Evaluating the impact of feeding dried distillers grains with solubles on Boer goat growth performance, meat color stability and antioxidant capacity

A total of 72 male Boer goat kids (21.7 ± 0.5 kg) were fed for 21 d with 3 kids per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were: 0% inclusion of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; 0% DDGS) or 33% DDGS inclusion (33% DDGS) and were provided ad libitum. Goats and feeders were weighed weekly to collect body weights (BW) and determine feed disappearance in order to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (G:F). At the conclusion of the feeding study, a subset (n = 30; 2–3 goats from each pen representing six6 pens per treatment) of goats were harvested, carcasses evaluated, and loins were fabricated into 2.54 cm chops. Goat chop discoloration was evaluated by trained panelists and measured for L*, a*, and b* values on days 0, 4, 7, and 10 under retail display conditions. Samples were collected and analyzed for lipid oxidation, fatty acid profile, and hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant capacity. No evidence of differences was observed for final BW, ADFI, G:F, and carcass characteristics (P > 0.05). However, goats fed the 0% DDGS diet had greater ADG compared with those fed a diet containing 33% DDGS (P = 0.05). Overall, visual evaluation of discoloration, L*, a*, and b* as well as lipid oxidation data confirmed that feeding 33% DDGS to goats had no effect on goat chop discoloration and lipid oxidation (P > 0.10). However, all chops demonstrated a display effect, which they increased in visual discoloration and lipid oxidation and decreased in a* and b* values (P < 0.01) over the entirety of the 10-d period of retail display, regardless of the dietary treatments. As expected, feeding 33% DDGS to goats decreased relative percentage of multiple and total monounsaturated fatty acids, but increased relative percentage of multiple and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P < 0.05). The antioxidant capacity measurements showed no treatment difference in the hydrophilic portion (P > 0.10), but chops from the 33% DDGS treatment had greater lipophilic antioxidant activity compared with the 0% DDGS chops (P < 0.05). In conclusion, including 33% DDGS to the diet may negatively impact goat growth performance, but did not impact any carcass characteristics. Feeding a diet with 33% DDGS resulted in an increase in the PUFA content of goat chops but did not appear to impact meat color or lipid oxidation. The supposed negative consequence from increased PUFA is likely counterbalanced by the increased antioxidant capacity in the lipid component of meat, resulting in no difference in meat shelf-life.

Maize distillers dried grains with solubles alter dietary digestibility and improve intestine health of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus juveniles

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of soyabean meal replacement by maize distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets for pacu juveniles. Five diets were formulated with 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g of DDGS/kg diet replacing up to total dietary soyabean meal. In trial 1, the experimental diets were fed to five groups of fish to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC). In trial 2, four groups of fish were fed each experimental diet for 100 d to evaluate the effects of these diets on digestive enzyme activity, intestine oxidative stress and intestine morphology. The ADC of DM and energy was reduced with dietary DDGS inclusion, while the ADC of lipids was increased, and no differences were observed for the ADC of protein. Independent of dietary treatment, pH increased from anterior to the distal intestine with dietary DDGS inclusion. Digestive enzyme activities were higher on anterior than the distal intestine. Dietary DDGS decreased lipase, amylase, chymotrypsin and trypsin activities, while no differences were observed for total protease activity. Intestine glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was reduced in fish fed the DDGS diets, while catalase activity increased. Lipid peroxidation was lower in fish fed DDGS diets than the control. Intestine histomorphology improved with dietary DDGS inclusion. Overall, the negative effects of soyabean meal could be decreased by dietary replacement with maize DDGS which may have a prebiotic effect, improving intestine health.

Meat quality traits and feeding distillers grains to cattle: a review

Livestock management and meat production involve a series of steps that affect meat quality. Animal genetics, nutrition and diets, slaughter procedures and meat-preservation conditions are some of the parameters that should be controlled to maintain meat quality. In regard to animal nutrition and diets, novel ingredients are increasingly used, distillers grains (DG) being an example. DG are obtained as a co-product from bioethanol production and comprise the fat, protein, fibre and micronutrient portion of the grains. Many papers have studied the inclusion of DG in finishing diets and their effect on growth performance and meat characteristics, but a review on the effects on meat quality is needed. Feeding with DG influences beef colour; nevertheless, a relationship between the level of inclusion and colour development has not been established yet. In addition, feeding DG-inclusion diets sometimes increases meat discoloration during retail display. Also, the composition of fatty acids is modified since total polyunsaturated fatty acid content in meat increases with the inclusion of DG in finishing diets. This increment in polyunsaturated fatty acid content is likely to contribute to lipid oxidation processes and might be related to meat discoloration due to myoglobin oxidation. However, meat tenderness has not been modified in most of the cases. This review focused on recent studies on DG inclusion, animal performance and meat quality. Key points that need further research are also identified and discussed.

