Animal Meat Research Articles

Adding red propolis to the diet of Lacaune lambs: Effects on animal health, ruminal environment, performance, and meat quality

This study determined the influence of red propolis ethanolic extract in lambs' diets on the ruminal environment, animal health, and growth. Two experiments were carried out to achieve these objectives. Pilot study: Twenty-four female Lacaune lambs were divided into four groups, with three replicates and two animals per replicate (pen): T0 (Control), TP1.3, TP2.7, and TP5.3, representing 0, 1.3, 2.7, and 5.3 mL of propolis extract per animal/day, respectively. The highest daily weight gain was observed in lambs that consumed 2.7 mL of propolis extract per day, and they also had the lowest feed conversion rate compared to the control. Lower total leukocyte counts were observed in lambs that consumed propolis extract compared to control due to lower granulocyte and lymphocyte counts. Ceruloplasmin and C-reactive protein levels were lower in the serum of lambs that consumed propolis compared to the control. Lambs that consumed 1.3 and 2.7 mL of propolis extract had lower TBARS levels than the control. The effect of treatment was observed for ruminal pH, which was higher in lambs that consumed propolis extract than in control. A lower concentration of short-chain fatty acids was observed in lambs that consumed propolis than the control due to lower concentrations of acetic and butyric acid. In experiment II, 36 male Lacaune lambs were selected and divided into two groups: MONENSIN (23.45 ppm of monensin per kg/dry matter (DM)) and PROPOLIS (3.8 mL of propolis per animal/day). The animals that consumed propolis extract had greater body weight, weight gain, and average daily gain. These also had a shorter time to reduce methylene blue, thus demonstrating more significant bacterial activity in the rumen. Furthermore, they had lower counts of Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and Enterobacteria. The meat's fatty acid profile in animals fed the red propolis extract showed higher concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, adding red propolis extract to the concentrate increased weight gain, average daily gain, and oxidative balance with an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.

Community perspectives of Ebola Viral Disease in high-risk transmission border regions of Tanzania: a qualitative inquiry

BackgroundTanzania faces ever-rising concerns due to the recurrence of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. This necessitates a better understanding of the community perspectives in high-risk regions for effective risk communication and preparedness.MethodsThis rapid ethnographic assessment study used explorative qualitative methods to collect data. People from diverse backgrounds participated in 59 in-depth interviews, 57 Key Informant interviews, and 35 focus group discussions. Data was analysed using a thematic analysis approach.FindingThe study revealed existence of awareness of EVD and its symptoms, with radio and television being the main sources of information. However, there were varied perceptions of EVD’s cause and transmission, some attributed it to bats, monkeys, and wild animal meat, while others associated it with high fever, a dirty environment, changing dietary patterns, and the COVID-19 virus. Physical contact with an infected person’s body fluids and eating meat from infected animals were perceived as EVD transmission routes. Women, school children, boda-boda (motorcycle) riders, and fishermen were considered the most susceptible to EVD infections due to their daily activities. Preventive measures included avoiding physical contact, touching fluids, and refraining from eating wild animal meat. Prompt reporting of suspected cases to health facilities was deemed crucial for earlier outbreak identification and containment.ConclusionThe high-risk regions of Tanzania had a high level of awareness and perceived susceptibility to EVD, coupled with varying degrees of misperception about the etiology and its transmission. To improve community perspectives and preparedness in the case of an outbreak, there is a need for ongoing risk communication and participation in EVD prevention and responses.

Future perspectives: Current trends and controversies of meat alternatives classified as ultra-processed foods.

This study reviewed the current state of meat alternatives including plant-based or cell-based ingredients and discussed the contentious factor surrounding the classification of meat alternatives as ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The term UPFs refers to foods undergoing extensive industrial processing and containing additives such as flavors, colors, emulsifiers, and preservatives. There is growing concern regarding the potential adverse effects of UPF consumption on health, nutrition, and sociodemographic factors. Additionally, this study examined the market potential, drivers, and barriers associated with different types of meat alternatives. In light of barriers focused on UPFs, meat alternatives can be disputed in that they undergo extensive processing and are highly processed, including numerous ingredients, while meat alternatives offer potential solutions to the environmental, ethical, and health issues associated with animal meat consumption. Consequently, it is important to distinguish them from other UPFs, which are known to have detrimental effects on health. Therefore, this paper proposed a reassessment of the UPF classification system, the establishment of uniform nutritional profiles for meat alternatives, and the dissemination of their beneficial impacts. These measures are necessary to validate the exclusion of meat alternatives from the UPF category and to promote their development and adoption.

