Porcine Protein Research Articles

Characterization of the extracellular proteases from Bacillus inaquosorum strain E1-8 and its application in the preparation of hydrolysates from plant and animal proteins with antioxidant, antifreeze and anti-browning properties.

Bacillus inaquosorum strains is widely recognized for their plant-growth-promoting and biocontrol capabilities, yet their roles in protease production remain unclear. The present study aimed to comprehensively assess the protease-producing performance of B. inaquosorum strain E1-8, at the same time as exploring the novel application of agricultural Bacillus proteases in the preparation of protein hydrolysates for fresh-cut fruits preservation. First, genomic sequencing revealed the diversity of E1-8 proteases, indicating 15 putative extracellular proteases. Subsequently, the fermentation conditions for E1-8 protease production were optimized, with sweet potato powder and soybean meal identified as the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, resulting in a maximum protease activity of 321.48 U mL-1. Upon culturing the strain under these optimized conditions, only an S8 family serine protease and an M48 family metalloprotease were revealed by secretomic analysis and protease inhibitor assays. Additionally, the optimal protease conditions for generating protein hydrolysates from soy, pea, fish and porcine proteins were determined. The molecular weight of the hydrolysates primarily ranged from 2000 to 180 Da, with a total of 17 amino acids identified. The application of these hydrolysates demonstrated a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (i.e. DPPH) scavenging activity ranging from 58.64% to 84.12%, significantly reducing of the melting peaks and the freezing points. Furthermore, the browning index of apple slices stored at 4 °C decreased by 14.81% to 22.15% on the second day, and similar effects were observed in fresh-cut banana stored at 4 °C for 7 days. The protein hydrolysates obtained exhibit remarkable antioxidant, antifreeze and anti-browning properties for fresh-cut fruits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring acylated anthocyanin-based extracts as a natural alternative to synthetic food dyes: Stability and application insights

This work explores the potential of anthocyanin-based extracts (hibiscus calyxes – HC, red cabbage – RC, and butterfly pea flower − BPF) as natural alternatives to synthetic dyes in the food industry. Analyses in a pH range for food applications revealed higher color stability for the BPF extract, keeping vibrant colors over the 7 days at room temperature. At pH 3 and 100 °C, the BPF was more stable, losing half of its anthocyanin concentration after 14 h, while RC and HC lost half of their color after 7 and 2 h, respectively. The bisulfite bleaching followed a second-order reaction for HC and RC, and a first-order reaction for BPF, suggesting a minor effect of the bisulfite on this extract. Incorporating these extracts into porcine protein and agar-agar gelatin formulations produced consistent products with appealing hues, particularly the blue and purple colors for BPF and RC, dependent on the pH.

Anti-Non-Gal Antibodies Against Porcine Protein Antigens as Barrier to Long-Term Grafting of Xenografts in Humans.

Anti-Non-Gal Antibodies Against Porcine Protein Antigens as Barrier to Long-Term Grafting of Xenografts in Humans.

Deep profiling of potential substrate atlas of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus 3C-like protease.

Coronavirus (CoV) 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is essential for viral replication and is involved in immune escape by proteolyzing host proteins. Deep profiling the 3CLpro substrates in the host proteome extends our understanding of viral pathogenesis and facilitates antiviral drug discovery. Here, 3CLpro from porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), an enteropathogenic CoV, was used as a model which to identify the potential 3CLpro cleavage motifs in all porcine proteins. We characterized the selectivity of PEDV 3CLpro at sites P5-P4'. We then compiled the 3CLpro substrate preferences into a position-specific scoring matrix and developed a 3CLpro profiling strategy to delineate the protein substrate landscape of CoV 3CLpro. We identified 1,398 potential targets in the porcine proteome containing at least one putative cleavage site and experimentally validated the reliability of the substrate degradome. The PEDV 3CLpro-targeted pathways are involved in mRNA processing, translation, and key effectors of autophagy and the immune system. We also demonstrated that PEDV 3CLpro suppresses the type 1 interferon (IFN-I) cascade via the proteolysis of multiple signaling adaptors in the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) signaling pathway. Our composite method is reproducible and accurate, with an unprecedented depth of coverage for substrate motifs. The 3CLpro substrate degradome establishes a comprehensive substrate atlas that will accelerate the investigation of CoV pathogenicity and the development of anti-CoV drugs.IMPORTANCECoronaviruses (CoVs) are major pathogens that infect humans and animals. The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) encoded by CoV not only cleaves the CoV polyproteins but also degrades host proteins and is considered an attractive target for the development of anti-CoV drugs. However, the comprehensive characterization of an atlas of CoV 3CLpro substrates is a long-standing challenge. Using porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) 3CLpro as a model, we developed a method that accurately predicts the substrates of 3CLpro and comprehensively maps the substrate degradome of PEDV 3CLpro. Interestingly, we found that 3CLpro may simultaneously degrade multiple molecules responsible for a specific function. For instance, it cleaves at least four adaptors in the RIG-I signaling pathway to suppress type 1 interferon production. These findings highlight the complexity of the 3CLpro substrate degradome and provide new insights to facilitate the development of anti-CoV drugs.

