Inhibition of structural carbohydrate fermentation by forage phenolics

The benzoic and cinnamic acids found in forages were tested for their inhibitory effects on digestion of cellulose and hemicellulose by mixed cultures of rumen microorganisms in vitro. Rate and extent of cellulose digestion with the addition of cinnamic acids were determined. The benzoic acids and aldehydes were also compared for their inhibitory potential. Of the benzoic acid derivatives, only the parent compound (benzoic acid) inhibited in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) of cellulose after 48 h, whereas most of the cinnamic acids were inhibitory. None of these compounds depressed IVDMD of hemicellulose. Extent of cellulose digestion was unaffected by cinnamic acids, but rate of digestion was significantly reduced. The ranking of compounds for inhibitory potential was essentially reversed between 48 and 168 h of fermentation as compared with the ranking for 0 to 48 h of fermentation. There were also shifts in the molar proportions of volatile fatty acids produced between these times. The rapid reduction in concentration of cinnamic acids by microbial fermentation may explain these shifts. Benzoic aldehydes were more inhibitory of structural carbohydrate fermentation than were acids. No clear relationship existed between addition of hydroxyl or methoxyl groups to benzoic or cinnamic acids and their depressing effects on IVDMD. Cinnamic acids, which are more abundant in forages, were more inhibitory than the benzoic acids; but for all compounds, it appeared that hemicellulolytic bacteria were generally more tolerant of these compounds than the cellulolytic bacteria.     

The non-glyceride saponifiables of shea butter

Triterpene alcohols and sterols were found to be present in a commercial sample of shea butter (the seed fat of Butyrospermum parkii, Sapotaceae) as esters of both cinnamic and fatty acids. These non-glyceride saponifiables represented 6% by weight of the shea butter under study, whereas free triterpene alcohols and sterols accounted for only 1 % by weight. Cinnamic acid was found neither in the free form, nor esterified to glycerol. Saponification of the non-glyceride saponifiables yielded the triterpene alcohols α-amyrin, butyrospermol, lupeol, β-amyrin and germanicol as major components. Other alcohols identified were parked, 24-methylenelanost-9(11)-en-3-ol, dammaradienol, 24-methylenedammarenol and the two sterols α-spinasterol and Δ⁷-stigmastenol. Esterified to these alcohols were cinnamic (trans and cis), palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and arachidic acids. The fatty acid composition of the non-glyceride saponifiables is different from that of the glycerides. No selectivity was observed in the esterification of these fatty acids by triterpene alcohols and sterols. Investigation of the products from acid catalysed transmethylation has led to two new experimental findings: (i) the difference in reaction rate of fatty acid and cinnamic acid esters and (ii) the formation of methoxylated artifacts from alcohols having unsaturation, in the C¹⁷ side chain, between C²⁴ and C²⁵ by the addition of methanol across the double bond. Analysis of the lipids extracted from shea kernels confirmed that the cinnamic acid esters were only present as non-glyceride saponifiables.     

Inhibition of Pseudomonas fluorescens by Hydroxycinnamic Acids and Their Alkyl Esters

Alkyl esters of six hydroxycinnamic acids and cinnamic acid were evaluated in a liquid medium for their effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens, a bacterium commonly implicated in food spoilage. Compounds were tested at concentrations of 0–250 ppm, using turbidity as a measurement of growth. At 125 ppm, esters of p-coumaric and caffeic acids were more inhibitory than either methyl or propyl paraben. Methyl esters of methoxylated cinnamic acids were much less inhibitory than the methyl esters of the corresponding positional hydroxylated cinnamic acids. The results indicate that esters of certian of these naturally occurring hydroxycinnamic acids may be useful as food additives to extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth.     

Integrated processing of fresh Indian sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries and chemical evaluation of products

