Crambe Meal Research Articles

Effect of low-glucosinolate crambe meal in diet on lactational performance, efficiency of nutrient utilization, and hepatic function of crossbred Holstein × Zebu and Jersey cows.

Crambe meal (CM) is a potential dietary protein source for ruminant, but its effects in diets for lactating dairy cows remains unknown. We evaluated the effects of inclusion of the low-glucosinolates (GIs) CM (450 mg GIs/kg DM) in partial total mixed ration (pTMR) on performance, efficiency of nutrient utilization, and hepatic function of crossbred Holstein × Zebu and Jersey cows. Eight crossbred Holstein × Zebu cows and four Jersey cows were blocked by breed and days in milk, and randomly assigned in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, and distributed in one of four isonitrogenous TMRs (130 g CP/kg DM): 0, 45, 90, and 135 g CM/kg DM pTMR. Crambe meal was included in pTMR replacing soybean meal (SBM) and ground corn grain (GCG). The pTMRs were offered ad libitum between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Cows were kept on pasture of Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça (90.4 g CP/kg DM) between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. Pasture intake was measured from external and internal fecal excretion marker. Inclusion of CM did not affect (P ≤ 0.05) the DM intakes of pTMR and pasture, apparent total-tract digestibilities of organic matter, CP and NDF, ruminal outflow microbial protein, milk yield, milk composition, urinary N excretion, milk N efficiency, and level of plasm hepatic enzymes. The effects of CM inclusion in pTMR were independent of breed. Low-glucosinolates CM can be incorporated up to 135 g/kg DM in pTMR in replacement of SBM and GCG without affecting performance, efficiency of nutrient utilization, and hepatic function of crossbred Holstein × Zebu and Jersey cows.

Removal of chlorpyrifos from water using biosorbents derived from cassava peel, crambe meal, and pinus bark

Given the widespread distribution of pesticides in our environment, it is crucial to identify low-cost interventions to mitigate their occurrence and detrimental health effects. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of agro-industrial by-products with little value (peels from cassava roots, crambe meal, and pinus barks) as biosorbents to be used unmodified or modified through adding different reagents such as H2O2, H2SO4, or NaOH. Firstly, the biosorbents were characterized by their pH of the point of zero charge (pHPZC), their surface functional groups (FT-IR), morphological (scanning electron microscopy micrographs), and textural characteristics (specific surface area, pore-volume, and pore size). Adsorption studies were also conducted to evaluate the influence of the pH, adsorbent dose, contact time between adsorbent-chlorpyrifos, and isotherm studies. The pHPZC of the sixteen materials varied from 2.05 to 8.03; the surfaces were heterogeneous with functional groups such as CC, C-O, N-H, COO-, N-O, C-N, C-H, and O-H. In addition, the adsorbents presented a low specific surface area and pore volume. Moreover, CPF adsorption is not dependent on the pH in the evaluated range (3.0–7.0). The optimal results were found using doses higher than 16 g L−1, with the physicochemical equilibrium set within 10–20 min. Finally, the best fit was obtained for pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and Freundlich, thus, suggesting multilayer CPF adsorption. Therefore, we propose using agro-industrial by-products as biosorbents as a low-cost strategy to attenuate the impact of CPF and potentially other organophosphates on water pollution.

Nutritional evaluation of crambe meal as a partial replacement of soybean meal in Nile tilapia diet.

A variety of plant protein sources have been evaluated in aquafeeds. Crambe meal (CM) has potential for inclusion in fish diets because of its nutritional composition. This study evaluated the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of crambe meal and its potential to partially replace soybean meal (SM) protein in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus diets. The ADC for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, energy, amino acids, calcium and phosphorus of CM were assessed in fish (n = 80; 65.30 ± 5.32g). Subsequently, an 80-day feeding trial was conducted with Nile tilapia (n = 140; 6.04 ± 0.25g) randomly distributed in 20 experimental cages (70L; seven fish cage-1) allocated in five circular tanks (1000L) in a recirculation water system, to evaluate the effects of replacement of SM by CM (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24% in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets) on growth, blood parameters, fillet yield and proximal composition. The CM shows good digestibility of protein (0.824) and amino acids (0.844) by Nile tilapia and its inclusion in the diet does not affect carcass and fillet yield or proximal composition. Fish fed diets with 24.0% of the SM replaced by CM showed the worst weight gain and feed conversion rate. The protein efficiency ratio decreased in fish fed diets with 12.0, 18.0 and 24.0% of the SM replaced by CM. Hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, total plasma protein, glucose and alanine aminotransferase enzyme activity trend to increase at highest levels of CM in the diet. In conclusion, CM has high digestibility of protein and amino acids for Nile tilapia. However, anti-nutritional factors present in untreated CM interfere on the growth and nutrient utilization of Nile tilapia.

