Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Droppings as Sensitive Markers of Chicken Health Status.

The aim of this study was to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of chicken droppings (n = 73), which were collected during different age periods and classified by visual inspection into normal (N) and abnormal (A). Significant differences were found in the texture, pH, dry matter (DM), fatty acids (FAs), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and volatile compounds (VCs) between the tested dropping groups (p ≤ 0.05). The age period of the chicken had a significant influence on the color coordinates, texture, pH, DM, and SCFA contents in N and A as well as on all FAs content in N (p ≤ 0.05). Droppings from the N group had a harder texture, lower values of a* and b* color coordinates, higher DM content, higher level of linoleic FA, and lower level of α-linolenic FA than the droppings from the A group in each age period (p ≤ 0.05). The predominant SCFA was acetic acid, the content of which was significantly lower in the N group compared to that of the A group. The alcohol and organic acid contents were the highest in most of the A group at different age periods, while ketones dominated in the N and A groups. In conclusion, the majority of the tested dropping characteristics were influenced by the age period. While certain characteristics demonstrate differences between N and A, a likely broader range of droppings is required to provide more distinct trends regarding the distribution of characteristics across different droppings.

Changes in Chemical Composition of Lentils, Including Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Volatile Compound Formation during Submerged and Solid-State Fermentation with Pediococcus acidilactici.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the characteristics of non-treated and fermented [via submerged (SMF) and solid-state (SSF) fermentation using Pediococcus acidilactici] lentils (Lens culinaris) grown either in pure stands (L) or relay intercropped with winter rye (LR). It was observed that the lentils were suitable substrate for lacto-fermentation. Most of the free amino acid concentrations increased in lentils after both fermentations. The highest concentration of γ-aminobutyric acid was found in SSF LR samples. However, fermentation led to higher biogenic amines (BA) content in lentils. The most abundant fatty acid in lentils was C18:2. SSF lentils showed more complex volatile compound (VC) profiles (with between nine and seventeen new VCs formed), whereas, in SMF samples, between two and five newly VCs were formed. When comparing lentil grown types, L contained significantly higher concentrations of Na, K, Ca, P, Mn, and Se, while LR contained significantly higher concentrations of Fe and Ni. To sum up, fermentation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) contributed to the improved biological value of lentils; still, the quantity of BA needs to be considered. Further investigations into the P. acidilactici metabolism of certain compounds (such as phenolic and antinutritional compounds) in lentils during fermentation ought to be carried out.

Psyllium husk gel used as an alternative and more sustainable scalding technology for wheat bread quality improvement and acrylamide reduction.

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of different amounts (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%) of psyllium husk gel (PHG) on wheat bread (WB) characteristics - chiefly, overall acceptability (OA), porosity, specific volume (v), mass loss after baking (ML), shape retention coefficient, crust and crumb color coordinates, bread crumb hardness during storage, saccharides content, and acrylamide (AA) concentration. PHG was prepared by mixing 100 g of psyllium husk powder with 800 mL of warm water. It was established that the amount of psyllium husk gel is a significant factor in dough redness (a*) (p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation (r) was found between acrylamide content in wheat bread and maltose concentration in dough (r = 0.567). The psyllium husk gel increased the overall acceptability and specific volume of wheat bread. Wheat bread porosity showed a moderate positive correlation with mass loss after baking (r = 0.567) and a strong positive correlation with texture hardness (r = 0.664). Lower acrylamide content was obtained in wheat bread prepared with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% of psyllium husk gel (1.53, 2.34, 3.80, 2.69, and 3.62 times lower than the control wheat bread, respectively). Acrylamide content showed a strong positive correlation with the porosity of wheat bread (r = 0.672), with crust brightness (L*), and yellowness/blueness (b*) coordinates, as well as with crumb brightness, redness, and yellowness coordinates. Overall, psyllium husk gel hydrocolloids reduced acrylamide formation in wheat bread and can be recommended for the quality improvement of wheat bread.

Ascertaining the Influence of Lacto-Fermentation on Changes in Bovine Colostrum Amino and Fatty Acid Profiles.

