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Scolymus hispanicus L. is a wild edible species with wide distribution in the Mediterranean area. Recent research has focused on the domestication of wild edible greens, which is essential for the preservation of agroecosystems and the increase in biodiversity, especially under the adversely changing climate conditions. In the present work, the aim was to evaluate the response of S. hispanicus plants to different fertilization regimes that varied in the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in regard to plant growth and chemical composition of leaves. For this purpose, plants were grown in pots within an unheated greenhouse. Seven experimental treatments were used, including six fertigation regimes (SH1-SH6) and the control treatment (SHC), where no fertilizers were added. Fresh yield was beneficially affected by the treatments that included a high content of P and K (e.g., SH3 and SH5), while lesser amounts of these macronutrients (e.g., SH1 and SH4) resulted in higher chlorophyll content (SPAD index) and leaf area. In terms of mineral profile, high amounts of P and K improved dietary fiber and carbohydrates content, whereas the untreated plants had the highest content of ash, fat and crude protein. Oxalic and quinic acid were the major organic acids detected, with fertigation regimes significantly reducing their content compared to the control treatment. α-tocopherol was the only isoform of vitamin E detected in all the samples, while glucose and fructose were the most abundant sugars, with their highest content detected in control and SH4 treatments, respectively. Scolymus hispanicus leaves were rich in macro and micro minerals, while their contents varied depending on the fertigation regime. Finally, α-linolenic, palmitic, and linoleic acid were the major fatty acids detected, while their contents were beneficially affected by low nutrient inputs (e.g., untreated plants and SH1 and SH2 treatments). In conclusion, the regulation of nutrient solution seems to be an effective practice to increase fresh yield in S. hispanicus without compromising the nutritional profile of the edible product, while low inputs of macronutrients such as P and K may improve the chemical composition of the species, especially in terms of n-fatty acids.

In this study, the fatty acid, carbohydrate, and mineral profiles and proximate composition of Halopteris scoparia, Padina pavonica, Zanardinia typus, Cladostephus spongiosum, Sargassum vulgare, and Sargassum acinarium brown macroalgae collected from Türkiye seas were determined. According to the results, the ash and total carbohydrate contents of all macroalgae ranged from 20.79 to 53.49% in dry weight (dw) and from 15.32 to 55.13% dw, respectively. Their protein, lipid and crude fiber contents changed between 4.22 and 9.89% dw, 0.25 and 0.90% dw, and 12.28 and 16.01% dw, respectively. Palmitic acid (29.36–48.55% dw) and oleic acid (8.92–20.92% dw) were at the highest levels in all brown macroalgae. In addition, they included prominent levels of saturated fatty acids (51.87–69.56% dw of total fatty acid content). Magnesium (6.97–18.78 mg/kg dw), potassium (1.34–3.78 mg/kg dw), iron (1.27–8.24 mg/kg dw), and manganese (63.10–252.23 μg/kg dw) were found to be the major minerals. The main soluble carbohydrates of macroalgae were found to be mannitol (1149.99–8676.31 mg/kg dw), glucose (368.78–1305.59 mg/kg dw), myo-inositol (225.96–956.78 mg/kg dw), fructose (137.05–689.21 mg/kg dw), and sucrose (189.55–328.06 mg/kg dw). This study revealed that brown macroalgae are particularly rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc and they may have potential for use in the food industry.

Global interest in yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is growing due to its potential as a functional food, attributable to its unique profile of bioactives and high fructooligosaccharide (FOS) content, which vary between cultivars. Our objective was to conduct a comprehensive chemical and nutritional analysis of New Zealand yacon concentrate (NZYC)—a sweet syrup derived from the roots of cultivar ‘New Zealand’, which was first grown in the 1980s. The major minerals in NZYC were potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. The FOS content ranged from 17.6 to 52.7 g/100g. Total phenolic content ranged from 565 to 785 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g; chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were the major phenolic compounds. The major amino acids were L-arginine, L-glutamic acid, L-proline, L-aspartic acid, and asparagine. The major organic acids were citric, malic, quinic, and fumaric acids. Antioxidant activity ranged from 1084.14 to 3085.78 mg Trolox equivalents per 100 g depending on the assay used. The glycaemic index (GI) value was 40 ± 0.22, classifying it as a low-GI food. These results support the classification of NZYC as a nutraceutical food product for future diet therapy applications.

Nitrate is the principal source of nitrogen for most higher plants. Particularly leafy vegetables require large quantities of nitrate fertilizer to attain maximal yields. The crop yield and quality as well as nitrate accumulation in leafy vegetables depends upon many preharvest factors such as genetic materials, agronomical and environmental factors. Three greenhouse experiments were carried out in order to assess the effects of preharvest factors (cultivars, plant density and N dose) on yield and quality of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). In the first trial four spinach cultivars were compared in terms of yield and quality attributes. The marketable yield of the four cultivars tested was in the following order: ‘Tasman’ = ‘Kookaburra’ > ‘Platypus’ = ‘Regiment’. No significant differences among cultivars were observed for the βcarotene, vitamin C and nitrate contents. In the second trial, treatments were defined by four plant densities (800,000; 1,000,000; 1,200,000; 1,500,000 seeds ha-1). The lowest marketable yield was observed under the lowest plant density, whereas no significant difference was recorded between the other treatments. The highest leaf dry matter, K, and nitrate contents were recorded at 1000000 seeds ha-1. In the third experiment we evaluated the effects of four N fertilizer doses (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1) on crop performance. Marketable yield increased quadratically with increasing N application with the highest values recorded at both 150 and 225 kg ha-1 indicating a luxury consumption of the nutrient at 225 kg ha-1. Finally, the highest protein and nitrate contents were observed at 225 kg ha-1 of N.

Research background. Numerous factors affect the ripening of reduced-fat white cheese. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of ripening environment (brine or vacuum plastic bags without brine) on the chemical composition, protein, fatty acid profile and mineral content as well as antioxidant properties of industrially produced reduced-fat white cheese. Experimental approach. A low-fat white cheese was manufactured on an industrial scale from milk that remained after the production of kajmak and ripened for 60 days at 4 °C after packaging in a polystyrene container with brine containing 6 % salt or in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags. The influence of ripening environment on proteolysis was monitored by the change of soluble nitrogen fractions as well as by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of Tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane-HCl extracts of cheese proteins under non-reducing conditions and water-soluble fractions under reducing conditions. An effect that ripening environment had on fatty acid and mineral content was also monitored. The change of antioxidant potential of the investigated cheese during ripening led to the change of iron(II) chelating ability, reducing power and free-radical scavenging activity. Results and conclusions. The ripening environment differently affected proteolysis, fatty acid composition, mineral profiles and antioxidant properties of reduced-fat white cheese. White cheese ripened in brine had more intensive proteolytic changes than the cheese ripened in a vacuum, but also more intensive diffusion processes, especially between the 40th and 60th day of ripening. The brine-ripened cheese had higher values of water-soluble nitrogen content, but lower contents of trichloroacetic acid-soluble and phosphotungstic acid-soluble nitrogen than a vacuum ripened cheese. Cheese ripened in brine had a lower content of almost all investigated macro- and microelements. After 60 days of ripening, in the cheese ripened in brine only myristic (C14:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) were detected, whereas in a vacuum-ripened cheese C10:0-C16:0 fatty acids dominated. Vacuum-ripened reduced-fat cheese had more favourable reducing power, while white brined reduced-fat cheese had better radical scavenging activity and iron(II) chelating activity. Novelty and scientific contribution. These results suggest significant influence of ripening conditions (immersion in brine or in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags) on nutritive and functional properties of reduced-fat white cheese. Ripening in a vacuum has become a useful method for obtaining high-value reduced-fat white cheese.

In the last twenty years, horticulture has focused on producing high-quality food while improving resource use efficiency. The application of nutritional stress is an effective tool to increase the phytochemical content of vegetables while reducing environmental footprint. Microgreens represent an emerging functional food characterized overall by higher levels of phytonutrients than their mature counterparts. The current study examined the effect of using nutrient solution or only distilled water on the nutraceutical performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) microgreens grown in a peat-based substrate. Our results showed that lettuce microgreens can be effectively grown using only substrate nutrients, incurring a 27% decrease in fresh yield, but a significant increase in total ascorbic acid (+187%), anthocyanins (+35%), and total phenolic acids content (+26%). Of utmost interest, is the near absence of nitrates in water-treated microgreens, which renders this category of fresh vegetables ideal for the production of food dedicated to consumers highly sensitive to nitrates, such as infants. Growing microgreens without providing additional nutrients to those found in a typical peat-based substrate is an important potentiality that adds value to this new class of vegetables and also renders them particularly suitable for home cultivation.

Nowadays great deal of research is physiological field is conducted on experimental animals and there is a lot of criticism from the wide public on methods used. Therefore, recently there is a lot of effort focused on the welfare of the animals. Main aim of this study is to determine the effect of experimental sample collection method on the selected parameters of stress. In the experiment two sample collections of rabbit blood from marginal ear vein were realized – first using standard method with one person fixing the animal and other collecting the blood using gently fixating the animal. In the second groups experimental method of inserting the experimental animal into a sack and further collection in dark was realized. During the experiment the levels of cortisol – main stress indicator in organism and other health parameters of animals including mineral profile and haematological parameters were observed. Our results show no significant changes in levels of cortisol but also a decreasing tendency in the sample from the second (dark) collection. Haematological parameters were generally in the reference values and any significant changes except levels of lymphocytes and percent of lymphocytes which shown significant increase in the second collection period were found. Also the levels of mean corpuscular haemoglobin and percent of neutrophils unveiled a significant decrease in values. Values of mineral profile parameters have indicated no significant changes except the levels of phosphorus. Based on the result we can state that the experimental sample collection has no effect on blood parameters of the animals but we spectated a statistically insignificant decrease in the levels of cortisol which can suggest that the dark collection is possibly less stressful to the animals.

