Selenized lactic acid bacteria microencapsulated by spray drying: A promising strategy for beef cattle feed supplementation

This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility of incorporating selenizedLactobacillus spp. microencapsulated via spray drying into cattle feed. Gum Arabic and maltodextrin were used as encapsulating agents. The encapsulation process was carried out with a drying air flow rate of 1.75  m3/min, inlet air temperature of 90 °C, and outlet air temperature of 75°C. The viability of the encapsulated microorganisms and the technological characteristics of the obtained microparticles were evaluated. Microorganisms were incorporated into beef cattle feed to supplement their diet with up to 0.3 mg of Se per kilogram of fee d. The encapsulated particles, consisting of a 50/50 ratio of gum Arabic/maltodextrin at a 1:20 proportion of selenized biomass to encapsulant mixture, exhibited superior technical viability for application in beef cattle feed. Supplemented feeds displayed suitable moisture, water activity, and hygr oscopicity values, ensuring the preservation of viable microorganisms for up to 5 months of storage, with an approximate count of 4.5 log CFU/g. Therefore, supplementing beef cattle feed with selenized and microencapsulated lactic acid bacteria represents a viable technological alternative, contr ibuting to increased animal protein productivity through proper nutrition.
Source: Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research