Main Protein Source Research Articles

Estimating Herbaceous Aboveground Biomass Using an Indirect Method Based on the Herbaceous Layer Characteristics

Background: In the Sahel, one of the largest semi-arid areas in the world, pastoral livestock is the main source of protein for the local population. The quantification of herbaceous biomass in the Sahelian rangelands is of major importance since it provides food for the livestock. The main method used to monitor the biomass consists of cutting, drying, and weighting it. However, indirect methods are available and allow a reliable biomass estimation. Methods: In this study, we developed a non-destructive method for estimating herbaceous biomass for the Sahelian rangelands based on measurements of its height and coverage. Results: Results show that the fit is better in the fenced area. The volume index (height × coverage) provides a better biomass prediction with relative differences between measured and predicted biomass of 11% in 2017 and 8% in 2019. Conclusions: Monitoring herbaceous biomass without destroying it is possible by measuring only its height and coverage.

Effects of replacement soybean meal with fermented cassava pulp by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in DIETS on Rumen fermentation in growing goats.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with fermented cassava pulp by Saccharomyces cerevisiae (FCSC) in the diet of growing goats. Growing goats were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments according to replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design. Dietary treatments were five levels of replacement SBM to FCSC at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of crude protein in concentrates. The results showed that total dry matter intake (DMI, g/day) was increased (P < 0.05) with increasing FCSC. The highest for body weight change was found in 75% replacement of SBM by FCSC. The results suggested that FCSC could replace up to 75% of SBM in concentrate of growing goats fed rice straw as roughage. Based on this result, using 75% FCSC as the main source of protein to completely replace soybean meal was beneficial to growing goats in terms of feed intake and productive performance.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales in human health: Experience from the tricycle project, Ghana.

Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, are at increased risk of potentially life-threatening infections with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) for both mother and newborn. However, data regarding ESBL-E carriage and associated risk factors in Ghanaian pregnant women remain scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL-E carriage and its associated risk factors among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. A systematic sample of 700 pregnant women with gestational age ≥ 34 weeks attending the antenatal clinic at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital was included in the study. After administering a structured questionnaire to assess potential risk factors associated with ESBL-E carriage, patients were given a sterile stool container to submit at least 1 g of stool specimen. Recovered isolates from faecal specimens were identified using MALDI-TOF-MS technology. These isolates were then subjected to susceptibility testing and ESBL identification. A random subset of 24 ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolates was whole-genome sequenced on the MiSeq Illumina platform. Risk factors associated with ESBL-E carriage were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Among the 700 pregnant women, 42% (294) carried ESBL-E. The predominant ESBL-producing Enterobacterales were Escherichia coli (95%). Fifty percent (50%) of ESBL-E were multidrug resistant isolates (MDRs). Whole-genome sequencing of 24 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates revealed that blaCTX-M-15 (96%) was the most prevalent ESBL gene type. Notably, most isolates belonged to commensal phylogenetic groups (A, B1, and C; 88%). Having a primary level of education (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.05-1.96) and consuming legumes as the main source of protein (aOR 0.17, 0.40-0.83) were significantly associated with intestinal carriage of ESBL-E. This study identified a high prevalence of ESBL-E and MDR-ESBL-E carriage among pregnant women. Our findings underscore the urgent need for public health interventions to control the spread of AMR.

The protein transition—environmental footprints of farmed fish, microalgae and chicken for food, a case study in Kenya

AbstractChallenges of land scarcity, climate change and water shortage are contributing to escalating the shortage of protein rich food in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya a total of 27.8% of the population was undernourished, and a total of 72.3% were categorised as moderately or severe food insecure in 2021–2022. The need to investigate alternative protein sources with less impacts on land, water and climate change, which potentially could replace, at least some of the current production of livestock as the main protein source, is getting increasingly urgent. The main aim of this study is therefore to conduct an environmental footprint analysis of favourable protein production systems in Kenya to evaluate environmental impacts on land, water, and climate. The methodological approach used in this study is referred to as environmental footprint analysis, which is applied to assess; (1) farmed fish in ponds, (2) farmed fish in solar based affordable recirculation aquaculture systems (A-RAS), (3) dried spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis), and (4) chicken from semi-intensive farms. The results show that the most promising alternatives to cattle production are dried spirulina produced in ponds, followed by fish produced in affordable recirculation systems (A-RAS) run on solar energy. Spirulina fully replacing beef production would reduce water usage with 34.7 billion m3/year, land/water surface area with 34.8 thousand km2/year, and GHG emission with 28.2 megaton CO2eq/year. For fish farmed in A-RAS, such replacement would reduce water, land and emissions with 30.7 billion m3/year, 32.0 thousand km2/ year and 23.0 megaton CO2eq/year, respectively. This study illustrates that it is possible to tackle urgent challenges of food and nutrition security for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide with a sustainable protein transition towards a more sustainable, inclusive production system of small-scale farmers, if making use of alternative protein sources, such as from solar based A-RAS and microalgae.

