Chemical composition, fatty acid content and antioxidant potential of meat from goats supplemented with Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves, sunflower cake and grass hay

Comparative Effects on Using Bilberry Leaves in Broiler Diet Reared under Thermoneutral Conditions vs. Heat Stress on Performance, Health Status and Gut Microbiota

The study aims to investigate the impact of dietary bilberry leaves on the performance, health status, and gut microbiota of broilers reared in both thermoneutral conditions and under heat stress. Sixty Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided into two groups (C-TN, BL-TN) and reared in thermoneutral conditions for the first trial. For the second trial, two other groups (C-HS and BL-HS) were reared in heat stress (32 °C), with 30 chickens in each group. The experimental diets were supplemented with 1% bilberry leaves compared to the control diets. The broilers fed a diet with bilberry leaves had lower levels of cholesterol compared to the control birds. At the end of the experiment, six broilers per group were slaughtered, and intestinal contents were collected for bacteriological analyses. The results revealed that bilberry leaves increased body weight and average daily feed intake in the BL-TN group compared to the C-HS group. However, the broilers fed a bilberry leaves diet and reared in heat stress had a significantly lower average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain than the C-TN group. Additionally, the number of staphylococci colonies decreased significantly in the group fed with a BL-supplemented diet and reared in TN compared to C-TN, while lactobacilli increased significantly in BL-TN compared to C-TN. In summary, bilberry leaves can be used as a natural supplement in a broiler's diet to regulate serum cholesterol in heat stress and maintain the health of intestinal microflora in thermoneutral conditions.

Impact of gamma irradiation and guava leaf extract on the quality and storage stability of chicken patties

The current investigation was carried out to evaluate the impact of gamma irradiation and guava leaf extract (GLE) on chicken meat patties. The effects of treatments on chicken meat patties were determined by physicochemical, stability (oxidative and microbial), and antioxidant status during different packaging (aerobic and vacuum) at storage intervals (0, 5, and 10 days). The changes in physicochemical parameters of chicken patties were observed on various treatments, storage intervals, and different packaging. The TBARS and POV were found to increase significantly (p < .05) on 2 kGy and with the passage of storage time. The results of microbial load in samples were found to decrease on gamma irradiation with and without GLE. The antioxidant profile in chicken patties was with respect to control. Slight changes were seen in sensory parameters on different treatments at storage intervals. It is concluded that gamma irradiation eliminated the microbes and different concentrations of GLE improve the stability and antioxidant profile of chicken patties.

Immunostimulant potential of Moringa Oleifera leaves alcoholic extract versus Oregano Essential Oil (OEO) against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in broilers chicks

The current study was conducted to evaluate the immunoenhancement effect of Moringa oleifera leaves alcoholic extract (MOLE) versus Oregano essential oil (OEO) against cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppression in broilers chicks. A total of a three hundred one-day-old chicks were assigned randomly into three main dietary groups, control, MOLE, and OEO for 14 days. After 14 days the three main experimental groups were subdivided into six groups, control, cyclophosphamide, MOLE, MOLE and Cyclophosphamide, OEO, and OEO and cyclophosphamide. Each group of these six groups was subdivided into three subgroups. Supplementation of broiler chicks with MOLE and OEO for 14 days significantly increased body weight compared to the control group. However, injection of broiler chicks with cyclophosphamide significantly induced body weight loss, impaired immunological response represented by decreasing total leukocytic count, differential leukocytic count, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and hemagglutinin inhibition titer for New Castle disease virus, lymphoid organs depletion, and increased the mortality rate. In contrast, supplementation of cyclophosphamide treated chicks with MOLE and OEO significantly reduced cyclophosphamide induced body weight loss and impaired immunological responses, as it showed significant increase in body weight, total leukocytic count, differential leukocytic count, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and hemagglutinin inhibition titer for New Castle disease virus, lymphoid organs proliferation, and reduced the mortality rate. This study indicated that MOLE and OEO supplementation ameliorated cyclophosphamide induced body weight loss and impaired immunological responses.

Use of Moringa oleifera leaves (sole or combined with concentrate) in rabbit feeding: Effects on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality attributes

Sixty Chinchilla rabbits (28 days old) were divided into three equal groups (n = 20). Rabbits in MOL0 (control) were fed pellets containing 700 g cowpea hay/kg pellet as forage source, whereas rabbits in MOL700 and MOL950 were fed pellets containing 700 and 950 g moringa leaves/kg feed pellets, respectively. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio was comparable in MOL700 and MOL0, however, it was higher in MOL950. Among the carcass traits, dressing percent was higher while, chilling loss was lower in MOL700 treatment. The Longissimus thoracis muscle of rabbits fed moringa leaves containing pellets (MOL700 and MOL950) had lower saturated fatty acid content, higher C18:3n-3 and total n-3 fatty acids along with lower thrombogenic index value. Hence, incorporating moringa leaves at 70% level is beneficial in terms of improved growth performance and functional attributes of meat than diet- containing sole moringa leaves.

Meat quality, metabolic profile and antioxidant status of lambs fed on seedless grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L.)

This study was aiming to research the effect of the seedless grape pomace (GP) added to feed mixture on meat quality, metabolic profile, and antioxidant status of Merinolandschaf lambs. The 90 days old lambs in the control group (C, n=10) were fed feed mixture without GP while in experimental groups were fed with 10% (GP10, n=10) or 20% (GP20, n=10) of GP in feed mixture for 30 days. There was a significant increase in L*, a* values and hue angle as well as a decrease in b* values of lamb carcasses in GP10 and GP20 compared to C group. When lambs were fed GP glucose concentrations decreased, while non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) increased on the 30th day in GP10 and GP20 compared with C group. A significant increase in SOD activity on day 30 and GPx activity on day 15 in lambs’ blood of GP10 and GP20 compared with C group was determined. Also, an increase in DPPH in lamb GP10 and GP20 compared with C was determined. The obtained results of the meat quality, metabolic profile and antioxidant status parameters of lamb meat showed that the use of 10% GP in the diet is justified, while 20% of GP was questionable.

