Corn Protein Research Articles

Oral Administration of Coronavirus Spike Protein Provides Protection to Newborn Pigs When Challenged with PEDV.

To investigate whether oral administration of maize-produced S antigen can provide passive immunity to piglets against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), 16 pregnant sows were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: (1) injection of PEDV vaccine (INJ), (2) maize grain without S protein (CON), (3) maize grain containing low dose of S antigen (LOV) and (4) maize grain containing a high dose of S antigen (HOV). Vaccines were administered on days 57, 85 and 110 of gestation. Sows’ serum and colostrum were collected at farrowing and milk on day 6 post-challenge to quantify neutralizing antibodies (NABs) and cytokines. Piglets were challenged with PEDV 3–5 d after farrowing, and severity of disease and mortality assessed on day 11 post-challenge. Disease severity was lower in LOV and INJ compared with HOV and CON, whereas the survival rate increased in piglets from LOV sows compared with HOV and CON (p ≤ 0.001). Higher titers of NABs and lower levels of cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in sows’ milk were positively correlated with piglet survivability (p ≤ 0.05). These data suggest that feeding S protein in corn to pregnant sows protects nursing piglets against PEDV.

Methacrylated zein as a novel biobased macro-crosslinker for PVCL hydrogels

The use of natural proteins to provide novel biocompatible and biodegradable materials, by combining synthesis simplicity and suitable functional properties, is a current challenge. This article pursues the chemical modification of zein, a hydrophobic protein of corn, to obtain a radical-polymerizable zein-based building block, which is then used as a bio-macro-crosslinker for synthesizing thermoresponsive polyvinylcaprolaptam-based hydrogels. Chemical conjugation of zein is a difficult task since it only presents some few nucleophilic groups. We found that zein modification can be achieved with glycidyl methacrylated in ethanol enriched water solutions, and we showed that the degree of methacrylation can be tuned not only by the molar ratio of reagents but also by changing the solvent polarity. Zein based PVCL hydrogels presented bigger porous size, higher swelling capability, faster shrinking kinetics and better mechanical properties when they are compared to those obtained with a low molar mass crosslinker as N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide.

Effect of Soy Protein Products and Gum Inclusion in Feed on Fecal Particle Size Profile of Rainbow Trout

Replacement of fishmeal (FM) with alternative plant proteins, especially soybean meal (SBM), can cause a diarrhea-like symptom in rainbow trout (RBT), characterized by very fine fecal particles. These fines do not settle out in raceway effluent for collection and can contribute to pollution of receiving waters. In this study, two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 examined effects of nine protein sources (sardine meal, menhaden meal, soy protein concentrates (SPC) (three types), SBM (regular and high protein), corn protein concentrate (CPC), and poultry by-product meal (PBM)) on fecal particle size distribution. Results showed that all five soy-based diets produced feces in RBT having 75.7–89.3% fines and only about 1.0% large particles, while the remaining four diets yielded feces having a balanced particle size distribution. Oligosaccharides present naturally in soy products, thought to contribute fecal fines, were not correlated to fecal particle size classes. Instead, high crude fiber content in soy-based diets was found to be responsible for unbalanced fecal particle distribution in RBT. Experiment 2 examined if improvements in formulation could reduce the negative effect of soy-based ingredients. Eight practical diets (FM, SPC, SPC + 0.3% guar gum, PBM + CPC, PBM + CPC + 20 or 30% SPC, and PBM + CPC + 20 or 30% SPC + 0.3% guar gum) were formulated to contain 40% protein and 20% lipid. Results showed that diets containing mixtures of PBM, CPC, and 20% or 30% SPC plus guar gum produced trout feces with the highest percentage of large particles and lowest of fines, while the diet containing SPC alone (56%) plus guar gum resulted in trout feces having the highest content of mid-size particles. It was concluded that crude fiber in soy protein products (SBM and SPC) caused undesirable fecal particle profiles in RBT, and the addition of guar gum could significantly alleviate this negative effect.

