Coarse Wheat Bran Research Articles

Insight into the conformational changes and allergenic reactivity of coarse wheat bran induced by ozone treatment.

Whole grain food has gradually come into view because of its high nutritional value, but the incidence of wheat allergies has been increasing year by year. Ozone is a new non-thermal desensitization technology in food processing, and its effect on coarse wheat bran protein has received little study. We investigated the effects of different ozone airflow rates and treatment times on wheat bran allergenic property and protein structure. The ozone treatment time of 30 min at an airflow rate of 5 L min-1 reduced the coarse wheat bran allergenic property by 61.14%; subunits of 33, 46, 48 and 68 kDa were significantly less allergenic via western blotting; and the lowest releasing rate of β-hexosaminidase was 25.32% in the cell model of rat basophilic leukaemia 2H3. According to secondary structure and chemical interaction determination, the protein molecules were reorganized and aggregated by disulfide bonds and hydrophobic contacts following ozone exposure. Ozone treatment has a beneficial potential in reducing the allergenic property of coarse wheat bran and improving the safety of whole wheat products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diets enriched with finely ground wheat bran alter digesta passage rate and composition of the gut microbiome in sows.

We investigated the effects of finely ground wheat bran on the nutrient digestibility, digesta passage rate, and gut microbiota structure in sows. A 3×3 Latin square design with 3 test periods and 3 experimental diets was used. Six non-pregnant sows (parity: 5 to 7) were randomly assigned to 3 experimental diets with 2 replicates per treatment in each period. Each period lasted 19d (12d for adaptation and 7d for experiment). The experimental diets included (a) a basal corn and soybean meal diet (CON), (b) a basal diet with 20% coarse wheat bran (CWB; particle size: 605μm), and (c) a basal diet with 20% fine wheat bran (FWB; particle size: 438μm). The results demonstrated that the apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and energy were reduced (P<0.05) in the FWB and CWB groups compared with those in the CON group. Viscosity of digesta increased (P<0.001) in FWB-fed sows. The passage rate of digesta from the mouth to the ileum decreased (P<0.001) in FWB-fed sows. Peptide YY (PYY) concentration increased (P=0.01) in FWB-fed sows after 30min of feeding. In the FWB group, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae at the family level increased (P<0.05) in the ileal digesta. At the class level, the relative abundance of Clostridia in feces decreased (P<0.05) in FWB-fed sows. FWB enhanced the concentration of butyrate in feces compared with CON and CWB (P=0.04). These results suggest that dietary supplementation with finely ground wheat bran reduces the passage rate of digesta, increases the abundance of beneficial microorganisms, and elevates the concentration of short-chain fatty acids and PYY in sows. These findings indicate that the addition of finely-ground wheat bran to the diets of sows is more effective than using coarse wheat bran for improving their satiety and intestinal microbial composition.

Dietary Fibers Differ in Their Effects on Large Bowel Epithelial Proliferation and Fecal Fermentation-Dependent Events in Rats

The effects of different fiber types and processing on putative protective mechanisms for colorectal cancer were evaluated. Rats were fed diets of similar nutrient balance containing either no added fiber or 10% fiber from various sources. The rate of distal colonic epithelial proliferation, measured by the metaphase arrest method, was dependent on fiber type; ranking of fibers from highest to lowest yielded the following order: methylcellulose > coarse wheat bran > fine wheat bran ≈ parboiled and extruded rice brans > no fiber (P = 0.012). Effect on stool output ranked identically. Ranking of effect on fecal pH, from most to least acidic was as follows: coarse wheat bran ≈ the rice brans > fine wheat bran > no fiber ≈ methylcellulose (P = 0.00001). Coarse wheat bran gave significantly higher fecal butyrate concentrations than did the rice brans, which in turn gave higher levels than fine wheat bran, methylcellulose and the no-fiber diet. Proximal colon epithelial proliferation was unaffected by diet although cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations and pH were affected. Different fibers have different effects on events in the fecal environment and distal colonic epithelium. Putative protective events (increased output, low fecal pH, high butyrate, low proliferation) are not equally affected and are unlikely in themselves to allow prediction of the protective effect of a fiber.