Rabbit meat has outstanding nutritional characteristics—it is a lean meat with low fat, cholesterol and sodium content, with high-biological-value proteins, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, iron and vitamin B12 level. The dietary inclusion of natural bioactive compounds can improve the quality of rabbit meat. The present study evaluated the effect of enterocin 7420 (Ent 7420) and sage (Salvia officinalis) extract on the quality and mineral content of rabbit meat. A total of 96 Hyla rabbits (aged 35 days) were divided into E (Ent 7420; 50 µL/animal/d), S (sage extract; 10 µL/animal/d), E + S (Ent 7420 and sage in combination) and control (C) groups. Additives were administrated in drinking water for 21 days. A significant increase in meat iron (p < 0.01) content was noted; phosphorus and zinc levels were also elevated in experimental groups, compared with control data. Ent 7420 and sage treatment reduced the calcium and manganese (p < 0.01) contents. The physico-chemical traits of rabbit meat were not negatively influenced by treatment. Based on these results, diet supplementation, mostly with Ent 7420 but also in combination with sage, could enhance the quality of rabbit meat mineral, with a focus on its iron, phosphorus and zinc contents.

The world population is projected to increase to 9.9 billion by 2050 and, to ensure food security and quality, agriculture must sustainably multiply production, increase the nutritional value of fruit and vegetables, and preserve genetic variability. In this work, an Apulian landrace of Cucumis melo L. called “Carosello leccese” was grown in a greenhouse with a soilless technique under light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used as supplementary light system. The obtained results showed that “Carosello leccese” contains up to 71.0 mg·g−1 dried weight (DW) of potassium and several bioactive compounds important for human health such as methyl gallate (35.58 µg·g−1 DW), α-tocopherol (10.12 µg·g−1 DW), and β-carotene (up to 9.29 µg·g−1 DW under LEDs). In fact, methyl gallate has antioxidative and antiviral effects in vitro and in vivo, tocopherols are well recognized for their effective inhibition of lipid oxidation in foods and biological systems and carotenoids are known to be very efficient physical and chemical quenchers of singlet oxygen. Finally, it was demonstrated that the LEDs’ supplementary light did not negatively influence the biochemical profile of the peponids, confirming that it can be considered a valid technique to enhance horticultural production without reducing the content of the bioactive compounds of the fruits.

Objectives: The present work was conducted to investigate the nutritional profile of the highly consumed beef luncheon in Egypt. Besides, the potential health hazards associated with the con­sumption of luncheon were highlighted. Material and methods: A total of 60 beef luncheon samples were collected from Egyptian mar­kets. They were classified into three classes: A, B, and C based on their prices. The collected samples were examined for their chemical composition by determining moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, and energy percentage. The contents of trace elements were also investigated. Results: The obtained findings showed a comprehensive dissimilarity in the chemical composition. According to the fresh weight base, moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate fluctuated from 56.97 to 64.52, 3.50 to 16.10, 4.73 to 13.39, 3.30 to 3.51, and 11.32 to 27.44% w/w, respectively. The highest price class A Egyptian beef luncheon had more accepted nutritive value and dietary energy content. All the examined classes were low in calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. The target hazard quotient indicated that the trace elements did not present any risks for con­sumers except for sodium. High phosphorous content and high phosphorus–protein ratio were observed in all categories which had a harmful health effect, hence named “new cholesterol.” Conclusion: Based on the information, this study is the leading work that deeply investigated the chemical composition of the Egyptian luncheon classes, and the obtained data could be beneficial to update the nutritional knowledge used by dietitians and the responsible for nutrition assess­ment and surveillance by the government. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(2): 299-307, June 2020

Oats are increasingly recognized as super food owing to the presence of multiple health promoting substances. Five indigenous oat cultivars S2000, PD2LV65, SGD2011, Avon and SGD81 were characterized physico-chemically and nutritonally. Avon showed the maximum (12.69 g100 g-1 dry solids) protein content indicating potential to be used as protein source for animal and human food, whereas SGD-81 excelled incrude fiber contents (17.83 g100 g-1 dry solids). Avon showed the highest fat contents (6.67 g100 g-1 dry solids). Maximum moisture contents showed by the SGD-81 (9.29 g100 g-1 dry solids). SGD-2011 showed maximum ash contents (6.02 g100 g-1 dry solids). S-2000 showed the maximum nitrogen-free extract (60.78 g100 g-1 dry solids) and thousand grain weight (36.74 g). Highest Zn (0.176 mg g-1 of dry solids) and Fe (0.032 mg/g-1 dry solids) contents were found in Avon. Avon showed maxium bulk density of 0.76 g/cc and Avon grains had maximum length and breadth ratio (2.93). The highest water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity and emulsion stability were shown by SGD-81 as 188.33%, 218.754% and 73.13%, respectively. The highest foaming capacity was shown by S-2000 (20%) and the highest emulsion activity was shown by SGD 2011 (56.84%). Amino acid profiling showed the highest outcome 105.67 g kg−1 of dry solids by SGD-2011.While least 99.13 g kg−1 of dry solids depicted by S2000. Total phenolic contents varied from 36.07 to 59.6 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE), total flavonoids (754.16–1056.66 mg of quercetin equivalent:QE), TfoC (663.75–697.5 mg QE), % scavenging activity (24.33–55.88%) and anthocyanin contents of 0.5–2.87 mg of C3 G kg−1. SGD-81 was loaded with promising nutraceutical potential. SGD-81 would be good substitute of fiber and also loaded with other promising functional attributes including total flavonoid contents, total phenolic contents, total flavonol conetnts and anthocyanin contents. There is great potential for value addition of the oat cultivar SGD-81. Abbreviation NFE: Nitrogen-Free Extract; WAC: Water absorption capacity; NFE: Nitrogen-Free Extract; OAC: Oil absorption capacity; TGW: Thousand grain weight; FC: foaming capacity; BD: Bulk density; EA: Emulsion activity; L/B ratio: Length and breadth ratio; TFC: Total flavonoid contents; TFoC: Total flavonol contents; DPPH-2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl; NAA: Nonessential amino acid; TAA: total amino acids; ES: Emulsion stability; TPC: Total phenolic contents; ppm: parts per million; EAA: Essential amino acids; mg of C3G kg−1 -milligram of Cyanidine 3-glucoside per kilogram

O período transição impõe um grande desafio na homeostase do cálcio em bovinos leiteiros, sendo que a hipocalcemia subclínica tem sido correlacionada à maior incidência de enfermidades infeciosas e metabólicas no pós-parto. A grande variabilidade na calcemia que ocorre entre indivíduos, sistemas de produção e entre regiões geográficas, dificultam o estabelecimento de um ponto de corte preciso e explica a variabilidade nos resultados de pesquisas desenvolvidas em diferentes países. Atualmente, a principal estratégia de prevenção e controle de hipocalcemia clínica e subclínica consiste na utilização de dietas aniônicas no pré-parto. Apesar de seus efeitos benéficos na calcemia no pós-parto estarem bem estabelecidos, poucos são os estudos avaliando seus efeitos nos níveis de fósforo e magnésio, minerais cujo metabolismo é intimamente relacionado ao cálcio. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a influência da DCAD sobre os níveis séricos de cálcio (total, total corrigido e ionizado), fósforo e magnésio, de vacas leiteiras no período do periparto, na região do Planalto Médio no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, bem como, observar sua interação com as variáveis paridade e tempo, além de propor intervalos de referência regionais para estes minerais. Foram utilizadas 56 vacas de raça Holandesa (18 primíparas e 38 multíparas), em 6 propriedades comercias de produção intensiva. Amostras de sangue para determinação dos níveis séricos de cálcio total e ionizado, fósforo, magnésio e albumina foram coletadas nos momentos -7, +7, +14 e +28 dias em relação ao parto; amostras de urina foram coletadas no momento –7 para mensuração do pH urinário e a amostras pareadas de alimento foram coletadas em cada visita para determinação dos níveis de cálcio, fósforo, magnésio e DCAD. Os valores de cálcio total foram corrigidos de acordo com a concentração de albumina sérica. Houve correlação positiva entre a DCAD pré-parto e cálcio total (p = 0,02) e cálcio total corrigido (p = 0,01) no momento -7, não ocorrendo interação entre a DCAD pré-parto e o cálcio nos demais momentos avaliados. Observou-se correlação negativa entre a DCAD pré-parto e os níveis de magnésio no momento -7 em relação à data do parto (p = 0,02), porém esta correlação não ocorreu nos demais períodos avaliados. Não houve influência da DCAD na fosfatemia em nenhum período avaliado. Além disso, foi possível observar que a definição de prevalência de transtornos subclínicos de cálcio, fósforo e magnésio podem variar em função do ponto de corte utilizado, além de ocorrer grande variabilidade nas concentrações séricas dos minerais de acordo com a paridade (primípara ou multípara) e do momento da coleta. Os resultados podem fornecer valores de referência dos minerais estudados para rebanhos leiteiros no Rio Grande do Sul. The transition period imposes a great challenge for calcium homeostasis in dairy cattle. Subclinical hypocalcemia has been correlated with a higher incidence of infectious and metabolic diseases in the postpartum period. Serum calcium levels results varies considerable between individuals, production systems and geographic regions, making it difficult to establish a precise cut-off point for calcium. This partially explains the discordances among studies carried out in different regions. Currently, anionic salts are the main strategy for control and prevention of clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia during the transition period. Although its beneficial effects on postpartum calcemia are well established, few studies have evaluated the effects of DCAD on serum levels of P and Mg, minerals whose metabolism is closely related to Ca. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of DCAD on serum levels of calcium (total and ionized), phosphorus and magnesium in dairy cows during the peripartum period, at the Middle Plateau region of Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil), as well as to observe its interaction with parity and time of observation, in addition to propose a regional reference interval for these minerals. A total of 56 Holstein cows (18 primiparous and 38 multiparous), from 6 different farms, with confined production systems, were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected to determine the serum levels of total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and albumin at -7, +7, +14 and +28 days in relation to parturition; urine samples were collected at day -7, for urinary pH measurement and paired food samples were collected at each visit for determination of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and DCAD levels. Values of total calcium were corrected according to serum albumin concentration. There was a positive correlation between prepartum DCAD and total Ca (p = 0.02) and corrected total Ca (p = 0.01) at time -7. No interactions occurred between prepartum DCAD and calcium values in the other periods evaluated. A negative correlation between prepartum DCAD and magnesium levels occurred at time -7 in relation to parturition (p = 0.02), but this correlation did not occur in the other periods evaluated. There was no influence of prepartum DCAD on phosphatemia in any period evaluated. Furthermore, the results suggest that the definition of prevalence for subclinical disorders of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium may vary depending on the cutoff point used. In addition, the study shows that the serum concentration of these minerals is greatly influenced by factors such as parity and timing of analysis. The results can provide reference values of the studied minerals for dairy herds in Rio Grande do Sul.

