Search

Functional gluten-free biscuits enriched with commercial and landrace non-commercial chickpea flours were designed and compared with a traditional shortbread biscuit. They were analyzed in sensory attributes, amino acid profile, and antioxidant properties. Subsequently, the biscuits were digested in vitro to evaluate protein hydrolysis, amino acid bioaccessibility, phenolic compounds release, and antioxidant markers. The presence of chickpea flours provided golden color and heightened biscuit hardness and fracturability (especially in non-commercial), increasing crispness and reducing brittleness. The protein hydrolysis was similar among samples (≈15%), except for one of the non-commercial (≈20%). Amino acids such as arginine, phenylalanine, leucine, tyrosine, and lysine exhibited the highest bioaccessibilities. Incorporating chickpea flour improved the antioxidant activity and polyphenol content in undigested samples and bioaccesible fractions, with higher levels of p-coumaric and ferulic acids after digestion, regardless of the chickpea seed. Non-commercial flours increased the presence of resveratrol and/or catechin in the bioaccessible fraction. Antioxidant action assessed in the Caco-2 cell line showed that the protective effect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation did not always correlate with the in vitro antioxidant capacity. Our data support that the inclusion of chickpea flours in the formulation of functional biscuits provides the consumer with products of added nutritional value with attractive organoleptic features.

The purpose of the current study was to further characterize the performance and nitrogen retention differences previously observed between immunocastrated (IC) and surgically castrated (SC) pure Iberian pigs. Fifty-four pigs were used (three sexes: IC males, IC females and SC males), fed three isoenergetic diets (160, 140 and 120 g CP/kg DM; six pigs/treatment combination) from 40 kg BW until slaughter (105 kg BW). Plasmatic post-absorptive metabolites and hormones, and backfat tissue composition were determined. The IC males showed a trend towards higher plasmatic creatinine (p = 0.06) and IGF-1 concentrations than SC males and IC females (p < 0.001). SC males showed a higher predisposition to carcass fatness and insulin resistance compared to IC males. Plasmatic isoleucine concentration was higher in IC and SC males compared to IC females (p < 0.01), and valine was greater in IC males compared to the rest of the pigs (p < 0.001). Total branched-chain amino acids (AA) were greater in IC males than in IC females (p < 0.01). Total plasmatic essential AA concentrations tended to be greater in IC males (p = 0.09). The present results support the increased performance and nitrogen retention capacity previously observed in IC male Iberian pigs compared to SC males and IC females, which can be attributed to increased anabolic capacity related with lean growth in Iberian IC males.

The study analyzed the effect of supplemental zinc and betaine on meat quality and redox status of muscles (longissimus lumborum and gluteus medius) from heat- stressed pigs. Twenty-four pure Iberian pigs were assigned to one of three treatments (n = 8): control diet, Zn supplemented diet (120 mg/kg) and betaine supplemented diet (5 g/kg) that were all exposed to 30 °C during 28 days. No significant differences were observed in chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the muscles. The Zn diet improved the water retention capacity of longissimus, increased the antioxidant properties (ABTS and FRAP) and the glutathione peroxidase activity, and reduced the level of MDA. No significant effects associated to the betaine diet were observed in quality traits and antioxidant markers of muscles. These findings suggest that Zn supplementation may be used as a nutritional strategy to improve the antioxidant properties of meat of Iberian pigs subjected to heat stress conditions.

Goat cheeses have important nutritional properties, with an emphasis on proteins, lipids (high digestibility), and essential minerals. This study analyzes the bioavailability of Ca, Mg, and Zn in Brazilian cheeses using an in vitro dynamic digestion method. Two self-produced fresh cheeses, cow and goat Minas frescal cheese, and two commercial matured goat cheeses, Blue and Pyramid, were analyzed. Brazilian goat cheeses are potential sources of essential minerals (Ca, Mg, and Zn). Variations of 103–598 mg/100 g for Ca, 13.62–41.64 mg/100 g for Mg, and 9.79–13.23 mg/100 g for Zn were observed in the studied samples. The pH concentration, enzyme performance, and protein and lipid content of Brazilian cheeses affected the solubility of essential minerals in the intestinal fraction. The percentages of minerals found in the permeate stream, equivalent to absorption of Ca and Zn, were lower in Minas frescal goat cheese than Minas frescal cow cheese, whereas that of Mg was higher. Pyramid and Minas frescal goat cheeses had the higher values of Mg and Zn bioavailability, respectively. This study supports, for the first time, the usefulness of the dynamic simulation of the human gastrointestinal tract for the study of mineral bioavailability in cheeses.

