Search Results (374)

This study aimed to develop a functional powder using whey and milk matrices, leveraging the protective capacity of chia–alginate hydrogels and the advantages of electrohydrodynamic spraying (EHDA), a non-thermal technique suitable for encapsulating probiotic cells under stress conditions commonly encountered in food processing. A hydrogel matrix composed of chia seed mucilage and sodium alginate was used to form a biopolymeric network that protected probiotic cells during processing. The encapsulation efficiency reached 99.0 ± 0.01%, and bacterial viability remained above 9.9 log₁₀ CFU/mL after lyophilization, demonstrating the excellent protective capacity of the hydrogel matrix. Microstructural analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed well-retained cell morphology and homogeneous distribution within the hydrogel matrix while, in contrast, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed spherical, porous microcapsules with distinct surface characteristics influenced by the encapsulation method. Encapsulates were incorporated into beverages flavored with red fruits and pear and subsequently freeze-dried. The resulting powders were analyzed for moisture, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, and color determinations. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and response surface methodology, highlighting the impact of ingredient ratios on nutritional composition. Raman spectroscopy identified molecular features associated with casein, lactose, pectins, anthocyanins, and other functional compounds, confirming the contribution of both matrix and encapsulants maintaining the structural characteristics of the product. The presence of antioxidant bands supported the functional potential of the powder formulations. Chia–alginate hydrogels effectively encapsulated L. reuteri, maintaining cell viability and enabling their incorporation into freeze-dried beverage powders. This approach offers a promising strategy for the development of next-generation functional food gels with enhanced probiotic stability, nutritional properties, and potential application in health-promoting dairy systems. Full article

The authenticity of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Feta cheese is critical for consumer confidence and market integrity, particularly in light of widespread concerns over economically motivated adulteration. This study evaluated the potential of Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric modeling to differentiate authentic Feta from non-Feta white brined cheeses. A total of 90 cheese samples, consisting of verified Feta and cow milk cheeses, were analyzed in both freeze-dried and fresh forms. Spectral data from raw, first derivative, and second derivative spectra were analyzed using principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to distinguish authentic Feta from non-Feta cheese samples. Derivative processing significantly improved classification accuracy. All classification models performed relatively well, but the PLS-DA model applied to second derivative spectra of freeze-dried samples achieved the best results, with 95.8% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 90.9% specificity. The most consistently highlighted discriminatory regions across models included ~2920 cm⁻¹ (C–H stretching in lipids), ~1650 cm⁻¹ (Amide I band, corresponding to C=O stretching in proteins), and the 1300–900 cm⁻¹ range, which is associated with carbohydrate-related bands. These findings support ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive tool for routine Feta authentication. The approach offers promise for enhancing traceability and quality assurance in high-value dairy products. Full article

Abdominal fat necrosis is a dystrophic–necrotic process that is relatively common in dairy cows. It is determined by productive strain (excess fat in the diet), negative energy balance after calving, a lack of physical activity, vitamin E and selenium deficiency, etc. Lipomatous masses are predominantly located in the omentum and mesentery in cattle, potentially causing intestinal obstruction. We report on an outbreak of abdominal fat necrosis that affected 135 of 220 cows and heifers (61.36%); this involved massive fat accumulation in the uterine and salpingian ligaments and severe reproductive disorders (reducing fertility to 20% in cows and 10% in heifers) caused by a hyperenergetic diet (supplementation with saturated fats). A transrectal ultrasound examination of the genital apparatus—both in heifers and in cows in the puerperium—revealed a diffuse pathological hyperechogenicity of the cervical folds, suggesting lipid infiltration, proliferation of the endocervical folds and hyperechogenic lipogranulomas located paracervically or in the uterine ligaments. An ultrasound examination of the ovaries showed the presence of parasalpingial lipogranulomas on the mesovarium, with a uniformly pixelated greasy appearance, that altered the topography of the salpinx, leading to the impossibility of oocyte retrieval. At the histopathological examination, in addition to the necrosis of adipocytes and the subacute–chronic inflammation of the abdominal and retroperitoneal adipose tissue, lipid infiltration of the uterine walls was also observed in the uterine ligaments and lymph nodes. Additionally, lipid infiltration was observed in the wall of the uterine artery. All muscular-type branches of the ovarian artery exhibited subendothelial (subintimal) amyloid deposits, severely reducing their lumen and leading to ischaemia. Amyloidosis was secondary to the systemic inflammatory process triggered by lipid deposition and necrosis. Fertility returned to normal 45–60 days after the exclusion of fat supplements from the diet and their replacement with a vitamin–mineral supplement rich in antioxidants. Full article

