Increasing consumption of alternatives to animal-based food products can have significant implications for the sustainability of global food systems. We utilize consumers\' food values to identify the drivers of demand for alternative meat and milk products in China, the world\'s largest consumer market. Using data from 3015 Chinese consumers, we find that public food values, such as environmental impacts and animal welfare, drive consumers\' demand for alternative meat and milk. We estimate that approximately 35% of urban food shoppers constitute the potential market for these products. Plant-based meat alternatives to products with strong consumption dependence, such as pork, must compete on price, while alternatives to products with weak consumption dependence, like milk, are likely to earn market premiums. We estimate that modest consumption of alternative meat and milk products in these markets can improve food system sustainability by lowering China\'s animal production greenhouse gas emissions by 3.4% in addition to reducing animal slaughtering and potentially decreasing health risks associated with the consumption of animal-based food products.

China has the largest and fastest-growing breast milk substitutes (BMSs) market and a disproportionately low exclusive breastfeeding rate. Many BMS manufacturers have established Chinese e-commerce stores. This marketing is of concern as it is likely to undermine breastfeeding. This study aimed to identify: (1) the marketing themes and strategies used to promote BMSs on the Chinese BMSs e-commerce websites; (2) if and how digital BMSs marketing may deviate from the World Health Organization Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes (the Code) recommendations. Content analysis was conducted on the flagship websites of 10 BMSs companies on the Chinese e-commerce platform \"TMall\" in July 2019. The main landing page (n = 10) of the flagship TMall website and the product description page (n = 113) of all individual formulas (Stages 1-3) within each company\'s TMall website were examined. The content was analysed and coded using an iterative thematic analysis approach. Emphasis on Premiumization and Science & Nutrition was the most commonly used marketing approaches. A total of 27.4% of the product description pages sampled used images of infants (<12 months), 33.6% made favourable comparisons of BMSs to breast milk, and only 34.5% included probreastfeeding statements. Marketing strategies were often inconsistent with the Code, and companies used \"creative\" ways to target mothers, often circumventing the Code recommendations. Unsubstantiated information was commonplace and of concern, because the e-commerce platform provided easy opportunities for bulk purchases. National regulatory actions are urgently needed to monitor online BMS marketing and the undermining of breastfeeding in China.

BACKGROUND: Colonization of intestinal microbiota in ruminant during the early life is important to host health, metabolism and immunity. Accumulating evidence revealed the ameliorative effect of milk replacer administration in the gut microbial development of early-weaned ruminants. Yimeng black goats (YBGs) inhabiting Shandong, China show a complex intestinal microbial ecosystem, but studies of their gut microbiota are still insufficient to report. Here, this study was performed to investigate how the gut microbiota develops in weaned YBGs with the effect of age and milk replacer.
RESULTS: Results indicated that both age and milk replacer were important factors to change the gut microbiota of YBGs. Although the alpha diversity of gut microbiota did not change with the age of YBGs, the taxonomic compositions significantly changed. The relative abundance of some beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Ruminiclostridium, Eubacterium and Barnesiella significantly decreased and subsequently increase with age, which contributes to maintain the stability of intestinal environment and realize the diversity of intestinal functions. The relative abundance of Porphyromonas, Brevundimonas, Flavobacterium, Stenotrophomonas, Propionibacterium, Acinetobacter, Enterococcus and Clostridium belong to pathogenic bacteria in milk replacer-treated YBGs was significantly decreased. Additionally, some beneficial bacteria such as Ruminococcus, Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae and Ruminiclostridium also display a trend of decreasing first followed by gradually increasing.
CONCLUSIONS: This study first revealed the gut bacterial community alterations in YBGs with the effect of age and milk replacer. This study also characterized the gut microbial distribution in YBGs with different ages and provided better insight into microbial population structure and diversity of YBGs. Moreover, milk replacer may serve as a good applicant for improving gut microbial development in early-weaned YBGs.