An efficient pilot‐scale process was developed to produce nutraceutical products from fresh sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries. Fresh berries were subjected to high‐pressure dewatering using a continuous screw press. The separated liquid phase containing 80–90% of pulp oil was clarified at 80 °C and centrifuged to obtain pulp oil, clear juice and sludge. The pulp oil yield was 2.7–2.8% of fresh berry weight with 66–70% extraction efficiency. The pulp oil was remarkably rich in carotenoids (2450–2810 mg kg^?1), tocopherols (1409–1599 mg kg^?1) and sterols (4096–4403 mg kg^?1), with a characteristic fresh berry flavour and 16:1 as the major fatty acid (45.6–49.1%). The clear juice obtained was free from oil and contained high amounts of vitamin C (1683–1840 mg kg^?1) and phytochemicals such as polyphenols (2392–2821 mg kg^?1) and flavonoids (340–401 mg kg^?1). Isorhamnetin (251–310 mg kg^?1) was the major flavonoid in the juice, along with quercetin (77–81 mg kg^?1) and kaempherol (12–16 mg kg^?1). The juice was very acidic (pH 3), with high concentrations of organic acids (30.8–36.0 g kg^?1). High‐performance liquid chromatography profiling of organic acids revealed quinic acid (18.1–19.9 g kg^?1) as the major acid in the juice. The seeds in the pressed cake were separated and extracted for oil using supercritical CO₂. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Occurrence of 3-MCPD fatty acid esters in human breast milk

A series of twelve breast milk samples were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) operated in selected ion monitoring mode for 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD). Whilst none of the samples contained 3-MCPD above the limit of detection of 3 μg kg^?1 milk, all contained high amounts of 3-MCPD esterified with higher fatty acids. The levels of 3-MCPD released by hydrolysis of these esters (bound 3-MCPD) ranged from the limit of detection (300 μg kg^?1, expressed on a fat basis) to 2195 μg kg^?1; with a mean level of bound 3-MCPD of 1014 μg kg^?1, which corresponded to 35.5 μg kg^?1 milk. The presence of bound 3-MCPD was confirmed using orthogonal gas chromatography coupled with high-speed time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis for four randomly selected breast milk samples. Six breast milks collected from one of the nursing mothers 14–76 days after childbirth contained bound 3-MCPD within the range of 328–2078 μg kg^?1 fat (mean 930 μg kg^?1 fat). The calculated bound 3-MCPD content of these samples was within the range of 6 and 19 μg kg^?1 milk (mean of 12 μg kg^?1 milk). The major types of 3-MCPD esters were the symmetric diesters with lauric, palmitic, and oleic acids, and asymmetric diesters with palmitic acid/oleic acid among which 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol 1,2-dioleate prevailed.     

Potential nutritive value and tannin bioassay of selected Acacia species from Kenya

Six Acacia forage species–A. brevispica, A. elatior, A. mellifera, A. nilotica, A. senegal and A. seyal—were analysed for their chemical composition, including phenolics and rumen fermentation characteristics. In vitro gas production technique was used to study the rumen fermentation characteristics and the effect of tannins present in the browse forages on in vitro fermentation by including polyethylene glycol (PEG‐6000) in the incubation. The forages had high crude protein content (145.7–270.1 g kg^?1 DM) and low to moderate content of neutral detergent fibre (220.2–442.8 g kg^?1 DM). The forages had variable content of total extractable phenolics ranging from 18.4 to 384.2 g kg^?1 DM and total extractable tannins ranging from 7.1 to 364.8 g kg^?1 DM (tannic acid equivalent). Fractionation of the condensed tannin flavonoids showed that the delphinidin/cyanidin ratio ranged from not detected:100 to 71:29. The gas production potential ranged from 28.4 to 40.8 mL gas 0.2 g^?1 DM. The rate of gas production was highest in A. elatior and lowest in A. nilotica. Addition of PEG‐6000 increased gas production significantly (P < 0.05) in all species except A. mellifera. PEG‐6000 addition did not have any significant effect on in vitro true dry matter and organic matter degradability but decreased the partitioning factor in all the species. Gas production and degradability parameters correlated positively with the CP content and negatively with the fibre and phenolics contents. Based on chemical composition, gas production and degradability, the forages have high potential nutritive value, especially as supplements to low‐quality feeds in the tropics and particularly during the dry season. However, the presence of tannins in terms of high levels and biological antinutritive activity may limit the nutritive potential of some of the forages, such as A. seyal and A. nilotica. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Ursolic acid and its esters: occurrence in cranberries and other Vaccinium fruit and effects on matrix metalloproteinase activity in DU145 prostate tumor cells

