Protein Source For Animal Feed Research Articles

A novel method of flash‐hydrolysis assisted pigment extraction (carotenoids) from microalgae biomass

AbstractThe human body can easily convert β‐carotene into retinol (a precursor of vitamin A), a significant ingredient in dietary supplements. The need for commercial natural pigment production, including β‐carotene, has led to intensive research in this area. Processing after biosynthesis is a vital stage that involves the use of nontoxic solvents, efficient mechanical disruption of cells, and the isolation of the required compounds. With the growing popularity of green extraction methods and the increasing market demand for carotenoids due to their health benefits, the use of clean, nontoxic, flash‐hydrolyzed biomass for carotenoid production presents a significant advantage. Furthermore, the remaining biomass can serve as a protein source for animal feed, thereby aligning with the principles of the biorefinery concept. In this study, our aim was to optimize the disruption of cells in two microalgal species using flash hydrolysis (FH). We applied two distinct levels of pressure and four separate temperature conditions over a brief residence time. Following this, we employed an ethanol extraction method to assess the efficiency of carotenoid pigment extraction. Flash hydrolysis is a chemical‐free subcritical water‐based continuous‐flow process, injected with wet biomass slurry at a high temperature (150–250 °C) for a very short time (8–12 s) to obtain bioproducts. In this study, we discovered that the pigment β‐carotene constituted 0.04 to 0.3% of the dry biomass in the case of Chlorella vulgaris. Bands of lutein and zeaxanthin were also observed in the thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis of the treated slurry. This was achieved under conditions of an effective temperature of 200 °C and a pressure of 1700 psi. The Arthrospira platensis (1Tex), β‐carotene yield was 0.014 to 0.021% of dry biomass. Some lutein and zeaxanthin bands were also found in the treated slurry with an effective temperature of 150 °C and 1000 psi pressure. This study reports pigment extraction by FH for the first time. It is a viable process to scale up high‐value natural products like carotenoids from microalgae at the industrial level without adverse environmental impacts. Due to low residence time, the temperature does not have a negative effect on pigments; cell rupture was accomplished effectively using water as a solvent. A considerable amount of pigment could be recovered from microalgae at specific combinations of temperature and pressure depending on the type of cell wall that microalgae possess.

Model-based process optimization of black soldier fly egg production.

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae (Hermetia illucens) serve as a valuable protein source for animal feed. Limiting factors in the industrial rearing of BSF are the reproduction process and egg output. Studies indicate the potential to shorten preoviposition time and increase egg output through better utilization of environmental variables, such as temperature and light, in industrial settings. Excessive stimulation, however, can lead to stress, elevated production costs, and reduced egg numbers, emphasizing the need for a delicate balance. This study addresses these challenges by investigating controlled manipulation of environmental variables to stimulate mating and enhance egg production, thereby developing a comprehensive model encompassing the adult fly life cycle, mating, and egg production. Model parameters were fitted using literature data, and the model's plausibility was tested through simulations. Using the model and optimal control methods, the calculated dynamic trajectories for environmental variables when compared to the standard approach in a constant environment demonstrated higher output and shorter production cycles at reasonable energy costs. Applications for this model-based optimization are demonstrated for various scenarios, highlighting the practical utility and versatility of the developed model. This study contributes valuable insights for improving rearing practices of BSF through environmental stimulation, offering potential advancements in egg production efficiency and overall sustainability.

Assessment of the USDA Biomass Harvest Trap (USDA-BHT) device as an insect harvest and mosquito surveillance tool.