Antioxidative and Sensory Properties of Allium hookeri Fermented by Leuconostoc mesenteroides in Pork Patties

This study was performed to investigate the antioxidative and sensory properties of Allium hookeri fermented by Leuconostoc mesenteroides in pork patties. The patties were divided into three groups: CON, with no Allium hookeri powder; AH, containing 1% Allium hookeri powder; and FAH, containing 1% fermented Allium hookeri powder. Allium hookeri fermented by L. mesenteroides significantly increased the radical scavenging activities of 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) compared to that in normal Allium hookeri (p<0.05). The cooking loss and expressible drip for FAH were significantly lower than the corresponding values of other groups (p<0.05). The pH and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value of the FAH were significantly lower than that of CON on the day 3 and 7 (p<0.05). In the texture analysis (TPA), FAH showed significantly decreased hardness and chewiness grades compared to the CON and AH (p<0.05). FAH had significantly higher color, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability scores than the CON and AH (p<0.05). This study suggests that the adding fermented Allium hookeri effectively improved the quality characteristic of the food.

Presence of lipid oxidation products in swine diet lowers pork quality and stability during storage

Studies examining the effects of feeding lipid oxidation products (LOPs) to pigs on pork quality and storage stability have mostly focused on refrigerated storage and produced mixed results. We investigated the effects of adding yellow grease, containing commercially relevant levels of LOPs, to swine diets on quality and storage stability of ground salted pork. Twenty-four domestic pigs were divided into three study groups and fed the following diet regimens for five months: (1) Standard Diet (STD), (2) STD + yellow grease (YG, high LOPs), or (3) STD + corn oil (CO, negligible LOPs). Post-harvest carcass characteristics and the effects of frozen and refrigerated storage on color and lipid oxidation of salted pork patties were studied. While feeding of yellow grease had no impact on color, it increased the susceptibility of pork patties to lipid oxidation during storage (186% and 73% higher accumulation of LOPs in patties from pigs fed STD + YG when compared to those fed STD and STD + CO, respectively).

Digestibility of amino acids, energy, acid hydrolyzed ether extract, and neutral detergent fiber, and concentration of digestible and metabolizable energy in low-oil distillers dried grains with solubles fed to growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that digestibility of amino acids (AA), gross energy (GE), acid hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and values for metabolizable energy (ME) in low-oil distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) vary among suppliers. In Exp. 1, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE, AEE, and NDF, and concentration of ME were determined in eight sources of DDGS (sources A, B, C, D, E, G, H, and I). A corn-based basal diet and eight diets containing corn and each source of DDGS were fed to 72 barrows (initial body weight = 18.1 ± 1.3 kg) with eight pigs per diet. Feces and urine were collected for 5 d after 7 d of adaptation. The ME did not differ among the eight sources of DDGS with the exception that DDGS source E contained less (P < 0.05) ME than DDGS source D. The ATTD of GE did also not differ among the eight sources of DDGS, but ME and ATTD of GE in corn were greater (P < 0.05) than in the eight sources of DDGS. However, the ATTD of AEE in corn and the eight sources of DDGS was not different, but the ATTD of AEE in DDGS source E was greater (P < 0.05) than in DDGS source A. The ATTD of NDF in DDGS source D was also greater (P < 0.05) than in DDGS sources E, G, and H, but ATTD of NDF did not differ between corn and the eight sources of DDGS. In Exp. 2, standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA was determined in seven sources of DDGS (sources A, B, C, D, E, G, and H). Twenty-four barrows (initial body weight = 63.4 ± 3.4 kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were allotted to a two-period incomplete Latin square design with eight diets. Seven diets were formulated to contain each of the seven sources of DDGS and an N-free diet was also used. Ileal digesta were collected for 2 d after 5 d of adaptation. There were no differences between pigs fed DDGS sources A and B in SID of AA, and the SID of Lys, Met, and Trp did not differ among DDGS sources A, B, and E. However, SID of most indispensable and dispensable AA except Gly were greater (P < 0.05) in DDGS source B than in DDGS sources C, D, E, G, and H. In conclusion, variability in SID of AA, ATTD of NDF and AEE, and ME were observed among the sources of DDGS used in this experiment.

Feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles contributes to sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane instability

Feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) increases polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in beef. It was hypothesised that WDGS in feedlot diets increases PUFA concentration in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane, thereby altering membrane integrity, resulting in more rapid intracellular calcium leakage and improved tenderness. The objective of this study was to evaluate this hypothesis. Ninety-six crossbred steers were fed either a corn-based diet with 0% WDGS or 50% WDGS. Fifteen strip loins per treatment were collected, fabricated into steaks, aged and placed under retail display conditions. Steaks were used to measure tenderness, proteolysis, free calcium concentrations, lipid oxidation, sarcomere length and SR membrane fatty acid, phospholipid lipid, neutral lipid and total lipid profiles. Compared with steaks from steers fed 0% WDGS, steaks from steers fed 50% WDGS were more tender (P < 0.05) and had greater (P < 0.05) free calcium concentrations early post-mortem. Feeding 50% WDGS also tended to increase (P < 0.10) total PUFA concentrations, decrease (P < 0.10) total phospholipid concentration and increase (P < 0.10) total neutral lipid concentration for SR membrane. Steaks from steers fed 0% WDGS had greater (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation (TBARS values) than steaks from steers fed 50% WDGS after extended aging. Although differences in tenderness between the two treatments were detected, there were no corresponding differences (P > 0.10) in sarcomere length or proteolysis. This study showed that feeding WDGS may increase tenderness, possibly by increasing free calcium in muscle early post-mortem. However, the true mechanism that contributes to these differences is still unclear.

Effects of dietary antioxidant supplementation of steers finished with 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles on fatty acid profiles and display life of strip loins

Feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) in beef feedlot diets increases beef polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentration and decreases shelf-life; whereas feeding antioxidants like vitamin E and Agrado-Plus (AG; an ethoxyquin and tert-Butylhydroquinone mixture) mitigates such effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate shelf-life of beef from steers supplemented with WDGS and different antioxidants. One hundred and sixty steers were finished on a corn-based diet with 0% WDGS or 30% WDGS and four antioxidant treatments (no supplementation; vitamin E only; AG only; vitamin E + AG). Ten strip loins from each treatment were collected, aged, cut into steaks, and placed under retail display (2 ± 2°C). During retail display, steaks were evaluated daily for objective colour and subjective discolouration. After retail display, steaks were used to measure lipid oxidation, muscle fatty acids, and vitamin E and ethoxyquin concentrations. Feeding 30% WDGS increased total PUFA in beef when compared with beef from steers fed 0% WDGS (P < 0.05). Supplementing vitamin E or vitamin E + AG was effective in decreasing myoglobin and lipid oxidation in steaks from steers fed 0% or 30% WDGS after retail display (P < 0.01). Supplementation of vitamin E or AG also increased (P < 0.01) muscle tissue vitamin E or ethoxyquin levels, respectively, compared with the diets without vitamin E or AG supplementation. The inclusion of 30% WDGS altered beef fatty acid profiles, but did not promote lipid and myoglobin oxidation compared with the 0% WDGS diet. Feeding vitamin E was effective, whereas supplementing AG had minor effects in decreasing myoglobin and lipid oxidation in steaks from both diet.

Effects of different sources of protein on the growth performance, blood chemistry and polypeptide profiles in the gastrointestinal tract digesta of newly weaned piglets

To determine the effects of different sources of protein on the growth performance of newly weaned piglets, 72 newly weaned piglets were randomly assigned to three groups fed different diets (soya bean, casein and dried distillers' grain with solubles (DDGS) feeds). Casein and DDGS feeds consisted of soya bean feed in which 5% of the CP was replaced with casein- or DDGS-derived CP respectively. Blood and chyme samples were collected from each piglet 2 h post-feeding on days 0 and 28 of the feeding period. The DDGS feed decreased DMI (p = 0.024) and increased FCR (p = 0.025) due to lower nitrogen utilization (p = 0.078) than those of other feeds. Total amino acid content in chyme demonstrated that casein feed digested rapidly in the duodenum (p = 0.005), whereas DDGS feed was digested primarily in the distal jejunum (p = 0.003) and ileocecum (p = 0.002). However, polypeptide profiles in chyme exhibited a pattern different from those of amino acids. There were no differences in the polypeptide profiles in the stomachs of piglets fed soya bean or casein feeds (p > 0.05), but soya bean group had greater amounts of small polypeptides (mass under m/z 3000 Da) in the duodenum (p = 0.052) than other groups. In contrast, the DDGS feed group had more large polypeptides (m/z 3000-4000 Da) in the stomach than the other groups (p < 0.001). In addition, 10 pairs of polypeptides with matching masses were identified in the plasma and digesta, indicating that polypeptides may have been transported across the intestinal epithelial cells and into the blood. Taken together, substitution of 5% of the CP in soya bean meal-based feed with DDGS-derived CP decreased the growth performance of newly weaned piglets due to poor digestibility and N utilization of DDGS feed, as well as untimely digestion of casein feed.

