Protein Source Research Articles

Molecular, interfacial and foaming properties of pulse proteins

Pulses are important protein sources in the current protein transition, but much of the behavior of pulse proteins in food systems (e.g. foam) is still unknown. This study compared the similarities and differences of the proteins from three common pulses: lentil, faba bean, and chickpea, at the molecular, mesoscopic and functionality levels. For each source, the proteins were extracted with a simple one-pot alkaline extraction, resulting in protein extracts with high protein content (67–85%) rich in globulins (68–81%) and albumins (19–32%). All pulse protein fractions were predominantly in a native state with high solubilities (83–91%), high denaturation enthalpies (8.9–10.1 J/(g protein)) and low aggregation levels. Lentil protein showed higher absolute value of the ζ-potential (−18.5 ± 1.2 mV) than faba bean (−13.2 ± 0.8 mV) and chickpea protein (−12.4 ± 1.2 mV). The behavior of all pulse proteins at the air-water interface including adsorption kinetics, interfacial dilatational rheology and interfacial microstructure was investigated and linked to their foaming properties. The pulse protein with the highest vicilin and convicilin content (39.5% in lentil protein) showed the shortest adsorption lag time (300 ms), and demonstrated the highest foam overrun (290 ± 17%). All three pulse protein fractions formed interfaces with disordered solid-like behavior and consisted of heterogeneous network structures. These structures were mostly comprised of intact globulin proteins for lentil and faba bean proteins, while mixtures of intact globulins and unfolded proteins/albumins were observed for chickpea protein. The interfacial stiffness, interfacial density and ζ-potential of these pulse proteins showed a high positive correlation with their foam stabilization properties. Lentil protein has the highest values of those parameters and showed the longest foam half-life time of 115 (± 22) min, while faba bean and chickpea proteins showed comparably lower values of those parameters and shared similarly shorter foam half-life times of 46 (± 19) min and 38 (± 6) min, respectively. These findings can aid to provide clearer directions in screening pulse proteins for desirable performance in aerated food products.

Agropastoral and dietary practices of the northern Levant facing Late Holocene climate and environmental change: Isotopic analysis of plants, animals and humans from Bronze to Iron Age Tell Tweini.

One of the largest isotopic datasets of the ancient Eastern Mediterranean region is evaluated, based on plants (n = 410), animals (n = 210) and humans (n = 16) from Tell Tweini (Syria). Diachronic analysis of plant and faunal specimens from four main periods of occupation: Early Bronze Age (2600-2000 BC), Middle Bronze Age (2000-1600 BC), Late Bronze Age (1600-1200 BC) and Iron Age (1200-333 BC) were investigated. Mean Δ13C results from seven plant species reveal emmer and free threshing wheat, olives, bitter vetch, rye grass and barley were adequately or well-watered during all periods of occupation. The grape Δ13C results suggest excellent growing conditions and particular care for its cultivation. The δ15N results indicate that especially the emmer and free threshing wheats received some manure inputs throughout the occupation sequence, while these were likely further increased during the Iron Age, encompassing also the olive groves and grape vineyards. Generally, domestic animals (cattle, sheep, goats) had C3 terrestrial diets and were kept together in similar environments. However, some animals consumed significant amounts of marine or C4 plants, possibly from disturbed habitats due to land use pressure or salt tolerant grasses and shrubs from wetland environments, which were recorded in the direct vicinity of the site. Middle Bronze Age humans consumed a C3 terrestrial diet with no measurable input from C4, freshwater or marine protein sources. Interestingly, the human diet was relatively low in animal protein and appears comparable to what is considered today a typical Mediterranean diet consisting of bread (wheat/barley), olives, grapes, pulses, dairy products and small amounts of meat. The combined isotopic analysis of plants, animals and humans from Tell Tweini represents unbroken links in the food chain which create unparalleled opportunities to enhance our current understanding of environmental conditions, climate change and lifeways in past populations from the Eastern Mediterranean.

