Using attenuated-total-reflection Fourier-transformed spectroscopy to reveal molecular structural differences among willow (Salix spp.) foliage cultivars in relation to their potential as fodders.

BACKGROUND: Willow trees represent a suitable species for the development of agroforestry systems, integrating bioenergy and animal feed production. However, there is a lack of information regarding the suitability of leaves and stems, considered a bioenergy by-product, as animal feed. The aim of this study was the employment of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (550-4000 cm-1 ) to investigate differences in the nutrient molecular structure profile of leaves and stems of selected willow cultivars to understand their utility for ruminant nutrition. RESULTS: Univariate analysis of variance of leaves showed lower intensities of cellulosic compounds and higher of protein in comparison with stems, which suggests higher leaf dry matter and protein digestibility. Spectral analyses revealed differences in both plant parts between Salix cv. Terra Nova and Salix cv. Beagle, cv. Resolution, and cv. Olof. The higher α-helix to ß-sheet ratio, which is related to a higher protein digestibility, was in correlation with the lower content of condensed tannins. Principal component and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analyses showed significant discrimination among willow cultivars in the cellulosic, structural carbohydrate, and amide regions, whereas differences were less evident for total carbohydrate and lipid-related regions. CONCLUSION: The application of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared molecular spectroscopy is an effective tool to rapidly identify spectral features related to the nutritional composition of willow foliage and to discriminate between cultivars and parts of the plant. This information would be useful to optimize the use of willow fodders in agroforestry systems. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Antimicrobial Effect of a Commercial Mixture of Natural Antimicrobials Against Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Ruminants are important reservoirs of E. coli O157:H7 and are considered as the major source of most foodborne outbreaks (e.g., 2017 outbreak in Germany, 2014 and 2016 outbreaks in United States, all linked to beef products). A promising strategy to reduce E. coli O157 is using antimicrobials to reduce the pathogen levels and/or virulence within the animal gastrointestinal tract and thus foodborne disease. The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of a commercial mixture of natural antimicrobials against E. coli O157. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the antimicrobial were quantitatively determined and found to be 0.5% and 0.75% (v/v) of the natural antimicrobial, respectively. Microbial growth kinetics was also used to determine the effect of the antimicrobial on the pathogen. The natural antimicrobial affected the cell membrane of E. coli O157, as demonstrated by the increase in relative electric conductivity and increase in protein and nucleic acid release. The antimicrobial was also able to significantly reduce the concentration on E. coli O157 in a model rumen system. Biofilm assays showed that subinhibitory concentrations of the antimicrobial significantly reduced the E. coli 0157 biofilm forming capacity without influencing pathogen growth. In addition, the natural antimicrobial was able to reduce motility and exopolysaccharide production. Subinhibitory concentrations of the antimicrobial had no effect on AI-2 production. These findings suggest that the natural antimicrobial exerts an antimicrobial effect against E. coli O157 in vitro and in a model rumen system and could be potentially used to control this pathogen in the animal gut. The results also indicate that subinhibitory concentrations of the antimicrobial effectively reduce biofilm formation, motility, and exopolysaccharide production.

A critical review of analytical methods used for the chemical characterisation and quantification of phlorotannin compounds in brown seaweeds.

INTRODUCTION: Phlorotannins, the phenolic compounds found in brown seaweeds, are a unique and diverse class of compounds showing a huge potential for food and pharmaceutical applications. OBJECTIVE: This review will give an account of the colorimetric assays used and a discussion of their quantitative and qualitative analytical shortcomings. It will also discuss other more complex and modern analytical chemistry methods that are currently being developed to study phlorotannins. The purpose of this review is to increase awareness of these bioactive compounds and promote further development of robust analytical methods for use in biology, food science, pharmacology and biomedical and cosmeceutical sciences. RESULTS: Whilst the biological activity and huge commercial potential of the phlorotannins has been widely reported throughout the literature, the chemical structures and reactivity of these compounds is still not well understood. The phlorotannin content of seaweed is usually characterised using colorimetric assays. However, although these methods give a reasonable overall estimation of the total phenolic content, they lack precision and specificity. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of commonly used colorimetric assays. Novel techniques are highlighted using more selective chemistry to identify this class of compounds.

