Search Results (11,122)

This preliminary study investigated the effects of ante-mortem Vitamin D₃ (VD₃) supplementation on blood parameters and meat quality in Yanbian yellow bulls. Twenty healthy Yanbian yellow bulls (intact male Yanbian yellow bulls, 30 ± 1 months of age; initial body weight 534 ± 15 kg) were allocated into five groups: a control (basal diet) and four treatment groups with varying VD₃ regimens (3 × 10⁶ or 6 × 10⁶ IU/d for 7 days, with or without a 7-day withdrawal). Results demonstrated that, compared to the control group, VD₃ supplementation elevated serum calcium (p < 0.01) and phosphorus levels (p < 0.05) while enhancing antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) and immunoglobulin production (p < 0.01). Muscle calcium deposition increased (p < 0.01), accompanied by higher meat lightness (CIE L*) values (p < 0.01) and reduced drip loss rate (p < 0.01). Shear force decreased across cuts (p < 0.01), which was linked to calpain-mediated protein degradation and sarcomere elongation (p < 0.01). Under the conditions of this study, the protocol involving 3.0 × 10⁶ IU/d VD₃ supplementation for 7 days followed by a 7-day withdrawal yielded the most favorable outcomes. These findings suggest a potential strategy to improve beef quality by regulating calcium homeostasis and enhancing muscle proteolysis, warranting further validation in larger populations. Full article

The valorization of protein-rich meat and bone meal (MBM) via composting is hampered by significant nitrogen loss. Genomic analysis of Aeribacillus pallidus (A. pallidus) strain 60 revealed a genetic repertoire encoding potent proteolysis and nitrogen assimilation. We hypothesized that this strain could function as a microbial catalyst to redirect nitrogen flux during MBM composting. In a laboratory-scale trial, inoculation with A. pallidus triggered a rapid thermal surge (reaching 70 °C) and proteolytic cascade, significantly accelerating maturation. Crucially, this process enhanced relative nitrogen retention, increasing final total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) concentration by 10.87–13.33% and nitrate by 13.75–18.65% compared to controls. Physicochemical and microbial profiling revealed that these improvements were driven by an inoculant-induced environmental modification rather than sustained inoculant dominance. The created thermal niche facilitated a distinct two-stage succession: an initial enrichment of proteolytic genera (Thermoactinomyces, Ammoniibacillus) followed by the establishment of a putative nitrifying community dominated by Pseudoxanthomonas. This study illustrates how a pioneer inoculant can drive functional microbiome assembly through niche modulation, providing a targeted strategy for optimizing nitrogen recovery in protein-dense waste valorization. Full article

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool for uncovering genome-wide variation, identifying selection signatures, and guiding genetic improvement in livestock. Royal White (RW) and White Dorper (WD) sheep are economically important meat-type hair breeds in the U.S., yet their genomic architecture remains poorly characterized. In this study, WGS was performed on 20 ewes (n = 11 RW, n = 9 WD) to identify and annotate SNPs and small insertions and deletions (indels). Functional annotation, gene enrichment, population structure, and selective sweep analysis were also performed. Selective sweep analysis was conducted by integrating the fixation index (F_ST), nucleotide diversity ($\pi$), and Tajima’s D to identify candidate regions under putative recent positive selection. A total of 21,957,139 SNPs and 2,866,600 indels were identified in RW sheep, whereas 18,641,789 SNPs and 2,397,368 indels were identified in WD sheep. In RW sheep, candidate genes under selection were associated with health and parasite resistance (NRXN1, HERC6, TGFB2) and growth traits (JADE2). In WD sheep, selective sweep regions included genes linked to immune response and parasite resistance (TRIM14), body weight (PLXDC2), and reproduction (STPG3). These findings were supported by sheep-specific quantitative trait loci (QTL) annotations and previously reported SNP–trait associations. This study provides the first WGS-based genomic comparison between RW and WD sheep, establishing a foundation for future genetic improvement, including targeted selection for enhanced immune function, disease resistance, and other economically important traits in these breeds. Full article

