Non-conventional Protein Sources Research Articles

Nutrient Digestibility of Non-conventional Protein Sources Blend in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Post Juveniles Using Novel Aquafeed Formulation Software

In this study, the growth performance, carcass composition, and apparent digestibility coefficient of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, were evaluated in relation to different non-conventional protein sources blends diets that were formulated using a novel feed formulation software (FUTA AQUAFEED). Diet 1 served as the control diet, and the other four experimental diets (Diets 2 through 5) included non-conventional protein sources such blood meal, water hyacinth, palm kernel cake, palm beetle meal, blackfly meal, water fern, and Moringa. The gross composition of the experimental feeds exhibited notable variations in nutrient content. The crude protein content in the diets were iso-nitrogenous. Analysis of the composition of the carcass showed that diets varied significantly. Diet 5 had the highest fat content (10.66%), while Diet 3 had the highest crude protein amount (61.57%). Growth performance parameters such as initial and final weights, weight increase, feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) exhibited diverse patterns. Diet 5 produced the greatest final weight (324.00 ± 122.94 g) and weight gain (173.32 ± 96.06 g), suggesting that the varied protein blend may have advantages. Dietary differences were seen in the apparent digestibility coefficients of crude protein and lipids. The crude protein digestibility coefficient (90.68%) was best in Diet 3, while the crude lipid digestibility coefficient (92.00%) was highest in Diet 1. In conclusion, the inclusion of unconventional protein sources in the diets of C. gariepinus affects both their growth performance and nutritional makeup. Through the incorporation of alternate protein sources into fish diets, the findings offer insights for improving aquaculture techniques and advancing sustainability.

Evaluation of nutritive values of various non-conventional protein sources as potential feed ingredients for ruminants

Abstract. Samadi, Wajizah S, Pratama SM, Jayanegara A. 2023. Evaluation of nutritive values of various non-conventional protein sources as potential feed ingredients for ruminants. Biodiversitas 24: 4069-4078. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritive values of various non-conventional protein sources as potential ingredients for ruminants, including chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, rumen fermentation, and methane emissions. Seven various non-conventional protein sources; grasshopper meal (GM), earthworm meal (EWM), fish by-product meal (FbPM), centipede meal (CM), snail meal (SM), ant eggs meal (AEM), mealworm meal (MWM) and one conventional protein source; soybean meal (SBM) were used in this study. All samples were dried at the temperature of 60oC for 24h and ground by the use of a hammer mill to pass a 1 mm sieve. The ground samples were utilized for further analysis, including chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, rumen fermentation, and methane emissions. Incubation was conducted with three replications in the water bath and temperature was maintained at 39ºC for 48h. All data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 16 and the difference between treatments was stated (P<0.05). The results of the study indicated that all the samples contained various CP. The NDICP and ADICP in samples were low. All samples had high IVDMD and IVOMD, the highest in FbPM (P<0.01). Methane emission of the samples was lower than SBM (P<0.01).

Non-conventional meat as a sustainable alternative for consumption: Case of Eunectes notaeus, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characterization

Non-conventional protein sources, such as game meat from conservation and sustainable use programs, are a valuable alternative for hunters to use themselves, as well as having great marketing potential. The aim of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of a non-traditional meat of yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) and characterize it under consumer's sensory tests in order to determine its general quality, nutritional traits and sensory aspects, and to define its potential consumption value compared to other conventional meats such as rabbit, chicken, and pork. Yellow anaconda meat has lightness, moisture and protein content attributes similar to other commonly traded meats. However, the tenderness values are much higher than those of other meats. Also, acceptability of yellow anaconda meat is similar to that of other commonly consumed meats and has been described with several positive qualities. The good yield and easy preparation make yellow anaconda meat an interesting alternative.

