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Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The equine gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) is a relatively unexplored niche concerning the presence of natural microbiota. Studies have shown that disruption of the microbial population naturally present in the GIT leads to the onset of several forms of gastro-intestinal disorders. To maintain a balanced microbiota, probiotic bacteria need to be administered at specific levels. Beneficial microorganisms assist with digestion of the feed, absorption of nutrients from the GIT, strengthens the immune system and improves the animal‟s growth. Various combinations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been administered to horses, but have failed to benefit the host in any of the latter criteria. The screening for alternative strains with probiotic properties is thus necessary. Two strains (Lactobacillus equigenerosi Le1 and Lactobacillus reuteri Lr1) were originally isolated from horse faeces. Lactobacillus plantarum 423 and Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA, both bacteriocin-producing strains, were isolated from sorghum beer and soy beans, respectively. All four strains survived growth at acidic conditions (pH 3) and the presence of 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% (w/v) bile salts. L. reuteri Lr1 was the most resistant to these conditions. All strains adhered to buccal (cheek) epithelium cells sampled from horses. L. equigenerosi Le1 and E. mundtii ST4SA, however, invaded the cells, but without visible signs of disrupting the cells. None of the strains contained genes encoding adhesion to collagen (Ace), resistance to vancomycin A, B and C, or, production of aggregation substance (AS), cytolysin (Cyl) and, non-cytolysin (β hemolysin III), suggesting that they are non-virulent. Of all strains, L. equigenerosi Le1 competed the best with Clostridium sp. C6 for adherence to epithelial cells. L. equigenerosi Le1 and L. reuteri Lr1, showed the highest level of co-aggregation with Clostridium sp. C6. When the four strains were administered to horses over a period of 10 days, L. reuteri Lr1 was retained the longest (8 days) in the GIT. The numbers of viable cells of Clostridium spp. and Salmonella spp. remained constant during administration of the four strains. Blood analyses showed no negative effects from administering the strains. Total white blood cell counts remained unchanged. However, a small but tentative increase in neutrophil and eosinophil cell numbers has been recorded, suggesting that the LAB may have elicited a mild, transient, intolerance reaction. The glucose, lactate and urea levels decreased during administration with the four LAB strains. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die spysverteringstelsel (SVS) van die perd is 'n relatief onbekende nis wat die voorkoms van natuurlike mikrobiota betref. Studies het getoon dat versteuring van die natuurlike mikrobiese populasie in die SVS aanleiding kan gee tot die ontwikkeling van menige vorms van gastro-intestinale ongesteldhede. Om 'n gebalanseerde mikrobiota te verseker, moet probiotiese bakterieë teen 'n spesifieke vlak toegedien word. Voordelige mikroorganismes bevorder vertering en absorpsie van nutriënte vanaf die SVS, versterk die immuunsisteem en bevorder die groei van die dier. Verskeie kombinasies van melksuurbakterieë is reeds aan perde toegedien, maar sonder ooglopende voordele vir die dier. Die soeke na alternatiewe stamme met probiotiese eienskappe is dus noodsaaklik. Twee melksuurbakterieë (Lactobacillus equigenerosi Le1 en Lactobacillus reuteri Lr1) is oorspronklik uit perdemis geïsoleer. Lactobacillus plantarum 423 en Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA, beide bakteriosienproduserende stamme, is afsonderlik van sorghumbier en sojabone geïsoleer. Al vier spesies groei by lae pH (pH 3) en in die teenwoordigheid van 0.5%, 1.0% en 1.5% (m/v) galsoute. L. reuteri Lr1 is die mees bestand onder hierdie toestande. Al vier stamme het aan wang epiteelselle van perde geheg. L. equigenerosi Le1 en E. mundtii ST4SA het egter die epiteelselle binnegedring, maar sonder opsigtelike vernietiging van die selle. Nie een van die stamme besit gene wat kodeer vir aanhegting aan kollageen (Ace), bestandheid teen vankomisien A, B en C, of produksie van, sel-aggregasie (AS), sitolisien (Cyl) en nie-sitolisien (β-hemolisien III), wat daarop dui dat hulle nie-virulent is. Van al die stamme het L. equigenerosi Le1 die beste met Clostridium sp. C6 vir aanhegting aan epiteelselle gekompeteer. L. equigenerosi Le1 en L. reuteri Lr1, het die beste vlak van ko-aggregasie met Clostridium sp. C6 getoon. Met die toediening van 'n kombinasie van die vier stamme aan die perde oor 'n periode van 10 dae, het L. reuteri Lr1 die langste retensie (8 dae) in die SVS getoon. Die aantal lewende selle van Clostridium spp. en Salmonella spp. het konstant gebly tydens toediening van die vier stamme. Toediening van die vier stamme het geen negatiewe effek getoon met resultate verkry van bloed analises nie. Die totale witbloed seltellings het onveranderd gebly. 'n Klein, maar tentatiewe, toename in neutrofiel- en eosinofiel selgetalle is waargeneem, wat daarop dui dat die melksuurbakterieë 'n geringe allergiese reaksie teweeggebring het. Die glukose, laktaat en ureum vlakke het gedaal tydens die toediening van die vier melksuurbakterie stamme.

