Variation In Nutrient Composition Research Articles

Assessment of the supply and quality of broiler chicken diets from selected feed mills in Tanzania

A study was conducted to evaluate the supply and nutrient composition of broiler feeds from selected feed millers in the Morogoro, Pwani, and Dar es Salaam regions of Tanzania. Nineteen feed mills were assessed, and a representative from each region was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Feed samples from each feed mill representing starter, grower, and finisher diets were collected for proximate analysis. The study showed that the average broiler feed production (tonnes/year) per feed mill was approximately 12,000 for Morogoro, 15,400 for Pwani, and 35,000 for Dar es Salaam. Feed production was mainly constrained by inadequate supply and low quality of ingredients, high costs of production equipment, restricted market access, and limited capital investment. The major feed ingredients listed were maize, maize bran, cottonseed cake, sunflower seed meal, soybean meal, and fish meal, while the micro ingredients included blood meal, salt, limestone, dicalcium phosphate, and premixes. Ingredients were mostly sourced from contract suppliers and local markets. The majority of feeds were processed in mash form, while a few were pelleted. There was considerable variation in the nutrient composition of the feeds of different producers. In most of the feeds examined, crude protein (CP), metabolizable energy (ME), and amino acids were below the recommended levels for broiler chickens; fat, Mg, and Na were at the recommended levels; and P, Ca, Mn, Fe, and Zn exceeded the recommended levels. Starter feeds were more costly than grower and finisher feeds, and pelleted feeds were more costly than mash feeds. The feed ingredient prices were high between October and March and lower during the June to July crop harvesting season. In general, commercially processed feeds from different companies showed large variations in nutrient composition; the majority had values below the recommended standards for broiler chickens, while some exceeded and few attained these standards.

Germplasm characterization and SDS-PAGE analysis of caper (Capparis spinosa L.) from different provenances

BackgroundCapparis spinosa L. is a typical desert plant that is resistant to high temperatures and drought, and at the same time is rich in medicinal and food values. The objective of this study is to explore the variations in nutrient composition, morphological characteristics, and SDS-PAGE patterns of caper seeds from different provenances, aiming to provide insights for the selection of superior seed provenances.ResultsIn this experiment, there were significant differences in the morphological characteristics and major nutritional components of caper seeds from different provenances. Seeds from the YKL (Karayagaqi Township, Yining County) and YKG (G218, KashiTown, Yining County) regions were larger in size compared to seeds from other regions. Among the four measured nutritional components, crude fat had the highest content, especially in the YKL and YKG region. The results of correlation analysis showed that crude fat was negatively correlated with soluble sugar and soluble protein but significantly positively correlated with starch content. As longitude increased from east to west, the morphological characteristics gradually increased. Based on the principal component analysis of all the parameters of the seeds, the eight provenances could be classified into three groups. HM (Hami), TGS (S202, Gaochang District, Turpan), HYW (Wubao Town, Yizhou District, Hami), TQQ (Qiquanhu Town, Turpan), and TLF (Turpan) were a group with higher soluble protein, soluble sugar, and water content. YKL and YKG were in one group, which had larger seed grains with high crude fat and starch content. AKS (Aksu) was in a separate group. The protein fractions from seeds of eight regions were extracted using Osborne fractionation method, it was found that glutelin content was the highest, while albumin content was the lowest. After these proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, the electrophoretic patterns showed that the protein molecular weights were relatively small, and there were differences in protein bands among different provenances.ConclusionAccording to the PCA results, the eight seed provenances could be divided into three groups. There were both geographically distant ones clustered into one group, and those close to each other were also divided into one group. There were differences in seed morphology, nutrient content and SDS-PAGE profiles among the different seed sources. This difference might be caused by a combination of geographic and climatic factors. In addition, YKL and YKG were roughly selected as good seed provenances, which provided a theoretical basis for the development of C. spinosa L. germplasm resources.

