Comparative effects of soy protein concentrate,enzyme‑treated soybean meal,and fermented soybean meal replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs

Background Soy protein supplements,with high crude protein and less antinutritional factors,are produced from soybean meal by different processes.This study evaluated the comparative effects of various soy protein supplements replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on the intestinal immune status,intestinal oxidative stress,mucosaassociated microbiota,and growth performance of nursery pigs.Methods Sixty nursery pigs(6.6±0.5 kg BW)were allotted to five treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks.Pigs were fed for 39 d in 3 phases(P1,P2,and P3).Treatments were:Control(CON),basal diet with fish meal 4%,2%,and 1%,poultry meal 10%,8%,and 4%,and blood plasma 4%,2%,and 1%for P1,P2,and P3,respectively;basal diet with soy protein concentrate(SPC),enzyme-treated soybean meal(ESB),fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus(FSBL),and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus(FSBB),replacing 1/3,2/3,and 3/3 of animal protein supplements for P1,P2,and P3,respectively.Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4.Results The SPC did not affect the BW,ADG,and G:F,whereas it tended to reduce(P=0.094)the ADFI and tended to increase(P=0.091)crypt cell proliferation.The ESM did not affect BW,ADG,ADFI,and G:F,whereas tended to decrease(P=0.098)protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa.The FSBL decreased(P<0.05)BW and ADG,increased(P<0.05)TNF-α,and Klebsiella and tended to increase MDA(P=0.065)and IgG(P=0.089)in jejunal mucosa.The FSBB tended to increase(P=0.073)TNF-α,increased(P<0.05)Clostridium and decreased(P<0.05)Achromobacter and alpha diversity of microbiota in jejunal mucosa.Conclusions Soy protein concentrate,enzyme-treated soybean meal,and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus could reduce the use of animal protein supplements up to 33%until 7 kg body weight,up to 67%from 7 to 11 kg body weight,and entirely from 11 kg body weight without affecting the intestinal health and the growth performance of nursery pigs.Fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus,however,increased the immune reaction and oxidative stress in the intestine consequently reducing the growth performance.

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 oneday-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.

The Effects of Mustard Protein Concentrate on Nutrient Digestibility and Performance of Broiler Chickens

This experiment was conducted to de- termine the effects of feeding mustard protein concen- trate on nutrient digestibility and the performance of broiler chickens. A total of 180, day-old, male broiler chickens, weighing an average of 52.8±0.6 g, were randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments in a randomized block design. The control diet was based on wheat and soybean meal and contained 15% cano- la meal. The experimental diets contained 3 %, 6%, 9% ,12% or 15% mustard protein concentrate added at the expense of canola meal. The digestibility of crude protein and energy declined linearly （ P 〈 0.01 ） with increasing levels of mustard protein concentrate. In addition, weight gain and feed intake were linearly （P 〈 0.01 ） reduced as the level of mustard protein concentrate in the diet increased. Feed conversion wasalso negatively affected （ P 〈 O. O1 ） by mustard pro- tein concentrate while mortality did not differ among treatments. The results of the present experiment pro- vide a strong indication that there is a factor or factors present in mustard protein concentrate which negative- ly affects broiler performance. The process through which the protein in mustard seed is concentrated from mustard meal may concentrate some of the anti-nutri- tional factors found in mustard. Previous research has reported an increase in the concentration of phenolic compounds in protein isolates from mustard and this may be the cause of the reduction in performance as the level of mustard protein concentrate in the diet in- creased. Further research should be conducted to test this hypothesis.

