Milk Food Research Articles

Regulation of household food needs: Affirmation of socio-cultural resilience in preventing stunting incidents in coastal areas

The problem of stunting is not only related to children’s short height, but also has an impact on high morbidity rates, due to long-term nutritional deficiencies. which hinders motor and mental development in children. The objectives of this research are: 1) to understand household food security, 2) to understand the eating habits of pregnant women and toddlers regarding existing belief systems and traditions, and 3) to understand resilience mechanisms in overcoming food emergencies to prevent stunting. The data collection process uses a mixed methods approach by combining qualitative and quantitative research. The research results show that the determining factor for the incidence of stunting in coastal areas of Indonesia is the lack of household food availability due to subsistence economic life which then has an impact on eating behavior in the household, namely the lack of quality and quantity of the types of food consumed. daily. Apart from that, there is still a lack of understanding by pregnant women regarding the importance of providing complementary breast milk food to toddlers, low literacy of food diversity among toddlers, and low public trust in the importance of immunization. Furthermore, the high rate of early marriage in society and the limited awareness of using clean water is caused by a philosophy that still considers rivers as a source of life, so the water is used for consumption. Apart from that, socio-cultural mechanisms as a strategy to resolve the problem of food shortages have not yet been implemented.

Occurrence and diversity of Campylobacter species in diarrheic children and their exposure environments in Ethiopia

Campylobacter is a major zoonotic foodborne pathogen that poses a significant public health threat, particularly among children and immunocompromised individuals. However, data on the occurrence and sources of Campylobacter infection remain scarce in Ethiopia. This study assessed the occurrence, diversity, and relationships between Campylobacter from diarrheic children and potential exposure sources using whole-genome sequencing. Through case-based tracing, animal, food, and environmental samples were collected from Harar town and Kersa district between November 2021 and January 2023. Campylobacter was identified using selective media, and DNA was extracted and sequenced with the Illumina NextSeq 550 instrument. Sequence reads were analysed using bioinformatics tools. The overall Campylobacter prevalence in the exposure sources was 5.5%, with 6.0% in urban and 5.0% in rural settings. Campylobacter detection was 1.8 times more likely in household samples (8.7%; OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 0.7–4.5) than in samples from marketplaces. The occurrence of Campylobacter in food was 4.2%, with no significant differences across the meat, milk, and other food categories. The likelihood of Campylobacter contamination in the environment was 5.8 times higher in the presence of poultry (17.7%; OR = 5.8; CI: 1.1–30.6) compared to shoats. Sequence analysis identified a low Campylobacter spp. diversity comprising only C. jejuni and C. coli, which were characterized by 8 distinct sequence types (STs). Phylogenetically, the majority of the sequenced case isolates were clustered with isolates from either caretakers, environmental exposures, or both. In conclusion, Campylobacter was detected in various exposure sources of diarrheic children, and its occurrence did not differ significantly between Kersa and Harar or among food items. The majority of isolates shared MLST profiles and clustered together, demonstrating the involvement of multiple vectors in the transmission of the pathogen. Genome-based integrated studies supported by an attribution model are recommended to determine the relative contribution of each source.

Optimizing tropical dairy goat diets: balancing rumen degradable protein, non-fiber carbohydrates, and sulfur requirements.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of rations incorporating rumen degradable protein (RDP), non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC), and sulfur on nutrient utilization, milk production, milk quality, and the economic aspects of dairy goats. In the first study, five treatments were tested in a block-randomized design to examine in vitro fermentability and digestibility. Treatments included P0 (control diet), P1 (P0 + 7.5% cassava-NFC), P2 (P0 + 7.5% cassava-NFC and 5% soybean), P3 (P0 + 7.5% cassava-NFC and 5% autoclaved soybean), and P4 (P0 + 7.5% cassava-NFC, 5% autoclaved soybean, and 0.1% sulfur). In the second study, sixteen lactating Saanen-Ettawa crossbreed dairy goats (initial milk production = 0.97 ± 0.25 L/head/day, 30 DIM; body weight = 44.44 ± 7.20 kg) were assigned into four groups and fed treatment diets: R0 (basal diet), R1 (R0 + 12% autoclaved soybean), R2 (R0 + 12% autoclaved soybean and 9% cassava-NFC), and R3 (R0 + 12% autoclaved soybean, 9% cassava-NFC, and 0.11% sulfur). The diets were offered for 7 weeks with a two-week adaptation period. Parameters observed include milk production and quality, milk fatty acids, blood hematology and metabolites, and economic aspects. The study used a block randomized design with initial weight as a block. The treatment diets in the first study had no effect on in vitro fermentability and digestibility. Treatments R2 and R3 resulted in higher milk production than R0 and R1. Milk quality remained consistent across treatments, while solid non-fat, lactose, and protein was higher in R2 and R3. Blood hematology was unaffected by the treatments. Nutrient efficiency and income over feed cost were enhanced by R2 and R3 treatments. Protected RDP using autoclaved soybean and cassava-NFC maintained in vitro digestibility, even though it did not improve in vitro fermentability. Precision dairy ration based on RDP, NFC, and sulfur positively impacts milk production, nutrient efficiency, and animal health in dairy goats.