Impact of feeding de-oiled wet distillers grains plus solubles on beef shelf life

Research was conducted to determine the effect of feeding de-oiled wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) on beef fatty acid profile, retail shelf life and development of oxidation products during retail display (RD). A total of 336 crossbred yearling steers (initial BW = 351.08 ± 19.05 kg) were fed 1 of 7 dietary treatments: an all corn control (1:1 blend of dry rolled and high moisture corn), 35%, 50%, or 65% inclusion of WDGS, either full-fat or de-oiled. Within each treatment 15 Choice carcasses were randomly selected ( = 105), strip loins were obtained, aged 7 and 21 d, and representative steaks from each strip loin were placed in RD conditions for 7 d. Fatty acid profiles were determined (mg/100 g tissue basis) and differences ( ≤ 0.05) were found in the C16:1, C18:1T, C18:2 and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) among dietary treatments. Palmitoleic acid (C16:1) was predominant ( < 0.0001) in the corn control group, intermediate in the 35% de-oiled WDGS group, but no differences ( > 0.05) were observed between all other diets. Elaidic acid (C18:1T) was greater ( = 0.01) in the 65% full-fat WDGS group, least for the corn control group, and intermediate for all other diets. Linoleic acid (C18:2) was greater ( = 0.0001) in all 3 full-fat WDGS groups and 65% de-oiled WDGS group (290.98 mg/100 g, on average), intermediate in the 50% and 35% de-oiled WDGS groups (231.08 and 227.16 mg/100 g, respectively) and least for the corn control group (177.70 mg/100 g). The PUFA content was greater ( < 0.01) in all 3 full-fat WDGS groups and 65% de-oiled WDGS group (337.13 mg/100 g, on average), intermediate in the 50% and 35% de-oiled WGDS groups (274.77 and 273.84 mg/100 g, respectively) and least for the corn control group (223.98 mg/100 g). Dietary treatment did not alter discoloration ( = 0.30) or lipid oxidation ( = 0.36). Shear force decreased with age and RD ( < 0.0001) but dietary treatment had no effect on shear force ( = 0.93). In general, feeding 35% and 50% de-oiled WDGS had intermediate PUFA content relative to a corn control or full-fat WDGS diet. Feeding de-oiled WDGS did not seem to increase beef shelf life and does not negatively alter beef quality parameters in relation to full-fat WDGS.

Effects of tallow, choice white grease, palm oil, corn oil, or soybean oil on apparent total tract digestibility of minerals in diets fed to growing pigs

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of supplementing diets fed to growing pigs with fat sources differing in their composition of fatty acids on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of minerals. A diet based on corn, potato protein isolate, and 7% sucrose was formulated. Five additional diets that were similar to the previous diet with the exception that sucrose was replaced by 7% tallow, choice white grease, palm oil, corn oil, or soybean oil were also formulated. Diets were formulated to contain 0.70% Ca and 0.33% standardized total tract digestible P. Growing barrows ( = 60; 15.99 ± 1.48 kg initial BW) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 2 blocks of 30 pigs, 6 dietary treatments, and 10 replicate pigs per treatment. Experimental diets were provided for 12 d with the initial 5 d being the adaptation period. Total feces were collected for a 5-d collection period using the marker-to-marker approach, and the ATTD of minerals, ether extract, and acid hydrolyzed ether extract was calculated for all diets. Digestibility of DM was greater ( < 0.05) in the diet containing soybean oil compared with the diet containing choice white grease or the basal diet, with all other diets being intermediate. The ATTD of Ca, S, and P was greater ( < 0.05) for pigs fed diets containing soybean oil, corn oil, palm oil, or tallow than for pigs fed the basal diet or the diet containing choice white grease. The ATTD of Mg, Zn, Mn, Na, and K were not different among dietary treatments. The ATTD of ether extract was greater ( < 0.05) in diets containing palm oil, corn oil, or soybean oil compared with the diet containing choice white grease, and the ATTD of acid hydrolyzed ether extract in the diet containing soybean oil was also greater ( < 0.05) than in the diet containing choice white grease. In conclusion, supplementation of a basal diet with tallow, palm oil, corn oil, or soybean oil may increase the ATTD of some macrominerals, but that appears not to be the case if choice white grease is used. There was no evidence of negative effects of the fat sources used in this experiment on the ATTD of any minerals.

