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Keywords = unsaturated fatty acids (UFA)

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15 pages, 270 KiB  
Article
Performance, Metabolism, and Economic Implications of Replacing Soybean Meal with Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles in Feedlot Cattle Diets
by Andrei L. R. Brunetto, Guilherme L. Deolindo, Ana Luiza de F. dos Santos, Luisa Nora, Maksuel Gatto de Vitt, Renato S. de Jesus, Bruna Klein, Luiz Eduardo Lobo e Silva, Roger Wagner, Gilberto V. Kozloski and Aleksandro S. da Silva
Fermentation 2025, 11(7), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11070363 - 23 Jun 2025
Viewed by 617
Abstract
The growing demand for biofuels, especially ethanol produced from corn, has driven the production of co-products such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). With a high protein content (around 30%), fiber, and minerals, DDGS presents an economical alternative for animal nutrition, replacing [...] Read more.
The growing demand for biofuels, especially ethanol produced from corn, has driven the production of co-products such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). With a high protein content (around 30%), fiber, and minerals, DDGS presents an economical alternative for animal nutrition, replacing traditional sources like soybean meal while maintaining productive performance and reducing costs. This study evaluated the total replacement of soybean meal with DDGS in the diet of confined Holstein cattle, focusing on weight gain, feed intake, digestibility, feed efficiency, animal health, meat quality, and economic viability. The 24 animals received diets with 80% concentrate, containing either DDGS or soybean meal, and no significant differences were observed in terms of body weight (p = 0.92), feed intake (p = 0.98), or feed efficiency (p = 0.97) between the two treatments. The average daily gain was 1.25 and 1.28 kg for cattle in the DDGS and soybean meal groups, respectively (p = 0.92). Regarding metabolic and digestive parameters, no relevant changes were found in blood levels, except for higher serum cholesterol (p = 0.03) levels in animals fed DDGS. The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p = 0.03) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p = 0.05) was lower in the DDGS group, while the digestibility of ether extract was higher (p = 0.02). Rumen fluid analysis revealed an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids (p = 0.01), such as acetic and butyric acids (p = 0.01), in the DDG-fed animals. In terms of meat quality, animals fed DDGS produced meat with lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p = 0.05) and higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) (p = 0.02), especially oleic acid (p = 0.05). This resulted in a healthier lipid profile, with a higher UFA/SFA ratio (p = 0.01). In terms of economic viability, DDGS-based diets were 10.5% cheaper, reducing the cost of production per animal by 7.67%. Profitability increased by 110% with DDGS compared to soybean meal, despite the high transportation costs. Therefore, replacing soybean meal with DDGS is an efficient and economical alternative for feeding confined cattle, maintaining zootechnical performance, increasing meat lipid content and improving fatty acid profile, and promoting higher profitability. This alternative is particularly advantageous in regions with easy access to the product. Full article
17 pages, 312 KiB  
Article
Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Profile of Rams Fed Diets Enriched with Vegetable Oils of Varying Unsaturation Levels
by Evyla Layssa Gonçalves Andrade, Kevily Henrique de Oliveira Soares de Lucena, José Morais Pereira Filho, Marcia Makaline Rodrigues Pereira, Ronaldo Lopes Oliveira, Analívia Martins Barbosa, Elzania Sales Pereira, Claudio Vaz Di Mambro, Marcos Jacome de Araújo and Leilson Rocha Bezerra
Foods 2025, 14(13), 2179; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132179 - 22 Jun 2025
Viewed by 425
Abstract
Antioxidant feed additives, such as cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL), rich in phenolic compounds, have gained attention for improving animal production and meat quality. The study evaluated the dietary effects of blending CNSL (0.5%) with different vegetable oils (1.5%) varying in unsaturated fatty acid [...] Read more.