Bacterial and fungal communities of traditional fermented Chinese soybean paste (Doujiang) and their properties.

Soybean paste (Doujiang) is one of the traditional fermented foods from China, fermented by various microorganisms. However, the microflora of Doujiang keeps little known. In this study, the microbial communities of seven kinds of representative Doujiang samples were investigated by both culture‐independent and culture‐dependent methods. We found that core OTUs among seven Doujiang samples were mainly from Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Candida, and Aspergillus according to Illumina sequencing. Every type of Doujiang sample harbored a different composition of microbial community. Doujiang LSJ and LBJ had the highest bacterial and fungal richness and diversity, respectively. The structure of microbial community was remarkably correlated with Doujiang properties—pH, and the content of total protein, soluble protein, amino acid, and total sugar (p < .05). Bacillus spp. were most frequently isolated bacterial species. Fungi of Monascus, Candida, and Aspergillus were also isolated. Eleven microbial strains showed high protease activities to degrade corn proteins, which can form obvious transparent hydrolytic circles in corn gluten meal medium plates. Therefore, microbial communities were supposed to tightly connect to Doujiang type and properties. It is possible to apply potential protein‐degrading microbial strains to corn byproducts for protein production in the future study.

Computational Protein–Ligand Docking and Experimental Study of Bioplastic Films from Soybean Protein, Zein, and Natural Modifiers

Plant-based proteins are emerging at the forefront of functional food trends, as well as sustainable components for various environmentally friendly and sustainable polymeric materials. This study focuses on the application of a combined computational and experimental approach in the design of plant protein-based films from soy protein and zein (corn protein). This work, for the first time, shows the application of a computational protein–ligand docking approach in the design of protein-based films by modeling the intermolecular (non-covalent) interactions of selected renewable modifiers with plant proteins, which demonstrated the effect of the incorporated modifiers on the properties of protein-based films. Based on predictive modeling, we successfully prepared films experimentally based on both modified soy protein and zein protein which exhibit promising physical and mechanical behaviors. Adding natural additives to plant proteins of varying chemical structure yields a broad range of protein-based film properties. By the incorporation of natural plasticizers (glycerol and sorbitol) and a reinforcement agent (microfibrillated cellulose) into protein systems, more flexible films (elongation 2–120%) with Young’s modulus of 99–400 MPa and higher surface hydrophobicity can be prepared, which confirmed the initial computational estimations. As a result, we found that the computational protein–ligand docking approach can be used as an effective and accurate method in guiding the experiment and predicting the physical properties of a film upon incorporation of modifiers into plant protein-based systems.

Proteins in dried distillers' grains with solubles: A review of animal feed value and potential non‐food uses

AbstractDried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) are the main byproduct from bioethanol production and are commonly used as livestock feed. This work aims to provide an overview of animal feed value (protein and amino acid profiles and protein fractionation approaches) and potential non‐food uses of DDGS proteins, particularly those from corn, sorghum, and wheat. Crude protein and amino acids (essential and nonessential) composition vary among different DDGS due to the variation in chemical composition of parent feedstock and processing condition. Extraction or fractionation approaches such as physical/mechanical (sieving and winnowing), chemical (ethanol, acid, and alkaline), and enzymatic (protease) treatments have been explored to isolate specific proteins of corn (zein), sorghum (kafirin), and wheat (gluten protein) from respective DDGS. In addition, valorization of DDGS proteins for biomaterials (biodegradable films and bioadhesives) was evaluated. Due to the heterogeneous nature of DDGS, multi‐stream processes with economic and environmental benefits should be taken into consideration before the commercialization of DDGS proteins. This review will benefit future research and development activities on value‐added and more specific utilizations of DDGS.