The aim of this study was to collect samples of bovine colostrum (BCOL) from different sources (agricultural companies A, B, C, D and E) in Lithuania and to ascertain the influence of lacto-fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain 135 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain 244 on the changes in bovine colostrum amino (AA), biogenic amine (BA), and fatty acid (FA) profiles. It was established that the source of the bovine colostrum, the used LAB, and their interaction had significant effects (p < 0.05) on AA contents; lactic acid bacteria (LAB) used for fermentation was a significant factor for aspartic acid, threonine, glycine, alanine, methionine, phenylalanine, lysine, histidine, and tyrosine; and these factor's interaction is significant on most of the detected AA concentrations. Total BA content showed significant correlations with glutamic acid, serine, aspartic acid, valine, methionine, phenylalanine, histidine, and gamma amino-butyric acid content in bovine colostrum. Despite the differences in individual FA contents in bovine colostrum, significant differences were not found in total saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. Finally, the utilization of bovine colostrum proved to be challenging because of the variability on its composition. These results suggest that processing bovine colostrum into value-added formulations for human consumption requires the adjustment of its composition since the primary production stage. Consequently, animal rearing should be considered in the employed bovine colostrum processing technologies.

Influence of lactic acid fermentation on the microbiological parameters, biogenic amines, and volatile compounds of bovine colostrum.

In this study we hypothesized that the relations between the bovine colostrum (BC) microbiota, biogenic amine (BA) as well as volatile compound (VC) profiles can lead to new deeper insights concerning the BC changes during the biological preservation. To implement such an aim, BC samples were collected from 5 farms located in Lithuania and fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strains. Nonfermented and fermented BC were subjected to microbiological [lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Escherichia coli, and total bacteria (TBC), total Enterobacteriaceae (TEC) and total mold and yeast (M-Y) viable counts] and physicochemical (pH, color coordinates, BA content and VC profile) parameters evaluation, and the relationship between the tested parameters were also further analyzed. In comparison pH and dry matter (DM) of nonfermented samples, significant differences were not found, and pH of BC was, on average, 6.30, and DM, on average, 27.5%. The pH of fermented samples decreased, on average, until 4.40 in Lp. plantarum fermented group, and, on average, until 4.37 in Lc. paracasei fermented group. Comparing color characteristics among nonfermented BC groups, significant differences between lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) were not detected, however, the origin (i.e., agricultural company), LAB strain used for fermentation and the interaction between these factors were statistically significant on BC redness (a*) coordinate. The microbial contamination among all the tested BC groups was similar. However, different LAB strains used for BC fermentation showed different effects toward the microbial contamination reduction, and specifically Lc. paracasei was more effective than Lp. plantarum strain. Predominant BA in BC were putrescine and cadaverine. The main VC in nonfermented and fermented BC were decane, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, dodecane, 1,3-di-tert-butylbenzene, 3,6-dimethyldecane and tetradecane. Moreover, this study showed worrying trends with respect to the frozen colostrum storage, because most of the dominant VC in BC were contaminants from the packaging material. Additionally, significant correlations between separate VC and microbial contamination were obtained. Finally, these experimental results showed that the separate VC in BC can be an important marker for biological as well as chemical contamination of BC. Also, it should be pointed out that despite the fermentation with LAB is usually described as a safe and natural process with many advantages, control of BA in the end product is necessary.

Characteristics of Unripened Cow Milk Curd Cheese Enriched with Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Industry By-Products.

The aim of this study was to apply raspberry (Ras), blueberry (Blu) and elderberry (Eld) industry by-products (BIB) for unripened cow milk curd cheese (U-CC) enrichment. Firstly, antimicrobial properties of the BIBs were tested, and the effects of the immobilization in agar technology on BIB properties were evaluated. Further, non-immobilized (NI) and agar-immobilized (AI) BIBs were applied for U-CC enrichment, and their influence on U-CC parameters were analyzed. It was established that the tested BIBs possess desirable antimicrobial (raspberry BIB inhibited 7 out of 10 tested pathogens) and antioxidant activities (the highest total phenolic compounds (TPC) content was displayed by NI elderberry BIB 143.6 mg GAE/100 g). The addition of BIBs to U-CC increased TPC content and DPPH- (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)-radical scavenging activity of the U-CC (the highest TPC content was found in C-RaNI 184.5 mg/100 g, and strong positive correlation between TPC and DPPH- of the U-CC was found, r = 0.658). The predominant fatty acid group in U-CC was saturated fatty acids (SFA); however, the lowest content of SFA was unfolded in C-EldAI samples (in comparison with C, on average, by 1.6 times lower). The highest biogenic amine content was attained in C-EldAI (104.1 mg/kg). In total, 43 volatile compounds (VC) were identified in U-CC, and, in all cases, a broader spectrum of VCs was observed in U-CC enriched with BIBs. After 10 days of storage, the highest enterobacteria number was in C-BluNI (1.88 log10 CFU/g). All U-CC showed similar overall acceptability (on average, 8.34 points); however, the highest intensity of the emotion "happy" was expressed by testing C-EldNI. Finally, the BIBs are prospective ingredients for U-CC enrichment in a sustainable manner and improved nutritional traits.