Effect of psyllium husk and wheat mill bran fractions on the microstructure and mixograph characteristics of Arabic bread

When psyllium husk, wheat bran and germ was added, Incorporation of psyllium and wheat bran may affect the dough structure, dough rheology as well as the final quality of baked Arabic flat bread, which, thus, became important for this study. Scanning Electron Micrographs (SEM) taken on Arabic bread, depicted both intact small and the large starch granules on the outer crust area. This was mainly due to the rapid loss of moisture from the Arabic bread surface during intense baking operation leaving less moisture for gelatinization to take place. With psyllium added to WWF at 0, 3, and 5 % level, the peak time was increased from 3 to 4.5 min. The ascending and descending angle values were more or less identical in all the samples except with wheat germ addition, whereas much lower values (51 to 58°) for these parameters were observed, indicating a faster rate of dough breakdown. With psyllium, fine- and coarse bran addition to WWF, a corresponding increase in peak time was observed. Ascending and descending angles showed similar trends to that of the WWF and psyllium combinations. Use of falling number apparatus is an indirect method of measuring the diastatic enzyme activity in cereal flours. WGF showed lower falling-number values (502 s) than the WWF (607 s). Addition of fine bran to WWF lowered the falling number (607 to 563 s) whereas with coarse wheat bran and germ, these values were increased.

Milling of wheat bran: Influence on digestibility, hydrolysis and nutritional properties of bran protein during in vitro digestion

Wheat bran is a source of high-quality protein with low cost, but the accessibility of bran protein is notably limited by cell wall matrix. This study investigated the effect of milling on the distribution and profile of wheat bran protein, and explored its digestibility, hydrolysis and functional activity during in vitro digestion. It showed that superfine milling effectively released bran protein by disrupting aleurone cells and further improved its solubility and extractability. Superfine wheat bran (19 μm) had higher protein digestibility (53.1 %) and hydrolysis degree (12.7 %) compared to coarse wheat bran (84–1110 μm). Moreover, intestinal digestion promoted the release of free amino acid, mainly arginine (16.4 %), tyrosine (12.8 %) and phenylalanine (9.5 %). Superfine bran protein hydrolysate exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and starch-digestive enzyme inhibitory activity that could facilitate the application of bran as a multifunctional nutrient.

Dietary Supplementation With Fine-Grinding Wheat Bran Improves Lipid Metabolism and Inflammatory Response via Modulating the Gut Microbiota Structure in Pregnant Sow.

This study investigated the effects of fine-grinding wheat bran on pregnant sow body condition, lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota. In this study, wheat bran was crushed into three particle sizes. A total of 60 Landrace × Yorkshire second parity sows were allotted to two groups: CWB (a diet containing coarse wheat bran with particle size of 605 μm) and FWB (a diet containing fine wheat bran with particle size of 438 μm). Fine-grinding wheat bran had higher soluble dietary fiber concentration, swelling capacity, water-holding capacity, and fermentability than coarse wheat bran. Pregnant sows fed FWB throughout pregnancy had lower body weight and fat deposition than sows fed CWB. And the piglet body weight at birth of the FWB group was remarkably increased. Serum concentrations of lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acid), interleukin 6, leptin, and resistin were decreased on day 90 of pregnancy by fine wheat bran supplementation. Feeding FWB significantly decreased abundance of Firmicutes and dramatically increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes at phylum level. At genus level, the abundance of Terrisporobacter was decreased in FWB feeding sows, but the abundance of Parabacteroides was increased. Fecal total short-chain fatty acids, propionate, and butyrate contents were markedly increased in the FWB group. The results suggested that the physicochemical properties of finely ground wheat bran had been improved. Dietary supplementation with fine wheat bran changed the gut microbiota structure and enhanced the short-chain fatty acids level, which improved the maternal body condition, metabolic and inflammatory status, and reproductive performance in sows.

Effect of fiber source and crude protein level on nursery pig performance and fecal microbial communities.

