Proportion Of Acids Research Articles

Влияние зимовки на морфофизиологические и химические показатели судака Sander lucioperca

During the wintering period, sander from their natural habitat and grown in farm conditions undergo changes in morphophysiological and chemical status due to the expenditure of energy reserves of the body and the redistri-bution of nutrients in the muscles and liver. This is expressed in a significant decrease in the content of ab-dominal fat in the body of wild and factory individuals (by 45 and 16%, respectively), muscle fat content (by 26% in wild individuals) and liver (by 59% in wild and 16% in farm fish), vitamin C in muscles (by 56 and 23%, respectively). At the same time, the content of nitrogen–free extractives in the muscles and liver increases many times – by 47 and 31%, respectively, in wild individuals and by 31 and 29% in sander raised in cages. The proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids in the lipids of sander muscles in winter significantly increases and the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decreases, especially eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic, against the background of an increase in the level of these acids in the liver. From the point of view of meat quality, estimated by the content of long-chain PUFA, during the wintering period there is a significant decrease in the nutritional value 
 of caught and raised fish, which is expressed in a 2-3-fold decrease in EPA + DHA in fillets. Such changes are the adaptation of fish to cold temperature conditions during prolonged wintering and are associated with puberty.

Substituting ryegrass-based pasture with graded levels of forage rape in the diet of lambs reduced post-feeding variation in methane emissions

The temporal profile of methane (CH4) emissions from ruminants is affected by feed composition and forage type. This study aimed to 1) describe and compare the post-feeding pattern of CH4 emissions from lambs fed fresh ryegrass substituted with graded levels of forage rape, and 2) to evaluate the association between the magnitude of the variation in CH4 emission patterns and organic fermentation products quantified in pre- and- post- feeding rumen content samples. Methane emissions were measured at approximately 6 min intervals in respiration chambers from 70 lambs (n = 14 per treatment) fed ryegrass only (FR0) or as a proportion, 0.25 forage rape + 0.75 ryegrass (FR25), 0.50 forage rape + 0.50 ryegrass (FR50), 0.75 forage rape + 0.25 ryegrass (FR75), and forage rape only (FR100). The magnitude of the variability in CH4 emissions was defined as the ratio of maximum to minimum CH4 emissions in a 24 h period. This ratio was correlated (P < 0.05) with the proportions of major short chain fatty acids, and calculated hydrogen (H2) available per unit of glucose fermented (H2/GEF), quantified in rumen content samples collected pre- and- post- feeding. The CH4 emission profile after each feeding followed an asymmetrical positively skewed shape for FR0 to FR75, but not in lambs fed FR100. The lowest CH4 emission rates were observed before morning feeding which was followed by a CH4 peak within the 2 h after feeding, and then the CH4 emissions decreased until the next feeding. In FR100 lambs, the CH4 emission rate was, unexpectedly, relatively constant after feeding, without any clear CH4 peaks. The magnitude of the variability in the CH4 emission rate increased when the pH of rumen contents and H2/GEF measured in pre-feeding samples decreased. Including forage rape at 0.75, or greater proportion, in the diet of lambs drastically changed the CH4 emissions pattern, likely due to a continuous low pH in the rumen which is detrimental for methanogenesis. In conclusion, the daily variation in CH4 emissions decreased with increasing forage rape inclusion in the diet of sheep and this was associated with a decreasing acetate proportion in the rumen liquid.

Exploring the antioxidant stability of sheep bone protein hydrolysate -identification and molecular docking

The aim of this study was to obtain sheep bone protein hydrolysates (SBPHs) with antioxidant activity from sheep bone byproducts and evaluate their stability and processing characteristics under different conditions. Then, the antioxidant peptides were identified and synthesized, and their antioxidant mechanism of action was investigated using molecular docking. The results showed that SBPHs obtained by alkaline protease hydrolysis had high antioxidant capacity and a high proportion of hydrophobic amino acids (41.33%). The antioxidant activity of SBPHs was intolerant to high temperatures and weakly resistant to acids and alkalis. NaCl improved the reducing power, sugars maintained the antioxidant activity, and metal ions reduced the antioxidant activity of SBPHs. SBPHs maintained higher antioxidant activity after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Three fractions were isolated by ultrafiltration, among which P–I (MW < 3 kDa) had the strongest antioxidant activity. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS) showed that 17 peptides with Peptide Ranker >0.85 were found in P–I. Among the synthesized peptides, VYPFPGPIPN had the strongest antioxidant activity, which was mainly exerted through hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking and π-alkyl bonding with Keap1. This study provides a reference for subsequent studies on the production, storage and antioxidant function utilization of SBPHs.

