Search Results (914)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ (25OHD₃) supplementation on reproductive performance, nutrient digestibility, lameness score, milk composition, and blood profiles in sows, as well as the performance and blood profiles of their offspring. From day 110 of gestation to 21 days of weaning, a total of 30 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments, with ten sows per treatment. The dietary treatments were: (1) CON, basal diet; (2) TRT1, CON diet plus 1114 IU 25OHD₃/kg (13.92 µg 25OHD₃/kg feed); and (3) TRT2, CON diet plus 2227 IU 25OHD₃/kg (27.84 µg 25OHD₃/kg feed). The reproduction performance and nutrient digestibility of sows were not affected by 25OHD₃ supplementation. However, the inclusion of graded levels of 25OHD₃ in the sow diet had significantly reduced their farrowing time (p < 0.001) compared to those fed the CON diet. Also, sows fed 25OHD₃ produced significantly higher (p < 0.05) number of piglets compared to the CON group. Piglets from supplemented sows exhibited greater (p < 0.05) average daily gain and weaning body weight. Moreover, colostrum protein content was higher (p < 0.05) in sows fed 25OHD₃ compared with the CON group. Similarly, the concentration of 25OHD₃ in colostrum and milk at weaning was markedly (p < 0.001) elevated. Furthermore, serum 25OHD₃ levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both sows and piglets, and piglet serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations were also elevated (p < 0.05) in the supplemented groups. In summary, dietary 25OHD₃ in the sow diet not only improves their reproductive performance and milk quality but also enhances piglet growth, immunity, and overall vitality, suggesting that 25OHD₃ is a valuable nutritional strategy for optimizing sow productivity and promoting healthier offspring. Full article

Milk and dairy products are a vital source of nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pasteurization and the choice of derivatization method on the fatty acid (FA) profile in cream, a milk fat-rich product. Sixty cream samples (pre- and post-pasteurization) were analyzed. Two derivatization procedures were used: acid-catalyzed (1% H₂SO₄ in methanol following hexane extraction) and alkali-catalyzed (0.2 M KOH in methanol). FA methyl esters (FAMEs) were quantified using GC–FID. A total of 34 FAs were detected. The acid derivatization method was significantly more efficient for quantification, yielding higher overall FA concentrations (e.g., 302.26 μg/mL vs. 62.66 μg/mL pre-pasteurization). Pasteurization significantly altered the FA profile by reducing the overall content of FAs (especially SFAs and PUFAs), suggesting thermal degradation. Conversely, concentrations of FAs with unusual chain lengths (e.g., C15:1, C17:0) increased, likely due to release from complex lipids. The FA profile in cream is sensitive to processing. Acid-catalyzed derivatization is the recommended method for accurate quantitative FA analysis in cream. The stability of milk fat confirms its importance for product quality and potential use in various bioformulations. Full article

