Mineral Retention Research Articles

Cold Extrusion but Not Coating Affects Iron Bioavailability from Fortified Rice in Young Women and Is Associated with Modifications in Starch Microstructure and Mineral Retention during Cooking

Background: Rice can be fortified with the use of hot or cold extrusion or coating, but the nutritional qualities of the resulting rice grains have never been directly compared.Objective: Using fortified rice produced by coating or hot or cold extrusion, we compared 1) iron and zinc absorption with the use of stable isotopes, 2) iron and zinc retention during cooking, and 3) starch microstructure.Methods: We conducted 2 studies in young women: in study 1 [n = 19; mean ± SD age: 26.2 ± 3.4 y; body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2): 21.3 ± 1.6], we compared the fractional iron absorption (FAFe) from rice meals containing isotopically labeled ferric prophosphate (57FePP), zinc oxide (ZnO), citric acid, and micronutrients fortified through hot extrusion (HER1) with rice meals fortified through cold extrusion containing 57FePP, ZnO, citric acid, and micronutrients (CER); in study 2 (n = 22; age: 24 ± 4 y; BMI: 21.2 ± 1.3), we compared FAFe and fractional zinc absorption (FAZn) from rice meals fortified through hot extrusion (HER2) compared with rice meals fortified through coating containing 57FePP, ZnO, a citric acid and trisodium cirate mixture (CA/TSC), and micronutrients (COR) relative to rice meals extrinsically fortified with ferrous sulfate (reference). Rice types HER1 and CER contained citric acid, whereas types HER2 and COR contained CA/TSC. We assessed retention during standardized cooking experiments and characterized the rice starch microstructure.Results: FAFe (95% CI) was greater from CER [2.2% (1.4%, 3.4%)] than from HER1 [1.2% (0.7%, 2.0%)] (P = 0.036). There was no difference in FAFe between HER2 [5.1% (3.7%, 7.1%)] and COR [4.0% (2.9%, 5.4%)] (P = 0.14), but FAFe from COR was lower than that from the reference meal [6.6% (4.9%, 9.0%)] (P = 0.003), and the geometric mean FAZn (95% CI) did not differ between HER2 [9.5% (7.9%, 11.6%)] and COR [9.6% (8.7%, 10.7%)] (P = 0.92). Cooking in a rice-to-water ratio of 1:2 resulted in iron and zinc retentions >80%, and cooking in excess water did not affect iron retention from hot-extruded rice but caused iron losses of 25% from CER and COR. Distinct variations in starch microstructure were found in CER and HER1.Conclusions: Iron absorption was 64% higher from CER than from hot-extruded rice, with no difference between COR compared with hot-extruded rice. Lower extrusion temperatures may generate a more readily digestible starch structure, allowing for greater iron release in vivo but lower mineral retention during cooking. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02176759.

Mineral surface-reactive metabolites secreted during fungal decomposition contribute to the formation of soil organic matter.

Soil organic matter (SOM) constitutes the largest terrestrial C pool. An emerging, untested, view is that oxidation and depolymerization of SOM by microorganisms promote the formation of SOM-mineral associations that is critical for SOM stabilization. To test this hypothesis, we performed laboratory-scale experiments involving one ectomycorrhizal and one saprotrophic fungus that represent the two major functional groups of microbial decomposers in the boreal forest soils. Fungal decomposition enhanced the retention of SOM on goethite, partly because of oxidative modifications of organic matter (OM) by the fungi. Moreover, both fungi secreted substantial amounts (>10% new biomass C) of aromatic metabolites that also contributed to an enhanced mineral retention of OM. Our study demonstrates that soil fungi can form mineral-stabilized SOM not only by oxidative conversion of the SOM but also by synthesizing mineral surface-reactive metabolites. Metabolites produced by fungal decomposers can play a yet overlooked role in the formation and stabilization of SOM.