From One Heath to One Sustainability: The Role of Contagious Mastitis Pathogens in Decreasing the Dairy Herd Sustainability.

Economic, social, and environmental sustainability are the results of efforts aiming to improve all aspects of milk production, respecting animal welfare and improving herd health. An epidemiological study was designed to assess the role of contagious pathogens (S. aureus and S. agalactiae) in a cohort of 120 dairy herds located in the southern regions of Italy. Milk quality was assessed using certified methods, and the prevalence of mastitis pathogens in bulk tank milk was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Welfare scores were assessed using a scoring card that has more than 100 items, including animal-based measurements. Statistical analyses were performed using general lineal model and logistic regression procedures. The results showed that S. aureus had a significant negative effect on the amount of milk nutrients delivered to the dairy plant, and on the level of welfare, whereas the presence of S. agalactiae did not show any significant association. The major risk factors associated with the presence of S. aureus were also identified to help prioritize control programs. These results support the "One Sustainability" approach, implying that an increase in animal productivity is related to the improvement of animal health and welfare and potentially leading to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Maternal Nutrition and Human Milk Nutrients

Abstract Purpose: To explore the influence of maternal nutrition factors, including body mass index, nutritional supplementation, and dietary intake during the breastfeeding period, on macro and micronutrient composition in human milk. Study Design and Methods: We conducted a scoping review using the PRISMA-ScR checklist, initially identifying 5,984 original studies published in the English language from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science that presented findings on the association of maternal nutritional factors on human milk nutrient composition. After screening the title and abstract, we selected 69 studies for full review, including 3 studies found through checking reference lists. After full review, we included 23 studies in this scoping review. Results: Most studies found maternal body mass index and supplement consumption affected human milk macro and micronutrient composition, whereas inconsistent results were found on the relationship between maternal diet and human milk nutrients. Methodologies varied substantially across studies, especially for milk sample collection methods and maternal nutrition assessments. Clinical implications: Maternal nutrition factors may affect levels of human milk nutrients, requiring maternal nutrition monitoring during breastfeeding. However, given the considerable variability in the results between studies and methodological approaches, further studies should use standardized and validated procedures to strengthen the findings on this topic.

Milk Production, Milk Composition, Milk Fatty Acid Profile and Nutrient Digestibility of Mehsana Goats Fed Sunflower (Helianthus annus) Oil

A study was conducted during the month of December, 2020 to January, 2021 at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat (385506), India to evaluate the effect of dietary sunflower oil supplementation on milk yield, milk fatty acid profile and nutrient digestibility of Mehsana goats. Eighteen lactating Mehsana goats were randomly divided into three treatment groups, viz. Basal diet (control), Basal diet+25 g animal-1 day-1 of sunflower oil and Basal diet+50 g animal-1 day-1 of sunflower oil for a period of 60 days. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found in milk yield in terms of kg d-1, 4% fat corrected milk and energy corrected milk among the treatment groups. The milk constituents and their yields were not affected due to dietary inclusion of sunflower oil. Sunflower oil feeding at the dose of 50 g d-1 increased (p<0.05) concentration of milk short chain fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk of goats. The intake and digestibility of nitrogen free extract was increased in sunflower oil supplemented groups. The intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fibre were similar (p>0.05) among the treatment groups. it may be concluded that supplementation of sunflower oil at the dose rate of 25 and 50 g d-1 did not affect feed intake, milk yield, milk constituents and nutrient digestibility in lactating Mehsana goats. However, dietary 50 g d-1 of sunflower oil significantly increased concentration of milk short chain fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in goats.

