Condensed Tannins (condensed + tannin)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


The effect of supplementation of a white clover or perennial ryegrass diet with grape seed extract on indole and skatole metabolism and the sensory characteristics of lamb

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 6 2007
Nicola M Schreurs
Abstract Condensed tannin in the form of a grape seed extract (GSE) was dosed to weaned wether lambs fed white clover (WC) or perennial ryegrass (PRG) over a 9-week period to determine whether the ,pastoral' flavour and odour of meat could be altered. The concentrations of the pastoral flavour compounds indole and skatole were determined in the rumen fluid, blood plasma and intermuscular fat. The odour and flavour of fat and meat from the slaughtered lambs was assessed by a trained panel. The rumen fluid and blood plasma concentrations of indole and skatole were higher in those lambs fed WC compared to PRG (P < 0.05) and the overall meat flavour intensity was greater when feeding WC (P < 0.01). The observed concentration of indole and skatole in the fat between WC and PRG feeding treatments was not statistically different. Power analysis indicated that increasing the number of lambs per treatment group from 20 to 65 would result in a higher fat skatole concentration (P < 0.05) being detected in lambs fed WC compared to PRG. Dosing with GSE gave a small reduction in skatole concentration in the rumen fluid and reduced plasma concentration of indole and skatole (P < 0.001). Odour and flavour scores of the fat and meat samples were not particularly high however, dosing with GSE lowered the overall and sweet odour and the sheepy, camphor, faecal and barnyard flavour (P < 0.05). Although the plasma concentration of indole and skatole suggests that GSE reduced indole and skatole formation, the intermittent supply of the GSE to the rumen environment was not sufficient to reduce their concentration in the fat. Hence, the small difference in the scores for pastoral odour and flavour attributes associated with GSE treatment may arise from other unknown factors. From a primary investigation, there was no difference in the concentration of indole and skatole in fat samples collected from carcasses before and after chilling. Further investigations into meat pastoral flavour are warranted through feeding condensed tannin-containing forages. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Review: Condensed tannin and grape cell wall interactions and their impact on tannin extractability into wine

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF GRAPE AND WINE RESEARCH, Issue 1 2010
R.L. HANLIN
Abstract It has been suggested that tannin extraction from grape berries into wine is limited by tannin binding to cell walls. Here we review the current state of knowledge and identify gaps in research that would enable characterisation of these interactions. Such characterisation could improve tannin extraction management in winemaking. The work identified in this review supports the hypothesis that tannin,cell wall interactions are formed by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with the binding capacity of the cell walls influenced by tannin and polysaccharide structure and composition. Cell wall changes during berry development may increase the tannin-binding capacity of cell walls, while tannin structure may also influence its affinity for cell wall material. This review also identifies the need to investigate cultural and environmental factors that affect tannin and polysaccharide composition, to characterise the tannin-binding capacity of cell walls and to develop methods for assessing tannin-binding capacity of fruit prior to harvest. It is envisaged that a detailed understanding of tannin interactions with other components in the grape would lead to a predictive model for extractability of condensed tannins into wine. [source]


Willow genotype, but not drought treatment, affects foliar phenolic concentrations and leaf-beetle resistance

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2004
Carolyn Glynn
Abstract In a greenhouse experiment we examined the effect of willow genotype and irrigation regime (moderate drought and well-watered) on plant growth parameters, foliar nitrogen, and phenolic concentrations, as well as on the preference and performance of the blue leaf beetle, Phratora vulgatissima (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The 10 vegetatively propagated willow genotypes in the experiments were F2 full-sibling hybrids, originated from a cross between Salix viminalis (L.) (Salicaceae) (high in condensed tannins) and Salix dasyclados (L.) (Salicaceae) (rich in phenolic glycosides). Insect bioassays were conducted on detached leaves in Petri dishes as well as with free-living insects on intact potted plants. The 10-week long irrigation treatments caused statistically significant phenotypic differences in the potted willow saplings. Total biomass was somewhat higher in the well-watered treatment. The root to total biomass ratio was higher in the drought-treatment plants. There was significant genotypic variation in foliar nitrogen concentrations, and they were higher in the drought-treatment plants. There was also a strong genotypic variation in each of the phenolic substances analyzed. Condensed tannins, which accounted for the greatest proportion of total phenolic mass, were higher in the well-watered treatment. There was, however, no difference in levels of the other phenolics (salicylates, cinnamic acid, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid) between irrigation treatments. The sum of these phenolics was higher in the well-watered treatment. There was a strong variation in P. vulgatissima larval development on different willow genotypes, and larval performance was negatively correlated with levels of salicylates and cinnamic acid. There was, however, no effect of irrigation treatment on larval performance. Phratora vulgatissima preferred to feed on well-watered plants, and we found a preference for oviposition there, but neither feeding nor oviposition site preference was affected by willow genotype. Adult feeding and oviposition preferences were not correlated with larval performance. [source]