Application of sous vide method as an alternative to traditional vegetable cooking to maximize the retention of minerals

Brassica vegetables are a source of valuable nutrients, but their content is strongly influenced by preparation method. Recently a lot of interest is paid to sous vide method, because of the specific organoleptic characteristics of the finished product. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of sous vide cooking on the content of selected macro and microminerals in Brassica vegetables. Reference methods were boiling and steaming. Additionally, the cooked vegetables were stored under refrigeration. The obtained results indicated, that the type of applied treatment had a distinct effect on the retention of analyzed nutrients in Brassica vegetables after processing. The sous vide method allowed for maximum preservation of the minerals contained in vegetables as compared to traditional methods. It was also observed, that after the storage period, in most of the analyzed cases, the level of the tested ingredients did not significantly change. Practical applications The obtained results gave insight into retention levels of various minerals in Brassica vegetables after hydrothermal treatment by different methods: traditional cooking, steaming and sous vide method. The influence of storage period under refrigerated conditions on level of previously mentioned components was investigated. The sous vide method revealed itself as the most beneficial in terms of preservation of investigated minerals in thermally treated vegetables. It was also observed, that after the storage period, in most of the analyzed cases, the level of the tested ingredients did not significantly change.

In vitro assessment of bio-augmented minerals from peanut oil cakes fermented by Aspergillus oryzae through Caco-2 cells.

Present study was carried out to assess the significances of solid state fermentation of peanut oil cakes (POC) by Aspergillus oryzae on in vitro bioavailability of minerals (iron, zinc and calcium) and cellular transport, retention and uptake from POC through Caco-2 cells. Bioavailability of iron, zinc and calcium of POC was examined by means of a combined simulated gastrointestinal digestion/Caco-2 cell system. Bio-augmentation of minerals of fermented POC attributed a positive, statistically significant increased influence on minerals retention, transport and uptake values when compared with that of respective inorganic salts as reference. Results revealed increased cellular ferritin content from fermented POC digests than the digests of free form of respective inorganic salt. In prospect of the present investigation the fermented POC samples showed significantly higher iron, zinc and calcium bioavailability and enormous possible health benefits.

Retention of proteins and minerals after cooking in cowpea genotypes1

ABSTRACT Cowpea is a tolerant crop to water deficit, with moderate protein and mineral contents, as well as fast cooking, which are important requirements for semi-arid regions. This study aimed to evaluate the retention of total proteins and minerals after cooking in cowpea genotypes, in order to select those that best preserve these nutrients contents. Twenty-four genotypes were evaluated, being ten lines, five commercial cultivars and nine landraces maintained by farmers. Cooking had a reduced effect on the contents of protein, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc in cowpea grains, with significant effects only in a few genotypes. A significant and positive correlation was observed only for grain yield x zinc content and protein content x cooking time. The line CPCR3F6L17 presented a high grain yield and high levels of protein, potassium, iron and zinc after cooking, showing to be a promising option for the studied region.

Evaluasi Penggunaan Silica+® sebagai Feed Additive terhadap Metabolisme Mineral, Status Kesehatan dan Kualitas Ekskreta Broiler

This study aimed to evaluate dietary inclusion of silica+® on mineral metabolism, health status and excreta quality of broilers. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 treatments and 6 replications (40 birds of each). The treatments were high nutrient diet (T1), T1 + silica+® 200 ppm (T2), low nutrient diet (T3), T3 + silica+® 200 ppm (T4), feed contain local feedstuff (rice bran) (T5), T5 + silica+® 200 ppm (T6). Parameters measured were minerals consumption, minerals retention, mineral content of the tibia, blood profile (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, differentiation of leukocytes and ratio H/L) and excreta quality (pH, water content and ammonia). The results showed that using silika+® 200 ppm increased (P <0.05) mineral consumption and excretion in low nutrient diet (T4), lowered (P <0.05) retention of Ca and Zn in high nutrient diet (T2), lowered (P<0.05) retention of Zn in low nutrient diet (T2), increased (P<0.05) Ca content in tibia bone in high nutrient diet (T2), increased Ca and Zn content in the tibia (P <0.05) in feed contain ricebran (T6), decreased the amount of fecal NH3 (P <0.05) in feed contain ricebran (T6), lowered E. coli in high nutriet diet (T2) and feed contain ricebran (T6). The conclusion of this study that silica+® could be used as feed additive to increase Ca and Zn deposition in tibia bone, lowering fecal NH3, lowering E. coli in ileum withouth any effect to the health status of broilers.