The growing demand for functional and sustainable foods has driven food innovation, enhancing its nutritional value. This study aimed to develop a nutritious bread using local rye from the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal and incorporating whey, a by-product of the dairy industry, as a replacement for water. Three bread formulations were tested: a traditional recipe with 37.5% rye flour and water (Control—CTR); the same recipe using whey instead of water (Rye Whey—RW); and a formulation with 100% local rye and whey replacing water (Full Rye Whey—FRW). Nutritional composition was assessed, including moisture, ash, protein, dietary fiber, sodium, potassium, lipids, and carbohydrates. Sensory analysis included both quantitative descriptive analysis and consumer acceptance testing. Microbiological quality was also evaluated. Whey-containing samples showed lower moisture and increased levels of ash, lipids, carbohydrates, and potassium. RW had the highest protein content (6.54 ± 0.28 g/100 g, p < 0.05), while FRW exhibited the highest dietary fiber (6.96 ± 0.15 g/100 g, p < 0.05). RW demonstrated a balanced nutritional and sensory profile, with high consumer acceptance. Overall, the combination of local rye and whey presents a promising strategy for producing nutritious bread while valorizing local agricultural resources and dairy by-products. These findings support sustainable food production practices and contribute to circular economy approaches. Full article

Goat milk has lower allergenicity and high commercial value but faces storage limitations, often leading to waste. Converting it into powder increases costs, making blending with non-dairy ingredients, such as rice flour, a viable alternative to reduce costs and potentially improve nutrition. In this this study, we developed five dairy compounds by replacing 10–49% of goat milk powder with rice flour. We evaluated their nutritional and physical properties compared to pure goat milk powder and rice flour. Analyses included water activity, total solids, protein, lipids, energy value, color, flowability, wettability, polyphenol content, mineral profile, and morphology. Higher rice flour content increased water activity and improved wettability but reduced flowability, classifying most compounds as reasonable to fair in flow, except for the 10% rice flour sample. All samples met Brazilian standards, which require ≥13 g/100 g of protein. The dairy compounds showed a yellow-greenish color, with significant color differences compared to goat milk powder, particularly at 49% rice flour. Goat milk powder had higher mineral contents (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Zn). Total polyphenol content was highest in the 10% rice flour compound, while individual polyphenols were undetectable. Overall, the formulation proved viable for cost reduction while maintaining nutritional quality. Full article

Zearalenone (ZEN), a mycotoxin commonly present in maize-based feed, poses a health risk to dairy cows. While the hepatic effects of ZEN are increasingly studied, little is known about its impact on cows with altered energy metabolism. This study investigated the transcriptional response of liver cells isolated from healthy and ketotic cows to ZEN exposure using a novel in vitro model. Hepatocytes were obtained via biopsy from 12 cows, cultured under standardized conditions, and exposed to ZEN (0–100 µM) for 1, 3, and 6 h. Gene expression analysis focused on targets related to glucose and lipid metabolism. ZEN induced time- and dose-dependent changes in gene expression, with the most prominent effects observed after 1 h. Key metabolic genes were differentially regulated depending on the cow’s metabolic status. Notably, hepatocytes from healthy cows showed a stronger transcriptional response than those from ketotic cows, indicating reduced metabolic adaptability in energy-compromised animals. Significant interaction effects between ZEN dose and metabolic status were observed, especially for genes involved in glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism. This study presents a novel in vitro model and emphasizes the need to consider metabolic health when assessing the risks of mycotoxin exposure in dairy cattle. Full article

Ketosis and fatty liver syndrome are metabolic disorders apparent in dairy cows during the transition period. The study focused on examining how varying levels of milk production in dairy cows might reflect or influence specific blood biochemical markers and liver health as assessed through ultrasonography. A total of 65 Holstein-Friesian cows from six farms were evaluated at three time points as follows: 7 days before expected calving and at 7 and 21 ± 3 days postpartum. Each evaluation included the body condition score (BCS), blood sampling for biochemical analysis, and liver ultrasonography. Based on average farm milk yield, cows were divided into three production groups as follows: GR1 (38.4 ± 6.45 L/day, n = 23), GR2 (42.9 ± 2.77 L/day, n = 24), and GR3 (45.69 ± 7.49 L/day, n = 18). Parameters assessed included liver lipid content and ultrasonographic measurements such as portal vein diameter and depth, liver depth, and liver angle. Significant time-dependent changes were observed in liver size, fat metabolism, and electrolyte balance, especially postpartum. However, no significant differences emerged among the production groups, indicating that these changes likely represent physiological adaptations to lactation. These findings support the use of blood analysis and ultrasonography as practical, minimally invasive tools for routine metabolic health monitoring in dairy cows during the transition period. Full article