Changes in Lacto-Fermented Agaricus bisporus (White and Brown Varieties) Mushroom Characteristics, including Biogenic Amine and Volatile Compound Formation.

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in Agaricus bisporus (white and brown) characteristics (colour and acidity parameters, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and mould/yeast counts, biogenic amine content, fatty acid (FA) and volatile compound (VC) profiles, overall acceptability, and emotions induced for consumers) during a 48 h lactic acid fermentation with Lacticaseibacillus casei No. 210, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum No. 135, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei No. 244, and Pediococcus acidilactici No. 29 strains. Fermented white and brown A. bisporus showed higher LAB count and lower pH, lightness, redness, and yellowness than non-fermented ones. Yeast and fungi counts were similar between non-fermented and fermented samples. All samples contained spermidine (on average, 191.5 mg/kg) and some of the fermented samples had tyramine (on average, 80.7 mg/kg). Saturated FA was the highest in non-fermented brown A. bisporus. The highest monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA contents were found in Lp. plantarum No. 135 fermented white and brown A. bisporus, respectively. For the first time, the VC profile of fermented A. bisporus was analysed. 1-Octen-3-ol content significantly decreased while benzyl alcohol, acetoin, and 2,3-butanediol increased in most fermented samples. Fermented A. bisporus received good acceptability scores. The emotional evaluation showed that the LAB strain and the interaction of the LAB strain and A. bisporus variety were significant on the intensity of emotions "happy" and "sad", while all analysed factors and their interactions were significant on the intensity of "angry" and "disgusted" (p ≤ 0.05). The findings of this study show the potential of the selected LAB strains and contribute to the increasing body of research on fermented mushrooms.

Changes in the Physicochemical Properties of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seeds during Solid-State and Submerged Fermentation and Their Influence on Wheat Bread Quality and Sensory Profile.

This study aimed at investigating the impacts of 24 h of either solid-state fermentation (SSF) or submerged fermentation (SMF) with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain No. 122 on the physico-chemical attributes of chia seeds (CS). Furthermore, this study examined how adding fermented chia seeds (10, 20, and 30% concentrations) affected the properties and sensory profile of wheat bread. Acidity, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) viable counts, biogenic amine (BA), and fatty acid (FA) profiles of fermented chia seeds were analysed. The main quality parameters, acrylamide concentration, FA and volatile compound (VC) profiles, sensory characteristics, and overall acceptability of the obtained breads, were analysed. A decline in the concentration of certain BA and saturated FA and an increase in polyunsaturated FA and omega-3 (ω-3) were found in fermented CS (FCS). The same tendency in the FA profile was observed in both breads, i.e., breads with non-fermented CS (NFCS) or FCS. The quality parameters, VC profile, and sensory attributes of wheat bread were significantly affected by the addition of NFCS or FCS to the main bread formula. All supplemented breads had reduced specific volume and porosity, but SSF chia seeds increased moisture and decreased mass loss after baking. The lowest acrylamide content was found in bread with a 30% concentration of SSF chia seeds (11.5 µg/kg). The overall acceptance of supplemented breads was lower than the control bread, but breads with 10 and 20% SMF chia seed concentrations were still well accepted (on average, 7.4 score). Obtained results highlight that fermentation with Lp. plantarum positively contributes to chia seed nutritional value, while incorporation of NFCS and FCS at certain levels results in an improved FA profile, certain sensory attributes, and reduced acrylamide content in wheat bread.