Dietary supplementation with Moringa oleifera leaves extract reduces the impacts of sub-lethal fipronil in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

This study assessed the restorative dietary effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves extract against the negative impacts of sub-lethal fipronil (FIP) toxicity in Nile tilapia. To achieve this purpose, the growth, body composition, haemato-biochemical measurements, serum immunity, and antioxidant condition of Nile tilapia have been examined. Fish were arranged into 6 experimental groups in quadruplicates. Three groups were fed on diets supplemented with 0.0 (reference group), 1.0 (MO1), and 2.0 (MO2) g kg^-1 of MO leaf extract. The other three groups were fed on the same MO levels and concomitantly subjected to a sub-lethal FIP concentration (4.2 µg L^-1 for 3 h only per day) and defined as FIP, FIP + MO1, and FIP + MO2. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. Results unveiled that growth parameters were significantly decreased alongside an increased feed conversion ratio in the FIP-intoxicated group. The moisture and crude protein (%) were decreased significantly together with a significant increase of the crude lipids (%) in the fish body of the FIP group. Sub-lethal FIP toxicity induced hypochromic anemia, leukopenia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglobulinemia, and hepato-renal failure (increased urea and creatinine concentrations, as well as ALT and AST enzymes). Exposure to sub-lethal FIP also induced (a) immunosuppression manifested by a decline in total IgM, complement C3, and lysozyme activities, (b) enzymatic antioxidant misbalance manifested by decreases in SOD and CAT activities, and (c) oxidative stress (declined T-AOC and elevated of MDA concentrations). On the other side, dietary supplementation with MO leaf extract in FIP + MO1 and FIP + MO2 groups noticeably modulated the aforementioned parameters. Therefore, we can conclude that dietary MO could reduce sub-lethal FIP toxicity in Nile tilapia with a possible recommendation for regular prophylaxis supplementation in Nile tilapia diets.

Dietary Moringa oleifera Alters Periparturient Plasma and Milk Biochemical Indicators and Promotes Productive Performance in Goats

The purpose of the current study was to explore the supplementing effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on plasma and milk biochemical indices and productive/reproductive performance of goats. A total of 30 healthy pregnant goats were randomly distributed (n = 10) into three experimental groups: control (M₀) group (basal diet without MOLP), M_2% group (basal diet + 2% MOLP), and M_3.5% group (basal diet + 3.5% MOLP). The experiment started 2 months before parturition and continued till the first month of lactation. The plasma flavonoids were significantly increased in the M_3.5% group during the entire experiment, whereas the total phenolic contents were enhanced only during the lactation period depending on the supplementation percentage. The amount of vitamin C increased significantly in M_2% and M_3.5% groups as compared to the M₀ group. Supplementation of MOLP improved the plasma total antioxidant capacity by declining malondialdehyde concentration and total oxidant status values. The activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes were modified in M_2% and M_3.5% supplemented groups throughout the experiment, while the catalase activity was significantly influenced only during the lactation stage. The protein and lycopene contents in plasma were significantly improved in the M_3.5% group, whereas the total sugars and carotenoid level was increased in both M_2% and M_3.5% groups. Dietary supplementation with 3.5% MOLP more effectively enhanced protease and amylase activities as compared to 2% supplementation. MOLP also improved the biochemical indices and antioxidant status of colostrum and milk. The milk yield, weight gain of the kids, and reproductive performance were high in M_2% and M_3.5% groups in comparison to the M₀ group. These findings disclose that supplementing the diet with 3.5% MOLP improves antioxidant status, milk yield, and reproductive performance in goats.

Influence of Red Corn Rich in Anthocyanins on Productive Traits, Blood Metabolic Profile, and Antioxidative Status of Fattening Lambs

Simple Summary

In order to prevent lamb distress during weaning and avoid the occurrence of oxidative stress leading to diminished production performance, health status, or product quality, feeds rich in polyphenols (anthocyanins) are increasingly used in ruminant feeding. In the present study, lambs were allocated into three groups, with 10 lambs per group. The feed mixture for the control group (C) contained yellow corn. Lambs in experimental group I were fed feed mixtures containing yellow corn replaced by red corn at 50% (RC50). In experimental group II, red corn fully replaced (100%) yellow corn (RC100) in the lambs’ feed. The results of the present study indicate a positive effect of red corn rich in anthocyanins on the metabolic profile without any changes in the productive traits of lambs.

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different proportions of red corn rich in anthocyanins on the diet of fattening lambs considering their productive traits, blood metabolic profile, and antioxidative status. The research was carried out with 30 Merinolandschaf lambs, 90 days old and weaned. The feed mixture for lambs (n = 10) of the control group contained yellow corn, while in the feed mixture of experimental group I (n = 10), yellow corn was replaced with red corn at 50% (RC50), and in experimental group II (n = 10), yellow corn was 100% replaced with red corn (RC100). An automatic three-part differential haematology analyser was used to determine haematological parameters in whole blood, and biochemical parameters were determined in blood serum using a biochemical analyser. A diet containing red corn did not affect productive traits or the majority of the examined parameters. However, higher blood haemoglobin content, increased aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase activity, and decreased glucose and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were found in the serum of RC100 lambs. These results indicate a positive effect of red corn rich in anthocyanins on the metabolic profile without any changes in the productive traits of lambs.

Assessment of the Effects of Salt and Salicornia herbacea L. on Physiochemical, Nutritional, and Quality Parameters for Extending the Shelf-Life of Semi-Dried Mullets (Chelon haematocheilus)

Mullet, a coastal fish species, is commonly used as a salted dried fish in many countries, including Korea, Japan, and the southeastern United States. The purpose of this investigation was to develop high-quality products of salted semi-dried mullet (SSDM) using natural salt and Salicornia herbacea L. (SAL). The antioxidant activity of SAL was investigated by in vitro studies. The physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of fresh mullet (FM), salted control (SSDM-CON), and SAL-treated (SSDM-SAL) mullet groups were analyzed. The moisture, ash, and crude protein contents were significantly increased in the SSDM-SAL group, whereas the salinity was decreased when compared with the SSDM-CON group. Lipid oxidation occurred in the FM and SSDM groups, as indicated by the increase in peroxide (PV), acid (AV), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values during the storage period. The protein pattern on the sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis showed similarities between the groups, while the amino acid and fatty acid contents also varied in the FM and SSDM groups depending on their processing methods. Initially, the total bacterial count was significantly higher in the SSDM groups than in the FM group. However, the SSDM-SAL group had a markedly lower total bacteria count than the FM and SSDM-CON groups during 21 days of refrigerated storage. This result indicates that SAL treatment can improve mullet’s safety from microorganisms, includes beneficial biochemical parameters, and can extend their shelf-life through refrigerated storage.

Potential Applications of Moringa oleifera in Poultry Health and Production as Alternative to Antibiotics: A Review

Because of developing bacterial resistance and increased public awareness of health and food safety problems, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in the chicken industry has been outlawed. This problem has spurred the poultry industry and sector to explore for safe antibiotic alternatives and to focus on developing better long-term feed management solutions in order to improve chicken health and growth. As a result, phytogenics have developed as natural antibiotic alternatives, with a lot of potential in the poultry industry. Moringa oleifera has gotten a lot of attention from researchers in the recent past as a natural product with a lot of health advantages for poultry. Moringa is known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic properties, as well as its capacity to activate digestive enzymes in the stomach, owing to the presence of hundreds of essential ingredients. The potential influence of M. oleifera as a natural feed supplement on overall gut health, nutritional digestibility, blood biochemical profile, antioxidant benefits, antibacterial potential, and immunological response is emphasized in this review.