Metabolomics analysis of quality components metabolism during the growth process of pepino (Solanum muricatum) fruit

ABSTRACT Pepino (Solanum muricatum), a horticultural crop that has experienced significant growth in the highlands of China over the past two decades, is widely embraced by consumers due to its distinctive taste and nutritional advantages. This study focused on the cultivar ‘Qingcanxiang’ of pepino grown on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau was analyzed using UPLC-QTOF-MS and RNA-seq transcriptome sequencing. Fruit samples were collected at three distinct stages of development, and the results of the metabolomics and transcriptomics were compared and correlated. The study’s findings indicate that the ‘Qingcanxiang’ fruit contained a total of 187 metabolites, comprising 12 distinct categories of compounds, including amino acids and their derivatives, organic acids, sugars and alcohols, phenols and phenolic acids. Of these metabolites, 94 were identified as differential. Significant variations in nutrient composition were observed across the three growth stages of the fruit. Specifically, the stage spanning from the growth to the maturation was identified as the critical stages for nutrient accumulation and flavor development. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed a set of highly associated genes between aspartate and quinic acid, namely SIR2, IRAK4, RP-L29, and CCNH. These genes are potentially involved in the regulation of both amino acid and phenolic acid synthesis. Through the application of metabolomics and transcriptomics, this investigation elucidates the alterations in metabolites and the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms of pepino fruits during three growth stages. The findings furnish a theoretical foundation for the evaluation of nutritional quality and the enhancement of breeding strategies for pepino.

Seasonal variation in nutrient composition in the leaves of two Bauhinia species

Abstract Trees happen to be a prominent source of nutritive fodders and provide sufficient nutrients to the cattle throughout the year. The leaves of two Bauhinia species, that is, Bauhinia retusa and Bauhinia variegata, were collected in different seasons from their natural growing habitats. The collected leaves were air-dried to make a fine powder, and the nutrient concentrations were estimated as per the standard processes. Significant variations were recorded in the nutritive values of both species in different seasons. The leaves of B. retusa revealed highest dry matter and total carbohydrate in the summer season, while the rainy season exhibited the highest value of ash per cent and crude protein.The ether extract and nitrogen-free extract per cent were higher in the winter season, and the maximum crude fibre and organic matter per cent were prominent in the spring season. In case of B. variegata leaves, the dry matter, nitrogen-free extract, ash and ether extract per cent were higher in the winter season. The highest crude fibre percent and total carbohydrate were found to be the maximum in the rainy season, and crude protein was higher in summer season. The results of the present study revealed that the both Bauhinia species are good sources of green fodder for cattle, especially in the rainy season in case of B. retusa and in the summer season for B. variegata, to correct the deficiency of protein in animals in the hill state of Uttarakhand, India.

A Dataset on Corn Silage in China Used to Establish a Prediction Model Showing Variation in Nutrient Composition

It is important to assess the nutritional concentrations of forage before it can be used for tremendous improvements in the dairy industry. This improvement requires a rapid, accurate, and portable method for detecting nutrient values, instead of traditional laboratory analysis. Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy technology was applied, and partial least squares regression (PLSR) and backpropagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) algorithms were used in the current study. The objective of this study was to estimate the discrepancy in nutritional content and rumen degradation in WPCS grown in various regions and to propose a novel analytical method for predicting the nutrient content of whole plant corn silage (WPCS). The Zhengdan 958 cultivar of WPCS was selected from eight different sites to compare the discrepancies in nutrients and rumen degradation. A total of 974 WPCS samples from 235 dairy farms scattered across five Chinese regions were collected, and nutritional indicators were modeled. As a result, substantial discrepancies in nutritional concentrations and rumen degradation of WPCS were found when they were cultivated in different growing regions. The WPCS in Wuxi showed 1.14% higher dry matter (DM) content than that in Jinan. Lanzhou had 11.57% and 8.25% lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations than Jinan, respectively. The DM degradability of WPCS planted in Bayannur was considerably higher than that in Jinan (6 h degradability: Bayannur vs. Jinan = 49.85% vs. 33.96%), and the starch of WPCS from Bayannur (71.79%) was also the highest after 6 h in the rumen. The results indicated that the contents of NDF, ADF, and starch were estimated precisely based on ATR-FTIR combined with PLSR or the BP-ANN algorithm (R2 ≥ 0.91). This was followed by crude protein (CP), DM (0.82 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.90), ether extract (EE), and ash (0.66 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.81). The BP-ANN algorithm had a higher prediction performance than PLSR (R2PLSR ≤ R2BP-ANN; RMSEPLSR ≥ RMSEBP-ANN). The same WPCS cultivar grown in different regions had various nutrient concentrations and rumen degradation. ATR-FTIR technology combined with the BP-ANN algorithm could effectively evaluate the CP, NDF, ADF, and starch contents of WPCS.

