Meal Blend Research Articles

Impact of Cricket and Caterpillar Meal Supplementation on the Nutritional Profile and Consumer Acceptability of Cookies

The quality of cookies produced from wheat flour, cricket, and caterpillar meal blends was evaluated. This was done to examine the effect of adding edible cricket and caterpillar meals on the nutritional and sensory quality of wheat-based cookies. Edible crickets and caterpillars were purchased from local farmers in Benue state, de-gutted, washed, oven-dried, sorted, milled, and sieved to produce their respective meals. The meals were mixed in wheat flour: edible insects ratios of 95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 for Cricket and Caterpillar meal blends, respectively. However, samples 100:0 were not mixed and contained 100% wheat flour. The samples were subjected to functional analysis of proximate composition, mineral, vitamin, amino acid profile, physical properties analysis, and sensory attributes evaluation. The result generated from the study was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) was used for mean separation at the probability level of significance of 5%. While the protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, and moisture content of the cookies increased with increasing amount of edible insect meal incorporated into the formulation, the carbohydrate content of the cookies decreased significantly (p<0.05). All minerals evaluated in the study (Ca, Zn, K, P, Na, Mg, and Fe) increased with the increase in the amount of edible insect meals in the formulations. An increase in vitamin content was also observed in the cookies, but this increase was insignificant (p>0.05). There was a significant increase in all essential and non-essential amino acid content of the cookies as the level of cricket/caterpillar meal in the formulation increased. The addition of up to 20% of edible cricket/caterpillar meals to wheat flour increased all sensory attributes of the cookies. Cookies fortified with caterpillar meal were found to be more nutritious than those fortified with cricket meal. In general, samples 85:15(85% wheat flour + 15% cricket meal) and 85:15(85% wheat flour + 15% caterpillar meal) contained high nutritional content and recorded the best sensory attributes and therefore were selected as the best blends for a wheat flour+cricket meal and wheat flour+caterpillar meal blends for cookies production.

Effect of green seaweed meal blend on feed quality and zootechnical performance in shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) juveniles

Aim of study: To evaluate a green seaweed meal in the diets of Penaeus vannamei juveniles, comprising Ulva spp., Caulerpa spp. and Enteromorpha spp. as a feed blend at inclusion levels at 4% and 8%. Area of study: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Perú. Material and methods: Analyses were conducted to determine the pellet quality through percentages of dry matter retention (DMR), protein loss and water absorption capacity; and to evaluate the effect of this seaweed meal in the digestibility and zootechnical shrimp performance. Three treatments (diets) were formulated to contain 0% (control diet), 4% (M4) and 8% (M8 of green seaweed meals (blend)), in isonitrogenous (crude protein; 300 g kg-1) and isocaloric (3.3 Mcal kg-1) diets. The shrimps were reared at a density of 286 juveniles m-3 for 29 days in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Main results: Among the diets, M4 had the highest DMR value (97.06%), whereas M8 had highest water absorption capacity (185.48%) with lower % of protein loss between the treatments diets. No differences were observed in the zootechnical performance, except for survival (p<0.05), with the M8 diet having highest mortality rate (44.4%) between the treatments diets. Research highlights: Incorporating 4% green seaweed meal in shrimp feed supported adequate growth and survival of juvenile P. vannamei with adequate DMR values, water absorption capacity, protein loss and high apparent dry matter digestibility and apparent digestibility of the reference diet.

Optimization of mustard, soybean and flaxseed meal blend formulation for development of biopolymeric film and its characterization

The current research work demonstrates the valorisation of oilseed meals by transforming them into biopolymeric films with tunable properties for stringent food packaging applications. The oilseed meals are obtained as waste materials after oil extraction having a large potential in the food industry. For the study, the biopolymeric films fabricated using defatted oilseed meals of mustard, flaxseed, and soybean each in range of (1–100%) using the mixture design. The films were developed using solvent casting method with the addition of a glycerol (75%) as plasticizer and soy lecithin (2%) as emulsifier. The effectiveness of the various proportions of the selected oilseed meals on water vapour permeability, water solubility, swelling property and tensile strength has been studied. The optimized films were obtained with the combination of 20.50% mustard seed meal, 67.15% flaxseed meal, and 12.33% soybean seed meal. The result obtained after investigation of selected responses were found as 32.09% solubility, 1.88 kPa tensile strength, elongation at break at 4.31%, and water vapour permeability with 0.68 g/Pa h m g. The thermal, morphological, and functional analysis results improved in the optimized biopolymeric films. The oilseed meals were found significant on the properties of the biopolymeric. The formulation obtained had improved mechanical as were as barrier properties of biopolymeric films.

