Search Results (1,927)

Curcuma longa powder was prepared by refractance window drying (RWD) and was fortified. Fortification of dried turmeric powder with folic acid and NaFeEDTA, along with its characterization, was achieved. Characterization techniques, such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, FESEM, and particle size analysis, have been considered to study the morphological, thermal, and crystalline properties of the resulting fortified turmeric. In vitro digestion studies were carried out to determine the retention of nutrients after fortification. The RW-dried and fortified turmeric powder exhibited a stable average particle size and PDI values in the range of 1500–1600 nm, for 0.25–0.29, respectively. The fortified turmeric powder exhibited enhanced crystalline properties with sharp and high intensity peaks for NaFeEDTA-fortified turmeric powder. In vitro digestion studies affirmed the bio-accessibility of the novel fortified turmeric powder at 9.77 mg/100 g and 12.74 mg/100 g for folic acid and NaFeEDTA fortification cases, respectively. Thus, the findings confirmed that there was no significant influence of fortification on the characteristics of folic acid and the NaFeEDTA-fortified RW-dried turmeric powder product. Full article

Environmental problems caused by the intensive carbon emissions from food processing wastewater (FPW) treatment using traditional technologies are promoting innovations in carbon sequestration. In traditional models, plant-based carbon sequestration is challenged by low carbon fixation rates and low profitability. Microalgae-based carbon sequestration in FPW treatment has recently gained considerable interest. In this novel model, anaerobic digestion is employed to pretreat FPW, increasing the digestibility of wastewater-borne organics, and microalgae biofilm is used to recover nutrients from FPW for high-value biomass production. Moreover, biomass with high protein content and immunomodulatory effects is further exploited as feedstock for aquafeed production. With the application of this concept, pollutants in FPW are converted into nutritious biomass, and the carbon emissions associated with FPW treatment are reduced. In this review study, the innovative concept of microalgae-based carbon sequestration is introduced, and research progress in the fields of FPW pretreatment, microalgae biofilm, and biomass valorization is summarized. In addition, an in-depth discussion of the current problems that hinder the industrial application of microalgae-based carbon sequestration in FPW treatment is provided. Finally, the establishment of an industrial chain based on this promising concept to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality in wastewater treatment is discussed. Full article

It is generally recognized that clovers represent a major nutrient used in ruminants’ diets due to their composition, which is high in protein content and low in fiber content. Investigating the nutritional quality of red and white clover genotypes, and classifying the genetic materials according to their primary quality attributes were the main goals of the current study. During a two-year experiment, we assessed their performance stability. Twelve red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and twelve white clover (Trifolium repens L.) genetic materials were cultivated in a randomized complete block experimental design. Crude protein (CP%), acid detergent fiber (ADF%) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF%) concentrations were measured, and the relative feed value (RFV) was calculated using the estimates of digestible dry matter (DDM%) and potential dry matter intake (DMI% of body weight) of the forage. The average CP% content for white clover varied between 17.18% (REP-4) and 20.55% (REP-9) during the two years of testing. Regarding the red clover, the populations PRA-4, PRA-3, PRA-5, and PRA-10 exhibited the highest CP% content (19.98%) and the lowest ADF% (less than 29%). Although the variation was stable across the years, the profile of this variation of CP, ADF, and NDF for each clover species differs. The CP% was related negatively to ADF% and thus positively to DDM in both species but not with the same allocation, forming different clusters. PRA-3 and PRA-4 for the red clover and REP-5 for the white clover genetic materials exhibited characteristics belonging to the other species studied regarding their content in protein and fiber. Because of their relationship, CP and DDM could be improved simultaneously by breeders. This study revealed that ROZETA and PRA-4 were more stable genetic materials in red clover, and GRASSLANDS HUIA, RIVENDEL, and REP-5 in white clover. Full article

