Demand For Alternative Protein Sources Research Articles

Non-animal protein hydrolysates from agro-industrial wastes: A prospect of alternative inputs for cultured meat

In light of the growing demand for alternative protein sources, laboratory-grown meat has been proposed as a potential solution to the challenges posed by conventional meat production. Cultured meat does not require animal slaughter and uses sustainable production methods, contributing to animal welfare, human health, and environmental sustainability. However, some challenges still need to be addressed in cultured meat production, such as the use of fetal bovine serum for medium supplementation. This ingredient has limited availability, increases production costs, and raises ethical concerns. This review explores the potential of non-animal protein hydrolysates derived from agro-industrial wastes as substitutes for critical components of fetal bovine serum in cultured meat production. Despite the lack of standardization of hydrolysate composition, the potential benefits of this alternative protein source may outweigh its disadvantages. Future research holds promise for increasing the accessibility of cultured meat.

Quality Characterization of Fava Bean-Fortified Bread Using Hyperspectral Imaging.

As the demand for alternative protein sources and nutritional improvement in baked goods grows, integrating legume-based ingredients, such as fava beans, into wheat flour presents an innovative alternative. This study investigates the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) to predict the protein content (short-wave infrared (SWIR) range)) of fava bean-fortified bread and classify them based on their color characteristics (visible-near-infrared (Vis-NIR) range). Different multivariate analysis tools, such as principal component analysis (PCA), partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and partial least square regression (PLSR), were utilized to assess the protein distribution and color quality parameters of bread samples. The result of the PLS-DA in the SWIR range yielded a classification accuracy of ˃99%, successfully classifying the samples based on their protein contents (low protein and high protein). The PLSR model showed an RMSEC of 0.086% and an RMSECV of 0.094%. Also, the external validation resulted in an RMSEP of 0.064%. The PLSR model possessed the capability to efficiently predict the protein content of the bread samples. The results suggest that HSI can be successfully used to classify bread samples based on their protein content and for the prediction of protein composition. Hyperspectral imaging can therefore be reliably implemented for the quality monitoring of baked goods in commercial bakeries.

POTENTIAL OF RICE BRAN PROTEIN POWDER PRODUCTION TO INCREASE PADDY INDUSTRY PRODUCTIVITY

The demand for alternative protein sources has been steadily increasing due to concerns about sustainability and animal welfare. Rice bran, a byproduct of rice milling, is a potential source of protein with high nutritional value. This study aims to investigate the production of rice bran protein powder using a pilot-scale ultrasonic spray dryer.The research methodology involves several key steps. First, rice bran is collected from the milling process and undergoes a series of pretreatment steps, including defatting and protein extraction. The extracted protein solution is then concentrated and purified to remove impurities and enhance protein content. The resulting protein solution is then fed into a pilot-scale ultrasonic spray dryer for powder production. The pilot-scale ultrasonic spray dryer offers advantages such as precise control over particle size, improved solubility, and reduced agglomeration. The drying conditions, including inlet air temperature, feed rate, and atomization pressure, are optimized to obtain a high-quality protein powder with desirable physicochemical properties. The produced rice bran protein powder is characterized for its protein content, amino acid profile, functional properties (such as solubility, emulsifying capacity, and foaming ability), and particle size distribution. These properties are evaluated to assess the feasibility of using rice bran protein powder in various food applications, including bakery products, beverages, and nutritional supplements. The results of this study provide insights into the potential of rice bran protein as an alternative protein source and highlight the effectiveness of pilot-scale ultrasonic spray drying as a production method. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable protein ingredients and support the utilization of rice bran, a byproduct that would otherwise be underutilized or discarded.

Preliminary Data on Essential and Non-essential Element Occurrence in Processed Animal Proteins from Insects.

