Viable Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Research Articles

Development of a stable fermented creamy structure from hazelnut in the scope of plant-based food production

A hazelnut-based fermented creamy structure was developed from whole hazelnut kernels in the scope of plant-based food production. Firstly, heat-induced and acid-induced gelation of aqueous slurries of raw or roasted hazelnut kernels were investigated. The final structure was formed by heat treatment and fermentation by yoghurt culture along with supplementary sucrose. A stabilizer mixture of locust bean gum and xanthan gum was needed to prevent phase separation. Roasting treatment of hazelnuts reduced the temperature and increased the pH at which gelation started; however, a weak gel was obtained. On the other hand, fermentation of raw hazelnuts resulted in a gel structure with higher strength, yield stress, flow point and spreadability. Phase separation was not observed in the structures during storage. Viable lactic acid bacteria count was above 6 log cfu/g in the samples and a slight decrease was observed after storage at 4°C. Soluble protein content in the samples was reduced by roasting and fermentation but increased after storage. Roasting enhanced allergenicity of the water-soluble fraction while fermentation decreased it by about 70%. Raw hazelnuts are recommended for preparation of stable fermented gel structures with reduced allergenicity towards plant-based food production.

Enhancing Phytochemical Compounds, Functional Properties, and Volatile Flavor Profiles of Pomelo (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) Juices from Different Cultivars through Fermentation with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei.

The current study aimed to explore the effects of fermenting five different pomelo cultivars using Lacticaseibacillus paracasei on various physicochemical, phytochemical, and organoleptic attributes. Fermentation led to an increase in viable lactic acid bacteria count (8.80-9.28 log cfu/mL), organic acids, total polyphenols, and flavonoids, resulting in improved antioxidant activity, bile acid binding, cholesterol micellization disruption, and inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity. Additionally, some cultivars displayed higher levels of naringin, naringenin, and hesperetin after fermentation. The levels of volatile compounds were elevated after fermentation. The bitterness and overall acceptability scores were improved in the fermented samples of the Kao Numpueng cultivar. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the Tubtim Siam cultivar demonstrated the highest functionality and health-related benefits among all fermented pomelos. Overall, the study suggests that pomelo exhibits potential as a valuable resource for creating a dairy-free probiotic drink enriched with bioactive phytochemical compounds and beneficial functional attributes.

Plant-Based Fermented Beverages: Development and Characterization.

The production of plant-based fermented beverages has been currently focused on providing a functional alternative to vegan and/or vegetarian consumers. This study primarily targeted the development and characterization of fermented beverages made up of hydrosoluble extracts of oats, almonds, soybeans, Brazil nuts, and rice. The fermentation was carried out by lactic cultures of Bifidobacterium BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Plant extracts were fermented at 37 °C for 12 h, with and without sucrose supplementation. The physicochemical and microbiological stability of the extracts was monitored for 28 days at 5 ± 1 °C. The composition of the fermented beverages was subsequently determined. The pH values measured at the beginning and the end of the extracts' fermentation ranged between 6.45 and 7.09, and 4.10 to 4.97, respectively. Acidity indices, expressed as a percentage of lactic acid, ranged from 0.01 to 0.06 g/100 mL at the beginning of the fermentation, and from 0.02 to 0.33 g/100 mL upon fermentation being concluded. Most fermented extracts achieved viable lactic acid bacteria counts exceeding 106 CFU/mL during storage. Sucrose supplementation did not alter the rate of bacterial growth. The findings showed that the complete replacement of dairy ingredients with water-soluble plant extracts is a potential alternative for developing a functional fermented plant-based beverage.

