A comparison of the quality of plain yogurt and its analog made from coconut flesh extract.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of plain yogurt made from cow milk (n = 10) and its plant-based analog made from coconut flesh extract (n = 14). Coconut yogurt alternatives were divided into 2 experimental groups based on differences in their color, which were noted after the packages had been opened. The first group included products with a typical white color (n = 8), and the second group comprised products with a grayish pink color (n = 6) that developed as a result of oxidative processes. In comparison with its plant-based analog, plain yogurt was characterized by higher values of lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and chroma (C*), higher titratable acidity, a higher content of retinol and α-tocopherol, higher nutritional value of fat, and lower values of water-holding capacity (WHC) and redness (a*). Plain yogurt had lower volatile acidity than its plant-based analog with a grayish pink color. A comparison of yogurt analogs with different colors revealed that the product with a grayish pink color was characterized by a lower value of L*, and higher values of a*, b*, C*, and pH. An analysis of its fatty acid profile demonstrated that it also had a higher proportion of C14:0 and C18:1 cis-9; higher total monounsaturated fatty acids content; a lower proportion of C10:0, C12:0, and C18:2; a lower total content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and essential fatty acids; and a lower ratio of PUFA to saturated fatty acids. The yogurt analog with a grayish pink color had a lower total content of tocopherol isoforms than the remaining products. The yogurt analog with a white color had the highest WHC and γ-tocopherol content. Consumers should be aware of the fact that coconut yogurt alternatives may have nonstandard quality attributes. The differences between such products and yogurt made from cow milk should be explicitly communicated to consumers so that they could make informed purchasing decisions.

Meat quality, some hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood of finishing pigs assigned to different carcass conformation classes in the SEUROP system.

The results of laboratory analyses, including the proximate composition, physicochemical and sensory properties of meat from the studied pigs, point to its high processing suitability and eating quality. Hematological indicators in the blood of the analyzed animal groups were within the reference ranges, excluding MCHC levels which were somewhat elevated. Significant differences were observed in Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC and WBC values, subject to the meat content of the carcass. Biochemical parameters such as glucose concentrations, ALT and AST activity levels varied considerably between groups, and average ALT values somewhat exceeded the norm for the species. These results, including significant variations in selected parameters, can probably be attributed to homeostatic changes in pigs during intensive growth.

Slaughter value, meat quality, creatine kinase activity and cortisol levels in the blood serum of growing-finishing pigs slaughtered immediately after transport and after a rest period.

The experimental materials comprised 44 hybrid [female (Polish Large White x Polish Landrace) x male Duroc] growing-finishing pigs. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: 24 pigs were slaughtered immediately after transport and 20 pigs were slaughtered after a 24-hour rest period in the lairage. The meat content of pork carcasses, carcass dressing percentage, the proximate chemical composition, physicochemical and sensory properties of meat and shear force values were determined. Serum creatine kinase activity and cortisol levels were determined in blood samples collected before transport and during carcass bleeding. Pigs slaughtered immediately after transport, compared with those slaughtered after a 24-hour rest period, were characterized by a higher meat content of the carcass and a higher carcass dressing percentage. Pre-slaughter handling had no effect on pork quality. The incidence of normal-quality meat, partially PSE (pale, soft, exudative) meat and PSE meat was similar in both groups. Chemical analysis showed that the content of dry matter, total protein, fat and minerals in meat was comparable in both groups. As regards the functional properties of the pork, samples from the carcasses of pigs that had rested before slaughter had a higher contribution of the red color component. Meat from pigs slaughtered immediately after transport had more desirable sensory properties. Pre-slaughter resting had a significant effect on those analyzed physiological parameters which were found to be good indicators of pre-slaughter stress. Serum creatine kinase activity and cortisol levels were higher in blood samples collected after transport (during carcass bleeding) than in samples collected before transport, pointing to a strong stress response of animals to pre-slaughter treatment. The decrease in serum cortisol levels in blood samples collected during bleeding from the carcasses of pigs slaughtered after a 24-hour rest period, compared with samples collected from animals slaughtered immediately after transport, suggests that rest before slaughter alleviated stress induced by pre-slaughter handling operations.

The efficacy of lactic acid bacteria Pediococcus acidilactici, lactose and formic acid as dietary supplements for turkeys.

A feeding trial was performed on 1400 Big-6 turkey toms divided into experimental groups subject to the use of dietary supplements. The ain of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the probiotic supplement Bactocell, containing lactic acid bacteria Pediococcus acidilactici, and lactose, administered to turkeys separately or in combination, as well as a formic acid supplement. The addition of the probiotic under test (lactic acid bacteria Pediococcus acidilactici) to diets for turkeys contributed to higher daily gains and lower feed consumption per kg weigh gain only during the first 12 weeks of their life. Diet supplementation with lactic acid bacteria and lactose reduced mortality rates. A slaughter value analysis revealed only a slightly (by approximately 1%) higher content of breast muscle and a lower content of thigh muscle in birds fed diets supplemented with lactic acid bacteria. Turkeys receiving lactic acid bacteria or lactose and a combination of both these supplements were characterized by a higher fat content of meat and slightly lower pH values, whereas meat from turkeys fed lactose-supplemented diets was darker in color. The addition of formic acid Acidum formicum to diets for turkeys contributed only to lower mortality rates.

Slaughter value and pork quality traits in primiparous sows nursing a different number of piglets.

The study involved 70 sows slaughtered after the first farrowing. The carcass dressing percentage and the percentage content of primal cuts in the carcass were evaluated. Samples of m. longissimus dorsi were taken to determine the chemical composition and the physicochemical and sensory properties of the pork. Primiparous sows were divided into five groups, based on the number of piglets they had nursed, i.e. from 11 to 13 piglets, 10 piglets, 9 piglets, 8 piglets, and from 4 to 7 piglets. It was found that among sows culled after the first farrowing a higher carcass dressing percentage and a higher percentage content of neck and loin in the carcass can be expected in those nursing a lower number of piglets (up to 8). An analysis of the pork quality revealed a similar content of chemical components. Only the mineral content of the carcass was lower in the group of sows that had nursed the fewest piglets. Meat from sows that had nursed fewer piglets was characterized by a higher water-holding capacity, a brighter color and a lower aroma intensity, and it received higher scores for juiciness and palatability.