Discrimination of mutton from different sources (regions, feeding patterns and species) by mineral elements in Inner Mongolia, China

Polystyrene exposure induces lamb gastrointestinal injury, digestive disorders and inflammation, decreasing daily gain, and meat quality

Microplastics (MPs), recognized as an emerging environmental menace, have been extensively investigated in both marine and terrestrial fauna. This study is comprehensive to investigate how polystyrene (PS) affects ruminant animals. The experimental design comprised 24 individually housed lambs, divided into a CON group (diet without PS) and three PS-exposed (25 μm, 50 μm, 100 μm) groups, each with six lambs, the exposure of PS was 100 mg/day, and the duration of exposure was 60 days. The study yielded noteworthy results: (ⅰ) PS leads to a decrease in average daily gain along with an increase in feed conversion rate. (ⅱ) PS decreases rumen ammonia nitrogen. The rumen microbiota diversity remains consistent. However, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria increased in the PS-exposed groups, while the relative abundance of Coriobacteriales_incertae_Sedis and Prevotellaceae_YAB2003_group decreased. (ⅲ) PS leads to decrease in hemoglobin, thrombocytocrit, and albumin levels in lamb blood, thus triggering oxidative stress accumulation, along with swelling of the kidneys and liver. (ⅳ) PS inflicts severe damage to jejunum, consequently impacting digestion and absorption. (ⅴ) PS reduces meat quality and the nutritional value. In conclusion, PS-exposure inhibited lambs' digestive function, adversely affects blood and organs' health status, reducing average daily gain and negatively influencing meat quality. PS particles of 50-100 μm bring worse damage to lambs. This research aims to fill the knowledge void concerning MPs' influences on ruminant animals, with a specific focus on the meat quality of fattening lambs.

Effects of dietary minerals deficiency and supplementation on different parts of muscle minerals content in grazing Mongolian sheep

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of dietary deficiency and supplementation of calcium, zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese or selenium on minerals content in the longissimus dorsi (LD), biceps femoris (BF) and triceps brachii (TB) of grazing Mongolian sheep.

Methods

We randomly divided 98 sheep into 7 treatment groups and fed them specific diets for 60 days: a total mineral nutrition diet (LCG), a calcium deficiency diet (LCa), a zinc deficiency diet (LZn), a copper deficiency diet (LCu), a cobalt deficiency diet (LCo), a manganese deficiency diet (LMn) and a selenium deficiency diet (LSe). Then 7 sheep from each group were slaughtered and samples of LD, BF and TB were collected for mineral content analysis. The remaining sheep in each group were subsequently fed specific diets for an additional 41 days: a total mineral nutrition diet (SCG), a calcium supplementation diet (SCa), a zinc supplementation diet (SZn), a copper supplementation diet (SCu), a cobalt supplementation diet (SCo), a manganese supplementation diet (SMn) and a selenium supplementation diet (SSe). Afterward, all sheep were slaughtered, and muscle samples were collected and analyzed.

Results

Significant findings emerged that LCa decreased sulfur (S) content in BF and increased Ca content in LD and BF, while SCa increased S and Ca content in BF and TB, respectively (P < 0.05). LZn decreased Zn, S, and potassium (K) content in LD and BF, while SZn increased Zn and S content in LD and BF, respectively (P < 0.05). LCu decreased Cu and iron (Fe) content in LD and TB, while SCu increased Fe content in TB (P < 0.05). LCo decreased phosphorus, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn content in LD (P < 0.05). LMn decreased Mn content and increased K content in TB, while SMn decreased K content in BF and TB (P < 0.05). LSe and SSe decreased and increased Se content in LD, BF, and TB, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dietary mineral levels have varying effects on lamb meat minerals content. It is important to ensure an adequate intake of minerals in the diet to enhance the mineral nutrition of lamb meat.

HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME/GC-MS coupled with E-nose and E-tongue reveal the flavors of raw milk from different regions of China

Milk authentication requires identification of the origin and assessment of the aroma characteristics. In this study, we analyzed 24 raw milk samples from different regions of China by profiling volatile flavors using headspace solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry, and intelligent sensory technology (E-tongue and E-nose). The flavor of raw milk in Southern and Northern China had evident differences based on the intelligent sensory technology. However, the differences among the samples from the northeast, northwest, and central regions were not significant. Correlations between milk origin and volatile compounds based on variable importance prediction > 1 and principal component analysis results revealed differential compounds including pyridine, nonanal, dodecane, furfural, 1-decene, octanoic acid, and 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene. Our study findings provided a deeper understanding of the geographical differences in raw milk volatile compounds in China.