Modification of the terms of authorisation regarding the additive consisting of liquid l-lysine base produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum NRRL B-67439 and NRRL B-67535 for all animal species (ADM specialty ingredients (Europe) B.V.).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of liquid l-lysine base produced with a genetically modified strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species. The l-lysine base liquid produced with C. glutamicum NRRL B-67535 and NRRL B-67439 is currently authorised as a nutritional additive for all animal species. The present application is aimed at modifying the current authorisation to include C. glutamicum NRRL B-68248 as a production strain. The new production strain qualifies for the qualified presumption of safety approach when used for production purposes. It was unambiguously identified as C. glutamicum and was shown not to harbour acquired antimicrobial resistance determinants for antibiotics of human and veterinary importance. All the introduced sequences or mutations were considered to be safe, and no viable cells or DNA of the NRRL B-68248 strain was detected in the final product. Therefore, the final product does not pose any safety concern associated with the production strain. l-Lysine base produced using C. glutamicum NRRL B-68248 does not represent a risk for the target species, the consumer or the environment. The additive was considered to be neither irritant to skin or the eyes, nor a dermal sensitiser. l-Lysine base produced with C. glutamicum NRRL B-68248 is considered to be an efficacious source of the essential amino acid l-lysine for non-ruminant animal species. For the supplemental l-lysine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it would require protection against degradation in the rumen.

Molecular structure, chemical and nutrient profiles, and metabolic characteristics of the proteins and energy in new cool-season corn varieties harvested as fresh forage for dairy cattle.

To our knowledge, no previous research exists concerning the molecular structure and metabolic characteristics of the proteins and energy that new cool-season corn varieties provide for dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to identify the differences in the molecular structures of proteins among several new cool-season corn varieties [Pioneer P7443R, Pioneer P7213R, Pioneer P7535R (Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., Johnston, IA), Hyland Baxxos RR, Hyland SR22, and Hyland SR06 (Hyland Seeds, Blenheim, ON, Canada)] using Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FT/IR-ATR) molecular spectroscopy, and to determine the nutrient profile and supply that each variety provided for dairy cattle. The protein molecular structure studies showed that the amide I to amide II ratio ranged from 1.09 to 1.66 and that the α-helix to ß-sheet ratio ranged from 0.95 to 1.01 among the new cool-season corn varieties. Energy content was significantly different among the new varieties. We found significant differences in the protein and carbohydrate subfractions and in the ruminal degradation kinetics of the organic matter, crude protein, starch, and neutral detergent fiber of the new varieties. The new varieties had similar estimated intestinal digestibilities for rumen undegraded crude protein. However, the new varieties had significant differences in predicted total truly absorbable protein, ranging from 39 to 57 g/kg of dry matter, indicating that these newly developed varieties are satisfactory sources of truly absorbed protein for dairy cattle. Further study on the molecular structure profiles of cool-season corn in relation to its nutrient utilization and availability in dairy cattle is necessary.

Effect of processing conditions on the nutritive value of canola meal and presscake. Comparison of the yellow and brown-seeded canola meal with the brown-seeded canola presscake.

BACKGROUND: Canola, unlike traditional rapeseed, contains low levels of 'erucic acid' and 'glucosinolates'. Canola's industrial processing generally involves separation of the seed into an oil and a meal fraction whereas the intermediate product is called presscake. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of processing conditions on the nutritive value for ruminants and compare the yellow (Brassica juncea) (CM_Y) and the brown-seeded (B. napus) (CM_B) canola meal and the brown-seeded (B. napus) (CPC_B) canola presscake. RESULTS: Either extract was higher (P<0.05) for CPC_B than for CM_Y and CM_B. CM_Y had a higher (P<0.05) PB2 and PC compared to CM_B. Truly digestible fractions, except fatty acid, were lower (P<0.05) for CPC_B. Effective protein degradability of CM_Y was lower (P<0.05) compared to CM_B or CPC_B. In vitro protein intestinal digestibility for CM_Y was higher (P<0.05) than for CM_B or CPC_B. CONCLUSION: CPC_B had lower protein but higher oil content than canola meal and is a potential high-energy supplement source for ruminants. CM_Y had higher crude protein, digestible and metabolizable energy values and low fiber than CM_B. In plant breeding, selection programs are geared towards yellow-seeded varieties in order to improve the nutritive value of canola meal.

