Effect of oolong tea (Camellia sinensis) powder particle size on growth performance, fat deposition, meat quality and antioxidant activity in meat ducks

Effect of tea polyphenols supplement on growth performance, antioxidation, and gut microbiota in squabs

Early life nutritional supplementation can significantly improve pigeon health. Both the nutritional crops of parental pigeons and the intestinal development of squabs play key roles in the growth rate of squabs. Tea polyphenols (TPs), as natural plant extracts, exhibit potential biological activities. However, the impact of TPs on the intestinal function of squabs is not known. This study evaluated the effects of TPs on growth performance, immunity, antioxidation, and intestinal function in squabs. A total of 432 young pigeons (1 day old) were divided into four groups: a control group (fed a basic diet) and three treatment groups (low, medium, and high dose groups; 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg TPs, respectively). On the 28th day, samples of serum, mucosal tissue, and digests from the ileum of squabs were collected for analysis. The results revealed that TP supplementation significantly reduced the feed-to-meat ratio and improved the feed utilization rate and serum biochemical indices in squabs. Additionally, it enhanced the intestinal barrier function of birds by promoting intestinal development and integrity of tight junctions and regulating digestive enzyme activities and intestinal flora. Mechanistically, TPs activated the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, which may be associated with improved antioxidant and immune responses, correlating with an increased abundance of Candida arthritis and Corynebacterium in the ileum.

Investigating particle-size-induced changes in composition, physical, rheological, and bioactive properties of black tea powder

BACKGROUND

People brew tea to drink an infusion that only contains 25% water-soluble constituents, leading to most of the insoluble materials being wasted. Tea powder could be drunk directly by mixing with water without producing any waste. Tea powder can also be used as a natural additive to improve the flavour and taste in beverages and foods. Much detailed information on the particle properties of tea powder is required with its increasing consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of particle size ranging from median diameter D₅₀  = 4.32 to 26.59 μm on the composition, physical, rheological, and bioactive properties of black tea powder.

RESULTS

The results indicate that large powder sizes had high bulk density and flowability, whereas small powder sizes possessed good swelling ability and wettability. The contents of water extract, total polyphenols, crude fibre, catechins, and thearubigins reduced with a decrease in particle size. To change the particle size and concentration could adjust the elastic modulus and the viscous modulus of the black tea powder suspension. Moreover, black tea powder with small particle size could regulate blood lipids in a hyperlipidaemic rat model by lowering triacylglycerols and elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, whereas large particles presented an advantage in reducing body weight.

CONCLUSION

Our investigation extended the knowledge of commercial black tea powder in composition, physical, rheological, and bioactive properties. These results lay the foundation for future exploration of the use of tea powder in the food industry. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of legume-diet and sex of ducks on the growth performance, physicochemical traits of meat and fatty acid composition in fat

Duck meat enjoys growing popularity among consumers. Alternative protein sources to soybean are being investigated to eliminate genetically modified components from the poultry' diet. The aim of this study was to compare growth performance, quality of meat, and fatty acid composition in subcutaneous and abdominal fat from ducks fed a diet based on yellow lupin and rapeseed meal, sources of protein alternative to soybean meal (SBM). Ducks were allocated to different dietary treatment groups and reared for 8 weeks (N = 102 per group). Group A received a diet based on SBM, while group B was fed a diet based on yellow lupin with the addition of rapeseed meal. Both groups were divided into two subgroups, of male and female birds. Growth performance parameters and zoometric traits of ducks were monitored during the growth period. After 8 weeks selected birds were slaughtered and dissected (N = 10 per group). Carcass composition was calculated and selected traits of meat quality important for further processing were analysed. Subcutaneous and abdominal fat were collected to analyse fatty acid composition. The alternative diet had no negative effect on ducks' growth performance parameters and dressing percentage. The replacement of SBM with yellow lupin and rapeseed meal increased n-3 fatty acid content, which is important for consumers. In conclusion, SBM can be replaced with feed containing 60.10% of yellow lupin and 14.00% of rapeseed meal in concentrate. These sources of protein are mainly recommended for small poultry farms, which do not always have access to SBM and prepare poultry feed from their own crops.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Yingshan Cloud Mist Tea

