Search Results (33)

Environmental pollution remains a significant challenge in animal production. The “ideal protein” concept refers to an amino acid profile that precisely meets the animal’s nutritional requirements, optimizing nutrient utilization and minimizing waste excretion. This study applied untargeted metabolomics to explore metabolic changes induced by limiting AA. Two experimental diets were used in 47-day-old growing rabbits: Met+ (with a methionine level balanced to its optimal utilization) and Met− (with a methionine level that was clearly limiting). A total of 68 blood samples were taken for untargeted metabolomics analysis and 88 were taken for targeted plasmatic urea nitrogen analysis, collected at 08:00 (in ad libitum feeding animals) and 21:00 (after a feeding event in 10 h fasting animals). Our results revealed that both sampling time and diet (at each time point) exerted a significant modulatory influence on the metabolome. Interestingly, the difference between the metabolomes obtained with the different diets was less pronounced at 08:00, likely due to the caecotrophy effect, compared to 21:00, when higher intake and lower caecotrophy frequency were observed. This study identifies pseudourine, citric acid, pantothenic acid, and enterolactone sulfate as promising metabolites that could be targeted in order to refine the ideal protein concept, thus improving nutrient efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of animal production. Full article

The demand for functional beverages has increased significantly in recent years as society places more and more emphasis on healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. Functional beverages may contain various health-promoting, bioactive compounds (e.g., antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, proteins, etc.). These ingredients originate from sources including fruits (e.g., red berries), vegetables (e.g., spinach), nuts (e.g., flaxseeds), and herbs (e.g., turmeric), or can be added as separate components (e.g., prebiotics). Their nutritional properties qualify pseudocereals (quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth) as ideal bases for functional beverages. They are high in antioxidants (e.g., polyphenols), vitamins (e.g., folate), and minerals (e.g., iron). Their high protein content (5.7–25.3%, about three times higher than that of maize) improves the nutritional profile of plant-based drinks. They have a balanced protein and amino acid composition, as they contain all the essential amino acids (among which lysine is present in high amounts) and are gluten-free. The in vitro protein digestibility of pseudocereals is also outstanding (PDCAAS: quinoa (0.85), amaranth (0.70), and buckwheat (0.78), while those for wheat, rice, and maize are 0.42, 0.56, and 0.47, respectively). Given these benefits, trends in producing and consuming plant-based, especially pseudocereal-based, functional beverages are highlighted in the present review. Full article

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance has intensified the search for alternative strategies to conventional antibiotics and preservatives. Casein-derived antimicrobial peptides (CDAMPs), generated through proteolysis, exhibit potent activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains, revealing strong potential as natural preservatives and therapeutic agents in food and medical applications. Furthermore, casein can be an ideal source for peptide production in these sectors due to its abundance, disordered structure, which enhances enzymatic cleavage, and its amino acid profile, which favors bioactivity. Nonetheless, there is limited literature addressing real-life applications in veterinary medicine, food safety, and public health. This review provides a structured synthesis of current knowledge on the antibacterial properties of CDPs. We classify the main types of these peptides, describe their production methods, and summarize their mechanisms of action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, we examine their potential applications in clinical, veterinary, and food-related contexts, and discuss key aspects related to delivery systems, safety, and regulatory considerations. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of CDPs in addressing antimicrobial resistance, reducing antibiotic use in livestock and humans, and contributing to sustainable food safety and functional food production. Full article