The world population is projected to increase to 9.9 billion by 2050 and, to ensure food security and quality, agriculture must sustainably multiply production, increase the nutritional value of fruit and vegetables, and preserve genetic variability. In this work, an Apulian landrace of Cucumis melo L. called “Carosello leccese” was grown in a greenhouse with a soilless technique under light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used as supplementary light system. The obtained results showed that “Carosello leccese” contains up to 71.0 mg·g−1 dried weight (DW) of potassium and several bioactive compounds important for human health such as methyl gallate (35.58 µg·g−1 DW), α-tocopherol (10.12 µg·g−1 DW), and β-carotene (up to 9.29 µg·g−1 DW under LEDs). In fact, methyl gallate has antioxidative and antiviral effects in vitro and in vivo, tocopherols are well recognized for their effective inhibition of lipid oxidation in foods and biological systems and carotenoids are known to be very efficient physical and chemical quenchers of singlet oxygen. Finally, it was demonstrated that the LEDs’ supplementary light did not negatively influence the biochemical profile of the peponids, confirming that it can be considered a valid technique to enhance horticultural production without reducing the content of the bioactive compounds of the fruits.

Stingless bee honey (SBH) is gaining attention due to its nutritional, sensorial, and medicinal characteristics. This study focuses on the combination of physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, mineral profile, and mass spectrometry-based fingerprints, using a chemometric approach to differentiate SBH (n = 18) from three different Brazilian biogeographical zones (Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest). The physicochemical properties of SBH varied, resulting in a wide range of water activity, moisture, total soluble solids, pH, and total and free acidity. The Caatinga honey showed the highest and the lowest contents of phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. The antioxidant free-radical scavenging assays demonstrated that the Brazilian SBH has a high antioxidant potential. The mineral profile of honey samples from the Atlantic Forest revealed higher contents of Ca and Fe while the Cerrado and Caatinga honey showed the highest P contents. Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) analysis separated the samples into three groups based on the biogeographical zones of harvest. The main separation factors between groups were the m/z 326 ion and the Fe content. Univariate analysis confirmed that Fe content is important for SBH discrimination. The present results indicate that the origin of SBH can be determined on the basis of mineral profile, especially Fe content.

Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role for human health. Zn deficiency is a common problem worldwide, causing health problems specifically related with detrimental effects on immune system. In this study we used hydroponic floating system and nutrient solutions (NS) with different levels of Zn (0.13 - control, 1.3, 2.6 and 5.2 mg/L Zn) in order to test a biofortification process aimed to increase the Zn tissue content of two different varieties (commercial and wild) of purslane. We evaluated the effects of the treatments on yield, visual and overall nutritional quality of the edible part of plants. Biofortification treatments did not affect plant yield, but increased the Zn content in the edible part of purslane by 1.8, 2.3 and 2.7-fold, respectively with 1.3, 2.6 and 5.2 mg/L Zn in the NS, so that the consumption of a serving portion of 150 g of baby leaf purslane biofortified with the highest Zn concentration would account for 21% of RDA (recommended daily allowance) for this nutrient. The Zn biofortification process did not affect colour parameters, therefore no differences in the product visual quality were observed. Zn treatment with 5.2 mg/L allowed to obtain an increase in neoxanthin, lutein and ?-carotene, while it was not possible to outline a common trend for the fatty acids profile in relation to the Zn treatments. The consumption of hydroponic purslane biofortified with Zn may allow to improve the Zn nutritional status of consumers, and provides different important phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids.

The use of local agricultural by-products for animal feed is an alternative that reduces livestock production costs and allows food production of greater environmental sustainability. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of the inclusion in the dairy goat ration of artichoke by-product silage (ABS) at three levels (25%, 40% and 60%, on a dry matter basis) on the milk yield, composition and quality, and on the metabolic profile of dairy goats. Thirty-six Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in mid-lactation were divided into four groups with homogeneous characteristics. Each group was assigned a diet: a control treatment (C) that consisted of a conventional diet of alfalfa hay and concentrate, and three other treatments that included 25, 40 and 60% ABS: ABS25, ABS40 and ABS60. Small differences were observed in the milk yield and quality and the health status of the animals. Only ABS60 presented a slightly lower milk yield (−20% compared to control group), without relevant differences in the milk composition and mineral profile. Regarding the lipid profile, ABS40 was the treatment with the best milk quality, due to a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (4.37%) and lower atherogenicity (1.90) and thrombogenicity indices (3.05), without differences from C. It was concluded that the maximum inclusion level of ABS in dairy goats’ diet should be equal to 40%.

Supplementation with copper (Cu) improves deer antler characteristics, but it could modify meat quality and increase its Cu content to levels potentially harmful for humans. Here, we studied the effects of Cu bolus supplementation by means on quality and composition of sternocephalicus (ST) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles (n=13 for each one) from yearling male red deer fed with a balanced diet. Each intraruminal bolus, containing 3.4 g of Cu, was administered orally in the treatment group to compare with the control group. Meat traits studied were pH at 24 h postmortem (pH24), colour, chemical composition, cholesterol content, fatty acid (FA) composition, amino acid (AA) profile and mineral content. In addition, the effect of Cu supplementation on mineral composition of liver and serum (at 0 and 90 days of treatment) was analysed. No interactions between Cu supplementation and muscle were observed for any trait. Supplementation with Cu increased the protein content of meat (P, This work was supported by INCYDEN Project (grant no. RTC-2016-5327-2) (Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad and the European Union Fund for Regional Development) and Project 01110AB020 funded by Excma. Diputación Provincial de Albacete. J. M. Lorenzo is a member of the MARCARNE network, funded by CYTED (ref. 116RT0503).

Honey and all bee products have very good biological and chemical properties. They have been used in medicine for a long time. In our study we evaluated twenty polyfloral honey samples, the first ten were commercial honeys from a selected supermarkets with country of origin indicated "blend of EU and non-EU honeys" and represented imported honey. The second ten honeys were from a local beekeepers (Nitra region) and represented the Slovak origin. The aim of the study were to analyze chemical, microbiological, antioxidant, antimicrobial profile of honey and recommend marketing strategies for honey producers by applying nutrition marketing. From chemical point of view, the study examined mineral profile of honeys, antioxidant properties as antioxidant activity, total polyphenols, flavonoid and phenolic acid content and from microbiological view the study evaluated a total count bacteria, coliform bacteria and microscopic filamentous fungi. Results of minerals showed that the most dominant element in commercial honeys is sodium (30 mg.100g-1) followed by calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Iron, arsenic and selenium are present only in trace amounts. In local honeys the most dominant element is potassium (84.181 mg.100g-1) followed by calcium, phosphorus, sulfur and magnesium. The presence of hazardous heavy metals (cadmium, lead and chrome) was not detected in either of the samples. Moreover, antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH method was slightly higher in local polyfloral honeys and vice versa the content of total polyphenol, flavonoid and the phenolic acid content was slightly higher in commercial polyfloral honeys. From the microbiological point of view, the total count of bacteria was found only in commercial polyfloral honeys while local honeys were without detectable microorganisms. The best antimicrobial activity was found against gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli in both concentrations of honeys, and the local honeys reached better antimicrobial activity. All in all, honey has very good biological properties and mineral composition which opens opportunities for beekeepers to apply nutrition marketing and target new segments of consumers, e.g. sportsmen, people in convalescence, consumers following healthier lifestyle or seeking functional food. Moreover, educating consumers from a nutritional point of view will foster daily intake of honey and will increase annual consumption of honey in the future.

