Search Results (2,643)

The preweaning period is a critical phase for dairy calves, during which gastrointestinal disorders, particularly diarrhea, remain a major cause of morbidity and antimicrobial use. Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown potential to support intestinal health in several animal species, but information in preweaning dairy calves is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of astaxanthin supplementation administered through milk replacer on growth performance, clinical health, metabolic profile, and fecal microbiota in preweaning Holstein calves. Twenty-four female Holstein calves (body weight, mean ± SD: 49.51 ± 12.14 kg) were randomly assigned to a control group (CTR; n = 12) or an astaxanthin-supplemented group (TRT; n = 12). Treated calves received 40 mg/d of astaxanthin from week 0 to 4 and 80 mg/d from week 4 to 8. Body weight, feed intake, rectal temperature, and fecal consistency score, fecal color score and clinical scores were recorded throughout the trial. Blood samples were collected in weeks 0 and 8 for metabolic profiling, and fecal samples were collected in weeks 0, 4, and 8 to assess fecal consistency and bacterial populations. Astaxanthin supplementation did not affect body weight, average daily gain, or overall feed intake. However, treated calves exhibited a lower frequency of abnormal fecal consistency scores, indicating reduced diarrhea incidence compared with control calves. Fecal microbiological analysis revealed lower coliform counts in astaxanthin-supplemented calves in weeks 4 and 8, whereas total bacterial counts were greater in week 8. Most blood metabolites were primarily influenced by age-related physiological changes; however, circulating calcium concentrations were greater in treated calves. These results suggest that astaxanthin may represent a promising nutritional strategy to support gastrointestinal health during early life, although larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

Background: Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread public health issue in Europe, despite the availability of sunlight, dietary sources, supplements, and food fortification. National fortification strategies differ substantially in their regulatory approaches, food vehicles, and fortification levels, influencing the population’s vitamin D intake and status. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to map vitamin D food fortification policies across European Union (EU) Member States, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, and the United Kingdom (UK), focusing on regulatory frameworks, eligible food categories, and implementation models. Methods: A structured review of national legislation and official guidance on vitamin D food fortification was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 across EU Member States (n = 27), EFTA countries (n = 4), and the UK. For EU Member States, the framework established by Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 was examined alongside national implementation measures. For EFTA countries and the UK, corresponding national legislation and official regulatory guidance were reviewed. Data were extracted on fortification policy status, eligible food categories, legal basis, and fortification levels. Targeted searches of PubMed and Scopus were performed to identify modeling studies and policy analyses supporting the interpretation of the findings. Results: Fortification policies show marked heterogeneity. Mandatory fortification is limited to a few countries and specific foods: Finland (homogenized skim milk), Sweden (low-fat milk, fermented dairy, plant-based alternatives, and fat spreads), Belgium (margarine and selected fats), and Poland (margarine and fat spreads). In most other European countries, vitamin D fortification is voluntary under EU legislation or equivalent national legislation, depending on market uptake. Food vehicles vary regionally, with Northern Europe extending fortification beyond fats to include fluid milk and plant-based drinks, whereas other regions mainly fortify margarines, cereals, dairy products, and plant-based beverages. Fortification levels also differ, with some countries specifying maximal or exact levels, while others lack national standards. Data on fortified foods are limited in several Central and Southern European countries. Modeling indicates that multi-vehicle fortification is more effective than single-vehicle approaches, safely increasing population intakes while reducing deficiency prevalence. Conclusions: Vitamin D fortification policies across Europe are highly heterogeneous. Most countries rely on voluntary approaches, which provide limited coverage. Strengthening policy through mandatory and well-coordinated multi-vehicle strategies, informed by modeling and population-based studies, can improve vitamin D intake, reduce deficiency prevalence, and enhance health equity. Full article