Crambe meal and crude glycerin from biodiesel production in diets for finishing of crossbred cattle in feedlot.

Our hypothesis is that crambe meal can totally substitute soybean meal and crude glycerin can partially replace the corn in the diet without leading to losses of nutrient intake and productive performance. Two assays were performed using heifers and steers. In the first assay, 24 Beefalo-Nellore heifers with 18months old with 311.5 ± 5.5kg, and in the second assay, 24 Beefalo-Nellore steers with 18months old with 317.0 ± 6.4kg were evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete design, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, consisting of two energy sources (corn and crude glycerin) and two protein sources (soybean meal and crambe meal). Both assays had 104 experimental days of feedlot. There was no interaction between the variation sources. There was an effect of protein source on nutrient intake for heifers except to neutral detergent fiber intake, which presented effect of energy source. Heifers fed soybean meal showed higher results for total weight gain and daily weight gain. There was observed effect of energy source on rib eye area and subcutaneous fat thickness. Steers fed soybean meal showed higher neutral detergent fiber intake and non-fibrous carbohydrates. Steers fed corn + crude glycerin showed higher results for total weight gain and daily weight gain. The steers fed soybean meal showed higher averages for subcutaneous fat thickness. Crambe meal and crude glycerin can be used as alternative sources of energy and protein to replace 100% of soybean and 50% of corn, respectively, for finishing Beefalo-Nellore cattle in a feedlot.

Performance, carcass traits and non-carcass components of lambs fed different levels of crambe meal

The goal of this study was to evaluate different levels of crambe meal (0, 330, 670 and 1,000 g kg-1 dry matter [DM]) as a replacement for soybean meal in diets supplied to feedlot lambs, and their effects on performance, carcass traits and non-carcass components. Twenty-four castrated lambs weighing 18.2 kg at the beginning of the experiment were allocated in a completely randomized design. Diets were formulated to meet the requirements of the lamb for an average daily gain of 0.200 kg. The roughage:concentrate ratio was 60:40, using Brachiaria dyctioneura hay as roughage. Dry matter intake, feed conversion, average daily gain, carcass traits and non-carcass components were evaluated. There was no effect of different levels of crambe meal replacing soybean meal on performance, carcass traits and non-carcass components, except heart weight. Replacement 1,000 g kg-1 DM of soybean meal protein by crambe meal protein does not affect the performance, carcass traits, or non-carcass components.

Combinations of by-products from biodiesel production included in the supplement for finishing heifers on deferred pastures.

We hypothesized that by-products from biodiesel production like crambe meal (Crambe abyssinica) totally replace soybean meal (Glycine max) and crude glycerin could partially replace corn (Zea mays). Our aim was to evaluate different supplements with combinations of crambe meal and crude glycerin replacing soybean meal or corn on performance and carcass traits of finishing heifers. Sixty Nellore heifers 18 months old were used, and 298.96 ± 21.99 kg of body weight allotted in Brachiaria brizantha pastures. All heifers were distributed in a randomized complete block design, with four treatments being the following supplements: corn + soybean meal (CS), corn + crambe meal (CCr), corn + soybean meal + crude glycerin (CSG), corn + crambe meal + crude glycerin + (CCrG). The animals were distributed in four paddocks of 13 hectares each, in a continuous grazing system. We evaluated pasture characteristics, intake, performance, carcass traits, characteristics, and centesimal composition of Longissimus thoracis muscle. There was an effect (P < 0.05) of inclusion of crambe meal on the performance of the animals for slaughter weight and daily gain. The supplement containing corn + soybean meal (CS) presented better conversion rates and food efficiency. There was an effect of inclusion of crambe meal and crude glycerin on the centesimal composition of Longissimus thoracis muscle. The use of crambe meal and crude glycerin as alternative sources from the agro-industry of biodiesel in concentrate supplement for finishing heifers in pastures can promote positive effects related to productive performance and carcass characteristics.

