A diet containing yam reduces the cognitive deterioration and brain lipid peroxidation in mice with senescence accelerated

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a diet rich in yam tuber material [Dioscorea alata L. Var. purpurea (M.) Pouch.] on the learning and memory ability of 2‐month‐old male senescence accelerated mice (SAMP8). The mice were fed with three different diets for 12 weeks; a casein diet (control group) and either a casein diet supplemented with 10% lyophilized or with hot‐air dried yam. Results of passive and active shuttle avoidance tests showed the mice fed with the diet containing yam had significantly better learning and memory ability than the control group. The thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) in the hippocampus of the group fed lyophilized yam were significantly lower than the control and also the group fed a diet containing hot‐air dried yam, whereas the spongy degeneration and the lipofuscin percentage tended to be lower but not significantly different. It was suggested that lyophilized yam was more effective than hot‐air dried yam in reducing the lipid peroxidation, brain pathological changes and the deterioration in the learning and memory ability in mice possibly because lyophilized yam contains more antioxidant compounds.     

The bone‐protective effect of a Taiwanese yam (Dioscorea alata L. cv. Tainung No. 2) in ovariectomised female BALB/C mice

BACKGROUND: Yam products have been marketed for treating postmenopausal syndromes. This study investigated the effects of Dioscorea alata L. cv. Tainung No. 2 (TNG yam) on the bone density of ovariectomised (OVX) female BALB/c mice and the mechanism whereby TNG yam exerted this effect. Sham and OVX control groups were fed a control diet while remaining OVX mice were randomly allocated into experimental diets, i.e. yam (630 g TNG powder kg^?1), E2 (20 mg 17β‐oestradiol kg^?1), or genistein (2 g genistein kg^?1) diet. After 12 weeks of feeding, the uterine weight, indices of bone mass and caecal short chain fatty acids were determined. RESULTS: Neither a yam nor genistein diet restored the OVX‐induced uterine atrophy as did the E2 diet. The femoral and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) of mice fed the yam diet was greater than those of the sham group, respectively (P < 0.05 vs OVX control), while the lumbar BMD of yam and sham groups were similar (P > 0.05 vs sham). The femoral ash and calcium content in the yam group was significantly greater than that in the OVX control group, respectively (P < 0.05 vs OVX control). The total short chain fatty acid content in the caecum, only enhanced in the yam group, was not correlated with the calcium content of either bone or the plasma calcium level. CONCLUSION: TNG yam prevented loss of BMD and improved bone calcium status without stimulating uterine hypertrophy in OVX BALB/c mice. TNG yam may be beneficial for postmenopausal women for preventing bone loss. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Beneficial effects of yam on carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND: In a previous study, lyophilised yam reduced brain amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) accumulation and improved the antioxidative defence system in senescence‐accelerated (SAMP8) mice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the hepatic protection of yam in the carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic fibrosis of rats. Hepatic fibrosis was induced in rats via intraperitoneal injections of CCl₄ at a dose of 1 mL kg^?1 body weight (BW) twice weekly for 8 weeks. Three groups of rats were gavaged daily with yams at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 g kg^?1 BW for 8 weeks, respectively. RESULTS: Yam treatments significantly decreased the ratio of liver/body weight, levels of γ‐glutaminotranspeptidase (GGT), low‐density lipoprotein, and triglyceride in serum when compared with those administered CCl₄ alone. Treatment with yams significantly elevated antioxidant activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and superoxidase dismutase (SOD) in livers. Microscopically, yam‐treated groups presented with low histoscores of CCl₄‐induced liver injury and fibrosis. Additionally, yam treatment reduced the area of GGT‐positive foci and the index of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in liver. CONCLUSION: Daily administration of yam attenuates CCl₄‐induced hepatic fibrosis in rats in a dose‐dependent manner; this attenuation may be related to the antioxidant properties of yams. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Rice Protein Isolates Produced by the Two Different Methods Lower Serum Cholesterol Concentration in Rats Compared with Casein

