Mycotoxins represent a risk to the feed supply chain with an impact on economies and international trade. A high percentage of feed samples have been reported to be contaminated with more than one mycotoxin. In most cases, the concentrations were low enough to ensure compliance with the European Union (EU) guidance values or maximum admitted levels. However, mycotoxin co-contamination might still exert adverse effects on animals due to additive/synergistic interactions. Studies on the fate of mycotoxins during cereal processing, such as milling, production of ethanol fuels, and beer brewing, have shown that mycotoxins are concentrated into fractions that are commonly used as animal feed. Published data show a high variability in mycotoxin repartitioning, mainly due to the type of mycotoxins, the level and extent of fungal contamination, and a failure to understand the complexity of food processing technologies. Precise knowledge of mycotoxin repartitioning during technological processes is critical and may provide a sound technical basis for feed managers to conform to legislation requirements and reduce the risk of severe adverse market and trade repercussions. Regular, economical and straightforward feed testing is critical to reach a quick and accurate diagnosis of feed quality. The use of rapid methods represents a future challenge.

The increasing global need to find alternative protein/energy sources has triggered research in the field of non-conventional feed ingredients, with insects and former foodstuffs being the most promising. Insects contain high level of protein and fat, whereas former foodstuffs contain high energy in the form of carbohydrates and fats; therefore, both should be considered as promising alternative feed ingredients for livestock production. In addition to the nutritional value, they also represent a way by which food waste biomasses/streams can be upgraded to valuable feed ingredients. This review outlines the main nutritional and safety issues of insects and former foodstuffs, and also considers the legal framework involved. The importance of the type of insect metamorphosis and tailored substrates that could lead to the production of a premium feed is also described. This is also the first time that a review discusses the nutritional quality of former foodstuffs. Energy and the main nutrient content of former foodstuff are compared with the composition of common cereals as the principal energy sources in animal feed. For both ingredients a critical review of the safety issues is provided. Based on the current data available, both insects and former foodstuffs have an excellent potential use as alternative feed ingredients for livestock production. When produced in line with the criteria set by major feed/food authorities, they are characterized by high quality and safety standards. This makes them comparable to other feed materials and ingredients currently available on the market, although their full nutritional, functional, safety and sustainability evaluation cannot be considered complete.

Agri-food waste (AFW) and by-products represent sources of phytochemicals, such as phenols and antioxidant compounds that can be used as functional ingredients in animal feed. In this study, a selection of AFW and by-products were collected and analysed for their nutrient composition. After chemical (with methanol) and physiological (in vitro digestion) extraction, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (AOC) were determined in AFW and by-product samples using Folin–Ciocalteu and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonic acid)-ABTS methods, respectively. Sample digestibility was also assessed using a multi-step enzymatic technique. After chemical extraction, grape marc showed the highest total phenolic content (4480.5 ± 886.58 mg TAE/100g; p < .05). Fruit and vegetable waste (FVW), orange peel, strawberry, citrus pulp and Camelina sativa cake showed a total phenolic content ranging from 238.0 ± 4.24 to 1583.0 ± 154.35 mg TAE/100g. Grape marc also showed the highest AOC (15440.7 ± 2671.85 mg TE/100g). In all other samples, AOC ranged from 43.3 ± 3.17 to 1703.9 ± 391.07 mg TE/100g. After physiological extraction, total phenolic content values higher than 3000 mg TAE/100g were observed in FVW, grape marc and orange peel. Grape marc, C. sativa cake and orange peel had AOC values of over 5000 mg TE/100g. The digestibility of AFW and by-products ranged from 44.20 to 97.16%. The lowest digestibility value was observed in grape marc (44.2 ± 2.31%). In conclusion, the results obtained in this study indicate that AFW and by-products could be a source of bioaccessible phenols and antioxidant molecules as ingredients for monogastric compound feeds.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the greatest cause of death globally, and their reduction is a key public-health target. High blood pre

Red meat has been an important part of the diet throughout human evolution. Overall, when included as part of a healthy and varied diet, red meat can provide a rich source of bioavailable essential nutrients and high biological value protein. The present paper discusses the dietary role/impact of red and processed meat, with some reference to the relative effect of white meat, in a range of chronic conditions including iron-deficiency anaemia, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer and dementia. The role of red meat in relation to key physiological conditions such as maintaining skeletal muscle and bone health and during pregnancy is also discussed. The inclusion of lean red meat in a healthy, varied diet may be beneficial during these critical conditions. There is however increasing evidence that red meat and especially processed meat are associated with increased risks of CVD, cancer and dementia whereas white meat is neutral or associated with a lower risk. There now seems little doubt that processed and unprocessed meat should have separate public dietary guidance.

Natural extracts are frequently adopted as a valuable alternative to antibiotics in intensive animal farming. Their diverse bioactive constituents such as phytosterols, glucosinolates, carotenoids and polyphenols have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Tannins are the largest class of polyphenol compounds of plant extracts, which can be classified into two hydrolysable or condensed subgroups. Poultry and swine nutrition are the most important sectors in which tannins have been used, firstly adopting tannin-rich feedstuffs and more recently, using tannin extracts from different plants. Several commercial products are available containing tannins extracted from the European chestnut tree (Castanea sativa Mill.) and the American quebracho (Schinopsis spp.). Tannins extracted from these plants have been applied on intensive swine farms due to their ability to improve animal performance and health. These positive and prominent effects are frequently associated with the antinutritional effects in reducing feed palatability, digestibility and protein utilization of feed. Some criticisms and contrasting results regarding pig performance and intestinal health have been reported. This paper provides an overview of the effects of chestnut and quebracho tannins on growth performance and intestinal health of pigs in order to clarify the appropriate dosage and response in the various physiological stages.