Effects of Packaging Material and Moisture Contents on Pulse Beetle Infestation under Different Storage Conditions in Chickpea

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop grown globally for its nutritional richness and versatility which offers a significant source for both carbohydrates and protein. Chickpea seeds face a significant threat from various insect pests among these pulse beetles or bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.) stand out as the most destructive, inflicting damage ranging from 50% to 60% during storage. Bruchids are considered minor pests in the field, but they pose a serious threat during storage, leading to both quantitative and qualitative losses. The present investigation was carried out with the objective of studying the influence of ambient and cold storage conditions on storability and to assess the pest infestation (pulse beetle) under ambient and cold storage conditions in two chickpea varieties viz., JG-11 (desi) and NBeG-119 (kabuli). The seed was thoroughly sun dried to two moisture levels of seven and nine percent and stored in gunny and grain pro bags (hermetic bags). Gunny bags were kept at ambient storage as well as in the cold storage, while grain pro bags were stored at ambient storage conditions only as these are the hermetic bags and the dry chain technology concept holds good for storage at ambient conditions only. Highest % seed damage (12.11 % in JG-11 and 13.00 % in NBeG-119) was noticed in seeds stored with nine per cent moisture content while, the lowest % seed damage (9.50 % in JG-11 and 9.83 % in NBeG 119) was recorded in seeds with seven per cent moisture content. After 8 months of storage highest per cent fecundity (151.66 and 144.66 in JG-11 and 145.00 and 138.50 in NBeG-119) was recorded in seeds stored in gunny bags kept at ambient storage with nine and seven per cent moisture respectively, followed by the seed stored in grain pro bags at ambient storage with nine percent seed moisture (9.667 in JG-11 and 7.833 in NBeG-119) and no fecundity was recorded in seeds stored in gunny bag at cold storage. At the end of storage period highest adult emergence was recorded in seeds stored in gunny bag at ambient storage with nine (196.83 in JG-11 and 217.17 in NBeG-119) and seven (187.83 in JG-11 and 207.83 in NBeG-119) per cent seed moisture followed by the seed stored in grain pro bags at ambient storage with nine percent seed moisture (11.67 in JG-11 and 13.00 in NBeG-119) and no adult emergence was recorded in seeds stored in gunny bag at cold storage (0.00 in JG-11 and 0.00 in NBeG-119 ) with seven and nine percent moisture at the end of the storage. Highest weight loss % (2.019% in JG-11 and 1.866% in NBeG-119) was recorded in seeds stored with nine per cent moisture content. While, the lowest weight loss % (1.679% in JG-11 and 1.772% in NBeG-119) was noticed in seeds stored with seven per cent moisture at the end of storage period.

Growth performance and chemical composition of tenebrio molitor larvae grown on substrates with different starch to fibre ratios

Production of insects as animal protein source has increased recently but the information on nutrient requirements for optimal growth is still scarce. The effects of carbohydrate composition of the substrate on growth performance and chemical composition of Tenebrio molitor larvae were evaluated. Three substrates based on different proportions of wheat grain, wheat bran and soybean meal were formulated to contain three starch to neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ratios: low (1.0; LSF), medium (1.2; MSF) and high (1.4; HSF), at a common N level. Each treatment was replicated five times in trays containing 23 g of substrate and 40 larvae (2.95 mg average weight) each. Weight of the larvae and the substrate remaining per tray were weekly monitored from 21 to 49 days of experiment and larvae within the same experimental treatment were pooled at the end of the trial for chemical analysis. No treatment differences were observed for larval growth or mortality (p > 0.05). The starch to NDF ratio in the substrate did not affect larval composition in terms of dry matter, nitrogen or ether extact contents or the amino acid composition of the protein fraction. Within the range of ingredient composition considered, the starch to NDF ratio in the substrate has a minor influence on growth performance and chemical composition of T. molitor larvae.

Calculating the true costs of protein sources by integrating environmental costs and market prices