Insects are a promising source of high-quality protein, and the insect farming industry will lead to higher sustainability when it overcomes scaling up, cost effectiveness, and automation. In contrast to insect farming (raising and breeding insects as livestock), wild insect harvesting (collecting agricultural insect pests), may constitute a simple sustainable animal protein supplementation strategy. For wild harvest to be successful sufficient insect biomass needs to be collected while simultaneously avoiding the collection of nontarget insects. We assessed the performance of the USDA Biomass Harvest Trap (USDA-BHT) device to collect flying insect biomass and as a mosquito surveillance tool. The USDA-BHT device was compared to other suction traps commonly used for mosquito surveillance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps, Encephalitis virus surveillance traps, and Biogents Sentinel traps). The insect biomass harvested in the USDA-BHT was statistically higher than the one harvested in the other traps, however the mosquito collections between traps were not statistically significantly different. The USDA-BHT collected some beneficial insects, although it was observed that their collection was minimized at night. These findings coupled with the fact that sorting time to separate the mosquitoes from the other collected insects was significantly longer for the USDA-BHT, indicate that the use of this device for insect biomass collection conflicts with its use as an efficient mosquito surveillance tool. Nevertheless, the device efficiently collected insect biomass, and thus can be used to generate an alternative protein source for animal feed.

Enhancing pig growth and gut health with fermented Jatropha curcas cake: Impacts on microbiota, metabolites, and neurotransmitters

AbstractGiven the escalating global crisis in feed protein availability, Jatropha curcas L. cake has attracted significant interest as a viable alternative protein source in animal feed. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of fermented Jatropha curcas L. cake (FJCC) as a protein feed in the diet of pigs. A total of 96 growing pigs with an average weight of 27.60 ± 1.59 kg were divided into three dietary groups with varying FJCC inclusion levels (0, 2.5, and 5%) for a 28 d trial. Results showed that the diet with 5% FJCC (FJCC5) demonstrated significant improvements in average daily gain (p = 0.009), feed‐to‐gain ratio (p = 0.036), nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology. Furthermore, the FJCC5 diet resulted in a decrease in pH values in different gut sections (jejunum p = 0.045, cecum p = 0.001, colon p = 0.012), and favorably altered the profile of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) with increased butyric acid content (p = 0.005) and total SCFAs (p = 0.019). Additionally, this diet notably decreased IL‐6 levels in the jejunum (p = 0.008) and colon (=0.047), significantly reduced IL‐1 levels in the hypothalamus (p < 0.001), and lowered IL‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐10 levels in plasma (p < 0.05). Microbiota and metabolite profile analysis revealed an elevated abundance of beneficial microbes (p < 0.05) and key metabolites such as 4‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) (p = 0.003) and serotonin (5‐HT) (p = 0.022), linked to neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction. Moreover, FJCC5 significantly boosted circulating neurotransmitter levels of 5‐HT (p = 0.006) and GABA (p = 0.002) in plasma and hypothalamus, with corresponding increases in precursor amino acids (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that FJCC, particularly at a 5% inclusion rate, can be an effective substitute for traditional protein sources like soybean meal, offering benefits beyond growth enhancement to gut health and potentially impacting the gut‐brain axis. This research underscores FJCC's potential as a valuable component in sustainable animal nutrition strategies.

Mining exotic germplasm for genetic improvement of protein quantity and quality in soybean (Glycine max)

AbstractSoybean meal is the main protein source for animal feed, but it has low content of the essential amino acids cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met). In this research, an exotic germplasm (PI 399000) was crossed with ‘Woodruff’ to develop an F5‐derived recombinant inbred line (RIL) population for mapping quantitative trait loci for seed composition. The population was grown in six environments, and protein, oil, Cys, and Met were determined with near‐infrared spectroscopy. RILs were genotyped with the SoySNP6K BeadChip, and 1865 SNPs were used for analysis. QTL analysis identified three loci on chromosomes (Chrs) 6, 15 and 17 in at least five environments for protein; two QTLs on Chrs 14 and 17 in all environments for oil; three QTLs on Chrs 3, 6 and 10 for Cys and Met in at least three environments; and two QTLs for seed size on Chrs 17 and 20 in all environments. Stacking of protein and Cys + Met QTLs can increase both traits simultaneously, and 13 breeding lines were identified with improved seed composition. The markers linked to the QTLs can be used to assist the development of cultivars with improved meal quality.