Liquid sourdough from stone-ground soft wheat (Triticum aestivum) flour: Development and exploitation in the breadmaking process

The aim of the study was to set up a liquid sourdough obtained using stone-ground soft wheat (Triticum aestivum) flour to be exploited in breadmaking. Therefore, a Type II sourdough (dough yield = 350) was developed from a stable stone-ground wheat Type I sourdough (dough yield = 156) used as inoculum. Both sourdoughs were analyzed for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) viable counts, pH and total titratable acidity (TTA), LAB biodiversity by a combined culture-dependent and -independent approach (PCR-DGGE) and they were tested for their breadmaking ability. In addition, the chemical and rheological features and volatile organic compounds of the stone-ground soft wheat flour used in the experiment were investigated.The flour had a high protein content, good bakery properties and it also presented a rich aroma pattern characterized not only by the prevalence of green grass, flowery, and sweet aromas but also nutty, roasted and popcorn aromas.The sourdoughs I and II used in the trial were characterized by viable LAB counts, pH and TTA values typical of mature sourdoughs, i.e., approximately 9 log cfu gr-1 and mL, pH 3.9 and 10 mL 0.1 N NaOH. In addition, Levilactobacillus brevis and Companilactobacillus paralimentarius species represented the LAB stable microbiota of both sourdoughs.Both sourdoughs efficiently produce acceptable experimental breads characterized by different volatile profiles thus indicating that the type of sourdough fermentation significantly influenced the features of the final products. Overall, for the first time in the present study stone-ground wheat flour and bread have been characterized for their volatile aroma profile and sensory properties.

In Vitro Testing of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Commercial Yoghurts

Abstract Yoghurt has been known as an excellent source for delivering viable lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in concentrations providing benefits to the human host and microbiome. Different gastrointestinal tract (GIT) simulators have been developed and are successfully used to determine the viability of LAB from fermented dairy products in vitro studies. Commercial yoghurts were tested for digestibility using the GIT IT system Labfors 5 (INFORS HT, Switzerland). The length for both the gastric phase and the small intestinal phase was 120 min each. Yoghurt LAB colony-forming units were analysed prior to the GIT simulation test, as well as after the simulation test. The survival rate of LAB was evaluated based on the differences in the viable LAB count at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Tested yoghurts’ LAB were tolerated in the simulated gastric and small intestinal phases. Samples collected prior to and after the intestinal phase revealed that LAB had adapted and started to grow within 120 min. Our results showed the ability of LAB to recover in the intestinal phase which has been explained by the food matrix, which protects the bacteria from the elimination effect of intestinal secretions. In addition, differences in survival rates of LAB significantly influenced the overall LAB colony-forming units in the gastrointestial tract. The chemical composition of the product has an influence on the survival rate of LAB, and it should be studied more thoroughly. In vitro studies are quite different from the assay in vivo studies; however, this information provides significant data about the viability of LAB from regularly consumed products and helps to modulate the influence of LAB on human microbiota.

Berry By-Products in Combination with Antimicrobial Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains for the Sustainable Formulation of Chewing Candies.

The purpose of this research was to develop formulations of chewing candies (CCs) in a sustainable manner by using berry by-products in combination with antimicrobial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains. To implement this aim, the optimal quantities of by-products from lyophilised raspberry (Rasp) and blackcurrant (Bcur) from the juice production industry were selected. Prior to use, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LUHS135, Liquorilactobacillus uvarum LUHS245, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LUHS244, and Pediococcus acidilactici LUHS29 strains were multiplied in a dairy industry by-product—milk permeate (MP). The antimicrobial activity of the selected ingredients (berry by-products and LAB) was evaluated. Two texture-forming agents were tested for the CC formulations: gelatin (Gl) and agar (Ag). In addition, sugar was replaced with xylitol. The most appropriate formulation of the developed CCs according to the product’s texture, colour, total phenolic compound (TPC) content, antioxidant activity, viable LAB count during storage, overall acceptability (OA), and emotions (EMs) induced in consumers was selected. It was established that the tested LAB inhibited three pathogens out of the 11 tested, while the blackcurrant by-products inhibited all 11 tested pathogens. The highest OA was shown for the CC prepared with gelatin in addition to 5 g of Rasp and 5 g of Bcur by-products. The Rasp and LUHS135 formulation showed the highest TPC content (147.16 mg 100 g−1 d.m.), antioxidant activity (88.2%), and LAB count after 24 days of storage (6.79 log10 CFU g−1). Finally, it was concluded that Gl, Rasp and Bcur by-products, and L. plantarum LUHS135 multiplied in MP are promising ingredients for preparing CCs in a sustainable manner; the best CC formula consisted of Gl, Rasp by-products, and LUHS135 and showed the highest OA (score 9.52) and induced the highest intensity of the EM ‘happy’ (0.231).