Human iodine (I) shortage disorders are documented as an imperative world-wide health issue for a great number of people. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends I consumption through ingestion of seafood and biofortified food such as vegetables. The current work was carried out to appraise the effects of different I concentrations (0, 50, 250, and 500 mg L−1), supplied via foliar spray on curly endive grown in the fall or spring–summer season. Head fresh weight, stem diameter, head height, and soluble solid content (SSC) were negatively correlated to I dosage. The highest head dry matter content was recorded in plants supplied with 250 mg I L−1, both in the fall and spring–summer season, and in those cultivated in the fall season and supplied with 50 mg I L−1. The highest ascorbic acid concentration was recorded in plants cultivated in the spring–summer season and biofortified with the highest I dosage. The highest fructose and glucose concentrations in leaf tissues were obtained in plants cultivated in the spring–summer season and treated with 250 mg I L−1. Plants sprayed with 250 mg I L−1 and cultivated in the fall season had the highest I leaf concentration. Overall, our results evidently suggested that an I application of 250 mg L−1 in both growing seasons effectively enhanced plant quality and functional parameters in curly endive plants.

According to the Regulation No. 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and European Union Council, the use of antibiotics as a dietary supplements has been prohibited. It seems that the administration of prebiotics, instead of antibiotics, into the pig's diet, may regulate the intestinal microbiota and has a long-term health-related impact on the host. Inulin-type fructans can stimulate mineral absorption from the gut. Additionally, it may regulate energy metabolism and activate enzymatic mechanisms preventing oxidative stress. The goal of the present study was to estimate the influence of dietary supplementation with dried chicory root or native chicory inulin on 1) liver histology; 2) liver and kidney lipid metabolism indices, activity of selected enzymes, concentration of macro- and micronutrients and heavy metals; 3) blood plasma, liver and kidney oxidative stress biomarkers and 4) blood plasma water-electrolyte homeostasis indices in growing pigs. The nutritional study was conducted on 24 piglets assigned to 3 dietary groups (n = 8): control (C) fed a basal diet and two experimental groups receiving basal diet supplemented with 2% of inulin (IN) either 4% of dried chicory root (CR). The animals were fed with a group-specific diets for 40 days and then subjected to euthanasia. Subsequently, blood, liver and kidney samples were harvested for further processing. In the control and experimental groups, no apparent morphological abnormalities in the liver tissues were seen. The percent of periodic acid Schiff positive glycogen liver cells was significantly lower in the CR group as compared to C and IN groups (P < 0.001). Chicory root supplementation improved blood plasma prooxidative-antioxidative balance - PAB (P < 0.001) and liver PAB (P < 0.01) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (P < 0.05). Feeding the CR diet increased calcium (P < 0.001) and potassium (P < 0.05) and decreased cadmium (P ≥ 0.05) content in the liver when compared to the C group. Administration of the CR and IN diets increased selenium (Se) and sodium concentrations, whereas decreased zinc content both in the liver (P < 0.01; P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively) and in the kidney (P < 0.01; P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) of pigs. Additionally, a higher concentration of lead (P < 0.05) was observed in the kidney of pigs fed the CR diet. In conclusion, both dietary supplements had a potential to significantly improve the Se status and oxidoreductive homeostasis in growing pigs.

Research background. Numerous factors affect the ripening of reduced-fat white cheese. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of ripening environment (brine or vacuum plastic bags without brine) on the chemical composition, protein, fatty acid profile and mineral content as well as antioxidant properties of industrially produced reduced-fat white cheese. Experimental approach. A low-fat white cheese was manufactured on an industrial scale from milk that remained after the production of kajmak and ripened for 60 days at 4 °C after packaging in a polystyrene container with brine containing 6% salt or in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags. The influence of ripening environment on proteolysis was monitored by the change of soluble nitrogen fractions as well as by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane-HCl extracts of cheese proteins under non-reducing conditions and water-soluble fractions under reducing conditions. An effect that ripening environment had on fatty acid and mineral content was also monitored. The change of antioxidant potential of the investigated cheese during ripening led to the change of iron(II) chelating ability, reducing power and free-radical scavenging activity. Results and conclusions. The ripening environment differently affected proteolysis, fatty acid composition, mineral profile and antioxidant properties of reduced-fat white cheese. White cheese ripened in brine had more intensive proteolytic changes than the cheese ripened in a vacuum, but also more intensive diffusion processes, especially between the 40th and 60th day of ripening. The brine-ripened cheese had higher values of water-soluble nitrogen content, but lower contents of trichloroacetic acid-soluble and phosphotungstic acid-soluble nitrogen than the vacuum-ripened cheese. Cheese ripened in brine had a lower content of almost all investigated macro- and microelements. After 60 days of ripening, in cheese ripened in brine only myristic (C14:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) were detected, whereas in the vacuum-ripened cheese C10:0-C16:0 fatty acids dominated. Vacuum-ripened reduced-fat cheese had more favourable reducing power, while white brined reduced-fat cheese had better radical scavenging activity and iron(II) chelating activity. Novelty and scientific contribution. These results suggest significant influence of ripening conditions (immersion in brine or in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags) on nutritive and functional properties of reduced-fat white cheese. Ripening in a vacuum has become a useful method for obtaining high-value reduced-fat white cheese., Pozadina istraživanja. Brojni faktori utječu na zrenje bijelog sira s manjim udjelom mliječne masti. Svrha je ovog istraživanja bila ispitati utjecaj uvjeta u kojima se odvija zrenje (u salamuri ili plastičnoj vakumiranoj vrećici bez salamure) na kemijski sastav, udjele proteina, masnih kiselina i mineralnih tvari te antioksidacijska svojstva industrijski proizvedenog bijelog sira s manjim udjelom mliječne masti. Eksperimentalni pristup. Bijeli sir s malim udjelom mliječne masti proizveden je u industrijskim mjerilima iz mlijeka preostalog nakon proizvodnje kajmaka, te je nakon pakiranja sazrijevao tijekom 60 dana na temperaturi od 4 °C u polistirenskim kutijama sa salamurom koja sadržava 6 % soli ili u vakumiranim polietilenskim vrećicama. Ispitan je utjecaj uvjeta zrenja na proteolizu, i to praćenjem promjene udjela topljivih dušikovih frakcija te SDS–poliakrilamid gel elektroforezom ekstrakata proteina sira dobivenih pomoću Tris(hidroksimetil)aminometana i HCl u nereducirajućim uvjetima te frakcija topljivih u vodi u reducirajućim uvjetima. Također je praćen utjecaj uvjeta zrenja na udjele masnih kiselina i mineralnih tvari. Promjena antioksidacijskog potencijala ispitanih uzoraka sira tijekom zrenja uzrokovala je promjenu svojstva keliranja Fe(II) iona, redukcijske snage i sposobnosti hvatanja slobodnih radikala. Rezultati i zaključci. Uvjeti u kojima je sazrijevao bijeli sir s manjim udjelom mliječne masti različito su utjecali na proteolizu, udjele masnih kiselina i mineralnih tvari te antioksidativna svojstva sira. U bijelom siru koji je sazrijevao u salamuri zamijećene su intenzivnije proteolitičke promjene, te su u njemu difuzijski procesi bili intenzivniji od onih u siru koji je sazrijevao pod vakuumom, naročito između četrdesetog i šezdesetog dana zrenja. Sir koji je sazrijevao u salamuri imao je veći udjel dušikovih spojeva topljivih u vodi, ali manji udjel dušikovih spojeva topljivih u trikloroctenoj i fosfovolframovoj kiselini. Sir koji je sazrijevao u salamuri imao je manji udjel skoro svih ispitanih makro- i mikroelemenata. Nakon 60 dana zrenja, u siru koji je sazrijevao u salamuri pronađene su samo miristinska (C14:0) i palmitinska kiselina (C16:0), dok su u siru koji je sazrijevao u vakuumu prevladavale C10:0-C16:0 masne kiseline. Sir s manjim udjelom mliječne masti koji je sazrijevao pod vakuumom imao je bolje reducirajuće svojstvo, dok je sir koji je sazrijevao u salamuri imao veću sposobnost hvatanja slobodnih radikala i veću moć keliranja Fe(II) iona. Novina i znanstveni doprinos. Ovi rezultati pokazuju bitan utjecaj uvjeta zrenja (u salamuri ili pod vakuumom) na hranjiva i funkcionalna svojstva bijelih sireva s manjim udjelom mliječne masti. Zrenje pod vakuumom se sve više smatra korisnom metodom dobivanja visokovrijednih bijelih sireva s manjim udjelom mliječne masti.

Foliar application of a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate as a biostimulant was assessed for possible interaction with the ripening of diploid watermelon grafted onto interspecific hybrid rootstock. Assessment encompassed crop performance, fruit morphometric and sensory quality traits, soluble carbohydrates, macrominerals, and bioactive composition at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days post anthesis (dpa). The biostimulant effect on yield components was confounded by the vigorous rootstock effect. Pulp firmness declined precipitously with cell enlargement from 10 to 30 dpa, and the biostimulant phyto-hormonal potential on firmness and rind thickness was masked by grafting. Pulp colorimetry was determined solely by ripening and peaked at 40 dpa. The biostimulant effect reduced lycopene content by 8% compared to the control. Total sugars coevolved with soluble solids content, peaked at 30 dpa, and then stabilized. Fructose and glucose prevailed during rapid fruit growth from 10 to 30 dpa and sucrose prevailed at advanced ripeness between 40–50 dpa, whereas acidity peaked at 20 dpa and then decreased. Potassium, which was the most abundant micromineral, peaked before full ripeness at 30 dpa. The biostimulant effect on the watermelon fruit ripening process is not granted, at least regarding the conditions this study was carried out under. The absence of biostimulant effect might relate to rootstock vigorousness, the grafted watermelon physiology, or the type of biostimulant used.