Reduction in dietary crude protein and addition of fiber could mitigate the incidence and severity of post-weaning diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal condition in newly weaned pigs. Therefore, 360 weanling pigs, initially 5.0 ± 0.10 kg, were used to evaluate the effects of crude protein (CP) level and fiber source on growth performance and fecal microbial communities. At weaning, pigs were randomly assigned to pens and allotted to 1 of 8 dietary treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial with main effects of CP (21 or 18%) and fiber source (none, coarse wheat bran, oat hulls, or cellulose). There were 5 pigs per pen and 9 pens per treatment. Experimental diets were formulated in two dietary phases from d 0 to 10 and 10 to 24, with a common post-treatment diet fed from 24 to 45. The 21% CP diets contained 1.40% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys in phase 1 and 1.35% SID Lys in phase 2. By using a maximum SID Lys:digestible CP ratio of 6.35%, the 18% CP diets contained 1.25% SID Lys in both phases. Diets containing a fiber source were formulated to the level of insoluble fiber provided by 4% coarse wheat bran, resulting in the addition of 1.85% oat hulls and 1.55% cellulose. No fiber source × CP level interactions (P > 0.05) were observed. Decreasing CP (and subsequently SID lysine) decreased (P = 0.05) ADG and G:F during the experimental period. From d 0 to 45, ADG decreased (P = 0.05) for pigs fed 18% CP diets compared to pigs fed 21% CP. No effect of fiber source was observed for growth performance. Fecal DM on d 17 increased (P < 0.001) for pigs fed 18% CP diets compared to pigs fed 21% CP diets. Pigs fed diets with added cellulose had increased (P < 0.05) fecal dry matter during the experimental period compared to pigs fed no fiber source or wheat bran. Bacterial community structure was investigated by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Analysis indicated a significant difference between CP content at d 24 (P = 0.023) using a Weighted UniFrac distance matrix. Further investigation identified five differential Amplicon Sequence Variants associated with CP content at d 24. In conclusion, reducing crude protein (and subsequently SID Lys) decreased growth performance but increased fecal dry matter content. The source of dietary fiber in nursery diets had no impact on growth performance; but pigs fed added cellulose had increased fecal DM compared with other treatments. Microbial analysis identified differential taxa associated with CP content.

Effect of particle size on the release behavior and functional properties of wheat bran phenolic compounds during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

Wheat bran is a rich source of phenolic compounds, and the health benefits of phenolic compounds depend on its bioaccessibility. The release behavior and functional properties of phenolic compounds in different particle size wheat bran during in vitro digestion were investigated. Coarse wheat bran (CWB, 1110.39 μm) was milled by airflow impact mill to produce medium wheat bran (MWB, 235.68 μm), fine wheat bran (FWB, 83.73 μm) and superfine wheat bran (SWB, 19.16 μm). The reduction in particle size increased the release of phenolic compounds, mainly ferulic acid, after digestion. The free p-coumaric acid content in SWB was nearly five times higher than that in CWB, MWB and FWB due to the complete destruction of aleurone cell walls. Moreover, SWB showed higher bioaccessible phenolic compounds content (65.51%) than CWB. The improved phenolic bioaccessibility increased the antioxidant capacities and carbohydrate-digestive enzymes inhibitory activities of SWB and significantly reduced its starch digestibility.

Effect of psyllium husk addition on the instrumental texture and consumer acceptability of high-fiber wheat pan bread and buns

The consumption of recommended amount of dietary fiber is a challenge not only for most consumers but also for the food scientists to design fiber-enriched foods with acceptable eating quality, texture, color and flavor. The addition of psyllium husk (PS) significantly made the bread texture softer with increasing levels, producing the lowest compression force value (2.48 ± 0.37 N) at a 5% level. Addition of coarse wheat bran (at 10 and 20% levels) to white wheat flour (WWF) produced a significantly softer bread texture (4.65 ± 0.61 to 5.27 ± 0.32 N) compared with the harder texture with the fine wheat bran addition (5.04 ± 0.33 to 6.82 ± 0.57 N) for the control samples, respectively. When psyllium at 5% level was added to either the WWF or wholegrain wheat flour (WGF), it produced a significantly softer bread texture. Interestingly, the incorporation of diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglyceride (DATEM) emulsifier (0.5%) in the WWF or WGF bread samples containing 5% psyllium did not significantly improve the textural properties of bread samples. When WWF + 5%PS (4.03 ± 0.12 N) buns were compared with WGF + 5%PS, the WGF +5%PS buns (7.37 ± 0.16 N) had a significantly harder texture. The results of compression force (N) and higher consumer acceptability values of these products clearly brought out the superior textural properties of wheat pan bread and buns made by this newer approach, than the common approach of using only the wholegrain wheat flour. Future studies on the effect of various wheat bran treatments, such as steaming or extrusion on the textural properties of pan bread and buns are recommended.