Variability in nutrient composition of the edible long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) in Uganda and its potential in alleviating food insecurity.

Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigonidae) is a highly nutritious and luxurious insect delicacy that is consumed as a food source in many African countries. However, the nutrient profile of R. differens in different geographical regions have received limited research interest. Here, we provide comprehensive evidence of geographical impact on the nutrient profile of R. differens and its potential to meet the recommended dietary intake of the population. Our results demonstrated that proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and flavonoid contents of R. differens collected from five districts in Uganda varied considerably. The crude protein (28-45%), crude fat (41-54%), and energy (582-644 Kj/100 g) contents of R. differens exceed that reported from animal origins. The highest crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate contents of R. differens were recorded in Kabale, Masaka, and Kampala, respectively. A total of 37 fatty acids were identified with linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) being the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in R. differens from Kabale, Masaka, and Mbarara. All essential amino acids were recorded in R. differens, particularly histidine with values exceeding the daily requirement for adults. Mineral and vitamin content differed significantly across the five districts. The highest quantity of flavonoids was recorded in R. differens from Hoima (484 mg/100 g). Our findings revealed that R. differens could be considered as functional food ingredients capable of supplying essential macro- and micronutrients that are critical in curbing the rising food insecurity and malnutrition in the regions.

Seasonal Variation in the Nutritional Composition of Fishes in Tuticorin, Southeast Coast of India

Background: The nutritional quality of fish is very important for human consumers. The consumption of fish provides important nutrients to a large number of people worldwide and makes a very significant contribution to nutrition. The purpose of the study was to investigate the proximate composition of economically important marine water fish.
 Methods: The present work was conducted between March 2016 and February 2017, investigated the seasonal variations in the contents of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, ash and moisture in six fish species namely Sardinella fimbriata, Stolephorus commersonnii, Epinephelus areolatus, Carangoides chrysophrys, Gazza achlamys and Parupeneus indicus. The fish samples were collected from the fish market of Tuticorin. The proximate compositions of the samples were analysed according to standard AOAC methods.
 Results: Remarkable seasonal variations are found in the levels of the parameters studied in the six selected species. In all the seasons, Epinephelus areolatus is characterized by the highest moisture and ash contents, and Carangoides chrysophrys by the highest protein and carbohydrate contents, whereas Sardinella fimbriata contains more lipids. Except for moisture content all other nutrient compositions are high during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. During summer the nutrient contents decrease due to breeding activities involving maturation of gonads, and after the breeding season the nutrient contents again show a rising trend. The seasonal variations in nutrient composition in fish are related to the cycle of maturation and depletion of gonads. Different phases of maturation are associated with marked quantitative fluctuations of each nutrient in different fishes.
 Conclusion: Based on the current finding, it is concluded that fishes are very good sources of protein, carbohydrates, ash, and lipids and that the biochemical constituents of the body tissues of fishes fluctuate during different seasons. The results suggested that the consumption of those fish species contributed to human health. Finally, this research work might help to understand the changes in nutritional values of some commercial fishes in various seasons and will assist in identifying the proper fish harvesting period.

Authentication of Apis Cerana and Apis Mellifera Derived Honey Using Major Royal Jelly Protein 2 Gene and Spectroscopy