Experiments were designed to investigate the effect of extrusion on the available energy and nutrient digestibility of wheat, and to further evaluate the effects of incorporating extruded wheat into the diet on growth performance, diarrhea rates, health status, and fecal microbiota of weaned piglets. In Exp. 1, twelve crossbred barrows, with an initial body weight (BW) of 12.0 ± 0.73 kg, were randomly assigned to two treatment groups (wheat and extruded wheat) to determine the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME). Additionally, nine crossbred barrows (initial BW, 13.73 ± 0.59 kg) fitted with ileal cannulas, were arranged in a 9 × 2 Youden square design, including three diets (N-free diet, wheat, and extruded wheat), aiming to measure the standard ileal digestibility of amino acids (AAs). In Exp. 2, 96 pigs (initial BW, 8.58 ± 0.52 kg) were randomly divided into two treatments (CON and 35% extruded wheat) based on BW, with each treatment having six pens, each pen containing four boars and four sows. The results indicated that extrusion significantly increased the DE and ME of wheat and the standard ileal digestibility of most AAs (p < 0.05). Incorporating 35% extruded wheat did not affect the growth performance, diarrhea rates, nutrient digestibility, or health status of the weaned piglets (p > 0.05). However, it tended to enhance the α-diversity of fecal microbiota (p = 0.07) and increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (p < 0.05). In conclusion, extrusion increased the feeding value of wheat, and the inclusion of 35% extruded wheat in the diet increased the relative abundance of beneficial microbes in feces. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate alkali-treated spent mushroom substrate (Pleurotus eryngii SMS) combined with condensed molasses solubles (CMS) as an alternative forage source for ruminants via in vitro fermentation. Pleurotus eryngii SMS was treated with different chemicals, including NaOH (at 5% in DM of SMS), H₂O₂ (at 3.5% in DM of SMS), and AHP (at 5% NaOH + 3.5% H₂O₂ in DM of SMS) to improve its fiber structure and digestibility. The NaOH and AHP treatments significantly increased the total gas production and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration and improved digestibility by about 1.5 to 1.8 times. CMS supplementation led to a 21% increase in microbial protein (MCP) synthesis in the NaOH treatment group. A replacement experiment involving a total mixed-ration diet indicated that CMS supplementation increased gas production while reducing dry matter digestibility in the NaOH treatment group. The AHP treatment group performed best at all substitution rates, particularly in digestibility and MCP synthesis. These results suggest that alkali treatment and CMS could improve the nutrient utilization efficiency of Pleurotus eryngii SMS, providing a feasible solution for the resource utilization of agricultural waste. Full article

Aquaculture wastewater treatment not only assists in alleviating the scarcity of clean water for daily usage and environmental pollution, but also generates valuable byproducts. This paper aims to review the generation of wastewater from the aquaculture sector, its characteristics, and available treatment technologies, while comprehensively discussing the adoption of a biocircular economy approach through waste valorization. With rich nutrients, such as nitrogenous compounds, and the presence of phosphorus in the aquaculture effluent, these aspects could be explored and valorized into biofertilizers, broadening their application in aquaponics and hydroponics, as well as in algae and daphnid cultivation. Biofertilizer can also be used in agriculture because it contains essential elements needed by plants. Thus, methods of converting nutrients into biofertilizers in terms of sludge recovery can be accomplished via anaerobic and aerobic digestion, drying, composting, and vermicomposting. Moving forward, aquaculture effluent recovery is addressed under the biocircular economy by re-engaging aquaculture wastewater effluents into the production cycle. The enhancement of aquaculture effluents and biomass for uses such as aquaponics, hydroponics, algae cultivation, daphnid co-cultivation, and biofertilizers presents valuable opportunities for nutrient recovery while ensuring that non-toxic wastewater can be safely discharged into external water bodies. This approach has the potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment in aquaculture, shifting the economic model of wastewater management from a linear system to a circular, more sustainable one. Full article