Comparison of Antibacterial Activities of Korean Pine (Pinus densiflora) Needle Steam Distillation Extract on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Focusing on Membrane Fluidity and Genes Involved in Membrane Lipids and Stress.

The antibacterial activity and mechanism of Pinus densiflora extracts against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. The growth inhibition tests of paper diffusion and optical density exhibited that the extracts have potent antibacterial potentials against foodborne pathogens. The measurement of membrane fluidity by fluorescence polarization has indicated that one of the antibacterial mechanisms involves the disruption of membrane integrity resulting in an increase in the membrane fluidity in both of E. coli and S. aureus. The alteration of fatty acid composition was accompanied by the disturbance of membranes thus shifting the proportion of saturated verses unsaturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids from 1.27:1 to 1.35:1 in E. coli and 1.47:1 to 2.31:1 in S. aureus, most likely to compensate for the increased membrane fluidity by means of a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids which is known to render rigidity in membranes. Realtime q-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis of fatty acid synthetic genes and bacterial stress genes revealed that there was minimal influence of P. densiflora extracts on fatty acid genes except for fab I and the stress rpos in E. coli, and relatively greater impact on fatty acid genes and the stress sigB in S. aureus.

PH-Sensitive Acrylic Terpolymers for the Coating of Orally Administered Drugs Used for Colonic Release.

Polymeric coatings are a promising option for the development of delivery systems for orally administered drugs. However, the gastrointestinal conditions to which they are subjected, which include low pH and solubility as well as peristaltic movements, can limit their applications. In this work, different formulations of polymeric coatings were produced using pH-sensitive materials consisting of copolymers of methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and methacrylic acid. The polymers were synthesized by the emulsion polymerization technique, obtaining small average particle sizes (56-190 nm), molecular weights between 200,000 and 400,000 g/mol, and a glass transition temperature above 35 °C, which are suitable for film formation at room temperature. Thus, they were assessed as coatings for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules (HPMC) using the immersion method, showing adequate capacity to protect the capsule at gastric pH (pH 1.2) and dissolve at the simulated intestinal pH (pH= 7.2). In particular, the higher the content of the acidic monomer, the higher the release time of the test molecule contained in the acrylic terpolymer-coated HPMC capsules proposed, which was a curcuminoid derivative due to their bright color and potential medical benefits. In addition, a minimum number of immersions was required for coating the HPMC capsules at high acidic concentrations, which further facilitates the delayed release needed for colonic treatment. However, too high proportions of methacrylic acid may result in cytotoxicity issues. Consequently, a biocompatible formulation containing a proportion of methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and methacrylic acid of 7:3:3 is proposed as the most adequate for colonic release. Thus, by chemically modulating the molar percentages of the acrylic monomers, it was possible to obtain tailored acrylic terpolymer coatings with different characteristics and desired properties in order to modulate the release kinetics of an active substance in a colonic environment.

Multiple omics analysis reveals the regulation of SIRT5 on mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism during the differentiation of bovine preadipocytes

Preadipocyte differentiation represents a critical stage in adipogenesis, with mitochondria playing an undeniable pivotal role. Given the intricate interplay between transcription and metabolic signaling during adipogenesis, the regulation of sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) on mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism was revealed via multiple omics analysis. The findings suggest that SIRT5 plays a crucial role in promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis and maintaining mitochondrial function during preadipocyte differentiation. Moreover, SIRT5 modulates the metabolic levels of numerous bioactive substances by extensively regulating genes expression associated with differentiation, energy metabolism, lipid synthesis, and mitochondrial function. Finally, SIRT5 was found to suppress triacylglycerols (TAG) accumulation while enhancing the proportion and diversity of unsaturated fatty acids, and providing conditions for the expansion and stability of membrane structure during mitochondrial biosynthesis through numerous gene regulations. Our findings provide a foundation for the identification of crucial functional genes, signaling pathways, and metabolic substances associated with adipose tissue differentiation and metabolism.

