Amino acid digestibility by weanling pigs of processed ingredients originating from soybeans, 00-rapeseeds, or a fermented mixture of plant ingredients

Protein quality of soy and the effect of processing: A quantitative review

There is a growing demand for plant-based protein-rich products for human consumption. During the production of plant-based protein-rich products, ingredients such as soy generally undergo several processing methods. However, little is known on the effect of processing methods on protein nutritional quality. To gain a better understanding of the effect of processing on the protein quality of soy, we performed a quantitative review of in-vivo and in-vitro studies that assessed the indispensable amino acid (IAA) composition and digestibility of varying soy products, to obtain digestibility indispensable amino acids scores (DIAAS) and protein digestibility corrected amino acid scores (PDCAAS). For all soy products combined, mean DIAAS was 84.5 ± 11.4 and mean PDCAAS was 85.6 ± 18.2. Data analyses showed different protein quality scores between soy product groups. DIAAS increased from tofu, soy flakes, soy hulls, soy flour, soy protein isolate, soybean, soybean meal, soy protein concentrate to soymilk with the highest DIAAS. In addition, we observed broad variations in protein quality scores within soy product groups, indicating that differences and variations in protein quality scores may also be attributed to various forms of post-processing (such as additional heat-treatment or moisture conditions), as well as study conditions. After excluding post-processed data points, for all soy products combined, mean DIAAS was 86.0 ± 10.8 and mean PDCAAS was 92.4 ± 11.9. This study confirms that the majority of soy products have high protein quality scores and we demonstrated that processing and post-processing conditions can increase or decrease protein quality. Additional experimental studies are needed to quantify to which extent processing and post-processing impact protein quality of plant-based protein-rich products relevant for human consumption.

Supplementing the early diet of broilers with soy protein concentrate can improve intestinal development and enhance short-chain fatty acid-producing microbes and short-chain fatty acids, especially butyric acid

Background

Research on nutrition in early-life commonly focuses on the maturation of the intestine because the intestinal system is crucial for ensuring continued growth. To explore the importance of early nutrition regulation in animals, soy protein concentrate (SPC) was added to the early diet of broilers to investigate its effects on amino acid digestibility, intestinal development, especially intestinal microorganisms, and broiler metabolites. A total of 192 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) male broilers were randomly assigned to two experimental treatments with 8 replicates of 12 birds. The control group was fed a basal diet (control), and the treatment group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 12% SPC (SPC12) during the first 10 d (starter phase). From d 11 to 21 (grower phase) and d 22 to 42 (finisher phase), a basal diet was fed to both treatment groups.

Results

SPC reduced the pH value and acid-binding capacity of the starter diet (P < 0.05, d 10); SPC in the early diet enhanced the gizzard weight (P < 0.05, d 10 and d 42) and the ileum weight (P < 0.05, d 10) and decreased the weight and length of the jejunum (P < 0.05, d 10) and the relative length of the duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05, d 10). At the same time, SPC enhanced villus height (P < 0.05, d 10) and muscle thickness in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05, d 10) and increased the number of goblet cells in the duodenum (P < 0.05, d 10). Meanwhile, SPC increased the Chao1 index and the ACE index (P < 0.05, d 10) and altered the composition of caecal microflora at d 10. SPC also increased the relative abundance of Alistipes, Anaerotruncus, Erysipelatoclostridium, Intestinimonas and Flavonifractor bacteria (P < 0.05, d 10). At the same time, the concentrations of caecal butyric acid and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were also increased in the SPC12 group (P < 0.05, d 10).

Conclusions

In summary, the results showed that supplementing the starter diet of broilers with SPC has a significant effect on the early development of the intestine and the microflora.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-022-00749-5.

