Total Amino Acid Levels Research Articles

The effects of total sulfur amino acids on the intestinal health status of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp.

This study evaluated the effects of total sulfur amino acid (TSAA) levels on the performance and intestinal health of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. A total of 432 one-day-old off-sex Cobb 500 male chicks were randomly assigned to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (6 replicates/12 birds), with diets and Eimeria challenge as the main factors. The diets were as follows: 70% (no methionine [Met] supplementation), 85, and 100% TSAA, supplemented with L-Met. At day 14, the challenged birds (n = 216) were orally gavaged with a pool of Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts, and the unchallenged birds (n = 216) received water. At 6 and 12 D post inoculation (dpi), performance and intestinal health were evaluated. The challenge, regardless of diets, significantly impaired the performance, intestinal villi height, villus-to-crypt ratio, and ileal digestibility of dry matter, energy, and crude protein (CP) and modulated the tight junction protein (TJP) expression throughout the experiment. Moreover, the superoxide dismutase activity was increased, whereas the reduced glutathione (GSH)-to-oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio was decreased by the challenge at 6 dpi. Regardless of the challenge, the 70% TSAA diet reduced the body weight and feed intake in all phases, whereas the ileal digestibility of CP was higher in birds fed with the 70% TSAA diet than in those fed with the 100% TSAA diet at 6 dpi. No major differences were observed among the diets with regard to the intestinal histomorphology and TJP expression, and birds fed with the 100% TSAA diet had the highest GSH concentration at 12 dpi. Few interactions were observed, and the Met supplementation counteracted the negative effects of the Eimeria challenge on GSH concentration when 85 and 100% of TSAA levels were reached. Overall, the Eimeria challenge had a negative impact on growth and intestinal health. Moreover, the supplementation of L-Met until either 85 or 100% of TSAA levels were reached was enough to assure good performance and intestinal health in birds challenged or not challenged with Eimeria spp.

Variations in flavor according to fish size in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Rainbow trout are a widely consumed fish species. However, the effects of fish size on flavor have not been fully elucidated. Here, the flavor qualities of the dorsal, tail, and abdomen of four sizes of rainbow trout (average weights 0.25, 1.14, 2.26, and 2.89 kg, respectively) were investigated by measuring fatty acids, nonvolatile compounds, and volatile compounds and by performing electronic tongue analysis. 5′-Nucleotide levels were higher in the dorsal and tail regions than in the abdomen of fish. Additionally, the heaviest fish had the highest contents of lactic acid and succinic acid, whereas fish weighing 1.14 kg had the highest levels of total free amino acids. Additionally, 0.25 and 1.14 kg fish had higher concentrations of aldehydes. t-Distributed stochastic neighborhood embedding and correlation analyses revealed that the overall flavor profiles were reflected by electronic-tongue analysis. Overall, our findings showed that fish size affected flavor in different parts of rainbow trout.

Effects of GABA and Vigabatrin on the Germination of Chinese Chestnut Recalcitrant Seeds and Its Implications for Seed Dormancy and Storage.

Recalcitrant chestnut seeds are rich in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which negatively regulates adventitious root development by altering carbon/nitrogen metabolism. However, little is known regarding the role of this metabolite in chestnut seeds. In this study, we investigated the effects of GABA changes on the germination of chestnut seeds treated with exogenous GABA and vigabatrin (VGB, which inhibits GABA degradation). Both treatments significantly inhibited seed germination and primary root growth and resulted in the considerable accumulation of H2O2, but the endogenous GABA content decreased before germination at 48 h. Soluble sugar levels increased before germination, but subsequently decreased, whereas starch contents were relatively unchanged. Changes to organic acids were observed at 120 h after sowing, including a decrease and increase in citrate and malate levels, respectively. Similarly, soluble protein contents increased at 120 h, but the abundance of most free amino acids decreased at 48 h. Moreover, the total amino acid levels increased only in response to VGB at 0 h. Accordingly, GABA and VGB altered the balance of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, thereby inhibiting chestnut seed germination. These results suggested that changes to GABA levels in chestnut seeds might prevent seed germination. The study data may also help clarify the dormancy and storage of chestnut seeds, as well as other recalcitrant seeds.