Pelatihan Metode SPEOS (Stimulasi Pijat Endhorpin, Pijat Oksitosin dan Sugesti) Ibu Nifas Pada Tim Pendamping Keluarga di Wilayah Puskesmas Danau Marsabut Kecamatan Sipirok

Based on the 2018 Riskesdas results, the proportion of breastfeeding patterns for babies aged 0-5 months in Indonesia is 37.3% exclusive breastfeeding, 9.3% partial breastfeeding and 3.3% predominant breastfeeding. Predominant breastfeeding is breastfeeding the baby but giving a little water or a water-based drink, for example tea, as a prelacteal food/drink before the milk comes in. Meanwhile, partial breastfeeding is breastfeeding a baby and giving artificial food other than breast milk such as formula milk, porridge or other food before the baby is 6 months old, whether given continuously or as prelacteal food. North Sumatra Province Nutrition Program Data in 2018. The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding for babies 0-6 months in North Sumatra in 2018 was 65.57 percent, an increase compared to the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding in 2017, namely 54.4 percent (Sumatra Provincial Health Service, 2017). 2018). In the breastfeeding process, problems sometimes arise that can prevent giving breast milk to babies. Problems that mothers often experience when breastfeeding include inverted nipples, swollen breasts, sore and painful nipples, blocked milk ducts, breast inflammation and insufficient milk production (Purwoastuti, 2015). There are many non-pharmacological methods that can help postpartum mothers increase breast milk production, ranging from marmet massage, oxytocin massage, Woolwich massage to areola and rolling massage. Currently, based on the results of related research, there are non-pharmacological methods that are cheaper, easier, non-invasive and acceptable to respondents and without side effects. Nursing interventions that can be applied to help increase lactation in post partum mothers are the SPEOS method (Endorphin, Oxytocin and Suggestive Massage Stimulation).

Seaweed Milk Food Supplement Produced from Hydropuntia eucheumatoides (Harvey)

Objective / Background Hydropuntia eucheumatoides (HE) seaweed is widely distributed in tropical seas and is a common food for coastal people. Our objectives were to prepare seaweed milk from HE, and test is possible utility as a food supplement and source of antioxidants that has an appropriate sensory profile. Methods We used an enzyme from Lactobacillus strains for polysaccharide hydrolysis into HE seaweed milk food supplements. We cultured five Lactobacillus strains with appropriate agarase, cellulase, and amylase enzyme activities. Results We optimized the enzyme concentration (mass of seaweed HE: 40 g/L), substrate concentration (2 mL enzyme/g seaweed), temperature (50 °C), pH (5), and hydrolysis time (96 h). The hydrolyzate included oligosaccharides, monosaccharides, amino acids, and minerals. The product exhibited excellent sensory details and is likely to be safe for consumption. Conclusions We completed our objectives. Our product is ready for initial consumer sensory testing.

Assessment of the Biological Activity of a Probiotic Fermented Milk Product with the Addition of Lactobacillus helveticus Cell-Free Supernatant

Products enriched with probiotic microorganisms have proven to possess immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hypo-cholesterolemic, hypotensive, and antimicrobial properties. Biologically active substances, which are by-products of microbial fermentation, have potential applications in various industries. Cell-free supernatants, depending on the microorganisms used and production conditions, can exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, bifidogenic, and other biological activities. This paper presents a study on the biological activity of a probiotic fermented milk product, supplemented with 0.01% lyophilized cell-free supernatant from Lactobacillus helveticus. The fermented milk product was developed based on a composition of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus F, Lactococcus cremoris CR201, and Propionibacterium shermanii E2. The research evaluated antimicrobial activity, Bifidobacteria growth stimulation, and the content of organic acids, amino acids, and B vitamins. It was found that adding lyophilized cell-free supernatant to the fermented milk product enhanced its biological activity. In particular, the experimental samples showed a threefold increase in vitamin B6 content compared to the control, reaching 22.412 μg/100 g. Additionally, the amino acid content in the experimental samples exhibited a significant increase of more than 100% in the essential amino acid tryptophan compared to the control. Notably, antimicrobial activity increased against several opportunistic strains. The experimental samples also showed a significant increase in lactic and formic acids, which may enhance the product’s inhibitory properties against pathogens. An increase in antioxidant activity was observed, potentially due to the higher content of tryptophan and vitamin B6. The positive effect of adding cell-free supernatant on the growth of Bifidobacteria was also demonstrated. Thus, the findings suggest that this cell-free supernatant can be recommended as an additive in the production of fermented milk products, food additives, dietary supplements, and animal feed.

