Flexitarians have reduced their meat consumption showing a rising interest in plant-based meat alternatives with 'meaty' characteristics, and we are witnessing an unprecedented growth of meat ...substitutes in the Western market. However, to our knowledge, no information regarding the 'simulated beef burgers' nutritional profile compared to similar meat products has been published yet. Here we show that, whilst both plant-based and meat-based burgers have similar protein profile and saturated fat content, the former are richer in minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids. We found that the most abundant minerals in both categories were Na, K, P, S, Ca, and Mg; being Na and S content similar between groups. Only six amino acids differed between categories, being hydroxyproline exclusively in meat-based burgers. Plant-based burgers revealed fourfold greater content of n-6 than meat-based burgers, and greater short-chain fatty acids proportion. Our results demonstrate how 'simulated beef' products may be authenticated based on some specific nutrients and are a good source of minerals. We believe that there is a need to provide complete and unbiased nutritional information on these 'new' vegan products so that consumers can adjust their diet to nutritional needs.
The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes.
Portable infrared-based instruments have made important ...contributions in different research fields. Within the dairy supply chain, for example, most of portable devices are based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and are nowadays an important support for farmers and operators of the dairy sector, allowing fast and real-time decision-making, particularly for feed and milk quality evaluation and animal health and welfare monitoring. The affordability, portability, and ease of use of these instruments have been pivotal factors for their implementation on farm. In fact, pocket-sized devices enable nonexpert users to perform quick, low-cost, and nondestructive analysis on various matrixes without complex preparation. Because bovine colostrum (BC) quality is mostly given by the IgG level, evaluating the ability of portable NIRS tools to measure antibody concentration is advisable. In this study we used the wireless device SCiO manufactured by Consumer Physics Inc. (Tel Aviv, Israel) to collect BC spectra and then attempt to predict IgG concentration and gross and fine composition in individual samples collected immediately after calving (<6 h) in primiparous and pluriparous Holstein cows on 9 Italian farms. Chemometric analyses revealed that SCiO has promising predictive performance for colostral IgG concentration, total Ig concentration, fat, and AA. The coefficient of determination of cross-validation (R2CV) was in fact ≥0.75). Excellent accuracy was observed for dry matter, protein, and S prediction in cross-validation and good prediction ability in external validation (R2CV ≥ 0.93; the coefficient of determination of external validation, R2V, was ≥0.82). Nonetheless, SCiO's ability to discriminate between good- and low-quality samples (IgG ≥ vs. < 50 g/L) was satisfactory. The affordable cost, the accurate predictions, and the user-friendly design, coupled with the increased interest in BC within the dairy sector, may boost the collection of extensive BC data for management and genetic purposes in the near future.
The quality of colostrum administered to calves is based on its concentration in immunoglobulins G (IgG, g/L). Immunoglobulins A (IgA) and M (IgM) are also present but at a lower level. The gold ...standard reference analysis for these traits, radial immunodiffusion, is time-consuming and expensive. In order to define breeding strategies that are aimed at improving colostrum quality in dairy cattle, a large amount of data is needed, and the use of indicator traits would be beneficial. In the study presented here, we explored the heritabilities of reference (radial immunodiffusion) and near infrared-predicted IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations and estimated their genetic correlations. First, the colostrum of 765 Holstein cows from nine herds was sampled to perform a reference analysis and the near-infrared spectra (400-2500 nm) were stored. We used a calibration set (28% of the initial samples) that was representative of the herds and cow parity orders to develop prediction equations for IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations. Finally, these traits were predicted in the validation set (72% of the initial samples) to estimate genetic parameters for the predictions. Genetic correlations between reference and predicted values of each trait were estimated through bivariate linear animal models. The three near-infrared-predicted immunoglobulin fractions were genetically correlated with their reference value. In particular, the reference and predicted IgG concentrations were strongly correlated at both the genetic (0.854 + or - 0.314) and phenotypic level (0.767 + or - 0.019). Weaker associations were observed for IgA and IgM concentrations, which were predicted with lower accuracy compared to IgG. Simulation analyses suggested that improving colostrum quality by selective breeding in Holstein cattle based on near-infrared predicted colostrum immunoglobulins concentrations is feasible. In addition, less than 10 mL of colostrum are needed for spectra acquisition and thus implementation of such analyses is possible in the near future. The concentrations of colostrum immunoglobulins can be predicted from near-infrared spectra and the genetic correlation between the reference and the predicted traits is positive and favourable, in spite of the large standard errors of the estimates. Near-infrared spectroscopy can be exploited in selective breeding of dairy cattle to improve colostral immunoglobulins concentration.