Pseudocereals have gained attention due to their adaptability to different climates, high nutritional value, and suitability for gluten-free and plant-based diets. However, a challenge lies in the necessary adaptations in the diet pathways, mainly due to the lack of matrix-matching metrological tools. To address this problem, we developed a classification system to support laboratory decisions without shaped Proficiency Testing (PT) or Certified/Standard References Material. This system evaluates method performance through limit of detection (LOD), maximum uncertainty, and statistical comparison. For that matter, the mineral contents (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Mg, P, Ca, K, and Na) of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) were determined, using three different digestion methods, including dry-ashing, microwave, and graphite block acid digestion. A decision was reached concerning the optimal digestion method to be employed, with the results classified into three categories: (i) “rejected if results failed in two categories; (ii) “use with caution” if results were not satisfactory in one category; or (iii) “accepted”, if the results passed in all the categories. The system efficacy was exemplified by the effectiveness of dry-ashing and graphite block acid digestion by comparison with microwave digestion. Neither dry-ashing nor graphite block acid digestion can be recommended as an alternative method to the microwave digestion method when all the prioritized nutrient minerals are understudied. Although the microwave method is preferable for multi-elemental analysis, it is possible to obtain, with caution, comparable results from all the digestion methods if a higher relative combined uncertainty is defined (target uncertainty < 11%) under the assumption that this is suitable for the study. Full article

The up-flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor is a high-efficiency system capable of carrying out anaerobic digestion with shorter hydraulic retention times than traditional anaerobic digesters. This review highlights recent advancements in UASB reactor applications and key aspects such as microbial community dynamics and reactor hydrodynamics that could drive future developments. More specifically, this review evaluates the working principles of UASB reactors, explores strategies to optimize reactor efficiency, and examines technological advancements aimed at overcoming temperature constraints, managing emerging pollutants and micropollutants, and addressing scum accumulation, odor emission, and nutrient recycling challenges. Furthermore, it addresses concerns about the lack of a skilled workforce and energy loss in biomethane. The UASB reactor demonstrates high potential for enhancing global wastewater management while holding the promises of enhancing circular economic objectives, promoting efficient biogas utilization, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Full article

Pseudoalteromonas species are recognized for their probiotic roles in reducing pathogens in aquaculture products by secreting a broad range of antimicrobial compounds. Some species, like P. piscicida, are also predators that attack susceptible prey bacteria, including V. parahaemolyticus, by transferring outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) containing digestive compounds to the surface of their prey. These vesicles digest holes in the prey’s cell wall releasing nutrients upon which the Pseudoalteromonas feed. In the present study, scanning electron microscopy was performed on two P. piscicida strains grown in sterile seawater and nutrient-enriched seawater, without the presence of bacterial prey, to determine if the presence of prey or low-nutrient media was required to induce vesicle formation. Micrographs revealed OMV formation and high pleomorphism of P. piscicida in the absence of prey cells and regardless of the nutrient levels of the seawater. Phenotypic characteristics included the presence of (i) vesiculated and non-vesiculated bacteria, (ii) large bulbous OMV versus small OMV, (iii) pilus-like connectors of widely varying lengths to which vesicles were attached, (iv) highly elongated (10 µm long) Pseudoalteromonas cells, and (v) cells that appeared to extend to 50 µm long and to be septating and dividing into short chains and individual cells. The possible contribution of these novel phenotypes to Pseudoalteromonas predation is discussed. Full article

