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While corals rely largely on their endosymbiotic Symbiodinaceae algae for carbon, other nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous can be obtained heterotrophically. This feeding strategy relies on digesting plankton with the aid of gastrodermal mesenterial filaments (MFs). Additionally, acid-based digestion has been proposed to be involved; however, the putative acidifying mechanism(s) are unknown. I hypothesized that the V-type H+-ATPase (VHA), an enzyme that acidifies intra and extracellular spaces in a variety of organisms, is present in coral non-filamentous gastrodermal cells, cells that do not make up the MFs, and MFs of corals. Immunostaining and confocal imaging of Stylophora pistillata coral tissue sections revealed robust VHA expression in the cnidoglanular banding of short MFs (sMFs) and long convoluted MFs (lcMFs). VHA was also expressed in the ciliated tracts of sMFs, zones of phagocytosis in lcMFs, and in the some non-filamentous gastrodermal cells. S. pistillata colonies that were starved for 21 days had less abundant apical VHA than fed corals. Coral microcolonies growing over glass coverslips were utilized to further investigate the putative role of VHA in food digestion. Optical coherence tomography imaging showed normal physiological function in microcolonies. In these microcolonies, VHA was abundant in what appeared to be a subset of gastrovascular channels that contained intact or partially degraded diatoms captured from seawater, suggesting extracellular digestion. In summary, the presence of VHA in digestive tissues in S. pistillata suggests that VHA plays multiple roles in the digestive system of corals.

Plant cell walls (PCWs) are the most abundant biomass on planet Earth. Unlike vertebrate animals, many invertebrates, especially insects, can digest PCWs, either to access the protoplasm or to break the wall itself into digestible, nutritive oligomers and monomers (Pauchet, Wilkinson et al. 2010, Calderon-Cortes, Quesada et al. 2012). This ability of many insects to break down recalcitrant PCWs has contributed greatly to their biodiversity and success around the world (Tokuda 2019). Traditionally, the breakdown of lignocellulosic and cellulosic material by insects was thought to be dependent on gastrointestinal microbes. Recent research with molecular and omics techniques (genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics) has provided evidence to reveal PCW-degrading mechanisms in insects that use various arsenals of endogenous digestive enzymes. A few studies have reported on the endogenous PCW-degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) of Phasmatodea or stick insects. Much is still unknown with respect to how and where PCWDEs perform in a phasmid’s digestive tract, in addition to the question of whether gut microbial PCWDEs are present to contribute. This dissertation applies RNA-Seq and metagenomic analysis to identify the repertoire of endogenous PCWDEs in Aretaon asperrimus and Medauroidea extradentata, to assess the expression profiles of these enzymes through the alimentary canal, and to investigate the potential digestive role that could be played by gut microbes. We identify abundant endogenous PCWDE repertoires in each species, including GH9 endoglucanases, GH1 cellobiases, and GH28 polygalacturonases. Most PCWDE families are highly expressed in the anterior section of the midgut, while beta-glucosidases show a global expression pattern in multiple tissues, including the head. We observed very low expressions of GH9 and GH28 in hindgut tissues (ileum and rectum). Hemicellulases from GH2, GH3, and GH30 also showed global expression profiles without high expression in the AMG. The compartmentalization of phasmid digestion is investigated by an annotation and enrichment test for differentially expressed genes and the 1,000 most highly expressed genes in each tissue. The metagenomic study indicates that the dominant bacterial phylum, Proteobacteria, in both species’ gut communities, shows a great number of polygalacturonase sequences in the posterior section, which infers a potential pectin degradation synergism between endogenous and bacterial pectinases in different sections of a phasmid’s midgut. A lesser capability for PCW-degrading was observed in both species’ midgut microbiota, with a lack of cellulolytic Fibrobacteres and Spirochaetes. Overall, the identified transcripts of various glycoside hydrolase families in this dissertation further support that phasmids have uncommonly rich endogenous repertoires of PCWDEs. All these sequences could benefit future evolutionary analyses of these gene families and, more broadly, the phylogenetic analyses in Phasmatodea. Our results from the expression profiles of identified PCWDEs take a step further to illustrate how these endogenous digestive enzymes perform differently among tissues. The discovery of many bacterial PCWDEs in phasmid’s midgut in this dissertation indicates a possible synergism in the degradation of PCWs, which contradicts previous claims. All these findings contribute to the understanding of the digestive physiology in Phasmatodea and provide genomic data for future studies.

The recent Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University expert consultations on protein requirements and quality have emphasized the need for the new Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS), as a measure of protein quality. This requires human measurements of the true ileal digestibility of individual indispensable amino acids (IAA) until the end of the small intestine. Digestibility is measured using standard oro-ileal balance methods, which can only be achieved by an invasive naso-ileal intubation in healthy participants or fistulation at the terminal ileum. Significant efforts have been made in last two decades to develop non-invasive or minimally invasive methods to measure IAA digestibility in humans. The application of intrinsically labeled (with stable isotopes like 13C, 15N and 2H) dietary proteins have helped in circumventing the invasive oro-ileal balance techniques and allowed for the differentiation between endo and exogenous protein digestibility. The non-invasive indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique, which is routinely employed to measure IAA requirements, has been modified to estimate metabolic availability (a sum of digestibility and utilization) of IAA in foods, but provide estimate for a single IAA at a time and burdensome for participants. The recently developed minimally invasive dual isotope tracer method measures small intestinal digestibility of multiple amino acids at once and is suitable for use in vulnerable groups and disease conditions. However, it remains to be validated against standard oro-ileal balance techniques. This review critically evaluates and compares the currently available stable isotope-based protein quality evaluation methods with a focus on the digestibility and metabolic availability measurements in humans. In the view of building reliable DIAAS database of various protein sources and subsequently supporting protein content claims in food labeling, a re-evaluation and harmonization of the available methods are necessary.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a mixture of encapsulated essential oils (EOs) addition on nutrient digestion, serum biochemical parameters, peripheral blood alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE), and acid phosphatase (ACP-ase) positive lymphocyte ratios and intestinal morphology in laying hens.Methods: A total of 320 laying hens of 48-wk-old were randomly allotted into 4 treatment groups with 10 replicates of 8 birds in each replicate. The birds were fed a basal diet (control) or the diet added with mixture of EOs (which consist of eugenol, nerolidol, piperine, thymol, linalool, and geraniol) at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for period of 84 days.Results: The addition of EOs at 100 or 200 mg/kg increased the dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestion as compared to control. The addition of all doses of EOs did not affect serum gamma glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and P but increased serum asparate aminotransferase (AST) concentration. The addition of 200 mg/kg EOs increased serum creatinine, while 100 mg/kg decreased Ca concentration. The addition of 100 and 200 mg/kg EOs generally improved ANAE and ACP-ase positive peripheral blood lymphocyte ratios and intestinal morphology.Conclusion: It can be concluded that, the addition of 100 or 200 mg/kg encapsulated EOs generally increased apparent nutrient digestion and serum AST concentration, improved ANAE and ACP-ase positive peripheral blood lymphocytes and intestinal morphology in laying hens.