Determination of Fatty Acids and Minerals from Balanites aegyptiaca Fruit Kernel in Heglig Forest West Sudan

Balanites aegyptiaca, particularly its fruit, is often used as food and in traditional medicine and herbalists throughout Africa and Asia for the treatment of many ailments. The fruit kernel has a high concentration of oil and minerals. This study aims to examine fatty acids in the oil and minerals in the fruit kernel. The Samples are collected from the Heglig forest in west Sudan for the first time, and prepared for analysis using solvent extraction and acid digestion methods. The fatty acids content is identified using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) as well and minerals are detected by adopting inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The oil contained 41.66% unsaturated fatty acids 58.33% saturated fatty acids and a variety of minerals, the highest amount belonged to Sulfur (6.9 ppm), phosphorous (2.2 ppm), and iodine (2 ppm). GC-MS analysis observed 12 different proportions of fatty acid, Linoleic acid, Stearic acid, and Oleic acid have a peak.

Nutritional Composition of Duckweed (Lemna minor) Cultured with Inorganic Fertilizer and Organic manure in Earthen Ponds

Duckweed (Lemna minor) have been used for several years to recover nutrients from wastewater and as feed ingredient for livestock, including fish and poultry. This study aimed at assessing the effect of different manure sources; inorganic fertilizer (a combination of DAP and Urea), and organic sources (chicken manure and cow dung manure) on the proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profile of L. minor under culture conditions. Results indicated that L. minor cultured with chicken manure had significantly higher crude protein level (36.8%) (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and lower crude fat content (8.10%) compared to the ones cultured with inorganic fertilizer and cow dung manure. Essential amino acids proportion was 50% in L. minor cultured with inorganic fertilizer, 45.4% in chicken manure and 44.8% in cow dung manure with lysine and phenylalanine being the most abundant amino acids. The total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were significantly higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in L. minor cultured using inorganic fertilizer (43.05 mg/100 g) with linoleic acid being the most dominant PUFA. The presence of high levels of amino acids and PUFA in the L. minor cultured with organic and inorganic fertilizer respectively indicates that it can provide quality protein and PUFA required for fish growth and well-being.

Long-term effects of nitrogen enrichment in pollen chemistry of a plant species from Brazilian savannas, Pavonia rosa campestris

Human activities have substantially increased soil nutrient availability during the past decades, affecting plant community composition and plants' nutritional content. Several amino acids found in pollen, the main source of larval diet for bees, affect the development, health, and behaviour of this important group of pollinators. A better understanding of the consequences of global changes on pollen amino acid content can help explain and predict future impacts on bee populations and diversity. This is particularly relevant in regions that are highly exposed to fertilizers due to their importance for global food production, such as the Brazilian savannas (Cerrado), where soils are mostly dystrophic. Here, we use a long-term controlled fertilization experiment conducted in Cerrado and demonstrate that even after 10 years since the last fertilization addition, effects were still detectable on leaf and pollen chemical content. More specifically, pollen amino acid content of Pavonia rosa-campestris (Malvaceae), a species known to be important for the diet of several native bee species, changed because of nitrogen (N) addition. Not only did the overall amino acid content increase with N addition, but its profile was also affected, with the proportion of some amino acids increasing (e.g. isoleucine, leucine, serine, threonine), while decreasing for others (e.g. cysteine). These amino acids can have important effects on larval development and flower visitor behaviour. Further studies evaluating the effects on a diverse set of plant species and the consequent impacts on flower visitation and bee fitness are essential to better understand the full consequences of increased nitrogen availability in nutrient-limited ecosystems such as Cerrado.

Effects of Synthetic Astaxanthin on the Growth Performance, Pigmentation, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immune Response in Black Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon).