Amino acid fortified diets for weanling pigs replacing fish meal and whey protein concentrate:Effects on growth,immune status,and gut health

Background： Limited availability of fish meal and whey protein concentrate increases overall feed costs. Availability of increased number of supplemental amino acids including Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Val, and lie allows replacing expensive protein supplements to reduce feed costs. This study was to evaluate the effect of replacing fish meal and/or whey protein concentrate in nursery diets with 6 supplemental amino acids on growth performance and gut health of post-weaning pigs. Treatments were 1） FM-WPC： diet with fish meal （FM） and whey protein concentrate （WPC）; 2） FM-AA： diet with FM and crystalline amino acids （L-Lys, L-Thr, L-Trp, DL-Met, L-Val, and L-lie）; 3） WPC-AA： diet with WPC and crystalline amino acid; and 4） AA： diet with crystalline amino acid. Results： Pigs in FM-AA, WPC-AA, and AA had greater （P 〈 0.0.5） ADG and gain：feed than pigs in FM-WPC during wk ] （phase 1）. Plasma insulin concentration of pigs in AA tended to be greater （P = 0.064） than that of FM-WPC at the end of wk 1 （phase 1）. Plasma concentrations of IgG in AA was lower （P 〈 0.05） compared with WPC-AA and FW, and FM-AA had lower （P 〈 0.05） IgG concentration than WPC-AA at the end of wk 1 （phase 1）. Concentration of acetate in cecum digesta in FM-AA tended to be greater （P = 0.054） than that of FM-WPC and WPC-AA. Concentration of isovalerate in cecum digesta of pigs in FM-AA was greater （P 〈 0.05） than that of FW and WPC-AA. Conclusions： This study indicates that use of 6 supplemental amino acids can replace fish meal and/or whey protein concentrate without adverse effects on growth performance, immune status, and gut health of pigs at d 21 to 49 of age. Positive response with the use of 6 supplemental amino acids in growth during the first week of post-weaning may due to increased plasma insulin potentially improving uptake of nutrients for protein synthesis and energy utilization. The replacement of fish meal and/or whey protein concentrate with 6 supplemental amino acids could decrease the crude protein level in nursery diets, and potentially lead to substantial cost savings in expensive nursery diets.

Improved viability of trehalose on Lactobacillus plantarum embedded with whey protein concentrate/pullulan in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and its application in acid juice

Trehalose(TRE)was used to improve the gastrointestinal tolerance of Lactobacillus plantarum embedded with whey protein concentrate/pullulan(WPC/PUL)hydrogel and the embedded L.plantarum was applied to juice.The study indicated that 5%TRE significantly increased the viable counts of L.plantarum embedded in WPC/PUL hydrogel from(8.83±0.03)to(9.14±0.04)(lg(CFU/g))in simulated gastric juice(SGJ)and from(9.13±0.04)to(9.38±0.04)(lg(CFU/g))in simulated intestinal juice,respectively.The addition of TRE improved the glass transition temperature of WPC/PUL hydrogel and decreased the hardness and its solubility in SGJ,which may be responsible for the improved protection of WPC/PUL hydrogels on L.plantarum.In addition,TRE increased the viable counts of L.plantarum in WPC/PUL probiotic microcapsule juice at low pH and high temperature during storage.

Milk protein concentrate and reduced-calcium milk protein concentrate as natural emulsifiers in clean label high-protein ice cream manufacture

Clean label food is a rising consumer trend in the food industry.Milk protein concentrate(MPC)and reduced-calcium milk protein concentrate(RCMPC)could serve as natural emulsifiers and increase the total protein content of ice cream products.The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the effects of MPC and RCMPC on ice cream composition,mix viscosity,storage stability,meltdown rate,and texture.A base formulation with 3%non-fat dry milk(NFDM)and no added emulsifiers was set as the control.Three levels of MPC or RCMPC(each powder containing 85%protein)at 1%,2%,and 3%were incorporated by replacing equivalent amounts of NFDM and keeping other ingredients unchanged.All ice cream treatments were processed with a target overrun of 70%and hardened at−25℃in a blast freezer.Additions of MPC or RCMPC at 1%,2%,and 3%corresponded to increases in protein content of ice cream by 15%,30%,and 45%,respectively.The viscosity of the ice-cream mix increased with increasing levels of MPC or RCMPC.In general,higher protein samples had slower meltdown rate and higher values of hardness and adhesiveness,but the trends were inconsistent.No shrinkage in volume was observed in any ice cream stored at−25℃after 180 days.However,an additional storage stability study revealed that the control showed significant shrinkage after 60 days(−6.5%±1.5%),90 days(−7.1%±1.8%),and 180 days(−7.9%±1.1%)in a typical household-style freezer at−13℃.MPC at 1%also showed significant shrinkage after 180 days,while samples with RCMPC at any levels showed no shrinkage at all.Ice cream manufacturers may consider MPC and RCMPC natural alternatives to synthetic emulsifiers,with RCMPC being more effective than MPC in terms of ice cream storage stability.