Isotopic evidence of diet breadth hunter-gatherers changes during the Holocene in the Central Pampean Dunefields (Argentina, South America).

Based on the analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes of bone collagen, stable carbon isotopes of bone apatite and an extensive AMS dating series (~10,000-299 years cal BP), the human paleodiets of 34 individuals from the Central Pampean Dunefields (Argentina, South America) are evaluated. These data are interpreted from the isotopic ecology of animals with archaeofaunal evidence of consumption and isotopic models of human diet. Multivariate carbon and nitrogen stable isotope model and Bayesian stable isotope ellipses were used to interpret human diets. Analysis of isotopic values indicates intake of enriched lipids and/or carbohydrates in relation to the proteins consumed throughout the Holocene. The isotopic values of Middle Holocene humans in relation to the values of exploited resources point out that individuals obtained protein mainly from guanaco. Subsequently, there was an increase in the human breadth diet during the Late Holocene, with a greater relevance of small prey of high trophic levels and vegetables. This contrasts with zooarchaeological information indicating generalist human diets during the Middle Holocene and specialized human diets in guanaco during the Late Holocene. It is proposed that during the Middle Holocene arid period, the combination of low human population density and high residential mobility in wide foraging ranges allowed the guanaco to be the main source of protein. During the Late Holocene humid period, there was an increase in human population density and a decrease in residential mobility, which caused greater pressure on foraging territories and increased dietary breadth.

Effects of dietary protein levels with cottonseed protein concentrate inclusion on growth, feed utilization, liver health and intestinal microbiota of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

An 8-weeks growth trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein levels mainly based on cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) meal on growth performance, protein metabolism, liver health and intestinal microbiota of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) juveniles. Five isolipidic (100 g/kg) diets were prepared with protein levels ranging from 400 to 560 g/kg, with CPC of 155 g/kg, 214 g/kg, 272 g/kg, 330 g/kg, 390 g/kg to obtain five experimental diets with gradient protein levels (399.9 g/kg, 428.0 g/kg, 462.8 g/kg, 503.5 g/kg and 541.5 g/kg, respectively (CPC1, CPC2, CPC3, CPC4 and CPC5)). 300 fish (initial body weight: 14.71 ± 0.50 g) were randomly assigned into 15 tanks (3 tanks per diet). The results showed that, the fish of CPC5 group had the highest specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG) and feed efficiency (FE) (P < 0.05). Increased dietary protein up-regulated most liver key genes of mTOR pathway (akt, tor, s6k, 4ebp1, s6) while down-regulated atf4 at medium dietary protein (P < 0.05). The expression of fas was down-regulated with increased dietary protein, while dgat1 was higher at CPC5 group (P < 0.05). The genes related to lipolysis were up-regulated with increased dietary protein (P < 0.05). The key genes of apoptosis including bcl2, casp9, casp3 (apoptosis) oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress were significantly up-regulated at high dietary protein (P < 0.05), which reduced the antioxidant and anti-stress capacity of the liver. Dietary 462.8 g/kg protein could maintain the normal composition and metabolic function of intestinal microbiota. In summary, dietary protein requirement using CPC as main protein source was estimated to be 463 g/kg to 510 g/kg for liver health or best growth of largemouth bass juveniles.

