Biorefinery strategies for upgrading Distillers’ Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)

Distillers’ Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is the major by-product of bioethanol and distillery plants. Due to its high content of proteins, water-soluble vitamins and minerals, DDGS has been long marketed as animal feed for livestock. EU legislation on liquid biofuels could raise the demand on bioethanol production in Europe, with a resulting increase in DDGS availability. DDGS contains a spectrum of complex organic macromolecules, particularly polysaccharides, in addition to proteins and vitamins, and its use as a starting raw material within a biomass-based biorefining strategy could lead to the development of multi-stream processes for the production of commodities, platform molecules or speciality chemicals, with concomitant economic benefits and waste reduction for bioethanol plants. The present review aims to outline the compositional characteristics of DDGS and evaluate its potential utilisation as a starting material for the production of added-value products. Parameters of influence on the chemical and physical characteristics of DDGS are discussed. Moreover, various pre-treatment strategies are outlined in terms of efficient DDGS fractionation into several added value streams. Additional processing steps for the production of medium and high added value compounds from DDGS are evaluated and their potential applications in the food and chemical industry sector are identified.

Influence of macro- and micronutrient fertilization on fungal contamination and fumonisin production in corn grains

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nutrients (nitrogen, zinc and boron) on fungal growth and fumonisins production in corn samples obtained at the beginning of grain formation and at harvest. Three nitrogen doses were applied to the corn plants through soil in combination with three zinc doses and two boron doses during sowing. Mycological analysis of grains, using Dichloran Rose-Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar, collected at the beginning of formation demonstrated a fungal population predominantly of yeasts. Analysis of freshly harvested corn revealed a higher frequency of Penicillium spp. (72%) and F verticillioides (27%). High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis revealed that 100% of grains were contaminated with fumonisins B, at levels ranging from 0.3 to 24.3 mg/kg and 93% contaminated with fumonisin B(2) at levels ranging from 0.05 to 5.42 mg/kg. Nitrogen (50 kg/ha) in combination with boron (0.5 kg/ha) resulted in an increased fumonisin B2 production. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Molecular characterization and fumonisin production by Fusarium verticillioides isolated from corn grains of different geographic origins in Brazil

Gibberella moniliformis is most commonly associated with maize worldwide and produces high levels of fumonisins, some of the most agriculturally important mycotoxins. Studies demonstrate that molecular methods can be helpful for a rapid identification of Fusarium species and their levels of toxin production. The purpose of this research was to apply molecular methods (AFLP, TEF-1 alpha partial gene sequencing and PCR based on MAT alleles) for the identification of Fusarium species isolated from Brazilian corn and to verify if real time RT-PCR technique based on FUM1 and FUM19 genes is appropriated to estimate fumonisins B(1) and B(2) production levels. Among the isolated strains, 96 were identified as Fusarium verricillioides, and four as other Fusarium species. Concordant phylogenies were obtained by AFLP and TEF-1 alpha sequencing, permitting the classification of the different species into distinct clades. Concerning MAT alleles, 70% of the F. verricillioides isolates carried the MAT-1 and 30% MAT-2. A significant correlation was observed between the expression of the genes and toxin production r=0.95 and r=0.79 (correlation of FUM1 with FB(1) and FB(2), respectively, P < 0.0001): r=0.93 and r =0.78 (correlation of FUM19 with FB(1) and FB(2). respectively, P < 0.0001). Molecular methods used in this study were found to be useful for the rapid identification of Fusarium species. The high and significant correlation between FUM1 and FUM19 expression and fumonisins production suggests that real time RT-PCR is suitable for studies considering the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on expression of these genes. This is the first report concerning the expression of fumonisin biosynthetic genes in Fusarium strains isolated from Brazilian agricultural commodity. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermal history versus sedimentary history: OSL sensitivity of quartz grains extracted from rocks and sediments