Milk represents not only a source of essential nutrients but also a versatile matrix for the development of functional foods when combined with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation. While cow milk is the most widely consumed, alternative matrices such as goat and donkey milk possess distinctive compositional features that may influence the bioactivity of fermented products. In this work, fifteen different strains belonging to LAB and bifidobacteria were initially tested for their ability to ferment cow, goat, and donkey milk. Fermented samples showing the best acidification rate were further screened for total phenolic content (TPC), radical scavenging activity (RSA), and effects in human colon epithelial cells and Caco-2 adenocarcinoma cells. The results showed that fermentation modulated TPC in a strain- and matrix-dependent manner, with donkey milk showing the most consistent increases. RSA was significantly enhanced in fermented samples, particularly those inoculated with Lacticaseibacillus casei BGP93 and LC4P1 strains and Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC23272. Cell viability assays confirmed the absence of cytotoxicity, and fermented milk extracts reduced ROS under induced oxidative stress. Antimicrobial assay showed that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LPAL selectively inhibited Listeria monocytogenes, with the strongest effect observed in donkey milk. These findings suggest that LAB-fermented milks from goats and donkeys may represent safe functional foods with improved antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic complication of prematurity, associated with significant morbidity. Nutrition is a key modifiable factor influencing lung growth, repair, and overall development. This review summarizes current evidence on nutritional strategies for BPD prevention and management. Methods: Narrative review was conducted with literature search in major databases using relevant keywords. Results: Early nutritional deficits are strongly associated with BPD. Higher early protein (3.5–4 g/kg/day) and energy intake (>60 kcal/kg/day in the first week, with progressive increases) reduce ventilator dependence. Lipids are essential to achieve caloric goals. Fluid restriction may reduce BPD risk but often results in undernutrition. Nutrient density, rather than fluid volume, is critical. Enteral nutrition, particularly mother’s own milk, consistently reduces BPD risk, whereas formula feeding is linked to higher BPD incidence. In established BPD, nutritional requirements are substantially increased. Feeding is frequently complicated by fluid restriction, gastroesophageal reflux, and poor oral coordination. Management strategies include higher energy intake (130–150 kcal/kg/day), adequate protein provision (3.5–4 g/kg/day), and careful use of lipid-based energy sources. Fortified human milk or enriched preterm formulas are essential, with individualized fortification improving growth. Micronutrient support is critical, and long-term follow-up is required, as post-discharge growth remains vulnerable and predicts later outcomes. Conclusions: Nutritional strategies to mitigate BPD should focus on early optimization of protein and energy intake, prioritization of nutrient density and promotion of human milk feeding. Targeted micronutrient support, individualized fortification and multidisciplinary care are essential to improve pulmonary and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Full article

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination, neuronal loss and physical disability. To date, the exact causes of MS remain unknown. Lifestyle factors, in particular diet, have received growing attention due to their impact on human health, their role in modulating disease pathogenesis, and their influence on gut microbiota composition and activity. As a result, numerous studies have been conducted to examine how specific nutrients, and thereby distinct dietary patterns, may affect the onset and progression of MS. In this narrative review, we aim to explore the most recent and updated evidence concerning the role of fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins and fibers macronutrients in MS development and progression by evaluating the most relevant literature findings from preclinical models, and clinical trials on people with MS. Dietary macronutrients influence MS pathology through immune and gut–brain axis modulation. Diets rich in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates exacerbate neuroinflammation, promote Th1/Th17 polarization, and worsen disease severity. Conversely, monounsaturated and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers, and adequate tryptophan metabolism exert anti-inflammatory effects, enhance regulatory T cell (Treg) activity, and improve clinical outcomes. Fiber-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and omega-3 metabolites also support gut barrier integrity and suppress astrocyte activation. Evidence on dairy, meat and gluten remains inconclusive, though certain milk proteins and certain components of red/processed meat and of wheat may promote inflammation. Overall, anti-inflammatory and fiber-rich diets, such as those emphasizing unsaturated fats and low sugar intake, appear to confer protective effects in MS. The clarification of the role of dietary components in relation to the disease could help to guide patients toward a healthy and balanced diet, with positive effects on their overall health. Full article

In light of the exponential rise in feed costs within the livestock sector, the scientific research and valorization of novel agro-industrial by-products have essential strategies in animal nutrition. The overall objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the inclusion of a novel olive pulp included at 12% of the concentrate on a dry matter basis in the diet of Murciano–Granadina goats to assess its effects on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, energy and nitrogen metabolism, and milk yield and composition. Two experiments were conducted, taking into account two groups (control group, CTL, and an experimental group) with the inclusion of 12% olive pulp in the concentrate (OPD): one in vivo trial in metabolic cages (n = 10 nulliparous female goats (34.1 ± 0.70 kg) per treatment) was conducted to evaluate digestibility, nitrogen balance, and energetic utilization; and a second on-farm production trial (n = 24 adult dairy goats (53.6 ± 1.14 kg) per treatment). The results showed no significant differences in energy balance or microbial protein synthesis between CTL and OPD (p > 0.05). However, the OPD exhibited higher digestibility of dry matter (71.2 vs. 68.8%; p = 0.028), organic matter (70.8 vs. 68.4%; p = 0.026), and crude fat (85.9 vs. 83.4%; p = 0.024), but lower crude protein digestibility (70.7 vs. 73.4%; p = 0.012) and nitrogen excretion (1.24 vs. 1.44 g/kg^0.75; p < 0.001). Additionally, ruminal butyrate concentrations were higher in OPD goats (13.5 vs. 11.3 mol/100 mol of total short-chain fatty acids; p = 0.020). Although milk yield remained unaffected, the OPD exhibited higher milk protein (4.17 vs. 3.79%; p = 0.036) and conjugated linoleic acid (0.620 vs. 0.400%; p < 0.001) concentrations compared to CTL. These findings demonstrate that the inclusion of 12% of the novel olive pulp in goat concentrate is a viable feeding strategy that maintains productive performance while enhancing the nutritional quality of milk. Full article