Effect of Dietary Protein and Tsaa Levels on Performance, Carcass Traits, Meat Composition and Some Blood Components of Egyptian Geese During the Rearing Period.

Simple SummaryEgyptian geese were domesticated more than 4000 years ago; so this bird is among the first domesticated avian species. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the nutritional requirements and establish more precise feeding standards for this breed (Egyptian geese) to ensure its effective production. Dietary level of crude protein (CP) and total sulfur amino acids (TSAA) should closely meet the maintenance and production requirements, especially toward the middle and end of the grow-out period. Thus, this study focused on the effect of varying dietary crude protein and TSAA on growth, carcasses, biochemical blood parameters, and meat quality to determine the nutritional requirement of Egyptian geese. From our results, it can be concluded that the consumption of diets with high levels of protein or methionine and cystine (M + C) can improve the productive performance, carcass and meat quality of Egyptian geese during the rearing period.The present study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary levels of protein, total sulfur amino acids (TSAA), methionine and cystine (M + C) and their interaction on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood components and meat quality of Egyptian geese. A total number of 144 geese at twelve weeks of age were randomly divided into 9 groups (16 birds/each group), each group of birds was sub-divided into 4 replicates, each of 4 birds. There was a significant increase in the bodyweight of geese due to protein and M + C levels (p < 0.01). The studied levels of M + C affected significantly on weight gain of growing geese at the early period of 12–18 wk of age. Feed intake was increased with high dietary levels of CP % or M + C (p < 0.05). There was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in percentages of carcass, liver, dressing, breast and wing with high dietary protein level as compared to a moderate or low level. A high level of dietary protein led to increase in concentrations of total protein and albumin, while total lipids, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were decreased with increasing level of protein (p < 0.01). Fat percentage of breast muscle was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased with increasing M + C levels. Protein % of breast muscle was increased with increasing protein levels. Finally, it can be concluded that the consumption of diets with high levels of protein or M + C can improve the bodyweight, feed conversion ratio, carcass and meat composition of Egyptian geese during the rearing period (12–24 wk of age).

Metabolic profiling and scavenging activities of developing circumscissile fruit of psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk.) reveal variation in primary and secondary metabolites

BackgroundDeveloping fruit is considered as an excellent model to study the complex network of metabolites which are altered rapidly during development.ResultsMetabolomics revealed that developing psyllium fruit is a rich source of primary metabolites (ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and amino-acids), secondary metabolites and natural antioxidants. Eidonomy and anatomy confirmed that psyllium fruit followed five stages of development. Total lipids and fatty acids were synthesized differentially; saturated fatty acids (FAs) increased, whereas total polyunsaturated FAs decreased with increasing developmental stage. The unsaturation index and degree of unsaturation showed a catenary curve. Principal component analysis confirmed a significant shift in the FA profile from bud initiation to the maturation stage. Similarly, a similar level of total amino acids was present at different developmental stage following a temporal biosynthesis pathway. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents decreased in tandem with fruit development. Twenty-two different metabolites were identified, and metabolic changes were also observed during fruit development. Six metabolites were detected exclusively in the flowering stage, whereas two were detected in each of early and maturity stages of development. The metabolites apigenin and kaempferol were detected ubiquitously in all developmental stages. Time-dependent metabolomics revealed a shift in metabolite biosynthesis.ConclusionDuring fruit development, metabolites, FAs, amino acids, total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidants and scavenging activities changed progressively and were co-ordinately linked to each other. As a future perspective, further studies will focus on the validation of identified metabolites, which integrated with transcriptomics data and will reveal the metabolic regulatory network of development psyllium fruit.