Life on a piece of cake: performance and fatty acid profiles of black soldier fly larvae fed oilseed by-products

The oilseed crops Crambe abyssinica and Camelina sativa produce oils rich in erucic acid and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), respectively. After pressing the oil, a seed cake remains as a protein-rich by-product. Edible insects may convert this seed press cake and the defatted seed meal produced from it into insect biomass suitable for animal feed. Black soldier fly larvae (BSF, Hermetia illucens) can grow on a wide range of organic waste types, but may be hindered by excess protein or the plant toxins characteristic for these two oilseed crops, i.e. glucosinolates and their breakdown products. We tested the effects of 25, 50 and 100% oilseed by-product inclusion in the diet on survival, development, biomass production and fatty acid composition of BSF larvae. Larval performance on diets with up to 50% camelina by-product or 25% crambe by-product was similar to performance on control diet (chicken feed), and decreased with higher inclusion percentages. Larval fatty acid profiles differed significantly among diets, with larvae fed press cake more distinct from control than larvae fed seed meal. Larvae fed camelina press cake had more α-linolenic acid, whereas larvae fed crambe contained most oleic acid. The n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio decreased with increasing proportion of by-product, especially on camelina diets. Lauric acid content was highest in larvae fed 100% camelina meal or 50% crambe meal. These results indicate that BSF larvae can be successfully grown on diets with camelina or crambe oilseed by-products, and that the resulting larval n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio is favourable for animal feed. However, the fate of glucosinolates and their derivatives remains to be determined, to guarantee chemical safety of camelina- or crambe-fed BSF larvae for animal feed.

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst): A Non-Food Oilseed Crop with Great Potential: A Review

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) is an oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae family. Crambe’s ability to survive in diverse environmental conditions, its unique oil composition, the high oil content, suitability for the production of slip agents for plasticizers, the capacity to be easily included in common crop rotations, and its adaptability to equipment used for small grain cultivation has renewed the interest in this emerging crop. Crambe is considered one of the main sources of erucic acid, which can be up to 60% of its seed oil content. Erucic acid (C22:1) is a fatty acid with industrial importance since it is used to produce erucamide, key ingredient in the plastic industry. Inclusion of crambe into crop rotations can be beneficial because of its short life cycle, low fertility requirements, resistance to pest and diseases, and relative drought tolerance. Currently high erucic acid rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) (HEAR) is the principal source for erucic acid. However, the risk of contaminating food quality rapeseed (i.e., canola) by cross-pollination and the negative impact on climate, due to high inputs, are potential limitations to expand HEAR cultivation. Crambe has thus great potential to, at least, partially replace HEAR as a source of erucic acid, if the current knowledge-gap in agronomic management and crop improvement (seed yield and quality) can be addressed. Seed yield needs to be increased to be able to compete with HEAR. In addition, reducing glucosinolates and fiber in crambe meal may increase its inclusion in monogastrics rations. The objective of this review was to compile and summarize new and existing information on agricultural practices in crambe production and management to identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research to increase the cultivation of crambe.

Crambe meal in broiler feeding

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of broilers fed a diet in which the total protein has been replaced by the protein of the crambe meal. The experiment was used 630 male chickens (Cobb® 500) from 8 to 42 days of age, distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments, six replications of 21 birds per plot. The treatments were: control diet (0%) and diets containing 3, 6, 9 and 12% of crambe meal protein in replacement of the total protein of the feed. The performance was evaluated in the initial phase (8 to 21 days), growth (22 to 42 days) and total (8 to 42 days). Carcass and cuts was evaluated at 43 days of age. Diets containing crambe meal promoted lower feed intake compared with to the control diet in all evaluated phases. For weight gain, a worse result was observed with increased inclusion of crambe protein, with a linear decrease compared to those who did not receive crambe in the total breeding period. It was found that for the total period the best feed conversion was obtained with 6% of the inclusion of crambe protein in comparison to the crambe-free diet. Carcass, breast and thigh weights decreased with a diet containing 12% of the crambe protein. The results indicate that it is possible to partially replace the crude protein of the feed up to 6% with the protein of the crambe meal.

