High Nutrient Density Research Articles

Animal breeding and feeding tools may close human nutrition gaps

The last century has witnessed many innovations in agriculture and food technologies that have ensured the production of sufficient quantities of good hygienic food. Animal scientists have contributed substantially to efficient breeding and feeding practices by adapting animals for faster growth and improving feed efficiency and utilization. Breeding goals and feeding recommendations have been proposed with a primary focus on profitability to promote significant changes in the macronutrient content, i.e., animal body protein and fat reduction. However, improving the nutritional quality of meat was not included in the profit assessment. Increasing the lean meat fraction is consistent with the goal of public dietary guidelines for human nutrition proposed in 1980, emphasizing the importance of reducing the consumption of animal fat, particularly saturated fat. The application of breeding and feeding tools to modify and improve the fatty acid composition has been partly implemented in pigs and broiler chickens to supplement the dietary recommendations for humans. The health benefits of lean “red meat” have been questioned in recent years, with dietary guidelines and upper limits being introduced for human intake. Animal breeding indirectly reduces the total and heme iron (the redness generator) content in meat, due to covariation with priority breeding goals. Two micronutrients play important roles in the human diet and are derived largely from meat (selenium) and milk (iodine) if the amount provided and absorbed is sufficient and predictable. The iodine content can be highly dependent on the use of novel (more sustainable) feeds. The micronutrients discussed in this study (Fe, Se, I, and vitamin D) highlight opportunities for the utilization of breeding and feeding knowledge to adjust their levels to procure meat with a high nutrient density. The gaps in micronutrient levels in humans must be addressed by navigating within approved animal feeding levels. Animal scientists must recognize the nutritional impact of breeding and feeding and advertise them. In addition, human nutritionists must acknowledge the existing and potential changes in animal production to meet the dietary guidelines. Sustainable food production within the “One Health” concept can only be achieved through cooperation.

Gross to gourmet: A social media analysis of Naked Clams as a sustainable delicacy

AbstractAmidst a global food crisis, securing sustainable food sources is vital. Bivalves such as Naked Clams, historically known as shipworms, offer a promising solution due to their low environmental impact, high nutritional value, and rapid growth rates. Contrary to their image as pests, Naked Clams are the fastest growing bivalves and have various health benefits. Believed to be the world's first aquaculture species, cultivated by Aboriginal Australians 8000 years ago, they are a delicacy in Southeast Asia. Public perception of Naked Clams remains largely unexplored, hindered by their association as pests and worm‐like appearance. This study assesses the perception of Naked Clams through social media, analyzing 40 posts across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, with millions of views and likes. Analysis of nearly 8000 comments revealed that public perception was split, though generally more positive than negative. Concerns included appearance, potential religious dietary conflicts, and the risk of parasites, which can be addressed with educational campaigns. Importantly, 84% of commenters who tried Naked Clams reported liking them. Naked Clams are noted for their high protein content, nutrient density, and health benefits, and are enjoyed in diverse culinary forms, from traditional raw dishes, to battered calamari‐style street foods, to innovative recipes like Naked Clam ice cream. This study highlights the untapped potential of Naked Clams in global diets and calls for further exploration into moving Naked Clams from “gross to gourmet.”

Japanese Diet Indices and Nutrient Density in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis with NHANES Data.

Previous studies have shown that Japanese dietary patterns are associated with high nutrient density. However, these studies were limited to the Japanese population. We examined this association in the US population. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. We included 3138 people aged 20-79 years. Food and nutrient intake data were based on the 24 h recall method. Three Japanese diet indices were used: (1) Japanese Diet Index (JDI, based on 9 food items), (2) modified JDI (mJDI, based on 12 food items), and (3) weighted JDI (wJDI, selected and weighted from mJDI food items). The nutrient density (ND) score was calculated based on the Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated. The correlation coefficients with the ND score were 0.24 (p < 0.001) for the JDI and 0.38 (p < 0.001) for the mJDI. The correlation coefficient between the wJDI and ND score was 0.48 (p < 0.001). The three Japanese diet indices were correlated with the ND score in all racial groups (p < 0.001). Even among the US population, higher degrees of Japanese diet defined by the JDI or mJDI were associated with higher nutrient density.

