This paper shows the results of analysis of chemical composition, water binding capacity, pH and microstructure of maral meat, goat meat, lamb, and turkey meat. From the analysis, the high content of protein and ash is observed in turkey meat, fat prevails in lamb, and less amount in maral meat and goat meat. pH value lies between 5.7 (turkey white meat) and 6.4 (goat meat). Low value of water binding capacity is detected in turkey meat (58.2% in red meat, 59.2% in white meat) and high value – in maral meat 79.57%. The morphology and microstructure of meat have some differences in position and diameter of muscle fibers. Micrographic investigation shows that the largest diameter of muscle fibers was observed in turkey white meat (46.58 µm) and the smallest – in muscle tissue of lamb (29.92 µm). Obtained results will be useful for further processing and developing meat products.

The aim of this article is to review literature data on the terminology, classification and physiological effects of dietary fibers. Results. The scientific studies on the terminology, classification and characteristics of various types of dietary fiber are presented, the sources of dietary fiber and their positive physiological effects are described. Nowadays no consensus definition has been given to the concept of dietary fibers. The authors point to dietary fibers being related to chemical compounds defined by structure, or functional properties, and/or a combination of both structural and functional properties. The authors noted one commonality in these definitions: each mentioned positive physiological effects. The modern classification system for dietary fibers is wide and diverse and can be based on origin, structure of polymers, solubility, ion exchange, sorption or physiological effect. Many studies have shown that dietary fibers can promote human health and help prevent specific chronic diseases that increase mortality and reduce life expectancy. Numerous healthful effects of the dietary fibers have been documented. These include curative and preventive effects for diseases such as obesity, certain types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and constipation. Conclusion. Fibers are considered before other nutrients to ensure a healthy nutrition. Research continues to contribute new data on the effect of dietary fiber on the human body.

In this paper, a new technology for meatball production is presented. The ingredients in the formulation used are low value parts of poultry meat (neck and back part), rice, sea cabbage (Laminaria) and carrot. Three variants of meatball were prepared with different weight ratios of Laminaria: variant 1 – 15%, variant 2 – 10% and variant 3 – 5%. The comparative quality and organoleptic indicators of meatballs are studied. As a result, when compared with the control meatballs, the developed meatballs have soft consistency, a pleasant flavor, better sensory characteristics and balanced composition. The highest level of protein was obtained in variant 2 (19.7%) while the lowest one was determined in the control sample (10.1%). Variant 2 meatball also showed an increased level of mineral elements – 3.11%, compared with variant 1 (2.6%) and variant 3 (1.6%). The moisture content of the developed meatballs varied from 67.1% to 69.3% and these values are much higher than in the control sample (61.64%). Also, the developed meatballs show a higher content of fat compared with the control sample. Different proportions of Laminaria in meatball formulations caused significant changes in content of I, Mg, K and Na. The concentrations of these elements were reduced when the Laminaria weight ratio in meatballs was lowered. Using Laminaria demonstrated a positive effect to the food quality of meatball.

Alginate is widely used in the food industry due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. Protein hydrolysates possess properties important for forming the mechanical characteristics, protective, and barrier properties of the films. The aim of the research was to develop biodegradable alginate-based films with bioactive properties and the optimal structural characteristics when protein hydrolysates were incorporated. The microstructure of the cross-sections of films with 0.5 and 1.0% protein hydrolysates was characterized by smoother and homogeneous surfaces, which indicated the compatibility of sodium alginate and protein hydrolysate. The addition of protein hydrolysate significantly increased the thickness of the film by 0.06 mm and reduced the solubility by 49.4% (p < 0.05). The results showed the high biodegradability of alginate-based films after 2 weeks of storage. With the introduction of protein hydrolysate, changes occurred in the FTIR patterns due to the interaction between the hydroxyl groups of peptides and the alginate, and, consequently, the thermal stability of the alginate films increased. The alginate films with PH positively affected the storage capacity of sweet cherry berries, both at room temperature and under refrigeration conditions. The alginate-based films with protein hydrolysate have improved properties and can serve as an alternative to polypropylene packaging materials.

Fermentation is an economical method for obtaining protein hydrolysates. The purpose of the scientific research was to perform a comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical, technological, and functional properties of protein hydrolysates obtained by microbial fermentation. The research results showed that hydrolysates fermented with propionic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria have better physicochemical and technological indicators compared to the control sample. Significant increases in water-holding and fat-holding capacities (by 1.8–2.1 times and 1.5–2.5 times, respectively), as well as fat-emulsifying ability (by 12.8–29.8%) in experimental samples were found. Hydrolysates obtained by fermentation effectively inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The thermal analysis showed a sufficiently high-thermal stability of the obtained protein hydrolysates. In hydrolysates fermented by bacterial culture, the removal of physico-mechanical and osmotically bound moisture occurred at temperatures of 110 °C and 115 °C, respectively, and in whey protein hydrolysate at a temperature of 100 °C. The release of chemically bound moisture was observed at a temperature of 170 °C for fermented hydrolysates and at 155 °C for the control sample. The results proved that fermented protein products are characterized by high functional properties, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and can be used as natural food additives and preservatives.

In this study, the mineral composition of a pate made with red deer meat (maral meat), beans and a protein enriching additive was determined. To do so, three formulations of the pate (with different meat, additive and bean ratios) were produced. For each formulation, the content of mineral elements was then determined using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). Increased level of minerals, such as K, P, Na, Ca and Mg were obtained in formulations where the additive and the beans were added. The addition of beans significantly increased Ca and P content. The mineral content of the overall better balanced formulation of the maral meat pate was compared to that of other pates.