Impact of Feedstock, Parboiling Condition, and Nutrient Concentration on Simultaneous Fortification of Two U.S. Long‐Grain Rice Cultivars with Iron and Zinc

This work investigated the effect of parboiling on simultaneous fortification of rice with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) using rough rice and brown rice as feedstocks. Three fortificant concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mg/L for both Fe and Zn) were tested, and two long‐grain rice cultivars (CLXL745 and RoyJ) were used as test samples. Cultivar had little impact on the retention of Fe and Zn; steaming combined with soaking significantly increased the migration of Fe and Zn into the endosperm compared with soaking only. The Fe and Zn contents of the resultant parboiled head rice were related to the initial concentrations in the soaking water and were 7.2–17.6 and 21.8–31.9 mg/kg, respectively, when rough rice was used as a feedstock, and they significantly increased to 32.4–84.9 mg/kg for Fe and 45.8–78.4 mg/kg for Zn when brown rice was used as a feedstock. Mineral retention after simulated washing was 87.5–95.1% for Fe and 81.1–84.3% for Zn. Dilute‐HCl extractability as an indicator of mineral bioavailability was 66.2–72.4% for Fe and 83.4–92.0% for Zn. The results indicate that brown rice is a better feedstock than rough rice for mineral fortification via parboiling.

415 Effect of Cu provided As Bioplex® Cu or TBCC for weaned pigs: Growth performance, tissue mineral retention, and fecal mineral excretion

415 Effect of Cu provided As Bioplex® Cu or TBCC for weaned pigs: Growth performance, tissue mineral retention, and fecal mineral excretion

Influence of drinking structured water on production performance, nutrient retention, carcass characteristics and economics in commercial broiler chicken

Water from open and bore well are commonly used in majority of the poultry farms in India. When the drinking water is passed through specially designed apparatus in which tuned geometry creates an energy environment for the water to structure itself, it is claimed that surface tension of water is lowered with better hydrating properties. This geometric technology said to break up large low energy water molecule clusters into smaller high energy clusters which is called as structured water or structure-altered water. In order to study the influence of structured water on the performance of commercial broiler chicken, an experiment was conducted using 216 numbers of Vencobb broiler chicks up to 42 days of age. The birds were assigned to two groups comprising of twelve replicates per group with 9 birds per replicate. The control group (108) was offered tap water whereas the treatment group was offered structured water for drinking purpose. The body weight (g) was numerically higher in structured water group (2016 ± 28 vs 1989 ± 26) as compared to tap water offered group. Similarly, the feed conversion efficiency was relatively better (1.769 ± 0.02 vs 1.802 ± 0.02) in structured water group. The total quantity of water consumed (ml/bird) up to 6 weeks age was less in structured water group (11511±144) as compared to the tap water (11101±112) offered group. The digestibility of nutrients and retention of minerals were similar among the tap and structured water offered groups. The heart (10.12b±0.34 vs 9.16a±0.20) and spleen weights (2.73b±0.012 vs 1.817a±0.005) were significantly high and abdominal fat content was low (1.021a±0.055 vs 1.204b±0.061) in structured water group as compared to tap water offered group. The feed cost per kg body weight gain was comparatively low (Rupees 1.03) in structured water group (Rupees 54.88 ± 0.55 vs 55.91 ± 0.48). From this study, it can be inferred that structured water offered to commercial broiler chicken for drinking purpose resulted in extra profit of `2.06/bird.

