Initial Digestion Rate Research Articles

Fabrication of nanoemulsion delivery system with high bioaccessibility of carotenoids from Lycium barbarum by spontaneous emulsification.

The interest in incorporating carotenoids into foods and beverages is growing due to their potential health benefits. However, the poor water solubility and low bioavailability of carotenoids are still challenges in food application. This work aimed to study the influence of system composition and preparation conditions on the physical properties of carotenoids‐loaded nanoemulsions prepared by spontaneous emulsification. Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of carotenoids in the nanoemulsions was evaluated. The nanoemulsions with the smallest droplet size were produced when the ratio of Span 80:Tween 80 was 1.5:8.5. The droplet size increased slightly with the increase of organic phase content (24%–40%). The droplet size decreased gradually with the increase of stirring speed (200–1000 rpm (revolutions per minute)). The ratio of mixed surfactants and surfactant‐to‐oil ratio (SOR) had an appreciable impact on the droplet size. Carotenoids‐loaded nanoemulsions with small mean droplet size (d < 50 nm) could be prepared with the optimized conditions. The initial digestion rate decreased as the SOR increased. The bioaccessibility could reach up to about 80% at SOR=2–5 in vitro digestion. These results have important implications for the design of effective delivery systems to encapsulate carotenoids and other lipophilic bioactive components in food applications.

The physiochemical and nutritional properties of high endosperm lipids rice mutants under artificially accelerated ageing

High lipids in rice endosperm can lower the digestibility of rice starch. However, as lipids tend to oxidize and hydrolyze, whether the high lipids rice is easily deteriorated during storage is unknown. In this study, artificially accelerated ageing was adopted as a fast way to investigate the changes of endosperm lipids and the physiochemical properties of high lipids rice mutants (i.e. ALK3 and RS4) during storage. Ageing treatment did not affect total lipids content, but NSL and γ-oryzanol in aged ALK3 (2.30%, 113.6 μg/g) and RS4 (2.10%, 72.2 μg/g) significantly decreased. Aged ALK3 had a lower pH of cooking solution (6.92) and lower Tp (64.04 °C) of the second endothermic peak in DSC compared to untreated ALK3 (7.04, 65.86 °C, respectively), suggesting the hydrolysis of lipids and damage of amylose-lipids complex. After ageing treatment, all varieties had lower proportion of unsaturated fatty acid in NSL and lower breakdown, indicating an inferior lipids quality and rice eating and cooking quality. However, no more serious quality deterioration was observed in high lipids rice compared to common rice. The high-lipid mutants had better nutritional quality in terms of higher γ-oryzanol content and lower initial digestion rate (IRR20) even after storage.

Drug solubilization during simulated pediatric gastro-intestinal digestion

To increase the understanding of how drugs behave following oral administration to the pediatric population, the aim of the present study was to investigate the solubilization of fluconazole and ibuprofen during simulated gastro-intestinal (GI) digestion, using an immediate transfer model mimicking pediatric GI digestion. The effects of infant formula and digestion, on the drug solubilization, were studied using simulated fasted and fed state digestion media in the presence and absence of digestive enzymes. Additionally, the effect of digestion media viscosity on the solubilization process was investigated. It was found that the solubilization of fluconazole was unaffected by all tested parameters, as the entire estimated dose equivalent was solubilized in the aqueous phase throughout all digestion studies. In contrast, the solubilization of ibuprofen was affected by all the tested parameters, i.e. in the fasted state, the solubilization of ibuprofen was limited by its solubility in the aqueous phase of the simulated GI digestion media, whereas the solubilization in the fed state was affected by drug partitioning between the lipid and the aqueous phases, and therefore by the digestion of the lipid phase. Adding Nestlé Thicken Up™, containing xanthan gum as a thickening agent, to the digestion medium increased its viscosity, which in turn resulted in a reduced initial digestion rate, increased pH fluctuations, as well as high variability in all drug solubilization data as evident in large standard deviations. Furthermore, the increased digestion medium viscosity decreased the drug recovery from the combined pellet and aqueous phase. The observed viscosity effects might translate into a more variable and lower oral bioavailability.