P191. Feeding hydrolysed copra meal and fermented rye blend on gut health of weaned piglets challenged with E. coli K88

P191. Feeding hydrolysed copra meal and fermented rye blend on gut health of weaned piglets challenged with E. coli K88

Effects of Blending Dairy Manure Compost and Canola Meal on Pellet Quality and Nutrient Concentrations

HighlightsNutrient contents and unit density were positively correlated with canola meal blending ratio.Pellet durability, bulk density, and length were inversely correlated with canola meal blending ratio.Pellets produced from compost and 20% canola meal blend were 67% denser than the compost.Pelleting dairy manure and canola meal blends improved nutrient transport and storage.Abstract. The potential for adverse environmental impacts from excess manure nutrients generated in regions with large concentrations of animal production is enormous and real. The goal of this research was to investigate ways of alleviating such threats via pelleting and blending of excess dairy manure nutrients to enhance their value, utilization, transport, and storage. In this study, composted dairy manure was blended with canola meal in ratios ranging from 0% to 40% canola meal prior to pelleting. The pre-pelleting moisture content was set at 21% (wet basis) and an 8 mm diameter die was selected for pelleting, based on previous studies. The effect of canola blending ratio was evaluated against moisture content, unit and bulk densities, recovery, durability, and nutrient concentrations (total nitrogen and phosphate) of the resulting pellets. Results indicated positive correlations between the blending ratio and pellet recovery (r = 0.83), moisture content (r = 0.75), unit density (r = 0.74), total nitrogen (r = 0.99), and phosphate (r = 0.87). In contrast, inverse correlations were observed between the blending ratio and pellet durability (r = -0.93), bulk density (r = -0.99), and length (r = -0.76). No significant differences were observed between the blending ratio and all these parameters for blending ratios of 0% to 15%. However, data indicated significant differences between pellet durability and recovery at blending ratios above 20%. Overall, this study showed that blending dairy manure with up to 15% canola meal significantly (p < 001) improved the nutrient value, storage, and transport. Keywords: Blending, Dairy manure, Durability, Environmental pollution, Pelleting.

Assessment of the nutritive value of fermented cassava root leaf meal as a reflect on blood profile of ducks

Due to scarcity and high cost of conventional feedstuffs, there is a renewed interest in the use of non-conventional cheap and easily available feedstuffs on ducks feeding. This study was conducted to evaluate health status of ducks fed fermented cassava root-leaf meal blend as a replacement for maize. One hundred and fifty, one day- old unsexed Mallard ducklings were used for the experiment. Ducklings were randomly distributed into 5 groups of 30 ducklings per treatment. Each treatment was further subdivided into 3 replicates with 10 ducklings per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The study is made up of 5 dietary treatments consisting of the control (Treatment 1), fermented cassava root-leaf blend used to replace maize at 25% (Treatment 2), 50% (Treatment 3), 75% (Treatment 4) and 100% (Treatment 5) levels respectively. The packed cell volume (26.50-38.33%) and haemoglobin (9.35-14.07g/dl) levels increased as Fermented cassava root-leaf meal (FCRLM) inclusion increased in the diet (0-75%). Uric acid values decreased (5.30-4,27mg/dl) as well as cholesterol values (91.70-56.70mg/dl) as level of (FCRLM) increased in diet. The results obtained showed that FCRLM at (300:1000 ratio) of leaf to root could replace maize at 50% inclusion level without any detrimental effects on health status of ducks.

Sorghum-Insect Composites for Healthier Cookies: Nutritional, Functional, and Technological Evaluation.