Emergency situations can cause sudden food shortages, which emphasize the need for preventive measures to ensure food security. The aim of this study was to determine the Slovenian population’s awareness of the official national recommendation for a 30-day emergency food supply, assess the adequacy of households’ food supplies, and identify factors influencing their quantity. An online survey was conducted among 815 Slovenian residents aged 18 to 89. The results showed that 81.0% were not aware of the national recommendations. Of the recommended foods, sugar, salt, cooking oil, jam, and pickled beet were most frequently stored, while rusks, water, canned meat sauces, bars, and dried yeast were least frequently stored. Only 17.0% of respondents had a sufficient supply of food to sustain their household members for a month or more, and only 19.1% had a supply of beverages for three days or more. Factors influencing the quantity of food supply included self-sufficiency assessment, knowledge of national recommendations, type of residence, region, household size, and number of children. This case study can serve more broadly as a basis for designing strategies to raise public awareness of the importance of emergency food supplies in improving food security during times of crisis. Full article

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) are one of the most common foodborne pathogens worldwide, and pork is a major food vehicle together with eggs and poultry meat. Contamination of pork within food processing facilities, such as slaughterhouses, can be associated with persistence of Salmonella in the environment due to biocide resistance. In this study, we assessed the susceptibility of NTS isolates from pig carcasses to a QAC-based commercial formulation according to the EN 1656/2009 standard and the presence of QAC resistance genes through PCR. The qacEΔ1 and qacF genes were found in 31.8% and 29.5% of the isolates respectively, while qacE was absent. All isolates were found to be susceptible at a tested concentration 10 times lower (0.1%) than the minimum in-use recommended concentration, with MIC values below 0.1% (≈70 mg/L of Benzalkonium Chloride). Our findings point towards the importance of correct cleaning and disinfection protocols and the role of good hygiene practices as corrective and/or preventive measures to avoid cross-contamination. Full article

This manuscript was developed to present a comprehensive analysis of the solutions and conditions used in the production of cultured meat (CM). This study addressed the following research question: What are the reasons for the development of CM? The aim of the study was to conduct a thorough review of the scientific literature on issues related to the production and quality of CM, as well as methods used to improve it, and to systematize these issues. Issues related to shaping the chemical composition and nutritional value towards functional foods, as well as the organoleptic properties and safety of CM, were presented. Issues related to consumer acceptance of CM were discussed. Further issues concerned CM as a market product, including the advantages and barriers associated with acquiring and maintaining markets. Key development conditions were discussed, such as the need to improve the quality of CM, technological development, and lower production costs. Socioeconomic challenges, such as the risk of deepening economic inequalities between countries and social classes, and the potential consequences for farmers, consumers, and rural populations, were also considered. Full article

Slaughter performance is a critical economic trait that varies across breeds, yet the rumen metabolic mechanisms driving these phenotypic differences remain unclear. The study involved 30 healthy 12-month-old beef cattle, with 10 animals from each of the three breeds: Chinese Simmental (ST), Taihang Yun (TY), and Charolais (CL). The cattle were randomly assigned into three groups using a completely randomized design, and the average initial body weight was 549.78 ± 59.45 kg. A 130-day feeding trial (10-day pre-feeding period, 120-day main trial period) was conducted. By comparing the slaughter performance, relative organ weight, and rumen fluid metabolomic profiles, the study investigated breed-specific differences in meat quality and potential underlying metabolic patterns. The results showed that CL exhibited a superior carcass yield, with a significantly higher dressing percentage (62.38%, p = 0.013) and net meat percentage (56.54%, p = 0.028) than ST and TY, and a significantly lower backfat thickness (p = 0.006); ST had the highest proportion of premium cuts, relative to carcass weight (72.97%, p = 0.014), with prominent economic value, while TY had significantly higher weights of visceral organs, such as liver, kidney, small intestine and omasum, than CL (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed that CL and ST had elevated levels of purine metabolism, nucleotide synthesis and cofactor biosynthesis compared to TY. In conclusion, CL and ST possess advantages in carcass yield supported by upregulated anabolic metabolism in the rumen, whereas TY prioritizes visceral organ development. These findings provide valuable insights into the physiological and metabolic divergences regulating the slaughter performance and regional adaptability across cattle breeds. Full article