Antioxidant feed additives, such as cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL), rich in phenolic compounds, have gained attention for improving animal production and meat quality. The study evaluated the dietary effects of blending CNSL (0.5%) with different vegetable oils (1.5%) varying in unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) profiles on the meat quality and fatty acid composition of muttons. Forty Santa Inês × Dorper crossbred rams (24.44 ± 1.5 kg) were allocated to five treatments for 70 days: CNSL combined with canola (MUFA-rich) compared to corn, soybean, sunflower, or cottonseed oils (PUFA-rich). The CNSL + canola blend improved meat quality, showing higher water-holding capacity and tenderness and lower cooking loss than CNSL + PUFA-rich oils (p < 0.05). Meat yellowness (b*) increased with CNSL + soybean or cottonseed blend. Meat proximate composition was unaffected (p > 0.05). Minor variations in specific fatty acids were observed, including higher C14:0 and C16:1 in canola and cottonseed + CNSL blend groups and greater EPA (C20:5 n–3) with soybean oil + CNSL blend (p < 0.05). The ∑n–6:∑n–3 ratio was highest with cottonseed and lowest with soybean oil (p < 0.05). Overall, combining CNSL with MUFA-rich oils, particularly canola, compared to PUFA oils, enhances meat quality while supporting the sustainable use of CNSL in ram diets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meat)
19 pages, 352 KiB  
Article
Influence of Dietary Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and Animal Fat on the Chemical Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, Lipid Stability and Sensory Traits of Fresh and Stored Hamburgers from Rabbit Meat
by Bianca Palumbo, Maria Elena Cossu and Antonella Dalle Zotte
Animals 2025, 15(12), 1804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15121804 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 406
Abstract
Improving the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in meat enhances its nutritional value; however, because PUFAs are prone to oxidation, incorporating antioxidants into animal diets may be an effective way to limit lipid degradation. This study investigated the effects of dietary fat [...] Read more.
Improving the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in meat enhances its nutritional value; however, because PUFAs are prone to oxidation, incorporating antioxidants into animal diets may be an effective way to limit lipid degradation. This study investigated the effects of dietary fat content, vitamin E supplementation, and storage time on the oxidative stability, physico-chemical, sensory, and technological traits of rabbit hamburgers. Seventy-two rabbits (aged 40–78 days) were assigned to four groups: F0-E0 (0% pork fat, 0 mg/kg vitamin E), F0-E200 (0% fat, 200 mg/kg vitamin E), F2-E0 (2% fat, 0 mg/kg vitamin E), and F2-E200 (2% fat, 200 mg/kg vitamin E). After slaughter and carcass deboning, fat-free meat was processed into hamburgers. Three hamburgers per rabbit were analyzed immediately (T0) and three after 7 days of storage at 4 °C (T7). Vitamin E supplementation significantly reduced TBARS values (p < 0.001) and improved meat appearance and texture. Fat-enriched diets modified the fatty acid profile, increasing unsaturated and n-3 fatty acids, and enhanced meat flavor. Vitamin E supplementation improved the nutritional quality of the lipids by increasing PUFAs and n-3 FA levels. Storage time significantly affected quality traits, with T7 hamburgers showing higher TBARS values (p < 0.001) and a greater UFA percentage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)
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20 pages, 1338 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dietary Protein Levels on Production Performance, Meat Quality Traits, and Gut Microbiome of Fatting Dezhou Donkeys
by Yunpeng Wang, Keqiang Diao, Han Li, Chongyu Zhang, Guiguo Zhang and Cuihua Guo
Microorganisms 2025, 13(6), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13061388 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 496