Fatty liver is a major metabolic disease in periparturient dairy goats. Protein ubiquitination, a type of dynamic and multifaceted post-translational modification, plays an important role in metabolism by regulating the stability and function of target proteins. However, the hepatic protein ubiquitination profile in dairy goats with fatty liver is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we collected liver and blood samples from healthy dairy goats (Con, n = 3) and dairy goats with fatty liver (FL, n = 3). Then, we analyzed the overall ubiquitination of hepatic proteins in dairy goats with fatty liver through quantitative ubiquitin label-free proteomics and bioinformatics. Proteins showing significantly altered levels of ubiquitination were identified via bioinformatics, and related regulatory pathways were screened. The results showed that the blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids were significantly upregulated in dairy goats with fatty liver, and a total of 238 ubiquitination sites across 921 proteins were found to be differentially altered in the fatty liver group. Among them, ubiquitination was upregulated at 351 sites across 93 proteins and downregulated at 570 sites across 145 proteins. In addition, GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the differentially ubiquitinated proteins were enriched in pathways regulating lipid metabolism, such as the PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, and peroxisome activity. Notably, by observing the overlap among these three sub-networks, we found that proteins with downregulated ubiquitination—such as ACSL1, ACSL5, EHHADH, and ACAA1—were transcriptionally upregulated in dairy goats with fatty liver. This study reveals the key ubiquitinated proteins in dairy goats with fatty liver and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of fatty liver in dairy goats. Full article

The global demand for sustainable packaging and animal-derived products’ perishability emphasizes the urgent need for biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based materials (i.e., synthetic polymers or plastic). This narrative review explores the recent advancements in natural polymer-based coatings, comprising ingredients such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, as well as their combination as multifunctional strategies for preserving meat, dairy, seafood, and eggs. These coatings act as physical barriers and can carry bioactive compounds, enhancing oxidative and microbial stability. Particular attention is placed on the structure-function relationships of biopolymers, their characterization through advanced techniques (e.g., Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy—FTIR, Scanning Electron Microscope—SEM, Differential Scanning Calorimetry—DSC, and Thermogravimetric analysis—TGA), and their functional properties (e.g., antimicrobial and antioxidant efficacy). Notably, food matrix compatibility is pivotal in determining coating performance, as interactions with surface moisture, pH, and lipids can modulate preservation outcomes. While several formulations have demonstrated promising results in shelf-life extension and sensory quality preservation, challenges remain regarding coating uniformity, regulatory compliance, and scalability. This narrative review highlights current limitations and future directions for the industrial application of these sustainable materials, aiming to link the gap between laboratory success and commercial feasibility. Full article

The re-usage of byproducts needs urgent attention as the recycling and reduction in wastes can minimize environmental pollution and ameliorate the present situation by creating new products, such as animal feed and ingredients for the food industry. The industrial production of rose oil from Rosa damascena Mill. generates tons of byproducts, due to the low oil yield. Byproducts such as spent petals are systematically used as feed supplements, while the polyphenol-rich extracts are incorporated in numerous animal products. Among their benefits, exogenous (through a dietary strategy) antioxidants such as polyphenols, play a pivotal role in the antioxidant system in intensive farmed animals—influencing the growth performance and increasing the feed conversion. On the other hand, incorporated extracts serve as natural antioxidants retaining the discoloration of meat products, as well as inhibiting the lipid and protein oxidation during storage, extending their shelf-life. Rosa damascena Mill. extracts are used as additives in functional and more healthier products with reduced nitrite content and enhanced the biological value of the consumed products. The aim is to systematize the existing knowledge about the potential use of spent Rosa damascena Mill. petals and their extracts, as well as highlight the need for further research in dairy and meat products. Full article