Biodegradability traits of Bacillus subtilis and Fusarium sp. on composting of different nonconventional protein source

Biodegradation of livestock processing waste is one of the more cost-effective, ecologically safe recycling methods thatmay preserve nutritional content and key amino acids useful in animal feed production. Here, we determined thebiodegrading potentials of nonconventional feedstuffs using a combination of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and fungi(Fusarium sp.). Five nonconventional feed types (feather meal, hair waste, egg membranes, horn hoof and horn) wereselected and replicated in a 10 L plastic biocomposter for 7 weeks and observed for degradation by measuring changes intotal organic carbon, temperature, phosphorus, potassium, pH, microbial counts and rate of degradation. Bacteria and fungiwere inoculated inside the substrate after isolation and incubation. The effects of physicochemical and microbial countswere assessed. The biodegradability and optimal activity were observed. From the results, physico-parameters measuredduring the 7 weeks showed significant differences (P <0.05) between substrates. The highest rate of decomposition,temperature, pH levels, total organic carbon, and total bacteria counts were recorded in feather meal, egg membrane, andhair waste. The weekly study showed that feather meal (68.79%, decompose faster than cow hoof (18.72%) egg membrane(60.89%) hair waste (62.82%) and cow horn (32.31%) during bio-composting. This finding has potential application in thetreatment process of keratin wastes.

Future demand and supply of aquafeed ingredients: Outlines to commercialize non-conventional protein ingredients to enhance aquaculture production for food security in sub-Saharan Africa

AbstractAquaculture, being the fastest growing food sector, is expected to provide the highly needed animal protein for about 9.7 billion people globally by 2050. The world population is likely to consume 178 million tons of food fish/aquatic animals by 2028, whereby 58% of fish will likely be from aquaculture. Growth of food fish production is expected to increase overall production of aquafeeds to over 87 million tons by 2025. Aquafeed production relies largely on fishmeal which is getting expensive due to its multiple use and scarcity. A remedy to this situation is the use of non-conventional protein sources, which may be of plant (leaves, cereals, pulses etc.) or animal (insects, worms, etc.) origin. This paper demonstrates the potential of non-conventional ingredients for aquaculture. It was found that crude protein levels of selected non-conventional plant ingredients ranged from 25-71% while those of animal origin were from 66-72%. Inclusion levels of 5-40% and 25-66% were recommended in aquafeeds, respectively, from ingredients of plant and animal origin. Performances of fish fed aquafeeds containing selected non-conventional ingredients have been reviewed. Presence of anti-nutrients, chitin and high lipid in feed ingredients, and shortcomings in processing and mass production technologies, have been identified as the main challenges limiting the commercialization of the selected feed ingredients. To remove the unwanted factors and to enhance inclusion of non-conventional ingredients in aquafeeds, authors suggested varied strategies. The strategies such as defatting, heat treatment, extrusion cooking, solvent extraction, dehulling, fermentation, ensiling, genetic modification and inclusion of enzyme are identified as some of the most efficient methods. Effective and affordable technologies to improve nutritional value should be validated through research for adequate and consistent supply of aquafeed in Sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, provision of sufficient, quality and affordable aquafeeds will promote sustainable aquaculture production and reduce fishing pressure and pollution in natural aquatic ecosystems.

Evaluation of dietary inclusion of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on fish production performance: a meta-analysis

Fishmeal, as one of the main protein sources, has become scarce and expensive. This conventional protein source is no longer considered sustainable. As an alternative, black soldier fly (BSF) is a popular non-conventional protein source that has been tested in the formulation of aquafeed to replace fishmeal due to its nutritional value, reasonably low price, and large abundance. Nevertheless, evidence on the BSF supplementation varied among species. This meta-analysis examined the influence of replacing fishmeal with BSF on the performance of fish species by using 47 published papers targeting 23 different species. The results revealed that, overall, BSF inclusion had no significant effect on survival rate (SR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The magnitude effect on specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain (WG) was species-dependent; it increased SGR and WG of omnivores but decreased (P<0.01) when fed to carnivores and herbivores. Meta-regression analysis indicated a negative linear relationship of FCR on carnivore (P<0.05; R2=0.61) and omnivore (P<0.05; R2=0.15). In addition, principal component analysis confirmed that although most species showed an increasing trend in response to dietary BSF, FCR decreased on a few species (Anabas testudineus and Acipenser baerii) which belong to omnivores. In conclusion, BSF meal can be a partial substitute for fishmeal in the formulation of only some specific species no more than 30%. Special notice should be considered on carnivore and herbivore species because utilisation of BSF in species might compromise their performance.

