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Abstract\nNovelty statementThis study was aimed at the preparation of m-Co3O4 NPs (magnetic Co3O4 nanoparticles) from sunflower seed meal (SFSM) which is the waste of sunflower seed oil factories, and their application as a photocatalyst for the adsorption assistant photocatalysis degradation of methylene blue (MB), and direct yellow-50 (DY-50) under the visible irradiations. Also, the photocatalytic performance of m-Co3O4 NPs was evaluated in synthetic wastewater. The produced m-Co3O4 NPs were ferromagnetic with a saturation magnetization value of 4.3 emu g−1 and the degradation of cationic MB and anionic DY-50 dyes by 100% and 93% in 20 min and 35 min, respectively, by adsorption-assisted photocatalytic process under visible light was achieved. The reactions were found to be pseudo-second-order equation for the adsorption-assisted photocatalytic process for both dyes. The photocatalytic activity of m-Co3O4 NPs decreased slightly even after five repeated cycles. These results show that the m-Co3O4 NPs can be used successfully in dye treatment in wastewater with their adsorption-assisted photocatalytic properties, activation by visible light, magnetic separability, and low-cost production.A novel synthesis method was developed that utilizes sunflower seed waste to synthesize m-Co3O4 NPs without additives, is cheap for industrial applications, is suitable for scale-up, and requires less time. In addition, this study was the first to perform the extraction process for sunflower seed meal without any heating. The magnetic and visible-light-induced m-Co3O4 NPs were synthesized in SFSM extract with the green combustion method. Operating parameters such as the variable effect of solution pH, different initial dye concentrations, photocatalyst dosage, and reusability were systematically investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish feed is critical in aquaculture production, accounting for over 60% of operational costs, with protein being the most expensive component. Traditionally, fish meal (FM) has been the primary protein source. However, due to declining capture fisheries and high demand, FM has become scarce and costly, necessitating the search for alternative, low‐cost, and nutritionally balanced protein sources. A 180‐day feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing FM with a combination of cottonseed and sunflower meal (SFM) in Nile tilapia diets on growth performance, protein digestibility, and economic returns. Freshwater shrimp meal was replaced at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (diets D1, D2, D3, and D4) and compared to the control diet (D0) containing only FM. Monosex Nile tilapia fingerlings (25 ± 0.01 g) were allocated to 15 cages within an 800 m2 earthen pond. Fish on diets D0 and D1 showed superior growth performance metrics, including final mean body weight, weight gain, daily weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and survival rate (p > 0.05), compared to diets D2, D3, and D4. Growth performance declined significantly with increasing levels of the plant protein mixture (p < 0.05). Diet D0 had the highest apparent protein digestibility, while D4 had the lowest. Cost‐benefit analysis revealed that diet D0 had the highest production cost, followed by diets D1, D2, D3, and D4, with no significant cost difference between D0 and D1 (p > 0.05). Thus, the plant protein mixture can effectively replace FM at a 25% inclusion level in Nile tilapia diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This research investigated the impact of selenium-nanoparticles (Se-NPs) supplemented in sunflower meal (SM)-based diets on digestibility, mineral absorption, and growth performance of Catla catla. Se-NPs were added to seven test meals in varying amounts (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 mgkg− 1). A total of 315 fish were evenly allocated three replicate tanks, with 15 fish per tank, and given diets equivalent to (5%) of their wet biomass daily for a period of 90 days. Results: The test diet (T-D) supplemented with 1.5 mgkg− 1 Se-NPs yielded remarkable results, including a significant increase in mean weight gain (14 g), an impressive average weight gain percentage (208%), a 100% survival rate, with no mortality observed and the highest specific growth rate (1.25). Moreover, 1.5 mgkg− 1 Se-NPs (T-D-IV) demonstrated superior nutritional digestibility (CP, 76%; CF, 79% and GE, 74%). Additionally, the diet 1.5 mgkg− 1 Se-NPs showed enhanced mineral absorption (K, P, Ca, Na, Zn, Cu and Fe) than other diets. Conclusion: It was practically proven that the growth indices, nutrient absorption, and mineral status of C. catla were significantly improved by Se-NPs supplemented SM-based diets, with the optimum level of supplementation being 1.5 mgkg− 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to confirm the previously reported ‘recovery’ effect to a challenging diet (CD) of a Lactobacilli‐based probiotic (Pro) and its derived postbiotic (Post) in broilers. Identical diet compositions were used, and observations were extended to a second CD diet. A completely randomised block design of 2 × 3 treatment groups with two CDs and three additive conditions (Control, Pro, Post) was used. One additional group received a standard diet (SD). The study involved 1600 one‐day‐old Ross 308 male broilers. All diets, fed from d1 to 35, were formulated to contain identical nutrients levels, with CDs formulated to be greater than SD in nonstarch polysaccharides using rye and barley (Rye CD) or dry distiller grains with soluble, sunflower and rapeseed meal (DDGS CD). Growth performance parameters, footpad lesions (FPL) score and plasma Ca, P and uric acid concentrations were measured. Compared to SD, birds fed Rye CD and DDGS CD had a higher 1–35 days feed conversion ratio (+3.4 and +4.1%, respectively), due to a higher feed intake for Rye CD (+2.9%) and a lower body weight for DDGS CD (−4.1%). An effect of additive was restricted to Rye CD where Post depressed BW at d28 and d35 (−3.7 and −2.4%, respectively). Compared to Rye CD, DDGS CD lowered plasma Ca/P at d21 (−9.0%) and d35 (−8.1%) and uric acid at d21 (−26%). Pro increased plasma Ca in Rye CD at d21 (+12%) and Post decreased plasma uric acid in DDGS CD at d35 (−25%). All other plasma parameters were not affected. The previously observed recovery effect of a commercial probiotic and postbiotic were not reproducible under highly similar growth conditions, which suggests that both may have specific physiological effects which are only expressed under specific circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Polyphenols present in sunflower meal act on sunflower proteins by reacting directly with their structures and thus influencing their purity, solubility, crystallinity, and functionality. However, the effect on these properties of varying concentrations of ethanol used in dephenolization has yet to be explored. The present study aimed to explore the impact of dephenolization using varying ethanol concentrations (60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) on the physicochemical, color, thermal, structural, functional, and flow behavior of protein isolates extracted from sunflower meal.Protein isolates originating from meals that were dephenolized using higher ethanol concentrations exhibited a protein content of 836.10 g kg−1. As the concentration of ethanol increased, a reduction in crystallinity was observed from 24% to 14.15%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed marked shifts in major peaks within the 1600 to 1700 cm−1 wavelength range, indicating significant structural and conformational changes. Sodium dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) results demonstrated that dephenolization caused decline in molecular weight ranging from 25 kDa to 60 kDa. Dephenolization induced significant changes in surface morphology resulting in more heterogeneous and disordered surfaces as indicated by field emission–scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) micrographs. Overall improvement in the functional properties was observed, with an increase in solubility from 15.20% to 22.03%. Improvement in the flow behavior with an increase in porosity from 38% to 60% was also observed, due to dephenolization.Dephenolization using 90% ethanol induced structural changes that enhanced physicochemical and functional characteristics of sunflower protein isolates by improving purity and solubility, reducing crystallinity, and increasing flow behavior. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: The European Union's poultry industry relies heavily on imported ingredients such as soybean meal. In this study, we tested three diets on 120 laying hens over 15 weeks: a soybean–corn diet, an alternative diet with locally sourced plant-based ingredients (peas, distillers' dried grains with solubles, and sunflower meal), and this alternative feed supplemented with 5% whole dried black soldier fly larvae. The results suggest that a novel alternative diet using fewer conventional ingredients could be developed into a flexible formulation that ensures productivity, sustainability, egg quality, and hen health. Given the significant environmental consequences of current poultry feed practices and the heavy dependence of the European Union on imported soybeans, studying alternatives is crucial. This study evaluated the potential benefits of using locally sourced alternative plant-based ingredients and whole dry black soldier fly larvae in the diet of laying hens. The experiment involved 120 Isazul hens at 23 weeks old, which were divided into three groups with five replicates each (eight hens per replicate): a control diet (CON) based on soybean meal and cereals, an alternative diet (ALT) replacing the soybean meal with locally sourced plant-based resources (peas, distillers' dried grains with solubles, and sunflower meal), and the ALT diet supplemented with 5% whole dry black soldier fly larvae (ALT+DBSFL). Over 15 weeks, the hens were fed ad libitum, and the production