244 Effect of Fiber Source and Crude Protein Level on Nursery Pig Performance

Abstract A total of 360 pigs (DNA 200′400, initially 5.0 kg) were used in a 45-d growth trial to determine the effects of fiber source and crude protein (CP) level in diets without pharmacological levels of ZnO on nursery pig growth performance and fecal dry matter (DM). Pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 8 treatments with 5 pigs/pen and 9 pens/treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2×4 factorial with main effects of CP (21 or 18%) and fiber source [none, coarse wheat bran (CWB), oat hulls, or cellulose (Arbocel, J. Rettenmaier USA, Schoolcraft, MI)]. Fiber source was added to equalize the level of insoluble fiber contributed from 4% CWB, resulting in the addition of 1.85% oat hulls or 1.55% cellulose. Diets were fed in two phases (d 0 to 10 and 10 to 24) followed by a common diet (d 24 to 45). The 21% CP diets contained 1.40% SID Lys in phase 1 and 1.35% SID Lys in phase 2. Treatment diets were formulated to a maximum SID Lys:digestible CP level of 6.35%, thus SID Lys decreased in the 18% CP (1.25% SID Lys) diets. Data were analyzed using the lmer function in R. No fiber source × CP level interactions (P &amp;gt;0.05) were observed. Decreasing dietary CP decreased (P = 0.05) ADG, G:F, and d 24 BW. Overall, ADG and d 45 BW decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for pigs fed 18% CP diets. No main effects of fiber source were observed for growth performance throughout the study. Fecal DM increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for pigs fed added cellulose compared to pigs fed no fiber or CWB in the experimental period. In conclusion, reducing dietary CP decreased growth performance and the inclusion of cellulose improved fecal DM of nursery pigs.

264 Effects of Low Dietary Crude Protein Diets Containing Coarse Wheat Bran as an Alternative to Zinc Oxide in Nursery Pig Diets

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of reduced crude protein (CP) in diets containing coarse wheat bran (CWB) without pharmacological levels of Zn (ZnO) on growth performance and fecal dry matter (DM) of nursery pigs. A total of 650 pigs (DNA 241′600; initially 6.6 kg), were used with 5 pigs/pen and 26 replicate pens/treatment. Pens were assigned to 1 of 5 treatments in a RCB design based on BW. Treatments were fed for 13-d, contained 4% CWB, and consisted of: 1) diet with pharmacological ZnO (2,000 mg/kg Zn) and 21% CP formulated to 1.35% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys; 2) a diet with 110 ppm added Zn and 21% CP (1.35% SID Lys); 3) a diet with 110 ppm added Zn formulated to 18% CP (1.20% SID Lys); 4) an 18% CP diet with 110 ppm added Zn formulated to 1.35% SID Lys by the addition of increased levels of feed grade amino acids; and 5) diet 4 with addition of non-essential amino acids (NEAA; glycine and glutamic acid). Data were analyzed using the lmer function in R. Overall, pigs fed 21% CP with ZnO had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG compared to those fed 18% CP (1.35% SID Lys) with high levels of feed grade amino acids or those fed the reduced SID Lys (1.2%) diet. Gain-to-feed ratio was increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for pigs fed 21% CP diets and those fed the 18% CP diet with NEAA compared to pigs fed 1.2% SID Lys and pigs fed high levels of feed grade amino acids. Fecal DM was increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for pigs fed reduced SID Lys diet. In conclusion, reducing CP (subsequently SID Lys) in diets without ZnO decreased growth performance but increased fecal DM.

