Cottonseed Meal Protein Research Articles

Effects of cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate on intestinal microbiota of yellow-feather broilers.

We evaluated the effects of cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) on the intestinal microbiota of yellow-feather broilers. We randomly divided 240 chicks into four groups with six replicates: basal diet with 0% (CON), 1% (LCPH), 3% (MCPH), or 5% (HCPH) CPH. The test lasted 63 days and included days 1-21, 22-42, and 43-63 phases. The ACE, Chao1, and Shannon indices in the MCPH and HCPH groups of 42-day-old broilers were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05), indicating that the cecum microbial diversity and richness were higher in these groups. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla; however, the main genera varied during the different periods. The abundance of Lactobacillus in CPH treatment groups of 21-day-old broilers was high (p < 0.05); in the 42-day-old broilers, the abundances of Barnesiella, Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, and Parasutterella in the LCPH group, Desulfovibrio, Lactobacillus, Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, and Butyricicoccus in the MCPH group, and Megamonas and Streptococcus in the HCPH group increased; in the 63-day-old broilers, the abundance of Clostridia_UCG-014 and Synergistes in the LCPH and HCPH group, respectively, increased (p < 0.05), and that of Alistipes in the LCPH and MCPH groups decreased (p < 0.05). And changes in the abundance of probiotics were beneficial to improve the intestinal morphology and growth performance. In addition, the LCPH treatment increased the complexity of the microbial network, while the MCPH treatment had the same effect in 42-day-old broilers. Thus, CPH increased the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal microbiota and enhanced the richness and diversity of the bacterial microbiota in broilers aged <42 days; this effect was weakened after 42 days.

Cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate influences growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal morphology in yellow-feather broilers.

This study investigated the effects of cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, and enzyme activities of yellow-feather broilers. We randomly divided 240 chicks into four groups, each with six replicates: a basal diet with 0% (CON), 1% (LCPH), 3% (MCPH), or 5% (HCPH) CPH. The trail spanned 63 days and included three phases: Days 1-21, 22-42, and 43-63. Increased average daily gain (ADG) and decreased ratio of feed to gain (F/G) with LCPH were observed in 21-day-old broilers (P < 0.05). MCPH led to higher ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in 42-day-old broilers (P < 0.05). Additionally, CPH supplementation resulted in increased dressing percentage, percentage of half-eviscerated yield, percentage of eviscerated yield, breast muscle rate, and leg muscle rate were observed (P < 0.05) with diet. The serum levels of total protein (TP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) were enhanced, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and triglyceride (TG) levels decreased with diet and CPH (P < 0.05). CPH increased the length of the jejunum and ileum and the weight of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum in 21-day-old broilers (P < 0.05). Alterations in the duodenal villus structure in broilers occurred on Days 21 and 42, and the CPH groups performed better; however, a similar change occurred in the jejunum on Days 42 and 63 (P < 0.05). MCPH and HCPH enhanced trypsin activity in the duodenum of 21-day-old and 63-day-old broilers (p < 0.05). Chymotrypsin activity increased (P > 0.05) in the duodenum of 63-day-old broilers fed MCPH. Lipase activity increased (P < 0.05) in the jejuna of 21-day-old broilers treated with HCPH. CPH increased trypsin activity in the ilea of 21-day-old broilers (P < 0.05). These results showed that CPH influenced the growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal morphology of yellow-feather broilers, which are related to growth stage. The recommended CPH level in broilers is 1% before 21 days of age and 3% after 21 days of age.

Utilization of Cottonseed Meal Protein Hydrolysate by Crustaceans: Insights on Growth Performance, Protein Turnover, and Metabolism in Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis

Plant protein hydrolysates could enhance the growth performance and diet utilization of aquaculture species. The mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects, however, remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to appraise the effects of cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) supplementation on the growth performance, amino acid profiles, and protein turnover and metabolism of Eriocheir sinensis. A total of 240 crabs (initial weight: 37.32 ± 0.38 g) were randomly assigned to six groups, and fed six iso-protein feeds supplemented with varying levels of 0% (the control group), 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.6% and 3.2% of CPH. These diets were continuously fed to the crabs for 12 weeks. The findings demonstrated that, compared with the control group, adding 0.4–0.8% CPH to the diet significantly increased the specific growth rate, nitrogen retention efficiency, hepatopancreas index, body crude protein content, hepatopancreas alanine aminotransferase and glutamine synthetase activities, hemolymph total protein content, the hepatopancreas transcription of S6 kinase-poly-peptide 1, and the hepatopancreas protein levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), protein kinase B (Akt), and target of rapamycin (TOR) of crabs. In contrast, when the dose of dietary CPH reached 3.2%, the forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) protein expression showed a significant decrease compared with the control group. In addition, CPH supplementation also increased the amount of amino acids and free amino acids in hepatopancreas and hemolymph, respectively. Together, these findings demonstrated that dietary supplementation of 0.4–0.8% CPH could activate the IGF-1/Akt/TOR pathway of E. sinensis, thereby improving growth performance, protein synthesis, and utilization. For cost considerations, the recommended dietary dose of CPH for E. sinensis is 0.8%. Due to the above benefits, CPH has the potential to be used as a growth promoter for other aquatic animals, especially crustaceans.

Ultrasonic-aided extraction and degossypolization of cottonseed meal protein: Optimization and characterization of functional traits and molecular structure

Cottonseed meal (CM) is a useful protein resource, but the presence of gossypol (a toxic compound) limits it utilization in industry. To reduce the gossypol content, the use of ultrasonication in extracting protein from CM was explored. Following single-factor experiments, operative limits of independent variables affecting removal ratio of total-gossypol (RRTG) and extractability of CM protein (CMP) were achieved as temperature (35–55 °C), sonication power (250–350 W), time (12–24 min), and NaOH concentration (2–6 g/L). Box-Behnken’s Design centered on a 3–level-4–factor was employed to optimize ultrasonication conditions on the yield and RRTG of CMP. The predictive models were statistically adequate (p < 0.0001) to reflect the experimental results of the responses as verified by insignificant lack-of-fit (p ≥ 0.1333) and high coefficient of determination (R2 ≥ 0.976) values. The optimized sonication conditions for two responses were 53 °C, 320 W, 21 min, and 4.6 g-NaOH/L. Under optimized conditions, the observed removal ratio of free- and total-gossypol and yield values were 93.21 %, 87.56 %, and 58.23 %, which substantially increased by 15.64 %, 12.88 %, and 29.56 %, respectively over control (alkaline extraction). Furthermore, sonicated isolate showed an increase in solubility and emulsion property relative to control, buttressed by particle sizing and zeta potential outcomes. Sodium dodecyl sulfide polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and amino acid data showed notable changes in molecular weight, functional groups, surface topography, and hydrophobic amino acid content of CMP, respectively (i.e., after sonication), suggesting partial unfolding in CMP conformation. Accordingly, CMP isolates (especially the sonicated protein) could be considered edible because of the observed low gossypol content (< 0.045 %) and thus can be utilized as natural additives in food formulations.

Cottonseed Meal Protein Hydrolysate Improves the Growth Performance of Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) by Promoting the Muscle Growth and Molting Performance.

Growth retardation and prolonged marketing cycle have been noticed in the practical aquaculture of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) fed with artificial feed. Plant protein hydrolysates contain a large number of small peptides and free amino acids, which can improve the growth performance of aquatic animals. However, the potential mechanisms are still not well elucidated. In this research, the influences of cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) on the growth, feed utilization, muscle growth, and molting performance were investigated in E. sinensis. A total of 240 crabs (mean body weight 37.32 ± 0.38 g) were individually randomly distributed to six diets supplemented with 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 3.2% of CPH for 12 weeks. These findings indicated that the addition of CPH at 0.4% significantly increased the survival rate, body protein gain, apparent protein utilization, trypsin and pepsin activities, and the methyl farnesoate content. When the dose reached 0.8%, the weight growth ratio, meat yield, ecdysone concentration, and the transcription of the ecdysteroid receptor all significantly increased, while the transcriptions of both myostatin and molt-inhibiting hormone significantly decreased. When CPH was added at 1.6%-3.2%, the feed conversion ratio, body crude protein content, Na+/K+-ATPase activity, and the molting ratio were all significantly improved, while the opposite was true for the transcription of the transforming growth factor-β type I receptor. The investigation results indicated that when added above 0.4%, CPH could stimulate the growth performance of E. sinensis and promote the muscle growth and molting performance.