The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sensitivity of quartz has a significant influence on luminescence dating procedures. Furthermore, identifying the natural controls of quartz OSL sensitivity is an important step towards new applications of OSL in geology such as provenance tracing. We evaluate the OSL sensitivity (total and the proportion of the informally assigned fast, medium and slow components) of single grains of quartz extracted from 10 different igneous and metamorphic rocks with known formation conditions; and from fluvial and coastal sediments with different sedimentary histories and known source rocks. This sample suite allows assessment of the variability of the OSL sensitivity of single quartz grains with respect to their primary origin and sedimentary history. We observed significant variability in the OSL sensitivity of grains within all studied rock and sediment samples, with the brightest grains of each sample being those dominated by the fast component. Quartz from rocks formed under high temperature (> 500 degrees C) conditions, such as rhyolites and metamorphic rocks from the amphibolite facies, display higher OSL sensitivity. The OSL sensitivity of fluvial sediments which have experienced only a short transport distance is relatively low. These sediments show a small increase in OSL sensitivity downstream, mainly due to a decreasing fraction of ""dim"" grains. The quartz grains from coastal sands present very high sensitivity and variability, which is consistent with their long sedimentary history. The high variability of the OSL sensitivity of quartz from coastal sands is attributed more to the mixture of grains with distinct sedimentary histories than to the provenance from many types of source rocks. The temperature of crystallization and the number of cycles of burial and solar exposure are suggested as the main natural factors controlling the OSL sensitivity of quartz grains. The increase in OSL sensitivity due to cycles of erosion and deposition surpasses the sensitivity inherited from the source rock, with this increase being mainly related to the sensitization of fast OSL components. The discrimination of grains with different sedimentary histories through their OSL sensitivities can allow the development of quantitative provenance methods based on quartz. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The role of TaABF1 in abscisic acid-mediated suppression of -amylase gene expression in cereal grains

The phytohormones gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) regulate important developments events in germinating seeds. Specifically, GA induces the expression of hyrolase genes, like the α-amylase gene Amy32b, which mobilizes starch reserves to be used by the embryo, and ABA suppresses this induction. Recent advancements identified ABA and GA receptors and key components in the signaling pathways, however, the mechanism of crosstalk between the hormones remains largely unknown. To further elucidate the mechanism of ABA suppression of GA-induced genes, we focused on the transcription factor TaABF1, a member of the ABA response element binding factor family. TaABF1 has been shown to physically interact with the SnRK2 kinase PKABA1 and overexpression of TaABF1 or PKABA1 can suppress Amy32b. We carried out particle bombardment experiments to investigate how TaABF1 suppresses Amy32b and how TaABF1 is activated by ABA. The role of TaABF1 in ABA-mediated suppression of Amy32b is more complicated than hypothesized. Unlike PKABA1, overexpression of TaABF1 did not cause a decrease of GAMyb expression and in fact resulted in an increase of GAMyb expression. When TaABF1 and GAMyb were simultaneously overexpressed in aleurone, the GAMyb induction of Amy32b was unaffected, indicating that the target of TaABF1 action must be upstream of GAMyb. Furthermore, TaABF1 and ABA demonstrated an additive effect on the suppression of Amy32b. Based on our findings, we propose a model in which PKABA1 activates two separate targets, one being TaABF1 which then modifies an unknown target upstream of GAMyb and the other being an unknown transcription factor that suppresses GAMyb transcription.

Amino acid composition of processed fish silage using different raw materials

The objective was to evaluate amino acid composition of silages produced from three raw materials. Commercial marine fish waste, commercial freshwater fish waste, and tilapia filleting residue were used to produce fish silage by acid digestion (20 ml/kg formic acid and 20 ml/kg sulfuric acid) and anaerobic fermentation (50 g/kg Lactobacillus plantarum, 150 g/kg sugar cane molasses). Protein content and amino acid composition were determined for raw materials and silage. Marine fish waste had higher crude protein content (776.7 g/kg) compared to freshwater fish waste (496.2 g/kg) and tilapia filleting residue (429.9 g/kg). All silages lacked up to three amino acids for each product according to FAO standards for essential amino acids. However, considering as the limiting factor only the amino acids below the 30% minimum requirement for fish in general, all products were satisfactory with respect to essential amino acids. Therefore, the results suggest that all products investigated are appropriate for use in balanced fish diets. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Características da carcaça e da carne de bovinos sob diferentes dietas, em confinamento

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri

The characteristics of fermentation and aerobic stability were evaluated in corn silage inoculated with different doses of Lactobacillus buchneri. The whole corn plant (300 g/kg DM) was ensiled in quadruplicate laboratory silos (7L). L. buchneri 40788 was applied at 5×10(4), 1×10(5), 5×10(5) and 1×10(6) cfu/g of fresh forage. Silages with no additive were used as controls. After 130 d of ensiling, the silages were subjected to an aerobic stability evaluation for 12 days, in which chemical and microbiological parameters as well as the temperature of the silage were measured to determine the aerobic deterioration. The addition of L. buchneri resulted in increased acetic acid concentrations. The number of yeast colonies was low in all treated silages. The pH, lactic and propionic acid concentrations did not differ between silages. Under aerobic conditions, all the treated silages showed a low number of yeasts and a great aerobic stability. Therefore, L. buchneri is effective against yeasts and improves the aerobic stability of corn silage in laboratory silos. However, doses equal or superior to 1×10(5) cfu/g of fresh forage were more efficient in the control of aerobic spoilage.

Chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of elephant grass silage with biodiesel industry co-products

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of three concentrations (3, 6, and 9%) of forage turnip (Raphanus sativus) and physic nut (Jatropha curcas) cakes on dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen contents, in vitro dry matter digestibility, pH values and concentrations of N-NH3 in elephant grass silages. It was used an entirely randomized design in factorial arrangement [(2x3)+1]. Experimental PVC silos were used and ensiled material was kept for 62 days. The addition of cakes increased the dry matter contents (P<0.05). The fibrous fractions were reduced (P<0.05) with the inclusion of cakes during the grass ensilage and the CP contents increased (P<0.05). The forage turnip cake provided the same pH and N-NH3 values in ideal levels and the physic nut, added to 9%, increased those values (P<0.05). IVDMD was reduced (P<0.05) when the cakes were added. These co-products can be used in small amounts for elephant grass ensilage in order to provide improvement in chemical and fermentation characteristics of the silages. Nevertheless, physic nut cake shows limitations for its use in animal feeding due to the presence of toxic compounds, making necessary studies for their identification and elimination.

Composição química e perfil de ácidos graxos da carne de bovinos de diferentes condições sexuais recebendo silagem de milho e concentrado ou cana-de-açúcar e concentrado contendo grãos de girassol

O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar as características químicas e a composição em ácidos graxos do contrafilé (músculo Longissimus) de tourinhos, novilhos e novilhas da raça Canchim. Os animais foram terminados em confinamento com duas dietas experimentais, uma com silagem de milho e concentrado e outra com cana-de-açúcar e concentrado contendo grãos de girassol. Os teores de umidade, proteína e minerais no músculo não diferiram entre as dietas e as condições sexuais dos animais. A carne de novilhos terminados com a dieta com grãos de girassol apresentou maior teor de lipídios (3,31%) em comparação à dos animais de outras categorias. Os animais que receberam a dieta com grãos de girassol apresentaram maiores concentrações de ácido linoléico conjugado (18:2 cis9, trans-11) (0,73%) e ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (8,12%) no músculo, e também relações mais elevadas de ácidos graxos insaturados:saturados (0,93) e ácidos graxos poliinsaturados:saturados (0,16) em comparação àqueles que receberam a dieta convencional, à base de silagem de milho (0,34%; 6,31%; 0,86; e 0,11, respectivamente). A composição em ácidos graxos da carne de bovinos pode ser melhorada com a utilização de cana-de-açúcar e grãos de girassol na dieta dos animais terminados em confinamento.

Demanda energética nas operações mecanizadas na silagem de milho no sistema de silo bag

Foi avaliado o consumo energético das operações mecanizadas envolvidas na produção de silagem de planta inteira e silagem de grão úmido de milho, tendo como referência o processamento seco desse cereal. O ensaio foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental Lageado, pertencente à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, e nas instalações da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - UNESP, localizada no município de Botucatu - SP. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas no tempo (três épocas de colheita: silagem de planta inteira, silagem de grão úmido e colheita de grãos secos), com 10 repetições. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas por meio do programa ESTAT, pelo teste de média de Tukey, a 5% de probabilidade. A silagem de planta inteira teve o maior consumo de combustível por área. A secagem dos grãos de 15,5% para 13% foi responsável por 87% do gasto de energia por área. A silagem de grão úmido demandou o menor uso de energia por área nas operações mecanizadas.

Teores de nutrientes da folha bandeira e grãos de aveia-preta em função da adubação fosfatada e postássica

The black oat (Avena strigosa Schreber) has been commonly used as green manure, in crop rotation systems under no-tillage, fall-winter crop, and for cattle grazing, hay, and silage. The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutrient concentrations in the flag leaf and grains of black-oat affect by phosphate and potassium fertilization. The experiment was carried Out under field conditions on a Rhodic Nitosol, in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. Three doses of single superphosphate (0, 40 and 80 kg.ha(-1) of P(2)O(5)) and three of potassium chloride (0, 20 and 40 kg ha(-1) of K(2)O) were tested as a factorial (3 x 3), in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. The fertilizers were applied in the sowing row. Ammonium sulphate was supplied for all plots (20 kg ha(-1) of N applied at sowing and 30 kg.ha(-1) after tillering stage). The concentrations of Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in the flag leaf and the P and K concentrations in the grain were increased by phosphate fertilizer application. The potassic fertilization had no effect on the concentrations of nutrients in the flag leaf and grains of black-oat.

Effects of Etching on Zircon Grains and Its Implications for the Fission Track Method

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Silagem de grãos úmidos de milho em substituição ao milho seco da ração de frangos de corte criados em dois sistemas

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)