Magnesium (Mg) is essential for many biological processes in plant cells, and its deficiency causes yield reduction in crop systems. Low Mg status reportedly affects photosynthesis, sucrose partitioning and biomass allocation. However, earlier physiological responses to Mg deficiency are scarcely described. Here, we report that Mg deficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana first modified the mineral profile in mature leaves within 1 or 2 days, then affected sucrose partitioning after 4 days, and net photosynthesis and biomass production after 6 days. The short-term Mg deficiency reduced the contents of phosphorus (P), potassium, manganese, zinc and molybdenum in mature but not in expanding (young) leaves. While P content decreased in mature leaves, P transport from roots to mature leaves was not affected, indicating that Mg deficiency triggered retranslocation of the mineral nutrients from mature leaves. A global transcriptome analysis revealed that Mg deficiency triggered the expression of genes involved in defence response in young leaves., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

In the Mediterranean region, artichoke and broccoli are major crops with a high amount of by-products that can be used as alternative feedstuffs for ruminants, lowering feed costs and enhancing milk sustainability while reducing the environmental impact of dairy production. However, nutritional quality of milk needs to be assured under these production conditions and an optimal inclusion ratio of silages should be determined. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of three inclusion levels (25%, 40%, and 60%) of these silages (artichoke plant, AP, and broccoli by-product, BB) in goat diets on milk yield, composition, and mineral and fatty profiles. Treatments with 60% inclusion of AP and BB presented the lowest milk yield. No differences were found on the milk mineral profile. Inclusion of AP in the animals&rsquo, diet improved the milk lipid profile from the point of view of human health (AI, TI) compared to BB due to a lower saturated fatty acid content (C12:0, C14:0, and C16:0) and a higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially vaccenic acid (C18:1 trans11) and rumenic acid (CLA cis9, trans11), without any differences with the control treatment.

Antler size, structure, composition and mechanics have been shown to reflect nutrition, climate and body effects in red deer, but studies have only assessed effects on size in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Roe deer show little sexual dimorphism, lower inter‐male fighting and could form groups during part of the year but does not form harems, in contrast to red deer. Thus, it is interesting to assess how nutrition and habitat affects investment in antlers as compared to red deer. Antlers were collected from adult males of two game estates differing in location, climate and management: 13 from the south‐east of Spain (mild winter, hot summer, dry habitat and rich supplementary feeding), and 10 specimens came from central‐southern part of the Czech Republic (snowy winter, mild summer, humid habitat and limited supplementary feeding). After measuring whole‐antler parameters, a destructive sampling was performed to obtain a full‐transversal section and cortical bone samples from two sampling position along the main beam. Then bone structure, mechanical properties (three‐point bending test, impact test) and the mineral profile were studied. Roe deer from Spain had heavier and longer antlers than Czech roe deer. Their bone material had a higher mechanical quality, although Czech roe deer compensated by developing antlers with thicker walls. Mineral composition also differs, particularly by greater contents in Czech antlers in 3 minerals associated with nutrient stress: Fe, K and Zn. We concluded that the differences found between populations may be caused by differences in habitat quality and diet, in a similar way as reported for red deer, despite interspecific differences. Our study suggests that habitat affects antler parameters and, as previous results in red deer, suggests that improving diet quality may affect size, composition and mechanical quality of antler material. Certainly, antlers of roe deer provide information useful for population management., This work was supported by the pre‐doctoral contract for research personnel under the R + D+I Plan, co‐financed by the European Social Fund (2015/4062; 2015); and by Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (project INCYDEN RTC‐2016‐5327; 2016) and by IGA‐20175014 (Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague).

Peat moss continued to be, though the exploitation of peatlands due to the peat extraction, the most important and used growing substrate in the nursery production of containerized ornamental plants. Biochar, the by-product of the pyrolysis technology for bio-energy process from organic feedstocks, has been recently demonstrated a promising replacement substitute for peat in ornamentals production. An experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the differences on growth, ornamental quality and nutrients partitioning of two Lavender species (Lavandula angustifolia and L. dentata) grown in a peat-based growing substrate amended with coniferous wood biochar at 0%, 25 %, 50 % or 75 % (by volume). Increasing biochar content of growing substrates resulted in an increase of several chemical and physical properties such as electrical conductivity, pH, bulk density and total porosity and in a decrease of water retention capacity as well as in nutrients availability (P, Ca and Mg). Higher biochar percentages in the substrate negatively affected growth pattern and physiological traits of the potted plants, due to suboptimal conditions of growing substrates. Lavenders grown with 25 % biochar showed similar growing and qualitative response in terms of number of leaves, root length, biomass production and biomass water use efficiency, compared to those cultivated with 0% biochar, due to an enhanced SPAD index, photosynthetic pigments biosynthesis and leaf nutritional status (higher nitrate, P and K). Overall, our experimental data demonstrated that a peat-based substrate amended with 25 % of coniferous wood biochar could be adopted as a sustainable production system for containerized lavenders, with no negative effects on plant growth and ornamental quality.

Red jambo (RJ) is used by traditional medicine to treat diabetes, so far there are no reports on the relationship of its fiber content with monosaccharide composition and the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to characterize the nutritional profile, minerals, the composition of sugars, the antioxidant potential, and the phenolic compounds accessibility of the fruit edible parts (pulp and peel). Considering the edible fraction, the major minerals were manganese, iron, magnesium, and zinc, suggesting that they can contribute to the recommended daily intake for adults. The monosaccharide composition showed that both the pulp and the peel have as main composition glucose (50.1% and 68.4%) and uronic acids (38.4% and 20.6%), respectively. Also, the contents of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant potential of the fruit are relatively high in the pulp and peel fractions, mainly for DPPH assay. Moreover, fourteen phenolic compounds were identified. Among them, p-coumaric and trans-cinnamic acids showed the highest bioaccessibility. We suggest the use of RJ in new nutraceutical and food products since it is a natural source of compounds with natural antioxidants. El Jambo Rojo (JR) es utilizado por la medicina tradicional para tratar la diabetes, hasta el momento no existen informes sobre la relación de su contenido de fibra con la composición de monosacáridos y la bioaccesibilidad de los compuestos fenólicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar el perfil nutricional, los minerales, la composición de azúcares, el potencial antioxidante y la accesibilidad a compuestos fenólicos de las partes comestibles del fruto (pulpa y piel). Considerando la fracción comestible, los principales minerales fueron manganeso, hierro, magnesio y zinc, lo que sugiere que puede contribuir a la ingesta diaria recomendada para adultos. La composición de monosacáridos mostró que tanto la pulpa como la cáscara tienen la composición principal glucosa (50,1% y 68,4%) y ácidos urónicos (38,4% y 20,6%), respectivamente. Además, el contenido de compuestos bioactivos y el potencial antioxidante de la fruta son relativamente altos en la pulpa y las cáscaras, principalmente según el ensayo DPPH. Además, se identificaron catorce compuestos fenólicos. Entre ellos, los ácidos p-cumárico y transcinámico mostraron la mayor bioaccesibilidad. Sugerimos el uso de JR en nuevos productos nutracéuticos y alimenticios ya que es una fuente natural de compuestos con antioxidantes naturales. O Jambo Vermelho (JV) é usado pela medicina tradicional no tratamento do diabetes, até o momento não há relatos sobre a relação do seu conteúdo de fibra com a composição dos monossacarídeos e a bioacessibilidade dos compostos fenólicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o perfil nutricional, minerais, a composição de açúcares, o potencial antioxidante e a acessibilidade aos compostos fenólicos das partes comestíveis da fruta de JV (polpa e casca). Considerando a fração comestível, os principais minerais foram manganês, ferro, magnésio e zinco, sugerindo que pode contribuir para a ingestão diária recomendada para adultos. A composição dos monossacarídeos mostrou que tanto a polpa quanto a casca têm como principal composição glicose (50,1% e 68,4%) e ácidos urônicos (38,4% e 20,6%), respectivamente. Além disso, os teores de compostos bioativos e o potencial antioxidante da fruta são relativamente elevados na polpa e na casca, principalmente pelo ensaio DPPH. Além disso, quatorze compostos fenólicos foram identificados. Entre eles, os ácidos p-cumárico e transcinâmico apresentaram a maior bioacessibilidade. Sugerimos o uso de JV em novos produtos nutracêuticos e alimentícios por ser uma fonte natural de compostos com antioxidantes naturais.

The current study was conducted to investigate the possible potential of Linum usitatissimum in the removal of various human ailments and its mineral profile, as widely distributed in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The preliminary analytical investigation is to confirm the antimicrobial significance of L. usitatissimum, due to the presence of certain bioactive compounds. It was observed that L. usitatissimum exhibit broad spectrum activity against pathogenic bacterial strains were Agrobacterium tumefaciens sp., Bacillus subtilis sp., Clavibacterm ichiganensis sp., Escherichia coli sp., Staphylococcus aureus sp. and Xanthomonas campestris sp. While fungal strains including, viz: Aspergillus flavus sp., Aspergillus niger sp., Trichoderma harzianum sp.,Fusarium oxysporum sp., and Paecilomyces sp. Among all the bacterial strains highest inhibitory zone was recorded against B. subtillis (60.71%) followed by S. aureus (48.14%) and E. coli (44.0%) whereas no activity was observed against A. tumefaciens, C. michiganensis and X. compestris. Among all the fungal isolates highest inhibitory zone was observed against T. harzianum (76.0%) as compared to F. oxysporum (65.21%) and A. niger (57.89%) while A. flavus and Paecilomyces sp., showed complete resistance. The results showed that elemental composition of L. usitatissimum contain significant amount of carbon (63.39%) followed by oxygen (33.90%), silicon (0.45%), potassium (0.44%), calcium (0.36%), sodium (0.30%), magnesium (0.25%), sulfur (0.24%), phosphorus (0.21%), chlorine (1.9%), iron (0.18%) and aluminum (0.15%). It was concluded from the results the said plant exhibits promising antimicrobial activity and possess sufficient amount of minerals therefore it should be exploited in traditional health care medicine for the treatment of various ailments.

