Protein quality of a small mammal prey and its body organs for felids.

This study evaluated the protein quality of small mammalian prey and its body organs by analyzing amino acid (AA) composition and digestibility of wild adult rats and their body organs (skin/fur, bone, muscle, intestine, liver, kidney, spleen, brain, heart, and lung) utilizing an in vitro digestion method. The average dry matter (DM) digestibility of whole rats was 89.9%. The digestibility of total AA (TAA), total indispensable AA (TIAA), and total dispensable AA (TDAA) in whole rats was 85.6, 87.0, and 87.6%, respectively. Differences in DM digestibility were observed among rat organs, ranging from 59.0% in bone to 99.8% in muscle (P < 0.001). Highly digestible organs generally exhibited AA digestibility exceeding 90%, except for cysteine (Cys) in the intestine and kidney (83.8% and 88.9%, respectively). The digestibility of AAs in skin/fur ranged from 19.7% for Cys to 81.0% for glycine (Gly). In bone, the digestibility spanned from 56.9% for Gly to 81.1% for tyrosine (Tyr). Additionally, examining the digestible indispensable AA score (DIAAS) gives us an idea of the protein quality of small mammalian prey and their body organs. Our results complement information on AA supply and digestion during prey ingestion by felids.

As obligate carnivores, free-ranging felids consume prey and rely on nutrients from animal organs. Studies in adult carnivores such as domestic cats have demonstrated the importance of the dietary amino acid profile. Therefore, this research used rats as a small prey model to analyze the amino acid composition and digestibility of whole prey and its body organs through in vitro digestion methods. Our results add information on amino acid supply and digestion during natural food intake in felids.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755) and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) (AveMix® XG 10) for weaned piglets for the renewal of its authorisation and for its extension of use to suckling piglets (AVEVE BV).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755) and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) (AveMix® XG 10/AveMix® XG 10 L) as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned and suckling piglets. The additive is already authorised for use in weaned piglets. This scientific opinion concerns the request for the renewal of the authorisation of the additive for weaned piglets and the extension of use to suckling piglets. The applicant declared a change in the carrier material used in AveMix® XG 10 from soybean meal to calcium carbonate + wheat flour or calcium carbonate + sepiolite. The applicant provided evidence that the additive AveMix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + wheat flour and AveMix® XG 10 L comply with the conditions of the authorisation. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal FEED (FEEDAP) noted that no data were submitted to support compliance of the formulation of AveMix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + sepiolite with the conditions of the authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that both formulations of the additive (powder and liquid) remain safe for the target species, consumers and the environment, and that the extension of use to suckling piglets would not affect these conclusions. AveMix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + sepiolite and AveMix® XG 10 L are not irritant to skin and eyes. No conclusions on the irritation potential of AveMix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + wheat flour could be drawn. The additive in all its formulations is considered a respiratory and skin sensitiser. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation for weaned piglets. The Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious in suckling piglets at 4000 XU and 900 BGU/kg complete feed.

Effects of debranched starch on physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of flat rice noodles.

Aiming to develop flat rice noodles with both desirable textural quality and lower starch digestibility, we investigated the effect of adding indica rice debranched starch (RDBS) on the quality of flat rice noodles. In this study, adding RDBS to flat rice noodles enhanced their mechanical properties. Cooking characteristic analysis showed that incorporating RDBS into dried flat rice noodles increased the rehydration ratio by 16.1 % and reduced rehydration time by 26.5 %. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of microparticles formed through the self-assembly of RDBS within the network of flat rice noodles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated that the addition of RDBS elevated the crystallinity of the flat rice noodles, rising from 9.59 % to 22.57 %. In addition, the in vitro simulated digestion test suggested the addition of RDBS led to a threefold increase in the content of slowly digestible starch (SDS) and a ninefold increase in resistant starch (RS) content in flat rice noodles. This study found that adding RDBS into flat rice noodles can effectively reduce their digestion rate and improve their eating quality. It could be a promising approach for creating functional rice noodles aimed at alleviating public health concerns such as diabetes and obesity.

