Impact of urea on the microstructure of commercial canola protein-carrageenan network: A research note

Biopolymer mixtures contribute to network formation in food systems. The effects of pH and urea on the structural ordering of canola protein isolate-κ-carrageenan (CPI-κ-CAR) gels were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At pH 6, loosely-crosslinked CPI networks with large empty pores were produced whereas tightly-crosslinked structures were displayed at pH 10. The structure of CPI network was greatly improved when CPI and κ-CAR were mixed, indicating a synergistic behaviour between the two macromolecules. Urea affected the structural arrangement and interactions involved in the formation CPI-κ-CAR gels. Urea-treated gels showed excessive network disruption and breakdown. The microstructural results support the involvement of disulfide bonds and noncovalent interactions in the structural arrangement of CPI-κ-CAR networks

Effect of micronization of peas and enzyme supplementation on nutrient excretion and manure volume in growing pigs

The effect of micronization of peas and enzyme supplementation on performance, nitrogen and phosphorus excretion as well as manure output was investigated in a study with 12 Cotswold gilts (26.9 ± 3.6 kg initial body weight). Three diets based on barley-raw peas (control), barley-micronized peas, or barley-micronized peas plus a multi-enzyme blend were used. The study was conducted in two blocks and within a block; each diet was randomly assigned to four pigs to give a total of eight observations per diet. Pigs fed micronized peas and micronized peas plus enzyme diets had higher (P &lt; 0.05) feed conversion than the control. Compared with the control, micronization of peas reduced (P &lt; 0.05) wet and dry fecal output by 33 and 25%, respectively. Urine volume was not influenced (P &gt; 0.05) by dietary treatment. Total fecal phosphorus excretion was lower (P &lt; 0.001) in gilts fed the micronized peas or micronized peas plus enzyme diets compared with the control. Micronization of peas reduced (P &lt; 0.05) total nitrogen excretion in pig manure by 21.5% (17.39 vs. 13.65 g d-1). In conclusion, formulating pig grower diets with micronized peas improves nitrogen and phosphorus utilization and reduces total manure volume. Key words: Pigs, nitrogen, phosphorus, manure volume, micronized peas </jats:p