Source Of Essential Amino Acids Research Articles

Phytochemicals and nutritional composition in accessions of Kei-apple (Dovyalis caffra): Southern African indigenous fruit

Current study was initiated to identify the phytochemicals and the nutritional profile of eleven Kei-apple fruit accessions. Accession FH29 showed the highest level (492.45 mg 100 g−1 fresh weight) of total phenolic content, higher than the referral fruit, blueberry. Pyrogallol was identified as the predominant phenolic compound in all accessions. Accession FH 29 showed the highest (49.75 µmol TEAC g−1 fresh weight) antioxidant capacity. Catechin content was higher in accessions; FH151, FH15, FH14, FH29, FH243, FH 239 and FH 231. Accessions, FH14 and FH232 exhibited higher levels of β-carotene than the referral fruit apples (cv. Top red) and peaches (cv. Excellence). The total sugar (glucose and fructose) was highest (50 mg g−1 fresh weight) in accession FH240. Asparagine (3122.18 mg L−1) and gamma-aminobutyric (1688.87 mg L−1) were higher in accessions FH239 and FH243 respectively. Overall, the accession Kei-apple FH236 can be regarded as a good source of essential amino acids.

Prediction of the amino acid digestibility of legume seeds in growing pigs: a meta-analysis approach

On pig farms, a high proportion of the cost of production comes from feed costs. However, the use of alternative ingredients such as legume seeds may help to reduce this cost. In fact, legume seeds are an important source of essential amino acids (EAA) and can therefore be an alternative to oilseed meals. However, the accurate use of these legume seeds requires a precise knowledge of the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of EAA, which may vary depending on its botanical variety. A meta-analysis was performed on a database compiling data from 41 studies published between 1981 and 2013 and 178 dietary treatments. Models of prediction of the SID of EAA as well as the dietary concentration of digestible standardized EAA (dEAA) were obtained, based on the chemical composition of ingredients reported in the publications. The effect of the type of legume seeds (faba bean, lupin, pea and soya bean), surgical procedures (T-cannula, re-entrant cannulas, post valve T-cannulas and ileo-rectal anastomosis), and BW of pigs (BW⩽25 kg BW>25 kg) were also tested in each model. Results showed that dietary CP and crude fibre (CF) were, respectively, the best predictors of each EAA SID for faba bean, lupin and pea (R2=0.42 to 0.89) and soya bean (R2=0.32 to 0.77). For the dEAA content, the best prediction models included dietary CP and ADF for faba bean, lupin and pea and soya bean, respectively, with R2 ranging from 0.66 to 0.98. Models developed in this study allow predicting the digestibility of EAA in these alternatives feedstuffs.

Protein Hydrolyzates from Changbai Mountain Walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim.) Boost Mouse Immune System and Exhibit Immunoregulatory Activities.

The Changbai Mountain walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim.) is a rich source of essential amino acids. Walnut dregs are byproducts of edible oil production and primarily used as fodder and fertilizers. We systematically examined the effect of three types of walnut protein hydrolyzates—albumin, glutelin, and globin—on the immune system of mice and aimed to provide the theoretical basis for developing and utilizing J. mandshurica Maxim. protein resources. In comparison with the normal control mice, those treated with different doses of walnut proteins showed improved immune indices, including organ index, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage activity, number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and secretory IgA content, and mRNA and protein expression levels of cytokine factors. Our results indicated that these walnut proteins may have positive effects on the immune system and perform their immunomodulatory functions by inducing splenic enlargement. These findings support the use of walnut proteins as nutritional sources to boost the immune system.

Nutrient profiling of traditionally sun-dried Acetes

An attempt was made to study the nutrient profile of traditionally sun-dried Acetes with respect to its proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and heavy metals. From the results, it was found that dried Acetes contained 19.00±0.70% moisture, 48.29 ± 0.64% crude protein, 16.05±0.52% ash and 3.62±0.09% crude fat. Biopolymer content in dried Acetes showed 10% chitin. Amino acid profile of dried Acetes confirmed that it could serve as a significant source of essential amino acids. Fatty acid profile revealed 9, 12-otadecadieonic acid (17.08%), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (15.69%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (13.45%) and docosanoic acid (11.75%) as the major fatty acids. Mineral profiling indicated the presence of P, Ca, K, Mg, Na and Fe. Heavy metal analysis indicated the presence of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. However, harmful metals like cadmium and lead were found to be low. From microbiological quality analysis of dried Acetes, the total plate count and faecal coliforms count were found to be 4.1 x 103 cfu g-1 and 35 MPN per100 ml, respectively while Staphylococcus aureus colonies were not detected. Results of the study indicated that dried Acetes was not processed properly and hygienically as revealed by its content of high moisture and faecal coliforms, respectively. Further, based on proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids and mineral profile, it can be concluded that dried Acetes can be a good source of health beneficial nutrients.