BACKGROUND: Ursolic acid and its cis‐ and trans‐3‐O‐p‐hydroxycinnamoyl esters have been identified as constituents of American cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon), which inhibit tumor cell proliferation. Since the compounds may contribute to berry anticancer properties, their content in cranberries, selected cranberry products, and three other Vaccinium species (V. oxycoccus, V. vitis‐idaea and V. angustifolium) was determined by liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy. The ability of these compounds to inhibit growth in a panel of tumor cell lines and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity associated with tumor invasion and metastasis was determined in DU145 prostate tumor cells. RESULTS: The highest content of ursolic acid and esters was found in V. macrocarpon berries (0.460–1.090 g ursolic acid and 0.040–0.160 g each ester kg^?1 fresh weight). V. vitis‐idaea and V. angustifolium contained ursolic acid (0.230–0.260 g kg^?1), but the esters were not detected. V. oxycoccus was lowest (0.129 g ursolic acid and esters per kg). Ursolic acid content was highest in cranberry products prepared from whole fruit. Ursolic acid and its esters inhibited tumor cell growth at micromolar concentrations, and inhibited MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity at concentrations below those previously reported for cranberry polyphenolics. CONCLUSION: Cranberries (V. macrocarpon) were the best source of ursolic acid and its esters among the fruit and products tested. These compounds may limit prostate carcinogenesis through matrix metalloproteinase inhibition. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical composition of the shell of apricot seeds

The chemical composition of the seed shell of the apricot (Prunus armeniaca) were investigated. Acid and neutral detergent fibres (ADF and NDF) and their fractions—hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin—were determined. The NDF content was about 920 g kg^?1 DM. The concentrations of oils, soluble sugars, pectins, polyphenolic compounds, proteins and mineral elements were also determined. None of these fractions was present at levels higher than 25 g kg^?1 DM. Essential amino acids comprised 38-41% of the total amino acids. Potassium (2.44 g kg^?1) was the most abundant element, followed by calcium (1.15 g kg^?1). Some possible applications for apricot seed shell are considered.     

Mercury and methylmercury bioaccessibility in swordfish

Concentrations of mercury (Hg) in swordfish (Xiphias gladius) present a food safety problem for many countries. This study analyses total Hg (t-Hg) concentrations in 27 samples of swordfish marketed in Spain in 2005 and in their bioaccessible fractions (soluble concentration in gastrointestinal medium), obtained after applying an in vitro digestion method. Methylmercury (MeHg) was also determined in the bioaccessible fractions. t-Hg concentrations in the samples were 0.41–2.11 mg kg^?1 wet weight, with a mean of 0.96 ± 0.47 mg kg^?1 wet weight. A total of 37% of the samples exceeded the Hg limit set by Spanish legislation (1.0 mg kg^?1 wet weight). Bioaccessible t-Hg concentrations were 0.17–1.72 mg kg^?1 wet weight (0.63 ± 0.4 mg kg^?1 wet weight), corresponding to 38–83% (64% ± 14%) of t-Hg. Bioaccessible MeHg concentrations, representing 94% of the bioaccessible t-Hg concentrations, were 0.16–1.53 mg kg^?1 wet weight, with a mean of 0.49 ± 0.32 mg kg^?1 wet weight. Children and adults who regularly consume this product in Spain have Hg and MeHg intakes that exceed the tolerable daily intake limits recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) and US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). These results show the need for recommendations about swordfish consumption by population groups at risk in Spain.     

Phenolic compounds,lycopene and antioxidant activity in commercial varieties of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum)

Nine commercial varieties of tomato (Rambo, Senior, Ramillete, Liso, Pera, Canario, Durina, Daniella and Remate) produced in Spain were analysed for their lycopene content, content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The phenolic compounds were characterised as flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and naringenin) and hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic and p‐coumaric acids). Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH and ABTS assays. The concentrations of lycopene and the various phenolic compounds as well as the antioxidant activity were significantly influenced by the tomato variety. Quercetin, the most abundant flavonoid, was found in concentrations ranging between 7.19 and 43.59 mg kg^?1 fresh weight, while naringenin levels were lower than 12.55 mg kg^?1. The most abundant hydroxycinnamic acid was chlorogenic acid, with values ranging from 14 to 32 mg kg^?1 fresh weight, followed by caffeic acid, while p‐coumaric and ferulic acids showed similar concentrations lower than 5 mg kg^?1. The highest content of lycopene was found in Ramillete, Pera and Durina (>50 mg kg^?1 fresh weight), while the concentration in the other varieties was between 50 and 30 mg kg^?1, with the exception of Liso (less than 20 mg kg^?1). The antioxidant activity of tomato extracts varied with the tomato variety and the assay method used. Individual compounds found to be significantly related to antioxidant capacity were lycopene and ferulic and caffeic acids, but not quercetin and chlorogenic acid. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Efficacy of propionates and benzoates on the control of growth of Eurotium species in bakery products with near neutral pH