Effects of paraprobiotics on bile acid metabolism and liver health in largemouth bass(Micropterus salmoides)fed a cottonseed protein concentrate-based diet

Cottonseed protein concentrate is a sustainable fishmeal alternative in aquafeed.A 10-week experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a cottonseed protein concentrate-based diet with and without multi-strain yeast fractions(MsYF)on growth,bile acid metabolism,and health in largemouth bass.Four hundred fish(54.0±0.0 g)were casually distributed into 16 tanks(4 replicates/diet).Fish were fed with 4 iso-nitrogen and iso-energetic diets 3 times daily,including a fishmeal diet(FM),a soy protein concentrate-based diet(SPC;replacing 81%fishmeal protein),a cottonseed protein concentrate-based diet(CPC;replacing 81%fishmeal protein),and a CPC diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg MsYF(CPCY).Results showed that the survival of SPC was the lowest,i.e.,48%,with no apparent diet effect among other treatments;we omitted the SPC in additional analyses.Fish fed cottonseed protein concentrate-based diets showed lower growth than FM(P<0.05).Fish fed CPC showed the highest nuclear dense hepatic phenotypes ratio(50%),followed by CPCY(33%)and FM(17%).Further,dietary CPC increased hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride levels with concurrently increased cholesterol syn-thesis but decreased triglyceride synthesis-associated transcription levels(P<0.05).Furthermore,di-etary CPC increased bile acid synthesis but decreased bile acid transport-associated transcription levels(P<0.05),and then induced an increment of plasma cholic acid and hepatic chenodeoxycholic acid content and the decrement of genus Romboustia(P<0.05).Regarding the effect of MsYF,fish fed CPCY reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and total plasma bile acid content(P<0.05)compared to CPC,suggesting an improvement in liver health.Also,dietary MsYF could reverse the microbiota community structure showing a similar gut microbial composition to FM.In conclusion,81%of fishmeal protein replaced by cottonseed protein concentrate suppressed growth and liver health,while dietary MsYF might mitigate the negative impact of a high cottonseed protein concentrate level diet on liver functions via gut microbiota regulation.

Efficacy of soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements in mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs

This study investigated the effects of using soy protein concentrate (SPC) to replace animal protein supplements on mucosa-associated microbiota,intestinal health,and growth performance of nursery pigs.Fifty-six newly weaned pigs (BW=6.4±0.6 kg) were allotted to 5 treatments in a randomized complete block design.Pigs were fed for 35 d in 3 phases (P;1,2,3) for 10,12,13 d,respectively.Dietary treatments were:(1) basal diet with fish meal (P1:4%,P2:2%,and P3:1%),poultry meal (P1:10%,P2:8%,and P3:4%),and blood plasma (P1:4%,P2:2%,and P3:1%),where SPC replacing none (NC);(2) basal diet with SPC replacing fish meal (RFM);(3) basal diet with SPC replacing poultry meal (RPM);(4) basal diet with SPC replacing blood plasma (RBP);and (5) basal diet with SPC replacing all animal protein supplements (PC).Growth performance was recorded for each phase.Pigs were euthanized on d 35 to collect jejunal mucosa and tissue to evaluate intestinal health and microbiota,and ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients.Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS.Overall,RFM,RPM,and RBP did not affect growth performance,whereas PC decreased (P<0.05) ADG and ADFI.The RPM increased (P<0.05) Prevotella stercorea and decreased (P<0.05) Helicobacter rappini.The PC decreased (P<0.05) H.rappini,whilst increasing (P<0.05) Prevotella copri,Propionibacterium acnes,and Pelomonas aquatica.The RFM tended to increase (P=0.096) immunoglobulin A in the jejunum.The PC tended to decrease (P=0.078) jejunal crypt cell proliferation.There were no differences in the villus height,AID of nutrients,intestinal inflammation,and intestinal oxidative stress among treatments.In conclusion,SPC can replace fish meal,poultry meal,or blood plasma individually without affecting growth performance and intestinal health,and AID of nutrients of nursery pigs.Particularly SPC replacing poultry meal benefitted intestinal health by reducing H.rappini and increasing P.stercorea.However,SPC replacing all three animal protein supplements reduced growth of nursery pigs mainly by reducing feed intake.