Behavioral Changes in Glutenin Macropolymer Fermented byLactobacillus plantarumLB-1 to Promote the Rheological and Gas Production Properties of Dough

Glutenin macropolymer (GMP) plays a pivotal role in improving dough quality. In this study, a novel Lactobacillus plantarum LB-1 (LB-1) on the fermentation characteristics of dough were investigated from the perspective of GMP. The results showed that the ordered secondary structure (α-helices and β-sheets) content of GMP in dough synergistically fermented by yeast and LB-1 (DYLB-1) was 20.5% more than that in dough fermented by yeast (DY), and the average particle size was 2.46 μm smaller. Moreover, the higher level of total free amino acids and lower free sulfhydryl group (SHf) content in the DYLB-1 indicated that the network structure strength was enhanced. Furthermore, the protein and starch in the DYLB-1 were uniformly and closely connected, which endows the DYLB-1 with excellent rheological and gas production properties. Therefore, the method used to produce the DYLB-1 was recommended as a new strategy for producing high-quality dough.

Lactic acid fermentation enriches the profile of biogenic fatty acid derivatives of avocado fruit (Persea americana Mill.)

This study investigated the capability of selected autochthonous lactic acid bacteria to enrich the portfolio of bioactive compounds of avocado fruit (Persea americana Mill.), with the perspective of producing dietary supplements or pharmaceutical preparations. Fermented avocado puree resulted in high levels of total free amino acids. Fermentation also led to a marked increase of antioxidant activity, with the highest levels found in water and hexane soluble extracts. Bio-converted phenolic compounds and fatty acids derivatives resulting from bacterial metabolism were likely responsible for the increased antioxidant activity. Fermentation caused the fortification of avocado puree with some hydroxy fatty acids, which deserved marked attention due to their health-promoting activities. Oleic and linoleic acids were highly metabolized by Lactobacillus plantarum AVEF17, leading to high levels of mono, di-, and tri-hydroxy-octadecenoic acids.

Effect of shading and nitrogen fertilization on nitrogen metabolism, essential oil content and antimicrobial activity of Achillea millefolium

The Achillea millefolium L. is a perennial herb with important antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, and antioxidant properties. This research aimed to investigate the effect of shading (75%; black net) and nitrogen fertilization (0, 75 and 150 kg urea ha-1) on the nitrogen metabolism, essential oil yield and antimicrobial activity of A. millefolium at vegetative- and reproductive-stage. The evaluated parameters varied depending on the organ and the phenological stage of the plant considered. Overall, our findings indicated that shading decreased nitrogen assimilation. Decreased activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase were observed on shaded plants during reproductive and vegetative stages, respectively. Nitrate and total amino acid levels increased in shaded plants at the vegetative stage. Regarding nitrogen supply, the improved nitrogen metabolism and essential oil yield values were accompanied by intermediate concentrations of urea (75 kg ha-1). Plants fertilized with 75 kg urea ha-1 produced the highest amino acids concentration (vegetative stage), ammonium concentration (vegetative stage) and essential oil yield (reproductive stage). Shading or nitrogen supply did not influence the microbial activity of A. millefolium essential oil. However, the essential oil of leaves and flowers were highly effective against fungi and bacteria, especially gram-positive bacteria. In conclusion, the current study showed that full light and 75 kg urea ha-1 enhanced the nitrogen metabolism of A. millefolium in both vegetative and reproductive stages.