The effects of propionic acid, sodium propionate and benzoic acid on growth of various Eurotium isolates when added to a bakery product analogue were tested under various environmental conditions. The water activity of the products was adjusted to values in the range of 0.75–0.90 a_w, and storage temperatures were in the range of 15–30 °C. Propionates were added in concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 5 g kg^?1, while benzoic acid was added in the range of 0.25–1 g kg^?1. It was observed that 0.25 and 0.5 g kg^?1 concentrations sometimes enhanced isolate growth. When using sodium propionate, the highest concentration, 5 g kg^?1, completely inhibited growth under all conditions except for 0.85–0.90 a_w at 25–30 °C, while propionic acid completely prevented fungal spoilage regardless of the abiotic conditions assayed. On the other hand, benzoic acid at a given concentration had a wider effectiveness, thus used at 1 g kg^?1 concentration prevented growth under all conditions except for 0.90 a_w and 25–30 °C. It was concluded that trying to reduce the applied concentrations of these weak acid preservatives would be counterproductive and that, except for propionic acid, even at the higher permitted concentrations their use is not suitable for these near neutral pH products when their water activity is high (0.90 a_w). Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Variability in oil content and fatty acid composition of Ethiopian and introduced cultivars of linseed

This study was undertaken to assess the variability in oil content, oil yield and fatty acid composition of 60 linseed cultivars and to identify suitable accessions for use in future breeding and development endeavours in Ethiopia. Mean oil contents ranged from 291 to 359 g kg^?1, while oil yields varied between 1443 and 3276 g m^?2. Exotic introductions, especially those from Canada such as CDC‐VG, had higher oil contents than the local cultivars. Thus the introduction of exotic materials should be given more emphasis through germplasm exchange programmes. Unsaturated fatty acids were the major components in the oils, varying significantly (P < 0.01) from 859 to 906 g kg^?1, while minor saturated fatty acids were present at 84–119 g kg^?1. The contents of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were 148–293, 109–161 and 470–591 g kg^?1 respectively. Although accessions with variable linolenic acid contents were identified, this variability was insufficient to develop genotypes with less than 20 g kg^?1 linolenic acid for cooking oil through conventional crossing and selection methods. Hence mutation techniques and the introduction of exotic lines should be regarded as alternative approaches to obtain linseed genotypes with low linolenic acid contents. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Unexploited Acacia cyanophylla seeds: potential food sources of ω6 fatty acids and antioxidants?

BACKGROUND: In order to investigate new sources of dietary phytochemicals, recent studies have focused on underexploited seeds. In this study the total lipid contents, fatty acid profiles and levels of soluble proteins, minerals and antioxidants in seeds from 12 Acacia cyanophylla ecotypes commonly grown in Tunisia were determined. RESULTS: Total lipids averaged 101.7 g kg^?1 on a dry weight basis. Linoleic (61.11–65.45% of total fatty acid content), oleic (19.67–22.85%) and palmitic (9.18–9.98%) acids were the principal fatty acids. Smaller proportions of stearic (1.49–1.82%), vaccenic (1.13–2.05%) and palmitoleic (0.34–0.58%) acids were also quantified. Proteins (by Kjeldahl assay) averaged 107.2 g kg^?1 on a dry weight basis. Total phenolics averaged 1.91 g gallic acid equivalent kg^?1 dry weight (DW) and total flavonoids averaged 0.40 g rutin equivalent kg^?1 DW. The free radical‐scavenging activity determined by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay averaged 0.59 mmol L^?1 Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), while that determined by 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) assay averaged 0.28 mmol L^?1 TEAC. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study confirm the presence of ω6 fatty acids at high levels in A. cyanophylla seeds. These metabolites could be used as such and/or extracted for the formulation of supplements and/or ingredients to provide a ratio close to the ideal for the ω3/ω6 balance. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Volatile and non‐volatile acids of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit

BACKGROUND: Volatile and non‐volatile acids were analysed in noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit by a combination of conventional sampling methods with gas chromatography/flame ionisation detection and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS: A total of 34 volatile acids and 26 non‐volatile acids were identified in noni fruit. Octanoic acid (3.06 g kg^?1) and hexanoic acid (0.33 g kg^?1) were the major volatile acids, while malic acid (3.28 g kg^?1), malonic acid (1.46 g kg^?1) and fumaric acid (1.03 g kg^?1) were the main non‐volatile acids. CONCLUSION: The combination of conventional isolation methods and instrumental techniques provided the most representative information so far on noni fruit acids. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effects of sorbates on the ensilage of chopped whole-plant maize and lucerne