Incorporation of Herbal Plants in the Diet of Ruminants: Effect on Meat Quality

The use of herbal plants as food additives in animal nutrition to enhance meat processing efficiency and meat quality has been reviewed. Today, the consumer demand is safety, nutritive value, taste, uniformity, meat variety, and good appearance of meat products. Thus, to meet the consumers' demand, development of product and research should be improved. Studies have been shown that the use of herbs, spices, and their extracts are of the major interventions, which were adopted in the industry of the meat for improving its quality traits. In the present paper, the most recent literature about use of bioactive compounds in herbal plants for evaluating a number of parameters related to meat quality, including fat content and distribution, water content, water holding capacity, collagen content, pH, tenderness color, lipid oxidation and flavor were reviewed.

Impact of frozen storage on oxidation changes of some components in goose meat

The objective of this study was to investigate the oxidation activity and lipid oxidation changes in breast (BM) and leg (LM) muscles from 17-wk-old female White Kołuda geese packaged in a vacuum, and stored in freezing conditions at −20°C. The geese were fed ad libitum during the experimental period (up to 17 wk) on the same complete feed. The samples of LM (n = 18) and BM (n = 18) from the right carcass were stored for 30, 90, 80, 270, and 365 d. Lipid oxidation was described by determining changes in: TBARS value expressing the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) measured by DPPH and ABTS methods and total reduction potential (TRP) measured by FRAP method. Moreover, total heam pigments pigment (THP), relative concentration of myoglobin (Mb), oxymyoglobin (MbO₂), and metmyoglobin (MMb) were determined in this study. Time of storage affected the TAC, TRP, TBARS, and the color stability of BM and LM. The THP concentration and Mb proportion decrease gradually during the 365 d of frozen storage, while the relative concentration of MMb increase in BM and LM. It was noted that the shares of MMb in both analyzed types of muscles stored for 365 d did not exceed 0.4. This value is considered to be the limit, after which the meat takes on an intense gray-brown color not accepted by the consumer. The oxidation processes occurring during frozen storage caused an increase of TBARS and a decrease of DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, FRAP values in both kinds of muscles. The amounts of TBARS during frozen storage of muscles did not exceed 2.0 mg MDA/kg of meat. A higher value of TBARS than 2.0 causes a lack of acceptance by consumers of the flavor profile. Based on the results concerning changes in the heam pigments, as well as changes related to the oxidation of lipids, we cannot unequivocally state in which types of muscles the changes had a more intense course.

Nutritional significance and therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera: The wonder plant

Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose plant and a comprehensive source of dietary components such as proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, etc. The plant is also a rich source of other bioactive components, including flavonoids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, etc. Incorporating M. oleifera in diet can improve the nutritional status of pregnant and nursing mothers and helps to combat malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among children. The phytochemicals and secondary metabolites, especially the polyphenolic compounds from Moringa, have a significant free-radical scavenging effect attributed to this plant's therapeutic potential. Investigations targeting to explore M. oleifera for its nutritional makeup, novel bioactive components, and analysis of their health-promoting attributes have received much attention. This review demonstrates an overview of recent (past ten years) advancements and patenting activity in discovering different parts of M. oleifera plant for providing adequate nutritive and bioactive components. The pharmacological potential and action mechanisms of M. oleifera in many diseases like diabetes mellitus, cancer, hypertension, ulcer, etc., are also discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Moringa oleifera is a vital plant that has a varied set of nutritional and therapeutic properties. The indigenous components of Moringa can treat humankind of its diseases and contribute to overall health. The qualitative and functional characteristics of its components indicate possible commercial exploitation of this high-value plant by utilizing its plant parts in many proprietary medicines and nutraceuticals. In conclusion, the Moringa plant needs to be used commercially. It can lead to tremendous economic development if the industries and researchers exploit its potential for highly nutritional super food and therapeutic application by undertaking further research to corroborate earlier studies.

Quality and Oxidative Changes of Minced Cooked Pork Incorporated with Moringa oleifera Leaf and Root Powder

Consumers are currently demanding meat products produced using natural additives due to their potential health benefits. Consequently, there has been a progressive interest in the search for more natural antioxidant sources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of varying levels of M. oleifera root and leaf powder on the oxidative stability and quality of cooked minced pork during eight days of refrigerated storage at 4 °C. The leaves contained significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) concentrations of total phenols (50.08 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g), while the roots contained the highest amounts of flavonoids (375.15 ± 0.19 mg QE/g) and proanthocyanidins (132.62 ± 0.4 mg CE/g). Both plant parts demonstrated good 2,2-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2 íazino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging activity. Minced cooked pork incorporated with M. oleifera leaf and root powder had significantly lower pH and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) values compared to the control (p < 0.05). The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was also significantly higher in the samples that incorporated antioxidants compared to the control (p < 0.05). Findings from this study suggest that M. oleifera leaves and roots are potent antioxidant sources which can be incorporated in meat to improve quality attributes during storage.

Concentrate supplementation with dried corn gluten feed improves the fatty acid profile of longissimus thoracis muscle from steers offered grass silage

BACKGROUND

Concentrate supplementation of a grass silage-based ration is a typical practice employed for indoor winter finishing of beef cattle in many temperate countries. Plant by-products, such as dried corn gluten feed (CGF), can be used to replace conventional feedstuffs in a concentrate supplement to enhance the sustainability of ruminant production systems and to improve meat quality. This study examined the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and sensory attributes of beef (longissimus thoracis muscle) from steers offered grass silage and concentrate supplements containing varying levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%) of CGF substituted for barley / soybean meal.

RESULTS

Feeding 50%CGF decreased the protein content and increased intramuscular fat in comparison with 25%CGF. Total phenol content and iron-reducing antioxidant power followed the order: 0%CGF > 50%CGF and 25%CGF > 0%CGF = 50%CGF, respectively. Compared to 0%CGF, 25%CGF and 75%CGF decreased C14:0 and increased C22:2n-6, C20:5n-3 and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids whereas 75%CGF increased conjugated linoleic acids and C18:3n-3. Diet did not affect the oxidative stability and sensory attributes of beef patties.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of up to 75%CGF in a supplementary concentrate for steers increased the proportion of health-promoting unsaturated fatty acids without negatively influencing the shelf-life and eating quality of longissimus thoracis muscle. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Rice Bran Makes a Healthy and Tasty Traditional Indonesian Goat Meatball, 'Bakso'

Meatballs are popular in Asia and traditionally made from beef or chicken with tapioca (≈8% wt/wt) as filler. Tapioca has a high glycaemic index (GI); therefore, rice bran was evaluated as a substitute to create a healthier meatball of acceptable quality. Substitution of tapioca with rice bran (100:0; 75:25, 50:50; 25:75; 0:100% tapioca: % rice bran) decreased the starch content (7.8 to 3.3%) and GI (56.08 to 43.85) whilst increasing the protein (10.9 to 12.8%) and fibre (8.1 to 10.3%) contents. Although consistency (995 to 776 N/mm) was affected, firmness (90.6 to 90.5 N) and shear force (300 to 312 N) were only slightly affected by the ratio of tapioca to rice bran. Sensory analysis revealed that the goat meatball with the substitution of tapioca with up to 25% rice bran was deemed acceptable by 40 Indonesian consumers.