Honey, as a natural health product, encounter great compositional influence by its entomological, botanical and geographical origin. In Bangladesh, apiculture relies on the honey production by mostly the European honeybee, Apis mellifera. However, the Asian honeybee Apis cerana honey typically costs three times as much as honey from A. mellifera in honey market due to the production limit, variation in nutrient composition, being prone to adulteration by mislabeling or incorporation of two honey. A. mellifera honey may be mislabeled as A. cerana honey or mixed with A. cerana honey by dishonest businesses and beekeepers who are motivated by substantial earnings. The current study used the MRJP2 (Major Royal Jelly Protein 2) gene and spectroscopic analysis to differentiate honey from A. mellifera and A. cerana. Primers for two different species were designed. A. cerana and A. mellifera exhibited amplification products of 212 and 560 bp, respectively. Duplex PCR was able to identify the presence of as little as 1% A. mellifera honey in the mixture. A. mellifera and A. cerana originated honey was differentiated using MRJP2 gene and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The resulted banding pattern can be used to identify adulterated honey. UV-VIS spectroscopy has been used to determine the concentration of DNA at different wavelength for standardizing the corresponding honey types. Amplifications MRJP2 gene fragments in gel electrophoresis and responsiveness in screening for two honey types with their probable admixtures provided an effective tool for discriminating the honey types. DNA Spectrophotometric Spectrum analysis in different wavelengths and ratios also provided a clear-cut discrimination protocol of these two honey types. The findings of these two methods can be used efficiently apply towards authentication of the honey originated by A. mellifera and A. cerana in the honey market of Bangladesh.

Variations of Nutrient and Antinutrient Components of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) Seeds

Bambara groundnut (BGN) fits the bill when it comes to an acceptable level of nutrient and mineral composition. BGN is a balanced food that can help eradicate food and nutritional insecurity if it is incorporated into the major food system. However, there is a large degree of variation in nutrient composition and antinutritional factors among BGN accessions. Here, we show the degree of variability of nutrient and antinutrient components such as percentage ash, moisture, protein, fat, tryptophan, tannin, and phytate contents in seeds of 95 accessions of BGN. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by correlation and principal component analysis. Clustering was done to show the relatedness between the accessions in response to the various traits. A high level of heterogeneity was observed among the accessions for the various traits studied. PC1 and PC2 show 41.2% of the total observed variations. Cluster analysis grouped accessions into four main clusters. This study was able to confirm the high level of diversity in the components of nutrients and antinutrients previously reported in BGN. The results of this study are expected to aid in identifying parent lines for improved breeding programs.

Bimonthly variation in nutrient composition and taste components of Crassostrea gigas cultured in Rushan, Southern yellow sea

Oyster (Ostrea gigas thunberg) has high nutritional and economic values. We analysed bimonthly nutrient-level variations in Rushan oyster (Crassostrea gigas) to establish a basis for the analysis of the nutritional quality of oysters. The contents of the proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals and non-volatile taste substances were measured using Pacific oysters collected between March 2019 and May 2020; this was followed by comparing the impact of seasonal fluctuations on oyster composition. The findings demonstrated that the contents of crude protein and amino acids with seasonal features were higher in the summer and decreased in the winter and spring. Moreover, crude fat and fatty acid content were found to be higher in the winter and spring and decrease in the summer. Winter and spring have greater EUC values and several taste components than summer and autumn. In conclusion, Crassostrea gigas are more nutritious and delectable from March through May. These findings are useful in determining the ideal season for harvesting and consuming oyster products.

Barley, an Undervalued Cereal for Poultry Diets: Limitations and Opportunities.

Simple SummaryWith the ever-increasing demand for poultry products, the continuous supply of conventional cereal grains such as maize has become a challenge. Barley has been recognised as a potential alternative feed ingredient that can replace common cereal grains in poultry diets. However, due to several limitations such as the presence of various anti-nutritive factors and the variability in nutrient composition and quality, the use of barley in poultry diets remains comparatively low. The previous findings on the optimum use of barley in poultry diets are also inconsistent primarily due to differences in research methodologies. The importance of using accurate nutrient profiles for specific barley cultivars to formulate barley-based diets is emphasised in this review. Moreover, the need to adapt feed processing conditions suitable to different barley cultivars to increase the inclusion of barley in poultry diets is highlighted in this review.The supply of conventional cereal grains, especially of maize, will be a significant constraint to the future growth of the poultry industry. Various alternative feed ingredients are being tested to replace maize in poultry diets. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one such feed ingredient, the use of which remains limited in poultry diets due to its low metabolisable energy, presence of anti-nutritive, soluble non-starch polysaccharides and consequent inter-cultivar variability. Differences in research methodologies used in published studies have also contributed to the inconsistent findings, preventing a good understanding of the nutritional value of barley for poultry. The importance of using accurate nutrient profiles, specifically metabolisable energy and digestible amino acids, for specific barley cultivars to formulate barley-based diets is emphasised. Nutritionists should also pay close attention to feed processing conditions tailored to the specific barley cultivars to increase the barley inclusion in poultry diets.