Preparation and Characterization of Plant Protein Adhesives with Strong Bonding Strength and Water Resistance.

Plant protein adhesive has received considerable attention because of their renewable raw material and no harmful substances such as formaldehyde. However, for the plant protein adhesive used in the field of plywood, low cost, strong water resistance, and high bonding strength were the necessary conditions for practical application. In this work, a double-network structure including hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds was built in hot-pressed peanut meal (HPM) protein (HPMP) adhesive, soybean meal (SBM) protein (SBMP) adhesive and cottonseed meal (CSM) protein (CSMP) adhesives. The ether bonds and ester bonds were the most in CSMP adhesive, followed by SBMP adhesive, while the hydrogen bond was the most in HPMP adhesive. The solubility of the HPMP, SBMP, and CSMP adhesives decreased by 14.3%, 24.2%, and 19.4%, the swelling rate decreased by 56.9%, 48.4%, and 78.5%, respectively. The boiling water strength (BWS) of HPMP (0.82 MPa), SBMP (0.92 MPa), and CSMP adhesives reached the bonding strength requirement of China National Standards class I plywood (type I, 0.7 MPa). The wet shear strength (WSS) of HPMP, SBMP, and CSMP adhesives increased by 334.5% (1.26 MPa), 246.3% (1.42 MPa), and 174.1% (1.59 MPa), respectively. This study provided a new theory and method for the development of eco-friendly plant meal protein adhesive and promotes the development of green adhesive.

Cottonseed Meal Protein Isolate as a New Source of Alternative Proteins: A Proteomics Perspective.

Cottonseed meal (CSM) is a good source of dietary proteins but is unsuitable for human consumption due to its gossypol content. To unlock its potential, we developed a protein extraction process with a gossypol removal treatment to generate CSM protein isolate (CSMPI) with ultra-low gossypol content. This process successfully reduced the free and total gossypol content to 4.8 ppm and 147.2 ppm, respectively, far below the US FDA limit. In addition, the functional characterisation of CSMPI revealed a better oil absorption capacity and water solubility than pea protein isolate. Proteome profiling showed that the treatment improved protein identification, while SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that the treatment did not induce protein degradation. Amino acid analysis revealed that post-treated CSMPI was rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Mass spectrometry analysis of various protein fractions obtained from an in vitro digestibility assay helped to establish the digestibility profile of CSM proteins. Several potential allergens in CSMPI were also found using allergenic prediction software, but further evaluation based on their digestibility profiles and literature reviews suggests that the likelihood of CSMPI allergenicity remains low. Overall, our results help to navigate and direct the application of CSMPIs as alternative proteins toward nutritive human food application.

Assessment of Conventional and Low Gossypol Cottonseed Meal as Alternative Protein Sources in Low-Fishmeal Diets of Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀× Epinephelus lanceolatus♂): Growth, Feed Utilization, Gut Histology, and Immunity.