Recent interest in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) as an ecologically-sustainable and climate-conscious aquaculture system has resulted in testing different species partnerships and configurations in anticipation of industrialization. Deposit feeders like the California sea cucumber (Apostichopus californicus) have been suggested as ideal partners for IMTA with finfish, due to their ability to consume fish waste as well as their passive nature. However, the nutritional impacts of feeding on fish waste in IMTA have not yet been established for this species. The present study tested the effect of 3 months of inclusion in IMTA with Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) on the fatty-acid and nitrogenous-metabolite profiles of California sea cucumbers. The fatty-acid profiles of IMTA sea cucumbers showed significant changes from wild reference individuals, while few differences were detected in amino acids and other nitrogenous metabolites. Sea cucumbers housed directly in cages with salmon showed distinct shifts in their fatty-acid profiles toward higher levels of MUFAs and lower levels of SFAs, while PUFA concentrations remained the same. Sea cucumbers included in IMTA with finfish may be even more healthful for humans due to the accumulation of certain unsaturated fatty acids in their tissues not seen in wild reference individuals. Full article

The surging popularity of plant-based diets and the growing emphasis on clean-label products have intensified interest in Spirulina within the food industry. As more people adopt vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian lifestyles, demand for plant-based protein sources has escalated. Spirulina’s high protein content and complete amino acid profile make it an ideal candidate to meet this demand. However, incorporating Spirulina into food products is not without its challenges. Its strong, earthy, or fishy taste can be off-putting to consumers and difficult to mask in food formulations. Furthermore, isolating Spirulina’s bioactive compounds while preserving their integrity is complex, especially considering the heat sensitivity of many of these components. Traditional extraction methods often employ high temperatures, which can degrade these valuable compounds. Consequently, there is a growing preference for non-thermal extraction techniques. This paper provides an overview of recent advancements in Spirulina cultivation, bioactive extraction, and their application in food products. Full article

In mammals, 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (Hsd17b2) enzyme specifically catalyzes the oxidation of the C17 hydroxyl group and efficiently regulates the activities of estrogens and androgens to prevent diseases induced by hormone disorders. However, the functions of the hsd17b2 gene involved in animal sex differentiation are still largely unclear. The ricefield eel (Monopterus albus), a protogynous hermaphroditic fish with a small genome size (2n = 24), is usually used as an ideal model to study the mechanism of sex differentiation in vertebrates. Therefore, in this study, hsd17b2 gene cDNA was cloned and its mRNA expression profiles were determined in the ricefield eel. The cloned cDNA fragment of hsd17b2 was 1230 bp, including an open reading frame of 1107 bp, encoding 368 amino acid residues with conserved catalytic subunits. Moreover, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis showed that hsd17b2 mRNA expressed strongly in the ovaries at early developmental stages, weakly in liver and intestine, and barely in testis and other tissues. In particular, hsd17b2 mRNA expression was found to peak in ovaries of young fish and ovotestis at the early stage, and eventually declined in gonads from the late ovotestis to testis. Likewise, chemical in situ hybridization results indicated that the hsd17b2 mRNA signals were primarily detected in the cytoplasm of oogonia and oocytes at stage I–II, subsequently concentrated in the granulosa cells around the oocytes at stage Ⅲ–Ⅳ, but undetectable in mature oocytes and male germ cells. Intriguingly, in ricefield eel ovaries, hsd17b2 mRNA expression could be significantly reduced by 17β-estradiol (E2) or tamoxifen (17β-estradiol inhibitor, E2I) induction at a low concentration (10 ng/mL) and increased by E2I induction at a high concentration (100 ng/mL). On the other hand, both the melatonin (MT) and flutamide (androgen inhibitor, AI) induction could significantly decrease hsd17b2 mRNA expression in the ovary of ricefield eel. This study provides a clue for demonstrating the mechanism of sexual differentiation in fish. The findings of our study imply that the hsd17b2 gene could be a key regulator in sexual differentiation and modulate sex reversal in the ricefield eel and other hermaphroditic fishes. Full article