Effect of diet form and enzyme supplementation on stress indicators and bone mineralisation in heat-challenged broilers fed wheat-soybean diet

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary xylanase supplementation and feed form on the bone mineralisation and tibia breaking strength, serum enzyme activities, plasma minerals concentration, and heat stress biomarkers of broilers fed wheat-based diet under high ambient temperature (33 °C for 10 h, from 07.00 to 17.00 h, and 22 °C from 17.00 to 07.00 h). Two hundred and forty 1-d-old Ross 308 male broilers were allocated in six experimental treatments, each of which was replicated five times with eight broilers per replicate. A 2 × 3 factorial design was used in the study, and the main factors were composed of xylanase (with or without 300 mg/kg) and feed form (mash, crumbles, and pellets). Broilers fed crumbles or pellets had higher tibia breaking strength, plasma P concentration, and serum ALP activity than broilers fed mash. The tibia ash, Ca, and P contents in ash were greater (p < .001) for broilers fed pellets than for broilers fed mash or crumbles. The circulating heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, creatine kinase level, and heat shock protein 70 mRNA of breast muscle were also decreased (p < .05) by the crumbles and pellets diets. Xylanse significantly increased tibia ash, tibia Ca and P contents, ALP activity, plasma Ca and P concentrations (p < .05). The results indicate that crumbling or pelleting of the diets improved minerals retention and down-regulated heat stress biomarkers of broilers subjected to heat challenge. The results of the current study suggested that dietary addition xylanase has the potential to improve bone mineralisation. It could be concluded that feeding crumbled and pelleted diets may effective in partially ameliorating the resistance to heat stress in the birds under high ambient temperature.

Dietary organic trace minerals level influences eggshell quality and minerals retention in hens

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of reduced levels of Cu, Zn, Mn in combination from organic mineral source on eggshell quality and mineral retention in hens. After feeding the basal diet (8.82 mg/kg Cu, 24.94 mg/kg Zn, and 16.38 mg/kg Mn) without Cu, Zn, and Mn addition for 4 weeks, hens (39-week-old) were assigned to 5 treatments according to the equal body weight and egg production for 12-week experimental trial. The 5 treatments included the basal diet without Cu, Zn, and Mn (NCON), and NCON added with 16-80-60 mg/kg Cu-Zn-Mn from sulfates (ITM100%), or 4-20-15, 8-40-30 or 16-80-60 mg/kg Cu-Zn-Mn from 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMTBA) mineral chelates (OTM25%, OTM50% or OTM100%). Supplementation of Cu, Zn, and Mn had no significant influences on the performance of hens. After 12 weeks feeding, eggshell breaking strength (EBS) decreased in the following order: OTM25% and ITM100% &gt; OTM50% &gt; NCON and OTM100%. The eggshell weight and thickness in OTM25% were greater than that in NCON, while not differing from that in ITM100%. The EBS and eggshell weight linearly decreased with increasing level of OTM. After 12 weeks feeding, supplementation of Cu, Zn, and Mn increased the concentrations of liver Zn, tibia Zn and Mn, and Zn and Mn retention in eggs as compared with NCON. No significant difference was observed in the concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mn in liver and plasma, and Zn and Mn in eggs between any OTM treatment and ITM100% groups. Addition of OTM at increasing level had quadratic effect on tibia Cu, Zn, Mn concentrations, with the greater retention of Cu, Zn, and Mn in OTM50%. In conclusion, the OTM25% from HMT BA mineral chelates can substitute for ITM100% evaluated by the eggshell quality in the diet of laying hens.

