Characterization of gluten processing streams.

Corn gluten meal (CGM) is a major coproduct of corn wet milling; it has value because of high protein. However, variation in composition and high P content reduce market value. Data that characterize gluten streams would be helpful in identifying key processing steps that could be modified to improve the quality of CGM and increase processing efficiency. Few data are published in the literature on the detailed composition of gluten processing streams. The objective was to characterize the gluten process streams in a corn wet milling plant. Samples were obtained from one plant over a six month period and analyzed for dry matter (DM), total N (protein), ash and elements. DM and macroelement content of the streams were increased significantly during processing. Ash, priority pollutant elements and microelement concentrations were low and of little concern. About 38% of the N (protein) in light gluten was not recovered in the CGM; most of this was lost at the gluten thickener step into the gluten thickener overflow. Much of the P also was removed at this step. Modification of the gluten thickener overflow to increase N and reduce P could make CGM a more valuable coproduct and improve processing efficiency.

Short communication: effects of X-rays on growth and germinal tissue of calves.

A study was carried out to measure the growth and germinal tissue responses of young bull calf whose testicles were exposed to different levels of high energy, pulsed beams (X rays). Treatments (absorbed doses) were 0, 1530, 1980, 3060, or 6300 rads. Body weights were measured monthly for 10 mo; testosterone concentrations were measured in mo 2 and 5. At the end of the study, scrotal circumferences were measured, and testes were removed and weighed. Sections of testes were taken, processed, and evaluated for effects on germinal epithelium. Treatments did not affect body weights or weight gains. Testosterone concentrations at mo 5 generally decreased with increased energy dose. Testicular weights were not different among treatments; generally, scrotal circumferences decreased and germinal tissue degeneration increased as the absorbed dose was increased.

Effects of feeding wash-water solids on health and performance of ewes and lambs.

Diets containing 0, 10, or 20% dried wash-water solids (WWS) from a milk processing plant were fed to 48 Hampshire crossbred wews (average weight 58.1 kg) for 3 yr. Data were obtained on BW gains, hematology, tissue elements, and survival for ewes and BW gains, tissue elements and survival for their lambs. Ewes fed 20% WWS gained less (P < .05 ) BW during gestation and lactation in yr 1 and had lower BW (P < .05) in yr 2 and 3 than those fed 0 or 10% WWS. Lambs from ewes fed 20% WWS gained less (P < .05) BW in yr 2 and 3. Hematology variables of ewes, survival of ewes and survival of lambs were not effected by diet. Although WWS-containing diets contained high concentrations of Ca, P, Mn, and Fe and moderate concentrations of Mo, Mg, and Zn, diets had few effects on tissue elements in ewes and lambs. Concentrations of some tissue elements were less (P < .05) in lambs in yr 2 and 3 than in yr 1. Wash-water solids can be incorporated into ruminant diets, providing a disposal alternative that recycles and conserves nutrients. Long-term feeding posed only minor or negligible health of safety problems. Because fo low energy and N availability and high ash content, WWS probably should be limited to 10% or less of conventional diets.

Feeding wash water solids to sows during gestation and lactation: sow productivity, pig performance, and tissue compositions.

Diets containing 0, 10, or 20% dried wash water solids (WWS) from a milk processing plant were fed to 54 Yorkshire gilts (160 to 270 kg) for five parities. Feed intake, weight changes, and morbidity of sows were measured; number of pigs per litter, birth weight, and weight gain of pigs were also determined. Blood, tissue, and milk samples were taken from sows for hematological and mineral analyses, and tissue samples were taken from newborn pigs from each treatment per parity. Overall, initial sow weight, sow weight at weaning, and weight losses were not affected (P greater than .05) by treatment. At 107 d of gestation, overall weights decreased (P less than .05) linearly with level of WWS in the diet. The number of pigs per litter and weight of pigs were not affected (P greater than .10) by diet. Concentrations of NA (P less than .10) and Cd (P less than .05) were lower in kidney of sows fed 20% WWS, and concentrations of Zn were lower in bone and in kidney of sows fed the 20% WWS diet. The Sr and Ba concentrations increased (P less than .05, P less than .10) linearly in bone from sows with level of WWS in the diet. In pigs, concentrations of Mn in kidney and Zn in liver were lower for the 20% WWS treatment. In conclusion, feeding WWS to sows over five parities had minimal adverse effects on sow productivity and pig performance; the reduction in Zn concentrations in tissues of sows and pigs seemed to be related to the Ca content of WWS.

Effect of Panax ginseng on testosterone level and prostate in male rats.

Adult male rats were treated with 1% and 5% Panax Ginseng in their diet for 60 days. Control rats were used. There was an increase in daily food consumption without an increase in body weight of treated animals. Rats that received 5% ginseng experienced a significant increase in blood testosterone level (rho less than 0.001). Prostate weight in the treated animals was significantly reduced as compared to the control animals.