Protein Content Research Articles

Influence of Processing Techniques on the Proximate Composition, Anti-Nutritional Factors, and Amino Acid Profile of Red Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL).

The effects of traditional processing techniques-cooking, autoclaving, and roasting-on the physicochemical properties, anti-nutritional factors (ANF), and amino acid composition of red kidneybeans (RKB) were investigated. Significant alterations in proximate composition were observed: cooking generally increased protein levels, while roasting decreased fiber content. Autoclaving produced diverse effects. Evaluation of functional properties revealed changes in water activity, density, and color. Cooking increased water activity and lightness, whereas roasting and autoclaving led to darker colors and reduced water activity. Cooking effectively enhanced protein content and reduced ANF, while texture profile analysis (TPA) showed variations in hardness, adhesiveness, and resilience. Autoclaving resulted in softer beans, and cooking influenced adhesiveness and springiness. ANF analysis showed reductions post-processing, especially with cooking and autoclaving. Amino acid composition varied across processing methods, with notable effects from cooking and roasting. Microstructural changes observed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) suggested improved nutrient bioavailability. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated alterations in the chemical composition of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, attributed to the different processing methods. This comprehensive study highlights the complex interactions between cooking techniques and the physicochemical properties of legumes, providing valuable insights for optimizing their nutritional value. Traditional method of cooking RKB enhances the nutritional value.

Physicochemical and sensory quality of mackerel fish ball formulated by dumbo catfish (Clarias gariepinus) protein isolate as a binder

Catfish is a freshwater fish with high protein content and productivity. However, its use is still limited. Food processing and formulation can be a solution to utilize catfish protein in fish-based products. This study investigated the physicochemical and sensory quality of mackerel fish balls (MFBs) formulated with catfish protein isolate (CPI) as a binder. The catfish protein was isolated using the pH-shifting method with extraction at pH 11 and precipitation at pH 5.5. The fish ball formulation contained mackerel crushed meat (MCM) and catfish protein isolate (CPI), with ratios of F1 (100:0), F2 (85:15), and F3 (70:30). The MFBs were also analysed for their physical (e.g., colour, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss, texture), proximate, and sensory properties. The results showed that the CPI had a high protein content (93.46% db), which followed the Codex Alimentarius standard. The addition of CPI had a significant effect on the colour, WHC, cooking loss, hardness, proximate composition, and sensory properties (colour, aroma, taste, texture, and overall attributes) of MFBs (p<0.05). The CPI improved WHC, hardness and protein content while reducing the cooking loss of MFBs. The MFBs with the ratio of MCM: CPI of 85:15 (F2) were the best formulation based on the hardness value, protein content, and sensory properties. The protein content of F2 increased by 6.89% from the control. CPI can be an additive ingredient in highly nutritious fish-based products with good physical and sensory properties.

Enhancing the effect of phosphorus fertilizers, taking into account liming, taking into account liming in winter wheat cultivation on sod-podzolic soil

In long-term field experience on sod-podzolic heavy loamy soil, a significant return was revealed from the use of zinc, copper, magnesium fertilizers, the microbial preparation Bisolbifit together with phosphorus fertilizers in connection with liming in winter wheat crops. The beneficial effect of the studied techniques on grain quality, payback of fertilizers, consumption and utilization rate of phosphorus by plants was noted. On highly acidic, untreated soil with a high content of mobile aluminum (about 130 mg/kg), caused by the systematic introduction of physiologically acidic potassium chloride and ammonium nitrate, phosphorus fertilizers (on average for all the years of the study from 2017 to 2023) provided an increase in winter wheat yield by 69% at a dose of 11.5 tons of lime/ha of medium acid in the soil by 2.2 times, on slightly acidic (19.0 tons of lime/ha) – by 2.7 times, together with the use of trace elements and Bisolbifit – by 2.4 and 2.9 times from the average background level of nitrogen-potassium fertilizers (2.38 t/ha). At the same time, the payback of phosphorus fertilizers with winter wheat grain on slightly acidic soil from the introduction of micro fertilizers and Bisolbifit increased 2.7 times (up to 15.7 kg/kg), the protein content in the grain increased by 1.3%, phosphorus removal by 3.8 times (up to 70.7 kg/ha), the use of phosphorus by winter wheat plants by 2.7 times.