Effect of source of trace minerals in either forage- or by-product–based diets fed to dairy cows: 2. Apparent absorption and retention of minerals

Eighteen multiparous cows were used in a split-plot replicated Latin square with two 28-d periods to evaluate the effects of source of supplemental Cu, Zn, and Mn (sulfates or hydroxy) on apparent absorption of minerals when fed in either a forage- or by-product-based diet. The by-product diets were formulated to have greater concentrations of NDF and lesser concentrations of starch, and specific ingredients were chosen because they were good sources of soluble fiber and β-glucans, which bind trace minerals in nonruminants. We hypothesized that hydroxy trace minerals would interact less with digesta and have greater apparent absorption compared with sulfate minerals, and the difference in apparent absorption would be greater for the by-product diet compared with the forage-based diet. During the 56-d experiment, cows remained on the same fiber treatment but source of supplemental trace mineral was different for each 28-d period; thus, all cows were exposed to both mineral treatments. During each period cows were fed no supplemental Cu, Zn, or Mn for 16 d, followed by 12 d of feeding supplemental minerals from either sulfate or hydroxy sources. Supplemental minerals for each of the mineral sources fed provided approximately 10, 35, and 32 mg/kg of supplemental Cu, Zn, and Mn, respectively, for both fiber treatments. Total Cu, Zn, and Mn dietary concentrations, respectively, were approximately 19, 65, and 70 mg/kg for the forage diets and 21, 85, and 79 for the by-product diets. Treatment had no effect on dry matter intake (24.2 kg/d) or milk production (34.9 kg/d). Cows consuming the by-product diets had greater Zn (1,863 vs. 1,453 mg/d) and Mn (1,790 vs. 1,588 mg/d) intake compared with cows fed forage diets, but apparent Zn absorption was similar between treatments. Manganese apparent absorption was greater for the by-product diets compared with the forage diets (16 vs. 11%). A fiber by mineral interaction was observed for Cu apparent absorption, as cows fed hydroxy minerals with forage diets had greater apparent absorption compared with cows fed sulfate minerals; however, the opposite was observed with the by-product diets. Source of supplemental trace minerals and type of fiber in diets affected availability of Cu and Mn and should be considered in ration formulation.

Enhancing the mineral retention in Labeo rohita juveniles fed citric acid and phytase supplemented soybean meal based diet

Enhancing the mineral retention in Labeo rohita juveniles fed citric acid and phytase supplemented soybean meal based diet

Estimating mineral requirements of Nellore beef bulls fed with or without inorganic mineral supplementation and the influence on mineral balance.

The objectives of this study were to quantify the mineral balance of Nellore cattle fed with and without Ca, P, and micromineral (MM) supplementation and to estimate the net and dietary mineral requirement for cattle. Nellore cattle ( = 51; 270.4 ± 36.6 kg initial BW and 8 mo age) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: reference ( = 5), maintenance ( = 4), and performance ( = 42). The reference group was slaughtered prior to the experiment to estimate initial body composition. The maintenance group was used to collect values of animals at low gain and reduced mineral intake. The performance group was assigned to 1 of 6 treatments: sugarcane as the roughage source with a concentrate supplement composed of soybean meal and soybean hulls with and without Ca, P, and MM supplementation; sugarcane as the roughage source with a concentrate supplement composed of soybean meal and ground corn with and without Ca, P, and MM supplementation; and corn silage as the roughage source with a concentrate supplement composed of soybean meal and ground corn with and without Ca, P, and MM supplementation. Orthogonal contrasts were adopted to compare mineral intake, fecal and urinary excretion, and apparent retention among treatments. Maintenance requirements and true retention coefficients were generated with the aid of linear regression between mineral intake and mineral retention. Mineral composition of the body and gain requirements was assessed using nonlinear regression between body mineral content and mineral intake. Mineral intake and fecal and urinary excretion were measured. Intakes of Ca, P, S, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, and Fe were reduced in the absence of Ca, P, and MM supplementation ( < 0.05). Fecal excretion of Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co was also reduced in treatments without supplementation ( < 0.01). Overall, excretion and apparent absorption and retention coefficients were reduced when minerals were not supplied ( < 0.05). The use of the true retention coefficient instead of the true absorption coefficient provided a better estimate of mineral requirements. Dietary mineral requirements were lower for P, Cu, and Zn and greater for Fe compared with previously published recommendations. This study provides useful information about mineral requirements and mineral supplementation to obtain adequate dietary mineral supply of Nellore cattle in tropical conditions.