Nutraceutical Chewing Candy Formulations Based on Acetic, Alcoholic, and Lactofermented Apple Juice Products.

The aim of this study was to develop nutraceutical chewing candy (NCC) formulations based on acetic, alcoholic, and lactofermented apple juice (AJ) products. In addition, different texture-forming (gelatin, pectin) and sweetening (stevia, xylitol) agents were tested. To implement the aim of this study, combinations based on AJ, prepared from fresh and frozen apples, apple cider (C) samples (No.1, No.2, No.3, and No.4), and apple vinegar (V) were used. First, the most appropriate combination was selected by evaluating overall acceptability (OA) and emotions induced for consumers (EIC). In addition, the volatile compound (VC) profile, and physicochemical and antimicrobial characteristics of the developed combinations were analyzed. For AJ fermentation, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains possessing antimicrobial properties (LUHS122—L. plantarum and LUHS210—L. casei) were used. AJ prepared from frozen apples had 11.1% higher OA and 45.9%, 50.4%, and 33.3% higher fructose, glucose, and saccharose concentrations, respectively. All the tested C samples inhibited Bacillus subtilis and had an average OA of 6.6 points. Very strong positive correlations were found between AJ and C OA and the emotion ‘happy’; comparing lactofermented AJ, the highest OA was obtained for AJ fermented for 48 h with LUHS122, and a moderate positive correlation was found between AJ OA and the emotion ‘happy’ (r = 0.7617). This sample also showed the highest viable LAB count (7.59 log10 CFU mL−1) and the broadest spectrum of pathogen inhibition (inhibited 6 out of 10 tested pathogens). Further, acetic, alcoholic, and lactofermented AJ product combinations were tested. For the preparation of NCC, the combination consisting of 50 mL of AJ fermented with LUHS122 for 48 h + 50 mL C-No.3 + 2 mL V was selected because it showed the highest OA, induced a high intensity of the emotion ‘happy’ for the judges, and inhibited 8 out of 10 tested pathogens. Finally, the OA of the prepared NCC was, on average, 9.03 points. The combination of acetic, alcoholic, and lactofermented AJ products leads to the formation of a specific VC profile and increases the OA and antimicrobial activity of the products which could be successfully applied in the food and nutraceutical industries.

Fermentative and physicochemical properties of fermented milk supplemented with sea buckthorn (Hippophae eleagnaceae L.)

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sea buckthorn on the fermentative properties of different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and physicochemical characteristics of fermented milk. Fermented milk was supplemented with 0% (v/v), 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% sea buckthorn and fermented using 8 different LAB strains that isolated from 5 different fermented foods. Results showed that addition of sea buckthorn in fermented milk could significantly increase the total phenolics contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC) and total antioxidant activity, also made fermented milk showed more redness and yellowness. In addition, the addition of 5% sea buckthorn could shorten the coagulation time of fermented milk (from >9 h to 4–5 h), improve the texture of fermented milk and increase the viable LAB counts in fermented milk. Furthermore, the water holding capacity (WHC) was kept stable by adding 5% of sea buckthorn during a 30-day storage period at 4 °C. The study demonstrated that sea buckthorn may be used as a functional food ingredient for improving fermentative properties and extending shelf-life of fermented milk.