Shifting feed delivery time: effects on feeding behavior, milk production, and blood biomarkers in late-lactating dairy cows

Improving the synchronization between the pattern of milk synthesis and nutrient availability throughout the day could enhance production efficiency. In this study, we evaluated the effects of changing feed delivery time on milk production, feeding behavior, and the daily rhythms of blood biomarkers. Eight multiparous Holstein cows housed in a tie-stall barn with controlled environmental conditions were enrolled in a crossover experimental design with three periods of 14 days and three treatments each. Cows were milked twice daily (0530 and 1730 h) and were individually fed with two equal meals of forage and eight equal meals of concentrate during the day. Forage meals were provided at 12-hour intervals either: (i) 5 h before each milking (0030 and 1230 h; BM), (ii) at the end of each milking (0530 and 1730 h; ME), (iii) or 2 h after (0730 and 1930 h; AM). Feed intake and feeding behavior were monitored, and milk production and composition were measured. Blood samples were collected every 4 days at 0700 h and, during the last day of each period, 15 times daily to determine metabolic profiles, hormones, and their daily rhythmicity by the cosinor analysis. Changing forage delivery time did not affect milk yield and dry matter intake. No difference was observed in feeding behavior when expressed relative to the first meal. There were no significant differences in milk component contents and yields. In samples collected at 0700 h, ME had reduced plasma calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) and increased sodium (Na). AM had increased inflammation, as suggested by the greater blood globulin and ceruloplasmin. The patterns of metabolic biomarkers had limited variations when expressed relative to the first forage meal. Nevertheless, the daily rhythms of these biomarkers were remarkably different. Under our conditions, feeding forage meals to cows at different times of the day did not influence productive performance but highlighted the importance of considering the sampling time when interpreting metabolic profiles.

Sensitive Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Using Allosteric Probe and Hairpin Switches-Based Isothermal Transcription Amplification.

Pathogens pose a serious threat to public and population health, leading to serious outbreak and spread of diseases irrespective of the region. The capability to directly, sensitively, and specifically detect viable pathogens in low numbers in food and clinical samples is very desirable but remains a challenge. In this work, we present a novel assay of a combination of an aptamer-based allosteric probe and hairpin switch-controlled T7 RNA polymerase-based isothermal transcription amplification, which enables rapid, ultrasensitive, label-free detection of direct pathogens. It can detect Escherichia coli as low as 73.2 CFU/mL. Moreover, with the usage of the proposed assay, sensitive quantification of E. coliO157:H7 in milk samples has been achieved, showing significant potential as a simple and sensitive tool to quantify pathogens in milk and other foods.

Maternal dietary protein and amino acid intake is not associated with the amino acid composition of human milk in an affluent environment.

Amino acids (AA) are essential nutrients in human milk (HM) and critical for infant growth and development. Several maternal lifestyle factors have been suggested to influence HM AA composition, with possible consequences for the breastfed infant. Whether maternal dietary protein and AA intake is associated with AA concentrations in HM is still largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal dietary AA intake and AA concentrations in HM over the first month postpartum. Data from the observational longitudinal Amsterdam Mother's Milk study were used, consisting of 123 lactating women in their first postpartum month. HM samples were collected three times, on day 10, 17 and 24 postpartum. Maternal dietary protein and AA intake on these collection days was assessed using three 24-h recalls. HM protein-bound and free AA (BAA and FAA, respectively) were analysed by liquid chromatography. Associations between maternal AA intake and AA concentrations in HM were assessed using linear mixed models. Maternal intake was negatively associated with milk concentrations of free arginine (-0·0003; P = 0·01) and free lysine (-0·0004; P = 0·03) and was positively associated with free glutamine (0·002; P = 0·03) and free threonine (0·0008; P = 0·03). However, these associations were attenuated after correction for multiple testing. Both the quality and quantity of dietary protein intake in lactating women do not seem to influence the amino composition of their breast milk when living in an affluent environment.