Evaluation of In Vitro Antiurolithiatic Potential of Bridelia retusa Spreng. Bark

Urolithisis is a very complex disease which is characterized by the formation of renal calculi in urinary track/kidney. Several physic chemical events like super saturation, nucleation, growth, aggregation and retention of dietary minerals of urine in the kidney leads to the formation of kidney stone; for this a essential need to develop a formulation which is made up of medicinal pant belong to the class of Pasanabheda plant according to ancient literature available in Ayurveda, which facilitate the repair mechanism in a natural way towards the organ. Bridelia retusa, is a well know plant of Western Ghats. Present study deals with the inhibitory effect of different fraction of methanol extract of Bridelia retusa. Nucleation of calcium oxalate crystals was estimated by the spectrophotometric assay and whereas crystal dissolution was determine by titrimetry/egg shell permeation method, hence the extract fractions exhibited inhibitory action in both of nucleation and aggregation assays to significant level.

Effects of Traditional Processing Methods on the Mineral and Antinutrients of Fresh and Squeezed-Washed Bitter Leaf

Bitter Leaf is a vegetable that is widely consumed and cherished in South-Eastern Nigeria. Palm oil, Potash, Salt and boiling process was used in the squeeze-washing at 3 pre-processing methods of squeeze-wash and periods of 3 to 8 minutes. The percentage retention and losses of mineral and antinutrient increased simultaneously during squeeze-washing. Copper, magnesium, calcium and antinutrient had retention of 55 to 100% for samples squeezed-washed with palm oil than the other squeeze- washed samples. This could be due to rigidity of the cells which did not allow much nutrient leached into the squeezed leaf/water; whereas, the loss of mineral and antinutrients was practically of the same magnitude (27.3 to 80.5%) in all the samples. Loss of minerals and antinutrients was observed to be influenced directly by the cause-and-effect of disintegration changes which usually leads to softening due to the severity of the squeeze-washing on the bitter leaf instead of cellular composition or level of minerals and antinurients initially present. The results are discussed in relation to traditional commercial practice of bitter leaf processing.

Acidogenic mineral additions increased Ca mobilization in prepartum sows.

Increased sow milk production is associated with an increase in unexplained sow mortality during prepartum and early postpartum periods. This association has led to purported claims of hypocalcemic disorders. Assuming similar responses as dairy cows, feeding anionic mineral salts in late gestation and early lactation may reduce potential hypocalcemia related disorders in sows. Two experiments using CAD-MATE (Granco Minerals, Petersburg, VA), an acidogenic mineral supplement (AMS), were designed to determine the amount required to increase urinary Ca excretion and to identify renal compensatory responses to acid loads in sows. In Exp. 1, 30 multiparous gestating sows (Landrace × Large White) were fed 1 of 6 diets with either 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, or 2.5% AMS additions for 14 d. Diets provided a range (33 to -216 mEq/kg) of cation-anion balance, calculated as Na + K - Cl - S. Two 24-h urine samples were collected via bladder catheters for mineral analysis. One venous blood sample was drawn from 2 sows per diet on d 14. In Exp. 2, twelve sows were fed 1 of 3 diets to provide either 0, 1.5, or 2.5% AMS. Three 24-h composites of urine and fecal excreta were collected and analyses were used to calculate apparent mineral retention. Venous blood pH (range 7.41 to 7.33) and base excess (range 5.4 to 0.5 mmol/L) decreased (linear, < 0.10), but blood ionized Ca (range 1.28 to 1.37 mmol/L) increased (linear, < 0.05) proportionally to dietary AMS additions. Blood anion gap was not affected by diet. Urine pH decreased (linear, < 0.10) with additions of AMS (range 7.47 to 5.52). In Exp. 2, urinary SO (range 134 to 396 mEq/d) and NH (range 84 to 323 mEq/d) excretion increased ( < 0.05) with AMS additions. Urinary Mg, Na, and K excretion did not differ among treatments. Fecal excretion of Ca, Mg, and P increased ( < 0.05) in sows fed diets with 2.5% AMS. Fecal K, Na, and Cl excretion did not differ among treatments. Apparent Ca retention decreased ( < 0.05) with AMS additions, but apparent Mg and Cl retention increased ( < 0.05). In conclusion, AMS induced a renal compensated acid load as exhibited by urinary ion excretion patterns and maintenance of blood gas values within physiological ranges. Feeding diets with 1.5 or 2.5% AMS increased urinary and fecal Ca excretion and decreased apparent Ca retention implying an increase in mobilization of body Ca pools in prepartum sows.