"I Haven't Had Moose Meat in a Long Time": Exploring Urban Indigenous Perspectives on Traditional Foods in Saskatchewan.

This qualitative study investigates the perspectives of urban Indigenous individuals in Saskatchewan, Canada, regarding their consumption of traditional foods. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 participants across Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert, the research aimed to uncover the benefits, risks, and barriers associated with acquiring and consuming traditional foods. Participants emphasized the nutritional advantages of traditional foods, such as higher nutrient density and absence of industrial additives, which they linked to improved health outcomes and alignment with Indigenous biology. The study also highlighted the vital role of traditional foods in maintaining cultural identity and fostering community connections through practices of food sharing and intergenerational knowledge transfer. However, significant challenges were identified, including economic and physical barriers to access, environmental degradation, and regulatory issues that restrict the availability of traditional foods in urban settings. The findings suggest a complex landscape where cultural practices are both preserved and challenged within the urban environment. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how Indigenous populations navigate the preservation of their culinary heritage in the face of modern economic and environmental pressures, providing insights for policy and community-based interventions aimed at supporting Indigenous food sovereignty.

The relationship between community food environment around schools and student meal participation: the role of school CEP participation status

BackgroundDespite the many benefits of school meals, not all students participate. One reason students may not participate in school meals is because they instead purchase breakfast or lunch from food outlets located around schools that mostly carry unhealthy items. This study examined whether school participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows qualifying schools to serve free meals to all students, moderated the association between the community food environment around schools and student meal participation.MethodsThis study employed a longitudinal repeated-measures design using school-level data collected between 2014 and 2020 within four low-income school districts (n = 126 schools) in the US. We obtained meal participation data from state records and created a measure characterizing the community food environment within 0.25 miles of schools (characterized as low-density of unhealthy food outlets vs. high-density of unhealthy food outlets) through a latent class analysis. Regression analysis estimated associations between community food environments, CEP participation, and participation rates in school breakfast and school lunch, assessed in separate models.ResultsWhile no moderating effect of school CEP status was observed for breakfast or lunch participation, school breakfast participation was predicted to be 4% lower in high-density food environments than in low-density environments (P-value = .049) among non-CEP schools, and there was no difference in participation by the community food environment among CEP-participating schools. Differences in breakfast participation by the community food environment among non-CEP schools were mostly attributable to middle/high schools, with participation predicted to be 10% lower in high-density environments than in low-density environments among non-CEP middle/high schools (P-value < .001), whereas such a difference in participation was not observed among non-CEP elementary schools.ConclusionsNegative associations between food environment around schools and school breakfast participation were observed only among middle and high schools not participating in CEP, suggesting that policy actions to increase access to free school meals may benefit students, particularly older children and adolescents.

Innovations in Breakfast Cereal Incorporating Fruits and Vegetables: Enhancing Nutritional Profile and Sensory Characteristics: A Review

Consuming breakfast is essential as it provides energy for the upcoming day and facilitates the intake of vital nutrients. Studies indicate that individuals who have breakfast typically maintain healthier dietary patterns. Breakfast cereal consumption is related to diets high in vitamins and minerals and low in fat. Still, it is not associated with increased intakes of total energy or sodium or the risk of dental caries. Dietary guidelines emphasize the significance of breakfast cereals, particularly those rich in whole grains or cereal fiber, due to their high nutrient density, making them a valuable source of essential nutrients. Although many studies are cross-sectional, with few intervention trials, breakfast cereal consumption could indicate a holistic, healthy lifestyle. This paper aims to offer a concise overview of various breakfast cereals infused with fruits and vegetables, highlighting their nutritional value, texture, shelf life, and sensory attributes. It demonstrates the potential of incorporating fruits and vegetables to develop nutrient-rich breakfast cereals.

