Milk Replacer Research Articles

Sensory profile and consumer perception of plant-based non-dairy milk jellies

This study focused on the organoleptic characteristics and consumers’ purchasing decision of milk jellies made with lactose-free cow milk and various plant-based non-dairy milk, including almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk and soymilk. All milk alternatives were measured for the CIE color system. The hedonic scale was used to evaluate product liking on appearance, color, taste, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability–still, the scaling test assigned for the purchasing intention. The results showed that milk alternatives' lightness, taste, and flavor preference affected consumers' liking and purchasing decisions for nondairy milk jellies. Preference mapping showed the relevance of the high lightness of milk alternatives and product acceptability. Coconut milk jelly was the most preferred, as did lactose-free milk jelly, while soymilk jelly was the least.

Disentangling the effects of electroporation and heat during pulsed electric field (PEF) processing of oat-based milk alternative: A case study on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum inactivation

The study aimed to quantify the resistance of two L. plantarum strains and estimate the contribution of temperature during the pulsed electric field (PEF) processing of oat beverage. PEF and thermal inactivation kinetic experiments of L.plantarum strains were performed separately. Log10 reductions ≥5.7 of L. plantarum was achieved when 10–24 kV/cm, 110–115 kJ/L, 80–522 μs, and 35 °C inlet temperature were applied, while strain variability was evident in the performed assessments. Accurate monitoring of the temperature profiles for PEF allowed the estimation of the thermal microbial inactivation which was separated from electroporation effect. The electroporation impact was found to increase with increasing electric field strengths. Temperature measurements in the treatment zone confirmed the presence of hot spots. At higher specific energy inputs, there was significant contribution of temperature to the total observed inactivation. This contribution became smaller when the flow rate was increased, as shorter residence time reduced the exposure to high temperature peaks. Industrial relevanceThe findings demonstrated the potential of PEF as a promising technology for the microbial decontamination of oat-based milk alternative. Knowledge of strain variability in response to emerging food processing technologies is critical during process optimisation and quantitative microbial risk assessment. New developments in PEF equipment and process should ideally aim to maximize inactivation while minimizing the impact of high temperature on sensitive food constituents.

Development of novel lactose‐free Tigernut milk pudding with no added sugar and determination of physicochemical and organoleptic attributes

SummaryDeveloping health‐oriented novel products (e.g. no sugar added for diabetes and lactose‐free for lactose intolerance) supports diverse consumer needs, promotes healthier eating habits and fosters inclusivity in the food sector. This study aimed to develop a Tigernut milk pudding (TNP), an alternative to dairy‐based pudding and assess its physicochemical and sensory attributes. TNP was formulated by incorporating hydrocolloids κ‐carrageenan (KC), konjac powder (KP) and corn starch (CS), then compared with a commercial milk pudding (CMP) and traditionally prepared raw cow milk pudding (RMP). The crude protein, fat, ash and moisture levels ranged from 5.62% to 8.04%, 5.25% to 7.03%, 2.81% to 3.98% and 68.71% to 74.76% respectively. Lightness (L*) ranged from 69.87 to 77.89, while a* ranged from 0.36 to 0.86 and b* ranged from 8.13 to 9.97. Syneresis ranged from 4.98% to 8.00%, slightly higher than RMP (4.98%) and CMP (4.87%), while pH levels ranged from 6.31 to 6.89, nearly acidic to neutral pH range. Total soluble solids ranged from 2.90 °Brix to 3.67 °Brix. The bacterial count was in the marginal range below 105 CFU g−1, with no presence of Salmonella spp. or E. coli. Total antioxidant properties showed total flavonoid and phenolics, ranging from 306.24 mg QE/100 g to 358.58 mg QE/100 g and 39.06 mg GAE/100 g to 54.81 mg GAE/100 g respectively. An overall organoleptic rate of 3.50 was attained with 0.25% KC, 0.50% KP and 2.50% CS, achieving a desired texture comparable to CMP. The novel study on using Tigernut milk in pudding explores its plant‐based, vegan‐friendly, lactose‐free attributes as a healthy dairy milk alternative. With desirable physicochemical properties, promising improved nutrition, potential health benefits and possible contribution to food security and enhanced resource efficiency, TNP could be considered for commercialisation.