78 Assessing nutrient digestibility in boer×spanish castrated male goats feeding varied levels of hempseed meal

Abstract Hempseed meal (HSM) has gained considerable attention as a potential alternative protein source for animal feed in the US, although its FDA approval for this purpose remains pending due to an insufficiency of comprehensive scientific data. The HSM is a byproduct of hemp oil production. Tuskegee University, a ruminant coalition group in the US is assessing this byproduct in meat goats. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of varying HSM inclusion rates on the nutrient digestibility in Boer×Spanish castrated meat goats using a 4×4 Latin square design. Four uniform mature Boer×Spanish castrated goats (14-16 months) were randomly assigned to four treatments. These goats received ad libitum access to experimental diets containing 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% HSM on an as-fed basis. Experimental diets were iso-nitrogenous (crude protein: 16%) and iso-caloric (total digestible nutrients: 64%). The experiment was conducted for 21 d in four phases where 16 d was for diet adjustment and 5 d for sample collection. Feed, feces, and urine were collected during the sample collection period and composited. The feed intake and refusal, fecal and urine outputs were monitored during the sample collection period. The feed, fecal, and urine samples were analyzed for nutrient composition. Nutrient digestibility data were analyzed in SPSS 29 and Microsoft Excel 2021. Our findings revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, non-fibrous carbohydrate, neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and ash among experimental groups, except for acid detergent fiber, where a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed. These results shed light on the potential of hempseed meal in meat-goat diets and emphasize the importance of understanding its impact on specific nutrient digestibility for optimal dietary formulation.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Gas Fermentation for the Production of Single Cell Protein.

Despite the large carbon footprint of livestock production, animal protein consumption has grown over the past several decades, necessitating new approaches to sustainable animal protein production. In this techno-economic analysis, single cell protein (SCP) produced via gas fermentation of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen is studied as an animal feed source to replace fishmeal or soybean meal. Using wind-powered water electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen with carbon dioxide captured from corn ethanol, the minimum selling price (MSP) of SCP is determined to be $2070 per metric ton. An emissions comparison between SCP, fishmeal, and soybean meal shows that SCP has a carbon intensity as low as 0.73 kg CO2-equiv/kg protein, while fishmeal and soybean meal have an average carbon intensity of 2.72 kg CO2-equiv/kg protein and 0.85 kg CO2-equiv/kg protein, respectively. Moreover, SCP production would occupy 0.4% of the land per ton of protein produced compared to soybean meal and would disturb less than 0.1% of the marine ecosystem currently disturbed by fishmeal harvesting practices. These results show promise for the future economic viability of SCP as a protein source in animal feed and indicate significant environmental benefits compared to other animal feed protein sources.

Moringa leaf: A potential protein source for animal feed

Moringa leaf: A potential protein source for animal feed

α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from Cold-Pressed Black Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Meal: Characterization of New Furofuran Lignans, Kinetic Study, and In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion.

Black sesame (Sesamum indicum) meal is an agricultural waste obtained after oil extraction. It is used as a key protein source in animal feed. Previous investigations have indicated that its health benefits, such as antidiabetic activity, are mainly due to its high lignan content. In the present study, we applied α-glucosidase inhibitory guided isolation to identify the active components responsible for the above claim. Twenty-nine compounds, mostly lignans, were isolated and identified, of which five (2-3, 12-13, and 28) were newly isolated. Of the isolated compounds, 20 and 21 were the most potent inhibitors, retarding enzyme function in noncompetitive and uncompetitive manners. Structure-activity relationship analysis suggested that the number of phenolic hydroxyl groups in the structures was significantly related to the inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase. A gastrointestinal digestion study of the major lignan sesaminol triglucoside (STG, 9) suggested that the transformation of dioxymethylene and glucoside moieties gradually began in the late process, thus enhancing the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect.