Simple SummaryThe rapid and sustained growth rate of global aquaculture has forced the aquaculture industry to explore alternative and more sustainable feed ingredients. Plant protein ingredients are promising substitutions for fish meal in the aquaculture industry. The current study aimed to investigate the potential influence of replacing poultry by-product meal protein with conventional cottonseed meal protein (CCMP) or low-gossypol cottonseed meal protein (LGCMP) on growth, feed utilization, gut micromorphology, and immunity of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) juveniles fed low fish-meal (18.53%, dry matter) diets. Results demonstrated that, without any reduction in fish performance, 80% dietary PBMP could be replaced by CCMP, while this replacement level was 40% for LGCMP. Survival remained unaffected in all dietary treatments, and no fish mortality was observed during the growth trial. These results suggest that cottonseed meal could be a suitable alternative protein source for hybrid grouper farming.A 9-week growth trial was carried out to assess the influence of replacing poultry by-product meal protein with conventional cottonseed meal protein (CCMP) or low gossypol cottonseed meal protein (LGCMP) on growth, feed utilization, gut micromorphology, and immunity of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) juveniles fed low-fish meal (18.53%, dry matter) diets. Eleven experimental diets were prepared. The control diet (PBMP) contained 46.15% poultry by-product meal protein. Both conventional cottonseed meal protein (CCMP) and low-gossypol cottonseed meal protein (LGCMP) were used in replacement ratios of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of poultry by-product meal protein (PBMP) from the control diet, forming ten experimental diets (CCMP20, CCMP40, CCMP60, CCMP80, CCMP100, LGCMP20, LGCMP40, LGCMP60, LGCMP80, and LGCMP100). Results demonstrated that weight-gain percentage (WG%) was not different between different sources of cottonseed meal (CCMP and LGCMP). However, values of WG% significantly differed among different replacement levels, with CCMP80 and LGCMP40 having significantly higher values compared to other treatments. Fish fed CCMP80 and LGCMP40 exhibited higher protein efficiency ratios (PERs) than fish fed other experimental diets. The regression analysis from a second-order or third-order polynomial model based on WG% showed that the optimal PBMP replacement levels by CCMP and LGCMP are 74% and 33%, respectively. The whole-body lipid contents remarkably decreased as dietary CCMP or LGCMP inclusion levels increased. The relative mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) in liver was higher in fish fed CCMP80 and LGCMP40 diets compared to fish fed other diets. Generally, in low-FM diets of hybrid grouper, CCMP and LGCMP could replace 74% and 33% of PBMP, respectively.

Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and immunomodulatory effects of cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate and its derivative peptides for hepatocytes of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)

Two in vitro trials were conducted to identify a peptide with antioxidant activity and immunoenhancement from cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) for fish. Primary hepatocytes of Megalobrama amblycephala were treated with CPH. In experiment 1, CPH significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), alanine aminotransferase (GPT), total superoxide dismutase (t-SOD), catalase (CAT), and lysozyme activities, as well as up-regulated SOD, CAT, antimicrobial peptides 1 (Leap 1) and Leap 2 mRNA levels (p < 0.05). However, CPH significantly down-regulated the expression of NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2), Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and BTB and CNC homolog 1 (Bach1) mRNA (p < 0.05) in fish hepatocytes. Experiment 2 showed that the molecular mass of CPH was distributed mainly in the 700–1024 Da range. Peptide 1 (P1) and P2 significantly decreased GOT and GPT activities in conditioned medium (p < 0.05); however, P4 and P6 did not affect GOT and GPT activities (p > 0.05). Furthermore, P4 significantly increased hepatocyte GOT, GPT, t-SOD, CAT levels and lysozyme activities (p < 0.05), up-regulated SOD, CAT, Leap1 and Leap2 mRNA expression levels, and down-regulated the expression of Nrf2 and NOX2 mRNA (p < 0.05) in fish hepatocytes. The above results indicated that CPH and P4 enhanced hepatocyte metabolism, as well as improved antioxidant capacities and innate immunity of blunt snout bream hepatocytes.

Replacing fish meal with cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate affects growth, intestinal function, and growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor I axis of juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the effects of replacing fish meal with cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) on the growth, intestinal function, growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor I (GH/IGF‐I) axis, and inflammation of blunt snout bream, Megalobrama amblycephala. A total of 300 fish (38.66 ± 0.08 g) were allocated into five groups and fed either the basal diet (CPH 0) or the basal diet that replaced fish meal with 1% (CPH 1), 3% (CPH 3), 5% (CPH 5), and 7% CPH (CPH 7). Dietary CPH 3 increased the activities of protease, Na+/K+‐ATPase, amylase, creatine kinase, and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase; microvillus length in the anterior and mid intestines; and the mRNA levels of GH, growth hormone receptor (GHR), and IGF‐I without any negative effects on growth. Dietary CPH 7 increased the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, IκB kinase alpha, and nuclear factor κB but decreased the transcript level of inhibitor of κB‐α (p &lt; .05). Therefore, replacing fish meal with CPH 3 improved intestinal function and the transcription of GH/IGF‐I axis genes without any adverse effect on growth or triggering of inflammation in juvenile blunt snout bream.