Alfalfa supplementation timing changes the rumen archaeal and fungal community composition and colonization in pre-weaning lambs.

The establishment of the rumen microbiota plays an important role in the rumen development. However, little is known about the effects of alfalfa supplementation time on rumen microbiota establishment. Here, a total of 42 Hu lambs, seven-day-old, were chosen for the study. After a week of adjustment, six lambs were sacrificed to establish a baseline. The remaining 36 lambs were randomly split into two groups: one receiving alfalfa hay at 14 days (EAF), the other at 42 days (LAF), both groups received milk replacer and starter pellets. Introducing alfalfa at 14 days of age significantly improved total dry matter intake between 28 and 42 days (p = 0.04) and average daily gain from both 14 to 28 days (p = 0.04) and 28 to 42 days (p < 0.01), but this effect disappears from 56 to 70 days (p > 0.05). At 42 days, the abundances of Naganishia, Ascochyta, and Neosetophoma in the EAF group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the LAF group (17.8% vs. 3.97, 10.89% vs. 1.77, and 1.27% vs. 0.09%, respectively). At 56 days, the abundances of Ascochyta, Wallemia, and Aspergillus in the EAF group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the LAF group (3.53% vs. 16.40, 8.78% vs. 18.89, and 2.14% vs. 4.69%). At 70 days, Aspergillus abundance in the EAF group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the LAF group (2.69% vs. 0.85%). The LEfSe analysis showed that Methanobrevibacter_smithii was the archaeal biomarker at 14 days in both groups. Methanobrevibacter_sp_AbM4 was enriched at 56 days in the LAF group. Compared to the LAF group, the specific fungal biomarkers in the EAF group included Sporobolomyces and Bullera at 14 days, Naganishia, Didymella, Cleistothelebolus, and Alloleptosphaeria at 42 days, Ascochyta, Neoascochyta, and Alfaria at 70 days. Correlation analysis results showed strong patterns of association both within and between archaea and fungi, which were influenced by alfalfa supplementation time. In summary, alfalfa supplementation at 14 days of age promotes the growth performance of lambs before weaning, and alfalfa supplementation timing significantly affects rumen archaeal and fungal communities and dynamical changes.

74 Feeding style and its influence on growth, circulating insulin, and spatial preference of young pigs

Abstract In this study, we investigated the influence of feeding style on growth performance, circulating insulin concentrations, and spatial preference within the home-cages (HC) of young pigs. Pigs (n = 43 boars) were weaned on postnatal day (PND) 2, allotted to treatment based on litter of origin and body weight (BW), and reared artificially over a 15-d period. Pigs were provided a nutritionally adequate milk replacer 20 h per day using one of two feeding styles: 1) ad libitum (i.e., continual access to milk replacer), and 2) prescribed [330 mL/kg of BW from PND 3-7 (wk 1), and 357.5 mL/kg of BW from PND 8-18 (wk 2)]. In addition to water in the reconstituted milk replacer, free choice access to fresh water was provided throughout the study. Milk intake (i.e., disappearance) and BW were recorded daily, with pigs undergoing continuous top-down video surveillance throughout the study. On PND 17, blood was collected from a subset of pigs (n = 24) for quantification of insulin concentrations. Video analysis of pigs (n = 43) was performed to establish time spent in each HC quadrant. All data were analyzed via a 1-way ANOVA using the MIXED procedure of SAS. During wk 1, ad libitum pigs exhibited increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily BW gain (152 g/d) and average daily milk intake (728 g/d) compared with the prescribed treatment (127 g/d and 570 g/d, respectively). This same effect continued in wk 2 for average daily BW gain and average daily milk intake, with ad libitum-fed pigs consuming more (P &amp;lt; 0.05) milk replacer (256 g/d and 1,356 g/d, respectively) compared with prescribed-fed pigs (192 g/d and 974 g/d, respectively). Over the entire 15-d feeding study, average daily BW gain (234 g/d), average daily feed intake (1,140 g/d) and milk intake-to-BW ratio (4.60) were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the ad libitum treatment compared with prescribed feeding (180 g/d, 830 g/d, and 3.81 respectively). Insulin concentrations were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the ad libitum treatment (348 µIU/mL) 30 min after feed provision compared with the prescribed treatment (190 µIU/mL). Video analysis of spatial preference within HC suggested pigs in the prescribed treatment spent more (P &amp;lt; 0.05) time in quadrant 4 during wk 1 (5.43% of time recorded) compared with the ad libitum treatment (3.82% of time recorded), likely due to quadrant 4 housing the feed bowl. However, all other time points had no effect on spatial preference. Overall, the type of feeding style altered growth performance and insulin concentrations within young pigs and may impact the spatial preference of pigs within their home-cage environment.

