Rapeseed Meal Research Articles

Nitrilase GiNIT from Gibberella intermedia Efficiently Degrades Nitriles Derived from Rapeseed Meal Glucosinolate

Rapeseed meal is severely restricted in its utilization as unconventional animal feed due to anti-nutritive compounds, such as glucosinolate, that are degraded to toxic nitriles such as 3-butenenitrile and 4-pentenenitrile in animals. Few studies on nitrilases that can degrade glucosinolate-derived nitriles have been reported thus far. In the present study, a nitrilase gene GiNIT from Gibberella intermedia was over-expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified recombinant nitrilase rGiNIT showed specific activities of 134.48 U/mg and 122.16 U/mg when using 3-butenenitrile and 4-pentenenitrile as substrates at the optimal pH, 7.5, and temperature, 45 °C, which is the highest reported in the literature. The conversion of 3-butenenitrile and 4-pentenenitrile by rGiNIT reached 81.89% and 80.23% after hydrolysis for 15 min and 300 min, respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis and molecular docking analysis revealed that the catalytic ability of rGiNIT depended on the substrate binding pocket comprising 13 key amino acid residues. These results provide a potential enzyme resource for rapeseed meal detoxification and theoretical guidance for protein engineering.

Effects of substituting soybean meal with fermented rapeseed meal mixture on the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, blood biochemical indices and intestinal barrier function in Langshan Chickens

This study aimed to explore the effects of substituting soybean meal with a mixture of solid-state fermented rapeseed meal, apple pomace, and wheat bran on the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, blood biochemical indices and intestinal barrier function of Langshan chickens. A total of 144 30-day-old Langshan chickens with similar body weights were randomly divided into three treatment groups, with six replicates per group and eight chickens per replicate: the control group (CON) was fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet, while the rapeseed meal mixture group (RSM) and the fermented rapeseed meal mixture group (FRSM) were fed diets substituting 5 % of soybean meal with rapeseed meal mixture and fermented rapeseed meal mixture, respectively. The trial lasted from 30 to 58 days of age. The results showed that compared to the CON group, the RSM group exhibited no significant changes in average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio (F/G) (P > 0.05); the dressing percentage, half-eviscerated yield and eviscerated yield decreased (P < 0.05); the pH24h and yellowness of breast muscle increased (P < 0.05); the crypt depth of the jejunum decreased, and the villus height/crypt depth ratio increased (P < 0.05); the serum D-lactic acid content decreased (P < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, the FRSM group exhibited no significant changes in ADFI, ADG and F/G (P > 0.05); the eviscerated yield increased (P < 0.05); the serum glucose and uric acid levels decreased (P < 0.05); the crypt depth of the jejunum decreased, and the villus height/crypt depth ratio increased (P < 0.05); the serum D-lactic acid content decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared to the RSM group, the FRSM group exhibited no significant changes in ADFI, ADG and F/G (P > 0.05); the dressing percentage, half-eviscerated yield and eviscerated yield increased (P < 0.05); the pH24h of breast muscle decreased; the serum glucose and uric acid levels decreased (P < 0.05).In conclusion, RSM reduced the slaughter performance of Langshan chickens, while FRSM improved their slaughter performance. Both RSM and FRSM improved the jejunal morphology and intestinal permeability in Langshan chickens. In conclusion, fermentation improved the feed value of the rapeseed meal mixture; replacing part of the soybean meal diet with fermented rapeseed meal mixture helped improve the slaughter performance and intestinal barrier of Langshan chickens.

Improving nutrient digestibility and health in rabbits: effect of fermented rapeseed meal supplementation on haematological and lipid parameters of blood