Milk fat synthesis in dairy cows is a complex process affected by ruminal fermentation, systemic metabolism, and mammary gland activity. To explore the metabolic interplay across these systems, a multi-tissue metabolomics approach (rumen fluid, plasma, and milk) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to identify metabolic differences between Chinese Holstein cows with high (H-MF, 5.82 ± 0.41%) and low (L-MF, 3.60 ± 0.12%) milk fat content under the same diet. The bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) were also cultured to evaluate the impact of a key metabolite, malic acid (MA), on lipid metabolism. Our findings reveal distinct metabolic profiles across rumen fluid, plasma, and milk, with 96, 109, and 79 differential metabolites, respectively, between the L-MF and H-MF groups. In rumen fluid, H-MF cows showed higher levels of lauric acid and succinic acid, linked to fatty acid biosynthesis, while the L-MF cows had elevated citraconic and orotic acids, associated with amino acid metabolism and liver stress. Plasma from the H-MF cows contained higher β-hydroxybutyric acid, methionine sulfoxide, and phosphatidylcholine, supporting lipogenesis, whereas L-MF plasma showed increased 3-hydroxy-L-proline, indicating tissue catabolism. In milk, the L-MF cows had higher MA, while the H-MF cows exhibited elevated L-carnitine, linked to fatty acid β-oxidation. Metabolite trend analysis during rumen fluid–plasma–milk showed that 211 metabolites were classified into 8 profiles. Profile 1 had the largest number of metabolites whose levels were down-regulated from rumen to plasma and enriched in lipid metabolism. Profile 3 (mainly related to amino acid metabolism) and profile 4 (mainly related to energy metabolism) exhibited opposite trends from plasma to milk. In vitro, 200 μM of MA reduced the triglyceride content in BMECs and down-regulated lipogenic genes and their protein expression levels (fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1). These results highlight how rumen fluid, plasma, and milk metabolites collectively influence milk fat synthesis, with MA acting as a key regulator of lipid metabolism in mammary epithelial cells. Full article

This study presents a structured narrative review integrating methodological and decision-oriented perspectives. Milk proteins, particularly β-casein, have attracted increasing scientific and commercial attention due to their genetic variability and role in dairy production and product differentiation. Among β-casein variants, the A1 and A2 alleles of the CSN2 gene are of particular relevance, as their single-nucleotide difference has influenced breeding strategies and the expansion of A2-oriented dairy markets. Although multiple validated molecular genotyping approaches are available for CSN2 A1/A2 discrimination, guidance on their context-appropriate deployment in agricultural systems remains largely technique-centric. The present framework integrates analytical performance, sample complexity, and operational constraints to support the selection of fit-for-purpose methods across breeding, diagnostic, and dairy authentication contexts. Classical and advanced approaches, including polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) and amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR), high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis, sequencing-based methods, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, and digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR), are comparatively evaluated not only in terms of sensitivity and throughput but also with respect to scalability, reproducibility, and decision risk. This framework provides a practical decision-support tool for aligning genotyping strategies with application-specific risk profiles, thereby improving reliability, transparency, and regulatory compliance in modern dairy systems. Full article

This study investigates the dripping and leakage problem in kitchenware known as the “teapot effect” through a multidisciplinary experimental approach encompassing fluid mechanics, material science, and ergonomic design. Unlike previous studies confined to idealized geometries and single-fluid analyses, this work systematically examines 32 distinct spout geometries from commercially available teapots, coffee pots, and milk jugs under realistic operating conditions. Experiments were performed using three fluids with contrasting rheological properties: boiling black tea, cow’s milk, and Turkish coffee on a precision rotating platform operating at quasi-static (1°/s) to isolate surface tension, gravitational, and geometric effects from inertial forces. Three quantitative parameters were measured for each specimen: capillary dome angle, teapot effect angle range, and optimum pouring angle. Results demonstrate that spout tip geometry is the dominant controlling parameter. Thin-lipped elliptical cross-sections effectively suppressed dripping, whereas triangular and wide curved geometries produced the teapot effect across broad pouring angle ranges reaching up to 70°. A spout outlet extension length of 4–5 mm combined with a spout tip radius below 4 mm was found necessary and sufficient for clean flow separation. Furthermore, suspended particles and proteins in milk and Turkish coffee were shown to intensify the teapot effect by disrupting contact line dynamics at the spout tip. These findings provide quantitative design thresholds directly applicable to industrial kitchenware development. Full article