Implications of Organic Dairy Management on Herd Performance and Milk Fatty Acid Profiles and Interactions with Season.

Interest in organic cows' milk has increased due to the perceived superior nutritional quality and improved sustainability and animal welfare. However, there is a lack of simultaneous assessments on the influence of organic dairy practices and dietary and breed drivers on productivity, feed efficiency, health parameters, and nutritional milk quality at the herd level. This work aimed to assess the impact of organic vs. conventional management and month on milk yield and basic composition, herd feed efficiency, health parameters, and milk fatty acid (FA) composition. Milk samples (n = 800) were collected monthly from the bulk tanks of 67 dairy farms (26 organic and 41 conventional) between January and December 2019. Data on breed and feeding practices were gathered via farm questionnaires. The samples were analyzed for their basic composition and FA profile using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. The data were analyzed using a linear mixed model, repeated measures design and multivariate redundancy analysis (RDA). The conventional farms had higher yields (kg/cow per day) of milk (+7.3 kg), fat (+0.27 kg), and protein (+0.25 kg) and higher contents (g/kg milk) of protein, casein, lactose, and urea. The conventional farms produced more milk (+0.22 kg), fat (+8.6 g), and protein (+8.1 g) per kg offered dry matter (DM). The organic farms produced more milk per kg of offered non-grazing and concentrate DM offered, respectively (+0.5 kg and +1.23 kg), and fat (+20.1 g and +51 g) and protein (+17 g and +42 g). The organic milk had a higher concentration of saturated fatty acid (SFA; +14 g/kg total FA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA; +2.4 g/kg total FA), and nutritionally beneficial FA alpha linolenic acid (ALNA; +14 g/kg total FA), rumenic acid (RA; +14 g/kg total FA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; +14 g/kg total FA); the conventional milk had higher concentrations of monounsaturated FA (MUFA; +16 g/kg total FA). Although the conventional farms were more efficient in converting the overall diet into milk, fat, and protein, the organic farms showed better efficiency in converting conserved forages and concentrates into milk, fat, and protein as a result of reduced concentrate feeding. Considering the relatively small differences in the FA profiles between the systems, increased pasture intake can benefit farm sustainability without negatively impacting consumer nutrition and health.

Performance and milk quality parameters of Jersey crossbreds in low-input dairy systems.

Previous work has demonstrated some benefit from alternative breeds in low-input dairying, although there has been no systematic analysis of the simultaneous effect of Jersey crossbreeding on productivity, health, fertility parameters or milk nutritional quality. This work aimed to understand the effects of, and interactions/interrelations between, dairy cow genotypes (Holstein-Friesian (HF), Holstein-Friesian × Jersey crossbreds (HF × J)) and season (spring, summer, autumn) on milk yield; basic composition; feed efficiency, health, and fertility parameters; and milk fatty acid (FA) profiles. Milk samples (n = 219) and breed/diet data were collected from 74 cows in four UK low-input dairy farms between March and October 2012. HF × J cows produced milk with more fat (+ 3.2 g/kg milk), protein (+ 2.9 g/kg milk) and casein (+ 2.7 g/kg milk); and showed higher feed, fat, and protein efficiency (expressed as milk, fat and protein outputs per kg DMI) than HF cows. Milk from HF × J cows contained more C4:0 (+ 2.6 g/kg FA), C6:0 (+ 1.9 g/kg FA), C8:0 (+ 1.3 g/kg FA), C10:0 (+ 3.0 g/kg FA), C12:0 (+ 3.7 g/kg FA), C14:0 (+ 4.6 g/kg FA) and saturated FA (SFA; + 27.3 g/kg milk) and less monounsaturated FA (MUFA; -23.7 g/kg milk) and polyunsaturated FA (- 22.3 g/kg milk). There was no significant difference for most health and fertility parameters, but HF × J cows had shorter calving interval (by 39 days). The superior feed, fat and protein efficiency of HF × J cows, as well as shorter calving interval can be considered beneficial for the financial sustainability of low-input dairy farms; and using such alternative breeds in crossbreeding schemes may be recommended. Although statistically significant, it is difficult to determine if differences observed between HF and HF × J cows in fat composition are likely to impact human health, considering average population dairy fat intakes and the relatively small difference. Thus, the HF × J cow could be used in low-input dairying to improve efficiency and productivity without impacting milk nutritional properties.