Physicochemical and sensory properties of dry-cured ham with dietary processed-sulfur supplementation

The aim of the present study was to explore the changes in physicochemical and sensory properties of dry-cured ham (from pigs that received a dietary supplement of processed sulfur, PS), as a function of the level of dietary PS. The following three groups were tested: (1) commercial basal feed (control, CON); (2) 0.1% of PS in the control diet (T1); and (3) 0.3% of PS in the control diet (T2). Dry-cured ham from T2 pigs had a higher moisture content and lower fat concentration than did that from the control pigs. Dry-cured ham T1 and T2 samples showed excellent lipid oxidation stability during storage and showed positive aroma scores in comparison with CON samples. Nonetheless, the total microbial plate count of dry-cured ham T1 (or T2) samples was significantly lower than that of CON samples, and volatile basic nitrogen of T1 (or T2) samples was higher than that of CON samples (P < 0.05). Concentrations of total free amino acids and sulfur-containing amino acids of ham T1 or T2 samples were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of control samples. Concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids of ham T1 and T2 samples were significantly higher than that of CON samples, whereas concentration of saturated fatty acids of CON samples was significantly higher. Thus, dry-cured ham from pigs receiving 0.3% PS in the diet showed the lowest fat concentration, increased nutrient quality and extended shelf life.

Effect of Dietary Processed Sulfur on the Meat Quality in Pork under Aging

The present study was performed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with processed sulfur on the quality and stability of vacuum packaged pork during aging time. All groups were designated into two groups; NP, a group fed basal diet and SP, a group fed basal diet and processed sulfur, 3 g/kg feed. Following vacuum packaging, Longissimus dorsi muscles were vacuum-packaged and stored under refrigerated condition (1-2℃) for 21 d. Weight loss of the SP group was lower (p<0.05) than that of the NP group. Interaction effect of shear force and cooking loss was observed (p<0.05). Redness values of the SP group at 14 and 21 d after storage were higher than those of the NP group (p<0.05). Lipid oxidation and volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) levels in the SP group were retarded (p<0.05) compared to that of the NP group during storage. Aspartic and glutamic acid in SP were higher than in NP (p<0.1). There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in TPC between the both groups during storage. Therefore, vacuum packaged pork from pigs fed processed sulfur had better aging yield and storage stability than pork from pigs fed basal diet.

Changes of Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Fermented Sausage from Sulfur-fed Pork

This study was performed to evaluate the quality of fermented sausages manufactured with processed sulfur-fed pigs. The fermented sausages were divided into two groups; one was manufactured with non sulfur-fed pigs (NP), the other one was made with processed sulfur-fed pigs (SP). No differences were found in moisture and fat contents (p>0.05) between NP and SP, but the protein and ash contents of SP were significantly higher than those of NP (p<0.05). The pH of SP was significantly lower than that of NP, and the water activity (a_w) of SP was significantly higher than that of NP after 14 and 21 d (p<0.05). The TBA (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) value of SP was significantly lower than that of NP (p<0.05). The lightness and yellowness of NP were significantly higher than those of SP, whereas the redness of NP was lower than SP (p<0.05). The total plate count of SP was lower than that of NP (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in TPA (Texture profile analysis) between the two samples. SP showed significantly increased monounsaturated fatty acid (p<0.05) and decreased saturated fatty acid. Umami taste and richness in SP were significantly higher than in NP (p<0.05). Therefore, it is suggested that processed sulfur fed pigs may play a key role in enhancing the quality of meat products.

The Role of Biofuels Coproducts in Feeding the World Sustainably

One of the grand challenges facing our society today is finding solutions for feeding the world sustainably. The food-versus-fuel debate is a controversy embedded in this challenge, involving the trade-offs of using grains and oilseeds for biofuels production versus animal feed and human food. However, only 6% of total global grain produced is used to produce ethanol. Furthermore, biofuels coproducts contribute to sustainability of food production because only 1% to 2.5% of the overall energy efficiency is lost from converting crops into biofuels and animal feed, and approximately one-third of the corn used to produce ethanol is recovered as feed coproducts. Extensive research has been conducted over the past 15 years on biofuels coproducts to (a) optimize their use for improving caloric and nutritional efficiency in animal feeds, (b) identify benefits and limitations of use in various animal diets,

Effect of Dietary Processed Sulfur Supplementation on Texture Quality, Color and Mineral Status of Dry-cured Ham

This study was performed to investigate the chemical composition, mineral status, oxidative stability, and texture attributes of dry-cured ham from pigs fed processed sulfur (S, 1 g/kg feed), and from those fed a basal diet (CON), during the period from weaning to slaughter (174 d). Total collagen content and soluble collagen of the S group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05). The pH of the S group was significantly higher than that of the control group, whereas the S group had a lower expressible drip compared to the control group. The S group also showed the lower lightness compared to the control group (p<0.05). In regard to the mineral status, the S group had significantly lower Fe(2+) and Ca(2+) content than the control group (p<0.05), whereas the proteolysis index of the S group was significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.05). The feeding of processed sulfur to pigs led to increased oxidative stability, related to lipids and pigments, in the dry-cured ham (p<0.05). Compared to the dry-cured ham from the control group, that from the S group exhibited lower springiness and gumminess; these results suggest that feeding processed sulfur to pigs can improve the quality of the texture and enhance the oxidative stability of dry-cured ham.