Responsive feeding practices among Arabic and Mongolian speaking migrant mothers in Australia: A qualitative study.

Establishing healthy feeding habits during infancy is crucial for optimal growth. However, certain parental feeding and cultural practices might hinder the development of children's healthy eating behaviours. This research explored responsive feeding practices among migrant mothers in Australia. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted in their native language with 20 Arabic and 20 Mongolian-speaking migrant mothers with children under 2 years old or currently pregnant. Thematic analysis was conducted using the framework method. Both cultural groups followed a variety of feeding practices, including on demand responsive feeding or structured schedules. Arabic-speaking mothers tended to demonstrate responsive feeding practices more frequently than Mongolian-speaking mothers, except for those using formula feeding, who consistently followed a fixed feeding routine. When introducing solid foods, mothers from both groups often overlooked their babies' hunger and satiety cues, frequently pressuring their children to finish their entire plate. One cited reason for this was the challenge parents faced in identifying such cues. Arabic-speaking mothers often supplemented with formula top-ups after introducing solid foods, due to the belief that breast milk or solid foods alone might not sufficiently nourish their infants. Additionally, some Arabic-speaking mothers used food-based rewards to encourage eating. Mongolian mothers expressed a cultural preference for chubby babies, a potential reason why they may have been inclined to pressure-feed their children. Moreover, both groups reported using digital devices to distract their children during meals. This study highlights the necessity of tailoring future resources and services related to responsive feeding practices to accommodate diverse literacy levels and cultural backgrounds.

Longitudinal investigation of mineral composition in human milk and its correlation with infant anthropometric outcomes among Tibetan mother-infant dyads during the first 6 months postpartum

Nutrients in human milk, including minerals, relate growth and development of breast-fed infants. Tibetan mother-infant dyads possess unique characteristics on early nutrition due to their featured long-lasting life-style. This study longitudinally investigated the relationship between the mineral composition in human milk and the Z-scores of infants among Tibetan mother-infant dyads during their first 6 months postpartum through a prospective cohort study. The results show that the minerals of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, and Se were of higher levels in colostrum than other lactation stages. Several minerals were below the recommended values for infants according to Chinese dietary guidelines. Besides, a large proportion of infant Z-scores were below −2 as lactation period continued. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that classifications and correlations in varying degrees were observed between minerals in human milk and infant Z-scores. These findings will be advantageous for research upon Chinese early nutrition and progress of tailor-made infant formula.

Effects of Composite Probiotic Food on Urinary, Serum Biochemical and Oxidative Stress Parameters in a Urolithiatic Rat Model.

Prevention, management or cure of diseases through dietary approaches is becoming increasingly important. Research suggests that probiotic, oxalate-degrading Lactobacillus species administered via a milk and cereal food can prevent kidney stones while also addressing nutritional deficiencies and maintaining essential calcium levels. This study investigates the effect of a composite probiotic milk beverage on urolithiatic rats. Probiotic milk-barley beverage (PMBB) was prepared by fermentation of milk enriched with barley (Hordeum vulgare) flour using starter culture containing oxalate-degrading probiotic strains (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains MTCC5945 and MTCC25062, Lactobacillus helveticus MTCC5463 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum M11). Cumin and common salt were used as flavourings. Unfermented milk-barley base (C) served as control. Wistar rats were divided in four groups (N=6). Normal control (NC) group received normal rat diet, and to induce kidney stones, ethylene glycol (0.75 %) and ammonium chloride (1 %) were administered to the disease control (DC) group, PMBB and control (C) groups for 28 days. PMBB and C groups received 1 mL of probiotic milk and barley beverage and unfermented milk-barley base from day 15 to day 28. Indicators of urolithiasis were studied. PMBB significantly (p<0.05) increased urine output, decreased urine oxalate concentrations and increased creatinine, calcium and uric acid concentrations. Serum parameters such as concentrations of calcium, uric acid, urea and creatinine increased significantly (p<0.05) in DC rats, but decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the PMBB group. In addition, serum concentrations of magnesium and osteopontin decreased more significantly in DC rats than in the PMBB ones. The increase in malondialdehyde and decrease in reduced glutathione concentrations observed in the DC group were significantly lower in the PMBB group. The histomorphology of the kidney tissue of DC rats showed calcium oxalate crystal aggregates in the tubules, indicators of renal injury, tubular dilatation, enlarged urinary space and shrunken glomeruli. The PMBB group showed an improvement in the renal histological architecture. Analysis of the caecal digesta of the rats showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher mass fraction of fatty acids (acetic and propionic) in the treatment group. The results show the potential of PMBB in the dietary control of urolithiasis. This study focuses on the antiurolithiatic prospect of a composite probiotic milk beverage produced with oxalate-degrading culture. It also points to a new functional food form that shows promising health benefits in nutrition of patients with urolithiasis.