The study was conducted to determine the effects of multi-carbohydrase and phytase complex (MCPC) supplementation in standard and commercial diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, bone mineralization, blood biochemical parameters and puberty onset in gilts. A total of 144 healthy gilts (Duroc × (Landrace × York)) were assigned randomly to four treatments (n = 36), with 10 replicate pens (6 pens, each containing 4 gilts, and 4 pens, each containing 3 gilts). The trial consisted of two phases (phase 1: 70–100 kg; phase 2: 100–140 kg). The commercial diet (COM) had 33% higher calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels than the standard diet (CON) across all phases. The four treatment diets were as follows: CON (phase 1: 0.56 g/kg Ca and 0.49 g/kg P; phase 2: 0.49 g/kg Ca and 0.45 g/kg P), COM (phase 1: 0.75 g/kg Ca and 0.65 g/kg P; phase 2: 0.65 g/kg Ca and 0.60 g/kg P), CON + MCPC and COM + MCPC, where both the CON and COM diets were supplemented with 100 mg/kg of MCPC, respectively. The commercial diet significantly (p < 0.05) increased the total number of follicles and the number of follicles < 4 mm and tended to reduce (p = 0.07) the age at puberty compared to the standard diet. Besides, MCPC supplementation improved the apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of Ca (p < 0.05), P (p < 0.05) and Ash (p = 0.07) in gilts during phase 1, compared to the basal diets without MCPC supplementation. Additionally, MCPC supplementation significantly elevated serum creatinine (CREA, p < 0.05) concentrations and had a tendency to increase serum Ca (p = 0.07) concentrations in gilts. Specifically, COM + MCPC supplementation significantly increased the osteocalcin (OCN) concentration compared with the COM treatment. Moreover, dietary MCPC supplementation significantly improved the bone strength (p < 0.05) compared to the basal diets without MCPC supplementation. In conclusion, dietary MCPC supplementation increased the ATTD of Ca and P in gilts, while also improving bone strength. This improvement not only extends the reproductive lifespan of sows, but it also allows for reduced supplementation levels of Ca and P in the dietary formula. Full article

Research on microbiota has underscored the crucial influence of microbial communities on numerous biological functions that yield positive outcomes for the host, such as digestion, nutrient metabolism, resistance against pathogen invasion, and growth performance. Concurrently, numerous variables, including the host’s diet, genetics, and physiological condition and environmental factors, influence the gut microbiota. Our study aims to characterize the bacterial community composition of the common snake eel (Ophichthus remiger), captured wild and then reared under controlled conditions. We employed a 16S rRNA gene-based approach facilitated by next-generation sequencing to conduct this analysis. The gut microbiota of the snake eel was highly dominated by bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes, comprising over 80% of the relative abundance, with Lactilactobacillus being the most important genus. The results suggest that feed-associated bacteria may influence the composition of the microbiota, contributing the most relevant bacteria within the intestinal content. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiota in Ophichthus remiger, offering novel insights into the potential roles of Firmicutes and Lactilactobacillus in marine eels. Full article

This floor pen study explored the effects of feeding mineral methionine hydroxyl analogue chelates (MMHACs) zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) on growth performance, carcass processing weight and quality, nutrient digestibility, gizzard erosion score, and bone parameters of broilers. One-day-old Ross 308 male chicks (n = 384) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments with eight replicate pens per treatment and 12 birds per pen. The treatments were as follows: (1) inorganic trace mineral ZnSO₄ 110 ppm, CuSO₄ 16 ppm, MnO 120 ppm (ITM); (2) MMHAC Zn 40 ppm, Cu 10 ppm, Mn 40 ppm (M10); (3) Inorganic trace mineral ZnSO₄ 110 ppm, tribasic copper chloride 125 ppm, MnO 120 ppm (T125); (4) MMHAC Zn 40 ppm, Cu 30 ppm, Mn 40 ppm (M30). The birds were fed nutritionally complete wheat sorghum soybean meal-based diets from days 0 to 42 with three feeding phases including starter (days 0–10), grower (days 10–21), and finisher (days 21–42). The findings revealed that birds on the T125, M10, and M30 groups possibly had higher feed intake (p = 0.052) and higher weight gain (p < 0.063) than birds on the ITM group from days 0 to 42. Furthermore, birds fed the M30 diet had higher thigh and drumstick weights compared to those fed the ITM diet at day 42 (p = 0.05). Additionally, birds offered the M30 diet had increased ileal Cu digestibility compared to birds offered the M10 and ITM diets at day 21 (p = 0.006). Gizzard erosion scores and bone parameters were similar between the dietary treatments. Hence, the supplementation of MMHACs to broiler diets at 30 ppm may be a more suitable strategy to increase weight gain and the thigh and drumstick processing weight while maintaining the bone health of broiler chickens. Full article