Change in interfacial properties of milk fat globules by homogenization and thermal processing plays a key role in their in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

The effects of homogenization, homogenization plus thermal processing including high temperature short time (HHTST) or ultra-high temperature (HUHT) treatment on digestion and interfacial properties of milk fat globules during simulated gastrointestinal digestion were investigated. Compared to raw milk fat globules, homogenization and thermal processing increased the initial digestion rate of milk fat globules. Homogenization increased the release of middle- and long-chain fatty acids, HHTST increased the release of unsaturated fatty acids, and HUHT increased the release of all types of fatty acids under gastrointestinal digestion. After homogenization, milk proteins (caseins and whey proteins) increased but glycosylated molecules decreased, both of which were at the surface of milk fat globules. The amount of glycosylated molecules at the surface of HHTST milk fat globules and the amount of denatured milk proteins at the surface of HUHT milk fat globules were higher than those of homogenized milk fat globules. During gastrointestinal digestion, fat globules in HHTST milk possessed higher amount of glycosylated molecules and more integrated phospholipid layers, and HUHT milk fat globules had more filamentous phospholipid layers, and less integrated phospholipid layers and glycosylated molecules than those of homogenized milk fat globules. Therefore, the changes in composition and microstructure of glycosylated molecules and phospholipid layers at the surface of milk fat globules induced by homogenization and thermal processing might contribute to the digestion difference of milk fat globules.

Observation of chitosan coated lipid nanoparticles with different lipid compositions under simulated in vitro digestion system

The effects of lipid composition and chitosan coating on lipid digestion ability were investigated using a simulated in vitro digestion system, including oral, gastric, and small intestine stages. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared with only palm oil and the mixture of palm oil and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, respectively. Chitosan-coated SLNs (CS-SLNs) and NLCs (CS-NLCs) were prepared with a drop-wise method. CS-NLCs were more completely digested than the NLCs, while the NLCs showed higher free fatty acid release than SLNs. Chitosan coating increased the particle size of both SLNs and NLCs from 100.0 to 104.9 nm to 130.0 and 146.5 nm, respectively. Chitosan coating also increased the initial digestion rate of NLCs by modulating lipid droplet aggregation. But, chitosan coating showed little impact on the digestion of SLNs because SLNs did not strongly impact the lipid droplet aggregation state. These results have important implications for the fabrication of functional foods and beverages to achieve control of lipid digestion in the gastrointestinal tract.

Influence of emulsifier type on the in vitro digestion of fish oil-in-water emulsions in the presence of an anionic marine polysaccharide (fucoidan): Caseinate, whey protein, lecithin, or Tween 80

The influence of an anionic marine polysaccharide (fucoidan) on the gastrointestinal fate of emulsified fish oils stabilized by different types of natural and synthetic emulsifier was examined: whey protein isolate (WPI); caseinate; lecithin; Tween 80. Oil-in-water emulsions in the absence and presence of fucoidan were passed through a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that included mouth, stomach, and small intestine phases. The change in droplet properties (particle size, charge, and organization) was measured throughout the GIT and the rate and extent of lipid digestion was measured in the small intestine phase. The presence of fucoidan increased the initial digestion rate of caseinate- and WPI-stabilized emulsions due to its ability to modulate lipid droplet aggregation. The fucoidan appeared to suppress isoelectric aggregation of the droplets, which increased the surface area of lipids available for the lipase molecules. On the other hand, the presence of fucoidan had little impact on the digestion of emulsions stabilized by lecithin or Tween 80, since it did not strongly impact the lipid droplet aggregation state. These results have important implications for the fabrication of functional foods and beverages that can control lipid digestion in the gastrointestinal tract.

The interplay of α-amylase and amyloglucosidase activities on the digestion of starch in in vitro enzymic systems

In vitro hydrolysis assays are a key tool in understanding differences in rate and extent of digestion of starchy foods. They offer a greater degree of simplicity and flexibility than dynamic in vitro models or in vivo experiments for quantifiable, mechanistic exploration of starch digestion. In the present work the influence of α-amylase and amyloglucosidase activities on the digestion of maize and potato starch granules was measured using both glucose and reducing sugar assays. Data were analysed through initial rates of digestion, and by 1st order kinetics, utilising logarithm of slope (LOS) plots. The rate and extent of starch digestion was dependent on the activities of both enzymes and the type of starch used. Potato required more enzyme than maize to achieve logarithmic reaction curves, and complete digestion. The results allow targeted design of starch digestion experiments through a thorough understanding of the contributions of α-amylase and amyloglucosidase to digestion rates.