This study aimed to explore the optimum conditions for the ultrasonic-enzyme-assisted extraction of comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) polysaccharides (SOP) by the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum extraction conditions included an extraction time of 62 min, an enzyme complex dose of 1.1 %, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 21 mL/g, and a pH value of 6. A SOP yield of 20.32 % was achieved. The digestion and fermentation behaviors of SOP in vitro were determined. A digestion test was performed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). A fermentation model was prepared with the cecal contents of chickens. The results showed that SGF (2.15 ± 0.09 %) and SIF (1.08 ± 0.06 %) were ineffective in the digestion of SOP. During fermentation, the pH values of the culture medium were lower than the initial pH (7.75 ± 0.03). SOP (47.06 ± 1.79 %) was used by the chicken cecal microbiota, which produced 34.12 ± 0.79 mg/mL short-chain fatty acids at 48 h. Moreover, the composition of the chicken cecal microbiota could be regulated by SOP during fermentation. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus at the genus level was improved. Therefore, SOP might have the potential to serve as a prebiotic in chicken production.

β-Lactoglobulin (β-LG) is a major milk protein, making up more than 53% of the total whey proteins, and is seen as a valuable ingredient in food processing because of its high essential amino acid content and diverse functional applications. The Maillard reaction can occur during the storage and processing of food and generate various beneficial effects, including anti-allergenicity, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. The addition of an β-LG-lactose conjugate (LGL) produced by the Maillard reaction was shown to have a strong immune-enhancing effect, increasing both nitric oxide generation and cytokine expression through activation of RAW 264.7 cells, even after in vitro digestion. Furthermore, daily LGL administration resulted in the upregulation of several immune markers in a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressive mouse model, indicating that this treatment stimulates multiple immune cells, including macrophages, natural killer cells, and lymphocytes, enhancing the proliferation and activation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Taken together, these findings indicate that consuming LGL on a regular basis can improve immunity by increasing the natural production of various immune cells.

Time spent ruminating is affected by diet and affects the rumen environment. The objective of the current study was to conduct a meta-regression to characterize the variation in rumination time and its relationship with milk and milk fat yields and variables mechanistically associated with milk fat synthesis, including rumen pH and total-tract digestibility. The analysis included 130 journal articles published between 1986 and 2018 that reported 479 treatment means from lactating Holsteins cows during established lactation. Milk yield averaged 34.3 kg/d (range 14.2–52.1 kg/d), milk fat averaged 3.47% (range 2.20–4.60%), and rumen pH averaged 6.1 (range 5.3–7.0). Rumination observation systems were categorized into 6 groups, but there was little difference in average rumination time among systems. The total time spent ruminating averaged 444 min/d (range 151–638 d) and occurred in 13.8 bouts/d (range 7.8–17.4 bouts/d) that averaged 32.7 min (range 20.0–48.1 min). Bivariate regressions were modeled to include the random effect of study, and correlations were evaluated through the partial R2 that excluded variation accounted for by the random effect. Rumination time was quadratically increased with increasing milk fat yield (partial R2 = 0.27) and milk fat percent (partial R2 = 0.17). Rumination was also increased with increasing milk yield, dry matter intake, and rumen pH, and was quadratically related to dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total-tract NDF digestibility (partial R2 = 0.10–0.27). Similar relationships were observed for rumination per unit of dry matter and NDF intake. The best-fit multivariate model predicting total rumination time included milk yield, milk fat yield, and concentration and accounted for 37% of the variation. Total-tract digestibility was available for 217 treatment means; when included in the model, the partial R2 increased to 0.41. Last, principal component analysis was conducted to explore the relationship among variables. The first 2 principal components in the broad analyses explained 36.7% of the 39 variables evaluated, which included rumination bouts and time spent ruminating. In conclusion, rumination time was related to milk fat across a large number of studies, although it explained only a limited amount of the variation in milk fat.

A study was conducted to investigate the inclusion effects of sugar beet pulp and rice straw mixture silage with inoculation (BRMS), in place of whole-plant corn silage (CS), on the dry matter intake, total-tract nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, rumen fermentation, and lactation performance in high-production dairy cows. Sixteen multiparous Holstein cows (body weight, 622 ± 35 kg; days in milk, 90 ± 11 d; mean ± standard deviation) were used in our experiments; the experiments were based on a repeated 4 × 4 Latin square design for 21 d, and each experimental period consisted of 14 d of adaptation, followed by 7 d of data collection. The 4 dietary treatments used were (dry matter basis): (1) 0% BRMS and 28.6% CS (0BRMS); (2) 4.3% BRMS and 24.3% CS (15BRMS); (3) 8.60% BRMS and 20.0% CS (30BRMS); and (4) 12.9% BRMS and 15.7% CS (45BRMS). The increasing inclusion of dietary BRMS was observed to linearly increase the total volatile fatty acids and the propionate concentration. The dry matter intake and digestibility values of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased linearly as the percentage of BRMS increased up to 45%. Milk yield linearly increased with the increase in the content of BRMS (39.0, 39.8, 40.9, and 40.3 kg/d for 0BRMS, 15BRMS, 30BRMS, and 45BRMS, respectively). The increasing inclusion of dietary BRMS induced a decrease in the ammonia nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen concentration, leading to a linear increase in milk protein production (1.15, 1.26, 1.35, and 1.27 kg/d for 0BRMS, 15BRMS, 30BRMS, and 45BRMS, respectively). In conclusion, the diets with the replacement of CS with BRMS up to 45% were beneficial to the production performance of high-production dairy cows, indicating that this method may be an appropriate use of sugar beet pulp and rice straw.

Baculoviruses constitute a large group of invertebrate DNA viruses, predominantly infecting larvae of the insect order Lepidoptera. During a baculovirus infection, the virus spreads throughout the insect body producing a systemic infection in multiple larval tissues, included the central nervous system (CNS). As a main component of the CNS, neuropeptides are small protein-like molecules functioning as neurohormones, neurotransmitters, or neuromodulators. These peptides are involved in regulating animal physiology and behavior and could be altered after baculovirus infection. In this study, we have investigated the effect of Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) infection on expression of Spodoptera exigua neuropeptides and neuropeptide-like genes. Expression of the gene encoding a polypeptide that resembles the well-known insect neuropeptide proctolin and named as proctolin-like peptide (PLP), was downregulated in the larval brain following infection and was chosen for further analysis. A recombinant Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) overexpressing the C-terminal part of the PLP was generated and used in bioassays using S. exigua larvae to study its influence on the viral infection and insect behavior. AcMNPV-PLP-infected larvae showed less locomotion activity and a reduction in growth compared to larvae infected with wild type AcMNPV or mock-infected larvae. These results are indicative of this new peptide as a neuromodulator that regulates visceral and skeletal muscle contractions and offers a novel effector involved in the behavioral changes during baculovirus infection.