Catalytic action of alternansucrase on sucrose under in vitro simulated gastric conditions.

Alternansucrase, a glucosyltransferase, is currently used to produce slowly digestible alternan oligosaccharides or maltooligosaccharides from sucrose. These oligosaccharides are popular for food fortification to lower postprandial glucose levels. This study aimed to explore the enzymatic reaction of alternansucrase in simulated in vitro gastric reaction conditions. Under the studied conditions, SucroSEB (a model enzyme for alternansucrase) hydrolyzed the sucrose and transglycosylated the glucose to produce glucans, both in the absence and presence of acceptors. The preference of the acceptor was maltose˃ raffinose˃ lactose. The rate of sucrose hydrolysis was significantly higher in the presence of maltose (p = 0.024). The glucans formed during the reaction included oligomers (DP 3-10) and polymers (DP ≥ 11), both of which increased over time. These glucans contained α-1,3 and α-1,6 glycosidic linkages, confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR. They were slowly and partially digestible in the presence of rat intestinal extract in contrast to the complete and rapid digestion of starch. The glucans formed after a longer gastric reaction time exhibited higher dietary fiber potential (19.145 ± 4.77 %; 60 min) compared to those formed during the initial phase (2.765 ± 0.19 %; 15 min). Overall, this study demonstrated the efficacy of SucroSEB in converting sucrose to slowly and partially digestible glucans under simulated in vitro gastric conditions.

Impact of replacing protein pellets with soybean grain on nutrient utilization and the rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle under tropical conditions.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of replacing protein pellets with soybean grain in high-concentrate diets with or without the addition of silage, on the intake, digestibility, and rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle in tropical regions. Four cannulated, crossbred steers were used, 4.5 ± 0.5 years old, with an average weight of 685.55 ± 111.78 kg. The steers were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (two sources of protein: protein pellets or whole soybean grain, with or without added dietary bulk). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.109) from the interaction between the source of protein and the addition of silage to the diet on dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake, or the digestibility (P ≥ 0.625) of DM or crude protein (CP). However, both factors affected (P ≤ 0.052) the intake of DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), as well as the independent digestibility (P ≤ 0.099) of fat, NFC, total carbohydrates (TC), and total cholesterol concentration. There was an effect (P ≤ 0.053) from the interaction between the source of protein and the addition of silage to the diet on the digestibility of NDF and total digestible nutrients (TDN), as well as on the glycose concentration (P = 0.003). Blood parameters (i.e. protein, albumin, creatinine, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) were not affected (P ≥ 0.139) by the source of protein, the addition of silage, or their interaction. Lastly, including 150 g/kg silage DM in a high-grain diet, and using soybean grain as a source of protein in substitution of protein pellet could be a suitable nutritional strategy to ensure adequate DM and nutrient intake and digestibility, with no detrimental effects on rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle in the tropics.

Lentils pasta by-product in a complete extruded diet for dogs and its effect on extrusion, digestibility, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Introduction: Recently, increasing effort has been directed toward environmental sustainability in pet food. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extrusion parameters, nutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, palatability and insulinemic and glycaemic curves of a complete diet for dogs in which the main carbohydrate source was a red lentil pasta by-product (LP). Methods: Five experimental diets were formulated: a basal diet (CO) based on rice and a poultry by-product meal; three experimental diets where LP substituted rice at 33, 66, or 100% (LP33, LP66, and LP100, respectively); and a diet formulated on 70% of the basal diet (CO) plus 30% LP (LPS) to evaluate the digestibility of LP ingredient. Results and discussion: The extruder pressure, hardness and bulk density of the kibble increased in a linear manner with increasing LP percentage (P < 0.05), without affecting starch gelatinization. According to polynomial contrast analysis, rice replacement with LP at 33 and 66% caused no reduction in apparent total tract digestibility coefficient (ATTDC), with similar or higher values compared with the CO diet. Nitrogen balance did not change (P > 0.05), but we observed a linear increase in feces production and moisture content as the LP inclusion rate rose and a linear decrease in feces pH (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the fecal score was unaffected. Fecal acetate, propionate, total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), branched-chain fatty acids, and lactate all increased linearly as the LP inclusion rate increased (P < 0.05), without altering ammonia concentration in feces. Feces concentrations of cadaverine, tyramine, histamine, and spermidine also increased in a linear manner with increasing LP inclusion (P < 0.05). The fermentation of LP dietary fiber by the gut microbiota increased the concentration of desirable fermentation by-products, including SCFA and spermidine. The post-prandial glucose and insulin responses were lower in the dogs fed the LP100 diet compared with CO, suggesting the possible use of this ingredient in diets designed to generate a low glycaemic response. Finally, the palatability study results showed a preference for the LP100 ration in both the "first choice" and the "consumption rate" evaluation (P < 0.05). This trial reveals how a by-product discarded from the human-grade food chain retains both its nutritional and organoleptic properties.