Metabolic Benefit of Bulls Being Fed Moringa Leaves Twigs and Branches as a Major Concentrate Ingredient

The study was conducted to investigate nutrient metabolism and semen quality of bulls fed with moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves, twigs, and branches as a major concentrate ingredient. Twenty-one Red Chittagong bulls of about 204 (±50) kg initial live weight (LW) were randomly divided into three equal LW groups. They were fed maize silage as a basal feedstuff for 65 days with the supplementation of concentrate mixtures at 1% of LW, consisting of either 0, 25, or 50% moringa mash on a fresh basis. Moringa mash was a sun-dried ground preparation of leaves, twigs, and branches of moringa. The results indicated that different levels of moringa in concentrate mixtures (0, 25, and 50%) did not change daily DM intake, digestibility, and LW gain of bulls (p &gt; 0.05). However, increasing dietary moringa (up to 203 g/kg DM) significantly decreased production cost of methane (CH4) (methane emission [kg/kg gain] = 1.6422—[0.0059 × moringa intake, g/kg DM], n = 12, R2 = 0.384, P = 0.032) in a similar metabolizable energy intake level (0.21 ± 0.01 MJ/kg LW). Also, higher dietary moringa significantly reduced urinary nitrogen loss (urinary nitrogen [% digested nitrogen] = 43.0 – 0.069 × moringa intake [g/kg DM]; R2 = 0.3712, P = 0.034). Thus, increasing moringa by 1 g/kg DM decreased CH4 emission by 6 g/kg gain and absorbed nitrogen loss by 0.069 %. Also, progressive motility of sperm increased significantly (33.0, 51.0, and 60.1%, respectively; p = 0.03) in bulls fed with concentrate mixtures containing moringa at 0, 25, or 50%. It may be concluded that feeding moringa mash at 203 g/kg DM may decrease energy loss as methane and urinary nitrogen loss without impacting the production of beef cattle. Feeding moringa mash to beef cattle may abate dietary energy and nitrogen loss and consequently decrease the environmental pollution.

The Influence of Hempseed Cake on Production Traits, Metabolic Profile and Antioxidant Status of Merinolandschaf Lambs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hempseed cake on production traits, metabolic profile and antioxidant status of lambs. The research was conducted on 20 Merinolandschaf lambs of similar live body weight (24.03 kg ± 2.22 and 24.06 ± 1.84 kg in control and experimental group, respectively). The experiment started after the weaning of lambs at their average age of 70 days. Lambs were divided by gender (50% male: 50% female) and then allocated in two groups. The research lasted for 30 days during the fattening period. Lambs in the control group were fed with feed mixtures, where main protein source was soybean meal and extruded soybean (SB), while lambs in the experimental group were fed feed mixtures in which soybean was replaced by hempseed cake (HSC) at 12% of dry matter. Higher values of daily weight gain (P<0.05) compared to SB lambs were observed from days 15 to 30. HSC lambs showed no significant differences in hematology and biochemical blood parameters, except for lower (P<0.001) urea concentrations on days 15 and 30, as well as higher (P<0.05) Mg concentrations in serum on day 30. Hempseed cake in lambs’ diets did not influence (P>0.05) activity of the enzymes like AST, ALT, ALP, GGT and CK, as well as SOD and GPx enzymes, thus not affecting the antioxidant status of lambs’ blood. Concentrations of DHA and n-3 fatty acids were higher (P<0.05) in HSC group than in SB group. The present study confirmed that the inclusion of HSC as soybean replacement up to 12% in the lambs’ diet is justified when considering production traits, metabolic profile and antioxidant status of Merinolandschaf lambs.

Sunflower expellers have greater ileal digestibility of amino acids than sunflower meal, but there are only minor variations among different sources of sunflower meal when fed to growing pigs

The objective was to test the hypothesis that there is no effect of origin or processing procedure on the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and crude protein (CP) in sunflower coproducts. Six sources of sunflower meal (SFM) and one source of sunflower expellers (SFE) were obtained from Ukraine, Italy, Hungary, and the United States. Each source of SFM or SFE was the only source of CP and AA in one diet, and an N-free diet was also used for a total of eight diets. Eight barrows (body weight: 28.5 ± 2.4 kg) had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum and were allotted to one of the eight diets using an 8 × 8 Latin square design with eight periods. The Lys:CP ratio in the six sources of SFM ranged from 3.10% to 3.96% with CP concentrations ranging from 27.34% to 36.75%. CP in SFE was 26.87% and the Lys:CP ratio was 3.51%. Concentrations of acid-hydrolyzed ether extract in the six sources of SFM ranged from 0.60% to 3.11%, but SFE contained 8.77%. Results indicated that the SID of CP was lower (P < 0.05) in SFM from Hungary compared with all other sources of SFM except for one of the sources from Ukraine. There were no differences in the SID of Lys, Met, and Trp among sources of SFM, but for most of the remaining indispensable AA, the SFM from Hungary had less (P < 0.05) SID than the other sources. However, only a few differences in the SID of indispensable AA were observed among the other sources of SFM, but the SID of CP and all AA except Trp was greater (P < 0.05) in SFE compared with SFM. In conclusion, there were only a few differences in the SID of the first-limiting AA among SFM obtained from Ukraine, Hungary, Italy, and the United States, but the SID of CP and AA was greater in SFE than in SFM indicating that processing of sunflower seeds influence the nutritional value.

Effects of Using Rosemary Residues as a Cereal Substitute in Concentrate on Vitamin E, Antioxidant Activity, Color, Lipid Oxidation, and Fatty Acid Profile of Barbarine Lamb Meat

Simple Summary

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the inclusion of rosemary residues (RR) and protein sources on lamb meat quality. Twenty-four male Barbarine lambs were divided into three homogeneous groups receiving individually: 600 g of oat hay as a roughage supplemented with 600 g of commercial concentrate for the control group (C), concentrate containing rosemary residues (RR) plus soybean meal for the RRS group, and RR plus faba bean for the RRF group. The inclusion of RR did not affect meat lipid oxidation, but improved meat nutritional properties by increasing its polyphenol and polyunsaturated FA content. The source of crude protein did not affect any parameter studied.