Soybean protein concentrate causes enteritis in juvenile pearl gentian groupers(Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀×Epinephelus lanceolatus♂)

Due to diminishing fish meal(FM)supplies,superb protein(PRO)sources are needed for aquaculture,such as soy-based PRO.However,these can cause enteritis and even intestinal injury in fish when used at high proportions in feed.This research examines the effects of substituting soybean protein concentrate(SPC)for FM on the growth performance and intestinal balance of pearl gentian groupers and investigates the mechanism of SPC-induced enteritis.Experimental fish(n=720)were fed 1 of 3 following diets:(1)a 50%FM diet(control),(2)a diet with 20%of the FM substituted with SPC(group SPC20),and(3)a 40%SPC-substituted diet(SPC40).Fish were fed for 10 wk iso-nitrogenous(50%PRO)and iso-lipidic(10%lipid)diets.Groups SPC20 and SPC40 showed significantly lower developmental performance and intestinal structures than control.Group SPC40 had significantly higher expressions of pro-inflammatory-related genes,such as interleukin 1β(IL1β),IL12,IL17 and tumor necrosis factorαand significantly lower expressions of anti-inflammatory-related genes,such as IL5,IL10 and transforming growth factorβ1.Biochemical and 16S high-throughput sequencing showed that the abundance and functions of intestinal flora in group SPC40 were significantly affected(P<0.05),and there were significant correlations between operational taxonomic unit abundance variations and inflammatory gene expressions at genus level(P<0.05).The second-and third-generation full-length transcriptome sequence was used to analyze the mechanism of SPC-induced enteritis in pearl gentian groupers,which showed that enteritis induced by SPC may be caused by disturbances to intestinal immune function induced by an imbalance in intestinal nutrition and metabolism,such as the intestinal immunity network for IgA production pathway.However,it remains unclear as to which intestinal immune or nutritional imbalance is most important in enteritis development.This study provides a basis for further research into soy PRO-related enteritis in fish.

Structure-Function relationship of Australian Acacia seed protein concentrates:Amino acid composition,in vitro protein digestibility and molecular properties

The nutritional,functional,in vitro protein digestibility(PD),structural,and molecular properties of Acacia seed protein concentrates(ASPC)from three Acacia species(Acacia victoriae,A.coriacea and A.cowleana)were investigated and compared with a commercial soy protein isolate(SPI).The essential amino acid profile in ASPC,except for methionine,exceeded the minimum daily requirements for adults recommended by the FAO/WHO.The ASPC PD,particularly from A.victoriae and A.coriacea,was considerably high(64.2-79.3%),but lower than SPI(89.5%).ASPC proteins had higher molecular weights ranging from 50 to 65 kDa(associated with 7S vicilin subunit),better protein solubility and oil absorption capacity than SPI.Emulsifying properties were comparable between ASPC and SPI.Among the Acacia species,the proteins from A.victoriae and A.cowleana exhibited higher protein quality,foaming capacity and solubility compared to A.coriacea.Overall,ASPC from A.victoriae and A.cowleana showed potential as ingredients in food processing.