Nutritional and bioactive potentials of a powder and a decoction made from Ceylon cinnamon bark, Laurus nobilis leaves, and Curcuma longa Linn rhizome

The blends of Ceylon cinnamon bark (F1), Laurus nobilis leave (F2), and Curcuma longa rhizome (F3) powders are recommended by therapists, as are their decoction, for fighting chronic diseases. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and bioactive potential of a powder blend made from those three plant food matrices and the form of consumption with the most beneficial antioxidant potential. Ceylon cinnamon dry bark, Laurus nobilis fresh leaves, and Curcuma longa fresh rhizome were purchased and processed directly into powders. A substitution plan of Cinnamon powder involving three powder blends (F4, F5, F6) and a decoction marketed had been retained. The proximate composition, nutrient density, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of the powder blends and decoction (bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity) were determined. F1 powder, presents the best characteristics in terms of protein content, nutrient density, and bioactive compounds. The powder blend F6, composed of 50 % Ceylon cinnamon bark, 30 % Laurus nobilis leaves and 20 % Curcuma longa rhizome, had higher contents of total protein (14.85 ± 0.37 g/100 g DM), crude fiber (32. 49 ± 0.90 g/100 g DM), total polyphenols (268.50 ± 2.00 mg GAE/g DM), total flavonoids (55.09 ± 1.01 mg QE/g DM), and a higher nutrient density in iron (1.03 mg/100 Kcal) and zinc (1.61 mg/100 Kcal). The decoction obtained from the F6 powder blend after 5 min of boiling, had high soluble bioactive compounds contents: polyphenol (24.5 ± 1.07 mg GAE/g DM), flavonoids (0.25 ± 0.01 mg QE/g DM), and condensed tannins (0.09 ± 0.00 mg CE/g DM). An antioxidant activity whose main basic mechanism is the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+, higher (74.94 % close to vitamin C) than that of the blend itself (65.20 % close to vitamin C). The decoction derived from the boiling of the F6 powder blend represents its most advantageous form of consumption.

Co-existence of potentially sustainable indigenous food systems and poor nutritional status in Ho indigenous community, India: an exploratory study

Indigenous food (IF) systems comprise culturally important foods derived from natural resources with shorter farm to plate chains, as compared to modern counterparts. These food systems are at epicenter of sustainable food systems with potential to alleviate malnutrition and protect ecosystems. The Ho indigenous community of Jharkhand have access to diverse IFs, yet experience malnutrition. A sequential mixed-method study was conducted to explore local food systems with assessment of diet quality and nutritional status of Ho women. Focus group discussions (n = 10) and free-listing (n = 7) were conducted to capture community’s perspectives on IF systems, associated sustainable attributes and perceived challenges towards IF utilization. Scientific names and nutritive values of IFs were documented through secondary review; in case of no information in literature, IFs were identified through ethnobotanist with nutritional analysis in laboratory. 24 h recalls (n = 284 in winter and n = 154 in monsoon) and anthropometric assessments (n = 273) were conducted to estimate women’s dietary diversity and nutritional status. Findings revealed rich traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) producing a diverse list of IFs (n = 243) mainly accessed from natural food environment (wild and cultivated). Among listed foods, 171 IFs were taxonomically classified and among these, nutritive values were documented for 121 IFs. Potentially sustainable traits of Ho’s IF systems included high nutrient density of IFs, community’s preference towards their consumption because of their flavorsome attributes, climate resilient properties and cultural heritage. However, impacts of climate variability, changing farming practices and market-integrated life ways challenged the sustained production, access and consumption of IFs. This was evident in poor diversity in diets (diet diversity scores of 2.9 in winter and monsoon) and chronic energy deficiency (36%) in women. The unique TEK systems of indigenous communities need to be integrated into mainstream policies and programs for safeguarding and promoting their potentially sustainable food systems to support food and nutritional security.