BackgroundMany studies conducted on livestock point to fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) as a component that provides adequate quality and quantity of protein. Additionally, it is a very good source of probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants. A study was undertaken to assess the impact of a feed supplemented with FRSM fermented with Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y on production parameters, nutrient digestibility, and haematological and lipid indicators of the blood in growing rabbits. Forty New Zealand White rabbits (body weight 816,25 ± 24,98 g) aged 35 days were used in this study. The animals were divided into four groups, a control group (C) was fed a standard diet, while in the diet of three experimental groups, soybean meal (SBM) was replaced with FRSM at 4% (FR4 group), 8% (FR8 group), or 12% (FR12 group).ResultsDetailed analysis revealed that the contribution of FRSM in the rabbit feed, regardless of the amount, had a significant effect on body weight gain (BWG), as well as average daily gain (ADG), compared to the control group (C), (P = 0.017). All groups receiving FRSM had a significantly lower (P = 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. In rabbits fed a diet containing 8% FRSM, the blood haematological parameters, such as red blood cells (RBC), haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (HGB), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), were significantly higher compared to the control group (P = 0.037). In addition, a significant reduction in the plasma levels of the low-density lipoprotein fraction (LDL-chol), the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (CHOL/HDL), (P = 0.001), and triacylglycerols (TG), (P = 0.004) were observed in the experimental groups compared to the control group.ConclusionsBased on the encouraging outcomes, it is possible to recommend domestically produced FRSM as a viable substitute for genetically-modified (GM) SBM in rabbit feed.

Co-fermentation with multiple-strains and cellulase enhances the nutritional quality of hot-pressed rapeseed meal by modifying its physicochemical properties

The thermal damage of proteins and the presence of anti-nutritional factors seriously affect the quality of hot-pressed rapeseed meal (RSM), thereby limiting its utilization in the feed and food industry. Previously, we developed a co-fermentation method with multi-strains and cellulase that can simultaneously degrade the protein and anti-nutrient components in hot-pressed RSM. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of fermentation on the physicochemical properties and nutritional value of hot-pressed RSM. After fermentation, the levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and glucosinolate (GLS) in hot pressed RSM decreased by 41.47% and 77.30%, respectively, and the trichloroacetic acid-soluble protein (TASP) and lysine contents increased by 1007.62% and 65.25%, respectively. During the fermentation process, the extensive hydrolysis of rapeseed protein resulted in a 49.11% yield of peptides < 3K Da, and intensified the umami, saltiness, sweetness, and bitterness of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM). Animal experiments demonstrated that co-fermentation effectively enhances the ileal digestibility of most amino acids in hot-pressed RSM, as well as the deposition of nitrogen and energy, thereby improving the growth of growing pigs. Overall, the co-fermentation with microbes and cellulase is an effective strategy for enhancing the quality of hot-pressed RSM.

Co-fermentation of hot-pressed rapeseed meal with multiple strains and cellulase: Evaluating changes in protein quality and metabolite profiles

Hot-pressed rapeseed meal (RSM) is rich in resources, but high fiber content and low protein utilization result from high temperature processing. This study aims to obtain a high-quality protein source through the fermentation of hot-pressed RSM. We used Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken designs to optimize parameters for solid state fermentation with Bacillus subtilis strain 5, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger. Under the optimum conditions, the synergistic fermentation with multiple strains and cellulase significantly reduced anti-nutritional factors in hot-pressed RSM, while also increasing protein solubility, digestibility and extraction rate by 466.80%, 45.56% and 816.44%, respectively. 77 enzymes secreted by fermentation strains were identified in fermented hot-pressed RSM, which were mainly involved in the metabolism of proteins, peptides and amino acids (28.6%), energy (28.5%), carbohydrates (13.0%) and lipids (5.2%). Non-targeted metabonomics identified 1245 differential metabolites, with the top five being peptides and amino acids, lipids, heterocyclic compounds, alkaloids, and organic acids. These differential metabolites enhanced the nutritional, functional and flavor properties of fermented hot-pressed RSM. Among them, 702 differential metabolites were enriched into metabolic pathways, with the largest number of pathways associated with amino acid metabolism. These results hold important implications for understanding the quality of fermented hot pressed RSM.

Productive, internal organ and intestinal histomorphological characteristics of broiler chickens in response to dietary rapeseed meal: A meta-analysis.