Analyzing the Role of Different Molybdenum doses and Rhizobium Inoculation in Optimizing Nutrient Absorption and Yield in Vegetable Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cv. AVCP 1

Legumes, along with cereals, can be considered a main plant source of energy and quality proteins. A versatile legume crop, cowpeas offer economic, agronomic, environmental, and nutritional advantages. Cowpeas have a high total protein level and a relatively low fat content, making them nutritionally similar to other pulses. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different rates of ammonium molybdate and Rhizobium inoculation on the yield and nutrient uptake of vegetable cowpea. There were 12 treatment combinations comprising six concentrations of molybdenum i.e. M0:control, M1: soil application of molybdenum @ 200 g ha-1, M2: soil application of molybdenum @ 300 g ha-1, M3: seed treatment of molybdenum 25 g ha-1 seeds, M4: seed treatment of molybdenum 50 g ha-1 seeds and M5: seed treatment of molybdenum 6 ml kg-1 seeds and two levels of Rhizobium i.e. R0: without Rhizobium seed treatment, R1: with Rhizobium (10 ml kg-1 seed) seed treatment in a Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with three replications. Results indicated that the application of ammonium molybdate and Rhizobium inoculation significantly improved total cowpea yield. The highest yield was observed with the treatment combination of 300 g ha⁻¹ ammonium molybdate (M₂) and Rhizobium inoculation (R₁). Nutrient analysis revealed that phosphorus, potassium and iron content in cowpea pods significantly increased with ammonium molybdate and Rhizobium treatments. The highest phosphorus and potassium contents were recorded with M₂ treatment, while the maximum iron content was found in M₃ treatment. Rhizobium treated seeds (R₁) also enhanced phosphorus, potassium and iron content in the pods. In terms of nutrient uptake, the highest nitrogen and phosphorus uptake were observed with the combined M₂R₁ treatment. Similarly, the highest potassium uptake in pods and total potassium uptake were recorded with M₂R₁ treatment, respectively. The interaction between ammonium molybdate and Rhizobium inoculation showed significant effects on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake, highlighting the importance of these treatments in enhancing cowpea nutrient absorption and yield. The use of biofertilizers can be highly successful in restoring agricultural soil, and this study highlights the possibility of combining Rhizobium inoculation with ammonium molybdate treatment to maximize nutrient uptake and enhance cowpea yield in sustainable agriculture production.

Determination of the Impact of Extruded Soybean Press Cake on Rearing and Health Indices of Piglets

The study was conducted to evaluate the alternative to imported soybean meal—extruded soybean press cake—in feeding weaning pigs. The experiment was carried out with 20 35-day-old weaned pigs weighing about 8.8 kg, divided into 2 groups (10 pigs in each) differing in the main protein source: group I—control, solvent-extraction soybean meal, group II— extruded soybean press cake. The feed mixtures were iso-protein and iso-energetic. After 35 days of feeding, the pigs were slaughtered. The samples of blood, intestinal tissue and digesta, meat, and back fat were collected for analyses. Replacement of soybean meal with extruded soybean press cake in the weaners’ diet had no statistically significant effect on growth performance and feed utilization. Histomorphometry analysis of the intestines did not indicate any harmful changes. The soybean press cake did not affect the sum of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine, but the ammonia concentration was lower in the distal colon (p ≤ 0.05). It was found that the extruded soybean press cake in the feed significantly affected the fatty acid profile (p ≤ 0.05) of meat and back fat, increasing the amount of PUFAs; however, no negative impact on the durability of meat and back fat during storage was noted. In conclusion, the study confirmed the possibility of completely replacing solvent-extraction soybean meal with extruded soybean press cake in the feeding of weaned pigs.

The Shift Towards Plant-Based Lifestyles: Factors Driving Young Consumers’ Decisions to Choose Plant-Based Food Products

