Search

Sensory characteristics evaluation (appearance, colour, smell, taste, texture) represents the most important criterion in the purchase decision of meat products. The aim of the study was to produce and sensory evaluate seven batches of pork meat sausages (control, sausages+chokeberry powder in concentration of 1.2%, 2.5%, 5% and sausages+blueberry in concentration of 1.2%, 2.5%, 5%). The plant-based powders were added to improve shelf-life of the products and the sensorial assessment was used to choose the best concentration in terms of consumers' acceptance. The evaluation involved completing an acceptability questionnaire using a 9-point hedonic scale, an acceptability test with scores on the general attributes of appearance, texture, aroma, taste, overall quality. The most favourable responses were recorded for the sausages with 2.5% chokeberry, followed by the sausages with 1.2% chokeberry. As an important feature, it is the colour change, appreciated by consumers. The most unfavourable responses were received following the evaluation of the sausage samples with 5% blueberry extract which gave a sweet taste uncharacteristic of meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over time, meat has played an essential role in human evolution and is an important component of a healthy and balanced diet, a fact due to the nutritional richness that varies depending on a number of factors. Pre-slaughter stress is a crucial factor in meat quality and safety. Animals intended for slaughter are stressed by a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors. Slaughter is a complex process, and there is clear evidence in the literature, that pre-slaughter stress is harmful to the meat quality. Therefore, the purpose of stunning is to render animals unconscious during bleeding, without causing pain or stress. In some countries, cattle are slaughtered by a religious method, without stunning, namely the halal slaughter practiced by Muslims and the kosher slaughter practiced by Jews. The study was carried out during 2020-2022, on two batches of conventionally slaughtered cattle (with stunning), on one batch of halal slaughtered cattle (without stunning and on one batch of traditionally slaughtered cattle (without stunning). Within the slaughterhouses, the technological flow of slaughtering cattle was followed and blood samples were collected in order to extract serum and dose cortisol. Cortisol was dosed in a specialized laboratory using the immunoenzymatic method with chemiluminescence detection. Comparing the analyzed batches, it can be seen that higher average values of the cortisol level were recorded in the batches slaughtered in the traditional halal system, compared to the conventionally slaughtered batches. The values recorded for all four batches, exceed the reference range of 0.47-0.75 μg/dL. Excessive handling of cattle induces their stress, therefore special attention must be paid to the rest period before slaughter, to physiologically rebalance the body, but also to the slaughtering process, to minimize stress levels and ultimately improve meat quality obtained, because it has been shown that there is a direct correlation between the quality of the meat and the way the animals are slaughtered, more precisely with stunning or without stunning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As of recent times, consumers are starting to be more and more aware of the impact nutrition has over their health. The present study is based on the use of antioxidants and their consumption through meat products. In this sense, the study focused on using a survey to evaluate the consumers' understanding of what antioxidants are and their potential health benefits, their perceptions of the taste and quality of meat products that contain antioxidants, as well as their willingness to purchase such products. The survey showed that most consumers are aware of the potential harmful effect of long-time consumption of synthetic antioxidants. The surveyed people also stated that they consume meat and meat products almost on a daily basis; however most stated that they would not repurchase a meat product if the used natural antioxidant would cause changes in the product's colour and taste. As shown in the study, research methods such as surveys can provide valuable insights into consumers' attitudes and purchasing habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study of trace elements and macrominerals in pork can provide valuable information about how the safety and nutritional level of the meat is affected by the cooking method. This study aimed to assess the effects of three cooking methods (roasting, boiling, and microwaving) on the mineral composition of pig leg. In this study, minerals' concentration in raw and cooked pork samples were determined by ICP-OES. Roasting, boiling, and microwaving can lead to different effects on the minerals and the toxins present in the meat. The studied cooking methods influenced the mineral composition and nutritional value in cooked pig leg samples compared to raw ones, with impact on the minerals’ intake. Generally, macromineral levels increased in cooked pork samples and trace elements decreased, with roasting improving the mineral nutritional value of pig leg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All animals reared for meat will experience a level of stress prior to slaughter, which will manifest itself in negative effects on meat quality. The purpose of this research is to find out the level of stress of the animals, at the moment of slaughter, by measuring the cortisol in the serum, as an indirect method of evaluating the quality of the meat. The study was carried out between March and October 2021, on three batches of sheep. Batch 1 was slaughtered conventionally (with stunning), batch 2 was slaughtered traditionally (without stunning) and batch 3 was slaughtered halal (without stunning).). Blood samples were collected from the bleeding wound, and cortisol was dosed in a specialized laboratory by the immunoenzymatic method with chemiluminescence detection. Comparing the analyzed batches, it can be seen that higher average values of the cortisol level were recorded in the batch slaughtered in the halal system, followed by the batch slaughtered in the conventional system and then by the one slaughtered in the traditional system, which obtained the lowest values. The quality of the meat is directly influenced by the way the animals are slaughtered and by the stress during slaughtering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the administration of nutritional supplements on the quantity and quality of goat's milk. For this purpose, homogeneous groups of goats from the Carpathian breed, in the middle of the lactation period (n = 10), were created, to whom were administered in food, experimentally: hemp seeds (group 2), hemp seeds and mineral supplement (group 3), flax seeds (group 4), flax seeds and mineral supplement (group 5). Milk production and milk protein and fat percentages were monitored for 20 days, and the results obtained were compared with those of the control group (group 1). The obtained results showed that in terms of milk production, there were significant increases (p<0.05) between the control group and the experimental groups (with 6.95% for group 3 and by 5.42% for group 5). Regarding the percentage of proteins, significant increases were observed in the case of groups 3 (6.06%) and group 5 (9.09%). Regarding the percentage of fat, it increased in the case of all experimental groups, the increases being 4.65% (p<0.05) for group 2, 11.62% (p<0.01) for group 3, 6.97% (p<0.05) for group 4, and 9.30% (p<0.01) for group 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient breeding of dairy goats depends on the quality of the breeds and the number of high-producing animals, but it also depends to a large extent on the fertility of the goats, their ability to reproduce offspring with normal reproductive functions. Although goat research worldwide is older and more developed than in Romania, information on this species has been limited for a long time, as most research institutes have presented their results jointly for small ruminants, especially sheep and goats. Artificial insemination (AI) is an assisted reproductive technology that involves the manual placement of semen into the female's reproductive tract through means other than natural mating. This method facilitates the meeting of gametes, namely sperm and oocytes, resulting in the formation of offspring. The conventional method for artificial insemination (AI) in sheep and goats in Romania involves the use of fresh or chilled semen, which has provided satisfactory fertility outcomes. The implementation of genetic enhancement techniques and the utilization of imported semen that meets safety standards, necessitating the use of cryopreservation, have the potential to significantly improve milk yield. The objective of this study was to examine the dynamics of artificial insemination (AI) in goats within Romania and to generate a short-term forecast regarding the utilization of this biotechnology in the country's farming conditions. The analysis of the forecast data indicates a positive trajectory in the quantity of AI within the time frame of 2022 to 2026. Specifically, it is anticipated that the number of AI will rise from 2956 in 2023 to 3603 in 2026, signifying an approximate 18% increase. The upper confidence limit suggests that the range of AI could potentially reach between 4310 in 2023 and 6311 in 2026. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research paper was to evaluate the main electrocardiogram parameters in goat. The electrocardiograms were performed on a batch of 20 Carpathian goats, using the Dubois lead system. By analysing the results obtained, we concluded that, using the Dubois lead system, the best method of performing the electrocardiogram in goats is using lead II, the amplitude values being 0.117 mV for the P wave, 0.310 mV for the ventricular complex and 0.386 mV for the T wave, while lead I is not suitable for the EKG exam in this species, due to the extremely low waves’ amplitude, resulting in an almost obscure recording. Regarding the duration of the electrocardiographic waves, the values obtained were 0.048±0.016 seconds for the P wave, 0.046±0.014 seconds for the QRS complex and 0.088±0.016 seconds for the T wave. As for the segments and intervals, the durations obtained were 0.062±0.020 seconds for the P-R segment, 0.246±0.014 seconds for the Q-T interval, 0.384±0.037 seconds for the P-T interval and 0.096±0.020 seconds for the T-P segment. The heart rate, electrographically calculated, was 128.5 bpm ± 12.215. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we would like to observe the dynamics of the red blood cell series of chickens, during their growth and development. Research has taken place on two groups made out of 10 chickens: one group (named group 1) containing an industrial hybrid (Cobb 500), and one group (named group 2) containing common breed chicken. The haematological determination has been made at the age of 14, 45 and 75 days. The results obtained showed that at 45 days, the mean corpuscular haemoglobin presented a significant difference (p<0.05), higher with 6.26% than the chicken in the group 2. Regarding the determination made at the age of 75 days, we have found a significant increase (p<0.05) between the two groups regarding: the red blood cells number (with 18.43% higher than the group 2), the haematocrit value (with 7.64% higher than the group 2), the haemoglobin concentration (with 16.6% in favour of the group 2). Regarding the mean corpuscular volume, it presented a significant increase (with 8.64% higher than the group 1). During the experiment, the concentration of mean corpuscular haemoglobin didn't present any significant changes (p>0.05), the results of this parameter falling within the physiological values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butter is the dairy product obtained by processing cream. It is a food rich in nutrients and is characterized by a very high digestibility. In the study carried out in a dairy products processing unit, located in the south of Romania, the technological flow of obtaining different types of butter, as well as their physico-chemical characteristics were followed. Laboratory determinations were carried out regarding the freshness of the butter (organoleptic examination, acidity determination, Kreiss reaction etc.). At the same time, a questionnaire was carried out in which 170 people participated, regarding the consumption of butter, a study performed through the Google forms platform. Following the determination of the acidity of the fresh, refrigerated and frozen butter samples, values below the maximum allowed limit were recorded, all samples being considered compliant, and the butter samples stored at temperatures higher than 4oC exceeded the maximum allowed value from the first days of the deviations temperature, being classified as noncompliant products. This aspect highlights the importance of respecting the storage conditions recommended by the manufacturers. Following the opinion poll on butter consumption, 71.2% confirmed the preference to consume butter in the morning. For most participants, the producing company is the determining factor in the choice of butter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Author(s): Drosophila 12 Genomes Consortium; Project Leaders; Andrew G. Clark (corresponding author) [1]; Michael B. Eisen (corresponding author) [2, 3]; Douglas R. Smith (corresponding author) [4]; Casey M. Bergman (corresponding [...]