Whey is an important industrial by product of the dairy industry, resulting from cheese making, with a high nutritional value that has changed its consideration as an environmental problem to a source of bioactive compounds In developing countries, like Ecuador, whey is discard without any treatment because of the high cost of processing it, creating an important problem for the environment and wasting a valuable product for a population with a high malnutrition issue It is of great interest to find a direct use of whey in cheese factories as a food ingredient Using whey as a substitute of water in a popular drink in Ecuador named Colada, made from fruit juice and cereals, will increase the nutritional value of the beverage and would require little processing for the industry. Using a Colada beverage made with whey 70 Maracuya juice 30 barley 10 sucrose 1 and aromatic spices 1 we have carried out in vitro digestions following the INFOGEST protocol Analysis of the degree of hydrolysis, protein, fatty acid and amino acid profile after digestion revealed that this beverage is full of nutritional components that could have many health promoting properties.

Cheese has important nutritional properties as a result of their protein, lipid and essential minerals content. This study analyzed the bioavailability of Ca, Mg and Zn in Brazilian cheeses, using the in vitro INFOGEST digestion method coupled with assays in Caco-2 cells. Furosine content (marker of the early Maillard reaction) was also evaluated. Two self-produced fresh cheeses, cow and goat Minas frescal; and two commercial matured goat cheeses, Blue and Pyramid, were analyzed. Mineral bioaccessibility after in vitro digestion was in the range of 44.4–74.7 %, 54.8–66.1 % and 18.2–38.7 % for Ca, Mg and Zn, respectively. Bioaccessibilty was significantly affected by the mineral and fat content level. The digested fresh cheeses (Minas frescal) showed the highest values of soluble Ca and Mg; and the Pyramid goat cheese presented the greatest Ca and Zn transport efficacy across Caco-2 cell monolayers. Furosine could be a useful indicator to evaluate cheese ripeness and its indirect effect on the mineral availability.

Whey-based beverages could be an effective way of reusing a by-product of th cheese industry, mitigating environmental hazards and, at the same time, profiting a useful food with high nutritional and antioxidant properties. In this study, a traditional Ecuadorian beverage (Colada) was prepared combining sweet whey, Maracuyá and barley. Antioxidant properties before and after an in vitro digestion using the INFOGEST method were determined, and relationships with intestinal transformations of the lipid and protein fractions were analyzed. The digestive process had a positive effect on antioxidant properties based on increased values of ABTS and FRAP located in the bioaccessible fraction (BF), together with strong increments of total polyphenols. Moreover, pretreatment of Caco-2 cells with the BF of Colada significantly reduced ROS generation (p < 0.001) measured by the dichlorofluorescein assay. Substantial changes of the fatty acid profile occurred during digestion, such as a fall of saturated fatty acids and a rise of polyunsaturated. The protein profile, examined by SDS-PAGE and exclusion molecular chromatography in the BF, showed that the major part of the proteins were digested in the intestinal phase. Analysis of NanoLC-MS/MS revealed 18 antioxidant peptides originated from whey proteins, but also 16 peptides from barley with potential antioxidant properties. In conclusion, combining sweet whey with Maracuyá and barley constitutes an excellent nutritional beverage with a strong antioxidant potential.