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying dietary protein levels on growth performance, meat quality traits, amino acid and fatty acid compositions, and hindgut microbiota in Dezhou donkeys. Eighteen 12-month-old male donkeys, weighing 188 ± 9 kg, were randomly allocated into [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying dietary protein levels on growth performance, meat quality traits, amino acid and fatty acid compositions, and hindgut microbiota in Dezhou donkeys. Eighteen 12-month-old male donkeys, weighing 188 ± 9 kg, were randomly allocated into three groups and fed diets containing 11.03% (LP), 12.52% (MP), and 14.06% (HP) protein. The average daily gain (ADG) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the HP and MP groups, while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (p < 0.05) compared to the LP group. The MP group exhibited superior performance in terms of serum albumin (ALB) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, as well as protein digestibility (p < 0.05). Improvements in meat tenderness, as well as increased levels of leucine, flavor amino acids (FAAs), and non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) (p < 0.05), were observed in the MP group compared to those in the LP and HP groups. The levels of total fatty acids (TFAs), saturated fatty acids (SFAs), unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were higher (p < 0.05) in the LP and MP groups than in the HP group, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) observed between the LP and MP groups. The genera Prevotella, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, NK4A214_group, Oscillospiraceae_UCG-002, and Oscillospiraceae_UCG-005 in the rectum were identified as differential microbes associated with varying dietary protein levels. In conclusion, this study indicates that a dietary protein level of 12.52% could enhance the growth performance, dietary nutrient digestibility, slaughter performance, and meat quality of Dezhou donkeys by modulating hindgut microbial communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology)
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16 pages, 2146 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of Chemical Compositions and Antioxidant Capacities of Oils Obtained from Sixteen Oat Cultivars in China
by Feiyue Ma, Taotao Dai, Laichun Guo, Chunlong Wang, Changhong Li, Chunhua Li, Jun Chen and Changzhong Ren
Foods 2025, 14(12), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14122007 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 448
Abstract
The global oat harvest area occupied by China has been increasing annually. In this study, the fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions, lipid concomitants, and antioxidant capacities of 16 oat oil cultivars in China were compared. All oat oils were found to be rich [...] Read more.
The global oat harvest area occupied by China has been increasing annually. In this study, the fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions, lipid concomitants, and antioxidant capacities of 16 oat oil cultivars in China were compared. All oat oils were found to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), particularly oleic acid and linoleic acid. The main triacylglycerols in oat oil were first reported, including 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-oleyl-glycerol (PLO, 16.50–18.69%), 1,3-dioleoyl-2-linoleoyl-glycerol (OLO, 14.97–18.44%), and 1-palmitoyl-2,3-dioleoyl-glycerol (POO, 11.00–13.45%). Significant variations were observed among the cultivars in lipid concomitants, including tocochromanols (0–124.83 mg/kg), phytosterols (3380.94–5735.96 mg/kg), squalene (17.39–59.33 mg/kg), and polyphenols (255.47–513.99 mg GAE/kg). The antioxidant capacities of the different cultivars varied for DPPH (154.34–189.80 μmol VE/kg), ABTS (124.40–343.97 μmol VE/kg), and FRAP (834.32–2746.09 μmol VE/kg). Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between antioxidant capacity and the contents of polyphenols, squalene, and campesterol. Hierarchical cluster analysis classified the oat oils into distinct groups based on their phytosterol, polyphenol, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), triacylglycerol, squalene, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and tocochromanol contents. This study confirms that oat oil has potential as a functional oil and dietary supplement, and sheds light on the relationship between its nutritional quality and functionality, which may aid in the screening of beneficial oat oil cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Grain)
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20 pages, 5421 KiB  
Article
Effects of Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Antioxidant Combinations in Oil-in-Water Emulsions on the Oxidative Stability of Walnut Kernels
by Ying Jing, Rongrong Wang, Huiliang Wen and Jianhua Xie
Foods 2025, 14(11), 1967; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14111967 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 637
Abstract
Walnuts, which are rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), are highly susceptible to oxidation during storage, leading to quality degradation. Consequently, antioxidant technologies for the oxidative stability of walnuts have garnered significant attention. The addition of antioxidants remains the most cost-effective and efficient [...] Read more.