Proximate composition, microbiological quality and presence of total aflatoxins and aflatoxin B1 in the flesh of three snails’ species (Achatina achatina, Achatina fulica and Archachatina marginata) from a selected locality of Yaoundé, Cameroon

The increasing need for animal proteins has led to an interest in non-conventional protein sources such as snails. Although several species of snails are locally reared and highly prized by Cameroonians, there is a lack of information regarding their composition and safety. This work aimed at assessing the chemical composition, the microbiological quality and the total aflatoxins (AFs) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contents of the fleshes from three snails’ species traditionally reared in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon. Samples of Achatina achatina (10), Achatina fulica (10) and Archachatina marginata (10) were randomly collected from a selected farm in Mimboman quarter of Yaoundé and their chemical composition and microbiological quality were evaluated through AOAC and ISO methods, respectively. Their levels of AFs and AFB1 were assessed using competitive ELISA. The results showed that snail fleshes were a good source of proteins and iron with the one from A. achatina containing the highest protein (15.26%) and iron (7.80 mg/100g) contents. Microbiological analyses revealed that the total aerobic counts of the different samples of snail fleshes were all higher than 6 Log CFU/g thus suggesting a reduced shelf life of the raw product. The safety issue of the snail fleshes is questionable as they contained pathogens such as coliforms and Staphylococcus spp. at levels higher than the norms. Although yeasts and moulds were found in snail fleshes at loads ranging from 3.5 to 4.17 Log CFU/g, their AFs and AFB1 contents were respectively below 0.22 and 0.44 ppb, values that are lower than that of raw food intended for human consumption. This study demonstrated the potential of snails as an alternative protein source from animal origin and suggests that particular attention should be paid by the government to sensitize the farmers on good hygiene and farming practices and the consumers on good cooking practices.

Substitution of Fishmeal with Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens Linnaeus, 1758 Larvae in Finfish Aquaculture – A Review

The reliance of aquaculture feed industry on fishmeal has been challenged by ecological, economic, and ethical limitations leading fish nutritionists to look for viable alternatives, and conventional animal-based protein sources showed varying degrees of success in this regard. However, a non-conventional protein source, black soldier fly Hermetia illucens Linnaeus, 1758 larvae (BSFL), received due attention as a focal point in fish nutrition research. Though many studies were conducted on H. illucens as a potential protein source for fish, a comprehensive review is not available. Therefore, this article aims to review the existing literature on the use of BSFL as a fishmeal replacer in aquaculture. The nutrient composition of BSFL varied with the developmental stage and the composition of growing medium. High crude protein levels (40.4–56.2 %) and high crude fat levels (4.8–24.8 %) made BSFL suitable for high protein and high energy diet. Early prepupa was the best stage for harvesting, considering its high crude protein content and dry matter yield and less chitin content. Up to 100 % inclusion levels of BSFL meal were tested in a wide range of fish species. Most studies revealed that up to 50 % of fishmeal replacement would be possible without negative effects on the fish. Notable adverse effects were found beyond 50 % of fishmeal replacement, mainly due to high chitin levels in the pupal stage and high crude fat levels. Harvesting BSFL before the pupal stage and defattening made it possible to replace 100 % of fishmeal without adverse effects on fish.