Effect of sex and milk replacer with or without supplemental carnitine and arginine on growth characteristics, carcass, and meat quality of artificially reared low-birth weight pigs.

This study compared milk replacer either remaining unsupplemented (CON) or supplemented with 0.5g L-carnitine plus 16.7g L-arginine/kg (CarArg) and fed to 48 low-birth weight (L-BtW) artificially reared piglets (24 per group) from days 7 to 28 of age. Eight farrowing series were needed to complete the study. On day 28, the lightest piglets were slaughtered, and the heaviest pigs were weaned. The heaviest pigs were weaned on day 28 and offered free access to a starter (weaning to 25kg body weight [BW]), grower (25 to 60kg BW), and finisher diet (60 to 96kg BW on day 170 of age). After euthanization on days 28 and 170, blood was sampled for assessment of serum metabolite and hormone concentrations, and the semitendinosus muscle (STM) was weighed, and later subjected to enzyme activity analysis and assessment of myofiber characteristics. In the 170-d-old pigs carcass and meat quality traits were assessed. Growth data were analyzed accordingtoatwo-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with dietary treatment and farrowing series as fixed effects, while remaining data were analyzed with dietary treatment, sex, their interaction, and farrowing series as main factors. Dietary treatments affected (P ≤ 0.049) muscle enzyme activity at both day 28, with greater citrate synthase (CS) and LDH activities and lower HAD:CS ratio in STM light portion, and lower LDH:CS ratio in STM dark portion, and 170 of age with lower HAD:CS ratio. In the starter period, CarArg pigs had greater average daily gain (P = 0.021) and average daily feed intake (P = 0.010). At slaughter, these pigs had lower (P = 0.013) glucose and greater (P = 0.022) urea serum concentrations. However, supplementing the milk replacer with carnitine and arginine had no long-term effects on growth performance, carcass composition, and meat quality of L-BtW pigs. In addition, muscle morphology and myofiber-related properties remained unaffected by the supplementation.

PSIV-A-7 Effects of late gestational nutrient restriction of beef heifers on small intestinal crypt depth in neonatal calves

Abstract We hypothesized that late gestational nutrient restriction would impair small intestinal development in neonatal calves, including crypt cell depth and proliferation. Fall-calving crossbred beef heifers [body weight (BW) = 466 ± 30 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.5] bred to a single sire were individually-fed 100% (control; n = 10) or 70% (nutrient restricted; n = 12) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from d 160 of gestation to calving. Calves were removed from their dams immediately post-calving and fed artificial colostrum and milk replacer relative to body weight until euthanasia at 48.7 ± 0.4 h of age. The gastrointestinal tract was removed, and proximal jejunum samples were dissected from each calf and immersion-fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Tissues were embedded in paraffin blocks and cut into 5-µm sections that were mounted on glass slides. Slides were incubated with Ki-67 (marker of nuclear proliferation) and counterstained with Hematoxylin using an autostainer. Images were taken at 5× magnification using an upright microscope. QuPath software was used to measure crypt depth, starting at the base of the crypt region and ending at the furthest cluster of Ki-67 positive cells, perpendicular to the base of the mucosa. For each calf, 10 crypt depth measurements were taken from 4 images, resulting in 40 crypt depth measurements that were averaged. Nutritional plane was a fixed effect in the model, and maternal sire, date of study initiation, and calf sex (when P &amp;lt; 0.25) were considered covariates. We previously reported that calves born to nutrient restricted dams weighed less (P ≤ 0.05) at birth and 48 h than calves born to control dams. Small intestinal mass tended to be less (P = 0.11) in offspring of nutrient restricted dams but was not affected (P = 0.58) when expressed relative to body weight. Calves born to nutrient restricted dams also tended to have less (P = 0.11) small intestinal mass relative to brain weight. Maternal nutrient restriction did not affect (P = 0.95) jejunal crypt depth. Additionally, crypt depth relative to body weight was not affected (P = 0.20) by nutrient restriction. Although crypt depth was not affected, further analysis of proliferation and morphology will help to understand the relationship between maternal nutrient restriction and small intestine development in neonatal calves.