Optimization of sulfonation process for the development of carbon-based catalyst from crambe meal via response surface methodology

In this work, crambe meal was successfully used as precursor of sulfonated carbon-based catalyst for reaction of esterification of the oleic acid. The effects of the variables, temperature, time and H2SO4:carbon ratio of the sulfonation process on the acid density were investigated and optimized, using the Central Composite Rotatable (CCR) design and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results showed temperature and H2SO4:carbon ratio have a great influence on the acid density of the catalyst. The optimum condition of sulfonation process was found to be: temperature of 122 °C, time of 85 min and H2SO4:carbon ratio (v:w) of 3:1, which provided an optimized sulfonated carbon (SCop) with density acid of 2.19 mmol g−1. The characterization of materials presented significant changes in the chemistry composition and morphologic features of SCop when compared to raw material. The SCop showed features of amorphous material, with sulfonic groups (-SO3H) on the surface, which gave it acidic characteristics. Additionally, the SCop showed thermal stability up to 300 °C, and good catalytic activity for the esterification reaction of the oleic acid.

Alimentos alternativos utilizados para codornas de corte: revisão

Na coturnicultura a nutrição é o fator que mais onera os custos de produção, deste modo, estudos com a utilização alimentos alternativos ao milho e farelo de soja, tem crescido consideravelmente em todo o Brasil, devido ao grande potencial de produção agroindustrial do pais que gera inúmeros coprodutos ou subprodutos que possuem qualidade nutricional suficiente para serem colocados nas rações sem interferir no desempenho ou na qualidade do produto final, possibilitando reduzir o potencial poluidor destes coprodutos quando descartados de forma inadequada. Neste contexto, objetiva-se com está revisão abordar alguns alimentos alternativos que são utilizados na alimentação de codornas de corte, assim como seus efeitos sobre o desempenho nas diferentes fases de criação destas aves e também seus efeitos sobre a qualidade do produto final. Para a realizar esta revisão foi feita análise de trabalhos científicos que utilizaram alimentos alternativos em rações de codornas de corte, evidenciando os seus efeitos. Podendo concluir que diversos alimentos alternativos como resíduo de acerola, bagaço de licuri, farelo de goiaba, farelo de crambe, resíduo do maracujá, farelo da castanha do caju, casca de soja e o farelo da palma forrageira podem ser utilizados na alimentação de codornas de corte, auxiliando na redução dos custos da dieta sem influência sobre as características zootécnicas.

Sunflower protein concentrate and crambe protein concentrate in diets for silver catfish Rhamdia quelen (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824): use as sustainable ingredients.

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth and metabolic parameters of silver catfish fed with protein concentrates of sunflower meal (SMPC) and crambe meal (CrMPC). The study evaluated two levels of substitution, where 25 or 50% of animal protein was replaced with plant-based protein. A total of 300 silver catfish (14 ± 0.26 g) were used in five treatments and three replications, in fifteen 280-liter experimental units. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and the means of the control diet was compared to the remaining treatments by Dunnett's test at 5% significance level. At the end of the trial, no differences were observed for the variables final weight and daily weight gain. However, minor feed conversion was observed in the groups Control and SMPC-25%. Metabolic parameters were analyzed in the plasma and liver, where no significant differences were found for any of the blood parameters analyzed. In the analyzed liver parameters (ammonia, protein, amino acids and ALAT), the liver protein content was lower in fish consuming SMPC-50%, CrMPC-50% and 25% CrMPC diets. The amino acids content was higher in fish receiving the SMPC-25% diet. It can be concluded that sunflower meal protein concentrate is better utilized by fish and more efficient metabolically than crambe meal. This study demonstrated that a newly developed protein concentrate SMPC and CrMPC can effectively replace 25% and 50% the animal protein in a diet free of FM.

Farelo de crambe (Crambe abyssinica) em rações para frangos de corte

Um experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a substituição da proteína da ração pela proteína do farelo de crambe (Crambe abyssinica) sobre o desempenho dos frangos de corte na fase inicial (oito a 21 dias). Foram utilizados 420 pintos machos da linhagem Cobb 500®, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições de 21 aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos experimentais constituíram de uma ração testemunha sem o farelo de crambe e os demais pela substituição da proteína da ração nos níveis de 5, 10, 15 e 20%. Não houve efeito significativo para conversão alimentar dos frangos, no entanto, observou-se efeito linear decrescente para o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso das aves, à medida que a proteína do crambe substituiu a proteína da ração. Verificou-se redução do consumo de ração aos níveis de 10, 15 e 20% de substituição da proteína. Para o ganho de peso, os menores valores observados foram para os níveis de 15 e 20% de substituição, enquanto que os níveis de 5 e 10% não diferiram em relação ao tratamento testemunha. Portanto, recomenda-se a substituição do farelo de crambe na ração até o nível de 10% por não influenciar negativamente no ganho de peso dos frangos de corte.