Rapid tannin profiling of tree fodders using untargeted mid-infrared spectroscopy and partial least squares regression.

BACKGROUND: The presence of condensed tannins (CT) in tree fodders entails a series of productive, health and ecological benefits for ruminant nutrition. Current wet analytical methods employed for full CT characterisation are time and resource-consuming, thus limiting its applicability for silvopastoral systems. The development of quick, safe and robust analytical techniques to monitor CT's full profile is crucial to suitably understand CT variability and biological activity, which would help to develop efficient evidence-based decision-making to maximise CT-derived benefits. The present study investigates the suitability of Fourier-transformed mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR: 4000-550 cm-1) combined with multivariate analysis to determine CT concentration and structure (mean degree of polymerization-mDP, procyanidins:prodelphidins ratio-PC:PD and cis:trans ratio) in oak, field maple and goat willow foliage, using HCl:Butanol:Acetone:Iron (HBAI) and thiolysis-HPLC as reference methods. RESULTS: The MIR spectra obtained were explored firstly using Principal Component Analysis, whereas multivariate calibration models were developed based on partial least-squares regression. MIR showed an excellent prediction capacity for the determination of PC:PD [coefficient of determination for prediction (R2P) = 0.96; ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) = 5.26, range error ratio (RER) = 14.1] and cis:trans ratio (R2P = 0.95; RPD = 4.24; RER = 13.3); modest for CT quantification (HBAI: R2P = 0.92; RPD = 3.71; RER = 13.1; Thiolysis: R2P = 0.88; RPD = 2.80; RER = 11.5); and weak for mDP (R2P = 0.66; RPD = 1.86; RER = 7.16). CONCLUSIONS: MIR combined with chemometrics allowed to characterize the full CT profile of tree foliage rapidly, which would help to assess better plant ecology variability and to improve the nutritional management of ruminant livestock.

Polyphenols from Brown Seaweeds as a Potential Antimicrobial Agent in Animal Feeds.

Seaweeds offer a natural source of antimicrobials that may help curb antibiotic resistance in livestock. The antibacterial activity of phlorotannin extracts isolated from two brown seaweeds Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus serratus was tested. The mechanism of action of phlorotannin extracts against Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella agona, and Streptococcus suis was elucidated by observing cell membrane permeability and intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The two extracts were effective at killing three foodborne pathogens without negatively affecting the pig intestinal cells. A. nodosum minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range for the different pathogens was between 1.56 and 0.78 mg/mL, whereas F. serratus was 3.13 mg/mL for all pathogens tested. A. nodosum was found to be much more potent compared to F. serratus. The difference in potency in the seaweeds may be a result of the phlorotannins' structural linkages. The antimicrobial properties of the seaweed extracts tested may provide alternative and complementary treatments to antibiotics and zinc oxide in animal feeds. The seasonal screening was performed on both species to assess the availability of phenolics throughout the year using two quantification methods, the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) assay and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The variation between the methods highlights the challenges involved in the quantification of complex phenolic structures. However, both methods show that the phenolics are subject to seasonal variation, which may prove problematic to the animal feed industry.

Effect of Phlorotannins from Brown Seaweeds on the In Vitro Digestibility of Pig Feed.