Enhancement of physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of dry-cured loin by using processed sulfur-fed pigs

The present study showed that processed sulfur supplementation and processing condition affected changes in physicochemical, microbial and sensory properties of dry-cured loin. The pigs were divided into two groups at the fattening phase: non-sulfur-fed pigs (NSFP) and 0.3% processed sulfur-fed pigs (SFP) in fattening phase. The crude fat content of SFP was lower than that of NSFP in raw meat and dry-cured loin. Lipid and pigment oxidation were suppressed in SFP compared with NSFP during whole process. Lightness of SFP was significantly higher than that of NSFP during storage. SFP showed higher colour stability than did NSFP during storage. Moreover, microbial spoilage of dry-cured loin was greatly prevented in SFP compared with NSFP. Free amino acids related to taste in SFP were significantly higher than those in NSFP. Polyunsaturated fatty acid of dry-cured loin from SFP group was higher than that of NSFP, while saturated fatty acid of NSFP was significantly higher than that of SFP. SFP had higher preference and flavour scores than did NSFP in a sensory test. Feeding processed sulfur improved the meat-quality characteristics and extended the shelf-life of meat products.

Characteristics of lipids and their feeding value in swine diets

In livestock diets, energy is one of the most expensive nutritional components of feed formulation. Because lipids are a concentrated energy source, inclusion of lipids are known to affect growth rate and feed efficiency, but are also known to affect diet palatability, feed dustiness, and pellet quality. In reviewing the literature, the majority of research studies conducted on the subject of lipids have focused mainly on the effects of feeding presumably high quality lipids on growth performance, digestion, and metabolism in young animals. There is, however, the wide array of composition and quality differences among lipid sources available to the animal industry making it essential to understand differences in lipid composition and quality factors affecting their digestion and metabolism more fully. In addition there is often confusion in lipid nomenclature, measuring lipid content and composition, and evaluating quality factors necessary to understand the true feeding value to animals. Lastly, advances in understanding lipid digestion, post-absorption metabolism, and physiological processes (e.g., cell division and differentiation, immune function and inflammation); and in metabolic oxidative stress in the animal and lipid peroxidation, necessitates a more compressive assessment of factors affecting the value of lipid supplementation to livestock diets. The following review provides insight into lipid classification, digestion and absorption, lipid peroxidation indices, lipid quality and nutritional value, and antioxidants in growing pigs.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Processed Sulfur on Meat Quality and Oxidative Stability in Longissimus dorsi of Pigs

The effects of dietary supplementation of processed sulfur in pigs according to the level provided during the fattening phase were examined. The pigs were divided into three groups: control (CON), non-sulfur fed pigs; T1, 0.1% processed sulfur fed pigs; T2, 0.3% processed sulfur fed pigs. Physicochemical and sensory properties, as well as meat quality and oxidative stability of the Longissimus dorsi muscle were investigated. The feeding of processed sulfur did not affect moisture and protein contents (p>0.05). However, the crude fat content of T2 was significantly decreased compared to CON (p<0.05), while the pH value of T2 was significantly higher than those of both CON and T1 (p<0.05). Cooking loss and expressible drip of T2 were also significantly lower than that of CON (p<0.05). The redness of meat from T1 was significantly higher than both CON and T2 (p<0.01). During storage, lipid oxidation of the meat from sulfur fed pigs (T1 and T2) was inhibited compared to CON. Examination of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids revealed T2 to have significantly higher content than CON (p<0.05). In the sensory test, the juiciness and overall acceptability of T2 recorded higher scores than CON. This study demonstrated that meat from 0.3% processed sulfur fed pigs had improved nutrition and quality, with extended shelf-life.