Germplasm variability-assisted near infrared reflectance spectroscopy chemometrics to develop multi-trait robust prediction models in rice.

Rice is a major staple food across the world in which wide variations in nutrient composition are reported. Rice improvement programs need germplasm accessions with extreme values for any nutritional trait. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) uses electromagnetic radiations in the NIR region to rapidly measure the biochemical composition of food and agricultural products. NIRS prediction models provide a rapid assessment tool but their applicability is limited by the sample diversity, used for developing them. NIRS spectral variability was used to select a diverse sample set of 180 accessions, and reference data were generated using association of analytical chemists and standard methods. Different spectral pre-processing (up to fourth-order derivatization), scatter corrections (SNV-DT, MSC), and regression methods (partial least square, modified partial least square, and principle component regression) were employed for each trait. Best-fit models for total protein, starch, amylose, dietary fiber, and oil content were selected based on high RSQ, RPD with low SEP(C) in external validation. All the prediction models had ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) > 2 amongst which the best models were obtained for dietary fiber and protein with R2 = 0.945 and 0.917, SEP(C) = 0.069 and 0.329, and RPD = 3.62 and 3.46. A paired sample t-test at a 95% confidence interval was performed to ensure that the difference in predicted and laboratory values was non-significant.

Assessment of mineral and sugar contents of Plectranthus edulis landraces

ABSTRACT The Ethiopian potato [Plectranthus edulis (Vatke) Agnew] is an annual root tuber that is underutilized due to a lack of knowledge about its nutritional value. The plant is known by its local landrace names. Investigating the relatedness, and variation in nutrient composition, among P. edulis landraces is important for selecting the best genotype for breeding. The study was undertaken to examine mineral nutrients and sugars in 5 P. edulis landraces collected from southern Ethiopia. Samples were analyzed for Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr Ni, Cd, Pb, and fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry and a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Refractive Index Detector, respectively. The P. edulis tubers accumulate large levels of macro- and micro-elements. The Mg and Ca were the most abundant macro-nutrients. The Tseka landrace had the highest Mg content. Iron was the most abundant micro-nutrient in P. edulis tubers. There were no Co, Cd, and Pb detected in P. edulis tuber landraces. All P. edulis landraces contained glucose (15.1–21.1 g/100 g) and fructose (3.34–4.10 g/100 g); sucrose and maltose were not detected. Quantities of all parameters were affected by landraces and their concentrations were different. The unnuko landrace had a lower total sugar level than the other 4 types, making it a good choice for diabetics. The P. edulis landraces can provide minerals and sugar for the human diet. Diversity in nutrient content within landraces could be an opportunity to generate improved hybrids.

Effect of Some Chemical Mutagens on Nutrient Compositions of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam)

Effects of sodium azide (SA) and colchicine (COL) (chemical mutagens) on some nutrient compositions of four varieties of sweetpotato (Butter milk, TIS87/0087, UMUSPO/3 and UMUSPO/1) were investigated at the Biotechnology Laboratory of the National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, Nigeria. The parent plants were treated with sodium azide and colchicine mutagens at concentrations of 0%, 0.03%, 0.05% and 0.07%. Storage roots of the M2V2 generations from the mutant plants were used for the nutrient composition analysis using recommended standard procedures. Nutrient traits studied were: moisture content (%), dry matter content (%), amylose and amylopectin contents (%), starch yield (%), starch content % based on fresh weight and starch content % based on dry weight. Mutants with higher dry matter content than the control were observed in TIS87/0087 treated with SA and COL 0.03%. SA and COL 0.05% produced mutants with higher amylose content (and lower amylopectin) than the control in TIS87/0087. UMUSPO/3 treated with SA 0.03% and SA 0.05% produced mutants with higher values for amylose content (and lower values for amylopectin) than the control; the same variety treated with colchicine (COL 0.05%), recorded higher value for amylose content (and lower value for amylopectin) than the control. These findings showed that sodium azide and colchicine mutagens were potent in inducing variations in nutrient composition of sweetpotato.