The shift in consumer dietary patterns from meat-based to plant-based food products has become a prominent trend worldwide. This shift is driven by various factors, including concerns about personal health and environmental awareness. Despite the global growth of the plant-based food industry, developing nations tend to be slow with adopting non-meat-based diets. This is mainly due to high levels of food insecurity and meat being the main source of protein, especially in countries like South Africa where food consumption is needs-based, and consumers are unaware of the environmental footprint of meat production. This paper is part of a two-phase study and reports on the quantitative results, which were obtained during the second phase. The main aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence consumers’ decisions to choose plant-based food products. The factors that were selected were informed by the thematic results from phase 1, which involved focus groups that explored consumers’ opinions and behaviours towards plant-based lifestyles. By means of survey distribution, 426 online questionnaires were distributed among young consumers in South Africa. A conceptual model with six hypotheses was tested and the data were analysed using SmartPLS 4.1.0.8. The findings indicated the product taste and product knowledge are the most important factors that drive young consumers’ decisions to choose plant-based food products. The study further found that product quality, affordability, social influence, and product packaging play a role but to a lesser degree. Food marketers can utilise these findings and implement marketing strategies that can assist with persuading consumers to choose plant-based food products and adopt a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Optimizing Energy and Protein Contents in A Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala lam.) Leaf-Based Concentrate for Dairy Goats Fed Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum schumach) Basal Diet in Kenya

Dairy goats provide food and financial security through their milk and meat. The main basal diet for confined dairy goats in Kenya is Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach). However, optimal milk production is hampered by the high cost of protein and energy supplements that are required while feeding the grass. The protein supplement affordability is of greater limitation among farmers, therefore use of protein-rich forages in a supplement can lower the concentrate cost. Information on the optimal protein and energy inclusion levels in a forage-based concentrate for dairy goats is hardly available in Kenya. A study was therefore conducted whereby Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.) leaf hay was used as the main protein source in four concentrates formulated with crude protein (CP) content (gkg-1) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels (MJkg-1), respectively, of: 135, 12; 160, 10; 185, 8; and 210, 6; respectively. A fifth supplement was formulated, representing the commonly used cattle dairy meal (160 g CPkg-1 DM and 10 MJ MEkg-1 DM, respectively), using commercial sunflower seedcake as a protein source. The concentrates were fed at 300 gday-1 to lactating Toggenburg dairy goats on Napier grass basal diet, in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. The total dry matter intake by the goats was 1.059-1.128 kg DM/goat day-1, with a milk production of 221.3-285.5 mL/goat day-1. It was concluded that the appropriate CP and ME levels in the Leucaena-based concentrate are 135 gkg-1 DM and 12 MJkg-1 DM, respectively. It was recommended that other protein-rich forages be explored

Unlocking therapeutic potential of Shimbi Dhanya for Human Wellness

Ayurveda is the science of life that aims to maintain health in a healthy person and cure the diseased person. Food (ahara) is the foremost among these three pillars of ayurveda (Trisutra ) for obtaining longitivity of life. Among various ancient literature available including Bhavprakash in 16th century has mentioned shimbidhanya (pulses) in Dhanyavargah (group of grains). Shimbidhanya varga (group of legumes and pulses) includes mudga, masha, rajamasha, Kulatthah etc. Shimbidhanya (pulses) are also known as vaidala (dicotyledons) and this category of pulses are the main source of proteins for vegetarians. Thie present study aims to evaluate the enlisted shimbidhanya (pulses) for their ayurvedic properties in relation to phytoconstituents and therapeutic uses and their role in longevity of life.

Mapping Population Densities and Waste Management Systems in Mombasa County: A Literature Review of GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques

Mombasa County is one of the five counties along the coastline of Kenya. Currently, Mombasa County has a human population of 1.2 million people, and the population is rapidly increasing through rural-urban immigration and natural births. However, the inadequacy of well-established waste management systems on the mainland and coastlines of the County is a threat to the well-being of the local residents. Poorly disposed of wastes both on land and at sea can lead to health problems not only for humans and terrestrial animals but also for aquatic animals such as fish, with the latter being one of the main sources of affordable proteins for poor coastal communities. This paper aimed to conduct a review of the spatial human population density of Mombasa County and the geospatial location of waste dumping sites and their proximity to settled areas. This literature review synthesized existing research on the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing techniques in mapping population densities and assessing waste management systems. The review began by examining studies that investigate population distribution patterns in urban and rural areas, utilizing GIS to analyze demographic data and satellite imagery. It explored methodologies used to estimate population densities, including dasymetric mapping, spatial interpolation, and land use classification techniques. Key findings were that limited studies have utilized GIS technologies to assess the population in Kenya. GRASP and Random Forest (RF) were the main techniques previously used to assess population densities in the rural Taita Hills area and along the coastal region. The population has exponentially increased in Mombasa County since the 1950s and is projected to increase further. Additionally, waste management in Mombasa County is majorly controlled by the county government. Ten geo-tagged waste collection spots were identified during the review, spread across the residential areas. In conclusion, the county should endeavor to employ GIS techniques to assess the rapid population change within the county and have targeted interventions to address the disparities in waste collection systems against population increase.