Anti‐pig antibodies in swine veterinarian serum: Implications for clinical xenotransplantation

AbstractRecent clinical xenotransplantation and human decedent studies demonstrate that clinical hyperacute rejection of genetically engineered porcine organs can be reliably avoided but that antibody mediated rejection (AMR) continues to limit graft survival. We previously identified porcine glycans and proteins which are immunogenic after cardiac xenotransplantation in non‐human primates, but the clinical immune response to antigens present in glycan depleted triple knockout (TKO) donor pigs is poorly understood. In this study we use fluorescence barcoded human embryonic kidney cells (HEK) and HEK cell lines expressing porcine glycans (Gal and SDa) or proteins (tetraspanin‐29 [CD9], membrane cofactor protein [CD46], protectin, membrane attack complex inhibition factor [CD59], endothelial cell protein C receptor, and Annexin A2) to screen antibody reactivity in human serum from 160 swine veterinarians, a serum source with potential occupational immune challenge from porcine tissues and pathogens. High levels of anti‐Gal IgM were present in all samples and lower levels of anti‐SDa IgM were present in 41% of samples. IgM binding to porcine proteins, primarily CD9 and CD46, previously identified as immunogenic in pig to non‐human primate cardiac xenograft recipients, was detected in 28 of the 160 swine veterinarian samples. These results suggest that barcoded HEK cell lines expressing porcine protein antigens can be useful for screening human patient serum. A comprehensive analysis of sera from clinical xenotransplant recipients to define a panel of commonly immunogenic porcine antigens will likely be necessary to establish an array of porcine non‐Gal antigens for effective monitoring of patient immune responses and allow earlier therapies to reverse AMR.

Proteomic Analysis of Primary Graft Dysfunction in Porcine Lung Transplantation Reveals Alveolar-Capillary Barrier Changes Underlying the High Particle Flow Rate in Exhaled Breath.

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) remains a challenge for lung transplantation (LTx) recipients as a leading cause of poor early outcomes. New methods are needed for more detailed monitoring and understanding of the pathophysiology of PGD. The measurement of particle flow rate (PFR) in exhaled breath is a novel tool to monitor and understand the disease at the proteomic level. In total, 22 recipient pigs underwent orthotopic left LTx and were evaluated for PGD on postoperative day 3. Exhaled breath particles (EBPs) were evaluated by mass spectrometry and the proteome was compared to tissue biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Findings were confirmed in EBPs from 11 human transplant recipients. Recipients with PGD had significantly higher PFR [686.4 (449.7-8,824.0) particles per minute (ppm)] compared to recipients without PGD [116.6 (79.7-307.4) ppm, p = 0.0005]. Porcine and human EBP proteins recapitulated proteins found in the BAL, demonstrating its utility instead of more invasive techniques. Furthermore, adherens and tight junction proteins were underexpressed in PGD tissue. Histological and proteomic analysis found significant changes to the alveolar-capillary barrier explaining the high PFR in PGD. Exhaled breath measurement is proposed as a rapid and non-invasive bedside measurement of PGD.

Safe Procedure for Efficient Hydrodynamic Gene Transfer to Isolated Porcine Liver in Transplantation.