Milk lipids are fundamental to the nutritional quality, functional properties, and processing behavior of dairy products. In this study, we employed an untargeted lipidomics approach based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) to systematically characterize the lipid profiles of ten milk types from eight animal species, including camel, mare, donkey, goat, buffalo, yak, Jersey, and Holstein. A total of 640 lipid species were identified, spanning triglycerides (TGs), phospholipids (PLs), sphingolipids (SPs), ceramides (Cer), wax esters (WEs), and other subclasses. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences in lipid types and abundances among the milk samples. Camel milk exhibited the highest lipid diversity, with notable enrichment in phospholipids and sphingolipids, conferring superior emulsifying properties and stability. Mare milk was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, making it ideal for developing health-focused dairy products. Despite having the lowest total lipid content, donkey milk was enriched in cholesterol esters and PUFA, suitable for low-fat functional dairy products. Goat milk featured a balanced lipid composition with higher levels of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), promoting digestibility. Buffalo milk was characterized by high TG and wax ester (WE) levels, offering high energy density and suitability for rich dairy products. Yak milk contained higher levels of ceramides (Cer) and saturated fatty acids, reflecting adaptations to high-altitude environments. Jersey milk and Holstein milk displayed similar lipid profiles, with stable compositions suitable for versatile dairy product development. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and volcano plot analyses further confirmed species-specific lipidomic signatures and revealed several potential lipid biomarkers, such as LPC (O-16:0) in Hongyuan yak milk, suggesting applications in geographical indication (GI) traceability. This study offers a comprehensive lipidomic landscape across diverse milk sources, providing molecular insights to guide the development of tailored, functional, and regionally branded dairy products. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of fibrolytic enzymes to the diet of cattle in confinement improves feed digestibility weight gain; as well as evaluating the profile of fatty acids in the ruminal environment and in meat fatty acids profile. In total, 24 male dairy cattle (Holstein) aged 8 months and weighing an average of 212 kg, were divided into 2 groups: control (without additive) and treatment (0.25 g of enzymes/kg of dry matter of total diet). The experiment lasted 120 days. The first 20 days are allocated for the adaptation period. During the study, samples of blood, ruminal fluid, and feces were collected, as well as weighing the cattle and measuring their daily feed consumption. There was no effect of treatment on body weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, and nutrient digestibility (p > 0.05). Cholesterol levels were higher in the serum of cattle that consumed the enzyme; serum amylase activity was higher in cattle that received the additive only on day 120 of the experiment (p < 0.05). There was a greater amount of volatile fatty acids in the ruminal fluid, combined with a greater amount of acetic acid. The amount of fat in the meat of cattle that consumed fibrolytic enzymes was higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Meat from cattle in the treatment group had lower amounts of saturated fatty acids and higher amounts of unsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05). The fibrolytic enzymes addition altered rumen fermentation in such a way that lipid metabolism was changed, which had a serious impact on cholesterol and tissue levels, that is, in the meat that had a greater amount of total lipids, an unsaturated fat. Full article

Elevated non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels are closely associated with metabolic disorders in dairy cattle, yet their direct effects on adipocyte physiology remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that high NEFA concentrations significantly impair bovine adipocyte function by simultaneously inhibiting proliferation/differentiation (p < 0.01) and promoting pathological lipid deposition. Through integrated transcriptomic and functional analyses, we identified NDUFAB1 as a central metabolic regulator that counteracts NEFA-induced adipocyte dysfunction. Mechanistically, NDUFAB1 activation attenuates the cytotoxic effects of excessive NEFA exposure. These findings provide both fundamental insights into energy metabolism regulation and a potential therapeutic target (NDUFAB1) for preventing bovine metabolic diseases. Full article

Dairy products—encompassing yogurt, kefir, cheese, and cultured milk beverages—are emerging as versatile, food-based modulators of gut microbiota and host physiology. This review synthesizes mechanistic insights demonstrating how live starter cultures and their fermentation-derived metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, bioactive peptides, and exopolysaccharides) act synergistically to enhance microbial diversity, reinforce epithelial barrier integrity via upregulation of tight-junction proteins, and modulate immune signaling. Clinical evidence supports significant improvements in metabolic parameters (fasting glucose, lipid profiles, blood pressure) and reductions in systemic inflammation across metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and IBS cohorts. We highlight critical modulatory factors—including strain specificity, host enterotypes and FUT2 genotype, fermentation parameters, and matrix composition—that govern probiotic engraftment, postbiotic yield, and therapeutic efficacy. Despite promising short-term outcomes, current studies are limited by heterogeneous designs and brief intervention periods, underscoring the need for long-term, adaptive trials and integrative multi-omics to establish durability and causality. Looking forward, precision nutrition frameworks that harness baseline microbiota profiling, host genetics, and data-driven fermentation design will enable bespoke fermented dairy formulations, transforming these traditional foods into next-generation functional matrices for targeted prevention and management of metabolic, inflammatory, and neuroimmune disorders. Full article

As the global demand for sustainable protein sources grows, valorizing side streams in plant protein processing has become crucial. This study revisits the conventional alkaline–isoelectric extraction of faba bean protein isolates, introducing an enhanced mass balance-driven approach to recover underutilized protein fractions from typically discarded side streams. Through strategic pH manipulation and centrifugation, four distinct protein fractions were recovered with purities ranging from 34.6% to 89.6%, collectively recapturing a significant portion of the 16% protein loss in standard processing. SDS-PAGE and FTIR analyses confirmed the structural diversity among the recovered fractions, with albumin-rich and globulin-rich profiles exhibiting unique spectral and electrophoretic signatures. Functionally, fractions B and D exhibited superior water- and oil-holding capacities, indicating their potential utility in food formulations requiring enhanced moisture and lipid retention. In contrast, fraction C, characterized by low water-holding capacity and high solubility, may be better suited to applications prioritizing emulsification performance, such as in dairy or meat analogs. This study not only highlights the feasibility of reclaiming high-quality protein from industrial byproducts but also underscores the potential of these recovered proteins in diverse food and non-food sectors, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. These findings contribute to circular economy strategies by transforming waste into value-added ingredients with functional and commercial significance. Full article