Highly purified rice protein isolates (RPI) were prepared by an alkaline extraction–acid precipitation method (E-RPI) and by an α-amylase treatment to remove starch (T-RPI). Biological values of these RPI were significantly lower than that of casein. Serum cholesterol concentrations were compared among groups of rats fed (per kg diet) 200, 300 or 400 g E-RPI, 400 g T-RPI, 250 or 400 g casein kg⁻¹ or 400 g soya bean protein isolate (SPI). With all the diets containing 400 g protein kg⁻¹ diet, growth rates of rats were the same. At this level, E-RPI, T-RPI and SPI diets produced significantly lower serum cholesterol concentrations than the casein diet. Faecal bile acid plus neutral steroid excre-tion was significantly higher in rats fed the 400 g kg⁻¹ T-RPI or 400 g kg⁻¹ SPIdiets compared with rats fed the 400 g kg⁻¹ casein diet. On the other hand, the 400 g kg⁻¹ E-RPI diet did not increase steroid excretion. Plasma cholesterol concentrations in rats fed diets with amino acid mixtures simulating SPI and E-RPI were also significantly lower than that of rats fed the diet with an amino acid mixture simulating casein even though the faecal excretions of total bile acids were the same amongst groups. These results support the view that RPI are hypocholesterolaemic relative to casein and at least the hypocholesterolaemic effects of E-RPI would be independent of interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of endogenous steroids.     

Starch but not protein digestibility is altered in pigs fed transgenic peas containing α‐amylase inhibitor

Eighteen individually housed boars were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments, an experimental wheat diet containing 989.4 g kg^?1 of a basal wheat diet, or this experimental wheat diet with 500 g kg^?1 of the basal wheat diet replaced with 500 g kg^?1 of either transgenic or non‐transgenic peas. The transgenic peas expressed the bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) α‐amylase inhibitor 1 gene. Diets contained n‐hexatriacontane (0.2 g kg^?1) as an indigestible marker to allow the determination of nutrient digestibility at the terminal ileum. Pigs were offered 1.6 kg day^?1 for 15 days, after which they were anaesthetised, the ileal and faecal digesta collected and the pigs subsequently euthanased. The ileal dry matter and starch digestibilities of the experimental wheat, non‐transgenic and transgenic pea diets were 78.3, 74.2 and 45.8% and 95.9, 95.2 and 42.4%, respectively. The apparent nutrient digestibilities of the non‐transgenic and transgenic peas were determined by difference. The ileal dry matter digestibility was significantly reduced in the transgenic peas compared with the non‐transgenic peas (12.7 and 69.9%, respectively; P = 0.006), which was largely due to a reduced starch digestibility. The apparent crude protein digestibilities of the transgenic peas were similar to the non‐transgenic, being 79.7 and 78.5%, respectively. The amino acid digestibilities of the transgenic and non‐transgenic peas were also similar. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Hypolipidaemic and antioxidant capacities of polysaccharides obtained from Laminaria japonica by different extraction media in diet‐induced mouse model

This study shows the industrial feasibility of using aqueous methods to produce antioxidative and hypolipidaemic polysaccharides from Laminaria japonica (LJP). Comparison was firstly made among the polysaccharides prepared using different extraction media, that is water alone (LJPW) and citric acid (LJPC), sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid. LJPC enabled the highest extract yield (~11% dry weight), bile salt adsorption rate (~59% dry weight), ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ value 1.06 mg mL^?1) and ORAC antioxidant activity (341.87 μmol Trolox g^?1). In animal trial using diet‐induced high‐fat mice, oral administration of LJP produced with citric acid (LJPC) at a high dose (200 mg kg^?1 body mass per day) enabled significantly higher serum HDL‐C, lower LDL‐C/HDL‐C and unaltered LDL‐C, whilst a medium dose (100 mg kg^?1 body mass per day) significantly decreased LDL‐C. Administration of LJP produced with water (200 mg kg^?1 body mass per day) significantly lowered serum LDL‐C. Therefore, LJP may provide dose‐dependent pharmacological and therapeutic effects to combat atherosclerosis through their hyperlipidaemic and antioxidant properties.     

Effect of substituting fresh‐cut perennial ryegrass with fresh‐cut white clover on bovine milk fatty acid profile

BACKGROUND

Including forage legumes in dairy systems can help address increasing environmental/economic concerns about perennial ryegrass monoculture pastures. This work investigated the effect of substituting fresh‐cut grass with increasing quantities of fresh‐cut white clover (WC) on milk fatty acid (FA) profile and transfer efficiency of dietary linoleic (LA) and α‐linolenic (ALNA) acids to milk fat. Three groups of three crossbred dairy cows were used in a 3 × 3 crossover design. Dietary treatments were 0 g kg^?1 WC + 600 g kg^?1 grass, 200 g kg^?1 WC + 400 g kg^?1 grass, and 400 g kg^?1 WC + 200 g kg^?1 grass. All treatments were supplemented with 400 g kg^?1 concentrates on a dry matter basis. Cows had a 19‐day adaptation period to the experimental diet before a 6‐day measurement period in individual tie stalls.