Quality Assessment of Different Agricultural Produce under Organic as Well as Inorganic Production System: A Review

The urgent need to grow more food to feed the growing population has led to intensive farming with a lot of negative impacts on soil health as well as the ecosystem. To mitigate the negative impacts of conventional farming, the concept of organic farming has resurfaced. However, separate study of conventional and organic farming does not give a comparative assessment between two production system. The compensation of yield loss under organic farming could only be overlooked through enhancing the quality of produce. Good quality produce is just as important as quantity, yet quantity is typically prioritized. There is a myth that organically grown produce is superior and tastier than conventionally grown produce, yet this isn’t always the case. So, it’s high time to screen out the specific nutrient/ vitamin or any other quality parameter that can be enhanced through organic farming. So that agro-technique for organic fortification can be developed for the future researchers. Almost 71 research experiment were carefully studied and tried to assess the impact on organic farming on quality of produce. In developed and developing countries the area is increasing with an average growth rate of 20-25 %. Organically grown produce enhanced the mineral content especially phosphorous, and iron in rice, increased the protein content of maize by 8 to 19%, lysine content in wheat by 25-30%, ash and crude fat content in millets and oats and many more. Besides, improving physical appearances such as kernel length, elongation ratio of cereals, the cooking time has been greatly reduced in organic than inorganic production system. Even, the crude protein and oil contents greatly increased in the oilseed crops in organic production system over inorganic. However, variable response was reported in case of tuber crops, as quality parameters as well as organoleptic taste between conventional as well as organic farming system remained insignificant. However, few researchers reported significant increase in tuber dry matter content (20.92%) as well as quality traits for processing of tubers under organic farming system. Likewise, the oleoresin (5.26%) and essential oil (3.96%) contents of zinger rhizomes and curcumin (5.3%) and essential oil contents (4.2%) of turmeric greatly increased in organic production system over inorganic.

Synergistic Effect of Iron and Zinc Nanoparticles with Recommended Nitrogen Dose on Production and Grain Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivars Under Drought Stress

Abiotic factors, such as drought, can significantly impact the vegetative growth and productivity of maize. To investigate the effects of the combined foliar application of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles with the recommended nitrogen dose (RND) on maize production and grain chemical composition under different water regimes, two field experiments were conducted in El-Ayyat city, Giza, Egypt, during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023. This study utilized a split-split-plot experimental design with three replications. The main plots were designated to different water regimes (100, 80, 60, and 40% of estimated evapotranspiration), while the sub-plots were randomly distributed with Zn and Fe nanoparticle concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mg/L). The sub-sub-plots were randomly allocated to three maize cultivars (SC-P3062, SC-32D99, and SC-P3433). The results revealed that exposure to drought conditions resulted in a significant decline in the yield and yield-related attributes across all maize cultivars examined. Grain yield decreased by 10–50% under drought conditions. However, the foliar application of Zn and Fe nanoparticles was found to significantly improve grain yield, protein content, oil content, starch content, crude fiber, ash, and macro- and micronutrient concentrations in the maize cultivars under control and drought stress conditions. The foliar application of Zn and Fe nanoparticles at a concentration of 200 mg/L to the SC-P3433 maize cultivar led to the greatest grain yield per hectare, reaching 11,749 and 11,657 kg under the irrigation regimes with 100 and 80% total evapotranspiration, respectively. According to the assessment using the relative drought index, the SC-P3062 maize cultivar demonstrated tolerance (T) to water stress conditions. In conclusion, the foliar application of Zn and Fe nanoparticles (100–200 mg/L) effectively mitigated the negative effects of drought stress on maize plants. This approach can be recommended for farmers in arid and semi-arid regions to maintain and improve maize yield and grain quality under water-deficit conditions.

