1,721,107 research outputs found

    Light microscopy in combination with computer image analysis for the identification of processed animal protein in feed

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    Food production is a complex process, with the ultimate objective of the food industry and food safety regulators being to ensure that food reaching the consumer is safe and wholesome. For food derived from animals, the hazard may originate from a number of sources including the consumption by food producing animals of contaminated feed. This is the case of the protracted outbreak of mad-cow disease, for which a feed ban has been introduced [1]. Microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) together, are the official accepted methods for detection of animal proteins in feed [2] [5]. Nevertheless, neither of two methods fits all the requirements for the accurate identification of prohibited ingredients of animal origin. Light microscopy in combination with computer image analysis (IA), which is based on the identification of bone particles or tissues in feedingstuffs, has been also proposed. Findings in these studies have indicated that the use of the microscopic method in association with IA to identify the origin of processed animal proteins (PAPs) appears promising, especially as a complementary method to the DNA-based ones. This paper explored the potential of the use of microscopy in combination with IA measurements in distinguishing between different PAPs

    INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY IN FEED FORMULATION AND PRODUCTION

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    The general aim of this thesis was to investigate new technology in feed formulation and production. For this purpose several aspects in the field of feed production were investigated. Specifically, during the course of this PhD program, three main sub aims have been addressed: i) evaluation of new ingredients, i.e., insect materials, in feed formulation and the impact of feed technology on their nutritional value; ii) improvements in the official methods for detecting Processed Animal Proteins (PAPs), and iii) investigation of the innovation, research, and development needs in in the feed industry in two selected areas. With respect to the first sub aim, fresh insect (Hermetia illucens) material was evaluated as an alternative protein source in experimental feed. Differents experimental formulae containing insect material were tested under differing extrusion conditions. Extruded feed was also evaluated for digestibility. The results indicate that fresh Hermetia illucens material can be efficiently included in experimental extruded feed containing 25% insect material and 75% wheat. Technological treatment, i.e., extrusion, increased in vitro organic matter digestibility, and did not affect protein digestibility. With regard to the second sub-aim the basic assumption was that insect material, if authorized, should be considered as animal material. Accordingly, the second sub aim of the thesis focused on implementing existing methods for processing animal protein and investigating their potential in tracing and characterizing insect material. In this scenario, experiments were aimed toward improving the official microscopy techniques for detecting processed animal proteins (PAP) by combining those with image analysis (IA) technology. The studies conducted aim to i) characterize fish meal material in compound feed (i.e., aquafeed), ii) identify specific selected markers able to efficiently distinguish between fish and terrestrial materials, iii) distinguish between mammalian materials, and iv) verify the applicability of the method for identifying insect material in feed. The results obtained in this context indicated that even though microscopy seems to be a promising approach for identifying both animal proteins and insect material, using microscopy alone has some limitations; therefore, a combined approach with other methods (i.e., PCR) is recommended. With regard to the third sub aim, research and development needs and innovation in the feed industry, the results of a targeted survey conducted in two countries (Italy and Serbia) showed that innovation in raw materials is a key factor for large multinational industries. In contrast, the survey results obtained from small and medium feed companies are quite different; for these companies, cost reduction, decreased energy consumption, improved quality, improved market image, development of new markets and satisfying market demand are much more important. By combining the results obtained from the various studies described in this paper, it can be concluded that: i) Insects show great potential as a protein source in animal feeds. Specific selected feed technologies, such as extrusion, can be useful in making such feeds convenient and safe to use. ii) Assuming that insect material will be authorized for use in animal feeds, existing methods for processing animal proteins may represent an advantageous starting point. Further investigation and implementation of methods of analysis is still required. iii) Even though insect materials as animal nutrition can be considered as a “hot topic” from a scientific point of view, not everyone in the feed sector seems to be aware of the issue. Addressing “new ingredients”, co- and by- products remain the main categories in the feed sector mind consciousness