Effects of dietary cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate on growth, antioxidants and immunity of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir Sinensis

One hundred and sixty crabs (average initial weight: 51.32±0.08 g) were fed with four experimental diets containing cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) at 0% (CPH0, control), 0.3% (CPH0.3), 0.6% (CPH0.6), and 1.2% CPH (CPH1.2). The experiment results show that no difference was observed in specific growth rate and survival rate of crabs fed with CPH diet. Moisture content of crabs fed with CPH0.6 diet was significantly reduced than that of the CPH0 group. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of crabs fed with CPH0.6 diet were significantly increased and the difference was not significant between the CPH0.3 and CPH0.6 groups. Malondialdehyde content of CPH0.3 group was significantly lower than that of the CPH0 group. Lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase activities of CPH0.3 diet crabs were significantly higher than that of the CPH0 group. Glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity of crabs fed with CPH0.3 diet was significantly decreased compared to the CPH0 group. The relative expression levels of Toll1, Toll2, MyD88, LITAF, and ILF-2 of crabs fed with CPH0.3 diet were significantly higher than that of the CPH0 group. The expression level of SOCS2 showed an opposite pattern. After CPH perfusion, the expression levels of SOCS2 and Toll1 in intestine at time 3 h and SOCS2 in hepatopancreas at time 18 h increased significantly to the highest value. The expression level of Toll2, MyD88, LITAF decreased at times 6 h, 6 h, 12 h, respectively, then increased gradually. Therefore, supplementation of dietary CPH could improve antioxidant capacity and immune function; the appropriate supplement dosage of CPH for crab could be 0.3%–0.6%. Furthermore, the short-term CPH stimulation could significantly increase or decline the expression levels of immune-related genes at different times after CPH perfusion.

Characterization of Soluble Glandless Cottonseed Meal Proteins Based on Electrophoresis, Functional Properties, and Microscopic Structure.

This investigation aimed to extract and characterize the GCSM proteins, determine their solubility potential at two different temperatures and different solvents, and explore their functional properties. During the extraction, no water- or ethanol-soluble protein was found. Most of the protein was extracted with KOH solution. GCSM showed major protein bands between 13,273 and 56,564 Da with an isoelectric point of 5.1. The results showed that extraction temperature and solvent affected the amount of protein extracted from GCSM. The highest protein yield (63.4%) was obtained with KOH at 55 °C. Fat content negatively affected the protein solubility. The highest protein purity (99.9%) was obtained with 6% of fat content and the lowest one with 19% of fat content. GCSM has a high glutamic acid content, followed by arginine and aspartic acid compared to the other amino acids. The essential amino acids make up about 30.0% of the total amino acid concentration in KOH-soluble fractions. The results showed a denaturation temperature of GCSM protein ranging from 61.4 to 63.6 °C. Scanning electron microscopy reveals a microglobular protein structure. GCSM protein isolate showed lower (P < 0.05) water-holding and oil-holding capacity but similar gelation properties as soy protein. GCSM protein shows a high foaming capacity at high pH values and high emulsion stability. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results of this investigation have a direct impact on the plant protein processing industry. This paper presents a new source of plant protein with a high foaming capacity in alkaline conditions with potential applications for human consumption and feed for aquaculture and animals. The results of this research may impact the cotton producers who can increase their income, and the aquaculture industry will have a cheaper source of protein that can partially substitute the expensive fishmeal. Cottonseed protein can be used to develop high protein extruded snacks and other functional foods, such as plant protein-based food products.

An evaluation of replacing fish meal with cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate in diet for juvenile blunt snout bream ( Megalobrama amblycephala ): Growth, antioxidant, innate immunity and disease resistance

This study evaluated effects of fishmeal replacement by cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) on growth, antioxidant and immunity of Megalobrama amblycephala and its resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish (average weight: 38.66 ± 0.08 g) were divided into five groups and fed with five isonitrogenous (320 g/kg crude protein), isolipidic (70 g/kg crude fat) and isocaloric (17.8 MJ/kg gross energy) diets replacing fishmeal with 0%, 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% CPH, respectively. The control diet contained 60 g/kg fishmeal. Final weight and weight gain of fish fed 5% and 7% CPH were significantly lower than that of fish fed control diet (p < 0.05). 3% CPH significantly increased total protein, globulin, acid phosphatase, C3 and C4 contents of plasma and total-superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of liver (p < 0.05), as well as upregulated the antimicrobial peptides 1 and 2 (Leap-1 and Leap-2) expression levels in liver and spleen (p < 0.05). After challenge, the lowest mortality was observed in fish fed 3% CPH, and it was significantly lower than that in fish fed the 7% CPH (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary fishmeal replacement by 3% CPH could increase antioxidative capacity, as well as enhance immunity of fish.