Milk sources directly influence digestion, absorption, and overall nutrient utilization during early infant nutrition. Goat milk features a nutritional composition and digestive properties that are more similar to human breast milk. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different milk sources on the immunity, amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, and intestinal microbiota in neonatal piglets. Sixteen 7-day-old suckling piglets were randomly allocated into two groups (eight replicates/group, one piglet/replicate) and fed with standard formula milk powder (CON) and goat milk formula powder (GMF). The formal experiment lasted for 14 days. Results showed that compared with the CON group, the GMF group showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the final weight, the serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, IgM and C-reactive protein (CRP4), and intestinal trypsin content. Additionally, the GMF group had higher (p < 0.05) serum essential and non-essential amino acid and fatty acid levels, and had trends toward upregulation (0.05 < p < 0.1) in hepatic mRNA expression of spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), duodenal peptide transporter 1 (PePT1), and jejunal cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1). Microbiome sequencing revealed that GMF enhanced intestinal microbial richness and diversity and increased concentrations of acetic and propionic acids (p < 0.05). In conclusion, GMF suggests a potential improvement in the growth performance by enhancing immunity, amino acid and fatty acid metabolism and optimizing intestinal microbiota composition in neonatal piglets. These findings further support the favorable nutritional properties and tolerability of GMF in early-life nutrition. Full article

Background: Natural solutions, such as locally available food resources (LAFRs) and nontimber forest products (NTFPs), are recognized for their bioactive potential in addressing health challenges. Despite Mizoram’s rich biodiversity, the population faces increasing risks of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs). Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed priority dietary preferences, food group consumption, dietary diversity score, and lifestyle practices, alongside a review of the nutraceutical potential of LAFRs and NTFPs. A three-day dietary recall was analyzed using t-tests at a 5% significance level against standards from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). One-way ANOVA was further employed to examine potential differences in food group consumption among occupational, gender, and age groups. Results: Results revealed strong cultural preferences for carbohydrate-rich breakfasts and meat-based dinners, with lunch often skipped or replaced by snacks. Over 85% of participants reported inadequate intake of milk, fruits, pulses, and nuts. Compared with older and high-income women, younger women exhibited the lowest intake of food groups and nutrient-dense foods. Occupation significantly influenced dietary patterns, with heavy workers consuming more cereals but fewer micronutrient-rich foods. A shift from traditional to modern dietary and lifestyle practices was observed, influencing overall diet quality and long-term health outcomes. The mean Dietary Diversity Score (0–10) was 5.6 ± 1.3, indicating significant gender differences in diet variety (males: 5.8 ± 1.2; females: 5.4 ± 1.4; p = 0.04). The review highlights that LAFRs and NTFPs serve as valuable sources of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and bioactives with antidiabetic and anticancer properties while also providing essential micronutrients. Conclusions: The findings reveal a marked dietary transition in Mizoram and underscore the urgent need for food-based strategies to address nutrient gaps and the growing burden of NCDs. Full article

Functional foods are defined as consumables that, in addition to providing essential nutrients, exhibit health-promoting properties when consumed regularly over a long period of time. Globally, there has been great emphasis on their consumption as a cost-effective and safer alternative for the prevention, treatment, and management of various health-related issues, including food allergies. Over the past two decades, the prevalence and severity of clinical manifestations of food allergy (FA) have increased significantly. FA results from the breakdown of immune tolerance. There are different types of functional foods that can be effective in the treatment of FA. Functional foods based on postbiotics that are produced through fermentation include kefir, yogurt, cheese, and fermented milk. This review highlights the potential role of functional foods based on postbiotics in the treatment of FA. Full article