The incorporation of (a) sorbic acid (0.18 and 0.90 g kg^?1, fresh weight basis) and potassium sorbate (0.90 g kg^?1) with chopped lucerne, and (b) sorbic acid (0.90 g kg^?1) and potassium sorbate (0.90 g kg^?1) with chopped maize (whole-plant) at the time of ensiling, led to a reduction in the surface spoilage associated with the ensilage of these two forages. Use of sorbic acid (0.90 g kg^?1) and potassium sorbate (0.90 g kg^?1) led to (a) a reduction of volatile nitrogen (VN), higher levels of residual water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in lucerne silage and more aerobically stable lucerne silage and (b) a reduction in weight loss, population of yeasts and moulds, and VN, higher levels of WSC in maize silage and more aerobically stable maize silage when compared to the untreated forages or forages treated with sorbic acid and potssium sorbate at 0.045 and 0.18 g kg^?1 (fresh weight basis), respectively.     

Soil and vegetable compositional relationships of eight potentially toxic metals in urban garden fields from northern Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Human exposure to heavy metals is attributed to consumption of vegetables raised in polluted soil environment. We examined the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in soils and lettuce (Latuca sativa) and amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus) in 15 garden fields under long‐term wastewater irrigation. RESULTS: The concentrations of As (0.3–2.1 mg kg^?1), Cd (0.07–0.3 mg kg^?1), Co (4.6–9.1 mg kg^?1) and Cr (21.6–36.2 mg kg^?1) in the gardens were consistent with background concentrations in soils, but Ni (12.6–25.7 mg kg^?1), Cu (12.5–24.6 mg kg^?1), Pb (25.7–71.6 mg kg^?1) and Zn (52.3–158 mg kg^?1) concentrations were double the concentrations normally encountered in arable fields in the region. The concentrations of Cd and As in the vegetables were within safe limits, but Co (0.14–0.67 mg kg^?1 fresh weight (fw)) and Ni (1.0–2.7 mg kg^?1 fw) concentrations in lettuce were relatively high for leaf vegetables. The concentration of Pb (0.65–4.80 mg kg^?1 fw) was above safe limit of 0.3 mg kg^?1 fw, while the concentrations of Cu (1.3–2.7 mg kg^?1 fw and Zn (10.2–23.6 mg kg^?1 fw) were close to the unsafe limits for leaf vegetables. There were no strong linear correlations between soil metal concentrations and bio‐concentrations in the vegetable crops. CONCLUSION: We surmise that leaf vegetables can accumulate metals in their tissues to unsafe levels even when total metal concentrations in these soils are below the allowable concentrations in agricultural soils. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Ileal digestibility of defatted soybean,lupin and chickpea seed meals in cannulated Iberian pigs: II. Fatty acids and carbohydrates

Five castrated male Iberian pigs (100 ± 2 kg mean live body weight) fitted with T‐shaped ileal cannulas were used to determine ileal digestibility of legume seed meals. The diets were based on defatted soybean (256 g kg^?1), lupin (451 g kg^?1) or chickpea (731 g kg^?1) seed meals and contained similar amounts of digestible energy (14.2–15.1 kJ g^?1) and protein (107 g kg^?1). Only myristic acid (C14:0) ileal apparent digestibility was higher (p < 0.05) in lupin than in chickpea meal. Ileal apparent digestibility of unsaturated fatty acids (FA) (710–920 g kg^?1) was higher (p < 0.05) than that of saturated (480–710 g kg^?1) FA for both seed meals. Ileal digestibility of chickpea starch was 850 g kg^?1. Ileal digestibility of oligosaccharides (sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, verbascose and ciceritol) in lupin (820 g kg^?1) and chickpea (690 g kg^?1) was higher (p < 0.05) than that of defatted soybean (510 g kg^?1). However, total amounts of oligosaccharides digested were higher (p < 0.05) for lupin and chickpea meals (29.6 and 24.6 g kg^?1 feed respectively) than for soybean (15.2 g kg^?1 feed). Among individual non‐starch polysaccharide (NSP) sugars, ileal digestibility values for rhamnose and xylose in lupins were higher (p < 0.05) than those for soybean or chickpea. Ileal digestibility of lupin meal NSP (650 g kg^?1) was higher (p < 0.05) than those of soybean (560 g kg^?1) or chickpea (430 g kg^?1). Up to the terminal ileum, higher (p < 0.05) amounts of lupin total NSP (94.1 g kg^?1) than for soybean (24.3 g kg^?1) or chickpea (27.1 g kg^?1) were digested. Lactate, acetate and isobutyrate concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in ileal contents of pigs fed lupin and chickpea seed meals compared with soybean‐fed animals. It is concluded that higher lactate and short chain fatty acids concentrations in ileal contents of pigs fed lupin or chickpea seed meals compared with soybean are likely to be the result of higher total amounts of lupin NSP and/or lupin and chickpea oligosaccharides digested up to the terminal ileum. This might have a protective effect on Iberian pig's intestinal physiology. Both lupin and chickpea meals are likely to constitute a valuable alternative to defatted soybean in Iberian pig feeding. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical composition of two muscles of the common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia)