Walnuts, which are rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), are highly susceptible to oxidation during storage, leading to quality degradation. Consequently, antioxidant technologies for the oxidative stability of walnuts have garnered significant attention. The addition of antioxidants remains the most cost-effective and efficient method currently available, with synergistic effects enhancing the efficacy of mixed antioxidant combinations compared to single antioxidants. In this study, four lipophilic antioxidants—tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), dilauryl thiodipropionate (DLTP), and propyl gallate (PG)—were paired with four hydrophilic antioxidants—rosemary extract (RE), phytic acid (PA), tea polyphenols (TPs), and sodium ascorbate (SA)—resulting in 16 experimental groups to investigate synergistic effects. The effects of water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidant combinations on walnut oxidation were systematically evaluated through peroxide value, acid value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and DPPH radical scavenging capacities. Additionally, fatty acid composition analysis was employed to assess the preservation of beneficial UFAs. Mechanistic insights were obtained via thermogravimetric analysis and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Notably, two combinations, 0.03% TBHQ + 0.03% TPs (w/w) and 0.03% DLTP + 0.03% SA (w/w), exhibited good oxidative stability of walnut kernels. These formulations demonstrated superior antioxidant performance and effectively inhibited oxidative pathways while maintaining UFA integrity, demonstrating their potential as advanced preservation strategies for lipid-rich foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preservation and Shelf Life Extension of Food Products)
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14 pages, 258 KiB  
Article
Nanoemulsified Corn Oil in Lactating Barki Nutrition: Effect on Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation Characteristics, and Microbial Population
by Min Gao, Rong-Qing Li, Mostafa S. A. Khattab, Ahmed M. Abd El Tawab, Yong-Bin Liu and Mohamed El-Sherbiny
Animals 2025, 15(10), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101424 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 398
Abstract
Nanoemulsified corn oil was tested on twenty-one multiparous lactating Barki ewes (mean ± SD: 3 ± 0.4 parity, 44.3 ± 1.9 kg body weight, 30 ± 2.7 months of age, and 402 ± 23 g/d of prior milk production) randomly allocated to the [...] Read more.
Nanoemulsified corn oil was tested on twenty-one multiparous lactating Barki ewes (mean ± SD: 3 ± 0.4 parity, 44.3 ± 1.9 kg body weight, 30 ± 2.7 months of age, and 402 ± 23 g/d of prior milk production) randomly allocated to the following treatments (n = 7 ewes/group): Control—a basal diet consisting of 50% concentrate mixtures and 50% berseem clover; CO—the Control diet + 3% of corn oil; NCO—the Control diet + 3% of nanoemulsified corn oil. A completely randomized design of 25 days of adaptation and 5 days of sampling was employed with seven ewes per treatment. Despite feeding oil according to the recommended values, CO decreased the dry matter intake by 8.3% and 6.7% compared to the Control and NCO, respectively. The negative impact of CO extended to reducing the concentrations of ammonia and total volatile fatty acids in the rumen. On the other hand, NCO had less effect on the biohydrogenation intermediates profile compared to CO; noticeably, higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) were associated with NCO; these results were also supported by an increase in the rumen microbial population with NCO compared to CO, especially the biohydrogenation bacteria, which showed higher abundance with NCO despite the low presence of biohydrogenation intermediates. In conclusion, the NCO demonstrated the ability to decrease the transformation of unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids in the biohydrogenation environment. This effect was not associated with decreased dry matter intake, changes in nutrient digestibility, or alterations in fermentation patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)
20 pages, 2573 KiB  
Article
Associations Between B Vitamin Interactions with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cognitive Function Among Cognitively Healthy Older People as Modified by Amyloid Status and Sex
by Chuliang Zhao, Karen A. Abbott, Chinedu Udeh-Momoh, Geraint Price, Oliver J. K. Robinson, Sujin Kang and Celeste A. de Jager Loots
Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091407 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 777