Insects represent a valuable and environmentally friendly protein alternative in food and feed. The Farm to Fork strategy encouraged the reintroduction of animal by-products in feed production to optimise recycling and to valorise under-used resources. In order to grant safe and valuable feed products, this study investigated the black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) chemical risk. Samples collected in different steps of production (8 samples of substrate for culturing, 7 samples of larvae, 15 samples of protein meal, 18 samples of spent substrate) were analysed for microessential elements (chromium, copper, iron, nickel, selenium and zinc) and inorganic contaminants (aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, tin and vanadium) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Microessential elements were found in the following order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr (mg kg-1). Non-essential element concentrations were found lower than the set limits according to the European Union Regulations. The growing demand for alternative protein sources for feed production could be partially compensated by black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) meal, as it appears a good source for high-quality proteins and microessential elements which play a pivotal role in animal growth. In the foreseeable future the current legislation and the official monitoring plans may be implemented and broaden, to focus and assess limits for upcoming matrices, and to ensure feed and food safety.

Low-Resolution Raman Spectroscopy for the detection of contaminant species in algal bioreactors

Fouling of aquatic systems by harmful microalgal and cyanobacterial species is an environmental and public health concern. Microalgal bioreactors are engineered ecosystems for the cultivation of algal biomass to meet the increasing demand for alternative protein sources and algae-derived products. Such bioreactors are often open or semi-open ponds or raceways that are prone to contamination by contaminant photosynthetic microorganisms, including harmful cyanobacterial species (HCBs). HCBs affect the quality of products through the accumulation of off-flavours, reducing their acceptance by consumers, and through the production of several different toxins collectively known as cyanotoxins. The density of cultured species within the bioreactor environment creates difficulty in detecting low concentrations of contaminant cells, and there is currently no technology enabling rapid monitoring of contaminations. The present study demonstrates the potential of Low-Resolution Raman Spectroscopy (LRRS) as a tool for rapid detection of low concentrations of HCBs within dense populations of the spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) cultures. An LRRS system adapted for the direct measurement of raw biomass samples was used to assemble a database of Raman spectral signatures, from eight algal and cyanobacterial strains. This dataset was used to develop both quantitative and discriminative chemometric models. The results obtained from the chemometric analyses demonstrate the ability of the LRRS to detect and quantify algal and cyanobacterial species at concentrations as low as 103 cells/mL and to robustly discriminate between species at concentrations of 104 cells/mL. The LRRS and chemometric analyses were further able to detect the presence of low concentrations (103cells/mL) of contaminating species, including the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa, within dense (>107 cells/mL) spirulina cultures. The results presented provide a first demonstration of the potential of LRRS technology for real-time detection of contaminant species within microalgal bioreactors, and possibly for early detection of developing harmful algal blooms in other aquatic ecosystems.

Valorisation Potential of Using Organic Side Streams as Feed for Tenebrio molitor, Acheta domesticus and Locusta migratoria.

Simple SummaryThe demand for more sustainable protein sources is growing. Insects are believed to have potential as a sustainable protein source since they can be produced with lower environmental impact than current livestock. Furthermore, they have proven to be able to convert low-nutrient biomass into own nutrient-rich body mass, making them nutritionally interesting for applications such as food, feed and technical applications. The aim of this review was to provide more insight on the valorisation potential of agricultural side streams in feed for the rearing of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). Several key aspects need to be considered when aiming to valorise side streams in insect feed. The following aspects are discussed in detail: European legislation, the insects’ dietary requirements, the nutritional composition of insects and the availability of agricultural side streams in the EU. Additionally, research focusing on the production of insects on side streams is reviewed. Through this review, it is concluded that there is a huge potential to valorise residues in feed for the insects of interest. However, it is not a self-evident process.Due to increasing welfare and population, the demand for alternative protein sources, obtained with minimal use of natural resources, is rising in today’s society. Insects have the potential to be used as an alternative protein source since they are considered to be able to convert low-value biomass into high-value components, resulting in opportunities for valorisation of organic side streams. Moreover, insects are suggested to be a sustainable protein source, referring to the efficient “feed to body” mass conversion potential. The aim of this review was to explore the potential to rear the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) on low or not yet valorised organic side streams within the food supply chain. This was performed by collecting research information focusing on the rearing of the insects in scope on organic biomass. In addition, the nutritional composition of the produced insects as well as their dietary requirements will be reviewed. Finally, the availability of side streams in the EU will be discussed as well as their potential to be used as insects feed.