Heat stress is associated with impaired meat quality and disruption of redox balance. This study investigated the effect of chronic exposure to high temperature on meat quality and antioxidant markers of muscles (longissimus lumborum and gluteus medius) of growing Iberian pigs. Twenty-four pure Iberian pigs were allocated during 28 days to one of three treatments (n = 8/treatment): thermoneutral conditions (20C) and ad libitum feeding (TN), heat stress conditions (30C) and ad libitum feeding (HS) and thermoneutral and pair-fed with HS (TN-pf). Muscles of the HS group had greater intramuscular fat content than the TN-pf group and higher Zn levels than TN and TN-pf, whereas differences on fatty acid composition were negligible. Heat exposure did not affect pH, color coordinates of redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) and MDA values but had a positive influence on lightness and drip losses. Moreover, chronic heat stress stimulated the activity of antioxidant defenses SOD, CAT and GPx. The statistical factor analysis adequately classified the muscles studied, but was unable to differentiate samples according with treatments. Findings of the present study support an adaptive response of the Iberian pig to high temperatures and show the high Iberian meat quality even under adverse climate situations.

Heat stress (HS) lead to intestinal epithelial damage through induction of cellular oxidative stress. Since Zn is an essential nutrient with antioxidant properties that is involved in maintaining the intestinal barrier function, this study aimed to examine the effects of Zn supplementation in the intestinal epithelium under HS. Caco-2 cells were pre-incubated with Zn (50 and 100 µM) prior to control (37 °C) or HS conditions (41–42 °C) for 24 h. Zn pretreatment reduced the lactate dehydrogenase release, a parameter reflecting the cell membrane damage. Zn supplementation alleviated the ROS generation in cells exposed to HS and promoted the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, Zn (specially 50 µM) partly attenuated the HS induced damage on monolayer integrity as measured by transepithelial electrical resistance and phenol red permeability. Therefore, Zn supplementation had beneficial effects on the intestinal damage evoked by high temperatures and may be a useful nutritional strategy against global warming.

Immunocastration (IC, vaccination against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)) is one alternative to surgical castration (SC) for preventing sexual development and boar taint in male pigs. A temporal increase in performance has been described for IC pigs before the second vaccination against GnRH. The objective of this work was to assess the effects of IC on Iberian male and female pigs (fed diets of increasing CP content) on performance, nitrogen retention (NR) and digestibility, and carcass traits. Fifty-four pure Iberian pigs individually housed were allocated to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with three sex groups (IC males, IC females and SC males), three diets (153, 137 and 119 g CP/kg DM; 14 MJ metabolisable energy/kg DM) and six pigs per treatment combination. Pigs were vaccinated at 18 weeks of age (40 kg BW) and seven weeks later (70–80 kg BW) and fed at 0.9 × ad libitum on BW basis. Two digestibility and nitrogen balance assays were performed before and after the second vaccination, respectively. Pigs were slaughtered at 105 kg BW. Before the second vaccination, Iberian IC males showed higher growth rate (g/day), feed efficiency, NR (g/day) and efficiency of NR than the other groups (P < 0.001). The NR and efficiency of NR was 40% greater in IC v. SC males (P < 0.001). After the second vaccination, no differences in performance between sex groups were detected (P > 0.05). Growth rate and feed efficiency were higher in IC males than in the other groups for the whole experimental period (from the first vaccination to slaughter; P < 0.001). After the second vaccination, differences among sex groups in NR and the efficiency of NR disappeared (P > 0.05). NR efficiency was 0.177 on average. No significant effects of dietary CP were detected on performance. The NR was greater in pigs fed the 153 CP diet (17 to 37%; P > 0.05). Lean components of carcass (sirloin, loin and butt lean) were greater in IC males than in the other groups (0.001 < P < 0.05). There were

The concept of antioxidants refers to a substance with the capacity to either directly scavenge or indirectly prevent the formation of pro-oxidant molecules, basically associated to the so called reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Mediterranean diet is a traditional dietetic model whose consumption is associated with beneficial effects on human health. This diet is typically high in fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and nut and seeds, food sources rich in minerals. Therefore mineral requirements are probably reached with the consumption of diets based on the Mediterranean dietary patterns. However, it is important to consider not only the contribution of nutrients in the diet but also their bioavailability and absorption. This chapter aims to evaluate the mineral composition of the Mediterranean diet in terms of intake and bioavailability. It is concluded that diets based on Mediterranean dietary patterns have an adequate mineral contribution, and, moreover, bioavailability is improved thanks to the composition of the diet.

