Preparation and properties of probiotic concentrated yoghurt (labneh) fortified with conjugated linoleic acid

Milk of high conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) level (1.25 g per 100 g milk fat) was produced by inclusion of fish oil and rousted soy bean in the ration of Holstein cows as compared to 0.55 g per 100 g milk fat in the milk of animals receiving control diet. Milk of normal (control) and high CLA content (treatment) was spray‐dried. Labneh was made from 20 g L^?1 reconstituted milk using 3 mL per 100 mL yoghurt starter and 2 mL per 100 mL of probiotic cultures of Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus acidophilus. The control (C) and high CLA (T) labneh were analysed chemically and microbiologically, and their viscosities were determined during cold storage for 15 days. The fat content of labneh of high CLA was less than that of the control, but the total solids (TS) were unaffected by the CLA level. Labneh made with Lb. acidophilus had lower TS and higher acidity, exopolysaccharides and acetaldehyde contents and viscosity than that made with the use of Lb. casei. Labneh from the different treatments retained high counts of the added probiotic (>10⁸ cfu g^?1) throughout the storage period. The storage period had significant effects on all parameters determined.     

Influence of enzymatic cross-linking on milk fat globules and emulsifying properties of milk proteins

The enzyme transglutaminase (TGase) can modify dairy protein functionality through cross-linking of proteins. This study examined the effects of TGase treatment on milk fat globules and the emulsifying properties of milk proteins. The extent of TGase-induced cross-linking of caseins increased with incubation time, with no differences between whole and skim milk. Extensive clustering of fat globules in extensively cross-linked raw whole milk occurred on homogenisation at 400 or 800 bar. Considerably less clustering of fat globules was observed when recombined milk (90 g fat L^–1) was prepared from TGase-treated skim milk and homogenised at 400 or 800 bar. TGase treatment did not affect fat globule size in cream, but prevented coalescence of fat globules therein, possibly through cross-linking of milk fat globule membrane components. TGase-induced cross-linking of milk proteins affected their emulsifying properties and may increase the stability of natural milk fat globules against coalescence.     

Optimisation of cake fat quantity and composition using response surface methodology

The influence of fat quantity and composition on the characteristics of a chemically leavened baked product was investigated, applying a central composite design combined with response surface methodology. Fats were blends of palm oil and palm olein with different slip melting points (from 36.3 to 11.3 °C, in dependence of increasing olein content). Fat content (from 5.3% to 30.7% on batter) and percentage of olein in the fat blend (from 42.7% to 92.2%) were varied. The increase of fat quantity enhanced cake softness, while lowering the volume; higher olein contents also decreased cake firmness. An optimised formulation containing 19.7% fat with 92% olein in the fat blend and showing good structural properties, comparable to those of a 18% butter reference cake, was identified. The optimised and the butter cake showed specific volume of 2.25 and 2.23 cm³ g^?1, respectively, and load at 25% strain of 7.68 and 5.63 N. These results demonstrated the possibility to replace butter with a liquid vegetable fat blend, thus increasing unsaturated fat content and reducing total cholesterol in the product.     

The kinetics of colour and fluorescence development in concentrated milk systems

The kinetics of colour and fluorescence development were studied in aqueous systems containing whole milk powder (WMP) and sucrose (S) at three WMP/S ratios (R=0.30, 0.68, 1.06) and three temperatures (T=105, 122.5, 140 °C). At each testing time, the colour parameters Kubelka-Munk index (K/S), lightness (L), optical density (OD), absorption coefficient (K), dominant wavelength (DWL) and fluorescence (F) were determined. F and 100/L were the most appropriate parameters to study non-enzymatic browning in concentrated milk systems. Adequate models (r²>0.96) developed to analyse the effect of T and R on the rate constants, showed that colour parameters and their kinetic coefficients were mainly affected by temperature. The influence of R was more relevant at high temperatures. The activation energies and Q₁₀ values obtained for K/S, 100/L, F and OD were in the range 81–159 kJ mol⁻¹ and 1.8–3.8, respectively. F and reflectance properties showed different dependence on temperature and R, reflecting that although related, they do not have the same origin and significance.     