Thesis (MScAgric (Viticulture and Oenology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The quality of wine is influenced and determined by various factors, one of which includes the process of malolactic fermentation (MLF). MLF plays an integral role in the flavour and sensory profile of most red wines as well as some white wines like Chardonnay. This process is conducted by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), specifically of the genera Oenococcus, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Leuconostoc. Of these, Oenococcus oeni is best adapted to survive in the harsh wine environment. MLF is defined as the conversion of L-malic acid to L-lactic acid and carbon dioxide. The conversion of the dicarboxylic malic acid to the monocarboxylic lactic acid results in a decrease in acidity and an increase in pH, to give a softer mouthfeel and more favourable flavour profile. A further reason for conducting MLF in wine includes the improvement of microbial stability due to the removal of malic acid as a possible substrate for microorganisms. Recently, research focus has shifted to the ability of MLF and LAB to alter the aroma profile of wine via the production and/or modification of certain aroma compounds. In order for wine LAB to conduct MLF, they need to be able to survive the harsh and challenging wine environment. Conditions in South African wines are particularly challenging due to the long, hot ripening seasons resulting in high sugar concentrations which give high ethanol concentrations. Some LAB also struggle to adapt to an environment with high pH and low malic acid concentrations. These factors, combined with the use of sulphur dioxide, cause LAB to struggle in conducting and completing successful MLF. Many of the commercial starter cultures that are currently available contain LAB that have not been isolated from South African wine and are therefore not optimal for use under these challenging wine conditions. Oenococcus oeni is also the single LAB culture present in all commercially available starter cultures. The overriding goal of this study was to create a MLF starter culture containing a mixture of LAB cultures, namely O. oeni and Lactobacillus plantarum, which can successfully convert malic acid to lactic acid, ensure microbial stability, but also make a positive contribution to the wine aroma profile. Lactobacillus plantarum has previously been considered for possible use in a commercial starter culture. The LAB isolates used in this study were selected from the Institute for Wine Biotechnology culture collection as well as isolated from spontaneous MLF. The first objective was to characterise these LAB strains for important traits and for possible use as a MLF starter culture. A total of 23 strains were identified as O. oeni and 19 strains as Lb. plantarum. The identified strains were screened in a synthetic wine medium for their ability to convert malic acid to lactic acid. Based on the LAB strain performance in the synthetic wine medium, seven strains of both O. oeni and Lb. plantarum were selected. These 14 strains were screened for the presence of genes encoding for enzymes responsible for biogenic amine production and were found to contain none of the genes associated with the formation of histamine, tyramine or putrescine. The LAB strains were genetically screened for enzymes associated with aroma modification by LAB during MLF. The enzymes of interest that were screened for included β-glucosidase, esterase, protease and phenolic acid decarboxylase (PAD). The Lb. plantarum strains were found to possess more diverse enzymatic profiles related to aroma than O. oeni. The biggest differences were observed for the presence of β-glucosidase and PAD. The second objective was to perform small-scale fermentations with the individual LAB isolates. The individual isolates were evaluated in Pinotage and based on these results; three strains of each O. oeni and Lb. plantarum were selected for evaluation in mixed culture fermentations. The mixed cultures were evaluated in Pinotage, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in the 2008 vintage. As a third objective, the wines were also analytically and sensorially evaluated to investigate the changes in the aroma profile that could be attributed to the presence of the mixed LAB isolates. Based on the fermentation data as well as data pertaining to the aroma modification, three mixed cultures were selected for evaluation in the 2009 vintage in Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The mixed cultures were able to successfully complete MLF in fermentation periods comparable to that of a commercial culture used as control. The different LAB cultures had distinct and diverse effects on the wine aroma profile. The O. oeni strain played a larger role in the ester concentration present after MLF, while the Lb. plantarum strain had a larger effect on the higher alcohol and volatile fatty acid concentration upon completion of MLF. The results generated by this novel study clearly indicate the potential of a mixed LAB starter culture for conducting MLF. The mixed cultures successfully completed MLF and made a positive contribution to the wine aroma profile. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die kwaliteit van wyn word beïnvloed en bepaal deur verskeie faktore en wynbereidings prosesse, wat die proses van appelmelksuurgisting (AMG) insluit. AMG speel ’n integrale rol in die sensoriese profiel van meeste rooiwyne, sowel as sommige witwyne soos Chardonnay. AMG word gedefinieër as die omskakeling van L-appelsuur na L-melksuur en koolstofdioksied. Hierdie omskakeling kan toegeskryf word aan die teenwoordigheid van melksuurbakterieë (MSB), spesifiek spesies van die genera Oenococcus, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus en Leuconostoc. Vanuit hierdie wyn MSB, is Oenococcus oeni die spesies wat die beste aanpas en oorleef onder stresvolle wyn kondisies. Die omskakeling van appelsuur, ’n dikarboksielsuur, na melksuur, ’n monokarboksielsuur, lei tot ‘n vermindering in suurheid en ’n verhoging in pH. Hierdie vermindering in suurheid gee ’n sagter en meer geronde mondgevoel aan die wyn en dra by tot ‘n meer aangename geurprofiel. ’n Verdere rede vir AMG in wyn is om mikrobiese stabiliteit te verseker deurdat appelsuur verwyder word as ’n moontlike koolstof substraat vir mikroörganismes. Onlangs het navorsing begin fokus op AMG en die vermoë van MSB om die aroma profiel van wyn te beïnvloed deur die produksie/modifisering van sekere aroma komponente. Vir MSB om AMG te kan deurvoer, moet hulle kan oorleef in die stresvolle wynomgewing. Wyntoestande in Suid-Afrika is veral uitdagend vir die oorlewing van mikroörganismes as gevolg van lang, warm somers wat lei tot ’n matriks met ’n hoë suikerkonsentrasie en wyn met ’n hoë etanolkonsentrasie. ‘n Omgewing met ‘n hoë pH en lae appelsuur konsentrasie, kan ook bydrae tot stresvolle kondisies vir MSB. Hierdie parameters, tesame met die gebruik van swaweldioksied, maak dit moeilik vir MSB om AMG te inisieer en te voltooi. Sommige van die kommersiële aanvangskulture wat tans beskikbaar is, bevat nie MSB wat onder Suid-Afrikaanse wyntoestande geïsoleer is nie en daarom is dit nie altyd optimaal vir gebruik nie. Oenococcus oeni is ook die enkele MSB kultuur wat in alle kommersiële kulture gebruik word. Die hoofdoelwit van hierdie studie was om ’n potensiële kommersiële aanvangskultuur te ontwikkel wat ‘n mengsel van MSB bevat. Hierdie aanvangskultuur moet AMG suksesvol kan voltooi, mikrobiologiese stabiliteit bevorder en steeds die wynaroma positief kan beïnvloed. Bakterierasse van O. oeni en Lb. plantarum is geselekteer vir gebruik in hierdie studie. Lactobacillus plantarum het reeds in vorige studies potensiaal getoon as ‘n moontlike aanvangskultuur. Die MSB isolate vir hierdie studie is geselekteer uit die Instituut vir Wynbiotegnologie se kultuurversameling en geïsoleer uit spontane AMG fermentasies. Die eerste doelwit was om hierdie MSB isolate te karakteriseer vir belangrike eienskappe en die moontlike gebruik as ’n kommersiële AMG aanvangskultuur. ‘n Totaal van 23 O. oeni en 19 Lb. plantarum isolate is geïdentifiseer. Hierdie isolate is in ’n sintetiese wynmedium geëvalueer vir hul vermoë om appelsuur na melksuur om te skakel. Op grond van