The milk-fed calf has a requirement for essential amino acids (EAA) instead of crude protein (CP). However, most milk replacers (MR) are still formulated to a CP concentration, and although limited amounts of Lys or Met may be added, these MR are not formulated solely on an AA basis. Previous work has demonstrated that feeding a modified MR balanced for specific EAA concentrations of a 24% CP MR, but reducing CP to 22%, resulted in improved growth performance in calves compared with a 24% CP MR. The 56-d objective was to determine if the hypothesis that an EAA MR formulated to the specific EAA concentrations of a 24% CP MR, but reducing CP to 22 (22AA) compared with a standard 22% CP MR would result in similar or enhanced growth performance, while reducing feed costs. Two 56-d studies using forty 3- to 5-d-old Holstein bull calves per study received in 1 lot starting on May 8, 2018 (late-spring cooler) and June 22, 2018 (summer with heat stress) were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 MR treatments. Milk replacer treatments consisted of a standard 22:20 (CP:fat; 22CP) and a 22:20 MR with greater EAA concentrations of a 24% CP MR (22AA). All MR, containing decoquinate and diflubenzuron, were fed at 0.57 kg/d per calf split into 2 feedings at 0630 h and 1800 h for 0 to 14 d via bucket, increased to 0.85 kg/d through 35 d split in 2 feedings, and fed once per day at 0.41 kg/d in the morning with weaning after 42 d. Calves were housed in straw-bedded hutches with ad libitum access to water and 25% CP pelleted calf starter (CS). All data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with block within study considered random and week as a repeated measurement. Initial BW was similar across all treatments (39.9 ± 2.32 kg). Average daily temperature (i.e., heat stress intensity) tended to be greater for calves in study 2 compared with study 1 (20.5 and 22.9°C for study 1 and 2, respectively). The interaction of study and MR effects were nonsignificant. Calf BW, BW gain, average daily gain, CS intake, total dry matter intake (MR plus CS), feed conversions, and EAA intake (MR plus CS) were similar for calves fed both MR. Study 2 (summer heat stress) resulted in more scours incidences compared with study 1, and 22AA MR formulation tended to increase scours possibly due to synthetic AA addition or greater carbohydrate (lactose) inclusion when AA replaced protein sources. Feed costs as MR and total feed costs were lower for calves fed 22AA MR compared with calves fed 22CP MR. The increased Leu, Lys, Met, Thr, and Val concentrations in the 22AA MR compared with the 22CP MR resulted in similar calf growth performance, but the feed cost was lower for calves fed the 22AA MR, which achieved similar growth performance at a lesser cost under current study conditions, but not enhanced as hypothesized.

The dominant volatile off-flavor compounds of pea and soy milk were investigated by gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS), sensory evaluation, and odor-activity values (OAVs), which led to the identification of their differences. We identified 11 aroma compounds as important odorants with OAVs greater than 1 in pea and soy milk. OAVs contribution rate demonstrated that 6 compounds contributed most to the characteristic off-flavor of pea milk, among which 2-methoxy-3-isopropyl-(5 or 6)-methyl pyrazine, hexanal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal contributed more than others. For soy milk, 1-octen-3-one, hexanal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal showed more important contributions. These odor-active compounds were divided into non-lipoxygenase (non-LOX) and LOX pathways based on their synthesis. Several endogenous enzymes that are important to the LOX pathway were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the contents of key off-flavor compounds were found to be related to the enzyme activities, while the lipid content was not an important factor.

The milk-fed calf has a requirement for amino acids (AA) instead of crude protein (CP); however, most milk replacers (MR) are still formulated for CP concentrations. Previous work has demonstrated that feeding a modified MR (24:20; CP:fat @ 0.64 kg/d) improved calf growth performance compared with standard (20:20 @ 0.57 kg/d) and accelerated MR (26:16 @ 0.78 kg/d). The 56-d study objective was to determine if feeding an MR formulated using synthetic AA to achieve the AA concentrations of a 24:20 MR while reducing CP results in similar or enhanced growth performance and/or reduce cost compared with standard MR formulations. Eighty 3- to 5-d-old Holstein bull calves received in two lots (40) within the same week were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to one of four MR treatments consisting of 20:20 (20), 22:20 (22), 24:20 (24), and a 22:20 having the AA concentrations of the 24, but with reduced CP (22AA). All MR contain decoquinate and were fed at 0.57 kg/calf daily split into 2×/d feeding for 14 d via bucket, increased to 0.85 kg/calf daily in two feedings until 35 d, and then fed 1×/d at 0.41 kg/calf daily with weaning after day 42. Calves were housed in straw-bedded hutches with ad libitum access to water and pelleted calf starter (CS). All data were statistically analyzed as a randomized complete block design with block considered random with week as a repeated measurement. Initial BW was similar (P > 0.10) across all treatments (42.4 ± 2.2 kg). Calves fed 22AA MR demonstrated greater (P < 0.05) BW compared with calves fed the 24 MR, and calves fed the 20 and 22 MR being intermediate and similar (P > 0.10; 78.7, 78.8, 76.5, and 81.8 kg for 20, 22, 24, and 22AA, respectively). CS intake was greater (P < 0.05) for calves fed 22AA (0.74, 0.78, 0.65, and 0.81 kg/d) compared with calves fed the 20 and 24, but similar (P > 0.10) to calves fed 22. Calves fed 24 MR demonstrated the lowest CS intake. This study demonstrates that similar growth performance can be achieved by feeding an AA fortified MR having a lesser CP concentration, which might reduce feed costs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential of various alternative milk beverages to support bacterial biofilm formation and acid production and cause unbalanced demineralization.
METHODS: in vitro assays were used to examine the ability of the beverages to support Streptococcus mutans\' biofilm formation and acid production from sugar fermentation and the capacity of the beverages to buffer pH changes. Biofilm formation was done using 96-well plate model. Acid production was measured using L-Lactate assay kit, and the buffering capacity was assessed by pH titration. For ex vivo caries model, enamel and dentine slabs and S. mutans biofilms were exposed to selected alternative milk beverages three times a day, 30 min each, and by the end of the experiments, slab\'s demineralization was assessed by loss of surface microhardness.
RESULTS: Of the alternative milk beverages tested in this study, Original Almond consistently supported the most S. mutans biofilms, followed by Chocolate Cashew Milk, while the least biofilms were measured with Unsweetened Flax Milk. The most acids and the lowest culture pH were measured with Toasted Coconut Almond Milk, while the least buffering capacity was measured with Unsweetened Coconut Milk. The results of ex vivo caries model showed that like Bovine Whole Milk, repeated exposure to Original Almond led to significant enamel and dentine slab demineralization, when compared to those exposed to saline as a control (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: These results further provide support that popular alternative milk beverages, especially those with supplemental sugars, are potentially cariogenic.