Evaluating the quality of feed fats and oils and their effects on pig growth performance

Feed fats and oils provide significant amounts of energy to swine diets, but there is large variation in composition, quality, feeding value, and price among sources. Common measures of lipid quality include moisture, insolubles, and unsaponifiables (MIU), titer, and free fatty acid content, but provide limited information regarding their feeding value. Lipid peroxidation is an important quality factor related to animal growth performance and health, but maximum tolerable limits in various lipids have not been established. Several indicative assays can be used to detect the presence of various peroxidation compounds, but due to the complexity and numerous compounds produced and degraded during peroxidation process, no single method can adequately determine the extent of peroxidation. Until further information is available, using a combination of peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and anisidine value appear to provide a reasonable assessment of the extent of peroxidation in a lipid at a reasonable cost. However, fatty acid composition of the lipid being evaluated should be considered when selecting specific assays. Predictive tests can also be used to estimate the stability or susceptibility of lipids to peroxidation and include active oxygen method, oil stability index, and oxygen bomb method. A review of 16 published studies with pigs has shown an average decrease of 11.4% in growth rate, 8.8% feed intake fed isocaloric diets containing peroxidized lipids compared to diets containing unperoxidized lipids of the same source. Furthermore, serum vitamin E content was generally reduced and serum TBARS content was increased when peroxidized lipids were fed in these studies, suggesting that feeding peroxidized lipids negatively affects metabolic oxidative status of pigs. However, it is unclear if antioxidants are useful additions to lipids to maintain optimal nutritional value, or if their addition to swine diets is beneficial in overcoming a metabolic oxidative challenge.

Effect of feeding peroxidized dried distillers grains with solubles to sows and progeny on growth performance and metabolic oxidative status of nursery pigs

This experiment evaluated the effects of including peroxidized corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets for sows and nursery pigs on growth performance, vitamin E (VE), and Se status, and the incidence of mulberry heart disease (MHD) of nursery pigs. Sows (n = 12) were fed corn-soybean meal diets (C-SBM) or C-SBM diets with DDGS (40% and 20% in gestation and lactation, respectively) for 3 parities. In the third parity, 108 weaned pigs (BW = 6.6 ± 0.36 kg) were blocked by BW within litter, assigned to pens (2 pigs/pen; 5 and 4 pens per litter for groups 1 and 2, respectively), and pens were assigned 1 of 3 nursery diets: 1) corn-soybean meal (CON), 2) 30% peroxidized DDGS (Ox-D), and 3) 30% Ox-D with 5 × NRC (1998) level of VE (Ox-D+5VE) for 7 wk, in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of sow and nursery diets (n = 9 pens/treatment). The peroxidized DDGS source in nursery diets contained concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxide values that were 25 and 27 times greater than a reference corn sample. Sow colostrum, milk, and serum, as well as pig serum and liver samples, were analyzed for α-tocopherol and Se concentrations. Pig serum was analyzed for glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), TBARS, and sulfur-containing AA (SAA). Pig hearts were evaluated for gross and histopathological lesions indicative of MHD, but none were detected. Pigs from sows fed DDGS tended to have reduced (P = 0.07) VE in serum during lactation and reduced VE at weaning (P < 0.01; 5.6 vs. 6.7 ± 0.1 µg/mL) compared with pigs from sows fed C-SBM. Inclusion of DDGS in sow diets reduced the VE status of pigs during lactation, but not in the nursery when MHD can be a concern. Pigs fed Ox-D+5VE (P = 0.08) tended to have, and those fed Ox-D (P = 0.04) had greater ADFI than pigs fed CON, but ADG was not affected (P > 0.1) by nursery diet. Feeding Ox-D or Ox-D+5VE increased (P < 0.05) serum α-tocopherol compared with CON (2.5, 2.8, and 3.4 ± 0.09 µg/mL, respectively), but TBARS and GPx were not affected by nursery diet. Serum concentration of SAA was 40% to 50% greater (P < 0.01) for pigs fed Ox-D or Ox-D+5VE compared with those fed C-SBM, which was likely due to greater (P < 0.01) SAA intake for pigs fed Ox-D. The antioxidant properties of SAA may have spared VE and Se and masked any effect of Ox-D on metabolic oxidation status. Therefore, increasing the dietary VE concentration was unnecessary in nursery diets containing Ox-D.

Changes in physicochemical and microbiological properties of isoflavone-treated dry-cured sausage from sulfur-fed pork during storage

This study was performed to investigate the physicochemical and microbiological properties of isoflavone-treated dry cured sausage from sulfur fed pork (0.3%) during storage at 15°C for 45 days. Groups were divided into three treatments: dry-cured sausages produced with pork fed general diet as the control group (CON), sulfur-fed pork (SUL) and isoflavone-(0.25%) treated sulfur-fed pork (ISO). Moisture content in all groups decreased dramatically from 55–57% to 10–11% during storage, whereas crude protein, crude fat, and ash content increased (P < 0.05). The ISO group showed excellent antioxidant effect compared to CON during storage. Redness and lightness of ISO was higher than that of CON during storage. VBN in the ISO group was significantly lower than that in the CON and SUL treatments during 30 and 45 days of storage (P < 0.05). A total plate count of ISO was significantly lower than that of CON at 45 days (P < 0.05). In this study, adding isoflavone to meat products indicated prevention of lipid oxidation and improved color stability in meat products.

