Low Nutrient Density Research Articles

Mapping taste and flavour traits to genetic markers in lettuce Lactuca sativa

Lettuce is the most highly consumed raw leafy vegetable crop eaten worldwide, making it nutritionally important in spite of its comparatively low nutrient density in relation to other vegetables. However, the perception of bitterness caused by high levels of sesquiterpenoid lactones and comparatively low levels of sweet tasting sugars limits palatability. To assess variation in nutritional and taste-related metabolites we assessed 104 members of a Lactuca sativa cv. Salinas x L. serriola (accession UC96US23) mapping population. Plants were grown in three distinct environments, and untargeted NMR and HPLC were used as a rapid chemotyping method, from which 63 unique Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) were identified. We were able to identify putative regulatory candidate genes underlying the QTL for fructose on linkage group 9, which accounted for up to 36 % of our population variation, and which was stable across all three growing environments; and for 15-p-hydroxyyphenylacetyllactucin-8-sulfate on linkage group 5 which has previously been identified for its low bitterness, while retaining anti-herbivory field effects. We also identified a candidate gene for flavonoid 3′,5′- hydroxylase underlying a polyphenol QTL on linkage group 5, and two further candidate genes in sugar biosynthesis on linkage groups 2 and 5. Collectively these candidate genes and their associated markers can inform a route for plant breeders to improve the palatability and nutritional value of lettuce in their breeding programmes.

Frequency of consumption of selected foods by people with acne vulgaris.

Acne is an inflammatory disease affecting adolescents during puberty, but also adults. Determinants of acne may include genetic predisposition as well as diet. The Western diet is rich in processed products with low nutrient density, resulting in a lack of supply of many essential minerals that are needed for the body to function properly. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary behaviour of people with acne vulgaris and respondents' selfassessment of the severity of acne lesions after consumption of selected products. The study was carried out by means of an online, self-administered questionnaire, a link to which was inserted in group of people struggling with acne on a social network. More than half of the respondents said that acne was present in their parents. Almost 91% of the women surveyed said that acne lesions were exacerbated before menstruation. Respondents were most often treated by a dermatologist. The most common foods consumed by the respondents were milk and milk products and wheat bread. The least frequently consumed products were: sultanas, cornflakes, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Statistical analysis showed a strong strength of association between consumption of white rice, fast food, omega-6-rich oils on the severity of acne lesions, while sultana consumption was very strong correlated. In addition, the study showed an almost certain correlation regarding the consumption of white flour pasta on acne lesions. Statistical analysis showed a relationship between the consumption of white rice, white flour pasta, fast food products, sultanas, oils rich in omega-6 fats and the exacerbation of acne lesions.

Ultra-Processed Foods-Dietary Foe or Potential Ally?

The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has steadily increased in the United States. Health experts attribute the increasing prevalence of NCDs, in part, to the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) based on epidemiological observations. However, no definitive evidence of causality has been established. Consequently, there is an ongoing debate over whether adverse health outcomes may be due to the low nutrient density per kilocalorie, the processing techniques used during the production of UPFs, taste preference-driven overconsumption of calories, or unidentified factors. Recognizing that "the science is not settled," we propose an investigative process in this narrative review to move the field beyond current controversies and potentially identify the basis of causality. Since many consumers depend on UPFs due to their shelf stability, affordability, availability, ease of use, and safety from pathogens, we also suggest a paradigm for guiding both the formulation of UPFs by food designers and the selection of UPFs by consumers.

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.

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.

Chromium propionate supplementation to energy- and protein-reduced diets reduces feed consumption but improves feed conversion ratio of yellow-feathered male broilers in the early period and improves meat quality