Larval rearing of fringe‐lipped carp,Labeo fimbriatus(Bloch) with low cost diets including green bottle flyLucilia sericata(Meigen) larvae meal incorporated diet

A study was conducted with non-conventional ingredients to test their efficacy as fishmeal (FM) replacers in the diet of fringe- lipped carp. Labeo fimbriatus first feeding larvae and fry were reared for 30 and 60 days in indoor, 50 L, aerated, circular plastic tanks at 100 and 30 numbers tank−1, respectively. In the first feeding larvae to fry rearing experiment (Exp. 1), the fish were fed with either of the following isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets – live plankton, FM diet, green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata) larvae meal (GBFLM) diet and silkworm pupa (SWP) diet. The fry to fingerling rearing (Exp. 2), was also conducted using the same diets described above except live plankton. All compounded diets were formulated to contain 40% crude protein for the experiment 1 and 35% for experiment 2 and were fed ad libitum. Triplicate tanks were maintained for each treatment in both the experiments. In Exp. 1, the mean final weight of fry was higher with plankton and FM diets, while no difference (p > .05) was observed between FM and GBFLM diets. Weight of fish fed SWP diets was not statistically different from those fed GBFLM diet. No difference (p > .05) in final length, survival and condition factor was recorded. Analysis of digestive enzyme activity of whole fish revealed lower (p < .05) activity of amylase in fish fed plankton. In Exp. 2, no difference (p > .05) was observed between the different diet groups in terms of mean final weight, length, survival and condition factor. Analysis of digestive enzyme activity of whole fish revealed no difference (p > .05) in the activity of digestive enzymes between the treatments except a lower (p < .05) activity of trypsin in FM diet and lipase in FM and GBFLM diets. Since the survival and condition factors of animals is the most important aspect during nursery rearing, similar (p > .05) values recorded in different treatments indicate the possibility of incorporation of these non-conventional protein sources in the diet of L. fimbriatus during first feeding larvae to fry and fry to fingerling rearing.

Caiman latirostris meat characterization: Evaluation of the nutritional, physical and chemical properties of meat from sustainable ranching program in Argentina

The scientific community has made considerable efforts to improve the production of protein from traditional sources. Currently it has also been focused on non-conventional protein sources, such as those produced in conservation and sustainable use programs, which would contribute to the improvement of local and national economies. In Argentina, the meat of Caiman latirostris (the Broad-snouted caiman) is consumed; since commercial breeding of C. latirostris in the country has been incorporated relatively recently compared to other species of crocodiles and is growing, the qualities of the products that can be marketed have still been scarcely determined. Knowledge of caiman meat and its physical and chemical characteristics are necessary to promote its consumption. Thus, physical and chemical characteristics, including pH, cooking loss, color, tenderness, moisture, protein and fat content were determined in the meat of C. latirostris. Fifteen caimans (n = 15; X ± SD; 97.4 ± 1.2 cm of length and 4.2 ± 0.15 kg of weight) raised in captivity by Proyecto Yacaré (program for conservation and sustainable use of caiman) were slaughtered; meat samples were taken from the tail muscle Ischio-caudalis. Caiman meat was found to be luminous and tender, with a low amount of intramuscular fat (0.8%), usual proportion of protein in animal tissues (20.5%) and a high proportion of moisture (77.2%). Fatty acid content in caiman meat consisted of 30.2% of saturated fatty acids (SFA), 69.9% of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), 36.8% of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and 1.25 of PUFA/SFA ratio. Caiman meat (produced in management and conservation program in Argentina) might be marketed as a healthy meat given its very favorable lipid profile for human health, characterized by its low total lipid content, balanced fatty acids, tenderness and luminosity attributes, as well as characteristics similar to those of other usually marketed meats. The results may help to introduce an alternative source of protein and energy for human consumption, and to propose the meat of this caiman species as a healthy food. In addition, by involving local people, the activity improves the local economy and the economic return to the program, thereby supporting the conservation of this caiman species.

Potenciales de las fuentes no convencionales de proteína en la alimentación de animales no rumiantes