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), have emerged as a promising feed ingredient in broiler chicken diets, known for their high protein content, nutritional richness, and environmental sustainability. This review examines the effects of integrating BSFL into broiler feeds, focusing on aspects such as growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological responses, and immune health. The ability of BSFL to transform waste into valuable biomass rich in proteins and lipids underscores their efficiency and ecological benefits. Protein levels in BSFL can range from 32% to 53%, varying with growth stage and diet, offering a robust source of amino acids essential for muscle development and growth in broilers. While the chitin in BSFL poses questions regarding digestibility, the overall impact on nutrient utilization is generally favorable. The inclusion of BSFL in diets has been shown to enhance growth rates, feed efficiency, and carcass quality in broilers, with the larvae’s balanced amino acid profile being particularly advantageous for muscle development. BSFL may also support gut health and immunity in broilers due to its bioactive components, potentially influencing the gut’s microbial composition and enhancing nutrient absorption and overall health. Moreover, the capacity of BSFL to efficiently convert organic waste into protein highlights their role as an environmentally sustainable protein source for broiler nutrition. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to fully understand the long-term effects of BSFL, ideal inclusion rates, and the impact of varying larval diets and rearing conditions. It is crucial for poultry producers to consult nutritionists and comply with local regulations when incorporating new feed ingredients like BSFL into poultry diets. Full article

The aquaculture industry is looking for sustainable alternatives to conventional fish meals in fish feed, and insect-based meals are proving to be a promising solution. These meals are nutritionally optimal as they have a high protein content and an ideal amino acid profile. However, the presence of chitin, a component of the insect exoskeleton in these meals presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Chitosan, a derivative of chitin, is known to improve the physiological functions of fish, including growth, immunity, and disease resistance. While chitin and its derivative chitosan offer several physiological benefits, their presence can affect the digestibility of feed in some fish species, making the inclusion of insect-based meals in aquafeeds complex. While studies suggest positive effects, some problems, such as reduced growth rates in certain species, emphasize the need for further research on chitin digestion in fish. Chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down chitin, is being investigated as a potential solution to improve the nutritional value of insect meals in aquafeed. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the applications, benefits, and challenges of using chitinase in aquaculture, highlighting the enzyme’s role in improving feed digestibility, disease control, and environmental sustainability. Extensive research is required to fully understand the potential of chitinase enzymes in aquaculture and to optimize their applications in this dynamic field. Overall, this review provides insight into the evolving landscape of insect-based meals and the applications of chitinase enzymes within sustainable aquaculture practices. Full article

In a rice–wheat rotation system, biochar (BC) applied in different crop seasons undergoes contrast property changes in the soil. However, it is unclear how aged BC affects the production and quality of wheat and the nutrent status in a soil profile. In the present soil column experiment, the effects of no nitrogen (N) fertilizer and BC addition (control), N fertilizer (N420) and BC (5 t ha⁻¹) applied at rice [N420 + BC(R)], or wheat [N420 + BC(W)] seasons at a same rate of N fertilizer (420 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) on yield and quality of wheat as well as the nutrient contents of soil profiles (0–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40, and 40–50 cm) were observed. The results showed that N420 + BC(W) significantly reduced NH₄⁺-N content in 5–10 and 10–20 cm soils by 62.1% and 36.2%, respectively, compared with N420. In addition, N420 + BC(W) significantly reduced NO₃⁻-N contents by 17.8% and 40.4% in 0–5 and 20–30 cm profiles, respectively, but N420 + BC(R) slightly increased them. The BC applied in wheat season significantly increased the 0–5 and 40–50 cm soil total N contents (24.0% and 48.1%), and enhanced the 30–40 and 40–50 cm soil-available phosphorus contents (48.2 and 35.75%) as well as improved the 10–20 and 20–30 cm soil-available potassium content (38.1% and 57.5%). Overall, our results suggest that N420 + BC(W) had stronger improving effects on soil fertility than N420 + BC(R). Compared to N420, there was a significant 5.9% increase in wheat grain yield, but no change in total amino acids in wheat kernels in N420 + BC(W). Considering the responses of soil profile nutrient contents as well as wheat yield and quality to BC application in different crop seasons, it is more appropriate to apply BC in wheat season. Our results could provide a scientific basis for the ideal time to amend BC into the rice–wheat rotation system, in order to achieve more benefits of BC on crop production and soil fertility. Full article