School children cooking and eating insects as part of a teaching program – Effects of cooking, insect type, tasting order and food neophobia on hedonic response

Edible insects have been promoted as an alternative sustainable source of protein, however many are still unwilling to eat insects due to the perceived disgust and neophobia. In light of the growing demand for alternative protein sources, this study examined edible insects. Tactile stimuli with food have been demonstrated to be an alternative strategy to reduce children’s natural neophobic reactions. The present study aims to examine the potential of tactile interactions in the form of a cooking activity to introduce edible insects to children. To this purpose, two types of insects (grasshopper and mealworm) were incorporated into a traditional Danish snack (oatmeal balls). Children (n = 148) tasted and evaluated the food that was either self-prepared or other-prepared. Tasting order and type of insect had significant effects on the hedonic response. The insect oatmeal balls were rated higher in the first tasting compared to the second. The mealworm version of the oatmeal balls received higher hedonic ratings than the grasshopper version. This we propose, is caused by different degrees of ‘animalness’ of the two insects. The cooking activity did not have a significant effect on children's hedonic response to the insect oatmeal balls.

Patents on Insect-based Feeds for Animals Including Companion Animals, and Terrestrial and Aquatic Livestock in Korea.

The demand for alternative protein sources by the livestock industry has increased substantially. Therefore, insects are being promoted as a novel nutrient source in animal feed. As detailed in this review, eleven patents related to feeding insects to terrestrial animals including livestock and companion animals have been commercially applied. Six and eight of the patents have been used to produce poultry and fish, and crustacean feed, respectively. The most promising species for industrial feed production was the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and the two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus). Regarding research areas of the patents reviewed here, studies on the composition and optimal mixing ratio of feeds and on insect rearing, harvesting, and post-harvest technologies were mainly performed for the industrial mass production of safe and functional animal feeds containing insects. Continuous scientific innovations and improved processing technologies will aid further advancements in this field. Therefore, this review offers insights to identify directions of future research and provides information on different insect-based feedstuffs for animals including terrestrial livestock, fish and shellfish, and companion animals, as also discussed in various patents.

Spray-dried egg in the diet of dogs: implications for recovery nutritional, palatability and haematology

There is a growing demand for alternative protein sources in dog nutrition due to the high cost of the ingredient. Spray-dried egg (SDE) is a potential protein source in this context. The objective of this study was to evaluate the digestibility, palatability, and blood profile of diets containing different amounts of spray-dried egg (SDE) and the blood parameters of dogs fed these diets. For the study of digestibility and faecal quality (Experiment 1), eight Beagles were distributed in a double Latin square design (4X4), with four treatments (0, 4, 8, and 12% SDE) and four periods, totalling eight repetitions per treatment. In experiment 2, to evaluate palatability, 20 dogs were presented with two diets: 0% SDE vs 4% SDE. To evaluate the haematological factors (Experiment 3), eight dogs were maintained in a single group and were initially fed a control diet (0%SDE) for 10 days, followed by a diet containing 12% SDE for 10 days. In Experiment 1, a linear increase was found in the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) and in the metabolisable energy (ME) as the level of SDE was increased in the diet. The CTTAD of DM and CP in SDE and the ME obtained by regression analysis were 93.6%, 91.3%, and 5738.9 kcal kg-1, respectively, demonstrating that SDE is a highly digestible protein source for dogs. There were no changes in the stool characteristics of dogs fed SDE. The results of Experiment 2 indicate that the dogs preferred the diet that included 4% SDE. In the haematological study (Experiment 3), increases in albumin, red blood cells, haemoglobin, and total circulating protein were observed, with no change in the other histological variables. The inclusion of SDE improved the digestibility and palatability of the diet and increased the albumin content, red blood cell count, haemoglobin level, and total protein level without changing the faecal characteristics.