The food sector is responsible for a great part of the environmental impact of our society (for instance, according to the UN, about a third of all human-made greenhouse gas emissions are linked to this sector) and protein sources, as one of the main food groups, have a particularly significant impact on the environment. Understanding the environmental and economic impacts of dietary choices is crucial, especially proteins choices, a main food source. Market prices alone do not comprehensively represent the true costs for society. True Cost Accounting is a methodology that quantifies the comprehensive economic, environmental, and social costs. Calculating the hidden environmental costs of the different alternative proteins helps to inform the public about the environmental consequences of their dietary choices. Adjusted prices, which integrate market prices with hidden environmental costs of protein alternative sources, including both animal-based and plant-based options, were estimated. In determining the true cost of proteins, assigning monetary values to environmental impacts is essential. Calculating environmental costs and adjusting the price of proteins provide a more accurate reflection of their true cost by accounting for the environmental externalities associated with protein production. A life cycle approach was applied, considering both a conventional mass-based functional unit and a proposed protein-content-based functional unit, which integrates the source's efficiency to deliver protein nutrient. In a mass-based calculation, beef and lamb production consistently demonstrate the highest adjusted costs, amounting to 33.72€ per kg of source, while plant-based protein sources typically exhibit lower adjusted costs, with an average of 12.31€ per kg of source. In between, seafood ranks fourth at 26.41€ per kg of source.However, when the calculation of the adjusted price is based on real protein content, seafood commands the highest value, reaching 179.97€ per kg of protein, whereas beef and lamb drop to the third position at 131.76€ per kg of protein, and plant-based options Increase to 116.32€ per kg of protein. In summary, our study emphasizes the significance of informed dietary choices that account for both environmental sustainability and economic factors, and the need to use proper methodologies for the quantitative accounting. Further research is necessary to include social dimensions in the study, given their current unmeasurability due to complexity and limited information.

Studies on the Nutritional, Minerals, Mineral Ratio, Anti-nutritional, Molar Ratio and Antioxidant Compositions of Four Selected Leafy Wild Vegetables in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study investigated the nutritional, mineral Anti-nutritional factors, molar ratios and antioxidants compositions in the leaves of four selected wild edible vegetables (Piper guinensis, Piper umbelatum, Celosia argentia and Jatropha tajorensis) collected in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The proximate, minerals and anti-nutrient compositions of the samples were determined using standard procedures. Also antioxidant activity of the samples were detected using standard assays such as 1, 1, diphenyl-2-2 picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP).The mineral ratio, molar ratio and Mineral Safety Index were calculated from mineral results. The results of the proximate compositions for the four wild vegetables for moisture content, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein and carbohydrate ranged from 11.16 - 12.15%, 2.76-4.03%, 4.07 -7.31%, 13.33-16.73%, 7.36 – 10.09%, and 52.09 -58.22% respectively,. The results of the mineral composition revealed high content of K, moderate content of Ca, P, and low contents of Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and very low concentrations of Pb and Ni. Cd was absent in all the samples investigated. Zn/Cu and Fe/Cu ratios indicated low copper load. Antinutrients factors in the vegetable were low with the exception of phytate which can be reduced to non-toxic level through boiling or cooking. The calculated mole ratio for [Phy][Zn], [Ca]/[Phy], [Phy]/[Fe] and [Ca][Phy]/[Zn] conformed with the standard values. The results of the antioxidant properties showed that the wild vegetables are good natural antioxidant sources. The assessment of the vegetables showed that they are rich sources of crude protein, crude fiber and carbohydrate with high energy calories. The mineral ratios and mineral safety index suggested that the minerals could not pose any mineral load to human body. Hence, the vegetables could be explored as supplement diet for man. The vegetables could provide the needed nutrition health benefit and also help in addressing the problem of food security in Nigeria.

Intestinal Taste Receptor Expression and Its Implications for Health: An Integrative Analysis in Female Rats after Chronic Insect Supplementation.

Taste receptors are found in the gastrointestinal tract, where they are susceptible to dietary modulation, a key point that is crucial for diet-related responses. Insects are sustainable and good-quality protein sources. This study analyzed the impact of insect consumption on the modulation of taste receptor expression across various segments of the rat intestine under healthy or inflammatory conditions. Female Wistar rats were supplemented with Tenebrio molitor (T) or Alphitobius diaperinus (B), alongside a control group (C), over 21 days under healthy or LPS-induced inflammation. The present study reveals, for the first time, that insect consumption modulates taste receptor gene expression, mainly in the ascending colon. This modulation was not found under inflammation. Integrative analysis revealed colonic Tas1r1 as a key discriminator for insect consumption (C = 1.04 ± 0.32, T = 1.78 ± 0.72, B = 1.99 ± 0.82, p-value <0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Additionally, correlation analysis showed the interplay between intestinal taste receptors and metabolic and inflammatory responses. These findings underscore how insect consumption modulates taste receptors, influencing intestinal function and broader physiological mechanisms.

Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme and renin inhibitions by antioxidant shrimp shell protein hydrolysate and ultrafiltration peptide fractions

Protein hydrolysates with 20% and 30% degrees of hydrolysis (DH) were produced from alcalase hydrolysis of Pacific white shrimp shells. The study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antihypertensive activities of these protein hydrolysates, focusing on peptide fractions of various molecular weights (MW) obtained through ultrafiltration. The 30% DH protein hydrolysate (SSPH) showed the highest antioxidant activities and was subjected to ultrafiltration to produce peptides of various molecular weights (MW) (F1:10–50, F2:5–10, F3:3–5, F4:1-3, and F5:<1 kDa). SSPH showed higher hydrophilic and non-essential amino acid content, among which alanine and aspartic acid were at higher levels. The obtained peptide fractions were analyzed for various antioxidant activities and inhibitory activities against angiotensin-converting enzyme and renin. F4 and F2 samples showed the highest DPPH (2.00 mM TE/g sample) and ABTS (60.68 mM TE/g sample) radical scavenging activities, respectively. Superoxide and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity augmented with decreasing MW, aside from for F1, which showed higher activity than F2–F4 (p < 0.05). The highest ACE-inhibitory activity was found for the F2 fraction (44%–55%), and renin inhibitory activity increased with decreasing MW, in which F5 (12%–22%) was the most effective (p < 0.05). F5 showed 6 major peptides, among which KLVRGSKS and LPKKCLSARPG were the dominant sequences. Thus, this study suggests that shrimp shell protein isolate could be an alternative protein source for peptides with various antioxidant and antihypertensive activities, with potential applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals aimed at mitigating oxidative stress and hypertension.

Biotransforming of Poultry and Swine Slaughterhouse Waste as an Alternative Protein Source for Ruminant Feeding

The biotransformation of poultry (PSW) and swine (SSW) slaughterhouse waste might provide protein feedstuffs, ensuring efficient ruminant systems while safeguarding the environment. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of PSW and SSW as alternative protein feed for ruminant animals. A total of 24 lambs [25.4 ± 3.13 kg of body weight (BW), mean ± SD] were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n = 8): a control diet formulated with typical protein ingredients (CTRL) and two diets formulated with PSW or SSW meal as a protein source. Dietary inclusion of PSW or SSW did not alter (p = 0.05) dry matter intake or final BW. However, animals fed SSW showed the highest average daily gain (ADG, p = 0.04). In addition, substituting PSW and SSW improved the feed conversation ratio (FCR, p = 0.05). There were no diet effects (p = 0.05) on N intake, while fecal N excretion increased (p = 0.03) with SSW feeding. Compared to CTRL and PSW, ingestion of SSW decreased (p = 0.001) and retained N. The digestibility of crude protein and organic matter remained unchanged (p = 0.05). Additionally, there were no differences (p = 0.05) in potential microbial protein synthesis based on either protein content (SPMp) or energy content (SPMe). Similarly, potential metabolizable protein by protein (PMp) and potential metabolizable energy by protein (PMe) were not affected (p = 0.05). Overall, both PSW and SSW positively influenced the growth performance of ewe lambs. However, further studies are warranted to explore the impact of PWS or SSW feeding on rumen function, nitrogen pollution, and protein escaping the rumen into the intestine in ruminants.

Morzeddhu: A Unique Example of a Traditional and Sustainable Typical Dish from Catanzaro.

"Morzeddhu" in the local dialect of Catanzaro ("Morzello" in Italian) is an official typical dish of the capital of the Calabria region. It is a peasant dish, almost unknown at an international level, that labels, in an extraordinary way, the culinary identity of Catanzaro, a city founded around the X century. After America's discovery, its preparation was optimized and definitively fixed. Its recipe is strictly based on a cow's "fifth quarter" combined with spicy and typical Mediterranean vegetables. Remarkably, no pork meat is used, and when all traditional ingredients are included in the complex and quite long preparation of this special dish, it can deserve the title of "Illustrissimo". This review provides a scientific description of Illustrissimo, emphasizing its unique properties and connection to the circular economy, food security, and the Mediterranean diet. We also highlight its unique quality compared to other alternatives through an analysis of their nutritional facts and bioactive compounds. Nutritionally, offal and fifth quarter components are a rich source of high-quality protein, with lower levels of total fat and saturated fatty acids compared to other meat cuts. In essence, this dish offers a great example of a high-quality yet affordable meal, aligning perfectly with a Mediterranean diet.

Insect Protein as a Component of Meat Analogue Burger.