494 Long-term effects of canola meal inclusion in gestation and lactation diets on sow and piglet performance over two reproductive cycles

Abstract The experiment was conducted to determine the long-term effects of dietary canola meal (CM) inclusion as the main protein source in gestation and lactation diets on sow and litter performance. Sows (n = 68) from two baches were randomly allotted 1 of 2 diets on d 80 of pregnancy. The two diets were a corn-barley and soybean meal control diet (CTRL) and a corn-barley and CM treatment diet (CCM). All diets were formulated to be similar in standardized ileal digestible amino acid and net energy contents. Sow body weight (BW) and backfat (BF) thickness were determined on d 1, 35, 80, and 111 of pregnancy, on d 1 and 21 post-farrowing. Piglets were weighed on d 0 and at weaning (d 21). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 for a randomized complete block design with repeated measures. Over the two reproductive cycles, dietary treatments did not influence sow BW and BF thickness on d 80 and 111 of pregnancy, as well as d 1 and 21 post-farrowing (P &amp;gt; 0.10). However, sows fed the CCM diet had less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) BW and BF thickness on d 1 and 35 of pregnancy in the second reproductive cycle than sows fed the CTRL diet. The CCM diet decreased gestation gain from d 80 to d 111 of pregnancy compared with the CTRL diet over the two reproductive cycles (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No dietary effect on litter size or litter performance was found during the experimental period (P &amp;gt; 0.10). However, reproductive cycle had significant effects (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on BW gain and BF thickness from d 80 to 111 of pregnancy as well as BW and BF thickness on d 1 of lactation. In addition, litter weight at birth and after cross-fostering were significantly improved during the second reproductive cycle compared with the first cycle (P &amp;lt; 0.05). An interaction between dietary treatment and reproductive cycle on BW gain and BW on d 1 of lactation was observed (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, feeding gestation and lactation diets containing CM as the main protein source to sows over two reproductive cycles supported similar sow reproductive and litter performance as the control.

Rapid Tryptophan Assay as a Screening Procedure for Quality Protein Maize.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid deficient in cereals, especially maize. However, maize (Zea mays L.) is the main source of protein in some developing countries in Africa and Latin America. In general, the nutritional profile of cereals is poor, because they are deficient in essential amino acids such as tryptophan and lysine due to a relatively higher proportion of alcohol-soluble proteins. Quality protein maize (QPM) has been developed through genetic manipulation for the nutritional enrichment of maize to address these problems. Nevertheless, methods for protein, lysine and tryptophan are time-consuming and require relatively large amounts of samples. Therefore, we have advanced here a simple, cheap, fast, reliable and robust procedure for the determination of protein and tryptophan in the same biuret supernatant, which can also be used for chemical characterization of other cereals. Samples of 50 mg maize ground to pass through a 0.1 mm screen were sonicated for 5 min. in eppendorf vials with 1.5 mL of a biuret reagent each. After centrifugation and protein determination by biuret, 0.2 mL of supernatant was treated with 0.8 mL of a tryptophan reagent. Both total protein and tryptophan can be determined in microplates at 560 nm to speed up the measurements. The main advantage of the new micro-method is the rapid estimation of the nutrient quality of maize samples by a single weighing of a small amount of valuable plant materials.

Different dietary branched-chain amino acid ratios, crude protein levels, and protein sources can affect the growth performance and meat yield in broilers