Drying: A Practical Technology for Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)—Processes and their Effects on Selected Health-Promoting Properties

The global dried blueberry market is steadily growing, driven by the creation of innovative blueberry-based products. This trend presents an opportunity to explore a previously untapped segment of the blueberry market in Chile. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of four drying techniques (hot-air drying [HAD], vacuum drying [VD], infrared drying [IRD], and freeze-drying [FD]) was conducted to determine best operating conditions and preserve the health-promoting properties of blueberries. Drying kinetics, proximate composition, color, anthocyanin content, individual phenols, and antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antidiabetic potential of blueberries were evaluated. VD showed the highest drying rates, reaching equilibrium moisture more rapidly (Deff value of 3.44 × 10−10 m2/s). Drying caused an increase in lipid content but a decrease in protein content. The color parameter L* increased in all dried samples, and C* reflected color intensification. FD best retained anthocyanin content, which decreased significantly in the other drying processes. Chlorogenic acid and rutin predominated in HAD, IRD, and FD samples. The antioxidant potential in ORAC assays increased for all drying methods but decreased in DPPH assays. Blueberry extracts from FD and HAD exhibited the greatest antiproliferative effect against A549 and H1299 cell lines, respectively. HAD showed the best inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, with an IC50 value of 0.276 mg/mL, similar to acarbose (IC50 = 0.253 mg/mL). Given the significant retention of health-promoting properties and bioactive compounds in HAD-dried samples, this method is advisable as a sustainable option for drying blueberries in Chile.

The Sources of Nutrients for the Growing Ear of Winter Wheat in the Critical Cereal Window

The process of winter bread wheat (WW) nutrient management in the Critical Cereal Window (CCW) has a decisive impact on yield component formation and, consequently, the grain yield (GY) and grain protein content (GPC). This hypothesis was verified in a single-factor field experiment carried out in the 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016 seasons. It consisted of seven nitrogen-fertilized variants: 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 kg N ha−1. The mass of nutrients in ears was determined in the full flowering stage. The mass balance of nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) was determined in leaves and stems. These sets of data were first used to calculate the soil nutrient uptake and then to predict the GY and GPC. Three nutrients, i.e., N, Ca, and Mg, were the main predictors of ear biomass. The set of ear nutrients significantly predicting GY and GE consisted of Ca, P, and Zn. Overall, this indirectly indicates a balanced N status for the ear. A positive nutrient balance in leaves, indicating their remobilization, was found for N, P, Fe, Zn, and Cu. Negative values, indicating a net nutrient accumulation in the non-ear organs of WW, were found for the remaining nutrients. The greatest impact on the GY and its components was observed for the balance of Mg and P but not N. The predictive worth of the nutrient balance for stems was much lower. The GPC, regardless of the type of indicator, depended solely on the N balance. Meanwhile, the main nutrient sources of N and Fe in ears were leaves and stems due to their uptake from the soil. For Cu, the primary source was soil, completed by its remobilization from leaves. For the remaining nutrients examined, the key source for the ear was soil, which was completed by remobilization from leaves and stems. Mg and Ca differed from other nutrients because their source for ears was exclusively soil. They were invested by WW in the ears and non-ear organs, mainly in the stems. The effective use of the yield potential of WW and other cereals requires insight into the nutritional status of the canopy at the beginning of the booting stage. This knowledge is necessary to develop an effective N management strategy and to correct and possibly apply fertilizers to improve both the yield and the GPC.

Isolation, Characterization, and Proteomic Analysis of Crude and Purified Extracellular Vesicles Extracted from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) play vital roles in plant–pathogen interactions; however, the isolation of purified Foc TR4-EVs and their pathogenicity and proteomic profiles are not well studied. This study aims to isolate and characterize purified Foc TR4-EVs and compare their pathogenic effects and protein profiles with crude TR4-EVs. Foc TR4-EVs were isolated using ultracentrifugation and purified by iodixanol gradient centrifugation. After characterization and evaluation of the pathogenicity effects on banana leaves, LC-MS/MS was performed to conduct the proteomics assay. Results indicated that Fraction 2 EVs exhibited clearer spherical structures (TEM), excessive abundance (1.70 × 109 particles/mL), greater intensity (400 a.u), mean size (154.5 nm), moderate protein content (333.16 ng/µL), and protein profile (25–77 kDa), which were superior to Fractions 1, 3, and crude EVs. Crude EVs displayed significant background interference with EV structures (TEM), highest abundance (2.11 × 109 particles/mL), lower intensity (7.0 a.u), higher protein content (528.33 ng/µL), and higher molecular weight proteins (55–70 kDa) compared to gradient EVs. A non-significant biocontrol effect of Foc-EVs on the growth of TR4 spores was observed. Pathogenicity assays revealed that crude EVs caused the largest (2.805 cm2), while Fraction 2 (1.386 cm2) and Fraction 3 (1.255 cm2) resulted in moderate lesions on banana leaves. Proteomic analysis identified 807 unique proteins in Fraction 2, enriched in pathways related to EV trafficking and signaling. In comparison, crude EVs contained 179 unique non-EV proteins related to metabolism and secondary metabolites, indicating that non-EV proteins of crude EVs also influence the pathogenicity observed in banana leaves. This study emphasizes the importance of EV purification, with Fraction 2 being a critical focus for future research on Foc EV pathogenicity.