performance, egg quality, and plasma biochemical parameters were assessed across three experimental sub-periods. The results showed no significant differences in body weight, feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, or feed conversion ratio across the diets (p > 0.05). The egg quality remained consistent across all the groups; however, the hens fed the ALT+DBSFL diet exhibited higher Haugh units in the first experimental sub-period (p < 0.05) and lower plasma cholesterol and triglycerides at 32 weeks of age (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that incorporating these alternative ingredients and whole DBSFL into layers' diets does not compromise production performance, egg quality, or biochemical parameters related to health status, supporting their potential as sustainable feed alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the production of protein hydrolysates with dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activity from agro-industrial by-products, namely olive seed, sunflower seed, rapeseed, and lupin meals, as well as from two plant protein isolates such as pea and potato. Furthermore, the effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the DPP-IV inhibitory activity of all the hydrolysates was evaluated. Overall, the lowest values of IC50 (1.02 ± 0.09–1.24 ± 0.19 mg protein/mL) were observed for the hydrolysates with a high proportion of short-chain [<1 kDa] peptides (i.e., olive seed, sunflower seed, and lupin) or high content of proline (i.e., rapeseed). Contrarily, the IC50 of the pea and potato hydrolysates was significantly higher (1.50 ± 0.13–1.93 ± 0.13 mg protein/mL). In vitro digestion led to an increase in peptides < 1 kDa for almost all hydrolysates (except olive and sunflower seed meals), which was noticeable for rapeseed, pea, and potato hydrolysates. Digestion did not significantly modify the DPP-IV inhibitory activity of olive, sunflower, rapeseed, and potato hydrolysates, whereas a significant decrease in IC50 value was obtained for pea hydrolysate and a significant increase in IC50 was obtained for lupin hydrolysate. Thus, this work shows the potential of agro-industrial by-products for the production of protein hydrolysates exhibiting DPP-IV inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the effects of including linseeds or hempseeds in the diets of late lactation Murciano-Granadina dairy goats on the nutritional quality of the milk and cheese fat, expressed by the fatty acids profile and the healthy lipid indices. Thirty-six goats were randomly distributed in 3 groups of 12 animals each, according to a 3 × 3 Latin square design, and fed three different diets: group CON (control, with sunflower meal, 11.5% DM basis); group LIN, where sunflower meal was replaced by linseed; and group HMP, where sunflower meal was replaced by hempseeds. The replacement had no effects on the milk yields and the milk protein content as no significant differences were detected among groups. The significant increase of the fat content in the case of the LIN and HMP groups was accompanied by significant decreases in saturated fatty acids concentration and very significant increases in monounsaturated fatty acids. The content of n3 and n6-PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) increased, mainly due to a 4.1 times higher proportion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; C 18:3n-3) in LIN diet milk and a 1.3 times higher proportion of linoleic acid (LA; C 18:2n6c) in HMP diet milk. The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; isomer c9, t11) was 1.9 times higher for the LIN diet and 5.05 times higher for the HMP diet. Feeding either linseed or hempseeds contributed to the reduction of the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, increased the hypocholesterolemic: hypercholesterolemic ratio as well as the proportion of other desired fatty acids in the milk fat. The improved nutritional quality of milk, which has potentially far-reaching human health benefits, is maintained in cheese through the increase of the n3 and n6-PUFAs, especially for the LIN diet where the n6/n3 ratio decreased significantly, compared with the CON diet (3.62 vs. 6.88). The CLA concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.001) for the HMP cheese compared with the CON diet (1.89% vs. 0.78%). These effects highlight the opportunity of obtaining dairy products with improved nutritional quality using local feed resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental sustainability of soybean cultivation has been questioned as it has been linked to deforestation, eutrophication, pesticide use, and carbon dioxide footprint. Agri‐industrial byproducts and black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal are promising alternative protein sources that can be used to partly replace soybean in broiler diets. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of partial replacement of soybeans with agro‐industrial by‐products with or without the addition of BSF dried larvae meal on the meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid content, and sensory traits of breast meat of local chickens. A total of 252 one‐day‐old mixed‐sex chicks from the Anadolu‐T pure dam line were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 diets; a soybean‐based Control diet, a diet in which soybean meal was partly replaced (SPR) with brewers' dried grain, sunflower seed meal, and wheat middlings and an SPR + BSF diet in which 5% of BSF dried larva meal was added to the SPR diet. All birds were slaughtered at a commercial slaughterhouse at 55 days and breast and drumstick muscles were sampled for meat quality analysis from 18 chickens/dietary treatments. No significant effects of diets were observed for the pH24 and lightness, redness, and yellowness of breast and leg meats. Thawing loss significantly decreased and cooking loss increased in the breast meat of chickens fed the SPR + BSF compared with those fed Control and SPR diets. Diets did not affect either texture profile or consumer sensory properties of breast meat. The chickens fed the SPR + BSF had the highest total saturated fatty acid and lower polyunsaturated fatty acid content in breast meat than those fed the Control and SPR diets. The essential and nonessential amino acid content of breast meat decreased by the SPR diet compared with the SPR + BSF diet. The chickens fed SPR + BSF diet had higher values of tasty, aromatic, and umami‐related amino acids than those fed SPR and Control diets. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that agri‐industrial byproducts with or without BSF larvae meal could be used to partially replace soybean meal in broiler diets without affecting technological meat quality traits. The addition of BSF larvae meal to the diet along with agri‐industrial by‐products improved the amino acid content of the breast meat of chickens but reduced polyunsaturated fatty acid levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been a burgeoning interest in harnessing the potential of biomass and industry byproducts for the development of novel products and materials. In particular, this study explored the efficient valorization of sunflower meal (SFM), an underutilized byproduct of the oil extraction industry, usually discarded or used as low-value animal feed through enzyme-aided fractionation, specifically targeting the extraction and conversion of its abundant carbohydrate component, xylan, into emerging prebiotic compounds—xylo-oligosaccharides (XOSs)—which are recognized as promotors of a healthy gut microbiome and overall human wellbeing. An enzymatic treatment using Alcalase® 2.4 L was implemented for facilitating the recovery of a highly pure hemicellulosic fraction (92.2% carbohydrates) rich in β-(1→4)-linked xylose residues with arabinose and glucuronic acid substitutions (DP-xylan). A further enzymatic treatment of this substrate, using ROHALASE® SEP-VISCO under optimized conditions (70 °C, pH 6, 0.005% v/v enzyme concentration), produced 52.3% of XOSs with a polymerization degree (DP) less than 20 after two hours. Further analyses demonstrated that the majority of the obtained product had a DP less than 6, predominantly consisting of di- and trisaccharides (XOS2 and XOS3) without the significant generation of xylose. These findings highlight the significant potential of SFM for the generation of valuable prebiotic compounds in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Poultry diets consist of several ingredients contributing specific amounts of nutrients and it is assumed that the supply from each ingredient is additive when diets are formulated. However, the additivity of apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and ileal amino acid digestibility in broiler diets combining sorghum with different protein sources has not been examined. Aims: To determine the additivity of AME along with ileal digestibility values for protein and amino acids in diets combining sorghum with different protein sources. Methods: The digestibility assays, based on semi-purified diets containing sorghum, sunflower meal (SFM), meat and bone meal (MBM), soybean meal (SBM), canola meal (CM), and cottonseed meal (CSM), were fed individually, or sorghum was combined with the different protein sources. Each diet was fed to three cages of 12 17-day-old broilers for 7 days. Excreta was collected for the final 3 days and at the end of the assay, digesta was collected from the terminal ileum for digestibility determination. Key results: When sorghum was mixed with the different protein sources, all predicted values for protein digestibility were additive, but for AME only the value for sorghum + SFM was additive. All other predicted AME values for sorghum combinations were different (P < 0.05) from the determined value. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences between predicted and determined amino acid digestibility coefficients, but amino acids showing associative effects varied among the different sorghum protein source combinations. Conclusions: Overall, the present results indicated that caution should be exercised when predicting the AME and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility values for sorghum-based diets from values determined with individual feed ingredients. Implications: The study indicated that positive and negative interactions are likely to occur among dietary ingredients in mixed diets, which has implications for both energy and protein utilisation. Sorghum-fed broilers has reduced performance compared with those fed corn- and wheat-based diets. This difference has been attributed to the presence of anti-nutritional factors in sorghum. The present findings showed that anti-nutritional factors in sorghum and protein meals have an impact on the additivity of digestible nutrients in mixed diets, giving rise to associative effects. This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the oxygen pulse and heart rate method (O2 P-HR) using a respiration chamber at different measurement times for estimate the heat production (HP) of lambs fed increasing levels of sunflower meal in their diet. Twenty-four lambs were assigned to four experimental diets (0, 100, 200, and 300 g of sunflower meal kg-1 DM). Heat production was estimated using the O2 P-HR (HPO2P) method and a respirometry chamber (HPRC). Measurements were obtained by simultaneously measuring heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption over 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 h. A flow-through respirometry chamber for small ruminants was used to determine oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide and methane production. Data on dietary treatment, measurement times and their interactions were analyzed as repeated measures using mixed model procedures and Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) estimation. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to compare techniques. There was no effect of the different levels of sunflower meal inclusion on VO2 and heat production. The HPO2P (126.16 kcal/ BW0.75/day) was 2% higher than that of the HPRC (124.61 kcal/ BW0.75/day), and the correlation coefficients was 0.628. The coefficient of variation was greater for the HPO2P (21.33%) than for HPRC (11.44%). HR (beats/min), VO2 (mL/min/BW0.75) and O2 P-HR (mL/beat) required measurement times of 24, 15 and 9 hours, respectively. A measurement time of 24 h was necessary to ensure a more accurate estimate of the heat production using the O2 P-HR method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower meal is a promising source of protein, which can be used as a food ingredient in the formulations of meat, flour and confectionery products. Alkaline extraction technology is traditionally used to obtain sunflower protein, but its efficiency can be increased using physical methods: ultrasound, microwave radiation, extraction at high pressure and others. Thу article deals with an application of the ultrasonic treatment for increase of the efficiency of protein extraction from defatted plant material: from the protein fraction of sunflower meal and from sunflower meal. The trial samples for protein extraction were prepared by the preliminary treatment of the samples in the ultrasonic bath for 15 minutes at a frequency of 40 hertz at temperature 24-28° C. The control sample was not subjected to such pretreatment. Then protein was isolated from the raw material by alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation. The possibility of the protein preparation isolation with a higher crude protein content (93,66% m.f.b) compared to the control sample has been shown. The mass yield of protein was 64% of its content in the raw material. The influence of ultrasonic treatment on the efficiency of protein extraction from raw material with different crude protein content is demonstrated. The results of the study show the feasibility of usage of ultrasound treatment in isolation of sunflower protein. In particular, the crude protein content in the trial protein sample after ultrasonic treatment was increased by 8,23% compared to the control sample. The obtained results demonstrated their consistency when compared to the results of other studies. However, there are only a limited number of studies on the use of ultrasound in the extraction of sunflower derived products.A comparison of the results obtained showed their consistency with the results of other studies. However, there are only a small number of studies on the use of ultrasound in the extraction of sunflower processing products.

Introduction. For small farms, an urgent task is to adapt standard compound feed machinery for producing the specified local feeds. It is necessary to use sunflower seeds for producing oil and fat sunflower meal for cattle. There are no universal presses suitable for producing sunflower meal. The process of crushing sunflower meal also causes difficulties. Therefore, we need a set of machines for this operation. Aim of the Study. The article is aimed at developing a mathematical model for producing sunflower meal on the field plot and feed concentrates with the use of the compound feed machinery, and for determining the optimal field plot and machinery with minimal technical and economic indicators. Materials and Methods. The developed algorithm in view of the mathematical model is implemented in the Microsoft Excel 2016 program. The results and calculations for the choice of rational option of machinery for producing sunflower meal on a field plot are presented in the text of the article. Technical and economic indicators and costs of the workshop and its operation are calculated according to the recommendations of Doctor of technical sciences, Professor V. V. Konovalov, but taking into account the expressions obtained for technological calculation. Results. A mathematical model for producing concentrated compound feed is developed. The calculations carried out for the choice of a rational option of the field plot and the compound feed machinery showed the schemes of machines that meet the objectives of the study. Discussion and Conclusion. For the conditions under consideration, an effective option among the presented field plots, from an economic point of view, is the field plot and compound feed machinery presented at the scheme 1 (table 1). Technological calculation of the sunflower meal production plot and the compound feed machinery was carried out based on the developed algorithm in view of the mathematical model for producing concentrated compound feed and the program for its implementation, their technical and economic indicators, and the costs of the workshop and its operation were calculated, and the rational option of the field plot and the compound feed machinery were selected. The economic effect of the selected field plot and compound feed machine was achieved by reducing annual operating and other direct costs, reduced costs.

This study examines fermented soya bean (SBM) and sunflower meal (SFM) with three biological treatments: Aspergillus Oryza, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Lactobacillus plantarum, as well as the effects of these treatments on chemical composition, cell wall constituents, in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), and enzyme activity of the fermented SBM and SFM. After 2 h of ruminal incubation, all biological treatments (fungi, Bacteria, fungi with Bacteria) improved the IVDMD for Fermented SBM compared to that of the control (19.47, 20.65 and 18.38%, respectively). The maximum improvement values of IVDMD for SBM were recorded after 4 h and 6 h of incubation for all treatments. In addition, SFM after 2 h of ruminal incubation with any examined biological treatment (fungi, Bacteria, fungi with Bacteria), the IVDMD values have improved compared to that of the control group. Moreover, enzyme activities (cellulase, amylase, xylanase, and protease) have increased in all treatments. It was determined that SSF with A. oryzae and Ruminococcus boosted the protein content and digestibility of soybean and sunflower meals.

Food products that have an anti-radiation effect and can be used in conditions of increased radiation are of particular interest. Scientifically based rationing of such products in the daily diet will make it possible to effectively use them to adapt the body to increased radiation and eliminate the effects of radiation exposure during treatment or examination. The purpose of the research presented in the paper is to analyze the nutritional and physiological causes of chronic nutrient deficiency of radioprotective microelements in the diet, to study the qualitative and biological characteristics of radioprotective ingredients to create a milk-based anti-radiation composition. The experimental part of the study has related to researching the mineral composition of selected ingredients and their antioxidant activity. The data obtained indicate that milk thistle flour contains a large amount of calcium, and sunflower meal contains potassium. In terms of potassium content, sunflower meal exceeds the microelement content in milk thistle by 50 %. The amount of calcium in milk thistle is 67 % higher compared to sunflower meal. In addition, plant raw materials are a source of magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus and have pronounced antioxidant activity. As a result a scientific substantiation of the addition of ingredients for the production of radioprotective fermented milk product and its use in therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition for adults has been carried out in order to prevent radiation complications and remove radionuclides from the body. The normalized amount of ingredients for consumption per day has been calculated according to recommended diets, nutritional, physiological value, and physiological activity. Standards have been established for enriching micronutrients in the production of a radioprotective dairy product designed to increase the body's resistance to the action of free radical processes and enhance antioxidant capacity under conditions of radiation exposure.