Balanced ratios of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can enhance chicken growth, immunity, and muscle synthesis. However, these ratios can be affected by changes in crude protein (CP) levels or the substitution of protein sources, leading to BCAA antagonism. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on chicken growth. In Experiment 1, a total of 960 0-d-old male Cobb 500 broilers were divided into 6 treatments with 8 replicates. Three different BCAA ratios were used in High or Low CP diets as follows: 1) Low Leu group (Low level of leucine with increased valine and isoleucine levels), 2) Med Leu group, and 3) High Leu group (High level of leucine with reduced valine and isoleucine levels) for a total of 6 diets. In Experiment 2, a total of 640 0-d-old male Cobb 500 broilers were divided into 4 treatments with 8 replicates. The four diets had either High or Low CP and one of two protein sources with the same medium levels of BCAAs: 1) the soybean meal (SBM) group, which had SBM as the main protein source (protein bound AA), and 2) the wheat middlings with non-bound AAs (WM+AA) group (non-bound AA), which had additional non-bound AAs to replace SBM. The High Leu diet had a negative effect on overall growth performance, carcass weight, breast muscle weight, and body mineral composition compared to the Low Leu and Med Leu groups, particularly in the High CP diet (P < 0.05). The SBM group showed increased growth performance, breast muscle weight, expression levels of genes promoting muscle growth, and improved bone mineral composition compared to the WM+AA group, and the High CP group intensified the negative effect of the WM+AA diet (P < 0.05). In summary, balanced BCAA ratios and SBM-based diets have positive effects on chicken growth and muscle accretion, whereas excessive leucine and non-bound AA levels in the diets may negatively affect growth performance and meat yield in chickens.

Microalgae and phytase dietary supplementation improved growth and gut microbiota in juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Fishmeal and fish oil have been the main sources of protein and fatty acid for aquaculture fish. However, their increasing price and low sustainability have led the aquafeed industry to seek sustainable alternative feedstuffs to meet the nutritional requirements of fish and improve their health and performance. Plant proteins have been successfully used to replace fishery derivatives in aquafeeds, but the presence of anti-nutritional substances is a potential drawback of this approach. Thus, it has been reported that phytate breakdown can be caused by feed supplementation with exogenous phytase. The inclusion of microalgae has been proposed to improve gut functionality in fish fed diets with a high vegetable protein content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on the growth and gut microbiota of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles of a diet containing a blend of microalgae (Arthrospira platensis and Nannochloropsis gaditana) and different concentrations of phytase. An 83-day feeding trial was conducted, comprising four experimental diets with 2.5% microalgae and 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 10,000 phytase units (FTU)/kg feed and a microalgae- and phytase-free control diet. At the end of the trial, a significantly increased body weight was observed in fish fed the diet with the highest phytase concentration (10,000 FTU/kg) versus controls, although the gut bacterial composition did not differ from controls in alpha or beta diversity with either majority (Weighted UniFrac) or minority bacterial strains (Unweighted UniFrac). In comparison to the control group, the groups fed diets with 1,000 or 2,000 FTU/kg diets had a lower alpha diversity (Shannon’s diversity index), while those fed diets with 500 FTU/kg or 1,000 FTU/kg showed distinct clusters in beta diversity (involving minority ASVs). According to these findings, the diet containing the 2.5% microalgae blend with 10,000 FTU/kg may be useful to increase the aquafeed quality and sustain the growth performance of juvenile European seabass.

CTGF Inhibits the Differentiation of Chicken Preadipocytes via the TGFβ/Smad3 Signaling Pathway or by Inducing the Expression of ACTG2.

Chicken is the main source of protein for humans in most parts of the world. However, excessive fat deposition in chickens has become a serious problem. This adversely affects the growth of chickens and causes economic losses. Fat formation mainly occurs through preadipocyte differentiation, and excessive fat deposition results from the accumulation of preadipocytes after differentiation. Our previous studies have found that the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) may be an important candidate gene for fat deposition. However, its function and mechanism in preadipocyte differentiation are still unclear. In this study, the RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that the expression of CTGF mRNA and protein in the abdominal adipose of lean chickens was significantly higher than that of fat chickens. Therefore, we studied the function and mechanism of the CTGF in the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes. Functionally, the CTGF inhibited the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes. Mechanistically, the CTGF mediated the TGFβ1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes. In addition, we used the unique molecular identifier (UMI) RNA-Seq technology to detect genes that can be regulated by the CTGF in the whole genome. Through transcriptome data analysis, we selected actin gamma 2 (ACTG2) as a candidate gene. Regarding the function of the ACTG2 gene, we found that it inhibited the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes. Furthermore, we found that the CTGF can inhibit the differentiation of preadipocytes through the ACTG2 gene. In summary, this study found the CTGF as a new negative regulator of chicken preadipocyte differentiation. The results of this study help improve the understanding of the molecular genetic mechanism of chicken adipose tissue growth and development and also have reference significance for the study of human obesity.