Egg white has high protein content and numerous biological/functional properties. However, the reported allergenicity for some of the proteins in the egg white is an issue that needs to be paid exclusive attention. A consideration on the structure of the IgE epitopes and their sequences as well as a comprehensive understanding of the effects of various processes on the epitopes and the impact of the gastrointestinal tract on them can help target such issues. The current study focuses on the identified IgE epitopes in the egg white proteins and evaluates the effects of gastrointestinal digestion, carbohydrate moiety, food matrix, microbial fermentation, recombinant allergen, heat treatment, Maillard reaction and combination of the various processes and gastrointestinal digestion on the egg white allergenicity. Although the gastrointestinal tract reduces the immunoreactivity of native egg white proteins, some of the IgE epitope-containing fragments remain intact during the digestion process. It has been found that the gastrointestinal tract can have both positive and negative impacts on the IgE binding activities of egg white proteins. Elimination of the carbohydrate moiety leads to a reduction in the immunoreactivity of ovalbumin. But, such effects from the carbohydrate parts in the IgE binding activity needs to be explored further. In addition, the interaction between the egg white proteins and the food matrix leads to various effects from gastrointestinal tract on the digestion of egg white proteins and their subsequent immunoreactivity. Further on this matter, studies have shown that both microbial fermentation and Maillard reaction can reduce the IgE binding activities of egg white proteins. Also, as an alternate approach, thermal process can be used to treat the egg white proteins which may result in the reduction or increase in their IgE binding activities depending on the conditions used in the process. Overall, based on the reported data, the allergenicity levels of egg white proteins can be mitigated or escalated depending on the conditions applied in the processing of the food products containing the egg white. So far, no practical solutions have been reported to eliminate such allergenicity.

In this work, holocellulose nanocrystals (hCNCs) was isolated from burdock insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) by enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasonic treatment and their inhibitory effects against α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase were investigated. The hydrodynamic diameter of hCNCs decreased from about 600 to 200 nm with increasing sonication time, accompanied by an improvement in cellulose and glucose content. Steady-state fluorescence studies suggested that static complexes were formed between hCNCs and α-Amylase or α-Glucosidase via a spontaneous and endothermic approach, which was driven by both hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of hCNCs against the tested enzymes were positively correlated with their size, and noncompetitive type and mixed type of inhibition was detected using Lineweaver-Burk plots. During the simulated digestion, the inclusion of burdock hCNCs obviously retarded the starch hydrolysis in both dose- and size-dependent manner, suggesting their potential in blocking postprandial serum glucose upsurge.

Microplastics (MPs), polymer particles capable of accumulating heavy metals from ambient medias, have been widely found in agriculture and pasture soils. Through the consumption of MPs in soils, heavy metals adsorbed on MPs can be transported into ruminant digestive guts. To explore the behavior of Cd loaded MPs in ruminant digestive system, we initially established a ruminant digestive in-vitro method (RDM) that simulates the rumination cycle between mouth and rumen to evaluate the release rates of Cd on 4 most commonly used undegradable MPs (PE, PP, PVC, and PS) and a biodegradable MP (PLA). After 120 h of adsorption, the Cd adsorption capabilities by 5 MPs ranged from 0.23 μg/g to 2.45 μg/g. Through RDM, all tested Cd loaded MPs released high proportions of Cd with release rates from 21.5% to 41.8%, where PLA showed the highest Cd release rate. Cadmium was mainly released in rumen and abomasum phases, and the rumination cycle between mouth and rumen can affect the Cd release from MPs. The present study provides a new view on the environmental hazard of heavy metal and MP pollution that their co-exposure to ruminants should be taken into account.

The physiological function of the reticulorumen plays an essential role in ruminant nutrition, and detailed knowledge of rumen motility can further advance understanding of ruminant nutrition and physiology. Rumen motility was simulated by setting different stirrer rotation speeds in a rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rotation speeds on rumen fermentation, saturation factor of dissolved gases, hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) emissions, microbial protein synthesis, and selected microbial population using RUSITEC. The experiment was performed according to a balanced 3 × 3 Latin square design, and each period included 7 d for adaptation and 3 d for sampling. Three motility treatments included 5, 15, and 25 rpm rotation speeds. Daily total gas and H2 and CH4 emissions had quadratic responses to the increasing rotation speed and were highest at 15 rpm. Quadratic and linear responses (highest at 5 rpm) to increasing rotation speed were observed for saturation factors of H2 and CH4, liquid-dissolved H2 and CH4 concentrations, and headspace concentration of H2 in the gas phase, whereas increasing rotation speed linearly decreased saturation factors of CO2 and liquid-dissolved CO2 concentration. Quadratic and linear responses to increasing rotation speed were observed for molar percentages of acetate, ammonia, and microbial protein concentration, whereas increasing rotation speed quadratically increased pH and decreased total volatile fatty acid concentration and acetate-to-propionate ratio. The 15-rpm rotation speed had the highest values of total volatile fatty acids, acetate molar percentage, and microbial protein concentration. Quadratic and linear responses to increasing rotation speed were observed for copy numbers of solid-associated fungi and fluid-associated bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, while increasing rotation speed linearly increased copy numbers of solid-associated protozoa. Rotation at 15 rpm increased populations of fungi and protozoa in the solid rumen contents and the population of bacteria and fungi in the liquid rumen contents. In summary, this study provides insights on the biofunction of proper rumen motility (i.e., at a rotation speed of 15 rpm), such as improving feed fermentation, increasing gas emissions with decreased dissolved gas concentrations and saturation factors, and promoting microbial colonization and microbial protein synthesis, although further increase in rotation speed (i.e., to 25 rpm) decreases feed fermentation and microbial protein synthesis.

The use of adapted breeds, such as Santa Ines, is of paramount importance for regions with high temperatures because they develop efficient mechanisms for heat dissipation. Furthermore, some breeds have physiological adaptations, such as more efficient mechanisms for the digestion of fibrous foods (e.g. Rabo Largo), which can reduce the harmful effects of semiarid environments. We studied the ingestive behaviour, water consumption, and physiological parameters during feeding of two native sheep breeds fed diets containing high (700 g/kg DM; HC diet) or low (300 g/kg DM; LC diet) percentages of concentrates, based on dry matter (DM). A total of 40 uncastrated male lambs (20 Rabo Largo [breed 1] and 20 Santa Ines [breed 2], with an average body weight of 16.68 ± 2.78 kg, and 19.29 kg ± 3.28 kg, respectively), were distributed in a randomised block design in a two-by-two factorial scheme (breeds × diets) with 10 repetitions. Santa Ines lambs consumed and ruminated DM (P = 0.029 for both) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF; P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively) more efficiently than RaboLargo lambs, while the latter showed an increase in respiratory rate (+19 breaths/min) and rectal temperature (+1.3 °C) compared to the Santa Ines lambs (P = 0.001). The HC diet negatively affected (P < 0.05) the feeding behaviour of the animals, reflecting the higher (P < 0.05) water consumption. The results showed that diets rich in concentrate negatively affected the thermoregulation of lambs. Santa Ines have greater feed and thermoregulatory efficiency than Rabo Largo lambs under conditions of heat stress in the feedlot.