Effect of gallic acid on peptides released by trypsin digestion of bovine α-casein

In this study, the effects of gallic acid (GA) on trypsin digestion of commercial α-casein (α-CN), which contains α(s1)-CN and α(s2)-CN, and the peptides released during digestion were investigated. Gallic acid showed no effect on the initial rate of digestion. However, the apparent degree of hydrolysis achieved its maximum value after 1h, then decreased in the presence of GA, suggesting the cross-linking between peptides once released from α-CN during digestion. In the presence of GA, three peaks derived from α(s1)-CN disappeared and three new peaks appeared in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. In these peptides, two Met residues corresponding to the Met(135) and Met(196) in α(s1)-CN were oxidized to Met sulfoxide residues. The oxidation of Met(196) was quicker than that of Met(135). The inhibitory activity of TTMPLW (α(s1)-CN 193-199) against angiotensin I-converting enzyme was reduced slightly by the oxidation of its Met residue.

In vitro gastric digestion of heat-induced aggregates of β-lactoglobulin

In vitro gastric digestion of heat-induced aggregates of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) in simulated gastric fluid was investigated using sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE (under nonreducing and reducing conditions), native PAGE, 2-dimensional electrophoresis, and size exclusion chromatography. Heating at 90°C significantly increased the digestibility of β-LG, with a high initial digestion rate followed by a relatively constant rate of digestion at a high enzyme:substrate (E:S) ratio of 3:1. At a low E:S ratio (1:6), the rate of digestion of β-LG was slower, and intermediate- and low-molecular-weight species could be seen. The high-molecular-weight nonnative aggregates (e.g., pentamers, tetramers, and trimers) were digested relatively rapidly, whereas some of the nonnative dimers were resistant to digestion and others were digested rapidly. The intermediate-molecular-weight species (21 to 23kDa) were digested slowly. The digestibility of nonnative β-LG aggregates varied significantly depending on the E:S ratio and the types of aggregate. Further investigation is necessary to identify and characterize slowly digested dimers and species of intermediate molecular weight.

Impact of dietary fiber coatings on behavior of protein-stabilized lipid droplets under simulated gastrointestinal conditions

Multilayer emulsions containing lipid droplets coated by lactoferrin (LF) - anionic polysaccharide layers have improved resistance to environmental stresses (such as pH, salt, and temperature), but their behavior within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is currently unknown. The objective of this research was therefore to monitor changes in the physicochemical properties and digestibility of these systems under simulated GIT conditions. Primary emulsions (5% corn oil, 0.5% LF) were prepared using a high-pressure homogenizer. Secondary emulsions (5% corn oil, 0.5% LF, 0.5% polysaccharide) were prepared by incorporating alginate, low methoxyl pectin (LMP) or high methoxyl pectin (HMP) into primary emulsions. Emulsions were then subjected to simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) conditions in sequence. LF, LF-LMP and LF-HMP emulsions were stable to droplet aggregation in the stomach but aggregated in the small intestine, whereas LF-alginate emulsions aggregated in both the stomach and small intestine. The presence of a dietary fiber coating around the initial lipid droplets had little influence on the total extent of lipid digestion in SIF, but LF-alginate emulsions had a slower initial digestion rate than the other emulsions. These results suggest that the dietary fiber coatings may become detached in the small intestine, or that they were permeable to digestive enzymes. Pepsin was found to have little influence on the physical stability or digestibility of the emulsions. The knowledge obtained from this study is important for the design of delivery systems for encapsulation and release of lipophilic bioactive ingredients.

Comparative effects of processing methods on the feeding value of maize in feedlot cattle