Abstract

The shortage of some ingredients and, consequently, the continuous increase in the price of feed encourage the search for other alternatives to maintain animal production and enhance its products. In this line, the use of aromatic plant by-products in animal diet has been recently and widely considered, given their richness in bioactive compounds. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the inclusion of rosemary residues (RR) and protein sources on lamb meat quality. The experiment was carried out on 24 male Barbarine lambs (3 months old) with an average body weight (BW) of 17.8 ± 2.6 kg, which were divided into three homogeneous groups according to BW. The diet comprised 600 g of oat hay and 600 g of concentrate. Three types of concentrate were evaluated: commercial concentrate as the control group (C); rosemary residues (RR) plus soybean meal as the RRS group, and RR plus faba bean as the RRF group. After an experimental period of 65 days, lambs were slaughtered. The inclusion of RR in both concentrates increased the α-tocopherol and total polyphenol content in meat and protected meat against discoloration (high red index and chroma after 9 days of storage) but did not affect meat lipid oxidation, which was similar for all groups. The FA profile was affected by the inclusion of RR, with no effect from the source of protein (faba bean or soybean). The inclusion of RR in the concentrate increased the C18:2 n-6, C18:3 n-3, C20:4 n-6, C20:5 n-3, and C22:5 n-3 content (p < 0.05). Consequently, the inclusion of RR also increased the total polyunsaturated FA (p < 0.05) and the ratio of polyunsaturated FA to saturated FA (p < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate that concentrate based on RR could be useful for lamb meat production by improving the nutritional quality of meat, especially the fatty acid profile. In addition, soybean meal can be replaced by faba bean in lamb concentrate without affecting meat quality.

Effect of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Starch and Seeds on the Physicochemical and Textural and Sensory Properties of Chicken Meatballs during Frozen Storage

The effects of starch (corn and quinoa) and quinoa seeds on chicken meatballs' physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties were investigated during frozen storage. The chicken meatballs were prepared with corn starch (CS), quinoa starch (QS), quinoa seeds (Q), and combinations of corn starch and quinoa seeds (CS-Q), and quinoa starch and quinoa seeds (QS-Q), which were subjected to five freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles of temperature fluctuation conditions during frozen storage. Regardless of the type used (CS or QS), adding starch resulted in fewer cooking, drip, and reheating losses in chicken meatballs during frozen storage. The values of the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of chicken meatballs with CS or QS were half those of chicken meatballs without starch, indicating that the addition of starch inhibited the change in the meatballs' texture. The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values were progressive but did not dynamically increase during five F-T cycles. Chicken meatballs containing CS-Q or QS-Q showed significantly lower TBARS values than those with CS, QS, or Q after five F-T cycles. Adding quinoa seeds significantly increased the antioxidant activity and the chewiness of meatballs (p < 0.05) compared with starch only. The addition of the combination of QS-Q to chicken meatballs increased the values of taste, texture, and overall acceptability, indicating that quinoa starch and seeds may be introduced as premium ingredients to frozen meat products.

The Potential Impact of Moringa oleifera for Diminishing the Microbial Contamination and Prolonging the Quality and Shelf-Life of Chilled Meat

This study was implemented to assess the mechanism by which Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) improves the quality and prolongs shelf-life of the broilers’ breast meat. Ninety Cobb chicks were randomly allocated to 3 groups. A control group received the standard diet, whereas the other two groups received diets containing MOLE at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg for 21 days. Inclusion of MOLE in broilers diet significantly reduced the detrimental changes in the overall sensory attribute scores, characteristic color and odor, and the loss of breast muscle elasticity during storage. Furthermore, it significantly reduced concentrations of thiobarbituric acid, total volatile nitrogen, non-esterified fatty acids, and peroxide, during storage compared to the control samples. No effect on the concentrations of heavy metals, such as copper, cadmium, and lead, was observed. Decomposition of samples was delayed as indicated by lower pH values and higher sensory scores at 4 and 6 days of storage in the MOLE groups. Reduced contamination with E. coli and Salmonella species indicated an antibacterial effect of MOLE. Finally, the present study highlights that MOLE supplementation may play a role in improving quality and shelf-life of the chilled breast meat in broilers.

Assessment on bioactive role of Moringa oleifera leaves as anthelmintic agent and improved growth performance in goats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive effect of Moringa oleifera leaves hydroalcoholic extract as a dietary feed additive on helminths load and growth performances of goats. Initially, the availability of bioactive compounds in M. oleifera hydroalcoholic extract was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which showed the presence of heneicosane (35.69%), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (22.89%), heptacosane (18.26%), pentatriacontane (4.77%), and hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (3%) as predominant compounds in the leaves extract. The anthelmintic effect of M. oleifera extract (0 and 60 mL of extract animal^-1) was evaluated against disparate nematodes using standard methodology. M. oleifera leaves extract exhibited significant (P = 0.002) anthelmintic activities against Trichuris sp. and Ostertagia sp. with reduced counts of eggs. A completely randomized experiment of 3 treatments comprised of 10 goats in each treatment was designed for the growth performance study. Treatments used in the present experiment were as follows: treatment 1 (T1), 0 mL of extract animal^-1; treatment 2 (T2), 30 mL of extract animal^-1; and treatment 3 (T3), 60 mL of extract animal^-1. Growth performance parameters (body weight, daily weight gain, and feed intake values) of goats fed varied concentrations of M. oleifera extract were estimated as per standard protocols. The T2 and T3 groups' goats offered significant (P < 0.05) increment in body weight. Daily weight gain of the T2 and T3 groups' goats was also increased. Group T3 exhibited maximum feed intake value of 588, 678, 652, and 678 g d^-1 at 0, 30, 45, and 60 days, respectively. Feed conversion efficiency was increased for T2 and T3 groups' goats versus T1. Findings of this study concluded that M. oleifera hydroalcoholic extract can be used not only as an effective anthelmintic agent against disparate nematodes but also as a prominent feed additive to improve growth performances of goats.