Replacing fish meal with cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate affects amino acid metabolism via AMPK/SIRT1 and TOR signaling pathway of Megalobrama amblycephala

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of replacing fish meal with cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) on amino acid metabolism of Megalobrama amblycephala. Fish (38.66 ± 0.08 g) were randomly divided into five groups and fed five isonitrogenous (320 g kg−1 crude protein) and isocaloric (17.8 MJ kg−1 gross energy) diets replacing fish meal by CPH 0% (CPH 0), 1% (CPH 1), 3% (CPH 3), 5% (CPH 5) and 7% (CPH 7). Dietary 3% CPH had no effect on plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and xanthine oxidase (XOD) contents and liver SDH and XOD (P > 0.05), but significantly increased hepatic AST and ALT contents (P < 0.05). The plasma threonine (Thr), valine (Val), lysine (Lys), histidine (His), total essential amino acids and total amino acids contents of fish fed CPH5 and CPH7 diets significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared with the control diet. Meanwhile, threonine (Thr), valine (Val), isoleucine (Ile) and leucine (Leu) contents in muscle significantly decreased (P < 0.05) when fish fed CPH7 diet. Diets with 5% and 7% CPH significantly decreased target of rapamycin (TOR) and S6 kinase-polypeptide 1 (S6K1) mRNA expressions levels in liver and gut, but increased eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 (4E-BP2) mRNA expression levels (P < 0.05), as well as increased hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKa-1), AMP-activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKa-2) and sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1) mRNA expressions levels. Furthermore, the AMP-activated protein kinase α (t-AMPKα) and phospho-AMPKα (p-AMPKα) protein contents were increased significantly in fish fed with 5% and 7% CPH over the control group (P < 0.05). Overall, replacing fish meal with CPH at high level (5 and 7%) decreased the amino acid metabolism and growth performance, as well as inhibited ATP consumption via inhibiting TOR signaling pathway and activating AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.

Cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate stimulates feed intake and appetite in Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis

One hundred and twenty crabs (initial weight: 51.32 ± 0.06 g) were fed three experimental diets with cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) at 0, 6 and 12 g/kg for 60 days. The results showed that CPH0.6 diet significantly improved the 1-hr feed intake, protease activity and weight gain of crabs. In thoracic ganglia, 4E-binding protein (4E-BP) expression level of crab fed the diets containing CPH was significantly higher than CPH0 group. In cerebral ganglia, protein kinase B and 4E-BP expression levels of crab fed CPH0.6 diets were significantly lower than CPH0 group. In mid-intestine, target of rapamycin (TOR) relative expression level of crabs fed the diets containing CPH was significantly lower than CPH0 group. 4E-BP expression level showed an opposite pattern. In thoracic ganglia, cerebral ganglia and mid-intestine, leptin receptor expression level of crabs fed CPH0.6 diet was significantly lower than CPH0 group. Neuropeptide Y and neuropeptide Y receptor expression level of crab fed CPH0.6 diet was significantly higher than CPH0 group. In conclusion, our results indicated that dietary supplementation of 6 g/kg CPH could stimulate appetite and quicken feeding rate via the TOR signalling pathway.

Effects of fishmeal replacement with cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate on growth, digestion and intestinal histology of juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtle,Pelodiscus sinensis

Effects of fishmeal replacement with cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate on growth, digestion and intestinal histology of juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtle,<i>Pelodiscus sinensis</i>

Evaluation of genetically-improved (glandless) and genetically-modified low-gossypol cottonseed meal as alternative protein sources in the diet of juvenile southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma reared in a recirculating aquaculture system

