Consumer Attitudes Toward Animal Welfare-Friendly Products and Willingness to Pay: Exploration of Mexican Market Segments

The study aim was to identify consumer segmentation based on nonhuman animal welfare (AW) attitudes and their relationship with demographic features and willingness to pay (WTP) for welfare-friendly products (WFP) in Mexico. Personal interviews were conducted with 843 Mexican consumers who stated they purchased most of the animal products in their home. Respondents were selected using a quota sampling method with age, gender, education, and origin as quota control variables. The multivariate analysis suggested there were three clusters or consumer profiles labeled "skeptical, " "concerned, " and "ethical, " which helped explain the association between AW attitudes, some demographic variables, and WTP for WFP. This study is one of the first to address consumer profiling in Latin America, and the findings could have implications for the commercialization of WFP. Hence, customers should receive information to consider welfare innovations when deciding to purchase animal products. The growth of the WFP food market establishes an element of a far more multifaceted phenomenon of sustainable consumption and support of a new paradigm called responsible marketing in emerging markets such as Mexico

Chemical composition of twelve accessions of Moringa oleifera Lam. grown in Mexico.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the growth and proximal analysis of twelve accessions of Moringa oleifera Lam. grown in Mexico. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The seeds were collected in Veracruz, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Chiapas, and Yucatan. The seeds were sown in a nursery and transplanted in the field in a completely randomized block experimental design. Height, basal diameter, and the number of branches were recorded, and leaves were collected for proximal analysis determination. Results: Significant statistical differences (P< 0.05) were identified among the accessions based on tree height, basal diameter, number of branches, moisture content, ash, protein, and fat contents.   Study limitations/implications: Accessions with high growth rates and nutritional characteristics can be selected to establish low-cost food banks. Result / Finding / Conclusion: The accessions from Chiapas (C1 and C2) were superior to the others in tree height, basal diameter and number of branches, protein, and fat contents. &nbsp

Polyhydroxyalkanoates from pear (Pyrus communis L) waste by Bacillus subtilis

Objective: Analyze the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by Bacillus subtilis sp., subtilis in submerged culture using pear residues as a carbon source. Design/methodology/approach: The culture consisted of pear residue flour concentrations of 5 and 15 % for 72 h. Reducing sugars, biomass, pH, protein, and pHA extraction and quantification were analyzed during submerging cultivation of Bacillus subtilis sp., subtilis Results: The results showed that Bacillus subtilis sp., subtilis can grow and generate PHA, having its maximum proportion in PHA extract of 0.094 g/L at 72h of culture, at a substrate concentration of 5%. Study limitations/implications: More studies related to the optimization of culture conditions for PHA production are required and prior treatment of pear waste flour will be considered. Findings/Conclusions: The synthesis of these biopolymers is important to promote their large-scale production using agro-industrial waste, thus contributing to reduce the environmental impact

Use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Estimate Fiber and Crude Protein Content in Fodders

Objective: Demonstrate the need to use locally generated data in the calibration of a near-infrared spectrometer (NIRS) in order to predict the chemical characteristics of fodder; instead of using data bases from other geographic regions, as is commonly done in Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Two groups of samples collected in prairies of the central highlands of Mexico, the first group was used to calibrate the equipment; the equations generated were validated with a second group, collected in prairies that were different from the ones of the calibration group, but in the same geographic zone. Results: The best regression coefficients of the NIRS predictions, compared to traditional laboratory analyses were for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) (0.93, 0.87, 0.87, 0.56, 0.72 y 0.68 respectively). The lowest predictive value was observed in ashes (0.27). Limitations of the study/implications: The results show the need to use local materials in the calibration process. Conclusions: NIRS will make predictions of their chemical composition, since this is influenced by geographic origin of the sample and its botanical compositionObjective: Demonstrate the need to use locally generated data in the calibration of a near-infrared spectrometer (NIRS) to predict the chemical characteristics of fodder; instead of using data bases from other geographic regions, as is commonly done in Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Two groups of samples collected in prairies of the central highlands of Mexico, the first group was used to calibrate the equipment; the equations generated were validated with a second group, collected in prairies that were different from the ones of the calibration group, but in the same geographic zone. Results: The best regression coefficients of the NIRS predictions, compared to traditional laboratory analyses were for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) (0.93, 0.87, 0.87, 0.56, 0.72 y 0.68 respectively). The lowest predictive value was observed in ashes (0.27). Limitations of the study/implications: The results show the need to use local materials in the calibration process. Conclusions: NIRS will make predictions of their chemical composition, since this is influenced by geographic origin of the sample and its botanical compositio

Calidad de la carne en corderos suplementados con tres concentraciones de zinc en una dieta energética

Objective: To evaluate the effect of three doses of Zn supplemented in the diet on the quality and concentration of Zn in meat. Design / methodology / approach: 3 doses of Zn were supplemented: a) 21 mg Zn / Kg of dry matter (DM) from diet only, b) Zn80 (diet + ZnSO4) and c) Zn400 (diet + ZnSO4). Twelve Katahdin lambs randomly distributed in three groups, weighing 29.72 ± 2.16 Kg and age 9 ± 1 months. The consumed DM was restricted for all lambs to 718.62 ± 10.84 g. Findings / Conclusion: The luminosity of the psoas major muscle was Zn21 = 36.50, Zn80 = 38.14 and Zn400 = 35.35 (quadratic effect, P <0.01). The redness of the psoas major muscle was between 18.81 to 19.72 and the intensity of the yellow color was from 3.63 to 3.82. The pH of the gracilis and psoas major muscles were 6.21 and 6.91 and there were no differences in pH, lightness and hardness. The water retention capacity of the gracilis muscle was Zn21 = 63.68%, Zn80 = 65.32% and Zn400 = 83.80% (linear effect, P <0.05). The 80 mg / kg dose of Zn improved the Zn content in meat.Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de tres dosis de Zn suplementado en la dieta sobre la calidad y concentración de Zn en la carne. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se suplementaron 3 dosis de Zn: a) 21 mg Zn/Kg de materia seca (MS) proveniente de la dieta solamente, b) Zn80 (dieta + ZnSO4) y c) Zn400 (dieta + ZnSO4). Doce corderos de raza Katahdin distribuidos aleatoriamente en tres grupos, con peso de 29.72 ± 2.16 Kg y edad de 9 ± 1 meses. La MS consumida fue restringida para todos los corderos a 718.62 ± 10.84 g. Hallazgos/conclusión: La luminosidad del músculo psoas major fue Zn21 = 36.50, Zn80 = 38.14 y Zn400 = 35.35 (efecto cuadrático, P < 0.01). El enrojecimiento del músculo psoas major fue entre 18.81 a 19.72 y la intensidad del color amarillo fue de 3.63 a 3.82. El pH de los músculos gracilis y psoas major fueron de 6.21 y 6.91 y no hubo diferencias en el pH, luminosidad y dureza. La capacidad de retención de agua del músculo gracilis fue Zn21 = 63.68 %, Zn80 = 65.32 % y Zn400 = 83.80 % (efecto lineal, P < 0.05). La dosis de 80 mg/kg de Zn mejoró el contenido de Zn en la carne

Análisis fisicoquímico y proteínico de la pasta de chapulín (Sphenarium purpurascens Charpentier)

Objective: Make grasshopper paste (Gp) and incorporate it into Mole Poblano (MP), evaluating the physicochemical characteristics and protein content of this mixture. Design / methodology / approach: Grasshoppers were collected and Gp was prepared. Later, the Gp was included in the Mole Poblano paste (MP) in the following treatments: T0 = 0Gp and 100% MP, T10 = 10% Gp and 90% MP, T15 = 15% Gp and 85% MP, T20 = 20 % Gp and 80% MP, T25 = 25% Gp and 75% MP and T30 = 30% Gp and 70% MP. The treatments were subjected to physical-chemical analysis and protein content. Findings / conclusion: Treatments T0 and T10 had the highest L *. the variable ?E was clearer for T0 and was different among all the other treatments. The C * saturation index decreased between treatments. Protein content increased with the inclusion of Gp. There were no differences between treatments in pH and water activity. It is concluded that the Gp can be incorporated into the MP to improve its nutritional value and there is no drastic change in the physicochemical variables of the evaluated treatments.Objetivo: Preparar pasta de chapulín (Pch) e incorporarla al mole poblano (MP), evaluando las características fisicoquímicas y el contenido proteínico del preparado. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se colectaron chapulines y se preparó Pch. Posteriormente la harina se incluyó en la pasta de MP en los siguientes tratamientos: T0= 0Ch y 100% MP, T10= 10% Pch y 90% MP, T15= 15% Pch y 85% MP, T20= 20% Pch y 80% MP, T25= 25% Pch y 75% MP y T30= 30% Pch y 70% MP. A los tratamientos se le realizó los análisis físicoquímicos y contenido de proteína.  Hallazgos/conclusión: Los tratamientos T0 y T10 tuvieron la mayor L*. la variable ?E fue más claro para T0 y fue diferente entre todos los demás tratamientos. El índice de saturación C* descendió entre los tratamientos. El contenido de proteína incrementó con la inclusión de la Pch. No hubo diferencias entre los tratamientos en el pH y la actividad de agua. Se concluye que la Pch se puede incorporar al MP para mejorar su valor nutricional y no existe un cambio drástico en las variables fisicoquímicas de los tratamientos evaluados

Antioxidant properties of soy-dairy milk blends fermented with probiotics

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the effect of the substitution of cow milk with soy beverage on the antioxidant properties, physicochemical parameters, and sensory quality of the probiotic and conventional fermented beverages. Design/methodology/approach: Different combinations of soy beverage (T1=80%, T2=60%, T3=40%, and T4=20%) with cow milk (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, respectively) were fermented with either conventional or probiotic cultures. The antioxidant activity of fermented beverages was evaluated by DPPH method and the samples were also characterized for protein, fat, solids non-fat, density, and acidity. Sensory evaluation was done in order to determine the acceptability of the fermented beverages. Results: Overall, most treatments fermented with the probiotic culture showed higher (P<0.05) antioxidant capacity compared to those fermented with the conventional culture. In contrast, for both starter cultures, it was observed that the T1 treatment displayed the highest (P<0.05) antioxidant activity compared with the other treatments (T2, T3, and T4). Similarly, the treatment T1-probiotic culture was the most preferred, being the aroma and appearance, the sensory properties scored with the highest degree of liking. Study Limitations: Follow-up research is needed to identify the bioactive compounds responsible for antioxidant properties exhibited by fermented soy-dairy milk beverages. Findings/conclusions: Probiotic cultures can be used to generate soy-dairy milk fermented beverages with noticeable antioxidant and sensory properties.Objective: Evaluate the effect of the substitution of cow milk with soy beverage on the antioxidant properties, physicochemical parameters, and sensory quality of the probiotic and conventional fermented beverages.Design/methodology/approach: Different combinations of soy beverage (T1=80%, T2=60%, T3=40%, and T4=20%) with cow milk (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, respectively) were fermented with either conventional or probiotic cultures. The antioxidant activity of fermented beverages was evaluated by DPPH method and the samples were also characterized for protein, fat, solids non-fat, density, and acidity. Sensory evaluation was done in order to determine the acceptability of the fermented beverages.Results: Overall, most treatments fermented with the probiotic culture showed higher (P<0.05) antioxidant capacity compared to those fermented with the conventional culture. In contrast, for both starter cultures, it wasobserved that the T1 treatment displayed the highest (P<0.05) antioxidant activity compared with the other treatments (T2, T3, and T4). Similarly, the treatment T1-probiotic culture was the most preferred, being the aroma and appearance, the sensory properties scored with the highest degree of liking. Study Limitations: Follow-up research is needed to identify the bioactive compounds responsible for antioxidant properties exhibited by fermented soy-dairy milk beverages.Findings/conclusions: Probiotic cultures can be used to generate soy- dairy milk fermented beverages with noticeable antioxidant and sensory properties

Nutritional characteristics of different types of eggs

Objective: To analyze 5 types of poultry eggs (chicken, turkey, ostrich, duck and quail) to compare their nutritional characteristics and sensory properties. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: A physical analysis was performed: weight of the entire egg (weight and proportion of the albumin, yolk and shell) length and width of the entire egg, shape index, shell color, and yolk color, nutritional (determination of raw fat, protein, dry matter and ashes) and in sensory adaptation (measured through hedonic testing of adaptability through the arrangement of nine points to an individualized quantity of 97). Different types of egg used: chicken, turkey, ostrich, duck and quail. Results: The egg containing the most amount of protein was that of the duck (13.02 ± 0.46 %), while the sample containing the lowest result was that of the ostrich (9.47 ± 0.27 %). The type of egg that contained the fattest level was the duck (10.31 ± 0.75 %); on the other hand, the type of egg that demonstrated the least amount of fat was that of the chicken egg (8.28 ± 0.39 %). Results/ Findings/ Conclusion: Even though some physical differences exist in all types of eggs, they are similar and there is minimal variation in terms of their nutritional value. Therefore, these different types of eggs can be applied for consumption as substitutes for chicken eggs and as an alternative source of protein. Limitations of the study/ Implications: Lack of previous research in regard to comparisons of the types of analyzed eggs

Hauliers’ perceptions and attitudes towards farm animal welfare could influence the operational and logistics practices in sheep transport

survey of Mexico-based sheep hauliers was conducted in order to investigate perceptions and attitudes toward farm animal welfare (FAW) and their influence on operational and logistic practices (OLPs) in sheep transportation. The statistical analysis consisted in the application of 2-factor analyses (OLP and animal welfare attitudes), additionally a cluster analysis; the latter allowed a segmentation of hauliers according to their attitudes and OLP. The factor analysis gave 3 OLP factors: logistic issues, economic losses, and welfare losses. In the case of factor analyses about animal welfare attitudes, we obtained 4 factors: training and regulations, animal needs, welfare improvement, and sensibility. The cluster analysis of this study showed the existence of 3 haulier profiles; these were “efficient and concerned,” “efficient and not concerned,” and “not efficient and concerned.” Our results showed that hauliers’ perceptions had a clear influence on the performance of their operative and logistic activities during the sheep transportation. This study highlights the individual hauliers’ risk factors which can be considered to improve not only animal welfare but also indicates the need to consider the transportation as a whole because of potential factor combinations and confusions. The attitudes of sheep hauliers toward FAWare a strategic component that requires being considered when hauliers are trained. If it can be shown that modifying hauliers’ attitudes leads to improved OLP, then there is an opportunity to develop specific training programs to modify certain haulier’s animal welfare attitudes, with a subsequent improvement of sheep welfar