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate (B9), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may independently influence cognitive health, but their combined effects and interactions remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of B12, folate, and PUFAs, including their interactions, on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate (B9), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may independently influence cognitive health, but their combined effects and interactions remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of B12, folate, and PUFAs, including their interactions, on cognitive function in cognitively healthy older adults, considering effect modification by sex and amyloid-beta status. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 321 participants aged 60–85 y enrolled in the UK CHARIOT–PRO SubStudy. Dietary intake was assessed using the Scottish Collaborative Group Food Frequency Questionnaire, and cognitive performance was measured via the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Stratified multivariate linear regression models by sex and amyloid-beta status and models with the saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio (substituted for PUFAs) as one of the predictors were constructed. Results: Males had lower total RBANS scores with a higher PUFA intake (β = −13.97, p = 0.04) but improved scores with increased folate (β = 9.08, p = 0.04). PUFA × folate revealed contrasting effects to PUFAs alone, with higher cognitive scores in the amyloid-negative group for total RBANS (β = 13.27, 95%: 3.81~22.73, p = 0.01) but lowered scores in the amyloid-positive group. Considering the UFA:SFA ratio, higher delayed memory scores were associated with the combined intake of folate, B12, and PUFAs (β = 7.46, p = 0.02) among females. In the amyloid-positive group, the negative cognitive effects observed with PUFAs were reversed when UFA:SFA was considered. Conclusions: Amyloid status and sex significantly influenced the cognitive effects of nutrient intake, with distinct patterns based on specific cognitive domains and nutrient interactions. Full article
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26 pages, 7101 KiB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Genes Involved in Fatty Acid and Triacylglycerol Accumulation in Developing Sunflower Seeds
by Wanqiu Meng, Linglu Zeng, Xiuli Yang, Dawei Chen and Li Sun
Genes 2025, 16(4), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16040393 - 29 Mar 2025
Viewed by 828
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the four major global oilseed crops. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation is crucial for improving oil yield and quality. In this study, the oilseed sunflower cultivar ‘T302’, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the four major global oilseed crops. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation is crucial for improving oil yield and quality. In this study, the oilseed sunflower cultivar ‘T302’, which was wild-cultivated in the northwestern region of China, was analyzed for fatty acid content by targeted lipidomic analysis. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on 15 cDNA libraries from sunflower embryos at five developmental stages (10, 17, 24, 31, and 38 days after flowering) to investigate gene expression patterns during oil accumulation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to fatty acid and triacylglycerol accumulation in developing sunflower seeds were identified. WGCNA was used to gain deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism. Results: The oil composition of ‘T302’ consisted of 86.61% unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), mainly linoleic acid (48.47%) and oleic acid (37.25%). Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) accounted for 13.39%, with palmitic acid (7.46%) and stearic acid (5.04%) being the most abundant. A total of 81,676 unigenes were generated from RNA-seq data, and 91 DEGs associated with lipid metabolism were identified, including key enzymes such as FAD2-1, SAD, FATA, LACS, PDAT2, and DGAT2. In addition, we identified several novel candidate transcription factor genes, including WRI1, LEC1, FUS3, and ABI3, which were found to regulate TAG synthesis during seed maturation and are worthy of further investigation. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of seed oil biosynthesis in oilseed sunflower. The identified key genes and transcription factors provide potential targets for molecular breeding strategies to increase oil content and modify fatty acid compositions in sunflower and other oilseed crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)
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19 pages, 315 KiB  
Article
Low-Protein Diet Supplemented with Amino Acids Can Regulate the Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Flavor of the Bamei Pigs
by Dong Wang, Ke Hou, Mengjie Kong, Wei Zhang, Wenzhong Li, Yiwen Geng, Chao Ma and Guoshun Chen
Foods 2025, 14(6), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14060946 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1116
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of reduced crude protein (CP) diets supplemented with four essential amino acids (EAAs) on production efficiency and meat quality characteristics in Bamei pigs. Thirty-six castrated Bamei pigs (half male and half female, 100 days old, with an average [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the impact of reduced crude protein (CP) diets supplemented with four essential amino acids (EAAs) on production efficiency and meat quality characteristics in Bamei pigs. Thirty-six castrated Bamei pigs (half male and half female, 100 days old, with an average body weight of 50.65 kg) were randomly assigned to three different dietary CP levels: control group (16.0% CP), group I (14.0% CP + EAA), and group II (12.0% CP + EAA). In both experiments, the group I and group II diets were supplemented with crystalline AA to achieve equal contents of standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan. After a 70-day feeding trial, the results showed that (1) low-protein diets of