Comprehensive analysis of differences in the physiochemical composition of foremilk and hindmilk of grazing indigenous and crossbred dairy goats; implications for growth, milk production and industry.

This study was conducted on 90 grazing Hair, Alpine × Hair F1 (AHF1), and Saanen × Hair F1 (SHF1) crossbred goats in three farms located around the Taurus Mountains in Konya, Türkiye. The study investigated variation in milk production, physico-chemical traits of milk fractions (foremilk, hindmilk and total milk), and growth traits. Genotype, parity, offspring sex, birth type, and flock factors significantly influenced milk production and quality traits of milk fractions (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). Does with male/single offspring produced less milk, but with higher nutrient density (P < 0.05). Hindmilk was 272%, 31% and 61% richer in fat, total solids and energy content than foremilk, respectively (P < 0.001). However, the protein, lactose and solids-non-fat content of hindmilk was on average 7% lower than that of foremilk (P < 0.001). Physico-chemical quality traits of foremilk, hindmilk and total milk had a strong negative correlation with daily milk yield (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Live weight and average daily gains (ADG) of kids were influenced by maternal parity, flock, offspring sex and birth type (P < 0.05). The overall Kleiber ratios (KR) from birth to 2 months, birth to 3 months, birth to 6 months and 3 to 6 months of age were 21.0 ± 0.22, 17.1 ± 0.11, 10.5 ± 0.06 and 8.5 ± 0.21g/kg of metabolic weight, respectively. It was concluded that these findings are critical for milk sampling protocols, offspring growth strategies, product development and precision livestock management.

Retrospective investigation of the energy requirements for weight loss and weight maintenance after weight loss programme in obese dogs.

Obesity is a highly prevalent disease in dogs and is characterized by the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that results in metabolic changes. Its treatment is based on a negative energy balance focusing on energy restriction. However, there are few studies in dogs that assessed the energy intake needed for adequate weight loss and to weight maintenance afterward. The aim of this study was to evaluate data about the treatment of canine obesity, with emphasis on energy restriction to induce weight loss and to maintain body weight (BW) and ideal body condition after weight loss. This was a retrospective study in which records of obese dogs from a veterinary teaching hospital were assessed between 2014 and 2020. Sixteen dogs were considered in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and 10 of these participated in the maintenance phase after weight loss. The animals lost a mean of 23.2% their initial weight in a mean of 422 days. The mean weekly weight loss rate was 0.58% of BW, and the mean daily energy intake for weight loss was 59 kcal/kg current BW0.75. When the target BW was considered, which was defined as the current weight minus 10% for every point in the body condition score scale above 5, the mean energy for weight loss was 71 kcal/kg target BW0.75. In the maintenance phase, the animals were assessed for a mean of 134 days. The mean energy intake to maintenance BW was 70 kcal/kg BW0.75. The lower energy requirement of obese dogs during and after weight loss can work as an alert for the formulations of therapeutic weight loss diets to contain a high nutrient density focusing on the wellbeing, health, and quality of life of obese dogs, not just for the weight loss phase, but a diet for the weight maintenance phase.

Zinc biofortification via fertigation using alternative zinc sources and concentration levels in pea, radish, and sunflower microgreens