Sheep with a relatively low methane yield were observed to have shorter fluid and particle mean retention times (MRT). Because the application of pilocarpine, a saliva stimulant, was successful in reducing retention times in ruminants in previous studies, we applied this substance to sheep, expecting a reduction in MRT and methane yield. Three non-pregnant sheep (74 +/- 10 kg) were fed a hay-only diet in a 3 x 3 Latin square design with oral doses of 0, 2.5 and 5 mg pilocarpine/kg body weight and day. Measurements included feed and water intake, MRT of liquid and particulate phases in the reticulorumen (RR) and total gastrointestinal tract (GIT), ruminal microbial yield (via urinary purine bases and metabolic faecal nitrogen), total tract methane emission, apparent nutrient digestibility and rumen fluid parameters. Data were investigated for linear and quadratic effects using orthogonal polynomial contrasts. The MRT of liquid and small particles in the RR and total GIT, and the short-chain fatty acid concentration in rumen fluid, linearly declined with increasing pilocarpine dosage, while no quadratic relationship was detected. Intake of feed DM and water, apparent nutrient digestibility, methane yield and microbial yield were not affected by pilocarpine. When combining the sheep data with that of a similar experiment in cattle, we found that the MRT of the liquid phase was positively associated with estimated NDF digestibility and with methane production per digested NDF, but was not associated with microbial yield or the ratio of acetate to propionate. The ratio between MRT of the particulate and the liquid phase was smaller for sheep than that for cattle, and was not affected by treatment. Differences in this ratio might explain why species reacted differently to the saliva-inducing agent, which might help to explain the discrepancy between species in the effect of induced saliva flow on digestive parameters., Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, ISSN:0931-2439, ISSN:1439-0396

Both in vitro and animal studies indicated that a higher dilution rate is related to a more efficient microbial synthesis and a lower methane (CH4) yield. The latter could be a consequence of the former, as an increase in microbial cell synthesis offers an alternative hydrogen sink competing with methanogenesis. To test this assumption in live animals, we applied a saliva stimulant, pilocarpine, to modify liquid flow rate in cattle. Four non-lactating cows (750 ± 71 kg) were fed forage only (restricted to constant intake) in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with oral doses of 0, 1, 2.5 and 5mg pilocarpine/kg body weight and day. We quantified feed and water intake, ruminal and total tract mean retention time (MRT) of solute and particle markers, ruminal microbial yield (via urinary purine bases or metabolic faecal nitrogen), CH4 emission, digestibility, chewing behaviour, reticular motility and rumen fluid parameters. The effect of induced saliva flow was evident by visibly increased salivation and water intake. Increasing the pilocarpine dosages resulted in a linearly decreased MRT of fluid and small particles (p, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 107 (3), ISSN:0931-2439, ISSN:1439-0396

1. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of dietary soluble non-starch polysaccharide (sNSP) level and xylanase supplementation on productive performance, viscosity and pH along the gastrointestinal tract in laying hens. Excreta moisture content, ileal and caecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) composition and apparent total tract nutrient utilisation were measured.2. Hyline Brown laying hens (n = 144) were housed individually at 25 weeks of age and allocated to one of the four wheat-based dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of two levels of sNSP (High 13.40 g/kg or Low 11.22 g/kg), with or without xylanase (0 or 12,000 BXU/kg). Birds were fed the dietary treatments for 56 d.3. Increasing dietary sNSP increased jejunum viscosity, degradability of total NSP, total tract flow of insoluble arabinose, and succinic acid concentration in the caeca (P 0.05). Feeding high sNSP decreased excreta moisture content, total tract energy retention and free oligosaccharide, total tract flow of soluble and insoluble galactose and insoluble rhamnose and fucose, and ileal acetic and lactic acid concentrations (P 0.05), and tended to reduce egg production (P = 0.058).4. Supplementation with xylanase resulted in reduced jejunum and ileum viscosity, caecal pH, excreta moisture, flow of soluble arabinose and glucose and insoluble arabinose and xylose, caecal concentration of

Gut health or intestinal health is frequently discussed without any clear definition as to its meaning. It is suggested that this should be defined as intestinal integrity and functionality as both are a pre-requisite for the health of the intestine itself and the host. The health of the intestine is dependent upon a successful evolution of the absorptive capacity of the intestine, which in turn is influenced by the co-evolution of the intestinal immune systems and the microbiota. Nutrient supply plays a significant role in this process and from the perspective of the microbiota this changes with age as the intestines and upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota become more effective in nutrient removal. Feed enzymes play a significant role in this process. Phytases can improve digestion of minerals, amino acids and energy and as a result reduce the availability of nutrients in the lower intestines for the microbiota. Protease can have a similar effect with amino acid supply. Non-starch polysaccharidases (NSPases) have a unique role in that they not only improve diet digestibility from the hosts perspective, thus limiting nutrient supply to the microbiota, but they also release soluble fragments of fibre from the insoluble matrix and/or depolymerize high molecular weight viscous fibre fractions in to smaller, more fermentable carbohydrate fractions. This results in a more favourable balance between fermentable carbohydrate to protein supply, a ratio which is deemed critical to maintaining good intestinal health. The dynamic nature of this complex evolution needs greater consideration if antibiotic free production is to succeed. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John WileySons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Backgroud Zinc is an essential catalytic element in human health system but its absorption in intestinal system could be strongly affected by the gastrointestinal digestion. In this study, the food-derived potential zinc carrier, scallop adductor hydrolysates (SAHs), was produced and characterized. Results During the temporary storage in 4°C, the SAH decreased in zinc-chelating capacity in aqueous phase whereas the SAH-Zn complex exhibited high stability. Moreover, the secondary structure of SAH had no significant alteration. Zinc morphologically altered the surface structures of SAH, which was involving in carboxyl group of SAH. Results of in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion suggested that the SAH-Zn maintained good stability in GI system and only proportion of high molecular weight cleaved. In addition, SAH could successfully carry and transport zinc while the fluorescence staining revealed free zinc accumulation inside the tissue. Finally, 3 representative absorbed peptides (around 600 Da) were identified and synthesized. Three synthetic peptides exhibit higher zinc-chelating capacity than SAH and could also successfully transported through the intestine. Conclusion This study provided a theoretical basis for the investigation of digestion and absorption of marine animal-derived peptides as zinc carriers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

In the present study, the oral bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) in earthworms and leeches was investigated through in vitro physiologically based extraction test (PBET) digestion/Caco2 and MDKC cell models. We are the first to create an innovative assessment strategy which has capacity to offer a more precise evaluation of Cd-associated health risks in traditional animal medicines (TAMs), by combinational usage of bioavailable Cd levels, the duration and frequency of the exposure to TAMs obtained by questionnaire data, as well as safety factor of TAMs. Our data showed that the percentage of bioavailability for Caco-2 cells in earthworms and leeches ranged from 3.29 to 14.17% and 4.32 to 12.61%, respectively. The percentage of bioavailability of MDCK cells in earthworms and leeches ranged from 4.83 to 15.74% and 6.53 to 15.04%, respectively. After adjusting by the bioavailability of Cd to target hazard quotient (THQ), excitingly, our findings manifested that the health risks induced by the ingestion of earthworms and leeches were acceptable in the clinic. Our key findings suggest that bioavailability characterization cannot be ruled out and health risks should be assessed on the basis of the bioavailable Cd levels rather than total levels. Our novel strategy provides insight into the bio-accumulation of Cd in organisms as well as a more realistic and accurate assessment of Cd-associated health risks in TAMs, with the main purpose of improving public health by scientifically using TAMs.