Effects of feeding diets containing low crude protein and coarse wheat bran as alternatives to zinc oxide in nursery pig diets.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of crude protein (CP) level in diets containing coarse wheat bran (CWB) with or without pharmacological levels of Zn (provided by zinc oxide: ZnO) on growth performance and fecal DM of nursery pigs. In experiment 1, 360 barrows (Line 200 × 400, DNA, Columbus, NE, initially 5.6 kg) were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments from d 0 to 21 after weaning with 5 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Treatments included a positive control diet (21% CP) with 3,000 mg/kg Zn in phase 1 and 2,000 mg/kg in phase 2; negative control (21% CP) with 110 mg/kg added Zn, and 4 diets containing 4% CWB and 110 mg/kg added Zn formulated to contain 21%, 19.5%, 18%, or 16.5% CP. The 2 control diets and 21% CP CWB diet contained 1.40% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys in phase 1 and 1.35% SID Lys in phase 2, while the 19.5%, 18%, and 16.5% CP diets contained 1.33, 1.25 and 1.20% Lys, respectively, in both phases. Pigs fed the positive control diet containing pharmacological ZnO had increased (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F compared with the negative control and the 21% CP CWB diet. Reducing CP (concurrently with SID Lys) in diets containing CWB decreased ADG and G:F (linear, P = 0.002); however, fecal DM increased (linear, P = 0.005). In experiment 2, two groups of 300 and 350 pigs, initially 7.0 and 6.2 kg, respectively, were used with 5 pigs per pen and 26 pens per treatment. The objective was to determine if adding back essential AA would improve growth performance of pigs fed the low CP diets. All dietary treatments were fed for 13 days, contained 4% CWB, and consisted of: (1) positive control with 2,000 mg/kg of Zn and 21% CP (1.35% SID Lys); (2) no ZnO and 21% CP; and 3 diets with no ZnO formulated to 18% CP and (3) 1.2% SID Lys; (4) 1.35% SID Lys by the addition of feed grade amino acids (AA), and (5) diet 4 with non-essential amino acids (NEAA; Gly and Glu). Pigs fed 21% CP with ZnO had increased (P = 0.001) ADG compared to those fed 18% CP (1.35% SID Lys) with high levels of feed grade amino acids or those fed the reduced SID Lys (1.2%) diet. Overall, G:F was improved (P < 0.001) for pigs fed 21% CP diets and those fed the 18% CP diet with NEAA compared to pigs fed 1.2% SID Lys and pigs fed high levels of feed grade amino acids. Fecal DM was increased for pigs fed the reduced SID Lys diet. In summary, pharmacological levels of Zn improve pig growth performance, but reducing CP (and subsequently SID Lys) decreased nursery pig growth performance.

PSVIII-4 Effect of coarse wheat bran and crude protein level in nursery diets without zinc oxide on pig performance

Abstract A total of 355 pigs (DNA 200x400; initially 5.6 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of coarse wheat bran and crude protein (CP) level in diets without pharmacological levels of zinc oxide on nursery pig performance and fecal dry matter (DM%). Pigs were allotted to 1 of 6 treatments in a completely randomized design with 5 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Treatment diets were fed in two phases (d 0 to 7 and 7 to 21) followed by a common diet fed d 21 to 45. Treatments included a positive control diet with ZnO, negative control without ZnO, and negative control with 4% wheat bran and formulated to contain 21, 19.5, 18, or 16.5% CP. All diets contained 1.35% SID lysine except the 18 and 16.5% (1.25 and 1.20% lysine) CP diets. Data were analyzed using the lmer function from the lme4 package in R. During the experimental period, decreasing CP decreased (linear, P&amp;lt; 0.05) ADG, G:F, and d 21 BW, but increased (linear, P=0.005) fecal DM%. Pigs fed the diet containing ZnO had increased (P&amp;lt; 0.050) ADG, ADFI, and G:F compared to the negative control and diet with 21% CP and wheat bran. From d 21 to 45, pigs previously fed the 21% CP diet with wheat bran had increased (P&amp;lt; 0.05) ADG compared to the positive control. Fecal DM on d 45 and G:F increased (P&amp;lt; 0.05) for pigs fed the 21% CP, wheat bran diet and negative control compared to those fed the positive control. Overall, pigs fed low CP diets had decreased (P&amp;lt; 0.05) ADG while pigs fed the positive control had greater (P&amp;lt; 0.05) ADG compared to the negative control. Additional research is needed to determine if modifying low CP, wheat bran diets will elicit benefits of increased fecal DM% while maintaining growth performance.