Growth performance and carcass traits may be retarded by low nutrient density diets. Organic chromium propionate (CrProp) can improve growth, carcass traits, and meat quality in farmed lambs, white broilers, and fish. Limited data regarding CrProp's impacts on yellow feathered broilers are available. Eight hundred yellow-feathered male broilers (1-d old) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary groups and reared for 56 d. The trial was a 2 (dietary nutrient density) ×2 (CrProp) factorial arrangement with 4 diets: regular nutrient diet and low nutrient density (LND, reduction in metabolizable energy by 81 kcal and crude protein by 0.43%) diet supplemented with or without 200 mg/kg CrProp. Broilers were euthanized at d 56 after blood collection. The results indicated that the LND diet led to greater average daily feed intake (ADFI) from d 1 to 42 and feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 22 to 42 (P < 0.05). Supplementation of CrProp improved body weight (BW) from d 1 to 56, average daily gain (ADG), and FCR during d 1 to 42 but reduced ADFI during d 1 to 21, as well as lowered abdominal fat percentage (P < 0.05). Supplementation with CrProp to regular and LND diets reduced ADFI but improved FCR from d 1 to 21 (P < 0.05). The LND diet lowered total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) concentration and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the jejunal mucosa. CrProp elevated T-AOC levels and glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px, P < 0.05). Dietary CrProp upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of fatty acid transporter (FABP1) gene and peptide transporter (Pept1) gene. CrProp administration increased jejunal FABP1 expression and lowered cooking loss of breast meat (P <0.05) in the LND group while reducing shear force (P = 0.009) of broilers treated by regular diet. In summary, CrProp administration to the LND diet can improve growth performance in the starter period and meat quality on d 56, possibly through upregulated nutrient transporter gene expression in the jejunum and enhanced antioxidant capability.

Simulating a reference medium for determining bacterial growth in hospital wastewater for Raman spectroscopic investigation

Wastewater is a very complex and diverse medium, which despite low nutrient density still harbors bacteria. Especially the wastewater from hospitals contains a high germ load. However, wastewater is also very variable and differs not only from day to day, but also from house to house. Since wastewater is always changing and medium has an impact on Raman spectra of bacteria, it is necessary to find a surrogate material in which bacteria can be cultured to mimic a real hospital wastewater sample. In this study, we investigate two different artificial wastewaters for their abilities as a good alternative to real wastewater from the Jena University Hospital and to serve as a reference material for bacterial cultivation with subsequent Raman measurement. Each of the artificial wastewater on its own was not suitable to be used as a reference medium. Only the combination of the two simulated wastewaters achieved satisfactory results in the Raman spectroscopic identification of bacteria from real wastewater. These results could be used later in new experiments as a reference dataset to identify bacteria from real hospital wastewater samples.

Sedentary Activities and Food Intake among Children and Adolescents in the Zhejiang Province of China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Sedentary behavior may affect the types of food consumed in children and adolescents' daily diets. Previous published studies are limited to local surveys. This study aimed to explore the relationship between sedentary behavior and food intake among children and adolescents. A stratified sampling technique was employed in the present cross-sectional study. Demographic characteristics, sedentary behavior, transportation modes, and food intake were investigated. We found that children and adolescents who watched movies or TV programs online or on their smartphones on weekends and who chatted online on weekends, including on QQ (an instant messaging software service) and WeChat (an instant messaging software service), increased their intake of instant noodles and fried pasta (Spearman's rho = 0.468, 0.575, 0.465, and 0.323; p < 0.05). Children and adolescents who chatted online on weekends, including on QQ and WeChat, increased their intake of tofu skin (Spearman's rho = 0.461; p < 0.05), and those who browsed online on weekdays increased their intake of whole-fat liquid milk (Spearman's rho = 0.455; p < 0.05). Children and adolescents who browsed and chatted online on weekends, including on QQ and WeChat, and who played computer or smartphone games, increased their intake of fried potato chips (French fries or other fried snacks) (Spearman's rho = 0.568, 0.270, and 0.412; p < 0.05). With respect to modes of transportation used to travel to and from school, children and adolescents who took buses and subways increased their intake of rice, instant noodles, sweet potatoes, soybean milk, tofu skin, processed meat products (sausage, ham sausage, or lunch meat), fish, shrimp, vegetables, nuts, and sweet cookies (buns, cakes, Dim sum, and moon cakes) (Spearman's rho = 0.394, 0.536, 0.630, 0.408, 0.485, 0.441,0.410, 0.424, 0.444, 0.541, and 0.366; p < 0.05). Sedentary behavior affects the types of food consumed in children and adolescents' daily diets. Children and adolescents who browsed online on weekdays increased their intake of whole-fat liquid milk, but also increased their intake of foods with high fat, high salt, and low nutrient density. Children and adolescents taking buses and subways increased their intake of low-nutrition quality products. Public awareness efforts should focus on reducing the consumption of low-nutrition quality products and nutritional education.