Donkey milk is highly regarded for its nutritional, immunological and hypoallergenic properties. In this context, the global demand is increasing, and the challenges of low production and milk hygiene need to be addressed. This study evaluated the effects of dietary and phytogenic supplementation on milk yield, nutrient digestibility, and milk quality in lactating jennies (Equus asinus). All donkeys had unrestricted access to natural pasture during the study. In addition to grazing, animals were divided into three groups (n = 10 per group) that differed only in the type of supplemental feed. The control group (CG) received pasture grass with a corn-based supplement; Group 1 (G1) received the same basal feed enriched with sunflower meal and a phytogenic blend of medicinal plants; and Group 2 (G2) received the same compound feed as G1 but without the phytogenic additives. Over an eight-week period, milk production, apparent digestibility coefficients (dry matter, protein, fibre, and ether extract), and microbiological quality were assessed. G1 demonstrated the highest milk yield (p < 0.001), improved nutrient digestibility (e.g., crude protein digestibility: 57.89 ± 4.21%), and a significant reduction in total viable counts (TVC) from 2.848 ± 0.265 to 1.898 ± 0.404 log₁₀ CFU/mL (p < 0.001), compared to CG and G2. The latter maintained relatively stable TVC values (2.930 ± 0.260 → 2.838 ± 0.196; p = 0.356641), accompanied by reduced interindividual variability, whereas CG exhibited a slight increase (2.922 ± 0.253 → 2.949 ± 0.323; p = 0.792259) and greater variability, suggesting a negative trend. Crude protein digestibility was 55.86 ± 6.66% in G2 and 45.26 ± 9.85% in CG, further supporting the superior nutrient utilization efficiency observed in G1. The phytogenic supplement stabilized milk chemical composition, suggesting potential galactagogues, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects. These findings support the use of functional feed additives as a promising strategy to enhance productive performance and milk hygiene in sustainable donkey farming systems. Full article

Background/Objective: Milk and fermented dairy products are widely consumed functional foods and beverages, offering not only essential nutrients but also bioactive compounds with potential to modulate host immunity, metabolism, and the gut microbiome. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the relationship between dairy consumption, gut microbiome, immune modulation, adverse reactions to food, physical performance and cardiometabolic health. Methods: An extensive literature analysis was conducted to explore how milk and fermented dairy products modulate the gut microbiome and influence the immune and cardiometabolic health. This study synthesis focused on key dairy bioactive compounds, such as probiotics, miRNAs, milk-derived peptides and exosomes and on evaluating their proposed mechanisms of action in inflammation and metabolic regulation, and their possible influence on physical performance through gut–microbiome interactions. Additionally, advances in metagenomic and metabolomic technologies were reviewed for their potential to uncover host–microbiota interactions relevant to precision nutrition strategies. Results: Fermented dairy products have shown potential in promoting beneficial bacteria growth such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, short-chain fatty acid synthesis and reduction in proinflammatory biomarkers. Specific dairy-derived peptides and exosomal components may further support gut barrier integrity, immune regulation and improve physical performance and reduce cardiometabolic risk factors. Additionally, emerging evidence links individual gut microbiota profiles to specific metabolic responses, including tolerance to lactose and bovine milk proteins. Conclusions: Integrating microbiome science with traditional nutritional paradigms enhances our understanding of how dairy influences immune and cardiometabolic health. Overall, current evidence suggests that investigating dairy-microbiome interactions, alongside lifestyle factors such as physical activity, may inform future personalized nutrition strategies aimed at supporting metabolic and immune health. Full article