Although calcineurin inhibitors are very effective as immunosuppressants in organ transplantation, complete graft acceptance remains as a challenge. Transfer of genes with immunosuppressant functions could contribute to improving the clinical evolution of transplantation. In this sense, hydrodynamic injection has proven very efficacious for liver gene transfer. In the present work, the hIL-10 gene was hydrofected 'ex vivo' to pig livers during the bench surgery stage, to circumvent the cardiovascular limitations of the procedure, in a model of porcine orthotopic transplantation with a 10-day follow-up. We used IL-10 because human and porcine proteins can be differentially quantified and for its immunomodulatory pleiotropic functions. Safety (biochemical parameters and histology), expression efficacy (RNA transcription and blood protein expression), and acute inflammatory response (cytokines panel) of the procedure were evaluated. The procedure proved safe as no change in biochemical parameters was observed in treated animals, and human IL-10 was efficaciously expressed, with stationary plasma protein levels over 20 pg/mL during the follow-up. Most studied cytokines showed increments (interferon-α, IFN-α; interleukin-1β, IL-1β; tumor necrosis factor α, TNFα; interleukin-6, IL-6; interleukin-8, IL-8; interleukin-4, IL-4; and transforming growth factor-β, TGF-β) in treated animals, without deleterious effects on tissue. Collectively, the results support the potential clinical interest in this gene therapy model that would require further longer-term dose-response studies to be confirmed.

Comparative Analysis of Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma and Hydrolyzed Porcine Protein as Animal-Blood-Derived Protein Ingredients for Pet Nutrition

Spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) and hydrolyzed porcine protein (HPP) are promising animal protein ingredients sourced from healthy animal blood that are rich in biomolecules, including immunoglobulins, and can be an appropriate and valuable animal protein ingredient to supply the growing need for ingredients that meet the natural needs of carnivorous pets. The aim of this preliminary study was to analyze the chemical composition and mineral profile of a novel HPP compared with results for SDPP. The basic composition analysis followed AOAC guidelines, and the elemental analysis utilized atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical comparisons employed an independent Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). Both SDPP and HPP are low in moisture (<4.3%) and rich in protein, with SDPP significantly exceeding HPP (75.4% vs. 71.4%). They boast mineral richness indicated by crude ash content (12.7% and 12.5%), featuring Na, K, P, and the trace elements Mo, Fe, and Zn. Notably, SDPP contains elevated molybdenum levels (51.39 mg/100 g vs. 10.93 mg/100 g in HPP), an essential element for diverse animal functions. Quantifying these elements in raw materials aids in achieving optimal nutrient levels in the final product. The study underscores SDPP as an excellent protein source, confirming that its nutritional value is similar to or better than other protein components in pet food.

Discovery of porcine proteins-binding DNA aptamer through SELEX and proteomics for pork authentication

The authentication of meat products has become a global consumer concern in the food industry. Traditional methods such as PCR and mass spectrometry can identify and differentiate the source of meat, but they are time-consuming and require high-quality extracted DNA or protein for testing. As an alternative, aptamer-based detection tools have been introduced, but their application in food authentication is still new. To date, there is a lack of data on the development of a porcine-specific aptamer that is specifically bound to a heat-stable protein. Hence, this study was conducted to screen, characterize and validate aptamers bound to any pork protein through SELEX process, combined with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The putative porcine-specific aptamers were selected after fourteen rounds of selection using centrifugal-ultrafiltration separation technique against five negative controls. The binding affinity test revealed that APT#A1 had the highest binding affinity with a dissociation constant of 27.61 ± 1.92 nM. However, the protein blotting results showed that the selected porcine-bound aptamers were not specific and could also bind to multiple proteins from negative samples. LC-MS analysis showed that the aptamers bound to troponin and tropomyosin subunits, and these proteins have potential as target markers for future authentication studies. Future research can focus on developing aptamers with higher specificity towards porcine protein and validating their feasibility as a practical tool for food authentication in real meat-based food samples.

The effect of an intervention of porcine protein versus maltodextrin supplement on CONvalescence of FUnCtional outcomes after IcU Stay (CONFUCIUS): Study protocol for a randomized controlled, single-center, double-blind trial.

Patients discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) frequently suffer from ICU-acquired weakness because of immobilization and massive inflammation-induced muscle mass loss. Consequently, rehospitalization, reduced quality of life (QoL), increased disabilities, and higher post-ICU mortality is observed. Exercise rehabilitation and optimal nutrition, particularly protein intake, are pivotal to regaining muscle mass and function. Studies have shown that protein requirements in the post-ICU phase are often unmet. Furthermore, protein supplementation in other patient groups has shown beneficial effects. However, a study on protein supplementation during the post-ICU period is lacking. This study aims to investigate the effect of a six-week intervention of daily porcine protein supplementation versus an isocaloric control (maltodextrin) on functional outcomes in the post-ICU period in patients with moderately severe ICU-acquired weakness. 72 post-ICU patients with moderately severe ICU-acquired weakness of Hospital Gelderse Vallei will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group (36 per arm). The intervention group receives a porcine protein supplement twice a day. The control group receives a maltodextrin supplement twice a day. The intervention starts on the first day in the general ward and lasts 42 days (6 weeks). The primary outcome is the between-group difference in physical function at hospital discharge (t;=2), the end of the intervention (t;=3, day 42), and the 3-month follow-up (t;=4) expressed as a composite score consisting of handgrip strength, muscle strength leg, muscle strength arm and exercise capacity. Secondary outcomes encompass physical function, QoL, Activity of daily living (ADL), and plasma amino acids concentrations. Lastly, ICU readmission after ICU discharge, hospital readmission after hospital discharge, and overall survival status will be considered. Linear mixed models will be used to test the treatment effect for the primary and secondary outcome measures. This trial will be the first to investigate porcine protein supplementation compared with carbohydrate supplementation in the post-ICU period aiming to improve functional outcomes of ICU survivors with moderately severe ICU-acquired weakness. The study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Number: NCT05405764.