Zinc (Zn) is a key micronutrient essential for human health, and its deficiency affects over 17 % of the global population. The consumption of Zn-biofortified foods is one strategy for addressing this malnutrition issue. Supplying Zn-enriched nutrient solutions via fertigation is a prominent method for enhancing the content of Zn in vegetable crops. Among vegetables, microgreens are considered a particularly suitable biofortification target crop due to their high nutrient density, swift growth rate, and low phytic acid content. However, there is limited knowledge on the optimal Zn sources and application rate for the biofortification of different microgreen species via fertigation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of alternative Zn sources (ZnSO4, ZnO, and Zn-EDTA) and application rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/L of Zn) on yield components, mineral content, and phytochemical profile of pea, radish, and sunflower microgreens grown in a soilless cultivation system. Zn fertigation increased Zn content and the nutritional profile (flavonoids, total phenols, antioxidant activity, and ascorbic acid) of all three microgreen species. Microgreens fertigated with 15 mg/L ZnSO4 solution, increased Zn content nearly by a factor of 5, 13, and 6 in pea, radish, and sunflower, relative to their control not supplied with Zn (61.01, 50.26, and 65.87 mg/g DW), respectively. ZnSO4 was the most effective source of Zn, followed by ZnO and Zn-EDTA. Zn accumulation resulted in minimal or no fresh yield reduction. However, the concentration of other essential microminerals, like Fe, decreased with Zn accumulation in all three species. In conclusion, Zn biofortification via fertigation is effective in enriching microgreens with Zn, while also enhancing their nutritional profile. Nevertheless, selecting the proper Zn source and application rate is critical to achieving the target Zn concentration without reducing yield and/or the content of Fe and other minerals.

Characterisation and agronomic evaluation of acidified food waste anaerobic digestate products

Raw liquid anaerobic digestate was synthesised into nutrient-dense solid digestates via acidification and evaporation. Acidification retained ammonium in the digestate whilst also donating the anion to free ammonium to form an ammonium salt. Digestate was treated with the addition of sulphuric, nitric, and phosphoric acid resulting in the formation of ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and ammonium phosphate, respectively then evaporated into a solid fertiliser product. FTIR, XRD and SEM-EDS collectively confirm that the addition of acids completely converted the free ammonium in the raw digestate into their respective ammonium salt counterparts. Compounds of potassium chloride, silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, and sodium chloride were identified in all solid digestate samples. Plant growth and grain yield was higher in urea ammonium nitrate, raw liquid digestate and acidified digestate products compared to control and unacidified solid digestate. Urea ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate solid digestate had the highest dry shoot, likely due to the high available nitrogen found in both fertilisers. Overall, acidification and evaporation of liquid digestate can efficiently transform it into a valuable solid fertiliser with a high nutrient density. This process not only has the potential to mitigate handling and storage constraints of low nutrient density digestate in anaerobic digestion facilities but also offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilisers.

Supplementation of protease and different nutrient density diets in growing-finishing pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of protease supplementation and different nutrient density of diets in growing-finishing pigs. A total of one hundred-eight crossbred growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW; 18.74 ± 3.46 kg) were used for 15 weeks. Pigs were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 3 pigs per pen in a 3 × 2 factorial through the following arrangement: Three groups of protease (1, Basal diets; 2, Protease A: 125 mg/kg protease derived from Streptomyces sps; 3, Protease B: 100 mg/kg protease derived from Bacillus licheniformis) at two different nutrient density diets (1, Basal requirement; 2, 0.94%-0.98% higher than requirement in dietary protein and 50 kcal/kg in energy). High nutrient (HN) diets showed higher average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) (p < .0001) compared to basal nutrient (BN) diets during growing periods. Supplementation of protease showed higher BW (p < 0.05) and ADG (p < 0.05) compared to non-supplementation of protease during growing periods. Also, supplementation of protease showed higher ATTD of CP (p < 0.01), ATTD of gross energy (p < 0.05) and decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level (p = 0.001) compared to non-supplementation of protease during finishing periods. Pigs which fed the protease showed decreased ammonia (NH3) emissions (p < 0.05) during experiment periods and decreased hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions (p < 0.01) during finishing periods. Interactions between nutrient density and protease were observed, which decreased the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) in HN diets without protease compared to BN diets without protease during weeks 4 to 6. Also, interaction between nutrient density and protease was observed, which resulted in improved ATTD of CP (p < 0.01) in response to PTA supplementation with HN diets during the finishing period. In conclusion, supplementation of protease reduces NH3 in feces and BUN in whole blood by increasing the digestibility of CP and improves growth performance. Also, diets with high nutrient density improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing periods.