Influence of different lactic acid bacteria strains and milling process on the solid-state fermented green and red lentils (Lens culinaris L.) properties including gamma-aminobutyric acid formation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum No.122 and Lacticaseibacillus casei No.210) and milling process on the solid-state fermented (for 24 h, at 30°C) green and red lentils (Lens culinaris L.) properties, chiefly pH, LAB viable counts, color coordinates, free amino acid (FAA) profile, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and biogenic amine (BA) concentrations, fatty acid (FA) and volatile compound (VC) profiles. Results showed that both of the tested LAB strains are suitable for the fermentation of lentils: pH of fermented lentils was <4.5 and LAB viable counts >8.0 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/g. A very strong negative correlation was found (r = -0.973, p ≤ 0.0001) between LAB counts and pH of the samples. Also, fermentation and milling process were significant factors toward color coordinates of the lentils. In most of the cases, solid-state fermentation (SSF) increased essential FAA content in lentils; however, some of the non-essential FAA content was reduced. SSF significantly increased GABA concentration in lentils and milling process was a significant factor on GABA content of the samples (p ≤ 0.05). The main BA in lentils was spermidine, and SSF decreased their total BA content (34.8% on average in red lentils and 39.9% on average in green lentils). The main FA in lentils were linoleic and oleic. The main VC in lentils were hexanal, 1-hexanol, hexanoic acid, D-limonene and (E)-2-nonen-1-ol. Furthermore, most of the VC showed significant correlations with pH of lentil samples, LAB counts and FA content. Finally, the LAB strain used for fermentation and the milling process of lentils are significant factors for most of the analyzed parameters in lentil. Moreover, despite the higher GABA concentration found in green non-milled SSF lentils, application of combined milling and SSF is recommended because they showed the lowest BA content in addition to higher essential FAA and GABA concentrations.

Multifunctional Nutraceutical Composition Based on Fermented Spirulina, Apple Cider Vinegar, Jerusalem Artichoke, and Bovine Colostrum.

The main purpose of this experiment was to develop a multifunctional nutraceutical composition based on ingredients of different origins (Spirulina powder (SP), bovine colostrum (BC), Jerusalem artichoke powder (JAP), and apple cider vinegar (ACV)) which possess different health benefits through their different mechanisms of action. In order to improve the functional properties of Spirulina and bovine colostrum, fermentation with the Pediococcus acidilactici No. 29 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LUHS244 strains, respectively, was carried out. These LAB strains were chosen due to their good antimicrobial properties. The following parameters were analysed: for Spirulina (non-treated and fermented)-pH, colour coordinates, fatty acid profile, and contents of L-glutamic and GABA acids; for bovine colostrum (non-treated and fermented)-pH, colour coordinates, dry matter, and microbiological parameters (total LAB, total bacteria, total enterobacteria, Escherichia coli, and mould/yeast counts); for the produced nutraceuticals-hardness, colour coordinates, and overall acceptability. It was established that fermentation reduced the pH of the SP and BC and affected their colour coordinates. Fermented SP contained a greater concentration of gamma-aminobutyric and L-glutamic acids (by 5.2 times and 31.4% more, respectively), compared to the non-treated SP and BC. In addition, the presence of gamma-linolenic and omega-3 fatty acids was observed in fermented SP. Fermentation of BC reduces Escherichia coli, total bacteria, total enterobacteria, and total mould/yeast counts in samples. The obtained three-layer nutraceutical (I layer-fermented SP; II-fermented BC and JAP; III-ACV) demonstrated a high overall acceptability. Finally, our finding suggest that the selected nutraceutical combination has immense potential in the production of a multifunctional product with improved functionality and a high acceptability.

The Contribution of Scalded and Scalded-Fermented Rye Wholemeal Flour to Quality Parameters and Acrylamide Formation in Semi-Wheat-Rye Bread.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of scalded (Sc) and scalded-fermented (FSc) (with Lactiplantibacillus paracasei No. 244 strain) rye wholemeal flour on the quality parameters and acrylamide formation in semi-wheat-rye bread. To that purpose, 5, 10 and 15% of Sc and FSc were used for bread production. Results showed that scalding increased fructose, glucose and maltose content in rye wholemeal. Lower concentrations of free amino acids were found in Sc when compared with rye wholemeal, but fermentation of Sc increased the concentrations of some amino acids (on average by 1.51 times), including gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA, by 1.47 times). Addition of Sc and FSc had a significant influence (p ≤ 0.05) on bread shape coefficient, mass loss after baking and most bread colour coordinates. Most of the breads with Sc or FSc showed lower hardness after 72 h of storage compared with the control (i.e., without Sc or FSc). FSc improved bread colour and flavour, as well as overall acceptability. Breads with 5 and 10% of Sc had a similar level of acrylamide to the control, while its level in breads with FSc was higher (on average, 236.3 µg/kg). Finally, different types and amounts of scald had varying effects on the quality of the semi-wheat-rye bread. FSc delayed staling and improved sensory properties and acceptability, as well as the GABA level of wheat-rye bread, while the same level of acrylamide as was seen in control bread could be reached when using between 5 and 10% of scalded rye wholemeal flour.