Millets: The Indigenous Food Grains

The present study aims to explore nutritional as well as the therapeutic potential of millets in perspectives of Ayurveda substantiated by modern scientific studies. The methodology adopted for the study includes field survey, review of literature starting from ancient Indian classics of Ayurveda , modern scientific and research-based publications including journals and periodicals. Millets are still used as supplementary food grains in tribal and relatively lesser developed parts of the country. Millets have been widely used in therapeutics in Ayurveda classics. Nutritional potential of millets may be well understood by the following facts- Pearl millet ( Pennisetum typhoides Burm.f.Stapf. & Habbard) is significantly rich in resistant starch, soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, minerals and antioxidants. It contains 2.8% crude fiber, 7.8% crude fat, 13.6% crude protein, and 63.2% starch. Foxtail millet ( Setaria italica Linn. Beauv.) is rich in lysine. Finger millet ( Eleusine coracana Linn.) has carbohydrate 81.5%, protein 9.8%, crude fiber 4.3% and minerals 2.7% which is higher than wheat and rice. Kodo millet ( Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn.) and little millet ( Panicum miliare Lam.) also have 37.38% dietary fiber which is highest among cereals. In Proso millet ( Panicum miliaceum Linn.) protein content found to be 11.6% of dry matter and is greater than wheat protein. Millets have a high nutritive value comparable to major cereal grains. Thus millet proteins are a good source of essential amino acids, micronutrients, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and minerals. The presence of all required nutrients in millets makes them potential dietary supplements.

Novel essential amino acid supplements enriched with L-leucine facilitate increased protein and energy intakes in older women: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundInadequate protein intake (PI), containing a sub-optimal source of essential amino acids (EAAs), and reduced appetite are contributing factors to age-related sarcopenia. The satiating effects of dietary protein per se may negatively affect energy intake (EI), thus there is a need to explore alternative strategies to facilitate PI without compromising appetite and subsequent EI.MethodsOlder women completed two experiments (EXP1 and EXP2) where they consumed either a Bar (565 kJ), a Gel (477 kJ), both rich in EAAs (7.5 g, 40% L-leucine), or nothing (Control). In EXP1, participants (n = 10, 68 ± 5 years, mean ± SD) consumed Bar, Gel or Control with appetite sensations and appetite-related hormonal responses monitored for one hour, followed by consumption of an ad libitum breakfast (ALB). In EXP2, participants (n = 11, 69 ± 5 years) ingested Bar, Gel or Control alongside an ALB.ResultsIn EXP1, EI at ALB was not different (P = 0.674) between conditions (1179 ± 566, 1254 ± 511, 1206 ± 550 kJ for the Control, Bar, and Gel respectively). However, total EI was significantly higher in the Bar and Gel compared to the Control after accounting for the energy content of the supplements (P < 0.0005). Analysis revealed significantly higher appetite Area under the Curve (AUC) (P < 0.007), a tendency for higher acylated ghrelin AUC (P = 0.087), and significantly lower pancreatic polypeptide AUC (P = 0.02) in the Control compared with the Bar and Gel. In EXP2, EI at ALB was significantly higher (P = 0.028) in the Control (1282 ± 513 kJ) compared to the Bar (1026 ± 565 kJ) and Gel (1064 ± 495 kJ). However, total EI was significantly higher in the Bar and Gel after accounting for the energy content of the supplements (P < 0.007).ConclusionsSupplementation with either the Bar or Gel increased total energy intake whether consumed one hour before or during breakfast. This may represent an effective nutritional means for addressing protein and total energy deficiencies in older women.Trial registrationClinical trial register: retrospectively registered, ISRCTN12977929 on.

Preparation and physicochemical properties of protein concentrate and isolate produced from Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne ssp. raddiana.