Sorghum silage supplemented with crambe meal improves dry matter intake and milk production in crossbred Holstein cows.

We studied the feed intake and milk production of Holstein × Zebu crossbred cows fed sorghum silage diets and concentrates, with and without the addition of crambe meal. Using a change-over design for a total of 120days, eight cows were fed two diets (concentrates + silages with and without crambe meal) in four 30-day periods, with four replications (animals). The crambe meal diet increased (P<0.05) the dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein intake (CPI), and non-fibrous carbohydrates intake (NFCI) as well as milk production (4.3%). No difference was noted (P>0.05) for the milk composition between the treatments. Crambe meal as an additive in sorghum silage (100g/kg in natural matter) showed a great potential for introduction in dairy farming as it substantially increases CP intake, does not reduce food intake, raises animal productivity, and does not affect milk composition.

Crambe meal subjected to chemical and physical treatments in sheep feeding

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of alkaline treatments (20, 40 or 60g CaO/kg) or water extraction on glucosinolate (GIs) concentration in crambe meal (CM), and to determine effects of replacing soybean meal with CM on intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance in sheep. Twenty-five samples of CM (300g each) were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: Control (446mg GI/kg dry matter (DM)); alkaline treatment (20, 40 or 60g CaO/kg CM); and water extraction. Alkaline treatment and water extraction of CM did not differ (P > 0.05) in GI concentration. In addition, the level of CaO added (20, 40 or 60g/kg CM as feed) did not affect (P = 0.47) the GIs concentration. Eight Santa Inês male sheep (25.6 ± 2.6kg body weight) were distributed to two 4 × 4 Latin squares with four periods of 15 days each (10 days of adaptation and 5 days of sample collection) and received one of the following four different isonitrogenous diets (160g CP/kg dry matter), formulated by substituting soybean meal: Control (soybean meal); untreated CM; Alkaline-treated CM (40g CaO/kg); and water extracted CM. Replacing soybean meal with CM did not affect (P > 0.05) feed intake, apparent total-tract digestibility, nitrogen balance and urinary excretion of allantoin. Alkaline treatment or water extraction partially decreased GIs concentration in CM by 46 ± 12% (P < 0.05), but did not affect (P > 0.05) feed intake, apparent total-tract digestibility, nitrogen balance and urinary excretion of allantoin. The processing method (alkaline treatment vs. water extraction) had no effect (P > 0.05) on feed intake, apparent total-tract digestibility, nitrogen balance and urinary excretion of allantoin. Therefore, CM with GIs concentrations under 450mg/kg DM can be used as substitute for soybean meal as an exclusive protein source in ruminant diets.

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) protein concentrates: production methods and nutritional properties for use in fish feed.

The purpose of this study was to develop and improve protein concentration techniques for two industrial by-products with the potential for use in fish feed. In particular, we chemically characterized crambe meal and sunflower meal and their protein concentrates. Three different protein concentration methods were tested: isoelectric pH (pHi), acid pH and alkaline pH. For crambe and sunflower meals extraction using the pHi method was most efficient in terms of protein yield and crude protein content in the concentrates; this method also increased lysine and methionine content in the concentrates. The water holding capacity of the sunflower protein concentrate was greater than that of the crambe protein concentrate. The crambe protein concentrate had a foam-formation capacity of 15%, which stabilized at 6% after 90 minutes. The protein concentration method also reduced total phenolic content by approximately 50% in the concentrates compared with the meals. Therefore, we conclude that protein concentration using the pHi method is the most efficient technique for crambe and sunflower meals, and the use of this technique can decrease total phenolic compounds while improving meal quality for fish feeding.