Comparison of gnotobiotic communities reveals milk-adapted metabolic functions and unexpected amino acid metabolism by the pre-weaning microbiome

ABSTRACT The intestinal microbiome during infancy and childhood has distinct metabolic functions and microbial composition compared to adults. We recently published a gnotobiotic mouse model of the pre-weaning microbiome (PedsCom), which retains a pre-weaning configuration during the transition from a milk-based diet to solid foods, leads to a stunted immune system, and increases susceptibility to enteric infection. Here, we compared the phylogenetic and metabolic relationships of the PedsCom consortium to two adult-derived gnotobiotic communities, Altered Schaedler Flora and Oligo-Mouse Microbiota 12 (Oligo-MM12). We find that PedsCom contains several unique functions relative to these adult-derived mouse consortia, including differences in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism genes. Notably, amino acid degradation metabolic modules are more prevalent among PedsCom isolates, which is in line with the ready availability of these nutrients in milk. Indeed, metabolomic analysis revealed significantly lower levels of total free amino acids and lower levels of specific amino acids abundant in milk (e.g. glutamine and glutamic acid) in the intestinal contents of adult PedsCom colonized mice compared to Oligo-MM12 controls. Metabolomic analysis of pre-weaning intestinal contents also showed lower levels of amino acids that are replete in milk compared to germ-free controls. Thus, enhanced amino acid metabolism is a prominent feature of the pre-weaning microbiome that may facilitate design of early-life microbiome interventions.

Ultrasonicated omega‐3‐enriched skipjack tuna eyeball oil nanoliposome: preparation, characterisation, and fortification in milk

SummaryNanoliposomes (NL) containing different levels (1%, 2%, and 5%; w/w) of EPA/DHA‐enriched oil (n3FAO) from skipjack tuna eyeballs were prepared using 1%, 2.5%, and 5% (w/v) of soy phosphatidylcholine lecithin (SL) as a wall material. Then, the impact of ultrasonication at different amplitudes (40% and 50%) and sonication time (5 and 10 min) on encapsulation efficiency (EE) of selected NL was also investigated. NLs prepared without ultrasonication treatment using 2.5% SL and 2% n3FAO (WU‐NL) showed the highest EE (88%) than the remaining concentrations. When ultrasound at 40% amplitude for 5 min was applied, NLs (US‐NL) having the maximum EE of 98% were achieved. Ultrasonication employed at all conditions showed increased particle size (31.6–67.2 nm) than the WU‐NL (22.8 nm). Microstructure suggested the formation of particles with smooth surfaces and homogenous distribution. When NL powders were incorporated into the fresh cow milk at various levels (2.5% and 5.0%; w/v), likeness for aroma, mouthfeel, taste, and aftertaste slightly decreased, especially at higher levels (5%) for all samples. Nevertheless, the likeness score remained within acceptable levels (≥5.0). The fatty acid profile of the milk fortified with 2.5% (w/w) NLs showed a significant increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including EPA and DHA. Therefore, the findings indicated that ultrasonication improved the EE of liposomes, which could be successfully incorporated into milk and other food items with a lower content of PUFAs, boosting their nutritional profile while maintaining their taste and sensory attributes.