Potentiality of new feed ingredients for aquaculture: A review

The continuous demand for alternative protein sources for fish due to its short supply, high prices and competition with the human food. A review of unconventional feeds in fish nutrition was carried out to provide information on supplemental feed for effective Aquaculture. Non-conventional dietary energy and protein sources,especially from plant origin can be used to replace expensive protein sources. There is a continuous demand for alternative protein sources for fish due to short supply, cereals and oilseed mealsfor sustainable aquaculture production. The solid waste materials like distillers dried grain soluble, breweries waste, ghee residue and agricultural plant materials like jute, leucaena, moringa, cassava, rain tree and spirulina can find a place in formulation of aquafeed as one of the inexpensive feed ingredients. The non-conventional feed ingredients to be incorporated in fish feed up to recommended levels.

Composition of Proteins Extracted from Two Species of Leguminous Bauhinia Grains

There is a growing demand for alternative protein sources for industrial applications. Bauhinia are underutilized protein‐rich oilseed legumes primarily grown as ornamental plants. In this study, the composition and structure of proteins extracted from two Bauhinia species, B. galpinii and B. petersiana, were determined in comparison with soya bean. Albumin and globulin (75%) were the major storage proteins of Bauhinia. Albumin content of B. galpinii was substantially high (28%), about twice those of soya and B. petersiana. Bauhinia grains were good sources of lysine (approximately 4 g/100 g of protein). By SDS‐PAGE, Bauhinia proteins showed three major protein bands ranging from 17,000 to 76,000 for both species. Only one subunit (17,000) of the basic glycinin (11S) seemed to be present in Bauhinia compared with soya. Bauhinia proteins had more β‐sheet conformation (42%) than α‐helix (22%). Bauhinia grains may provide a new opportunity of protein for industrial applications.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens and effects on its life cycle

In developing countries, effective waste management strategies are constrained by high collection costs and lack of adequate treatment and disposal options. The organic fraction in particular, which accounts for more than 50% of the waste production, constitutes a great, yet mostly neglected, reuse potential. Concomitantly, the demand for alternative protein sources by the livestock feed industry is sharply increasing. A technology that effectively transforms organic waste into valuable feed is therefore a timely option. Larvae of the non-pest black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), may be used to reduce the mass of organic waste significantly. Concurrently, larval feeding converts organic waste into prepupae (last larval stage) which is high in protein. In combination with a viable market, this potential animal feed may cover the waste collection costs and thus promote innovative, small-scale entrepreneurs to establish a profitable business niche. Organic waste, however, often contains persistent pollutants, such as heavy metals, that may accumulate in the larvae and prepupae of black soldier flies and consequently in the food chain. In this study, we fed black soldier fly larvae chicken feed spiked with heavy metals (cadmium, lead and zinc at three concentrations each) to examine the extent of metal accumulation in the different life stages and the effect of heavy metal concentration in the feed on the life cycle determinants of the flies. The cadmium accumulation factor in prepupae (metal concentration in the body divided by metal concentration in the food) ranged between 2.32 and 2.94; however, the lead concentration remained well below its initial concentration in the feed. The bioaccumulation factor of zinc in prepupae decreased with increasing zinc concentration in the feed (from 0.97 to 0.39). None of the three heavy metal elements had significant effects on the life cycle determinants (prepupal weight, development time, sex ratio).