Bio-Converted Spirulina for Nutraceutical Chewing Candy Formulations Rich in L-Glutamic and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acids.

This study aimed at evaluating changes of microalgae Spirulina during its fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum No. 122 strain, and further at incorporating Spirulina bio-converted for nutraceuticals rich in L-glutamic (L-Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) into sucrose-free chewing candy (gummy) preparations. Fermented Spirulina had higher b* (yellowness) coordinates than untreated (non-fermented), and fermentation duration (24 and 48 h) had a statistically significant effect on colour coordinates. The highest contents of L-glutamic and gamma-aminobutyric acids (4062 and 228.6 mg/kg, respectively) were found in 24 and 48 h-fermented Spirulina, respectively. Fermentation increased the content of saturated fatty acids and omega-3 in Spirulina, while monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-6 were reduced. The addition of fermented Spirulina (FSp) significantly affected hardness, decreased lightness and yellowness, and increased the greenness of chewing candies. All chewing candy samples (with xylitol) prepared with 3 and 5 g of FSp and 0.2 µL of Citrus paradise essential oil received the highest scores for overall acceptability, and the highest intensity (0.052) of emotion "happy" was elicited by the sample group containing xylitol, agar, ascorbic acid, 3 g of FSp, and 0.1 µL of Mentha spicata essential oil. As an outcome of this research, one may conclude that fermented Spirulina has significant potential as an innovative ingredient in the production of healthier sucrose-free nutraceutical chewing candies.

Submerged and Solid-State Fermentation of Spirulina with Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains: Antimicrobial Properties and the Formation of Bioactive Compounds of Protein Origin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in bioactive compounds (L-glutamic acid (L-Glu), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and biogenic amines (BAs)) during the submerged (SMF) and solid-state (SSF) fermentation of Spirulina with lactobacilli strains (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei No. 244; Levilactobacillus brevis No. 173; Leuconostoc mesenteroides No. 225; Liquorilactobacillus uvarum No. 245). The antimicrobial properties of the untreated and fermented Spirulina against a variety of pathogenic and opportunistic strains were tested. The highest concentrations of L-Glu (3841 mg/kg) and GABA (2396 mg/kg) were found after 48 h of SSF with No. 173 and No. 244 strains, respectively. The LAB strain used for biotreatment and the process conditions, as well as the interaction of these factors, had statistically significant effects on the GABA concentration in Spirulina (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.019 and p = 0.011, respectively). In all cases, the SSF of Spirulina had a higher total BA content than SMF. Most of the fermented Spirulina showed exceptional antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus but not against the other pathogenic bacteria. The ratios of BA/GABA and BA/L-Glu ranged from 0.5 to 62 and from 0.31 to 10.7, respectively. The GABA content was correlated with putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine and spermine contents. The L-glutamic acid concentration showed positive moderate correlations with tryptamine, putrescine, spermidine and spermine. To summarize, while high concentrations of desirable compounds are formed during fermentation, the formation of non-desirable compounds (BAs) must also be considered due to the similar mechanism of their synthesis as well as the possibility of obtaining high concentrations in the end products.

Application of Baltic Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Needle Extract as a Gut Microbiota-Modulating Feed Supplement for Domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus).

The valorization of wood industry residues is very desirable from a circular economy perspective. Pine needle extracts are known for their health-promoting properties and therefore can be used as herbal remedies and nutritional supplements. Since the withdrawal of antibiotics as growth promoters in the European Union, natural feed additives that improve poultry health and production are needed. It was proposed that pine needle extract could be a good alternative to antibiotic usage at sub-therapeutic concentrations. The results relevant to our assumption could be obtained by using domestic chickens as an in vivo model for the evaluation of gut microbiota-altering properties of pine needle extract as an herbal supplement. We tested the antimicrobial effects of Baltic pine (Pinus sylvestris) needle extract. Then, we used chicken (Gallus gallus) that received feed supplemented with two different concentrations of the extract for 40 days to evaluate the changes in gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This preliminary study demonstrated trends toward dose-dependent desirable changes in broiler microbiome, such as a reduction in the relative abundance of Campylobacter.