Design and characterization of ellagic acid-loaded zein nanoparticles and their effect on the antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Ellagic acid (EA) has demonstrated remarkable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The corn protein zein is a natural biopolymer whose biological and functional properties encourage its use to improve therapeutic nano drug delivery systems. In this study, we aimed to design and characterize EA-loaded zein nanoparticles and to evaluate the impact of nanoencapsulation in the antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The nanoparticles were produced by nanoprecipitation and evaluated in terms of morphology, size, polydispersity, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading. The chemical interactions between EA and zein were studied by FTIR, 1H STD-NMR and Fluorescence spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity was quantified using the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging methods, while antimicrobial activity was determined in terms of inhibitory, bactericide and antibiofilm assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. EA-loaded zein nanoparticles were spherical, non-aggregated, below 370 nm and positively charged. Selected nanoparticles showed relevant inhibitory and bactericide activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa (MIC < 72 µg/mL). The antioxidant activity (IC50) for the nanoencapsulated EA were 56.02 µg/mL and 136.6 µg/mL in the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Furthermore, EA nanoparticles were found to be efficient in reducing S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms by 60 and 30%, respectively. The 1H STD-NMR, FTIR and Fluorescence combined analyses confirmed the interaction between EA and zein, which could explain the enhancement found in the biological activities studied, as the active phenolic groups of this molecule are likely to become more accessible after the entrapment of EA in the formed zein nanoparticles. From this we can conclude that nanoencapsulation of EA boosted its antioxidant and antibacterial activities; this offers a potential strategy against free radicals as well as preventive and treatment option for infections related to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Increasing Productivity and Biomass of Corn Plants Toward Grant Organic Fertilizer and Liquid Organic Fertilizer

The use of corn as animal feed focuses on the use of biomass as feed for ruminants and shelled corn as poultry feed. One of the efforts to increase biomass and protein in corn is by applying fertilizer, namely organic fertilizer. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of using granular and solid organic fertilizers and to determine the best concentration of both types of fertilizers in increasing maize productivity and biomass. The study was designed using a Split Plot Design with an environmental design, namely a Randomized Block Design (RAK). The main plot is organic fertilizer granule petroganik consisting of 3 levels, namely control (G0), 1000 kg ha-1 (G1) and 2000 kg ha-1 (G2). The sub-plots were Biotani liquid organic fertilizer which consisted of 4 levels, namely control (P0), 2 cc/L (P1). 4 cc/L (P2), 6 cc/L (P3). The treatment of granule and liquid organic fertilizer increased the growth potential and productivity of maize. The optimal treatment of granulated organic fertilizer is G1 treatment. Meanwhile, the best treatment for liquid organic fertilizer is P1 treatment. The combination of G1P1 is still recommended even though there is no interaction between granule and liquid organic treatments.

NUTRITIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF SOME PROTEIN SOURCES

Nine ingredients protein sources were examined: milk protein, whey protein, Pleurotus mushroom flour, pea protein, corn protein, soy protein, oat protein, hemp protein, sea buckthorn protein in comparison with wheat flour (as control). They were subjected to physicochemical (protein, fat, ash, carbohydrates, aminoacids contents and digestibility) and functional analyzes (water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, foaming property and foam stability, gelling property for mixtures of 10% protein ingredient in water, emulsification capacity). The water absorption capacity ranged from 0.54-3.22 WHC. The highest oil absorption capacity was identified for milk protein sample 1.07 WHC (g oil/g sample). The foaming capacity ranged from 0% for hemp protein sample to 91.5% for milk protein sample. The emulsification capacity varied from 69.23% for the corn protein hydrolyzate sample to 54.69% for oat protein sample. Protein ingredients have different functional properties which determine their behaviour in food systems and based on which they can be used in different food applications, for improving the protein content of food products

Fermented corn protein concentrate to replace fishmeal in practical diets for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The latest corn-based ingredient available in the market today is fermented corn protein concentrate (FCPC), which is expected to perform well in shrimp diets due to its nutritional profile and the probiotic properties of the product. The current study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of FCPC as a replacement for fish meal (FM) in diets of Pacific white shrimps, Litopenaeus vannamei. Graded levels of FCPC (0, 4, 8, 11, 13 and 15 g/100 g) were used to replace fishmeal (16, 12, 8, 4, 2 and 0 g/100 g) in diet, which was evaluated over a 8-week growth trial (initial weight 0.17 ± 0.01 g; n = 3). At the conclusion, no significant differences were detected in growth, FCR, survival or haematological parameters of shrimp (p > 0.05). Results reveals the efficacy of FCPC to replace 100% fishmeal at an inclusion level as high as 15%, without compromising the performances of shrimp. Significant increase in total haemocyte count (THC) and astaxanthin level in shrimp in response to the inclusion level of FCPC was assumed to be due to the probiotic properties of fermented corn and due to the availability of bio-convertible carotenoids in FCPC, respectively.

