ABSTRACT
Lentinula edodes, commonly known as shiitake mushroom, is renowned for its potential health advantages. This research delves into the often-overlooked by-product of shiitake cultivation, namely spent mushroom substrate (SMS), to explore its nutraceutical properties. The SMS samples were collected and subjected to different extraction methods, namely short or long agitation, and ultrasound-assisted extractions using different temperatures and distilled water or a 50% (v/v) ethanol as solvents. The extracts were tested for phenolic content (total phenols, ortho-diphenols, and flavonoids), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl; ABTS, 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid; and FRAP, ferric reducing antioxidant power), and antibacterial activity. The different extraction methods revealed substantial variations (p < 0.05) in phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity. The highest phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were achieved using 24 h extraction, agitation, 50 °C, and ethanol as the solvent. Furthermore, the extracted compounds displayed antibacterial activity in specific tested bacterial strains. This study highlights the nutraceutical potential of L. edodes' SMS, positioning it as a valuable dietary supplement for animal nutrition, with emphasis on its prebiotic properties. Hence, this research unveils the promising health benefits of SMS in both human and animal nutrition.
ABSTRACT
Acorn is the fruit of holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia), being mainly used nowadays to feed animals, however a substantial part remains in the fields without any valorization. Underexploited crops are gaining new interest, driven by food security concerns and health benefits potential as well. In the present work, it was studied the physicochemical characteristics and functional perspective of acorn flour, as an ingredient for human diet. The study included nutritional composition analysis, phenolic compounds profile through HPLC, starch content and its microstructure, fibre, and pasting properties assessment. Acorn flour presented a high content in fat, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (oleic and linoleic acids), and high minerals content in particular K. Concerning phenolic profile, rutin, catechin, ellagic acid, gallic acid, and syringic acid were identified. In regards to technological profile, fibre was mainly insoluble, with around 11%, and starch content was 50%. Its pasting behaviour revealed a high gelatinization temperature (85 °C), with low breakdown, and higher retrogradation consistency. These results show acorn flour potential as a valuable and sustainable multipurpose food ingredient.
ABSTRACT
Arouquesa is an autochthonous bovine breed known for its Arouquesa PDO beef labeling. There are several production systems under the definition of PDO labeling. This study aimed to compare the effect of different production systems on carcass and meat traits for the Arouquesa breed. Two trials differing in diet and weaning age were conducted. The first trial included a TF group fed the traditional way and weaned at 9 months; a TF + S1 group, equal to TF, but with a starter supplement; and finally, a S1 + S2 group that was fed with a starter and a growth supplement and weaned at 5 months. The second trial was composed of a TF + S3 group fed like the TF + S1 group but reared until 12 months with a finishing supplement, and finally, the S3 group fed like the S1 + S2 group but reared until 12 months. In the first trial, the TF + S1 and S1 + S2 groups showed higher final live weight and average daily gain. In the second trial, we observed differences in the subcutaneous fat that was higher in the S3 group. Regarding meat traits, we observed differences in exudative and cooking losses in the first trial. In general, supplementation improved meat production without affecting meat quality parameters.