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a major health concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Relying on unexploited and regionally available rich sources of proteins such as insects and sorghum might contribute towards addressing PEM among at-risk populations. Insects are high in nutrients, especially protein, and are abundant in SSA. Sorghum is adapted to the tropical areas of SSA and as such it is an appropriate source of energy compared with temperate cereals like wheat. It is necessary to assess whether cookies fortified with sorghum and termite would be suitable for use in addressing PEM in SSA. Whole grain sorghum meal and termite meal were mixed at a 3:1 ratio (w/w sorghum:termite) to form a sorghum–termite meal blend. Composite cookies were prepared where the sorghum–termite blend partially substituted wheat flour at 20%, 40%, and 60% (sorghum–termite blend:wheat flour (w/w). The functional and nutritional qualities of the cookies were assessed. Compared with the control (100% wheat flour), the cookies fortified with sorghum and termite had about double the quantity of protein, minerals, and amino acids. However, with increased substitution level of the sorghum–termite blend, the spread factor of the cookies decreased. There is a potential to incorporate sorghum and termite in cookies for increased intake of several nutrients by communities that are vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies, especially PEM.

Use of alternative plant and animal protein blends, in place of fishmeal, in diets for juvenile totoaba, Totoaba macdonaldi

The present study evaluated the replacement of fishmeal (FM) by blends of alternative protein sources in diets for juvenile (8.0 ± 0.5 g) Totoaba macdonaldi. Using a FM-based control diet containing 53% crude protein and 13% crude fat, a 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted replacing FM, at levels of 33, 66 and 100% by weight, with three blends of the test ingredients, as follows: 1) Arthrospira meal blend: 70% Arthrospira sp. meal, 15% blood meal, 15% soy protein concentrate (SPC); 2) blood meal blend: 70% blood meal, 15% Arthrospira sp. meal, 15% SPC; and 3) SPC blend: 70% SPC, 15% blood meal, 15% Arthrospira sp. meal. At the end of the 6-week feeding trial, significant effects of the alternative protein blends were detected, in which fish fed the Arthrospira meal and SPC blends had significantly (P < .05) better performance than fish fed the blood meal blend across all growth parameters (percent weight gain and thermal growth coefficient) and feed utilization indices (feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio). Also, fish fed the former two blends deposited more crude protein and fat in whole body and muscle tissues, concurring with the growth response observed. However, the effects of protein blend on body condition indices (hepatosomatic index, condition factor, and muscle ratio) and on the concentrations of trypsin and chymotrypsin in anterior intestine and pyloric caeca, did not depict clear trends. A correspondence between levels of dietary amino acids (AA) in blends and accumulated AA in muscle, was not observed. However, significant effects of the level of FM replacement were also detected, in which the responses in growth, feed utilization, most body condition indices, and proximate composition of fish whole body, deteriorated as the level of FM replaced increased. All things considered, results indicate that the Arthrospira meal and SPC blends, but not the blood meal blend, can be used to replace at least 33% FM in the diet for totoaba, without adversely affecting growth and survival. The possible reasons for the decreased performance of fish fed the blood meal blend, or when fed any of the blends at levels higher than 33%, are discussed.

Effect of the extrusion process on allergen reduction and the texture change of soybean protein isolate-corn and soybean flour-corn mixtures

Soy protein and corn meal are widely used as main ingredients in the cereal and snack industries. We studied the effect of extrusion processing on the immunoreactivity of proteins in soy protein isolate-corn meal (SPI-corn) blends and soy flour-corn meal (SF-corn) blends using a full-factorial design with two levels of temperature, moisture, and screw speed (SS). The changes in protein solubility, protein secondary structure and physical properties, such as the expansion ratio, specific volume, water hydration capacity (WHC), texture, and color, were also studied. The western blotting results illustrated that extrusion processing decreased the immunoreactivity of proteins in SPI-corn and SF-corn blends and eliminated certain allergenic proteins in SF-corn extrudates. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results indicated that different extrusion conditions decreased the immunoreactivities of SPI-corn and SF-corn blends in the ranges of 53%–68% and 80%–86%, respectively, compared with the raw material. The protein solubility decreased after extrusion by >58.7% for SPI-corn extrudates and by 66.3% for SF-corn extrudates compared with the initial materials and decreased significantly for both SPI-corn and SF-corn extrudates with the increase in extrusion temperature (P < 0.05). The α-helix structure decreased and β-strand structure increased after extrusion for both SPI-corn and SF-corn blends. Higher moisture significantly decreased the expansion ratio, specific volume and WHC of SPI-corn and SF-corn extrudates, as well as increased the energy required to cut the samples. Thus, the effect of extrusion on allergenic proteins using the human plasma of subjects allergic to soybean and corn showed that moisture had a clear effect on their reduction. Product treated with low moisture (20%), regardless of the starting material used, was the most effective based on the reduction of allergenic proteins.