Evaluation of lactic acid bacteria viability and anti-diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli activities of non-alcoholic fermented beverage ‘Kunu’

Kunu is a non-alcoholic fermented cereal beverage consumed primarily as a refreshing drink. This study investigated the effects of storage conditions on viability of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) in kunu and the antibacterial effects of Kunu against diarrhoea caused by Escherichia coli strains. Kunu was prepared according to local traditional method. Viability counts of LAB in kunu stored at two different conditions, cold (4 ℃ average) and room temperature (26 ℃ average), were evaluated. Isolated LAB from kunu were identified by partial sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Five pathotypes of diarrhoea caused by E. coli strains were co-cultured with kunu to evaluate its antimicrobial activities. Viable LAB count in kunu ranged from 5.0 x 109 to 1.0 x 1011 cfu/mL. Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides were identified from kunu. There is a drastic decrease (2-5 log reduction) in E. coli strains co-cultured with kunu. The observed high viable counts of beneficial LAB in kunu with its antimicrobial activities against diarrhoeaogenic E. coli strains indicates that kunu is not just a refreshing drink, but it also has antimicrobial potential against diarrhoea caused by E. coli.

Characteristics of Nutraceutical Chewing Candy Formulations Based on Fermented Milk Permeate, Psyllium Husk, and Apple By-Products.

The aim of this study was to develop nutraceutical chewing candy (CCN) formulations based on fermented milk permeate (MP) (source of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and viable lactic acid bacteria (LAB)), psyllium husk (source of desirable hydrocolloids), and apple by-products (source of phenolic compounds). For CCN preparation, gelatin (Gel) and agar were tested; also, to provide CCN prepared using agar with a desirable hard texture, citric acid (cit) was changed to ascorbic acid. To select the optimal quantities of the ingredients, overall acceptability (OA) and emotions (EMs) induced in consumers by different CCN formulations were evaluated. Furthermore, viable LAB count during storage, texture, colour, and antioxidant characteristics were analysed. The highest OA (score 8.5) was shown for samples consisting of MP, psyllium husk (Ph), apple by-products (App), cit and xylitol (Xy); a very strong correlation was found between OA and the EM “happy” (r = 0.907**). After 14 days of storage, Gel+MP+Ph+App+cit samples showed a LAB count higher than 6.0 log10 CFU g−1; however, better antioxidant properties were found for the CCN prepared with agar. Finally, it can be stated that fermented MP, Ph, and App can be used for preparation of added-value CCN in a sustainable manner, and the recommended formulation is Gel+ MP+Ph+App+cit+Xy.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of lactic acid bacteria isolated from exotic naturally fermented milk (cow and yak) products of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Exotic naturally fermented milk of cow and yak products of Arunachal Pradesh in India such as mar, chhurpi and churkam were analysed for identification of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The pH of samples was 5.32 ± 0.01 to 6.62 ± 0.01 with viable LAB count of 6.27 ± 0.01 to 6.49 ± 0.02 log cfu g−1. A total of 307 LAB isolates were isolated from 30 samples, and out of which 76 isolates were randomly grouped on the basis phenotypic characteristics, and were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis into 9 species of LAB from cow-milk products, and 5 LAB species from yak-milk products, respectively. Enterococcus durans was the predominant species along with Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris, Lc. lactis subsp. hordniae, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. tolerans, Levilactobacillus brevis, Loigolactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens and Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri. Chhurpi (cow-milk) showed the higher species richness and diversity among the products.

Fabrication of natural colorimetric indicators for monitoring freshness of ready‐to‐cook idli batter