Cross-linking affecting properties and in-vitro digestibility of starch-sucrose ester complexes.

This study investigated the effects of cross-linking on the characteristics and in-vitro digestibility of starch-sucrose ester (SE) complexes. To achieve this, corn starch (CS) was cross-linked with various concentrations of sodium trimetaphosphate /sodium tripolyphosphate (5 %, 10 %, and 15 %). Subsequently, cross-linked starches (CLS) were complexed with SE through hydrothermal treatment. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that V-type amylose-lipid complexes formed by the interaction between CS and SE. The resultant CS-SE complex significantly reduced CS digestibility, increasing its resistant starch (RS) content from 10.19 % to 22.71 %. The cross-linking modification did not alter the crystalline pattern of the CS-SE complex. Several CLS-SE complexes demonstrated higher enzymatic resistance compared to the CS-SE complex. The CLS10-SE complex exhibited the highest RS content of 39.37 % when the cross-linking agent concentration was 10 %. This phenomenon may be attributable to the cross-linking reaction having enhanced the interaction between starch molecular chains, reducing the solubility and swelling power, thereby hindering the accessibility of starch chains to digestive enzymes. These findings indicate that cross-linking modification is a practical approach to improving the anti-digestion performance of starch-lipid complexes.

Corrigendum: Effects of Caragana korshinskii tannin on fermentation, methane emission, community of methanogens, and metabolome of rumen in sheep.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1334045.].

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LM1001 Improves Digestibility of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Whey Proteins and Promotes Myogenesis in C2C12 Myotubes.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a valuable potential probiotic species with various proven health-beneficial effects. L. plantarum LM1001 strain was selected among ten strains of L. plantarum based on proteolytic activity on whey proteins. L. plantarum LM1001 produced higher concentrations of total free amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (Ile, Leu, and Val) than other L. plantarum strains. Treatment of C2C12 myotubes with whey protein culture supernatant (1%, 2% and 3%, v/v) using L. plantarum LM1001 significantly increased the expression of myogenic regulatory factors, such as Myf-5, MyoD, and myogenin, reflecting the promotion of myotubes formation (p<0.05). L. plantarum LM1001 displayed ß-galactosidase activity but did not produce harmful ß-glucuronidase. Thus, the intake of whey protein together with L. plantarum LM1001 has the potential to aid protein digestion and utilization.

Assessment of the digestibility, growth performance, hematological and serum biochemical profile of Bandjock Local Pigs (BLP) and Duroc X Large White pigs (DLW).