Invasion stress mitigates climate stress in a brackish marsh amphipod

Abstract Organisms in coastal brackish ecosystems face not only highly variable environmental conditions, but the intensity and stochasticity of these environmental conditions are anticipated to increase due to climate change. While environmental changes are often presented unilaterally as stressors, there are some anthropogenic environmental transformations, such as the introduction of habitat forming plant species, that may mitigate physiological stress imposed by warming. In Suisun Marsh in the California Delta, native plant canopies allow light and heat to penetrate to the understory yet the canopies of the introduced Phragmites australis reed block out sunlight and heat for organisms living below. We set out to understand the physiological performance of mud‐dwelling invertebrates in this context: can invasion stress mitigate climate stress? We raised field collected Gammarus amphipods in the laboratory under simulated ‘native canopy’ and ‘Phragmites canopy’ temperature/light conditions based on data from our field environmental loggers. We assessed survival, body mass, fecundity, glycogen and protein content every 2 weeks from our lab population of amphipods. We found that amphipods raised under the Phragmites conditions had better survival, greater stores of protein, and similar body mass and stores of glycogen, which could positively impact available food resource quality for juvenile fishes. We support this with field data showing higher use of Phragmites canopies by amphipods, especially in the water column, across the year of sampling. Synthesis and applications: Understanding the potential benefits of Phragmites as climate stress refugia can inform management decisions around its mitigation in future restoration.

Сравнительная оценка кроссов карпа по биохимическим показателям

The main goal of hybridization in the field of aquaculture is to improve the commercial qualities and increase the productivity of hybrids in comparison with the parent forms. This improvement in performance occurs due to the achieved effect of heterosis, that is, due to the inheritance of a certain set of alleles of various genes from their dissimilar parents. Heterosis is achieved by selecting males and females of different origins, thus avoiding the negative impact of the opposite effect – inbreeding depression. The results of a comparative assessment of a new three-breed carp cross with other crosses are presented, including production indicators – indices that allow one to judge the linear changes in fish during its development. It has been shown that the runnability index of the new three-breed cross is significantly lower than that of the “Sursky Malokostny” and “Petrovsky” crosses, which allows us to conclude that it has high commercial qualities. The results of the commercial assessment of fish are presented and conclusions are drawn about the value of its nutritional qualities are described. In terms of size and weight indicators, two-year-olds of the new three-breed cross are superior to other crosses, which indicates significant production potential. All recorded blood parameters of the studied fish were within physiological norms. The increased vitality indicates good resistance of the new three-breed cross-hybrid. The analysis of biochemical blood parameters allows us to draw conclusions about the high intensity of protein metabolism of the “Sursky malokostny” and the new three-breed crosses, judging by the activity of ALT and the content of total protein.

Effect of Different Formulations and Storage on the Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Organoleptic Characteristics of Dovyalis caffra Fruit Yogurt

This study investigated the effect of incorporating up to 15% (w/w) Dovyalis caffra fruit pulp into cow milk yogurt. Monitoring the physico-chemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties of these formulations was performed weekly during refrigerated (4 °C) storage for 21 days. Compared to the control, formulations with added pulp recorded enhanced contents of ascorbic acid, total polyphenols, fiber, total titratable acidity (TTA), and yellowness, which is in line with increasing fruit pulp. This, however, corresponded to significantly lower contents in fat, protein, viscosity, pH, and overall sensory acceptability. Pulp incorporation had no significant effect on moisture, ash, and water-holding capacity (WHC) of formulations. Storage for up to 21 days indicated a significant increase in TTA and a corresponding decrease in pH but no significant change in WHC and viscosity of formulations. There was no detection of coliforms, yeasts, and molds in all samples throughout the storage period. This study demonstrates that Dovyalis caffra fruit has significant potential in the formulation of nutritious, desirable, and shelf-stable fruit-based yogurts. Further product optimization is, however, recommended to maximize the organoleptic quality of the formulations.