The concept of antioxidants refers to a substance with the capacity to either directly scavenge or indirectly prevent the formation of pro-oxidant molecules, basically associated to the so called reactive oxygen species (ROS) [...]

Wild-growing mushrooms could be a potential source of mineral elements The aim of this study was to analyze the mineral composition of 18 species of wild-growing mushrooms collected in a natural park from the Spanish southeast (province of Granada). Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu and Zn, were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and P was analyzed colorimetrically by the vanadomolybdate procedure; the accuracy of methods was assessed by the use of certified reference materials. The contribution of mushrooms consumption to the mineral daily recommended intakes was calculated. Although large variations were observed between species, the most abundant mineral elements in the analyzed mushrooms were K and P, with average contents of 29.3 ± 8.1 and 8.60 ± 4.8 g/kg dry matter (dm), respectively. Low Na concentrations were observed (26.5–579 mg/kg dm), with the only exception of Amanita ovoidea, and high Fe values, exceeding in some cases 1000 mg/kg dm (such as in Lactarius deliciosus and Morchella conica). Mushrooms may be significant contributors of K and P in the human diet and also good sources of trace elements, especially Cu and Fe, providing negligible quantities of Na. Strong correlations were observed for Ca/Mg and Cu/Zn contents in the mushrooms analyzed.

Amino acid (AA) composition of body protein is considered constant although there are evidences that AA pattern in pigs may be altered by different factors. Pigs with different body composition and protein deposition rates—like fatty and lean pigs—may differ in AA composition, with possible consequences on their AA requirements. This work investigates effects of genotype and dietary lysine deficiency on AA composition of carcass and muscles of Iberian and Landrace × Large White pigs. Twenty-eight barrows (10 kg body weight [BW]), 14 from each breed, were used. They were randomly assigned to two experimental diets according to a factorial arrangement (two breeds × two diets). Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic (200 ± 1 g CP/kg dry matter (DM); 14.7 ± 0.1 MJ ME/kg DM) and with identical chemical composition except for lysine concentration (10.9 and 5.20 g lysine/kg DM, for lysine-adequate (AL) diet and lysine-deficient (DL) diet respectively). Pigs were individually housed, and daily feed allowance was adjusted on a weekly basis according to BW. Pigs were slaughtered at 25 kg BW. Isoleucine, valine and phenylalanine concentration were higher in carcass protein of Iberian pigs (p <.01). In longissimus muscle, higher concentration of arginine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine and valine (p <.001–p <.05), and lower of methionine (p <.001) were detected in Iberian pigs, whereas phenylalanine, leucine, lysine, threonine and methionine concentration decreased and arginine increased (p <.001–p <.05) when pigs were fed DL diet. Genotype and lysine deficiency effects were moderate in the AA composition of protein of biceps femoris muscle. The results show that AA proportions in protein of carcass and longissimus muscle can be influenced by pig genotype and conditions of lysine shortage. The biceps femoris muscle, with different functional and metabolic properties, shows more constant AA composition than longissimus, which seem to prevail independent from genotype or n

The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are related to its chemical composition and the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant compounds (pigments, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and phenolic compounds) and antioxidant properties of EVOO from the same region comparing different cultivars (Hojiblanca and Arbequina), harvest year and crop stage. Antioxidant properties of oils were studied before and after a gastrointestinal digestion process, by in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) and antioxidant markers in Caco-2 cells (reactive oxygen species production). The content of bioactive compounds measured was significantly affected by cultivar and harvest year (except for carotenoids) and by the crop stage (except for coenzyme Q10). Higher amounts of coenzyme Q10 were observed in Hojiblanca than in Arbequina EVOO. Total phenol content and antioxidant properties were also different depending on cultivar and harvest year and the in vitro digestion process strongly improved antioxidant marker values. Antioxidant potential in bioaccessible fractions was mainly related to the content of coenzyme Q10 and phenolic compounds in EVOO. Chemometric analysis showed that the oils were clearly classified by cultivars, harvest and crop stage, according to the chemical composition and antioxidant activity analyzed in the present study