Validation and reliability for the updated REAP-S dietary screener, (Rapid Eating Assessment of Participants, Short Version, v.2)

BackgroundThe American Heart Association (AHA) chose the REAP-S dietary screener in 2020 as one of three US dietary screeners recommended for integrating dietary assessment into clinical care. The REAP-S v.2 is an updated version that is aligned with the 2020–2025 US Dietary Guidelines and is easily incorporated into electronic medical records and taught to medical students.MethodsThe University of New England, Institutional Review Board, approved the study protocol. We evaluated the reliability and validity of the REAP-S v.2 scale by having first-year medical students (n = 167) complete both the REAP-S v.2 and a three-day food record and then analyzing their data with the following statistical techniques: Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed with exploratory factor analysis. Criterion validity was evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) that explored the associations between REAP-S v.2 scale item responses and selected nutrient estimates from the food record analyses. The hierarchical cluster analysis classified healthy and unhealthy diet grouping under each subscale. Further using these groupings, cut points for "good" and "bad" diets for each of the three main REAP-S v.2 subscales (Food Sufficiency/Food Insufficiency; Healthy Eating Pattern and Low Nutrient Density Foods) were calculated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Students analyzed their three-day food intake records using an online USDA application called SuperTracker.ResultsThe Cronbach’s alpha measuring internal consistency was acceptable for the overall scale at 0.71. The exploratory factor analysis extracted three factors that roughly paralleled the three main subscales, suggesting construct validity. Most selected food record-derived nutrient values were significantly associated with scale items confirming criterion validity. The score cut points suggest that dietary counseling might be needed at ≤ 8, ≤ 10, and ≤ 16 for the above subscales.ConclusionThe REAP-S v.2 is intended for clinicians to use as a brief dietary screener with their patients. Tested in a population of first-year medical students, the REAP-S v.2 brief dietary screener showed acceptable internal consistency, criterion, and construct validity. It is easily scored and incorporated into the electronic medical record.

Poor Quality Diets Characterized by Low-Nutrient Density Foods Observed in One-Quarter of 2-Year-Olds in a High Resource Setting

BackgroundYoung children have high nutritional requirements relative to their body size, making healthy diets critical for normal growth and development. ObjectiveWe aimed to integrate analysis of dietary patterns among 2-y-old children with indicators of dietary quality, micronutrient status, and body weight status. MethodsData from the 2-y follow-up of the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort included dietary assessment using a 2-d weighed food diary, vitamin D and iron status biomarkers, and anthropometry (n = 468). K-means cluster analysis identified predominant dietary patterns based on energy contributions and associations with nutrient intakes and status and body weight were investigated. ResultsFour dietary patterns emerged: “Cows’ milk” (unmodified cows’ milk: 32% of total energy (TE)); “Traditional” (wholemeal breads, butter, fresh meat, fruit); “Low Nutrient Density (LND) foods” (confectionary, processed meat, convenience foods) and “Formula” (young child formula: 23%TE). The LND pattern was associated with excessive free sugar intake (14%TE) and salt intake (153% of daily limit). No differences in patterns of overweight were observed between the 4 groups; however, the LND group had 3-fold higher odds of being underweight [aOR (95% CI): 3.2 (1.2, 8.5)]. Children consuming >400ml/d of cows' milk or formula exhibited lower dietary variety, fewer family-type meals, and continued use of feeding bottles (75% and 81%, respectively, vs. 35-37% in the other groups). ConclusionsUnhealthy eating habits are common among young children. Dietary guidance to support families to provide healthy diets needs to maintain currency with eating habits and focus on food choices for meals, snacks, and beverages.

Exploring the underutilized novel foods and starches for formulation of low glycemic therapeutic foods: a review.

Rising incidences of life-style disorders like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are a matter of concern coupled with escalated consumption of highly refined and high energy foods with low nutrient density. Food choices of consumers have witnessed significant changes globally with rising preference to highly processed palatable foods. Thus, it calls food scientists, researchers and nutritionists' attention towards developing and promoting pleasant-tasting yet healthy foods with added nutritional benefits. This review highlights selected underutilized and novel ingredients from different food sources and their by-products that are gaining popularity because of their nutrient density, that can be employed to improve the nutritional quality of conventionally available empty-calorie foods. It also emphasizes on the therapeutic benefits of foods developed from these understudied grains, nuts, processing by-products of grains, fruits- and vegetable-byproducts and nutraceutical starches. This review aims to draw attention of food scientists and industrialists towards popularizing the utilization of these unconventional, yet nutrient rich foods sources in improving the nutritional profile of the conventional foods lacking in nutrient density.