Elucidation of the pluripotent potential of bovine embryonic lineages facilitates the establishment of formative stem cell lines.

The establishment of epiblast-derived pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) from cattle, which are important domestic animals that provide humans with milk and meat while also serving as bioreactors for producing valuable proteins, poses a challenge due to the unclear molecular signaling required for embryonic epiblast development and maintenance of PSC self-renewal. Here, we selected six key stages of bovine embryo development (E5, E6, E7, E10, E12, and E14) to track changes in pluripotency and the dependence on signaling pathways via modified single-cell transcription sequencing technology. The remarkable similarity of the gene expression patterns between cattle and pigs during embryonic lineage development contributed to the successful establishment of bovine epiblast stem cells (bEpiSCs) using 3i/LAF (WNTi, GSK3βi, SRCi, LIF, Activin A, and FGF2) culture system. The generated bEpiSCs exhibited consistent expression patterns of formative epiblast pluripotency genes and maintained clonal morphology, normal karyotypes, and proliferative capacity for more than 112 passages. Moreover, these cells exhibited high-efficiency teratoma formation as well as the ability to differentiate into various cell lineages. The potential of bEpiSCs for myogenic differentiation, primordial germ cell like cells (PGCLCs) induction, and as donor cells for cellnuclear transfer was also assessed, indicating their promise in advancing cell-cultured meat production, gene editing, and animal breeding.

Consumers’ willingness to pay for alternative protein food products: taste preference, health, and environmental concerns

ABSTRACT This study investigates consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for traditional animal meat, plant-based meat, and cell-cultured meat products, specifically focusing on beef, chicken, and pork categories. The experiment involves presenting participants with various meat options, along with the presence or absence of carbon footprint or low-salt labels. The findings reveal that consumers exhibit a lower WTP for plant-based and cell-cultured meat compared to traditional animal meat across all three categories (beef, chicken, and pork). Moreover, both carbon footprint and low-salt labels significantly increase consumers’ WTP. The choices made by consumers are influenced by attribute preferences and product-related concerns. Specifically, taste preference significantly impacts consumers’ preference for animal meat over cell-cultured meat in the beef, chicken, and pork categories; however, this effect is not significant for plant-based meat. Consumers who prioritize health concerns tend to choose plant-based beef and chicken over traditional options. Environmental concerns play a crucial role in pork choices, leading to a decrease in the selection of animal pork and an increase in the preference for cell-cultured pork. These findings offer valuable insights for industry stakeholders seeking to advance protein biotechnology and drive innovation in the food market.

Sensory testing and quality maintenance of hamburgers containing soybean meat

In the past few years, lifestyle-related diseases have been increasing, and meat intake has been linked to this increase. Therefore, in recent years, there have been attempts to use soybeans as a substitute for meat. Soybeans exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Therefore, processing foods using soybeans may preserve food quality because the main factors causing food deterioration are oxidation and microbial growth. To verify the quality-retention effect of soybeans, we conducted a sensory test on hamburgers, the quality of which readily deteriorates over time. We investigated the percentage of soybean meat that would be acceptable in a hamburger and quality retention with the addition of different amounts of soybean meat. We found that hamburgers with soybean meat were accepted by more than half of the participants when the soybean meat content was ≤50%. In terms of changes over time in quality-related factors, the L- and b-values (lightness/brightness and yellowness/blueness, respectively) were higher, avalue (redness/greenness) was lower, and pH was higher in hamburgers that contained soybean meat than in those without added soybean meat. Furthermore, an increase in the bacteria count and peroxide content was suppressed in hamburgers containing soybean meat. The results indicate that hamburgers containing soybean meat are of higher quality than those made with 100% animal meat. The use of soybeans as a meat substitute in hamburgers can help mitigate the rise of lifestyle-related diseases linked to high meat consumption.