In childhood and adolescence an adequate mineral intake is essential for normal growth and immune function, and to prevent chronic diseases in adulthood. The aim of this study was to analyse the dietary intake of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu in children and adolescents from an orphanage-school in Guatemala and to assess the mineral contribution of nutritional supplements used by this population. Mineral content was analysed in nutritional supplements, bioaccesible fractions obtained after an in vitro gastrointestinal method, and diets sampled by a 7-day duplicate diet study. The average mineral content in the duplicate diets, including supplements, was (mg/d): Ca 452, Mg 230, Fe 25, Zn 8 and Cu 0.22. Especially Ca and Cu values were below recommended daily intakes. The content of these minerals in the nutritional supplements (mg/serving) was 49–112 for Ca, 1.2–3.8 for Fe, 24–47 for Mg, 0.7–4.16 for Zn and 0.08-0.23 for Cu. A great proportion of dietary minerals was provided by supplements, the contribution of which was: Ca 53.1%, Mg 58.4%, Fe 27.6%. Zn 82.2% and Cu 98.5%. Mineral bioaccessibility in supplements was particularly low for Ca and, to a lesser extent, for Fe and Zn. In spite of the high supplement consumption (up to 4 servings/d) important mineral deficiencies were detected in the diet of institutionalised children. Findings suggest that formulation and nutritional values of supplements used in Latin America should be carefully reviewed, in order to be a useful tool in the prevention and treatment of hidden hunger.

In this report, we investigated for the first time the total polyphenols content (TPC) and antioxidant activity before and after digestion of Carapichea ipecacuanha root infusion, better known as ipecac, prepared at different concentrations. An in vitro digestion system coupled to a Caco-2 cell model was applied to study the bioavailability of antioxidant compounds. The ability of ipecac bioaccessible fractions to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation at cellular level was also evaluated. The findings revealed that water volume of 50 mL g-1 of sample provided the maximum yield of extraction of TPC and antioxidant activity. Polyphenols increased in content and activity after digestion and they were highly bioavailable (75% of intestinal absorption). Polyphenols were also present in the residual parts which indicate a possible local activity. Results also suggest that ipecac infusion could represent a promising source of effective bioavailable antioxidants to be exploited in functional foods field.

The purpose of this study was to investigate potential mechanisms involved in fat deposition promoted by dietary lysine deficiency, particularly intramuscular fat (IMF), and differential responses between fatty and lean pigs. Carcass traits and lipogenic enzyme activities and gene expression levels in muscles and adipose tissue were investigated in Iberian (fatty) and Landrace × Large White (LDW) pigs under identical feeding level (based on body weight (BW)) and management conditions. Twenty-eight barrows of 10 kg initial BW, 14 per breed, were fed two isoproteic (200 g CP /kg DM) and isocaloric (14.7 MJ metabolizable energy/kg DM) diets with identical composition except for the lysine content (1.09% for diet adequate in lysine and 0.52% for diet deficient in lysine). At a BW of 25 kg, pigs were slaughtered. Compared with pigs fed the lysine-adequate diet, in both genotypes lysine-deficient diet led to lower carcass protein concentration, lower relative proportions of leaner components (loin, ham and shoulder; P < 0.01), and higher carcass fatty components and carcass lipid concentration (P < 0.001). Irrespective of diet, the activity and gene expression of lipogenic enzymes (fatty acid synthase (FAS), malic enzyme (ME) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH)) were greater in Iberian than in LDW pigs, particularly in adipose tissue where transcriptional regulators involved in the control of adipogenesis and lipogenesis were also upregulated in Iberian animals. In backfat tissue, there was a small decrease induced by or no effects of lysine-deficient diet on the activity and gene expression of lipogenic enzymes, nor in gene expression levels of upstream regulators of lipogenesis and adipogenesis. In longissimus muscle, the activity of FAS, G6PDH and ME increased with lysine deficiency in both genotypes (P < 0.01) and an upregulation of gene expression of lipogenic enzymes was specifically observed in Iberian pigs (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). In biceps femoris muscl

This study analyzes quality traits of longissimus lumborum and gluteus medius in surgically castrated (SC) males, inmunocastrated (IC) males and IC female Iberian pigs reared in intensive conditions (n = 18/sex). Vaccination with Improvac® was applied at 18 and 26 weeks of age and slaughtering at 31 weeks. At such conditions, notable sex differences were found. Both muscles of IC males were less red (P <.01), longissimus had lower intramuscular fat (P <.01) and gluteus less Fe content (P <.01) than SC males and IC females. Loins from IC males also exhibited higher drip losses (2.7% at 24 h) than SC males (1.9%) and IC females (1.6%) (P <.001). Fatty acid composition of muscles differed among sexes, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids, which varied as follows: IC males > IC females > SC males in both muscles. It was concluded that meat quality traits differed between inmunocastrated and surgically castrated male Iberian pigs.

