Improving nutrient availability of defatted rice bran using different phytase sources applied to grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) diet.

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of the hydrolysis of phytate of defatted rice bran (DRB) by a pretreatment with non-commercial phytase produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae (DRB-PS) compared to the application of Natuphos® (commercial phytase produced by the BASF Company) (DRB-PN) in diets for grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella. Fish (57.55 ± 0.4 g) fed one of the experimental diets in triplicates for 35 days. Effects of the phytase used on blood parameters, intestinal proteases and hepatic glucose were not observed (p > 0.05). Similarly, no differences were found for serum phosphorus (P). However, were found higher levels of calcium (9 and 5.25%) in the control treatment in relation to DRB-PS and DRB-PN respectively, besides higher calcium-phosphorus ratio was found in this treatment. For the fish carcass composition was not statistically different (p > 0.05) except total lipids, which showed its highest content in fish fed on the DRB-PN diet (p < 0.05). The obtained results suggested that the use of the phytase, irrespective to its source may eliminate the use of traditional P sources in fish diets.

Characterization of a new blackberry cultivar BRS Xingu: Chemical composition, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity in vitro and in vivo.

The cultivar BRS Xingu was launched by EMBRAPA in 2015 with the intention of presenting higher productivity. Due to the lack of studies on this cultivar, the objective was to present the physical-chemical, centesimal, and phenolic composition of the BRS Xingu blackberry, its antioxidant capacity, protection against ROS generation, and compare it with other commercialized cultivars such as Guarani, Tupy, and Xavante. The BRS Xingu was prominent regarding anthocyanin and condensed tannin content and superior to the other cultivars. Moreover, BRS Xingu presented higher antioxidant capacity, protection of C. elegans from ROS generation, and soluble solid content when compared to Tupy, which is the most cultivated variety in the world. In the new cultivar, five anthocyanins, five phenolic acids, and ten non-anthocyanin flavonoids were identified. BRS Xingu is presented as an alternative blackberry with potential for industrialization and in natura consumption.

Production optimization of passion fruit peel flour and its incorporation into dietary food.

This study aimed to obtain passion fruit peel flour and incorporate it as an ingredient in the development of dietary cookies. Drying proceeded by an experimental design with variable temperature and time and storage trial of the obtained flour was conducted in plastic packaging under optimized conditions (90 ℃/11 h) for 90 days. The passion fruit peel flour was incorporated into cookies at three levels (10, 20, and 30%) to replace wheat flour. Chemical composition, microbiological quality, and acceptance of sensory attributes of the cookies were determined. The formulations tested had significantly higher mean contents of ash and crude fiber (p < 0.05) and showed adjusted microbiological standards. Acceptance of the appearance, aroma, and flavor attributes were similar (p > 0.05) in all formulations. The results show the viability of optimized production of alternative flour (30% of passion fruit peel flour) from agro-industrial waste and the potential of the flour as an ingredient for the nutritional enrichment of dietary foods.