Cottonseed meal (CSM) proteins from genetically-improved (glandless) low-gossypol seed (GI-CSM, 52.1% crude protein, CP), genetically-modified low-gossypol seed (GMO-CSM, 56.0% CP) and from an untreated regular (glanded) seed (R-CSM 49.9% CP) were evaluated to replace fish meal (FM) protein (59.5% CP) in juvenile southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma diets. Eight isonitrogenous (45% CP) and isolipidic (16% crude lipid, CL) diets were formulated. A control diet (0% CSM) contained 40% fishmeal (FM) and other practical protein sources. Six diets replaced 50, 75 and 100% FM protein with GI-CSM or GMO-CSM protein. One diet replaced 100% FM protein by R-CSM protein. Fifteen fish (mean = 1.81 g) were stocked in each of twenty-four 75-L tanks (N = 3 per treatment) and were fed the treatment diets for eight weeks. Final percent weight gain was not significantly (P > 0.05) different in fish fed the GI- and GMO- and R-CSM protein diets (898–1405%) compared with the control diet (0% CSM) (1242%), but percent weight gain was greater (P < 0.05) in fish fed the 50% GI-CSM diet (1405%) versus the 100% GI-CSM diet (898%). Feed conversion ratio was excellent for all treatments (FCR = 0.70–1.00), with no treatment differences (P < 0.05). Protein efficiency ratios (PER) were also not significantly different among the treatments (2.26–3.24), although the lowest value was for 100% R-CSM diets. After 8 weeks of feeding, survival of fish ranged from 80 to 91%, with no treatment differences. Apparent protein digestibility of diets was significantly higher for the fish fed 75% and 100% GI-CSM and 100% GMO-CSM protein diets (83.5, 83.5 and 86.5%, respectively) compared with the control diet (79.4%). After 8 weeks, no significant (P > 0.05) interactive effects between CSM sources and FM replacement levels on final weight, FCR and PER were observed. Arginine levels in the diets increased as CSM was increased, consistent with the high arginine concentrations found in CSM. Liver gossypol was only detectable in fish fed the 100% R-CSM diet (37 μg/g). Replacing up to 75% FM protein by GI- or GMO-CSM protein did not affect on whole body omega-3 PUFAs, or liver gossypol. The results suggest that up to 75% of fish meal protein may be replaced by GI- or GMO-CSM protein in the diet of juvenile flounder without adverse effects on growth performance and body composition. Statement of relevanceCottonseed meal (CSM) is a potentially cost-effective alternative plant protein source for use in aquafeeds. The results suggest that a 75% of fishmeal protein could be replaced by genetically-improved and genetically modified (GMO) low gossypol based cottonseed flour protein in the diet of southern flounder. These ultra-low gossypol cottonseed flour proteins could be inexpensive protein sources for the commercial culture of southern flounder and other finfish species.

Full replacement of menhaden fish meal protein by low-gossypol cottonseed flour protein in the diet of juvenile black sea bass Centropristis striata

Eight isonitrogenous (46% crude protein) and isolipidic (14% crude lipid) diets were formulated for juvenile black sea bass Centropristis striata to replace menhaden fish meal (FM) protein (59.5% CP) by three cottonseed meal (CSM) proteins: a CSM prepared from glandless seed (GCSM, 50.4% CP), a CSM that had been solvent extracted with acidic ethanol to remove the gossypol (SCSM, 53.8% CP), and a CSM prepared from regular (glanded) cottonseed (RCSM, 45% CP). Three diets replaced 50, 75 and 100% of FM protein with GCSM, and three diets replaced 50, 75 and 100% of FM protein with SCSM. One diet replaced 100% FM protein with RCSM protein. A control diet (0% CSM) was formulated with high FM protein and other practical protein sources. l-methionine and l-lysine were supplemented to the diets to equal the control diet. Fifteen fish were stocked in each of twenty-four 75-L tanks, and each test diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish (mean initial weight=7.7±0.10g) for 56days at 22–24°C, 32–35 salinity, and ambient photoperiod conditions. Fish were fed twice per day to apparent satiation. Final (day 56) mean body weight (BW, 24.16–31.62g), body weight gain (BWG, 211.2–311.3%), specific growth rate (SGR, 1.70–2.18%/d), and feed intake (FI, 0.37–0.43g/fish/d) were not significantly different (P>0.05) among the control, GCSM or SCSM treatments, but were reduced (P<0.05) for the 100% RCSM treatment (20.09g, 159.5%, 1.45%/d, and 0.25g/fish/d, respectively). Lower palatability of the RCSM diet was attributable to the anti-nutrient compound gossypol. No significant differences in survival (84.1–97.8%), feed conversion ratio (FCR, 1.05–1.33), protein efficiency ratio (PER, 1.62–2.08), or whole body protein or lipid composition were observed among the fish fed the low-gossypol diets. Gossypol (25.9mg/kg) was only detectable in the livers of fish fed the high-gossypol RCSM diet. Fish whole body essential amino acid compositions did not differ significantly among treatments. Whole body n − 3 PUFAs decreased, while n−6 PUFAs increased with increasing CSM protein in the diets. The apparent digestibility coefficient of protein was high (83.1–87.1%) for all treatments. For juvenile black sea bass, 75% FM in the diet can be replaced with low-gossypol CSM protein prepared by solvent-extraction, and 100% of FM can be replaced with low-gossypol CSM protein prepared from glandless seed with no adverse effects on survival, growth or feed utilization. Statement of relevanceCotton seed flour is an inexpensive agricultural by-product. The results demonstrate successful replacement of fish meal protein with genetically-improved cottonseed flour protein in the diet of black sea bass. These findings may substantially lower aquafeed costs (a key operational cost) for finfish growout operations to boost profitability and accelerate expansion of commercial production of black sea bass and other finfish species.

