Protein content of the Great Northern beans was 26.10 percent on a dry weight basis. The apparent isoelectric pH of the NaCl extractable proteins was about 4.4. Among the several solubilizing agents, Na2CO3, K2S04, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and NaOH at the respective concentrations of 0.5, 5.0, 5.0 (all w/v), and 0.02 N were the best protein solubilizing agents, solubilizing 93.6 grams Lowry protein per 100 grams Kjeldahl protein. AIbumins and globulins accounted for 21.18 and 73.40 percent, respectively, of the total bean proteins. The bean proteins were fractionated and protein concentrates and protein isolates were prepared. The bean flour proteins, albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates (heretofore referred to as fractions) were studied electrophoretically. Several functional properties of the fractions were investigated. Protein concentrates had the highest water and oil absorption capacity (5.93 and 4.12 g/g, respectively) and emulsion capacity (72.6 g oil emulsified/g). Albumins registered the highest emulsion stability (780 hours at 21 °C). Foaming performance of the Great Northern bean proteins was fair and concentration dependent. Sorption isotherms studies indicated that the bean flour had higher equilibrium moisture content at corresponding temperature and equilibrium relative humidity than other fractions. Buffer capacity of the bean proteins over a pH range of 4-8 was modest. Modification (succinylation and oxidation) improved the water and oil absorption capacity of the bean proteins. Globulins registered the highest stickiness (92 N) among all the fractions. Alkali solubilization of the bean proteins resulted in significant reduction in trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities and elimination of hemagglutinating activity. Protein concentrates were essentially void of flatulence activity. Amino acid profiles indicated that the bean flour proteins, albumins, and protein isolates contained high acidic amino acids, while globulins and protein concentrates were characterized by high proportions of hydrophobic amino acids. Sulfur containing amino acids and leucine were the first and second limiting amino acids in the Great Northern bean proteins. Heat treatment of the fractions improved the in vitro protein digestibility. Baking studies indicated that replacement of wheat flour by the bean flour and the protein concentrates for improved nutritionality of cookies and bread was possible without adversely affecting the sensory quality attributes. In cookie preparation, bean flour and protein concentrates could replace wheat flour up to 30 percent and 20 percent (by weight), respectively; the corresponding figures for the wheat flour replacement in breadmaking were 10 percent and 10 percent (by weight). Fermentation of the Great Northern beanrice blends suggested the potential for these beans in developing fermented foods. The beans contained 59.20 percent (on a dry weight basis) of starch. Starch granule size ranged from 12 X 12 μm to 58 X 40 μm (length X width) and the granule shape was round to oval to elliptical, and in certain cases, concave as well. Lamellae were present on all the starch granules observed. Amylose content of the starch was 10.20 percent (on starch basis). Stable gel formation by the bean starch was observed at concentrations of 7 percent and above (w /v). The viscoamylographic studies of the isolated starch indicated the restricted swelling character of the bean starch. Solubility and swelling of the bean starch was both pH and temperature dependent. The addition of free fatty acids to the isolated starch reduced the viscosity and raised the gelatinization temperature of the bean starch. Modifications (acetylation and oxidation) of the isolated starch resulted in altered solubility and swelling characteristics. Replacement of wheat flour by the bean starch caused an increase in alkaline water retention capacity. The bean contained an arabinogalactan type mucilage principle (arabinose:galactose ratio of 2.0: l.7), the viscosity of which was dependent on concentration, pH, and temperature.