Background Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) oil is an excellent functional oil containing various unsaturated fatty acids, mainly composed of linolenic acid, which is believed to have a variety of beneficial physiological and functional properties. However, the conversion efficiency of linolenic acid in the human body is low, and the research on flaxseed oil lacks a systematic review and evaluation. Scope and approach This review summarizes the research progress of flaxseed oil in recent years, including the main components, extraction and analysis methods of flaxseed oil; the main biological activities of flaxseed oil and its digestion, absorption, bioavailability and application in food; existing problems, possible solutions and prospects for future research. Key findings and conclusions Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and other active ingredients, but the stability of ALA and its conversion to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in human body are very low. Improving the stability of ALA can promote its digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby playing a beneficial role. The establishment of fat emulsion delivery system is an effective way to improve the stability and bioavailability of flaxseed oil. This review could benefit comprehensive understanding the value of flaxseed oil and promote its nutrition research and commercial product development.

The unique structure of the stomach, including the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum, indicates the differences between the ruminant and monogastric animals in the digestion of nutrients. This difference is reflected in the majority of dietary nutrients that may be fermented in the rumen. Significant proteins and a certain amount of starch can flow to the small intestine apart from rumen. The initial phase of small intestinal digestion requires pancreatic digestive enzymes. In theory, the enzymatic digestion and utilization efficiency of starch in the small intestine are considerably higher than that in the rumen, but the starch digestibility in the small intestine is quite low in ruminants. Therefore, improving the digestion of nutrients, especially starch in the small intestine is more urgent for high-yield ruminants. Although the pancreas plays a central role in nutrient digestion, the progress of research investigating pancreatic exocrine regulation in the ruminant is slow due to some factors, such as the complex structure of the pancreas, the selection of experimental model and duration, and internal (hormones or ages) and external (diet) influences. The present review is based on the research findings of pancreatic exocrine regulation of dairy animals and expounded from the physiological structure of the ruminant pancreas, the factors affecting the digestion and exocrine processing of carbohydrates, and the regulatory mechanism governing this process. The review aims to better understand the characteristics of enzymatic digestion, thereby advancing pancreatic exocrine research and improving the digestion and utilization of nutrients in ruminants. Additionally, this review provides the theoretical basis for improving nutrient utilization efficiency, reducing wastage of feed resources, and promoting the efficient development of the dairy industry.

Distomum musculorum suis (DMS), the mesocercariae of Alaria alata, is typically found accidently during examination of wild boar meat for Trichinella spp. The aim of the study was to compare DMS detection methods. Briefly, 232 wild boar meat samples were tested by mesocercariae migration technique (AMT) as a reference method; of these, 104 were found to be positive. Selected positive samples were tested again with the three other methods: compressorium method (Compressor), digestion with magnetic stirrer (Digestion) and by modified digestion with Pancreatin® bile and pancreatic enzymes (D + P). The results were analyzed by logistic regression, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Of the 43 samples found positive by the AMT, 20 were found positive by Digestion and 25 by D + P. The Compressor identified DMS in seven of the 19 tested samples. The Digestion and D + P methods gave similar intensities (P = 0.506), i.e. 1.4 and 1.3 DMS respectively, but the AMT detected seven times higher number of parasites. The probability of detection of DMS in the meat sample by the Digestion or by D + P was higher than 0.5 when at least seven (Digestion) or five (D + P) DMS were present in the sample (AMT). The Compressor was the least sensitive method: at least 14 DMS must be present in the meat sample for detection. AMT should be considered the most accurate method of DMS detection.

Background The global obesity epidemic and increasing incidences of metabolic diseases have been correlated to increased consumption of fat, sugar, and salt. In response, many food scientists are developing food products with reduced levels of sugar, fat and/or salt. However, knowledge of composition-structure-property relationships of foods is critical to create high-quality products that are well accepted by consumers. Moreover, food processing may increase the digestion rates of nutrients by breaking down food structures, thereby making them more readily digestible and absorbable. Scope and approach This review provides an overview of the mechanisms and expected effects of using structural design approaches to reduce the levels or retard the digestibility of nutrients associated with negative health impacts (especially fats, carbohydrates and salt) in processed foods. Key findings and conclusions There are a number of design approaches that may be applied to food in order to make them less energy-dense or with reduced digestion rates of key nutrients, while not affecting much their sensory appeal to consumers.

The fungus Sporidiobolus pararoseus not only produces carotenoids, but also produces bioactive extracellular polysaccharides (SPP). However, the relationship between SPP and the metabolism of gut microbiome is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of SPP regulating intestinal health in vivo and in vitro. Results showed that SPP are nondigestible polysaccharides after the digestion with simulated stomach and small intestinal juice in vitro. After SPP was cultured in an in vitro intestinal simulation system for seven days, the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) increased; the microbial diversity changed; the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus increased; and that of Escherichia Shigella and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 decreased. In addition, metabolism of SPP by the mice colonic microbiome showed SPP decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota, while the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiota, Desulfobacterota, and Actinobacteriota increased. Finally, predicted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolism results also showed that SPP can enhance the metabolism of cofactors, vitamins, amino acids, starch, and sucrose. In conclusion, SPP can multiply the intestinal beneficial bacteria of humans and mice, promote the production of SCFAs and metabolism of amino acids, and promote intestinal health.

This study investigated the use of effective microorganisms (EM) to enhance cost-effective biogas purification at household-level application. It involved experimental setups for biogas purification in two different runs: 4 L activated EM and 1 L dormant EM by bubbling biogas through EM purification units. Biogas composition was analyzed using an industry-standard biogas analyzer. The results indicated that EM has the potential for biogas purification through a biological process, to remove H2S and CO2 by involving photosynthetic bacteria (Rhodopseudomonas palustris) in the presence of light. The raw biogas average composition was 62.2% CH4, 37.4% CO2 and 1359.3 ppm H2S. The 4L activated EM batch solution purified the raw biogas to 80.2% CH4, 19.5% CO2 and 786.1 ppm H2S. The corresponding purification efficiencies are 60% for CO2 and 49% for H2S. Purified biogas could be used by the household to cook for 1.82 h (85%) while raw biogas could cover only 55%. The designed biogas purification system can cost only Tshs 91,010/= and purify about 15,000 L of biogas at EM cost of Tshs 9,100/month. Key words: Biogas composition, photosynthetic bacteria, anaerobic digestion, biochemical processes, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, biological desulphurization.