Effect of Milk Proteins on Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Crispy Puff Snacks

Dairy proteins included sweet whey solids （SWS）, whey protein concentrate （WPC）, milk protein concentrate （MPC） or sodium caseinate （SC） at level of 10% by weight were extruded with corn, rice, oat flour and other ingredients in a twin screw extruder. The functional properties and textural of crispy balls snacks （CBS） have been studied. The results showed that different protein types were significantly affected on functional and chemical properties of extrudate. The bulk density of CBS-SC was the lowest due to the highest expansion, while CBS-WPC retained the most water in the product, whereas, the maximum value of water solubility index was obtained in the CBS-CWP. Results also showed that protein digestibility value of extrudates had higher than non-extruded products. Color analysis of CBS-SC and CBS-SWS products had the highest AE values （P ≤ 0.05）, whereas CBS-SWS was statistically higher than CBS-SC in rank. Also, it was noticed that CBS-SWS had the highest value of browning index. The hardness of all extrudates products was desirable for expanded crispy where ranged from 17.3 N to 12.18 N. Generally, MPC and SC incorporated with cereal flour had acceptable quality characteristics and improved significantly the functional and texture properties of crispy balls products.

Optimization and Quality Characters of Protein Enriched Pasta

The response surface methodology （Box-behnken design） was acknowledged for the production of optimized protein enriched pasta. Studied responses （protein, overall acceptability, hue angle and hardness） resulted to high protein pasta. The optima were at 12.5%,5 mung bean, 10% whey protein concentrate and 6% egg albumen in combination. Best combination of protein source and their respective level for high protein pasta on the quality evaluation basis were mung bean （15%） ＋ whey protein concentrate （10%）; mung bean （15%） ＋ egg albumen （6%）; mung bean （15%） ＋ whey protein concentrate （10%） ＋ egg albumen （6%）. Hue angle and Hardness remained within acceptable range. Model adequacy was supported with lack of fit test. Enriched protein pasta had excellent cooking and sensory quality during storage period of 4 months. ERH value ranged from 34-36 per cent had supported the results. Rheological properties and good storage behaviour （4 months） had also enhanced the quality of optimized protein enriched pasta. Enriched pasta was rated excellent by 70 per cent of the consumers in mass acceptability trials.

Micro-sprinkling irrigation simultaneously improves grain yield and protein concentration of winter wheat in the North China Plain

Increased grain yield(GY) and grain protein concentration(GPC) are the two main targets of efforts to improve wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) production in the North China Plain(NCP). We conducted a three-year field experiment in the 2014–2017 winter wheat growing seasons to compare the effects of conventional irrigation practice(CI) and micro-sprinkling irrigation combined with nitrogen(N) fertilizer(MSI) on GY, GPC, and protein yield(PY). Across the three years, GY, GPC, and PY increased by 10.5%–16.7%, 5.4%–8.0%, and 18.8%–24.6%, respectively, under MSI relative to CI. The higher GY under MSI was due primarily to increased thousand-kernel weight(TKW). The chlorophyll content of leaves was higher under MSI during the mid–late grain filling period, increasing the contribution of post-anthesis dry matter accumulation to GY, with consequent increases in total dry matter accumulation and harvest index compared to CI. During the mid–late grain filling period, the canopy temperature was markedly lower and the relative humidity was higher under MSI than under CI. The duration and rate of filling during the mid–late grain filling period were also higher under MSI than CI, resulting in higher TKW. MSI increased the contribution of post-anthesis N accumulation to grain N but reduced the pre-anthesis remobilization of N in leaves, the primary site of photosynthetic activity, possibly helping maintain photosynthate production in leaves during grain filling. Total N at maturity was higher under MSI than CI,although there was little difference in N harvest index. The higher GPC under MSI than under CI was due to a larger increase in grain N accumulation than in GY. Overall, MSI simultaneously increased both GY and GPC in winter wheat grown in the NCP.

Effect of delayed sowing on grain number, grain weight, and protein concentration of wheat grains at specific positions within spikes