Proteomic and Metabolomic Analyses of Maggots in Porcine Corpses for Post-Mortem Interval Estimation

Post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation is a critical task in forensic science. In this study, we used maggots collected from pig carcasses and applied an integrated proteomics and metabolomics approach to determine potential candidate substances for the estimation of PMI. After methanol precipitation, the supernatant containing metabolites and the protein pellet were separated and subjected to metabolomic and proteomic analyses using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MS/MS data were analyzed for identification and quantification using Proteome Discoverer and Compound Discoverer software. A total of 573 metabolites and more than 800 porcine proteins were identified in maggots. This is the first dataset of proteins and metabolites in maggots collected from porcine carcasses. In this study, guanosine monophosphate, xanthine, inosine, adenosine, and guanine were detected with a similar tendency to increase during early days of maggot development and then decreased gradually. We broadly profiled various biomolecules through analysis in the spot of incident. Especially, we confirmed that proteome and metabolome profiling could be performed directly and indirectly.

Immunoregulatory Effects of Porcine Plasma Protein Concentrates on Rat Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Splenocytes.

Simple SummaryBlood contains proteins which have interest as products that may regulate immune function. For this reason some protein-based products are currently used as nutritional supplements for animals, for instance two porcine concentrates, spray dried serum (SDS), and an immunoglobulin concentrate (IC). These products have shown to protect against colonic inflammation in rodents. In the present study we characterize the ability of these products to modulate immune function in isolated cells, namely intestinal epithelial cells (IEC18 cells) and rat spleen cells. Our data indicate that both porcine protein concentrates indeed alter immune cell function, based on the secretion of the modulators known as cytokines. In intestinal epithelial IEC18 cells they promoted the secretion of GROα and MCP-1 cytokines. In spleen cells they mainly inhibited the production of TNF, a key proinflammatory cytokine. In addition, the IC product augmented the release of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Taken together, our data indicate that the immunomodulatory effects observed in vivo are consistent with the direct actions of the protein concentrates on epithelial cells, T lymphocytes, and monocytes.Serum protein concentrates have been shown to exert in vivo anti-inflammatory effects. Specific effects on different cell types and their mechanism of action remain unraveled. We aimed to characterize the immunomodulatory effect of two porcine plasma protein concentrates, spray dried serum (SDS) and an immunoglobulin concentrate (IC), currently used as animal nutritional supplements with established in vivo immunomodulatory properties. Cytokine production by the intestinal epithelial cell line IEC18 and by primary cultures of rat splenocytes was studied. The molecular pathways involved were explored with specific inhibitors and gene knockdown. Our results indicate that both products induced GROα and MCP-1 production in IEC18 cells by a MyD88/NF-κB-dependent mechanism. Inhibition of TNF production was observed in rat primary splenocyte cultures. The immunoglobulin concentrate induced IL-10 expression in primary splenocytes and lymphocytes. The effect on TNF was independent of IL-10 production or the stimulation of NF-kB, MAPKs, AKT, or RAGE. In conclusion, SDS and IC directly regulate intestinal and systemic immune response in murine intestinal epithelial cells and in T lymphocytes and monocytes.