Effect of Dried and Fermented Food Leftover on Feed Intake, Growth Performances and Digestibility of Sheep

Background: The Leftover food as a source of animal feed offers a sustainable solution to minimize waste, conserve resources and provide nutritious feed for small ruminants. The experiment was conducted at Mekelle University’s Small Ruminant Research Farm to assess the impact of dried and fermented food leftover on the growth performance and digestibility of nutrients in sheep. Methods: Twenty-one intact Highland lambs with an average weight of 15.17±1.79 kg were utilized in a randomized complete block design, with three treatments replicated seven times. The treatments included: Recommended concentrate mixture supplementation (T1), 71% replacement of the concentrate in T1 with dried food leftover (T2) and 71% replacement of the concentrate in T1 with fermented food leftover (T3). Food leftovers were collected and utilized in both dried and fermented forms. Additionally, adlibitum grass hay and water were provided throughout the trial period. Data analysis was conducted using ANOVA with the general linear model (GLM) procedures of SAS statistical software. Result: Results indicated that dried food leftover had a higher dry matter percentage when compared to the fermented counterpart, though they exhibited similar crude protein, energy and fiber contents. Dry matter intake, body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) for T3 compared to T1 and T2. However, dry matter and nutrient digestibility were not significantly affected by the diets (P greater than 0.05). The findings suggest that utilizing food leftover in fermented form could be more beneficial for feed utilization and animal productivity.

Good practices for the industrial cultivation of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis under a greenhouse in a temperate zone (northern Italy)

Arthrospira, Spirulina, and Limnospira are cyanobacteria widely known as food supplements or additives and cultivated worldwide under the commercial name of spirulina. Many studies have been focused on the improvement of operational conditions for optimizing cell growth and harvesting. At present, greater attention is paid to obtaining a good-quality, possibly food-grade, product that can be added to different food formulations and to reducing the environmental impact by saving water and avoiding or minimizing the release of mineral salts in the environment. A few studies have addressed these aspects although, in most cases, through laboratory experiments or pilot plants. This study focused on the effects of medium recycling, monitored at each harvesting step, and nutrient replenishment on Arthrospira platensis growth, biomass, biochemical composition, and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production, in a production plant located in a temperate zone (northeastern Italy). Four out of the seven largest ponds (11,000 L each) of the plant were followed for a three-month semi-continuous cultivation, which included the period with the highest biomass productivity. Recycling the culture medium after biomass harvest effectively allowed the best nutritional status of the cells. Biomass productivity increased from June to August 2023 (mean values: 0.029 and 0.038 g L-1 d-1 at 25–26 °C and 27–29 °C, respectively). Protein, polysaccharides, and C-phycocyanin contents were 62, 22, and 12%, respectively, while EPS was < 7 mg L-1. The biochemical composition did not vary during the cultivation period, differently from previous studies performed with small culture volumes and for a short time.

In-vitro Comparative Antioxidant Effects and Proximate Composition of Peeled and Unpeeled Pigeon-pea (Cajanus cajan) Seed

Background: Pigeon pea is an economical source of natural antioxidants and its use could be a means of attaining prospect in ensuring food safety. This in vitro study intends to compare the primary constituents and oxidation inhibition potentials of peeled pigeon pea (PPP) and unpeeled pigeon pea (UPP) seed. Methods: PPP and UPP samples were milled into flour and their corresponding soluble free phenolic extracts were prepared. Its flour was used to determine the proximate composition. The soluble-free phenolic extracts were used to assay for total phenols, total flavonoids, reducing property, DPPH radical scavenging ability iron-chelating ability and lipid peroxidation inhibition potential. Results: Proximate composition of peeled pigeon pea (PPP) had higher fat and carbohydrate content while the protein, fibre, ash and moisture content were higher in unpeeled pigeon pea (UPP). The phenolic constituents and reducing property of the Peeled pigeon pea was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of unpeeled pigeon pea with the value (12.80 mg/g >11.85 mg/g), (6.07 mg/g > 5.46 mg/g) and (7.40 > 5.62) respectively. The results showed that both PPP and UPP extracts have antioxidant potentials. However, PPP had higher nitrogen monoxide (NO) radical scavenging ability and iron (Fe) chelating ability than UPP. Contrary to this trend, UPP exhibited greater DPPH radical scavenging activity and more effective inhibition of lipid malondialdehyde (MDA), the final byproduct of lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: These findings provide additional evidence supporting the potential of pigeon pea as a natural source of antioxidants. The primary constituents, such as phenolics, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds, are likely responsible for its remarkable antioxidant properties. This highlights its value as a functional ingredient in the food industry, promoting its application in developing health-focused food products.