PSV-21 Pediococcus acidilactici survives an in vitro simulated digestion

Abstract In the swine industry, probiotics are recognized for optimizing growth performance and production efficiency by modulating host physiology, and the response across studies is not consistent. One area of focus is probiotic mitigation of post-weaning diarrhea, and further mechanistic understanding of probiotic and host physiology could help with consistent performance outcomes. An essential attribute of a probiotic is the ability to survive the harsh environments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The aim of this study was to determine if Pediococcus Acidilactici PECh3A (PA) that has been previously genome sequenced for determining gut physiology mechanisms can survive an in vitro simulated digestion. In the in vitro digestion PA concentrations that were investigated included 108, 109, and 1010 colony forming units (CFU)/mL. The in vitro digestion (n = 4/concentration) consisted of 5 phases with incubation times simulating the GIT; initial inoculation (0 h), gastric (2 h), upper intestinal (4 h), lower intestinal (9 h) and extended lower intestinal phase (9 h). For the initial inoculation concentrations of PA were added into 25 mL of sterile milk replacer representing dietary requirements of a suckling pig. In the gastric phase pepsin was added and pH was adjusted to 2.5. In the upper intestinal phase bile and pancreatin were added, along with a pH adjustment to 6.8. In the lower intestinal phase, the multi-enzyme complex consisting of carbohydrase enzymes was added and pH adjusted to 4.8. There was no addition during the extended lower intestinal phase. At each sample collection at the end of a phase 1 mL was collected from each flask. For each sample, 100 µL were serially diluted, plated on deMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) plates, and incubated at 37°C for 24h. Survivability was determined by counting CFUs and comparing the concentration with the initial CFU/mL at 0 h and reported as percent survival (%S). Data for the in vitro digestion were analyzed according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split plot using the Repeated Measures Glimmix Procedure of SAS. Additional orthogonal contrasts were analyzed across PA concentrations. Data showed survival for 108,109, and 1010CFU/mL at all sample phases (108 - 44.24, 60.14, 58.36, 55.69%S; 109 - 40.56, 55.60, 49.35, 50.7%S; 1010 - 32.98, 52.55, 46.72, 43.71%S ± 2.98 respectively; phase P &amp;lt; 0.01 and concentration P &amp;lt; 0.01). There is evidence of a phase and concentration effect on survivability, but no interaction. A linear concentration response was observed across concentrations (54.61, 49.05, 43.99%S ± 1.23; P &amp;lt; 0.05) indicating that as concentration increases the survivability decreases. These findings indicate that PA PECh3A can survive a simulated GIT and potentially impact swine intestinal physiology.