Researchers are exploring solutions to meet the growing demand for protein due to the expected increase in global population by 2050. Interest in alternative protein sources like insects has risen, driven by concerns about environmental impact and the need for sustainable food production. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the physicochemical properties of soy-protein-based burgers enriched with insect protein from Alphitobius diaperinus. Three formulations were developed: a control (B0) and burgers with 5% (B5) and 10% (B10) insect protein-Whole Buffalo Powder (WBP). The results showed that adding insect protein decreased the burger analogue's pH. A clear trend was observed of increasing total lipids and saturated fatty acids (SFA) and decreasing monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as the WBP concentration increased from 0% to 10%. No significant differences with increasing WBP concentration in the protein content of the burger analogue, as well as the cooking yield, were noted. The WBP addition had a notable effect on the color change, especially a decrease in brightness (L*). It was shown that as the WBP concentration increased, there were no significant differences in the texture profile of the burger analogues. The formulation with 5% WBP concentration was the most acceptable in sensory analysis.

THU-321 Protein source differentially alters the outcome of fecal microbiota transplant in mouse model of alcohol-related liver disease

THU-321 Protein source differentially alters the outcome of fecal microbiota transplant in mouse model of alcohol-related liver disease

Development and Evaluation of Vegan Yogurts and Sour Milk Alternatives from White Lupin (Lupinus albus L.)

Cow milk allergy (CMA) triggers a clinically abnormal immunological response to cow milk proteins. To address this issue, extensive studies have explored milk alternatives from various animal and plant sources. This study introduces a method for producing white lupin milk, resulting in fermented dairy-like products (vegan yogurt and sour milk alternatives). Four commercial yogurt cultures, including two mesophilic (CHN-11, CHN-22) and two thermophilic (YC-380, YC-X11) mixed bacterial cultures, were tested, with thermophilic ones yielding superior sensory outcomes for lupin-based yogurt alternatives. Incorporating inulin (2%) enhanced sensory appeal, particularly evident in strawberry and peach-flavoured variants, which achieved sensory scores comparable to cow milk yogurts. Furthermore, white lupin-based yogurts demonstrated superior water-holding capacity (up to 47.11 g/100 g in comparison with 42.35 g/100 g measured for cow milk yogurt), influencing texture and mouthfeel. They also exhibited favourable fatty acid profiles, notably rich in beneficial unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid (up to 10.15% and 8.43%, respectively), indicating potential health benefits. Sensory evaluation underscored the impact of starter cultures on product attributes, with certain cultures yielding more favourable results. In conclusion, white lupin emerges as a promising alternative protein source with the potential to produce high-quality dairylike products. While white lupin-based products hold promise as functional foods for individuals with specific dietary needs, further research is necessary to address potential allergenic concerns associated with white lupin proteins.

Supplementation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) residue for growth and lactic acid production of probiotic bacterial Lactobacillus spp.

Date palm is an age-old cultivated plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. The date palm is a bountiful source of carbohydrates, encompassing sucrose, glucose, and fructose and proteins. The date industry generates a significant volume of unused by-products. Dates offer a diverse range of by-products beyond the agri-food sector. LAB have garnered extensive utilisation across diverse food sectors, spanning meat, vegetables, beverages, dairy products, and other fermented foods. In the quest for establishing a new large-scale fermentation process for lactic acid there has been a concerted effort to utilise more cost-effective medium components. In the present work, date palm residue (DPR) derived from date palm fruit, after sugar extraction, was incorporated into MRS. The fermentation process was executed through two distinct fermentation systems. Initially, experiments were conducted in flasks. Afterward, the optimal conditions for bacterial growth were determined, and the experiment was carried out using a bioreactor. DPR supported the probiotic Lactobacillus spp. growth especially after 48 h incubation. The prebiotic effect of DPR on Lactobacillus spp. was reported. An increase in the total number of bacterial populations was observed in response to the addition the DPR until 48 h. Specifically, the supplementing DPR at a concentration of 1.5% in batch fermentation enhanced the growth and lactic acid production of Lactobacillus casei. This study suggests that DPR could potentially function as an economical prebiotic source and could be seamlessly incorporated as a functional food ingredient, thereby transforming a waste product into an economically sustainable food substrate.