Influence of PROP taster status on the consumer acceptability of food made from tannin sorghums

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 11 2009
Rosemary I Kobue-Lekalake
Abstract BACKGROUND: Condensed tannins in sorghum are powerful antioxidants, beneficial for health. However, tannin sorghums are believed to be unpalatable. The objective was to determine the influence of 6- n -propylthiouracil (PROP) taster status on consumer acceptability of food from tannin sorghums. Consumers (n = 194) classified by PROP taster status (super, medium and non) evaluated the appearance, flavour, overall liking and texture of sorghum rice from two tannin-free sorghums, PAN 8564 and Phofu, and two tannin sorghums, PAN 3860 (82 g catechin equivalents (CE) kg,1) and NS 5511 (18 g CE kg,1), with high antioxidant activity. RESULTS: The PROP tasters could distinguish differences among the sorghum cultivars varying in tannin content levels, finding PAN 3860 less acceptable than the other sorghums. The non tasters preferred all the cultivars equally, presumably because they could not detect taste (bitter and astringent) differences between the sorghums. With the exception of appearance, tannin sorghum NS 5511 was generally equally preferred by PROP tasters to tannin-free sorghums. CONCLUSION: There appear to some tannin sorghums that are palatable, even to PROP tasters, because the level of tannins is below a sensitivity threshold (ca 20 g CE kg,1). Hence such tannin sorghums could be used to produce acceptable high-antioxidant activity foods. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Condensed tannins in humid tropical fodder crops and their in vitro biological activity: Part 1,

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 4 2004
Juan López
Abstract A descriptive study was conducted in order to determine the tannin profiles of tropical fodder crops. The following types of condensed tannins (CT) were determined (expressed as g kg,1 of dry matter): free (FCT), bound to protein (CTP), bound to fibre (CTF) and total (TCT). High FCT levels were found in Desmodium ovalifolium (228.4), Flemigia macrophylla (181.9), Guazuma ulmyfolia (129.7) and Leucaena leucocephala (129.5). The highest concentrations of CTP were detected in Gliricidia sepium (61.0), F macrophylla (23.3), and G ulmyfolia (21.1). CTF levels were the highest in G ulmyfolia (55.1), F macrophylla (46.7) and G sepium (41.5). Analyzed samples cultivated in vertisol and fluvisol soils showed different contents of tannins. It has been reported that plants with more than 60 g kg,1 FCT are less palatable and digestible than forages with lower concentrations of this chemical class, although there is more protein to bypass the rumen and higher nitrogen retention. Graminaceous plants showed higher concentrations of FCT and TCT concentrations were generally lower than legumes and other forage crops. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Condensed tannins in tropical fodder crops and their in vitro biological activity: Part 2,

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 4 2004
Juan López
Abstract With the aim to evaluate the biological activity of purified condensed tannins of tropical forages we conducted two in vitro experiments. In the first, using a radial diffusion technique, the protein precipitation of free condensed tannins (FCT) from Manihot esculenta, leucaena leucocephala, Arachis pintoi, Guazuma ulmyfolia, Gliricidia sepium and of tannic acid on bovine serum albumin (ASB), papain, pepsin and trypsin at pH 5.0 and 6.8 was evaluated with a three-way analysis of variance. Significant effects (P , 0.05) for the tannin type, protein source, pH and their interactions were observed. Pepsin showed the highest protein precipitation (PP) at a pH of 5.0 (82.9 µg) with FCT of G ulmyfolia and the lowest (0 and 0.2 µg) of BSA with G sepium and A pintoi at pH 6.8. Experiments were then conducted using completely randomized designs in order to observe the effect of adding 0, 1.25 or 2.50 mg of FCT from M esculenta and L leucocephala to the rumen fluid-buffer in an in vitro dry matter digestibility test (IVDMD) of Medicago sativa and Brachiaria decumbens, The IVDMD value of M sativa (757 g kg,1) decreased with L leucocephala tannins, although with those of M esculenta it was increased (824 g kg,1 and 871 g kg,1, respectively) for 1.25 and 2.5 mg of FCT. The IVDMD value of B decumbens (774 g kg,1 without tannins) diminished with any tannin and any dose (P < 0.05). We conclude that there are differences in the FCT contents of fodder crops and in their biological activity measured as the capacity to precipitate proteins, which is modified by the type of tannin, the protein and the pH. The result of an IVDMD is regulated by the type of tannin and its dose. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Condensed tannins in the diets of primates: a matter of methods?

