Protein-rich Supplements Research Articles

Effect of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) seed-based diet on rats: A comprehensive evaluation of hemogram, biochemistry, and histopathology.

Sainfoin species (Onobrychis spp.) have been employed for centuries as an essential forage for ruminant animals, both for grazing and as hay. The seeds produced by sainfoin have also been investigated as an animal feed source and were indicated to be a particularly protein-rich supplement for monogastric animals. This study explores the effects of two sainfoin seed inclusion rates in rat diets compared to a control diet, focusing on blood biochemical parameters and a comprehensive histopathological evaluation of multiple organ systems. Thus, we provide a novel contribution to the body of evidence investigating sainfoin seeds as a protein supplement in monogastric animal diets. In this 21-day experiment, seven rats each were assigned to the control group, a 5% sainfoin seed group, and a 10% sainfoin seed group. The control group received standard feed and water; the second group received feed with 5% sainfoin seeds; and the third group received feed with 10% sainfoin seeds. At the experiment's end, necropsies and evaluations were conducted. Histopathological exams revealed normal organ structures in all 21 samples, regardless of the group. Blood analysis showed statistically significant decreases in creatine, ALT, P, Ca, and Mg levels in the sainfoin seed groups compared to the control group, with most values nearing reference levels, suggesting potential benefits. Notably, no adverse effects were observed when sainfoin seeds were included at 5% and 10% in the rat feed. These findings contribute to a growing body of research investigating the inclusion of sainfoin seeds in monogastric animal diets, which is a foundational component of assessing sainfoin's potential as a novel pulse crop for human consumption.

Exploring the Hepato-Renal Impact of Lead Acetate and in Combination with Defatted Moringa oleifera Seed Meal in Wistar Rats

Lead acetate is recognized for its hepatorenal toxicity, causing harm to the liver and kidneys upon exposure through air, water, or food, thus, leading to severe health issues. Defatted Moringa oleifera seed meal (DMOSM) is valued for its health benefits by offering a protein-rich supplement with antioxidant properties, and serving as a sustainable source of plant-based protein. In this study, the impact of lead acetate exposure and the potential protective effects conferred by DMOSM in male Wistar rats were assessed. The rats were divided into five groups: negative control (Group I), lead acetate exposure (Group II), lead acetate with DMOSM (Group III), sequential lead acetate and DMOSM treatment (Group IV), and DMOSM only (Group V). Serum biochemical parameters were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Results revealed that, at 7 days, lead exposure and DMOSM led to slightly lower total protein. Group II exhibited significantly lower albumin levels, suggesting early liver dysfunction, while urea and creatinine variations indicated a potential renal stress. By 14 days, there was elevated total protein in the leadexposed groups, while DMOSM showed potential hepatoprotective effects, evidenced by significantly lower ALT activity in Group III. At 21 and 28 days, persistent or worsening liver dysfunction was observed in lead-exposed groups, while DMOSM demonstrated protective effects, especially in liver enzymes and renal markers. These findings highlight the complex interplay between lead toxicity and DMOSM-mediated protection. Thus, there is need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential of DMOSM.

16 Supplement Type Influenced the Immune Response of Nursing Ewes to the Natural Challenge of Gastrointestinal Parasites While Grazing in Woodlands

Abstract Nutritional status influences the immune response of grazing animals to naturally occurring diseases and parasites. Provision of supplementary nutrients may enhance the resiliency of grazing animals to gastrointestinal parasites, which are posing a major health problem in small ruminants raised in Southeastern pastures. Information is limited on the role of supplement type in influencing the immune response of grazing animals to natural health challenges. This study tested the hypothesis that the immune response of nursing ewes to gastrointestinal (GI) parasites would be the same irrespective of the supplement type. The objective of the study was to evaluate the cellular and humoral immune response of nursing ewes naturally infected with GI parasites when supplemented with energy- or protein-rich feeds. Katahdin-St. Croix cross-nursing ewes (n = 18) were divided into two groups. Each group was assigned to separate sets of woodland plots (3 plots/group) and rotated in the respective plots throughout the study period with ad libitum hay from May to August 2022. Group-1 ewes were supplemented with whole corn and Group-2 ewes with whole soybean (0.5% of body weight). Fecal samples and blood samples were collected on days 1, 45, and 70. Fecal samples were analyzed for the type and quantity of GI parasites using the McMaster technique. Blood samples were analyzed for WBC (Total WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils) using the Procyte-Dx Analyzer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed on serum samples to quantify immunoglobulins (Ig): IgA, IgG, and IgE. Data were analyzed using GLM Procedure in SAS 9.4. Haemonchus contortus was the major GI parasite affecting ewes. No difference was found between groups for GI parasites, WBC, and IgE. However, IgA and IgG concentrations were less in Group-1 than in Group-2 ewes (P < 0.0001). Overall, the supplement type did not affect the GI-parasite load and the immune response in terms of cellular and IgE. However, the immune response in terms of IgA and IgG was amplified with protein-rich supplements.