different levels supplemented with four EAAs had no significant effect on the growth performance of Bamei pigs (p > 0.05) but had a tendency to increase average daily feed intake (ADFI). (2) In terms of slaughter performance, compared with the control group, the low-protein amino-acid-balanced diet significantly reduced the pH of gastric contents (p = 0.045), and tended to increase the backfat thickness and dressing percentage (p > 0.05). (3) The effect of low-protein diets on muscle amino acids showed that group I was significantly improved, including increased Threonine, Serine, Glycine and Bitter amino acids. (4) Compared with the control group, the low-protein group increased the ratio of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA)/total fatty acids (TFAs), Monounsaturated Fatty Acid (MUFA)/TFA, and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA)/TFA, and the content of decanoic acid, myristic acid, and cis-11-eicosenoic acid in group II was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (p ≤ 0.012). (5) The total number of flavor compounds in the muscle of the low-protein group was higher than that of the control group, including Aldehyde, Alcohol, sulfide, Alkane, and Furan compounds. Among them, the relative contents of Hexanal, Heptaldehyde, Benzaldehyde, E-2-Octenal, 2,3-Octanedione, and 2-Pentylfuran in group II were significantly higher than in those groups (p < 0.05). Notably, the 14% dietary protein level group had the most significant effect on the meat quality and flavor of Bamei pigs. Therefore, under the condition of amino acid balance, reducing the use of protein feed raw materials and adding synthetic amino acids can not only improve the meat quality and flavor of finishing pigs, but also save the feed cost. Full article
24 pages, 677 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Antioxidant, Antithrombotic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Amphiphilic Bioactives from Greek Organic Starking Apple Juice and Its By-Products (Apple Pomace)
by Maria Vandorou, Christos Plakidis, Ilektra Maria Tsompanidou, Anna Ofrydopoulou, Katie Shiels, Sushanta Kumar Saha and Alexandros Tsoupras
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2807; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052807 - 5 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1027
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and antioxidant effects of extracts from both apple juice and apple by-products (apple pomace) of organic cultured Greek Starking apples were evaluated in vitro. All extracts were separated in their total amphiphilic compounds (TACs) and total lipophilic compounds (TLCs) and [...] Read more.
The anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and antioxidant effects of extracts from both apple juice and apple by-products (apple pomace) of organic cultured Greek Starking apples were evaluated in vitro. All extracts were separated in their total amphiphilic compounds (TACs) and total lipophilic compounds (TLCs) and assessed for their total phenolic content (TPC), total carotenoid content (TCC) and antioxidant activities (by the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays), as well as for their anti-inflammatory potency against the thrombo-inflammatory mediator, platelet activating factor (PAF) and their antithrombotic effects against a standard platelet-agonist (ADP) in human platelets. The rich-in-TAC extracts showed much higher content in phenolics and carotenoids than the TLC extracts, which was also reflected by the much stronger antioxidant capacities observed in TAC. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence not only of phenolics and carotenoids but also of amphiphilic polar lipids (PLs) in TAC, the structural analysis of which with LC–MS further revealed a fatty acid composition favorable for unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) versus saturated ones (SFAs). The presence of such bioactive PLs that are rich in UFA within the TAC extracts of apple juice and apple pomace provide an explanation for the observed potent anti-inflammatory effects and antithrombotic properties of these extracts, mainly against the inflammatory pathway of PAF but also against platelet aggregation induced by ADP. Overall, these results further support the antioxidant, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory potential of rich-in-TAC extracts from organic cultured apples and especially from their apple pomace by-products, which can further be utilized as sustainable bioactive ingredients in several functional products in a circular economy design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Bioactive Compounds)
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12 pages, 237 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of the Nutrient Composition of Caulerpa lentillifera from Various Cultivation Sites
by Wenchuan Zhou, Yun Wang, Rui Xu, Jialin Tian, Ting Li and Suwen Chen
Foods 2025, 14(3), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14030474 - 1 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1207
Abstract
The nutrient, amino acid, and fatty acid compositions of Caulerpa lentillifera from various aquaculture regions were assessed to analyze their nutritional characteristics and potential for aquaculture development. The nutrient composition of C. lentillifera was determined according to the standard national nutrient determination methods [...] Read more.