Effect of feed form and nutrient density on growth performance, blood parameters, and intestinal traits in broiler breeder pullets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed form and nutrient density on growth performance, blood parameters, and intestinal traits of broiler breeder pullets during grower (7-19 wk) and pre-breeder (19 weeks to 5% production) periods. A total of 450 female broiler breeder pullets were used in a completely randomized design with a 3×2 factorial arrangement including 3 feed forms (mash, crumble, and pellet) and 2 nutrient densities (standard diet with the nutrient requirement of Ross 308 parent stock nutrition specification, and diluted diet by using sunflower hull to have 10% lower nutrient than the standard diet). Five replicates with 15 pullets per replicate were allocated to each of the 6 treatments. Blood samples were collected at 19 wk of age. Egg production reached 5% in the mid of 25 wk. Results showed that pullets fed crumble or pellet diets had greater body weight gain and a lower feed to gain ratio (F:G; P < 0.001). Diet dilution led to a decrease in body weight gain while increasing the F:G (P < 0.05). Pullets fed the pellet diets had shorter eating times than those fed crumble diets, whereas the longest eating time belonged to pullets fed mash diets (P < 0.001). Pullets fed pellet diet had a greater heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratio than those fed crumble or mash diets (P=0.007). Diluting the diet led to a decrease in the H/L ratio (P=0.026). Neither feed form nor nutrient density had a significant effect on body weight uniformity, blood glucose and lipid concentrations, liver enzyme activities, and intestinal traits (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that pelleted or crumbled diets with lower nutrient density can be considered in broiler breeder's pullets feeding with no detrimental effect on their performance or health state.

The Triple Burden of Malnutrition in the Era of Globalization.

The term "triple burden of malnutrition" refers to the coexistence of undernutrition (stunting and wasting), micronutrient deficiencies (often termed hidden hunger), and overnutrition (overweight and obesity). The three elements of the triple burden of malnutrition can be found simultaneously within many low-income populations and even within single families. There are common underlying causes to each element of the triple burden of malnutrition. In broad terms, these are as follows: poverty - a lack of access to the most nourishing foods; poor dietary choices - a lack of knowledge about what constitutes the most nourishing foods and a healthy diet; and food supply chain - production and marketing of cheap, low-quality foods. It can be argued that the underlying influence of these distal factors is channeled through a single proximal cause - namely a low nutrient density of foods.

Nutrient Fate in the Full MAnure PHosphorus EXtraction (MAPHEX) System, and Design of a Simplified System (MAPHEX Lite)

Highlights The MAPHEX System removes and concentrates most of the P and other nutrients from liquid dairy manures. Most of the N and K are left in the liquid fraction for the beneficial use of the farmer. Design and expected performance of a simplified but much larger System is discussed. Abstract. The relatively recent concept of the manureshed highlights the problem of the broken nutrient cycle in modern animal agriculture and the low nitrogen:phosphorus ratio in manure relative to crop requirement that results in P accumulation in soils near source areas. One solution to avoid P accumulation is to transport the manure to soils with a deficit of P, but liquid manure’s bulkiness and low nutrient density present challenges for transport over great distances. While the full MAnure PHosphorus EXtraction (MAPHEX) System has shown to be capable of removing greater than 90% of the P from liquid manures while leaving much of the N in the liquid fraction for use on the farm, other nutrients present in manures in lesser amounts than N and P have not been reported on. This study indicates that both the full MAPHEX System and a newly designed MAPHEX Lite System, that not only conserves more N but is more efficient and less costly, are highly efficient at extracting and concentrating most nutrients in solid form while leaving most of the N and K in the liquid phase for beneficial use by the farmer near the manure source. Therefore, it seems clear that both Systems, and the components they include have the potential to play a significant role in manureshed management. Keywords: Chemical treatment, Liquid-solid separation, Manure, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Treatment systems.

Effect of a Combination of Lysolecithin, Synthetic Emulsifier and Monoglycerides on the Apparent Ileal Digestibility, Metabolizable Energy and Growth Performance of Growing Pigs.