The demand for cheap, healthy, and sustainable alternative protein sources has turned research interest into microbial proteins. Mycoproteins prevail due to their quite balanced amino acid profile, low carbon footprint and high sustainability potential. The goal of this research was to investigate the capability of Pleurotus ostreatus to metabolize the main sugars of agro-industrial side streams, such as aspen wood chips hydrolysate, to produce high-value protein with low cost. Our results indicate that P. ostreatus LGAM 1123 could be cultivated both in a C-6 (glucose)- and C-5(xylose)-sugar-containing medium for mycoprotein production. A mixture of glucose and xylose was found to be ideal for biomass production with high protein content and rich amino acid profile. P. ostreatus LGAM 1123 cultivation in a 4 L stirred-tank bioreactor using aspen hydrolysate was achieved with 25.0 ± 3.4 g L⁻¹ biomass production, 1.8 ± 0.4 d⁻¹ specific growth rate and a protein yield of 54.5 ± 0.5% (g/100 g sugars). PCA analysis of the amino acids revealed a strong correlation between the amino acid composition of the protein produced and the ratios of glucose and xylose in the culture medium. The production of high-nutrient mycoprotein by submerged fermentation of the edible fungus P. ostreatus using agro-industrial hydrolysates is a promising bioprocess in the food and feed industry. Full article

The composition of mother’s milk is considered the ideal diet for neonates. This study investigated how conserved or variable the amino acid profile of sow colostrum and milk is throughout lactation, compared with other studies in sows and other species. Twenty-five sows (parity one to seven) from one farm with gestation lengths of 114 to 116 d were sampled on d 0, 3, and 10 after parturition. The total amino acid profile of the samples was analyzed through ion-exchange chromatography, and the results were displayed as the percentage of total amino acid and compared with literature data. Most of the amino acid concentrations in sow milk decreased significantly (p < 0.05) throughout the lactation period, while the amino acid profile generally showed a conserved pattern, especially from d 3 to d 10, and was rather similar across different studies. Glutamine + glutamate was the most abundant amino acid in milk at all sampling moments, accounting for 14–17% of total amino acids. The proportions of proline, valine, and glycine in sow milk nearly accounted for 11%, 7%, and 6% respectively, and were higher compared to human, cow, and goat milk, while the methionine proportion was less than the other three. Compared to the large variations often reported in macronutrient concentrations, the amino acid profile of sow milk in the present study, as well as in others, seems well conserved across the lactation period. Similarities with characteristic differences were also observed between sow milk and piglet body composition, which might reflect the nutrition requirements of preweaning piglets. This study warrants further research exploring the link between the whole amino acid profile and the particular amino acids for suckling piglets and could facilitate insight for optimizing creep feed. Full article

Finding strategies to use the swim bladder of farmed totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is of the utmost need to reduce waste. Fish swim bladders are rich in collagen; hence, extracting collagen is a promising alternative with benefits for aquaculture of totoaba and the environment. The elemental biochemical composition of totoaba swim bladders, including their proximate and amino acid compositions, was determined. Pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) was used to extract collagen from swim bladders, and its characteristics were analyzed. Alcalase and papain were used for the preparation of collagen hydrolysates. Swim bladders contained 95% protein, 2.4% fat, and 0.8% ash (on a dry basis). The essential amino acid content was low, but the functional amino acid content was high. The PSC yield was high, at 68% (dry weight). The amino acid composition profile, electrophoretic pattern, and structural integrity analyses of the isolated collagen suggested it is a typical type-I collagen with high purity. The denaturalization temperature was 32.5 °C, probably attributable to the imino acid content (205 residues/1000 residues). Papain-hydrolysates (≤3 kDa) of this collagen exhibited higher radical scavenging activity than Alcalase-hydrolysates. The swim bladder from the farmed totoaba could be an ideal source to produce high-quality type I collagen and may be considered an alternative to conventional collagen sources or bioactive peptides. Full article