The use of rapeseed as a source of protein in broiler chicken diets has been highlighted. However, there are inconsistent findings on the performance data of broiler chickens fed rapeseed meal (RSM). Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to resolve the inconsistent findings on the effect of RSM on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens, identify knowledge gaps and create new insights using published data. Fourteen studies on the topic were identified via a systematic search performed on bibliographic databases, and the data generated was analysed using OpenMEE software. A random-effects model was used, and effect sizes were presented as standardised mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Sources of heterogeneity were evaluated using broiler strains, inclusion levels, processing methods, rearing phases and sex as moderators. In comparison with the controls, the results showed that RSM decreased feed intake (SMD = -0.29; 95% Cl: -0.41, -0.18; p < 0.001), average daily gain (SMD = -0.48; 95% Cl: -0.63, -0.32; p < 0.001), and liver weight (SMD = 1.24; 95% Cl: 0.78, 1.71; p < 0.001), but had no effect on feed conversion ratio (SMD = 0.10; 95% Cl: -0.05, 0.23; p = 0.19). Likewise, broiler chickens fed RSM had significantly reduced carcass yield, weights of thigh, abdominal fat and heart when compared with the control. Results indicate that duodenum villus height (DVH) and jejunum villus height (JVH)/crypt depth (CD) ratios were improved in broiler chickens fed RSM. Meta-regression revealed that the analysed moderators are significant predictors of feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens. In conclusion, dietary RSM negatively influenced growth performance, liver weight and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens, but improved aspects of intestinal histomorphology traits. Therefore, innovative research on processing methods that will improve the feeding value of rapeseed meal in broiler chickens is recommended.

Dietary Clostridium butyricum metabolites mitigated the disturbances in growth, immune response and gut health status of Ctenopharyngodon idella subjected to high cottonseed and rapeseed meal diet

Cottonseed meal and rapeseed meal exhibit a potential for fishmeal substitute in grass carp feed, while their excessive use contribute to growth decline and weakening immunity of aquatic animals. Clostridium butyricum metabolites (CBM) was recognized as a functional additive due to its antioxidant properties and maintenance of intestinal microbiota balance. CBM was added to a high of cottonseed and rapeseed meal diet to determine its effects on growth, immunity, and intestinal microbiota alterations of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) over 56 days. Eight hundred grass carp (mean weight, around 50 g) were randomized to five treatments and fed with the basic diet (CON), CBM0 diet (28 % cottonseed and 27 % rapeseed meal), and CBM diets (CBM0.5, CBM1, and CBM2, namely CBM0 diet supplemented with 500, 1000, and 2000 mg kg−1 CBM). The results indicated that compared to CBM0, The ingestion of 1000 mg kg−1 CBM diet by grass carp significantly promoted growth as measured by intestinal lipase activity, villus height, and muscle thickness. Moreover, accompanied by a decrease in intestine MDA content, and enhance antioxidant capacity by activating Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to increase enzyme activities (SOD, CAT and T-AOC) and corresponding gene expression (mnsod, cat, gsto and gpx1) in the intestine of grass crap fed CBM1 diet. The dietary CBM1 diet increased serum levels of C3 and IgM, increased ACP activity and expression of the corresponding anti-inflammatory factors (tgf-β1 and il-15), and suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory factors (tnf-α and il-12β), resulting in enhanced immunity. The dietary CBM1 diet up-regulates gene expression of tight junction proteins (zo-1, occludin, occludin7a and occludin-c), coupled with the decreases in DAO and D-lactate contents, implying that the decreased mucosal permeability could be observed in the gut. The dietary CBM1 diet largely altered the intestinal microbial community, especially reducing the relative abundance of intestinal pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus and Actinomyces). And it significantly increased the content of short-chain fatty acids (acetic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, propionic acid and isovaleric acid). Taken above, dietary CBM supplementation improved growth in grass carp and attenuated the intestinal oxidative stress, inflammation and microflora dysbacteriosis caused by high proportions of cottonseed and rapeseed meal diets.

Study on Rumen Degradability and Intestinal Digestibility of Mutton Sheep Diets with Different Concentrate-to-Forage Ratios and Nonfiber Carbohydrates/Neutral Detergent Fiber Ratios.