Este trabajo revisa las investigaciones sobre el uso de fuentes no convencionales de proteína de origen vegetal para la avicultura en Nigeria y otros paises vecinos. Como el coste de los piensos compuestos continua siendo una carga para los granjeros nigerianos debido al alto coste actual de las fuentes convencionales de proteína tales como harina de pescado, torta de cacahuete y harina de soja, es muy urgente explorar los potenciales de fuentes alternativas no convencinales de proteína, especialmente harinas de hojas de algunas plantas, tales como Moringa oleifera, Leuceana leucocephala, Manihot esculenta, Carica papaya y otros piensos leguminosos los cuales pueden, de alguna forma, sustituir la inclusión de fuentes convencionales de proteína. Esas fuentes alternativas no convencionales tienen un excelente valor nutritivo y propiedades terapéuticas. Sus contenidos de proteína bruta son excelentes. Resulta aparente por varios estudios previos que la inclusión de esas fuentes proteícas no convencionales en las dietas avícolas mejora el rendimiento de los pollos en término de tasa de crecimiento y producción de huevos. Sin embargo, sus niveles de inclusión recomendados deben de ser estrictamente ajustados para evitar cualquier efecto deletéreo que pueda tener sobre los pollos. Por ejemplo, la inclusión de la harina de hojas de Moringa oleifera (MOLM) hasta el 10% en dietas de gallinas ponedoras se ha comprobado que es segura. Por lo tanto, será una novedad su inclusión en alimentos avícolas sin producir efectos nocivos para el rendimiento de las aves así como para los consumidores de los productos y, finalmente, dando lugar a mejores beneficios de los granjeros.

Potential of earthworm (Eisenia foetida) as dietary protein source for rohu (Labeo rohita) advanced fry

AbstractEarthworm, a non-conventional protein source with 520–530 g protein kg−1 on dry matter basis was used in three forms viz. (i) whole earthworm (ii) earthworm custard, and (iii) pelleted earthworm diet to prepare three iso-nitrogenous (500 g protein kg−1 diet) and iso-caloric (17.0 MJ kg−1 diet) experimental diets. The formulated diets were fed ad libitum twice daily to Labeo rohita advanced fry (0.71 ± 0.04 g) in triplicates for a period of 35 days. In each replicate, 10 fish were stocked. The 300 L fiberglass-reinforced plastic tanks containing 100 L of water with the provision of continuous aeration were used for rearing the fish. At the end of experiment, the weight gain (g), food conversion ratio, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, protein retention efficiency (%), and energy retention efficiency (%) of fish fed pelleted earthworm diet (2.19, 1.58, 4.21, 1.26, 23.0, and 18.6, respectively) was significantly better (p < 0.05) than the corresponding values of whole earthworm (1.53, 2...

Leaf Protein Concentrate (LPC) from Girardinia heterophylla Found in the Mussoorie Hills of Uttarakhand (India)

The Leaf Protein Concentrate (LPC) was isolated from the leaves of Girardinia heterophylla found in the Mussoorie hills of Uttarakhand (India). Results of proximate analysis for nitrogen, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate in appreciable quantities revealed its possible use as non-conventional protein source. LPC is an important characteristic, which establishes the usefulness of leaves of this plant as animal fodder for better milk production and also as nutritionally rich source of protein for human consumption. Keywords: Girardinia heterophylla, leaf protein concentrate, non-conventional.

Production and economic performance of F1-crossbred dairy cattle fed non-conventional protein supplements in Zimbabwe

The effects of supplementing crossbred cows with non-conventional protein sources on dry matter intake, milk yield parameters and economic returns were investigated. Twenty-five lactating F1 Holstein-Mashona crossbreds averaging 115 ± 24 days in milk were used. Five treatments, total mixed ration (TMR), urea-treated maize stover, untreated maize stover, Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro) hay and veld hay, were randomly assigned to cows and replicated five times in a completely randomised design. Nutrient composition, intake, milk yield and economic returns were determined. M. atropurpureum hay, urea-treated maize stover and TMR had equal crude protein content. Daily dry matter intake and yield differed significantly among the treatment diets (P < 0.05). Cows on TMR, urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum consumed more (P < 0.05) than cows on untreated maize stover and veld hay. Supplementing with TMR, urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum hay increased (P < 0.05) milk yields. Mean daily milk yield was highest for cows supplemented with urea-treated maize stover. Percent fat, protein and total solids in milk from cows fed urea-treated stover compared favourably to that of milk for cows supplemented with TMR. Income over supplement cost was highest for cows supplemented with M. atropurpureum hay and urea-treated maize stover. Urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum can therefore be used as a replacer protein supplements for dairy cattle in Zimbabwe.