RESULTS

Increasing dietary WC did not affect dry matter intake, milk yield or milk concentrations of fat, protein or lactose. Milk polyunsaturated FA concentrations (total n‐3, total n‐6, LA and ALNA) and transfer efficiency of LA and ALNA were increased with increasing dietary WC supply.

CONCLUSION

Inclusion of WC in pastures may increase concentrations of nutritionally beneficial FA, without influencing milk yield and basic composition, but any implications on human health cannot be drawn. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by JohnWiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

     

Estimates of basal ileal endogenous losses of amino acids by regression analysis and determination of standardised ileal amino acid digestibilities from casein in newly weaned pigs

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to estimate basal ileal endogenous crude protein (CP) and amino acid (AA) losses (IAAL_B) in newly weaned pigs by regression analysis from apparent ileal digestible and the corresponding total dietary contents of CP and AA in order to obtain standardised ileal digestibilities (SID) of CP and AA originating from casein. A total of fourteen 3‐week‐old barrows were fitted with simple T cannulas at the distal ileum and were fed six diets with two pigs per diet in 4 weekly repeated measurements. Corn starch‐based diets containing six graded levels of CP from casein with 90, 155, 220, 285, 350 and 415 g kg^?1 CP (as‐fed basis) were formulated. RESULTS: Linear relationships (P < 0.001) between apparent ileal digestible and total dietary contents of CP and AA (g kg^?1 dry matter intake (DMI)) exist for CP and all AA in the range of 90–220 g kg^?1 CP content in the diet. The IAAL_B extrapolated from the range of 90–220 g kg^?1 CP content are different from zero (P < 0.001 to P = 0.019) except for tryptophan (P = 0.220). Based on regression analysis in the range of 90–220 g kg^?1 CP, estimates of IAAL_B, expressed as g kg^?1 DMI, and SID of CP and AA in casein (in parentheses, %) were as follows: CP 9.3 (98.0); arginine 0.4 (98.9); histidine 0.2 (98.5); isoleucine 0.2 (98.1); leucine 0.5 (99.2); lysine 0.4 (99.0); methionine 0.1 (99.1); phenylalanine 0.4 (99.9); threonine 0.6 (97.8); tryptophan 0.1 (96.2); valine 0.4 (98.5). CONCLUSION: The IAAL_B and SID of CP and AA originating from casein in newly weaned pigs are in close agreement with values obtained in grower finisher pigs. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutritional evaluation of protein from Clanis bilineata (Lepidoptera), an edible insect

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to determine the nutritive quality of protein from Clanis bilineata (CB), an edible insect. RESULTS: The protein content of dried CB was 685.3 g kg^?1 and its essential amino acid content was 528.4 g kg^?1, both of which are comparable to those of milk and eggs. Three groups of rats were fed diets containing either casein or CB protein (CBP) as protein source or a protein‐free diet for 10 days. The nutritional parameters measured for the group fed the diet containing CBP showed a positive nitrogen balance of 1.37, a net protein retention of 2.9 and a true digestibility of 95.8%, comparable to those measured for the group fed the casein diet. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that CBP may be a suitable alternative dietary protein source for humans. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical composition and nutritive value of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) in rats

The peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) is the starchy fruit of a palm tree widely cultivated in Central and South America. The present study aimed at determining its chemical composition and its nutritive value in rats. The average chemical composition of 17 samples was as follows: 410 g kg^?1 water and, in g kg^?1 of dry matter (DM), 54 g crude protein, 114 g oil, 39 g neutral detergent fibre, 716 g starch, 21 g sugars and 18 g ash. The main variability was observed for the oil (60–180 g kg^?1 DM) and starch (590–780 g DM) contents. The proteins contained, on average, in g kg^?1 of proteins, 49 g lysine, 13 g methionine, 19 g cysteine, 39 g threonine and 7 g tryptophan. The mineral fraction contained, per kg DM: 1.0 g Ca, 0.8 g P, 0.6 g Mg, 0.3 g Na, 44 mg Fe, 4 mg Cu and 10 mg Zn. The digestibility of four peach palm genotypes was determined in rats fed a diet composed of 350 g kg^?1 of peach palm and 650 g of a control diet based on maize and soybean meal. The digestibility of DM, energy, starch and protein of peach palm alone reached, on average 91, 87, 96 and 95%, respectively. No difference was observed between varieties, except for starch (p < 0.05). On average, peach palm contained 51 g of truly digestible protein kg^?1 DM and 3.691 kcal digestible energy kg^?1 DM. A growth trial was also carried out for 1 month on rats (initial weight: 78 g) fed a diet containing 0, 200, 400, 600 or 800 g peach palm kg^?1, at the expense of a diet composed of maize starch and casein. The growth rate of the rats decreased (p < 0.05) as the peach palm concentration increased. The growth decrease was due to a decrease (p < 0.05) in DM intake and to the lower quality of the peach palm protein. It is concluded that peach palm is mainly an energy source for humans and animals. It is poor in protein and minerals but can be consumed in large amounts. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of methionine addition in soya bean or casein diets supplemented with carrageenan on weight gain and blood lipids in rats

Seven groups of 12 Wistar rats were fed during two experimental periods. During the first period of 4 weeks, rats were fed diets containing 100 g kg^?1 of casein or soya-protein. In the case of casein, diets contained casein, casein + 3.5 g kg^?1 of sodium carrageenan and casein + 3.5 g kg^?1 of sodium carrageenan + 1 g kg^?1 of DL-methionine. In the case of soya protein, diets contained soya protein, soya protein + 6.2 g kg^?1 of sodium carrageenan, soya protein + 6.2 g kg^?1 of sodium carrageenan + 1 g kg^?1 of DL-methionine and soya protein + 1 g kg^?1 of DL-methionine. During the second period of 8 weeks, all rats were fed laboratory pellets containing 170 g kg^?1 of standard protein mixture. Methionine supplementation of heated soya bean meal containing carrageenan prevented the decrease of growth observed with unsupplemented diet. Methionine supplementation of casein improved protein efficiency ratio and had no effect on long-term growth of rats because carrageenan did not cause growth retardation. At the end of second period, carrageenan ingested during the first period had no effect on plasma cholesterol. When carrageenans added to casein were ingested during the first period, plasma triglycerides were significantly lower after the second period. It would seem that carrageenans induce protein malnutrition by a lack of methionine when they are present in low protein diets with low methionine content, and that a sufficient content of methionine in diets prevents the carrageenan effect.     

Effect of cellulase/glucanase/xylanase (Roxazyme G2) enzymes combination on nutrients utilisation of vegetable meal (Amaranthus cruentus) fed as sole dietary protein source in rat assay

Amaranthus cruentus vegetable meal (ACVM) had 23% crude protein. Ca, Na, K, Mg and Fe were abundant at 2.0 g kg^?1, 7.1 g kg^?1, 4.8 g kg^?1, 2.5 g kg^?1, 1109 mg kg^?1, respectively. P‐phosporous, oxalates and tannins were noticeable. Lysine, methionine and cystine were limiting. Weight gain for rats on the reference (casein) diet 2 at 6.30 g ±2.87 was highest (P < 0.05) followed by diet 6 (12% ACVM with enzyme supplementation) at 5.01 g ±2.42. Feed intakes were similar (P > 0.05) for rats on the reference diet and for rats on 10% and 12% with/without enzyme supplementation ranging from 42.90 g ± 4.52 in reference diet to 45.12 g ± 3.64. Nitrogen retention was highest for rats on reference diet but similar (P > 0.05) to rats on 12% enzyme supplemented diet at 0.53 ± 1.12 and 0.53 ± 2.10, respectively. Other investigated protein evaluation parameters revealed similar results among rats kept on reference diet and the rats on ACVM based diets with enzyme supplementations. Enzyme supplementation had a complimentary role in ACVM nutrition in rat trial.     