Changes in Spirulina's Physical and Chemical Properties during Submerged and Solid-State Lacto-Fermentation.

The aim of this study was to select a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain for bio-conversion of Spirulina, a cyanobacteria ("blue-green algae"), into an ingredient with a high concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) for human and animal nutrition. For this purpose, ten different LAB strains and two different fermentation conditions (SMF (submerged) and SSF (solid state fermentation)) were tested. In addition, the concentrations of fatty acids (FA) and biogenic amines (BA) in Spirulina samples were evaluated. It was established that Spirulina is a suitable substrate for fermentation, and the lowest pH value (4.10) was obtained in the 48 h SSF with Levilactobacillus brevis. The main FA in Spirulina were methyl palmitate, methyl linoleate and gamma-linolenic acid methyl ester. Fermentation conditions were a key factor toward glutamic acid concentration in Spirulina, and the highest concentration of GABA (2395.9 mg/kg) was found in 48 h SSF with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei samples. However, a significant correlation was found between BA and GABA concentrations, and the main BA in fermented Spirulina samples were putrescine and spermidine. Finally, the samples in which the highest GABA concentrations were found also displayed the highest content of BA. For this reason, not only the concentration of functional compounds in the end-product must be controlled, but also non-desirable substances, because both of these compounds are produced through similar metabolic pathways of the decarboxylation of amino acids.

Crickets (Acheta domesticus) as Wheat Bread Ingredient: Influence on Bread Quality and Safety Characteristics.

The aim of this study was to assess respondents' opinions on the choice of edible insects as a food, and to evaluate the influence of cricket flour (ECF) (10, 20, 30%) on the quality of wheat bread (WB). Whereas ECF is an additional source of acrylamide precursors, in order to reduce acrylamide formation in WB, fermentation of ECF with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-No.122 was applied. It was established that 70.7% of the respondents had never eaten insects and more than 30% would not choose them. However, ECF was suitable substrate for fermentation (lactobacilli count 8.24 log10CFU/g, pH-4.26). In addition, fermentation reduced the total biogenic amines content in ECF (by 13.1%). The highest specific volume showed WB, prepared with fermented ECF (10, 20, 30%). All the tested WB showed similar overall acceptability (on average, 7.9 points). However, the highest intensity of emotion "happy" was induced by the WB, prepared with fermented ECF. Most of the WB with non-treated and fermented ECF showed higher acrylamide concentration (except WB with 10% of fermented ECF), in comparison with the control. Finally, fermentation is recommended for ECF inclusion in the main WB formula because fermentation improves not only quality but also reduces acrylamide concentration in WB.

The contribution of edible cricket flour to quality parameters and sensory characteristics of wheat bread.

This study evaluated the influence of edible cricket flour (ECF) on the quality parameters and sensory characteristics of wheat bread (WB), including the formation of volatile compounds (VC) and their relationship with emotions (EM) induced for consumers. ECF reduced dough pH, redness, and yellowness. At 5%, ECF increased the porosity of WB (by 7.87%). The quantity of ECF significantly affected WB's specific volume (p = .030), porosity (p = .0001), shape coefficient (p = .0001), and mass loss (p = .023). All WB with ECF had a more intense color and additive odor. Bread samples with 10% and 15% ECF had more intense overall, additive, acidity, and bitterness flavors. However, all WB had similar overall acceptability (OA) and no correlations were found between OA and VC. The EM "happy" and "sad" were expressed more intensely for WB with 15% ECF, and significant correlations were established between the EM "happy" and separate VC. The main VC in WB were ethanol; 1-butanol and 3-methyl; 1-hexanol; estragole; and hexanoic acid. Finally, 5% ECF could be incorporated into the main WB formula without having a negative impact on bread quality. Also, ECF influences VC formation, and separate VC could be related to emotions induced for consumers.

Changes in the physicochemical parameters and microbial community of a new cultivar blue wheat cereal wholemeal during sourdough production.