Role of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf extract on productive parameters, humoral immunity and lipid peroxidation in broiler chicks

The plants originated from an agroforestry system have gained immense importance in livestock health and production. The trial was planned to examine the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) supplementation on the performance, blood metabolites, immunity and lipid peroxidation in broiler chicks. A total of 350 day old broiler chicks were divided into negative control (MLE₀), positive control (antibiotic; AB-enro), M. oleifera supplementation at the concentration of 60 (MLE₆₀), 90 (MLE₉₀) and 120 mL/L (MLE₁₂₀) of drinking water. Performance parameters such as feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio, antibody titer against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis, heterophils and lymphocytes ratio, blood glucose, protein, and malanodialdehyde were determined. The results showed that carcass yield was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in MLE₉₀ followed by MLE₁₂₀ and AB-enro. MLE₆₀ and MLE₉₀ showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in antibody titer against New-castle (ND) and Infectious-bronchitis (IB) respectively. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower Heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio was observed in MLE₉₀ and MLE₁₂₀ compared to the negative control. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower blood glucose concentration and significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean serum protein value were found in MLE₁₂₀. The MLE₁₂₀ showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower concentration of malanodialdehyde (MDA). It was concluded that M. oleifera leaf extract supplementation at the concentration of 120 mL/L of drinking water improved carcass yield, immunity, blood metabolites and reduced lipid peroxidation in broiler chicks.HighlightsMoringa improved the carcass yield of broilerMoringa is an excellent immune potentiating agent in broilerMoringa enhanced the antioxidant potential of broiler.

Productive Performance and Meat Characteristics of Kids Fed a Red Orange and Lemon Extract

Simple Summary

Small ruminant farming can potentially adopt low-input strategies by using agro-industrial byproducts as alternative feeding sources. Byproducts are natural, and thus are preferred by consumers because most of them have antioxidant activity that may improve different aspects linked to meat quality and human health. For this reason, a red orange and lemon extract, (RLE) rich in anthocyanins, is tested as an oral additive on kids’ meat. No differences were recorded on animal performance, but on meat, RLE inclusion improves juiciness and reduces color deterioration. Moreover, RLE reduced cooking loss, and meat quality is positively influenced, due to both delaying lipid oxidation and a better fatty acid profile resulting in healthier meat for human consumption.

Abstract

This study evaluates the animal performance and meat characteristics of 60 Saanen suckling kids daily fed a red orange and lemon extract (RLE), rich in anthocyanins. In our methodology, after colostrum administration, animals are randomly assigned to two treatments: Treatment group (Group RLE; n = 30) that received RLE (90 mg/kg live body weight) as oral food additive, and a control group (Group CON; n = 30) that received a standard diet. Animals are slaughtered after 40 days. The RLE administration did not influence daily weight gain, carcass measurements, or incidences (expressed as a percentage) of different anatomical regions on the whole carcass weight. On the contrary, RLE supplementation significantly improved the oxidative profile of the meat seven days after slaughtering, as demonstrated by the reduced levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; p < 0.01) and hydroperoxides (p < 0.01) in Group RLE compared to Group CON. A significant influence of RLE administration is observed on day 7 for yellowness (p < 0.01). There are also lower saturated and higher monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration in Group RLE meat (p < 0.01), which also shows lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes (p < 0.01) compared to Group CON. The study demonstrates that the supplementation of a diet with RLE rich in anthocyanins is effective to improve the meat quality.

The effect of plant bioactive compounds on lamb performance, intake, gastrointestinal parasite burdens, and lipid peroxidation in muscle

Plant extracts have been widely used in animal production systems due to the benefits promoted by their bioactive components, mainly through their antioxidant effects and positive effects on animal growth, health, and meat quality. We determined whether bioactive compounds (BC) from grape (Vitis vinifera), olive (Olea europaea), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) have beneficial effects on lamb growth while controlling gastrointestinal parasitism and reducing skeletal lipid peroxidation in muscle. Fourteen lambs (4 to 5 mo of age) were housed in individual pens and assigned to two treatment groups (seven animals/group), where they received: 1) a basal diet of beet pulp:soybean meal (90:10) (CONTROL) and 2) the same diet, but containing 0.3% of BC extracted from grape, olive, and pomegranate (BNP). After 21 d of consuming their respective rations (period 1), all lambs were dosed with 10,000 L3 stage larvae of Haemonchus contortus. Intake, production, and physiological parameters were determined before infection (period 1), after oral dosage with L3 (period 2), and during early (period 3) and later (period 4) developmental stages of infection. Groups of animals did not differ in their ration intake or average daily gain, either before or after the infection, or in their parasitic burdens estimated through fecal egg counts (P > 0.05). Lambs under BNP showed greater feed efficiency before infection (P < 0.001), but the pattern reversed after infection. In addition, the inclusion of plant bioactives to the diet did not have an effect (P > 0.05) on blood or lipid peroxidation in muscle or on hemogram, serum concentration of haptoglobin, and immunoglobulin E. These results could be explained by low dietary doses and constrained absorption or ruminal inactivation of these compounds. Changes in feed efficiencies suggest a negative interaction between BC in the diet and parasitism, which warrants further research.

Dietary Polyphenol Supplementation in Food Producing Animals: Effects on the Quality of Derived Products

Simple Summary

Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites mainly known for their antioxidant properties. Their use as feed additives in the nutrition of farm animals is becoming increasingly popular as they are particularly exposed to oxidative stress which is reflected in a lipoperoxidation of the final product. For this reason, it is essential to preserve the quality and the safety of meat and milk products by attenuating oxidative deterioration. Moreover, polyphenols present the advantage of being more acceptable to the consumers than synthetic counterparts, as they are considered to be “non-toxic”. The present review presents an overview of several studies focused on the dietary supplementation of polyphenols to monogastric and ruminants, as well as their direct addition to meat and dairy products, with particular emphasis on their antioxidant effects on the final product.

Abstract

The growing interest in producing healthier animal products with a higher ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids, is associated with an increase in lipoperoxidation. For this reason, it is essential to attenuate oxidative deterioration in the derived products. Natural antioxidants such as polyphenols represent a good candidate in this respect. The first part of the review highlights the occurrence, bioavailability, and the role of polyphenols in food-producing animals that, especially in intensive systems, are exposed to stressful situations in which oxidation plays a crucial role. The second part offers an overview of the effects of polyphenols either supplemented to the diet of monogastric and ruminants or added directly to meat and dairy products on the physicochemical and sensorial properties of the product. From this review emerges that polyphenols play an important, though not always clear, role in the quality of meat and meat products, milk and dairy products. It cannot be ruled out that different compounds or amounts of polyphenols may lead to different results. However, the inclusion of agro-industrial by-products rich in polyphenols, in animal feed, represents an innovative and alternative source of antioxidants as well as being useful in reducing environmental and economic impact.