Microbiome Research as an Effective Driver of Success Stories in Agrifood Systems – A Selection of Case Studies

Increasing knowledge of the microbiome has led to significant advancements in the agrifood system. Case studies based on microbiome applications have been reported worldwide and, in this review, we have selected 14 success stories that showcase the importance of microbiome research in advancing the agrifood system. The selected case studies describe products, methodologies, applications, tools, and processes that created an economic and societal impact. Additionally, they cover a broad range of fields within the agrifood chain: the management of diseases and putative pathogens; the use of microorganism as soil fertilizers and plant strengtheners; the investigation of the microbial dynamics occurring during food fermentation; the presence of microorganisms and/or genes associated with hazards for animal and human health (e.g., mycotoxins, spoilage agents, or pathogens) in feeds, foods, and their processing environments; applications to improve HACCP systems; and the identification of novel probiotics and prebiotics to improve the animal gut microbiome or to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases in humans (e.g., obesity complications). The microbiomes of soil, plants, and animals are pivotal for ensuring human and environmental health and this review highlights the impact that microbiome applications have with this regard.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria and yeast supplementation on anti-nutritional factors and chemical composition of fermented total mixed ration containing cottonseed meal or rapeseed meal

Objective

This study aimed to determine the appropriate supplementation level of lactic acid bacteria (LAB; Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus clausii), yeast (Saccharomyces cariocanus and Wickerhamomyces anomalus) for degrading free gossypol and glucosinolate in the fermented total mixed ration (TMR) containing cottonseed meal (CSM) or rapeseed meal (RSM), to improve the utilization efficiency of these protein sources.

Methods

For LAB, L. plantarum or B. clausii was inoculated at 1.0×10⁸, 1.0×10⁹, 1.0×10¹⁰, and 1.0×10¹¹ colony-forming unit (CFU)/kg dry matter (DM), respectively. For yeast, S. cariocanus or W. anomalus was inoculated at 5×10⁶, 5×10⁷, 5×10⁸, and 5×10⁹ CFU/kg DM, respectively. The TMR had 50% moisture and was incubated at 30°C for 48 h. After fermentation, the chemical compositions, and the contents of free gossypol and glucosinolate were determined.

Results

The results showed that the concentration of free gossypol content was reduced (p<0.05), while that of the crude protein content was increased (p<0.05) in the TMR containing CSM inoculated by B. clausii (1×10⁹ CFU/kg DM) or S. cariocanus (5×10⁹ CFU/kg DM). Similarly, the content of glucosinolate was lowered (p<0.05) and the crude protein content was increased (p<0.05) in TMR containing RSM inoculated with B. clausii (1×10¹⁰ CFU/kg DM) or S. cariocanus (5×10⁹ CFU/g DM).

Conclusion

This study confirmed that inclusion of B. clausii with 1.0×10⁹ or 1.0×10¹⁰ CFU/kg DM, or S. cariocanus (5×10⁹ CFU/kg DM) to TMR containing CSM/RSM improved the nutritional value and decreased the contents of anti-nutritional factors.

Enzyme-Treated Soybean Meal Enhanced Performance via Improving Immune Response, Intestinal Morphology and Barrier Function of Nursery Pigs in Antibiotic Free Diets

Simple Summary

Currently, although extruded full-fat soybean (EFS) and enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESBM) are both commonly used plant proteins in the diets of nursery pigs, there are few studies focusing on comparing the effect of ESBM and EFS on immune response and gut development of pigs. This study found that ESBM replacing EFS could enhance performance by improving immune response, antioxidant status, gut morphology, and barrier function of nursery pigs in antibiotic free diets. The results revealed that ESBM could be an effective plant protein resource to alleviate weaning stress in pigs.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of ESBM on performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and intestinal barrier function of nursery pigs in antibiotic free diets compared with EFS. A total of 32 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) barrows (initial body weight of 8.05 ± 0.66 kg, weaned on d 28) were selected and allocated to two treatments with 16 replicates per treatment and one pig per replicate using a complete random design. The treatments included an EFS group (basal diet + 24% EFS; EFS) and an ESBM group (basal diet + 15% ESBM; ESBM). Corn was used to balance energy and diets were iso-nitrogenous at about 18% crude protein. The experiment lasted for 14 days and pigs were slaughtered for sampling on d 14. Compared with EFS, pigs fed ESBM showed enhanced (p < 0.05) gain to feed ratio and average daily gain and a reduced (p < 0.05) diarrhea score. These pigs had increased (p < 0.05) contents of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, IgG, interleukin-10, and ferric reducing ability of plasma, as well as decreased (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde, IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interferon-γ, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and diamine oxidase level in serum and TNF-α level in the jejunal mucosa. Moreover, these pigs also showed enhanced (p < 0.05) villus height/crypt depth in ileum, villus height in duodenum, protein expression of zonula-occludens-1 in jejunal mucosa, and fecal total volatile fatty acids and butyric acid contents. In conclusion, ESBM replacing EFS could enhance performance via improving immune response, antioxidant status, gut morphology, and barrier function of nursery pigs in antibiotic free diets.