hul reaksie in die sintetiese wynmedium, is sewe isolate van elk van die O. oeni en Lb. plantarum geselekteer. Hierdie 14 isolate is ondersoek vir die teenwoordigheid van die gene wat kodeer vir biogeenamien produksie en daar is gevind dat geen van die isolate enige van die biogeenamien gene wat ondersoek is, naamlik histamien, tiramien en putresien besit nie. Die MSB isolate is geneties ondersoek vir die teenwoordigheid van dié gene wat kodeer vir ensieme wat die aromaprofiel tydens AMG beïnvloed. Dié ensieme sluit β-glukosidase, esterase, protease, fenoliese suurdekarboksilase en sitraatliase in. Daar is gevind dat die Lb. plantarum isolate meer diverse ensiemprofiele as O. oeni besit. Die grootste verskille in die ensiemprofiele kan toegeskryf word aan die teenwoordigheid van β-glukosidase en fenoliese suurdekarboksilase. Die tweede doelwit was om kleinskaalse AMG fermentasies met die individuele MSB isolate uit te voer. Die individuele isolate is in Pinotage geëvalueer. Volgens hierdie resultate is drie isolate van elk van die O. oeni en Lb. plantarum geselekteer om in gemengde kulture getoets te word. Die gemengde kulture is in Pinotage, Shiraz en Cabernet Sauvignon in 2008 geëvalueer. As ’n derde doelwit is hierdie wyne ook analities en sensories geëvalueer om die veranderinge in die aromaprofiele as gevolg van die teenwoordigheid van die MSB te ondersoek. Op grond van die fermentasiedata, sowel as die data oor die aromaveranderinge, is drie gemengde kulture geselekteer vir evaluering in Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon en Chardonnay in 2009. Die gemengde kulture kon AMG suksesvol voltooi met fermentasietempo’s wat vergelykbaar was met dié van ‘n kommersiële AMG kultuur wat as kontrole gebruik is. Die verskillende MSB kulture het spesifieke en uiteenlopende uitwerkings op die wynaroma gehad. Die O. oeni isolaat in die gemengde kultuur blyk ‘n belangriker rol te speel in die esterkonsentrasie na AMG, terwyl die Lb. plantarum isolaat ’n groter effek het op die hoër alkohol en vlugtige vetsuurinhoud na AMG. Die resultate wat deur hierdie unieke studie gegenereer is, gee ’n aanduiding van die potensiaal van ’n gemengde MSB aanvangskultuur vir AMG. Die gemengde kulture kon AMG suksesvol voltooi en ‘n positiewe bydrae tot die aromaprofiel van die wyn lewer.

O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar fatores associados à ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.), com destaque para a aplicação de aditivos químicos e microbianos, sobre a composição químico-bromatológica, perdas fermentativas, digestão de nutrientes e desempenho de bovinos de corte. No primeiro experimento, avaliaram-se variedades de cana-de-açúcar, idades de colheita, tempos de armazenamento das silagens e inclusão de uréia como aditivo na ensilagem, sobre composição das silagens, perdas e parâmetros fermentativos. O experimento foi realizado em esquema fatorial 3x2x2x2, usando-se silos experimentais para confecção das silagens. A composição de nutrientes das silagens foi afetada pelos fatores testados. Silagens da variedade IAC86-2480 apresentaram menor teor de fração fibrosa e de matéria seca, e maior digestibilidade in vitro em relação à variedade IAC87-3184. Plantas colhidas aos 15 meses proporcionaram perdas reduzidas de MS. A aplicação de uréia nas ensilagens foi efetiva em reduzir as perdas totais de MS, e não alterou os teores de etanol ou ácido acético, e elevou o teor médio de ácido lático das silagens. Em um segundo experimento foram avaliados os aditivos químicos uréia e benzoato de sódio, e os microbianos Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) e L. buchneri (LB) na ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar, bem como a cana-de-açúcar ensilada sem aditivos, em rações para bovinos providos de cânula, em ensaio de digestão. Os aditivos aplicados alteraram a composição e as recuperações de MS das silagens. O consumo de MS, digestibilidade aparente de nutrientes e comportamento ingestivo dos animais não foram alterados pelos tratamentos testados. Os parâmetros ruminais foram afetados de forma moderada pelos tratamentos experimentais, com concentrações molares médias dos ácidos acético, propiônico e butírico de 60,9; 19,3 e 10,2 mM, respectivamente. Os tratamentos com uréia, LB e benzoato de sódio elevaram moderadamente a degradabilidade efetiva da MS das silagens. Em uma terceira fase, avaliou-se a silagem de cana sem aditivos e silagens contendo doses de LB em rações para bovinos de corte em confinamento. Foram usados 56 tourinhos Nelore e Canchim, alimentados com rações contendo 45% de volumoso. A inoculação com LB alterou de forma moderada a composição das silagens. A silagem controle apresentou teor de etanol três vezes superior aos tratamentos inoculados (1,53 vs 0,45% da MS). A adição de ingredientes concentrados às silagens foi efetiva em melhorar substancialmente as variáveis de estabilidade aeróbia. Silagens aditivadas proporcionaram elevação na ingestão (23,0%) e no ganho de peso dos animais (12,7%), em relação às rações com silagem controle. O comportamento ingestivo dos animais experimentais foi afetado pelos tratamentos, sendo que rações contendo silagem controle necessitaram de maior tempo para ingestão, ruminação e mastigação, em relação aos tratamentos inoculados. A presença de aditivos na ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar foi efetiva em controlar perdas e preservar o valor nutritivo da forragem conservada. / The goal of this trial was to evaluate ensiling associated factors influencing sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.)silages, mainly the use of chemical and microbial additives on the chemical composition, fermentative losses, nutrient digestion and performance of beef cattle. On the first trial, sugar cane varieties were evaluated across harvesting forage ages, storage time and the addition of urea over the chemical composition, fermentative parameters and losses. A factorial 3x2x2x2 design was applied upon experimental silos. The nutrient composition of silages was affected by the studied factors. The silages from IAC86-2480 variety showed lower fiber and dry matter contents and higher in vitro digestibility contents than the silage made of IAC87-3184 variety. Plants that were cut at the age of 15 months led to lower DM losses. The urea addition on ensiling was effective on decreasing total DM losses and did not change the ethanol or acetic acid contents, however increased the mean lactic acid content of silages. On a second trial, the chemical additives, urea and Na-benzoate, were evaluated and the microbial inoculants Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and L. buchneri were also studied on sugar cane ensiling, compared to the control sugar cane silage, by using ruminally cannulated steers fed TMR rations in a digestion trial. The additives altered the composition and the DM recovery rate of the silages. Overall DM intake, apparent in vivo digestibilities and animal behavior were not affected by treatments. The ruminal parameters were slightly affected by treatments, which averaged molar concentrations of acetic, propionic and butyric acids of 60.9, 19.3 and 10.2 mM, respectively. The urea, LB and Na-benzoate treatments promoted moderate increase on DM effective degradabilities of silages. On the third trial, sugar cane silage without additives and LB added silages were studied on the feedlot beef cattle rations. Fifty six Nellore or Canchim beef bulls were assigned to treatments and fed with 45% forage rations. The LB silages had small changes on the chemical composition and the control silage showed a three times increased content of ethanol when compared to inoculated silages (1.53 vs 0.45% of DM). The concentrates added to silages were effective on improving the aerobic stability parameters. The rations containing LB added silages provided increase on the DM intake (23.0%) and daily weight gain of animals (12.7%), when compared to the control silage ration. The ingestive behavior of experimental bulls was affected by treatments, where control silage ration showed increased feeding, rumination and chewing time, when compared to the inoculated silages. The additives on sugar cane ensiling were effective to prevent losses and to preserve the nutritive value of ensiled forage.