Delays in sowing have significant effects on the grain yield,yield components,and grain protein concentrations of winter wheat.However,little is known about how delayed sowing affects these characteristics at different positions in the wheat spikes.In this study,the effects of sowing date were investigated in a winter wheat cultivar,Shannong 30,which was sown in 2019 and 2020 on October 8(normal sowing)and October 22(late sowing)under field conditions.Delayed sowing increased the partitioning of ^(13)C-assimilates to spikes,particularly to florets at the apical section of a spike and those occupying distal positions on the same spikelet.Consequently,the increase in grain number was the greatest for the apical sections,followed by the basal and central sections.No significant differences were observed between sowing dates in the superior grain number in the basal and central sections,while the number in apical sections was significantly different.The number of inferior grains in each section also increased substantially in response to delayed sowing.The average grain weights in all sections remained unchanged under delayed sowing because there were parallel increases in grain number and ^(13)C-assimilate partitioning to grains at specific positions in the spikes.Increases in grain number m^(–2) resulted in reduced grain protein concentrations as the limited nitrogen supply was diluted into more grains.Delayed sowing caused the greatest reduction in grain protein concentration in the basal sections,followed by the central and apical sections.No significant differences in the reduction of the grain protein concentration were observed between the inferior and superior grains under delayed sowing.In conclusion,a 2-week delay in sowing improved grain yield through increased grain number per spike,which originated principally from an increased grain number in the apical sections of spikes and in distal positions on the same spikelet.However,grain protein concentrations declined in each section because of the increased grain number and reduced N uptake.

The effects of the unsaturated degree of long-chain fatty acids on the rumen microbial protein content and the activities of transaminases and dehydrogenase in vitro

This study investigated the effects of the degree of unsaturation（unsaturity） of long-chain fatty acids on microbial protein content and the activities of transaminases and dehydrogenase in vitro using goat rumen fluid as the cultural medium.Six types of fatty acids,stearic acid（C18：0,group A,control group）,oleic acid（C18：1,n-9,group B）,linoleic acid（C18：2,n-6,group C）,α-linolenic acid（C18：3,n-3,group D）,arachidonic acid（C20：4,n-6,group E）,and eicosapentaenoic acid（C20：5,n-3,group F）,were tested,and the inclusion ratio of each fatty acid was 3%（w/w） in total of culture substrate.Samples were taken at 0,3,6,9,12,18 and 24 h,respectively,during culture for analyses.Compared with stearic acid,linoleic acid,a-linolenic acid,and arachidonic acid increased the bacterial protein content,while oleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid had no significant effects;the protozoal protein content was reduced for all the unsaturated fatty acids,and the magnitude of the reduction appeared to be associated with the degree of unsaturity of fatty acids.The total microbial protein content was dominantly accounted by the protozoal protein content（about 4-9 folds of the bacterial protein）,and only increased by linoleic acid,but reduced by oleic acid,arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid.There were no significant effects in the activities of both glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase（GOT） and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase（GPT） for all the other fatty acids,except for arachidonic acid which enhanced GOT activity and oleic acid which enhanced GPT activity.The total dehydrogenase activity was positively correlated with the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids.In conclusion,the inclusion of 3%of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids increased bacterial protein content,whereas reduced protozoal protein content and enhanced dehydrogenase activity.The fatty acids with more than three double bonds had detrimental effects on the microbial protein content.This work demonstrates for the first time the effect rule of the unsaturation degree of long-chain fatty acids on the rumen microbial protein in vitro.

Modeling the effects of extreme high-temperature stress at anthesis and grain filling on grain protein in winter wheat

Extreme high-temperature stress(HTS) associated with climate change poses potential threats to wheat grain yield and quality. Wheat grain protein concentration(GPC) is a determinant of wheat quality for human nutrition and is often neglected in attempts to assess climate change impacts on wheat production. Crop models are useful tools for quantification of temperature impacts on grain yield and quality.Current crop models either cannot simulate or can simulate only partially the effects of HTS on crop N dynamics and grain N accumulation. There is a paucity of observational data on crop N and grain quality collected under systematic HTS scenarios to develop algorithms for model improvement as well as evaluate crop models. Two-year phytotron experiments were conducted with two wheat cultivars under HTS at anthesis, grain filling, and both stages. HTS significantly reduced total aboveground N and increased the rate of grain N accumulation, while total aboveground N and the rate of grain N accumulation were more sensitive to HTS at anthesis than at grain filling. The observed relationships between total aboveground N, rate of grain N accumulation, and HTS were quantified and incorporated into the WheatGrow model. The new HTS routines improved simulation of the dynamics of total aboveground N, grain N accumulation, and GPC by the model. The improved model provided better estimates of total aboveground N, grain N accumulation, and GPC under HTS(the normalized root mean square error was reduced by 40%, 85%, and 80%, respectively) than the original WheatGrow model. The improvements in the model enhance its applicability to the assessment of climate change effects on wheat grain quality by reducing the uncertainties of simulating N dynamics and grain quality under HTS.