Demonstrating a Nutritional Advantage to the Fast-Cooking Dry Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a nutrient-dense food rich in protein and micronutrients. Despite their nutritional benefits, long cooking times limit the consumption of dry beans worldwide, especially in nations where fuelwood for cooking is often expensive or scarce. This study evaluated the nutritive value of 12 dry edible bean lines that vary for cooking time (20-89 min) from four market classes (yellow, cranberry, light red kidney, and red mottled) of economic importance in bean-consuming regions of Africa and the Americas. When compared to their slower cooking counterparts within each market class, fast-cooking dry beans retain more protein and minerals while maintaining similar starch and fiber densities when fully cooked. For example, some of the highest protein and mineral retention values were measured in the fast-cooking yellow bean cultivar Cebo Cela, which offered 20% more protein, 10% more iron, and 10% more zinc with each serving when compared with Canario, a slow-cooking yellow bean that requires twice the cooking time to become palatable. A Caco-2 cell culture model also revealed the bioavailability of iron is significantly higher in faster cooking entries (r = -0.537, P = 0.009) as compared to slower cooking entries in the same market class. These findings suggest that fast-cooking bean varieties have improved nutritive value through greater nutrient retention and improved iron bioavailability.

Increasing the dietary supply of carotenoids through forage supplementation: Effect on nitrogen and mineral retention in captive Golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus)

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of green forages on feed consumption, nutrient and mineral utilization in Golden pheasants (GP). Twenty-seven female GP (BW 617-635 g) were randomly distributed into three groups of nine birds each in an experiment based on completely randomized design (CRD). Birds in group T1 were fed a conventional zoo diet containing 1.4% green forages; however, the diets of the birds in groups T2 and T3 contained 2.7% and 5.0% of green forages, respectively. Intake of total carotenoids increased with increased level of green forages in the diet. Apparent retention of N, Ca, and Zn was higher in GP laying hens fed diet containing 5.0% green forages as compared to those fed conventional diet containing 1.4% green forages. Results of the present study indicate that inclusion of 5% green forage in the diet of GP would improve the utilization of N, Ca, and Zn without any adverse effect on intake and utilization of other nutrients. Data related to nutrient intake, basal endogenous losses (BEL) and coefficient of retention (COR) of N, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn are novel and may be of use for future research. Zoo Biol. 35:522-532, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Eggshell fractions containing different particle sized affect mineral absorption but not bone mineral retention in growing rats

The purpose of this study was to compare the calcium (Ca) bioavailability from eggshell fractions containing different particle size to purified CaCO3 in male growing rats. Mineral absorption, bone mineral concentration, and biomechanical properties were evaluated. Mean Ca absorption of rats fed with eggshell diets amounted to 56.2% of the ingested Ca, which is considered high. However, we observed lower Ca absorption in large-sized particle eggshell fraction (ES L) and small-sized particle eggshell fraction groups but similar Ca absorption in intermediate-sized particle eggshell fraction (ES M) compared with the CaCO3 group. Rats that received ES M and ES L had higher P and Mg absorption than the CaCO3 group. No changes were observed in the bone mineral deposition, weight or mechanical resistance. We conclude that eggshell Ca is well absorbed by the intestine and retained in bones of growing rats, being a low cost alternative to achieve adequate Ca ingestion.