The study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Yingshan Cloud Mist Tea. The chemical composition of green tea polysaccharides (GTPS) was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric (TGA), gas chromatograph (GC), and high-performance gel-permeation chromatography (HPGPC). Then, the antioxidant activities in vitro of GTPS, effects of GTPS on body weight, and the antioxidant activities in chickens were studied. The results showed that GTPS were composed of rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), mannose (Man), glucose (Glu), and galactose (Gal) in a molar ratio of 11.4 : 26.1 : 1.9 : 3.0 : 30.7 : 26.8 and the average molecular weight was 9.69×104 Da. Furthermore, GTPS exhibited obvious capacity of scavenging DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical and enhanced the ferric-reducing power in vitro. Last, GTPS significantly increased the body weight of chickens, enhanced the T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px level, and decreased the content of MDA in chickens. The results indicated that GTPS might be a kind of natural antioxidant, which had the potential application in feed industry.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Yingshan Cloud Mist Tea

The study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Yingshan Cloud Mist Tea. The chemical composition of green tea polysaccharides (GTPS) was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric (TGA), gas chromatograph (GC), and high-performance gel-permeation chromatography (HPGPC). Then, the antioxidant activities in vitro of GTPS, effects of GTPS on body weight, and the antioxidant activities in chickens were studied. The results showed that GTPS were composed of rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), mannose (Man), glucose (Glu), and galactose (Gal) in a molar ratio of 11.4 : 26.1 : 1.9 : 3.0 : 30.7 : 26.8 and the average molecular weight was 9.69×104 Da. Furthermore, GTPS exhibited obvious capacity of scavenging DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical and enhanced the ferric-reducing power in vitro. Last, GTPS significantly increased the body weight of chickens, enhanced the T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px level, and decreased the content of MDA in chickens. The results indicated that GTPS might be a kind of natural antioxidant, which had the potential application in feed industry.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Yingshan Cloud Mist Tea

The study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Yingshan Cloud Mist Tea. The chemical composition of green tea polysaccharides (GTPS) was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric (TGA), gas chromatograph (GC), and high-performance gel-permeation chromatography (HPGPC). Then, the antioxidant activities in vitro of GTPS, effects of GTPS on body weight, and the antioxidant activities in chickens were studied. The results showed that GTPS were composed of rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), mannose (Man), glucose (Glu), and galactose (Gal) in a molar ratio of 11.4 : 26.1 : 1.9 : 3.0 : 30.7 : 26.8 and the average molecular weight was 9.69 × 10⁴ Da. Furthermore, GTPS exhibited obvious capacity of scavenging DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical and enhanced the ferric-reducing power in vitro. Last, GTPS significantly increased the body weight of chickens, enhanced the T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px level, and decreased the content of MDA in chickens. The results indicated that GTPS might be a kind of natural antioxidant, which had the potential application in feed industry.

Evaluation of Dietary Palygorskite Supplementation on Growth Performance, Mineral Accumulations, Antioxidant Capacities, and Meat Quality of Broilers Fed Lead-Contaminated Diet

