Farmed salmon rest raw materials as a source of peptones for industrial fermentation media

Twelve marine peptones prepared from rest raw materials (RRM) from farmed salmon have been evaluated as nutrient sources in growth media for industrial microorganisms. The peptones were prepared from head and backbones, or from head, backbones and viscera, using different proteases and one or two-step hydrolysis. Growth was determined as optical density using a high-throughput robotic system, allowing for testing of a large number of peptones and microorganisms. For two Lactobacillus-strains tested, the peptones were the only nitrogen source, while for four aerobic bacteria and yeasts, the peptones were assessed as a source of growth factors, with inorganic nitrogen in excess in the media. The peptones containing viscera resulted in higher cell yields than those without, and high growth rates were maintained to higher cell densities. The viscera-containing peptones were better than meat-based peptones, and equally good as yeast extract. The differences between the performance of peptones with and without viscera could be explained by the mineral content and the degree of hydrolysis. Since peptones based on farmed salmon RRM can be provided in large quantities with a stable quality, they should be further explored as a nutrient source for the fermentation industry.publishedVersio

In vitro anthelmintic effects of bark extracts from Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris against sheep nematodes

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in sheep are a common cause of reduced animal welfare and performance, and thus, high economical losses. The emerging drug resistance in GIN prompts for new methods in combating infections. Several studies have indicated an anti-parasitic effect of tannin-rich plants when included in the diet. The objective of this study was to assess the potential in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of tannin-rich extracts from bark of common Norwegian trees (spruce and pine) against GIN of sheep

Extract from Norwegian spruce bark against Eimeria in lambs

Coccidiosis is a serious disease in Young lambs in Norway. Resistance against Commercial anticoccidial chemicals have been demonstrated in conventional sheep farming. Condensed tannins (CT) from plant material have showed effect against nematodes and coccidia in former studies. In this study, etrxacts from Norwegian spruce bark was tested against Emeria spp in young lambs. The extract had a significant effect on the development of coccidia

Iodine intake and excretion from sheep supplemented with macroalgae (Laminaria hyperborea) by-product

Macroalgae, or seaweeds, have potential for use as feed ingredients and are currently unexploited despite their content of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Brown species can accumulate iodine from seawater and there are strict limits set by the European Food Safety Authority and the FDA regarding iodine content in animal feeds. Iodine can cause health problems for consumers if over or under-consumed and its presence in end food products is strictly regulated. The aim of the present experiment was to gain knowledge on intake, distribution, and excretion of iodine in sheep supplemented with Laminaria hyperborea by-product known to contain iodine. Twelve Norwegian White Sheep male lambs, four months of age, were blocked according to initial live weight (average 37.8 kg) and randomly allocated to two diet groups. Animals were fed gras silage and concentrate, without (CTR) and including the alga by-product at a 6% inclusion rate (HYP). The iodine concentrations were 4.1 and 476 mg/kg dry matter in the CTR and HYP concentrate, respectively. After 26 days of adaptation in a barn, animals were placed in metabolism crates for three consecutive days (Period 1) with collection of rumen fluid (via esophagus), grass silage, feces, urine, and blood for iodine content. After 5 weeks in the barn, animals returned to the metabolism crates for a subsequent three consecutive day sampling and iodine analyzes (Period 2). Data were analyzed via ANOVA using a repeated measure mixed model procedure. Dry matter intake (P = 0.001) and live weight (P = 0.001) increased from Period 1 to Period 2. Lambs fed CTR had higher daily growth rate than those fed HYP (P = 0.001). Iodine intake and excretion in feces and urine increased from Period 1 to Period 2 (P < 0.001, P = 0.010, P = 0.007, respectively). Iodine excreted in feces was 37% and 67% for lambs in fed the CTR and HYP diets, respectively. None of the animals showed signs of iodine poisoning during ten the experiment. We found that most of the iodine excreted from lambs fed the HYP diet was in feces

Effect of supplementing sheep diets with macroalgae species on in vivo nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood amino acid profile

In this study, a brown macroalgae species, Saccharina latissima, processed to increase its protein concentration, and a red macroalgae species, Porphyra spp., were used to evaluate their in vivo digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood amino acid concentrations. Four castrated rams were used, whose diets were supplemented with a protein-rich fraction of S. latissima, a commercial Porphyra spp. and soybean meal (SBM). Our results show that the protein digestibility of a diet with S. latissima extract was lower (0.55) than those with Porphyra spp. (0.64) and SBM (0.66). In spite of the higher nitrogen (N) intake of diets containing Porphyra spp. and SBM (20.9 and 19.8 g N/day, respectively) than that with S. latissima (18.6 g N/day), the ratio of N excreted in faeces to total N intake was significantly higher in the diet with S. latissima than those with Porphyra spp. and SBM. This reflects that the utilization of protein in S. latissima was impaired, possibly due to reduced microbial activity. The latter statement is corroborated by lower volatile fatty acid composition (25.6, 54.8 and 100 mmol/l for S. latissima, Porphyra spp. and SBM, respectively) and a non-significant tendency for lower ammonia concentration observed in diets with S. latissima and Porphyra spp. compared to SBM. It is important to note that the S. latissima used in this trial was rinsed during processing to remove salt. This process potentially also removes other water-soluble compounds, such as free amino acids, and may have increased the relative fraction of protein resistant to rumen degradation and intestinal absorption. Furthermore, the phlorotannins present in macroalgae may have formed complexes with protein and fibre, further limiting their degradability in rumen and absorption in small intestines. We recommend that further studies explore the extent to which processing of macroalgae affects its nutritive properties and rumen degradability, in addition to studies to measure the intestinal absorption of these macroalgae species

Jod i tang og tare – er det et problem for bruk i norsk husdyrproduksjon?