Effect of commercial starter cultures on the quality characteristics of fermented fish-chili paste

The effects of commercial starter cultures on the quality characteristics of fermented fish-chili paste were investigated. Five batches of fish-chili paste were prepared with different starter cultures, namely, SBM-52 (Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus carnosus, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Pediococcus lactis), PRO-MIX5 (Staphylococcus xylosus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus sakei), WBX-43 (Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus carnosus), V3 (Lactobacillus plantarum), and CO (spontaneous fermentation) as the control. The results showed that all the starter cultures accelerated the growth of lactic acid bacteria and obviously reduced the Enterobacteriaceae count compared with the CO batch. SBM-52, PRO-MIX5 and V3 quickly reduced the pH, and there was no obvious difference in the protease activities among these five batches (P > 0.05). The SBM-52 batch displayed a significantly higher level of total free amino acids than the control (P < 0.05). The accumulation of organic acids was mainly due to lactic acid in all the samples. Volatile analysis indicated that more ester compounds were detected in WBX-43 compared with the other samples. E-nose analysis showed an obvious difference in the overall odor among the different samples. In conclusion, the starter cultures of WBX-43 and SBM-52 could be used for the production of high-quality fish-chili paste with better flavor.

ДИНАМИКА СОДЕРЖАНИЯ АЗОТИСТЫХ ВЕЩЕСТВ И ЛИПИДОВ В ХВОЕ ИНТРОДУЦИРОВАННЫХ ВИДОВ PICEA А. DIETR. В ТАЕЖНОЙ ЗОНЕ (КАРЕЛИЯ)

Studies were conducted in the Botanical Garden of Petrozavodsk State University, located in the taiga zone. The objects were 1 aboriginal (Рicea fennica (Regel) Кom.) аnd 5 introduced (P. pungens Engelm. f. glauca Regel and f. viridis Regel, P. obovata Ledeb., P. glauca (Mill.) Britt., P. omorica (Pane) Purk., P. mariana Britt.). It is established that in the process of adaptation of introduced species Picea to low winter tempera-tures most of the involved proteins. Their number increases significantly during the transition from the period of active shoot growth to a period of deep rest have all studied species of Picea. The accumulation of proteins causes a decrease in the level of total free amino acids of most types of exotic species, while the local form of the amino acid content is maintained at a high level. In the needles of most of the studied species of Picea to the period of deep rest, the fraction of glutamic acid and albanina and increases the proportion of arginine and ethanolamine in the total amount of amino acids. The increase in the content of total lipids and phospholipids in the needles during the transition to a period of deep rest less significant than proteins. In the needles of na-tive species in comparison with the needles of exotic species total lipids actively used in the phase of inten-sive growth of shoots. Despite some differences, the introduced species Picea adapted to endure low tempera-tures using the same biochemical mechanisms as a local view. This indicates successful adaptation of the studied introduced species Picea to new conditions of existence.

Influence of low-protein diet with different levels of amino acids on laying hen performance, quality and egg composition.

The present study aimed to investigate the consequences of dietary levels of crude protein (CP) and total sulfur amino acids (TSAA, Met+Cys) on productive performance, egg quality and egg components for Lohmann Brown laying hens through 18-34 weeks of age. A 2×3 factorial design experiment was conducted using two levels of CP (16 and 18 %) and three levels of Met+ Cys (0.67, 0.72 and 0.77 %). A total of 144 Lohmann Brown laying hens at 18 weeks of age were randomly divided into 6 treatment groups. The best values of final body weight and body weight change were recorded by the hens fed 18 % CP diet. Increasing dietary CP up to 18 % accompanied with the best (P> 0.01) feed conversion, egg weight and egg mass. The combination between low-CP diet (16 %) and 0.72 % Met+ Cys gave the best percentage of egg production. The majority of egg quality traits were not significantly altered by dietary treatments. The interaction between CP and Met+Cys levels had a statistical (P>0.01) impact on egg content of moisture and total solids only. It could be concluded that the best production criteria could be obtained by using 0.72% Met+Cys. Moreover, dietary level of 16 or 18 % CP with 0.72% Met+Cys is recommended for feeding Lohmann hens.