The effect of the experimental conditions on assessing the global volatile profile of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC–MS) is studied to obtain maximization of the total peak areas of the compounds. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is applied to Arbequina EVOO, and the influence of oil quantity, extraction time, and extraction temperature on the total area and extraction of the major desirable compounds is analyzed. The experimental data are adequately fitted into second-order polynomial models with non-significant lack of fit (p > 0.05) and coefficients of determination (R and R -adjusted) higher than 0.88 and 0.78, respectively. A strong similarity is found between the predicted and experimental values. Furthermore, the surface plots show that the extraction of the volatile compounds is favored with increasing extraction temperature, time, and oil quantity. The extraction conditions to obtain the maximum response of “green” volatile compounds from Arbequina olive oil by HS-SPME placed in 50 mL vials are 4.6 g of oil, 43 min, and 59 C. Practical Applications: The findings of the present work show that specific conditions of HS-SPME/GC–MS affect the extraction of volatile compounds from cv. Arbequina olive oil and establish the optimum extraction parameters to more efficiently determine the global profile of this fraction, taking into account the organoleptic characteristics of the cultivar. The results also contribute to the knowledge of the volatile profile of the monovarietal olive oil cv. Arbequina, which is one of most cultivated and consumed types of olive oil worldwide.

In pig production, factors such as nutritional system and genotype affect quality characteristics of meat. This study was aimed to evaluate differences in nutritional composition and colour of meat between Iberian (IB) and Landrace × Large White (LLW) pigs reared under identical nutrition and management conditions. Nutrient composition, mineral content, fatty acid profile and instrumental colour of two muscles (longissimus thoracis and biceps femoris) were examined at two growing stages (50- and 115-kg weight). Significant differences were found in relation to genotype. IB muscles contained higher amounts of intramuscular fat, dry matter, monounsaturated fatty acids, iron and zinc, and were redder (higher a∗ value) and with less colour saturation (lower hue angle), than those from LLW pigs. Significant relationships between colour coordinates with the mineral content and the lipid profile of muscles were found: redness was mainly linked to iron, zinc and monounsaturated fatty acids levels, whereas yellowness was positively related with copper, polyunsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid level. The results of the present study support that muscles from the IB pig genotype have special characteristics, which may enhance the overall quality of meat compared with conventional or high-lean porcine breeds, even under identical management system, due to its particular fat composition and colour attributes.

The capability of determining the phenolic and volatile profiles of olive oils is of major relevance since these compounds are known to greatly influence the gustatory and olfactory positive attributes of olive oils. An electronic tongue with multiple linear regression models was used to evaluate both profiles based on olive oils potentiometric data generated during a single assay. The proposed electronic tongue-chemometric procedure enabled the quantification of flavonoids, phenolic acids and phenol alcohols of Arbequina extra-virgin olive oils with a similar accuracy of UPLC-MS (0.93 ± 0.03 ≤ R ≤ 0.98 ± 0.08 for the repeated K-fold cross-validation procedure). Also, it was verified that the potentiometric device should not be applied to evaluate volatile compounds in solution (0.80 ± 0.14 ≤ R ≤ 0.94 ± 0.05 for the repeated K-fold cross-validation procedure), showing a lower accuracy than HS-SPME-GS-MS. The overall satisfactory results showed that electronic tongue could be used as a practical sensing instrument to generate a chemical profile of the compounds known to influence the positive sensory attributes of olive oils.