Desempenho e características de carcaça de codornas de corte alimentadas com farelo de crambe

RESUMO O farelo de crambe é um resíduo que tem sido estudado como fonte proteica alternativa ao farelo de soja. O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a inclusão do farelo de crambe na alimentação de codornas de corte. Foram utilizadas 390 codornas, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições de 13 aves por parcela. As fases experimentais foram: inicial (8 a 21 dias), crescimento (22 a 35 dias) e total (8 a 35 dias). Os tratamentos consistiram de uma ração testemunha sem o farelo de crambe e os demais pela inclusão da proteína do farelo de crambe em substituição a do farelo de soja nos níveis de 0, 3, 6, 9 e 12%. Avaliou-se o consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar. O rendimento de carcaça, cortes e análise de rentabilidade econômica foram avaliados aos 35 dias de idade. Não houve diferença significativa sobre o desempenho das codornas alimentadas com rações em que houve inclusão do farelo de crambe para todas as fases avaliadas. Da mesma forma, em relação às características de carcaça não se observou efeito da inclusão do farelo de crambe nas rações. Portanto, recomenda-se a inclusão do farelo de crambe nas rações de codornas em até 12% do nível de proteína, por não influenciar negativamente no desempenho das aves. Para o estudo da análise de rentabilidade econômica, o tratamento que apresentou o melhor índice foi o de 6% de inclusão da proteína do farelo de crambe.

Film Extrusion of Crambe abyssinica/Wheat Gluten Blends.

Crambe abyssinica is a plant with potential for use in industrial (non-food) plant oil production. The side stream from this oil production is a high-protein crambe meal that has limited value, as it is not fit for food or feed use. However, it contains proteins that could potentially make it a suitable raw material for higher-value products. The purpose of this study was to find methods of making this side stream into extruded films, showing that products with a higher value can be produced. The study mainly considered the development of material compositions and methods of preparing and extruding the material. Wheat gluten was added as a supportive protein matrix material, together with glycerol as a plasticizer and urea as a denaturant. The extrudate was evaluated with respect to mechanical (tensile testing) and oxygen barrier properties, and the extrudate structure was revealed visually and by scanning electron microscopy. A denser, more homogeneous material had a lower oxygen transmission rate, higher strength, and higher extensibility. The most homogeneous films were made at an extruder die temperature of 125-130 °C. It is shown here that a film can be extruded with promising mechanical and oxygen barrier properties, the latter especially after a final compression molding step.

Film Extrusion of &lt;em&gt;Crambe abyssinica&lt;/em&gt;/Wheat Gluten Blends

Crambe abyssinica is a plant with potential for use in industrial (non-food) plant oil production. The side stream from this oil production is a high-protein crambe meal that has limited value, as it is not fit for food or feed use. However, it contains proteins that could potentially make it a suitable raw material for higher-value products. The purpose of this study was to find methods of making this side stream into extruded films, showing that products with a higher value can be produced. The study mainly considered the development of material compositions and methods of preparing and extruding the material. Wheat gluten was added as a supportive protein matrix material, together with glycerol as a plasticizer and urea as a denaturant. The extrudate was evaluated with respect to mechanical (tensile testing) and oxygen barrier properties, and the extrudate structure was revealed visually and by scanning electron microscopy. A denser, more homogeneous material had a lower oxygen transmission rate, higher strength, and higher extensibility. The most homogeneous films were made at an extruder die temperature of 125-130 °C. It is shown here that a film can be extruded with promising mechanical and oxygen barrier properties, the latter especially after a final compression molding step.

The crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) byproducts, can be used as a source of non-degradable protein in the rumen?

To evaluated the chemical composition and ruminal degradability of crambe byproducts (meal and crushed) and proteic supplements formulated with crushed crambe (0; 2.5; 5; 10 and 15%);, five crossbred steers with average weight of 485±14 kg, were used. All the animal were kept in individual paddocks of 0.25 ha on Urochloa brizantha ( syn. Brachiaria brizantha ). It was observed a greater soluble fraction, higher effective degradability at 5%/h and higher degradation rate “c” and, consequent, lower indigestible fraction for crambe crushed ground in the sieve of 3 mm. The effective degradability at 5%/h was lower for the crambe crushed (55.42) in relation to the meal (48.80). The diet with 5% of inclusion of crambe showed higher effective degradability for dry matter (54.86%) and lower fraction “I” (30.64%) associated with higher fractions “c” and “b”. Crambe ground in sieves of 1 and 3 mm mesh presented the highest degradability. Crushed crambe showed higher ruminal degradation than crambe meal; the crambe byproducts possibility can be use as a source of non-degradable protein in the rumen.