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The use of plants as antioxidants is becoming a very important alternative in the food industry and animal production. The Lippia alba is a native plant to Brazil that posses phenolic compounds and essential oils in composition. In this study, the aim was evaluating the inclusion of the leaf from L. alba in the diet from silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) regarding growth, hematology, metabolism and oxidative parameters. For this, we conducted an experiment lasting 60 days in a re-use water system (20 tanks/250L) with biological filtration. Daily analyzes were performed for the control of chemical and physical parameters of the rearing water. Was used 500 silver catfish (initial weight= 6.22±0.77 g) which were distributed in the experimental units in a completely randomized experimental design (5 treatments and 4 repetitions). L. alba used was grown in UFSM, campus Frederico Westphalen - RS, Brazil. The treatments were: control (no addition leaf); 0.5; 1; 1.5 and 2% inclusion from L. alba leaf powder. All diets had the same composition matrix, containing: 37.49% PB and 10.04% lipídios. The fish were fed to apparent satiety, in three daily meals. At the end of the experiment, they were measured performance parameters and carried out the collection of biological material for evaluation of haematological, metabolic and oxidative parameters. Decrease was observed in growth and smaller in hematological parameters of fish proportional to the inclusion of the leaf in the diets. In higher levels of inclusion of L. alba, occurs undesirable change in metabolis, as increased from alanine aminotransferase in the plasma, indicating liver damage. The presence of L. alba in the diets result in a decreased lipid peroxidation of the muscle and increased of non protein thiols in the gills and muscle. This indicates that the plant has antioxidant potential to silver catfish. Therefore, at the levels tested, the addition of L. alba leaf powder in diets for silver catfish juveniles is not recommended. / O uso de plantas como antioxidantes está se tornando uma alternativa importante na indústria de alimentos e de produção animal. A Lippia alba é uma planta nativa do Brasil que possuí compostos fenólicos e óleos essenciais com elevada atividade antioxidante em sua composição. Neste estudo, o objetivo foi avaliar a inclusão da folha de L. alba na dieta de jundiás (Rhamdia quelen) no crescimento, hematologia, metabolismo e parâmetros oxidativos. Para isso, foi realizado um experimento com duração de 60 dias em um sistema de recirculação de água (20 tanques/250L) com filtragem biológica. Diariamente foram realizadas análises para controle dos parâmetros químicos e físicos da água de criação. Utilizou-se 500 jundiás (peso inicial= 6,22±0,77 g) que foram distribuídos nas unidades experimentais em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualisado (5 tratamentos e 4 repetições). A L. alba utilizada foi cultivada na UFSM, campus Frederico Westphalen - RS, Brasil. Os tratamentos testados foram: controle (sem inclusão de folha); 0,5; 1; 1,5 e 2% de inclusão do pó da folha de L. alba. Todas as dietas testadas tinham a mesma matriz de composição, contendo 37,49% PB e 10,04% de lipídios. Os peixes foram alimentados até a saciedade aparente, em três refeições diárias. Ao final do experimento, foram aferidos parâmetros zootécnicos e realizada a coleta de material biológico para avaliação dos parâmetros hematológicos, metabolicos e oxidativos. Foi observada diminuição no crescimento e piora nos parâmetros hematológicos dos peixes proporcional à inclusão da folha nas dietas. Nos maiores níveis de inclusão da L. alba, ocorreram alterações metabólicas não desejáveis, como aumento de alanina aminotransferase no plasma, indicando dano hepático. A presença de L. alba nas dietas resultou em diminuição da peroxidação lipídica do músculo e aumento dos tióis não proteicos nas brânquias e no músculo. Isto indica que a planta apresenta potencial antioxidante em jundiás. Portanto, nos níveis testados, a adição do pó da folha de L. alba nas dietas para juvenis de jundiá não é recomendada.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The vegetable meals are pointed out as the main alternative sources of the protein with widespread availability, low cost and nutritional potential to replace the fish meal in aquaculture diets. However, they have lower protein content, higher fiber and antinutrients, requiring a thorough study for broad and secure applicability. Processing techniques or pretreatment may extract and/or inactivate antinutrients improving the nutritional value of the sources. In this sense, we measured nutrients and antinutrients and dynamics of in vitro protein digestibility of tung and crambe meal in nature and after chemical treatment in acid-alcohol solution. This procedure reduced the levels of fat, calcium, phosphorus, condensed tannins and phytic acid in tung meal, increased neutral detergent fiber and did not change crude protein, ash, phenolic compounds, total and hydrolysable tannins. For crambe meal the treatment increased the fiber and ash contents and reduced crude protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, total phenols, tannins (total, hydrolysable and condensed) and phytic acid. However, there