The Storage and Production of Bioenergy Using Macroalgae Biomass—Part I: Ensiling

Ensiling is a promising low-cost preservation approach that allows for a year-round supply of kelp feedstock for biofuel production via anaerobic digestion. In this study, farm-grown kelps of known age were ensiled with and without the addition of lactic acid bacterial (LAB) inoculant for a duration of up to one year in order to test long-term storage suitability. The study looked at the impacts of different bacterial inoculums on the chemical and microbial composition over the duration of storage. Significant fluctuations in the pH were observed during ensiling, leading to some cases of secondary fermentation and a loss of volatile components; however, over 12 months, the total mass loss was <2% on average. Biochemical compositional changes occurred in the silage over a period of 12 months, but protein, lipid and carbohydrate content remained suitable for biogas production. Microbial analysis showed variability in the bacterial distribution between the ensiled samples that was coincident with pH variability. Despite this variability, the bacterial communities underwent a succession with a selection for ensilage bacteria and drop in spoilage organisms. This shift supports the viability of this ensiled material for future usage. The impact of ensiling on bioenergy production through anaerobic digestion is explored in the second part of this two-part paper.

Nutritive, Polyphenolic, and Antioxidative Properties of Locally Produced Cereals and Pseudograins

Cereals and pseudograins are known for their bioactive components and hence used as functional food worldwide. Recently, locally grown cheena, kaon, quinoa, and chia are available in Bangladeshi markets. The study aimed to determine the macronutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids contents of selected cereals (bajra, zob, cheena, and kaon) and pseudograins (quinoa and chia) along with their antioxidant properties. Cheena (13.48%) and kaon (13.55%) showed higher protein content among cereals, whereas chia of commercial and local sources showed high quantities of protein (22.40% and 22.35%, respectively) among pseudograins. A high amount of carbohydrate was found in kaon and quinoa (64.57% and 59.79%, respectively), whereas chia contained a high amount of fat (20.88 to 29.77%) and dietary fiber (31.46% to 36.85%). Locally grown bajra exhibited a markedly higher concentration of total phenolics (135.75±0.33 mg/g GAE dw) and total flavonoids (17.44±0.05 mg/gm QE dw) compared to other foods studied. Regarding antioxidant activity determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and half-maximal inhibitory (IC50) values, chia from Dinajpur field showed the best results. Therefore, cereals and pseudograins studied and reported here could provide utilizable nutritional and functional bioactive polyphenolic components that may have the potential in the nutritional management of noncommunicable diseases. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 89-98, 2024

Production Performance and Nutritional Quality of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Nurtured in Different Organic Waste

Nutritionists are beginning to pay attention to black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae (BSFL) as an alternative to expensive soybean and fish meal in animal feed which is abundant in different nutrients. Additionally, organic wastes including leftover food, animal excreta, and agricultural wastes, can be used to efficiently raise and spread BSFL. This study was carried out to evaluate the yield, production performance and proximate composition of BSFL nurtured on different organic waste namely, broiler starter feed (BF); rice bran (RB); market-sourced vegetable wastes (VW); chicken manure (CM) and kitchen waste (KW). The BF fed group had the highest observed larval yields (16.2 kg in total; P<0.05). Raising BSFL on BF, VW and KW resulted in the greatest body weight (0.149, 0.147 and 0.150 g, respectively) and growth rate (0.012 g), whereas the KW fed group had the longest body length (P<0.05). The fed groups that received CM and BF had the highest and lowest mortality rates, respectively (P<0.05). All fed groups except RB had improved feed conversion ratios, while VW and KW fed groups had higher protein conversion ratios (2.626 and 2.852, respectively; P<0.05). All the group had better substrate reduction rate compared to CM fed group (P<0.05). The dry matter and ash contents of BSFL reared on BF, VW and KW were higher than the RB and CM group (P<0.05). The KW supplemented BSFL had the highest ether extract level, whereas the BF fed group had the highest protein content (43.58%, P<0.05). In conclusion, BSFL can be successfully reared on kitchen and vegetable scraps. It is anticipated that the cost of black soldier fly farming and animal production will decrease since these organic waste shown favorable effects on BSFL growth performance and nutritional quality comparable to broiler feed in the current study. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 139-148, 2024

Microalgae bioprospecting for the food industry: insights into the autotrophic biomass production and macromolecular accumulation of four microalgal species.

