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The EU market offers different types of milk, distinguished by origin, production method, processing technology, fat content, and other characteristics, which are often detailed on product labels. In this context, ensuring the authenticity of milk is crucial for maintaining standards and preventing fraud. Various food authenticity techniques have been employed to achieve this. Among them, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is valued for its non-destructive and rapid analysis capabilities. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a miniaturized NIR device combined with support vector machine (SVM) algorithms and LDA feature selection to discriminate between four commercial milk types: high-quality fresh milk, milk labeled as mountain product, extended shelf-life milk, and TSG hay milk. The results indicate that NIR spectroscopy can effectively classify milk based on the type of milk, relying on different production systems and heat treatments (pasteurization). This capability was greater in distinguishing high-quality mountain and hay milk from the other types, while resulting in less successful class assignment for extended shelf-life milk. This study demonstrated the potential of portable NIR spectroscopy for real-time and cost-effective milk authentication at the retail level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) coming from Italian production were purchased in the most important Italian wholesale fish market in different seasons. Biometrical parameters and chemical composition were investigated, with a particular focus on lipid quality and fatty acids (FAs) composition. Results showed a valuable nutritional profile independently by the season of production, represented by high protein and low-fat content, with the lipid portion represented by high amounts of beneficial FAs, particularly the long chain of the n-3 series. Some differences (p < 0.05) were found in carbohydrates and fat content of mussels edible tissues and in FAs profile of specimens collected in different seasons. The most favourable composition in terms of lipid quality was found in mussels collected during spring, corresponding to the moment of the year when mussels store energy reserves in the form of carbohydrates and fat (preparing for the spawning events) and when seawater is enriched in phytoplankton. The lipid health indices calculated (n6/n3, AI, TI) showed optimal values independently by the season of production. The outcomes obtained in this study could help supporting the appreciation of Mediterranean mussels as nutritional valuable seafood product, thus helping encouraging their consumption and promoting the appraisal of this farming sector essential for Italian aquaculture and related to low environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pilot study trial was performed on ready‐to‐drink beverages produced in a small‐scale dairy plant starting from Ricotta whey (scotta) with the addition of fruit puree and starter cultures. Microbiological shelf life was evaluated at 4 and 12 °C. At 4 °C, the product showed moderate total viable counts until the end of the trial (~5 log cfu/mL). Yeasts proved to be the specific spoilage microorganisms of the product. When applying a thermal abuse at 20 °C for 6 h, total viable count did not increase. The addition of fruit puree changed the volatile profile of the beverages compared to raw scotta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatty acid metabolism in fish is influenced by various factors, including fish species, water temperature, water environment and diet supply. The aim of present work is to investigate the fatty acid composition of yolk‐stage Siberian sturgeon larvae reared at three different temperatures. Fertilized Siberian sturgeon eggs were transferred to the Lodi Aquaculture Research Center of the University of Milan, divided in three aquaria, each containing three incubators and incubated at 16°C. After hatching the temperature was switched to 16, 19 and 22°C. Larvae sampling was performed at the end of yolk sac reabsorption. No feed was dispensed during the trial. Eggs and larvae were weighed and fatty acid profile was determined by GC‐FID analysis after lipid extraction by chloroform/methanol mixture and fatty acid transesterification by methanolic hydrogen chloride. The fertilized eggs had a weight of 23.27 mg and a lipid content of 2.67 mg/egg. At hatching, the weight was 12.2 (0.17 SD) mg and lipid content 1.9 (0.6 SD) mg/larva. At the end of the trial, larvae mean weight was 33.6 (3.6 SD), 34.7 (1.8 SD) and 36.9 (1.1 SD) mg, while lipid content was 2.0 (0.3 SD), 2.1 (0.3 SD) and 2.0 (0.2 SD) mg for larvae reared at 16, 19 and 22°C respectively, without statistically significant difference. Larvae subjected to the highest water temperature showed a faster yolk‐sac absorption. No differences were found across temperatures regarding survival rates and regarding ontogenic development. The fatty acid composition of larvae was affected by the temperature. Larvae