The Effect of Using Biological Treatment on Microbial Growth during the Malting of Sorghum

Malting is an important industrial product with a huge market outlet. Sorghum grain carries a numerous and variable, microbial population that mainly consists of bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi. Sorghum malt is heavily reliant on chemical control of moulds and coliforms. This research aimed at investigating ways of improving malt quality and safety, using starter cultures of lactic acid bacteria and yeast, during the steeping stage of malting. All the steep treatments contained a sizeable population of moulds, greater than 4logcfu/mL, at 0hrs of steeping. A 3Log decrease was recorded in the steep treatment containing only single culture of Lactobacillus plantarum All the steeping treatments achieved varying levels of anti-nutrient reduction. The Lactobacillus plantarum CLB8 steep reduced the phytate level by as much as 47% when compared to the phytate level in sorghum grain. The combined cultures of Lactobacillus plantarum CLB8 and Saccharomyces cerevisiaeCYT1 reduced the phytate content by as much as 40% when compared to the sorghum grain without treatment. When compared to the control steep, the Lactobacillus plantarum CLB8 steep improved the anti-nutrient degradation by 31%. The combined cultures of Lactobacillus plantarum CLB8 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CYT1 reduced the phytate content by as much as 23% when compared with the control steep. The polyphenol content was reduced by about 46% in the Lactobacillus plantarum CLB8 steep and 29% in the combined cultures of Lactobacillus plantarum CLB8 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CYT1 steep when compared to the polyphenol content in the whole sorghum grain. Only the Lactobacillus plantarum CLB8 steep had better polyphenol reduction than the control with a 9.6% reduction more than the control. It was concluded that lactic acid bacteria can be apply as a biological control organism in malting of grains.

Nutritional Properties of Ogi Powder and Sensory Perception of Ogi Porridge Made From Synthetic Provitamin: A Maize Genotype

Provitamin-A maize (PVA) with increased carotenoid content obtained through conventional breeding techniques has been largely successful in sub-Saharan Africa. This resulted in a need to evaluate their susceptibility, retention, and nutritional content during processing into local foods. This study evaluated the chemical, carotenoid composition, and retention of PVA, the phytic acid content in ogi powder, and the sensory perception of ogi porridge produced traditionally from the three novel PVA maize genotypes (PVA SYN HGAC0 Maize 1; PVA SYN HGBC0 Maize 2; and PVA SYN HGBC1 Maize 3) and one yellow maize variety (control). Chemical composition analyses showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in all parameters. The PVA ranged from 5.96 to 8.43 μg/g in Maize 2 and 3 before processing while the true percentage retention after processing into ogi powder ranged from 20.25 to 37.54% in Maize 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, there was a reduction in the phytate content of ogi powder, and Maize 2 contained the lowest (2.78 mg/g from 4.09 mg/g). Maize 2 genotype had the highest vitamin A contribution; it can meet 18.3% of the vitamin A requirements in children while in adult males and females (>19 years), 6.2 and 7.7%, respectively. Sensory evaluation showed that the ogi 3 porridge (Maize 3) was the most acceptable, followed by Maize 2. In conclusion, Maize 2 had the highest PVA, true retention of carotenoid, vitamin A contributions, and the second most acceptable ogi porridge with the lowest phytate content.

Haplotypes within tandemly duplicated candidate genes at BnaA9.MRP5 modulate phytate concentration in canola (Brassica napus L.)

Phytate is the storage form of phosphorus in angiosperm seeds and plays vitally important roles during seed development. However, in crop plants phytate decreases bioavailability of seed-sourced mineral elements for humans, livestock and poultry, and contributes to phosphate-related water pollution. However, there is little knowledge about this trait in oilseed rape B. napus (oilseed rape). Here, a panel of 505 diverse B. napus accessions was screened in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 3.28 x 106 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This identified 119 SNPs significantly associated with phytate concentration (PA_Conc) and phytate content (PA_Cont) and six candidate genes were identified. Of these, BnaA9.MRP5 represented the candidate gene for the significant SNP chrA09_5198034 (27kb) for both PA_Cont and PA_Conc. Transcription of BnaA9.MRP5 in a low -phytate variety (LPA20) was significantly elevated compared with a high -phytate variety (HPA972). Association and haplotype analysis indicated that inbred lines carrying specific SNP haplotypes within BnaA9.MRP5 were associated with high- and low-phytate phenotypes. No significant differences in seed germination and seed yield were detected between low and high phytate cultivars examined. Candidate genes, favorable haplotypes and the low phytate varieties identified in this study will be useful for low-phytate breeding of B. napus.