Synthetic astaxanthin is an effective nutritional strategy for improving shrimp body color and promoting growth. However, the optimal amount of astaxanthin in feed also varies with the synthetic technology and purity. In the present study, five diets containing different doses of synthetic astaxanthin (0% (CON), 0.02% (AX0.02), 0.04% (AX0.04), 0.08% (AX0.08), and 0.16% (AX0.16)) were administered to Penaeus monodon (initial body weight: 0.3 ± 0.03 g) for 8 weeks. With an increase in astaxanthin content in feed, weight gain and specific growth rate increased initially and subsequently decreased, with the highest value appearing at AX0.08. Dietary astaxanthin supplementation obviously improved the carapace and muscle color by enhancing astaxanthin pigmentation. Meanwhile, the fatty acid profile was altered by dietary astaxanthin, as evidenced by a decline in palmitic acid proportion, along with an increase in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) contents in muscle. In addition, dietary astaxanthin supplementation regulated prawn's antioxidant capacity. In the hemolymph, the activities of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) showed a significantly decrease trend with linear effect. The activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) were first downregulated and then upregulated with significantly quadratic pattern. In the hepatopancreas, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the contents of MDA were significantly downregulated with the increase of dietary astaxanthin levels. Reduced glutathione (GSH) contents and catalase (CAT) activities were also significantly decreased in group AX0.08. Correspondingly, astaxanthin decreased GSH and MDA contents under transportation stress. Moreover, the mRNA expression of immune genes (traf6, relish, and myd88) were inhibited by dietary astaxanthin supplementation. Based on the results of polynomial contrasts analysis and Duncan's test, dietary synthetic astaxanthin is a suitable feed additive to improve the growth, body color, antioxidant capacity, and nonspecific immunity of P. monodon. According to the second-order polynomial regression analysis based on the weight gain, the optimal supplementation level of dietary astaxanthin was 90 mg kg-1 in P. monodon.

Exogenous application of ALA enhanced sugar, acid and aroma qualities in tomato fruit.

The content and proportion of sugars and acids in tomato fruit directly affect its flavor quality. Previous studies have shown that 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) could promote fruit ripening and improve its aroma quality. In order to explore the effect of ALA on sugar and acid quality during tomato fruit development, 0, 100, and 200 mg L-1 ALA solutions were sprayed on the fruit surface 10 days after pollination of the fourth inflorescence, and the regulation of ALA on sugar, acid metabolism and flavor quality of tomato fruit was analyzed. The results showed that ALA treatment could enhance the activities of acid invertase (AI), neutral invertase (NI), and sucrose synthase (SS), reduce the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), up-regulate the expression of SlAI, SlNI and SlSS, change the composition and content of sugar in tomato fruit at three stages, significantly increase the content of sugars in fruit, and promote the accumulation of sugars into flesh. Secondly, ALA treatments increased the activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPC), malic enzyme (ME), and citrate synthase (CS), up-regulated the expression of SlPPC2, SlME1, and SlCS, and reduced the citric acid content at maturity stage, thereby reducing the total organic acid content. In addition, ALA could also increase the number and mass fraction of volatile components in mature tomato fruits. These results indicated that exogenous application of ALA during tomato fruit development could promote the formation of fruit aroma quality and were also conducive to the formation of fruit sugar and acid quality.

Association between erythrocyte membrane fatty acids and gut bacteria in obesity-related cognitive dysfunction

Obesity increases the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, and the gut microbiota can affect brain cognitive function and obesity through a variety of pathways such as the gut-brain axis. This study aimed to discover how fatty acid affect cognitive function by regulating intestinal flora in obesity. Obese subjects were recruited for cognitive function assessment, and participants were divided into obese group with cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 49) and obese cognitively normal group (Non_MCI, n = 55). In the erythrocyte membrane, the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) and arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6) and n-6/n-3 ratio was higher in the MCI group than in the Non_MCI group. However, the α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) percentage of the erythrocyte membrane was lower in the MCI group. We found that Coriobacteriales_Incertae_Sedis was positively correlated with erythrocyte membrane C20:4 n-6 and n-6 PUFA and negatively correlated with cognitive scores in obese patients. In addition, several of the functional pathways we predicted were significantly different in the MCI and Non_MCI groups. Higher levels of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio in the erythrocyte membranes may influence the inflammatory response in the organism causing obesity induced cognitive damage. Moreover, high levels of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio may also affect the intestinal flora of obese patients, which in turn may affect the cognitive function of obese patients.