The nutrient, amino acid, and fatty acid compositions of Caulerpa lentillifera from various aquaculture regions were assessed to analyze their nutritional characteristics and potential for aquaculture development. The nutrient composition of C. lentillifera was determined according to the standard national nutrient determination methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, and the following data were revealed. (1) The basic nutritional components of C. lentillifera were relatively more abundant in the three aquaculture areas in Guangdong Province. The crude protein content in C. lentillifera was measured at (8.70 ± 0.36)% and (18.57 ± 1.59)% for samples collected from the Dapeng and Daya areas, respectively. These values were significantly higher compared to those obtained from the Beihai, Dongshan, and Nha Trang regions (p < 0.05). Additionally, the crude lipid content of C. lentillifera from the Daya population was measured at (5.10 ± 1.59)%, which was significantly higher than that of samples from the Beihai, Dongshan, and Nha Trang areas (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the total sugar contents in C. lentillifera were quantified as (32.50 ± 4.22)% and (32.87 ± 2.59)% for samples from the Daya and Shanwei regions, respectively. These values were significantly greater (p < 0.05) compared to those observed in the other four populations. (2) The total amino acid (TAA) content of C. lentillifera ranged from 7.05% to 12.37%, with notable concentrations of the fresh amino acids aspartic acid (Asp) and glutamic acid (Glu). Significant variations in the TAA and essential amino acid (EAA) levels were observed among the cultivation regions (p < 0.05), with the Shanwei population exhibiting the highest TAA content of 12.37% and EAA content of 4.65%, surpassing all other populations except for Guangdong Province (p < 0.05). (3) The fatty acid composition analysis revealed that the total fatty acid (TFA) and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) levels in the long-stemmed grape fern alga from Daya were 2.400% and 1.048%, respectively, and significantly greater than those in the other populations except for Dapeng (p < 0.05). These results imply that the nutritional quality of the Daya population of C. lentillifera is relatively high. C. lentillifera exhibits a palatable flavor profile, making it suitable for consumption and the development into high-quality seafood condiments, thereby contributing to the environmentally sustainable advancement of C. lentillifera aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)
24 pages, 720 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Antioxidant, Antithrombotic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Amphiphilic Bioactives Extracted from Avocado and Its By-Products
by Anita Marra, Vasileios Manousakis, Nikolaos Koutis, Georgios Panagiotis Zervas, Anna Ofrydopoulou, Katie Shiels, Sushanta Kumar Saha and Alexandros Tsoupras
Antioxidants 2025, 14(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14020146 - 26 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1935
Abstract
The antioxidant, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects of the amphiphilic compounds extracted from both avocado juice and by-products, were evaluated. All extracts were assessed for their total phenolic content (TPC) and total carotenoid content (TCC), and for their antioxidant activities by DPPH, ABTS and [...] Read more.
The antioxidant, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects of the amphiphilic compounds extracted from both avocado juice and by-products, were evaluated. All extracts were assessed for their total phenolic content (TPC) and total carotenoid content (TCC), and for their antioxidant activities by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays as well as for their anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic potency in human platelets. The extracts rich in TAC (Total Amphiphilic Content) showed much higher content in phenolics and carotenoids from the extracts of total lipophilic content (TLC), which was reflected by the much stronger antioxidant capacities of TAC extracts. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of not only phenolics and carotenoids, but also of bioactive polar lipids (PLs) in avocado TAC extracts, the LC-MS based structural analysis of which further revealed a fatty acid composition favourable for unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) versus saturated ones (SFAs), including monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like the oleic acid (C18:1n9) and omega-3 (n3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like the alpha linolenic acid (C18:3n3), with the subsequent anti-inflammatory low values of the n6/n3 PUFA ratio. The presence of such bioactive PLs that are rich in UFA within the TAC extracts of avocado juice and its by-products provide an explanation for the observed potent anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities of avocado TAC against thrombo-inflammatory mediators like platelet activating factor (PAF) and against standard platelet agonists like ADP, offering promise for such avocado TAC extracts, as ingredients in functional products for health/promoting applications either in cosmetics or in functional foods and nutraceuticals, or even drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Antioxidants from Agri-Food Wastes)
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15 pages, 794 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Role of Salt Supplementation on Milk Composition, Fatty Acids, and Insulin Response in Lactating Camels
by Riyadh S. Aljumaah, Ahmed A. K. Salama, Mutassim M. Abdelrahman, Moez Ayadi, Gerardo Caja, Mohammed A. Alshaikh, Mohammed A. Al-Badwi and Abdulkareem M. Matar
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12010022 - 6 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1432
Abstract
Camel milk is a valuable food source with unique nutritional properties and potential health benefits. This study investigated the influence of high dietary salt on milk composition and fatty acid (FA) profile as well as insulin regulation in dairy camels. Twelve multiparous female [...] Read more.