This study was conducted to investigate the rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility of mutton sheep diets different in concentrate-to-forage ratio, NFC/NDF, and ingredient combination, providing a guideline for the selection of a fattening diet for mutton sheep. Twenty-eight diets composed of four raw material combinations and seven concentrate-to-forage ratios and four three-year-old mutton sheep with permanent rumen fistulas were used in the experiments. The nutrient composition of the diets was first analyzed, and then an in situ method and in vitro three-step method were separately used to measure the rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility, mainly focusing on the effects of dietary concentrate-to-forage ratio and NFC/NDF as well as the effects of soybean meal and soybean meal replacement and peanut vine and peanut vine replacement. The results showed that a dietary concentrate-to-forage ratio of 70:30~80:20 and an NFC/NDF ratio of 1.5~2.0 are recommended for fattening mutton sheep, and low-cost cottonseed meal and rapeseed meal can be feasible alternative protein sources to soybean meal. In addition, the nutritional values of sunflower seed hulls and rice hulls for mutton sheep are lower than that of peanut vine. Such a study can provide practical guidelines for enterprises and farmers, being of important significance for the high-quality development of the mutton sheep industry.

Lactobacilli-Based Pro and Postbiotic Efficacy Are Also Influenced by Other Factors Than Dietary Challenging Conditions.

The present study aimed to confirm the previously reported 'recovery' effect to a challenging diet (CD) of a Lactobacilli-based probiotic (Pro) and its derived postbiotic (Post) in broilers. Identical diet compositions were used, and observations were extended to a second CD diet. A completely randomised block design of 2 × 3 treatment groups with two CDs and three additive conditions (Control, Pro, Post) was used. One additional group received a standard diet (SD). The study involved 1600 one-day-old Ross 308 male broilers. All diets, fed from d1 to 35, were formulated to contain identical nutrients levels, with CDs formulated to be greater than SD in nonstarch polysaccharides using rye and barley (Rye CD) or dry distiller grains with soluble, sunflower and rapeseed meal (DDGS CD). Growth performance parameters, footpad lesions (FPL) score and plasma Ca, P and uric acid concentrations were measured. Compared to SD, birds fed Rye CD and DDGS CD had a higher 1-35 days feed conversion ratio (+3.4 and +4.1%, respectively), due to a higher feed intake for Rye CD (+2.9%) and a lower body weight for DDGS CD (-4.1%). An effect of additive was restricted to Rye CD where Post depressed BW at d28 and d35 (-3.7 and -2.4%, respectively). Compared to Rye CD, DDGS CD lowered plasma Ca/P at d21 (-9.0%) and d35 (-8.1%) and uric acid at d21 (-26%). Pro increased plasma Ca in Rye CD at d21 (+12%) and Post decreased plasma uric acid in DDGS CD at d35 (-25%). All other plasma parameters were not affected. The previously observed recovery effect of a commercial probiotic and postbiotic were not reproducible under highly similar growth conditions, which suggests that both may have specific physiological effects which are only expressed under specific circumstances.

Investigations into the chemical composition and nutritional value of different batches of rapeseed meals for turkey poults

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition and feeding value of rapeseed meal (RSM) batches produced at the same plant when fed to turkey poults. In total, seven RSM samples were obtained from a single manufacturer within a period of 90 days. Although the manufacturer followed the same procedures during oil extraction and RSM production, different batches of rapeseed were used. A balancer feed (BF) was formulated to contain 11.85 MJ/kg ME and 265 g/kg crude protein. Seven nutritionally complete test mash diets were prepared by mixing 200 g/kg of each RSM batch sample with 800 g/kg of the BF, totalling 8 diets. Diets were fed to female B.U.T. Premium turkeys from 12 to 21 d of age. Each diet was fed to six raised floor pens, housing two birds, following randomisation. During the experiment, a nitrogen corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) assay was performed using a total collection technique. The AMEn in RSM samples was calculated based on the differences between the AMEn values of basal and test diets. Associations were examined between AMEn and the chemical composition of the RSM samples. The overall determined AMEn value of the RSM ranged from 5.50 MJ/kg DM to 8.53 MJ/kg DM, giving an average AMEn of 7.29 MJ/kg DM. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in AMEn content between batches. There was a negative correlation (r = – 0.864; p < 0.05) between AMEn values and the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content of the RSM samples. The results suggest that the NDF could be a good predictor of the AMEn of industry produced RSM. It may be inferred that processing rather than cultivar could be the main factor determining the feeding value of RSM for turkeys.

Fermented Rapeseed Meal as a Dietary Intervention to Improve Mineral Utilization and Bone Health in Weaned Piglets.