The Influence of Tannins, Saponins, and Direct Fed Microbials on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics and Microbiota

In-vitro experiments were conducted to determine the impact of tannins, saponins, and DirectFed-Microbials (DFM) on rumen fermentation characteristics. Rumen fluid was collected 2h post feeding from three cannulated crossbred (Angus x Hereford) feedlot steers (450±12.2 kg), adjusted to finishing diet. Rumen fluid from all steers were filtered, combined, and mixed with buffer. Vaccine bottles containing ground finishing diet and appropriate treatments were incubated with rumen fluid mixture (39 ˚C). Treatments consisted of 1) Control; 2) Commercial Tannin (TCH); 3) Hydrolysable Tannin (HT); 4) saponin; 5) TCH+DFM; 6) HT+DFM; and 7) Saponin+DFM. At 12 h post incubation, HT+DFM and Saponin+DFM had lesser (P&lt;0.05) molar proportions of acetic acid when compared to all other treatments. Saponin+DFM had greater (P&lt;0.05) molar proportions of propionic acid and a lesser (P&lt;0.05) acetate: propionate ratio when compared to treatments not containing DFM. Dry matter digestibility and pH were greater (P&lt;0.05) for saponin, TCH+DFM, HT+DFM and saponin+DFM, whereas pH was greater in treatments containing DFM compared to the controls. Percent CO2 was lesser (P&lt;0.05) in saponin and THC+DFM in vitro vessels compared to controls. At 18 h post fermentation total VFA concentrations, molar proportions of butyric and valeric acid, and gas cap N2 percentage were greater (P&lt;0.05) in in vitro vessels containing HT+DFM compared to controls. The percentage of CO2 was lesser in in vitro vessels containing HT compared to control and in vitro vessels containing saponin, HT+DFM and Saponin+DFM. At 12 h, alpha and beta diversity of the microbial community between treatments differed (P&lt;0.05). Across all samplesat 18 h of fermentation the genera Sharpea and Dialister were present, however Saponin+DFM and TCH+DFM treatments demonstrated the greatest relative abundance. While Sharpea contribute to rumen biohydrogenation, the presence of genus Dialister indicates association with energy harvesting bacteria and suggests that the inclusion of several of these feed additives allowed shifts of certain bacteria to occur.

The fatty acid profile and the quality of breast and leg muscles in female and male pearl gray guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid (FA) profile and the quality of breast and leg muscles in male and female guinea fowl. In comparison with leg muscles, breast muscles had a higher content of dry matter and total protein, and contained less fat and total collagen (P ≤ 0.05). Sex had no effect on the chemical composition of the studied muscles or the FA profile of intramuscular fat (IMF) (P > 0.05). The IMF of breast muscles was characterized by higher proportions of total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and lower proportions of total unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (P ≤ 0.05) than the IMF of leg muscles. The physicochemical properties of guinea fowl meat were significantly influenced by muscle type (P ≤ 0.05), but not by sex (P > 0.05). Leg muscles were characterized by a higher pH, higher cooking loss, lower lightness (L*), lower drip loss, a higher contribution of redness (a*), and a lower contribution of yellowness (b*) than breast muscles (P ≤ 0.05). The experimental factors had no effect on the sensory attributes or the shear force values of the analyzed muscles (P > 0.05). The unique sensory attributes, high protein content, and low fat content of the analyzed muscles indicate that guinea fowl meat can be a dietary supplement and an addition to other types of meat consumed, especially that most guinea fowl are reared in extensive farming systems that contribute to sustainable food production.