The expansion of the global agri-food industry has led to the generation of large volumes of processing by-products that, although traditionally treated as waste, represent valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals with potential for sustainable valorisation. This review critically examines the integration of fruit, vegetable, cereal, and dairy processing side streams into functional dairy products. Particular attention is given to recent advances in green and emerging extraction technologies, including ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction, with emphasis on their efficiency, environmental performance, and effects on the stability and recovery of phytochemicals. The review also discusses the health-related properties of these bioactive compounds, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory effects, in relation to their incorporation into milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream matrices. In addition, key barriers to industrial implementation are assessed, including compound stability, sensory constraints, bioavailability, and current regulatory limitations. Beyond direct fortification, the review also considers broader valorisation pathways, such as the biotechnological production of microbial enzymes from agro-industrial biomass, as relevant strategies for supporting circularity. Overall, this review highlights how sustainable extraction approaches and functional dairy innovation can contribute to improving the nutritional value, resource efficiency, and circularity of the dairy sector. Full article

Diversifying forage sources may improve the sustainability and flexibility of dairy production. In a 60 d feeding trial, 72 mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to three treatments (24 cows/group) and fed a total mixed ration in which corn silage represented 41.16% of dietary dry matter in the control diet; 25% or 50% of this corn silage fraction was replaced with triticale silage (TS) on a dry matter basis. The study evaluated whether partial TS substitution could maintain lactational performance while affecting fecal fermentation and microbiota. Replacing corn silage with TS did not affect milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk, major milk components, or metabolic indicators. However, 50% replacement increased fecal bacterial richness and diversity, as reflected by ACE, Chao1, and Shannon indices, and altered the overall microbial community structure. This treatment also changed fecal volatile fatty acid profiles, including increasing the proportions of branched-chain volatile fatty acids. Overall, TS can replace up to 50% of the corn silage fraction in the ration of mid-lactation cows without compromising milk production or composition, while modifying hindgut microbial ecology and fermentation patterns, thereby offering greater ration flexibility when corn silage availability is limited or costly. Full article

Rumination time is considered a sensitive behavioral indicator of physiological and metabolic status in dairy cows, yet its relationships with biochemical and milk quality parameters under commercial robotic milking conditions remain insufficiently described. This study combined precision monitoring technologies, serum biochemical profiling, and in-line milk analysis to evaluate physiological differences among early-lactation Holstein cows according to rumination time. A total of 88 cows were classified into three rumination time categories (>527, 412–527, and <412 min/day). Milk production traits, milk quality indicators, and blood biochemical parameters were compared among groups, and univariable regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with rumination time. Cows in the low rumination group showed higher milk temperature, electrical conductivity, and somatic cell count, as well as lower milk protein percentage. They also showed higher concentrations of total protein, urea, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, while triglyceride concentrations were lower. Regression analysis identified electrical milk conductivity, creatinine, magnesium, potassium, and chloride as variables associated with rumination time. These findings indicate that reduced rumination time is associated with changes in milk quality and biochemical parameters in early-lactation dairy cows, suggesting that rumination monitoring may provide useful information for identifying cows experiencing physiological and metabolic challenges under commercial farming conditions. Full article