Physicochemical,sensorial and rheological characterisation of whole-fat or low-fat milk jams as influenced by calcium chloride,sodium bicarbonate and sucrose content

Rheological properties of sixteen milk jam treatments produced from commercial full-fat (3 g/100 g) and skimmed (0.15 g/100 g) cow milk by the addition of sucrose, sodium bicarbonate and CaCl₂ were examined. pH, titratable acidity, total solids and ash contents in the milk jam samples ranged from 6.2 to 6.8, 1.3 to 3.3 g/100 g, 56.7 to 70.5 g/100 g and 1.7 to 3 g/100 g, respectively, with a significant variability (P < 0.05). The flow behaviour and consistency indices ranged from 0.7 to 0.9 and 2.7 to 208 Pa.sn, respectively. Rheological measurements showed that the maximal G' × 10² value showed considerable variation (5–932 Pa). As sucrose content increased, pH and total solid content increased, whereas ash content and the L value decreased. Also, a negative correlation between pH and L* (lightness) was found (P < 0.05). Dynamic rheology showed that the jam from skimmed milk with full sucrose and without sodium bicarbonate exhibited more solid-like behaviour than the ones prepared with full sucrose and with sodium bicarbonate. In conclusion, the increase in milk fat caused a decrease in resistance of the mixture subjected to the deformation, which is very important for production of quality milk jam.     

Migration of α-tocopherol from an active multilayer film into whole milk powder

Antioxidant active packaging is a promising technology for whole milk powder (WMP) protection. In this study, the migration of α-tocopherol from a multilayer active packaging (made of high density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol and a layer of low density polyethylene containing the antioxidant) to WMP was studied. A model based on the Fick’s diffusion equation was used to calculate the diffusion coefficients (D) of α-tocopherol as 2.34 × 10⁻¹¹, 3.06 × 10⁻¹¹, and 3.14 × 10⁻¹¹ cm² s⁻¹ at 20, 30 and 40 °C, respectively. The D at 20 °C was different from those at 30 and 40 °C (P < 0.05); but it was similar at 30 and 40 °C. This low influence of temperature on the migration of α-tocopherol from 20 to 40 °C assures the release at real storage and commercialization conditions in regions with warm/hot climate. The antioxidant delivering system delayed the lipid oxidation of WMP and it was more effective at 30 and 40 °C since the rate of oxidative reactions was higher at these temperatures than at 20 °C.     

Preparation and optimization of soy protein isolate–high methoxy pectin microcapsules loaded with Lactobacillus delbrueckii

This study was aimed to use soy protein isolate (SPI) and high methoxy pectin (HMP) as encapsulating materials for probiotic bacterial (Lactobacillus delbrueckii) delivery systems. The encapsulation conditions were optimised, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterise the microstructural changes of the microcapsule. The results showed that the optimal conditions for microcapsule preparation were 90 mg mL^?1 SPI and 1 mg mL^?1 HMP, with a SPI/HMP ratio of 7:1 (v/v), and a L. delbrueckii suspension to SPI–HMP complex ratio of 1:1 (v/v). The viability of the probiotics in the microcapsules reaching the small intestine was 3 log CFU mL^?1 higher than that of naked bacteria. SEM showed that the surface of the SPI–HMP compound microcapsules was smooth and that a large number of L. delbrueckii could be seen in cross‐sections of the microcapsules.     

Determination of phospholipid concentrations in breast milk and serum using a high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry–multiple reaction monitoring method

Phospholipids (PLs), including sphingomyelin, play important roles in cell membrane integrity, neural and brain development, and inflammatory responses. They are found in tissues and biological fluids, including human breast milk. In this cross-sectional study using high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, the average total PL concentrations in Malaysian mothers' colostrum and transitional milk were determined as 331 and 266 mg L⁻¹, respectively. In mature milk, the average total PL concentrations were 170, 210 and 220 mg L⁻¹ at 2, 6 and 12 months, respectively, with a strong correlation between the total PL concentration and the fat concentration (p < 0.001). The dominant PL class in mature milk was sphingomyelin (36–38%), followed by phosphatidylethanolamine (27–37%). The average maternal serum PL concentrations were higher in the third trimester (2089 mg L⁻¹) than in the second (1667 mg L⁻¹), with phosphatidylcholine predominant at 66% and with sphingomyelin at 22–24% of total PLs.     