Thermomechanical and enzyme-facilitated processing of soybean meal enhanced in vitro kinetics of protein digestion and protein and amino acid digestibility in weaned pigs

Soybean meal (SBM) contains anti-nutritional factors (ANF) that may limit kinetics and total extent of protein digestion in pigs. This study evaluated the effects of thermomechanical and enzyme-facilitated (TE) processing on in vitro kinetics of crude protein (CP) digestion and CP and amino acid (AA) digestibility in weaned pigs. Each batch of SBM (48% CP) was divided into two parts: non-processed SBM as control vs. thermomechanical and enzyme-facilitated processed soybean meal (TES) as the experimental group. For digestion kinetics, samples (three batches of non-processed SBM vs. TES) were incubated in triplicate sequentially with pepsin at pH 3.5 for 1.5 h (stomach phase) and subsequently with pancreatin and bile extract at pH 6.8 for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, or 6 h (small intestine phase). Protein was classified into CPfast, CPslow, and CPresistant corresponding to CP digested within the first 0.5 h, from 0.5 to 4 h, and after 4 h plus undigested CP, respectively. Eight weaned barrows (Large White × Duroc, 9.43 ± 0.40 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula at the terminal ileum. Pigs were randomly assigned to a Youden square with three diets over four periods. The three diets were an N-free diet and two diets using 40% SBM or TES as the sole source of AA with Cr2O3 as an indigestible marker. Each period included sequentially a 5-d adaptation, 2-d collection of feces, and 2-d collection of ileal digesta. The TE processing reduced ANF content in TES by 91% for lectin, 22% for trypsin inhibitor activity, 75% for β-conglycinin, and 62% for glycinin compared with SBM. In vitro, TE processing increased (P < 0.05) digested CP by 5.6% and enhanced the kinetics of CP digestion by tending to increase (P = 0.056) CPfast by 25% and reducing (P < 0.05) CPslow and CPresistant by 48% and 11%, respectively. In pigs, TE processing increased (P < 0.05) apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP in TES by 2.3% and 2.1%, respectively. The TE processing increased (P < 0.05) AID and SID of all AA up to 3.3%, except for AID of Pro and SID of Pro, Gly, and Cys. The TE processing did not change reactive Lys or Lys:CP but increased (P < 0.05) SID of Lys and reactive Lys by 3%. Combined, the greater in vitro digestion kinetics matched the greater in vivo AID and SID of CP in TES and lower ANF compared with SBM. Thus, TE processing created a protein source that is digested faster and to a greater extent than SBM, thereby lowering the chance of protein fermentation.

Biochemical and Haematological Blood Parameters of Sows and Piglets Fed a Diet with a Dried Fermented Rapeseed Meal

Animal health and welfare can be assessed using biochemical and haematological markers of the blood. The values of these parameters depend in part on the quantity and quality of feed ingredients, i.e. feed protein and feed additives. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of including fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in dry feeding system on haematological and biochemical blood parameters of sows and piglets. The experimental material comprised 30 primiparous gilts and 30 multiparous sows after their second lactation. They were randomly divided into two groups of equal size – control and experimental. The animals in control groups CG (15 gilts) and CS (15 sows) received a standard diet for pregnant or lactating sows, depending on the reproductive period. Experimental groups EG and ES were 15 gilts and 15 multiparous sows, respectively, receiving feed with a 4% share of FRSM in place of soybean meal up to 100 d of gestation. In addition, from 100 d of gestation to 7 d of lactation, the sows in these groups received feed with a 9% share of FRSM, and then again a diet with a 4% share of FRSM until the end of lactation. Blood samples were taken from 6 animals from each group in two periods: at 100 days of pregnancy (late pregnancy) and at 27 days of lactation (late lactation). Blood from piglets was taken at 27 days of age (before weaning), from two piglets from each sow (one gilt and one barrow), taking into account the average body weight in the litter. Haematological parameters: Ht, Hb and RBC were determined in whole blood. The plasma content of minerals, activity of selected enzymes and biochemical parameters of sows, gilts and piglets were determined. The diet containing fermented rapeseed meal, fed to pregnant and lactating sows, increased the level of Ht and Hb and RBC content and mineral content (phosphorus, calcium and iron) in the plasma. This effect was mainly observed in primiparous sows. The inclusion of FRSM in the diet of sows reduced the plasma content of total cholesterol and triacylglycerols in sows and piglets, as well as liver enzyme activity, particularly AST in piglets. The use of fermented rapeseed meal in sow diet resulted in better use of mineral compounds, improvement of production effects and health parameters of sow and piglet blood.