Vanillin is widely used in foods, but its poor water dispersibility and limited stability reduce its flavor performance during processing and storage. In this study, soy protein isolate (SPI) was used as a food-grade carrier to prepare soy protein isolate–vanillin (SPIV) complexes via a pH-shifting strategy. SPI and vanillin were first adjusted to pH 9.0, where SPI unfolded and vanillin was deprotonated and dispersed in the solution and then readjusted to pH 7.0 to form SPIV complexes. Vanillin was incorporated into SPI at different loading levels of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/mL, corresponding to 9–50 wt.% relative to SPI. The binding efficiency of vanillin decreased from 91.03 wt.% to 69.43 wt.% with increasing vanillin loading. Moderate loading preserved the globular morphology of SPI, whereas excessive loading (≥33.33 wt.%) induced vanillin nanocrystal formation and aggregation. Spectroscopic analyses and molecular docking indicated that vanillin interacted with soy proteins through a combination of covalent and noncovalent interactions. Compared with free vanillin, SPIV showed improved color, light, and thermal stability. Among the tested samples, SPIV2 exhibited the most favorable interfacial behavior and application performance, producing more stable emulsions and higher flavor scores in simplified beverage and soy milk models. These findings establish a loading-dependent structure–function relationship in SPIV complexes and provide practical guidance for the design of soy protein-based carriers for flavor stabilization and delivery. Full article

Short food supply chains (SFSCs) for artisan dairy products promote rural development, cultural preservation, and consumer trust but face challenges not found in mainstream chains. This study focuses on queso Tenate, a traditional cow-milk cheese from central Mexico, and examines how its SFSC organisational structure influences its capacity to ensure food safety, quality consistency, market delivery, and viability. Using a single-case exploratory design, the study applies the Viable System Model (VSM) as a diagnostic framework to map systemic functions within an artisan dairy enterprise. Data were collected through VSM-informed interviews and observations of production and retail practices. The findings show that food safety, quality performance, and market delivery reliability are structurally mediated by systemic coherence, not product characteristics alone. While strong relational coordination and shared identity sustain viability, several functions—particularly coordination, audit, and intelligence—remain person-dependent. This study identifies structural implications for strengthening regulatory coordination and monitoring practices without undermining relational management or artisan identity. The primary contributions are as follows: (i) extending SFSC research through a systemic diagnosis of an artisan dairy chain in an emerging economy; (ii) linking VSM-based organisational study to food safety, quality consistency, and market performance; and (iii) positioning VSM as a conversational tool for SFSC viability. Limitations include the single-case design, reliance on qualitative data, and absence of longitudinal measurements. Future research should compare VSM applications across multiple SFSCs, integrate quantitative analyses, and explore its use as a management tool. The study highlights the role of systemic coherence in ensuring SFSC sustainability and cultural embeddedness. Full article

Brucellosis is a globally prevalent zoonosis that causes abortion and infertility in livestock, leading to substantial economic losses. Sensitive and reliable quantification of Brucella antibodies, particularly at trace levels, is critical for early diagnosis. In this work, an electrochemical immunosensor was developed by integrating electric field-assisted antigen immobilization with an electrode platform. The electrode was first electrochemically pretreated to improve interfacial reproducibility, and then sequentially modified with L-cysteine and glutaraldehyde to construct an antigen-coupling layer. During antigen immobilization, a custom-built electric field device was applied to regulate the interfacial arrangement of Brucella antigens. The fabrication process was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry, and the analytical performance was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltammetric measurements. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a linear response to Brucella antibodies over the range of 1 × 10⁻⁶–10 IU/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 and a detection limit of 2.04 × 10⁻⁷ IU/mL. The sensor also showed acceptable specificity, repeatability, and short-term storage stability, with recoveries of 93.15–99.14% in spiked milk samples. These results indicate that electric field-assisted immobilization can serve as a useful interfacial regulation strategy for Brucella immunosensing and support the analytical feasibility of the proposed platform under controlled experimental conditions. Further validation in more complex biological matrices is still required. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sustainable food habits are essential for reducing the environmental impacts of a food system. We investigated food sustainability knowledge, attitudes, and food waste-related behaviours among Saudi adults and assessed their associations with socio-demographic characteristics and dietary choices, which are subjects that remain under-researched. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 855 Saudi adults (≥18 years) using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated online questionnaire assessing sustainability knowledge, attitudes, food waste behaviours, dietary choices, and socio-demographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 29. Results: Overall, 32% of the study population demonstrated adequate sustainability knowledge, 61% expressed positive attitudes towards food sustainability, and 45% demonstrated favourable food waste management. Women were more knowledgeable than men. Participants who possessed a better understanding of food sustainability consumed more vegetables, fruits, and bread and less processed meat. Those with a positive attitude towards food sustainability exhibited higher consumption of red meat, white meat, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, vegetables, fruits, bread, and sweet or savoury snacks. Meanwhile, individuals with better food waste behaviours demonstrated significantly lower consumption of legumes, fish, pasta, red meat, white meat, processed meat, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, fruits, bread, and sweet or savoury snacks. Conclusions: Saudi adults possess limited knowledge of sustainability and suboptimal food waste behaviours despite having relatively positive attitudes. These findings highlight opportunities for intervention. Public education, targeted campaigns, and media communication could enhance sustainability awareness and promote healthier, environmentally sustainable dietary patterns. Full article

