Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is the Limited Resource Producers in the State of Texas. Changes/Problems:Two Post-doctoral Researchers were hired on December 1, 2016 and April 1, 2017, respectively. One Food Safety Research Scientist was hired on April 1, 2017. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One scientist attended the American Oil Chemists Society meeting in Orlando, FL and interacted with other scientists and researchers on issues related to the exchange of ideas on functional foods and health with particular emphasis on lipids and proteins. Four scientists attended the annual meeting of the American Dairy Science in Pittsburg, PA and participated in technical presentations and oral sessions. There were a lot of opportunities for discussions and interactions with other scientists that are working on similar topics of functional lipids and proteins in milk. One scientist also attended the Texas Food Processors Conference to exchange ideas focusing on the food laws and regulations and industry efforts to improve the safety and nutritional quality of foods processed in Texas. Two scientists attended the International Association of Food Protection in Tampa, FL and exchanged ideas related to the safety of meat and milk products. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Two posters and one oral presentation were presented at the Biennial Meeting of Research Directors in Atlanta, GA in April of 2017. One poster presented data from the lutein research effort. Another poster presented data on the comparison of the sizes of fat globules from goat milk compared to the fat globules in bovine milk. The oral presentation presented data on the survey of Texas resident's knowledge, use, and acceptability of caprine products. Another poster on the Texas resident's use and acceptability of caprine products was presented at the survey results was presented at the Texas A&M University 13th Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium. The summary results of lutein project was transformed into a manuscript entitled "Complexes of lutein with bovine and caprine caseins and their impact on lutein chemical stability" and was submitted for publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of Dairy Science. The paper is currently in the process. A paper was published on the "Applicability of Screening Tests for Oxytetracycline in the Milk of Three Breeds of Goats" What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Surveys will be analyzed to determine consumption patterns and to identify and answer specific questions targeted on the questionnaire. We will continue to share results with all interested individuals. Research on the lutein and ω-3 PUFA from the caprine products will be continued at more in depth and at the application levels. The new chemical and microbial analysis labs have been completed and the equipment needed to carry out these analyses.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? As part of our continued effort to provide a variety of nutritious healthful foods for the citizens of this state from non-traditional sources such as from caprine origin, particularly for the minorities and immigrants, we have focused our research efforts on products from goat milk and meat. During FY 2016 milk samples collected from control animals and the animals that received polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplemented diet for eight weeks were analyzed. Milk from experimental animals had considerably higher levels of ω-3 PUFA compared with the control milk when analyzed by TBA. We have not made any product due to the lack of appropriate facilities to formulate the products. The identification and quantification of ω-3 PUFA were completed in FY 2017 by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry technique and the results are being compiled and will be statistically analyzed. A summary of the results will be converted into a manuscript format and published in a relevant scientific journal during FY 2018. Additionally, a summary of results will be shared with interested groups through extension articles and college newsletters. Lutein, a natural food pigment from the carotenoids, may be utilized as a nutraceutical ingredient in enriched-functional foods to improve eye health. Therefore, there is a need in the food industry to improve the bioavailability of lutein. However, the bioavailability of lutein in food and beverage applications is very poor due to poor water-solubility and chemical instability. The use of goat milk casein (milk proteins) in lutein-enriched food emulsions can be an effective method of delivery of lutein in the diet. During FY 2017, the Food System Group focused on improving the bioavailability of lutein by using the caseins isolated from the goat milk as encapsulating agents for food and beverage applications and studying the storage and chemical stability of lutein enriched emulsions at different pH levels. Lutein data has been gathered and analyzed using statistical models. The results show that caprine caseins are effective stabilizers of lutein-enriched emulsions and an easier method of delivery in foods. A part of the results from this project was presented at the annual meeting of the American Dairy Science Association in Pittsburg, PA during FY 2017. The results of this project was transformed into a manuscript entitled "Complexes of lutein with bovine and caprine caseins and their impact on lutein chemical stability" and was submitted for publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of Dairy Science. The review of the manuscript is currently in progress. The acceptability and safety of products from caprine origin is of paramount importance to consumers and public health agencies. One research project has focused on developing detection techniques to identify residual antibiotics in goat milk to ensure its safety. Since oxytetracycline is the most commonly used antibiotic in treating mastitis in goats, detection techniques to assess the residual amounts of this antibiotic in goat milk is a safety concern that could be a problem to some