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No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_EfeitoUsoDiferentes.pdf: 239802 bytes, checksum: 5b39de29c260f7db7fb4293678fffc0e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Na conservação de alimentos para animais, os inoculantes microbianos são empregados na busca da melhoria do padrão de fermentação de silagens, por meio do estímulo ao desenvolvimento populacional dos microrganismos benéficos deste processo conservativo, como acontece para as bactérias produtoras de ácido lático, em detrimento a inibição dos microrganismos indesejáveis, tais como leveduras e clostrídios. O estudo proposto avaliou o efeito do uso de diferentes inoculantes microbianos à fresco e liofilizados utilizando a cultura do sorgo [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], como matéria-prima para ensilagem, a fim de indicar a possibilidade do emprego de inoculantes microbianos desenvolvidos no nosso país. Foram realizados dois experimentos, em um mesmo silo, Experimento 1 (tratamentos com inoculantes liofilizados, na região superior do silo) e Experimento 2 (tratamentos com inoculantes à fresco, na região inferior do silo), com cinco tratamentos e três repetições por silo, sendo os tratamentos caracterizados como controle (sem inoculante), inoculante microbiano comercial (IC) e distintos inoculantes confeccionados à partir de bactérias láticas isoladas da planta de sorgo: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei e Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Quando da ensilagem, foram utilizados três silos experimentais de madeira, que foram abertos em distintos períodos, ou seja, 1, 3 e 28 dias após a ensilagem. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental em parcelas subdivididas no tempo, no qual os três períodos de abertura foram às parcelas e os cinco tratamentos as subparcelas, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. No experimento 1, os teores de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) sofreram efeito dos inoculantes microbianos no 3º e 28º dia de abertura dos silos, obtendo menores valores nos tratamentos IC e LPP (L. plantarum + L. paracasei. No experimento 2, os teores de FDN, apresentaram efeito no 28º dia de abertura do silo, demonstrando que os tratamentos IC e LPP diferiram entre si, sendo estatisticamente iguais aos demais. A combinação dos isolados microbianos liofilizados de L. plantarum e L. paracasei mostrou potencial para uso prático, pois foi tão efetivo quanto o tratamento IC. / In the conservation of animal feed, the microbial inoculants are used in pursuit of improving the standard fermentation of silages, by encouraging the population development of the beneficial microorganisms in this process conservative, as the bacteria that produce lactic acid, rather than using inhibition of undesirable microorganisms such as yeasts and clostridia. The proposed study evaluated the effect of using different microbial inoculants to using fresh and freeze-dried sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], as raw material for silage, to indicate the possibility of using microbial inoculants developed in the Brazil country. Were conducted two experiments in the same silo, Experiment 1 (treatment with freeze-dried inoculants in the upper region of the silo) and Experiment 2 (treatment with inoculants to cool in the lower silo), with five treatments and three replicates per silo the treatments being characterized as a control (without inoculum), commercial inoculant (IC) and the different inoculants made from lactic acid bacteria isolated from the sorghum plant: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. When silage were used three experimental silos of wood, which were opened at different periods, 1, 3 and 28 days after ensiling. We used the experimental design in split plot in time, in which the three periods were open on plots and subplots the five treatments in a completely randomized design. In experiment 1, the levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) had the effect of microbial inoculants on the 3rd and 28th day of opening the silos, getting lower values in treatments IC and LPP (L. plantarum + L. paracasei. In experiment 2, NDF, had an effect on the 28th day of opening of the silo, showing that the IC and LPP treatments differed significantly, being statistically equal to others. The combination of freeze-dried microbial isolates of L. plantarum and L. paracasei showed potential for practical use because it was so effective as treatment failure.