The composition and physicochemical properties of defatted acacia flour (DFAF), acacia protein concentrate (APC) and acacia protein isolate (API) were evaluated. The results indicated that API had lower, ash and fat content, than DFAF and APC. Also, significant difference in protein content was noticed among DFAF, APC and API (37.5, 63.7 and 91.8%, respectively). Acacia protein concentrate and isolates were good sources of essential amino acids except cystine and methionine. The physicochemical and functional properties of acacia protein improved with the processing of acacia into protein concentrate and protein isolate. The results of scanning electron micrographs showed that DFAF had a compact structure; protein concentrate were, flaky, and porous type, and protein isolate had intact flakes morphology.

AMINO ACID AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF ETHIOPIAN TARO

The purpose of this study was designed to investigate the amino acid and fatty acid composition of taro leaf and corm samples. An UHPLC and GC-FID method was used for the determination of amino acids and fatty acid composition, respectively. Taro leaf was processed as a powder and pre-curd concentrates while the corm was pre-gelatinized with and without peel prior to the analysis. The amino acid and fatty acid composition (%) of the analyzed samples were quantified with their relative area comparing with respective standards. In the present study, the leaf and corm of taro contained the three essential amino acids leucine, lysine and methionine. For the study, the calculated amino acid values were low in corm samples, but amino acid composition was higher in the leaf samples. Concerning fatty acids, the dominant fatty acid in the leaf and corm was oleic acid (C18:1, n-9) which ranged from 140.697 ± 0.054 to 216.775 ± 0.043 and 101.932 ± 0.023 to 101.950 ± 0. 04 mg/100 g, respectively. In the study, the fatty acid compositions in leaf were higher than the corm. This means that taro leaf would be considered as a good source of essential amino acid and fatty acid than the corm. Finally, from the proportion (mg/100 g) of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, the unsaturated fatty acids were the predominant fatty acids observed. The presence of high levels of unsaturated fatty acids in the entire investigation of our study taro is nutritionally rich.

Composition and Nutrient Value Proposition of Brewers Spent Grain.

Brewer's spent grain (BSG), a major brewing industry byproduct, is generated in large quantities annually. This review summarizes research into the composition and preservation of BSG, different extraction techniques for BSG proteins and phenolic acids, and the bioactivities of these phenolic components. Moreover, this article also highlights BSG integration into foodstuff for human consumption and animal feed supplements. BSG is considered a rich source of fiber, protein, and phenolic compounds. The phenolic acids present in BSG are hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids), which have many biofunctions, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, and antiinflammatory activities. Previously, attempts have been made to integrate BSG into human food, such as ready-to-eat snacks, cookies and bread, to increase fiber and protein contents. The addition of BSG to animal feed leads to increased milk yields, higher fat contents in milk, and is a good source of essential amino acids. Therefore, many studies have concluded that integrating the biofunctional compounds in BSG into human food and animal feed has various health benefits.

Edible mushrooms: a potential source of essential amino acids, glucans and minerals

SummaryThe main chemical and biochemical constituents of nine edible mushrooms were evaluated in this study. An enzymatic method was used to determine the α‐ and β‐glucan contents, and the amino acid (AA) profiles were evaluated by RP‐HPLC‐DAD. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of the nutrients was evaluated. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to group the mushrooms according to their AA, glucans and chemical composition. All mushrooms evaluated can be considered as a potential and alternative source of dietary fibre (24.4–46.62%) and protein (16.47–36.96%) in a diet, with low contents of fat (1.40–2.08%). Phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper and zinc were the main minerals found in the mushrooms, whereas sodium concentration was negligible. All essential AA were detected in the mushrooms, with Pleurotus ostreatus (black oyster) representing the main source of essential amino acids among the samples. The contents of β‐glucan ranged from 1.58 to 16.91 mg g−1 of dry matter among the mushrooms and Pleurotus eryngii presented the highest amount of this component. Pleurotus ostreatus (black oyster) and P. eryngii were also grouped together due to similarities in their phosphorous and arginine contents. Among the main results, it can highlight the high concentration of dietary fibre and essential amino acids of the edible mushrooms.

Proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles of marine snail Rapana venosa meat, visceral mass and operculum.