Phlorotannins have been reported to have positive effects on pig health, including improved gut health and digestibility. In this study, we investigate the effect of phenolics found in two brown seaweeds, Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus serratus, on in vitro dry matter digestibility of seaweeds and commercial pig feed. Phlorotannin extracts and whole seaweeds were supplemented into pig feed to test their effect on digestibility. Solid-phase extraction was used to purify the phenolics to phlorotannins. The results showed a slight decrease in the digestibility of pig feed that was found to be significant when phlorotannin extracts were added from either seaweed. However, when whole A. nodosum was added to the pig feed, the effect on digestibility was less pronounced. Specifically, no significant difference in digestibility was observed at inclusion rates up to 5%, and thereafter results varied. A difference in digestibility was also observed in the same species at the same inclusion rate, collected from different seasons. This suggests that other compounds, e.g., polysaccharides, are having an effect on digestibility when whole seaweeds are supplemented to animal feed. This research has also highlighted the need to base supplementation on phenolic concentration as opposed to a standardised percentage inclusion of seaweeds to ensure that digestibility is not adversely affected.

Impact of Thermal and High-Pressure Treatments on the Microbiological Quality and In Vitro Digestibility of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are gaining importance in animal feeding due to their ability to upcycle low-value agroindustry by-products into high-protein biomass. The present study evaluated the nutritional composition of BSFL reared on brewer's by-product (BBP) and the impact of thermal (90 °C for 10/15 min) and high-pressure processing (HPP; 400/600MPa for 1.5/10 min) treatments on the microbial levels and in vitro digestibility in both ruminant and monogastric models. BBP-reared BSFL contained a high level of protein, amino acids, lauric acid, and calcium, and high counts of total viable counts (TVC; 7.97), Enterobacteriaceae (7.65), lactic acid bacteria (LAB; 6.50), and yeasts and moulds (YM; 5.07). Thermal processing was more effective (p < 0.05) than any of the HPP treatments in reducing TVC. Both temperature of 90 °C and pressure of 600 MPa reduced the levels of Enterobacteriaceae, LAB, and YM below the detection limit. In contrast, the application of the 400 MPa showed a reduced inactivation (p < 0.05) potential. Heat-treated samples did not result in any significant changes (p > 0.05) on any of the in vitro digestibility models, whereas HPP showed increased and decreased ruminal and monogastric digestibility, respectively. HPP did not seem to be a suitable, cost-effective method as an alternative to heat-processing for the large-scale treatment of BSFL.

The Effect of Ensiling on the Nutritional Composition and Fermentation Characteristics of Brown Seaweeds as a Ruminant Feed Ingredient.

Ensiling could be an effective method to preserve seaweeds for animal feed applications, however, there is limited scientific knowledge in this area. Seaweeds are a promising ruminant feed ingredient, in part due to the content of phenolic compounds, which are receiving considerable interest as alternative antimicrobial agents in feed. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of ensiling on the nutritional composition and fermentation characteristics of two brown seaweed species, Fucus vesiculosus (FV) and Saccharina latissimi (SL) with or without the use of a Lactobacillus plantarum (LAB) inoculant. The effect of ensiling on the stability of phlorotannin was also investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). After harvesting, the seaweeds were wilted for 24 h and subsequently ensiled in laboratory-scaled silos for 90 days. SL silage showed a stronger fermentation pattern (pH < 4), dominated by lactic acid (50-60 g/kg Dry Matter (DM)), and a slightly higher acetic acid content compared to FV silages (p < 0.05). The fermentability of FV was limited (pH > 4.8) with low lactic acid production (<5 g/kg DM). The addition of the LAB inoculant showed no effect on the fermentation process but a modest effect on the chemical composition of both species was observed after the 90-day ensiling period. The results showed no losses in the nutrient content of FV after ensiling, however losses in the Crude Protein (CP, -32%), ash (-36%), Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF, -77%) and Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF, -58%) content of SL were observed. The ensiling process had a limited effect on the in vitro true dry matter digestibility and phenolic content of either species. Therefore, ensilage may be a suitable preservation method for the use of brown seaweeds as a ruminant feed; however, species-specific differences were observed.

Seaweed and Seaweed Bioactives for Mitigation of Enteric Methane: Challenges and Opportunities.