Probióticos são suplementos alimentares de microrganismos vivos com efeitos benéficos no hospedeiro animal pela melhora do balanço intestinal. Dentre os microrganismos considerados probióticos, somente aqueles microrganismos classificados como bactérias ácido lácticas (LAB) são considerados importantes em relação à alimentação. Cultivos de altas densidades de células são cada vez mais importantes do ponto de vista industrial para a obtenção de LABs, pois produtos adicionados com esses suplementos apresentam alto valor agregado. Este trabalho tem por objetivo a produção de Lactobacillus plantarum em cultivo submerso em biorreator, avaliação da sua resistência na forma livre e imobilizada frente às condições de armazenamento sob refrigeração e trânsito gastrointestinal e elaboração de produto fermentado com adição de probióticos. Inicialmente foram realizados experimentos para selecionar Lactobacillus que apresentassem alta produtividade de biomassa. Em seguida foram realizados experimentos para avaliar a utilização de soro de queijo como ingrediente base da formulação do meio de cultivo e sua suplementação com diferentes fontes de nitrogênio. Com o microrganismo selecionado, L. plantarum, realizou-se a seleção de variáveis através do delineamento experimental Plackett Burman (P-B). A otimização das condições de cultivo foi realizada utilizando um delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR). Paralelamente, foram testadas a sobrevivência de L. plantarum em armazenamento sob refrigeração e à exposição a meios que simulem a passagem pelo aparelho digestivo. Estas avaliações foram realizadas comparativamente entre os microrganismos na forma livre e na forma microencapsulada utilizando como polímeros alginato de sódio e pectina e recobrimentos com alginato de sódio e quitosana. Os resultados mostraram que a temperatura, pH, taxa de aeração, concentração de lactose e peptona foram os parâmetros que mais influenciaram a produção de biomassa. O DCCR para temperatura e taxa de aeração mostraram que o máximo de produção de biomassa predita foi de 14,30 g L-1 de L. plantarum, nas condições otimizadas. No ponto central do DCCR, atingiu-se a produção de biomassa de L. plantarum de 10,2 g L-1, como taxa de conversão de 0,10 g de células g-1 de lactose e 1,08 g de ácido láctico g-1 lactose (m/m) com as seguintes condições de cultivos: 140 g L-1 de lactose; 15 g L-1 peptona; 5 g L-1 extrato de levedura; pH 5,2; velocidade de agitação de 200 rpm; 34 ºC e 3,5 vvm. O meio intestinal simulado não interferiu na viabilidade dos microrganismos em relação ao meio controle. Já o meio gástrico simulado diminui drasticamente a viabilidade dos microrganismos nas condições testadas não havendo diferença significativa entre os diferentes materiais imobilizantes utilizados e o controle sem imobilização. No armazenamento sob refrigeração houve aumento da viabilidade em relação às células não imobilizadas, sendo que os tratamentos em que houve menor perda de viabilidade foram imobilização em 4 % de pectina, 3 % de alginato de sódio recoberto com quitosana e mistura de 2 % de alginato de sódio e 2 % de pectina. Quando testada a viabilidade em iogurte de L. plantarum imobilizados em 3 % de alginato recoberto com quitosana houve perda de viabilidade de 0,55 ciclo logarítmico durante 38 dias de armazenamento. A cepa de L. plantarum estudada se mostra como um microrganismos potencial para utilização como probiótico em alimentos, uma vez que demonstrou alta produtividade de células e boa viabilidade frente às condições de estresse utilizadas. / Probiotics are live microorganisms feed supplement, which beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Among the microorganisms considered probiotics, only those strains classified as latic acid bacteria - LAB are considered of importance regarding to the nutritional effects. High cell density cultivations of LABs are important from the industrial viewpoint, because products added with this supplement are of high value. The aims of this work were to investigate the biomass production of Lactobacillus plantarum in submerged bioreactor cultures, evaluate the resistance of free and immobilized L. plantarum when submitted to refrigerated storage, the viability in simulated gastrointestinal juices and in yoghurt. Initially, experiments were performed to select Lactobacillus that showed high productivity of biomass. Further experiments were performed to evaluate the use of cheese whey as a basic ingredient in the formulation of the medium and its supplementation with different nitrogen sources. The selected microorganism, L. plantarum, was used for the selection of variables of the Plackett Burman (PB) design. The optimization of culture conditions was performed using a central composite rotational (CCD) design. In parallel, it was tested the survival of L. plantarum in refrigerated storage and exposure to media that simulated the passage through the digestive tract. These evaluations were performed comparatively between microorganisms in the free and microencapsulated form using as polymers sodium alginate and pectin, coated with sodium alginate or chitosan. Results have shown that temperature, pH, aeration rate, lactose, and peptone were the most influential over biomass formation. The CCD for temperature and aeration rate showed that the model predicted maximal biomass production of 14.30 g L-1 (dw) of L. plantarum under the optimized conditions. At central point of CCD, it was obtained a biomass production of 10.2 g L-1 (dw), with conversion rates of 0.10 g of cell g-1 lactose and 1.08 g lactic acid g-1 lactose (w/w), with the following conditions: 140 g L-1 of lactose; 15 g L-1 peptone; 5 g L-1 of yeast extract; pH 5.2; stirred agitation of 200 rpm; 34 ºC and 3.5 vvm. The simulated intestinal medium did not affect the viability of microorganisms in relation to the control medium. However, the simulated gastric medium drastically reduces the viability of microorganisms in the conditions tested with no significant difference between the different materials used and the control without immobilization. In refrigerated storage there was an increase in the viability compared to free microorganisms, and the treatments with lower loss of viability were those of 4% pectin, 3% sodium alginate coated with chitosan and a mixture of 2% alginate sodium and 2% pectin. When tested the viability in yogurt of L. plantarum immobilized in 3% alginate coated with chitosan, the viability loss was 0.55 log cycle during 38 days of storage. The strain of L. plantarum studied was shown as a potential organism for use as probiotics in food, since it has shown high yield and good cell viability in the face of stress conditions used.