was no effect of chemical treatment on the in vitro protein digestibility of the meals. The crambe or tung meals were also pretreated with exogenous microbial enzymes, non-commercial phytase (phytase and tannase action 1400 U and 1100 U/Kg) and commercial phytase (Natuphos/BASF, 1400 U/Kg). The commercial phytase showed higher efficiency on the tung meal, reducing phytic acid concentration and non-commercial phytase acted more effectively on the tannins in crambe meal. The replacement of fish meal and meat and bone meal by in natura crambe or tung meal (integral form) or chemically or enzymatically detoxified in feeding of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) was evaluated for nine weeks, with the study of growth, digestive parameters, metabolic and body nutrient deposition. Growth response similar to the control was observed since the beginning of the study in animals fed with crambe meal in the integral or chemically detoxified forms. These animals showed minimal enzymatic and metabolical changes. The inclusion of integral tung meal or chemically detoxified caused slower growth of animals. In the diet containing the integral form of meal, these results were observed until the end of the experimental period and were summed the lower digestive enzymatic and metabolic changes and lower survival of the animals. Tung meal chemically treated caused greater growth compared to the integral form, possibly due to removal of antinutrients and toxic substances. The inclusion of vegetable meals (both forms of enzymatically treatment) reduced fish growth since the first evaluation, but the response was more pronounced in animals that received tung meal. The increase in the digestivosomático index and intestinal quotient can demonstrate a physiological adaptation of these animals to the consumption of diets with tung meal, which showed the highest fiber content. With regard to body composition, ash, crude protein and phosphorus were not changed between treatments containing vegetable meals under study, but treatments with inclusion of tung meal provided lower dry matter and fat content in animals. / Os farelos vegetais são apontados como as principais alternativas de fontes de proteína com ampla disponibilidade, baixo custo e potencial nutricional para substituir a farinha de peixe em dietas para piscicultura. No entanto, possuem menor conteúdo de proteína, maior teor de fibras e antinutrientes, necessitando de um estudo minucioso para aplicabilidade ampla e segura. Técnicas de processamento ou pré-tratamento podem extrair e/ou inativar antinutrientes melhorando o valor nutricional das fontes. Neste sentido, foram mensurados nutrientes e antinutrientes e digestibilidade proteica in vitro dos farelos de tungue e crambe in natura e após o tratamento químico em solução ácido-alcoólica. Este procedimento reduziu os teores de gordura, cálcio, fósforo, taninos condensados e ácido fítico no farelo de tungue, aumentou fibra em detergente neutro e não alterou proteína bruta, matéria mineral, compostos fenólicos, taninos totais e hidrolisáveis. Para o farelo de crambe o tratamento elevou fibra e matéria mineral e reduziu proteína bruta, gordura, cálcio, fósforo, fenóis totais, taninos (totais, hidrolisáveis e condensados) e ácido fítico. Não foi observado efeito do tratamento químico sobre a digestibilidade protéica in vitro dos farelos. Os farelos de crambe ou tungue também foram pré-tratados com enzimas microbianas exógenas, fitase não comercial (ação de fitase e tanase 1400 U e 1100 U/Kg) e fitase comercial (Natuphos/BASF, 1400 U/Kg). A fitase comercial mostrou maior eficiência sobre o farelo de tungue, reduzindo a concentração de ácido fítico e a fitase não comercial atuou mais efetivamente sobre taninos no farelo de crambe. A substituição de farinha de peixe e farinha de carne e ossos pelos farelos de crambe ou de tungue in natura (forma integral) ou detoxificados quimicamente ou enzimaticamente na alimentação de jundiás (Rhamdia quelen) foi avaliada durante nove semanas, com o estudo do crescimento, parâmetros digestivos, metabólicos e deposição corporal de nutrientes. Crescimento similar ao controle foi observado desde o início do estudo nos animais alimentados com farelo de crambe nas formas integral ou detoxificada quimicamente. Estes animais mostraram mínimas alterações enzimáticas e metabólicas. A inclusão do farelo de tungue integral ou detoxificado quimicamente causou menor crescimento aos animais. Na dieta contendo o farelo integral, estes resultados foram observados até o final do experimento e foram somados às alterações enzimáticas digestivas, metabólicas e menor sobrevivência dos animais. A forma tratada quimicamente do farelo de tungue propiciou maior crescimento