Parametric optimisation for detoxification of non-oil Jatropha residual material using Taguchi method

ABSTRACT Phorbol esters are the major toxic compounds found in Jatropha seed cake and oil. Removal of phorbol esters from Jatropha seed cake would allow the utilisation of detoxified seed cake as a protein-rich supplement for animal feed. Research was performed to determine the effects of submerged fermentation (SMF) on the phorbol ester (PE) degradation rate. In Taguchi design of experiments, the L18 orthogonal array was used for optimising the SMF process for detoxification of Jatropha seed cake. Process parameters selected for the study were pH, percentage of seed cake, time, temperature and rpm. The response parameter for detoxification was measured in terms of phorbol ester degradation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for predicting the optimum process parameters. The percentage contribution of the process parameters with reference to phorbol ester degradation has been predicted. The hierarchy of significant process parameters is in the order of seed cake (1%), temperature (35 °C), pH (7.5) and time (12 h).

Impact of Nitrogen and Zinc Levels on Growth and Yield of Desi Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L)

Background: Chickpea is the largest produced food legume in south Asia and the third largest globally, after common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) Chick pea is widely appreciated as health food. It is a protein-rich supplement to cereal-based diets, especially to the poor in developing countries.
 Objectives: Effects of nitrogen and zinc levels on growth and yield of Chick pea.
 Methods: A study was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen and zinc levels on growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) var Pusa-362 under a Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments each replicated thrice. The results reported that the application of 30 kg/ha Nitrogen+15 kg/ha Zinc (treatment -9) recorded significantly higher plant height (58.40 cm), maximum number of nodules/plant (21.70), higher plant dry weight (24.0 g/plant), Maximum number of pods/plant (71.10), higher seeds/pod (1.80), higher seed yield (3.21 t/ha) and higher stover yield (4.31 t/ha) were recorded in (treatment -9) that is with 30 kg/ha Nitrogen+15 kg/ha Zinc.
 Conclusion: Based on the above findings of the investigation it may be concluded that treatment with 30 kg/ha Nitrogen and 15 kg/ha Zinc in all growth and yield parameters and in obtaining higher grain yield of chickpea These results are based on a single season, therefore additional testing may be necessary for further validation.

Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Responses following Dietary Protein Intake in Older Men.

Postprandial hypotension (PPH) occurs frequently in older people >65 years old. Protein-rich supplements, particularly whey protein (WP), are increasingly used by older people for various health benefits. We have reported that 70 g WP drinks cause significant, and in some cases marked, falls in blood pressure (BP) in older men. The effects of lower, more widely used, doses (~30 g) on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and heart rate (HR) are not known. In a randomized order, eight older men (age: 72 ± 1 years; body mass index (BMI): 25 ± 1 kg/m2) after overnight fast ingested a drink containing (i) a non-caloric control (~2 kcal), (ii) 30 g of whey protein (120 kcal; ‘WP30’), or (iii) 70 g of whey protein (280 kcal; ‘WP70’). The BP and HR were measured in this pilot study with an automated device before and at 3-min intervals for 180 min following drink ingestion. Drink condition effects were determined by repeated-measures ANOVA. The SBP decreased after both WP drinks compared to the control (p = 0.016), particularly between 120 and 180 min, with no difference in the effects of WP30 and WP70. The SBP decreased by ≥20 mmHg in more than 50% of people after both WP drinks (WP30: 63%; WP70: 75%) compared to 38% after the control. The maximum fall in the SBP occurred during the third hour, with the nadir occurring latest after WP70. The DBP decreased non-significantly by several mmHg more after the WP drinks than after the control. The maximum HR increases occurred during the third hour, with the greatest increase after WP70. The SBP decreased after both WP drinks compared to the control, with the effects most evident between 120 and 180 min. Accordingly, ingestion of even relatively modest protein loads in older men has the potential to cause PPH.