Dyrking av makroalger (tang og tare) som ingrediens i fôr til husdyr har stor oppmerksomhet verden over. Produksjon av alger skjer i havet og ikke i konkurranse med arealer for produksjon av mat. Makroalger finnes i mange ulike former, størrelse og farger, og sammensetningen avhenger av art, hvor de vokser og årstid. Det tilgjengelige næringsinnholdet er høyere i røde (for eksempel fjørehinne og søl) og grønne (for eksempel havsalat) arter enn brune arter (for eksempel sukkertare og butare). Sammenlignet med røde og grønne arter, har brune arter generelt høy biomasse, men et lavere proteininnhold, og karbohydratene er ufordøyelige for enmaga dyr. Brunalgene har et høyt mineralinnhold, i tillegg til sekundære metabolitter som er interessante. Phlorotanniner er eksempler på slike sekundære metabolitter.publishedVersio

Lipid and DHA-production in Aurantiochytrium sp. – Responses to nitrogen starvation and oxygen limitation revealed by analyses of production kinetics and global transcriptomes

Thraustochytrids of the genera Schizochytrium and Aurantiochytrium accumulate oils rich in the essential, marine n3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA production in Aurantiochytrium sp T66 was studied with the aim to provide more knowledge about factors that affect the DHA-productivities and the contributions of the two enzyme systems used for fatty acid synthesis in thraustochytrids, fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and PUFA-synthase. Fermentations with nitrogen starvation, which is well-known to initiate lipid accumulation in oleaginous organisms, were compared to fermentations with nitrogen in excess, obtained by oxygen limitation. The specific productivities of fatty acids originating from FAS were considerably higher under nitrogen starvation than with nitrogen in excess, while the specific productivities of DHA were the same at both conditions. Global transcriptome analysis showed significant up-regulation of FAS under N-deficient conditions, while the PUFA-synthase genes were only marginally upregulated. Neither of them was upregulated under O2-limitation where nitrogen was in excess, suggesting that N-starvation mainly affects the FAS and may be less important for the PUFA-synthase. The transcriptome analysis also revealed responses likely to be related to the generation of reducing power (NADPH) for fatty acid synthesis.publishedVersio

Newsletter Barkcure No. 2

The second Newsletter for the research project called “Condensed tannins from Norwegian pine and spruce bark - antiparasitic effects and potential commercial exploitation

Administration of spruce bark (Picea abies) extracts in young lambs exhibits anticoccidial effects but reduces milk intake and body weight gain

Background: Eimeria spp. are widespread apicomplexan parasites known to cause coccidiosis in livestock, result- ing in reduced animal welfare and productivity, particularly in sheep. The treatment options are limited, and there is an emerging development of resistance against registered pharmaceuticals. Spruce bark is rich in plant secondary metabolites (PSM), such as condensed tannins, which are bioactive compounds previously shown to have antipara- sitic activity. Here, we examined the anticoccidial properties of bark extract of Norway spruce (Picea abies) against a field isolate of ovine Eimeria spp. by treating Eimeria-infected pre-ruminant lambs with water-extracted bark daily for 12 days. We hypothesised that the bark extract would reduce the faecal oocyst excretion and, consequently, the severity of diarrhoea. Results: Oral administration of spruce bark extract significantly reduced the excretion of Eimeria oocysts in milk-fed lambs post treatment till the end of the trial 22 days post infection. This difference in oocyst excretion between the treated and the untreated infected animals increased with time. Compared to the untreated and the sham-infected control group, the group treated with bark extract had softer fae- ces and reduced milk intake during the treatment period. After discontinuing the treatment, the treated animals got a more solid and formed faeces compared to that of the untreated control group, and the milk intake increased to the level of the sham-infected, untreated control group. The bark extract treated animals had a lower body weight and a lower mean daily body weight gain throughout the whole duration of the experiment. Conclusions: Bark extract from Norway spruce showed marked anticoccidial properties by reducing the faecal oocyst count and associated diarrhoea in young lambs. Simultaneously we experienced detrimental effects of the treatment, displayed as reduced feed intake and daily body weight gain. Therefore, we suggest conducting similar studies with lower bark extract dosage to explore the possibilities of a better trade-off to reduce the negative impact while maintaining the antiparasitic effect. Keywords: Coccidia, Coccidiocide, Eimeria, Industrial by-products, Shee

Extracts of pine bark (Pinus sylvestris) inhibit Cryptosporidium parvum growth in cell culture

The widespread apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum is responsible for severe gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. The treatment options are limited, and the efficacy of available drugs is low. Bark contains condensed tannins (CT), which are bioactive compounds previously shown to inhibit parasite development. Here, we examined the anti-cryptosporidial properties of bark extract of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) against C. parvum by means of an in vitro growth inhibition test. We hypothesized that bark extracts would have dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the development of C. parvum in cell culture. Bark extracts from Scots pine extracted with acetone, methanol, and water as solvents, were investigated using human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells infected with C. parvum. Oocysts were inoculated onto the cell monolayer and bark extract was added at 7 different concentrations. Parasite growth inhibition was quantified by qPCR. The acetone and methanol extracts demonstrated a sigmoid dose-dependent inhibition of C. parvum. The IC50 values were 244.6 and 279.1 µg dry matter extract/mL, and 25.4 and 24.1 µg CT/mL, for acetone and methanol extracts, respectively. The IC50 for both extracts were similar, both with regards to the dry matter concentration of each extract and to CT concentrations. Given the limited treatment options available for Cryptosporidium spp., the evidence generated in our study encourages further investigation into the in vitro and in vivo effects of pine bark extracts against C. parvum