Seaweeds contain a myriad of nutrients and bioactives including proteins, carbohydrates and to a lesser extent lipids as well as small molecules including peptides, saponins, alkaloids and pigments. The bioactive bromoform found in the red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis has been identified as an agent that can reduce enteric CH4 production from livestock significantly. However, sustainable supply of this seaweed is a problem and there are some concerns over its sustainable production and potential negative environmental impacts on the ozone layer and the health impacts of bromoform. This review collates information on seaweeds and seaweed bioactives and the documented impact on CH4 emissions in vitro and in vivo as well as associated environmental, economic and health impacts.

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide-2 (CCP2) autoantibodies and extra-articular manifestations in Greek patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The objective of our study was to establish whether there is an association between rheumatoid arthritis with extra-articular manifestations (exRA) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti-CCP2) antibodies in Greeks. A retrospective study of 220 Greek patients with RA, 95 with exRA and 125 without extra-articular manifestations (cRA). Serum anti-CCP2 antibodies and IgM rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured. CCP2(+) were 65.3% of exRA and 58.4% of cRA patients. RF(+) were 69.5% of exRA and 60.0% of cRA patients. Among exRA patients, 37.9% had high serum anti-CCP2 antibody levels (>100 IU/ml) compared to 21.6% cRA patients (p = 0.008). Serositis and pulmonary fibrosis were found to be associated with high levels of anti-CCP2 antibodies (52.9 vs 26.6%, p = 0.02 and 63.6 vs 26.8%, p = 0.008, respectively). Serum RF levels were 265.0 +/- 52.0 IU/ml (mean +/- SEM) in exRA and 205.1 +/- 40.6 (mean +/- SEM) in cRA (NS). High serum RF levels (>268 IU/ml) were more likely to have sicca syndrome. In Greek patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), high serum anti-CCP2 antibodies are associated with serositis and pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, anti-CCP2 antibodies have prognostic significance in patients with RA.

Diagnostic value of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in Greek patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies have been of diagnostic value in Northern European Caucasian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In these populations, anti-CCP antibodies are associated with the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope. We assessed the diagnostic value of anti-CCP antibodies in Greek patients with RA where the HLA shared epitope was reported in a minority of patients. METHODS: Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (CCP2) kit, we tested anti-CCP antibodies in serum samples from 155 Greek patients with RA, 178 patients with other rheumatic diseases, and 100 blood donors. We also determined rheumatoid factor (RF) and compared it to anti-CCP antibodies for area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios. RESULTS: Sensitivity of anti-CCP2 antibodies and RF for RA was 63.2% and 59.1%, and specificity was 95.0% and 91.2%, respectively. When considered simultaneously, the AUC for anti-CCP antibodies was 0.90 with 95% CI of 0.87 to 0.93 and the AUC for RF was 0.71 with 95% CI of 0.64 to 0.77. The presence of both antibodies increased specificity to 98.2%. Anti-CCP antibodies were positive in 34.9% of RF-negative RA patients. Anti-CCP antibodies showed a correlation with the radiographic joint damage. Anti-CCP-positive RA patients had increased the swollen joint count and serum CRP concentration compared to anti-CCP-negative RA patients (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). However, no correlation was found between anti-CCP antibodies and DAS28 score (r = 0.13, p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: In Greek patients with RA, anti-CCP2 antibodies exhibit a better diagnostic value than RF and a correlation with radiological joint damage and therefore are useful in everyday rheumatology practice.

Using vibrational infrared biomolecular spectroscopy to detect heat-induced changes of molecular structure in relation to nutrient availability of prairie whole oat grains on a molecular basis.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, there is little study on the interaction between nutrient availability and molecular structure changes induced by different processing methods in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of heat processing methods on interaction between nutrient availability and molecular structure in terms of functional groups that are related to protein and starch inherent structure of oat grains with two continued years and three replication of each year. METHOD: The oat grains were kept as raw (control) or heated in an air-draft oven (dry roasting: DO) at 120 °C for 60 min and under microwave irradiation (MIO) for 6 min. The molecular structure features were revealed by vibrational infrared molecular spectroscopy. RESULTS: The results showed that rumen degradability of dry matter, protein and starch was significantly lower (P <0.05) for MIO compared to control and DO treatments. A higher protein α-helix to ß-sheet and a lower amide I to starch area ratio were observed for MIO compared to DO and/or raw treatment. A negative correlation (-0.99, P < 0.01) was observed between α-helix or amide I to starch area ratio and dry matter. A positive correlation (0.99, P < 0.01) was found between protein ß-sheet and crude protein. CONCLUSION: The results reveal that oat grains are more sensitive to microwave irradiation than dry heating in terms of protein and starch molecular profile and nutrient availability in ruminants.