Summary: Whey and sunflower meals are primary by‐products of dairy cheese and vegetable oil production, respectively. Due to their widespread abundance, their valorisation could enable the generation of various value‐added food ingredients or products. In this study, an effort was made to utilise enzymatic pectinolysis along with other pre‐treatments to generate mixtures from whey and sunflower meal (SFM). The increasing presence of SFM increased the critical denaturation temperature of the mixtures and induced less protein structural changes. In addition, the presence of complex carbohydrates in SFM enhanced water and oil holding capacities. In general, pectinase and ultrasonication led to enhanced foaming of the mixtures, although the foams were relatively short‐lived. SFM inclusion limited foaming and emulsification capacities of the blends. In most cases, increasing the ratio of SFM to protein resulted in lower total reducing sugars (TRS), suggesting a more limited enzymatic activity. On the other hand, heating temperature or ultrasonication improved the extent of pectinolysis. Pre‐treatments and pectinolysis improved the functional properties of SFM and whey protein concentrate blends and are promising as an alternative protein source in new product applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Olive and sunflower seeds are by‐products generated in large amounts by the plant oil industry. The technological and biological properties of plant‐based substrates, especially protein hydrolysates, have increased their use as functional ingredients for food matrices. The present study evaluates the physical and oxidative stabilities of 50 g kg−1 fish oil‐in‐water emulsions where protein hydrolysates from olive and sunflower seeds were incorporated at 20 g kg−1 protein as natural emulsifiers. The goal was to investigate the effect of protein source (i.e. olive and sunflower seeds), enzyme (i.e. subtilisin and trypsin) and degree of hydrolysis (5%, 8% and 11%) on the ability of the hydrolysate to stabilize the emulsion and retard lipid oxidation over a 7‐day storage period. RESULTS: The plant protein hydrolysates displayed different emulsifying and antioxidant capacities when incorporated into the fish oil‐in‐water emulsions. The hydrolysates with degrees of hydrolysis (DH) of 5%, especially those from sunflower seed meal, provided higher physical stability, regardless of the enzymatic treatment. For example, the average D [2, 3] values for the emulsions containing sunflower subtilisin hydrolysates at DH 5% only slightly increased from 1.21 ± 0.02 μm (day 0) to 2.01 ± 0.04 μm (day 7). Moreover, the emulsions stabilized with sunflower or olive seed hydrolysates at DH 5% were stable against lipid oxidation throughout the storage experiment, with no significant variation in the oxidation indices between days 0 and 4. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study support the use of sunflower seed hydrolysates at DH 5% as natural emulsifiers for fish oil‐in‐water emulsions, providing both physical and chemical stability against lipid oxidation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adding value to food industry by-products, like sunflower meal (SFM), through their utilization as ingredients in new food products can improve sustainability of food systems. This research investigated extrusion cooking to produce high-moisture meat analogues (HMMAs) made from blends of soy protein isolate and expeller-pressed SFM. The effects of feed moisture content [FMC] (60, 65, and 70%, wet basis) and SFM concentration (37.5, 50, and 62.5%, total blend weight basis) on physical and protein nutritional quality attributes of HMMAs were investigated. The processing temperatures (including cooling die), screw speed and feed rate were kept constant at 60-80-115-125-50-25 °C (from feeder to the die end), 200 rpm and 0.5 kg/h (dry basis), respectively. An increase in SFM concentration and FMC significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the mechanical energy requirements for extrusion. Cutting strength and texture profile analysis of HMMAs indicated softer texture with increases in SFM and FMC. X-ray microcomputed tomography analysis revealed that the microstructure of the HMMAs at the centre and towards the surface was different and affected by SFM concentration and FMC. The in vitro–protein digestibility corrected amino acid score of the HMMAs ranged between 85 and 91% and did not show significant (p < 0.05) changes as a function of FMC or SFM concentration. HMMAs produced from 37.5% SFM at 70% FMC showed no deficiency in essential amino acids for all age categories except for infants, suggesting the high potential of SFM and soy protein blends for creating nutritious meat alternative products. Overall, this work provided valuable insights regarding the effects of soy protein replacement by SFM on the textural, microstructural and nutritional quality of HMMA applications, paving the way for value-addition to this underutilized food industry by-product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 9‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with sunflower meal (SM) or fermented sunflower meal (FSM) on the growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and intestinal health of genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (initial weight 6.55 ± 0.01 g). Eleven isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets were formulated by replacing 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of dietary SBM with SM or FSM. The results showed that the replacement of more than 40% of SBM with SM decreased the weight gain and special growth rate of tilapia, while the complete replacement of SBM with FSM did not affect the growth performance of tilapia. From transmission electron microscopy analyses, it was shown that high levels of both SM and FSM substitution resulted in damage to the intestinal epithelium of tilapia. Replaced of 20% SBM with SM upregulated intestinal tight junction (zo-1, claudin, occludin) and anti‐inflammatory (tgf-β1, tgf-β2) gene expression and downregulated pro‐inflammatory gene expression (tnf-α, il-1β, il-6, il-8). However, the expression of tight junction, anti‐inflammatory, and pro‐inflammatory genes showed opposite trends when SBM was substituted by SM at high levels. FSM completely replaces SBM and downregulates the expression of tight junction genes (claudin, occludin), replacement of more than 20% of SBM with FSM downregulated pro‐inflammatory (tnf-α, il-1β, il-8) gene expression, whereas substitution of less than 80% increased the expression of anti‐inflammatory genes (tgf-β1). The 100% FSM group exhibited a decreased abundance of Fusobacteriota and an increased abundance of Actinobacteriota compared to the control and 100% SM groups. In summary, our data confirm that replacing more than 40% of SBM with SM induces gut inflammation, damages gut health, and decreases growth performance, whereas FSM replacement of SBM did not negatively affect tilapia growth and health, it also did not have a significant ameliorative effect, with some parameters negatively affected at high replacement levels. Therefore, FSM replacement of SBM levels above 80% is not recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using stable isotope analysis, we assessed the relative contributions of the main protein contributors fishmeal, soya and sunflower meal to mature abalone muscle and gonad tissue over 1 year. Prerequisites for the use of stable isotope mixing models were established in this species. The δ13C and δ15N discrimination factors and turnover rates were influenced by diet composition, and there were tissue‐specific and sex‐specific differences. Abalone were fed the two combination diets (fishmeal–soya and fishmeal–sunflower meal) grew at similar rates. However, feed was most efficiently utilised in abalone fed a combination of fishmeal and soya. The relative contribution of fishmeal, soya and sunflower meal to female and male abalone tissue growth fluctuated throughout the 1‐year study. Overall, fishmeal contributed over 50% of the gonad (54%–82%) and muscle (54%–84%) tissue growth in females. Similarly, fishmeal contributed over 50% of gonad tissue growth of male abalone, ranging from 59% to 87%, while the contribution to meat tissue growth in males ranged from 44% to 94%. These findings support the importance of laboratory studies when using stable isotope analysis and mixing models for nutrient allocation in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Given the escalating production of livestock and poultry, coupled with the surging cost of soybean meal, the search for alternative raw materials that can replace soybean meal is becoming more important. Agricultural by-products like rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal present a promising plant-based protein alternative to soybean meal in pig production. This study revealed that corn–soybean–miscellaneous meals and corn–miscellaneous meals significantly enhanced the average daily growth of pigs weighing 25–50 kg compared to a corn–soybean meal diet. These findings suggest that miscellaneous meals can effectively serve as an alternative feed ingredient to soybean meal in pig diets. This research can be helpful to further develop miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) as a functional alternative feed ingredient to soybean meal. The present study aims to determine the effect of miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in feed on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical parameters, serum free amino acid content, microbiota composition and SCFAs content in growing pigs (25–50 kg). A total of 72 (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) growing pigs with initial weights of 25.79 ± 0.23 kg were randomly divided into three treatments. The pigs were fed corn–soybean meal (CON), corn–soybean–miscellaneous meals (CSM), and corn–miscellaneous meals (CMM). Each treatment included six replicates with four pigs per pen (n = 24, 12 barrows and 12 gilts). Soybean meal accounted for 22.10% of the basal diet in the CON group. In the CSM group, miscellaneous meals partially replaced soybean meal with a mixture of 4.50% rapeseed meal, 3.98% cottonseed meal, and 4.50% sunflower meal. In the CMM group, miscellaneous meals entirely replaced soybean meal with a mixture of 8.50% rapeseed meal, 8.62% cottonseed meal, and 8.5% sunflower. The results showed that compared with the CON, the CSM and CMM groups significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) of growing pigs during the 25–50 kg stage (p < 0.05) but had no effects on average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily feed intake/average daily gain (F/G) (p > 0.05). Moreover, the CMM group significantly reduced nutrient apparent digestibility of gross energy compared with the CON group. The serum biochemical parameters results showed that the CSM group significantly improved the contents of total protein (TP) compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The CMM group significantly improved the contents of total protein (TP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared with the CON group in serum (p < 0.05). In comparison with the CON group, the CMM group also significantly improved lysine (Lys), threonine (Thr), valine (Val), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), phenylalanine (Phe), arginine (Arg), and citrulline (Cit) levels in serum (p < 0.05). However, the CMM group significantly decreased non-essential amino acid content glycine (Gly) in