Fattening culture improves the gonadal development and nutritional quality of male Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is an important aquaculture species in China, and >80% of aquaculture production comes from outdoor earth-ponds. Fattening immature E. sinensis with a high-quality diet has been proven to effectively improve male gonadal development and nutritional value. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different fattening periods on male gonadal development and nutritional quality of pond-reared male E. sinensis post pubertal molting. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased significantly during the 60-day fattening period, while significant increases in meat yield and total edible yield were only found between Day 0 and Day 20. The gonadal system, consisting of testis, deferens and accessory gland, had the highest increase during the fattening period. The fattening period did not significantly affect the proximate composition of hepatopancreas; however, the protein contents of male gonad and muscle increased significantly. The moisture and carbohydrate contents of the gonad, as well as muscular moisture, decreased significantly during the 60-day fattening period. A significant decrease in gonadal lipid contents was found between Day 40 and Day 60, while the trend of “low-high-low” was found in muscular carbohydrate levels during the whole fattening period. Significant increases were found in the percentage of triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) in male gonad, while decreases were found in the percentages of cholesterol and phospholipid in male gonads, FFA in hepatopancreas and TG in meat during the 60-day-fattening period. With respect to fatty acid composition, a trend of “high-low-high” was found for the percentages of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and long chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in male gonad and hepatopancreas. The percentages of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and MUFA in muscle decreased significantly, while the significant increases were found in muscular PUFA and LC-PUFA during the fattening period. Total amino acid (TAA) levels of male gonads increased dramatically during the fattening period, and essential amino acid scores of male gonad and muscle were >100 for all essential amino acids (EAA) after the 60-day fattening period. In conclusion, these results suggest that an appropriate fattening period is approximately 40 days for pond-reared male E. sinensis post pubertal molting.

In vitro study of the antioxidative and antiproliferative capabilities of Lactobacillus casei 16-fermented soymilk.

In this study, soymilk was fermented with Lactobacillus casei 16. The contents of aglycone isoflavones, saponins, total phenolic, and free amino acid in the fermented soymilk, and the protection for the HepG2 cells against 2,2'‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (ABAP) damage and the antiproliferative effects of the fermented soymilk on the HT‐29 cells and Caco‐2 cells were studied. The results showed that the levels of total phenolic, aglycone isoflavones, and free amino acids in the L. casei 16‐fermented soymilk were enhanced. The ethanol extract and the water extract of the L. casei 16‐fermented soymilk showed protection for HepG2 cells against ABAP damage and inhibited the proliferation of the HT‐29 cells and Caco‐2 cells, which may be attributed to the enhanced level of total phenolic, aglycone isoflavones, and free amino acids in the L. casei 16‐fermented soymilk.

Metabolic and physiological responses to intraperitoneal injection of chromium oxide in hyperglycaemic Nile tilapia juveniles

This study evaluated the effect of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) on the metabolic and physiological variables of hyperglycaemic Nile tilapia (Oreochormis niloticus) juveniles. The experimental design comprised two treatments (glucose and glucose + Cr2O3) and four different times (30, 60, 120 and 240 min), with 7 fish per group. Fish received glucose at 1 g kg body weight−1, injected intraperitoneally. For the glucose + Cr2O3 treatment, 40 mM Cr2O3, equivalent to a dose of 6.07 mg kg body weight−1, was co-injected. At different times, the presence of Cr2O3 reduced plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as hepatic glycogen levels and haemoglobin values. In both treatments, blood glucose, plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and the activities of intestinal amylase and protease enzymes were time-dependent, showing a reduction at 240 min after initial glucose exposure, but haemoglobin values decreased most at 30 and 240 min than at 60 and 120 min. In fish not exposed to Cr2O3, hepatic glycogen, and plasma total protein and amino acids levels were highest at 30 min while in fish treated with Cr2O3, plasma albumin levels were higher at 240 min than at 120 min. In conclusion, Cr2O3 improved the metabolic responses and improves nutritional and physiological status of Nile tilapia.

Use of Wine and Dairy Yeasts as Single Starter Cultures for Flavor Compound Modification in Fish Sauce Fermentation.