The Potential of Oil Palm Plantation Byproducts as Feed for Beef Cattle

Oil palm is one of the plantation commodities that Indonesia relies on to generate foreign exchange annually. The oil palm industry generates both solid and liquid waste. Oil palm waste is a byproduct of the oil palm industry that is not reused; however, with technological advancements, this waste can be utilized as supplementary feed, especially for ruminants. The waste obtained from oil palm plantations and oil palm mills includes oil palm fruit bunches, oil palm fibers, oil palm shells, oil palm kernel meal, oil palm leaves, and oil palm sludge. Mucuna barcteata can also be used as a protein source for animal feed. Research was conducted in the Sei Mangkei plantation, and feed trials were carried out in the Bangun PTPN III Plantation (Simalungun). The methods employed included surveys and laboratory research. Proximate analysis of the suspected feed sources was conducted by PT Saraswanti Indo Genetech Bogor, which encompassed total energy, moisture and ash content, total fat, protein, carbohydrates, crude fiber, calcium, and phosphorus. The weight gain of cattle after being fed the experimental diet was observed over a three-month period. The research results indicate that oil palm byproducts can support a population of 12,365 head of beef cattle per year. Mucuna bracteata, oil palm kernel meal, oil palm fronds, and solid decanter can be used as animal feed. A feed mixture containing 30% Mucuna resulted in the highest weight gain in cattle compared to the other three treatments, with an average daily gain of 0.97.

Amino Acid Digestibility of Different Formulations of Torula Yeast in an In Vitro Porcine Gastrointestinal Digestion Model and Their Protective Effects on Barrier Function and Inflammation in a Caco-2/THP1Co-Culture Model.

Single-cell protein from torula yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii) grown on lignocellulosic biomass has been proven to be an excellent alternative protein source for animal feed. This study aimed to evaluate the amino acid (AA) digestibility by estimating intestinal absorption from three yeast-based ingredients, produced by cultivating C. jadinii on hydrolysate, using either mixed woody species (drum- (WDI) or spray-dried (WSI)) or corn dextrose (drum-dried (DDI)) as the carbon source. Further, the protective effect of intestinal digests on activated THP1-Blue™-induced epithelial damage and cytokine profile was evaluated. Total protein content from these three ingredients ranged from 34 to 45%, while the AA dialysis showed an estimated bioaccessibility between 41 and 58%, indicating good digestibility of all test products. A protective effect against epithelial-induced damage was observed for two of the three tested products. Torula yeast cultivated on wood and drum-dried (WDI) and torula yeast cultivated on wood and spray-dried (WSI) significantly increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values (111-147%, p < 0.05), recovering the epithelial barrier from the inflammation-induced damage in a dose-dependent manner. Further, WSI digests significantly reduced IL8 (250.8 ± 28.1 ng/mL), IL6 (237.9 ± 1.8 pg/mL) and TNF (2797.9 ± 216.3 pg/mL) compared to the blank control (IL8 = 485.7 ± 74.4 ng/mL, IL6 = 478.7 ± 58.9 pg/mL; TNF = 4273.5 ± 20.9 pg/mL) (p < 0.05). These results align with previous in vivo studies, supporting torula yeast-based ingredients as a high-quality protein source for pigs, protecting the intestinal barrier from inflammatory damage, and reducing the pro-inflammatory response. We provided novel insights into the mechanisms behind the health improvement of pigs fed on torula yeast-based ingredients, with potential applications for designing nutritional interventions to recover intestinal homeostasis during critical production periods, such as weaning.

Development of reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis of gene expression in Pleurotus pulmonarius for biotechnological applications

Jatropha curcas is an oilseed crop with biorefinery applications. Whilst cake generated following oil extraction offers potential as a protein source for animal feed, inactivation of toxic phorbol esters present in the material is necessary. Pleurotus pulmonarius is a detoxifying agent for jatropha cake with additional potential as animal feed, edible mushroom and for enzyme production. For the characterization of fungal genes involved in phorbol ester degradation, together with other industrial applications, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a tool that enables accurate quantification of gene expression. For this, reliable analysis requires reference genes for normalization of mRNA levels validated under conditions employed for target genes. The stability of potential reference genes β-TUB, ACTIN, GAPDH, PHOS, EF1α, TRPHO, LAC, MNP3, MYP and VP were evaluated following growth of P. pulmonarius on toxic, non-toxic jatropha cake and a combined treatment, respectively. NormFinder and geNorm algorithms for expression stability analysis identified PHOS, EF1α and MNP3 as appropriate for normalizing gene expression. Reference gene combinations contrasting in ranking were compared following normalization of relative expression of the CHU_2040 gene, encoding an esterase enzyme potentially involved in phorbol ester degradation. The reference genes for P. pulmonarius will facilitate the elucidation of mechanisms involved in detoxification of phorbol esters as well as analysis of target genes for application in biorefinery models.