Nutritional niche separation between native roe deer and the nonnative fallow deer\u2014a test of interspecific competition

On an evolutionary time scale, competition for food drives species formation by genetic adaptations to the environment and subsequent niche separation. On a short-term scale, animals use different strategies to meet their nutritional requirements, which ultimately influence their fitness. Understanding these adaptations in herbivores is especially important in temperate climates where animals have adapted both physiologically and behaviorally to seasonal variations in order to meet their nutritional requirements. The aim of this project was to investigate temporal variation in chemical composition of rumen content between two coexisting species of large herbivores, the native roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) and the introduced fallow deer (Dama dama L.), as well as a potential effect of competition on niche separation (interspecific differences in rumen nutrient composition). We analyzed 345 rumen samples collected from animals at one 95 km2 estate, Koberg, in southwestern Sweden. Based on samples from all seasons, temporal variation in nutrient composition and interspecific differences between the two deer species were investigated under two contrasting fallow deer population densities. Results revealed that nutrient composition varied between species and across seasons. Roe deer had a higher proportion of rumen protein compared to fallow deer, with the highest proportions in spring. In contrast, fallow deer had a higher proportion of rumen hemicellulose compared to roe deer in spring, while no differences in nutrient composition between species could be found in fall. Overall, there were greater differences between the two species when fallow deer density was high and competition likely more pronounced than when fallow deer density was low. The results from this study can be used to understand interspecific competition and how it fosters niche separation between coexisting large herbivores.

Predicting Protein and Fat Content in Human Donor Milk Using Machine Learning.

Donor milk is the standard of care for hospitalized very low birth weight (VLBW) infants when mother's milk is unavailable; however, growth of donor milk-fed infants is frequently suboptimal. Variability in nutrient composition of donated milk complicates the production of a uniform pooled product and, subsequently, the provision of adequate nutrition to promote optimal growth and development of VLBW infants. We reasoned a machine learning approach to construct batches using characteristics of the milk donation might be an effective strategy in reducing the variability in donor milk product composition. The objective of this study was to identify whether machine learning models can accurately predict donor milk macronutrient content. We focused on predicting fat and protein, given their well-established importance in VLBW infant growth outcomes. Samples of donor milk, consisting of 272 individual donations and 61 pool samples, were collected from the Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank and analyzed for macronutrient content. Four different machine learning models were constructed using independent variable groups associated with donations, donors, and donor-pumping practices. A baseline model was established using lactation stage and infant gestational status. Predictions were made for individual donations and resultant pools. Machine learning models predicted protein of individual donations and pools with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.16g/dL and 0.10g/dL, respectively. Individual donation and pooled fat predictions had an MAE of 0.91g/dL and 0.42g/dL, respectively. At both the individual donation and pool levels, protein predictions were significantly more accurate than baseline, whereas fat predictions were competitive with baseline. Machine learning models can provide accurate predictions of macronutrient content in donor milk. The macronutrient content of pooled milk had a lower prediction error, reinforcing the value of pooling practices. Future research should examine how macronutrient content predictions can be used to facilitate milk bank pooling strategies.

Processing Matters in Nutrient-Matched Laboratory Diets for Mice-Microbiome.

Simple SummaryFeed for laboratory mice is available in different physical forms. However, there is insufficient standardization in nutrient composition and physical forms. Results pertaining to energy and nutrient digestibility show that differentially processed feed (pelleted vs. extruded) and even batches from the same provider (pelleted vs. pelleted) differ in starch gelatinization. Here we show that feed processing impacts the mice’s gastrointestinal microbiome. Reproducibility and comparability between experiments with differently processed feeds in laboratory mice should not be taken for granted. Therefore, details on dietary ingredients and feed processing should be specified in studies that include animal experiments.The composition of the microbiome is subject to the host’s diet. In commercial laboratory mouse diets, different physical forms of the same diets are available, containing—according to their labels—identical ingredients and nutrient compositions. However, variations in nutrient composition and starch gelatinization due to production processes and their impact on digestibility have been described. In this study, a total of 48 C57BL/J6 mice were assigned to two equal groups and were fed diets (produced with different processes—extruded vs. pelleted) for eight weeks in two biological replicates. At the end of the experiment, samples were collected from five different gastrointestinal regions, including the stomach, small intestine, cecum, large intestine, and an extracorporeal region (feces), and the microbiome was analyzed with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The replicates in both experiments differed significantly in their relative abundances of Muribaculaceae species. Furthermore, the gastrointestinal content of pellet-fed mice contained larger numbers of Lactobacillus species. These results indicate that starch gelatinization and ingredient composition significantly influence microbial makeup. In conclusion, different feed processing methods may affect fundamental digestive and metabolic processes, impacting animal experiments and biasing microbiome data.