reared at 16°C had the lowest amount of saturated fatty acids, mainly due to a lower palmitic acid content, that was offset by a higher level of linolenic and linoleic acid, if compared with larvae reared at 19°C and 22°C. The study suggests that at a lower temperature sturgeon spare unsaturated fatty acid consuming preferably saturated fatty acids, increasing our knowledge of the fatty acid metabolism in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research aimed to investigate the chemical changes and volatiles formation during processing and ripening of a traditional dry salted fish product prepared from landlocked shad ( Alosa fallax lacustris). Proximate and fatty acid composition, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values, color measurements and volatile compounds were determined in fresh fish and salted samples at 9, 40, 70 and 100 days of maturation. The fatty acid composition changed during ripening, with significant increase of saturated fatty acids and decrease of monounsaturated fatty acids. The total concentration of volatile compounds increased rapidly from fresh fish to dried product, with a maximum peak in correspondence to the drying step. The TBARS values increased from 0.76 μg/g in fresh fish to 10.95 μg/g in dry fish. Lipolytic and proteolytic reactions occurring in salted product, exacerbated by the presence of high amount of salt and ambient ripening temperature, contributed to the development of typical flavors. Practical Applications In Europe there is a growing interest in traditional fish products derived from local species and prepared with ancient recipes. Shad is one of the major species harvested in subalpine lakes and most of captured fish are traditionally subjected to an artisanal processing procedure, to give a dried fish product that is commercialized with the historic name of missoltino. This study describes the quality changes of prepared shad during processing and ripening. The appropriate combination of salt, drying and ripening conditions allows to obtain a product with optimal chemical and sensory properties. This study aims to provide the fish producers with improved criterions to traditional practices, in order to standardize the process and to obtain higher quality product for consumers. Moreover, these results represent a basis for product valorization and could contribute to a better consideration of the product on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pangasius hypophthalmus is one of the fish consumed in the Italian diet. It is farmed and imported from Mekong delta region of Vietnam. Among several types of Pangasius, Tra (Pangasius hypophthalmus) is permitted for sales by the European Union. Since these fish species are often allegedly substituted with other morphologically similar fish due to commercial benefits, authentication of the products in the international markets become often necessary to prevent fraud and safety issues. In addition, this fish is imported as fillets without skin and bone, thus leaving the consumer’s at the risk of buying a substandard nutritional food. In this article we present the molecular approach we developed to identify Pangasius hypophthalmus from other closely related species based on cytochrome oxidase-I (COI) mitochondrial barcoding gene and further described the variants in the studied population genetic of this species. Fifty-one samples of Pangasius hypophthalmus fillets labelled as Pangasio were obtained from various markets around Milan and their COI mitochondrial barcoding gene was sequenced and studied in our bioinformatics pipeline. All samples were successfully amplified and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool results of the amplified region confirmed that all sequences analysed belonged to Pangasius hypophthalmus. Based on the variations in their barcoding region single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified and delineative statistics was calculated on the sequences. Although Pangasius hypophthalmus is considered as a monophyly, seven polymorphisms were identified. The neighbour-joining tree and the Median-joining network of haplotypes showed for all the identified haplotypes a unique cluster, with the exception of one sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Parmigiano Reggiano is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) hard-cooked cheese made from raw milk that is ripened from 18 to over 24 months. Since the EU official protocol does not allow farmers to store the milk at the farm at a temperature lower than 18 °C, the conditions applied during storage strongly affect milk quality and suitability to cheese-making. At this temperature, the bacterial growth and the activity of proteolytic enzymes, responsible for milk alteration, cannot be inhibited. The aim of this research was to study the effect of storing milk at 9 °C, at the farm, on the chemical characteristics, proteolysis and organic acid profile of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese during ripening. The obtained results revealed lower fat and