Human milk fat globules (MFGs)’ size characterization is key for evaluating milk quality and processing effects. Laser diffraction (LD) is widely used for particle size analysis but provides limited morphological information. This study applied image-based morphometric analysis (IBMA) to characterize MFGs’ size and shape distributions in human milk and compared the results with LD measurements. Milk samples from 12 women delivering term and preterm infants were analyzed. LD was performed using a Mastersizer 3000 (Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, UK) and IBMA using a Morphologi 4 (Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, UK), acquiring 2D images at 20× magnification covering particle sizes from ~1.5 to 130 µm. IBMA classified MFGs as individual particles (IP) (HS circularity ≥ 0.920; circle equivalent diameter < 25 µm) or agglomerates (HS circularity < 0.920; solidity < 0.970), extracting descriptors including circularity, elongation, and solidity. IP predominated, while agglomerates represented ~15% of particles. Number-mean diameters (D[1,0]) were 4.91 µm (total), 4.36 µm (IP), and 8.00 µm (agglomerates). Volume-weighted particle diameters (D[4,3]) were 7.21 µm for IP and 14.02 µm for agglomerates. The highest level of agreement between methods was observed for IP D[4,3], although minor differences may be clinically relevant. IBMA and LD provide complementary information; however, IBMA uniquely enables the characterization of MFG structural organization, including the identification of agglomerates, which cannot be resolved by LD. This added level of structural detail may have important implications for understanding the digestibility of human milk, particularly in preterm populations. Full article

Carvacrol (CAR) has antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and potential as a food additive, but its intense aroma and high volatility limit its use in foods. Nanoencapsulation has been proposed as a strategy to overcome these limitations. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial performance of chia mucilage nanocapsules containing CAR (CMNP) and the effect of nanoencapsulation on CAR content during storage in milk. CMNP and CAR in solution (CS) were added at the Bactericidal Inhibitory Concentration (BIC) and ½ BIC in skim and whole milk. Antioxidant activity was determined by the ABTS (2,2 azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay, and antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated against Escherichia coli. Samples were stored at 37 °C for 48 h to assess antimicrobial activity under optimal growth conditions for E. coli and at 5 °C for 14 days to simulate refrigerated storage conditions. CAR was quantified by HS-SPME–GC/MS. CMNP increased antioxidant activity compared to the control, showing values similar to CS. At 37 °C, CMNP inhibited E. coli to undetectable levels using ½ BIC in both milks. At 5 °C, the full BIC was required in whole milk, while ½ BIC was sufficient in skim milk. Nanoencapsulation resulted in lower initial CAR content but promoted gradual release during storage at 5 °C and 37 °C. CMNPs show potential to contribute to the microbiological safety and oxidative stability of milk. Full article