Towards more sustainable animal-feed alternatives: A survey on Spanish consumers' willingness to consume animal products fed with insects

Global meat consumption will continue to increase in response to the growth in population and demand. Numerous studies have emphasized the nutritional, economic, and environmental benefits of using insect meal as an alternative protein source for animal feed. This article analyses Spanish consumers' willingness to consume pork, chicken, eggs, and fish, and explores the effect of sociodemographic and psychometric characteristics on their willingness to consume when the animals are fed with insect protein as a sustainable feed alternative. The study used an online Spanish consumers' panel belonging to Qualtrics© (market company services) and distributed it to 1260 individuals stratified by age, gender, and region. The data were analysed using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Overall, the results demonstrated that most Spanish consumers expressed high uncertainty regarding their willingness to consume animal-fed insect meals. They also exhibited moderate levels of food neophobia and showed a highly ecocentric attitude. The non-parametric comparison analysis confirmed significant differences in willingness to consume sustainable animal products across sociodemographic characteristics: financial situation and gender were significant variables, with females more willing to consume sustainable animal products than males. For the psychometric traits, significant differences in willingness to consume sustainable animal products were confirmed across food neophobia, food neophilia, opinions on using insects in animal feed, and ecocentric attitude. The results also confirmed a significant difference in the effects of sociodemographic variables on psychometric attributes. Financial situation affects food neophilia, anthropocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. Age influences food neophobia, ecocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. Education also influences food neophilia, ecocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. For gender, it is observed that females are more neophobic than males. This study has provided comprehensive initial insights into consumer willingness to consume insect-fed animal products in Spain, and the findings from this study will serve as a valuable resource for producers, policymakers, and governments in making informed decisions that promote more sustainable production practices.

Evaluation of the Physical Characteristics and Chemical Properties of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae as a Potential Protein Source for Poultry Feed.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of different drying methods on the physical and chemical properties of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to determine their potential as an alternative protein source in animal feed. The experimental design was a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (BSFL type × drying method), with five replications. The influence of post-harvest procedures was studied, including the different BSFL types (non-defatted and defatted) and drying methods (parabola dome, hot air oven, and microwave). The results showed that the types of BSFL, drying methods, and their interaction significantly (p < 0.001) influenced the feed's physical properties; these included the brightness of color (L* 29.74-54.07; a* 0.40-5.95; b* 9.04-25.57), medium bulk density (381.54-494.58 g/L), free flow with an angle of repose (41.30-45.40°), and small particle size. They significantly (p < 0.001) influenced the nutritive value of BSFL, which contained 42-59% crude protein, 7-14% crude fiber, 9-30% ether extract, and 5035-5861 kcal/kg of energy. Overall, both BSFL types and all the drying methods resulted in a slight variation in the proximate composition. However, a microwave and a hot-air oven were considered the most suitable methods for producing BSFL powder because of the high levels of nutrients retained and the improved physical parameters when compared to a parabola dome. This characterization of the physical and chemical composition of BSFL represents a preliminary methodology that could be used to initially preprocess larvae for use as an alternative protein source in animal feed and for other applications.