This study evaluates a non-invasive and feasible nutritional strategy as a realistic intervention to prevent or mitigate T2DM in one-year-old female Wistar rats. This strategy is based on replacing a commercial pâté (CP) with a functional one, either a silicon-enriched commercial pâté (Si-CP), a reduced-fat pâté formulated with a biopolymeric emulsion (BP), or a silicon-enriched and reduced-fat biopolymeric pâté (Si-BP). After consumption of a high-saturated fat high-cholesterol diet, CP rats exhibited elevated fecal excretion, fasting serum glucose, insulin, and LDL cholesterol, and altered islet morphology. Versus the CP group, the Si-CP consumption group exhibited significantly reduced fecal output (1.17 ± 0.02 vs. 2.09 ± 0.44) and serum insulin (12.06 ± 7.89 vs. 20.74 ± 7.44), triglycerides (47.51 ± 4.46 vs. 58.24 ± 9.97), LDL cholesterol (34.63 ± 5.14 vs. 42.20 ± 4.98), and ghrelin (32.49 ± 24.66 vs. 78.35 ± 22.85). Although BP rats also exhibited some positive effects, Si-BP animals presented the most promising results. Compared to the CP group, Si-BP consumption significantly reduced fecal excretion (1.44 ± 0.24) and serum glucose (129.1 ± 10.40 vs. 154.9 ± 15.76), insulin (9.49 ± 6.06), triglycerides (46.91 ± 5.13), and estradiol (528.2 ± 45.00 vs. 634.4 ± 98.87), preserved islet circularity (0.88 ± 0.02 vs. 0.82 ± 0.01), and significantly increased tibia length (4.09 ± 0.12 vs. 3.95 ± 0.09) and wet weight (0.65 ± 0.07 vs. 0.56 ± 0.06). This study demonstrates the antidiabetic effects of silicon from diatomaceous earth (4 mg Si/kg body/day) incorporated into pâté in middle-aged female rats. Replacing CP with a functional alternative improved the health status of diabetic female rats, supporting its potential as an effective nutritional adjuvant. Full article

The most recent National Research Council Nutrient Requirements for Sheep and Goats was published in 2007, one of the most consequential nutrient requirement recommendations for sheep and goats in the world. The enhancement of production efficiency, minimization of carbon footprint, and maximization of resource economy, among others, motivate the continuing discussion of nutrient utilization and refinement of nutrient requirements in sheep and goats that are increasingly important in various parts of the world. Progress has been made in the estimation of energy and protein requirements in sheep and goats, mainly utilizing empirical feeding experimentation, comparative slaughter techniques and minimum endogenous loss methods. In sheep, newer estimates of energy and protein requirements for maintenance and growth and partial efficiencies has been reported since 2007. There were suggestions that energy and protein requirements could have been affected by breed, wool growth, gender and size, with these reported values being similar or lower than the recommended values in international feeding systems such as NRC, ARC, INRA and AFRC. In goats, energy and protein requirements for growing goats were reported to be either higher or lower than the established recommendations, depending upon meat or dairy breeds. Effect of gender on energy requirement appeared to be related to the stage of growth or degree of maturity. Newer data also suggested that existing recommendations on nutrient requirements may not be adequate for non-pregnant and non-lactating pubertal females. In multiparous pregnant goats, energy and protein requirements for maintenance did not appear to be affected by days of pregnancy, but efficiencies of metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein utilization for pregnancy were. There were suggestions that metabolizable protein can be predicted from energy intake using equations that encompass both sheep and goats, but more data on goats were called for to account for specific differences in nutrition. In addition to sulfur, there has been progress made on the estimation of maintenance and growth requirements of calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium in goats, with suggestions on the consideration of gender and breed differences. While conventional factors such as breeds and species, genotype, stage of maturity, gender, body composition, mobilization of tissue energy for production, and additional activity energy required due to resource limitation and acclimatization remain as important considerations for the estimation of nutrient requirements in sheep and goats, emerging factors such as climate change, heat stress, parasitism and secondary plant compounds that can affect nutrient utilization should also be considered in the estimation of nutrient requirements. Model equations and partial efficiencies used by NRC to predict energy and protein requirements for maintenance, growth, lactation, and fiber have been highlighted and discussed for the purpose of a more focus discussion and refinement for the future. Potential limitations of both traditional and emerging methodologies in determining the nutrient requirements in sheep and goats were discussed. The advancement in nutrigenomics can potentially move nutrient requirements beyond its population-based guidelines. To justify the research investment, emerging methodologies such as nutrigenomics will have to be linked more directly to the improvement of production efficiency via more precise prediction of nutrient requirement. With the assistance of artificial intelligence and more data obtained from sensor technology, precision nutrition has the potential to deliver nutrients precisely to individual animals and meet nutrient requirements in sheep and goats. Full article