Study on the Improvement of Health and Nutrition Status After a 12-week Protein-Rich Supplementation Regimen in Children and Adolescents With Brain Lesions Disorder.

Through a survey on dietary intake of children and adolescents with brain lesions, the present study aimed to analyze the current status of nutrient intake and examine the effect of high-protein nutrient drink on their nutritional and muscle statuses. The study participants were 90 juvenile participants aged 8–19 years, with brain lesions. The participants were provided with a protein nutrient drink for 12 weeks and a questionnaire survey on dietary intake was performed to analyze the level of nutrient intake before and after ingestion. The physical measurements were taken to determine the improvements in nutrient and muscle statuses. The results showed that, before the intake of protein nutrient drink as a supplement, the participants exhibited lower height, weight, and body mass index than those of the standard levels of healthy individuals, and the level of nutrient intake through diet was lower than those of the required and recommended levels of nutrient intake for Koreans. Conversely, after the intake of protein nutrient drink for 12 weeks, the level of nutrient intake and physical statuses such as weight showed significant improvements. In addition, the muscle status had undergone approximately 10% of change during the intervention with no significant difference. Thus, to ensure an adequate level of nutrient supply to children and adolescents with brain lesions, there is an urgent need to develop a guideline of nutrient intake. The findings in this study are expected to serve as the basic data for such guidelines.

Provision of a protein-rich supplement for grazing suckling female beef calves to improve productive performance and metabolic response

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the provision of a protein-rich supplement on productive performance, and metabolic profile on grazing suckling female beef calves in tropical conditions during 150 d of experimentation.MethodsFifty-six Nellore suckling female calves, and their respective dams were distributed in a completely randomised design and made to undergo two treatments as follows: UNS (without supplementation), and SUP (supplementation with 5 g/kg body weight [BW] of a protein supplement). Throughout the experiment, animal performance and metabolic profile were evaluated. Also, ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis were assessed for gene expression.ResultsSUP female calves showed a higher voluntary intake (p≤0.03) of the diet components evaluated, digestibility of organic matter (p≤0.02) and microbial nitrogen production (MICN; p≤0.02) compared to UNS female calves. In its turn, serum urea nitrogen (p≤0.01) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (p≤0.03) levels and ureagenesis (p≤0.04) increased in SUP female calves compared to UNS female calves. Blood glucose and triglyceride levels were not affected by supplementation. The average daily gain (ADG) from SUP female calves was higher (p≤0.02) compared with UNS female calves. However, supplementation did not affect the body measures of the animals.ConclusionIn summary, provision of a protein-rich supplement improves the intake and nutrients digestibility, ADG and final BW and increases metabolic indicators of the protein status in grazing suckling female beef calves in tropical conditions.