Natural colorimetric indicators have been fabricated using annatto and pomegranate extract powder and compared with chemical colorimetric indicator fabricated using bromophenol blue (BPB) to monitor the freshness of ready‐to‐cook (RTC) idli batter. The fabricated colorimetric indicator labels work on increasing headspace carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and decreasing pH of stored batter, where indicators showed visible color change from lightest to darkest for spoiled samples. The headspace CO2 concentration of RTC idli batter increased from 0.15 ± 0.05 to 18.07 ± 0.21% (v/v) and pH decreased from 6.7 ± 0.06 to 4.5 ± 0.06 at optimum storage condition (35 ± 1°C) up to 24 h. The percent titratable acidity (% TA) increased from 0.44 ± 0.02 to 0.90 ± 0.02% up to 24 h. The viable lactic acid bacteria count (LABC) and total bacterial count (TBC) increased while yeast and mold count (YMC) was decreased with increasing fermentation time up to 24 h for batter stored at optimum condition. The color change of indicators was quantitatively measured with captured red, green, and blue (RGB) images. Pixel intensity for natural and chemical colorimetric indicators were decreased with increasing fermentation time. The leaching of chemical dye was observed on stored batter, and natural colorimetric indicators are nontoxic and successfully used as “on package sticker” for monitoring freshness of RTC idli batter.

Functional Properties of Yoghurt Fortified with Fruits Pulp

The world interested in food fortification with fruits (e.g. persimmon, mango and guava) that have nutritive and healthy benefits. Therefore, the present study is focused to study the antioxidants properties of yoghurt fortified with fruit pulps. Full fat set yoghurt fortified with different fruit pulps at ratios (5, 10 and 15%, w/w) were prepared and stored at 5±1°C for 14 days. Chemical, rheological, total viable lactic acid bacteria and sensory properties were measured when fresh and after 7 and 14 days of storage period. The results indicated that, there were significant differences between plain yoghurt and fruit yoghurt in the total solids (T.S%), free radical scavenging activity (RSA%), total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total flavonoid compounds (TFC), which increased with the increase of the fruit pulp ratios. While, pH value was decreased with the increase of the fruit pulps percentage added and with extended storage period. The yoghurt containing guava pulp had the highest total viable lactic acid bacteria count compared with plain yoghurt and other fruit yoghurt. Sensory evaluation results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) differences among the yoghurt treatments. The yoghurt containing 10% mango, 10% persimmon and 5% guava were recorded highest scores in full fat yoghurt compared with plain yoghurt and other ratios. The highest apparent viscosity was recorded in yoghurt containing persimmon, mango and guava pulps, respectively. The results of current study demonstrated that addition of fruits to the yoghurt significantly improved the rheological properties, body & texture and flavour compared with control treatment and support set yoghurt with more bioactive compounds.

Functional Low Fat Fruit Yoghurt

Low fat set yoghurt (0.7%) fortified with different fruit pulps (persimmon, mango and guava) and ratios (5, 10 and 15%, w/w) were prepared and stored at 5±1oC for 14 days. Chemical, rheological, total viable lactic acid bacteria and sensory properties were measured when fresh and at 7 and 14 days of storage period. There were significant (p≤0.05) differences between plain yoghurt (control) and functional low fat fruit yoghurt in the total solids (T.S %), antioxidant scavenging activity (ASA%), total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total flavonoid compounds (TFC), they were increased with the increase of the fruit pulp ratios added. While, the pH value and fat% were decreased with the increase of the fruit pulps percentage. The results showed that pH value decreased with extended storage period. Highest values of ASA, TFC and TPC were belonged to yoghurt fortified with guava, mango and persimmon, respectively at 15 % ratio and at 7 days then decreased. The yoghurt containing guava pulp had the highest total viable lactic acid bacteria count compared with plain yoghurt and other fruits yoghurt. The highest (p≤0.05) apparent viscosity was recorded in yoghurt fortified mango, guava and persimmon pulps, respectively. Yoghurt treatments containing 10% mango, 10% persimmon and 5% guava recorded highest sensory scores in low fat yoghurt compared with plain yoghurt and other ratios. The results of current study demonstrated that addition of fruits to the yoghurt significantly improved the rheological properties, body & texture and flavour and support production of low fat yoghurt with more bioactive compounds.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Sensory Properties, and Emotions Induced for the Consumers of Nutraceutical Beverages Developed from Technological Functionalised Food Industry By-Products.