Changes in the characteristics of a new cultivar (DS8472-5) of blue wheat during wholemeal fermentation with Pediococcus acidilactici (LUHS29), Liquorilactobacillus uvarum (LUHS245), and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LUHS122), including acidity, microbiological and chromaticity parameters, free amino acid (FAA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and biogenic amine (BA) contents, macro- and micro-element concentrations and fatty acid (FA) and volatile compounds (VC), were evaluated. In addition, a metagenomic analysis was performed. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains used for fermentation was a significant factor in wholemeal fermentation sample pH, redness (a*) and LAB counts (p ≤ 0.05). In most of the samples, fermentation increased the FAA content in wheat wholemeal, and the highest concentration of GABA was found in DS8472-5 LUHS122 samples. Phenylethylamine (PHE) was found in all wheat wholemeal samples; however, spermidine was only detected in fermented samples and cadaverine only in DS8472-5 LUHS122. Fermented samples showed higher omega-3 and omega-6 contents and a higher number and variety of VC. Analysis of the microbial profile showed that LAB as part of the natural microbiota present in cereal grains also actively participates in fermentation processes induced by industrial bacterial cultures. Finally, all the tested LAB were suitable for DS8472-5 wheat wholemeal fermentation, and the DS8472-5 LUHS122 samples showed the lowest pH and the highest LAB viable counts (3.94, 5.80°N, and 8.92 log10 CFU/g, respectively).

Combined Thermomechanical-Biological Treatment for Corn By-Product Valorization into Added-Value Food (Feed) Material.

The aim of this study was to apply the combined thermomechanical-biological treatment for corn processing by-product (CPBP) valorization to added-value food and feed material. The mechanical-thermal pre-treatment was performed by applying the extrusion technique. Extruded CPBPs (14, 16, and 18% moisture) were further biodegraded with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-LUHS122 (Lpl), Liquorilactobacillus uvarum-LUHS245 (Lu), Lacticaseibacillus casei-LUHS210 (Lc), and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei-LUHS244 (Lpa). Acidity parameters, microbial characteristics, sugars concentration, amino and fatty acids profile, biogenic amines (BA), and antibacterial and antifungal properties of CPBP were analyzed. Fermented CPBP had a reduced count of mould/yeast. A significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) count of total enterobacteria was found in most of the extruded-fermented CPBP. Fermentation of extruded CPBP (moisture of 16 and 18%) increased valine and methionine content. Cadaverine and spermidine were not found after treatment of CPBP, and the lowest content of BA was found in the extruded-fermented (Lpa, moisture 18%) CPBP. Applied treatment had a significant effect on most of the fatty acids. CPBP fermented with Lpl, Lu, and Lpa displayed inhibition properties against 3 of the 10 tested pathogenic/opportunistic bacterial strains. Extruded-fermented (Lu, Lc, and Lpa moisture of 14 and 18%) CPBP showed antifungal activity against Rhizopus. Extruded-fermented (14% moisture, Lpl) CPBP inhibited Rhizopus and Aspergillus fumigatus. In conclusion, combined treatment can improve certain parameters and properties of CPBP in order to produce safer and more nutritious ingredients for food and feed industries.

Different creep compound feed formulations for new born piglets: influence on growth performance and health parameters.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of different compositions of creep compound feed (CCF) (C-I - control group; TG-II - a CCF containing wheat bran extruded and fermented with L. paracasei; TG-III - a creep compound feed containing sugar beet pulp) on the piglets' growth performance, blood parameters, fecal microbial profile and physicochemical characteristics. Moreover, the fecal volatile compound (VC) profile was analyzed as a possible chemical marker related to changes in the fecal microbial profile and physicochemical characteristics. A 21-day experiment was conducted using 1-day-old 300 Large White/Norwegian Landrace piglets. The highest body weight (at the 21st day) was found in piglets of the TG-III group, and both treated groups showed lower feed conversion ratios. At the end of the experiment, significantly higher lactobacillus counts in the feces of both treated groups were found, and a correlation between fecal textural hardness and the lactobacillus count was established (r = 0.475). Significant correlations of piglets' individual fecal VC with microbiological parameters and fecal pH were established [lactobacilli with 3-n-nonadecanol-1; enterobacteria with butyric acid <2-methyl->; pentanoic acid, 4-methyl-; eicosene(E)-, etc.]. It can be concluded that local material could be successfully incorporated into CCF preparation without impairing animal metabolism.