Insight into the structural, chemical and surface properties of proteins for the efficient ultrasound assisted co-encapsulation and delivery of micronutrients

Three different proteinaceous biopolymers, namely, egg white protein (EWP), soy protein isolate (SPI) and corn protein isolate (CPI) were used as protective shell materials to encapsulate micronutrients via an ultrasonic encapsulation technique. It was found that the physicochemical properties of the three protein-based matrices, including surface/total thiol (-SH) content, surface activity and denaturation temperature were the key factors that influenced the shell formation and stability. The EWP and CPI-shelled microcapsules reduced the degradation of the encapsulated vitamins by 20% and 40% after exposure to heating and UV-light irradiation. A double emulsion technique was further developed to co-encapsulate both oil- (vitamin A and D) and water-soluble (vitamin B, C and minerals) micronutrients. In-vitro digestion study showed that the proteinaceous microcapsules enable a sustained release of micronutrients, demonstrating their potential for food fortification applications.

A protein-enabled protective film with functions of self-adapting and anion-anchoring for stabilizing lithium-metal batteries

Practical implementations of rechargeable lithium (Li) metal batteries have long been plagued by multiple problems of Li anode, such as Li dendrite growth, large volume change, low Coulombic efficiency. Here, we report a protein-enabled film that can provide effective protection for Li metal. The protective film with an integrated design of high flexibility, strong adhesion and high Li-ion transference number (0.80) is fabricated by incorporating denatured zein (corn protein) with polyethylene oxide (PEO) acting as an agent for sustaining the denatured protein chains against refolding via the intermolecular interactions between them. Thus, a conformable zein-enabled protective film (zein@PEO) with simultaneous enhancement in flexibility, modulus and adhesion strength is generated to offer both functions of self-adapting and anion-anchoring abilities. The results show that the zein@PEO film is able to accommodate the volume change, reduce the side reactions, and homogenize the ion deposition. Benefiting from these significant properties/functions, the Li/Cu cell with the zein@PEO film delivers prolonged cycle life for over 500 hours with stable performance. Paired with LiMn2O4 cathode, the capacity, cycle stability and rate performance of the cell are remarkably improved as well, demonstrating the effectiveness in stabilizing Li metal batteries.

Enhanced protein and amino acids of corn-ethanol co-product by Mucor indicus and Rhizopus oryzae.

Upcycle of co-products from corn-ethanol plant into protein-rich animal feed with balanced key amino acids via solid-state fermentation is a promising approach to economically support both biofuel and animal feed industries. However, there are multiple types of solid-state fermentation microorganisms and growth conditions that have not been tested. In this study, Mucor indicus and Rhizopus oryzae were used to ferment corn-based wet distiller's grains with solubles (WDGS). The effects of fermentation conditions (temperature, agitation, and moisture) and supplementations (extraneous carbon and nitrogen sources) were evaluated on protein production and amino acids profiles before and after fermentation. The study established best fermentation conditions (23°C, static incubation for 4days at 70% initial moisture content) to improve protein content for both R. oryzae and M. indicus. Moreover, urea supplied to R. oryzae and M. indicus improved protein concentration by 35 and 38%, and total amino acids content by 28 and 18%, respectively. The amount of 693.1 and 451.8mg of additional total amino acids including 262.8 and 227.7mg of key amino acids (lysine, methionine, tryptophan, and arginine) was synthesized by R. oryzae and M. indicus, respectively, per supply of 536mg urea in 25g of WDGS. This study demonstrated the feasibility of urea as a low-cost nitrogen source for amino acid biosynthesis in fungal fermentation of WDGS, which could contribute to the increasing demand for high-value monogastric animal feed.