The primary reason for processing maize is to enhance feeding value. Total tract starch digestion is similar for coarsely processed (dry rolled, cracked) dry maize. Enhancements in starch digestion due to dry rolling maize v. feeding maize whole may be greater in light-weight calves than in yearlings, and when DM intake is restricted (<1·5% of body weight). The net energy (NE) maintain (NEm) and NE gain (NEg) values for whole maize are 8·83 and 6·02MJ (2·11 and 1·44Mcal)/kg, respectively. Compared with conventional dry processing (i.e. coarse rolled, cracked), finely processing maize may increase the initial rate of digestion, but does not improve total tract starch digestion. Tempering before rolling (without the addition of steam) may enhance the growth performance response and the NE value of maize. Average total tract starch digestion is similar for high-moisture and steam-flaked maize. However, the proportion of starch digested ruminally is greater (about 8%) for high-moisture maize. The growth performance response of feedlot cattle to the feeding of high-moisture maize is highly variable. Although the NEm and NEg value of whole high-moisture maize was slightly less than that of dry processed maize (averaging 9·04 and 6·44MJ (2·16 and 1·54Mcal)/kg, respectively), grinding or rolling high-moisture maize before ensiling increased (6%) its NE value. Substituting steam-flaked maize for dry processed maize increases average daily gain (6·3%) and decreases DM intake (5%). The comparative NEm and NEg values for steam-flaked maize at optimal processing (density=0·34kg/l) are 10·04 and 7·07MJ (2·40 and 1·69Mcal)/kg, respectively. These NE values are greater (3%) than current tabular values (National Research Council, 2000), being more consistent with earlier standards (National Research Council, 1984). When maize is the primary or sole source of starch in the diet, concentration of starch in faeces (faecal starch, % of DM) of feedlot steers can serve as an indicator of total tract starch digestion, and, hence, the feeding value of maize.

Nanoemulsion- and emulsion-based delivery systems for curcumin: Encapsulation and release properties

Curcumin has been reported to have many biological activities, but its application as a functional ingredient is currently limited because of its poor water-solubility and bioaccessibility. This study investigated the impact of different lipid-based formulations on curcumin encapsulation and bioaccessibility. Oil-in-water nanoemulsions (r<100nm), or conventional emulsions (r>100nm), were prepared with different lipids: long, medium, and short chain triacylglycerols (LCT, MCT and SCT, respectively). An in vitro model simulating small intestine digestion conditions characterised rate and extent of lipid phase digestion. A centrifugation method determined fraction of curcumin released into mixed micelles after digestion (bioaccessibility). Initial digestion rate decreased in the order SCT>MCT>LCT, while final digestion extent decreased in the order MCT>SCT>LCT. The bioaccessibility of curcumin decreased in the order MCT>LCT≫SCT and appeared to be slightly higher in conventional emulsions than in nanoemulsions.

Effects of alkaline or liquid-ammonia treatment on crystalline cellulose: changes in crystalline structure and effects on enzymatic digestibility

BackgroundIn converting biomass to bioethanol, pretreatment is a key step intended to render cellulose more amenable and accessible to cellulase enzymes and thus increase glucose yields. In this study, four cellulose samples with different degrees of polymerization and crystallinity indexes were subjected to aqueous sodium hydroxide and anhydrous liquid ammonia treatments. The effects of the treatments on cellulose crystalline structure were studied, in addition to the effects on the digestibility of the celluloses by a cellulase complex.ResultsFrom X-ray diffractograms and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, it was revealed that treatment with liquid ammonia produced the cellulose IIII allomorph; however, crystallinity depended on treatment conditions. Treatment at a low temperature (25°C) resulted in a less crystalline product, whereas treatment at elevated temperatures (130°C or 140°C) gave a more crystalline product. Treatment of cellulose I with aqueous sodium hydroxide (16.5 percent by weight) resulted in formation of cellulose II, but also produced a much less crystalline cellulose. The relative digestibilities of the different cellulose allomorphs were tested by exposing the treated and untreated cellulose samples to a commercial enzyme mixture (Genencor-Danisco; GC 220). The digestibility results showed that the starting cellulose I samples were the least digestible (except for corn stover cellulose, which had a high amorphous content). Treatment with sodium hydroxide produced the most digestible cellulose, followed by treatment with liquid ammonia at a low temperature. Factor analysis indicated that initial rates of digestion (up to 24 hours) were most strongly correlated with amorphous content. Correlation of allomorph type with digestibility was weak, but was strongest with cellulose conversion at later times. The cellulose IIII samples produced at higher temperatures had comparable crystallinities to the initial cellulose I samples, but achieved higher levels of cellulose conversion, at longer digestion times.ConclusionsEarlier studies have focused on determining which cellulose allomorph is the most digestible. In this study we have found that the chemical treatments to produce different allomorphs also changed the crystallinity of the cellulose, and this had a significant effect on the digestibility of the substrate. When determining the relative digestibilities of different cellulose allomorphs it is essential to also consider the relative crystallinities of the celluloses being tested.