Effects of fermented herbal tea residue on meat quality, rumen fermentation parameters and microbes of black goats

Herbal tea residue (HTR) is generally considered to be a reusable resource which has still retains considerable proportion of nutrients and active substances. This study aimed to investigate the effects of substitution of whole corn silage with fermented herbal tea residue (FHTR) on meat quality, serum indices, rumen fermentation, and microbes in Chuanzhong black goats. Twenty-two female Chuanzhong black goats (4 months old) with similar weight (9.55 ± 0.95 kg) were selected and randomly divided into two groups. FHTR was used to replace 0% (CON group) and 30% (FHTR group) of whole corn silage in the diets and fed as a total mixed ration (TMR) for Chuanzhong black goats. The adaptation feeding period was 7 days, and the experimental period was 35 days. Results illustrated that the FHTR group had higher value of a* and concentrations of DM and CP and lower rate of water loss (P < 0.05) than the CON group. For the serum indices, goats fed with 30% FHTR had higher (P < 0.05) concentration of CR on day 35. For rumen fermentation, the pH and ratio of acetic acid/propionic acid (AA/PA) in the FHTR group were significantly lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). In addition, we studied the goats's rumen microbial community composition and found that the dominant phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes,and Tenericutes; and the dominant genera were Quinella, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and Saccharofermentans. There was a significant difference in the beta diversity of the rumen microbiota between groups (P < 0.05). To sum up, the addition of FHTR can affect the meat quality, serum indices, improved rumen fermentation by adjusted the diversity and function of the rumen microbiota.

Investigation Tracing the Origin of Tan Sheep Visceral Tissues through Mineral Elements

The traceability of quality mineral fingerprints in the viscera of Tan sheep from northwest China was studied. Twenty-five mineral elements in the heart and liver samples of Tan sheep were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), and the characteristics of the mineral elements in the visceral tissues of the Tan sheep were further analyzed in combination with a principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to establish a discriminant model and verify it. The results show that 11 elements (¹³⁷Ba, ⁴³Ca, ⁶³Cu, ⁵⁶Fe, ³⁹K, ³¹P, ⁶⁰Ni, ⁷⁸Se, ¹¹⁸Sn, ¹²⁵Te, and ⁶⁶Zn) in the Tan sheep heart samples had significant differences among different regions (p < 0.05), and the results of the LDA show that the accuracy rate of the return-generation examination was 85.70%, and the accuracy rate of the hand-over-fork examination was 87.50%; 10 elements (¹¹¹Cd, ⁵⁹Co, ⁵²Cr, ⁵⁶Fe, ³⁹K, ⁵⁵Mn, ⁹⁵Mo, ²³Na, ¹²¹Sb, and ⁷⁸Se) in the Tan sheep liver samples had significant differences among different regions (p < 0.05), and the results of the LDA showed that the accuracy rate of the return-generation examination was 96.30%, and the accuracy rate of the hand-over-fork examination was 86.25%. This indicates that the multi-element analysis has potential for determining the origin of Tan sheep viscera in certain regions.

Towards a Standardized Approach for the Geographical Traceability of Plant Foods Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

This paper presents a systematic literature review focused on the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) combined with PCA, a multivariate technique, for determining the geographical origin of plant foods. Recent studies selected and applied the ICP-MS analytical method and PCA in plant food geographical traceability. The collected results from many previous studies indicate that ICP-MS with PCA is a useful tool and is widely used for authenticating and certifying the geographic origin of plant food. The review encourages scientists and managers to discuss the possibility of introducing an international standard for plant food traceability using ICP-MS combined with PCA. The use of a standard method will reduce the time and cost of analysis and improve the efficiency of trade and circulation of goods. Furthermore, the main steps needed to establish the standard for this traceability method are reported, including the development of guidelines and quality control measures, which play a pivotal role in providing authentic product information through each stage of production, processing, and distribution for consumers and authority agencies. This might be the basis for establishing the standards for examination and controlling the quality of foods in the markets, ensuring safety for consumers.

Meta-analysis of the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in sheep and goats in China