Assessment of the intake of essential elements by consumption of meat and liver from moose (Alces alces) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) inhabiting the north-west of Russia

This study aimed to analyze the concentrations of the essential elements (Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn) in the edible tissues (muscle=meat, liver) of the large game mammals (moose Alces alces L. (n=17) and wild boar Sus scrofa L. (n=46)) and to assess the nutritional values of these food products through the fulfillment of Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) for the aforementioned elements. The values of most of the elements measured in the animals' tissues were either comparable to or greater than those observed in domestic animals and the same species from other countries. No significant species-dependent differences were observed in the meat for the studied elements, but the concentrations of Co, Cu, and Mn were higher, and the levels of Fe and Zn were lower in the moose liver compared to the wild boar liver. According to DRVs for adults, the game meat and liver are poor sources of Co, Cu (except liver), Mg, and Mn. However, the consumption of liver from studied species meets the adult requirements for Cu (moose) and Fe (moose and wild boar). Both the meat and liver of game animals may be considered as good sources of Zn.

Heat Stress in Beef Cattle: Climate Change and the Global Scenario – A Review

Abstract With the increasing human population and urbanization, the demand for animal origin products is going to grow, especially in the developing nations till the 2050s and the production needs to be escalated and optimized with the changing climate. Heat stress is known to reduce the animal performance, production, shelf life and meat quality in all animals. The beef cattle are globally reared, following different managemental practices, so the usage of natural resources like land and water, manpower, fodders, production systems and the environmental impact also varies profoundly. Recent changes in the climate, global warming and depletion of resources have severely affected the production and heat stress is now a common constraint all over the world. Due to evolutionary diversification the tropical and temperate breeds are comparatively more thermotolerant, but the beef cattle in the colder regions are vulnerable to high environmental temperatures. Also, the production of beef increases the carbon footprint and is much less eco-friendly than growing plant-based protein. So, we comprehended the environmental temperature variation over the continents and impact of heat stress on beef cattle. Also, other factors like cattle population, land and pasture usage, livestock units in trade, methane emissions and gross beef production value were examined to evaluate the collective impact of all these on the beef sector. Our findings and predictions reveal that, in the advent of climate change, depleting natural resources and rise in the greenhouse gases, beef production will be a constant challenge, which can be only achieved by maintaining a healthy cattle population and optimum usage of natural resources. Only then can the beef sector be efficient, sustainable, and a profitable enterprise in future.

Chlorella and vegetable oil inclusion in diets for growing rabbits: effects on growth, digestibility, plasma metabolites, and caecal fermentations and microbiota

The inclusion of microalgae in livestock diets has been shown to enhance animal productivity, immune response, and meat quality. However, the role of chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) in growing rabbit nutrition has been scarcely explored, with available studies focusing on low inclusion levels (<1%) and their effects on rabbit growth and immune response. This study evaluated the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, caecal fermentative activity, and caecal microbiota composition of growing rabbits fed diets with different inclusion levels of chlorella and crude fat. A total of 648 mixed-sex Grimaud crossbred rabbits (33 d of age; 841 ± 140 g live weight) were fed 6 experimental diets (96 rabbits per diet for the growth trial) based on a bifactorial design with three dietary inclusion levels of chlorella (0%, 1%, and 2%) and two levels of crude fat (3% and 5%) obtained by the inclusion of soybean oil (1% and 3%, respectively). The trial lasted 38 days until slaughter. From 47 to 51 days of age, 72 rabbits (12 per diet) were submitted to a digestibility trial. At 51 days of age, samples of plasma and caecal content were collected from 36 rabbits (6 rabbit per diet) to analyse plasma metabolites, caecal fermentations, and caecal microbiota. Rabbit live weight at 71 days of age (2 700 g, on average), weight gain (48.8 g/d) and feed conversion ratio (3.27) were unaffected by chlorella inclusion, while feed conversion ratio improved (−5%; P < 0.001) with an increase of crude fat from 3% to 5%. The digestibility of ADF (23.2% vs. 20.9%; P < 0.05) and crude fat (83.8% vs. 85.6%; P < 0.01) improved with the inclusion of chlorella at 2%, as well as the digestibility of crude fat (82.4% vs. 86.9%; P < 0.001) and gross energy (57.3% vs. 58.7%; P < 0.001) with crude fat inclusion at 5%. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids decreased (−19%; P < 0.05) in diets with 5% crude fat. Neither chlorella nor crude fat inclusion levels affected other plasma metabolites, caecal fermentations, or caecal microbiota. Overall, the inclusion of chlorella up to 2% in diets for growing rabbits did not significantly affect diet nutritional value, animal performance, or caecal activity. On the other hand, increasing crude fat to 5% improved the overall feed efficiency.