Probióticos são suplementos alimentares de microrganismos vivos com efeitos benéficos no hospedeiro animal pela melhora do balanço intestinal. Dentre os microrganismos considerados probióticos, somente aqueles microrganismos classificados como bactérias ácido lácticas (LAB) são considerados importantes em relação à alimentação. Cultivos de altas densidades de células são cada vez mais importantes do ponto de vista industrial para a obtenção de LABs, pois produtos adicionados com esses suplementos apresentam alto valor agregado. Este trabalho tem por objetivo a produção de Lactobacillus plantarum em cultivo submerso em biorreator, avaliação da sua resistência na forma livre e imobilizada frente às condições de armazenamento sob refrigeração e trânsito gastrointestinal e elaboração de produto fermentado com adição de probióticos. Inicialmente foram realizados experimentos para selecionar Lactobacillus que apresentassem alta produtividade de biomassa. Em seguida foram realizados experimentos para avaliar a utilização de soro de queijo como ingrediente base da formulação do meio de cultivo e sua suplementação com diferentes fontes de nitrogênio. Com o microrganismo selecionado, L. plantarum, realizou-se a seleção de variáveis através do delineamento experimental Plackett Burman (P-B). A otimização das condições de cultivo foi realizada utilizando um delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR). Paralelamente, foram testadas a sobrevivência de L. plantarum em armazenamento sob refrigeração e à exposição a meios que simulem a passagem pelo aparelho digestivo. Estas avaliações foram realizadas comparativamente entre os microrganismos na forma livre e na forma microencapsulada utilizando como polímeros alginato de sódio e pectina e recobrimentos com alginato de sódio e quitosana. Os resultados mostraram que a temperatura, pH, taxa de aeração, concentração de lactose e peptona foram os parâmetros que mais influenciaram a produção de biomassa. O DCCR para temperatura e taxa de aeração mostraram que o máximo de produção de biomassa predita foi de 14,30 g L-1 de L. plantarum, nas condições otimizadas. No ponto central do DCCR, atingiu-se a produção de biomassa de L. plantarum de 10,2 g L-1, como taxa de conversão de 0,10 g de células g-1 de lactose e 1,08 g de ácido láctico g-1 lactose (m/m) com as seguintes condições de cultivos: 140 g L-1 de lactose; 15 g L-1 peptona; 5 g L-1 extrato de levedura; pH 5,2; velocidade de agitação de 200 rpm; 34 ºC e 3,5 vvm. O meio intestinal simulado não interferiu na viabilidade dos microrganismos em relação ao meio controle. Já o meio gástrico simulado diminui drasticamente a viabilidade dos microrganismos nas condições testadas não havendo diferença significativa entre os diferentes materiais imobilizantes utilizados e o controle sem imobilização. No armazenamento sob refrigeração houve aumento da viabilidade em relação às células não imobilizadas, sendo que os tratamentos em que houve menor perda de viabilidade foram imobilização em 4 % de pectina, 3 % de alginato de sódio recoberto com quitosana e mistura de 2 % de alginato de sódio e 2 % de pectina. Quando testada a viabilidade em iogurte de L. plantarum imobilizados em 3 % de alginato recoberto com quitosana houve perda de viabilidade de 0,55 ciclo logarítmico durante 38 dias de armazenamento. A cepa de L. plantarum estudada se mostra como um microrganismos potencial para utilização como probiótico em alimentos, uma vez que demonstrou alta produtividade de células e boa viabilidade frente às condições de estresse utilizadas. / Probiotics are live microorganisms feed supplement, which beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Among the microorganisms considered probiotics, only those strains classified as latic acid bacteria - LAB are considered of importance regarding to the nutritional effects. High cell density cultivations of LABs are important from the industrial viewpoint, because products added with this supplement are of high value. The aims of this work were to investigate the biomass production of Lactobacillus plantarum in submerged bioreactor cultures, evaluate the resistance of free and immobilized L. plantarum when submitted to refrigerated storage, the viability in simulated gastrointestinal juices and in yoghurt. Initially, experiments were performed to select Lactobacillus that showed high productivity of biomass. Further experiments were performed to evaluate the use of cheese whey as a basic ingredient in the formulation of the medium and its supplementation with different nitrogen sources. The selected microorganism, L. plantarum, was used for the selection of variables of the Plackett Burman (PB) design. The optimization of culture conditions was performed using a central composite rotational (CCD) design. In parallel, it was tested the survival of L. plantarum in refrigerated storage and exposure to media that simulated the passage through the digestive tract. These evaluations were performed comparatively between microorganisms in the free and microencapsulated form using as polymers sodium alginate and pectin, coated with sodium alginate or chitosan. Results have shown that temperature, pH, aeration rate, lactose, and peptone were the most influential over biomass formation. The CCD for temperature and aeration rate showed that the model predicted maximal biomass production of 14.30 g L-1 (dw) of L. plantarum under the optimized conditions. At central point of CCD, it was obtained a biomass production of 10.2 g L-1 (dw), with conversion rates of 0.10 g of cell g-1 lactose and 1.08 g lactic acid g-1 lactose (w/w), with the following conditions: 140 g L-1 of lactose; 15 g L-1 peptone; 5 g L-1 of yeast extract; pH 5.2; stirred agitation of 200 rpm; 34 ºC and 3.5 vvm. The simulated intestinal medium did not affect the viability of microorganisms in relation to the control medium. However, the simulated gastric medium drastically reduces the viability of microorganisms in the conditions tested with no significant difference between the different materials used and the control without immobilization. In refrigerated storage there was an increase in the viability compared to free microorganisms, and the treatments with lower loss of viability were those of 4% pectin, 3% sodium alginate coated with chitosan and a mixture of 2% alginate sodium and 2% pectin. When tested the viability in yogurt of L. plantarum immobilized in 3% alginate coated with chitosan, the viability loss was 0.55 log cycle during 38 days of storage. The strain of L. plantarum studied was shown as a potential organism for use as probiotics in food, since it has shown high yield and good cell viability in the face of stress conditions used.