Cellular senescence (CSEN) is caused by a variety of factors that trigger complex molecular pathways. These include telomere shortening, oncogene activation and replicative stress, as well as DNA damage caused by genotoxic anticancer drugs and endogenous and exogenous genotoxins. Here, we review the induction of CSEN by exogenous genotoxic insults resulting from food and environmental exposures. The available data show that genotoxins/carcinogens in tobacco smoke and smokeless tobacco, in the environment, in food, beverages and life-style products induce CNS. The exposures include N-nitroso compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic aromatic amines, acrylamide, heavy metals, fine dust, mycotoxins, phytotoxins, and phycotoxins. Also, heme in red meat contributes to CSEN as it catalyzes the formation of genotoxic species in the colon. Induction of CSEN by external genotoxins/carcinogens is bound on the DNA damage response pathway (DDR), which relies on activation of the ATM/ATR-CHK2/CHK1-p53-p21 axis and the p53-independent p16/p14 axis, eliciting cyclin-dependent kinase inhibition and permanent cell cycle arrest. Other factors that can be involved are DREAM, MAPK, cGAS/Sting, and NF-κB. The accumulation of non-repaired DNA damage triggering CSEN following external genotoxic exposures may contribute significantly to the amelioration of senescent cells and organ failure with age in humans. Senescent cells drive, via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), inflammation that is involved in many diseases, including cancer. Although most of the studies were performed with in vitro cell systems, the consequences of CSEN induction by genotoxic nutritional components and environmental exposures seem to be underestimated. Since CSEN correlates with aging, it is reasonable to conclude that exogenous genotoxic pollutants contribute significantly to the aging process through CSEN induction. In light of these findings, it is deduced that reducing genotoxin exposures and using “rejuvenation” supplements (senotherapeutics) are reasonable strategies to counteract cellular senescence and the aging process. Full article

In the post-antibiotic era, postbiotics and phytogenic additives such as essential oils compounds combination (PBEO) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to enhance poultry productivity. This study investigated the synergistic effects of this novel combination PBEO on broiler growth performance, meat quality and intestinal health. Two hundred and eighty-eight (n = 288) one-day-old male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into three groups: control group (Basal, basal diet), two experimental groups (0.02% PBEO and 0.04% PBEO, 0.02% or 0.04% PBEO added on top of basal diet, respectively). Each group consisted of eight replicates with twelve birds per replicate. Dietary supplementation with 0.02% PBEO significantly improved the growth performance of broiler chickens by increasing body weight at day 41 (2920.6 g vs. 2786.3 g) and average daily gain during days 1–41 (70.2 g vs. 66.9 g) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Regarding meat quality, muscle pH was significantly higher in groups fed 0.02% PBEO (6.77) or 0.04% PBEO (6.68) compared to the control (6.50) (p < 0.05). GSH content in breast meat showed a significant increase in the 0.04% group (84.19 µmol/gprot) compared to the control (40.61 µmol/gprot) (p < 0.05). Additionally, muscle fiber diameter (MFD) was significantly reduced in both the 0.02% group (68.77 µm) and 0.04% group (79.68 µm) compared to the control group (92.12 µm) (p < 0.05). Dietary PBEO boosts broiler growth by increasing body weight and average daily gain. The improvements in meat quality were marked by higher muscle pH, increased antioxidant capacity (GSH) and reduced muscle fiber diameter. Full article