The objective of this study was to evaluate influence of dietary palygorskite (Pal) supplementation on growth performance, mineral accumulations in the tissues (livers, kidneys, and muscles), antioxidant capacities, and meat quality of broilers fed lead (Pb)-contaminated diet. One-hundred forty-four male broiler chicks were randomly divided into three treatment groups, receiving a corn-soybean meal basal diet (the control group), the basal diet contaminated with 10 mg/kg Pb (the Pb group), and the basal diet with 10-g/kg Pal supplementation and 10-mg/kg Pb contamination (the Pal/Pb group) from 1 to 42 days of age, respectively. Treatments did not affect growth performance of broilers in the 42-day study (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, Pb contamination increased Pb accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and muscles (P < 0.05); elevated malondialdehyde accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and breast muscles; glutathione peroxidase activity in the livers and superoxide dismutase activity in the kidneys (P < 0.05); exacerbated drip loss in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05); and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05) of broilers at 42 days of age. The values of these parameters were reversed in the Pal/Pb group to levels comparable with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, Pal supplementation reduced redness value in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05), and decreased Cu concentration in the pectoralis muscles and livers at 42 days of age as well as its accumulation in the kidneys at both 21 and 42 days of age compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). The results suggested that dietary Pal supplementation would decrease Pb residue in the tissues, alleviate oxidative stress, and affect meat quality of broilers exposed to Pb.

Effect of amount and duration of waste green tea powder on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, and lipid metabolites of growing broilers

This study has evaluated the possible effect of waste powder of green tea (Camellia sinensis) in feed supplementation on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, and lipid metabolites of growing broilers (chicks) in both the amount and duration aspects of dietary additives during the finisher phases. In the experiment, growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, and lipid metabolites of broiler chicks have been fully recorded and explored. The diet of 271 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks has been supplemented with 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00% (w/w) green tea powder in addition to normal feeding additives. The experiment lasted for 21 and 42 days, respectively, for each value of the green tea supplement and for separate groups of animals. Broiler feed has been supplemented with different levels of green tea powder to assess the trial effect and potential beneficial dose on selected growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood parameters of broiler chicks. Although there are almost no differences of broiler parameters and characteristics measured from one point of view of single treatment factor (amount or duration), against the control groups during the three trial periods, the overall effect of amount and duration of feeding green tea powder is positive on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, and lipid metabolites of growing broilers, although there are nearly no differences in some broiler parameters and characteristics. However, there are a remarkable interactive effect of amount and duration of different feeding levels of green tea powder and obvious differences observed in all the parameters and characteristics of growing broilers. Especially, usage of feeding green tea powder largely decreased the abdominal fat content and some lipid metabolites, including VLDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and AST of broiler chicks. While additional data are still needed to evaluate and analyze the optimum supplement feed doses, it can be concluded that dietary green tea is a positive feed supplementation to reduce abdominal fat and lipid metabolites and induce antioxidants.

Effects of Palygorskite Inclusion on the Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Ability, and Mineral Element Content of Broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate different levels of palygorskite supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, muscular oxidative status, and mineral element accumulation of broilers. One hundred ninety-two 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated to four dietary treatments with six replicates of eight chicks per replicate. Birds in the four treatments were given a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg palygorskite for 42 days, respectively. Compared with the control group, neither 5 g/kg nor 10 g/kg palygorskite inclusion affected growth performance of broilers during the 42-day study (P > 0.05). However, the highest level of palygorskite supplementation at 20 g/kg increased feed/gain ratio (F/G) of broilers (P < 0.001). Yellowness (P < 0.001) and redness (P = 0.003) of breast muscle and yellowness of leg muscle (P = 0.001) were decreased by palygorskite supplementation at the levels of 10 g/kg and especially 20 g/kg. In addition, redness of leg muscle was also reduced by the inclusion of 20 g/kg palygorskite (P = 0.009). In contrast, malonaldehyde (MDA) accumulation in the breast muscle was significantly increased by 20 g/kg palygorskite supplementation (P < 0.001). Supplementation of palygorskite at either 10 or 20 g/kg significantly decreased lead (Pb) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.001) or thigh (P = 0.045) and copper (Cu) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.022). In conclusion, growth performance, meat color, and antioxidant capacity of meat would reduce with the increasing level of palygorskite supplementation, whereas a higher level of palygorskite (10 or 20 g/kg) can alter mineral element accumulations in muscles as evidenced by reduced muscular Cu and Pb contents.