Immunocastration has proved to be an effective strategy to prevent sexual development and boar taint in pigs. Previous results indicate that immunocastrated (IC) pigs exhibit better performance than surgically castrated (SC) pigs. In addition to animal welfare benefits, this fact could be of interest for Iberian pigs, as their growth capacity rapidly diminishes as animal ages. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of immunocastration on Iberian pig performance, protein utilization, and carcass traits under different dietary protein concentrations. Pure Iberian pigs (n=27) were used as follows: 3 sexes (IC males, IC females, SC males); 3 isoenergetic diets (160, 140 and 120 g CP/kg DM); 3 pigs/group. Pigs were vaccinated against Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone at 4.3 months (40 kg) and 6 months (70-80 kg) of age. Experimental diets were offered to individually-housed pigs from 40 to 100 kg BW. Digestibility and N-balance assays were performed at 50 and 90 kg BW, respectively. Pigs were slaughtered at 100 kg BW. Preliminary results indicate greater growth rate for IC males (803 vs 706 and 696 g/d, for IC males, SC males and IC females, respectively; P < 0.001). Feed efficiency (G:F) was greater for IC males (0.289 vs 0.260 and 0.263; P < 0.01). Moreover, IC males exhibited increased carcass length and greater relative weights for most lean cuts, but they also had smaller carcass yield and belly proportions than the rest of groups. No relevant differences related to dietary treatments were detected. Further research would help to elucidate possible effects of immunocastration on Iberian pig lean growth.

Trace elements (i.e. Fe, Cu and Zn) are essential for maintaining importantphysiological processes, and dietary requirements in pigs should be carefully established. Asa valid approximation to study trace mineral needs, an experiment was conducted to analysethe content of Fe, Cu and Zn in muscles from two porcine genotypes. Sixteen pigs (8 Iberian, IB, and 8 Landrace × Large White, LDW) were used. They were fed isoenergetic diets (14 MJ/Kg DM) containing either 130 or 170 g CP/kg DM, to match protein requirements of each breed (4 pigs/genotype and CP level).The pigs were sacrificed at 115 kg LW, and samples of longissimus dorsiandbiceps femorismuscles were obtained.Fe and Zn concentration in muscles was significantly influenced by genotype, being higher amongIB pigs. Asignificant effect of dietary protein was observed in the IB group, as pigs fed with higher protein levels had lower values of Fe in both muscles. Cu content was not affected by genotype or diet. These results indicate that deposition of trace minerals, such as Fe and Zn, is under genetic control, and support the importance of meat from IB pigs as a good source of Fe and Zn

The main objective of this work was to investigate the effects of feeding Lys-deficient diets on muscle biochemical characteristics, particularly intramuscular fat concentration and fatty acid profile, in a fatty (Iberian) and a conventional pig genotype (Landrace × Large White [LDW]) maintained in identical experimental conditions. Performance and plasma metabolite changes were also monitored. Twenty-eight barrows of 10 kg initial BW, 14 of Iberian and 14 of LDW breed, were randomly assigned to each of 2 experimental diets in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (2 breeds × 2 diets). Seven pigs were allocated to each treatment combination. Diets (isonitrogenous and isoenergetic; 200 g CP/kg DM and 14.7 MJ ME) based on barley, corn, corn gluten meal, and soybean meal, with identical composition, except for their Lys content (10.9 g/kg for the diet adequate in Lys and 5.2 g/kg for the diet deficient in Lys), were assayed. Pigs were housed in individual 2 m pens and fed at 85% of ad libitum intake of the Iberian genotype, of greater intake capacity. Daily feed allowance was based on BW individually measured each week. At 25 kg BW, pigs were slaughtered by exsanguination after electrical stun- ning. Blood samples were taken and longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris muscles were rapidly dissected and stored frozen prior to analysis. Performance was reduced in both pig breeds when fed Lys-deficient diets, particularly in LDW pigs (breed × diet interaction, P < 0.05). Intramuscular fat content increased in longissimus dorsi of Iberian (P < 0.05) and in biceps femoris of both pig genotypes (P < 0.01) when fed Lys-deficient diets. Oleic acid increased (P < 0.05) and PUFA acid decreased (P < 0.01) in longissiumus dorsi and biceps femoris of pigs of both genotypes fed Lys-deficient diets. The proportion of oxidative fibers (P < 0.001) and free l-carnitine content (P < 0.05) increased in longissimus dorsi of both pigs types fed Lys-deficient diets. Plasma creatinine was greater in LDW