serum compared with CON (p < 0.05), while compared with the CON group, the CSM and CMM groups had no significant effects on the relative abundance, the alpha-diversity, or the beta-diversity of fecal microbiota. Moreover, compared with the CON group, the CSM group significantly increased butyric acid and valeric acid contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces (p < 0.05). In contrast to the CON group, the CMM group significantly reduced the contents of SCFAs in feces, including acetic acid, propionic acid, and isobutyric acid (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) can partially replace the soybean meal and significantly improve the growth performance of growing pigs during the 25–50 kg stage. Thus, miscellaneous meals are a suitable protein source as basal diets to replace soybean meals for 25–50 kg growing pigs. These results can be helpful to further develop miscellaneous meals as a functional alternative feed ingredient to soybean meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower protein has many characteristics that make it a desirable alternate source of protein from a marketing and formulation standpoint. The absence of major allergens, low cost, low anti-trypsin inhibitors, and status as both vegan and "clean" label friendly also increase the value of sunflower protein. This study aims to optimize the four parameters i.e., pH, time, temperature, and salt concentration (sodium sulphite) for extraction of proteins from de-oiled sunflower cake by using response surface methodology. The deoiled meal was further defatted and dephenolised in Soxhlet extraction. After drying, the meal was subjected to alkali extraction and isoelectric precipitation to obtain protein isolates. For optimizing the protein extraction conditions, a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) based on four parameters and five levels was used. RSM analysis revealed that the experimental results were best fitted into a quadratic polynomial model with R2 around 0.9. The maximum protein extraction (75.32%), protein recovery (90.95%), protein yield (23.24%), purity (93.99%) was obtained at pH, 9.43; temperature, 54.62 °C; time, 63 mins; and salt concentration, 0.188%. After the removal of polyphenols brown colored protein isolates were obtained and showed good solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the digestion of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) contents of soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal (CSM), sunflower seed meal (SSM), barley, wheat, and corn treated with varying levels (0%, 3%, and 6%) of calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) in both the rumen and the small intestine using in vitro techniques. The CLS was applied to all feeds at levels of 3% and 6% during heat treatment at 150°C for 30 min. Digestion data were evaluated in a 3 x 3 factorial trial design, considering 3 levels of CLS and 3 types of feeds separately for protein and grain feeds. The levels of CLS only affected rumen CP degradability (IVRCPD) and total tract CP digestion (TTCPD). However, an interaction between feed type x CLS levels was observed for protein supplements. In vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro rumen DM degradability (IVRDMD), and intestinal enzyme CP digestibility (IECPD) were not affected by the levels of CLS in protein feeds. For grain feeds, CLS levels influenced IVRDMD, IVRCPD and TTCPD and feed type x CLS levels interaction were observed for IVRDMD and IVRCPD. As a result, treating protein feeds with CLS did not produce the desired outcomes for in vitro DM and CP digestibility in the rumen, intestine, and whole tract using in vitro techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal health is generally improved by biochar (BC), a promising dietary supplement made from various organic materials including wheat straw, corn cob, home trash, agricultural waste and wood waste. In the current investigation, effects of different BCs inclusion on the growth, digestibility, body composition, hematological indices and mineralization of Ctenopharyngodon idella (6.11±0.02 g; n = 315 fish) fed diets based on sunflower meal (SFM) were investigated over a 60-day period. Seven diets were prepared: first was the control diet i.e., CON and six other diets were supplemented with 2 % different types of BCs, i.e., cotton stick BC (CSBC), wheat straw BC (WSBC), corn cob BC (CCBC), house waste BC (HWBC), grass waste BC (GWBC), and green waste BC (GwBC). A triplicate tank design was employed for each experimental diet, with fifteen fingerlings per tank. Throughout the experimental duration, they were fed 5 % of their live wet weight. The results revealed that CCBC supplementation significantly (p

SUMMARY: This study investigated the effects of sunflower meal (SFM) inclusion at 15% in turkey diets containing an enzyme cocktail on growth performance, organ weights, nutrient digestibility, and carcass traits in turkey toms. A total of 180 one-day-old turkey toms were divided into 20 pens in a randomized complete block design and fed a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet (CON diet) containing phytase, protease, and nonstarch polysaccharide degrading enzymes (NSPase; xylanase, glucanase, cellulase, invertase, protease, and amylase) or where 15% SFM was added at the expense of corn and soybean meal (SFM diet). The diets were formulated to meet the nutrient recommendations for the turkey breed and fed to the turkeys in 7 feeding phases until market. Feeding the SFM diet increased (P < 0.05) body weight (BW) at the end of week 4 and BW gain for 0 to 4 wk. Feed conversion ratio for 0 to 4 wk was also decreased (P = 0.085). The SFM diet had similar (P > 0.10) apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and amino acids and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and crude protein compared to CON diet. Dietary treatments did not influence (P > 0.10) hot carcass yield, cold carcass yield, and yield of breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings compared to those of turkeys fed the CON diets. In conclusion, SFM can be included at 15% in corn-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with additional soybean oil and an enzyme blend, including phytase, protease, and NSPase, for turkey toms with minimal impact on the overall feed conversion ratio and carcass yield of turkey toms.

Sunflower seeds, oil, and protein powder are rich in nutritional value, but the quality of different varieties of sunflower seeds is quite different, and the comprehensive comparative analysis characteristics of edible and oil sunflower seeds are still unclear. The comprehensive analysis and comparison of the raw material indicators, physicochemical properties, and processing characteristics of four edible and four oil sunflower seed varieties were investigated. The results showed that the engineering properties, texture characteristics, single-cell structure, and oil, protein, and starch granule distribution were different between edible and oil sunflower seeds. The composition of fatty acids and amino acids was different among edible, oil sunflower seeds and different varieties. The oleic acid (18.72~79.30%) and linoleic acid (10.11~51.72%) were the main fatty acids in sunflower seed oil, and in amino acid composition, the highest content was glutamic acid (8.88~11.86 g/100 g), followed by aspartic acid (3.92~4.86 g/100 g) and arginine (4.03~4.80 g/100 g). Sunflower meal proteins were dominated by 11S globulin and 2S albumin, and the secondary structure was dominated by β-folding, with -SH and S-S varying greatly among different varieties. Sunflower meal proteins vary widely in terms of functional properties among different varieties, and specialized quality screening was necessary. This study provided a reference and theoretical support for understanding sunflower seeds to further promote the processing and utilization of sunflower seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The quest for a green and sustainable environment has created innovative ways of recycling and valorising agro‐based wastes, as well as using uncommon raw materials for food products. Likewise, food proteins and peptides are potentially generated from unique sources such as seaweeds, insects, hemp, rapeseed cake, olive meal cake, sesame meal, flaxseed cake, sunflower meal, spent grain, pomace, and pit for the development of functional foods and biopeptide‐based products. These biopeptides confer numerous positive health benefits against chronic diseases such as cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and neurodegeneration. In this review, diligent efforts were made to provide an updated status on the biopeptides produced from various unusual sources with certain salient considerations towards their production, biological activities, action mechanisms, and safety. We also discussed the possible drawbacks encountered during their applications in the nutraceutical and functional food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of mixed meal (rapeseedmeal, cottonmeal, and sunflowermeal) replacement soybeanmeal on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum inflammatory factors and immunoglobulins, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acid content, and gut microbiota of finishing pigs. Methods: A total of 54 pigs with an average initial weight of 97.60 ± 0.30 kg were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups according to their initial weight, with 6 replicates in each group and 3 pigs in each replicate. The trial period was 26 days. The groups were as follows: control group (CON), fed corn-soybean meal type basal diet; Corn-soybean-mixedmeal group (CSM), fed corn-soybean meal-mixed meal diet with a ratio of rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal of 1:1:1 to replace 9.06% soybean meal in the basal diet; Corn-mixed meal group (CMM), fed a corn-mixed meal diet with a ratio of Rapeseed meal, Cotton meal and Sunflower meal of 1:1:1 to replace soybean meal in the basal diet completely. The crude protein level of the three diets was maintained at 12.5%. Results: Our findings revealed no significant impact of replacing soybean meal with the mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) on the ADG (Average daily gain), ADFI (Average daily feed intake), and F/G (Feed gain ratio) (P > 0.05), or crude protein, crude fat, and gross energy (P > 0.05) in the diet of finishing pigs. Compared with the CON group, the serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) concentrations were significantly decreased in the CMM group (P < 0.05). However, there is no significant effect of the mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in the diet on the serum interleukin 1b (IL-1b), interleukin 8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations (P > 0.05). Concordantly, there is no significant effect of mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in the diet on the serum antioxidant capacity, such as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of finishing pigs. Moreover, compared with the CON group, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels were significantly lower in the CSM group (P < 0.05) and their total bilirubin (TBIL) levels were significantly lower in the CMM group (P < 0.05). There is not a significant effect on serum D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO) concentrations (P > 0.05). The next section of the survey showed that the replacement of soybean meal with a mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) in