The effects of protein supplementation and pasture maintenance on the growth, parasite burden, and economic return of pasture-raised lambs.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of protein supplementation and pasture contamination with gastrointestinal nematodes on the mitigation of parasitic infection in grazing lambs. We hypothesized that there would be no difference between protein supplementation and newly sown pasture in evaluating lamb growth and health parameters associated with parasitism. Furthermore, we questioned if there would be an interaction between protein supplementation and pasture type. A total of 192, 60-d-old lambs (28.3 ± 5.1 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: 1) new pasture without supplementation (NN); 2) new pasture with supplementation (NS); 3) established pasture without supplementation (EN); and 4) established pasture with supplementation (ES) and grazed for 112 d. Lambs were supplemented at a rate of 1% body weight/d. Supplemented lambs had greater body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) when compared with non-supplemented lambs (P < 0.04). Additionally, lambs on newly sown pasture demonstrated greater BW and ADG when compared with lambs grazing on established pasture (P < 0.05). For lamb health, lambs in the EN treatment group had the greatest FAMACHA eye scores and lowest packed cell volume (PCV) over the course of the 112-d grazing period (P < 0.05). Moreover, NS and ES treatment lambs demonstrated similar FAMACHA eye scores when compared with NN treatment lambs; however, NN treatment lambs showed lower PCV when compared with NS and ES treatment lambs (P < 0.05). In evaluating fecal egg counts (FEC), lambs on new pasture or given supplement demonstrated lesser FEC when compared with those lambs on established pasture or not given supplement (P < 0.05). Sixty-four lambs were harvested to evaluate total abomasum nematode counts which demonstrated that Haemonchus contortus represented approximately 80% of total nematodes. Furthermore, based upon gross margin analysis, lambs given a protein rich supplement on pasture had a 9.3 kg increase in lamb BW whereas newly sown pasture had a 1.3 kg increase in lamb BW. A protein rich supplement given to lambs grazing pastures contaminated primarily with H. contortus or placing lambs on newly sown pasture increases lamb BW and improves parasite resiliency. Selection of parasite management strategies may be influenced by cost of production and market opportunities.

Potential allergenicity of Medicago sativa investigated by a combined IgE-binding inhibition, proteomics and in silico approach.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) is one of the most planted crops worldwide primarily used to feed animals. The use of alfalfa in human diet as sprouts, infusions and nutritional supplements is rapidly gaining popularity. Despite this, allergenicity assessment of this novel plant food is largely lacking. Here, leaf protein extract of alfalfa was studied using a combined proteomics, Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding inhibition assay and in silico approach to find potential allergens. We have identified and annotated 129 proteins using in-gel digestion proteomics and Blast2Go suit. A search against COMPARE database, using the identified proteins as query sequences, revealed high similarity with several allergenic proteins. The Single Point Highest Inhibition Achievable assay (SPHIAa) performed on the multiplex FABER® allergy testing system confirmed the in silico results and showed some additional potential allergens. This approach allowed the detection of proteins in alfalfa leaves cross-reacting with plant allergens from three different allergen families such as lipid transfer, thaumatin-like and Bet v 1-like protein families. In addition, the absence of structural determinants cross-reacting with seed storage allergenic proteins and with animal allergens was recorded. This study reports for the first time potential allergenic proteins in alfalfa. The results suggest that this plant food can be safely introduced, as a protein-rich supplement, in the diet of patients allergic to animal food allergens. Allergic patients towards certain plant food allergens need to be careful about consuming alfalfa because they might have allergic symptoms. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of protein supplementation on aerobic training-induced gains in cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle mass, and functional performance in chronic stroke: A randomized controlled pilot study.

The beneficial effects of protein supplementation on aerobic exercise-induced gains in patients with stroke are currently unknown. This study evaluated the feasibility and potential value of protein supplementation with aerobic exercise among stroke survivors. This double-blinded randomized controlled pilot study included 20 ambulatory persons with chronic (>6 months) stroke randomly assigned to either the protein (PRO) or carbohydrate (CHO) group. All participants received three 40-min cycling ergometric training sessions a week for 8 weeks. Training intensity at 60%-80% heart rate reserve was determined using cardiopulmonary exercise pretests. Immediately before and after each session, the PRO group received a 20-g protein-rich supplement, and the CHO group received a 20-g calorie-matched carbohydrate-rich supplement. Outcomes included changes in body composition, cardiopulmonary capacity, and clinical functional performance. Those completing the protocol (n=18) received 18-24 cycling training sessions, achieving target training intensity without major adverse effects. Of the two groups, the PRO group tended to obtain greater aerobic capacity (effect size [ES]>0.5 in every cardiopulmonary index), greater improvements in functional performance (0.25<ES<1.00 in various clinical tests), and greater total lean mass versus total fat mass (ES=0.52). Protein supplementation with aerobic exercise training tends to improve body composition, cardiopulmonary fitness, and function among persons with stroke. This study protocol is feasible, and future trials with larger sample sizes could confirm these results. NCT03244527.