In this study, four microalgal strains were evaluated for their biomass production capacity and macromolecule biosynthesis. These include three strains from the phylum Chlorophyta: Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117, and Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320, and one strain from the phylum Haptophyta: Isochrysis sp. LB2PC 0220. The experiments were conducted under typical laboratory-scale setups. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18-28S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was performed to validate the taxonomic identity of the strains. Each strain was exposed to four different cultivation conditions based on two levels of illumination intensity [25-(LI) and 50-(HI) µmol m- 2 s- 1] and nitrogen loading [100-(LΝ) and 300-(HΝ) mg NaNO3 L- 1] in a full factorial design. All the microalgae achieved maximum biomass production under HI-HN conditions, which amounted to 1495, 919, 844, and 708mg/L for Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117, Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320 and Isochrysis sp. LB2PC 0220, respectively, after 16 days of cultivation. Among them, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117 had the highest protein content (49.9% wt.) under LI-HN conditions and Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 had the highest lipid content (44.3% wt.) under HI-LN conditions. Both Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 and Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320 accumulated the highest carbohydrate content (~ 37% wt.) under LI-LN and HI-LN conditions, respectively. Based on biomass and macromolecule production, Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 was identified as the most promising candidate for upscaling studies, expecting its highly manipulatable compositional profile to support multiple applications in the food industry, rendering this microalga a valuable resource.

Changes in physico-chemical and functional properties of liquid egg white by ohmic heating process

In the present study, ohmic heating system was developed for the pasteurization of liquid egg white. A batch reactor system was designed with a capacity of 100 ml and operated at varied gradients of voltage (20, 15, 10 V/cm), frequencies (10, 55, 100 Hz), holding times (1, 2.5, 4 min) at two different waveforms (sine and square). The treated liquid egg white was evaluated for validation parameters viz., heating rate, turbidity, soluble protein content, foaming capacity, and foaming stability. The viscosity of ohmically treated egg white was observed by subjecting the egg white to the shear rate ranges from 0.167 to 68 (s−1) where the viscosity decreased as the shear rate increased. The ohmic heating process variables were optimized using the Box-Behnken design and had a significant effect (P < 0.005) on the responses. The optimized parameters 17.93 V/cm voltage gradient, 10 Hz frequency, and 1.6 min holding time for sine waveform resulted in 19.6 °C/min heating rate, 0.01 turbidity, 98.35% soluble protein, 405.68% foaming capacity, and 31.84% foaming stability with the highest desirability of 78% of liquid egg white. The model developed from the dataset of this design can be used for predicting the responses within the limits of process variables.

A Systematic Review: Assessment of the Metabolomic Profile and Anti-Nutritional Factors of Cannabis sativa as a Feed Additive for Ruminants

Background: Cannabis sativa is a high-value crop that can be cultivated for ruminant’s feed and medicinal purposes. The demand for Cannabis and Cannabis products has increased since the beginning of 21st century. Objectives: The increase in the production cost of high-protein feeds such as lucerne has led to an urgent need to investigate alternative high-protein sources. Methods: Cannabis has been identified as an alternative to lucerne due to its high protein content. Results: However, the cultivation and uses of Cannabis and its by-products in South Africa is limited due to the strict legislation. The metabolites and nutritional value of Cannabis are influenced by growing conditions and soil type. Furthermore, the available literature has shown that Cannabis contains anti-nutritional factors that may affect feed intake or bioavailability and digestibility. Conclusion: Therefore, it is crucial to employ a processing method that can reduce anti-nutritional factors to promote the feed intake and growth rate of sheep. Fermentation, as a processing method, can reduce anti-nutritional factors found in Cannabis, which will make it a palatable alternative feed supplement for ruminants such as Dorper sheep. Overall, this review paper aimed to examine the available literature on the use of Cannabis as an alternative high-protein feed supplement for Dorper sheep in South Africa.