Producción de biomasa anual de dos acrídidos (Orthoptera: Acrididae) como alimento alternativo para aves de corral

Los acrídidos podrían ser una fuente de proteínas no convencional alternativa para las granjas de aves de corral. Para una producción masiva de biomasa de acrídidos, es esencial seleccionar las especies adecuadas, junto con las plantas que los alimenten adecuadamente. Se llevó a cabo un experimento para criar dos acrídidos comunes en la India, Oxya hyla y Spathosternum prasiniferum y estimar cuál de ellos puede producir una mayor biomasa anual cuando se alimentan de tres plantas, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Brachiaria mutica y Cynodon dactylon, determinando cual de ellas es el alimento más favorable. Para la producción anual de biomasa, en términos de número, se estimaron las tasas de fecundidad, fertilidad, mortalidad de ninfas y el sexo de ambas especies de acrídidos alimentados con las tres diferentes plantas. También se estimaron la producción de biomasa anual, en términos de peso húmedo y seco, y el contenido de energía. Entre las dos especies, O. hyla mostró valores más altos de fecundidad, fertilidad y peso corporal, tanto húmedo como seco, y valores más bajos de mortalidad de ninfas para las tres plantas. Entre las tres plantas utilizadas como alimento, B. mutica fue la más adecuada para la producción anual de biomasa para ambos acrídidos. Se concluye que la cría masiva de O. hyla alimentándose de B. mutica puede producir una gran biomasa anual en las granjas de acrídidos.

Evaluation of Different Animal Protein Sources in Formulating the Diets for Blue Gourami, Trichogaster Trichopterus Fingerlings

Based on the nutrient requirement of blue gourami, Trichogaster trichopterus fingerlings as reported earlier, nine experimental diets with 350 g protein, 80-100 g lipid and 16-17 MJ digestible energy/kg diet were formulated using snail meat (D-1), freshwater fish processing waste (D-2), surimi by-product (D-3), chicken offal (D-4), earthworm (D-5), squid (D-6), mussel (T-7), chicken liver (T-8) and lean prawn (T-9) as major protein source in addition to fish meal and peanut oil cake and fed ad libitum to the fish (3.54 ± 0.02 g) for a period of 45 days. Twenty seven indoor circular fiber-reinforced plastic tanks with 200 L of water were used for rearing the fish. At the end of the experiment it was found that the fish fed squid meal Diet (D-6) had the best results in terms of weight gain, food conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). However, the freshwater fish processing waste (D-2) and surimi by-product (D-3) diets had almost similar (p>0.05) growth and dietary performance as that of squid, mussel, chicken liver and lean prawn meal diets and therefore, both these fish processing waste and surimi by-product could be used as non-conventional protein sources in formulating the nutritionally balanced cost-effective diets for blue gourami.

Characterisation and functional properties of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seed proteins

People in developing countries depend largely on non-conventional protein sources to augment the availability of proteins in their diets. Watermelon seed meal is reported to contain an adequate amount of nutritional proteins that could be extracted for use as nutritional ingredients in food products. Osborne classification showed that globulin was the major protein (≥500 g kg (-1)) present in watermelon seed meal, followed by albumin and glutelin. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the polypeptides had low molecular weights ranging from 35 to 47 kDa. Isoelectric focusing revealed that the isoelectric point of most proteins was in the acidic range 4-6. These proteins are rich in aspartic acid, glutamic acid and serine. An increase in pH (5-9) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the denaturation enthalpy of these proteins. Among functional properties, albumin exhibited a much higher dispersibility index (810.3-869.6 g kg(-1)) than globulin (227.8-245.4 g kg(-1)), glutelin (182.1-187.7 g kg(-1)) and prolamin (162.3-177.7 g kg(-1)). Digestibility was in the ranges 760.6-910.0 and 765.5-888.5 g kg(-1) for Mateera and Sugar Baby watermelon protein fractions respectively, while surface hydrophobicity ranged from 126.4 to 173.2 and from 125.8 to 169.3 respectively. The foaming and emulsifying properties of albumin were better than those of the other proteins studied. The good nutritional and functional properties of watermelon seed meal proteins suggest their potential use in food formulations.