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and its metabolite aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) are stable and carcinogenic mycotoxins that are commonly found in dairy products, posing serious food safety concerns. However, conventional degradation methods face limited degradation efficiency and high energy demand. Here, we develop an innovative polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite membrane incorporating Fe/Co-based metal-organic frameworks (MOF) (Named Fe/Co-MIL-88B(NH₂)) and CaO₂ for targeted aflatoxin removal from milk. This system integrates two synergistic mechanisms: (1) hierarchical porous MOF structures enabling superior aflatoxin adsorption capacity and peroxidase-like catalytic activity, and (2) CaO₂ acts as a controllable-release H₂O₂ donor, supplying a steady flux of reactive oxygen species without the addition of exogenous H₂O₂. Moreover, the PVDF membrane with mechanical stability offers uniform immobilization of active components, which prevents the aggregation of nanozymes. As a result, the integrated membrane achieves high degradation efficiency for AFB1 and AFM1, exceeding 95% within 60 min. By eliminating external oxidant addition and minimizing collateral nutrient damage, the technology demonstrates remarkable operational stability (>10 cycles) and milk quality preservation capability. This breakthrough establishes an efficient and reusable detoxification method, providing new opportunities for mycotoxin mitigation in dairy products through spatiotemporal control of reactive oxygen species. Full article

Early-life rearing of animals is critical for their lifelong productivity, health, and the quality/safety of livestock products. EHE, a feed additive with growth-promoting, antibacterial, and immunity-enhancing properties, was tested for effects on preweaned calves. Forty-eight calves (42.18 ± 0.61 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12/group), fed milk replacer with 0 (CON), 400 (A), 800 (B), or 1200 (C) mg/d EHE for 60 d (after 6 d adaptation). Growth, nutrient digestibility, serum biomarkers, rumen fermentation, and diarrhea incidence were measured; network pharmacology was used to analyze EHE’s targets. Results: Group C had 14.09% higher body weight gain (52 vs. 45 kg, p < 0.05), higher dry matter intake/digestibility, and increased acid detergent fiber digestibility vs. CON. Group C had reduced diarrhea frequency, tended to have lower rumen acetate-to-propionate ratio, and had higher early rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA). At d 66, Groups B and C had reduced serum IL-6/IL-8 (p < 0.05). Network pharmacology identified 256 anti-inflammatory targets (e.g., BCL2, IL6) involved in apoptosis/inflammatory pathways. Conclusion: 1200 mg/d EHE optimally improves calf growth, digestibility, and anti-inflammatory status. Full article

Milk products are a diverse group of foods and important sources of essential nutrients, including high-quality proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Among their key quality attributes, texture is particularly critical, as it strongly influences consumer perception and overall product quality. Numerous devices and techniques have been developed to evaluate the texture of milk products, most of which rely on mechanical tests such as puncture, compression, shearing, creep, and relaxation. Instrumental evaluations are essential for correlating physical measurements with sensory perceptions, yet several challenges limit their reliability. Inconsistencies in testing protocols—such as reporting force versus penetration depth versus force versus time; variations in testing temperature, sample shape and dimensions; probe geometry; compression depth; and container size for semisolid samples contribute to discrepancies across studies. Additionally, many studies omit these critical methodological details, reducing reproducibility and comparability. This review systematically examines the current methods used to assess dairy product texture, identifies gaps and challenges in standardization, and provides guidance to support future research aimed at obtaining accurate, reproducible, and meaningful texture measurements. Full article

Plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs) are plant-based fluid products that are marketed as substitutes for regular milk. The nutrient composition of PBMA products can vary widely, depending on the plant source, processing methods, potential additives, etc., and in recent years, considerable research effort has been devoted to the exploration of the nutritional content of PBMAs, which are increasingly consumed worldwide. In the present study, an established UHPLC–Orbitrap MS method was employed for the extensive characterization of phenolic compounds in PBMAs available in the Greek market. Twenty-eight PBMAs were studied, including a variety of almond-, soy-, coconut-, oat-, walnut-, and rice-based products. In almond-based milk products, low total concentrations and a broad distribution across compound classes were observed, with trans-chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid being the most abundant constituents, whereas coconut-based milk samples were generally not rich in phenolic compounds. In soy-based milk samples, the presence of isoflavones including daidzein, genistein, and glycitein was uniquely detected, while oat-based products were the samples richer in phenolic content, in particular for hydroxycinnamic acids, such as trans-chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid. In addition, a suspect screening approach, using Exactive Plus Orbitrap, enabled the exploration and semi-quantification of three avenanthramides (A, B, C) in the studied oat-based milk samples and six isoflavonoids, namely daidzein and genistein derivatives, in soy-based milk. Such compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and their occurrence in PBMAs highlights the potential health-promoting effects of these dairy alternatives. Full article