Rapana venosa (Rv), an important marine snail, demonstrates an increasing nutritional and economic importance. However, there is still limited information available on their nutritional composition. The present study highlights and provides new information on the proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles of different body parts of Rv, aiming for its better application and research. The operculum contained a high amount of protein and flavor amino acids. The edible tissues, including meat and visceral mass, were valuable sources of essential amino acids (EAA) apart from methionine and cysteine. In addition, the meat contained high amount of taurine. Fatty acid analysis indicated that the edible tissues contained high amounts of ω3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (C20:5ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6ω3), and had a low ω6/ω3 fatty acid ratio. Interestingly, significantly higher concentrations of most nutritional elements such as fat, EAA, EPA and DHA, were found in the visceral mass compared to those in the meat. The operculum of Rv may became a very interesting source for some protein and flavor peptide development, and the edible parts of Rv may be utilized for special dietary applications requiring high amounts of taurine, EPA, DHA and a lower ω6/ω3 fatty acid ratio. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Utilization of post-fermentation yeasts for yeast extract production by autolysis: the effect of yeast strain and saponin fromQuillaja saponaria

Spent yeasts, a co-product from fermentation processes, are a source for unconvential autolysis processes. In this study, five post-fermentation yeast strains that are often used in fermentation processes were used: Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ethanol Red (Lessafre), Kluyveromyces marxianus LOCK 0026, K. marxianus NCYC 179, Scheffersomyces stipitis NCYC 1541 and Pichia angusta NCYC 495. Autolysis was conducted at 50°C for 48 hours in the presence of saponins from Quillaja saponaria. The concentrations of proteins and free amino acids in the yeast autolysates were evaluated using IR spectroscopy and chromatography. The lysates were found to be good sources of essential amino acids, which constituted between 29.3% (S. cerevisiae) and 40.7% (K. marxianus LOCK 0026) of the amino acid pools. The largest pools of free amino acids were found in autolysates of S. cerevisiae Ethanol Red (44.9 g/L) and P. angusta NCYC 495 (40.53 g/L). Saponin can be used as an auxiliary or alternative to conventional methods of cell lysis, especially since Q. saponaria extracts are approved for use in foods and could have significant health benefits. The usability of five post-fermentation yeast strains as a source of valuable nitrogen compounds in unconventional salt-free lysates was demonstrated for the first time in the present study. Copyright © 2017 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling

Land Use for Edible Protein of Animal Origin-A Review.

Simple SummaryThe growing world population has led to a higher demand for more and better quality food. In the future, there will be increasingly strong competition for arable land and other non-renewable resources. Proteins of animal origin are very valuable sources of essential nutrients, but their production consumes resources and causes emissions. The aim of this study was to calculate exemplarily the land use for production of edible animal protein from different animal species and categories in consideration of important influencing factors. Large differences were found with the highest amounts per kilogram of body weight produced by broiler chickens and the lowest yields in edible protein and the highest land need observed for beef cattle.The present period is characterized by a growing world population and a higher demand for more and better quality food, as well as other products for an improved standard of living. In the future, there will be increasingly strong competition for arable land and non-renewable resources such as fossil carbon-sources, water, and some minerals, as well as between food, feed, fuel, fiber, flowers, and fun (6 F’s). Proteins of animal origin like milk, meat, fish, eggs and, probably, insects are very valuable sources of essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins, but their production consumes some non-renewable resources including arable land and causes considerable emissions. Therefore, this study´s objective was to calculate some examples of the land use (arable land and grassland) for production of edible animal protein taking into consideration important animal species/categories, levels of plant and animal yields, the latter estimated with and without co-products from agriculture, and the food/biofuel industry in animal feeding. There are large differences between animal species/categories and their potential to produce edible protein depending on many influencing variables. The highest amounts per kilogram body weight are produced by growing broiler chicken followed by laying hens and dairy cows; the lowest yields in edible protein and the highest land need were observed for beef cattle. This review clearly indicates that the production of food of animal origin is a very complex process, and selective considerations, i.e., focusing on single factors, do not provide an assessment that reflects the complexity of the subject.

Biorefinery cascade processing for creating added value on tomato industrial by-products from Tunisia.