Assessment of enteric helminth parasites in bushmeat in Ghana

Anthropogenic activities, such as hunting wild animals for food, increase the risk of zoonotic transmission of infective stages of parasites to humans. The handling, processing and consumption of wild animal meat, popularly known as ‘bushmeat’, as well as exposure to wildlife habitats, can pose a significant risk to human health through the transfer of parasitic infective stages. This study sought to assess the enteric helminth parasite burden and potentially zoonotic helminths in fresh, wild animal carcasses being processed for food. Parasitological analysis of samples of rectal and intestinal contents collected from a total of fifty (50) wild animal carcasses belonging to eight (8) different species at the Atwemonom Bushmeat Market in Kumasi showed nine (9) genera of enteric helminth parasites with an overall prevalence of 71.0%. Individual parasite species prevalence was assessed, with Ascaris sp. showing 25% and 87.5% by coprological and molecular assessment, respectively. Molecular analysis showed a higher parasite species prevalence in all samples analyzed. Species-specific analysis indicated the presence of two potentially zoonotic parasites, Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura, in wild animals, indicating the need to intensify one health approach in wild animal parasitic infections. Data from this study suggest that wild animals in addition to being natural hosts, may also serve as reservoirs for numerous parasites of medical and veterinary importance.

Meating of the minds: Who denies animal mind in response to the meat paradox?

Most people abhor animal cruelty but choose to eat meat. To resolve feelings of conflict associated with this so-called “meat paradox”, meat-eaters appear to downplay the capacity of animals to think and feel. However, the strength of animal mind denial seems likely to vary between individuals—according to one’s concern for animal welfare or enjoyment of meat, for instance. Across two pre-registered studies (S1: N = 355, S2: N = 251), we examined personality traits, attitudes, and beliefs that may predict the strength of animal mind denial in relation to the meat paradox. Results suggest that those lower in openness/intellect or emotion regulation ability, or higher in meat-commitment, deny animal mind more strongly when reminded of the link between meat eating and animal suffering. We discuss the degree to which these findings align with dissonance-based explanations for animal mind-denial in response to the meat-paradox.

Radioecological characteristics of Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus Pal., 1771) inhabiting locations of nuclear weapon tests.

This paper reports the activity concentrations of 137Cs, 90Sr, 239+240Pu, 241Am, and 3Н in the form of tritiated water (НТО) and organically bound tritium (ОBТ) in the tissues and organs of roe deer (Capreolus pygargus Pal., 1771) that inhabit the 'Degelen' test location of the Semipalatinsk Test Site. Tissues and organs were sampled from six deer by killing. The activity concentrations of specific radionuclides in the samples were measured using γ-, α-, and β-spectrometry. The radionuclide activity concentrations in the tissues and organs showed considerable variation, for example, 0.6-170 Bq kg-1 for 137Cs and 0.3-2.8×103 Bq kg-1 for 90Sr. The activity concentrations of radionuclides in animal muscular tissue did not exceed permissible values for the meat of wild animals. The tissues and organs in the roe deer were arranged as follows in descending order of their ability to accumulate 137Cs and 90Sr: for 137Cs, muscular tissue-kidneys-lungs-spleen-heart-liver-bone tissue; for 90Sr, bone tissue-liver-lungs-muscular tissue-spleen-heart-kidneys. The activity concentrations of 241Am and 239+240Pu did not exceed the minimum detectable activity. Therefore, no quantitative values could be determined for 241Am, and the 239+240Pu activity concentration could be derived for only one sample: 0.5±0.1 Bq kg-1 (liver). The distribution pattern of these radionuclides in the tissues and organs of the roe deer could not be determined because of insufficient data. The HTO volumetric activity in the tissues and organs of the examined animals ranged from 2.6×10-2 to 77 kBq l-1; activity concentration of OBT, 3.0×10-2 to 16 kBq kg-1; and OBT-to-HTO ratios, 2.0×10-3 to 5.3×102. This ratio can serve as an indicator of how long the examined animals stay in radioactively contaminated ecosystems. Within the 'Degelen' site, the activity concentrations of 90Sr and tritium, in the form of HTO and OBT, are expected to be high in the bone tissues, soft tissues, and organs, respectively.