Magnitude Differences in Bioactive Compounds, Chemical Functional Groups, Fatty Acid Profiles, Nutrient Degradation and Digestion, Molecular Structure, and Metabolic Characteristics of Protein in Newly Developed Yellow-Seeded and Black-Seeded Canola Lines.

Recently, new lines of yellow-seeded (CS-Y) and black-seeded canola (CS-B) have been developed with chemical and structural alteration through modern breeding technology. However, no systematic study was found on the bioactive compounds, chemical functional groups, fatty acid profiles, inherent structure, nutrient degradation and absorption, or metabolic characteristics between the newly developed yellow- and black-seeded canola lines. This study aimed to systematically characterize chemical, structural, and nutritional features in these canola lines. The parameters accessed include bioactive compounds and antinutrition factors, chemical functional groups, detailed chemical and nutrient profiles, energy value, nutrient fractions, protein structure, degradation kinetics, intestinal digestion, true intestinal protein supply, and feed milk value. The results showed that the CS-Y line was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in neutral detergent fiber (122 vs 154 g/kg DM), acid detergent fiber (61 vs 99 g/kg DM), lignin (58 vs 77 g/kg DM), nonprotein nitrogen (56 vs 68 g/kg DM), and acid detergent insoluble protein (11 vs 35 g/kg DM) than the CS-B line. There was no difference in fatty acid profiles except C20:1 eicosenoic acid content (omega-9) which was in lower in the CS-Y line (P < 0.05) compared to the CS-B line. The glucosinolate compounds differed (P < 0.05) in terms of 4-pentenyl, phenylethyl, 3-CH3-indolyl, and 3-butenyl glucosinolates (2.9 vs 1.0 µmol/g) between the CS-Y and CS-B lines. For bioactive compounds, total polyphenols tended to be different (6.3 vs 7.2 g/kg DM), but there were no differences in erucic acid and condensed tannins with averages of 0.3 and 3.1 g/kg DM, respectively. When protein was portioned into five subfractions, significant differences were found in PA, PB1 (65 vs 79 g/kg CP), PB2, and PC fractions (10 vs 33 g/kg CP), indicating protein degradation and supply to small intestine differed between two new lines. In terms of protein structure spectral profile, there were no significant differences in functional groups of amides I and II, α helix, and ß-sheet structure as well as their ratio between the two new lines, indicating no difference in protein structure makeup and conformation between the two lines. In terms of energy values, there were significant differences in total digestible nutrient (TDN; 149 vs 133 g/kg DM), metabolizable energy (ME; 58 vs 52 MJ/kg DM), and net energy for lactation (NEL; 42 vs 37 MJ/kg DM) between CS-Y and CS-B lines. For in situ rumen degradation kinetics, the two lines differed in soluble fraction (S; 284 vs 341 g/kg CP), potential degradation fraction (D; 672 vs 590 g/kg CP), and effective degraded organic matter (EDOM; 710 vs 684 g/kg OM), but no difference in degradation rate. CS-Y had higher digestibility of rumen bypass protein in the intestine than CS-B (566 vs 446 g/kg of RUP, P < 0.05). Modeling nutrient supply results showed that microbial protein synthesis (MCP; 148 vs 171 g/kg DM) and rumen protein degraded balance (DPB; 108 vs 127 g/kg DM) were lower in the CS-Y line, but there were no differences in total truly digested protein in small intestine (DVE) and feed milk value (FMV) between the two lines. In conclusion, the new yellow line had different nutritional, chemical, and structural features compared to the black line. CS-Y provided better nutrient utilization and availability.

Explore protein molecular structure in endosperm tissues in newly developed black and yellow type canola seeds by using synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy.