This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition, mineral profile and sensory properties of Metata, Ayib and Hazo traditional cheese varieties in selected areas of Eastern Gojjam. The chemical composition and mineral content of the cheese varieties were analyzed following standard procedures. Sensory analysis was also conducted by consumer panelists to assess taste, aroma, color, texture and overall acceptability of these traditional cheese varieties. Metata cheese samples had significantly (P, East African Journal of Sciences, Vol. 13 No. 2 (2019): East African Journal of Sciences

BACKGROUND: Through precise control of the nutrient solution (NS), closed soilless systems enable targeted manipulation of plant secondary metabolites, which constitute health‐promoting components of the human daily diet. A nutrient film technique (NFT) system was employed to assess the effect of NS macronutrient‐based concentration (full, half‐, and quarter‐strength corresponding to electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.5, 0.75, and 0.5 dS m⁻¹) on the bioactive profile of red and green‐pigmented Salanova® butterhead lettuce. RESULTS: Half‐strength NS reduced fresh biomass of both cultivars by 14%, whereas quarter‐strength NS reduced the fresh biomass of green and red Salanova by 24% and 38%, respectively. However, moderate nutrient stress (half‐strength NS) boosted red Salanova total ascorbic acid, chlorogenic, chicoric, caffeoyl‐meso‐tartaric, total phenolic acids, and anthocyanins concentrations by 266%, 199%, 124%, 251%, 162%, and 380%, respectively compared with the control, full‐strength NS. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional eustress and appropriate cultivar selection are effective means to increase phytochemical content and optimize year‐round production of lettuce in closed soilless systems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

The aims of the present work are to estimate the nutritional value and to evaluate and compare the levels of macroelements (Ca, P, K, Na, Mg), microelements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu), heavy metals (Co, Cd, Pb, Mo, Cr, Ni), and their ratios in extruded complete foods for adult dogs, their compatibility with nutritional guidelines, as well as food profile similarity. Basic composition was determined according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Analyses for elements were performed using an atomic absorption spectrometer. All the evaluated dry dog foods met the minimum recommended levels for protein and fat. Eighteen tested dog foods (60%) did not meet at least one recommendation of nutritional guidelines. Four dog foods exceeded the legal limit of Fe and five foods exceeded the legal limit of Zn, in one of them, Zn level was almost twice higher. Dog foods with insect protein exceeded the legal limit for Mn content. Eight dog foods had an inappropriate Ca:P ratio. Heavy metals were below detection limit in all analyzed dog foods. The results seem to show the need for regular feed analyses of the elemental composition in raw materials before introducing supplementation and for the monitoring of the mineral composition of finished pet food.

The herbaceous grafting of fruiting vegetables is considered a toolbox for safeguarding yield stability under various distresses and for improving fruit quality. Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi seems also to be an efficient tool for increasing the assimilation, uptake and translocation of macroelements and microelements, for modulating plant secondary metabolism and for overcoming several forms of plant distress. The present work evaluated the combined effect of grafting the &ldquo, Birgah&rdquo, (B) eggplant onto its wild/allied relatives&rsquo, rootstocks (Solanum torvum (T), S. macrocarpon (M) and S. paniculatum (P)) and AM fungi (R. irregularis) on the yield, fruit quality, nitrogen use efficiency, mineral profile, and nutritional and functional quality. The B/T, B/M and B/P grafting combinations significantly increased the marketable fruit and fruit number compared with those in the ungrafted control. Furthermore, irrespective of the grafting combinations, AM fungi significantly enhanced the marketable fruit, fruit number and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 13.3%, 12.7% and 13.3%, respectively compared to those in the untreated control. Exposing the B/T and B/P grafted plants to the +AM treatment significantly increased the ascorbic acid contents by 17.2% and 10.4%, respectively, compared with those in the ungrafted control. Fruits from the combination B/P &times, +AM had a higher chlorogenic acid content than fruits from the ungrafted control plots. Finally, the B/T &times, +AM and B/P &times, +AM combinations decreased glycoalkaloids by 58.7% and 63.7%, respectively, compared with those in the ungrafted control, which represents a highly important target for eggplant fruit healthiness.

The current research elucidated the agronomical, physiological, qualitative characteristics and mineral composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) after treatments with a beneficial fungus Trichoderma virens (TG41) alone or in combination with a vegetal biopolymer-based biostimulant (VBP, &lsquo, Quik-link&rsquo, ). The experiment consisted of lettuce plants grown in three N conditions: sub-optimal (0N kg ha&minus, 1), optimal (70N kg ha&minus, 1), and supra-optimal (140N kg ha&minus, 1) N levels. Lettuce grown under 0N fertilization showed a significant increase in fresh yield when inoculated with TG41 alone (45%) and a greater increase with TG41 + VBP biostimulant (67%). At 48 days after transplanting, both the TG41 alone or TG41+VBP biostimulant induced higher values of CO2 assimilation in comparison to the control. The mineral concentrations in leaf tissues were greater by 10% for K and 12% for Mg with the TG41+VBP treatments compared to the untreated lettuce. The lettuce plants receiving either TG41 alone or TG41+VBP biostimulants had a significantly lower nitrate content than any of the untreated controls. In non-fertilized conditions, plants treated with TG41+VBP biostimulants produced lettuce of higher premium quality as indicated by the higher antioxidant activity, total ascorbic acid (+61%&ndash, 91%), total phenols (+14%) and lower nitrate content when compared to the untreated lettuce.

Utvrđivanje geografskog podrijetla vina je od velikog značaja za potrošače i proizvođače vina, budući da utječe na kriterije za definiranje kvalitete i cijene vina. Cilj ovog rada bio je proučiti odnos analiziranih mikro i makroelemenata, te omjera stabilnih izotopa ugljika odabranih hrvatskih vina s obzirom na njihovo zemljopisno podrijetlo. Analizirani uzorci potječu iz četiri podregije sa zaštićenim oznakama izvornosti (ZOI): Plešivica, Slavonija, Istra te Srednja i Južna Dalmacija. Mjerenja koncentracija odabranih elemenata (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mo, Mn, Na, Pb, Rb, Sn, Sr, V i Zn) provedena su spektrometrijom optičke emisije induktivno spregnute plazme (ICP-OES), a mjerenje omjera stabilnih izotopa ugljika spektrometrijom masa omjera izotopa (IRMS). Rezultati su pokazali da je potrebno proširiti istraživanje na veći broj uzoraka vina i provesti statističku obradu rezultata analize, kako bi se pouzdano odredili odgovarajući regionalni deskriptori. Determining the geographical origin of wine is of great importance to consumers and wine producers, as they affect the criteria for defining the quality and price of wine. The aim of this paper was to study the relationship between analyzed micro and macro elements and the ratio of stable isotopes of carbon of selected Croatian wines with regard to their geographical origin. The tested samples originate from four protected designations of origin (ZOI): Plešivica, Slavonia, Istria and Central and Southern Dalmatia. The measurements of the concentration of the selected elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mo, Mn, Na, Pb, Rb) are made by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and the measurement of the isotope ratio by mass spectrometry of the isotope ratio (IRMS). The results have shown that it is necessary to extend research to a greater number of wine samples and to carry out statistical analysis of the results in order to determine the appropriate regional descriptors.

Tanı değerlerinin belirlenmesine katkıda bulunmak için, 23 konsantreden nar suyu örneğinin kimyasal bileşimi araştırıldı. Örnekler, 2006 yılında 6 farklı üretici firmadan sağlandı. Bulgulara göre; 14° briksteki nar suyunda titrasyon asitliği 8.3-17.4 g/L (susuz sitrik asit olarak), sitrik asit 6.6-13.6 g/L, L-malik asit 0.5-0.9 g/L, D-izositrik asit 3.9-86 mg/L, glukoz 45.8- 65.6 g/L, früktoz 48.4- 69.9 g/L, potasyum 2093-2517 mg/L, fosfor 93-151 mg/L, kalsiyum 11-149 mg/L, magnezyum 21-104 mg/L ve sodyum 20-128 mg/L arasında değişmektedir.