PSLBI-25 Students’ perceptions of an artificial intelligence photo generation tool in upper-level animal science curriculum

Abstract Domesticated livestock behavior (DLB) is an advanced animal science lecture course that emphasizes behavior associated with domestication of various animal species such as livestock, equine, companion animals and exotic species. Meat Science (MS) is an introductory dual lecture and laboratory course that focuses on muscle biology, food-borne illnesses, humane livestock harvesting, and fabrication techniques. With the emerging usage of artificial intelligence (AI) generative technologies, an assignment was developed utilizing the free AI photo generation tool, Craiyon. Students in DLB and MS were tasked with completing an AI assignment, generating images relevant to either DLB or MS concepts, to expose students to AI technologies. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine students’ perceptions, knowledge, concerns, and willingness to use AI generative tools and evaluate differences relative to course enrolled (DLB compared with MS). Students (n = 60) enrolled in DLB and MS completed a post-completion survey instrument that consisted of demographic and 5-point Likert-scale questions to gauge student perceptions of the AI assignment. Student survey responses were compiled online using Qualtrics and subsequent respondent data was analyzed using JMP. To give some demographic information relative to the population of students enrolled in DLB and MS, 81 and 76% of the students were female while 19 and 24% were male, respectively. Both courses contained students further along in their degree-seeking program (&amp;gt; 80% Junior or Senior classification). Approximately, 43% of respondents were first generation college students and 66% commute over 14 km daily. When asked about their previous experience using AI generative technologies, 75% of respondents reported no previous experience using AI generative programs. Students enrolled in MS showed a greater concern (P ≤ 0.03) of AI technologies limiting their opportunity to interact and socialize with others as compared with DLB students. Student experience, knowledge, and willingness to use AI tools was not impacted by course enrolled (P ≥ 0.14). Most students reported that they had a positive experience with the AI assignment and felt the experience would be useful in their future (53 and 73%, respectively). Additionally, a majority of students reported that the AI assignment allowed them to visualize concepts and offered a unique learning experience. Participants seemed to have a solid understanding of AI technologies reporting knowledge in tool limitations and inaccurate output. Students were neutral regarding concerns in becoming over-reliant on AI tools and AI use hindering the development of transferable skills. Students felt that AI image generation tools boosted creativity and could be useful in the realm of DLB and MS. Overall, students possessed a general knowledge of AI generative technologies and saw value in using AI image generation tools as it relates to domesticated animal behavior and meat science principles.

PSIX-27 Ultrasound scanning of carcass traits in Katahdin lambs for predictive breeding value and marketing premium

Abstract Ultrasound scanning (USS) technique has been routinely used in performance testing of meat animals, such as swine and beef cattle. This study is to evaluate USS application in organic lamb production, selection, and the accuracy of carcass traits and market value prediction. Ewes (n = 60) were bred, pregnancy diagnosed at 40 d post-mating, and their suckling lambs were assigned to two groups, a non-creep feeding (control) and creep feeding (treatment) group. Each group was balanced with sexes and litter size when allocated into groups at 30-d of age. All lambs had unrestricted suckled their dams during pasture grazing or grazing with creep feeding supplementation until weaning. There were 28 control and 32 treatment group lambs presented at weaning 90 d of age. Lambs were continued to graze as two groups on fescue-based pasture or grazing with creep feeding supplementation till marketing at 120 d. Weaning body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and post-weaning growth weight were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) greater than control 24.0 kg, 226 g/d, and 28.0 kg for treatment group compared with control group at 21.3 kg, 196 g/d, and 25.3 kg, respectively. However, AGD was not significantly increased during the post-weaning creep supplementary feeding period. The ultrasound scanned carcass traits increase in creep feeding over control lambs at weaning and post-weaning measurements (Figure 1). The average ultrasound scanned back fat depth, loineye muscle depth, muscle width, and loineye muscle area were 2.2 mm, 17.9 mm, 45.6 mm and 5.8 cm2 at weaning age of 90 d; and 2.6 mm, 20.9 mm, 48.0 mm, and 7.0 cm2 at 120 d, respectively. The correlative associations (Table 1) between carcass traits and lamb BW, such as loineye muscle depth (LED), loineye muscle width (LEW), loineye muscle depth (LED) and loineye muscle area (LEA), and LEA were significantly improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with increased BW. However, there was no difference in these traits due to treatment except backfat depth, which was significantly higher for treatment and females. Creep supplementary feeding lambs during pre-weaning has increased ADG and weaning weight; therefore, will enhance market values of organically raised lambs. The results indicate that USS technique is worthy of application in meat lamb selection, post-weaning performance and market premium prediction.