Mustard seeds are used as a food, and spice due to their nutritive value, the presence of biologically active compounds, and specific taste. Its morphology was investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy before and after isolation by hydrodistillation and microwave assisted distillation. The chemical composition of volatile compounds in different mustard seeds (Brassica juncea L. and Brassica nigra L.) was determined using GC– MS, after applying various techniques (Clevenger hydrodistillation, microwave assisted distillation —MAD, and microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity— MHG). Allyl isothiocyanate, degradation product of allyl glucosinolate, was the main volatile compound in B. juncea essential oils and extract after all applied extraction techniques (91.07– 99.01%). Gastrointestinal stability of allyl isothiocyanate was determined employing two-phase digestion model (gastric and duodenal) by two methods (in vitro digestion method using commercial and ex vivo digestion method using human digestive enzymes). The stability rate of allyl isothiocyanate was higher after the gastric digestion phase by both methods. In B. nigra seeds but- 3-enyl and allyl isothiocyanate were the main compounds after Clevenger hydrodistillation (80.58% and 15.39%, respectively). After MAD, and MHG the main compounds were 4, 5- epithiopentanenitrile (50.70% and 59.93%, respectively), and 3, 4-epithiobutanenitrile (7.61% and 25.97%, respectively), originating from the same glucosinolates, i.e. but-3-enyl and allyl glucosinolate, respectively. Antiproliferative activity of mustard seed EOs and extracts was evaluated against human cancer cell lines (MDA-MB- 231 and TCCSUP). The best antiproliferative activity was shown for B. nigra MHG extract against MDA-MB-231 cell line with IC50 value of 9.1 µg/mL.

The effects of ultrasound combined with glycation (UCG) on the allergenicity and human microbial community of β-Lg during in vitro digestion were studied by ELISA, cell experiments, and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. UCG modification and subsequent digestion significantly reduced allergenicity. The decrease in the allergenicity of β-Lg depended not only on the low digestibility of glycated β-Lg, which led to the decrease of some peptides with complete immunogenicity, but also the masking effect of glycation on allergen epitopes of β-Lg. Meanwhile, UCG modification and subsequent digestion could alter the structures of intestinal microbiota and the community abundance at phylum, family, and genus levels, such as Bacteroidota, Fusobacteriota, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium. These results show that simulated in vitro digestion of modified β-Lg reduces allergenicity and alters human intestinal microbiota, which could provide a theoretical basis for studying the relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and cow's milk allergy.

While alimentary tract anatomy in many terrestrial herbivorous vertebrates is well documented, the digestive systems of marine herbivorous fishes are poorly characterised. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of four species of marine herbivorous fishes from northeastern New Zealand, butterfish Odax pullus (Labridae), marblefish Aplodactylus arctidens (Aplodactylidae), notch-head marblefish A. etheridgii (Aplodactylidae) and silver drummer Kyphosus sydneyanus (Kyphosidae), were examined using histology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to provide a detailed histological and ultrastructural description of gut anatomy. Gastric glands were distributed over rugae in the stomach of A. arctidens, A. etheridgii and K. sydneyanus. The luminal surface of the stomach of these three species was lined by columnar mucous cells, and oxynticopeptic cells lined the glands in the stomach. Villi were present along the length of the intestine in all four species. The anterior intestine had thin musculature, and was lined by absorptive cells with long microvilli and numerous small vesicles in the apical cytoplasm. The posterior intestine was lined by absorptive columnar cells with long microvilli, invaginations between microvilli with electron-dense membranes, and pinocytotic vesicles. Surface area generally decreased from the anterior to posterior intestine. Histological and ultrastructural results were consistent with lipid absorption occurring in the anterior GIT and protein absorption in the posterior GIT. The results of this study indicate clear differences in GIT structure among the study species, and digestion models based on chemical reactor theory were developed to characterise these differences.

The structural evolution of lotus starch (LS)-chlorogenic acid (CA) complexes was investigated after microwave-heating treatment, to reveal the relationship between the interactions of lotus starch and chlorogenic acid molecules, and the digestive properties of the starch, after microwave gelatinization. During the early stage of microwave gelatinization (65, 70 °C), CA was mainly participating in the rearrangement of starch molecules in a weakly-bound form, and at that stage, the LS-CA complex acted as an inhibitor of digestion, under small intestine conditions, mainly through the release of CA, which inhibited amylase. However, during the late stage of microwave gelatinization (85 °C), many chlorogenic acid molecules entered the hydrophobic helical cavity of the starch, promoting formation of the V-type starch helical structure in the LS-CA complex, which made a major contribution to inhibiting digestion under oral digestion conditions.

There is a comparative analysis of primary structures and catalytic properties of two recombinant endo-1,3-β-D-glucanases from marine bacteria Formosa agariphila KMM 3901 and previously reported F. algae KMM 3553. Both enzymes had the same molecular mass 61 kDa, temperature optimum 45 °C, and comparable ranges of thermal stability and Km. While the set of products of laminarin hydrolysis with endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. algae was stable of the reaction with pH 4-9, the pH stability of the products of laminarin hydrolysis with endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. agariphila varied at pH 5-6 for DP 2, at pH 4 and 7-8 for DP 5, and at pH 9 for DP 3. There were differences in modes of action of these enzymes on laminarin and 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucoside (Umb), indicating the presence of transglycosylating activity of endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. algae and its absence in endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. agariphila. While endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. algae produced transglycosylated laminarioligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization 2-10 (predominately 3-4), endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. agariphila did not catalyze transglycosylation in our lab parameters.

Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) synthesizes enzymes that degrade lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of Pleurotus ostreatus spent substrate (POSS) on whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, lignin monomers, and in vitro digestibility, as well as the performance of lactating goats fed corn silage treated with different levels of POSS. In experiment 1, 4 levels of lignocellulolytic enzymes were tested in a complete randomized design: 0, 10, 20, and 30 mg of lignocellulosic enzymes per kilogram of fresh matter, 4 replicates per treatment (vacuum-sealed bags). The bags were opened 60 d after ensiling. In experiment 2, corn silage treated with 3 enzyme levels (0, 10, or 30 mg/kg of fresh matter) was fed to lactating goats as part of the total mixed ration. Nine lactating Saanen goats (62.68 ± 7.62 kg BW; 44 ± 8 d in milk; 2.91 ± 0.81 kg of milk/day, mean ± SD) were assigned to three 3 × 3 Latin squares. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc.), and means were compared by linear and quadratic orthogonal contrast. In experiment 1, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, and cellulose quadratically decreased in the WPCS treated with POSS. At the nadir point, POSS decreased NDF by 14.1%, ADF by 19.5%, lignin by 9.07%, and cellulose by 22.1% compared with the untreated silage. Therefore, POSS led to a quadratic increase in in vitro dry matter digestibility of WPCS (+8.88% at the vertex) compared with the untreated silage. In experiment 2, POSS quadratically increased the in vivo total-tract ADF digestibility. Also, the concentration of polyphenols in the milk of goats linearly increased with the addition of POSS, and no differences were observed among treatments for milk yield and composition. In summary, adding 10 mg of lignocellulolytic enzymes from POSS per kilogram of fresh matter of whole-plant corn at ensiling had a more evident reduction in lignin and cellulose concentration, leading to greater in vitro digestibility, as well as greater in vivo ADF digestibility; however, milk yield was not different among treatments.