Estimation of Phytochemical in Yam Flours and Sensory Attribute of Poundo Yam Produced from Yam and Moringa oleifera Seed Meal Blends

The sensory characteristic can be quantified and defined by the use of the descriptive profile. A different cultivar of yam can be used for the production of poundo yam. The standard of a product is determined by the evaluation and its acceptability by a taste panelist. Four cultivars of yam; Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea cayenensis, Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea bulbifera were sourced and processed into flour. Moringa seed oleifera was defatted and the cake was blended at a different concentration of 5% and 10% with the yam flour. The qualitative phytochemical investigation of the yam flour and Moringa oleifera seed revealed the presence of, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoid oxalate, anthraquinone, phenol, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. Quantitative analysis showed that among the control samples Dioscorea alata (DAC), Dioscorea Dioscorea bulbifera (DBC), cayenensis (DCC) and Dioscorea rotundata (DRC). DRC and DAC have the highest values in the total phenol and total flavonoids. Dioscorea cayenensis recorded the highest value in steroid and saponin content. The flavonoids, steroid and terpenoid were improved by the inclusion of moringa seed meal at 5% and 10%. The result of the sensory analysis revealed that panellist preferred DRC in term of moldability, texture, taste and general acceptability. However, the samples with moringa seed meal at 5% and 10% inclusion compete favourably with the control samples. The inclusion of Moringa oleifera seed meal at 10% improved the pounded yam and was more accepted than the 5% in term of general acceptability.

Sesame Meal and Moringa oleifera Leaves Ready to Cook Curry Mix: An Ethnic Food of Godavari Districts in Andhra Pradesh, India

Sesame meal was widely consumed in Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, India which was not known to most of the people and under-utilized. Moringa leaves were another nutritious food that is also under-utilized and not available in urban areas. The aim of this work was to develop the sesame meal and dried Moringa leaves as a ready to cook curry mix by assessing the ratio of sesame meal and dried Moringa leaves as to determine the best closer fresh leaves and sesame meal blend. The Moringa leaves were treated with citric acid, and potassium meta bisulphite to retain the colour and dried by different techniques such as shade drying, solar drying and drying in Ezidri food dehydrator at 60, 50, 35ºC. The leaves dried in Ezidri food dehydrator retained more colour and nutrients. The dried leaves were used to prepare curry with sesame meal taking fresh leaves as a control in the ratio 1:2. The dried leaves and sesame meal were taken in the ratio 0.1:1, 0.12:1 and 0.14:1, prepared samples were evaluated for sensory characteristics and compared with the control sample. The curry prepared in the ratio 0.12:1 is best accepted and close to the control sample. The nutritive value shows Sesame meal and Moringa leaves were the best cheapest sources of protein, calcium, iron, potassium and vitamin A.

Rheological properties of flaxseed meal and soybean protein isolate blend by extrusion

The rheological properties of flaxseed meal (FM) and Soybean Protein Isolate (SPI) extruded by the two-screw extruder under different processing conditions were investigated. Moisture, temperature, screw speed and SPI concentration were the four major factors for the extrusion process. The rheological properties of extruded products were calculated by steady state flow test, frequency sweep test and creep test. All the samples showed shear-thinning effect that is to say their apparent viscosities decreased with the increases of shear rate. The data fitted well to Power Law model. It was found that both the storage (G′) and loss modulus increased as the rise in the angular frequency (w), which also fitted well to Power Law model. The creep-recovery behavior of the samples fitted well to Burger’s model. In addition, the temperature had no significant effect on the creep recovery rate of the samples. Keywords: flaxseed meal (FM), soybean protein isolate (SPI), extrusion, rheological properties DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20171004.2734 Citation: Li S Q, Wu M, Liu Y, Sun Y, Li D. Rheological properties of flaxseed meal and soybean protein isolate blend by extrusion . Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2017; 10(4): 224–233.