Effects of feeding diets containing highly peroxidized distillers dried grains with solubles and increasing vitamin E levels to wean-finish pigs on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and pork fat composition

Lipid peroxidation in animal feed can negatively affect growth performance and meat quality. Weanling pigs (n = 432; BW = 6.6 ± 0.4 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of feeding peroxidized distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) with 3 levels of vitamin E (α-tocopheryl acetate) on growth performance, carcass composition, fatty acid composition of pork fat, and lipid peroxidation in LM. The DDGS source used in this study contained the highest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, peroxide value, and total S content (5.2 ng malondialdehyde/mg oil, 84.1 mEq/kg oil, and 0.95%, respectively) among 30 DDGS sources sampled. Pens within blocks were assigned randomly to 1 of 6 diets in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 8 pens per treatment and 9 pigs per pen. Pigs were fed a corn-soybean meal (CON) or 30% peroxidized DDGS (Ox-DDGS) diets with 3 levels of vitamin E: none supplemented (No-E), NRC (1X-E), or 10X NRC (10X-E). Compared to CON, inclusion of 30% Ox-DDGS in diets reduced (P < 0.001) final BW (110 vs. 107 kg), overall ADG (0.76 vs. 0.74 kg/d), and G:F (0.39 vs. 0.37). Increasing dietary vitamin E concentrations improved G:F (P = 0.03) of pigs fed 10X-E and 1X-E vs. No-E diets (0.39 and 0.39 vs. 0.38, respectively). Hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, backfat depth, and LM area were reduced (P < 0.01) in pigs fed Ox-DDGS compared to CON, but percentage of fat-free carcass lean was not affected. Feeding Ox-DDGS increased (P < 0.001) PUFA concentration, particularly linoleic acid (P < 0.001), and iodine value (P < 0.001) in belly fat and backfat compared to pigs fed CON. Dietary vitamin E levels did not affect fatty acid profiles in belly or back fat. Loin muscle TBARS were measured to determine the lipid peroxidation level in pork loins. Although pigs were fed a Ox-DDGS source in this study, TBARS in LM were similar between Ox-DDGS and CON treatments. There was no interaction between Ox-DDGS and dietary vitamin E concentration in LM TBARS. Alpha-tocopherol concentration in LM was greater (P < 0.001) in 10X-E than No-E or 1X-E dietary treatments. Compared to CON, feeding Ox-DDGS increased α-tocopherol concentration in LM of pigs fed No-E (1.0 vs. 3.1 mg/kg; P = 0.005) but not in those fed 1X-E or 10X-E. These results indicate that feeding diets containing 30% Ox-DDGS to wean-finish pigs may negatively affect growth performance, but supplementation of additional vitamin E in the diet did not counteract these effects.

Evaluation of lipid peroxidation level in corn dried distillers grains with solubles

Lipid peroxidation in feed can negatively affect animal health, growth performance, and meat quality. The objective of this study was to determine the lipid peroxidation level in corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) samples from 31 U.S. ethanol plants and compare results with a corn sample obtained from a corn processing plant. Lipids from each sample were extracted with hexane and analyzed for peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Peroxide values of DDGS samples ranged from 4.2 to 84.1 milliequivalents (meq)/kg oil (CV = 97.5%). The greatest PV among DDGS samples was 27 times greater than that of the corn sample (3.1 meq/kg oil). The TBARS values for DDGS samples ranged from 1.0 to 5.2 ng malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents/mg oil (CV = 43.6%). The DDGS sample with the greatest TBARS value was 25 times greater than that of the corn sample (0.2 ng MDA equivalents/mg oil). Color of DDGS samples was measured by Minolta L*, a*, and b*, corresponding to the degree of lightness, redness, and yellowness, respectively. Correlations between PV, TBARS, and color were determined. Values of PV and TBARS were correlated positively (r = 0.81; P < 0.001). Both TBARS and PV were correlated negatively with L* (r = -0.73; P < 0.001, and r = -0.63; P < 0.001, respectively) and b* (r = -0.67; P < 0.001, and r = -0.57; P < 0.001, respectively), which suggests that darker and less yellow-colored DDGS samples were more likely to have a greater lipid peroxidation level, as measured by TBARS and PV, compared with lighter or more yellow-colored DDGS samples. However, a* was not correlated with either PV (P = 0.97) or TBARS (P = 0.66). These results indicate that color can be a preliminary indicator of lipid peroxidation level in DDGS, but a more reliable assessment of peroxidation level is achieved by measuring PV and TBARS.