em relação ao farelo integral, possivelmente devido à remoção de antinutrientes e substâncias tóxicas. A inclusão dos farelos vegetais (ambas as formas de tratamento enzimático) reduziu o crescimento dos peixes desde a primeira avaliação, com resposta mais pronunciada nos animais que receberam o farelo de tungue. Aumento no índice digestivosomático e quociente intestinal pode demonstrar uma adaptação fisiológica destes animais ao consumo das dietas contendo o farelo de tungue, as quais apresentaram o maior teor de fibra. Quanto à composição corporal, cinzas, proteína bruta e fósforo não foram alterados entre os tratamentos contendo os farelos vegetais em estudo, mas dietas com inclusão de farelo de tungue resultaram em menor matéria seca e gordura corporal.

Zur Sicherung der Fischbestände muss die Aquakultur ihren Beitrag zur Weltfischversorgung weiter steigern. Solange jedoch die Fischfutter Produktion stark von der Gewinnung von Fischmehl abhängig ist, bestehen für die Aquakultur natürliche Begrenzungen und die Gefahr der Überfischung der Fischbestände bleibt erhalten. Wenn das Wachstumspotenzial der Aquakultur ausgeschöpft werden soll, müssen beträchtliche Mengen von Nährstoffeinträgen in Form von vollständigen Aquakultur-Mischfuttermitteln auf einer nachhaltigen Basis verfügbar sein. Aufgrund des gestiegenen Preises von kommerziellem Fischfutter sind Kleinproduzenten nicht in der Lage dieses zu erwerben. Daher ist es notwendig, ihnen alternatives Fischfutter zur Verfügung zu stellen. Wasserpflanzen können eine bedeutende Nahrungsquelle für herbivore- und omnivore Fische sein. Dennoch ist die Nutzung dieser Pflanzen als Zusatz für Fischfutter durch eine Reihe antinutritiver Substanzen, welche das normale Fischwachstum negativ beeinträchtigen, begrenzt. Unterschiedliche Behandlungen der Pflanzen können den Anteil an antinutritiven Substanzen reduzieren. Das Ziel dieser Dissertation war es, das nutritive Potential von Wasserpflanzen zu bestimmen. Die Wirkung der Behandlungen wie Sonnentrocknung oder Fermentierung zu bewerten und den Effekt ihrer Nutzung als Fischfutter auf das Wachstum von kultivierten Fischen zu erfassen. Dazu wurden Rationen mit einem geringen Gehalt an Fischmehl (3%) und bis zu 25% der Wasserpflanzen an die Fischspezies P. brachypomus und O. niloticus verfüttert. Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung zeigen dass, eine ausschließlich auf aquatischen Makrophyten basierende Fütterung nicht empfehlenswert ist. Indem sie jedoch mit anderen lokal verfügbaren Agrar-Nebenerzeugnissen oder sogar mit kommerziellen Futtermitteln kombiniert werden, könnten die Futterkosten erheblich reduziert werden und bäuerlichen Kleinbetrieben eine Möglichkeit zum Wettbewerb auf den lokalen Märkten eröffnen. / It is commonly known that aquaculture needs to increase further its net contribution to the total world fish supplies. However, at present almost all farming operations, based on the use of fish feed, are highly dependent on available fishery resources for the production of fish meal, becoming a reducing activity rather than an activity suppling fishery resources. If the aquaculture growth potential is to be maintained, then considerable quantities of nutrient inputs in the form of aquafeeds will have to be available on a sustainable basis. On a long-term the small producers will be unable to depend on commercial aquafeeds based traditionally on fish meal, due to its increased price. Small-scale farmers need an alternative fish feed wherever possible based on the use of non-food grade locally feed resources, which is available in rural areas, is low-cost and is suitable for the proper growth and maintenance of native fish. Aquatic plants are considered important nutritional sources for herbivorous-omnivorous fish. However, the use of plant-derived materials as fish feed ingredient is limited by the presence of wide variety of antinutrients that affect the normal fish growth negatively; so that plants should be processed to reduce the effects of these compounds. Considering these aspects, this study assessed the nutritional potential of aquatic plants available in rural Colombia treated by sun drying and by fermentation and the effect of their use as fish feed on the growth performance of common cultured tropical fish (Piaractus brachypomus and Oreochromis niloticus) fed low fishmeal diets (3%) and until 25% of aquatic plants. The results of this study showed that a feeding exclusively based on aquatic plants is not recommendable; but to combine them with other locally available by-products of agriculture or even with commercial diets might considerably reduce feeding cost and provide to the small-scale farmers the opportunity to compete in local markets.