Mining Unknown Porcine Protein Isoforms by Tissue-based Map of Proteome Enhances Pig Genome Annotation

A lack of the complete pig proteome has left a gap in our knowledge of the pig genome and has restricted the feasibility of using pigs as a biomedical model. In this study, we developed a tissue-based proteome map using 34 major normal pig tissues. A total of 5841 unknown protein isoforms were identified and systematically characterized, including 2225 novel protein isoforms, 669 protein isoforms from 460 genes symbolized beginning with LOC, and 2947 protein isoforms without clear NCBI annotation in the current pig reference genome. These newly identified protein isoforms were functionally annotated through profiling the pig transcriptome with high-throughput RNA sequencing of the same pig tissues, further improving the genome annotation of the corresponding protein-coding genes. Combining the well-annotated genes that have parallel expression pattern and subcellular witness, we predicted the tissue-related subcellularlocations and potential functions for these unknown proteins. Finally, we mined 3081 orthologous genes for 52.7% of unknown protein isoforms across multiple species, referring to 68 KEGG pathways as well as 23 disease signaling pathways. These findings provide valuable insights and a rich resource for enhancing studies of pig genomics and biology, as well as biomedical model application to human medicine.

Impacts of fat types and myofibrillar protein on the rheological properties and thermal stability of meat emulsion systems

Studies have shown the effects of fat or oil types and myofibrillar protein on meat emulsions. In this study, fat extracted from pork, beef, chicken, and duck, as well as corn oil, was used to emulsify the extracted porcine myofibrillar protein. We evaluated the thermal and rheological properties, emulsion stability, texture profiles, fatty acid compositions, and microstructures of these meat emulsions. Meat emulsions containing animal fat had lower emulsion stability and better thermal stability, rheological properties, and hardness than those containing oil. The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat emulsion containing corn oil was the highest, followed by duck, chicken, pork, and beef fat emulsions. Of the animal fat emulsions, chicken might be the best fat source when emulsifying porcine protein because of the high thermal and emulsion stability, rheological properties, and fatty acid composition of the emulsion and well-distributed fat particles in it.

Removal of High Concentrations of Veterinary Antibiotics Through Co-composting of Swine Waste

The increasing demand for animal protein, mainly for porcine protein, has led companies and producers to investigate techniques capable of optimizing current production systems, as well as the use of drugs such as veterinary antibiotics. The incomplete absorption of these drugs by the digestive system of the animals generates effluents whose composition presents veterinary drug residues. Swine waste treatment systems (ponds) have reduced capacity to degrade these residues; thus, it is necessary to find treatment alternatives such as composting. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the composting technique in degrading 17 veterinary antibiotics often used in pig production systems. The herein adopted composting process comprised eucalyptus shavings and swine waste at the ratio 1:8 (1 kg of shavings to 8 L of swine waste). First, 25 L of swine waste were contaminated with 17 antibiotics and mixed in a bench-scale composting system for 150 days. The sample preparation consisted of the solid-liquid extraction followed by a clean-up by dispersive solid phase extraction, and then the extracts were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Antibiotic groups such as quinolones, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides recorded fractions cumulative removal of 99.4%, 99.4% and 97.2%, respectively, at the end of the composting process. On the other hand, antibiotics such as sulfathiazole, chlortetracycline, and tetracycline recorded 100% degradation during the composting process.

Composites from by-products of the food industry for the development of superabsorbent biomaterials

The aim of this study deals is the development of superabsorbent green composite materials based on food industry by-products that could be revalorised. Plasma porcine protein (PPP) and soy protein isolate (SPI) are surpluses of the food industry that content a high amount of hydrophilic amino acid residues. Thus, different PPP/SPI blends (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25 and 100/0) were processed and characterized conveniently. The thermal response of these blends is between a thermosetting (PPP) and a thermoplastic (SPI) behaviour, where a minimum in the elastic moduli around the gelation temperature of PPP (∼65°C) was found. It is an important fact that all composites produced revealed a superabsorbent character (>1000%), being higher as the PPP/SPI ratio increases, as PPP imparts a greater deformability to the biocomposite. The duration of the dehydrothermal (DHT) treatment at 50°C to which samples were submitted prior to their immersion has proven to be highly influential, reinforcing the structure but losing the superabsorbent character after 72h. The microstructure of composites is a combination of the porous structure of PPP and the lumpy structure of SPI, suggesting a difference in the water absorption mechanism for both proteins. These composites might be considered to develop an environmentally friendly product to replace extensively used acrylic derivatives.

Authentication approach using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of porcine substances

Food manufacturers across the world commonly add animal substances in their food products. Some food products may contain porcine substances including pork, gelatine, blood and pepsin. These substances significantly affect the texture, colour or taste of the end products. Aside from enhancing sensory qualities, additional ingredients also contribute to preservation, bulk and nutrition. However, the inclusion of porcine substances might not be suitable among certain communities. One primary concern is fraud labelling which includes hiding the addition of porcine substances in food. Therefore, analytical techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) have been developed to detect the porcine proteins in food. The ELISA delivers specificity and sensitivity in detecting the targeted animal species in food. This review provides an overview of the ELISA technique which has been developed for potential detection of porcine substances in laboratory-prepared food samples and commercial food products.