Starch Digestion Mechanistic Information from the Time Evolution of Molecular Size Distributions

Size-exclusion chromatography [SEC, also termed gel permeation chromatography (GPC)] is used to measure the time evolution of the distributions of molecular size and of branch length as starch is subjected to in vitro digestion, including studying the development of enzyme-resistant starch. The method is applied to maize starches with varying amylose contents; the starches were extruded so as to provide an analogue for processed food. The initial rates of digestion of amylose and amylopectin components were found to be the same for high-amylose starches. A small starch species, not present in the original starting material, was formed during the digestion process; this new species has a slower digestion rate and is probably formed by retrogradation of longer branches of amylose and amylopectin as they are partially or wholly liberated from their parent starch molecule during the digestion process. The data suggest that the well-known connection between high amylose content and resistant starch arises from the greater number of longer branches, which can form the small retrograded species. The method is useful for the purpose of comparisons between different starches undergoing the process of digestion, by observing the changes in their molecular structures, as an adjunct to detailed studies of the enzyme-resistant fraction.

Degree of particle size breakdown during mastication may be a possible cause of interindividual glycemic variability

The degree of mastication varies significantly between individuals and may be a cause for the considerable interindividual variation observed in the glycemic response (GR) to a single food. Using rice as the model, the aim of this study was to determine if interindividual differences in mastication and resulting degree of particle breakdown affected in vitro and in vivo glycemic potency. In a randomized crossover design, using 15 subjects, the particle size distribution and in vitro digestibility of individuals' chewed rice were determined along with their in vivo blood GR. The rapidly digested starch (RDS) content in the masticated boluses, moreover, was measured during in vitro digestion. The particle size distribution of masticated rice differed significantly interindividually. In vitro digestion of rice decreased as particle size increased. The degree of particle size breakdown as a result of mastication correlated with the RDS content in the chewed food bolus and initial digestion rate in vitro. The quantity of undigested material remaining at the end of 120-minute in vitro digestion correlated significantly with the percentage of particles greater than 2000 microm in masticated rice. The percentage of particles smaller than 500 microm correlated significantly with in vivo GR at 30 minutes postingestion but not with the total incremental area under the blood glucose curve. The degree of habitual mastication may therefore potentially influence both the magnitude and pattern of the GR and may partly explain interindividual differences in it. Although the study sets the base for future research, firm conclusions can be reached only upon the completion of additional work.

Silica Nanoparticles To Control the Lipase-Mediated Digestion of Lipid-Based Oral Delivery Systems

We investigate the role of hydrophilic fumed silica in controlling the digestion kinetics of lipid emulsions, hence further exploring the mechanisms behind the improved oral absorption of poorly soluble drugs promoted by silica-lipid hybrid (SLH) microcapsules. An in vitro lipolysis model was used to quantify the lipase-mediated digestion kinetics of a series of lipid vehicles formulated with caprylic/capric triglycerides: lipid solution, submicrometer lipid emulsions (in the presence and absence of silica), and SLH microcapsules. The importance of emulsification on lipid digestibility is evidenced by the significantly higher initial digestion rate constants for SLH microcapsules and lipid emulsions (>15-fold) in comparison with that of the lipid solution. Silica particles exerted an inhibitory effect on the digestion of submicrometer lipid emulsions regardless of their initial location, i.e., aqueous or lipid phases. This inhibitory effect, however, was not observed for SLH microcapsules. This highlights the importance of the matrix structure and porosity of the hybrid microcapsule system in enhancing lipid digestibility as compared to submicrometer lipid emulsions stabilized by silica. For each studied formulation, the digestion kinetics is well correlated to the corresponding in vivo plasma concentrations of a model drug, celecoxib, via multiple-point correlations (R(2) > 0.97). This supports the use of the lipid digestion model for predicting the in vivo outcome of an orally dosed lipid formulation. SLH microcapsules offer the potential to enhance the oral absorption of poorly soluble drugs via increased lipid digestibility in conjunction with improved drug dissolution/dispersion.

Pretreatment of paper tube residuals for improved biogas production

Paper tube residuals, which are lignocellulosic wastes, have been studied as substrate for biogas (methane) production. Steam explosion and nonexplosive hydrothermal pretreatment, in combination with sodium hydroxide and/or hydrogen peroxide, have been used to improve the biogas production. The treatment conditions of temperature, time and addition of NaOH and H 2O 2 were statistically evaluated for methane production. Explosive pretreatment was more successful than the nonexplosive method, and gave the best results at 220 °C, 10 min, with addition of both 2% NaOH and 2% H 2O 2. Digestion of the pretreated materials at these conditions yielded 493 N ml/g VS methane which was 107% more than the untreated materials. In addition, the initial digestion rate was improved by 132% compared to the untreated samples. The addition of NaOH was, besides the explosion effect, the most important factor to improve the biogas production.