Vegetative Insecticidal Protein (Vip): A Potential Contender From Bacillus thuringiensis for Efficient Management of Various Detrimental Agricultural Pests.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium is found in various ecological habitats, and has natural entomo-pesticidal properties, due to the production of crystalline and soluble proteins during different growth phases. In addition to Cry and Cyt proteins, this bacterium also produces Vegetative insecticidal protein (Vip) during its vegetative growth phase, which is considered an excellent toxic candidate because of the difference in sequence homology and receptor sites from Cry proteins. Vip proteins are referred as second-generation insecticidal proteins, which can be used either alone or in complementarity with Cry proteins for the management of various detrimental pests. Among these Vip proteins, Vip1 and Vip2 act as binary toxins and have toxicity toward pests belonging to Hemiptera and Coleoptera orders, whereas the most important Vip3 proteins have insecticidal activity against Lepidopteran pests. These Vip3 proteins are similar to Cry proteins in terms of toxicity potential against susceptible insects. They are reported to be toxic toward pests, which can’t be controlled with Cry proteins. The Vip3 proteins have been successfully pyramided along with Cry proteins in transgenic rice, corn, and cotton to combat resistant pest populations. This review provides detailed information about the history and importance of Vip proteins, their types, structure, newly identified specific receptors, and action mechanism of this specific class of proteins. Various studies conducted on Vip proteins all over the world and the current status have been discussed. This review will give insights into the significance of Vip proteins as alternative promising candidate toxic proteins from Bt for the management of pests in most sustainable manner.

211 A Corn Protein Product Has Greater Concentration of Digestible Amino Acids and Energy Than Low-oil Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles When Fed to Pigs and May Be Used in Diets for Weanling Pigs

Abstract The hypothesis that the nutritional value of corn protein (approximately 50% protein) is greater than in two sources of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS1 and DDGS2) was tested. In Exp. 1, eight ileal-cannulated barrows (37.1 ± 2.4 kg) were allotted to a Latin square and fed a N-free diet or diets based on corn protein, DDGS1, or DDGS2. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using SAS with treatment and replicate being fixed and random effects, respectively. Concentrations of standardized ileal digestible (SID) AA were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in corn protein than in DDGS (Table 1). In Exp. 2, 32 barrows (16.5 ± 0.9 kg) in metabolism crates received diets based on, corn, corn protein, DDGS1, or DDGS2. Data were analyzed as in Exp. 1. Corn protein had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) ME compared with DDGS1 and DDGS2 (Table 1). In Exp. 3, 160 pigs (6.02 ± 0.84 kg) were allotted to 4 treatments with 8 pens per treatment. Phase 1 and 2 diets contained 0, 5, 5, or 10% and 0, 2.5, 7.5, or 10% corn protein, respectively, which replaced enzyme-treated soybean meal (HP300) or plasma in phase 1 or HP300 in phase 2. Diets were formulated using ME and SID AA values from Exp. 1 and 2. A common phase 3 diet was used. Data were analyzed as in Exp. 1. At the end of phase 1, BW was reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for pigs fed the diet with the greatest inclusion of corn protein, but there was no difference at the end of the experiment (Table 2). Fecal score tended (P = 0.066) to be reduced in phase 2 for pigs fed the greatest inclusion of corn protein. In conclusion, corn protein has greater ME and digestible AA than DDGS and may reduce fecal scores of pigs

172 Effects of Dietary Valine, Isoleucine, and Tryptophan Supplementations to Diets Containing Excess Leucine from Corn Protein on Growth Performance of Growing Pigs