INFLUENCE OF DESIGN AND OPERATING PARAMETERS ON SEPARATING THE COARSE WHEAT BRAN BY CYCLONE

Experimental study and predicted models were used to investigate the effect of cyclone geometry and operating parameters such as cone height (30, 50 and 70 cm), vortex finder length (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 cm), dipleg length (25, 40 and 55 cm) and inlet air velocity (14, 16, 18 and 20 m/s) on separating the coarse wheat bran from air stream. The performance parameters via cut-off diameter (d50), overall collection efficiency (ηo) and pressure drop (ΔP) were evaluated to determine the appropriate design of the cyclone under local operating conditions. The results showed that, ΔP increased with the increase of inlet air velocity and cone height. The optimum operating and design parameters at cone height of 70 cm were inlet air velocity 14 m/s and vortex finder length 40 cm, which lead to high ηo 99.93 % and low ΔP 80.63 Pa. While at cone height of 50 cm, the optimum operating and design parameters were: inlet air velocity 18 m/s under vortex finder length 40 cm which lead to high ηo 99.97 % and low ΔP 121.52 Pa. whereas the cone height 30 cm and vortex finder length zero cm were undesirable because they have low ηo. The d50 decreased with increase inlet air velocity and lead to increase ηo; for instance at cone height of 30 cm the d50 of Lapple model were 31.95, 29.88, 28.17 and 26.73 µm for coarse wheat bran at inlet air velocity 14, 16, 18 and 20 m/s, respectively. Moreover the statistical indicators presented that the Hoffmann & Stein model was the best model and more validation to predict coarse wheat bran ηo at cone height 30 and 50 cm. The Lapple model was the best model and more validation to predict coarse wheat bran ηo at cone height 70 cm. There is a wide range of the optimum ηo depend on the design, operating parameters and the price of the separated material and this is subject to the operator's decision; in other words balancing operating economics cost and the price of the separated material.

Effect of Coarse Wheat Bran and Crude Protein Level in Nursery Pig Diets Without Pharmacological Levels of Zinc Oxide

A total of 360 pigs (200 × 400; DNA, Columbus, NE, initially = 12.4 lb) were used in a 45-d growth trial to evaluate the effects of coarse wheat bran and crude protein level in diets without pharmacological levels of zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance of nursery pigs. Upon arrival to the nursery research facility, pigs were randomly assigned to pens with 5 pigs per pen. Pens were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with 12 pens per treatment. Treatment diets were offered in two dietary phases (phase 1 fed from d 0 to 7, and phase 2 from d 7 to 21 post-weaning). A post-treatment period with a common diet was fed from d 21 to 45. Treatment diets included a positive control diet with pharmacological ZnO (3,000 ppm Zn in phase 1 and 2,000 ppm in phase 2); negative control without pharmacological ZnO (110 ppm Zn added from premix); and negative control with 4% coarse wheat bran and formulated to contain 21, 19.5, 18, or 16.5% crude protein (CP). The two control diets and the 21% CP diet contained 1.40% standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine in phase 1 and 1.35% SID lysine in phase 2, with the 19.5, 18, and 16.5% CP diets containing 1.33, 1.25 and 1.20% lysine, respectively in both phases. Fecal samples were collected from the same three pigs per pen on d 7, 14, 21, and 45 then pooled within pen for each day of collection and dried at 55°C in a forced air oven. All pens were individually scored on d 7, 14, 21, and 45 by the same three individuals to determine visual fecal consistency. Data were analyzed using the lmer function from the lme4 package in R. From d 0 to 21, pigs fed the positive control diet containing ZnO had increased (P < 0.001) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and improved (P < 0.050) feed efficiency (F/G) compared to the negative control and the high CP coarse wheat bran diet. Reducing crude protein levels in diets containing coarse wheat bran resulted in decreased ADG and poorer feed efficiency (linear, P = 0.002); however, fecal dry matter percentage was increased (linear, P = 0.006), suggesting a greater occurrence of solid feces throughout the experimental period. Overall from d 0 to 45, decreasing crude protein level decreased (linear, P = 0.012) ADG, ADFI (linear, P = 0.038), and d 45 body weight (linear, P = 0.010). Pigs fed the positive control diet with ZnO experienced increased ADG (P = 0.014) and increased ADFI (P = 0.008) compared to the negative control. There was no evidence for differences in overall growth for the positive control compared with the 21% CP diet with coarse wheat bran. In summary, decreasing crude protein in diets with coarse wheat bran decreased overall ADG and ADFI, resulting in lower body weight throughout the study. The pigs fed these diets had poorer feed efficiency and decreased ADG during the experimental period; however, these pigs had increased fecal dry matter. Further research is warranted to determine if low crude protein diets can be modified to achieve increased fecal dry matter while maintaining growth performance of nursery pigs.