Camel milk is a valuable food source with unique nutritional properties and potential health benefits. This study investigated the influence of high dietary salt on milk composition and fatty acid (FA) profile as well as insulin regulation in dairy camels. Twelve multiparous female camels were used in a crossover design with two treatments: control concentrate (CON; 1.3% salt) and high-salt concentrate (SAL; 3.9% salt). Each period lasted 3 weeks, with camels switched between treatments in the second period. The measured variables included milk yield, milk composition, blood metabolites, and insulin levels in blood and milk. The SAL group exhibited higher (p < 0.01) water consumption. Nevertheless, milk yield and composition (fat, protein, lactose) remained unaffected. Notably, SAL camels had elevated blood insulin levels (p < 0.05) compared to the CON group, suggesting enhanced pancreatic activity possibly driven by osmotic balance changes. Milk FA profiles revealed a reduction in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA, p < 0.04), particularly monounsaturated (MUFA, p < 0.05) and odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA, p < 0.05). Furthermore, lipid quality indices such as the atherogenic index (p < 0.01) and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic FA ratio (h/H, p < 0.01) indicated a less favorable milk fat profile in the SAL group. These findings suggest that while moderate salt supplementation may not negatively impact milk yield in dairy camels, it alters both metabolic and milk fat composition variables, with potential implications for the nutritional quality of milk. Full article
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27 pages, 1069 KiB  
Article
Anti-Inflammatory, Antithrombotic, and Antioxidant Properties of Amphiphilic Lipid Bioactives from Shrimp
by Alexandros Tsoupras, Paschalis Cholidis, Dimitrios Kranas, Evangelia Aikaterini Galouni, Anna Ofrydopoulou, Pavlos Efthymiopoulos, Katie Shiels, Sushanta Kumar Saha, George Z. Kyzas and Chryssa Anastasiadou
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18010025 - 28 Dec 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1930
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Marine organisms, including shrimps, have gained research interest due to containing an abundance of bioactive lipid molecules.This study evaluated the composition and the in vitro biological activities of amphiphilic bioactive compounds from four different wild shrimp species: Litopenaeus vannamei, Penaeus kerathurus [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Marine organisms, including shrimps, have gained research interest due to containing an abundance of bioactive lipid molecules.This study evaluated the composition and the in vitro biological activities of amphiphilic bioactive compounds from four different wild shrimp species: Litopenaeus vannamei, Penaeus kerathurus, Aristaeomorpha foliacea, and Parapenaeus longirostris. Methods: Total lipid (TL) extracts were obtained from shrimp and separated into total amphiphilic (TAC) and total lipophilic (TLC) compounds. Phenolic (TPC) and carotenoid (TCC) contents, antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP assays), and biological effects on platelet-activating factor (PAF) and ADP-induced platelet activation were evaluated. Structural analyses were performed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, while LC-MS was used to elucidate the fatty acid composition and overall structure of polar lipids (PLs) present in shrimp TAC extracts. Results: TAC extracts, rich in phenolics, carotenoids, PL, and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), exhibited stronger anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities compared with TLC extracts, which showed potent antioxidant capacity. Significant amounts of UFAs, such as the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) oleic acid (C18:1n9) and omega-3 (n3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n3), were detected in the PLs of shrimp TAC extracts, with favorable anti-inflammatory values for their n6/n3 PUFA ratio. Shrimp amphiphilic bioactives present in the TAC extracts provide anti-inflammatory effects against the PAF pathway and antithrombotic effects against ADP and eicosanoid pathways. Conclusions: The overall findings support further study on the use of shrimp extracts rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and antioxidant amphiphilic bioactives as ingredients to produce new bio-functional health-promoting products, in the context of sustainable development and circular economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
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