Abstract An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that addition of Val, Ile, or Trp alone or in combination will reduce the negative effects of excess Leu in diets for growing pigs. A total of 288 growing pigs (28.6 ± 2.5 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 9 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. There were 2 barrows and 2 gilts in each pen and 8 replicate pens per treatment. A control diet based on corn and soybean meal and 8 diets based on corn and a high-protein corn product (48% crude protein) with 2 levels of crystalline L-Val (0 or 0.10%), L-Ile (0 or 0.10%), and L-Trp (0 or 0.05%) were formulated. The crystalline L-Val, L-Ile, and L-Trp increased standardized ileal digestible (SID) Val:Lys from 70 to 80%, SID Ile:Lys from 53 to 63%, and SID Trp:Lys from 18 to 23%, respectively. All diets were formulated to contain 1.00% SID Lys and the 8 diets containing corn protein contained 171% SID Leu:Lys. Individual pig weights were recorded at the beginning and at the conclusion of the 28-d experiment. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS with a pen as the experimental unit. Diet was the fixed effect and block and replicate within block were random effects. Results indicated that final body weight and average daily gain were not different between pigs fed the control diet and pigs fed the diet with Val and Trp addition, but greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) than for pigs fed the diet with Val addition, Ile addition, Trp addition, Val and Ile addition, Ile and Trp addition, or Val, Ile, and Trp addition (Table 1). In conclusion, addition of Val and Trp to diets with excess Leu may prevent negative effects of excess Leu in diets for growing pigs.

PSVI-13 Amino Acid Supplementation During the Adaptation Period Did Not Affect the Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Corn and Soybean Meal Fed to Pigs

Abstract The objective was to determine the influence of amino acid (AA) supplementation during the adaptation period on the ileal digestibility of crude protein and AA in corn and soybean meal (SBM). Six barrows with an initial body weight of 30.9 ± 2.6 kg fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design with 6 dietary treatments and 6 periods. Two experimental diets contained corn or SBM as the sole source of AA and an N-free diet was additionally prepared. For AA supplementation groups, an AA mixture consisted of Gly, Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Ile, Val, His, and Phe was added to the corn diet and the N-free diet at the expense of cornstarch, and an AA mixture of Lys, Met, and Thr was added to the SBM diet. All diets contained 0.5% of chromic oxide. The 6 experimental diets were fed to the pigs for 4 and half days, and the 3 diets containing AA mixture were switched to the respective diets without AA mixture during the following 2 and half days. Ileal digesta were collected during the last 2 days. The addition of AA mixture during the adaptation period caused increased apparent ileal digestibility of Arg and Trp in corn (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but did not affect that in SBM. The addition of AA mixture during the adaptation period caused increased apparent ileal digestibility of Pro and Gly regardless of feed ingredient (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but did not affect that of other AA. All AA except Pro in corn and SBM were unaffected by the addition of AA mixture during the adaptation period. In conclusion, the addition of amino acid during the adaptation period does not affect the standardized ileal digestibility of indispensable amino acids in feed ingredients.

PSIV-20 Impact of High Protein Dried Distiller Grains and Soybean Meal Inclusion Level on Grow-finish Pig Performance and Carcass Traits

Abstract High protein dried distiller grains are a novel protein source for commercial swine diets. Questions related to how concentrations of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in corn protein sources affect pig performance remain. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) grow-finish experiment was conducted at the South Dakota State University Commercial Research Facility using NexPro® protein ingredient (HPDDG) to determine the performance response of grow-finish pigs fed corrected levels of BCAA through soybean meal (SBM) or synthetic amino acids (SAA). Pigs (n = 1,170; 59.5 ± 0.48 kg) were used in a 79-d study (9 replicates per treatment). Pens of pigs were allotted to one of five dietary treatments which consisted of 1) corn-SBM diet, 2) HPDDG not corrected for BCAA levels or HPDDG corrected for BCAA levels through additions of 3) SBM, 4) 50% SBM and 50% SAA blend or 5) SAA only. The HPDDG were included in diets at 15% in phase 1 and 10% in phases 2 and 3. Additions of SAA were included to maintain a SID Ile:Lys of 65% and SID Val:Lys of 75% for BCAA corrected diets. Data was analyzed as a RCBD, pair-wise comparisons and single degree of freedom orthogonal polynomials (BCAA corrected only) were used to evaluate treatment responses, and pen served as the experimental unit for all analyses. Reducing SBM in BCAA corrected diets decreased cumulative ADG and G:F (linear; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Decreasing SBM in BCAA corrected diets tended to decrease (linear; P = 0.09) standardized fat-free lean but increase (linear; P = 0.07) dressing percent and back fat depth (quadratic; P = 0.08) while not impacting hot carcass weight (P &amp;gt; 0.14). This data indicates HPDDG is a suitable feedstuff for grow-finish swine diets at low inclusion levels due to minimal impact on performance and carcass characteristics. Correction of BCAA levels through SBM inclusion provided an improved performance response compared to SAA only.