Nutrient Density, Added Sugar, and Fiber Content of Commercially Available Fruit Snacks in the United States from 2017 to 2022.

Fruit snacks have become a popular and convenient snacking choice and have the potential to contribute to a well-balanced diet. However, the nutritional quality of fruit snack products has not yet been studied. The objective of the present study is to provide a nutritional assessment of the fruit snack product category. This study used the Mintel Global New Product Database to collect data about fruit snack products launched in the United States from 2017 to 2022. Fruit snack products (n = 2405) are divided into nine product categories based on product characteristics. Nutrition composition was assessed using a comprehensive score, Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) model, and by examining individual components (added sugar and fiber). The results show that dried fruit has the highest nutrient density, fiber content, and the lowest added sugar content. Conversely, fruit-flavored snacks have the lowest nutrient density, fiber content, and added sugar content. Currently, fruit puree, canned fruit with juice, and dried fruit are the only fruit snacks that meet the current recommendations set by the USDA Dietary Guidelines. Future directions for the fruit snack category should consider decreasing the added sugar content, increasing the fiber content, and enhancing their sensory profile to improve the overall nutrient density.

Adequate nutrient intake mitigate the toxic effects of bromate on the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus.

Bromate is receiving increased attention as a typical disinfection by-product in aquatic environments, but bromate toxicity tests on invertebrate such as Brachionus calyciflorus rotifer are inadequate. In the present study, the long-term toxicity tests on B. calyciflorus were performed during 21 days under the exposure of different bromate concentrations and two algal density conditions. Furthermore, we evaluated the feeding behaviors of the rotifers under the impact of bromate. The maximum population density of rotifers was significantly reduced at 100 and 200 mg/L bromate exposure at the two algal density conditions. However, we observed that the maximum population density and population growth rate of rotifers were higher at 3.0 × 106 cells/mL algal density than those at 1.0 × 106 cells/mL under the same conditions of bromate exposure. These results suggest that higher food density may have alleviated the negative effects of bromate on rotifers. Meanwhile, the ingestion rate at an algal density of 3.0 × 106 cells/mL was higher than that at 1.0 × 106 cells/mL. The present study provides a basic reference to comprehensively evaluate the toxic effects of bromate on aquatic organisms.

Integrated web portal for non-destructive salt sensitivity detection of Camelina sativa seeds using fluorescent and visible light images coupled with machine learning algorithms.

Climate change has created unprecedented stresses in the agricultural sector, driving the necessity of adapting agricultural practices and developing novel solutions to the food crisis. Camelina sativa (Camelina) is a recently emerging oilseed crop with high nutrient-density and economic potential. Camelina seeds are rich in essential fatty acids and contain potent antioxidants required to maintain a healthy diet. Camelina seeds are equally amenable to economic applications such as jet fuel, biodiesel and high-value industrial lubricants due to their favorable proportions of unsaturated fatty acids. High soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses threatening the yield and usability of such crops. A promising mitigation strategy is automated, non-destructive, image-based phenotyping to assess seed quality in the food manufacturing process. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of image-based phenotyping on fluorescent and visible light images to quantify and qualify Camelina seeds. We developed a user-friendly web portal called SeedML that can uncover key morpho-colorimetric features to accurately identify Camelina seeds coming from plants grown in high salt conditions using a phenomics platform equipped with fluorescent and visible light cameras. This portal may be used to enhance quality control, identify stress markers and observe yield trends relevant to the agricultural sector in a high throughput manner. Findings of this work may positively contribute to similar research in the context of the climate crisis, while supporting the implementation of new quality controls tools in the agri-food domain.

Effects of spray-dried plasma on performance, carcass parameters, tibia quality and Newcastle disease vaccine efficacy in broiler chicken fed corn-soy diets with two varying levels of digestible amino acids and AMEn density.