As a kind of plant-specific transcription factor (TF), DNA-Binding One Zinc Finger (Dof) is widely involved in the response to environmental change, and as an evolutionarily important perennial plant species, Akebia trifoliata is ideal for studying environmental adaptation. In this study, a total of 41 AktDofs were identified in the A. trifoliata genome. First, the characteristics, including the length, exon number, and chromosomal distribution of the AktDofs and the isoelectric point (PI), amino acid number, molecular weight (MW), and conserved motifs of their putative proteins, were reported. Second, we found that all AktDofs evolutionarily underwent strong purifying selection, and many (33, 80.5%) of them were generated by whole-genome duplication (WGD). Third, we outlined their expression profiles by the use of available transcriptomic data and RT-qPCR analysis. Finally, we identified four candidate genes (AktDof21, AktDof20, AktDof36, and AktDof17) and three other candidate genes (AktDof26, AktDof16, and AktDof12) that respond to long day (LD) and darkness, respectively, and that are closely associated with phytohormone-regulating pathways. Overall, this research is the first to identify and characterize the AktDofs family and is very helpful for further research on A. trifoliata adaptation to environmental factors, especially photoperiod changes. Full article

Bombyx mori is an ideal lepidopteran species representative of many scientific studies, a model of studies for medicine and a significant insect from an ecological standpoint. This review was performed to summarize the fatty acids (FA) composition of silkworm pupae (SP) that are associated with other important compounds that could add value to SP, diversifying the ways of valorization. The proposal to complete plant-based feeds with insect-based feeds represents a viable option to beneficially impact human and animal health and the environment. The quality and quantity of fats consumed significantly impact the aetiology of certain diseases. The key compounds of fat named essential FA (EFA) substantially influence the prevention and treatment of several diseases through their nutraceutical functions. Due to its excellent profile in nutrients such as protein and fat, amino acids and fatty acids composition, SP has become an important alternative feed ingredient and source of EFA. SP is a by-product that was discarded in large quantities. Following the need to act to improve human health and reduce climate change impact, many researchers focused on studying SP applications in the medical and agricultural industries. Several authors noticed an improvement in the health markers by using SP. The feed cost for the animal was reduced with economic implications. Minimization of environmental impact was recorded. Few precautions were recommended regarding SP use, although they should not be ignored. The composition of SP and its potential for use in various industries provides us with persuasive arguments for continuing to develop the sericulture industry. Full article

Plant protein sources, as a part of developing sustainable food systems, are currently of interest globally. Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is the most plentiful by-product of the brewing industry, representing ~85% of the total side streams produced. Although nutritionally dense, there are very few methods of upcycling these materials. High in protein, BSG can serve as an ideal raw material for protein isolate production. This study details the nutritional and functional characteristics of BSG protein isolate, EverPro, and compares these with the technological performance of the current gold standard plant protein isolates, pea and soy. The compositional characteristics are determined, including amino acid analysis, protein solubility, and protein profile among others. Related physical properties are determined, including foaming characteristics, emulsifying properties, zeta potential, surface hydrophobicity, and rheological properties. Regarding nutrition, EverPro meets or exceeds the requirement of each essential amino acid per g protein, with the exception of lysine, while pea and soy are deficient in methionine and cysteine. EverPro has a similar protein content to the pea and soy isolates, but far exceeds them in terms of protein solubility, with a protein solubility of ~100% compared to 22% and 52% for pea and soy isolates, respectively. This increased solubility, in turn, affects other functional properties; EverPro displays the highest foaming capacity and exhibits low sedimentation activity, while also possessing minimal gelation properties and low emulsion stabilising activity when compared to pea and soy isolates. This study outlines the functional and nutritional properties of EverPro, a brewer’s spent grain protein, in comparison to commercial plant protein isolates, indicating the potential for the inclusion of new, sustainable plant-based protein sources in human nutrition, in particular dairy alternative applications. Full article