Effects of layered silicate structure on the mechanical properties and structures of protein‐based bionanocomposites

AbstractIn this work, a nonconventional protein source of pea protein isolate (PPI) was filled with montmorillonite (MMT) and rectorite (REC) by solution intercalation respectively, and then the reinforced PPI‐based nanocomposites were produced by hot press. The structure and interaction in the nanocomposites were investigated by FTIR, XRD, DSC, DMA, and pH and Zeta‐potential tests whereas the reinforcing effect was verified by tensile test. Furthermore, the origin of enhancing mechanical performances and the effects of layered silicate structure were explored. Although the MMT with lower negative‐charge surface and smaller apparent size of crude particles was easier to be exfoliated completely, the exfoliated REC nanoplatelets with more negative‐charge could form stronger electrostatic interaction with positive‐charge‐rich domains of PPI molecules, and hence produced the highest strength in two series of nanocomposites. In this case, the newly formed hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction on the surface of silicate lamellas guaranteed the transferring of the stress to rigid layered silicates. The cooperative effect of newly formed physical interaction between layered silicates and PPI molecules as well as the spatial occupancy of intercalated agglomerates of layered silicates destroyed the original microphase structure of PPI matrix and cleaved the entanglements among PPI molecules. It was not in favor of enhancing the elongation and strength. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009

A simple method of formulating least-cost diets for smallholder dairy production in sub-Saharan Africa

Smallholder dairy farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are constrained by inadequate supply of good quality protein sources particularly during the dry season. Commercial protein concentrates are expensive and not readily accessible. Multipurpose forage legumes and other non-conventional protein sources available on-farm have been promoted as alternative cheaper protein sources. The major problem faced by smallholder dairy farmers however is the formulation of diets balanced for the key nutrients and also being cost-efficient. This paper presents a step by step spreadsheet based procedure of diet formulation for smallholder dairy production. The procedure ensures that the diet is balanced for all the key nutrients, is low-cost and the user has significant control over the formulation process. An example using this formulation method incorporating the fodder legumes Leucaena diversifolia, Leucaena pallida, Leucaena esculenta, Acacia angustissima and Calliandra calothyrsus indicate a cost reduction from 10% on C. calothyrsus to 30% on L. diversifolia inclusion when compared to the conventional dairy meal concentrate (US$ 0.34/kg). This ration formulation method is recommended for use by livestock extension advisors and smallholder dairy farmers to quickly formulate low-cost diets using locally available feed sources so as to optimise the feeding of dairy animals at the farm level. Key words: Feed formulation, fodder trees, non-conventional protein sources, sustainable farming.

Digestibility and nitrogen balance of diets containing non conventional vegetable proteins fed to pigs of genetic strains suitable for outdoor systems

The study was carried out to evaluate on growing pigs kept in metabolism crates, either belonging to a “traditional” cross-breed (Duroc x Large White – DLW) or a local breed (Cinta Senese – CS), the digestibility and the nitrogen balance of non-conventional vegetable protein sources (field beans, pea and sunflower cake) when compared to soybean meal. The four diets were formulated so as to supply the same crude protein amount. CS pigs showed lower apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for crude protein (81,38% vs 82,65%) and crude fibre (35,97% vs 40,65%). Nitrogen balance was more favourable in DLW pigs (32,12% vs 19,67%) which showed a higher nitrogen retention (+69%). With respect to the protein source, no differences were observed for nitrogen balance. Sunflower diet showed the higher ADC for ether extract (+20% compared with soybean diet). Crude fibre digestibility was lowered in sunflower (-33%) and field beans (-13%) diets. Sunflower and field beans diets showed the lowest gross energy digestibility coefficients. Field pea diet had the highest ADC for crude fibre (+ 12%) leading to ADCs for organic matter and gross energy comparable to those of soybean meal. It is concluded that field bean, sunflower cake and field pea could be considered as valuable non-conventional protein sources in swine nutrition.