This study investigated the effects of the dietary supplementation of mineral methionine hydroxyl analogue chelates (MMHACs) zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) on excreta nitrogen and mineral levels, housing conditions, and the welfare status of broilers. Three-hundred eighty-four day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments, each consisting of eight replicate pens of twelve birds per pen. The treatments were (1) inorganic trace mineral ZnSO₄ (110 ppm), CuSO₄ (16 ppm), and MnO (120 ppm) (ITM); (2) MMHAC Zn (40 ppm), Cu (10 ppm), and Mn (40 ppm) (M10); (3) inorganic trace mineral ZnSO₄ (110 ppm), tribasic copper chloride (125 ppm), and MnO (120 ppm) (T125); and (4) MMHAC Zn (40 ppm), Cu (30 ppm), and Mn (40 ppm) (M30). Three feeding phases including the starter (days 0–10), grower (days 10–21), and finisher (days 21–42) were used. The findings showed that birds offered MMHACs at both levels had significantly lower Zn and Mn levels, and birds offered the T125 diet had higher Cu levels in the excreta compared to those fed the other diets on days 10, 16, 21, 28, and 42 (p < 0.001). The life cycle assessment showed that MMHAC supplementation at 30 ppm can be expected to improve the sustainability of the poultry industry in terms of reduced emissions into the environment, whereas excreta nitrogen and moisture content, litter conditions, levels of air gases (ammonia, carbon dioxide, and methane), and welfare indicators were similar between the dietary treatments. Hence, the supplementation of MMHACs to broiler diets at 30 ppm could maintain litter quality and welfare status while reducing emissions into the environment and the Zn, Mn, and/or Cu excretion of broilers, therefore reducing the environmental impacts of broiler production. Full article

Stilbenoids are a class of naturally occurring phenolic compounds found in various plant species, characterized by a stilbene backbone with diverse substituents that confer a range of biological activities. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making them promising candidates for improving intestinal health. The intestinal tract plays a critical role in nutrient digestion, absorption, and immune defense, and maintaining its integrity is vital for animal growth. Stilbenoids contribute to gut health by enhancing intestinal morphology, supporting mucosal immune responses, regulating gut microbiota composition, modulating metabolic pathways, and maintaining mitochondrial health. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of key stilbenoids, including resveratrol, pterostilbene, piceatannol, and oxyresveratrol, focusing on their biological effects and regulatory mechanisms. By highlighting their roles in mitigating intestinal inflammation and promoting gut function, this review provides a basis for the practical application of stilbenoids in animal health and husbandry. Full article

This review focuses on the use of membrane techniques to recover nutrients from the liquid fraction of digestate (LFD) and emphasizes their role in promoting the principles of the circular economy. A range of membrane separation processes are examined, including microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO), forward osmosis (FO), membrane distillation (MD) and new tools and techniques such as membrane contactors (MCs) with gas-permeable membranes (GPMs) and electrodialysis (ED). Key aspects that are analyzed include the nutrient concentration efficiency, integration with biological processes and strategies to mitigate challenges such as fouling, high energy requirements and scalability. In addition, innovative hybrid systems and pretreatment techniques are examined for their potential to improve the recovery rates and sustainability. The review also addresses the economic and technical barriers to the full-scale application of these technologies and identifies future research directions, such as improving the membrane materials and reducing the energy consumption. The comprehensive assessment of these processes highlights their contribution to sustainable nutrient management and bio-based fertilizer production. Full article