Structural Characterization and Abundance of Sialylated Milk Oligosaccharides in Holstein Cows during Early Lactation.

Among other bioactive molecules, milk contains high amounts of sialylated milk oligosaccharides (MOs) that influence numerous processes in the offspring. For instance, sialylated MOs inhibit the invasion of pathogens and positively influence the gut microbiome to support the optimal development of the offspring. For these reasons, sialylated MOs are also used in infant formula as well as food supplements and are potential therapeutic substances for humans and animals. Because of the high interest in sialylated bovine MOs (bMOs), we used several analytical approaches, such as gas and liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry, to investigate in detail the profile of sialylated bMOs in the milk of Holstein Friesian cows during early lactation. Most of the 40 MOs identified in this study were sialylated, and a rapid decrease in all detected sialylated bMOs took place during the first day of lactation. Remarkably, we observed a high variance within the sialylation level during the first two days after calving. Therefore, our results suggest that the content of sialylated MOs might be an additional quality marker for the bioactivity of colostrum and transitional milk to ensure its optimized application for the production of milk replacer and food supplements.

Effect of solution plasma process on microorganism sterilization, physicochemical properties and nutrients of milk

Solution plasma process (SPP) was used for sterilizing Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in raw milk (RM). The sterilization efficacy analysis and kinetics analysis showed bacterial concentration and the distance between electrodes were negatively correlated with the sterilization effect, while discharge voltage was positive. The better sterilization effect was achieved at 4 kV. The electrochemical indices analysis indicated that pH value of RM had no changed. The DO content decreased. The conductivity increased with the increasing discharge voltage. The nutrient content analysis revealed that the content of acidity, lactose, fat, and protein decreased. RM after SPP treatment exhibited higher values of sourness and slightly lower values of astringency than the control. The higher discharge voltage and narrower distance between electrodes presented the stronger effect. The structural characterization of CMs and MFGs was carried out using a laser particle sizer, FTIR, 1H NMR, XRD, and AFM. The results showed that the main chemical structure of CMs was unchanged basically. The SPP with the narrower distance between electrodes and lower discharge voltage significantly reduced the size and aggregation of MFGs at the molecular level. At 4 kV/2 mm, the particle sizes of CMs and MFGs were reduced from 238 nm and 523 nm to 224 nm and 302 nm, respectively. The average diameter of MFGs was reduced from 45 nm to 18 nm. Therefore, SPP is a potential method in the milk industry and provides a new idea for the preservation and processing of beverage.

Novel cell wall polysaccharide genotypes and structures of lactococcal strains isolated from milk and fermented foods

The biosynthetic machinery for cell wall polysaccharide (CWPS) formation in Lactococcus lactis and Lactococcus cremoris is encoded by the cwps locus. The CWPS of lactococci typically consists of a neutral rhamnan component, which is embedded in the peptidoglycan, and to which a surface-exposed side chain oligosaccharide or polysaccharide pellicle (PSP) component is attached. The rhamnan component has been shown for several lactococcal strains to consist of a repeating rhamnose trisaccharide subunit, while the side chain is diverse in glycan content, polymeric status and glycosidic linkage architecture. The observed structural diversity of the CWPS side chain among lactococcal strains is reflected in the genetic diversity within the variable 3′ region of the corresponding cwps loci. To date, four distinct cwps genotypes (A, B, C, D) have been identified, while eight subtypes (C1 through to C8) have been recognized among C-genotype strains. In the present study, we report the identification of three novel subtypes of the lactococcal cwps C genotypes, named C9, C10 and C11. The CWPS of four isolates representing C7, C9, C10 and C11 genotypes were analysed using 2D NMR to reveal their unique CWPS structures. Through this analysis, the structure of one novel rhamnan, three distinct PSPs and three exopolysaccharides were elucidated. Results obtained in this study provide further insights into the complex nature and fascinating diversity of lactococcal CWPSs. This highlights the need for a holistic view of cell wall-associated glycan structures which may contribute to robustness of certain strains against infecting bacteriophages. This has clear implications for the fermented food industry that relies on the consistent application of lactococcal strains in mesophilic production systems.