BACKGROUND: Pre-weaning milk replacer (MR) feeding program is a key factor affecting the health and welfare of lambs during their weaning. Weaning stress is well known as an inducement that negatively impacts the immune system of young ruminants, whose physiological and immune state is closely linked to the community of microbiota in their intestines. This study had two objectives: 1) To evaluate the innate immune response to weaning stress at both the physiological and molecular level; 2) To investigate changes to the jejunal chyme and mucosal adhesive microbiota between the control and high plane of MR groups.
RESULTS: In this experiment, the plasma concentrations of cortisol, norepinephrine (NE) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) were higher in the C than the H group (P < 0.05), as was the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and CXCL8 (P < 0.05) in plasma. In jejunal tissue, the expression of TLR4 and TNFα were also higher in the C group (P < 0.01); histopathology showed the H group had lower lymphocyte infiltration. In the C group, however, major pathological changes were associated with extensive infiltration of lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Principal component analysis indicated the lamb immune response was influenced by weaning stress and modulated by the MR treatments. 16S-rRNA sequencing was used to evaluate jejunal mucosa and chyme bacterial diversity and composition. The C group\'s chyme had a greater alpha index (ACE: P = 0.095; Chao1: P = 0.085) than H group. In jejunal mucosa, the relative abundance of Plesiomonas was 4-fold higher (P = 0.017) in the C than the H group.
CONCLUSIONS: This study\'s results revealed that weaning stress induced alterations to the lambs\' immune system that lasted beyond the 21 d measured, and that a long-term inflammatory response effect was evidenced by changes in their hematological and expressed pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pre-weaning with a differing MR allowance resulted in complicated biological responses and compositional changes to the lambs\' jejunal microbiota. Clearly, an intensive MR feeding program induced a milder immunity response and lower relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria when compared with the traditional feeding program.

Immunoassays whose readouts rely on chemiluminescence are increasingly useful for a broad range of analytical applications, but they are rarely made into point-of-care (POC) format because of the complex reagents required (some reagents have to be stored in low temperatures, and some reagents have to be freshly made right before the assay). This study reports a self-contained chemiluminescent lateral flow assay (CLFA), which prestores all necessary reagents. This CLFA contains three parts: the normal lateral flow assay (LFA) strip, the chemiluminescence substrate pad, and the polycarbonate (PC) holder. On the LFA strip, we simultaneously labeled horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and antibody on the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the conjugate pad. For the substrate pad, we used sodium perborate as the oxidant and lyophilized the chemiluminescence substrate on the glass fiber, which allows long-term storage. After the transfer of substrate from the substrate pad to the nitrocellulose (NC) membrane, we captured the chemiluminescence signal for the quantification of the targets. The HRP on the AuNPs can amplify the chemiluminescence signal efficiently. We used this CLFA system to detect both macromolecules and small molecules successfully. This self-contained and easily processable device is exceedingly appropriate for rapid detection and is a convenient platform for POC testing.

Hemp milk, an emerging beverage with high nutritional value and low allergenicity, is an attractive alternative to dairy, soy, and nut milks. To obtain a non-thermally processed, physically and oxidatively stable hemp milk, high pressure homogenization (HPH) combined with pH shift treatment was investigated. For hemp milk (4% protein, 5% fat) without pH shift, increasing the homogenization pressure (up to 60 MPa) resulted in a more uniform distribution of emulsion droplets (2.2-2.7 μm). When pH shift was applied prior to HPH, large clusters and aggregates of oil droplets (3.5-8.2 μm) were formed. Interestingly, hemp milk with such interactive structures was remarkably stable, showing negligible phase separation within 3-day storage at 4 °C. Moreover, hemp milk made by combined pH shift and HPH exhibited delayed hydroperoxides (expressed as peroxide value, PV) and malondialdehyde (expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARS) production, suggesting the resistance of such emulsion cluster structures to radicals. On the other hand, a significant reduction of microbial population was observed in hemp milk prepared by pH shift combined with HPH. The results indicate that the pH shift + HPH combination treatment may potentially be employed for the production of non-thermally processed hemp milk.