This study examined the effects of incorporating fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) into the diet of newly weaned piglets on mineral digestibility and bone health. Experimental diets containing varying levels of FRSM (8%, 12%, 15%, and 25%) were introduced to the piglets at 18 days of age, prior to weaning at 28 days. These diets were continued until the piglets were euthanized at 42 days of age. Mineral absorption was assessed using the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) method and blood plasma element analysis, while bone mineral content and mechanical properties were evaluated through densitometry and three-point bending tests. The results showed that intermediate levels of FRSM (12-15%) significantly enhanced the digestibility of key minerals, including phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron. This improvement was linked to increased femoral mineral content and bone stiffness, as well as a higher yield point, likely due to enhanced collagen synthesis. Additionally, there was an increase in bone fracture load and fracture stress, potentially due to changes in the organization of the bone mineral phase, as no changes in bone mid-shaft mineral density or geometry were observed. These findings suggest FRSM as a promising dietary component for improving mineral bioavailability and bone health in piglets.

Replacing soybean meal with fermented rapeseed meal in diets: potential effects on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and liver and intestinal health of juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study aims to evaluate the effects of substituting soybean meal with fermented rapeseed meal (FRM) on growth, antioxidant capacity, and liver and intestinal health of the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus). A total of 450 tilapia (7.22 ± 0.15g) were fed with five experimental diets, including a basal diet containing 40% soybean meal (CP0), which was subsequently replaced by 25% (CP25), 50% (CP50), 75% (CP75), and 100% (CP100) FRM in a recirculated aquiculture system for 9weeks (30 fish per tank in triplicates). The results showed that the weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, feed efficiency, hepatosomatic index, and viscerosomatic index of fish in both CP75 and CP100 groups were significantly lower than those in CP0 group (P < 0.05). The fish in CP100 group had the lower content of muscle crude protein while the higher level of muscle crude lipid (P < 0.05). Activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase along with total triglyceride in CP100 group were significantly higher than those in CP0 group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the contents of liver protease, amylase, and lipase among five groups (P > 0.05). The activities of liver total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase exhibited the increased tendency with the increase of FRM replacement levels from 25 to 50% (P < 0.05), while then significantly decreased from 75 to 100% (P < 0.05). Histological morphology indicated that the fish in between CP75 and CP100 groups had poor liver and intestine health. Intestinal microbial diversity analysis showed that the relative abundance of Cetobacterium and Alcaligenaceae in both CP75 and CP100 groups were lower than that in other three groups. In conclusion, the maximum replacement level of soybean meal with FRM in the diet was determined to be 50% without compromising the growth performance, antioxidant status, and liver and intestinal health of tilapia under the current experimental conditions. The observed decrease in food intake and subsequent retarded growth performance in the CP75 and CP100 groups can be attributed directly to a reduction in feed palatability caused by FRM.

The Influence of Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization on Oil Quality and Seed Meal in Different Genotypes of Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)

Adequate nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilization of oilseed rape crops is necessary to obtain good-quality oil and post-extraction rapeseed meal. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different doses of N fertilization (100, 160 and 220 kg ha−1) and S (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha−1) on the value of seeds of three winter oilseed rape genotypes. Two winter oilseed rape genotypes obtained by mutagenesis (cultivar Polka and breeding genotype PN440) were characterized by changed fatty acid profile. The cultivar Polka, type HO (high oleic), had a high content of oleic acid (C18:1, 78.0%) and the breeding genotype PN440, type HOLL (high-oleic and low-linolenic), had a high content of oleic acid (C18:1, 75.0%) and a low content of linolenic acid (C18:3, 3.0%). We also used the canola type of winter oilseed rape cultivar, Monolit. The analysed winter oilseed rape genotypes responded similarly to the N and S fertilization factors with regard to the content of crude fat and total protein in the seeds and the composition of fatty acids in the oil. N fertilization increased the content of glucosinolates (GLS-alkenyl, indole and total) in seeds, whereas S application decreased the content of saturated fatty acids (stearic acid-C18:0) in oil and increased the content of alkenyl and total glucosinolates (GLSs) in seeds. A significant interaction between N and S was observed for crude-fat and total-protein content. This study suggests that ensuring an adequate supply of both nitrogen and sulfur in the soil is essential for optimizing meal and oil quality in different types of winter oilseed rape cultivars. Proper management of these nutrients can lead to improved oil content and overall crop performance.