Prospects for the use of aquatic plants in poultry feed

The article presents the data on the use of higher aquatic vegetation (HAV), such as naiads, as an alternative source of plant proteins in poultry feeding. The use of non-traditional raw materials contributes to the development of immunity in poultry without the need for antibiotics, which is relevant in the context of combating antibiotic resistance. The developed feed composition can not only significantly improve the quality of poultry feed, but also provide consumers with high quality and safe products. The results of the research can be promising for poultry feeding practice and contribute to the sustainable development of poultry farming.

Oxyfluorfen: a novel metabolic inhibitor to select microalgal chlorophyll-deficient mutant strains for nutritional applications

Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for novel feedstocks and alternative protein sources to meet global needs. Because of their rich nutritional profiles and high protein contents, microalgae-based food products and supplements are being developed. Nonetheless, these products present organoleptic characteristics such as taste, smell and colour that are often considered unpleasant by human and animal consumers. To address this constraint, strain improvement approaches such as random mutagenesis have been used, which combined with the right selection strategy, lead to more appealing microalgal biomass. In this work, a novel selection strategy using oxyfluorfen, an inhibitor of the chlorophyll synthesis pathway, was applied for the first time to isolate chlorophyll-deficient strains of Scenedesmus rubescens and Chlorella vulgaris upon treatment with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). With this approach, one S. rubescens brownish (37Y01) mutant strain, as well as two C. vulgaris mutant strains, one yellow (31Y15) and one white (31W62), were obtained. S. rubescens 37Y01 displayed a reduced protein content of 19.1% dry weight (DW) compared to that of the wildtype, which presented a protein content of 25.0% DW. C. vulgaris wildtype and mutants exhibited higher protein contents, in the 42.8‐44.3% DW range, compared to Scenedesmus rubescens (p < 0.05). The selective pressure of this inhibitor allowed the selection of S. rubescens and C. vulgaris mutants displaying 55% and 95% decrease in chlorophyll content, respectively. The reduced chlorophyll content greatly improves the sensory properties and consumer acceptance of established mutants, increasing the potential of both strains as feedstocks to develop novel food products.

Beef Consumption Is Associated with Higher Intakes and Adequacy of Key Nutrients in Older Adults Age 60+ Years: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018 Analysis.

Beef is an important source of high-quality protein and several micronutrients, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. We determined beef intake and its relationship with intakes of nutrients and their adequacy using 24 h dietary recall data from 5868 older adults. Usual intakes from foods were determined using the National Cancer Institute method, and the percent of the population below the estimated average requirement or above adequate intake was estimated. A high percentage of older adults did not meet nutrient recommendations for vitamin D (96%), choline (96%), vitamin E (84%), potassium (70%), calcium (63%), magnesium (60%), vitamin C (46%), vitamin A (39%), zinc (21%), vitamin B6 (19%), and folate (15%). About 68% of older adults were beef consumers with a mean intake of 56 g/day. Beef consumers had higher (p < 0.05) intakes of energy, protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, and choline, and a higher (p < 0.05) proportion met nutrient recommendations for protein, calcium, copper, zinc, thiamin, folate, and vitamin B12 than non-consumers. Consumers of fresh, ground, and processed beef also had generally higher intakes and lower inadequacies of many nutrients depending on the beef type. In conclusion, older adults generally had poor nutrient adequacy from their diets, while beef consumers had higher nutrient intakes and adequacy for certain key nutrients, which are inherently generally available from beef or from foods consumed with beef.

Source apportionment, ecological and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in water, sediment and blackchin tilapia {Sarotherodon melanotheron (Rüppell 1852)} from Lagos and Ologe Lagoons, Lagos State, Nigeria