This study aims to develop nutraceutical beverages containing food processing by-products in their formulation, and determine the opinion of consumers. This is done by testing whether they know that the main ingredients of the product are by-products, performing an overall acceptability test of the developed beverages, and evaluating the emotions induced by the newly developed beverages for consumers. The main ingredients used for the preparation of added-value beverages were fermented milk permeate (containing galactooligosaccharides), extruded and fermented wheat bran (WB) (containing ≥6.0 log10 CFU g−1 viable antimicrobial properties showing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains), and different fruit/berry by-products (FBB) (as a source of compounds showing antioxidant properties). The definition of the quantities of bioactive ingredients was based on the overall acceptability of the prepared beverages, as well as on emotions induced in consumers by the tested beverages. Functional properties of the developed beverages were proofed by the evaluation of their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as viable LAB count during storage. Desirable changes in extruded and fermented WB were obtained: Fermentation reduced sugar concentration and pH in samples with predominant lactic acid isomer L(+). In addition, the viable LAB count in the substrate was higher than 6.0 log10 CFU g−1, and no enterobacteria remained. By comparing the overall acceptability of the beverages enriched with WB, the highest overall acceptability was shown for the samples prepared with 10 g of the extruded and fermented WB (7.9 points). FBB showed desirable antimicrobial activity: Shepherd inhibited—2, sea buckthorn—3, blueberries—5, and raspberries—7 pathogens from the 10 tested. Comparing different beverage groups prepared with different types of FBB, in most cases (except sea buckthorn), by increasing FBB content the beverages overall acceptability was increased, and the highest score (on average, 9.5 points) was obtained for the samples prepared with 5.0 and 7.5 g of blueberries FBB. Moreover, a very strong positive correlation (r = 0.8525) was found between overall acceptability and emotion “happy” induced in consumers by the prepared beverages enriched with extruded and fermented WB and FBB. By comparing the samples prepared with the addition of WB with samples prepared with WB and FBB, it was observed that most FBB increased total phenolic compounds (TPC) content (on average, by 9.0%), except in the case of samples prepared with sea buckthorn. A very high positive correlation (r = 0.9919) was established between TPC and antioxidant activity. Finally, it can be stated that the newly developed nutraceutical beverages were acceptable for consumers, induced positive emotions, and possessed desirable antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, while being prepared in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

Combination of Antimicrobial Starters for Feed Fermentation: Influence on Piglet Feces Microbiota and Health and Growth Performance, Including Mycotoxin Biotransformation in vivo.

The aim of this study was to apply a combination of the microbial starters Lactobacillus uvarum LUHS245, Lactobacillus casei LUHS210, Pediococcus acidilactici LUHS29, and Pediococcus pentosaceus LUHS183 for feed fermentation and to evaluate the influence of fermentation on feed acidity and microbiological characteristics, as well as on the piglet feces microbiota, health, and growth performance. Additionally, mycotoxin biotransformation was analyzed, including masked mycotoxins, in feed and piglet feces samples. The 36-day experiment was conducted using 25-day-old Large White/Norwegian Landrace (LW/NL) piglets with an initial body weight of 6.9–7.0 kg, which were randomly distributed into two groups (in each 100 piglets): control group, fed with basal diet (based on barley, wheat, potato protein, soybean protein concentrate, and whey powder), and treated group, fed with fermented feed at 500 g kg−1 of total feed. Compared to a commercially available lactic acid bacteria (LAB) combination, the novel LAB mixture effectively reduced feed pH (on average pH 3.65), produced a 2-fold higher content of L(+) lactic acid, increased viable LAB count [on average 8.8 log10 colony-forming units (CFU) g−1], and led to stable feed fermentation during the entire test period (36 days). Fecal microbiota analysis showed an increased number of probiotic bacteria in the treated group, particularly Lactobacillus, when compared with the control group at the end of experiment. This finding indicates that fermented feed can modify microbial profile change in the gut of pigs. In treated piglets' blood (at day 61), the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) were significantly higher, but the levels of T4, glucose, K, alkaline phosphatase (AP), and urea were significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) compared with the control group. Mycotoxin analysis showed that alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) and altenuene were found in 61-day-old control piglets' feces and in fermented feed samples. However, AME was not found in treated piglets' feces. Feed fermentation with the novel LAB combination is a promising means to modulate piglets' microbiota, which is essential to improve nutrient absorption, growth performance, and health parameters. The new LAB composition suggests a novel dietary strategy to positively manipulate fermented feed chemicals and bio-safety and the piglet gut microbial ecology to reduce antimicrobials use in pig production and increase local feed stock uses and economical effectiveness of the process.

