Use of Protein Content, Amylose Content, and RVA Parameters to Evaluate the Taste Quality of Rice

Taste quality of rice is the key to its value. However, it is greatly affected by rice types and the environment. It is a complex but necessary factor to accurately evaluate the taste quality of various types of rice in different environments. In this study, 7 different types of rice with different taste values were used as materials, and 12 nitrogen fertilizer treatments were applied to obtain 84 different rice taste values. We used protein content, amylose content, and RVA to evaluate changes in the taste value of rice. Rice with high taste value tended to have higher amylose content, peak viscosity, hold viscosity, final viscosity, and breakdown, as well as lower protein content, pasting temperature, and peak time. Protein and amylose contents affected the taste value of rice by affecting the RVA profiles except for setback. For high and low taste-value rice types, protein content could explain 66.8 and 42.9% of the variation in taste value, respectively. In the case of medium taste-value type, protein content was not enough to evaluate the taste quality of rice. Stickiness could explain 59.6% of the variation in taste value. When the protein content of rice was less than 6.61% or greater than 9.34%, it could be used to reflect the taste quality of rice. When the protein content was in between the two, protein content was not enough to reflect the taste quality of rice. Our results suggested that protein content could better reflect the taste quality change for rice, which provided a theoretical and technical basis for the accurate evaluation of the taste value of various types of rice.

The content of basic elements in buckwheat flour as affected by varietal characteristics

- Purpose. Determine the biochemical composition of buckwheat as affected by varietal characteristics. Methods. Humidity was determined by thermogravimetric method, protein content by the Kjeldahl method, carbohydrate content by sugar meter, ash content by burning in a muffle furnace, fat content by low-fat residue, vitamin content by liquid chromatography. Results. The biochemical composition of buckwheat grain varied significantly depending on the variety. Studies have shown that at a moisture content of 11.0–12.6%, the content of fiber, organic acids, ash, mono- and disaccharides and fat was the lowest. Thus, their content over varieties was 0.5–2.5%, 1.7–2.4, 1.5–2.5, 1.6–2.5 and 2.0–3.2%, respectively. Of the 17 varieties of buckwheat, only 4 had a significantly lower protein content (13.2–14.0%) compared to the standard variety ‘Ukrainka’. In other varieties, this figure varied from 16.3 to 18.5% or more, that is by 9–23% compared to the control. Buckwheat had the highest starch content of 57.2–62.0% depending on the variety. It should be noted that no significant difference was found between tall and dwarf varieties. Thus, the protein content in grain obtained from dwarf varieties varied from 16.5 to 17.2% while in tall ones from 13.2 to 18.5%. The content of vitamins in grain also varied depending on the variety from which it was obtained. The content of vitamin K was the lowest, 0.005–0.007 mg/100 g, the content of vitamins B2, B1, B5 and B6 varied from 0.12 to 0.42 mg/100 g of grain. The content of vitamin E and B3 was higher, 3.00–6.56 mg/100 g of grain, depending on the variety. The highest content of B4 was 50.0–54.3 mg/100 g of grain. It should be noted that the share of vitamin K in the total amount was the lowest (0.01%), the share of vitamins B2, B1, B5 and B6 ranged between 0.2 and 0.7%, E and B3 between 6.1 and 10.3%, and vitamin B4 between 80.3 and 85.9%. According to the content of vitamins, the difference between buckwheat varieties has not been found. The level of vitamins provides a determination of the integral rate of the product. It was found that 100 g of buckwheat provides the adult body with vitamin K by 4–7%, B5 – by 6–9, B4 – by 10–11, B2 – by 11–24, B1 – by 11–36, B6 – by 12–23, E – by 27–44, B3 – by 21–44% depending on the variety. Conclusions. As a result of research, it was found that the biochemical composition of grain varies significantly depending on the buckwheat variety. Buckwheat contains the most vitamins E (3.00–6.63 mg/100 g of cereal) and B4 (51.0–54.3 mg/100 g of cereal). It is determined that grain obtained from ‘Orlovskyi’, ‘Podilskyi’, ‘Yana’, ‘Sumchanka’, ‘Anisia’, ‘Krupnozelena’, ‘Skorostyhla 81’ and ‘Kvitnyk’ varieties have a high content of vitamins B2, B1, B6, E and B3 with an integrated rate of 16–44%. In addition, grain of these varieties contains 16.5–17.4% of protein.