This study was conducted to characterize the protein molecular structure in endosperm tissues in newly developed black and yellow-type canola seeds by using synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. The results showed that the yellow canola seeds contained relatively lower (P<0.05) percentage of ß-sheet and amide I and amide II area compared to the black-type canola seed. This might be an indication that the protein value of the yellow canola seeds as food or feed is different from that of the black canola seeds. The multivariate molecular spectral analyses (AHCA, PCA) showed that there were not significant molecular structural differences in the protein amide I and amide II fingerprint region (ca. 1720-1480 cm(-1)) between the yellow and the black-type of canola seed. It can be concluded that both the yellow and the black-seeded canola contain the same proteins but in different ratios.

Metabolic characteristics of the proteins in yellow-seeded and brown-seeded canola meal and presscake in dairy cattle: comparison of three systems (PDI, DVE, and NRC) in nutrient supply and feed milk value (FMV).

To the authors' knowledge, there is little research on metabolic characteristics of the protein in newly developed yellow and brown types of canola meal and canola presscake. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify differences in the metabolic characteristics of the protein among yellow-seeded ( Brassica juncea ) and brown-seeded ( Brassica napus ) canola meal and brown-seeded (B. napus) canola presscake modeled for dairy cattle, (2) determine the extent of ruminal and intestinal digestion and absorption of the protein, (3) determine feed milk value, and (4) compare three evaluation systems in modeling nutrient supply to dairy cattle, namely, the DVE/OEB system (DVE, truly absorbed protein in the small intestine; OEB, degraded protein balance), the National Research Council (NRC) 2001 model, and the PDI system (protein truly digestible in the small intestine). Comparison was made in terms of (1) ruminally synthesized microbial protein, (2) truly absorbed protein in the small intestine, (3) endogenous protein, (4) total metabolizable protein, and (5) degraded protein balance. The results showed that there were significant differences in the truly absorbed protein supply, protein degraded balance, and feed milk value (P < 0.05) among the different types of canola meal. Yellow-seeded canola meal had significantly higher (P < 0.05) intestinal digestibility of rumen undegraded crude protein (%dRUP) than brown-seeded canola meal and presscake (%dRUP, 90 vs 75 and 60%, respectively). Yellow-seeded canola meal also had higher (P < 0.05) total metabolizable protein predicted by all three models (DVE, 312 vs 192 and 128 g/kg DM; MP, 287 vs 193 and 168 g/kg DM; PDIA, 264 vs 168 and 137 g/kg DM, respectively), lower (P < 0.05) degraded protein balance (OEB, 84 vs 104 and 102 g/kg DM; DPB, 49 vs 60 and 57 g/kg DM, respectively), and higher (P < 0.05) feed milk value (6.3 vs 3.9 and 2.6 kg milk/kg feed, respectively) than the brown-seeded canola meal and presscake. In the model comparison, the supply of endogenous protein predicted by the DVE/OEB system was higher (P < 0.05) than that predicted by the NRC-2001 model. Moreover, a high proportion of the variability in truly absorbed rumen-undegraded feed protein in the small intestine and the total metabolizable protein predicted by the DVE/OEB system was found that can be accounted for by the equivalent parameters predicted by the NRC-2001 model. The truly absorbed rumen-synthesized microbial protein values predicted from the PDI system were 19% lower than those predicted from the DVE/OEB system. Between the two latest mentioned models, no differences were detected in truly absorbed rumen-undegraded feed protein, microbial protein supply based on available energy, and degraded protein balance. All of the parameters predicted by the PDI system can be accounted for by the equivalent parameters predicted by the DVE/OEB system. When the PDI system and NRC-2001 model were compared, the overall means for microbial protein supply based on energy and truly absorbed rumen-synthesized microbial protein were found to be lower than those predicted by the NRC-2001 model. Although the factors used in quantifying calculations as well as the evaluation system's concepts differ among each other, all three protein evaluation systems employed in this study efficiently predict the potential nutrient supply to the animal from feedstuffs as affected by processing. In conclusion, the yellow-seeded canola meal provided the highest total metabolizable protein and the lowest degraded protein balance.