Performance, Haematological and Serum Biochemical Profile of Cockerels Fed Diets Supplemented with Fermented Moringa oleifera Seeds

Attempt to combat the increasing cost of animal feed has motivated researchers interest in nonconventional feedstuffs. Moringa oleifera is known for its high nutritional and medicinal properties. Utilization of the seeds as animal feed ingredient is limited due to inherent anti-nutritional factors. This study investigated the performance, serum biochemical, haematological and carcass quality criteria of cockerels fed processed moringa seeds. The seeds were fermented with culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus (24×106 cfu/g) before incorporation in cockerel diets. Four diets were formulated consisting of a control and processed seed based diets. Ninety six un-sexed day old cockerels were fed ad libitum and water administered twice daily for six weeks. Performance indices and blood samples were taken for analysis. Feed intake and weight gain were higher (P<0.05) in cockerels fed fermented moringa based diets compared with those fed unfermented diet. The body weight of cockerels fed fermented Moringa oleifera Seed Meal (FMSM) were not different (P<0.05) from the control. Feed conversion ratios of cockerels fed fermented diets were not different (P<0.05) from the control. The haematological indices of the treatment birds and control were within normal range for a healthy bird. Cholesterol and triglyceride constituents of the cockerels fed moringa based diets were generally lower than control. The dressed carcass, thigh and breast weights of the chickens fed diet FMSM and control were not significantly different (P<0.05). However, they were higher compared with cockerels fed Fermented and Unfermented Moringa oleifera seed meal blend (FUMSM) and Unfermented Moringa oleifera seed meal (UMSM). This study suggested 20% inclusion of fermented Moringa oleifera seeds in cockerels’ diet without deleterious effect.

Quality assessment of gluten-free pasta prepared with a brown rice and corn meal blend via thermoplastic extrusion

Abstract The development of gluten-free pastas made with brown rice (BR) and corn meal (CM) was proposed. A 3 2 central composite rotation design was used to evaluate the effects of the extrusion variables, i.e., temperature, feed moisture and CM content, on the pasting properties and cooking quality of the extrudates. Sensory factors, texture and chemical composition were also analysed to determine the best treatments. The pasting properties allowed verification of the transformations/interactions among the components of the dough after the extrusion process. An increase of the feed moisture content (up to 43.4 g/100 g) caused an increase in cooking loss, but for CM flour (up to 46.8 g/100 g), this increase caused an increase in cooking time. The temperature levels did not influence the cooking characteristics. The pasta with the highest BR flour content (87 g/100 g) had higher contents of lipids and fibre, as well as better mineral and amino acid profiles. The pasta produced with a ratio of 40:60 (CM:BR), 30 g/100 g of moisture content, and at 70 °C received better evaluations with respect to texture (sensory and instrumental) compared with pasta made with a ratio of 13.2:86.8 (CM:BR) and 35 g/100 g moisture content at 80 °C.

Biodegradable Blends from Corn Gluten Meal and Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT): Studies on the Influence of Plasticization and Destructurization on Rheology, Tensile Properties and Interfacial Interactions

Melt extrusion was used to obtain thermoplastic corn gluten meal (tCGM) blends from plasticized corn gluten meal (pCGM) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). Dynamic rheological tests, morphology and spectroscopy were employed to understand the effect of the plasticization and destructurization of corn gluten meal (CGM) on tCGM blends. Rheological data showed a plateau in the low frequencies for tCGM blends demonstrating network formation which responds elastically over long timescales. Also, complex viscosity data showed the existing of shear thinning for PBAT and PBAT–CGM blend. Furthermore, rheology and morphology showed the synergistic influence of plasticization and destructuralization of CGM on the phase structure development of the blends. In addition, it was found for unmodified CGM–PBAT blend there was significant frequency dependence for G′ indicating it just acted as filler for PBAT matrix. FTIR studies showed that the urea has helped in unfolding the corn protein and facilitated hydrogen bonding interactions with PBAT. Tensile properties showed an improvement in tCGM blends when compared unmodified CGM blend. Tensile strength of tCGM blends was almost same as that of the neat PBAT matrix. Percent elongation, a strong reflection of the state of interface in the blends has showed higher values, indicating strong interactions between the PBAT and pCGM in the blend system.