Methods for Screening and Isolating Extremely Heat-Resistant Escherichia coli from Meat Sources.

Meat animals harbor diverse E. coli populations in their digestive tracts and can serve as sources of pathogenic E. coli. The consumption of meat and produce contaminated with virulent E. coli from animal sources is associated with human illnesses and outbreaks. Heat treatment is an antimicrobial intervention that is commonly used during meat processing to ensure effective reductions in microbial load. Extreme heat resistance (XHR) has been reported among meat-borne E. coli and is mainly attributed to an ~15-19 kb genetic element known as the transmissible locus of stress tolerance (tLST). XHR E. coli can resist treatments used during meat processing and cooking. Therefore, the detection of heat-resistant E. coli is important for devising effective control measures to prevent meat spoilage and ensure meat safety. Here, we present methods used to (1) screen for tLST genes by multiplex PCR and (2) screen and isolate XHR E. coli from meat sources. The mode of heat exposure affects the outcome of XHR testing. Hence, the protocols were optimized to achieve maximum agreement between the tLST genotype and the XHR phenotype.

Key Factors Influencing Gelation in Plant vs. Animal Proteins: A Comparative Mini-Review.

This review presents a comparative analysis of gelation properties in plant-based versus animal-based proteins, emphasizing key factors such as pH, ionic environment, temperature, and anti-nutritional factors. Gelation, a crucial process in food texture formation, is influenced by these factors in varying ways for plant and animal proteins. Animal proteins, like casein, whey, meat, and egg, generally show stable gelation properties, responding predictably to pH, temperature, and ionic changes. In contrast, plant proteins such as soy, pea, wheat, and oilseed show more variable gelation, often requiring specific conditions, like the presence of NaCl or optimal pH, to form effective gels. Animal proteins tend to gel more reliably, while plant proteins require precise environmental adjustments for similar results. Understanding these factors is crucial for selecting and processing proteins to achieve desired textures and functionalities in food products. This review highlights how changing these key factors can optimize gel properties in both plant- and animal-based proteins.

Early diagnosis of Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella nativa: Expression of the serine protease gene at the invasive intestinal and muscular larva stages.

Diagnosis of trichinellosis at the intestinal stage during larval development is the primary challenge in the early detection and treatment of trichinellosis. The use of serine protease as a diagnostic marker for serological tests has been the subject of various studies, but data on Trichinella nativa serine protease in the intestinal phase are still insufficient for a proper diagnosis. This study aimed to establish the duration of the intestinal phase for early diagnosis and to determine the level of expression of the serine protease gene in T. nativa and Trichinella spiralis larvae. We used European isolates from T. spiralis pigs and T. nativa larvae isolated from spontaneously infected wild carnivorous animals (wolf, Karaganda region) in Central Kazakhstan. Isolation of larvae from the meat of infected animals was carried out using the compressor method. For two species of Trichinella, 36 mice (in each group 18 mice) were infected with 250 larvae and euthanized by intramuscular injection of xylazine followed by an intravenous overdose of anestofol at 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 30 dpi (each day 3 infected mice) and one control group (3 mice). Sequencing and bioinformatics methods were used to determine the DNA and cDNA of the serine protease gene, and molecular methods (DNA extraction, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and sequence) were used to measure the accumulation of serine protease transcripts in isolated larvae. The results showed differences in the duration of intestinal phase between T. spiralis and T. nativa. The intestinal larvae of T. nativa were observed from 7 to 30 dpi, and the intensity of invasion increased up to 30 dpi (p < 0.001), while in the case of T. spiralis, the increase in larval growth in the intestinal phase decreased to 21 dpi, and only an increase of 1.6 ± 0.88 (p < 0.01) was detected at 30 dpi. T. nativa muscle larvae were detected at 21 dpi, compared with T. spiralis at 14 dpi. This characteristic was also reflected in the levels of serine protease transcripts in the samples. Accumulation was observed in both cases higher in the muscular stage of development, whereas the duration of the intestinal stage of T. nativa made it possible to detect serine protease at 30 dpi. The intestinal stage of T. nativa lasts for 30 days, indicating that the use of T. nativa serine protease is useful for the identification of intestinal infection. Furthermore, this protein can be used to identify T. spiralis and T. nativa in laboratory samples. Serine protease can be used as a marker for serological diagnosis. Within the framework of the research topic, it is important to conduct further studies on the species specificity of the obtained recombinant protein. It is necessary to focus on identifying highly specific Trichinella proteins for early disease detection.