BackgroundIn today’s consumer perception of industrial processes and food production, aspects like food quality, human health, environmental safety, and energy security have become the keywords. Therefore, much effort has been extended toward adding value to biowastes of agri-food industries through biorefinery processing approaches. This study focused, for the first time, on the valorization of tomato by-products of a Tunisian industry for the recovery of value-added compounds using biorefinery cascade processing.ResultsThe process integrated supercritical CO2 extraction of carotenoids within the oil fractions from tomato seeds (TS) and tomato peels (TP), followed by a batch isolation of protein from the residues. The remaining lignocellulosic matter from both fractions was then submitted to a liquid hot water (LHW) hydrolysis. Supercritical CO2 experiments extracted 5.79% oleoresin, 410.53 mg lycopene/kg, and 31.38 mg β-carotene/kg from TP and 26.29% oil, 27.84 mg lycopene/kg, and 5.25 mg β-carotene/kg from TS, on dry weights. Protein extraction yields, nearing 30% of the initial protein contents equal to 13.28% in TP and 39.26% in TS, revealed that TP and TS are a rich source of essential amino acids. LHW treatment run at 120–200 °C, 50 bar for 30 min showed that a temperature of 160 °C was the most convenient for cellulose and hemicellulose hydrolysis from TP and TS, while keeping the degradation products low.ConclusionsResults indicated that tomato by-products are not only a green source of lycopene-rich oleoresin and tomato seed oil (TSO) and of protein with good nutritional quality but also a source of lignocellulosic matter with potential for bioethanol production. This study would provide an important reference for the concept and the feasibility of the cascade fractionation of valuable compounds from tomato industrial by-products.Graphical abstractSchema of biorefinery cascade processing of tomato industrial by-products toward isolation of valuable fractions.

MON-P108: The Impact of Essential Amino Acid Supplements Enriched with L-Leucine on Appetite and Energy Intake in Elderly Women

Rationale: Inadequate protein intake (PI), the main source of essential amino acids (EAAs), and reduced appetite are contributing factors to age-related sarcopenia. The satiating effects of dietary protein may negatively affect energy intake (EI), thus there is a need to explore alternative strategies to facilitate PI without compromising appetite and subsequent EI. Methods: Elderly women completed two experiments (EXP1&2) where they consumed either a Bar (B, 135 kcal) or a Gel (G, 114 kcal), rich in EAAs (7.5 g, 40% L-Leucine), or nothing [control (C)]. In EXP1, subjects (n=10, 68±5 years, mean±SD) consumed B, G or C with appetite sensations and appetite-related hormonal responses monitored for 1h, followed by consumption of an ad libitum breakfast (ALB). In EXP2, subjects (n=11, 69±5 years) ingested B, G or C alongside an ALB. Results: In EXP1, EI at ALB was not different (P=0.674) between conditions (282±135, 299±122, 288±131 kcal for C, B and G respectively). However, total EI was significantly higher in B and G compared to C after accounting for the energy content of the supplements (P<0.0005). Analysis revealed significantly higher appetite Area under the Curve (AUC) (P<0.007), a tendency for higher acylated ghrelin AUC (P=0.087), and significantly lower pancreatic polypeptide AUC (P=0.02) in C compared with B and G. In EXP2, EI at ALB was significantly higher (P=0.028) in C (306±122 kcal) compared to B (245±135 kcal) and G (254±118 kcal). However, total EI was significantly higher in B and G after accounting for the energy content of the supplements (P<0.007). Conclusion: Supplementation with either the bar or gel increased total energy intake whether consumed 1h before or during breakfast. This may represent an effective nutritional means for addressing protein and total energy deficiencies in elderly women.

Kanatlı Beslenmesinde Dut Yaprağının (Morus alba) Kullanılması

The increasing costs of conventional feedstuffs like corn, soybean meal and fish meal for poultry diets is pushing the need to find less expensive alternatives. Mulberry grows well in the tropics and subtropics, and is reported to have excellent nutritional value. Mulberry leaves are very rich in protein (15-35%), minerals (2.42-4.71% Ca, 0.23-0.97% P), 1130-2240 kcal/kg metabolic energy (ME). The amino acids composition of mulberry leaf meal indicates it is a good source of essential amino acids especially lysine (1.80%) and leucine (2.58%). In this paper, studies made on the mulberry leaf used in nutrition of poultries have been reviewed.

Yellow Mealworm Protein for Food Purposes - Extraction and Functional Properties.