Cross-reactivity of each fraction among cereals in children with wheat allergy

Background: Cross-reactivity between wheat and other cereals is an essential issue in the management of wheat allergy. Few studies have reported in vitro cross-reactivity in immediate-type wheat allergy. This study aimed to examine cross-reactivity of the three fractions (albumin/globulin, gliadin, and glutenin fractions) among cereals in children with wheat allergy. Methods: Sera from 128 children with immediate-type wheat allergy were collected. We measured specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels against each fraction of wheat, barley, and rye by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cross-reactivities of each fraction among wheat, barley, and rye were examined via inhibition ELISA. Results: All subjects were sensitized to all the fractions of wheat, and also those of barley and rye. The wheat sIgE levels were significantly higher than those of barley and rye in all the fractions (p ≤ 0.001) and were significantly correlated with sIgE levels to them in each fraction (r = 0.887–0.969, p < 0.001). On inhibition ELISA, wheat inhibited the IgE binding to most of the solid phases at the lower protein levels compared to barley and rye in all fractions. Conclusions: In children with immediate-type wheat allergy, sensitization to all the three fractions of wheat was observed. In addition, they showed sensitization to barley and rye caused by in vitro cross-reactivity with wheat in each fraction. When managing children with wheat allergy, sensitization to barley and rye caused by the cross-reactivities should be considered.

The Protein Paradox: Elucidating the Complex Nutritional Ecology of the Invasive Berry Pest, Spotted-Wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophila suzukii)

Spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, has become one of the most widely studied insect species over the last decade, largely due to its recent invasion and rapid expansion across the Americas and Europe. Unlike other drosophilid species, which colonize rotting fruit, SWD females possess a serrated ovipositor that allows them to lay eggs in intact ripening fruit, causing significant economic problems for fruit/berry producers worldwide. Though an impressive amount of research has been conducted on SWD's ecology and physiology, aspects of their nutritional ecology remain ambiguous. This review synthesizes the research to date to provide a more comprehensive view of SWD's nutritional relationship with its fruit hosts and associated microbes. Overall, data suggest that SWD's ability to utilize novel resources is likely due to changes in their ecological, rather than physiological, niche that are largely mediated by microbial associations. Studies show that SWD's nutrient intake is comparable to other drosophilid species, indicating limited adaptation to feeding on lower-protein resources. Instead, data show that fruit protein content is a reliable predictor of host suitability and that fruit-microbe dynamics have a strong impact on protein availability. In particularly, fruit protein increases after infestation with SWD-associated microbes, suggesting that initially-suboptimal intact fruits can become protein-rich on a timeframe that is relevant for larval nutrition. This body of work suggests that microbial associations between flies and their fruit hosts can compensate for the nutritional differences between intact and rotting fruit, and that these relationships are likely responsible for SWD's expanded nutritional niche.

Carcass and Pork Quality and Gut Environment of Pigs Fed a Diet Supplemented with the Bokashi Probiotic

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of probiotics on gut microbiota, on carcass and meat quality and on mineral contents in the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in pigs. The research was carried out with 120 hybrid pigs deriving from Naïma sows and P-76 boars. Pigs from the experimental group received the EM®Bokashi probiotic (Greendland Technologia EM®, Janowiec n/Wisłą, Poland) in their feed (containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum). The study showed that EM®Bokashi probiotic supplementation resulted in a significantly higher count of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts in the feed, a lower number of Clostridium in the mucosa and colorectal digesta as well as a lower Enterobacteriaceae count in the colorectal digesta. The research showed that carcasses of the pigs who received the EM®Bokashi probiotic had a higher lean percentage and lower fat content than the carcasses of the control fatteners. Diet supplementation with the EM®Bokashi probiotic resulted in a lower pH and technological yield (TY) and a higher drip loss and shear force at a lower protein content in LL muscle. Moreover, the administration of the probiotic to fatteners resulted in higher yellowness (b*) and saturation (C*) and higher concentrations of Na, Mg and Se in meat.

AAC Perform red spring wheat

AAC Perform, an awned hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar, combines high grain yield and good agronomic characteristics with excellent resistance to leaf, stem, and stripe rust. Based on 43 station years of registration trial data from 2017 to 2019, the grain yield of AAC Perform was about 6% higher than AAC Foray and about 12% over AAC Penhold. AAC Perform was significantly shorter than AAC Foray and had straw strength similar to AAC Penhold. It was about two days later maturing than AAC Foray. AAC Perform had similar test weight, smaller kernel size and lower protein concentration as compared with AAC Foray. AAC Perform had milling and baking quality suitable for grades of the Canada Prairie Spring Red wheat market class.