Production of Nigerian Yoghurt Using Lactic Acid Bacteria as Starter Cultures

Aim: This work was carried out to investigate the influence of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) on organoleptic quality and proximate composition of yoghurt, and viability of starter cultures in yoghurt.&#x0D; Methods: The LAB starter cultures were selected based on their ability to produce diacetyl and lactic acid.&#x0D; Results: Lactobacillus caseiN1 produced the highest quantity (2.72 g/L) of diacetyl at 48 hrs of incubation while Pediococcus acidilacticiG1 had the lowest amount (0.50 g/L). The pH of produced yoghurt ranged between 4.40 and 5.58 while the corresponding lactic acid contents ranged between 0.70 and 0.96 g/L. Yoghurt produced with cow milk inoculated with L. PlantarumN24 and L. BrevisN10 had the lowest pH (4.40) at significant level of P≤0.05. Yoghurt with mixed culture of L. PlantarumN24 and L. PlantarumN17 had the highest protein content (5.13%) while spontaneous fermentation (control) produced the least (0.48%). Yoghurt produced from cow milk inoculated with L. PlantarumN24 and L. PlantarumN17 was rated best with overall acceptability (9.0) during first day of storage while the commercial yoghurt (5.8) and spontaneous fermentation (6.8) had least overall acceptability at P≤0.05.&#x0D; Conclusion: Yoghurt samples stored in refrigerator had more viable LAB counts for a period of 21 days while the samples stored at room temperature had a day count except for yoghurt produced with cow milk inoculated with L. plantarumN24 which retained its viability at the second day. The yoghurt produced with selected LAB starters are better than commercial yoghurt in terms of sensory properties, proximate composition, pH and viability.

Pigs' Feed Fermentation Model with Antimicrobial Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains Combination by Changing Extruded Soya to Biomodified Local Feed Stock.

Simple SummaryThe world population is growing, and for this reason, it is very important to ensure increased agricultural production in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. The aim of this study was to apply a combination of newly isolated antimicrobial characteristic possessing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains for local stock (rapeseed meal) fermentation and to evaluate the influence of changing an extruded soya to biomodified rapeseed meal in a feed recipe on piglet feces microbiota, health parameters, growth performance, and ammonia emission. The 36-day experiment was conducted using 25-day-old Large White/Norwegian Landrace (LW/NL) piglets, which were randomly distributed into two groups: a control group fed with a basal diet and a treated group fed with a fermented diet (500 g/kg of total feed). Changing from an extruded soya to fermented rapeseed meal led to desirable changes in piglets’ fecal microbiota (there was more than a four-fold higher Lactobacillus count compared to the control group). There was also a 20.6% reduction in ammonia emission in the treated group section. Finally, by changing from extruded soya to less expensive rapeseed meal and applying a fermentation model with selected LAB combination, piglets were fed without any undesirable changes in health and growth performance, as well as in a more sustainable manner.The aim of this study was to apply newly isolated antimicrobial characteristic possessing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starters (Lactobacillus plantarum LUHS122, Lactobacillus casei LUHS210, Lactobacillus farraginis LUHS206, Pediococcus acidilactici LUHS29, L. plantarum LUHS135, and Lactobacillus uvarum LUHS245) for local stock (rapeseed meal) fermentation and to evaluate the influence of changing from an extruded soya to biomodified local stock in a feed recipe on piglets’ fecal microbiota, health parameters, growth performance, and ammonia emission. In addition, biomodified rapeseed meal characteristics (acidity and microbiological) were analyzed. The 36-day experiment was conducted using 25-day-old Large White/Norwegian Landrace (LW/NL) piglets, which were randomly distributed into two groups: a control group fed with basal diet and a treated group fed with fermented feed (500 g/kg of total feed). The study showed that the selected LAB starter combination can be recommended for rapeseed meal fermentation (viable LAB count in fermented feed 8.5 ± 0.1 log10 CFU/g and pH 3.94 ± 0.04). At the beginning of the in vivo experiment, the microbial profiles in both piglet groups were very similar: The highest prevalence was Prevotella (34.6–38.2%) and Lactobacillus (24.3–29.7%). However, changing from an extruded soya to fermented rapeseed meal in the feed recipe led to desirable changes in piglets’ fecal microbiota. There was a more than four-fold higher Lactobacillus count compared to the control group. Furthermore, there was significantly lower ammonia emission (20.6% reduction) in the treated group section. Finally, by changing from an extruded soya to cheaper rapeseed meal and applying the fermentation model with the selected LAB combination, it is possible to feed piglets without any undesirable changes in health and growth performance, as well as in a more sustainable manner.