A protocol for extraction of yellow mealworm larvae proteins was established, conditions were evaluated and the resulting protein extract was characterised. The freeze-dried yellow mealworm larvae contained around 33% fat, 51% crude protein and 43% true protein on a dry matter basis. The true protein content of the protein extract was about 75%, with an extraction rate of 70% under optimised extraction conditions using 0.25 M NaOH, a NaOH solution:ethanol defatted worm ratio of 15:1 mL/g, 40°C for 1 h and extraction twice. The protein extract was a good source of essential amino acids. The lowest protein solubility in distilled water solution was found between pH 4 and 5, and increased with either increasing or decreasing pH. Lower solubility was observed in 0.5 M NaCl solution compared with distilled water. The rheological tests indicated that temperature, sample concentration, addition of salt and enzyme, incubation time and pH alterations influenced the elastic modulus of yellow mealworm protein extract (YMPE). These results demonstrate that the functional properties of YMPE can be modified for different food applications.

Abstract B43: The utilization of extracellular proteins as nutrients is suppressed by mTORC1

Abstract To engage in growth and proliferation, cells require a continuous supply of precursors for macromolecular synthesis. Despite being surrounded by diverse nutrients, mammalian cells preferentially metabolize glucose and free amino acids. However, it was recently shown that Ras-induced macropinocytosis of extracellular proteins could reduce a transformed cell's dependence on extracellular amino acids. Here, we show that macropinocytosis and lysosomal catabolism of extracellular proteins can serve as a source of essential amino acids. Lysosomal degradation of internalized proteins can sustain cell survival and induce lysosomal recruitment and activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), but fails to elicit significant cell accumulation. Surprisingly, we discovered that unlike its growth-promoting activity under amino acid-replete conditions, mTORC1 activation suppresses proliferation when cells rely on extracellular proteins as an amino acid source. Inhibiting mTORC1 results in increased catabolism of endocytosed proteins and enhances cell proliferation during nutrient-depleted conditions in vitro and within vascularly compromised tumors in vivo. Thus, by preventing consumption of extracellular proteins as nutrients, mTORC1 couples growth to availability of free amino acids. These results may have important implications for the use of mTOR inhibitors as therapeutics. Citation Format: Wilhelm Palm, Youngkyu Park, Kevin Wright, Natalya N. Pavlova, David A. Tuveson, Craig B. Thompson. The utilization of extracellular proteins as nutrients is suppressed by mTORC1. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Metabolism and Cancer; Jun 7-10, 2015; Bellevue, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(1_Suppl):Abstract nr B43.

Meta-analysis of the amino acid digestibility of oilseed meal in growing pigs

Oilseed meal is an important source of essential amino acids (EAA) for livestock production. It is the second most important ingredient in pig feed after grains. Optimal use of these ingredients requires precise knowledge of amino acid standardized ileal digestibility (SID), which may vary depending on several factors including botanical variety or processing treatments. A meta-analysis was performed in order to derive models for predicting the SID of soybean, cotton and rapeseed meal EAA, based on chemical composition data such as CP, total concentration of each EAA and fibre (crude fibre, ADF and NDF) content. A database of 47 references (224 experimental treatments) was built. A model incorporating processing method of the meals (e.g. cold pressed, expeller pressed, solvent extracted), experimental surgical procedure (T-cannula, re-entrant cannula, post valve T-cannula and ileo-rectal anastomosis) and pig growth stage (BW⩽ or ⩾25 kg) was tested. Results indicated that neither processing nor BW affected EAA SID. NDF was the best predictor of SID (R2=0.944, 0.836, 0.779, 0.899 and 0.814, respectively, for Lys, Met, Thr, Trp and Val). The total EAA content was the best predictor of digestible content (g/kg diet) for each EAA (R2=0.990, 0.985, 0.977, 0.985 and 0.978, respectively, for Lys, Met, Thr, Trp and Val). This study shows that routine chemical analyses may be used to predict EAA digestibility with satisfactory accuracy.

Prospects of geothermal water Use in cultivation of Spirulina

Abstract Spirulina has been studied due to its commercial importance as a source of essential amino acids, protein, vitamins, fatty acids etc. Most of the culture systems in use today are open ponds. The new approach proposed in this paper is to use the geothermal water as a medium for microalgae cultivation. Poland has beneficial conditions for wide geothermal use, as one of the environmentally friendly and sustainable renewable energy sources. In the planned research, geothermal water could be used to prepare microalgal culture medium, to heat greenhouses with bioreactors used for the growth of Spirulina, to dry the obtained biomass, as well as to heat the ground in foil tunnels. Using geothermal water gives the possibility to produce algae in open ponds covered with greenhouses and to cultivate plants during winter. The obtained algae can be used for the production of algal bio-products (e.g. homogenates), having the potential application in plant cultivation.