Changes of Intestinal Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Gene Expression in Neonatal Diarrhoea Kids

Diarrhea and disorders in young goats are serious threats to the animals' health, influencing the profitability of the goat industry. There is a need to better understand the potential biomarkers that can reflect the mortality and morbidity in neonatal diarrhea goats. Ten pairs of twin kid goats from the same does (one healthy and the other diagnosed as diarrhea) with the same age under 14 days after birth were used in this study. Since gastrointestinal infection is probably the first ailment in neonatal goats, we aimed to investigate the changes in oxidative stress, inflammation, and gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract of neonatal diarrhea goats based on an epidemiological perspective. The results showed the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was less (P < 0.05) in the jejunum in neonatal diarrhea goats compared with control goats. However, the malondialdehyde (MDA) activities in the jejunum and ileum were higher (P < 0.05) in neonatal diarrhea goats. There was no significant difference in the super-oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). For the concentrations of intestinal interleukin-2 (IL2) and interleukin-6 (IL6), only the IL-2 in ileum of neonatal diarrhea goats was higher than that from healthy control goats. The transcriptomic analysis of the jejunum showed a total of 364 differential expression genes (DEGs) identified in neonatal diarrhea goats compared with control goats. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis of up-regulated DEGs was mainly related to the ECM–receptor interaction and axon guidance, and the down-regulated DEGs mainly related to the Arachidonic acid metabolism, complement and coagulation cascades, and alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism. Real-time PCR results showed that the expression of most toll-like receptor-4-(TLR4) pathway-related genes and intestinal barrier function-related genes were similar in the two groups. These results suggest that neonatal diarrhea goats experienced a higher intestinal oxidative stress compared with control goats. Thus, it is possible that the antioxidant capacity of young ruminants acts as an indicator of health status and the measurements of oxidation stress may be useful as diagnostic biomarkers, reflecting the mortality and morbidity in neonatal diarrhea goats.

Effect of Dietary Anthocyanin-Extracted Residue on Meat Oxidation and Fatty Acid Profile of Male Dairy Cattle

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of anthocyanin-extracted residue (AER) in the diet of cattle on meat oxidation during storage and on the fatty acid profiles of the meat. Sixteen male dairy cattle (average body weight 160 ± 10.6 kg) were allotted to feed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four levels of AER supplementation, 0, 20, 40, and 60 g/kg dry matter (DM) in the total mixed ration (TMR). These TMR diets were fed ad libitum to the cattle throughout the trial. At the end of the feeding trial (125 days), all cattle were slaughtered and meat samples from the Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were collected to assess meat oxidation and fatty acid profile. The antioxidant effect of AER on meat oxidation was investigated during 14 days of storage based on color, myoglobin redox forms, lipid, and protein oxidation. The results showed meat from cattle fed AER had better color stability, lower oxidation of lipid, protein and myoglobin than did meat from cattle fed the control diet (0 g/kg AER). Furthermore, fatty acid profiles were affected by AER supplementation with an increase in the concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These results support the inclusion of AER supplementation as a natural antioxidant in cattle to reduce meat oxidation and increase PUFA in meat.

Impact of Dietary Supplementation with Moringa oleifera Leaves on Performance, Meat Characteristics, Oxidative Stability, and Fatty Acid Profile in Growing Rabbits

Simple Summary

Rabbit meat is mostly preferred by consumers owing to its high nutritive value and potential health benefits. However, rabbit meat is commonly more prone to lipid peroxidation during storage, with negative effects on quality traits of meat, due to its elevated level of unsaturation of fatty acids. Moringa oleifera leaves have gained great interest owing to their high nutritional value and low anti-nutritional factors. Moringa oleifera leaves could possibly avoid oxidation damage and exhibit antioxidant activities that can conquer free radicals and reactive oxygen species synthesis. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of feeding Moringa oleifera leaves on performance, carcass characteristics, antioxidant capacity, blood biochemical constituents, meat quality, and fatty acids profile of growing rabbits. Moringa oleifera leaves supplementation improved weight gain, feed conversion ratio, antioxidant status, and meat quality characteristics. Dietary Moringa oleifera leaves supplementation enhanced PUFA contents, n-3 fatty acid, crude protein, and color of meat, but lowered the relative content of ether extract of the meat. Our findings suggested that Moringa oleifera could be used at a level of 1.5 g/kg of the growing rabbits’ diets with beneficial impacts on performance and the nutritional value of the meat.

Abstract

Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) have gained great interest as a non-traditional feed ingredient due to their unique nutritional value. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of graded dietary supplementation levels with MOL on performance, carcass characteristics, antioxidant capacity, blood biochemical constituents, meat quality, and fatty acids profile of growing rabbits. A total of 120 weaned New Zealand white rabbits (6 weeks old) were randomly allotted into 4 dietary groups with 5 replicates each (n = 6), which were fed for 42 days with a basal diet as control or 3 experimental diets supplemented with 5, 10, or 15 g/kg MOL. The results showed that, compared to the control group, the dietary inclusion of MOL at a level of 10 and 15 g/kg DM linearly increased (p < 0.01) final live weight (2403.3 and 2498.2 vs. 2166.6) and average daily weight gain (36.5 and 35.51 g/d vs. 28.72 g/d), and enhanced feed conversion ratio (2.49 and 2.50 vs. 3.14). The dietary supplementation with MOL linearly increased dressing out percentage, spleen index, intestinal length, and decreased abdominal fat index (p < 0.01). Greater serum levels of total protein and globulin, but lower alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were observed in the MOL-fed rabbits (p < 0.01). Serum levels of total triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.05) were decreased linearly and quadratically in the MOL groups compared with the control. Glutathione peroxidase activity increased (p < 0.01), whereas malondialdehyde decreased (p < 0.01) linearly and quadratically in both serum and meat, in response to dietary MOL supplementation. Dietary MOL supplementation increased the meat crude protein content but lowered the relative content of ether extract in the meat (p < 0.05). The relative content of the meat n-3 PUFA was increased by about 33.71%, 29.46%, and 24.36% for the MOL_0.5%, MOL_1%, and MOL_1.5% groups compared to control. In conclusion, MOL could be used at a level of 1.5g/kg of the growing rabbits’ diets with beneficial impacts on performance, antioxidant capacity, and the nutritional value of the meat.

Fatty acid composition, shelf-life and eating quality of beef from steers fed corn or wheat dried distillers' grains with solubles in a concentrate supplement to grass silage

Thirty-six steers were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments fed ad libitum grass silage and concentrate supplements containing either barley/soybean meal (CON), 80% DM corn (CDGS)- or 80% DM wheat (WDGS)-dried distillers' grains with solubles for 124 days pre-slaughter. Chemical and fatty acid composition, shelf-life, and eating quality of longissimus thoracis muscle were determined. Dietary CDGS and WDGS increased the proportion of conjugated linoleic acids (P < 0.05) and tended to increase C18:3n-3 (P = 0.075) and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.060) relative to the CON. Feeding diets containing distillers' grains reduced the lipid and colour stability of fresh beef patties stored in modified atmosphere packs (MAP), with CDGS exhibiting an intermediate effect between CON and WDGS. Diet did not negatively influence the texture profile parameters and eating quality attributes of beef stored in MAP. The inclusion of CDGS or WDGS in supplementary concentrates may improve the fatty acid profile but decreased the shelf-life of beef.