higher protein contents with respect to the cheese produced with milk stored at 20 °C. Regarding proteolysis, peptone nitrogen was the only parameter that significantly increased in the cheese produced with the milk stored at 9 °C. Despite of the statistical significance of the differences observed, they appeared as too small for changing the overall "typicality" of the cheese, and should be included within the ordinary range of variability of Parmigiano Reggiano. Parmigiano Reggiano is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese whose official production protocol provides that milk cannot be stored at less than 18 °C at the farm. The possibility of refrigerating milk at the farm is highly debated, since it should allow for the limiting of bacterial growth, thus improving the quality of the cheese. The present research aimed to study the influence of storing the milk at 9 °C on the chemical composition and proteolysis during the ripening of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The experimentation considered six cheese-making trials, in which both evening and morning milks were subdivided into two parts that were maintained at 9 and 20 °C. After Parmigiano Reggiano cheese-making, one of the twin wheels obtained was analyzed after 21 months of ripening. From each cheese, two different samples were taken, one from the inner zone, and the other from the outer zone. The results of the chemical analyses evidenced that milk storage at 9 °C significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced fat, crude protein, soluble nitrogen and peptone nitrogen contents. Nevertheless, the differences observed with respect to the cheese obtained with milk stored under standard condition were very small and should be considered within the "normal variations" of Parmigiano Reggiano chemical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wooden breast myopathy is a muscle abnormality resulting from the genetic improvement practiced by the poultry industry and which is widespread throughout the planet. Recent research has tried to unravel this myopathy for years and how the quality of the meat is affected, in search of its etiology and the solution to this problem. Unfortunately, the problems related to the myopathies of the affected birds will only be solved when the cause of the abnormality is in fact unveiled and controlled; in the meantime, it is up to us researchers to contribute scientifically to research on this type of meat that is fit for consumption but that, for often presenting non-standard appearance for sale in the form of whole fillets, is discarded. This study aimed to characterize the effects of wooden breast myopathy (WBM) on quality of broiler chicken breast meat. Normal samples (absence of myopathy), moderate-degree samples (hardness only in one area of the breast fillet) and severe-degree samples (hardness throughout the breast fillet) were classified. In macroscopic analysis, the pectoral muscle affected by the WBM showed, in general, pale color with stiff, irregular and reddish regions (suffusions and petechiae), with the presence of white striations. In microscopic analysis, the myopathy was characterized by loss of the polygonal aspect of the muscle fibers. Samples with moderate degree of the myopathy showed greater (p = 0.0266) water retention capacity. There was an increase (p = 0.004) in total collagen concentration in samples from the severe-degree group 0.29% in normal samples to 0.43% and 0.48% in samples from moderate- and severe-degree groups, respectively. Samples of chicken breast affected by the severe-degree WBM showed lower (p < 0.0001) myofibrillar fragmentation index (64.51) and lower (p = 0.0002) fat concentration (2.17%) than normal chicken samples (80.45 and 3.79%, respectively). Samples affected by WBM are larger and heavier and present poorer physical quality when compared to normal chicken meat. Histologically it is possible to observe loss of the polygonal aspect of muscle fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In a value chain, matching supply and demand is needed. Indeed, both vary widely in space and time. The first method of approaching this issue is homogenizing the supply of meat production. It depends on the possibility for farmers to limit the variability in biological processes by improving production conditions. Other marketing strategies are based on the management of animal heterogeneity. In these situations, farmers market a range of products and deal with several market channels. The technical processes used in sheep farming systems are elaborate and difficult to control. The result is a certain heterogeneity in marketed lambs. The aim of this study was to understand how farmers use their practices and modes of marketing to manage and exploit this heterogeneity. We analyzed livestock farming systems in Languedoc-Roussillon (South of France) through eight case studies. We characterize the heterogeneity of lambs during their growth and sale and how the farmers cope with this. Our analysis shows how this heterogeneity, whether