Rural Scenes

Rural Scenes Stephen C. Behrendt (bio) Domesticity At the table, its yellow enamel gleamingin the sun washing in from this tiny kitchen's window,the woman shells fresh peas into a deep bowl,blue as the sky framed in the upper pane.She must be young: her swift fingers are smooth,straight as her gaze out the window, her angular facelineless, gold with reflected sun. This is a chore she knows well;the bowl in her lap fills steadilyas her ivory radio pours rivulets of Debussyacross the countertop, yellow-ochre flecked with blue. On the stove, rattling on the black iron burner,a teapot in the shape of a cat's head does its busy workwhile the soup for the evening meal blends and meldsbeside the milk warming in the azure creamer.There is no cat; but this is where it would be,here in the warmth, wrapped in fragrance and sun,dust-motes drifting, visible in the angling rays,while its glossy black ribcage rises and fallswith its easy breathing, its soundless sleep. [End Page 524] False Dawn, Nebraska Before first light the chime of birdsongtolls the moonfall, big and full in the west,Venus red and fat in the east's false dawn:cupped in the copse the call of oriole,round and bell-like in the Maytime fringe of leaves,falls like dew before the green breeze rises. Field mice move among the newly sprung shafts,part them silently in the comforting dark,safe before the grizzled predatory cat appears,close-set crusty eyes keen for motion,paw set by paw, in half-pace, soundless. In cool beds beside open windowssleepers stir, restive, readying to rise,birdsong sifting through the screens,filling the odd spaces, dream-corners,skylight still only false, morning yet undawnedwhile the day stalks, patient, inexorable,scanning the parting stems of half-past dreamsfor signs of motion, sighs of weakness. Tracks The fresh snow discloses what dry nights conceal:the criss-crossing paths of paw prints—the rule-straight lines, the rabbits' threes-and-ones,the small indentations that straddle the steady furrowwhere the possum's tail parted the fluff,the fine lines of sparrows' feet, jays' larger ones,crows' larger still where they foraged at sunrise,poked and pried up small things, lifeless, stiff,from the snow that piled sometime past midnight. [End Page 525] Now in the morning I read the evidence,heading for the barn to feed, to tip oats by the canfulinto battered rubber pans turned inside-outby the black mare who dips her waiting muzzle,rimed with hoarfrost, nose dripping,breath blown loud and grassy with the hay's last remnantsto encourage me, prod me to slice the twine,let the full bales spring loose, their dust risingabove the hay that smells still of sweet and summereven in this finger-numbing sunrise cold. They work by night, these small creatures,beneath the blank moon or the shedding clouds,under the gaze of sharp-eyed owls that fly soundlesson square wings in the breathless darkto pluck and pierce them, tear, devour the unlucky,while the fortunate freeze in place, eyes wide,small respirations making tiny clouds, whiskers twitchingas the sharp yellow hooks of owls' beaks,the talons black as obsidian, do their bloody workwithout malice or rancor but in generous thanksgivingfor gifts received, sustenance found, enough for now,in winter's empty barn, its snow-filled hollowspocked and scored by countless tiny feet. [End Page 526] Stephen C. Behrendt Stephen C. Behrendt professes English at the University of Nebraska. His most recent collection of poems is History published by Mid-List Press. Copyright © 2013 Stephen C. Behrendt

Efficacy of Brassicaceous Seed Meal Formulations for the Control of Apple Replant Disease in Conventional and Organic Production Systems.

The efficacy of brassicaceous seed meals for the control of apple replant disease and the effects of such treatments on the causal pathogen complex were examined in conventional and organic production systems. When used in conjunction with a postplant application of mefenoxam, Brassica juncea and Sinapis alba seed meal soil amendments were as effective as preplant fumigation of soil with 1,3-dichloropropene-chloropicrin in terms of disease control, tree growth, and overall fruit yields of Gala/M26. Brassica napus seed meal amendment-mefenoxam soil drench also enhanced yields in a manner comparable to preplant fumigation, but vegetative growth was intermediate between the control and fumigation treatments. When applied alone, seed meal amendments failed to enhance tree growth or control disease to the level attained in response to soil fumigation. Postplant mefenoxam treatments revealed that failure of seed meal amendments to enhance tree growth and yield when used independently was due, at least in part, to increased apple root infection by Pythium spp. in B. napus and S. alba seed meal-amended soils, and by Phytophthora cambivora in B. juncea-amended soil. As mefenoxam treatment is not compatible with organic cropping systems, a seed meal blend was formulated which, based upon biological activity, was predicted to suppress known components of the target pathogen complex without need of additional treatment. Gala/M26 trees planted in soils treated with a 1:1 ratio of B. juncea:B. napus seed meal blend performed as well in terms of disease control and vegetative growth as trees cultivated in fumigated soil at an organic-certified orchard. Because these trials utilized the highly susceptible rootstock M26, the results demonstrate that these amendments are a viable alternative to soil fumigation for the control of apple replant disease in both conventional and organic systems.