Probióticos são suplementos alimentares de microrganismos vivos com efeitos benéficos no hospedeiro animal pela melhora do balanço intestinal. Dentre os microrganismos considerados probióticos, somente aqueles microrganismos classificados como bactérias ácido lácticas (LAB) são considerados importantes em relação à alimentação. Cultivos de altas densidades de células são cada vez mais importantes do ponto de vista industrial para a obtenção de LABs, pois produtos adicionados com esses suplementos apresentam alto valor agregado. Este trabalho tem por objetivo a produção de Lactobacillus plantarum em cultivo submerso em biorreator, avaliação da sua resistência na forma livre e imobilizada frente às condições de armazenamento sob refrigeração e trânsito gastrointestinal e elaboração de produto fermentado com adição de probióticos. Inicialmente foram realizados experimentos para selecionar Lactobacillus que apresentassem alta produtividade de biomassa. Em seguida foram realizados experimentos para avaliar a utilização de soro de queijo como ingrediente base da formulação do meio de cultivo e sua suplementação com diferentes fontes de nitrogênio. Com o microrganismo selecionado, L. plantarum, realizou-se a seleção de variáveis através do delineamento experimental Plackett Burman (P-B). A otimização das condições de cultivo foi realizada utilizando um delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR). Paralelamente, foram testadas a sobrevivência de L. plantarum em armazenamento sob refrigeração e à exposição a meios que simulem a passagem pelo aparelho digestivo. Estas avaliações foram realizadas comparativamente entre os microrganismos na forma livre e na forma microencapsulada utilizando como polímeros alginato de sódio e pectina e recobrimentos com alginato de sódio e quitosana. Os resultados mostraram que a temperatura, pH, taxa de aeração, concentração de lactose e peptona foram os parâmetros que mais influenciaram a produção de biomassa. O DCCR para temperatura e taxa de aeração mostraram que o máximo de produção de biomassa predita foi de 14,30 g L-1 de L. plantarum, nas condições otimizadas. No ponto central do DCCR, atingiu-se a produção de biomassa de L. plantarum de 10,2 g L-1, como taxa de conversão de 0,10 g de células g-1 de lactose e 1,08 g de ácido láctico g-1 lactose (m/m) com as seguintes condições de cultivos: 140 g L-1 de lactose; 15 g L-1 peptona; 5 g L-1 extrato de levedura; pH 5,2; velocidade de agitação de 200 rpm; 34 ºC e 3,5 vvm. O meio intestinal simulado não interferiu na viabilidade dos microrganismos em relação ao meio controle. Já o meio gástrico simulado diminui drasticamente a viabilidade dos microrganismos nas condições testadas não havendo diferença significativa entre os diferentes materiais imobilizantes utilizados e o controle sem imobilização. No armazenamento sob refrigeração houve aumento da viabilidade em relação às células não imobilizadas, sendo que os tratamentos em que houve menor perda de viabilidade foram imobilização em 4 % de pectina, 3 % de alginato de sódio recoberto com quitosana e mistura de 2 % de alginato de sódio e 2 % de pectina. Quando testada a viabilidade em iogurte de L. plantarum imobilizados em 3 % de alginato recoberto com quitosana houve perda de viabilidade de 0,55 ciclo logarítmico durante 38 dias de armazenamento. A cepa de L. plantarum estudada se mostra como um microrganismos potencial para utilização como probiótico em alimentos, uma vez que demonstrou alta produtividade de células e boa viabilidade frente às condições de estresse utilizadas. / Probiotics are live microorganisms feed supplement, which beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Among the microorganisms considered probiotics, only those strains classified as latic acid bacteria - LAB are considered of importance regarding to the nutritional effects. High cell density cultivations of LABs are important from the industrial viewpoint, because products added with this supplement are of high value. The aims of this work were to investigate the biomass production of Lactobacillus plantarum in submerged bioreactor cultures, evaluate the resistance of free and immobilized L. plantarum when submitted to refrigerated storage, the viability in simulated gastrointestinal juices and in yoghurt. Initially, experiments were performed to select Lactobacillus that showed high productivity of biomass. Further experiments were performed to evaluate the use of cheese whey as a basic ingredient in the formulation of the medium and its supplementation with different nitrogen sources. The selected microorganism, L. plantarum, was used for the selection of variables of the Plackett Burman (PB) design. The optimization of culture conditions was performed using a central composite rotational (CCD) design. In parallel, it was tested the survival of L. plantarum in refrigerated storage and exposure to media that simulated the passage through the digestive tract. These evaluations were performed comparatively between microorganisms in the free and microencapsulated form using as polymers sodium alginate and pectin, coated with sodium alginate or chitosan. Results have shown that temperature, pH, aeration rate, lactose, and peptone were the most influential over biomass formation. The CCD for temperature and aeration rate showed that the model predicted maximal biomass production of 14.30 g L-1 (dw) of L. plantarum under the optimized conditions. At central point of CCD, it was obtained a biomass production of 10.2 g L-1 (dw), with conversion rates of 0.10 g of cell g-1 lactose and 1.08 g lactic acid g-1 lactose (w/w), with the following conditions: 140 g L-1 of lactose; 15 g L-1 peptone; 5 g L-1 of yeast extract; pH 5.2; stirred agitation of 200 rpm; 34 ºC and 3.5 vvm. The simulated intestinal medium did not affect the viability of microorganisms in relation to the control medium. However, the simulated gastric medium drastically reduces the viability of microorganisms in the conditions tested with no significant difference between the different materials used and the control without immobilization. In refrigerated storage there was an increase in the viability compared to free microorganisms, and the treatments with lower loss of viability were those of 4% pectin, 3% sodium alginate coated with chitosan and a mixture of 2% alginate sodium and 2% pectin. When tested the viability in yogurt of L. plantarum immobilized in 3% alginate coated with chitosan, the viability loss was 0.55 log cycle during 38 days of storage. The strain of L. plantarum studied was shown as a potential organism for use as probiotics in food, since it has shown high yield and good cell viability in the face of stress conditions used.