Giardia duodenum (G. duodenalis) can cause giardiasis and infect a variety of hosts. So far, there have been no detailed data regarding the positive rate of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats in China. Here, a systematic literature review was carried out to investigate the epidemiology of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats in China. To perform the meta-analysis, the databases CNKI, VIP, WanFang, PubMed, Web of science and ScienceDirect were employed for screening studies related to the prevalence of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats in China. The total prevalence of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats was estimated to be 7.00% (95% CI: 4.00-10.00). In the age subgroup, the prevalence of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats of >12 months (11.29%; 95% CI: 8.08-14.97) was higher than that in sheep and goats of ≤12 months (7.57%; 95% CI: 3.95-12.24). An analysis based on seasons showed that the prevalence of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats was higher in summer (11.90%; 95% CI: 0.50-35.05) than that in other seasons. The prevalence of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats after 2016 was 8.57% (95% CI: 5.34-11.79), which was higher than others. The highest prevalence of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats was 13.06% (95% CI: 6.26-19.86) recorded in Southwestern China. The prevalence of Giardia infection in sheep (7.28%; 95% CI: 2.30-14.73) was higher than that in goats (5.43%; 95% CI: 2.73-8.98). The NOAA's National Center for Environmental Information (https://gis.ncdc.noaa.gov/maps/ncei/cdo/monthly) was used to extract relevant geoclimatic data (latitude, longitude, elevation, temperature, precipitation, humidity, and climate). By analyzing the data of each subgroup, it was shown that region, genetype, and climate were potential risk factors for giardiasis prevalence in sheep and goats. Based on the analysis of common factors and geographical factors, it is recommended to strengthen effective management measures (e.g. ventilation and disinfection in warm and humid areas) and formulate relevant policies according to local conditions. Breeders should strengthen the detection of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats, customize corresponding control measures according to the diet and living habits of sheep and goats, and strengthen the protection of sheep and lamb calves, so as to reduce the incidence rate and reduce the economic loss of China's animal husbandry.

Geographical traceability of gelatin in China using stable isotope ratio analysis

Geographical traceability is crucial to the quality and safety control of gelatin. However, currently, methods for gelatin traceability have not been established anywhere in the world. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of differentiating the geographical origins of gelatin from different regions in China using stable isotope technology. To achieve this objective, 47 bovine stick bone samples from three different regions (Inner Mongolia, Shandong, and Guangxi, respectively) in China were collected, and gelatin was extracted from these bones using the enzymatic method. The fingerprint characteristics of stable isotopes of δ13C, δ15N, and δ2H of gelatin from different regions in China were studied. Moreover, isotopic changes from the bone to gelatin during the processing were examined to evaluate the effectiveness of these factors as origin indicators. The results of the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the δ13C, δ15N, and δ2H of gelatin from different regions display significant differences, and using the linear discriminant analysis (LDA), the correct differentiation of origin reached 97.9%. Certain differences in stable isotope ratios were observed during the processing of bone to gelatin samples. Nonetheless, the fractionation effect caused by the processing of bone to gelatin samples was not sufficient to influence the identification of gelatin from different origins, which proves that δ13C, δ15N, and δ2H are effective origin indicators of gelatin. In conclusion, the stable isotope ratio analysis combined with the chemometric analysis can be used as a reliable tool for identifying gelatin traceability.

Non-genetic factors affecting the meat quality and flavor of Inner Mongolian lambs: A review

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region ranks first among the five major pastoral areas in terms of lamb breeding of China. The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has a vast territory, with many famous grasslands and thousands of forage plants and multiple local high-quality lamb breeds. After hundreds of years of artificial breeding and improvement, Mongolian sheep have developed many varieties. Different diets, feeding and treatment methods have effects on the production performance, lipid deposition and flavor composition of mutton sheep. Therefore, understanding the relationship among Inner Mongolian lamb, meat quality, and flavor will improve the production of high-quality mutton. The regulation of meat quality and flavor will have a profound impact on the deep processing and income-generating capabilities of mutton. Non-genetic factors affect the quality and flavor of mutton, which are more intuitive than genetic factors. In this review, we cover the contributions made by scientists to explore and improve the quality and flavor of Inner Mongolia lambs through non-genetic means, compare the differences between grazing and drylot-feeding in detail, and summarize some feed additives. We hope that based on our review, we can provide some inspiration to improve the meat quality of Mongolian sheep.

Direct analysis in real time high-resolution mass spectrometry for authenticity assessment of lamb

In comparison to more traditional methods of determining food authenticity, such as gas chromatography analysis, the primary advantages of DART-HRMS include its high speed and throughput of analysis. This study used a non-targeted metabolomics method based on real-time high-resolution mass spectrometry combined with chemometric analysis to distinguish lamb samples from four regions. Orthogonal least squares-discriminant analysis revealed a distinct difference between these four lamb regions. The potential markers were chosen based on the variable's importance in projection values, variance, and fold change. A total of 79 markers were identified using the matching chemistry database. These markers differed significantly between lambs in four regions according to heatmap analysis. The linear discriminatory analysis model had an initial classification rate of 100.0% and a cross-validation accuracy of 82.50% on the identified markers. The research demonstrates that DART-HRMS can perform a rapid authentication evaluation of lamb samples.

Research progress on mutton origin tracing and authenticity

With the globalization of the food market and the convenience of food transportation between countries, consumers are increasingly worried about the source and safety of the food they eat. Traceability has been identified as an important tool for ensuring food safety and quality. This review mainly introduces the principles of five food traceability technologies, summarizes the progress in mutton application, comprehensively compares and analyzes the five traceability technologies, and discusses their application prospects, advantages and disadvantages. It is aimed at promoting research and application of traceability technology in mutton safety, promoting establishment and improvement of food traceability system.