Effects of wine and dairy yeast fermentation on chemical constituents of tilapia fish head hydrolysate supplemented with glucose in an unsalted and acidic environment were investigated. Three wine yeasts (Torulaspora delbrueckii Biodiva, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Lalvin EC-1118 and Pichia kluyveri Frootzen) and one dairy yeast (Kluyveromyces marxianus NCYC1425) were employed as single starter cultures, respectively, and were compared with one soy sauce yeast (Candida versatilis NCYC1433). Each yeast showed different growth kinetics and fermentation performance. Compared with C. versatilis NCYC1433, other yeasts presented a significant higher rate of glucose consumption (P < 0.05). Besides, K. marxianus NCYC1425 and P. kluyveri Frootzen produced more citric acid and succinic acid, respectively, while S. cerevisiae Lalvin EC-1118 exhibited higher pyruvic acid production. Significant lower levels of total free amino acids were observed in samples inoculated with wine yeasts relative to other yeasts (P < 0.05). Non-soy sauce yeasts produced increased various levels of esters and alcohols without traditional fish sauce unpleasant odorants, especially K. marxianus NCYC1425 and P. kluyveri Frootzen. The results confirmed that non-soy sauce yeasts are suitable for fish sauce flavor compound modification and to develop a fast fermentation process for saltless fish sauce from fish head, which could increase the acceptability of fish sauce and improve the utilization of fish by-products.

The effects of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) on the physiological properties of some drupe trees in Turkey

In the present study, the effects of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) on the physiological properties of drupe trees were investigated. In order to achieve this goal, sulfhydryl, chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, total amino acid, proline, carotenoid, glucose, and fructose levels, as well as leaf proportional water contents were determined in both mistletoe and its hosts under laboratory conditions. According to the results, mistletoe caused a significant decrease in water content and reduced total ascorbic acid content in apricot, almond, and plum. Additionally, mistletoe did not affect the total amino acid, glucose, and fructose concentrations of the hosts. Carotenoid and total chlorophyll contents, on the other hand, were statistically similar in the control and hosts in almond and apricot. It was also observed that mistletoe had virtually no effect on the amount of chlorophyll a in all hosts; however, it affected chlorophyll b content. As a semiparasite, mistletoe caused branches to drift backwards from the tip of their shoots by using the water and other nutritional elements of the host tree, as well as clogging their xylems with its haustorium. In addition, mistletoe acts as a stress factor, increasing host proline and sulfhydryl levels and, thereby, causing the branches to drift backwards.

The effect of total sulfur amino acid levels on growth performance, egg quality, and bone metabolism in laying hens subjected to high environmental temperature

This study evaluated the effects of total sulfur amino acid (TSAA) levels on performance, egg quality, and bone metabolism in laying hens subjected or not to high environmental temperature (HT). HyLine W36 layers (n = 144) were randomly distributed in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Room temperature (control, CR: 21°C/24h; and high temperature, HR: 32°C/8h) and diets (70, 85, or 100% of TSAA) were the main factors, with 4 replicates of 6 birds (19 to 45 wk). The TSAA levels were obtained by adding L-Methionine (L-Met) to the basal diet (70% of TSAA) until 85 and 100% of TSAA were reached. At weeks 21, 34, and 45, growth performance, egg production, and egg quality traits were evaluated. At 45 wk, bones were evaluated for collagenous and non-collagenous proteins, bone volume, mineral content, and mineral density from total, cortical, trabecular, and medullary portions. When interactions were found, the increase of TSAA levels (85 and 100%) was able to counteract the negative effects of HT. In general, HT reduced egg production (P < 0.05) and did not significantly affect bone quality. The birds fed 70% of TSAA showed higher feed conversion, lower body weight, egg weight, and egg mass than birds fed 85 and 100% of TSAA in at least one phase. The birds fed 100% of TSAA showed higher egg production and egg mass than the other treatments at 21 wk of age. The cortical and trabecular bone mineral densities were higher for birds fed 100 than 70% of TSAA, whereas the medullary bone mineral content and density were higher for birds fed 70 than 100% of TSAA. In conclusion, HT had negative impact on performance, egg quality and no effect on bone development. The supplementation of L-Met until either 85 or 100% of TSAA levels were reached was enough to assure good performance, egg quality, and bone development in laying hens subjected or not to HT.