Background Shipworms are marine xylophagus bivalve molluscs, which can live on a diet solely of wood due to their ability to produce plant cell wall-degrading enzymes. Bacterial carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), synthesised by endosymbionts living in specialised shipworm cells called bacteriocytes and located in the animal’s gills, play an important role in wood digestion in shipworms. However, the main site of lignocellulose digestion within these wood-boring molluscs, which contains both endogenous lignocellulolytic enzymes and prokaryotic enzymes, is the caecum, and the mechanism by which bacterial enzymes reach the distant caecum lumen has remained so far mysterious. Here, we provide a characterisation of the path through which bacterial CAZymes produced in the gills of the shipworm Lyrodus pedicellatus reach the distant caecum to contribute to the digestion of wood. Results Through a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics, X-ray microtomography, electron microscopy studies and in vitro biochemical characterisation, we show that wood-digesting enzymes produced by symbiotic bacteria are localised not only in the gills, but also in the lumen of the food groove, a stream of mucus secreted by gill cells that carries food particles trapped by filter feeding to the mouth. Bacterial CAZymes are also present in the crystalline style and in the caecum of their shipworm host, suggesting a unique pathway by which enzymes involved in a symbiotic interaction are transported to their site of action. Finally, we characterise in vitro four new bacterial glycosyl hydrolases and a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase identified in our transcriptomic and proteomic analyses as some of the major bacterial enzymes involved in this unusual biological system. Conclusion Based on our data, we propose that bacteria and their enzymes are transported from the gills along the food groove to the shipworm’s mouth and digestive tract, where they aid in wood digestion.

The continuous trend for a narrowing margin between feed cost and milk prices across dairy farms in the United States highlights the need to improve and maintain feed efficiency. Yeast culture products are alternative supplements that have been evaluated in terms of milk performance and feed efficiency; however, less is known about their potential effects on altering rumen microbial populations and consequently rumen fermentation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of yeast culture supplementation on lactation performance, rumen fermentation profile, and abundance of major species of ruminal bacteria in lactating dairy cows. Forty mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows (121 ± 43 days in milk; mean ± standard deviation; 32 multiparous and 8 primiparous) were used in a randomized complete block design with a 7-d adaptation period followed by a 60-d treatment period. Cows were blocked by parity, days in milk, and previous lactation milk yield and assigned to a basal total mixed ration (TMR; 1.6 Mcal/kg of dry matter, 14.6% crude protein, 21.5% starch, and 38.4% neutral detergent fiber) plus 114 g/d of ground corn (CON; n = 20) or basal TMR plus 100 g/d of ground corn and 14 g/d of yeast culture (YC; n = 20; Culture Classic HD, Cellerate Yeast Solutions, Phibro Animal Health Corp.). Treatments were top-dressed over the TMR once a day. Cows were individually fed 1 × /d throughout the trial. Blood and rumen fluid samples were collected in a subset of cows (n = 10/treatment) at 0, 30, and 60 d of the treatment period. Rumen fluid sampled via esophageal tubing was analyzed for ammonia-N, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ruminal bacteria populations via quantitative PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal DNA genes. Milk yield was not affected by treatment effects. Energy balance was lower in YC cows than CON, which was partially explain by the trend for lower dry matter intake as % body weight in YC cows than CON. Cows fed YC had greater overall ruminal pH and greater total VFA (mM) at 60 d of treatment period. There was a contrasting greater molar proportion of isovalerate and lower acetate proportion in YC-fed cows compared with CON cows. Although the ruminal abundance of specific fiber-digesting bacteria, including Eubacterium ruminantium and Ruminococcus flavefaciens, was increased in YC cows, others such as Fibrobacter succinogenes were decreased. The abundance of amylolytic bacteria such as Ruminobacter amylophilus and Succinimonas amylolytica were decreased in YC cows than CON. Our results indicate that the yeast culture supplementation seems to promote some specific fiber-digesting bacteria while decreasing amylolytic bacteria, which might have partially promoted more neutral rumen pH, greater total VFA, and isovalerate.

The Sabalo, Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837), is one of 270 fish species in the Rio Parana system, and it comprises >50% of the fish biomass. Its diet is flocculant benthic biofilm comprised of algae, bacteria and non-living organic matter: a food resource apparently of little value to other fishes. Digestion and assimilation of key nutrients from its biofilm diet by P. lineatus were described and quantified in an attempt to discover how this species is so successful. The fish begin a feeding period with empty digestive tracts, accumulate food during the feeding period and then void the gut content at the end of the feeding period. Early in a feeding period, sand accumulates in the gizzard-like pyloric stomach where it serves as both a grinding medium and a sieve. After sufficient sand has been acquired, food particles passed from the pyloric stomach to the intestine are dramatically reduced in size to

In this study, striped catfish larvae were gradually exposed to the increase of different salinities, and then they reached the levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 psu after 10 days, followed by heat shock at 39 °C to determine stress tolerance. After the 10-day experiment, the survival rate of fish exposed to the 20 psu treatment was only 28.6 ± 4%, significantly lower than that of the other treatments. The results showed that the osmolality of the whole-body (WB) homogenate was gradually and significantly increased with salinity elevation, except in fish exposed to freshwater and 5 psu treatments, while there were no significant changes in WB Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Digestive enzymatic activities, i.e., pepsin, α-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, and leucine alanine peptidase (leu-ala) generally increased with salinity, but not aminopeptidase and trypsin. Lysozyme and peroxidase activities increased in fish larvae exposed to 15 and 20 psu. These increases proportionally improved growth performance, with the lowest and the highest final weights observed in fish reared at 0 psu (0.08 ± 0.03 g/larvae) and 20 psu (0.11 ± 0.02 g/larvae), respectively, although the average growth recorded at 20 psu could be biased by the high mortality in this group. Occurrence of skeleton deformities, such as in caudal vertebrae and branchiostegal rays, was significantly higher in fish exposed to the higher osmotic conditions (15.0 ± 1.2% and 10.3 ± 2.1% respectively at 0 psu vs. 31.0 ± 2.9% and 49.0 ± 5.6%, respectively at 15 psu). After the 12.5-h heat shock, survival rates significantly differed between treatments with the highest survival observed in fish submitted to 5 psu (68.9%), followed by those exposed to 0 (27%) and 10 (20%) while all fish died at 15 psu. These findings suggest that the striped catfish larvae could be reared in salinity up to 5 to 10 psu with a higher survival and tolerance to thermal stress when compared to fish maintained in freshwater.