The study aimed to assess the digestibility, growth performance, and selected biochemical and hematological parameters of Bandjock Local pigs (BLP) and Duroc X Large White pigs (DLW). We hypothesize that the use of local ingredients in diet formulation associated to improved rearing conditions, enhance the growth performance, digestibility, biochemical and hematological parameters of BLP. The trial involved dividing twenty-four eight-week-old weaner pigs into two groups. Each group was randomly assigned to separate pig units. Animal management and feeding were consistent between both groups. The trial lasted for 120 days during which the growth performance, the digestibility of ingested nutrients, and biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated. The results indicate that DLW pigs registered a weight gain (46.56±5.19 kg) significantly higher than BLP pigs (34.02), with a statistically similar feed conversion ratio. Except for albumin which was significantly higher in DLW and urea in BLP, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in total protein, cholesterol, globulin, triglycerides, creatinine, AST, and ALT as well as hematological parameters between the breeds. However, the exotic DLW had a relatively high mean blood platelets and white blood cell concentration. Although the fecal nitrogen was higher in BLP and the urinary nitrogen was lower in the DLW, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) for urine, fecal, and total excreted nitrogen in both breeds. The lowest scores in nutrient digestibility were recorded with BLP compared to DWL, except for crude fibers. The results of this study demonstrated that using diet formulated with local ingredients and improved rearing conditions, Cameroonian local indigenous pigs have a better productivity compared to exotic breeds. It suggests that efforts should be made by authorities to promote and valorize the rearing of indigenous pigs in complement to exotic pig breeds in view of strengthening the Cameroonian pig industry.

Strategic exploration of whole grain cereals in modulating the glycaemic response.

In the current context, diabetes presents itself as a widespread and complex global health issue. This study explores the significant influence of food microstructure and food matrix components interaction (protein, lipid, polyphenols, etc.) on the starch digestibility and the glycaemic response of post-prandial glycemia, focusing on the potential effectiveness of incorporating bioactive components from whole grain cereals into dietary strategies for the management and potential prevention of diabetes. This study aims to integrate the regulation of postprandial glycaemic homeostasis, including the complexities of starch digestion, the significant potential of bioactive whole grain components and the impact of food processing, to develop a comprehensive framework that combines these elements into a strategic approach to diabetes nutrition. The convergence of these nutritional strategies is analyzed in the context of various prevalent dietary patterns, with the objective of creating an accessible approach to mitigate and prevent diabetes. The objective remains to coalesce these nutritional paradigms into a coherent strategy that not only addresses the current public health crisis but also threads a preventative approach to mitigate future prevalence and impact.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of alpha-amylase (produced with Bacillus licheniformis DSM 34315) (Ronozyme® HiStarch) for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species (DSM Nutritional Products Ltd).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the alpha-amylase (Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L) produced with a genetically modified strain of Bacillus licheniformis (DSM 34315) as a zootechnical feed additive for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species. The additive is available in two forms, a coated thermotolerant granulate formulation and a liquid formulation. The production strain and its DNA were not detected in an intermediate concentrated product representative of the final formulations. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the final product did not trigger safety concerns with regard to the genetic modification. The Panel concluded that Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L is safe for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species at the recommended inclusion level of 80 KNU/kg complete feed. The use of Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L in animal nutrition under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumers and the environment. The additive in any form was shown to be non-irritant to the skin and the solid form was shown to be non-irritant to the eyes. No conclusions could be drawn on the potential of the liquid form to be irritant to the eyes or on the potential of both forms of the additive to be dermal sensitisers due to lack of data. Owing to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance, the additive in either form was considered to be a respiratory sensitiser and any exposure by inhalation is considered a risk. In the absence of data, the Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Quillaja saponaria Molina and Yucca schidigera Roezl ex Ortgies (Magni-PHI®) for all poultry species (to slaughter age/weight, or to the point of lay) and ornamental birds (Phibro Animal Health Corporation).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Quillaja saponaria powder and Yucca schidigera powder (Magni-Phi®) for all avian species (to slaughter age/weight, or to the point of lay) and ornamental birds, as a zootechnical additive (digestibility enhancer and other zootechnical additives). The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for chickens for fattening at the level of 250 mg/kg complete feed with a margin of safety of 20 assuming that the additive contains 3.58% of saponins. This conclusion was extrapolated to all growing poultry species and ornamental birds. The Panel concluded that the use of the feed additive in animal nutrition at 250 mg/kg complete feed is of no concern for the safety for the consumer and the environment. The Panel also concluded that the additive is not irritant to skin, but irritant to the eyes and to the respiratory system. Due to the lack of data, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the skin sensitisation potential of the additive. The FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of the additive for all poultry species and ornamental birds.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755), endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) and polygalacturonase (produced with Aspergillus fijiensis CBS 589.94) (AveMix® 02 CS) for weaned piglets for the renewal of its authorisation and for its extension of use to suckling piglets (AVEVE BV).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755), endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) and polygalacturonase (produced with Aspergillus fijiensis CBS 589.94) (AveMix® 02 CS/ AveMix® 02 CS L) as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned and suckling piglets. The additive is already authorised for use with weaned piglets. This scientific opinion concerns the request for the renewal of the authorisation of the additive for weaned piglets and the extension of use to suckling piglets. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. There was no new evidence that would lead the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) to reconsider its previous conclusions that the additive is safe for weaned piglets, the consumer and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. This conclusion applied also to the new target species (suckling piglets) for which a request for an extension of use was made. The additive in both formulations (powder and liquid) is not irritant to skin or eyes but should be considered a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation for weaned piglets. The Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious in suckling piglets at 2140 XU, 1230 BGU and 46 PGLU/kg complete feed.