Toplam 100 çam balı örneğinin kimyasal bileşimi ve elektriksel iletkenliği belirlenmiştir. Bal örnekleri Muğla ilindeki 9 farklı yöreden 2006, 2007 ve 2008 sezonunda toplanmıştır. Bulgulara göre çam balı örnekleri %14.40-16.80 su, %25.97-36.38 fruktoz ve %18.97-35.10 glukoz içermektedir. Fruktoz/glukoz oranı 1.01-1.44 arasında değişmektedir. Balın başat mineral bileşeni 1236-2554 mg/kg ile potasyumdur ve onu magnezyum (40.1-77.4 mg/kg), kalsiyum (25.6-93.6 mg/kg) ve sodyum (19.6-99.6 mg/kg) izlemektedir. K/Na oranı 21.2-80.9 arasındadır. Elektriksel iletkenlik ise 0.82-1.82 mS/cm arasında değişmektedir. Çam balının toplam asitliği 17.98-35.59 meq/kg, prolin miktarı ise 301-977 mg/kg arasında bulunmuştur. Hasat yılına göre örneklerin glukoz, sakkaroz ve maltoz miktarı ile elektriksel iletkenliği arasındaki farklar istatistik olarak önemli (P>0.01) bulunmuştur. Buna karşılık nem, fruktoz, kül, potasyum, magnezyum, kalsiyum, sodyum, prolin miktarı ve ayrıca toplam asitlik açısından farklar hasat yılına göre önemli değildir (P

Aim: The present study was carried out to compare the associated role of micro minerals and hormones in repeat breeding animals with the normal crossbred cows. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 10 normal cycling and 10 repeat breeding crossbred cows of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Narendrapur to study the plasma mineral profile and hormonal activities. Results: Zn was found to be highly significant (p

WOS: 000393087300004, A total of 800 day-old broiler chicks were assigned to four test diets to assess the efficacy of phytase, fermented from Aspergillus niger, and boron, as boric acid, on the growth performance and mineral profile in chickens. The dietary treatments included the basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with boron (20 mg/kg), phytase (500 phytase units/kg diet), or a combination of boron and phytase. The following parameters were measured: growth performance indices, serum biochemicals, ash and the mineral profile of the tibia, breast muscle, liver and excreta. Boron decreased the overall feed conversion ratio by 1.9% (P0.05). The performance indices were not significantly influenced by dietary regimens for the first 21 days of the experiment (P>0.05). The addition of boron alone and boron + phytase resulted in significant increases in the boron concentrations of serum, bone, breast muscle, liver and excreta (P0.05). The chickens administered a diet with boron excreted less Cathrough excreta. However, the ash content and Fe and Cu concentrations in the excreta increased in response to phytase supplementation (P

In several regions in the Mediterranean Basin potatoes are grown during the winter-spring cycle, which involves an intensive application of farming inputs. Consequently, the possible health risks and the environmental impact of conventional cropping have fuelled a major expansion of the organic farming sector. The “early” crop potato can be profitably grown organically, but few data have been published to date regarding the product quality. This study was focused on the evaluation of the mineral profile of three “early” potato cultivars (Arinda, Ditta, Nicola) both organically and conventionally produced over two consecutive seasons. The organically grown tubers contained more phosphorus (2.8 vs . 2.3 g kg −1 of dry matter) and a comparable quantity of both magnesium and copper (on average 250 and 2.6 mg kg −1 of dry matter, respectively) than the conventionally grown ones. However, potassium, calcium, iron, sodium and manganese were all less well represented in organically grown tubers. More phosphorus, magnesium and iron was accumulated by cv. Arinda under organic cultivation, while conventionally grown tubers of cvs. Ditta and Nicola contained more magnesium (270 mg kg −1 of dry matter, on average). Organic cultivation can therefore generate tubers with a distinct spectrum of minerals compared to that of conventionally grown tubers. However, both cultivar choice and weather conditions are also important determinants of the mineral profile of the “early” crop potato tuber.

Plant-derived protein hydrolysates (PHs) are gaining prominence as biostimulants due to their potential to improve yield and nutritional quality even under suboptimal nutrient regimens. In this study, we investigated the effects of foliar application of a legume-derived PH (0 or 4 ml L&minus, 1) on greenhouse baby spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under four nitrogen (N) fertilization levels (0, 15, 30, or 45 kg ha&minus, 1) by evaluating morphological and colorimetric parameters, mineral composition, carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids. The fresh yield in untreated and biostimulant-treated spinach plants increased in response to an increase in N fertilization from 1 up to 30 kg ha&minus, 1, reaching a plateau thereafter indicating the luxury consumption of N at 45 kg ha&minus, 1. Increasing N fertilization rate, independently of PH, lead to a significant increase of all amino acids with the exception of alanine, GABA, leucine, lysine, methionine, and ornithine but decreased the polyphenols content. Interestingly, the fresh yield at 0 and 15 kg ha&minus, 1 was clearly greater in PH-treated plants compared to untreated plants by 33.3% and 24.9%, respectively. This was associated with the presence in of amino acids and small peptides PH &lsquo, Trainer&reg, &rsquo, which act as signaling molecules eliciting auxin- and/or gibberellin-like activities on both leaves and roots and thus inducing a &ldquo, nutrient acquisition response&rdquo, that enhances nutrients acquisition and assimilation (high P, Ca, and Mg accumulation) as well as an increase in the photochemical efficiency and activity of photosystem II (higher SPAD index). Foliar applications of the commercial PH decreased the polyphenols content, but on the other hand strongly increased total amino acid content (+45%, +82%, and +59% at 0, 15, and 30 kg ha&minus, 1, respectively) but not at a 45-kg ha&minus, 1-rate. Overall, the use of PH could represent a sustainable tool for boosting yield and nitrogen use efficiency and coping with soil fertility problems under low input regimens.

Plant production is crucial for space journeys self-autonomy by contributing to the dietary intake necessary to sustain the physical and psychological well-being of space colonists, as well as for contributing to atmospheric revitalization, water purification and waste product recycling. Choosing the appropriate cultivar is equally important as the species selection, since cultivar influences the obtained fresh biomass, water use efficiency (WUE), growing cycle duration, qualitative features and postharvest performance. Two differently pigmented butterhead Lactuca sativa L. (red and green Salanova) cultivars were assessed in terms of morphometric, mineral, bioactive and physiological parameters. The experiment was carried out in a controlled environment growth chamber using a closed soilless system (nutrient film technique). Red Salanova registered a biomass of 130 g at harvest, which was 22.1% greater than green Salanova, and a water uptake of 1.42 L during the full growing period corresponding to WUE of 91.9 g L&ndash, 1, which was 13.8% higher than that of green Salanova. At harvest, green Salanova had accumulated more P, K, Ca, Mg and 37.2% more nitrate than red Salanova, which however had higher relative water content, leaf total and osmotic potential and higher SPAD index. Red Salanova also exhibited at harvest around two-fold higher lipophilic antioxidant activity and total phenols, and around six-fold higher total ascorbic acid levels. These latter characteristics improved the antioxidant capacity of red Salanova enabling it to use light more efficiently and deliver better overall performance and yield than green Salanova. Moreover, the higher phenolics and total ascorbic acid contents of red Salanova constitute natural sources of antioxidants for enriching the human diet and render it an optimal candidate cultivar for near-term missions.

La cachama negra (Colossoma macropomum), es un pez de la cuenca del Amazonas y Orinoco, usado ampliamente en la alimentación del venezolano. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la composición química y el perfil mineral de materias primas de origen animal y vegetal, utilizadas en la formulación de las dietas para la alimentación de alevines de esta especie animal. Este estudio permitió conocer sí estas materias primas cumplían con los requerimientos necesarios para ser utilizadas como sustitutos de la harina de pescado en la fabricación de piensos para peces. Los valores de proteínas, lípidos, humedad y cenizas fueron determinados siguiendo la metodología de la AOAC, mientras que los niveles Ca, Mg, K, Na Cu, Mn, Zn y Fe, se efectuaron por espectroscopía de absorción atómica (EAA) previa digestión de la muestra con HNO3: H2SO4. Los resultados obtenidos en el análisis porcentual de las materias primas HPI, HL, HCH, HMA, AT, HCR y HS, utilizadas para la formulación de dietas, mostraron que había diferencias significativas entre muestras (p < 0,05). El estudio estadístico del contenido de minerales en las materias primas de origen animal y vegetal mostró que las muestras eran significativamente diferentes (p < 0,05). Las muestras analizadas de materias primas de origen animal y vegetal cumplieron con los contenidos de macrominerales (Ca, Mg y K) y microminerales (Cu, Mn, Zn y Fe) indispensables para el buen crecimiento del pez. The black “cachama” (Colosomma macropomum), is a fish found in the Amazon basin and Orinoco river used extensively for the venezuelan population feeding. The aim of this work was to determine the chemical composition and mineral profile of animal and vegetable raw materials used in diet formulation for feeding young fish of this species. This study allowed us to know if these raw materials satisfy the necessary requirements in order to be used as substitute of fish flour in the manufacture of fish food. Protein, lipids, moisture and ash values were determined following the AOAC methodology, while Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe levels were performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after digestion of the sample with HNO3 : H2SO4. The results obtained in the analysis of raw materials HPI, HL, HCH, HMA, AT, HCR and HS, used for the formulation of diets, showed significant differences between samples (p < 0.05). The statistical study of the mineral content showed that samples were significantly different (p < 0.05). The analyzed samples satisfied the macromineral (Ca, Mg and K) and microminerals (Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe) content requirements which are essential for the adequate fish growth. 2-8 rosavvefr@yahoo.com analui@ula.ve Semestral

The aim of the research was to study the impact of white striping and wooden breast myopathies on the technological quality, mineral, and sensory profile of poultry meat. With this purpose, a total of 138 breasts were selected for a control group with normal breasts (N), a group of breasts characterised by white striping (WS) myopathy, and a group of breasts having both white striping and wooden breast myopathies (WSWB). Data revealed that the simultaneous presence of the two myopathies, with respect to the WS lesion individually considered, had a further detrimental effect on pH (6.04 vs. 5.96; P < 0.05), yellowness (11.4 vs. 10.3; P < 0.01), cooking losses (30.4 vs. 27.6%; P < 0.05), toughness instrumental values (22.8 vs. 20.0 N; P < 0.01), and perception (6.22 vs. 5.56; P < 0.01). In addition, mineral contents suggest that a defective ions regulation is also present in white striping and wooden breast myopathies.