Pomaces are food industry by-products and may serve as animal feed to increase sustainability of meat and milk production. The aim of the present study was to evaluate fermentation characteristics of dried fruit and vegetable pomaces in a short-term in vitro experiment using the Hohenheim Gas Test. A selection of six fruit (apple, aronia, orange, pomegranate, red, white grape) and three vegetable (beetroot, carrot, tomato) pomaces was tested in three concentrations (150, 300, 500 g kg(-1) of dry matter (DM)) as supplement to the basal diet (hay, used as control). Three runs were performed, using rumen fluid from one of three different rumen-cannulated cows in each run. Per run, each compound was tested in duplicate. After 24 h incubation, total gas production, methane and CO2 concentration, short-chain fatty acids, in vitro organic matter digestibility as well as microbial counts were determined. In addition, the pomaces' polyphenol content including the fractions non-tannin phenols, condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins were analysed. Most pomaces did not significantly affect rumen fermentation characteristics in any of the tested dosages and may thus be applied in ruminant nutrition without adverse effects. Aronia significantly decreased (-14.5%) the organic matter digestibility in the highest concentration whereas apple (+12%), carrot (+10%) and beetroot (+8%) increased gas formation related to digestible organic matter. The 500 g kg(-1) dosage of pomegranate significantly decreased methane formation by about 28% without impairing digestibility. Pomegranate was the only pomace of those high in total tannins that contained exceptionally high amounts of hydrolysable (90% of total tannins) and proportionally low amounts of condensed tannins (10% of total tannins), indicating that the hydrolysable tannins most likely reduced the methane production. Therefore, pomegranate pomace may be an interesting option for a methane mitigating feed supplement in ruminants and should be considered for following in vivo testing., Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 106 (5), ISSN:0931-2439, ISSN:1439-0396

The present study evaluated the effects of forage sources on dry matter (DM) intake, digestibility, and fermentation parameters in camels vs. sheep. The study was arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design by using two animal species (three ruminally cannulated female camels and three male sheep) and three forage sources. The forages were (1) alfalfa hay; 164 and 479 g/kg DM for crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), respectively, (2) berseem hay; 121 and 513 g/kg DM for CP and NDF, respectively, and (3) wheat straw (27.5 and 723 g/kg DM for CP and NDF, respectively). Higher DM intake [g/kg body weight (BW)] was noted in sheep compared to camel when alfalfa hay (p

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae is recognized worldwide as the most important bloodsucking ectoparasite in layer and breeder flocks. In bloodsucking ectoparasites, ferritins (FERs), the iron-storage proteins, play a pivotal role in dealing with the challenge of large amounts of released iron during the digestion of blood meal. However, no information is available concerning FERs of D. gallinae. The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics, functions and the vaccine efficacy of FERs in D. gallinae.Two heavy-chain FERs of D. gallinae were identified and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Dg-FER1 may be a secretory FER and Dg-FER2 an intracellular one. RNAi results demonstrated that Dg-fers play key roles in mite survival, successful reproduction and blood digestion. Immunization with rDg-FER1 or rDg-FER2 successfully induced chickens to produce high levels of antigen-specific IgY, resulting in a significant increase in mite mortality (by 58.67% on Day 5) and decreases in oviposition (by 42.15%) and fecundity (by 68.97%) in the rDg-FER1 group, and a 13.73% increase in mite mortality and a 20.89% decrease in fecundity in the rDg-FER1 group. The overall immunization efficacy of rDg-FER1 was 93.51%.Two Dg-FERs are crucial to the survival, reproduction and blood digestion of D. gallinae. This study has provided preliminary evidence demonstrating the potential of rDg-FER1 as a vaccine antigen for D. gallinae. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antibiotics are released into the environment as their global consumption increases. Uptake, accumulation, and metabolism of antibiotics by food crops is an emerging health concern as the associated risks of consuming food crops containing antibiotics are still largely unknown. This study investigated the fate of sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole, and their phytometabolites during in vitro digestion of the model plantArabidopsis thaliana. The amounts of parent antibiotics released during in vitro digestion were 4-5 times higher than those quantified in plant tissues prior to digestion, which was attributed to back transformation of the phytometabolites into the parent aglycones. These findings demonstrated that overlooking the proportions of phytometabolites in recent health risk assessment studies would considerably underestimate the realistic human exposure through consumption of contaminated food crops. New risk assessment frameworks are necessary to include these critical factors for comprehensively addressing human exposure to emerging contaminants through food chains.

According to Ayurveda food is one of the significant factors for health as well as source for diseases i.e., wholesome food is responsible for pleasure and unwholesome food is responsible for unhappiness. Alongside the quality of food, the quantity of food is also a lot of significant that how it is taken, on the grounds that food taken in ill-advised manner can prompt various diseases. Digestion of food is considered as one of the most important physiologic processes in our body to be of prime significance in conserving health. A nutritious eating regimen won't have the most extreme effect in promoting health unless the digestive capacity is optimal. Balanced Agni (digestive fire) is basic for appropriate digestion of food, for this reason the idea of Matravat ahara ought to be considered as portrayed in Trividhkukshiya viman adhyay. For proper digestion of food, it should be consumed in appropriate quantity as described in Trividh kukshiya adhyaya, where it is specifying that, stomach capacity is divided into 3 parts: One part of it is filled up with solid food, the second part with liquids and the third part is left for Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Thus, the good quality food taken in appropriate amount will nourish the tissue elements of the body along with mind and senses only when it is properly digested. This article aimed to signify importance of Trividh kukshiya matravata aahara for proper digestion.

This study identified sugarcane press mud (SPM)—a by-product of sugarcane industry—as a possible feedstuff for pig production. Crossbred (Landrace × Desi) piglets (n = 28) were randomly allocated to four similar dietary groups of seven (four females and three males) each. The resulting treatments were: control (T0) diet with no inclusion of sun-dried SPM (SSPM) and diets T1, T2 and T3 contained SSPM at a level of 5, 10 and 15%, respectively, partially replacing maize, de-oiled soya bean meal and wheat bran. Performance traits such as feed intake, nutrient digestibility, immune response and economics of feeding were recorded until attaining marketable body weight (BW) of 80 ± 5 kg. Isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated for three different stages of pigs based on BW like weaner (10–20 kg; 60–75 days), grower (20–50 kg; 76–135 days) and finisher (50–80 kg; 136–195 days). A 7-day digestion trial was conducted during the grower stage. Results demonstrated that intake and total tract digestibilities of all major nutrients did not differ across treatments, except crude fibre intake, which was greater (P

Wheat consumption can represent one of the nutritional factors involved in the onset of diabetes. We specifically investigated the potential diabetogenic effects of Hammurabi, a T. monococcum wheat cultivar, in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and analysed the levels of resistant starch in pasta manufactured with Hammurabi after in vitro gastroduodenal digestion. NOD mice were fed with Hammurabi, bread wheat or rice flour to evaluate diabetes incidence and insulitis score. An enzymatic method was applied to compare the content of resistant starch in Hammurabi pasta and durum wheat pasta (control). In NOD mice, the Hammurabi-based diet significantly delayed diabetes onset (p = 0.0042) and reduced insulitis score compared to rice or wheat-based diet. Furthermore, the resistant starch value following in vitro digestion of Hammurabi pasta was significantly higher (4.08%) than that of durum wheat pasta (2.28%). Taken together, these results highlighted the potential positive effects of the Hammurabi-based diet on diabetes incidence.

Starch is the most abundant glycemic carbohydrate in the human diet. Consumption of starch-rich food products that elicit high glycemic responses has been linked to the occurrence of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus type II. Understanding the structural features that govern starch digestibility is a prerequisite for developing strategies to mitigate any negative health implications it may have. Here, we review the aspects of the fine molecular structure that in native, gelatinized, and gelled/retrograded starch directly impact its digestibility and thus human health. We next provide an informed guidance for lowering its digestibility by using specific enzymes tailoring its molecular and three-dimensional supramolecular structure. We finally discuss in vivo studies of the glycemic responses to enzymatically modified starches and relevant food applications. Overall, structure-digestibility relationships provide opportunities for targeted modification of starch during food production and improving the nutritional profile of starchy foods.