    Substrate as insect feed for bio-mass production

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    Insects are able to convert organic material (i.e. waste and by products) into high-quality biomass, which can be processed into animal feed. Several studies have investigated the influence of growing substrates on the nutritional value of different insect species, particularly black soldier fly larvae and prepupae. This article reviews studies on how insects bioconvert different substrates, the effect of the substrate on the composition of insect meals, and on the development time (time needed to reach the harvesting state). All these studies indicate that insects convert low and high quality organic material (i.e. waste, by products, compound feeds) into high-quality insect biomass. The role and effects of selected nutrients, such as ether extract/fats, carbohydrates and fibre in the substrate, seem to be key factors in defining the features of the biomass as well as the time needed to reach the harvesting state

    Ex-Food: promoting a novel and sustainable pig production by using food leftovers as feedstuff

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    The use of alternative feed ingredients in farm animal diets is interesting from several perspectives. Ex-foods, also known as Former Food Products (FFPs), are one way of converting losses from the food industry into ingredients for the animal feed industry, thereby keeping nutrients in the food chain. Based on their nutritional features, these materials are extremely rich in carbohydrates, free sugars and, depending on their origin, also in fats. In addition, FFPs are often characterized by a high degree of processing including technological and heat treatments which can affect not only the availability of nutrients and the kinetics of digestion, but also gastro intestinal health and animal response. This review integrates some of the most recent published works about the chemical composition, nutritional value, digestibility and glycemic index of ex-foods. In addition, a view on the relationship between the use of FFPs and safety issues and their effects on intestinal microbiota are also given

    Chemical characterization and phenolic content of winery and grape by-products as potential feed supplement

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    Circular economy has received significant attention for considering both agro-industrial sustainability and socioeconomic concerns, seeking for innovative solutions for waste disposal. The agri-food sector stands out for its production of by-products, many of which are used as animal feed. Grapes are one of the most cultivated fruit crops globally, with approximately 67 million tons produced annually. These sectors generate up to 20% waste biomass in the form of grape skin, seeds, stems, and residual pulp, known as grape pomace. The potential benefits of grape by-products (GP) provided by bioactive compounds deserve exploration when considering their addition in formulations. Moreover, they seem to potentially reduce enteric methane when fed to ruminants. The aim of this study was to analyse seven grape by-products (GP1 to GP7) to determine their chemical composition, polyphenolic content, as well as flavonoid and anthocyanin profiles. All GP showed an excellent content of CP (18-23%) and EE content, mostly in GP2 (12.11 %) as seed part. Fibre content aligns with literature, with NDF ranging from 25.52 to 48.80 and ADF from 27.80 to 32.19 (DM basis). The analysis reveal that GPs possess rich polyphenolic content (2.90-17.72 mg/g GAE) sequenced as GP7>GP6>GP5>GP4>GP3>GP2>GP1 and anthocyanin (278-2810 mg/kg) sequenced as GP1 >GP3>GP5>GP4>GP7>GP6>GP2. These characteristics alongside nutritional value suggest their potential as valuable supplements in animal feed aligning with the principles of circular economy and offering both environmental and economic benefit

    Cereal Industry : e-Nose for Real Time and Online Quality and Safety Control and Management

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    In the cereal industry, the on-site safety and quality of products and by-products need to be continuously monitored. At the industrial level, the main question is the choice of the best analytical method for a practical purpose enabling “decision-making” regarding the acceptance or rejection of a lot and the insurance of quality standards. Regular, economical, straightforward cereal tests with regard to a rapid and accurate diagnosis of food quality and safety are needed. The objective of this idea is to set up an electronic nose (e-nose) for the safety and quality evaluation of cereal products and by-products, focusing on mycotoxin contamination. The final goal is to evaluate the potential application of the e-nose technology as an on-line continuous monitoring and controlling tool in cereal processing, in particular wheat milling. E-nose could be integrated with other on-line analysis devices in a technological platform for monitoring and controlling food quality. Multi-sensor-devices and multisensor-data-fusion technology have a great potential value to the food industry to ensure that cereal products and by-products meet specifications according to their specific use
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