Effects of catfish meal blend inclusion in broiler feeds on live performance and carcass yield attributes

This study was designed to investigate whether a catfish meal blend, formulated into broiler feed as a protein supplement, would influence broiler growth and meat yield when included in the diet at industry-acceptable levels. A catfish meal blend was fed at an inclusion rate of 7.5% of the diet to broilers raised to 42 d on a 3-feed program. This treatment was compared with broilers raised on a corn-soybean meal control diet (no animal protein products) and a diet with 7.5% poultry by-product meal. Each animal protein product was formulated into the diets based on a nutritional matrix and was not substituted for another ingredient. The broilers were raised with 50 birds per pen (10 replicate pens per treatment). Five males and 5 females per pen were processed and deboned at 42 d to compare carcass and meat yields. Body weights at 21 d were highest for birds fed the catfish meal blend, with the corn-soybean meal control treatment being the lowest and the poultry by-product meal treatment being intermediate. No significant differences were recorded after 21 d, and no differences were seen in period gains from 21 to 35 or 35 to 42 d. Feed conversion at 21 d favored birds in those treatments fed animal protein products; however, no significant differences were seen at 35 or 42 d. No significant differences were noted in mortality during any of the production periods. Chilled carcass, fillet, and tender yields were not significantly affected by feeding either of the animal protein products. In conclusion, the catfish meal blend included in broiler feeds at an industry-acceptable level (7.5%) showed no adverse effects on broilers grown to 42 d. No health effects were recorded and live performance parameters were not reduced in comparison with the other treatments.

Insect diets as mixtures: Optimization for a polyphagous weevil

Development or improvement of artificial insect diets can be tedious, convoluted and often under-appreciated. Using n-dimensional mixture designs, we identified a set of response-optimized meridic diets that contain fewer ingredients than the current commercial diet for Diaprepes abbreviatus, a polyphagous weevil pest of the Caribbean and southern U.S. A diet blend optimized to produce maximum adult weight was predicted to produce adult D. abbreviatus that weigh 28% more compared with adults reared on the standard commercial diet. Diet blends that produced greater individual adult weights resulted in lower survival compared with those blends that yielded adults of more modest proportions. In contrast, a simplified high cottonseed meal blend produced smaller adults more similar to field-collected individuals, and produced the greatest number of adults and the greatest biomass at relatively low cost compared with diets that yielded adult weevils of greater weight. We think that many insect-rearing programs would benefit from application of mixture design methods to situations where diet optimization is desired for researcher-selected criteria. This approach is broadly applicable to any problem that can be conceptualized as a mixture problem.

Peniophora lycii phytase is stabile and degrades phytate and solubilises minerals in vitro during simulation of gastrointestinal digestion in the pig

Microbial phytases (EC 3.1.3) are widely used in diets for monogastric animals to hydrolyse phytate present in the feed and thereby increase phosphorus and mineral availability. Previous work has shown that phytate solubility is strongly affected by calcium in the feed and by pH in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which may have an effect on phytase efficacy. An in vitro model simulating the GI tract of pigs was used to study the survival of Peniophora lycii phytase and the effect of the phytase on phytate degradation, inositol phosphate formation and mineral solubilisation during in vitro digestion of a 30:70 soybean meal/maize meal blend with different calcium levels. The phytase retained 76 and 80% of its initial activity throughout the gastric in vitro digestion. Total phytate hydrolysis by P. lycii phytase was in the same range at total calcium levels of 1.2 and 6.2 mg g(-1) dry matter (DM), despite very large differences in phytate solubility at these calcium levels. However, at 11.2 and 21.2 mg Ca g(-1) DM, phytate hydrolysis was significantly lower. The amount of soluble mineral was generally increased by P. lycii phytase. Stability of P. lycii phytase during gastric digestion was not found to be critical for phytate hydrolysis. Furthermore, original phytate solubility was not an absolute requirement for phytate degradation; phytate solubility seemed to be in a steady state, allowing insoluble phytate to solubilise as soluble phytate was degraded. This is new and interesting knowledge that adds to the current understanding of phytate-phytase interaction. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.