Ten mature male common duikers (Sylvicapra grimmia) were cropped and their M longissimus dorsi (LD) and M biceps femoris (BF) dissected in order to determine the chemical composition of the meat of this species. There was no significant difference in proximate chemical composition between the LD and the BF. The duiker muscle had a moisture content of 713.1 g kg^?1, a high protein content (257.7 g kg^?1) and a low fat content (20.6 g kg^?1). Potassium and phosphorus were the minerals and lysine and leucine the amino acids present in highest concentrations in the meat. The LD contained higher levels of sodium and zinc than the BF but lower levels of alanine, leucine and lysine. Stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid constituted the greatest proportion of fatty acids in the meat. The common duiker's meat also had a high polyunsaturated fatty acid content (414.2 g kg^?1 total fatty acids), allowing it to be considered a healthy food commodity. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effect of supplemental methionine and inorganic sulphate on the ruminal digestion of grass silage in sheep

The effects of an intra-ruminal infusion of a mixture of methionine (7.0 g day^?1) and sodium sulphate (6.7 g day^?1) on the digestion of grass silage were examined in four sheep fitted with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum. There were no significant (P>0.05) effects of the infusion on the ruminal digestion of OM, cellulose or N, or on the concentrations of total or individual VFA in the rumen fluid though the numbers of protozoa in the rumen were reduced (P<0.05). The amounts of total methionine or of bacterial nitrogen reaching the duodenum were not significantly (P>0.05) altered by the infusion and rates of bacterial synthesis were 21 and 23 g N kg^?1 OM (s.e.d. 3.7, P>0.05) apparently digested in the rumen for the control and infusion treatments respectively. The infusion resulted in a significant (P<0.01) increase of 21% in the amount of total long-chain fatty acids at the duodenum. This reflected an increased flow of all fatty acids of chain-length 14:0 and above though more than 80% the response was accounted for by the increased flow of 18:0 and 16:0 acids. It is concluded that the infused supplement stimulated the synthesis of microbial lipid in the rumen.     

Inorganic and organic arsenic in some commercial east australian crustacea

The levels of inorganic and organic arsenic have been determined in a total of 86 samples of crustacea which included School prawns (Metapenaeus macleayi), King prawns (Penaeus plebejus), Royal Red prawns (Hymenopenaeus sibogae), Eastern Common crayfish (Jasus verreauxii), Blue Swimmer crab (Portunus pelagicus) and Mud crab (Scylla serrata). Most samples were obtained from New South Wales coastal waters and the remainder were purchased at the Sydney fish markets. Inorganic arsenic was isolated by distillation as the chloride and determined by an atomic absorption-hydride generation method. Organic arsenic was determined on the remaining solution by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry after digestion of the organic matter with a mixture of nitric, perchloric and sulphuric acids (25 + 5 +1). The Eastern Common crayfish contained the highest levels of inorganic and organic arsenic with ranges of 0.12–0.41 mg kg^?1 and 11.9–54.1 mg kg^?1 (wet basis), respectively. Of the remaining samples, 85% contained inorganic arsenic at <0.1 mg kg^?1 and 97% contained organic arsenic at <7 mg kg^?1. The absolute sensitivity and detection limit of the inorganic arsenic method was estimated to be 3 ng (0.03 mg kg^?1). For the organic arsenic method the sensitivity and detection limits were estimated as 0.5 and 0.8 mg kg^?1, respectively.