Effect of Fiber Source and Crude Protein Level on Nursery Pig Performance

A total of 360 pigs (200 × 400; DNA, Columbus, NE; initially = 11.0 lb) were used in a 45-d growth trial to evaluate the effects of fiber source and crude protein level on growth performance and fecal dry matter of nursery pigs. Upon arrival to the nursery research facility, pigs were randomly assigned to pens with 5 pigs per pen and 9 replicate pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 4 completely random­ized factorial with main effects of crude protein (21 or 18% CP) and fiber source (none, coarse wheat bran, oat hulls, or cellulose; Arbocel, J. Rettenmaier USA, Schoolcraft, MI). Treatment diets were formulated in two dietary phases from d 0 to 10 and 10 to 24, with a common post-treatment diet fed from d 24 to 45. The 21% CP diets contained 1.40% standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID) in phase 1 and 1.35% SID Lys in phase 2. Treatment diets were formulated to a maximum SID Lys:digestible CP level of 6.35%, thus SID Lys decreased in the 18% CP (1.25% SID Lys) diets to main­tain the ratio. Diets containing a fiber source were formulated to the level of insoluble fiber provided by 4% coarse wheat bran, resulting in the addition of 1.85% oat hulls and 1.55% cellulose to the respective diets. No fiber source × CP level interactions (P > 0.05) were observed throughout the study. During the experimental period, decreasing dietary CP (and subsequently SID Lys) decreased (P = 0.05) ADG, and d 24 body weight (BW) and worsened feed efficiency (F/G). Average daily gain and d 45 BW decreased (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 18% CP diets compared to pigs fed 21% CP diets overall from 0 to 45. Fecal dry matter on d 17 was increased (P < 0.001) for pigs fed 18% CP diets compared to pigs fed 21% CP diets. No main effects of fiber source were observed for growth performance throughout the study. However, fecal dry matter percentage increased (P < 0.05) for pigs fed added cellulose compared to pigs fed no fiber or coarse wheat bran on d 10 and 24 of the trial. Similarly, pigs fed cellulose had increased (P = 0.028) fecal dry matter compared to pigs fed no fiber, with pigs fed coarse wheat bran and oat hulls intermediate. In conclusion, reducing dietary crude protein resulted in decreased growth performance while minimal improvements in fecal dry matter were observed during the experimental period. The source or inclusion of insoluble fiber in nursery diets had no impact on performance. The inclusion of cellu­lose improved fecal dry matter compared to feeding no dietary fiber or coarse wheat bran.

Effect of Crude Protein Level and Coarse Wheat Bran on Nursery Pig Growth Performance

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of adding coarse wheat bran with reduced crude protein level in diets without pharmacological levels of zinc oxide on the growth performance and fecal dry matter of nursery pigs. Our objective was to determine if a low-crude protein diet with an added fiber source might provide similar growth performance and reduce the incidence of scours in weanling pigs compared to a typical, high-protein diet with added Zn. A total of 300 and 350 pigs (DNA 241 × 600), initially 15.4 and 13.7 lb body weight (BW), were used in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. There were 5 pigs per pen and 12 and 14 replicates per treatment in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. After weaning, pigs were fed a common pelleted diet with phar­macological levels (3,000 ppm Zn) of ZnO for 10 d in Exp. 1, and without pharmaco­logical levels of ZnO for 14 d in Exp. 2. Then, pens were assigned to one of 5 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with BW as the blocking factor. In Exp. 1 and 2, treatment diets were offered in mash form and in one dietary phase. All dietary treatments contained 4% coarse wheat bran and consisted of: 1) positive control with ZnO (2,000 ppm Zn) and 21% crude protein (CP) formulated to 1.35% standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine; 2) a diet with 110 ppm added Zn and 21% CP (1.35% SID lysine); 3) a diet with 110 ppm added Zn formulated to 18% CP (1.20% SID lysine); 4) an 18% CP diet with 110 ppm added Zn formulated to 1.35% SID lysine by the addition of feed grade amino acids; and 5) diet 4 with the addition of non-essential amino acids (glycine and glutamic acid). A common post-treatment pelleted diet was fed for 14 d in Exp. 2 but not in Exp. 1. Data were analyzed using the lmer function from the lme4 package in R. In Exp. 1, pigs fed diets with 21% CP had increased (P < 0.05) ADG and heavier (P < 0.05) final BW; however, treatment means did not separate when Tukey adjustment was applied during statistical analysis. Pigs fed diets with 21% CP had improved (P < 0.05) feed efficiency similarly to pigs fed 18% CP diets with the addition of non-essential amino acids. During the experimental period in Exp. 2, pigs fed high CP diets