Colostral concentration of immunoglobulins (Ig) is crucial for the passive transfer of antibodies from the cow to the new-born calf. Direct determination of Ig by the gold standard radial ...immunodiffusion method is demanding in terms of time and costs. For this reason, a refractometer is commonly used at the farm level for an indirect estimation of colostrum quality, which is given as the Ig concentration. In this study, colostrum samples were collected from 548 Italian Holstein cows within 6 h of calving. The refractive index (BRIX, %) of these samples was assessed using a portable optical refractometer, as well as the concentration of total protein, IgG, IgA, and IgM by radial immunodiffusion. A four-trait animal model was used to estimate genetic parameters for BRIX and the different immunoglobulin isotypes. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was carried out to evaluate the BRIX diagnostic accuracy.
Colostral BRIX was moderately heritable (0.26) and its genetic and phenotypic correlations with IgG (0.91, 0.78), IgA (0.57, 0.57), and IgM (0.71, 0.61) were all positive and of similar order, although the genetic correlations were generally higher than the phenotypic correlations. Low-quality colostrum samples, defined as those with an IgG concentration lower than 50 g/L, were accurately identified by the refractive index on the BRIX scale, with an area under the curve of 0.90.
The use of a refractometer is recommended on dairy farms to produce a proxy for colostral Ig concentration. BRIX is a useful phenotyping tool that can be used in cattle to improve the quality of colostrum for first feeding of calves through both traditional genetic and genomic strategies. Improving colostrum quality will reduce the incidence of failure of passive transfer of immunity in young stock.
Data about diet and digestion process of cattle are important for the fine-tuning of the diet and from an environmental point of view. Given the capacity of the near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy ...(NIRS) to provide easily, quickly and cheap data its ability in predicting dietary and faecal chemical composition, fibre-bound N and total-tract apparent digestibility (ttaD) of beef cattle were tested. The ttaD was estimated using the dietary and faecal undigestible neutral detergent fibre (uNDF) as an internal marker. A total of 172 pool faecal samples and 164 total mixed ration (TMR) samples were randomly collected 24 h post-feeding across the fattening groups of young males and females Charolaise beef cattle. Both TMR and faeces were analysed chemically and through visible/NIRS instrument. Calibration models were developed using a modified partial least squares (mPLS) regression analysis and tested by a leave-one-out cross-validation procedure and the best calibrations were selected based on various parameters including the coefficient of determination of calibration (R
2
CrV
) and the residual predictive deviation (RPD). The overall composition of TMR and faeces were similar to that reported in literature and the coefficient of variation was higher than 12% for most of the parameters studied. The NIRS was able to accurately predict the ADF, nitrogen (N), and ash content in the TMR, whereas in faeces only the ADF prediction was acceptable. The ttaD and total-tract true digestibility of N using the uNDF as an internal marker were inaccurately predicted both in TMR and in faeces (R
2
CrV
≤0.66; RPD ≤ 1.71).
Highlights
Near-infrared spectroscopy was not a suitable technology to predict total tract apparent digestibility.
NIRS was able to accurately predict the ADF, nitrogen and ash content in the TMR.
NIRS was able to accurately predict the ADF in faeces.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of a handheld near-infrared spectrometer to predict total and gelatinized starch, insoluble fibrous fractions, and mineral content in ...extruded dry dog food. Intact and ground samples were compared to determine if the homogenization could improve the prediction performance of the instrument. Reference analyses were performed on 81 samples for starch and 99 for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and minerals, and reflectance infrared spectra (740 to 1070 nm) were recorded with a SCiO™ near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer. Prediction models were developed using modified partial least squares regression and both internal (leave-one-out cross-validation) and external validation. The best prediction models in cross-validation using ground samples were obtained for gelatinized starch (residual predictive deviation, RPD = 2.54) and total starch (RPD = 2.33), and S (RPD = 1.92), while the best using intact samples were obtained for gelatinized starch (RPD = 2.45), total starch (RPD = 2.08), and K (RPD = 1.98). Through external validation, the best statistics were obtained for gelatinized starch, with an RPD of 2.55 and 2.03 in ground and intact samples, respectively. Overall, there was no difference in prediction models accuracy using ground or intact samples. In conclusion, the miniaturized NIR instrument offers the potential for screening purposes only for total and gelatinized starch, S, and K, whereas the results do not support its applicability for the other traits.
The pet food industry is interested in performing fast analyses to control the nutritional quality of their products. This study assessed the feasibility of near-infrared spectroscopy to predict ...mineral content in extruded dry dog food. Mineral content in commercial dry dog food samples (
= 119) was quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and reflectance spectra (850-2500 nm) captured with FOSS NIRS DS2500 spectrometer. Calibration models were built using modified partial least square regression and leave-one-out cross-validation. The best prediction models were obtained for S (coefficient of determination
= 0.89), K (
= 0.85), and Li (
= 0.74), followed by P, B, and Sr (
= 0.72 each). Only prediction models for S and K were adequate for screening purposes. This study supports that minerals are difficult to determine with NIRS if they are not associated with organic molecules.