intentionally created or merely endured, can be used to invest in different marketing chains. Heterogeneity not only offers adaptable farmers marketing opportunities, but also a method of managing production risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Studies of the meat quality of modern birds and their respective myopathies are important to clarify the influence of these on the meat quality of the animals. The constant genetic evolution that birds have undergone is the most plausible cause for the onset of Wooden Breast Myopathy. The processing of byproducts, such as sausages, represents an alternative to avoid the losses that this myopathy generates to the poultry industry due to discards of chickens affected by different degrees of wooden breast myopathy. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of storage on the quality of sausages made with breast from chickens affected by wooden breast myopathy (WBM). Breast samples from male broilers slaughtered at 48 days old were used. Normal (absence of myopathy), moderate degree (hardness only in one region of the breast) and severe degree samples (hardness over the entire length of the breast) were processed into sausages and evaluated prior to storage and after being vacuum-packed and stored for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days at 4 °C. There was a decrease (p < 0.001) in pH and an increase (p < 0.001) in cooking weight loss in samples of sausages, regardless of the myopathy, after 28 days of storage. Sausages produced with chicken breast samples affected by wooden breast myopathy presented higher (p < 0.0001) moisture concentration (72% for the severe degree) and higher (p = 0.0224) protein concentration (17.27% and 17.36%, respectively, for the moderate and severe degrees) than sausages made of normal samples (70.72% and 14.32%, respectively). The results indicate that sausages produced with meat from birds moderately and severely affected by the myopathy show higher oxidative stability. Fresh sausages produced with breast meat from birds affected by wooden breast syndrome may be stored (4 °C) for up to 28 days without exhibiting the characteristic rancid taste and smell. In sensory analysis, no differences were observed between the formulations, which suggests that the consumers approved the samples regardless of the disease severity in the meat used for the making of the sausages. The current results show that chicken meat affected by wooden breast myopathy can be used for producing fresh sausages in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Residue produced by the extraction of anthocyanin from black rice and purple corn contains anthocyanins and phenolic acids. Several researchers have found that anthocyanins and phenolic acids have antioxidant functions in animals. Moreover, black rice and purple extracts have been reported as antioxidants in meat and meat products. However, the effects of anthocyanin-extracted residue (AER) from black rice and purple corn as animal feed on the fatty acid profile and oxidation of meat are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the inclusion level of AER in cattle diet on meat fatty acids' profile and meat oxidation during storage. Our results showed that AER in cattle diet reduced the oxidation of lipid and protein of meat and had better red color stability during storage. In addition, it could improve concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In summary, AER in the feed of cattle could reduce meat oxidation leading to the extension of the shelf life of meat. Moreover, meat from cattle-fed AER had higher n-3 PUFA, which indicates healthier meat for consumers. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of anthocyanin-extracted residue (AER) in the diet of cattle on meat oxidation during storage and on the fatty acid profiles of the meat. Sixteen male dairy cattle (average body weight 160 ± 10.6 kg) were allotted to feed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four levels of AER supplementation, 0, 20, 40, and 60 g/kg dry matter (DM) in the total mixed ration (TMR). These TMR diets were fed ad libitum to the cattle throughout the trial. At the end of the feeding trial (125 days), all cattle were slaughtered and meat samples from the Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were collected to assess meat oxidation and fatty acid profile. The antioxidant effect of AER on meat oxidation was investigated during 14 days of storage based on color, myoglobin redox forms, lipid, and protein oxidation. The results showed meat from cattle fed AER had better color stability, lower oxidation of lipid, protein and myoglobin than did meat from cattle fed the control diet (0 g/kg AER). Furthermore, fatty acid profiles were affected by AER supplementation with an increase in the concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These results support the inclusion of AER supplementation as a natural antioxidant in cattle to reduce meat oxidation and increase PUFA in meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]