Determination of the Substrate Specificity of Tripeptidyl-peptidase I Using Combinatorial Peptide Libraries and Development of Improved Fluorogenic Substrates

Classical late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in CLN2, the gene encoding the lysosomal protease tripeptidyl-peptidase I (TPP I). The natural substrates for TPP I and the pathophysiological processes associated with lysosomal storage and disease progression are not well understood. Detailed characterization of TPP I substrate specificity should provide insights into these issues and also aid in the development of improved clinical and biochemical assays. To this end, we constructed fluorogenic and standard combinatorial peptide libraries and analyzed them using fluorescence and mass spectrometry-based activity assays. The fluorogenic group 7-amino-4-carbamoylmethylcoumarin was incorporated into a series of 7-amino-4-carbamoylmethylcoumarin tripeptide libraries using a design strategy that allowed systematic evaluation of the P1, P2, and P3 positions. TPP I digestion of these substrates liberates the fluorescence group and results in a large increase in fluorescence that can be used to calculate kinetic parameters and to derive the substrate specificity constant kcat/KM. In addition, we implemented a mass spectrometry-based assay to measure the hydrolysis of individual peptides in peptide pools and thus expand the scope of the analysis. Nonfluorogenic tetrapeptide and pentapeptide libraries were synthesized and analyzed to evaluate P1' and P2' residues. Together, this analysis allowed us to predict the relative specificity of TPP I toward a wide range of potential biological substrates. In addition, we evaluated a variety of new fluorogenic peptides with a P3 Arg residue, and we demonstrated their superiority compared with the widely used substrate Ala-Ala-Phe-AMC for selectively measuring TPP I activity in biological specimens.

Practical Measures for Reducing Risk of Alfalfa Bloat in Cattle

Frothy bloat in cattle is a serious problem and is difficult to manage under field conditions as it progresses rapidly from early signs of distension to acute distress. Scientists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada centres in Western Canada are committed to the development of bloat-free alfalfa grazing systems, which may require feed additives or supplements. As well, a new cultivar of alfalfa (AC Grazeland), selected for a low initial rate of digestion, will soon be available. In grazing trials the cultivar reduced the incidence of bloat by an average of 56% compared with the control cultivar (Beaver). Commonly accepted mineral mixes for the prevention of bloat were tested and found ineffective but we have confirmed that poloxalene (Bloatguard) is 100% effective if it is given intraruminally at the prescribed dose. However, under practical conditions, poloxalene can only be offered free choice and protection from bloat cannot be guaranteed. We have also shown that the water soluble polymer, Blocare 4511, when used in the water supply is 100% effective in bloat prevention. This product is not yet registered in North America. Other strategies for bloat prevention will be discussed, including the selection of growth stages and grazing schedules, and the reduction of risk by wilting alfalfa or combining it with tannin-containing forages. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v54i4_majak

Practical measures for reducing risk of alfalfa bloat in cattle

Frothy bloat in cattle is a serious problem and is difficult to manage under field conditions as it progresses rapidly from early signs of distension to acute distress. Scientists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada centres in Western Canada are committed to the development of bloat-free alfalfa grazing systems, which may require feed additives or supplements. As well, a new cultivar of alfalfa (AC Grazeland), selected for a low initial rate of digestion, will soon be available. In grazing trials the cultivar reduced the incidence of bloat by an average of 56% compared with the control cultivar (Beaver). Commonly accepted mineral mixes for the prevention of bloat were tested and found ineffective but we have confirmed that poloxalene (Bloatguard®) is 100% effective if it is given intraruminally at the prescribed dose. However, under practical conditions, poloxalene can only be offered free choice and protection from bloat cannot be guaranteed. We have also shown that the water soluble polymer, Blocare® 4511, when used in the water supply is 100% effective in bloat prevention. This product is not yet registered in North America. Other strategies for bloat prevention will be discussed, including the selection of growth stages and grazing schedules, and the reduction of risk by wilting alfalfa or combining it with tannin-containing forages.