Laxative effects of wheat bran and psyllium: Resolving enduring misconceptions about fiber in treatment guidelines for chronic idiopathic constipation

Treatment guidelines for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) recommend an "increase in fiber intake" as a first-line therapy, but most epidemiologic studies fail to support an association between a high-fiber diet and a reduced risk of constipation. Furthermore, randomized controlled clinical studies show that most isolated fibers (e.g., supplements) are not different from placebo for a laxative effect, and several may be constipating. The objective of this review was to compare the effects of two isolated fibers, coarse wheat bran and psyllium, on stool output and stool water content in patients with CIC. This review will also address misconceptions about fiber that are perpetuated by treatment guidelines. A comprehensive literature review was conducted with the use of the Scopus, SciFinder, and PubMed scientific databases, limited to the previous 50 years (1968-2018; latest date included, December 31, 2018). In patients with CIC, nonfermented gel-forming psyllium was 3.4 times more effective than insoluble wheat bran for increasing stool output. Both psyllium and coarse wheat bran increased stool water content, a stool-softening effect, but finely ground wheat bran decreased stool water content, a stool-hardening effect. It is a misconception that dietary fiber and all isolated fibers provide a laxative effect in patients with CIC. Our analysis suggests that treatment guidelines for CIC should make specific evidence-based recommendations as it pertains to fiber. To do otherwise takes the risk of perpetuating myth and misunderstanding and depriving patients of an effective therapy for CIC. A generic recommendation to "increase fiber intake" is akin to a recommendation to "increase pill intake" without regard to therapeutic or adverse effects.

Effects of bran size and carob seed flour of optimized bread formulas on glycemic responses in humans: A randomized clinical trial

We investigated the glycemic-index (GI), glycemic-load (GL) and glycemic response to four breads produced by optimized formulas in terms of texture and structure: white bread (WB), bread enriched with coarse wheat bran (CB), with fine wheat bran (FB) and FB with 10% carob-seed flour (CSFB). Ten healthy individuals (24 ± 1 years; BMI 22 ± 3 kg/m2) received isoglucidic test meals (50 g available carbohydrate) and 50 g glucose reference, in random order. GI/GL was calculated and capillary blood glucose and salivary insulin samples were collected at 0–120 min after meal consumption. CB and CSFB provided medium-GI, low-GL. WB and FB provided high-GI, medium-GL. Peak glucose value was lower for CSFB (p = 0.03). Dough water content was inversely associated with GI (p = 0.03). No differences were observed between breads for fasting glucose, fasting and post-test-meal insulin concentrations. Larger bran particle size and flour substitution by carob-seed flour attenuated the glycemic response resulting in lower GI or GL breads.

Fiber substrates in the nutrition of weaned piglets – a review

Abstract The present review summarizes the results of 37 experiments in which different types and levels (from 0.5 to 29.7%) of fibrous supplements were used in the formulation of diets for weaned piglets. Diets were supplemented with different sources of insoluble dietary fiber (iDF), soluble dietary fiber (sDF), or mixed DF sources. Most of the applied DF sources decreased the ileal and fecal organic matter digestibility, and they often lowered crude protein digestibility. A moderate addition (1.5-8%) of iDF sources increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and, frequently, average daily gains (ADG). Sources of sDF as well as high inclusion levels of fiber-rich feeds tended to decrease ADFI and ADG. Improved fecal consistency, decreased diarrhea incidence and antibiotic interventions were confirmed in piglets fed diets with added lignocellulose, cooked or raw oat hulls and wheat bran. The dietary inclusion of iDF rather than sDF sources improved gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, enzyme activity and gut morphology. An increase in the counts of beneficial gut microbiota and the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids was stimulated by diets with addition iDF or sDF sources. Such diets also slowed down proteolytic fermentation which negatively affects the colonic mucosa. Some research findings indicate that iDF sources improve intestinal barrier function. The analyzed experimental data suggest that the addition of 1.5-2% of a lignocellulose preparation, 2% of oat hulls, 4-8% of coarse wheat bran to diets for weaned piglets may be recommended to promote GIT development and health, and to improve growth performance.