susceptible individuals in the society. This project was completed during FY 2016, and the results were been published in the Journal of Food Protection Vol. 79, No. 6, 2016, pages 1013-1020. For the purpose of supporting the efforts in Objectives 3 & 4, the process of equipping the new laboratory facilities are ongoing. After the completion of our efforts, there will be updated laboratories to carryout physiochemical, microbial and sensory analyses of the caprine meat and dairy products. Moreover, two new post-doctoral scientists and a food safety research scientist have been added to the research team to support these efforts. The caprine product awareness survey was finalized and administered. Data collection resulted in 79 completed questionnaires. Survey questions were coded and a data code book developed. Data entry was conducted and reviewed for accuracy. The analysis of the data analysis is continuing. One oral and one poster presentation was presented. In partnership with Dr. Hairston-Green in Cooperative Extension, a fact sheet "Got Goat?" with nutrition information and recipes of how to prepare goat meat was developed. The fact sheet is currently being peer reviewed (as is customary for extension publications) and then will be submitted to the communications personnel for printing. Distribution will be through the Family and Consumer Services extension agents. Two manuscripts titled "Caprine Products: A Healthy Alternative for Consumers" and "Cultural Analysis and Demographics of Caprine Consumption among Texas Residents" are being written and will be submitted to a peer reviewed journal.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Effect of caprine casein in combination with arabinogalactan on the chemical stability of lutein in corn oil-in-water emulsions. A. Mora-Gutierrez*1, R. Attaie1, M. Gonzalez1, Y. Jung1, S. Woldesenbet1, 1Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX. Published at the Conference Information and Scientific Program http://m.adsa.org/2017/abs/t/69993.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Fat Globule Sizes in Goat and Bovine Milks. B. Adigun, R. Attaie, Ph.D.; A. Mora-Gutierrez, Ph.D.; D. Myers, Ph.D. Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Agricultural Research Center Prairie View, Texas 77446. Published at the book of abstracts of Association of 1890 Research Directors, 18th Biennial Research Symposium.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: The Acceptability of Caprine Products by Texas Residents L. Doore,* S. McWhinney, B. Copeland, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Department of Agriculture, Nutrition & Human Ecology, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446. Published at the book of abstracts of Association of 1890 Research Directors, 18th Biennial Research Symposium.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Arabinogalactan in Conjunction with Caprine Casein has the Potential of Controlling the Chemical Degradation of Lutein Adela Mora-Gutierrez*, Rahmat Attaie, Selamawith Woldesenbet, Yoonsung Jung, Jeneanne M. Kirven, Maryuri Nunez de Gonzalez, and Sixto A. Marquez. Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446. Submitted for review for the peer-reviewed Journal of Dairy Science.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Coating of High and Low Oleic Peanuts with Edible Caprine Casein Film Containing Lutein F. Fajardo*, A. Mora-Gutierrez, S. Woldesenbet, S.A. Marquez, R. Attaie, J. M. Kirven, and D.J. Myers, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Prairie View A&M University, TX 77446. Published at the book of abstracts of Association of 1890 Research Directors, 18th Biennial Research Symposium.

Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is the Limited Resource Producers in the State of Texas. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One scientist attended the American Oil Chemists Society meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah and interacted with other scientists and researchers on these issues with particular emphasis in exchanging ideas and professional development. Two scientists also attended the Texas Food Processors Conference to exchange ideas focusing on the food laws and regulations and industry efforts to improve the safety and nutritional quality of food. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Data from lutein research effort will be presented as a poster in the Biennial Meeting of Research Directors at Atlanta in April of 2017. A paper was published on the "Applicability of Screening Tests for Oxytetracycline in the Milk of Three Breeds of Goats" A paper on the current results of the survey will be presented at Texas A&M University 13th Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Surveys will be analyzed to determine consumption patterns and to identify and answer specific questions targeted on the questionnaire. We will continue to share results with all interested individuals. Research on the lutein and ω-3 PUFA from the caprine products as well as the continued development of the screening tests for oxytetracycline will continue. The new chemical and microbial analysis labs will be completed.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? As part of our continued efforts to provide variety and nutritious healthful foods for the citizens of this state, particularly for minorities and immigrants, from other than the traditional meat sources, we have focused our attention to goat milk and meat products. During FY 2016, milk was collected from control animals and the animals that received polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplemented diet for eight weeks. Milk from experimental animals had considerably higher levels of ω-3 PUFA compared with the control milk when analyzed by the TBA method or the Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry technique. We have not made any product due to the lack of proper facility. Lutein, a natural food pigment from carotenoids, may be utilized as a nutraceutical ingredient in enriched-functional foods to improve eye health. Therefore, there is a need in the