Variations in nutrient composition of oyster nuts (Telfairia pedata) across different agro-climatic conditions

In sub-Saharan Africa, nutrient deficiency remains a challenge. The challenge is partly due to the underutilization of available local nutrient sources and failure to optimize nutrients based on ag...

Deciphering nutrient composition of beef for different indigenous meat preservation methods in central Uganda

Livestock farmers in the rural communities of Uganda depend largely on indigenous preservation techniques as means of minimizing post-harvest losses in beef value chain. The nutritional quality of animal source foods is priority world over. The objective of this study was to decipher nutrient composition of beef for the different indigenous meat preservation techniques in Uganda. A cross sectional study was conducted in Nakaseke, Nakasongola and Sembabule districts using experimental-survey approaches. In the field survey, 90 respondents were interviewed using participatory techniques. Laboratory analysis examined 57 preserved meat samples. The results revealed two indigenous meat preservation techniques; Non-salted smoking (63.3%) and salted smoking (36.7%), largely (60%) practiced by females. Meat preservation is more frequent in dry season (93.3%). The results also showed that non-salted smoked and salted smoked meat had average moisture, fat and protein content of 21%, 14%, 67%; and 11%, 13% and 62% respectively. The average of zinc, iron and calcium content for the non salted smoked meat; 1.636 mg, 2.738 mg and 0.237 mg respectively while salt smoked meat; 2.341 mg, 3.587 mg and 0.609 mg respectively. The variations in nutrient composition of non salted smoked and salted smoked meat was insignificant (p>0.05). The authors conclude that the nutritional composition of traditionally processed meat products is maintained, particularly with high content of protein, fat, zinc, and iron. The indigenous meat preservation methods should be promoted and up-scaled due to enhanced nutrients and their potential to reduce of post-harvest losses. Additionally, develop standard operating procedures to prevent variations in processes of preservation techniques to assure nutritional quality of products.

167 Analysis of variation in net energy prediction of feed ingredients fed to swine

Abstract Precision of NRC and CVB net energy (NE) prediction equations was investigated by taking into account natural and analyzed variation of the chemical components (e.g., moisture, protein, starch, NDF, ADF, sugars, fat) for six feed ingredients used in swine diets. Precision is defined as the variation of the NE formula given the variation of its chemical components. Stochastic variables were substituted for the component values and the variation in nutrient composition was algebraically, not statistically, propagated to the NE value for both equations. This was done both, for the naturally occurring variation as published in CVB, and for a range of analytical variation values associated with wet chemistry analysis based on a range of values obtained by published ring-tests. Consequently, variation of the NE value and the contribution to variation of each chemical component in the NE equation were calculated. The variation of NE prediction using CVB is lower than using NRC. The main contributor for increased variation of the NRC NE is the NDF fraction. Whereas in CVB, this is replaced by the NSP fraction which is computed as a residue from the other chemical component values, forcing the sum of the composition to add to 100%. Furthermore, it was determined that analyzing all nutrients, in particular NDF and ADF, did not always reduce the variation of the NE equations. In conclusion, analytical variation, especially fiber analysis, must be critically examined and, preferably, sum to 100% to increase precision in the prediction of NE in feed ingredients. Otherwise, the use of a residue fraction, although nutritionally difficult to justify, actually increased precision in the NE equations. Note that it is unfair to compare both NE formulas based on precision alone. An interesting follow-up question is to take accuracy also into account when comparing CVB and NRC.