A plant-mediated synthesis of nanostructured hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications: a review

The engineering of calcium-based phosphate materials at the nanoscale gains several unique properties compared to the bulky state. The effort to scale down, e.g., from bulky state to nanoscale in order to control the morphology and improve structural properties requires the use of varying reagents that can be detrimental to the environment. A typical example of these materials is hydroxyapatite (HAp), one of the well-known calcium phosphate materials, which has a close resemblance to human bone tissue. HAp has valuable applications in catalysis, drug delivery, bone and dental implant formation, and adsorption. Hydroxyapatite-based nanomaterials synthesized through conventional routes make use of reagents that are not environmental friendly and are very costly. Since the current research trends are geared towards producing/synthesizing nanomaterials through an eco-friendly approach, there is the need to consider the techniques and reagents involved in the synthesis of HAp. This review touches on the possible replacement of such synthetic chemical reagents, synthesis routes, and toxic capping agents with plant extracts for synthesizing HAp-based nanomaterials for multi-functional applications. The influence of biomolecules from plants on synthesized HAps and the attainable mechanism during these green approaches are discussed. Viable future modifications of the methods used to obtain extracts from plants are also studied.

Influence of dietary graded levels of lycopene on the growth performance, muscle cholesterol level and oxidative status of Japanese quail fed high-fat diet

This study investigated the impact of supplementing normal and high-fat diets with graded levels of lycopene on the growth performance, cholesterol level of the muscle, and antioxidant markers in Japanese quail. A total of 192, 14 day-old unsexed Japanese quail were part of a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement consisting of a control group; birds that were fed a normal fat diet (NFD), another control group; birds that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with four levels of lycopene for NFD and HFD (0, 100, 200 and 300mg lycopene/kg diet). Lycopene level of 300mg/kg gave the greatest body weight, body weight gain, and relative growth rate when added to the NFD, but this level showed non-significant improvement in growth performance when supplemented to an HFD. Superoxide dismutase in the muscle and liver was noted to be high in NFD+ 300mgL, HFD+ 200mgL, and HFD+ 300mgL groups, while malondialdehyde level in the muscle and liver and cholesterol level in the muscle was found to be low in the same groups. Lycopene slightly improved growth performance, but significantly improved the antioxidant status and lowered cholesterol concentration in the muscle. A diet supplemented with 300 mg lycopene/kg could be recommended for Japanese quail.

Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of Cashmere goat

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) provides a rich source of polysaccharides that can act as powerful antioxidants, but their potential as feed ingredients in the lamb industry still rarely exploited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary astragalus membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of goat muscles. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles from two groups of Cashmere goat (basal diet, C group; basal diet supplemented with 1% astragalus membranaceus root, AM group) were evaluated for lipid oxidation, myoglobin oxidation, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that color parameters in Cashmere goat of two feeding conditions were no significant difference (p > .05). In AM group, myoglobin (Mb) content was higher than C, while metmyoglobin (MMb) (p < .05) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < .01) were lower. Additionally astragalus membranaceus supplementation had a significant effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p < .001). In whole, the AM group goats presented a relatively higher antioxidant capacity than C. Especially, RSA and CUPRAC values of AM group goats had significantly higher than C (p < .05). Consequently, the AM group goats ingested abundant astragalus membranaceus, which enhanced the antioxidant capacity. Thus, it can eliminate free radicals and effectively inhibit oxidation.

Catfish Glycoprotein, a Highly Powerful Safe Preservative of Minced Beef Stored at 4 °C for 15 Days

Minced beef is a very perishable food product, due to its vulnerability to microbial contamination and its fast quality deterioration. In the current study, the biological efficiency of different concentrations (0, 50 and 100 µg g⁻¹) of the antibacterial catfish glycoprotein (CFG) was estimated as a possible improver of the storability and safety of minced beef preserved at 4 °C for 15 days. CFG (50 and 100 µg g⁻¹) could efficiently control the changes in meat pH during 15 days storage at 4 °C to be within the normal, acceptable levels (6.4 and 6.2, respectively), equalizing the level of the control for minced beef after 6 days of storage under similar conditions. Likewise, the level of metmyoglobin in minced beef stored at the same conditions was maintained at 53.67 and 46.67% by CFG supplementation at 50 and 100 µg g⁻¹, respectively, at the 15th day of storage, which is comparable to the 6th day in case of the control samples. However, the antioxidant effect of CFG against lipid peroxidation was less effective. The antibacterial action of CFG was most pronouncedly powerful and efficient. Supplementation of minced beef with CFG at 50 and 100 µg g⁻¹ significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the bacterial counts at all the time inspection points as compared to the control. After 15 days of storage, the total viable bacteria, psychrotrophic bacterial count and coliforms count were reduced to 3.12, 2.65 and 0.0 log CFU g⁻¹, respectively, in response to CFG (50 µg g⁻¹), and 2.41, 2.04 and 0.0 log CFU g⁻¹, respectively, in response to CFG (100 µg g⁻¹); this compared to 5.13, 4.78 and 2.5 in the control samples after only six days cold storage. Using CFG at 50, 100 and 200 µg g⁻¹ in rat diets did not affect their liver or kidney functions, reflecting the non-toxicity of this substance. Substantiating the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of CFG in minced beef storage may support its use as a naturally powerful and safe food preservative, as well as a shelf-life extender.

Immunostimulatory and antioxidant effects of supplemental feeding with macroalga Sargassum spp. on goat kids

Algae are a rich source of bioactive compounds and health properties that have been narrowly explored in goat production systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feeding diets supplemented with Sargassum spp. on antioxidant status and immune parameters in goat kids. The diets were as follows: control (basal diet without alga), Sargassum spp. 2.5% (Ss2.5), and Sargassum spp. 5% (S5) fed over a 70-day period. A total of 11 body tissues, intestinal mucus, and blood serum were sampled at necropsy. Protein content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme, and anti-protease activities were determined, as well as immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The results indicated that Sargassum spp. supplementation increased protein content in six tissues. Antioxidant activities (SOD and CAT) and immune-related (lysozyme, MPO, and anti-protease) activities were statistically higher (P < 0.05) in Sargassum spp. groups compared with control in several tissues, intestinal mucus, and serum. Imunoglobulin A levels in intestinal mucus were higher (P < 0.05) in Sargassum spp.-supplemented groups than the control group. In conclusion, diet supplementation of Sargassum spp. improves the antioxidant status and enhances the immune parameters in goats. Sargassum spp. dietary supplementation is proposed as strategy to strengthen antioxidant status and stimulate the immune system, which helps in the control of opportunistic pathogens in goats.