This Issue of Acta

This Issue of Acta

Effects of methionine and guanidinoacetic acid supplementation on performance and energy metabolites in breast muscle of male broiler chickens fed corn-soybean diets

ABSTRACT1. Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is the single endogenous precursor of creatine, which plays a critical role in energy homeostasis of cells. Since GAA is endogenously converted to creatine by methylation, it was hypothesised that the effects of dietary GAA supplementation might determine the methionine (Met) availability in corn-soybean based diets.2. A total of 540, one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated to nine dietary treatments with six replicates (10 birds each) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with three graded levels of supplementary Met (+0.4 g/kg per level), whilst cystine was equal across groups, resulting in a low, medium and high level of total sulphur amino acids, and with three levels of GAA (0, 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg). Birds were fed for 42 days.3. Increasing levels of supplemental Met enhanced performance indices in all rearing periods, although there was no effect on feed conversion ratio in the grower or feed intake in the finisher periods. Final body weight was 8.8% and 14.6% higher in the birds fed medium and high Met diets, respectively, compared to the low Met level. Relative breast weight and protein content in muscle on d 25 linearly increased with higher levels of Met. At low and high Met levels, growth in the finisher phase was negatively affected by supplementing GAA at 1.2 g/kg. It was suggested that disturbances in methylation homeostasis and/or changes in Arg metabolism might explain these findings. At the end of the grower phase, muscle creatine content was higher when feeding GAA at 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg (4464 and 4472, respectively, vs. 4054 mg/kg fresh muscle in the control group).4. The effects of dietary GAA supplementation were influenced by the dietary Met level only in the finisher period, which indicates the need for proper sulphur amino acid formulation in diets when feeding GAA.

Comparative Amino Acid Compositions of Uvaria chamae Stem Bark and Poly Herbal Mixture

The study evaluated comparative amino acids compositions of Uvaria chamae stem bark and Ruzu bitters. The amino acids compositions were determined using amino acid analyzer. The result of amino acid composition showed that eighteen amino acids were detected in both samples. Ten of the detected amino acids were essential amino acids and eight were non-essential. Glumatic acid had the highest concentration of 10.90 and 5.15 g/100g protein in Uvaria chamae stem bark and Ruzu bitters followed by aspartic acid with values of 8.40 and 3.44 g/100 g protein in Uvaria chamae stem bark and Ruzu bitters respectively. Leucine was the next amino acid in Uvaria chamae stem bark and Ruzu bitters followed by arginine. Uvaria chamae stem bark had the highest level of total amino acids of 72.66 g/100 g protein and Ruzu bitters had 32.17 g/100 g protein. For the EAA, it was 34.41 g/100 g for Uvaria chamae &gt;17.44 g/100 g for Ruzu bitter. The highest essential amino acid (EAA) was leucine (6.13 and 3.56 g/100 g) in Uvaria chamae stem bark and Ruzu bitters. The total sulphur amino acid was generally low at 1.01-1.78 g/100 g but the % Cysteine in total sulphur amino acid (TSAA) was slightly high at 47.05% for Ruzu bitters but lower in Uvaria chamae stem bark (27.44%). The percentage coefficient variance (CV %) of the amino acid values were generally high with the exception of isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine, methionine, leucine, cysteine and alanine with respective CV % values of 27.32, 31.97, 33.68, 37.50, 37.53, 38.81 and 39.05 while rest of CV % values ranged from 50.69-94.53 showing the gap of the amino acid values in the two samples to each other. The results of this study indicate that Uvaria chamae stem bark is richer in essential amino acid while % Cys/TSAA value is higher in Ruzu bitters.