Effect of level of oil inclusion in the diet of dairy cows at pasture on animal performance and milk composition and properties

The effect of including additional oil, incorporated as whole rapeseeds, in the diet of 64 Holstein–Friesian dairy cows (32 mid‐ and 32 late‐lactation) at pasture on animal performance and milk fat composition and properties was followed over a continuous trial of 20 weeks duration. Within two stages of lactation (mid, 130 ± 16.2 days, or late, 231 ± 58.9 days), cows were allocated to concentrate treatments representing four levels of rapeseed oil inclusion, 0 (control), 200, 400 and 600 g oil day^?1. Oil inclusion had little effect on milk yield but decreased milk fat content significantly (P < 0.01), with a mean depression of 0.40% at the highest level of oil inclusion. The content of milk protein also decreased with increasing addition of oil, but the decrease was smaller than the milk fat depression and was not statistically significant. Increasing the level of rapeseed oil in the diet to 600 g oil day^?1 resulted in linear changes in milk fat and protein concentrations which were described by regression equations. For each 100 g of rapeseed oil added to the diet, milk fat content decreased by 0.068% in mid‐lactation cows and 0.061% in late‐lactation cows, while protein content decreased by 0.026% in mid‐lactation cows and 0.028% in late‐lactation cows. Total unsaturated fatty acid content of milk fat also increased in a linear fashion with increased level of oil addition, from 345.7 g kg^?1 total fatty acids in control milk fat to 459.3 g kg^?1 total fatty acids at 600 g oil day^?1, while total saturated fatty acids decreased in the same milk fats from 640.7 to 522.2 g kg^?1 total fatty acids. These changes were reflected in lower solid fat contents (SFC) in the milk fat at the lower temperatures of measurement, eg 41% SFC at 5 °C at the highest level of oil inclusion compared with 52% in the control milk fat. However, SFC at 20 °C showed little difference with increasing level of dietary oil addition, an important factor in maintaining product integrity at room temperatures. The relatively high content of the monounsaturated fatty acid C18:1 (345.5 g kg^?1 total fatty acids at 600 g oil day^?1) and low content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (total C18:2 and C18:3 <40 g kg^?1 total fatty acids at 600 g oil day^?1) ensured that the oxidative stability of the treatment and control milk fats did not differ significantly. Stage of lactation had an unexplained effect of consistent magnitude on milk fat composition throughout the trial period, with late‐lactation animals producing milk fats containing a significantly (P < 0.001) higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids than the mid‐lactation animals. Changes in the proportions of unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat, as reflected by changes in iodine value, were established within 2 weeks of the trial commencing and persisted over the 20 weeks of the trial duration. No adverse effect on animal health from this type of dietary manipulation was identified. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Physicochemical traits and sensory quality of commercial butter produced in the Azores

In the volcanic islands of the Azores archipelago, pasture is available the entire year and affects the composition of bovine milk fat. The composition of cows' milk butter manufactured in this region was evaluated. All brands showed excellent microbiological and oxidative quality. The fatty acid profile range presented a low n-6/n-3 ratio (1.81–3.38), low atherogenic (2.86–3.11) and thrombogenicity (3.27–3.60) indices and reduced cholesterol content (136–143 mg 100 g⁻¹). In addition, Azorean butters have a high content of conjugated linoleic acid (0.44–0.64 mg 100 g⁻¹), β-carotene (0.12–0.17 mg 100 g⁻¹) and α-tocopherol (1.40–2.20 mg 100 g⁻¹). Sensory analysis revealed high scores for appearance, consistency and flavour of all brands. These results indicate that Azorean butters produced from cows’ milk based on grass-feeding have a potentially healthier fat content and a desirable flavour that, associated with its “natural image”, may be promoted for product differentiation.     

Physical and chemical characteristics of donkey meat from Martina Franca breed

The rheological and chemical characteristics of meat obtained from 12 Martina Franca donkey males, slaughtered at 14 months of age and a mean final body weight of 169 kg were determined. Meat samples were taken four days post mortem from muscles Longissimus thoracis et lumborum and Biceps femoris, colorimetric parameters were measured to determine L^* (lightness), a^* (redness), b^* (yellowness) and chroma. The Longissimus was significantly lighter (P < 0.05) compared to the Biceps femoris, with L^* indexes of 35.86 and 31.34, respectively. Fatty acid composition of the intramuscular fat showed a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in both muscles, respectively 25.16 g/100 g total fatty acids in the Longissimus and 24.97 g/100 g total fatty acids in the Biceps femoris; oleic acid and palmitic acid were the two most abundant fatty acids in both muscles. The percentages of essential amino acids were higher in both muscles compared with the total amino acid content, respectively 52.88% in the Longissimus, and 51.26% in the Biceps femoris. The high level of unsaturation of the intramuscular fat resulted in a high ratio of unsaturated to saturated fat, and the total amount of essential amino acids, exceeding 50% of the total amino acids showed that donkey meat from a health point of view is a good alternative to traditional red meats.     