This study aimed to determine the effects of spray dried plasma (SDP) on growth performance, carcass traits, tibia quality, and hemagglutination inhibition titers in broilers fed two nutritional strategies with high or low nutrient density. In the study, 816 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were divided into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangements consisting of four treatment groups with 12 replicates (17 birds/replicate) based on diets with high nutrient density (HND) or low nutrient density (LND) from d 0 to 42 and receiving either control or 1% SDP diets during d 0 to 10. The results showed that feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were increased (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly reduced (P = 0.003) for broilers fed HND diets from d 0 to 42. The inclusion of SDP increased the BWG (P < 0.001), FI (P < 0.001), and FCR (P < 0.05) during d 0 to 10 of broiler life but not effect of SDP was observed for the whole 0-42 d period. Carcass yield increased with HND (P < 0.001) and dietary SDP (P = 0.002). However, HND feeding significantly decreased liver (P < 0.001), bursa of Fabricius (P = 0.002), abdominal fat (P < 0.001), proventriculus (P < 0.001) and gizzard weight (P < 0.001), but increased heart weight (P = 0.013), although spleen weight remained unaffected (P > 0.05) on d 42. Tibial bone morphometric and mechanical properties improved (P < 0.05) with SDP supplementation, and bone ash, Ca, and P remained unaffected (P > 0.05) on d 14. With the exception at d 28 (P = 0.037), the antibody titer to ND virus was similar among all treatment groups (P > 0.05) at d 0, 14, and 42. In conclusion, HND diets improve performance of broilers during the whole period and SDP supplementation during starter phase improve performance at this period, but also increased carcass yield, and tibial quality. Therefore, inclusion of SDP in the starter diet could be a beneficial nutritional strategy to improve the health and production of broilers provided feeding strategies using various nutrient densities.

Multi-strain probiotic combined with dietary fiber is an effective factor in the nutritional support of immunity in athletes

A priority in the prevention and correction of immune disorders in athletes is the use of products with high nutrient density, fortified with various nutrients or bioactive compounds, as well as probiotic microorganisms. Probiotics help to maintain the gut microbiota, which is actively involved in the absorption of substances and energy and increases the host immune resistance. Dietary fiber, resistant to digestion in the small intestine, is fully or partially fermented in the large intestine and acts as an essential substrate for the growth and regulation of metabolic activity of normal flora, improves peristalsis and digestion. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of a multi-strain probiotic in combination with dietary fiber on the immune status of basketball athletes during the training period. Material and methods. The study was conducted with the participation of 30 male basketball athletes aged 18 to 24 years. The athletes were randomly divided into 2 groups of 15 people. Athletes in the main group received 1 capsule of multi-strain probiotic (≥1.25×1010 CFU of 10 probiotic strains of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) and 40 g of corn bran (as a source of dietary fiber) for 23 days. Athletes in the control group received 1 placebo capsule containing maltodextrin and breadcrumbs (40 g/day). Subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes were studied by flow cytometry: T lymphocytes, T helper cells, T cytotoxic lymphocytes, NK cells, NKT cells, B lymphocytes, as well as lymphocytes carrying activation markers and apoptosis marker antigen. The content of cytokines in blood serum [FGF, Eotaxin, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1ra, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17A, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-α, VEGF] was determined using a multiplex immunoassay. Results. Calculation of the absolute number of lymphocytes revealed a tendency (0.05<p<0.10) to a decrease in T helper cells by the end of the observation period in athletes of the main group (497.60±27.67 vs 632.67±65.20 cells/μL), as well as a decrease (p<0.05) in the expression of the CD95/Fas apoptotic marker on peripheral blood lymphocytes of athletes of the main group compared to the beginning of the study (41.53±5.78 vs 69.53±11.79 cells/μL). At the end of the study, a significant increase in IL-9 level was found in the control group [(Me; min-max) = (0.33; 0.21-0.48) vs (0.26; 0.09-0.38) pg/ml; p<0.05; in comparison with the initial indicator]; as well as the tendency (0.05<p<0.10) towards an increase in the levels of IL-15, IL-1ra and RANTES was revealed. In the main group, at the end of the study, the level of G-CSF significantly decreased [(0.36; 0.03-0.95) vs (0.53; 0.14-1.36) pg/ml, p<0.05]. At the end of the observation period, blood serum levels of FGF, G-CSF, IL-13, IL-2 and RANTES in the athletes of the control group exceeded these indicators in the athletes of the main group whereas no significant differences in the studied cytokines were detected between the control and the main groups at the beginning of the study. Conclusion. The results of observation of basketball athletes who consumed a multi-strain probiotic in combination with corn bran (sources of arabinoxylans) in addition to the main diet for 23 days indicate a decrease in the inflammatory process activity and peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis, which confirms the effectiveness of probiotics and dietary fiber in sports nutrition.