A fermented rapeseed meal additive: Effects on production performance, nutrient digestibility, colostrum immunoglobulin content and microbial flora in sows

This study was to assess the effect of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in the diet of sows, taking into account the physiological period (pregnancy or lactation) and reproductive cycle (primiparous or multiparous sows), on production performance, nutrient digestibility, colostrum immunoglobulin content, and microbial flora in sows. The experimental material included 30 primiparous gilts and 30 multiparous sows after their second lactation. The animals in the control groups C_G (gilts) and C_S (sows) received a standard diet for pregnant or lactating sows, depending on the reproductive period. Experimental groups E_G and E_S comprised gilts and multiparous sows, respectively, receiving a diet with a 4% share of FRSM in place of soybean meal up to 100 d of gestation. In addition, from 100 d of gestation to 7 d of lactation, the sows in experimental groups received a diet with a 9% share of FRSM, and then again a diet with a 4% share of FRSM until the end of lactation. The addition of 4% to 9% share of a FRSM component in feed significantly improves production parameters, mainly in primiparous gilts, leading to an increase in litter size and in litter weight at 28 d of age. It also helps to improve the digestibility of crude protein, fat, and crude fiber, and positively affects the gut microbiota of sows. Fermentation of rapeseed meal is an effective way to reduce anti-nutrients and to increase the level of lactic acid in the diet. It also stimulates the immune system, which improves piglet health, reducing the severity of diarrhoea and mortality.

Ileal digestibility of amino acids in selected feed ingredients fed to young growing pigs

An experiment was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in brewers rice, full-fat rice bran (FFRB), defatted rice bran (DFRB), peanut meal, sesame meal, rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, soybean expellers, cassava meal, and bakery meal fed to young growing pigs. Twenty-two barrows (initial BW: 14.09 ± 1.48 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and randomly allotted to a replicated 11 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with 11 diets and four 7-d periods in each square. Eleven experimental diets were prepared and test ingredients were the sole source of CP and AA in 10 diets and the eleventh diet was a N-free diet used to measure basal ileal endogenous losses of CP and AA. Chromic oxide (0.4%) was included in all diets as an indigestible marker and ileal digesta were collected on day 6 and 7 of each period. Results indicated that the SID of CP and AA was greatest (P < 0.05) in brewers rice and sesame meal and least (P < 0.05) in cassava meal. The SID of indispensable AA was greater (P < 0.05) in sesame meal compared with all other ingredients except brewers rice. Full-fat rice bran had greater (P < 0.05) SID of Arg, Ile, Leu, Lys, and Met compared with DFRB. The SID of CP and most AA was not different among rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers. Bakery meal had the least (P < 0.05) SID of most AA compared with all other ingredients, with the exception of cassava meal. The concentration of standardized ileal digestible CP was greater (P < 0.05) in sesame meal and peanut meal (482.32 and 452.44 g/kg DM, respectively) than in all other ingredients. Soybean expellers had the greatest (P < 0.05) concentration of standardized ileal digestible Lys (22.98 g/kg DM) followed by rapeseed meal (16.11 g/kg DM) and rapeseed expellers (16.17 g/kg DM). Cassava meal and bakery meal had the least (P < 0.05) concentration of standardized ileal digestible CP and most AA compared with the other ingredients. Concentrations of standardized ileal digestible CP and AA in brewers rice, FFRB, and DFRB were less (P < 0.05) than in rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers. In conclusion, peanut meal and sesame meal have greater concentrations of standardized ileal digestible CP and most AA, with the exception of Lys, than other ingredients. Rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers have the greatest concentrations of standardized ileal digestible Lys.