Native goat breeds play an important role both in the safeguarding of biodiversity and the development of local economy. This study aimed to evaluate milk coagulation properties (MCP) of local ...(Garganica, Girgentana, Maltese, Mediterranean Red) and cosmopolitan (Saanen) goat breeds. From May to August 2018, 46 goats were sampled monthly in an experimental farm; milk samples were analysed for fat, protein and lactose percentages, pH, SCC and MCP. Data were evaluated through a mixed linear model with repeated measures, including breed, month of lactation and parity as fixed effects. Month of lactation affected all studied traits, and breed affected MCP, protein percentage, lactose percentage and pH. Milk composition and coagulation properties were better in local breeds than Saanen. In particular, milk of local breeds was richer in protein percentage, and coagulated and reached 20 mm of curd firmness on average 3.14 and 2.56 min earlier than Saanen, respectively. Moreover, the firmest curd was observed in Girgentana (31.44 mm) and the weakest in Garganica (21.72 mm). Rennet coagulation time and curd firmness decreased towards the end of lactation, differing significantly between May (10.62 min and 31.69 mm, respectively) and August (8.33 min and 20.69 mm, respectively), whereas curd-firming time only differed between May and June-July. In conclusion, milk of local breeds showed better milk coagulation ability than the cosmopolitan breed.
Highlights
Breed and month of lactation were important sources of variation of goat MCP.
Local goat breeds showed better MCP than Saanen.
Valorisation of the milk from the local breeds might be a tool to preserve native genetic resources.
This study aimed to assess the feasibility of visible/near-infrared reflectance (Vis-NIR) and near-infrared transmittance (NIT) spectroscopy to predict total and gelatinized starch and fiber ...fractions in extruded dry dog food. Reference laboratory analyses were performed on 81 samples, and the spectrum of each ground sample was obtained through Vis-NIR and NIT spectrometers. Prediction equations for each instrument were developed by modified partial least squares regressions and validated by cross- (CrV) and external validation (ExV) procedures. All studied traits were better predicted by Vis-NIR than NIT spectroscopy. With Vis-NIR, excellent prediction models were obtained for total starch (residual predictive deviation; RPD
= 6.33; RPD
= 4.43), gelatinized starch (RPD
= 4.62; RPD
= 4.36), neutral detergent fiber (NDF; RPD
= 3.93; RPD
= 4.31), and acid detergent fiber (ADF; RPD
= 5.80; RPD
= 5.67). With NIT, RPD
ranged from 1.75 (ADF) to 2.61 (acid detergent lignin, ADL) and RPD
from 1.71 (ADL) to 2.16 (total starch). In conclusion, results of the present study demonstrated the feasibility of at-line Vis-NIR spectroscopy in predicting total and gelatinized starch, NDF, and ADF, with lower accuracy for ADL, whereas results do not support the applicability of NIT spectroscopy to predict those traits.
Portable infrared-based instruments have made significant contributions in different research fields. Within the dairy supply chain, for example, most of portable devices are based on near-infrared ...spectroscopy (NIRS) and are nowadays an important support for farmers and operators of the dairy sector, allowing fast decision-making, particularly for feed and milk quality evaluation and animal health and welfare monitoring. The affordability, portability, and ease of use of these innovative devices have been pivotal factors for the implementation in dairy farms. In fact, pocket-sized devices enable non-expert users to perform quick, low cost and non-destructive analysis on various samples without complex preparation. As bovine colostrum (BC) quality is mostly given by the Ig G (IgG) level, evaluating the ability of portable NIRS tools to measure antibodies concentration is advisable. In this study we used the wireless device SCiO manufactured by Consumer Physics Inc. (Tel Aviv, Israel) to collect BC spectra and then attempt to predict IgG concentration and gross and fine composition in individual samples collected as soon as possible after calving (<6 h) in primiparous and pluriparous Holstein cows farmed in 9 Italian farms. Chemometric analyses revealed that SCiO has promising predictive performance for colostral IgG concentration, total Ig concentration, fat, and AA (R
≥ 0.75). Excellent accuracy was observed for dry matter, protein, and S prediction in cross-validation and good prediction ability in external validation (R
≥ 0.93; R
≥ 0.82). Nonetheless, SCiO's ability to discriminate between good- and low-quality samples was satisfactory. The affordable cost, the accurate predictions, and the user-friendly design coupled with the increased interest in colostrum quality within the dairy sector may boost the collection of extensive BC data for management and genetic purposes in the near future.