This study included 200 samples of black locust honey collected from beekeepers through two seasons in five Croatian regions (20 samples from each region) (Varaždin, Krapina - Zagorje, Bjelovar - Bilogora, Eastern Croatia and Istria) and 100 soil samples from apiary areas where honey samples are taken from. Melissopalynological analysis confirmed the botanical origin of all the samples (> 21 % - Robinia family), as declared by the manufacturer – black locust honey. Multi-elementary inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used as the method for the determination of minerals in honey and soil. The dominant mineral of the 12 tested (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Al, Ni, Pb and Cd) is K 205.571 - 428.050 mg/kg, followed by Ca 33.526 - 329.327 mg/kg and Na 23.343 - 218.042 mg/kg. Obtained shares of the (12) minerals in soil samples are comparable with the values obtained by the Geological Survey, except for the share of Fe in the Istria region (> 100 times). Conducted regression analysis enabled determining the correlation of mineral share in the soil and honey regarding Na and K, and is described in the best way by linear function and characterised by high correlation coefficients.

This study presents the proximate and mineral composition of Peperomia pellucida L., an underexploited weed plant in Malaysia. Proximate analysis was performed using standard AOAC methods and mineral contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated Peperomia pellucida to be rich in crude protein, carbohydrate and total ash contents. The high amount of total ash (31.22%) suggests a high-value mineral composition comprising potassium, calcium and iron as the main elements. The present study inferred that Peperomia pellucida would serve as a good source of protein and energy as well as micronutrients in the form of a leafy vegetable for human consumption.

The aim of the experiment was to monitor the effect of propolis extract on selected parameters of mineral profile (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorides) of Hubbard JV chickens. Chickens were divided into five groups (C, control; E1 – E4, experimental groups). Experimental chickens (n=10 in each group) received propolis in feed mixture in various doses as follows: E1 – 150 mg.kg-1; E2 – 450 mg.kg-1; E3 – 600 mg.kg-1; E4 – 800 mg.kg-1. Feeding period lasted 42 days. Propolis preparation caused a significant (P0.05) after propolis treatment.

Seaweeds are well-known for their exceptional capacity to accumulate essential minerals and trace elements needed for human nutrition, although their levels are commonly very variable depending on their morphological features, environmental conditions, and geographic location. Despite this variability, accumulation of Mg, and especially Fe, seems to be prevalent in Chlorophyta, while Rhodophyta and Phaeophyta accumulate higher concentrations of Mn and I, respectively. Both red and brown seaweeds also tend to accumulate higher concentrations of Na, K, and Zn than green seaweeds. Their valuable mineral content grants them great potential for application in the food industry as new ingredients for the development of numerous functional food products. Indeed, many studies have already shown that seaweeds can be used as NaCl replacers in common foods while increasing their content in elements that are oftentimes deficient in European population. In turn, high concentrations of some elements, such as I, need to be carefully addressed when evaluating seaweed consumption, since excessive intake of this element was proven to have negative impacts on health. In this regard, studies point out that although very bioaccessible, I bioavailability seems to be low, contrarily to other elements, such as Na, K, and Fe. Another weakness of seaweed consumption is their capacity to accumulate several toxic metals, which can pose some health risks. Therefore, considering the current great expansion of seaweed consumption by the Western population, specific regulations on this subject should be laid down. This review presents an overview of the mineral content of prevalent edible European macroalgae, highlighting the main factors interfering in their accumulation. Furthermore, the impact of using these marine vegetables as functional ingredients or NaCl replacers in foods will be discussed. Finally, the relationship between macroalgae’s toxic metals content and the lack of European legislation to regulate them will be addressed.

Plant biostimulants (PBs) such as protein hydrolysates and seaweed extracts are attracting the increasing interest of scientists and vegetable growers for their potential toenhance yield and nutritional quality. The current study assessed crop productivity, leaf colorimetry, mineral profile and bioactive compounds of greenhouse spinach in response to the foliar application of three PBs: legume-derived protein hydrolysate [PH], extract of seaweed Ecklonia maxima or mixture of vegetal oils, herbal and seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum extracts. Plants were PB-treated at a rate of 3 mL L&minus, 1 four times during their growth cycle at weekly intervals. Foliar PB applications enhanced fresh yield, dry biomass and leaf area of spinach in comparison with untreated plants. Improved yield performance with PB applications was associated with improved chlorophyll biosynthesis (higher SPAD index). The three PB treatments elicited an increase in bioactive compounds (total phenols and ascorbic acid), thus raised the functional quality of spinach. The application of PH enhanced K and Mg concentrations and did not result in increased nitrate accumulation as observed with the other two PB treatments. Our findings can assist vegetable farmers and the agro-food industry in adopting innovative and sustainable tools such as PB for complementing a high yield with premium quality.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of two levels of clinoptilolite administered in feed (2% and 4%) on some selected performance indicators, metabolic utilization of basic nutrients and the health status of laying hens. The selected 24 Bovans Goldline hybrid laying hens were divided into three equal groups, two experimental groups (E1 and E2) and one control group (C). The laying hens were housed individually in cages with an automatic supply of drinking water, manual feeding, in a setting with controlled light and temperature regimens. Hens from individual groups were all fed a complete feed mix of the same composition and the only difference was in clinoptilolite supplementation: feed mixes for E1 and E2 groups contained 2% and 4% of clinoptilolite (commercial additive ZeoFeed) respectively, replacing the same amounts of wheat. The hens received feed mixes and drinking water ad libitum. During this 28-day experiment, feed consumption and the number and weight of eggs laid were monitored individually for each hen. At the end of the experiment, the balance test using the indicator method (Cr2O3) was performed in all eight hens in each of the groups. The results of balance tests were then used to calculate the metabolic utilization of selected nutrients (nitrogen, fat, ash, nitrogen-free extracts, starch, gross energy, Ca, P). After the balance tests, blood samples for haematological and biochemical examinations were collected via puncture of the vena basilica. The addition of 2% clinoptilolite to feed mix resulted in a highly significant (P ⪬ 0.01) increase in mean egg weight to 64.69 g, but the addition of 4% clinoptilolite in group E2 resulted in a highly significant (P ⪬ 0.01) decrease in mean egg weight to 62.20 g compared to the control (63.73 g). Moreover, daily feed mix consumption in group E1 decreased to 114 g per one laying hen/day compared to the controls (118 g per one laying hen/day). In group E2 (4% clinoptilolite), daily consumption of feed mix increased compared with the controls to 124 g. The 2% clinoptilolite supplementation of E1 group feed slightly increased metabolic utilization of fat, nitrogen-free extracts, starch and gross energy compared to group C. Results of haematological test of the hens’ blood showed significant changes in haemoglobin, whose values in groups C and E1 were significantly higher (P ⪬ 0.05) than in group E2. Differences in the values of the biochemical indicators monitored (total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and the AST enzyme) between group C and experimental groups E1 and E2 were not significant and remained within the range of reference values.

Neste estudo foi avaliado o perfil metabólico de vacas leiteiras no período de transição durante o verão e o inverno. Foram utilizados 31 animais pluríparos mestiços girolando em cada estação, totalizando 62 vacas. No verão permaneciam em pasto com suplementação de silagem de milho e concentrado. No inverno, a exigência nutricional era suprida apenas com silagem de milho e concentrado. Foram feitas um total de 11 coletas de sangue de cada animal segundo o seguinte protocolo: quatro coletas pré-parto espaçadas semanalmente, no dia do parto e com 2, 5, 10, 15, 21 e 30 dias pós-parto. Foram avaliadas as concentrações de cálcio, fósforo e magnésio. Todos os analitos variaram em função do estatus fisiológico. As concentrações médias de cálcio e magnésio foram maiores no verão do que no inverno. Em ambas as estações, as menores concentrações médias de cálcio ocorreram próximas ao parto, sendo que 75% dos animais no inverno e 35,48% dos animais no verão estavam hipocalcêmicos. Apenas no décimo dia as concentrações de cálcio voltaram aos níveis do pré-parto, demonstrando que esse tempo é necessário para a adaptação da nova condição de lactante. As concentrações de magnésio foram menores no pós-parto do que no pré-parto nas duas estações, demonstrando a necessidade desse mineral para a produção de leite. As concentrações médias de magnésio permaneceram sempre dentro dos valores de referência, porém 19% dos animais aos dois dias pós-parto no inverno e 7% dos animais aos 10 dias pós-parto no verão tinham concentrações inferiores a esses limites. As concentrações de fósforo sofreram grande variação ao longo do peri-parto, porém sempre em níveis elevados, sendo que 49,8% dos animais no inverno e 37,3% no verão tinham níveis de fósforo acima dos valores de referência The metabolic profile of dairy cows in the transition period during summer and winter was evaluated. Were used 31 crossbred Holstein/Gir cows at each season, totaling 62 cows. During summer they remained in pasture with supplementation of corn silage and concentrate and in the winter, corn silage and concentrate was offered to furnish the nutritional requirements. A total of 11 blood samples from each animal were taken according to the following protocol: four collections weekly antepartum, at birth and at 2, 5, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days postpartum. Concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were evaluated. All analytes varied according to the physiological status. The average concentrations of calcium and magnesium were higher in summer than in winter. In both seasons, the lowest mean calcium concentrations occurred near calving, and 75% of the animals in winter and 35.48% of the animals in the summer were hypocalcemic. Only on the tenth day postpartum, the calcium concentrations returned to levels of prepartum, demonstrating that this time is necessary for the adaptation of the new condition of lactating. Magnesium concentrations were lower postpartum than prepartum in both seasons, demonstrating the need for this mineral for the production of milk. The average concentrations of magnesium remained always within the reference values for the species, but 19% of the animals at two days postpartum in winter and 7% of the animals at 10 days postpartum in summer had concentrations below these limits. Phosphorus concentrations suffered large variation along the peri-partum, but always at high levels, with 49.8% of the animals in winter and 37.3% in summer had phosphorus levels above the reference range of the species.