food industry to improve the bioavailability of lutein. However, the bioavailability of lutein in food and beverage applications is very poor due to poor water-solubility and chemical instability. The use of goat milk casein (milk proteins) in lutein-enriched food emulsions can be an effective method of delivery of lutein to the diet. During FY 2016, the Food System Group has focused on improving the bioavailability of lutein by using the caseins isolated from goat milk as encapsulating agents for food and beverage applications and studying the storage and chemical stability of lutein enriched emulsions at different pH stabilized with caprine caseins. Lutein data has been gathered and analyzed using statistical models. It appears that caprine caseins are quite effective stabilizers of lutein-enriched emulsions. The acceptability and safety of products from caprine origin is of paramount importance to every consumer and public health agencies; One scientist has focused his research efforts on detection techniques to identify residual antibiotics in goat milk to ensure its safety. Since oxytetracycline is most commonly used in treating mastitis in goats, detection techniques to assess the residual amounts of this antibiotic in goat milk is a safety concern that could be a problem to some susceptible individuals in the society. The survey was finalized and administered. Data collection resulted in 79 completed questionnaires. Survey questions were coded and a data code book developed. Data entry was conducted and is currently being reviewed for accuracy. New laboratories are also being completed to facilitate the completion of the work. New facilities are now available and being equipped with state-of-the-art instruments to evaluate the microbial and chemical quality of the products to supplement the current chemical and sensory analyses.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Applicability of Screening Tests for Oxytetracycline in the Milk of Three Breeds of Goats which was published in the June issue of the Journal of Food Protection, Vol. 79, No. 6, 2016, Pages 10131020 (doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-15-200).

Progress 09/04/14 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is the Limited Resource Producers in the State of Texas. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two of our colleagues have attended the annual meeting of the American Dairy Science Association and have interacted with other scientists and researchers on these issues with particular emphasis in exchanging ideas and professional development. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Preliminary findings have been presented at the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Quarterly Conferences. Our results confirmed that milk from lactating does had enhanced amounts of two (2) specific fatty acids, DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), of the omega three fatty acids family. Samples of the caprine sausages were distributed to Faculty, students and staff in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. The results of this study will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Dairy Science Association in July of this year in Orlando, Florida. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plans have been made to repeat the supplemental feeding of the experimental animals for the next breeding cycle. Value-added caprine products (both meat and dairy) will be produced from the milk and carcasses harvested. We plan to produce more and varied blends of caprine/pork/beef and turkey as the next phase, and to include supplementation with natural herbs and spices. The improved sausage making techniques will be communicated to our stakeholders, especially the limited resource farmer/producer. Product improvement efforts will continue through the duration of the project. The survey will be modified if needed to ensure validity and reliability. Once finalized it will be distributed to individuals in the various counties. We aim to get at least 400 completed surveys. Surveys will be analyzed to determine consumption patterns and to identify the target population for the value added products. Non- sensory shelf life and chemical evaluations on value added products will be conducted. We also aim to conduct color analyses and Instron Textural measurements.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A survey was developed to measure the consumption, acceptability, availability and affordability of caprine products. The survey was piloted and is currently being validated. Eleven (11) different blends of sausages were produced from varying proportions of goat meat, turkey, pork and beef. The diets of pregnant does' were supplemented with treated vegetable oils containing poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The milk was analyzed for omega 3 fatty acids. Food fortification and supplementation have been practical approaches for increasing the intake of essential fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are naturally present in algae and fish oils. The difficulties encountered when foods are fortified with DHA/EPA are primarily due to the lack of oxidative stability of these essential fatty acids. Research conducted in the PVAMU/CARC laboratories has shown that bovine and caprine caseins isolated from cow and goat milks used in combination with the carotenoids do contribute to the oxidative stability of algae oil-in-water emulsions. PVAMU scientists are working on focusing attention on physical and chemical characteristics of goat milk products. Looking forward, we foresee a time when new and improved sausage blends with extended shelf -life and improved nutritional characteristics will ultimately be a welcome addition to our food base. This will enhance our food diversity, food safety and food security. The sausages were evaluated for appearance, flavor, chewiness, tenderness, toughness and overall taste.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Posters were presented at scientific conference to the American Dairy Science Association in Orlando, FL in July 2015.