Simultaneous biofortification of vitamin C and mineral nutrients in arugula microgreens

Microgreens have shown promise in improving the overall nutritional value of diets due to their high nutrient density. Agronomic biofortification, is an efficient strategy for enhancing the nutritional value of crops, including microgreens. This study aimed to biofortify vitamin C and other essential nutrients in arugula microgreens using four treatments containing 0.25 % ascorbic acid, pH adjusted with different bases: KOH, Ca(OH)2, ZnCO3, or NaOH and a deionized water control. The results indicate that ascorbic acid-treated microgreens had more vitamin C, greater fresh weight and % dry matter than the control. The ascorbic acid + Zn treatment had an 135 % average increase in vitamin C compared to the control. Microgreens treated with ascorbic acid also showed increased levels of minerals that are present in the nutrient solution, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and zinc. This research contributes to the growing interest in microgreens biofortification and their role in addressing multi-nutrient deficiencies.

PSV-15 Effects of Supplementation of Protease to Different Nutrient Density of Diets on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Profile, Gas Emission, Fecal Microflora in Growing-Finishing Pig

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effects of protease supplementation and different nutrient density of diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, gas emissions, and fecal microflora in growing-finishing pigs. Crossbred growing pigs (n = 180; [Landrace × Yorkshire] x Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW; 18.74 ± 3.46 kg) were used for 15 weeks. Pigs were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 3 pigs per pen in a 3 ⅹ 2 factorial through the following arrangement: Three groups of protease (1, Basal diets; 2, Protease A: 125 mg/kg protease derived from Streptomyces spp; 3, Protease B: 100 mg/kg protease derived from Bacillus licheniformis) at two different nutrient density diets (1; Basal requirement 2; 0.94-0.98% greater than requirement in dietary protein and 50 kcal/kg in energy). Supplementation of protease significantly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) BW at weeks 4 and 6. Also, supplementation of protease increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG at grower periods and weeks 13 to 15. In addition, improvement (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of ADG was observed in pigs fed a high nutrient density diet (HN) compared with basal nutrient density diet (BN) at grower periods and weeks 13 to 15. In apparent total track digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP), there was increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in supplementation of protease at weeks 6 and 13. The HN showed increased (P &amp;lt; .0001) ATTD of CP at 6 weeks. BN increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) ATTD of CP at week 13. Also, there was interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between nutrient density of diets and supplementation of protease. In ATTD of gross energy, supplementation of protease showed increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at week 13. The supplementation of protease in diets decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) at week 13. The supplementation of protease in diets decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the emission of NH3 at weeks 6 and 13. Also, H2S was decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) due to supplementation of Protease A in diets. At weeks 6 to 9, average daily feed intake showed a tendency to increase (P &amp;lt; 0.10) when the BN diets were fed. Also, during the entire period, feed conversion ratio tended to increase (P &amp;lt; 0.10) when the BN diets were fed. In conclusion, supplementation of protease reduces NH3 in feces and BUN in whole blood by increasing the digestibility of CP and improved growth performance. Also, diets with high nutrient density improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility in grower periods.