the diet did not significantly influence the acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid in the colon contents (P > 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the CON group, the CMM group diet significantly increased the abundance of Actinobacteria at the phylum level (P < 0.05), U_Actinobacteria at the class level (P < 0.05), and U_Bacteria at the class level (P < 0.05). The result also showed that the CMM group significantly reduced the abundance of Oscillospirales at the order level (P < 0.05) and Streptococcaceae at the family level (P < 0.05) compared with the CON group. The Spearman correlation analysis depicted a statistically significant positive correlation identified at the class level between the relative abundance of U_Bacteria and the serum T. BILI concentrations (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant negative correlation was detected at the order level between the relative abundance of Oscillospirales and the levels of acetic and propionic acids in the colonic contents (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between the serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 and the relative abundance of the family Streptococcaceae (P < 0.05). Discussion: This study demonstrated that the mixed meal (rapeseed meal, cotton meal, and sunflower meal) as a substitute for soybean meal in the diet had no significant negative effects on the growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum immunoglobulins, serum antioxidant capacity, intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acid content, and diversity of gut microbiota of finishing pigs. These results can help develop further mixed meals (rapeseed meal, cottonmeal, and sunflowermeal) as a functional alternative feed ingredient for soybean meals in pig diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of locally available protein sources in poultry nutrition is challenging for feed manufacturers and farmers. Sunflower meal (SFM) is available in high quantities in several European countries and could be used as a poultry feedstuff at higher inclusion rates. However, its maximum inclusion rate in the diets of different poultry species and age categories is unknown. Pullets and laying hens can probably tolerate higher amounts of SFM, but only limited information is available on these poultry groups. Therefore, a digestibility trial was carried out with 8-week-old layer type pullets and 50-week-old laying hens. Beside a basal diet, SFM was fed at 10, 20 and 30% inclusion rates. Feeding SFM significantly improved the digestibility of essential amino acids (AA) of threonine, valine, lysine, tyrosine, glycine, aspartic acid, and arginine in the pullet diets. No such improvement was found in laying hens. Only the absorption of the two branchchain AAs, leucin (pullets) and isoleucine (hens), declined due to SFM. The AA digestibility of the SFM itself was also calculated by linear regression. The coefficients were, in all cases, higher in hens than in pullets. Comparing the measured digestibility coefficients of SFM with table values, it can be concluded that high variance exists because of the differences in the methodology and the test animals in the digestibility trials. From the present trial, it can be concluded that SFM can entirely replace extracted soybean meal in pullet and layer diets, without negative effects on the protein digestion of birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising feed cost challenges due to expensive conventional protein sources continue to make headlines in Africa causing drops in profit margins. We assessed the impact of insect (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus larvae meal, HILM) protein as a substitute for soybean meal and sunflower seed cake on layer chicken performance and profitability. Our results showed that apart from the growers, chicks (12.37 g/bird) and layer hens (2.02 g/bird) fed diets with 75% HILM inclusion levels had significantly higher average daily weight gain. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) varied significantly when the chicks and layer hens were provided with the HILM-based diets. For the chicks and layer hens, the lowest ADFI and FCR were observed in birds subjected to diets with 75% and 100% HILM compared to the growers fed diets with 50% HILM. Significantly higher egg production was observed for layer hens fed diets containing 75% of HILM throughout the first (87.41%) and second (83.05%) phase production cycles. Layer hens fed HILM-based diets had a 3–10% increase in egg laying percentage. There was higher profit margins when birds were fed diets containing 75% of HILM (∼1.83 and 5.98 US$ per bird), which mirrored the return on investment estimated at 63.95% and 33.36% for the pullets (growers) and laying hen, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that diets with 75% HILM provided optimum growth performance, reduced feeding costs, increased weight gain and egg production as well as improved economic returns for commercial on-farm poultry production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been a burgeoning interest in harnessing the potential of biomass and industry byproducts for the development of novel products and materials. In particular, this study explored the efficient valorization of sunflower meal (SFM), an underutilized byproduct of the oil extraction industry, usually discarded or used as low-value animal feed through enzyme-aided fractionation, specifically targeting the extraction and conversion of its abundant carbohydrate component, xylan, into emerging prebiotic compounds—xylo-oligosaccharides (XOSs)—which are recognized as promotors of a healthy gut microbiome and overall human wellbeing. An enzymatic treatment using Alcalase® 2.4 L was implemented for facilitating the recovery of a highly pure hemicellulosic fraction (92.2% carbohydrates) rich in β-(1→4)-linked xylose residues with arabinose and glucuronic acid substitutions (DP-xylan). A further enzymatic treatment of this substrate, using ROHALASE® SEP-VISCO under optimized conditions (70 °C, pH 6, 0.005% v/v enzyme concentration), produced 52.3% of XOSs with a polymerization degree (DP) less than 20 after two hours. Further analyses demonstrated that the majority of the obtained product had a DP less than 6, predominantly consisting of di- and trisaccharides (XOS2 and XOS3) without the significant generation of xylose. These findings highlight the significant potential of SFM for the generation of valuable prebiotic compounds in a sustainable manner.

Simple Summary: While the demand for poultry meat is increasing, arable land for crop production is limited. Therefore, the use of locally produced alternative sources in chicken diets has become a necessity. The substitution of soybean with local by-products such as sunflower meal, brewers' dried grain, and wheat middlings or a combination of local by-products with black soldier larvae meal was evaluated in broilers. The substitution of soybean in broiler diets did not affect growth performance. However, the diet with black soldier fly larvae meal increased the production costs because of its high price. Therefore, lowering black soldier fly larvae meal price is the key issue hindering its inclusion in broiler diets. The effects of the partial replacement of soybean with alternative local agri-industry by-products and black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal on broiler growth performance, blood biochemistry, welfare, and, subsequently, economic performance of these diets were evaluated. A total of 524 day-old chicks from a local and a commercial strain were fed one of the three diets from the day of hatch to the slaughter age. The diets were the following: a soybean-based control diet, a diet in which soybean was partially replaced (SPR) with agri-industrial by-products, or a diet with BSF larvae meal added to the SPR (SPR + BSF). There was no effect of the diets on the slaughter weight, total feed consumption, and feed conversion of the chickens. The SPR + BSF diet reduced the blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, protein, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels in the local chickens and the gamma-glutamyl transferase, protein, and creatinine levels in the commercial broilers. The negative effect of the SPR diet on plumage cleanliness in the commercial broilers was alleviated by the SPR + BSF diet, whereas 100% of the local birds presented either slight or moderate soiling. The results showed that, due to the high cost of the BSF larvae meal, the SPR + BSF diet was not economically feasible. In a further study, the price trends of BSF larvae will be examined from the standpoint of economic profitability conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to compare and analyze the nutritional value of different protein feed materials. Ten kinds of protein feeds (soybean meal, palm meal, cottonseed meal, monosodium glutamate meal, sesame cake meal, sunflower meal, distillers dried grains with solubles, peony seed meal, beer grains, and soybean residue) were collected from beef cattle farms with three replicates for each feed. The carbohydrate composition, protein composition, amino acid composition, and predicted em-value indexes were determined and analyzed. The results showed that the CHO content of soybean residue was the highest (73.78%), followed by peony seed meal (66.76%) and palm meal (65.89%). The NSC content of monosodium glutamate residue and soybean meal was higher, while the CC content was lower. The CP content of monosodium glutamate residue, soybean meal, sesame cake, and cottonseed meal was higher than 50%, significantly higher than other materials (P<0.05). The PA content and PB1 content of monosodium glutamate residue and peony seed meal were significantly higher than other materials (P<0.05). The EAA and Lys contentrations of soybean meal, monosodium glutamate residue, and cottonseed meal were higher than other materials (P<0.05). The TDN content of corn alcohol grains, monosodium glutamate residue, peony seed meal, and sesame cake meal was higher than 80%. NEg and NEL showed the same trend as TDN. The study indicates that the nutritional content of different protein feed materials is significantly different. Considering the protein components and energy value, the nutritional value of monosodium glutamate residue, cottonseed meal, and sesame cake are equivalent to that of soybean meal, and they have obvious advantages to replacing soybean meal in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sunflower meal, as a high protein source, is usually utilised in animal feed, but other means of valorisation of this byproduct should be investigated in order to increase sunflower meal industrial functionality and therefore economic value. High protein content could suggest potential ability to stabilise food emulsions. Current study investigated the influence of sunflower meal protein content and particle size distribution in stabilisation of oil‐in‐water emulsions. Sunflower meal samples were characterised in terms of chemical and amino acid content and FTIR spectroscopy, while in the obtained emulsion samples creaming index, droplet size, droplet size distribution and zeta potential were determined. A relatively equal distribution of hydrophilic/hydrophobic amino acids (46% and 54%, respectively) was determined indicating a strong amphiphilic character of proteins and potentially effective emulsion‐stabilising properties. Further results suggested a positive influence of higher