Impacts of feeding milk replacer supplemented with increasing concentrations of choline on feed intake, growth, and scouring incidence for 7 weeks preweaning and 1-week postweaning.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing choline supplementation on the intake of milk replacer (MR) and calf starter (CS), growth performance, and fecal scores of calves over 8 weeks. One hundred calves from commercial herds were transported to the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) calf facility randomized to one of 4 treatments differing in choline supplementation within MR including: 0 (C0; n = 24), 700 (C700; n = 26), 1400 (C1400; n = 25), and 2100 mg/kg choline (C2100; n = 25). MR contained a basal concentration of 1650 mg/kg MR resulting in total choline concentrations in the MR of 1650 mg/kg for C0 was, 2350 mg/kg for C700 was, 3050 mg/kg for C1400, and 3750 mg/kg for C2100. Calves were weaned at 49 d, and the trial ended at 56 d. Body weight (BW) was measured at d 0, 14, 28, 42, 49 and 56. Fecal scores were measured weekly. Feed intake was measured daily and calculated bi-weekly. All feeding, body weight measurements, and fecal scoring were conducted by the research staff at the University of Minnesota SROC. Growth, feed intake, and gain to feed ratio were analyzed using a linear mixed effects model with choline concentration as a fixed effect and source herd and room as random effects. Initial body weight was included as a covariate for average daily gain. Fecal scores were analyzed as a chi-squared test of significance. Feeding 700 mg/kg supplemental choline increased MR intake throughout the preweaning period and increased ADG in both the preweaning and postweaning periods compared with the other treatments. No differences were observed for fecal scores across treatments. Results suggest that calf performance can be improved with MR containing 2350 mg/kg choline, contrasting with current NASEM (2021) requirements of 1000 mg/kg.

Effects of lactose content in milk replacer on apparent digestibility, growth, liver mRNA expression, and blood parameters related to metabolism of dairy calves

Even with the same energy supply, differences in energy sources may affect calf growth and metabolism. In this study, we evaluated the effects of feeding 3 different milk replacers (MRs) with different lactose supplies under isoenergetic conditions on calf digestibility, growth, and metabolism-related markers. Fifteen Holstein bull calves were randomly assigned to one of 3 MR-feeding treatments: low-lactose (L:38%), medium-lactose (M:41%), or high-lactose (H:46%). After birth, calves were provided colostrum and treatment MRs were fed from 1 d of age and gradually increased to a maximum feeding rate at 20 d of age (L:1.16 kg/d, M:1.21 kg/d, H:1.26 kg/d DM) without feeding solid feeds during the experimental period. Blood samples were temporarily collected weekly to assess blood concentrations of metabolites and hormones. From 30 to 36 d of age, the calves were euthanized and liver samples were collected to determine growth-related mRNA expression. L calves showed a greater body length than H calves and the highest GHR mRNA expression. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin, insulin, and insulin-growth factor-1 were not different, but plasma concentrations of triglycerides were higher in order H, M, and L. These results showed that the difference in lactose content in the MR affected calf metabolism, and the L-MR was suggested to be more likely to enhance growth into the peripheral tissues.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus tincture) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus tincture) when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of ~ 1.86%, which contains on average 0.454% phenolic acids and flavonoids (of which 0.280% was gallic acid), 0.0030% 1,8-cineole and 0.00012% methyleugenol. In the absence of analytical data on the occurrence of mono- or diformylated adducts of acylphloroglucinols with terpenes in the tincture and in the absence of toxicity data, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) could not conclude on the use of eucalyptus tincture for long-living and reproductive animals. For short-living animals (species for fattening), the additive was considered of no concern at 4 mg/kg complete feed for chickens for fattening, 5 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 6 mg/kg for piglets and rabbits for meat production, 7 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 16 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), 14 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep/goats and horses for fattening, and 15 mg/kg for salmonids. These levels were extrapolated to physiologically related minor species. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of eucalyptus tincture up to the levels in feed considered of no concern. Eucalyptus tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of eucalyptus tincture as a flavour in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the leaves of E. globulus and their preparations were recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Monitoring mammary gland development in preweaned dairy heifers using ultrasound imaging