Nutrient composition of insects and their potential application in food and feed in Europe

With the increasing demand for alternative protein sources for food and feed due to a growing global population and changing food habits, insects and insect proteins have attracted attention in Europe as a hitherto unexploited alternative animal protein source for food and feed. The nutrient compositions, amino acid spectra, and mineral compositions of the three exemplary insect species Acheta domesticus (adult house crickets), Tenebrio molitor (mealworm larvae), and Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly larvae) are compared with the two conventional feed components soy bean meal and fish meal as well as with the human amino acid requirement, and the potential and suitability of edible insects as food and feed is discussed.

Lupin Seed for the Crop-Livestock Food Chain

The ban on animal protein supplements in animal nutrition and, particularly, the increase in the demand for alternative protein sources to replace soybean meal in organic farming has stimulated research on GM-free feeds and renewed interest in grain legumes. Of these lupin appears to be one of the more interesting and promising crops for ruminant diets, due to its key role in low-input cropping systems and its high protein content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive and nutritional characteristics of several sweet varieties of lupin seeds cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The trial was carried out during the years 2007/08 on a volcanic soil in East Sicily, employing 8 sweet cultivars belonging to Lupinus albus, L. angustifolius and L. luteus species. Yield and its components (pod plant-1, seed pod-1, 1000 seed weight) were evaluated. Crude protein, fibre fractions and alkaloid content were also determined. L. albus exhibited the highest yields (2.2 t ha-1), with an intermediate value of pod x plant (15.4). L. luteus yielded 1.5 t ha-1 and L. angustifolius 0.5 t ha-1. L. luteus showed higher levels of crude protein (34.2%) although the greatest protein yield per hectare was recorded in L. albus (0.7 t ha-1). L. angustifolius showed the highest mean values of NDF (28.1%) and ADF (25%), whereas L. luteus the lowest mean values of ADL (1.75%). Six alkaloids were detected and quantified, among which, the Iso-lupanine always was the most abundant (1.5 mg 100g-1, on average). Lower concentrations of quinolizidine were observed in L. luteus (0.9 – 1.4 mg 100g-1) as compared with L. angustifolius (1.5 – 5.5 mg 100g-1) and L. albus (3.8 – 7.5 mg 100g-1). Alkaloid content was always lower than the safe limit of toxicity (< 0.20‰) indicated for human and animal consumption.

Quality analysis of commercial Chlorella products used as dietary supplement in human nutrition

Chlorella vulgaris is one of the best-studied phototrophic eukaryotes. From the 1950s on, C. vulgaris and some other algal species were cultivated in huge quantities to meet the growing demand for alternative protein sources. After drying, algal biomass can be merchandised as tablets, capsules, extract or powder with specific biochemical qualities. However, the products quality, e.g. the containing species, microbial contamination or content and quality of pigments varies enormously. In this study, commercial Chlorella products, unprocessed Chlorella powders and several production strains were investigated. Molecular analysis of the 18S rDNA confirmed either the existence of more than one species per product or only other green algae species in about half of the samples tested. Many of the examined samples contained critical amounts of bacterial contaminations. Furthermore, cyanobacteria were detected in some of the samples. The content of chlorophyll a varied greatly between the samples and pheophytin, a degradation product of chlorophyll, was detected in some samples in large concentrations. These data indicate that quality control of microalgal products is an important issue that should be addressed by the manufactures.

Effect of replacing fishmeal with HP 300 on growth performance of piglets from weaning to 28 days post weaning under commercial conditions

The recent ban on animal protein sources as livestock feed has lead to an increased demand for alternative protein sources (Salgado et al., 2001). Soya protein has been suggested as a potential alternative to fishmeal in weaner diets in sustainable pig production systems. However, the digestion of soya products is known to be reduced by the presence of antinutritional factors such as protease inhibitors and lectins (Lallès, 1993). Several methods have been devised to refine soya thereby increasing ileal digestibility’s (Shon et al, 1994). Some of the refined products include isolate soy protein and soybean protein concentrate. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effect of replacing fishmeal (FO) with HP 300 a soya isolate product on growth performance of piglets from weaning to 28 days post weaning under commercial conditions.