Evaluation of physical-chemical and microbiological characteristics of freeze-dried and reydrated yogurt

This study aimed to evaluate the physical-chemical characteristics and the viability of lactic acid bacteria during the fermentation process of the yogurt and after the freeze-dried process, in addition to testing three thickener formulations for the rehydration of the yogurt powder. During the fermentation process, the production of lactic acid and the growth of lactic acid bacteria were accompanied. Before and after freeze-dried process, yogurt was analyzed for pH, titratable acidity, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and viable lactic acid bacteria. After lyophilization, three thickener formulations were tested to evaluate the rehydration of powdered yogurt. At the end of the fermentation process, it was verified that the lactic acid bacteria grew to reach 7.8.107 UFC.g-1 and the acidity obtained was 9.27 g.L-1. The viable lactic acid bacteria count of freeze-dried and non-freeze-dried yogurt was 5.6.107 CFU.g-1 and 7.8.107 CFU.g-1, respectively. Non-freeze-dried and freeze-dried yogurts showed a content of 20.8% and 21.0% carbohydrates, 4.0% and 3.6% protein and 3.7% and 2.7% lipids, respectively. The combination of thickeners that provided viscosity similar to commercial yogurts was the guar gum, pectin and maltodextrin mix. Thus, it was possible to verify that the freeze-drying process maintains the physical-chemical characteristics and viability of lactic acid bacteria. In addition, the developed yogurt presented easy reconstitution at the time of consumption.

Potential of quinoa in the development of fermented spoonable vegan products

The aim of this work was to study the potential of two quinoa varieties, Pasankalla (PK), and Rosada de Huancayo (RH), in developing fermented spoonable vegan products. The quinoa flours were fermented by a candidate probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Q823. Then, two experimental products were developed by flavoring fermented PK flours with date (QD) and fermented RH flour with bilberry and banana (QBB). The nutritional composition, storage time, and sensory properties (the check-all-that-apply method) of QD and QBB were assessed in relation to four commercial vegan fermented snack products. The functionality of L. plantarum Q823 fermentation was demonstrated by high viable lactic acid bacteria counts (log cfu −1 9) of QD and QBB during the 28-day storage compared to commercial products (log cfu −1 <1–8.2 ± 0.04) at the time of purchase. The nutritional composition of QD and QBB was equal or superior to commercial products. Consumers (n = 66) regarded quinoa products as “novel”, “healthy”, and “high in fiber”. However, the quinoa products were also characterized to have an unpleasant aftertaste and “sandy” mouthfeel. To conclude, quinoa has potential in fermented spoonable vegan products, as clearly demonstrated by the successful fermentation process and high lactic acid bacteria viable counts required for probiotic products.