Investigation of nutritional profile, protein solubility and in vitro digestibility of various algae species as an alternative protein source for poultry feed

Alternative protein sources, particularly seaweed and microalgae, have long been considered a potential source of protein for poultry feed. Currently, several species of algae are a special focus of animal nutrition in order to replace soybean meal (SBM) due to its high protein content and abundance of vitamins, minerals and pigments. Determining nutrient and digestibility of a new ingredient is the first step in evaluating its suitability for use in poultry feeds. This study aimed to evaluate nutritional composition and digestibility of five algae including Caulerpa lentillifera J. Agardh, Ulva rigida C. Agardh, Spirulina sp., Coelastrella sp. (KKUP1) and Scenedesmus sp. (KKUP2). We evaluated nutritive value, amino acid profiles and physical characteristics microscopically. Protein solubility and in vitro digestibility, i.e., dilute pepsin digestibility (DPD) and two-phase gastric pancreatic digestibility (GPD), were performed by incubating algae samples in porcine pepsin and porcine pancreatin with a protease, lipase and amylase enzyme solution to determine suitability of algae as a protein ingredient in poultry feed. Results showed that Spirulina sp. had the highest protein content (44.44 % of dry matter basis; P < 0.0001) and was rich in amino acids (Lys, Thr and Trp). Moreover, protein solubility, digestibility (DPD and GPDProtein) and digestible protein of Spirulina sp. were significantly higher than those of other species (52.35 %, 49–67 % and 20.70 %, respectively). On the other hand, energy digestibility (GPDEnergy) and digestible energy were highest in Ulva rigida (99.40 % and 15.29 MJ kg−1, respectively; P < 0.0001). These results imply that Spirulina sp. was more suitable for utilization as an alternative protein source for SBM substitution in poultry feed formulation. This characterization of biochemical composition and in vitro digestibility of algae represents the preliminary methodology used to initially select algae for use as a protein source in animal feed and additional in vivo tests are warranted.

Biosensor guided effective degradation of anti-nutritional factors via selected soybean fermentation process

Soybean meal (SM) is an important protein source for animal feed, and the β-conglycinin included is a significant allergen that can cause severe allergic reactions such as diarrhea in piglets and other animals. Fermentation can remove anti-nutritional factors and allergenic proteins, however, it is very difficult to find the fermentation endpoint, because the current protein detection methods are difficult to be applied for the rapid detection. In this study, AuNPs-aptamer sensor was used to evaluate the degradation of β-conglycinin during SM fermentation, and found a synergistic effect between alkaline protease and Lactobacillus plantarum DY6 with the optimum process parameters below: solid–liquid ratio 2, L. plantarum DY6 5%, alkaline protease 500 U/g, molasses 3%, 37 °C for 72 h. The fermented SM reached the 80.75% degradation and the final products possessed with a 1.87-fold increase in total free amino acids. This research validates the feasibility of using aptamer sensor to assess the anti-nutritional factors, and provides data for further large-scale production.

Is it possible to change milk secretion of drugs with soy enriched diets in lactating ruminants?

Soy is the most commonly used protein supplement in beef and dairy diets. Soy, which is also used as a common protein source in animal feed, is palatable and has a good amino acid balance and high bioavailability. In vivo and in vitro interaction of flavonoids, including isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein, with several ABC transporters, including breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2), has been demonstrated. BCRP presence in ruminants could affect the efflux of hydrophobic toxins and drugs, including their active secretion to milk and a reduction in the withdrawal time of the drug milk residues. As a result of inhibition of efflux transporters such as BCRP, changes in drug pharmacokinetics and drug transfer into milk have been observed. In this respect, the use of forage supplemented with BCRP inhibitors may be beneficial to control drug accumulation in milk and prevent undesirable contamination of milk. It is aimed to reduce the drug withdrawal periods for dairy animals with the procedure in question. In this review, it is aimed to give information about the importance of soy-enriched diets in the nutrition of ruminants during the lactation period and the effect of transport proteins on the transfer of drugs into milk.

Anti-Nutritional Factors and Protein Dispersibility Index as Principal Quality Indicators for Soybean Meal in Diet of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus GIFT), a Meta-Analysis.