Mixtures of oilseed meals as dietary protein sources in diets of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus l.)

The suitability of different mixtures of soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal (CSM) and groundnut cake (GNC) as ingredients to replace fish meal in the diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.), was evaluated over a 56-day growth period. Nine isonitrogenous (320g.kg -1 ), isolipidic (100 g.kg -1 ) and isoenergetic (18 KJ.g -1 ) test diets were formulated in which different mixture combinations of SBM, CSM and GNC proteins replaced fish meal (FM) protein at levels of 50% and 75%. The control diet had FM as the sole protein source. Fish were fed at 6 - 4% body weight per day. The growth experiment was conducted in plastic tanks in a recirculation system. Each dietary treatment was in triplicate. Growth performance and feed utilization of fish fed with the oilseed meal mixtures indicated that up to 50% replacement could be more effective than a single source for the substitution of fish meal in tilapia diets. This was particularly evident with the diet containing equal proportions of all oilseed meals (EQ50). Combination of oilseed meals in different proportions was more effective than the single individual sources. This could be due to a compensatory effect which led to some reduction of antinutritional factors coupled with improved essential amino acid profile in the diet as a result of mixing. Keywords : Oilseed meals, Nile tilapia, protein sources, mixtures, growth performance

Desempenho, consumo e morfometria in vivo de cordeiros Santa Inês alimentados com rações contendo torta de girassol em substituição ao farelo de algodão

Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de determinar o melhor teor de substituição da proteína do farelo de algodão pela proteína da torta de girassol em dietas para cordeiros Santa Inês, por meio da avaliação do consumo, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e medidas morfométricas. Foram confinados, por 60 dias, 30 cordeiros da raça Santa Inês, machos inteiros, com idade e peso médio no início do experimento de 80 dias e 21,45±2,16kg, respectivamente. O delineamento experimental foi completamente casualizado, sendo os animais divididos em 5 tratamentos, com 6 repetições por tratamento, de acordo com a quantidade de proteína do farelo de algodão substituída pela proteína da torta de girassol (0, 20, 40, 60 e 80% de substituição). As variáveis peso final, consumo de matéria seca e conversão alimentar não foram afetadas pelas dietas experimentais, embora o ganho médio diário tenha sido inferior para as dietas com maior teor de torta de girassol. Para os parâmetros de consumo, verificou-se diferença apenas no consumo de extrato etéreo em relação ao peso metabólico (g/kg PV0,75), em que cordeiros recebendo dieta com maior teor de torta de girassol ingeriram maiores quantidades de extrato etéreo. Em relação às medidas morfométricas, houve decréscimo linear da altura de dorso e largura de garupa com a inclusão da torta de girassol na dieta. A substituição da proteína do farelo de algodão pela proteína da torta de girassol afetou negativamente o ganho de peso de cordeiros Santa Inês em confinamento. Porém, teve pouca ou nenhuma influência nos parâmetros de consumo e nas medidas morfométricas in vivo.