Compositional Characteristics and Nutritional Quality of Indigenous Fruit of Artocarpus odoratissimus Blanco

Artocarpus odoratissimus, locally known as terap, is native to Borneo and holds great potential for providing nutrition and income to rural communities. The fruit's flesh is consumed raw, while the seeds are typically steamed and used in local dishes. The by-products, such as the pedicel and peel, often go to waste. This indigenous species has yet to be fully explored for its nutritional and phytochemical properties. Hence, the present study aims to evaluate the nutritional compositions and phytochemical properties of A. odoratissimus fruit. The nutritional and phytochemical properties of A. odoratissimus vary across its parts. The edible flesh and seeds exhibited higher carbohydrate content at 12.16±1.01% and 9.96±0.76%, respectively. Seeds possessed significantly higher crude protein (21.89±0.54%) and fat (18.23±0.20%). In contrast, the non-edible parts of the peel (5.57±0.11%) and pedicel (5.79±0.41%) exhibit considerably greater ash content than their edible counterparts in the flesh (3.87±0.42%) and seeds (0.62±0.29%). Potassium (905.61±18.89 to 2001.51±13.00 mg 100 g-1) was the most abundant in A. odoratissimus fruits, followed by calcium (578.30±7.00 to 1300.97±23.51 mg 100 g-1). The flesh is primarily composed of non-reducing sugars, including fructose (26.70±0.70 g 100 g-1) and glucose (25.38±0.45 g 100 g-1), with a notable amount of vitamin B1 (11.07±0.31 mg 100 g-1). The seed oil contains essential fatty acids, with a significant proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (57.10%), mainly nervonic acid (45.32%). The pedicel, often considered a by-product, exhibits relatively high levels of phytochemical properties in comparison to the edible portions. The current findings support the ethnobotanical uses of A. odoratissimus by local communities, underscoring its growing importance in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Effects of fat sources on liver characteristics and intestinal morphometry in an early-life animal model.

Motivation for the study. There is little evidence on whether the consumption of fat sources containing different proportions of fatty acids has an effect on the characteristics of the liver and small intestine at an early age. Main findings. We found that the intake of fat sources containing unsaturated fatty acids contributes to maintaining the characteristics of both organs; whereas, consumption of sources containing saturated fatty acids favors inflammation in the liver and small intestine. Implications. The consumption of quinoa oil constitutes an alternative to protect these noble organs in an animal model at an early age. We aimed to determine the effect of the consumption of three sources of fatty acids on the relative weight, macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the liver, and intestinal morphometry in an early-life animal model. Seventy-six randomly distributed chicks received one of the diets (T1: 97.0% basal diet (BD) + 3.0% inert material, T2: 97.0% BD + 3.0% partially hydrogenated vegetable shortening, T3: 97.0% BD + 3.0% quinoa oil, and T4: 97.0% BD + 3.0% fish oil) until the seventh day of life; samples were then extracted in order to be analyzed. We found that the animals that consumed quinoa oil (T3) or fish oil (T4) had favorable results associated to lower liver weight and better absorption of nutrients at intestinal level due to higher values in the hair length and crypt depth ratio, in comparison to partially hydrogenated vegetable shortening (T2). In conclusion, quinoa oil constitutes a healthy option for consumption and an alternative source to fish oil.

Chemical indicators of the quality of Varaždin pumpkin seed oil

Varaždin pumpkin seed oil is a virgin edible oil obtained by roasting and mechanically pressing dry pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo L.). The aroma is dominated by a sense of toastiness interwoven with a specific nutty taste without any foreign or rancid smell or taste. It is dark green to black in colour with a reddish glow. It is characterized by fragrant, spicy notes and a well-balanced bouquet. The basic quality chemical parameters of Varaždin pumpkin seed oil monitored over the past eight years show that the proportion of free fatty acids (expressed as oleic) is less than 1%, which indicates good quality of the raw material and the applied oil production technology. The peroxide value is less than 4 mmol O2/kg, which is an indicator of good oxidation stability of the oil during its storage. The average value of the representation of unsaturated fatty acids is more than 80%, and variations in the fatty acid composition are the result of specific climatic conditions occuring in the year of growing and harvesting pumpkins.