Slovenia preserves one autochthonous pig breed, the Krškopolje pig, whose meat has been reported to exhibit a favourable fatty acid profile compared with that of modern breeds. However, meat quality is not solely determined by genetics; the production system also influences it, as organic and conventional farming differ in feed composition, housing and outdoor access. This study aimed to compare the effects of pig breed (Krškopolje vs. modern) and production system (organic vs. conventional) on the fatty acid composition and volatile organic compound (VOC) profile of pork. Fatty acid composition was determined by GC-FID after methylation, and the VOCs profile was obtained using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with GC-MS. Results showed that Krškopolje meat had higher SFA and MUFA, while modern pig meat had higher PUFAs, particularly n-6, reflecting genetic and dietary influences. Modern breeds also showed greater fatty acid response to the rearing system than the Krškopolje breed. Several VOCs were unique to modern breed pigs, indicating breed-specific differences in lipid composition, amino acid metabolism, and microbial activity. Aldehydes were the dominant VOC class in both breeds, slightly higher in Krškopolje meat. OPLS-DA model revealed breed-related differences in VOCs, pinpointing compounds likely responsible for breed-specific aroma and flavour. Full article

The quality and flavor of chicken meat are the key factors that influence consumers’ purchase decisions. Recent studies have demonstrated that polyphenol can modulate meat quality. In this study, an integrated multi-omics approach was utilized to systematically identify the regulatory effect of dietary supplementation with polyphenols extracts of C. osmantha leaves (PECOL) on chicken flavor. It was found that dietary PECOL supplementation enhanced breast meat flavor and increased fatty acid ethyl ester compounds in the breast muscle. Moreover, PECOL supplementation reshaped the composition and proportions of gut microbiota across multiple taxonomic levels, with a notable enrichment of taxa within the phylum Firmicutes (e.g., g_Massilistercora). Furthermore, the addition of PECOL altered the contents of cecal metabolites related to lipid and glucose metabolism, such as PC (14:1(9Z)/21:0), PC (P-16:0/15:1(9Z)), LysoPE (20:4(8Z, 11Z, 14Z, 17Z)/0:0), and glycerol 3-phosphate. Notably, we found that g_Massilistercora was significantly correlated with the content of these metabolites related to lipid and glucose metabolism. Further analysis revealed that these metabolites might interact with GPAT4 to jointly regulate chicken flavor. These findings further clarify the regulatory role played by PECOL in shaping the flavor of broiler meat. Full article

Proteins are fundamental to life and indispensable for human physiological activities. However, traditional proteins derived from natural sources such as animals and plants face challenges including low extraction efficiency and limited availability. Therefore, recombinant proteins produced via microbial manufacturing have emerged as a promising alternative. This review specifically focuses on the production of recombinant protein with certain specific functional characteristics, using microorganisms. Owing to their unique functional attributes, such proteins are in increasing demand in diverse fields, including food, medicine, and agriculture. Firstly, this review outlines the definition of recombinant protein and summarizes the microbial manufacturing and applications of nine typical proteins with certain specific functional characteristics. Secondly, the strategies of utilizing microorganisms for the efficient production and purification of recombinant proteins was systematically reviewed. Full article

This study evaluated the feasibility of incorporating a protein–oil emulsion based on beef tripe, meat trimmings, and vegetable oil into semi-smoked sausages produced from maral (red deer) meat, with maral fat used as the sole animal fat source. Four sausage variants were formulated and produced to evaluate the effects of different protein–oil emulsion inclusion levels (0, 10, 15, and 20%) on nutritional, textural, and sensory characteristics. Replacement of part of the maral fat with the protein–oil emulsion resulted in a reduction in total fat content (11.6–14.7%) while protein levels remained stable (20.6–21.4%). Fatty acid analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in saturated fatty acids (from 54.64% in the control to 35.45% in the highest emulsion variant) accompanied by a marked increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (from 22.20% to 37.57%), primarily due to higher linoleic acid content. Texture profile analysis showed a progressive reduction in hardness, gumminess, and chewiness with increasing emulsion inclusion (p < 0.05), whereas springiness and cohesiveness were not significantly affected (p > 0.05), indicating the preservation of elastic and cohesive properties. Sensory evaluation confirmed that sausages containing moderate levels of the protein–oil emulsion maintained favorable appearance, flavor, and juiciness, with no adverse effects on overall acceptability. These results indicate that combining maral fat with a protein–oil emulsion is an effective strategy for producing nutritionally improved red deer meat sausages with balanced lipid composition and consumer-acceptable texture and sensory quality. Full article