Urinary Response to Consuming Plant-Based Meat Alternatives in Persons with Normal Kidney Function: The SWAP-MEAT Pilot Trial.

Consuming excess animal meat may exacerbate kidney disorders such as urinary stone disease and chronic kidney disease. Plant-based meat alternatives imitate animal meat, and replace animal with vegetable protein, but it is unclear whether eating plant-meat confers similar health benefits as eating whole vegetables. We hypothesized that eating plant-meat when compared with animal meat decreases dietary acid load but increases dietary phosphorus and nitrogen. SWAP-MEAT was a randomized eight-week, crossover trial (NCT03718988) of participants consuming >2 servings/day of either plant-meat or animal meat for each eight-week phase. We measured urine sulfate, ammonium, pH, phosphorus, urea nitrogen, citrate, and creatinine concentrations, and serum creatinine and bicarbonate concentrations from stored participant samples from each phase. At a single site, we enrolled 36 generally healthy participants (mean±SD age 50.2 ± 13.8 years, 67% women, and 69% White). Eating the plant-meat diet vs. eating the animal meat diet was associated with lower mean concentration of urine sulfate (-6.7 mEq/L; 95% CI -11.0, -2.4), urine ammonium (-4.2 mmol/L; 95% CI -8.2, -0.1), urine phosphorus (-9.0 mg/dL; 95% CI -17.5, -0.5), and urine urea nitrogen (-124.8 mg/dL; 95% CI -226.9, -22.6). Eating plant-meat compared with eating animal meat was associated with higher mean urine pH (+0.3 units; 95% CI 0.2, 0.5) and mean urine citrate/creatinine ratio (+111.65; 95% CI 52.69-170.60). After participants consumed a plant-meat diet compared with when they consumed an animal meat diet, mean serum creatinine concentration was lower (-0.07 mg/dL, 95% CI -0.10, -0.04), whereas mean serum bicarbonate concentration was not different. Eating plant-based meat products, compared with eating animal meat, was associated with lower urinary excretion of sulfate, ammonium, phosphorus, and urea nitrogen and higher urinary excretion of citrate. Our findings provide rationale for examining whether plant-based meat will benefit patients with kidney disease.

Research progress on plant‐based glue in meat substitutes: main components, formation mechanisms, challenges, and development

SummaryThe growing recognition of environmental conservation and human well‐being has led to a surge in the advancement of plant‐based meat. These meat alternatives are similar to animal meat products regarding texture, flavour, shape, and other characteristics. These products consist of three main components: plant tissue proteins, fat mimetics, and plant‐based glues that act as binders. Since meat substitutes are subjected to high temperatures and pressures or refrigeration, the junction between the tissue proteins and fat mimetics is prone to cracking, necessitating the development of adhesives with excellent bonding characteristics. The physicochemical properties and functional applications of plant glues are currently attracting significant research attention. Plant‐based glues are essentially gels derived from substances such as proteins, polysaccharides, or various compounds. This article summarised the basic principles of gel formation, focusing on acid‐, salt‐, heat‐, and enzyme‐induced gel formation pathways, as well as the role of pH adjustment and enzyme or salt ion addition in improving their functional properties. Optimal conditions can enhance the adhesive properties of plant‐based glues. This article reviewed the types, gelation mechanisms, influencing factors, and challenges of plant‐based glues to provide a theoretical basis for research on their application potential.

Effects of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) By-Product on Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Growing Rabbits.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding dried bergamot pulp to rabbits on animal performance and meat quality. Thirty rabbits were assigned to two groups (balanced for body weight, 804.4 ± 2.35 g) and fed individually for 60 days a basal diet (control) or the basal diet in which part of the cereals was replaced with 10% of dried bergamot pulp (DBP). There were no effects of DBP on growth performance, carcass yield, or the crude protein and ether extract composition of meat. The concentrations of α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n-3) increased in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (p < 0.01 and p = 0.021, respectively) after integrating dried bergamot pulp into the diet, leading to higher levels of total of ω-3 fatty acids (p < 0.01) compared to the control treatment. The inclusion of dried bergamot pulp improved the oxidative stability in meat (p < 0.001), where TBARS values were lower after 4 and 7 days of refrigerated storage (p < 0.001) in the DBP group than in the control group. Finally, feeding dried bergamot pulp to rabbits improves meat quality without negatively influencing growth performance.