Effects of oligosaccharides on phase transition temperatures and rheological characteristics of waxy rice starch dispersion

BACKGROUND: The creation of starch‐based foods incorporated with functional ingredients such as probiotics is of great current interest in the food industry. This study aimed to investigate the effects of prebiotic oligosaccharides on the phase transition temperatures and rheological characteristics of waxy rice starch dispersions. Four oligosaccharides were applied to the rice starch dispersions: chitooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides and xylooligosaccharides. RESULTS: The addition of 125 g kg^?1 oligosaccharides elevated the onset and peak temperatures for gelatinisation of 200–400 g kg^?1 waxy rice starch dispersions. The temperature of the storage modulus (G′) for gelatinisation increased markedly on adding fructooligosaccharides to 200–300 g kg^?1 waxy rice starch. For gelatinisation of 300 g kg^?1 rice starch dispersion the effectiveness of the oligosaccharides in changing the above parameters was as follows: chitooligosaccharides > fructooligosaccharides > isomaltooligosaccharides > xylooligosaccharides. Moreover, their effectiveness was dependent on the amylose content, as illustrated by comparing waxy and non‐waxy rice starches (amylose contents 9–256 g kg^?1). Importantly, the logarithmic G′₉₅ change was linearly and negatively correlated with amylose content. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that oligosaccharide‐containing rice starch dispersions may potentially be used for the formulation of oligosaccharide‐containing starchy functional foods owing to the rheological changes of these starch dispersions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Glutaminase‐induced deamidation and hydrolysis of casein and metal‐chelating or ACE‐inhibitory activity of the hydrolysates in vitro

Glutaminase (EC 3.5.1.2) was applied in this work to induce deamidation and hydrolysis of casein. Some reaction conditions based on casein deamidation were studied. Three casein hydrolysates with degree of deamidation of 2.8%, 5.8% and 8.5%, or degree of hydrolysis of 2.5%, 3.4% and 4.9%, respectively, were prepared at casein concentration 5% (w/v), glutaminase addition level 400 U kg^?1 casein, reaction temperature 37 °C and reaction times 6, 12 and 24 h, respectively. Evaluation results showed that when iron (II) was added at 60 μm , iron (II)‐chelating powers of three hydrolysates were 41.1, 45.4 and 55.3%, while that of original casein and EDTA were 36.1 and 13.6%. Calcium (II)‐chelating power of three hydrolysates was 1.23, 1.41 and 1.49 mmol g^?1 casein, whereas that of original casein was 1.05 mmol g^?1 casein. Three hydrolysates also had ACE‐inhibitory activity in vitro, with IC₅₀ values from 0.75 to 2.34 mg mL^?1.     

Nutritional evaluation of transgenic high‐methionine lupins (Lupinus angustifolius L) with broiler chickens

The nutritive value of transgenic lupin seeds (Lupinus angustifolius L) with higher contents of methionine was evaluated with broiler chickens. The crude protein, methionine and cysteine contents in the conventional and transgenic lupins were 322 and 324, 2.0 and 4.5, and 3.6 and 3.7 g kg^?1 dry matter respectively. In the feeding trial, conventional and transgenic lupins with hulls were incorporated into a maize–soyabean meal diet at 250 g kg^?1 level and the diets were fed to female broiler chicks from 6 to 20 days of age. All diets were balanced to contain similar levels of apparent metabolisable energy (AME), lysine and sulphur‐containing amino acids. The levels of free methionine added to the maize–soyabean meal control, conventional lupin and transgenic lupin diets were 2.2, 2.8 and 2.2 g kg^?1 respectively. Weight gain and feed intake were not influenced by dietary treatments, but feed/gain tended to be higher (P = 0.09) in birds fed lupin diets compared with those fed the control diet. Feed/gain of birds fed the conventional lupin diet was higher (1.82 vs 1.74) than for those fed the transgenic lupin diet. These results showed that the supplemental methionine required in poultry diets containing 250 g kg^?1 lupin can be lowered by 0.6 g kg^?1 diet by the use of high‐methionine lupins. The AME values of conventional and transgenic lupins were determined to be 9.42 and 10.18 MJ kg^?1 dry matter respectively. The higher AME value in transgenic lupins may be related to the lower content of soluble non‐starch polysaccharides (45.6 vs 60.7 g kg^?1 air‐dry basis). Data on ileal amino acid digestibility indicate that the amino acids in transgenic lupins are as digestible as those in conventional lupins. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutrient utilisation and performance of broilers in response to processed flaxseed dietary levels and vitamin B6 supplementation