Two studies were conducted to determine the impact of an absorption enhancer containing a combination of lysophospholipids, monoglycerides and synthetic emulsifiers (LEX) on apparent ileal digestibility, metabolizable energy (ME), and growth performance of growing pigs. In the digestibility study, 12 male crossbred [Duroc x (Large White x Landrace)] pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 30 kg were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments: (1) a positive control (PC) receiving standard diets formulated to 3100 kcal ME/kg, and (2) a negative control formulated with −100 kcal ME/kg and −2.5% AA content vs. PC and supplemented with LEX at 500 g/t. Apparent ileal digestibility of essential AA was significantly increased for lysine, methionine, threonine, histidine, isoleucine and phenylalanine in the LEX treatment (p < 0.05). Average uplift in AA digestibility as a percent of the PC was +1.88%; with greatest improvement for histidine (+4.22%). LEX supplementation effectively compensated energy deficiency of low-density diet and provided additional ME improvement compared to the PC diet (p < 0.05). A second study was conducted to evaluate LEX dose response on the growth performance of pigs fed a low nutrient density diet. Total 450 cross-bred pigs (240 males (castrated) and 210 females) [Duroc x (Large White x Landrace)] with an average initial BW of 7.19 kg were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatments: (1) a positive control (PC) formulated with standard specifications, (2) a negative control formulated with −100 kcal ME/kg and −2.5% AA content vs. the PC (NC), (3) NC + LEX at 250 g/t (NC + 250) and (4) NC + LEX at 500 g/t (NC + 500). Results showed significant improvement with LEX supplementation on the final BW, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of pigs of >50 kg body weight. Across the study, NC + 500 significantly increased ADG vs. PC and NC, and significantly reduced FCR compared to all other treatments. FCR of negative control diets improved by 9 and 15 points with the supplementation of 250 g/t and 500 g/t of LEX, respectively (p < 0.05). FCR in the NC + 250 diet was statistically similar vs. PC, which was significantly reduced compared to the NC. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the addition of an absorption enhancer containing a combination of lysophospholipids, monoglycerides and synthetic emulsifiers can improve growth performance in growing pigs, driven by increased nutrient digestibility and retention.

How processed is the hospital menu? An analysis based on NOVA food scoring system

Having healthier, less processed hospital menus is an emerging issue. Diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) have lower nutrient density, but the incidence of UPF in hospital menus has not been previously addressed. The present study determined the presence of UPF, minimally processed foods (MPF) and processed culinary ingredients (PCI) and their correlations with provided energy and nutrients. We recorded the hospital diet for 14 consecutive days and analyzed it with the USDA database, and published NOVA values. The NOVA score of the menu was 1.90, 1.80-1.93, while the energy from UPF was 25.2%, 23.2%-29.9% (medians, interquartile ranges). Energy from UPF was positively related to beta-cryptoxanthin and negatively associated with dietary cholesterol and manganese. In contrast, the energy from MPF and PCI was positively associated with energy, protein, zinc, selenium, iron and B12. In conclusion, MPF and PCI in hospital diets relate to higher energy, protein and several micronutrients, which is essential to combat hospital malnutrition.

The role of hen body weight and diet nutrient density in an extended laying cycle

The egg production (EP), egg quality and health of heavier or lighter hens fed a diet of either higher nutrient density (HND) or lower nutrient density (LND) during early lay, was assessed at very late lay. Based on their body weight (BW) at 18 wk of age (WOA) ISA Brown pullets were allocated as either heavier weight (HW; average 1.65 kg) or lighter weight (LW: average 1.49 kg). Half of each BW group received the HND (2,901 kcal/kg; 17.6% crude protein (CP) or LND (2726 kcal/kg, 16.4% CP) diet from 18 to 24 WOA. From 25 to 90 WOA all birds received identical early, then mid and late-lay diets. Hen BW was measured after peak-lay (36 WOA) and at 90 WOA. At 89 WOA and across 18 to 36 and 18 to 89 WOA feed intake (FI), EP, egg mass (EM), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. Eggshell quality, breast score, relative ovary weight and liver and bone health were evaluated in very late lay. Differences in BW continued to 90 WOA. At 36 WOA HW hens produced heavier eggs, and had higher 18 to 36 WOA cumulative FI, EM (P < 0.001) and FCR (P < 0.05). When 89 WOA HW birds consumed more feed (P < 0.001) but EP, EM and FCR did not differ from LW hens. Cumulatively, 18 to 89 WOA FI and EM were higher for HW hens (P < 0.05), but cumulative EP and FCR was not different. The early-lay HND diet improved very late lay eggshell thickness (P < 0.05) and shell breaking strength (P=0.05). Lighter hens fed HND and HW hens fed LND diet produced heavier eggs, higher relative oviduct weight and lower liver lipid peroxidase in very late lay (P < 0.05). Bone strength did not differ, but LW hens had higher femoral manganese and zinc (P < 0.05), lowering their likelihood of osteoporosis. Overall LW hens sustained EP throughout a longer laying cycle with beneficial bone characteristics. The HND diet improved eggshell strength and, in LW hens reduced hepatic oxidation.

