animals fed the PE diet had a significantly greater average daily gain than those fed the C diet and better apparent protein digestibility than those on the PR diet. Pigs fed the PR diet had a significantly greater butyric acid concentration and lower pH in the colon than pigs fed PE and C diets. There was no significant effect of the diet on other indices of microbial activity or morphological parameters. In conclusion, feeding a diet with extruded pea seeds improved growth performance of pigs, did not affect intestinal morphology and had a negligible effect on microbial activity in the distal colon.

Beneficial microbiomes: Biodiversity and potential biotechnological applications for sustainable agriculture and human health

The beneficial microbes plays an important role in medical, industrial, and agricultural processes. The precious microbes belong to different groups including archaea, bacteria, and fungi which can be sort out from different habitat such as extreme environments (acidic, alkaline, drought, pressure, salinity, and temperatures) and associated with plants (epiphytic, endophytic, and rhizospheric) and human. The beneficial microbes exhibited multifunctional plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes such as N2-fixation, solubilization of micronutrients (phosphorus, potassium and zinc), and production of siderophores, antagonistic substances, antibiotic, auxin, and gibberellins. These microbes could be applied as biofertilizers for native as well as crops growing at diverse extreme habitat. Microbes with PGP attributes of N2-fixation, P-, and K-solubilization could be used at a place of NPK chemical fertilizers. Agriculturally, important microbes with Fe- and Zn-solubilizing attributes can be used for biofortification of micronutrients in different cereal crops. The biofertilizers are an eco-friendly technology and bioresources for sustainable agriculture and human health. In general, the concentrations of micronutrient in different crops are not adequate for human nutrition in diets. Hence, consumption of such cereal-based diet may result in micronutrient malnutrition and related severe health complications. The biofortification approach is getting much attention to increase the availability of micronutrients, especially Fe and Zn in the major food crops. The beneficial microbes can be used as probiotic as functional foods for human health. Probiotics microbes such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Methanobrevibacter, Methanosphaera, and Saccharomyces are increasingly being used as dietary supplements in functional food products. The microbes with beneficial properties could be utilized for sustainable agriculture and human health.