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of processing and dietary inclusion level of flaxseed on broiler performance and nutrient utilisation. Flaxseed was included in the diet fed to day‐old broilers for the first 3 weeks as whole seed, ground seed, autoclaved whole seed, ground autoclaved whole seed or whole seed pelleted with the other ingredients, at levels of 0, 100, 120 and 140 g kg^?1. Chicks fed the pelleted flaxseed‐containing diets had heavier body weights, consumed more feed and had better feed/gain ratios than those fed the other flaxseed‐containing diets during the 3 weeks period (P < 0.01). The flaxseed level in the diet also had very significant (P < 0.01) effects on body weight and feed/gain ratio at the end of weeks 1 and 3, with the diets containing 100 g kg^?1 flaxseed resulting in better performance than the other flaxseed‐containing diets. Among the flaxseed containing diets, the pelleted diets led to higher apparent ether extract digestibilities, with values of 778 and 770 g kg^?1 for the diets containing 100 and 140 g kg^?1 flaxseed respectively. This better utilisation of ether extract by young broilers may explain the significantly (P < 0.05) higher AME_n (apparent metabolisable energy) value of 2924 kcal kg^?1 for the pelleted 140 g kg^?1 flaxseed‐containing diet. This was 15.4–17.5% higher than for the diets with the same level of flaxseed but provided as raw or autoclaved whole seed. The pelleting of flaxseed allowed an inclusion rate of 100 g kg^?1 without any reduction in the performance and nutrient utilisation of broilers. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of phytase inclusion and calcium/phosphorus ratio on the performance and nutrient retention of grower–finisher pigs fed barley/wheat/soya bean meal‐based diets

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of phosphorus (P) level and calcium (Ca)/total P (tP) ratio on the efficacy of microbial phytase. Experiment 1 examined the effects of P concentration and microbial phytase inclusion on mineral excretion and pig performance, while experiment 2 examined the effects of Ca/tP ratio and microbial phytase inclusion on mineral excretion and pig performance. In experiment 1, nutrient and mineral digestibility (n = 4) and growth performance (n = 12) were determined in pigs individually fed diets containing (T1) 5.5 g kg^?1 tP, 2.3 g kg^?1 available P (aP) and 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca, (T2) 5.5 g kg^?1 tP, 2.3 g kg^?1 aP, 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca and 750 FYT kg^?1 Peniophora lycii phytase, (T3) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP, 1.4 g kg^?1 aP and 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca and (T4) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP, 1.4 g kg^?1 aP, 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca and 750 FYT kg^?1 P lycii phytase. In experiment 2, nutrient and mineral digestibility (n = 4) and growth performance (n = 12) were determined in pigs individually fed diets containing (TT1) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP and 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca, (TT2) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP, 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca and 750 FYT kg^?1 P lycii phytase, (TT3) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP and 5.0 g kg^?1 Ca and (TT4) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP, 5.0 g kg^?1 Ca and 750 FYT kg^?1 P lycii phytase. All diets were formulated, using standard feeding values for the ingredients, to have similar concentrations of digestible energy (DE) and lysine. In experiment 1, pigs offered the low‐P diets had significantly lower P intake (P < 0.001), faecal P excretion (P < 0.05), Ca intake (P < 0.05) and faecal Ca excretion (P < 0.05) compared with pigs given the adequate‐P diets. These pigs also had significantly lower daily gain (P < 0.01), feed intake (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). The inclusion of phytase in both the adequate‐ and low‐P diets increased the digestibility of energy (P < 0.05) and Ca (P < 0.01) but had no effect on pig performance. In experiment 2, lowering the Ca/tP ratio from 1.85:1 to 1.15:1 increased the DE content of the diet (P < 0.05). The inclusion of phytase increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of protein (0.874 versus 0.840, SEM 0.009) and Ca (0.427 versus 0.380, SEM 0.019) as well as the DE content of the diet (14.47 versus 14.26 MJ kg^?1, SEM 0.073). There was a significant ratio × phytase interaction (P < 0.5) for P digestibility. Microbial phytase significantly increased P digestibility when added to the 1.15:1 ratio diet but had no effect when added to the 1.85:1 ratio diet. The inclusion of microbial phytase increased feed intake (2.16 versus 2.00 kg day^?1, SEM 0.05; P < 0.05) and weight gain (0.893 versus 0.818 kg day^?1, SEM 0.022; P < 0.05). Lowering the Ca/tP ratio resulted in a significant improvement in FCR (2.32 versus 2.40 kg kg^?1, SEM 0.03; P < 0.05). In conclusion, the beneficial effects of microbial phytase supplementation of pig diets are adversely affected by a wide Ca/tP ratio. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Response of growing Japanese quails to dietary concentration of L‐threonine