Study of the possibility of modulating the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome of rabbits fed fermented rapeseed meal

Abstract Understanding digestive functions and the role of microorganisms in the prevention of gastrointestinal and systemic diseases may be a strategy for preventing intestinal dysbiosis during critical periods of animal rearing, strengthening the immune system and reducing herd mortality. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the addition of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) to the diet of rabbits on the composition of the bacterial microbiota of the caecal contents. The experiment was conducted using 40 35-day-old rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) assigned to four groups of 10 animals each. Animals in the control group (group C) were fed a standard diet, while the experimental groups received 4% (group E1), 8% (group E2) or 12% (group E3) dried FRSM in place of the previously used soybean meal (SBM). After 120 days, six rabbits (three males and three females), of average size and intended for slaughter, were selected from each group. The contents of the caecum were collected from these animals for metagenomic analysis. The research showed that the microbiome of the caecum of rabbits shows low diversity at higher phylogenetic levels, but is highly diverse at lower levels. The study showed no directly proportional relationship between the various groups of microorganisms inhabiting the digestive tract and the share of fermented rapeseed meal used in the diet. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the microbiome of rabbits fed diets with the inclusion of fermented feed components.

Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal with Cottonseed Meal, Peanut Meal, Rapeseed Meal, or Distillers' Dried Grains with Solubles on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Serum Parameters, and Rumen Fermentation in Growing Lambs.

Considering the frequently large price fluctuations for soybean meal, an alternative is the increased use of locally produced high-protein ingredients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the total replacement of soybean meal with different sources of protein on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum parameters, rumen fermentation parameters, and bacterial communities in growing lambs. Sixty sheep with similar body weights (38.46 ± 0.71 kg) were distributed to one of five treatments: soybean meal (SBM); cottonseed meal (COM); peanut meal (PEM); rapeseed meal (RAM); and distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The experiment lasted 62 days with a 10-day adaptation period and a 52-day growing period. The results indicated that the body weight and average daily gain were not affected by different protein sources (p > 0.05), but the dry matter intake of the SBM group was lower than that of the other groups (p < 0.05); otherwise, the feed efficiency was higher (p < 0.05). The digestion of dry matter was higher in the SBM, COM, and RAM groups than in the DDGS and PEM groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, compared to the other groups, the SBM group had the highest digestion of gross energy and crude protein (p < 0.05). In addition, the concentration of glutathione peroxidase was highest in the SBM group (p < 0.05). Regarding the rumen fermentation, the SBM group had the highest concentration of NH3-N (p < 0.05). The rumen bacterial community was not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the total replacement of soybean meal with cottonseed, peanut, rapeseed, or DDGS reduced digestibility but did not impact the body weight or average daily gain of growing lambs and had no effect on the immune function and rumen bacterial community; thus, they can be used to substitute the soybean meal.

Screening of glucosinolates degrading lactic acid bacteria and their utilization in rapeseed meal fermentation

Rapeseed meal is a promising food ingredient, but its utilization is limited by the presence of some potentially harmful ingredients, such as glucosinolates. Fermentation is a cost-effective method of detoxication but a food-grade starter culture with glucosinolates degradation capacity is required. In this study, 46 strains of lactic acid bacteria from traditional paocai brines were screened for their ability to glucosinolate degradation. The results showed that more than 50% of the strains significantly degraded glucosinolates. Two strains of Lactiplantibacillus (p7 and s7) with high capacity of glucosinolates degradation through producing enzymes were identified. Then, an optimized condition for rapeseed meal fermentation by p7 was established to degrade glucosinolates, which can achieve about 80% degradation. UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis showed that the degradation rate of individual glucosinolates was different and the degradation rate of gluconapin and progoitrin in rapeseed meal can reach more than 90%. Meanwhile, fermentation with p7 can improve safety of rapeseed meal by inhibiting the growth of Enterobacteriaceae and improve its nutritional properties by degrading phytic acid. The in vitro digestion experiments showed that the content of glucosinolates in rapeseed meal decreased significantly during gastric digestion. Meanwhile, fermentation with p7 can greatly improve the release of soluble protein and increase the contents of free essential amino acids, such as lysine (increased by 12 folds) and methionine (increased by 10 folds).

Predicting metabolizable energy of soybean meal and rapeseed meal from chemical composition in broilers of different ages

This study determined metabolizable energy (ME) and developed ME prediction equations for broilers based on chemical composition of soybean meal (SBM) and rapeseed meal (RSM) using a 2 × 10 factorial arrangement of age (11 to 14 or 25 to 28 d of age) and 10 sources of each ingredient. Each treatment contained 6 replicates of 8 broilers. The ME values were determined by total collection of feces and urine. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the chemical composition clearly revealed distinct differences in SBM and RSM based on a principal components (PC) score plot. The nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of SBM was higher in broilers from 25 to 28 than 11 to 14 d of age (P = 0.013). Interactions between broiler age and ingredient source affected apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of SBM and ME of RSM (P < 0.05). The ME of SBM in 11 to 14 and 25 to 28-day-old broilers were estimated by crude protein (CP) content (R2≥ 0.782; SEP ≤ 83 kcal/kg DM; P < 0.001). The AME and AMEn of RSM in 11 to 14-day-old broilers were estimated by ether extract (EE), ash and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (R2 = 0.897, SEP = 106 kcal/kg DM; P = 0.002), and by EE and ash (R2 = 0.885, SEP = 98 kcal/kg DM; P = 0.001), respectively. The AME and AMEn of RSM in 25 to 28-day-old broilers were estimated by ash and ADF (R2 = 0.925, SEP = 104 kcal/kg DM; P < 0.001) and by ash and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (R2 = 0.921, SEP = 91 kcal/kg DM; P < 0.001), respectively. These results indicate that ME of these 2 plant protein ingredients are affected interactively by chemical composition and age of broilers. This study developed robust, age-specific prediction equations of ME for broilers based on chemical composition for SBM and RSM. Overall, ME values can be predicted from CP content for SBM, or EE, ash, ADF, and NDF for RSM.

Electrochemical advanced oxidation of glucosinolates derived from rapeseed meal: Parameter optimization, degradation mechanism and toxicity assessment

Glucosinolates (GLS) are a group of antinutritional compounds present in rapeseed meal that limit its use as feed ingredients. Considering their potentially hazardous effects on both the aquatic environment and animal health, it is necessary to develop green and efficient degradation options for GLS. In the current work, the electrochemical advanced oxidation technology with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode was initially employed for the degradation of GLS. To facilitate parameter optimization, a sequential strategy comprising a definitive screening design and a central composite rotatable design was implemented. Particular attention was paid to the differing roles of five electrolyte salts (NaCl, NaNO3, Na2SO4, NaHCO3 and Na3PO4) during the electrolytic oxidations. The optimal conditions for GLS degradation were found to be a flow rate of 400 mL min−1, a applied current density of 7.75 mA cm−2 and a 2.0 mM NaNO3 medium, yielding mineralization of 82.2 % at 120 min of electrolysis. By combining the results of computational simulation and LC/MS analysis, four possible degradation pathways of allyl GLS at the BDD anode were proposed. And the ecotoxicity of each detected degradation product was determined using the ECOSAR program. Further biological toxicity assay revealed that crude GLS electrolysis reduced the toxicity on model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, reducing its death percentage by 26.80 % and its lipofuscin level by 37.59 % at 48 h. The results showed great promise of BDD technology in engineering applications as a powerful option for the treatment of GLS derived from rapeseed meal.

Effect of dietary protein source and Saccharina latissima on nutritional and safety characteristics of milk.

Wheat distillers' grains (WDG) and seaweeds are recommended as alternative protein sources and enteric methane mitigators in dairy cow diets, respectively, but little is known about their impact on milk quality and safety. In the present study, 16 cows in four 4 × 4 Latin squares were fed isonitrogenous diets (50:50 forage:concentrate ratio), with rapeseed meal (RSM)-based or WDG-based concentrate (230 and 205 g kg-1 dry matter) and supplemented with or without Saccharina latissima. Replacement of RSM with WDG enhanced milk nutritional profile by decreasing milk atherogenicity (P = 0.002) and thrombogenicity (P = 0.019) indices and the concentrations of the nutritionally undesirable saturated fatty acids - specifically, lauric (P = 0.045), myristic (P = 0.022) and palmitic (P = 0.007) acids. It also increased milk concentrations of the nutritionally beneficial vaccenic (P < 0.001), oleic (P = 0.030), linoleic (P < 0.001), rumenic (P < 0.001) and α-linolenic (P = 0.012) acids, and total monounsaturated (P = 0.044), polyunsaturated (P < 0.001) and n-6 (P < 0.001) fatty acids. Feeding Saccharina latissima at 35.7 g per cow per day did not affect the nutritionally relevant milk fatty acids or pose any risk on milk safety, as bromoform concentrations in milk were negligible and unaffected by the dietary treatments. However, it slightly reduced milk concentrations of pantothenate. Feeding WDG to dairy cows improved milk fatty acid profiles, by increasing the concentrations of nutritionally beneficial fatty acids and reducing the concentration of nutritionally undesirable saturated fatty acids, while feeding seaweed slightly reduced pantothenate concentrations. However, when considering the current average milk intakes in the population, the milk compositional differences between treatments in this study appear relatively small to have an effect on human health. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of source and frequency of rumen-protected protein supplementation on mammary gland amino acid metabolism and nitrogen balance of dairy cattle

The AA profile of MP affects mammary gland metabolism and milk N efficiency of dairy cattle. Further, the frequency of dietary protein supplementation may influence N partitioning leading to reduced N excretion. This study investigated the effect of source and frequency of rumen-protected (RP) protein supplementation on apparent total-tract digestibility, milk production, mammary gland AA metabolism, and N balance of dairy cattle. Twenty-eight Holstein-Friesian cows (2.3 ± 0.9 lactations; 93 ± 27 DIM; mean ± SD) were used in a randomized complete block design and fed a basal TMR consisting of 41% corn silage, 32% grass silage, and 27% concentrate (DM basis) and formulated to meet 100% and 95% of net energy and MP requirements, respectively. Cows were adapted to the basal TMR in a freestall barn for 7 d, moved to individual tiestalls for 13 d of adaptation to dietary treatments, and then moved into climate respiration chambers for a 4-d measurement period. Treatments consisted of the basal TMR (CON; 159 g CP/kg DM) or the basal TMR including 1 of 3 iso-MP supplements: (1) 315-g mixture of RP soybean meal and RP rapeseed meal fed daily (ST-RPSR), (2) 384-g mixture of RP His, RP Lys, and RP Met fed daily (ST-RPAA), and (3) 768-g mixture of RP His, RP Lys, and RP Met fed every other day (OS-RPAA). The basal TMR with the addition of treatment supplements was designed to deliver 100% of required MP over a 48-h period. The mixture of His, Lys, and Met was formulated to deliver digestible AA in amounts relative to their concentration in casein. Compared with ST-RPSR, ST-RPAA increased milk protein and fat concentration, increased the arterial concentration of total His, Lys, and Met (HLM), decreased mammary clearance of HLM, and increased clearance of Phe, Leu, and Tyr (tendency for Leu and Tyr). Rumen-protected protein source did not affect N balance, but the marginal use efficiency (efficiency of transfer of RP protein supplement into milk protein) of ST-RPAA (67%) was higher than that of ST-RPSR (17%). Milk protein concentration decreased with OS-RPAA compared with ST-RPAA. Arterial concentration of HLM increased on the nonsupplemented day compared with the supplemented day with OS-RPAA, and there was no difference in arterial HLM concentration across days with ST-RPAA. Mammary uptake of HLM tended to increase on the nonsupplemented day compared with the supplemented day with OS-RPAA. Supplementation frequency of RP AA did not affect N balance or overall milk N efficiency, but the marginal use efficiency of OS-RPAA (49%) was lower compared with ST-RPAA. Overall, mammary glands responded to an increased supply of His, Lys, and Met by reducing efflux of other EAA when RP His, RP Lys, and RP Met were supplemented compared with RP plant proteins. Mammary glands increased sequestration of EAA (primarily HLM) on the nonsupplemented day with OS-RPAA, but supplementing RP AA according to a 24-h oscillating pattern did not increase N efficiency over static supplementation.