How To Improve the Dosing of Chemicals in High-Throughput in Vitro Mammalian Cell Assays.

Controlling the exposure of chemicals in in vitro mammalian cell assays is an important prerequisite for the application of in vitro methods in risk and hazard assessment of chemicals. Existing models require numerous physicochemical and system parameters to quantify the effective concentration in the assay. Synthesizing these studies, this article briefly communicates how the protein-rich supplement in the medium can be utilized to adjust constant and quantifiable exposure concentrations without the need for measurements and complex modeling. We present a simplified mass balance equation based on chemical properties and system parameters from openly accessible databases, which can be used to adjust the dose of chemicals in the exposure medium, leading to defined and stable freely dissolved concentrations (Cfree). The proposed framework prevents experimental artifacts associated with the use of cosolvents and medium oversaturation and enables the conversion of in vitro effect data to freely dissolved effect concentrations (ECfree), which can directly be applied in quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation models and compared to other exposure scenarios.

A study protocol of Older Person\u2019s Exercise and Nutrition Study (OPEN) - a sit-to-stand activity combined with oral protein supplement \u2013 effects on physical function and independence: a cluster randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPoor nutrition and age per see add to the development of sarcopenia, i.e. loss of muscle mass and strength, which contributes to increased risk of impaired activities of daily living (ADL) and reduced independence. Protein deficiency plays an important role in the development of sarcopenia. In order to increase the muscle mass protein intake should be combined with physical exercise. A daily physical activity, the sit-to-stand exercise, has been proven to decrease older persons’ dependence in ADL. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of the sit-to-stand exercise in combination with a protein-rich nutritional supplement, on physical function and independence in frail nursing home residents. The resident’s perceptions and experiences of the intervention and the staff’s experiences of supporting the resident to complete the intervention will also be explored.MethodsThe study is a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial which will be performed in nursing homes at two municipalities in Sweden. We will recruit 120 residents, age 75 or older and able to stand up from a seated position. Residents (n = 60) randomized to the intervention group will perform the sit-to-stand exercise at four occasions daily and will be offered a protein-rich oral supplement, twice a day. The intervention period will last for 12 weeks and measures of physical function, nutritional status, quality of life and health economy will be performed at baseline and at 12-weeks follow-up. The primary outcome will be the number of chair rises performed in 30 s. The control group will receive standard care. Data will be analysed by intention-to-treat analysis and with mixed effect models. During the last part of the intervention period individual interviews with the residents, on the topic of feasibility with the OPEN concept will be held. Likewise, focus-group-interviews with staff will be performed.DiscussionThe residents’ physical and mental health could be expected to improve. Even the work situation for staff could be positively affected. One innovative feature of the OPEN study is the simple intervention consisting of a basic daily activity that can be performed by several nursing home residents with the support of existing staff and available resources.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02702037.

Effects of Substitution, and Adding of Carbohydrate and Fat to Whey-Protein on Energy Intake, Appetite, Gastric Emptying, Glucose, Insulin, Ghrelin, CCK and GLP-1 in Healthy Older Men-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Protein-rich supplements are used widely for the management of malnutrition in the elderly. We reported previously that the suppression of energy intake by whey protein is less in older than younger adults. The aim was to determine the effects of substitution, and adding of carbohydrate and fat to whey protein, on ad libitum energy intake from a buffet meal (180–210 min), gastric emptying (3D-ultrasonography), plasma gut hormone concentrations (0–180 min) and appetite (visual analogue scales), in healthy older men. In a randomized, double-blind order, 13 older men (75 ± 2 years) ingested drinks (~450 mL) containing: (i) 70 g whey protein (280 kcal; ‘P280’); (ii) 14 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate, 12.4 g fat (280 kcal; ‘M280’); (iii) 70 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate, 12.4 g fat (504 kcal; ‘M504’); or (iv) control (~2 kcal). The caloric drinks, compared to a control, did not suppress appetite or energy intake; there was an increase in total energy intake (drink + meal, p < 0.05), which was increased most by the M504-drink. P280- and M504-drink ingestion were associated with slower a gastric-emptying time (n = 9), lower ghrelin, and higher cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) than M280 (p < 0.05). Glucose and insulin were increased most by the mixed-macronutrient drinks (p < 0.05). In conclusion, energy intake was not suppressed, compared to a control, and particularly whey protein, affected gastric emptying and gut hormone responses.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Randomized Intraduodenal Whey-Protein Loads on Glucose, Gut Hormone, and Amino Acid Concentrations in Healthy Older and Younger Men.