Halal Identification for Meatballs in Pasar Tambun, Bekasi, West Java By Acrylamide Gels

Halal foods are important for Moslems and there is a Moslem’s duty to eat only Halal foods which is stated in Holly Qur’an. Moreover, government already made some regulations related to Halal certification which should be obeyed by food industries, including home industries. This research aimed to detect a porcine component in meatballs sold in Pasar Tradisional Tambun, Bekasi, West Java by using SDS-PAGE Here, we combined mechanical and chemistry methods to extract the proteins and compared the protein profiles on an acrylamide gel. We got specific bands of bovine and porcine proteins according to proteins bands that showed on the gel and after comparing with the samples we found that one sample had combining profiles in the extract. We concluded that three samples used in this research were halal, meanwhile, another sample containing porcine substances. Keywords: Halal, Proteins, Bovine, Porcine, Meatballs, SDS-PAGE.

Effects of partial and total substitution of dietary spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) with spray-dried krill hydrolysate (SDKH) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission in weaning piglets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of spray-dried porcine protein (SDPP) with spray-dried krill hydrolysate (SDKH) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, noxious gas emission, fecal score, blood profile of post-weaning piglets during the first 2 weeks, and the subsequent impact of these criteria on weaned piglets. A total of 200 crossbred piglets [(Duroc × Yorkshire) × Landrace] weaned at day 21with an initial BW of 6.85 ± 1.00 kg was allocated into 1 of the following 5 dietary treatments: 1) CON, Phase 1(Basal diet without plasma protein); TRT1, Phase 1 (4% Plasma protein); 3) TRT2, Phase 1 (3% Plasma protein + 1% SDKH); 4) TRT3, Phase 1 (2% Plasma protein + 2% SDKH); 4) TRT4 (4% SDKH) in this 6-week feeding trial. During phase 2, all the piglets were fed the same diets. (Phase 1: 0–2nd week; Phase 2: 3rd-6th week). For each treatment, 8 replication pens consisting of five pigs (3 barrows and 2 gilts) per pen were used in a randomized complete block design. In phase 1, the weaned piglets fed the diets containing 4% SPDD had greater BW than the ones fed other treatment diets (P < 0.05), and the weaned piglets fed the diets formulated with 1, 2 or 4% SDKH showed bigger BW than that fed CON diet (P < 0.05). In phase 1 and the end of this trial, the highest ADG was found in Trt 1 and the lowest ADG was detected in CON treatment (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ADG in piglets fed other diets (P > 0.05). Similarly, in phase 1, the piglets fed the 4% SDPP showed a better nitrogen digestibility compared to the ones fed other dietary treatments (P < 0.05). Trt.2 and Trt.3 revealed a greater nitrogen digestibility than Trt.4 and CON (P < 0.05). The Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) concentration decreased with increasing SDPP inclusion level (P < 0.05). SDKH treatment showed a lower BUN concentration than CON (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in fecal score, intestinal E. coli and Lactobacilli and noxious gas emission throughout the trial (P > 0.05). In conclusion, dietary SDPP could not be partially or totally replaced by SDKH because of the negative effect on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in weaning pig.

Application of a pressure-transform tumbling assisted curing technique for improving the tenderness of restructured pork chops

Boneless pork shoulder were injected with marinate and treated with one of the three following curing treatments: (1) injection without tumbling, (2) vacuum tumbling, or (3) pressure-transform tumbling. The effect of pressure-transform tumbling treatment on porcine tissue microstructure, protein denaturation, water-holding capacity and textural properties of restructured pork chops was investigated. Results showed that pressure-transform tumbling with gas composition of CO2: N2 = 1 : 1 resulted in favorable yield of 118.22% of restructured pork chops. Tenderness was improved by 39% and 25% compared to the control group that was injected but not tumbled, and the vacuum tumbled group, respectively. Myofibers remained well-organized an the diameter was reduced by pressure-transform tumbling. FT-IR results showed that pressure-transform tumbling can modify protein conformation by increasing the amount of ɑ-helical and ẞ -sheet structures, but did not alter the secondary structure of proteins. The method has potential to benefit both consumers and manufacturers, by including reduction in processing time, improvement in product quality, and potential cost savings.