Productions and monomer compositions of exopolysaccharides by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus strains isolated from traditional home-made yoghurts and raw milk

In this study, a total of forty‐five strains of lactobacilli and streptococci were determined exopolysaccharide (EPS) production in skim milk and Man Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS)/M17 medium, viscosity and proteolytic activity. The exopolysaccharide production by lactobacilli strains during growth in MRS medium was twenty‐one to 211 mg L^?1, while in skim milk was to thirty‐six to 315 mg L^?1. The EPS production by streptococci strains during growth in M17 medium was sixteen to 114 mg L^?1, while in skim milk was to twenty‐four to 140 mg L^?1. The EPS production of strains was lower in MRS/M17 medium than skim milk. Results showed that it was not clear correlation between the viscosity and EPS production of some strains. All strains were shown proteolytic activity. Positive correlations between exopolysaccharide production and proteolytic activity in skim milk were found some strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. These results indicated that the high exocellular protease‐producing strains can produce high EPS in skim milk. The monomer compositions of the EPSs formed by selected five strains were analysed. Mannose dominated (99–100%) on the EPS produced by L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and S. thermophilusstrains (except L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 22) in skim milk and MRS/M17 medium. Besides, the EPSs of strains in skim milk contained small amount of lactose.     

Oxidative enzymes and functional quality of minimally processed grape berries sanitised with ozonated water

Thompson Seedless (TS) and Black (BS) grapes sanitised with 2, 4, 6, 8 mg L^?1 O₃ or NaOCl (100 mg L^?1) were stored 21 days at 5 °C. Ozonated water stimulated the respiration rate, especially after 5 days of storage, and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activity compared to NaOCl‐sanitised grapes. Total polyphenol content (TPC) was 23–50% higher in TS and 18.5–28% higher in BS samples sanitised with ozonated water. Twofold higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was registered in TS at all of the evaluated O₃ doses while the doses of 6 and 8 mg L^?1 increased TAC by 19–30% in BS. The use of ozonated water as a sanitising method, especially at 6 and 8 mg L^?1 doses, improved the functional quality and maintained low microbial counts on fresh‐cut grapes being a good alternative for the industry.     

Evaluation of various Bacillus coagulans isolates for the production of high purity L-lactic acid using defatted rice bran hydrolysates

Defatted rice bran (DRB) constitutes an abundant by-product stream, generated during rice milling and subsequent bran oil extraction. Enzymatic hydrolysis of starch and protein content in DRB was optimised in terms of solid loading. Among the four solid loadings evaluated (10%, 15%, 20% and 25%), the hydrolysate derived from 20% solids resulted in the highest concentration of glucose (82.3 g L⁻¹) and free amino nitrogen (234.8 mg L⁻¹). The fermentability of the hydrolysate was evaluated via screening of sixteen isolates. All the strains were able to grow and produce high purity L-lactic acid, utilising the DRB as sole carbon and nutrient source. Among the studied strains, the Bacillus coagulans A107 isolate presented the most promising results in terms of final lactic acid concentration (75.9 g L⁻¹), yield (0.90 g g⁻¹) and productivity (2.7 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹). The results of this study indicate that DRB could be employed as an inexpensive, alternative substrate for L-lactic acid production.     

A two‐step inoculation of Candida etchellsii to enhance soy sauce flavour and quality

Effects of novel two‐step inoculation to enhance soy sauce special flavour in Candida etchellsii were investigated at the cell growth phase. The first‐stage consists of a 5% culture inoculum of log phase cells at 30‐day. Subsequently, a 20% culture inoculum of stationary phase cells was added at 60‐day. The resulting amino nitrogen and soluble salt‐free solid yield reached 9.15 ± 0.12 and 269.60 ± 3.15 mg L^?1 in 30 °C incubator experiments, increased by 23.1% and 17.6%, respectively, as compared to the control without culture inoculation. Maximal free amino acid yield of 58.21 ± 1.77 g L^?1 was achieved, and 39 types of volatile flavour compounds content was 17.81 ± 0.45 g L^?1, which were 1.76% and 178.7% higher than the control. A novel two‐step inoculation using the C. etchellsii yeast was developed and optimised. It was proven to be a feasible reproducible process for industrial application for the improvement of the flavour and quality of soy sauce production.     