Protein-rich supplements are used widely for the prevention and management of malnutrition in older people. We have reported that healthy older, compared to younger, adults have less suppression of energy intake by whey-protein—effects on appetite-related hormones are unknown. The objective was to determine the effects of intraduodenally administered whey-protein on glucose, gut hormone, and amino acid concentrations, and their relation to subsequent ad libitum energy intake at a buffet meal, in healthy older and younger men. Hydrolyzed whey-protein (30 kcal, 90 kcal, and 180 kcal) and a saline control (~0 kcal) were infused intraduodenally for 60 min in 10 younger (19–29 years, 73 ± 2 kg, 22 ± 1 kg/m2) and 10 older (68–81 years, 79 ± 2 kg, 26 ± 1 kg/m2) healthy men in a randomized, double-blind fashion. Plasma insulin, glucagon, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY), and amino acid concentrations, but not blood glucose, increased, while ghrelin decreased during the whey-protein infusions. Plasma GIP concentrations were greater in older than younger men. Energy intake correlated positively with plasma ghrelin and negatively with insulin, glucagon, GIP, GLP-1, PYY, and amino acids concentrations (p < 0.05). In conclusion, intraduodenal whey-protein infusions resulted in increased GIP and comparable ghrelin, insulin, glucagon, GIP, GLP-1, PYY, and amino acid responses in healthy older and younger men, which correlated to subsequent energy intake.

Effect of different levels of protein concentrates supplementation on the growth performance, plasma amino acids profile and mTOR cascade genes expression in early-weaned yak calves.

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effects of different levels of protein concentrate supplementation on the growth performance of yak calves, and correlated the growth rate to changes occurring in the plasma- amino acids, -insulin profile, and signaling activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cascade to characterize the mechanism through which the protein synthesis can be improved in early weaned yaks.MethodsFor this study, 48 early (3 months old) weaned yak calves were selected, and assigned into four dietary treatments according to randomized complete block design. The four blocks were balanced for body weight and sex. The yaks were either grazed on natural pasture (control diet) in a single herd or the grazing yaks was supplemented with one of the three protein rich supplements containing low (17%; LP), medium (19%; MP), or high (21%; HP) levels of crude proteins for a period of 30 days.ResultsResults showed that the average daily gain of calves increased (0.14 vs 0.23–0.26 kg; p<0.05) with protein concentrates supplementation. The concentration of plasma methionine increased (p<0.05; 8.6 vs 10.1–12.4 μmol/L), while those of serine and tyrosine did not change (p>0.05) when the grazing calves were supplemented with protein concentrates. Compared to control diet, the insulin level of calves increased (p<0.05; 1.86 vs 2.16–2.54 μIU/mL) with supplementation of protein concentrates. Addition of protein concentrates up-regulated (p<0.05) expression of mTOR-raptor, mammalian vacuolar protein sorting 34 homolog, the translational regulators eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1, and S6 kinase 1 genes in both Longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus. In contrast, the expression of sequestosome 1 was down-regulated in the concentrate supplemented calves.ConclusionOur results show that protein supplementation improves the growth performance of early weaned yak calves, and that plasma methionine and insulin concentrations were the key mediator for gene expression and protein deposition in the muscles.

Extent of adoption of improved practices of gram production technology by gram growers in tribal district of Pratapgarh, India

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pratapgarh has conducted 88 front line demonstrations on gram in 35.2 ha. area under real farming situations in 2012 in the farmer’s fields of six adopted villages (Avleshwar, Basad, Dalmu, Dhamotar, Manohargarh and Kherot) of Pratapgarh (Raj). All the 6 villages where FLDs were conducted by KVKs were included in the study. The total sample size was 176 consisting of 88 beneficiary and 88 non-beneficiary farmer’s. Gram is called Chickpea or Gram (Cicer aritinum L.) in South Asia and Garbanzo bean in most of the developed world. Gram is a major pulse crop in India; Gram is widely appreciated as health food. It is a protein-rich supplement to cereal-based diets, especially to the poor in developing countries, where people are vegetarians or cannot afford animal protein. There was significant difference in the extent of adoption of gram production technology between beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers.