Adaptive Variable Re-weighting and Shrinking Approach for Variable Selection in Multivariate Calibration for Near-infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract With the generation of high-dimensional data from spectroscopic instruments, the role of variable selection in spectral modeling has become very important. This research proposes a new variable selection algorithm, named adaptive variable re-weighting and shrinking approach (AVRSA), based on model population analysis (MPA) and weighted bootstrap sampling (WBS). In this algorithm, WBS is used to generate sub-datasets for modeling in each iteration round, and the variable weight and space are updated by statistically evaluating the optimal sub-models. Unlike most other variable selection methods, the average prediction performance of the optimal sub-models by AVRSA must be preferable to that of the previous iteration. The best informative variables are obtained until no further optimal sub-models are generated. This method is checked on three near infrared (NIR) datasets. Three variable selection methods, including competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), MonteCarlo uninformative variable elimination (MC-UVE) and iteratively variable subset optimization (IVSO), are used for comparison. Compared with these variable selection algorithms, AVRSA selects the least informative variables, which is convenient for the development of portable instruments. Compared with the full-spectrum PLS model, the root mean square error of the validation set (RMSEP) of corn starch is decreased from 0.2614 to 0.1093, and the RMSEP of corn protein is decreased from 0.0977 to 0.0374. In addition, the RMSEP of the wheat dataset is decreased from 0.2585 to 0.2157, and the RMSEP of the wheat kernel dataset is decreased from 0.7816 to 0.6661. The results show that the proposed method is very efficient for the high-dimensional spectrum to find the best variables and improve the model's prediction performance.

Growth performance and total tract digestibility in broiler chickens fed different corn hybrids

The aim of the present study was to investigate the variability in nutrient digestibility associated with corn genetic background and its influence on the feeding value for broiler chickens. A total of 960 1-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were distributed in eight treatments, with 12 pens per treatment and 10 birds per pen in a 42-day study. Eight corn samples (Variety 1 to Variety 8) were selected based on their nutrient composition. A fixed amount of each corn (577 g/kg in the starter diets and 662 g/kg in the finisher diets) was used to formulate feeds. Diets were offered ad libitum in pellet form. Performance parameters were determined at d 21 and d 42, and excreta samples collected at d 21 to determine energy, organic matter and dry matter (DM) whole-tract digestibility. The results revealed a decrease (P < 0.05) in body weight (BW) and feed intake in birds fed variety 8 compared to other varieties at d 21. The lowest whole tract DM and energy apparent digestibility were also observed for the variety 8 diet (P < 0.05), together with varieties 3 and 5. Energy digestibility was higher in varieties 2, 4 and 7 (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that corn protein concentration was positively correlated with vitreousness (r = 0.60, P = 0.054) and the arabinose:xylose ratio (r = 0.67, P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with starch (r = -0.62, P < 0.05). Soluble non-starch polysaccharide content was negatively correlated with the protein solubility index (r = -0.88, P < 0.05). In addition, corn protein concentration was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with 21-d BW (r = -0.71) and weight gain (r = -0.62). In conclusion, the corn genetic background influenced the nutrient digestibility and growth performance of broiler chickens. The content and nature of the non-starch polysaccharides were found to be two of the main factors affecting the solubility and availability of nutrients in corn, and could be the reason for the negative effects on the performance of broiler chickens as shown in the present study.