Effect of total milk solid content adjusted by adding ultrafiltered milk retentate on quality of set mango yoghurt

The quality of set mango yoghurt prepared by varying total milk solids (TMS) level in mango yoghurt mix, by adding 5× ultrafiltered cow skim milk retentate and cow milk cream, was investigated. The water‐holding capacity (WHC) and values of textural attributes of mango yoghurt increased, whereas body and texture and overall acceptability scores decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing TMS level. The optimised product (10.2% TMS level) was compared with conventional mango yoghurt. Acetaldehyde concentration, WHC, values of textural attributes, body and texture, overall acceptability scores and pH were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in optimised compared with conventional mango yoghurt.     

Synergistic effects of high pressure processing and slightly acidic electrolysed water on the inactivation of Bacillus cereus spores

Bacillus spores are concerns for their resistance to heat, high pressure processing (HPP), and disinfectants. We examined the effects of HPP and slightly acidic electrolysed water (SAEW) on inactivation of B. cereus spores. Spores' suspensions were prepared with 2‐(N‐morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid (MES) buffer or SAEW with available chlorine content (ACC) of 24, 35, 44 or 55 mg L^?1, and then subjected to HPP. The individual effects of HPP or SAEW on spores were negligible (<1.0 log CFU mL^?1). With factorial design and anova analysis, HPP + SAEW treatment was shown to have significantly positive effects on spores’ inactivation. The optimal conditions were 300 MPa HPP + SAEW with 44 mg L^?1 ACC or 200 MPa HPP + SAEW with 44 mg L^?1 ACC + 500 MPa HPP, producing reductions of 3.27 and 3.99 log CFU mL^?1, respectively. HPP + SAEW have potentials to serve as two effective hurdle techniques for inactivating B. cereus spores.     

Cholesterol reduction in camel hump fat using β-cyclodextrin

β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) was used for removing cholesterol from fatty tissues such as lard, milk fat. This investigation was carried out to study optimum conditions of different factors (β-CD concentration, stirring temperature, stirring time, stirring rate and ratio of hump camel fat to water for reduction of cholesterol in hump camel fat by application of β-CD and resulting changes in cholesterol reducing camel hump fat). β-CD concentration at 1–10% provided about 88.89–95.3% removal of cholesterol when mixed at 40°C for 91 h. Among other factors, mixing time (0.5–2 h) did not significantly affect cholesterol reduction. Removal was enhanced with increasing stirring rate to 800 rpm and centrifugal forces up to 5,000×g (95.5%) but decreased thereafter. The obtained results showed that the optimum conditions for the process were addition of 7% β-CD, 40°C mixing temperature, 1 h of mixing time, the ratio of camel hump fat to water 1:1, and stirring rate 800 rpm and centrifugation at 5,000×g. The acid value of β-CD treated camel hump fat was significantly decreased due to removal of free fatty acid. The peroxide value of β-CD treated camel hump fat was slightly increased. No significant differences were noted in the fatty acids composition between treated with β-CD and untreated camel hump fat.     

Enrichment of the conjugated linoleic acid content of bovine milk fat by dry fractionation

This study investigated the effect of fat fractionation on the conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11-C_18 : 2) content of bovine milk fat. Anhydrous milk fat was fractionated into hard and soft fractions using controlled cooling and agitation. Fractionation of milk fat pre-melted at 60°C using a temperature programme of 33–10°C and a cooling rate of 0.58°C h⁻¹ yielded a soft fraction containing 63.2% more conjugated linoleic acid (2.22 g 100 g⁻¹ FAME), which was also enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids and vaccenic acid (trans-11-C_18 : 1) compared with the parent fat. Agitation following fractionation was found to have a negative effect on the conjugated linoleic acid content of the soft fraction. Refractionation of the soft fraction did not increase the yield of conjugated linoleic acid. The conjugated linoleic acid and trans fatty acid content of 26 selected food products ranging in milk fat content from 0 to 100% is reported. Conjugated linoleic acid concentrations ranged from 0 to 16.2 mg g⁻¹ fat and were generally lower than the trans fatty acid content which ranged from 0 to 155.7 mg g⁻¹ fat. Spreads containing vegetable oils contained higher trans fatty acid and lower conjugated linoleic acid contents than milk fat-containing products. This study highlights that a milk fat fraction enriched in conjugated linoleic acid may be achieved by dry fractionation.