Inclusion of exogenous enzymes in feedlot cattle diets: Impacts on physiology, rumen fermentation, digestibility and fatty acid profile in rumen and meat

The objective of this study was to evaluate if the inclusion of a blend composed of exogenous enzymes (amylase, protease, cellulase, xylanase and beta glucanase) in the individual and combined form in the feedlot steers diet has benefits on the physiology, rumen fermentation, digestibility and fatty acid profile in rumen and meat. The experiment used 24 animals, divided into 4 treatments, described as: T1-CON, T2-BLEND (0.5 g mixture of enzyme), T3-AMIL (0.5 g alpha-amylase), T4-BLEND+AMIL (0.5 g enzyme blend+ 0.5 g amylase). The concentration of mineral matter was higher in the meat of cattle of T4-BLEND+AMIL. A higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids was observed in the T3-AMIL group when compared to the others. The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids was higher in the T2-BLEND and T4-BLEND+AMIL compared to the T1-CON. The combination of exogenous enzymes in the diet positively modulate nutritional biomarkers, in addition to benefits in the lipid and oxidative profile meat.

Evaluating the effects of wilting, mixing with timothy and silage additive application on red clover silage quality

Red clover is typically produced as a mixed stand with grasses, which may lead to suboptimal fertilization and harvest time practices, resulting in poor survival of red clover. Further, unknown proportions of red clover in mixed swards complicate ration formulation for livestock. Thus, producing red clover as pure stands could offer benefits, but it may be difficult to ensile. The objective of the current study was to evaluate major management possibilities such as wilting, inclusion of timothy grass and different types of additives in optimizing the ensilage of red clover. Low DM silages were poorly preserved with high pH, elevated acetic acid concentrations and proportions of ammonia-N in total N, as well as depleted water-soluble carbohydrate levels. Moderate wilting clearly improved the fermentation quality of silages. Further, the use of formic acid-based additives improved the fermentation quality of the silages, the effect being more pronounced in the low than medium dry matter silages. The composition of red clover and timothy were rather similar regarding dry matter content and ensilability. This was probably the reason why clear benefits in silage quality from timothy inclusion could not be demonstrated.

Amino acid composition of proteins of hulled and naked oats

The expansion of the production of products with specified functional indicators (cereals, bakery products, pasta, desserts, muesli, yogurts) and feed with a certain amino acid composition is the main task of the food industry and the feed industry, and naked oats have firmly occupied their own niche in these areas of processing. The purpose of the research is to establish the amino acid composition of oat proteins of the hulled oat variety Konkur and naked varieties Bekas and Baget, to assess the balance of essential amino acids in oat proteins relative to the «reference protein» (amino acid scale according to FAO / WHO data) in order to use grain as an additive in food and feed to increase the proportion of essential amino acids in them. The research was carried out during 2018-2022 at the experimental base of the Samara Research Institute of Agriculture. Grain samples of the varieties of filmy and naked oats Konkur, Bekas and Baget were used as experimental material. It was found that the highest proportion of essential amino acids was observed in varieties of naked oats 39,9-41,0 g/kg. The sum of critical amino acids (lysine, methionine, tryptophan) in naked oat varieties was 9,4-9,6 g/kg, which is 1,1-1,3 g/kg higher than in the filmy variety Konkur. According to studies, 1 g of Konkur variety protein contains 249,7 mg of essential amino acids, proteins of naked oat variety Bekas - 268,4 mg and Baget variety - 262,9 mg, which corresponds to 69,4 %, 74,6 % and 73,0 % relative to FAO/WHO recommended standards. The excess of some essential amino acids in naked oat varieties (amino acid score over 100 %) contributed to the imbalance in the ratio of essential amino acids to the «reference» values, while increasing the coefficient of difference in amino acid scores (KRAS protein of Konkur variety was 24,2 %, Bekas variety 33,9 %, varieties Baget 35,5 %), thereby contributing to a decrease in the biological value of the proteins of the varieties Bekas and Baget in relation to the protein of the filmy variety Konkur. Grain of naked oats with a high content of essential amino acids should be used as an ingredient in the production of food and feed with high nutritional value.