The influence of dietary levels of L ‐threonine (Thr) on growth and immune response was investigated in growing (0–5 weeks of age) Japanese quails (n = 288). Three dietary treatments were formulated using three levels of Thr [9.6, 10.2 and 11.2 kg^?1 diet dry matter (DM)] at a fixed protein level of 233 g kg^?1 and an energy level of 12.15 MJ (2900 kcal) metabolizable energy (ME) kg^?1 feed dry matter. A metabolism trial with a 3‐day collection period was conducted at the third week of age employing all the birds. The cell‐mediated (using PHA‐P) and humoral (SRBC response) immune responses were measured at the fourth week of age. Carcass traits were assessed at the end of fifth week of age. Body weight gain was lower (P < 0.01) in birds received 9.6 g Thr kg^?1 DM than in groups fed 10.2 g or 11.2 g kg^?1 DM in the diet, but there was no significant difference in gain between the groups fed 10.2 or 11.2 g Thr kg^?1 DM in the diet. Feed intake differed significantly owing to Thr levels being lowest (P < 0.05) at 9.6 g Thr kg^?1 DM in the diet. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency and energy efficiency improved at the 11.2 g kg^?1 level from 0 to 3 weeks of age; however, from 3 to 5 weeks of age, better FCR emanated from a diet with 9.6 g Thr kg^?1 DM. The nitrogen balance did not differ (P > 0.05) with Thr level. Carcass traits, relative weight of immune organs and cell‐mediated (PHA‐P) and humoral (SRBC response) immune responses did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) as a result of the dietary treatments. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

The influence of fibre level and fat supplementation in expander‐processed diets on grower–finisher pig performance

Seventy‐two entire male pigs (40.4 ± 1.0 kg) were used to study the effects of increasing crude fibre (CF) level in the diet and maintaining the digestible energy (DE) content of the diet by increasing dietary fat inclusion on pig performance and nutrient digestibility in a 3 × 2 factorial experiment. Productive performance and nutrient digestibility were determined in individually fed pigs offered expander‐processed pelleted diets ad libitum containing three levels of CF (50, 60 and 70 g kg^?1) and two levels of fat supplementation (25 and 50 g kg^?1) until slaughter at 100 kg. All diets were expander processed at 105 °C for 5 s at 35 bar pressure having been previously conditioned at 85 °C for 5 s. All diets were formulated to have similar concentrations of digestible energy (13.5 MJ kg^?1) and lysine (10 g kg^?1) and the fat source was a 60:40 blend of tallow and palm oil. The increase in dietary CF level decreased (P < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of crude protein, organic matter (OM) and energy, while the inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat decreased (P < 0.01) OM and energy digestibility. The inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat in the diet increased (P < 0.01) ether extract digestibility at the 50 and 60 g kg^?1 CF levels; however, fat inclusion had no effect at the 70 g kg^?1 CF level. There was no CF × fat interaction in any growth criteria. The inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat in the diet significantly reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake (2.28 versus 2.43 kg day^?1, SEM 0.039), average daily gain (ADG; 0.877 versus 0.927 kg day^?1, SEM 0.017) and DE conversion ratio (36.1 versus 35.0 MJ kg^?1, SEM 0.40). The increase in dietary CF level decreased (linear, P < 0.05) feed intake (2.45 versus 2.32 versus 2.29 kg day^?1, SEM 0.040), ADG (0.940 versus 0.896 versus 0.872 kg day^?1, SEM 0.021) and kill‐out proportion (740 versus 741 versus 730 g kg^?1, SEM 3.6). In conclusion, increasing both the CF level and supplementary fat inclusion rate had a negative effect on pig growth performance and nutrient digestibility. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Detection of Lathyrus sativus in processed chickpea‐ and red gram‐based products by thin layer chromatography

Excessive consumption of Lathyrus sativus leads to crippling, irreversible paralysis of both lower limbs, mainly in males. This is attributed to the presence of a non‐protein amino acid, β‐N‐oxalyl‐L ‐2,3‐diaminopropionic acid or β‐N‐oxalylamino‐L ‐alanine. Using a thin layer chromatography method developed in our laboratory, adulteration of chickpea and red gram with L sativus in pressure‐cooked batters could be detected at levels of 100 and 200 g kg^?1 respectively. When processed as a curried liquid dal, L sativus could be detected at 200 g kg^?1 in chickpea and 100 g kg^?1 in red gram. Processing into fried bhajiyas resulted in a detection limit of 200 g kg^?1 in both red gram and chickpea. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry