Unconventional Ingredients from the Industrial Oilseed By-Products in Dairy Goat Feeding: Effects on the Nutritional Quality of Milk and on Human Health
, Giuditta Pagliai 1, Antonia Napoletano 1, Sofia Lotti 1, Monica Dinu 1, Federica Mannelli 2, Guido Invernizzi 3, Francesco Sofi 1,4, Barbara Colombini 1 and Arianna Buccioni 2Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe study is timely and addresses sustainability issues in agriculture, which align well with the goals of circular economy principles. The research is scientifically sound, well-structured, and provides valuable insights into how Cynara cardunculus and Camelina sativa by-products might positively affect milk production and human health. However, there are several areas that require further clarification and improvement to strengthen the manuscript.
1. The abstract provides a good summary of the study but could be more concise. Consider reducing the number of specific data points and focusing on the key findings.
2. The introduction mentions the principles of the circular economy, but it would be helpful to elaborate on how the use of oilseed by-products fits into this model. Additionally, providing more background on previous studies that have explored similar topics would strengthen the rationale for this study.
3. A larger sample size would provide more power to detect significant differences, especially in subgroup analyses (e.g., age and sex). Consider acknowledging this limitation more explicitly in the discussion.
4. While the fatty acid composition of CCCS and control yogurts is presented, it would be useful to provide more details about the specific bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids) present in the CCCS yogurt and their expected health benefits.
5. The statistical methods used are appropriate, but the explanation of the data transformation process is somewhat unclear. Provide more details on why the data were log-transformed and how this influenced the results.
6. The reduction in fat mass and increase in fat-free mass after CCCS yogurt consumption is significant. However, the physiological mechanisms behind these changes are not well-explained. Consider discussing potential mechanisms in more detail, such as the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) or other bioactive compounds.
7. While changes in sodium, calcium, and creatinine levels are noted, the health implications of these changes are not well-discussed. How do these changes affect the overall health of the participants, particularly in the context of long-term yogurt consumption?
8. The reduction in cholesterol levels, particularly LDL, is an important finding. However, it is unclear whether these changes are clinically significant. Discuss how these changes compare with other dietary interventions aimed at improving lipid profiles.
9. The study observes trends in IL-1ra and VEGF levels, but these findings are not statistically significant. It would be helpful to explore whether these trends have been observed in similar studies and what they might indicate in terms of long-term health benefits.
10. The discussion should be expanded to provide more context for the findings. For example, how do the results compare with other studies that have examined the effects of polyphenol-rich foods or PUFAs on body composition and lipid profiles?
Author Response
1. The abstract provides a good summary of the study but could be more concise. Consider reducing the number of specific data points and focusing on the key findings.
R: Thank you for your comment. In line with your suggestion, we have enhanced the abstract by incorporating additional information about the key results (Please see page 1 lines 23-24).
2. The introduction mentions the principles of the circular economy, but it would be helpful to elaborate on how the use of oilseed by-products fits into this model. Additionally, providing more background on previous studies that have explored similar topics would strengthen the rationale for this study.
R: Thank you for your comment, which has enhanced the quality of the paper. In line with your suggestion, we have expanded the introduction to include more information on how the use of oilseed by-products could promote a circular economy, along with citations of relevant articles that demonstrate their use as animal feed.
(Please see page 1-2 lines 34-60).
3. A larger sample size would provide more power to detect significant differences, especially in subgroup analyses (e.g., age and sex). Consider acknowledging this limitation more explicitly in the discussion.
R: In response to your suggestion, we have revised the limitations discussed in the paper to highlight the small sample size, particularly regarding the differences observed between age and sex groups.
(Please see page 11 lines 338-340).
4. While the fatty acid composition of CCCS and control yogurts is presented, it would be useful to provide more details about the specific bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids) present in the CCCS yogurt and their expected health benefits.
R: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate your suggestion and agree that including this information would be highly valuable. Unfortunately, we did not collect this particular data in our study.
5. The statistical methods used are appropriate, but the explanation of the data transformation process is somewhat unclear. Provide more details on why the data were log-transformed and how this influenced the results.
R: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We appreciate your attention to the statistical methods used in our study. We have revised these methods to enhance clarity and completeness.
(Please see page 5 lines 162-168).
6. The reduction in fat mass and increase in fat-free mass after CCCS yogurt consumption is significant. However, the physiological mechanisms behind these changes are not well-explained. Consider discussing potential mechanisms in more detail, such as the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) or other bioactive compounds.
R: Based on your suggestion, we have expanded the discussion section to provide a more detailed explanation of the potential mechanisms underlying the changes in body composition.
(Please see page 10-11 lines 329-337).
7. While changes in sodium, calcium, and creatinine levels are noted, the health implications of these changes are not well-discussed. How do these changes affect the overall health of the participants, particularly in the context of long-term yogurt consumption?
R: Thank you for your insightful feedback. In response to your suggestion, we have now expanded the discussion to address the changes observed in the blood parameters levels following the intervention. Specifically, we have examined the potential mechanisms underlying these alterations and their possible health implications.
(Please see page 10 lines 286-296).
8. The reduction in cholesterol levels, particularly LDL, is an important finding. However, it is unclear whether these changes are clinically significant. Discuss how these changes compare with other dietary interventions aimed at improving lipid profiles.
R: Following their recommendation, we have adjusted the discussion to provide a clearer explanation of the potential benefits that improved lipid profile could bring to individuals consuming CCCS yogurts.
(Please see page 10 lines 282-284).
9. The study observes trends in IL-1ra and VEGF levels, but these findings are not statistically significant. It would be helpful to explore whether these trends have been observed in similar studies and what they might indicate in terms of long-term health benefits.
R: We appreciate your observation. Studies that have investigated the effect of Cynara Cardunculus and Camelina Sativa on biomarkers of inflammation in humans are very limited and present contrasting results. This variability makes it difficult to predict how these changes may influence health, especially in the long term. We have revised the discussion of our results by adding the contrasting results of the study by De Giuseppe et al. which found no differences in biomarkers of inflammation following consumption of Camelina Sativa-enriched crackers. We have also emphasized the need for further studies to evaluate how these changes in inflammatory biomarkers produced by these unconventional ingredients may influence health, especially in the long term.
(Please see page 10 lines 316-322).
De Giuseppe, R.; Di Napoli, I.; Tomasinelli, C.E.; Vincenti, A.; Biino, G; Sommella, E.; Ferron, L.; Campiglia, P.; Ferrara, F.; Casali, P.M.; et al. The Effect of Crackers Enriched with Camelina Sativa Oil on Omega-3 Serum Fatty Acid Composition in Older Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial. J Nutr Health Aging 2023, 27, 463-471. doi: 10.1007/s12603-023-1925-x.
10. The discussion should be expanded to provide more context for the findings. For example, how do the results compare with other studies that have examined the effects of polyphenol-rich foods or PUFAs on body composition and lipid profiles?
R: Thank you for your valuable feedback. In response to your suggestion, we have expanded the discussion section to provide more context for our findings, specifically focusing on the potential relationship between our results and the lipid composition of these unconventional ingredients.
(Please see page 10, 11 lines 280-285, 308-312, 335-337).
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThank you for your manuscript. Here are some comments:
1. Lines 41-44 - state the reference
2. you should include conclusion to sum up discussion
Author Response
1. Lines 41-44 - state the reference
R: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have now incorporated the state references.
(Please see page 2 lines 54-56).
2. You should include conclusion to sum up discussion
R: Thank you for your comment, which has enhanced the quality of the paper. In accordance with your suggestion, we have introduced a new section focused on the conclusions, distinguishing them from the discussion to ensure they are presented more clearly.
(Please see page 11 lines 353-363).
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear author, for this interesting study. Your manuscript is well-structured and clearly highlights the main findings, while comparing and contextualizing them with other studies. I have a few comments on the manuscript:
INTRODUCTION
Line 34: Although some names of certain institutions are widely recognized, the full name should be written the first time the institution is mentioned, followed by its acronym. In the rest of the manuscript, only the acronym should be used.
Line 40: The first sentence is incomplete; the authors need to complete the idea by stating what the opportunity is for.
Line 41: The concept of "by-products" needs to be introduced before using this term, especially as it is a relatively recent theoretical concept.
Line 51: The author mentions unconventional ingredients. Please provide context with specific examples so the reader can better understand this concept from a sustainability point of view.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study design should be placed immediately after the study population to create a logical flow, followed by the yogurt varieties.
It might be beneficial for readers (especially those whose background in statistics is not strong) to explain why non-parametric statistics were used.
DISCUSSION
Line 205: Please state some of the main concerns related to food insecurity to provide a clearer context, as this will serve as the starting point for the rest of the discussion, which is well-structured and guided.
Author Response
INTRODUCTION
Line 34: Although some names of certain institutions are widely recognized, the full name should be written the first time the institution is mentioned, followed by its acronym. In the rest of the manuscript, only the acronym should be used.
R: Thank you for bringing this error to our attention. We have now corrected it in the text.
(Please see page 1 lines 39-40).
Line 40: The first sentence is incomplete; the authors need to complete the idea by stating what the opportunity is for.
R: Thank you for pointing this out. We have made the modification based on your suggestion.
(Please see page 2 lines 54-56).
Line 41: The concept of "by-products" needs to be introduced before using this term, especially as it is a relatively recent theoretical concept.
R: In response to your suggestion, we have introduced the term 'by-products' to clarify the concept and enhance the clarity of the introduction.
(Please see page 2 lines 56-57
Line 51: The author mentions unconventional ingredients. Please provide context with specific examples so the reader can better understand this concept from a sustainability point of view.
R: Thank you for pointing this out to us. We carefully reread the text and noticed that the sentence was not clear. Based on your comment, we modified the sentence in the manuscript.
(Please see page 2- lines 72-73).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study design should be placed immediately after the study population to create a logical flow, followed by the yogurt varieties.
R: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have made the adjustment in accordance with your recommendation.
(Please see page 3 lines 95-122).
It might be beneficial for readers (especially those whose background in statistics is not strong) to explain why non-parametric statistics were used.
R: Thank you for your suggestion. We have modified the statistical analysis section to explain in more detail the rationale for the use of each of the statistical methods used in the study.
(Please see page 5 lines 154-157).
DISCUSSION
Line 205: Please state some of the main concerns related to food insecurity to provide a clearer context, as this will serve as the starting point for the rest of the discussion, which is well-structured and guided.
R: Thank you for your valuable comment, which has enhanced the quality of the document. In response to your suggestion, we have revised the discussion to emphasize more clearly the importance of identifying alternative methods of animal feeding as a means of promoting sustainable practices that support food security.
(Please see page 9 lines 251-260).
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsMAJOR POINTS
1. Write the introduction in more detail, namely add text according to the specified keywords and increase the number of references in the introduction
2. Coordinate the entire paper according to the Instructions for the authors of the specified journal
MINOR POINTS
1. Latin name vice versa should be written in italics – (page 3, line 89)
2. Tables should be on the same page (without breaks)
a. If the tables continue to another page, then they should again contain the same header
3. When referencing body composition devices, the city /country of origin should be specified – page 3, line 96
4. In the Discussion section, do not write referenced authors in italics - lines 218 and 220
5. Conclusion should be a separate section of the paper
Author Response
MAJOR POINTS
1. Write the introduction in more detail, namely add text according to the specified keywords and increase the number of references in the introduction
R: Thank you for your comment, which has enhanced the quality of the paper. In line with your suggestion, the introduction has been expanded to provide a more detailed context for the study, incorporating additional information and references to enhance clarity and relevance.
(Please see page 1-2 lines 34-71).
2. Coordinate the entire paper according to the Instructions for the authors of the specified journal
R: Thank you for your feedback. We have reviewed the entire manuscript and ensured that it now fully aligns with the Instructions for Authors provided by the journal.
MINOR POINTS
1. Latin name vice versa should be written in italics – (page 3, line 89)
R: Thank you for your observation. We have now corrected this typographical error in the revised manuscript.
(Please see page 3 lines 104).
2. Tables should be on the same page (without breaks)
a. If the tables continue to another page, then they should again contain the same header
R: Thank you for pointing this out. We have now added the same header to tables that continue onto subsequent pages for consistency and clarity.
(Please see page 4, 8).
3. When referencing body composition devices, the city /country of origin should be specified – page 3, line 96
R: Thank you for your suggestion. We have updated the manuscript to include the city and country of origin for the body composition device.
(Please see page 4 lines 133).
4. In the Discussion section, do not write referenced authors in italics - lines 218 and 220
R: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have revised the manuscript to remove the italics from the referenced authors in the discussion section as per your recommendation.
(Please see page 10 lines 272, 274).
5. Conclusion should be a separate section of the paper
R: Thank you for your insightful comment, which has helped improve the quality of the paper. Following your suggestion, we have created a separate section for the conclusions, distinguishing them from the discussion to present the findings more clearly and effectively.
(Please see page 11 lines 353-363).
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsIt can be accept.