Mechanism of hyperproteinemia-induced blood cell homeostasis imbalance in an animal model

Hyperproteinemia is a metabolic disorder associated with increased plasma protein concentration(PPC)and is often clinically complicated by malignant diseases or severe infections.At present,however,research on the molecular mechanism underlying high PPC(HPPC)is scant.Here,an animal model of primary hyperproteinemia was constructed in an invertebrate(Bombyx mori)to investigate the effects of HPPC on circulating blood cells.Results showed that HPPC affected blood cell homeostasis,leading to increased reactive oxygen species levels,and induced programmed cell death dependent on the endoplasmic reticulum-calcium ion signaling pathway.HPPC induced the proliferation of blood cells,mainly granulocytes,by activating the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription(JAK/STAT)signaling pathway.Supplementation with the endocrine hormone active substance 20 E significantly reduced the impact of HPPC on blood cell homeostasis.Thus,we identified a novel signaling pathway by which HPPC affects blood cell homeostasis,which differs from hyperglycemia,hyperlipidemia,and hypercholesterolemia.In addition,we showed that down-regulation of gene expression of the hematopoietic factor Gcm could be used as a potential early detection indicator for hyperproteinemia.

Accumulation Characteristics of Protein and Non-Protein Components and Their Correlations with Protein Concentration in Rice Grains

Protein in rice grains is an important source of nutrition for rice consumers.This study mainly aimed to identify the critical factors that determine grain protein concentration in rice.Accumulation parameters,including mean accumulation rate(Rmean)and active accumulation duration(Dactive),for protein and non-protein components and their correlations with protein concentration in rice grains were investigated in field experiments conducted over two years with six rice cultivars.Results showed that grain protein concentration ranged from 9.6%to 11.9%across cultivars and years.Accumulation processes of protein and non-protein components were well fitted by the logistic equation for all six rice cultivars in both years,and the ratio of protein to non-protein for R_(mean) and D_(active) ranged from 0.08 to 0.12 and 1.01 to 1.33,respectively.Grain protein concentration was significantly correlated with protein to non-protein ratio for R_(mean).This study suggests that grain protein concentration is not solely determined by the accumulation of protein or non-protein component,but by the coordination of protein and non-protein accumulation.

APPLICATION OF NONIONIC TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE HYDROGEL FOR CONCENTRATION OF PROTEIN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Six different N-alkyl substituted acrylarnide nonionic hydrogels were prepared and their swelling characteristics were measured. Poly N-isopropyl acrylamide (PNIPA) and poly N-n-propyl-acrylamide (PNNPA) temperature sensitive hydrogels were chosen as the nonionic temperature sensitive hydrogels for concentration of very dilute aqueous protein solution. The separation properties of PNIPA and PNNPA hydr0gels with different network dimensions were studied and the modification of the hydrogels was surveyed in order to decrease their surface adsorption of protein molecules. The experimental results of the concentration of BSA (Bovin serum albumin) dilute aqueous solution by hydroxylpropyl methacrylate (HPMA) copolymerized PNIPA hydrogel were given. The value and the limitation of concentration of dilute aqueous protein solution by this method was evaluated.

17α,20β-DIHYDROXY-4-PREGNENE-3-ONE SUPPRESSES PLASMA IgM LEVELS IN RAINBOW TROUT (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The relationships between 17α,20β dihydroxy 4 pregnene 3 one (17α,20β DP) and plasma IgM and total protein levels were investigated in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss .IgM and total protein levels decreased in both sexes of mature rainbow trout when 17α,20β DP levels increased during the spawning season,while the elevated 17α,20β DP suppressed IgM levels and reversibly enhanced total protein concentrations in immature trout.This represents the first report of the effect of 17α,20β DP on fish immunity.These data suggest that the increase of 17α,20β DP in spawning season may be related to infectious skin diseases.