Influence of income on diet quality and daily iron and zinc intake: analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of British females aged 11–14 and 15–18 years

PurposeA negative socio-economic gradient exists for diet and health outcomes. Since cheaper diets are associated with increased energy and lower nutrient density, we investigated the influence of income on iron and zinc intakes and overall diet quality for adolescent (DQI-A) females aged 11–18 years.MethodsNational Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS years 7 and 8) data for iron and zinc intake and overall diet quality was assessed by household income quintile across females aged 11–18 years.ResultsEquivalised household income positively correlated with Diet quality index for adolescents (DQI-A) (P < 0.001) Females aged 15–18 years in income quintiles (IQs) I and 2, had a greater proportion of respondents with low to intermediate DQI-A score compared to higher IQs (P = 0.002). NDNS data showed intake was negatively influenced by income amongst females aged 11–14 years for iron (P = 0.009) and zinc (P = 0.001) with those from the lowest incomes consistently consuming significantly less than those from the highest. DQI-A was positively correlated with iron intakes for 11–14 (P = 0.001) and 15–18 years (P < 0.001). Forty-one percent of 15–18-year-olds plasma ferritin stores were below the 15 µg L−1 and 21% had some form of anaemia. Cereal and cereal products were the greatest contributors to iron in all groups.ConclusionFemales in the lowest income groups are at greater risk of lower overall diet quality and inadequate iron and zinc intakes. Amongst older adolescents, there is evidence of iron stores being depleted and an increased prevalence of anaemia.

Solid state fermentation improves the quality of soy-cassava diet

Abstract Cassava is used as a staple food in many developing countries despite its low nutrient density. Fortification of cassava diets is needed for the prevention of malnutrition and achievement of food security. Cassava-soybean complementary foods were formulated from natural and solid state fermented cassava complemented with soybean. The proximate composition, physicochemical properties, nutritional quality, and sensory properties of the samples were determined (Table 2). The moisture content (7.51%) and ash (3.81%) content of the solid state fermented (SSF) cassava flour complemented with un-defatted soybean flour was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than of the other samples. Solid state fermentation (SSF) led to the highest reduction in viscosity (from 2,855 to 2,052 cPs). Average weight gain and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of experimental animals fed SSF cassava were the highest. The colour and aroma of SSF diets and that of fermented cassava samples were similar (P &gt; 0.05). The texture of diets from SSF cassava were inferior (P &lt; 0.05) to the other samples. Solid state fermentation of cassava with Rhizopus oligosporus and supplementation with soybean can be used to produce a complementary food that is nutrient dense and nutritionally adequate, although the texture of the product might need to be improved.

Effectivity of Dry and Liquid BS4 Enzymes in Improving Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Different Nutrient Density Diet

Supplementation of enzymes in feed is now commonly practiced to increase the nutrient availability of feed and the performance of poultry. A new enzyme called BS4 was produced by cultivating Eupenicilium javanicum. It is necessary to test the efficacy of this enzyme since the effectiveness of enzyme supplementation depends on many factors. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary BS4 enzyme supplementation in improving the performance of broiler chickens. A number of 300 broilers DOC was distributed into 30 pens and reared until 35 d. Six experimental diets i.e., factorial of 2 (Standard diet, and low nutrient density diet) X 3 (Control, BS4 liquid enzyme, and BS4 powder enzyme) were formulated with 5 replications. The performance (feed intake, body weight, FCR, and survival rates) were observed during the starter (1-21 d) and whole (1-35 d) periods. At the end of the trial, measurements were also made on the carcass yield, abdominal fat, liver, and gizzard weights. Results showed that performances of broilers from 1-35 d were not significantly affected by interaction between nutrient density and enzyme supplement. The nutrient density also did not affect performances of broilers. However, dietary enzyme supplementation significantly reduced feed intake and improved FCR of broilers as compared to the control. Supplementation of BS4 in liquid or powder form, reduced feed intake by 3.6%. Supplementation of liquid and powder BS4 enzymes improved FCR by 6.4% and 8.9%, respectively, but no different effect between liquid and powder BS4 enzymes on performance of broilers. Nutrient density, enzyme supplementation, and interactions between the two factors did not significantly influence carcass yield, abdominal fat, liver, and gizzard relative weights of broilers.