protein content (increasing from 16.78% to 42.56%) on lower creaming index values (lowering values from 84% to 32%, respectively). Protein content and particle size distribution strongly affected emulsion droplets sizes (ranging from 77.32 to 238.61 μm) and zeta potential values. Therefore, the evaluation of the obtained results suggested that high protein sunflower meal can be applied for the stabilisation of oil‐in‐water emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was undertaken to evaluate the influence of the extrusion process on the sorption behavior of deproteinized sunflower meal (DSM). A patterned food extrudate (PFE), prepared from a mixture of DSM and corn grits (1:1), was obtained, and the equilibrium isotherms of both products (DSM and PFE) were determined at three temperatures (20 °C, 30 °C, and 40 °C) by the static gravimetric method. The comparison of the sorption behavior of the products showed that extrusion decreased the equilibrium moisture content and the monolayer moisture, while the hysteresis effect was significantly raised in size and span. The experimental sorption isotherms were fitted by five modified models including the temperature effect: Chung–Pfost, Halsey, Oswin, Henderson, and GAB. The modified models of Oswin were established to be suitable to describe the equilibrium sorption isotherms in the temperature range from 20 °C to 40 °C. The net isosteric heat of sorption of DSM and PFE decreases consistently with the increase in moisture content. Extrusion reduces the bond energy between the solid matrix and the water molecules. The ranges of moisture content and relative humidities in the temperature interval studied, appropriate for long-term storage of DSM and PFE, were predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: To further utilise plant protein in oilseeds, it is vital to understand the structural and digestive characteristics of cell wall polysaccharides fractionated from sunflower meal. Water, chelator (cyclohexane‐trans‐1,2‐diaminetetra‐acetate, CDTA), sodium carbonate, 1 mol L−1 KOH, and 4 mol L−1 KOH were used to sequentially extract polysaccharides from sunflower meal, yielding samples that were labelled WSP, CSP, NSP, KS1, and KS4, respectively. Results indicated that galactose (1,6‐β‐D‐Galp) was the major sugar unit in WSP, while arabinose (1,3‐α‐L‐Araf and 1,5‐α‐L‐Araf) was the major sugar in the other four fractions. KS4 showed the highest molecular weight and the lowest thermal stability. The surface of the five polysaccharides was shown to be heterogeneous using SEM and AFM, with KS4 having the highest average size. The molecular weight of the five polysaccharides decreased during simulated digestion in vitro. It was noteworthy that the structures of KS1 and KS4 were harder to destroy than the other three fractions. These two polysaccharides are perhaps what makes sunflower protein difficult to digest, thereby decreasing its nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Given the escalating production of livestock and poultry coupled with the surging cost of soybean meal, the quest for alternative raw materials capable of replacing soybean meal is gaining increasing significance. Rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal, which are common by-products of agricultural production, offer viable plant-based protein substitutes for soybean meal in pig production. This study reveals that the incorporation of miscellaneous meal (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as a substitute for soybean meal in the diet did not significantly influence the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum amino acid content, or fecal microbiota diversity of growing pigs weighing between 50 and 75 kg. These results suggest that miscellaneous meal (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) could potentially serve as a partial or complete replacement for soybean meal in the diet of growing pigs. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of miscellaneous meal (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as a replacement for soybean meal on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, serum free amino acid contents, and gut microbiota of 50–75 kg growing pigs. A total of 54 healthy growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with initial body weights (BWs) of 50.64 ± 2.09 kg were randomly divided into three treatment groups, which included the corn–soybean meal group (CON), corn–soybean–miscellaneous meal group (CSM), and corn–miscellaneous meal group (CM). Each treatment included six replicates with three pigs in each replicate. Dietary protein levels were maintained at 15% in all three treatment groups. Additional rapeseed meals, cottonseed meals, and sunflower seed meals were added to the CSM group's meals to partially replace the 10.99% soybean meal in the CON group in a 1:1:1 ratio. Pigs in the CM group were fed a diet with a mixture of miscellaneous meals (7.69% rapeseed meal, 7.69% cottonseed meal, and 7.68% sunflower seed meal) to totally replace soybean meal. Our findings revealed that there was no significant impact of replacing soybean meal with miscellaneous meal on the ADG (average daily gain), ADFI (average daily feed intake), or F/G (feed-to-gain ratio) (p > 0.05) of growing pigs weighing 50–75 kg, nor on the crude protein, crude fat, or gross energy (p > 0.05) of the diet. On the other hand, compared to the CON group, the CM group exhibited significantly elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and triglyceride (TG) levels (p < 0.05), while urea levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). No significant effect was observed on the serum free amino acid contents (p > 0.05) following the substitution of soybean meal with miscellaneous meal. A t-test analysis indicated that compared with the CON group, the CM group exhibited a significantly diminished abundance of Euryachaeota at the phylum level and augmented abundance of Desulfobacterota at the genus level. This study demonstrated that the miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as a substitute for soybean meal in the diet had no significant negative effects on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum amino acid content, or diversity of fecal microbiota in 50–75 kg growing pigs. These results can be helpful in developing further miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as functional alternative feed ingredients to soybean meal in pig diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technique of synthesis of new sorption materials by hydrothermal carbonization of sunflower meal (HTS) with the addition of graphene oxide (GO) and subsequent carbonization (C) has been developed. To assess morphological and phase changes during carbonization, the materials have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy and IR spectroscopy. According to the results obtained, carbonization facilitates the development of latent porosity and reduces the amount of oxygen-containing and alkyl groups. Kinetic sorption studies have also been carried out by the example of extraction of Pb2+ ions and organic dye molecules (methylene blue (MB)). The experimental results show that the adsorption capacities of the HTS, HTS/C, HTS/GO, and HTS/GO/C composites were 82.9, 108.6, 168.9, and 148.3 mg/g, respectively, for extraction of Pb2+ ions and 1481.8, 1601.1, 1920.3, and 2283 mg/g, respectively, for extraction of MB molecules. It is established that, during the absorption of MB molecules, carbonization affects significantly the contact time. Carbonized samples exhibit high sorption activity, which results in the equilibrium contact time of 15 min (this value is 60 min for noncarbonized samples). The equilibrium time during the adsorption of Pb2+ ions is 60 min for all samples. The adsorption kinetics is described using the following models: the pseudo-first-order model, pseudo-second-order model, Elovich model, and intraparticle diffusion model. It is found that the adsorption process is limited by the chemical-exchange reaction and runs in a mixed-diffusion mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the growth performance, body composition, and haematological profile of Heteropneustes fossilis in response to the replacement of fish meal (FM) by sunflower meal (SFM). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and three replications. The fish (initial average body weight of 2.42 ± 0.01 g) were reared in 15 glass aquaria (40 fish/aquarium) with a 150‐L water capacity. Five isoproteic (35%) diets were prepared by replacing FM protein with SFM protein at a rate of 0% (T0), 10% (T10), 20% (T20), 30% (T30), and 40% (T40). Fish were fed with experimental diet twice a day (9.00 and 16.00), 7 days a week for 8 weeks. Fish were sampled at the end of the experimental period of 8 weeks. At the end of the rearing period, the highest weight gain (6.25 ± 0.11g), % weight gain (163.32%), and specific growth rate (1.61 ± 0.03%/day) were observed in the control (T0) treatment, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05) with T10 and T20 treatments. However, all the growth factors were decreased with the further inclusion level of SFM in replacement of FM, and the lowest growth performance was observed in T40 treatment. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) followed the same pattern as the growth parameters. It was found that the whole‐body proximate composition of fish was also affected significantly (p < 0.05). Haematological parameters significantly (P < 0.05) altered at 30% and 40% levels of replacement of FM with SFM. Based on these results, it can be concluded that 20% FM protein can be substituted with SFM protein in the diet of H. fossilis without compromising growth performance, feed utilization, chemical composition, and haematological status. However, according to polynomial regression analysis, the optimum level of replacement of FM protein with SFM protein was determined to be 14.3% in the diet of H. fossilis.

The use of locally available protein sources in poultry nutrition is challenging for feed manufacturers and farmers. Sunflower meal (SFM) is available in high quantities in several European countries and could be used as a poultry feedstuff at higher inclusion rates. However, its maximum inclusion rate in the diets of different poultry species and age categories is unknown. Pullets and laying hens can probably tolerate higher amounts of SFM, but only limited information is available on these poultry groups. Therefore, a digestibility trial was carried out with 8-week-old layer type pullets and 50-week-old laying hens. Beside a basal diet, SFM was fed at 10, 20 and 30% inclusion rates. Feeding SFM significantly improved the digestibility of essential amino acids (AA) of threonine, valine, lysine, tyrosine, glycine, aspartic acid, and arginine in the pullet diets. No such improvement was found in laying hens. Only the absorption of the two branch-chain AAs, leucin (pullets) and isoleucine (hens), declined due to SFM. The AA digestibility of the SFM itself was also calculated by linear regression. The coefficients were, in all cases, higher in hens than in pullets. Comparing the measured digestibility coefficients of SFM with table values, it can be concluded that high variance exists because of the differences in the methodology and the test animals in the digestibility trials. From the present trial, it can be concluded that SFM can entirely replace extracted soybean meal in pullet and layer diets, without negative effects on the protein digestion of birds.