Author(s): Tarjei S. Mikkelsen (corresponding author) [1, 2]; Matthew J. Wakefield [3]; Bronwen Aken [4]; Chris T. Amemiya [5]; Jean L. Chang [1]; Shannon Duke [6]; Manuel Garber [1]; Andrew [...]

Immunomodulation is an important alternative in combating many diseases, being considered a potential weapon in the fight against pathological entities that cause major economic losses in pig herds. Levamisole, in addition to its anthelmintic effect, has also an immunostimulatory effect, for which it has also been used as a vaccine adjuvant. The aim of the research was to evaluate the non-specific immune response in modern techniques in pigs given levamisole. The results showed significant differences in the case of the ratio of lymphocyte subpopulations, there was an increasing trend in favor of T lymphocytes (with 10.44%), and the % of T lymphocytes blastic transformation (with 56%). Also, we observed a significant increase of the LTh/LTs ratio (with 65.92%) which supports the immunomodulatory potential of the levamisole and its involvement on the coordination of immune processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food fortification has a long history of use in industrialized countries for the successful control of deficiencies of vitamins A and D, several B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin and niacin), iodine and iron. Micronutrient malnutrition has many adverse effects on human health, not all of them being clinically evident. Even moderate levels of deficiency (which can be detected by biochemical or clinical measurements) can have serious harmful effects on the human body. Globally, the three most common forms of micronutrient malnutrition are iron, vitamin A and iodine deficiencies. Together, they affect at least a third of the world’s population, most of whom are in developing countries. Of the three, iron deficiency is the most common. Controlling vitamin and mineral deficiencies is an essential part of the effort to combat hunger and malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitigation of cold-start emissions involves the development of passive NOx adsorbers (PNA) systems that store NOx at low temperature, being designed to release the trapped NOx at higher temperatures, where downstream NOx reduction catalysts are efficient. Pd-based zeolites (BEA, SSZ-13) with different SAR (Si-to-Al ratio) were used for PNA investigation, and Pd/Ce/Al2O3 catalyst was used as a reference for comparison. In this study, NOx adsorption is investigated at low temperature (80 °C) and it is released during a temperature ramp (to 400 °C) under various gas feed composition. Moreover, detailed characterization was performed using BET, XRD, XPS, TPO, STEM and ICP-SFMS and the stored NO species was studied using in-situ DRIFTS. The addition of CO to the storage mixture resulted in that for Pd/zeolites with low and medium SAR the binding energy for NO was increased. In addition, NO was stored in larger quantities, especially for the Pd/SSZ-13 samples. However, for Pd/BEA (SAR = 300) no such stable NO species was formed and for Pd/Ce/Al2O3 the CO addition was even negative. Moreover, in-situ NO DRIFTS showed that there was large amount of nitrosyls on ionic palladium for the Pd/zeolites with low and medium SAR, indicating that a significant fraction of the palladium was in ion-exchanged positions, while this peak was small for the Pd/BEA (SAR = 300) and non-existing for Pd/Ce/Al2O3. Thus, CO addition is beneficial for Pd species that are in ion-exchanged positions, but this is not the case for Pd particles and this can explain the observations that CO is only beneficial for Pd/zeolites with low and medium SAR. Moreover, experiments with similar SAR [Pd/BEA (SAR = 25) and Pd/SSZ-13 (SAR = 24)], showed that there is larger stability of the stored NOx in the small pore Pd/SSZ-13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]