Bread crust is one of the major contributors to the intake of Maillard reaction products (MRP). MRP improve the organoleptic properties of foods and can provide biological actions such as antioxidant properties. The transport and availability of Amadori compounds (measured as furosine) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)—early and intermediary MRP—from enzymatically digested bread crust (BC) and from its soluble low-molecular weight (LMW) and high-molecular weight (HMW) fractions were investigated in the Caco-2 cell line. The absorption of the early and final MRP pool was tested by measuring the absorbance recovery (280 and 420 nm). The ability of soluble BC or its fractions to lessen the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was examined. Amadori compounds (furosine) were transported across Caco-2 cell monolayers from the soluble BC in percentages ranging between 40% and 56%; the lower amount of the compound supplied, the higher transport rate. However, HMF transport rate (35%) was unaffected by the initial amount of the compound. Amadori compounds and HMF contained in the LMW fraction were more efficiently transported than those present in the HMW fraction, suggesting improved absorption when supplied as free forms or linked to LMW compounds. Absorbance recovery at 280 nm was higher from the LMW fraction, whereas higher recovery was detected for the HMW fraction at 420 nm. The digested BC—but not its isolated fractions—was able to significantly reduce ROS production at basal conditions and after subjecting cells to an oxidant. A clear positive action of BC on the antioxidant defence is manifested, seemingly attributable to the combined presence of soluble LMW and HMW products.

The traditional Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered one of the best dietary models for human health, and its benefits have been demonstrated in numerous studies. It is rich in minerals derived from vegetables, fruits, whole-meal cereals, and fish. Therefore, close adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns (MDP) makes the risk of deficient mineral intake quite improbable. In addition to the level of mineral intake, however, the special characteristics and composition of the MD that may affect mineral absorption and bioavailability should be considered. This chapter focuses on the mineral composition of the MD and its adequacy with respect to both the intake and bioavailability of minerals. It is concluded that a varied, balanced diet based on MDP contributes sufficient minerals; furthermore, the typical composition of the MD improves mineral bioavailability.

Calcium requirements are increased during adolescence due to the accelerated growth and development of this period. An adequate calcium intake during growth is decisive to reach the maximum peak bone mass, which protects against future resorption and osteoporosis, a disease whose incidence is increasing progressively in Western countries. Hormonal changes associated with puberty have a great influence on calcium absorption and retention, thus promoting calcium metabolism and enhancing bone mineralization. In addition, the lifestyle and dietary habits of adolescents should be aimed to promote calcium absorption the formation of the bone mass. Diet, therefore, must contribute nutrients in sufficient quality and quantity to allow maximum bone mass development. Mediterranean patterns, together with physical activity, should be recommended among adolescent population as a useful dietary model to facilitate the utilization of dietary calcium and prevent degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis.

The objective of the present work wasto investigate the effect of dietary Lys deficiency upon intramuscular fat (IMF) concentrationand its fatty acid profile in an obese (Iberian, IB) and aconventional pig genotype (LDW). We used 28 castrated male pigsof 10 kg of initial BW, 14 from each type. Pigs were fed two diets, based on barley, maize, gluten meal and soybean meal, with identical composition,except for their Lys content (0.98% Lys, diet AL, adequate in Lys; and0.47% Lys, diet DL, deficient in Lys). The rest of nutrients met or exceeded recommendations. Seven pigs from each type were fed one of the dietsat 85% of ad libitumof the Iberian pigs. At 25 kg BW pigs were slaughtered and L. dorsiand B. femorismusclessampled.Performance was reduced in both pig types fed LD diets, particularly LDW pigs (P<0.05).Pigs fed LD diets showed higher IMF contentand oleic acid proportion,and lowerrelative percentage of poliinsaturated fatty acids. Feeding Lys deficient diets canbe a suitable strategy for increasing meat quality,both in obese and lean pig types,although further research is needed to deep our knowledge on the mechanism involved in thesechanges