Simple SummarySoybean meal is an effective protein source in aquafeeds and is characterized by high protein content, high digestibility, reasonable price, and stable supply. The quality of soybean meal varies with factors such as seed genotype, soil type, planting area, processing conditions, storage conditions, etc. Differences in soybean meal quality may lead to differences in the production performances of animals. For this reason, we investigated the nutrient composition, anti-nutritional factors and physicochemical properties of different soybean meals produced on the same production line with soybeans from different origins, and compared the effects of different soybean meals on the physiological characteristics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus GIFT). This study identified key indicators that could distinguish the quality of soybean meals, and established a correlation model between quality indicators of soybean meal and the growth performance of Nile tilapia. These results are of great significance for evaluating the quality of soybean meals and promoting the efficient application of soybean meal in aquafeeds.Soybean meal (SBM) is the most important plant protein source in animal feed. This study investigated the characteristics of different SBMs, produced by soybeans from America and Brazil (SBM-A and SBM-B) in 2017–2021 under the same controlled conditions. The effects of different SBMs on the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, GIFT) and apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of nutrients and energy were studied. The results showed that protein dispersibility index (PDI), urease activity (UA), glycinin and fiber were the four primary key indicators for distinguishing the characteristics of the tested SBMs. The meta-analysis results suggested that UA, glycinin, and fiber showed a negative effect on the survival rate (SR) and weight gain rate (WGR) of the Nile tilapia, whereas β-conglycinin, PDI, and nitrogen solubility index (NSI) had a positive effect on the SR and WGR of the fish. The ADCs of dry matter, the gross energy, phosphorus, crude protein, valine (Val), lysine (Lys), histidine (His), serine (Ser), and glutamate (Glu) of the Diet-A group (SBM-A inclusion) were significantly higher than those in the Diet-B group (SBM-B inclusion) (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in ADCs of macro-nutrients between the two SBMs (p > 0.05). Overall, PDI, UA, glycinin, and fiber were the main indicators reflecting the characteristics of the tested SBMs, and UA, glycinin, β-conglycinin, and PDI had the greatest impact on the growth performance of Nile tilapia in this study. PDI was a more sensitive indicator than NSI for representing the protein quality of SBM.

The influence of feeding media enriched with different oils on the fatty acid composition of the Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has emerged as an interesting alternative protein source in animal feed due to its ability to grow on various substrates. Although it has many rearing benefits and possible applications, it has an unfavourable fatty acid profile if used for human consumption due to its high content of lauric acid and low content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In order to investigate whether the lipid composition of black soldier fly larvae can be altered, the feeding media were supplemented with varying concentrations of fish, linseed or coconut oil (1, 2.5 and 5%). Two-week-old larvae were collected, measured and their tissue fatty acid composition was determined. The fatty acid profile of the larvae showed significant plasticity, depending on the life stage and the fatty acid composition of the feeding media. The addition of 2.5 and 5% of different oils significantly changed the fatty acid composition of larvae, depending on the type and percentage of oil. The n6/n3 ratio was considerably improved by supplementing fish and linseed oil. The addition of linseed oil increased the content of linolenic acid, but bioconversion to eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids was low. In contrast, the addition of fish oil significantly increased the content of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in the larvae. The content of lauric acid significantly increased after coconut addition. The trial showed that by using different oils, the lipid composition of black soldier fly larvae could be specifically changed to increase the beneficial long chain n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the amount of lauric or linolenic acid.

Bio-Conversion and Decomposing With Black Soldier Fly to Promote Plant Growth

Every country in the world, including Indonesia, is confronted with the problem of waste and is attempting to find viable solutions. The majority of recycled waste is inorganic waste, while there is also organic recycled waste, and the remaining 60-75%of waste is dumped in a landfill. By utilizing waste and by-products, bioconversion with black soldier fly (BSF) larvae could be a solution to help overcome the problem of organic waste; these larvae can also be used as a protein source in animal feed and in organic fertilizers rich in nutrients. The use of BSF as a decomposer of organic waste, specifically Black Soldier Fly Fertilizer (BSF Frass), and the liquid resulting from the bioconversion process, called micro biostimulant (MBS), can be used to promote plant growth. The goal of this study was to assess how BSF Frass affected plant growth when compared to Synthetic fertilizers. Corn and Pak Choi were the test plants that were planted in the field. The results showed that giving 50% BSF Frass to the tested plants resulted in better growth and development than the control.&#x0D; Keywords: Bioconversion, Organic Fertilizer, Black Soldier Fly Compost, Frass.