Growth performance, nutrients digestibility, intestinal microbiota and histology altered in broilers fed maize- or sorghum-based diets.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of varying levels of sorghum-based diets as an alternative to maize in broiler nutrition. A total of 320 one-day-old male Ross 708 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to four treatment groups (5 pens per treatment and 16 birds per pen), comprising a control group with a basal diet and groups receiving sorghum-based diets with 20%, 40%, and 100% maize replacement. The overall weight gain was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in the control group, followed by 20%, 40%, and 100% sorghum replacement. Additionally, overall feed intake was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the 20% sorghum replacement group compared to the control and other groups. Broilers fed sorghum-based diets exhibited a significantly (p < 0.01) increased feed conversion ratio. Carcass characteristics showed no significant differences between broilers fed corn and sorghum; however, the digestibility of crude protein and apparent metabolizable energy significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the 20% sorghum-corn replacement compared to the 40% and 100% replacement levels. Ileal villus height and width did not differ among the corn-sorghum-based diets, regardless of the replacement percentage. Furthermore, among the cecal microbiota, Lactobacillus count was significantly (p < 0.041) higher in the 20% corn-sorghum diet compared to the 40% and 100% replacement levels. These findings suggest that replacing corn up to 20% of corn with sorghum in broiler diet positively impact growth performance, gut health, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microbiota in broilers. However, larger replacements (40% and 100%) may have negative implications for broiler production and health.

Microalgae protein digestibility: How to crack open the black box?

Microalgae are booming as a sustainable protein source for human nutrition and animal feed. Nevertheless, certain strains were reported to have robust cell walls limiting protein digestibility. There are several disruption approaches to break down the cell integrity and increase digestive enzyme accessibility. This review's intent is to discuss the digestibility of microalgae proteins in intact cells and after their disruption. In intact single cells, the extent of protein digestibility is chiefly related to cell wall structural properties (differing among strains) as well as digestion method and when added to food or feed protein digestibility changes depending on the matrix's composition. The degree of effectiveness of the disruption method varies among studies, and it is complicated to compare them due to variabilities in digestibility models, strains, disruption method/conditions and their consequent impact on the microalgae cell structure. More exhaustive studies are still required to fill knowledge gaps on the structure of microalgal cell walls and to find efficient and cost-effective disruption technologies to increase proteins availability without hindering their quality.