O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar fatores associados à ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.), com destaque para a aplicação de aditivos químicos e microbianos, sobre a composição químico-bromatológica, perdas fermentativas, digestão de nutrientes e desempenho de bovinos de corte. No primeiro experimento, avaliaram-se variedades de cana-de-açúcar, idades de colheita, tempos de armazenamento das silagens e inclusão de uréia como aditivo na ensilagem, sobre composição das silagens, perdas e parâmetros fermentativos. O experimento foi realizado em esquema fatorial 3x2x2x2, usando-se silos experimentais para confecção das silagens. A composição de nutrientes das silagens foi afetada pelos fatores testados. Silagens da variedade IAC86-2480 apresentaram menor teor de fração fibrosa e de matéria seca, e maior digestibilidade in vitro em relação à variedade IAC87-3184. Plantas colhidas aos 15 meses proporcionaram perdas reduzidas de MS. A aplicação de uréia nas ensilagens foi efetiva em reduzir as perdas totais de MS, e não alterou os teores de etanol ou ácido acético, e elevou o teor médio de ácido lático das silagens. Em um segundo experimento foram avaliados os aditivos químicos uréia e benzoato de sódio, e os microbianos Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) e L. buchneri (LB) na ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar, bem como a cana-de-açúcar ensilada sem aditivos, em rações para bovinos providos de cânula, em ensaio de digestão. Os aditivos aplicados alteraram a composição e as recuperações de MS das silagens. O consumo de MS, digestibilidade aparente de nutrientes e comportamento ingestivo dos animais não foram alterados pelos tratamentos testados. Os parâmetros ruminais foram afetados de forma moderada pelos tratamentos experimentais, com concentrações molares médias dos ácidos acético, propiônico e butírico de 60,9; 19,3 e 10,2 mM, respectivamente. Os tratamentos com uréia, LB e benzoato de sódio elevaram moderadamente a degradabilidade efetiva da MS das silagens. Em uma terceira fase, avaliou-se a silagem de cana sem aditivos e silagens contendo doses de LB em rações para bovinos de corte em confinamento. Foram usados 56 tourinhos Nelore e Canchim, alimentados com rações contendo 45% de volumoso. A inoculação com LB alterou de forma moderada a composição das silagens. A silagem controle apresentou teor de etanol três vezes superior aos tratamentos inoculados (1,53 vs 0,45% da MS). A adição de ingredientes concentrados às silagens foi efetiva em melhorar substancialmente as variáveis de estabilidade aeróbia. Silagens aditivadas proporcionaram elevação na ingestão (23,0%) e no ganho de peso dos animais (12,7%), em relação às rações com silagem controle. O comportamento ingestivo dos animais experimentais foi afetado pelos tratamentos, sendo que rações contendo silagem controle necessitaram de maior tempo para ingestão, ruminação e mastigação, em relação aos tratamentos inoculados. A presença de aditivos na ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar foi efetiva em controlar perdas e preservar o valor nutritivo da forragem conservada. / The goal of this trial was to evaluate ensiling associated factors influencing sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.)silages, mainly the use of chemical and microbial additives on the chemical composition, fermentative losses, nutrient digestion and performance of beef cattle. On the first trial, sugar cane varieties were evaluated across harvesting forage ages, storage time and the addition of urea over the chemical composition, fermentative parameters and losses. A factorial 3x2x2x2 design was applied upon experimental silos. The nutrient composition of silages was affected by the studied factors. The silages from IAC86-2480 variety showed lower fiber and dry matter contents and higher in vitro digestibility contents than the silage made of IAC87-3184 variety. Plants that were cut at the age of 15 months led to lower DM losses. The urea addition on ensiling was effective on decreasing total DM losses and did not change the ethanol or acetic acid contents, however increased the mean lactic acid content of silages. On a second trial, the chemical additives, urea and Na-benzoate, were evaluated and the microbial inoculants Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and L. buchneri were also studied on sugar cane ensiling, compared to the control sugar cane silage, by using ruminally cannulated steers fed TMR rations in a digestion trial. The additives altered the composition and the DM recovery rate of the silages. Overall DM intake, apparent in vivo digestibilities and animal behavior were not affected by treatments. The ruminal parameters were slightly affected by treatments, which averaged molar concentrations of acetic, propionic and butyric acids of 60.9, 19.3 and 10.2 mM, respectively. The urea, LB and Na-benzoate treatments promoted moderate increase on DM effective degradabilities of silages. On the third trial, sugar cane silage without additives and LB added silages were studied on the feedlot beef cattle rations. Fifty six Nellore or Canchim beef bulls were assigned to treatments and fed with 45% forage rations. The LB silages had small changes on the chemical composition and the control silage showed a three times increased content of ethanol when compared to inoculated silages (1.53 vs 0.45% of DM). The concentrates added to silages were effective on improving the aerobic stability parameters. The rations containing LB added silages provided increase on the DM intake (23.0%) and daily weight gain of animals (12.7%), when compared to the control silage ration. The ingestive behavior of experimental bulls was affected by treatments, where control silage ration showed increased feeding, rumination and chewing time, when compared to the inoculated silages. The additives on sugar cane ensiling were effective to prevent losses and to preserve the nutritive value of ensiled forage.

Growing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with fruits and vegetables and demand for easy to prepare products has prompted the development of a wide variety of minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Minimally processed fruits and vegetables are often peeled, cut, or diced which compromise the produces’ natural protective barriers, exposing a nutrient rich medium and providing an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms, including foodborne pathogens. The germination conditions of sprout vegetables consisting of relatively high temperatures and humidity, low light and abundance of nutrients are also conducive to the proliferation of foodborne pathogens. Recent outbreaks and recalls indicate additional measures are needed to improve food safety and maintain the integrity of the food industry. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) against E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. on apple slices and alfalfa sprouts and it’s influence on product quality. Apple slices inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. (each at 104 CFU/g) were treated with Lb. plantarum alone and in combination with Pediococcus acidophilus and P. pentosaceus (LPP) (107 CFU/g) while alfalfa seeds were inoculated with L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. (each at 101 CFU/g and 103 CFU/g) and treated with LPP (107 CFU/g). The growth of the microorganisms on the apple slices was assessed during five and seven days of storage at 4◦C and 20◦C, respectively. Growth on alfalfa seeds was reported during five days of sprouting at 20◦C. Populations of LAB were maintained between 7.0 log CFU/g and 8.0 log CFU/g throughout storage and sprouting on the sliced apples and alfalfa seeds, respectively. Although LAB had no significant effect on pathogen populations on apple slices during storage at 4°C (p > 0.05), populations were significantly different at 20°C (p < 0.05). Populations of L. monocytogenes in the presence of Lb. plantarum and LPP were 1.84 log CFU/g and 2.84 log CFU/g less than the controls after five days of storage at 20°C (p < 0.05). Populations of E. coli O157:H7 in the presence of Lb. plantarum and LPP were 1.83 log CFU/g and 1.86 log CFU/g less than the control after one and three days of storage, respectively. Finally, populations of Salmonella spp. were 0.86 log CFU/g less than populations in the absence of LPP after three days of storage. LPP had a significant effect on the growth of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. on alfalfa seeds (p < 0.05). After five days of sprouting, populations of L. monocytogenes at an initial concentration of 101 CFU/g and 103 CFU/g on seeds treated with LPP were approximately 4.5 log CFU/g and 1.0 log CFU/g less than the untreated seeds, respectively. Populations of Salmonella spp. at an initial concentration of 101 CFU/g and 103 CFU/g were 1.0 log CFU/g less than the control. Overall, on apple slices the combination of Lb. plantarum with P. acidophilum and P. pentosaceus demonstrated greater efficacy than Lb. plantarum alone and reduction of L. monocytogenes by Lb. plantarum and LPP was greater than Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157:H7 on apple slices and alfalfa seeds, alike. LAB had a minimal effect on the quality of the apple slices and alfalfa seeds. LAB could be an effective strategy in reducing pathogen populations at abusive temperatures and germination conditions without influencing the quality of minimally processed fruit and vegetables.