DUNALIELLA ЗАМГИЙН ФИЗИОЛОГИ, БИОХИМИЙН СУДАЛГААНЫ ДҮН

The genus Dunaliella is widely studied microalgae for its tolerance to extreme conditions, physiological aspects and many biotechnological applications, such as beta-carotene, protein, lipids and many other bioactive compounds. Physiological and biochemical studies are essential to fully explore the properties and possibilities of new isolates of Dunaliella.The aim of this study was to describe cellular morphology, growth rate and protein content of three Dunaliella strains, isolated from salty lakes in Mongolia. The cellular morphology, growth rates, protein contents were studied using microscopic analyses, Neubauer’s chamber, and micro kjeldahl method.Results showed that growths of all three Dunaliella cultures were progressed through lag phase at 3rd day. The growth of Dunaliella D-1 reached its peak on day 6, while Dunaliella D-6 and D-7 reached their stationary phase on day 7. Furthermore, the protein contents of dry biomass in Dunaliella D-1, D-6 and D-7 cultures were 62.2%, 36.1% and 38.15%, respectively. The highest protein content was found in Dunaliella D-1 culture, hence this culture could be used as protein rich supplement in further study.

The Effect of Resistance Training and Different Sources of Postexercise Protein Supplementation on Muscle Mass and Physical Capacity in Sarcopenic Elderly Men.

The loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) with aging is related to a progressive loss of muscle strength and physical capacity. Resistance exercise and milk-based protein supplementation have been demonstrated as significant countermeasures for sarcopenia and the loss of muscle strength. However, using high doses of proteins can act as a meal replacement in the elderly. Therefore, we sought to determine whether a standard supplementation (12 g per serving) of protein and resistance training could be an efficient strategy to promote muscle strength and physical capacity in sarcopenic men. Twenty-six participants were randomized in 3 groups in a double-blind control study. All the groups performed exercise and consumed a protein-rich supplement 12 g of protein, 7 g of essential amino acids from milk (n = 8), soy (n = 8), or rice milk (nonprotein control, n = 10). Body composition was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Strength was measured by 1 repetition maximum with different exercises. Different physical capacity measurements were assessed (timed up and go test, chair stand, and walking speed). The results indicated a significant increase in fat-free mass in all groups and changes in muscle strength, with no differences between groups. This study indicates that resistance training is an effective way to increase muscle mass and strength, regardless of protein supplementation. Higher doses of protein-rich foods may have to be recommended to promote muscle mass gains when executing resistance exercise in elderly sarcopenic individuals.

Functional and Morphostructural Evaluation of the Kidneys of Wistar Rats after the Use of a Protein-Based Food Supplement

Introduction: Athletes are increasingly using whey protein–based dietary supplements that, used improperly, may create health risks. Objective: To evaluate changes in glomerular filtration, renal tubular function, and histopathological alterations associated with the use of protein-rich food supplements on the kidneys of Wistar rats. Method: Twelve Wistar rats were divided into control (Group I) and intervention (Group II) groups. Group II received the supplement for 14 fourteen days. Urine samples were collected from the animals for urinalysis and blood samples were collected for the determination of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and chloride levels. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized and the kidneys were collected for a histopathological study. Results: After the supplementation, reduced urea levels (p=0.00930) and increased urinary density (p=0.4645) were observed in Group II. The vast majority of Group II animals (67%) had significant proteinuria (p=0.040), and epithelial cells and waxy casts occurred in 50% and 67%, respectively. Histological analysis of the kidneys showed the presence of areas of peritubular blood vessel dilation and congested glomeruli. Conclusion: Use of the protein supplement changed glomerular filtration and tubular function as evidenced by significantly increased proteinuria as well as peritubular, glomerular, and vascular congestion on histopathological analysis.