Evaluation of nutritional and elemental compositions of green and red cultivars of roselle: Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Roselle—Hibiscus sabdariffa L. leaves at different stages of growth, calyces and seeds were analyzed for nutritional and anti-nutritional factors. All the treatments contained a good but varied proportion of carbohydrate in a range of 26.93–54.13%, crude protein from 5.7 to 27.06%, crude fat 1.16–13.09%, crude fibre 15.75–36.10%, energy 631.36–1065 kJ, ash 6.08–13.74% and moisture content 6.00–9.7%. The vitamins A, C and E were also found to be present in all the treatments in a different but substantial amount. The calcium, magnesium and iron contents in all the treatments were higher than the recommended daily allowance of 1250, 350, and 15 mg for adults, while the phosphorus and sodium values in all the treatments were below 1000 and 1500 mg RDA for adults. However, the Na + /K + for all the treatments were lower than 1. The values of anti-nutrients in the samples were small except post-flowering red which had high phytate content of 21.02%, although this can be easily reduced during processes like boiling and cooking. Thus, both cultivars of roselle contain high nutritional, elemental, and vitamins compositions and small content of anti-nutrients.

Effects of fermentation on the nutritional status of Afzelia africana Sm. seed and its potentiality as aqua feedstuff

The effects of fermentation on proximate and anti-nutrient compositions of Afzelia africana seed were investigated. Two methods of fermentation were employed; the traditional fermentation (TF) and gut-filtrate treated fermentation (GFTF). Anti-nutrients tested for were; alkaloids, phytate, tannins, saponins and flavonoids. All proximate contents varied significantly (P<0.05), except for ash. Afzelia africana fermented with cow gut filtrate poised the highest protein (19.35%), ash (4.20%) and lipid (32.13%) contents. The effects of cow gut filtrate fermentation on the nutritional status of A. Africana seed was only apparently (P>0.05) more pronounced than those of the natural fermentation. Fermentation significantly (P<0.05) increased the proximate nutrients except for nitrogen free extracts; which it reduced significantly. Fermentation also increased all anti-nutrients composition of the seeds except for phytate content. Fermentation significantly (P<0.05) enhanced crude protein by 30.45% for NF, 39.31% for GFTF and crude lipid by 77.64% for TF and 99.56% for GTFT. Thus fermenting Afzelia africana seed for aquaculture purpose is advocated for owing to its ability to enhance crude protein and crude lipid, not forgetting its medicinal potential due to its enhanced phytochemical levels.

Effect of Fermentation Using Lactobacillus plantarum A6 on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Precooked Sorghum bicolor and Voandzeia subterranea Blended Flour

The present study is aimed at producing Sorghum bicolor and Voandzeia subterranea complementary instant flour. The precooked sorghum and Bambara groundnut flours were mixed at different proportions (0 : 100, 25 : 75, 50 : 50, 75 : 25, and 100 : 0), hydrated with sterile distilled water (1 : 3, w:v), and fermented for 72 h/37°C using Lactobacillus plantarum A6 at 105 CFU/g. During the fermentation, samples were withdrawn for pH, titrable acidity, and microbial analyses. After fermentation, color, particle size, water absorption capacity (WAC), solubility index, least gelling concentration (LGC), and physicochemical and pasting properties were determined. The results showed that the fermentation significantly ( p ≤ 0.05 ) decreased WAC, LGC, peak viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown, and pH, but increased the solubility index and titrable acidity of flours. The protein and carbohydrates contents as well as the color, particle size, and the setback after the cooking of the flour were not significantly affected by the fermentation. The flours ratio and fermentation also significantly decreased the total polyphenols, tannins, and phytate content of the samples. The fermented blended flour containing 25% precooked sorghum flour and 75% roasted Bambara flour (SVFP25) is a promising alternative as instant flour used for young children’s nutrition.