Summary: This study evaluated the formation and dispersion effects with 4% w/w total biopolymer [sunflower meal protein (SMP) and pectin (P)] at SMP:P ratio 1:0, 25:1, 15:1, 5:1, pH 3.7, prepared at room temperature (RT) or heat treated (HT) at 98 °C on emulsion stabilisation. At RT, increasing P concentration increased apparent viscosity and gel‐like behaviour of biopolymer dispersions and emulsions. At SMP:P‐RT ratio 5:1, the dispersion structure showed protein attached to pectin and individual pectin dispersed in the continuous phase. Under this condition, the emulsion presented stability regarding creaming, flocculation and/or coalescence. Whereas when HT, all samples showed low apparent viscosity, but at SMP:P ratio 25:1 and 15:1 emulsions exhibit gel‐like behaviour. However, SMP:P ratio 5:1 dispersion presented spheroid particles and emulsion behaved as liquid‐like material with lower creaming, flocculation and/or coalescence. Therefore, depending on the process parameters, sunflower meal may be used as an ingredient to obtain different food emulsion structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study assessed the impact of replacing two thirds of a soybean meal (SBM) based diet with an alternative protein (AP) based diet (sunflower and rapeseed meal), when fed to end of production Hy-Line Brown laying hens. 2. Diets were fed in seven cages, each containing six birds aged from 75 to 83 weeks old. Measured variables included bird performance, egg production, quality variables of fresh eggs, total tract digestibility of dry matter (DMD), neutral detergent fibre (NDFD), fat (FD), and nitrogen corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn). 3. No significant differences were observed (P > 0.05) for egg production, egg composition or egg quality. However, birds fed the AP diet had darker yolks (P < 0.05), possibly linked to natural pigments in AP. 4. The SBM diet had higher AMEn, DMD and NDFD (P < 0.05), although FD was higher in the AP diet (P < 0.05). 5. Diets based on AP sources can be fed to aged laying hens without deteriorating productive performance, providing care is taken in formulating diets (e.g. amino acid levels, balance etc). Using AP sources may reduce reliance on SBM associated with land use change, contributing towards sustainability for the egg industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sustainable animal nutrition and feeding are critical to meeting the growing population's food needs, requiring more resource-efficient feed production with less waste. This work aims at the nutritional valorization of plant feedstuffs using one of the most ecological, inexpensive, and convenient large-scale industrial and technological treatments, as well as solid-state fermentation. Fermentation proved useful in adding value-added compounds to the plant feedstuffs as proteins and enzymes, increasing protein digestibility, and reducing fiber, creating a novel feedstuff that could help reduce waste and the use of unsustainable ingredients when applied to animal nutrition. Plant feedstuffs are the main ingredients of animal feed. Owing to food–feed competition, increasing the utilization efficiency of these feedstuffs is important for animal nutrition. This can be achieved via solid-state fermentation (SSF). SSF of a plant feedstuff mixture (PFM) (25% rapeseed meal, soybean meal, rice bran, and sunflower meal) by three fungi (Aspergillus ibericus MUM 03.29, Aspergillus niger CECT 2088, and Aspergillus niger CECT 2915) resulted in an increase in protein content by 5%, irrespective of fungi, a reduction in cellulose content by 9 to 11%, and of hemicellulose content by 21 to 34%, relative to unfermented PFM. Enzyme production was measured: the highest cellulase (123.7 U/g), xylanase (431.8 U/g), and beta-glucosidase (117.9 U/g) activity were achieved with A. niger CECT 2088. Principal component analysis showed a positive correlation between all fermented PFMs and enzyme production, protein content, digestibility, and fiber reduction. Bioprocessing of the PFM by SSF increased its nutritional value and digestibility, making it more appealing for animal feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect artificial diets are not only an important tool for mass rearing, nutritional research, and maintaining laboratory colonies but also for studying insect‐plant interactions. For herbivorous insects able to sequester plant toxins, feeding and sequestration assays based on artificial diet allow for the investigation of physiological, ecological, and evolutionary questions which may be difficult to study using real plants representing complex chemical environments. We developed a simple artificial diet, consisting of sunflower meal pressed into pills, for the milkweed bugs Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) and Spilostethus saxatilis (Scopoli) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae), which are capable of sequestering cardenolides and colchicum alkaloids, respectively. We assessed insect performance, suitability of the diet for sequestration assays, and its shelf life. Compared to sunflower seeds which are widely used as a laboratory maintenance diet for milkweed bugs, no differences were found in terms of weight development, presence of deformities, speed of development, or mortality. Importantly, after feeding O. fasciatus and S. saxatilis sunflower pills enriched with crystalline ouabain (cardenolide) or colchicine (colchicum alkaloid), respectively, sequestration was observed in both species. Moreover, as a prerequisite to test ecological hypotheses, our method allows for adequate concentration control and homogenous distribution of toxins across the diet. Under relatively warm conditions (27 °C and 60% r.h.), the new diet was stable for up to 10 days when used for feeding assays with adult bugs. Therefore, studies focusing on the role of plant toxins in predator–prey interactions and plant defense, but also insecticide research could benefit from using this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to examine the influence of moisture content on the mechanical properties of solid biomass, which is important for storage and handling. Mechanical properties involving powder flowability were determined with a Jenike shear tester. The materials tested were powdered biomass: sunflower husks, apple pomace, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), and meat and bone meal. In static operations in which powdered biomass is generally under a significant load, such as in silos, moisture deteriorates the mechanical properties of biomass and increases its cohesion. In the case of DDGS, an additional slight decrease in stress was observed for samples with the highest moisture content, which was above 20%. For meat and bone meal and sunflower husks, a lubrication phenomenon was clearly observed, in which biomass samples with increased moisture content manifested better flowability, requiring lower boundary shear stresses than less moist samples. For apple pomace samples, with normal stresses above 50 kPa, the addition of moisture above 10% did not change the values of the observed shear stresses, indicating the stability of their properties. The use of powdered biomass with higher moisture contents, at above 10%, should be avoided, as such material can lead to overhangs in tanks and silos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the influence of convection (at 40 °C and 50 °C) and freeze drying on functionality, structural properties and antioxidant potential of sunflower meal protein (SPm) and hydrolysate (SPHm). Likened to the respective convectively-dried isolates, lyophilized SPm and SPHm showed higher dispersibility and water binding efficacy, but lower oil binding efficacy (buttressed by surface hydrophobicity results) (p < 0.05). The alterations in sulfhydryl clusters and disulfide bridges due to convection drying (under varied temperatures) implied limited unfolding of SPm and SPHm structure and reduction in intermolecular interactions. Moreover, fluorescent intensity and deconvoluted Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy illustrated that convectively-dried (CD) preparations, considerably CDSPHm, possessed more flexible/movable secondary structures over freeze-dried isolates. Topographical study indicated that dehydrated SPHm-s had irregular small particles with partly destroyed/splitted micropores, suggesting disruption in the noncovalent bonds between SPHm-s molecules. Furthermore, isolates from the freeze drying process, notably lyophilized hydrolysate, showed higher antioxidative (DPPH scavenging, ABTS and reducing power) potential over the convectively-dried samples, supported by the analysis of amino acids composition. The current investigation could help the pharmacological and/or food industry to develop new therapeutic product and/or functional food from lyophilized isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of sunflower meal to substitute soybean meal protein was examined for its effect on the physical properties and microstructure of extrudates processed under two different preconditioner moistures. Two diets were formulated by substituting soybean meal with sunflower meal at levels of 0 and 50%. The two diets were processed under two preconditioner moisture levels of 15 and 20% to produce four different extrudates. Interaction between preconditioner moisture and the substitution factors showed a highly significant effect on expansion percentage, bulk density and apparent porosity % of the extrudates, while no significant effect was detected on maximum oil absorption and fat leakage. The extrudates of sunflower meal appear less expanded, with less diameter and apparently darker than soybean meal extrudates. The surface morphology of sunflower meal pellets extruded with high preconditioner moisture was more compact and less cracked with fewer pores. It seems that the cellulose of the extrudates increased with more inclusion of sunflower meal, affecting the physical probability and microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]