Effect of Germination on the Digestion of Legume Proteins.

As one of the main sources of plant protein, it is important to improve the protein digestibility of legumes. Faced with population growth and increasing environmental pressures, it is essential to find a green approach. Germination meets this requirement, and in the process of natural growth, some enzymes are activated to make dynamic changes in the protein itself; at the same time, other substances (especially anti-nutrient factors) can also be degraded by enzymes or their properties (water solubility, etc.), thereby reducing the binding with protein, and finally improving the protein digestibility of beans under the combined influence of these factors The whole process is low-carbon, environmentally friendly and safe. Therefore, this paper summarizes this process to provide a reference for the subsequent development of soybean functional food, especially the germination of soybean functional food.

Effect of Dietary Patterns on Human Gut Microbiota: a narrative review

Introduction: Diet plays a crucial role in shaping the human gut microbiota (GM), but studies investigating the effects of dietary patterns on the GM are still limited. Objective: This study aimed to review the effects of different dietary patterns on the human GM. Methods: This review included observational and clinical studies published in PubMed/MEDLINE between 2019 and 2023. Results: Initially, 1,148 articles were identified and 12 articles were included. Studies were conducted in various countries, predominantly in the USA (n=3), and most evaluated the effects of the Mediterranean diet (n=3) and vegetarian/vegan diet (n=3). No included study evaluated the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. The Western diet showed negative effects on the GM, characterized by an increase in Firmicutes bacteria and a reduction in bacterial diversity and richness. These effects are associated with cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. The low carb diet showed conflicting results among studies. The ketogenic diet appears to be associated with a decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, especially when whey protein or plant proteins are the main protein sources in the diet. Mediterranean and vegetarian/vegan diets had beneficial effects on the GM, mainly associated with high fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, and legumes, leading to a reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, an increase in Akkermansia bacteria, and higher production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Conclusion: Dietary pattern exerts distinct effects on the GM, influencing bacterial richness and diversity differently. Further studies are recommended in this area, including investigation of the DASH diet’s impact on the GM. Keywords: Gastrointestinal microbiome; dietary patterns.

Protein Adequacy, Plant Protein Proportion, and Main Plant Protein Sources Consumed Across Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescovegetarian, and Semivegetarian Diets: A Systematic Review

BackgroundThere are several types of plant-based diets, with unknown differences across diets on total/plant protein intake and variety of plant protein sources consumed. ObjectivesThis systematic review aimed to compare total protein intake, proportion of plant proteins, and main plant protein sources consumed across 4 primarily plant-based diets: vegan, vegetarian, pescovegetarian, and semivegetarian. MethodsWe included observational studies reporting on protein intake and/or protein sources in generally healthy adults that were published between 2002 and 2023. We determined the following: 1) % energy from total and plant protein; 2) the proportion of plant protein relative to total protein intake; and 3) main plant protein sources (median percentage contribution of each source to total plant protein intake; interquartile range) consumed across the 4 diets. The plant protein sources were broadly classified into the following United States Department of Agriculture food groups: grains; nuts and seeds; soy products; and beans, peas, and lentils. ResultsWe included 13 studies reporting on protein intake/sources that were conducted in the United States, Europe, and South Korea. Of these, 7 reported on vegan, 11 on vegetarian, 7 on pescovegetarian, and 7 on semivegetarian diets with total protein intake ranging from 10% to 17.4%. Vegan diets had the highest plant protein proportion (range: 77%–98%) and semivegetarian diets the lowest (range: 37%–83%). Plant protein source contribution was the highest from grains (range: 60%–78%). Nuts and seeds were the most consumed in vegetarian diets (7.9%; 2.9%–10.3%) and least in semivegetarian diets (3.7%; 2%–14.8%). Soy products and beans, peas, and lentils were most consumed in vegan diets (17.3%; 16.3%–19.9, and 19.6%; 14.6%–21.3, respectively) and least in semivegetarian (3.7%; 1.3%–13.9%, and 8.5%; 5.2%–10.2%) diets. ConclusionsVegan diets has the highest plant protein proportion and a variety of plant protein sources, while semivegetarian diets has the lowest plant protein proportion and mainly relied on grains as a plant protein source.