Effects of Dry Heat Treatment and Milling on Sorghum Chemical Composition, Functional and Molecular Characteristics

This study aimed to highlight the effects of grains dry heat treatment, flour particle size and variety on sorghum flour nutritional, functional, and molecular characteristics. The results obtained showed that dry heat treatment led to fat, fiber and water absorption capacity increase, while the moisture, protein, ash, water retention capacity, solubility index, foaming capacity, and FT-IR absorption bands characteristic to phytic acids decreased with temperature applied raised. Particle size reduction determined lower protein, solubility index, and emulsifying activity and higher fat content, oil absorption capacity, swelling power, and foaming capacity. White sorghum flour fractions presented lower protein content, except when they were treated at 140 °C, lower carbohydrates and fibers and higher fat content compared to those made of red sorghum. Moderate significant correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between some of the functional properties and proximate composition of flours. Thus, both dry heat treatment conditions and particle size exerted significant influences of sorghum flour chemical and functional properties. These results showed the importance of particle size and dry heat treatment on sorghum flours functionality, being helpful for further optimizations and choices for bakery products use.

Production and characteristic quality of probiotic Labneh cheese supplemented with broccoli florets

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop functional probiotic Labneh cheeses supplemented with broccoli florets.Design/methodology/approachProbiotic Labneh cheese was produced using broccoli florets paste at four different levels (0, 5, 10 and 15%), with Lactobacillus casei NRRL B-1922 as a probiotic strain, to evaluate its physicochemical, phenols, antioxidant activity, minerals, vitamins, textural, microbiological and sensory characteristics during storage for 15 days.FindingsThe results indicated that Labneh cheese with added broccoli paste exhibited significantly (p = 0.05) higher level of moisture, acidity, soluble nitrogen, phenols, antioxidant activity, minerals and B vitamins, and lower protein, fat, ash and pH values when compared to control Labneh cheese. Textural analysis of Labneh cheese indicated that Labneh with higher level of broccoli (15%) exhibited harder texture than others. Higher viable counts of Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus thermophilus were detected in Labneh with broccoli paste, and the counts (107 cfu/g) were higher than the number should be present to achieve their health benefits. The most acceptable Labneh cheeses were those supplemented with 5 and 10% broccoli paste.Originality/valueThis study revealed broccoli florets could enhance the growth of Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus thermophilus in the Labneh matrix, which resulted in a wider spectrum of health benefits of Labneh cheese to the consumers.

Different Combinations of Butchery and Vegetable Wastes on Growth Performance, Chemical-Nutritional Characteristics and Oxidative Status of Black Soldier Fly Growing Larvae

Hermetia illucens larvae (five days old) were farmed on broiler feed (control diet), a vegetable diet (V100), a 50% of vegetable diet + 50% of butchery wastes (V50 + B50), and a 75% of vegetable diet + 25% of butchery wastes (V75 + B25) to evaluate their suitability. Ten kilograms of substrate and 6000 larvae composed each replicate (nine per group). Larvae were weighed and measured every two days until the 25% developed into prepupae. Larval mortality and growing indexes were calculated. Substrates, larvae, and frass chemical composition were analyzed. Larvae oxidative status and stability were measured in hemolymph and body. The V100 larvae showed the lowest live weight, length, thickness, and growth rate but had low mortality rate and high substrate reduction index and protein conversion ratio. The V100 larvae had similar protein to and lower lipids than the control ones, while the V50 + B50 and V75 + B25 larvae contained higher lipids and lower protein than the others. Despite the vegetable wastes, at different levels, the reactive oxygen species content decreased in hemolymph, and the V100 diet depressed growth performance and should be avoided. The use of butchery wastes combined with vegetable ingredients can be a suitable alternative to balance the high level of lipid and the low content of protein.

Common and diet-specific metabolic pathways underlying residual feed intake in fattening Charolais yearling bulls

Residual feed intake (RFI) is one of the preferred traits for feed efficiency animal breeding. However, RFI measurement is expensive and time-consuming and animal ranking may depend on the nature of the diets. We aimed to explore RFI plasma biomarkers and to unravel the underlying metabolic pathways in yearling bulls fed either a corn-silage diet rich in starch (corn diet) or a grass-silage diet rich in fiber (grass diet). Forty-eight extreme RFI animals (Low-RFI, n = 24, versus High-RFI, n = 24, balanced per diet) were selected from a population of 364 Charolais bulls and their plasma was subjected to a targeted LC-MS metabolomic approach together with classical metabolite and hormonal plasma analyses. Greater lean body mass and nitrogen use efficiency, and lower protein turnover were identified as common mechanisms underlying RFI irrespective of the diet. On the other hand, greater adiposity and plasma concentrations of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) together with lower insulin sensitivity in High-RFI animals were only observed with corn diet. Conversely, greater plasma concentrations of BCAA and total triglycerides, but similar insulin concentrations were noted in efficient RFI cattle with grass diet. Our data suggest that there are diet-specific mechanisms explaining RFI differences in fattening Charolais yearling bulls.