Effects of probiotic-supplemented milk replacer on growth, blood biochemistry, fermentation, digestibility, and carcass traits in lambs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding cow's milk replacer and probiotic supplementation on growth performance, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation parameters, and nutrient digestibility in male lambs, with ewe's milk serving as the control treatment. Eighteen male lambs with an average initial body weight of 5.0 ± 1.2 kg and age of 15 ± 4 days were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: ewe's milk, cow's milk replacer, and cow's milk replacer with probiotic supplementation. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. Lambs fed ewe's milk showed significantly higher average daily gain (218.4 g/day) compared to those fed cow's milk replacer (183.7 g/day) or cow's milk replacer with probiotic (209.1 g/day). Similarly, dry matter intake was highest in the ewe's milk group (585.6 g/day) compared to the cow's milk replacer (435.9 g/day) and cow's milk replacer with probiotic (510.5 g/day) groups. Blood glucose levels were higher in the ewe's milk group (75.3 mg/dL) compared to the cow's milk replacer (70.3 mg/dL) and cow's milk replacer with probiotic (72.1 mg/dL) groups. Probiotic supplementation resulted in increased blood urea nitrogen (15.6 mg/dL) and total protein (7.3 g/dL) levels compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the ewe's milk group showed higher apparent dry matter (76.1%) and crude protein (68.5%) digestibility compared to the other treatments. The fecal score on day 30 was higher in the cow's milk replacer group (2.34) compared to the ewe's milk (1.24) and cow's milk replacer with probiotic (1.45) groups. There were no significant differences in the carcass traits of the experimental lambs. In conclusion, based on the results of this study, it seems that feeding cow's milk + probiotic as a replacement for ewe's milk did not significantly affect the performance, carcass traits, and blood and fermentation parameters in infant lambs.

Protein and amino acid digestibility: definitions and conventional oro-ileal determination in humans.

When assessing protein quality, a correction needs to be made to take into consideration the availability of the amino acids. This correction is based on the digestibility of the amino acids. It is recommended to use ileal (end of small intestine) digestibility as opposed to faecal digestibility. A correction needs to be made for endogenous (gut sourced as opposed to diet sourced) amino acids to give true digestibility as opposed to apparent digestibility. Also, this correction should be made by correcting the amino acid composition for individual amino acid digestibilities as opposed to correcting all amino acids for nitrogen digestibility. Determination of true ileal amino acid digestibility requires the collection of ileal digesta. In the human there are two methods that can be used; naso-ileal intubation and using the ileostomy model. Both are discussed in detail and it is concluded that both are appropriate methods to collect ileal digesta.

Influence of Fermented Broccoli Residues on Fattening Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Meat Properties of Finishing Pigs.

The study determined the impacts of dietary fermented residues' (FBR) inclusion on growth, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, and meat properties in fattening pigs. Seventy-two robust pigs were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, thirty-six pigs each). Each group was subjected to a 52-day trial, during which they received either a corn-soybean meal-based diet or diet enhanced with a 10% addition of FBR. Consequently, adding 10% FBR caused a significant decrease in the digestive utilization of crude dietary components in fattening pigs (p < 0.05) but showed no significant impact on the growth performance. Additionally, FBR inclusion increased the marbling scores (p < 0.05) and total antioxidant functions (p < 0.05) of muscle tissues, indicating improved meat quality. Gender affected backfat depth, with barrows showing thicker backfat depth. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 10% FBR in finishing pigs influenced the meat quality by improving the marbling score and antioxidant performance while reducing digestibility without compromising growth performance.

Effect of Oat Beta-Glucan on Physicochemical Properties and Digestibility of Fava Bean Starch.

The current research examined the impact of different concentrations of oat beta-glucan (OG) on the in vitro digestibility of fava bean starch (FS). Our pasting analysis demonstrated that OG effectively decreased the viscosity and regrowth of FS, suppressing its in situ regrowth while enhancing the in vitro pasting temperature. Moreover, OG markedly diminished amylose leaching and minimized the particle size of the pasted starch. Rheological and textural evaluations demonstrated that OG markedly diminished the viscoelasticity of the starch and softened the gel strength of the composite system. Structural analysis revealed that hydrogen bonding is the primary interaction in the FS-OG system, indicating that OG interacts with amylose through hydrogen bonding, thereby delaying starch pasting and enhancing the gelatinization characteristics of FS gels. Notably, the incorporation of OG resulted in a reduction in the levels of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) in FS, accompanied by a notable increase in resistant starch (RS) content, from 21.30% to 31.82%. This study offers crucial insights for the application of OG in starch-based functional foods.