BackgroundLagos and Ologe Lagoons are parts of the Lagos Lagoon Complex, which provide fish as an animal protein source to the locals. However, these fish species have a high propensity to accumulate pollutants including Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) from their environment. This potentially constitutes a health risk to fish consumers. Therefore, this study investigated concentrations of some PTEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn) in water, sediment, and fish (Sarotherodon melanotheron) from Lagos and Ologe Lagoons, the ecological and health risks associated with the consumption of the fish as well as the likely sources of the PTEs. MethodsWater, sediment, and fish (S. melanotheron) samples were collected monthly for ten months (June 2022 - March 2023) from three sites: Badore and Baiyeku in Lagos Lagoon and Ologe Lagoon. The concentration of PTEs was determined in the environmental matrices {water, sediment, and three organs (gill, muscle, liver)}. The range of values for method detection limits (MDL), limits of detection (LOD), limits of quantitation (LOQ), and recovery rates were 0.01 – 0.025 mg kg−1, 0.00002 – 0.002 mg L−1, 0.0001 – 0.0067 mg L−1 and 97.19±2.45 - 99.85±1.16% respectively. The ecological risk of PTE in water and sediment was assessed by various indices. Estimated dietary intake (EDI), health risk index (HRI), and target hazard quotient (THQ) were the human health risk assessment indices employed. The distribution and source of the PTEs were analyzed using the coefficient of variation, Pearson's correlation matrix, principal components analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis. ResultsThe water and sediment quality assessment indices indicated that the water and sediment from the lagoons had low contamination with respect to the eight PTEs studied. EDI values were generally less than 1 except for Fe and Zn. THQ for all PTEs in the three sampling stations and across the different population groups was less than 1 except for Fe. PCA revealed two major sources of PTE pollution which are natural and anthropogenic. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb were probably due to anthropogenic inputs like agricultural operations and industrial activities while Fe, Ni, and Zn may have occurred due to lithological sources like rock weathering and volcanic events. ConclusionBased on the result of the study, the waters from the lagoons are still suitable for agricultural usage. The sediments are also largely uncontaminated with respect to the eight PTEs studied. The EDI and THQ show that consumption of S. melanotheron from the sites may not constitute any significant health risk to humans and the sources of the PTEs are lithologic and anthropogenic.

Growth and physiological response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed a fermented mixture of plant protein sources

This study aimed to assess the effects of diets containing a blend of plant protein sources (cottonseed meal, sunflower meal, and jojoba meal) fermented with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at three different levels (25 %, 50 %, and 75 %) instead of fishmeal (FM) on the growth performance, anti-nutritional factors content, and blood profile response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four experimental diet (33.6 % crude protein) and (18.61 MJ kg−1 gross energy) were formulated. The study included four diets: a control diet, FCSJM-25 %, FCSJM-50 %, FCSJM-75 % which replaced fishmeal based on protein content. Fries (3.53± 0.07 g) were randomly allocated into twelve glass aquaria (180 L capacity) in triplicate per each treatment (25 fish/ aquarium) for 90 days. After the 90-day feeding trial, the results showed that fish fed the control diet, FCSJM-25 %, and FCSJM-50 % had the highest final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and average daily gain, whereas fish fed FCSJM-75 % had the lowest values for these parameters. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in fish fed FCSJM-25 % or FCSJM-50 % (P < 0.05). The highest apparent protein digestibility was found in fish fed the control diet or FCSJM-25 %. Diets with FCSJM-25 % had the highest white blood cells (WBCs) values (P < 0.05). Control diet, FCSJM-25 %, and FCSJM-50 % resulted in the highest levels of complement component (C3), C4, growth hormone, and IgM (P < 0.05). However, control diet had the highest triglyceride and HDL levels, while fish fed FCSJM-25 % had the highest levels of LDL (P < 0.05). Fish fed a diet with FCSJM-50 % recorded the highest cholesterol content. The control or FCSJM-25 % diets showed the highest values of creatinine, phosphorus, and calcium (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in ALT, AST, and uric acid among the treatments. The study concluded that FM can be replaced with either FCSJM-25 % and FCSJM-50 % without affecting growth performance and feed utilization.

Strategi pemanfaatan moluska sebagai pangan lokal untuk mendukung produktivitas komoditas perikanan menunjang ekowisata dan ekonomi masyarakat di Keakwa, Timika

Keakwa village is located in the coastal mangrove forest area in East Central Mimika District with an area of 9,052.5 ha. The Keakwa mangrove forest is a mangrove forest that grows abundantly to protect coastlines and residential areas. The Mollusk Group in Keakwa has the potential as a source of protein and economic and cultural value for the community. through Lectures and Focus Group Discussion activities for the Keakwa community, activities carried out for 2 weeks in 2022. utilizing mollusks around Keakwa waters. These conditions can be developed as ecotourism potential. This service aims to understand and get to know molluscs and their use and prospects as a source of community economy in Keakwa, Timika, strategies for developing and utilizing molluscs in ecotourism development, by conducting lectures, from the results of evaluating knowledge about the benefits and potential of local resources, especially molluscs, after Community outreach is carried out to understand the benefits and potential of local resources. With the hope of supporting the development and management initiatives of the Keakwa community in the field of ecotourism development, in supporting the economy of the Keakwa community.