Domestic Processing Effects on Antioxidant Capacity, Total Phenols and Phytate Content of Sorghum

Background: Whole grains may reduce chronic disease risks and these benefits are related to food matrix components, especially phenolic acids. However, food processing may change the total phenol content and antioxidant capacity. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of processing on the antioxidant capacity and total phenols, tannins and phytate contents in the sorghum grain of seven genotypes. Methods: Antioxidant capacity (AC), total phenolic content (TPC), tannins and phytate content were evaluated in unheated sorghum grains (USG), heated sorghum grains (HSG) and popped sorghum grains (PSG) of seven genotypes. Results: AC ranged from 66.5% to 92.9% in USG, decreased after PSG in all genotypes, and maintained after HSG, except for BRS 506. TPC and tannins were higher in BRS 305. PSG decreased tannin content in all genotypes. TPC of HSG was higher than the USG in BRS 310, BRS 305, BR 501 and BR 700 genotypes. PSG affected TPC content mainly in BRS 305 and BR 700. AC and tannins were especially affected by the popping conditions. There was no difference in the phytate content among all genotypes, which were maintained after HSG in BRS 506, BRS 305, BR 700 and CMSXS 136. Conclusion: AC, TPC, tannins and phytate content were affected by the processing conditions, however, those changes may be related to the compounds type and sorghum genotype.

Evaluation of Diets with Inclusion of Hydrothermal, Phytase, and Organic Acid Pretreated Canola Meal on Nutrient Digestibility in Swine

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of hydrothermal, phytase, and organic acid pretreated canola meal (CM) on nutrient digestibility in swine. A basal diet barley, wheat, and CM based, was formulated. Four diets containing 30% hydrothermal pretreated CM with 50% moisture and 40&deg;C, phytase (1000 FTU/kg activity), and either citric acid (CA), malic acid (MA), or lactic acid (LA), and a control containing pretreated CM without phytase or organic acid were fed to 12 ileal-cannulated finisher pigs (initial average BW 105.3 &plusmn; 2.7 kg) in a completely randomized design over two periods of 9 days per period. Nutrient composition and phytate content of the diets, ileal digesta, and feces were analyzed and apparent ileal and total tract digestibilities were determined. The inclusion of hydrothermal, phytase, and CA or MA pretreated CM in the diet decreased phytate P (by up to 38.6%) (p &lt; 0.05), consequently increasing available P (by up to 55.6%). Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) was improved for P by 19.9 ‒ 35.1% units and apparent total tract digestibility of DM by 10.3 ‒ 14.8% units, of protein by 6.6 ‒ 12.1% units, and of gross energy by 12 ‒ 17% units across the treatments (p &lt; 0.05), while AID of CP for MA treatment was up by 4.7% units (p &lt; 0.05) relative to the control, indicating improved diet utilization, thus reduced excretion to the environment.

Effect of Beta Carotene on the Ionisable Iron Content of Wheat

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is widely produced and consumed in India. It is one of the staple foods of India. As majority of Indian population have vegetarian diets, cereals constitute a major portion. Important nutrients like iron are usually from non-haem sources. Although, wheat contains iron, it has low bioavailability due to the presence of iron inhibitors like phytate. Recent studies have indicated that beta carotene can be a potential iron enhancer with the probability of phytate-chelating mechanism. As ionisable iron is an indicator of bioavailability, this study analysed the influence of beta carotene (synthetic and natural) on ionisable iron content of wheat. Three varieties of wheat samples were procured, ground into flour and prepared into rotis. The total iron, ionisable iron and phytate content of grain, flour and roti was estimated. The percent increase in ionisable iron content for synthetic beta carotene was 13.1±6.7%, whereas, for natural beta carotene, i.e., carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus), it was 10.06±1.35%. This study indicates that both synthetic and natural beta carotene have a positive effect on ionisable iron content of wheat.