Existing literature on the long-term effects of nutritional manipulation on milk production is incomplete and inconsistent as animals are typically culled before lactation. In addition, longitudinal studies are rarely conducted due to high costs and constraints related to tissue sampling; therefore, additional research is necessary to better understand the effect of early nutrition and growth on subsequent growth and milk production. Thirty Holstein heifer calves were pair-fed high (H; 22% crude protein and 15% fat) or low (L; 27% crude protein and 20% fat) milk replacers. Mammary gland ultrasound images and body weights were collected twice weekly, and blood samples weekly, for the first 8 weeks of life. Calves fed H had higher average daily gain (ADG) and mammary gland growth through 8 weeks of life. Calves from the H group also had larger fat pads at 8 weeks of age. Glucose and insulin concentrations were increased in H calves compared with L calves, whereas NEFA concentrations were not different between treatments. Our results suggest that ultrasound is a practical, noninvasive tool to monitor udder development preweaning, although additional research is necessary to improve image analysis techniques to analyze tissue composition. Our preliminary work provides data suggesting that the use of mammary gland ultrasound could provide a method of longitudinal analysis of the effects of preweaning nutrition on milk production.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil obtained from the wood of Juniperus deppeana Steud. (cedarwood Texas oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil obtained from the wood of Juniperus deppeana Steud. (cedarwood Texas oil), when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the essential oil under assessment is safe up to the maximum proposed use levels in complete feed of 15 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), cattle for fattening, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, salmonids and ornamental fish. For the other species, the calculated safe concentrations in complete feed were 5 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 8 mg/kg for laying hens, 7 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 10 mg/kg for piglets, 12 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 14 mg/kg for sows and dairy cows, 8.5 mg/kg for rabbits and 4 mg/kg for cats. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive was considered safe at 4 mg/kg complete feed. The use of cedarwood Texas oil in water for drinking was considered safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. No concerns for consumers and the environment were identified following the use of the additive up to the maximum proposed use level in feed. The additive under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Since the individual components of cedarwood Texas oil are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the leaves of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle (citronella oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of citronella oil obtained from the leaves of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle, when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that citronella oil from C. nardus is of low concern for long-living and reproductive animals at the use levels in complete feed of 3.5 mg/kg for laying hens and rabbits, 6 mg/kg for sows and dairy cows, 9.5 mg/kg for sheep/goats and horses, 2.0 mg/kg for cats and 10 mg/kg for dogs. For short-living animals (species for fattening), the additive was considered of no concern at concentrations of 18 mg/kg in chickens for fattening, 24 mg/kg in turkeys for fattening, 20 mg/kg for piglets, pigs for fattening, veal calves (milk replacer), cattle for fattening, sheep/goats for meat production, horses for meat production and rabbits for meat production, and 30 mg/kg for salmonids. The conclusions were extrapolated to physiologically related minor species. For any other species, the additive is considered of low concern at 2.0 mg/kg complete feed. The use of citronella oil in animal feed is expected to be of no concern for the consumers and for the environment. The essential oil under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes and as a dermal sensitiser. When handling the essential oil, exposure of unprotected users to methyleugenol may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. Since the leaves of C. nardus and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Effect of Milk-Feeding Frequency and Calcium Gluconate Supplementation on Growth, Health, and Reproductive and Metabolic Features of Holstein Heifers at a Rearing Farm.

We compared the effects of milk-feeding in 288 Holstein calves (72 per group) which were fed twice (2F) or thrice (3F) daily, with or without the addition of hydrogenated fat-embedded calcium gluconate (G) supplemented in the starter food and in the daily diet up to the age of 9 months, on the calves' metabolism, growth, health, and reproductive efficiency up to first pregnancy. The calves received 6 L of milk replacer (130 g/L) and had ad libitum access to water and textured calf starter with or without gluconate. Gluconate supplementation promoted a "catch-up" in growth in supplemented calves compared to their counterparts that did not receive gluconate. Gluconate appeared to reduce animal metabolic stress during key events, such as weaning and transfer into open-door pens, reducing fructosamine (352.61 vs. 303.06 in 3FG and 3F, respectively; p = 0.028) and urea (3F revealed the highest values compared with the other three groups: 19.06 for 3F vs. 13.9 (2F), 13.7 (2FG), and 14.3 (3FG), respectively, p = 0.002) from weaning onwards. The feeding of dairy calves with milk replacer three rather than two times per day tended to be associated with better health from weaning to 4 months old; parameters such as ultrasound lung score and calf health score improved over time (p < 0.001). Thrice-daily feeding with milk replacer tended to reduce the number of artificial inseminations per pregnancy in heifers by 0.2 points (p = 0.092). We confirmed significant correlations between early health and growth parameters and reproductive efficiency and a positive correlation between body weight and average daily weight gain and the thickness of the back fat layer in young heifers (r = 0.245; p < 0.0001; r = 0.214; p < 0.0001 respectively). Our study was conducted on a commercial farm with reasonably effective animal management, so baseline welfare was likely satisfactory.

The Effect of Colostrum Supplementation during the First 5 Days of Life on Calf Health, Enteric Pathogen Shedding, and Immunological Response.

The objective of this dairy farm study was to investigate the preweaning health, performance, immunity, and enteric pathogen shedding in calves supplemented with colostrum during five days after birth compared to calves not supplemented with colostrum. The colostrum supplementation was the previously frozen colostrum added to the milk replacer from day 2-5 given to 39 calves, and 36 Control calves received a milk-derived supplement. There was no significant difference in preweaning weight gain between the treatment groups. Serum samples collected on days 2, 7, 14, and 21 indicated that total and antigen-specific IgG levels against rotavirus, coronavirus, and E. coli F5 were not significantly different between the treatment groups. Fecal samples taken on days 7, 14, and 21 were all negative for coronavirus and E. coli F5, whereas there were low levels of Cryptosporidia and a trend for low levels of rotavirus on day 14 in colostrum-supplemented compared to Control calves. Respiratory clinical signs, depressed attitude and body temperature tended to be reduced in colostrum-supplemented compared to Control calves. This study shows that, even in calves with good colostrum status and high plane of nutrition, there can be benefits of post-closure colostrum supplementation including reduced Cryptosporidia and rotavirus shedding and reduced respiratory disease.

Can individual variation in food neophobia explain variability in dairy calf feeding behavior patterns and performance?

Food neophobia is the avoidance of novel feeds, arising from an attempt to avoid potentially toxic and unwanted feeds, and is very common in ruminants. In commercial dairy settings, hesitancy to consume novel feeds is detrimental to animal performance and may be associated with other traits that can negatively affect animals in intensive and modern production systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between food neophobia and the development of solid and milk feeding behaviors, and consequently with calf performance up to two weeks post-weaning. We subjected dairy calves at 83 ± 3 d of age to a food neophobia test with a novel feed (corn silage-based total mixed ration), a familiar feed (alfalfa hay), and an empty container. Behaviors measured from this food neophobia test were condensed into three factors using a principal component analysis: ‘Feed Avoidant’, ‘Active’, and ‘Attentive’. A regression analysis was performed to assess if scores for the three factors were associated with feeding behavior patterns measured via an automatic feeder system, including total milk intake, rewarded and unrewarded visits to the milk feeder, total calf starter intake, and age at which calves first consumed ≥ 1 kg of calf starter. Factor 1 (‘Feed Avoidant’) was positively associated with the number of rewarded visits to the automated milk feeder but was not associated with intake of calf starter or milk replacer, nor performance of dairy calves. The other factors identified from the food neophobia test showed associations with feeding behavior patterns and performance. Factor 2 (‘Active’) was positively associated with calf starter intake during the weaning, post-weaning, and total periods, and was associated with a younger age at which calves consumed 1 kg of calf starter. Factor 3 (‘Attentive’) was positively associated with number of rewarded visits to the feeder during preweaning, increased calf starter intake during weaning and total periods, and higher preweaning ADG. These results suggest that individual variation in the willingness to interact with novel and familiar feeds may not play a large role in the development of solid feeding behaviors or performance of group housed dairy calves, but other traits identified from the food neophobia test are associated with performance and feeding behavior that can be measured in standardized tests.

PFoods: selecting a segment for a sustainable product

Learning outcomes After working on the assignment questions, the learners can achieve the following learning outcomes: understand the buying behavior towards sustainable products in the context of mindful consumption and product characteristics, appraise the market segmentation and positioning strategy of a sustainable business, understand the application of 5C’s framework for a sustainable business and critically evaluate a new sustainable business’s challenges in the emerging business environment. Case overview/synopsis Dr Joe Fenn, founder and director of PFoods, with extensive experience in the pharma industry overseas, observed a decline in the consumption of traditional dairy foods. Alternative plant foods come as a savior to people who are lactose intolerant and offer a host of health benefits with low environmental impact. Riding on the waves of veganism and sustainable foods, he saw an opportunity in India. PFoods developed and launched two products, namely, Just Plants (plant-based milk alternative) and Plotein (plant-based protein alternative), in collaboration with scientists at the Indian Institute of Science, a premier scientific institution in India, and PMEDS (PreEmptive Meds), a US-based nutraceutical Company. PFoods launched and pilot-tested Just Plant, a dairy alternative substitute for milk in select reputed organizations in Bangalore. The upcoming challenges for Fenn would be to select the right segment, educate the market and position the product that would resonate well with the target customers. Complexity academic level The case study suits undergraduate and graduate courses such as marketing management, sustainable marketing and sustainable business. The case study can also be used in entrepreneurship management and entrepreneurial marketing courses to introduce the challenges of a sustainable startup. The case study highlights the marketing challenges faced by the disruptive and growing plant-based foods or alternative dairy industry in emerging markets. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing.

Evaluation of bovine colostrum replacer supplementation to improve weaning transition in Holstein dairy calves

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of supplementing bovine colostrum replacer during weaning to reduce intestinal permeability and improve gain. For this experiment, 65 calves were enrolled and housed individually until 70 d of age. Calves were fed milk replacer (150 g/L) 3 times daily with 9 L/d, 10.5 L/d, 11.25 L/d, and 12 L/d offered from d 1-7, d 8-14, d 15-21, d 22-56, respectively. Calves were weaned over 8 d from d 57-64, receiving a total of 7.8 L in 2 meals/d from d 57-60 and 3.8 L/d in one feeding from d 61-64. At d 57, calves were blocked by birth weight and randomly assigned to one of 2 treatments, equal in metabolizable energy, which were fed once daily during weaning from d 57-64: control (CON; n = 31 calves): 3.8 L milk replacer (150 g/L) fed by nipple bottle, or colostrum supplementation (COL; n = 34): a mixture of 1 L bovine colostrum replacer (125 g/L) and 3 L milk replacer (150 g/L) with 3.8 L of the mixture fed by nipple bottle. Serum IgG was measured within 48 h of birth and body weight was taken at d 0, 57, 60, 64, 70, 77, and 84. Starter intake and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) score were measured daily from d 50-70 and fecal consistency was examined daily from d 56-70. Serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and lung consolidation were evaluated at d 57, 64, and 70 and intestinal permeability was assessed by recovery of chromium-EDTA, lactulose, and d-mannitol from plasma after oral administration at d 56 and 65. There was no difference in body weight between treatment groups at the start of weaning, but COL were 2.79 kg (95% CI: 0.90-4.68) and 2.76 kg (95% CI: 0.86-4.65) heavier than CON at d 77 and 84, respectively. Additionally, COL tended to gain 100.00 g/d more than CON calves (95% CI: -10.41-207.13) from d 57-84. There were no differences in any of the other variables measured. Supplementation of bovine colostrum replacer during weaning may improve weight gain, but the mechanism of action is not clear.

Seaweed Proteins: A Step towards Sustainability?

This review delves into the burgeoning field of seaweed proteins as promising alternative sources of protein. With global demand escalating and concerns over traditional protein sources' sustainability and ethics, seaweed emerges as a viable solution, offering a high protein content and minimal environmental impacts. Exploring the nutritional composition, extraction methods, functional properties, and potential health benefits of seaweed proteins, this review provides a comprehensive understanding. Seaweed contains essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its protein content ranges from 11% to 32% of dry weight, making it valuable for diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan diets. Furthermore, this review underscores the sustainability and environmental advantages of seaweed protein production compared to traditional sources. Seaweed cultivation requires minimal resources, mitigating environmental issues like ocean acidification. As the review delves into specific seaweed types, extraction methodologies, and functional properties, it highlights the versatility of seaweed proteins in various food products, including plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, and nutritional supplements. Additionally, it discusses the potential health benefits associated with seaweed proteins, such as their unique amino acid profile and bioactive compounds. Overall, this review aims to provide insights into seaweed proteins' potential applications and their role in addressing global protein needs sustainably.