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Jessica M. Rothman
Abstract To understand the ways in which condensed tannins (CT) affect primate diet selection and nutritional status, correct measurements are essential. In the majority of studies of the CT contents of primate foods, a tannin source such as "quebracho" is used to standardize CT assays, but the CT in quebracho tannin may not be similar to those in the plants of interest. We investigated how the choice of standard to calibrate CT assays affects the estimation of CT in the diets of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei). We purified the CT from gorilla foods and compared the actual amounts of CT in the foods with estimates produced by using the quebracho tannin. When quebracho was used, the estimates of CT contents of gorilla foods were, on average, 3.6 times the actual content of CT so that the amounts in frequently eaten gorilla foods were substantially overestimated. The overestimation for a given plant could not be predicted reliably and the ranking of plants by tannin content differed according to the standard used. Our results demonstrate that accurate measurements of CT necessitate the use of tannins purified from the plant species of interest. A reevaluation of primatology studies using interspecific comparisons of tannin content will provide new insights into primate food selection and nutritional ecology. Am. J. Primatol. 71:70,76, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Effect of adding an anaerobic fungal culture isolated from a wild blue bull (Boselophus tragocamelus) to rumen fluid from buffaloes on in vitro fibrolytic enzyme activity, fermentation and degradation of tannins and tannin-containing Kachnar tree (Bauhinia variegata) leaves and wheat straw

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 2 2006
Shyam S Paul
Abstract The study investigated the effects of adding an anaerobic fungus (Piromyces sp FNG5; isolated from the faeces of a wild blue bull) to the rumen fluid of buffaloes consuming a basal diet of wheat straw and concentrates on in vitro enzyme activities, fermentation and degradation of tannins and tannin-rich tree leaves and wheat straw. In experiment 1, strained rumen fluid was incubated for 24 and 48 h, in quadruplicate, with or without fungal culture using condensed tannin-rich Bauhinia variegata leaves as substrates. In experiment 2, in vitro incubation medium containing wheat straw and different concentrations of added tannic acid (0,1.2 mg mL,1) were incubated for 48 h, in quadruplicate, with strained buffalo rumen fluid with or without fungal culture. In experiment 3, tolerance of the fungal isolate to tannic acid was tested by estimating fungal growth in pure culture medium containing different concentrations (0,50 g L,1) of tannic acid. In in vitro studies with Bauhinia variegata tree leaves, addition of the fungal isolate to buffalo strained rumen liquor resulted in significant (P < 0.01) increase in neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility and activities of carboxymethyl cellulase (P < 0.05) and xylanase (P < 0.05) at 24 h fermentation. There was 12.35% increase (P < 0.01) in condensed tannin (CT) degradation on addition of the fungal isolate at 48 h fermentation. In in vitro studies with wheat straw, addition of the fungus caused an increase in apparent digestibility (P < 0.01), true digestibility (P < 0.05), NDF digestibility (P < 0.05), activities of carboxymethyl cellulase (P < 0.001), ,-glucosidase (P < 0.001), xylanase (P < 0.001), acetyl esterase (P < 0.001) and degradation of tannic acid (P < 0.05). Rumen liquor from buffaloes which had never been exposed to tannin-containing diet had been found to have substantial inherent tannic acid-degrading ability (degraded 55.3% of added tannic acid within 24 h of fermentation). The fungus could tolerate tannic acid concentration up to 20 g L,1 in growth medium. The results of this study suggest that introduction of an anaerobic fungal isolate with superior lignocellulolytic activity isolated from the faeces of a wild herbivore may improve fibre digestion from tannin-containing feeds and degradation of tannins in the rumen of buffaloes. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Winter browsing on Alaska feltleaf willow twigs improves leaf nutritional value for snowshoe hares in summer

OIKOS, Issue 1 2003
John P. Bryant
In boreal forests, browsing by mammals on winter-dormant twigs increases leaf nitrogen, leaf greenness, and leaf size. This suggests browsing reduces competition among meristems for mineral nutrients, and in particular, competition for nitrogen. Winter browsing also reduces the shoot carbohydrate reserves used by leaves to produce condensed tannin. These effects of winter browsing are predicted to improve the nutritional value of leaves for mammals because they increase the mass of digestible nitrogen in leaves. This hypothesis was tested using Alaska feltleaf willow and the snowshoe hare as the experimental system. Six in vivo indicators of leaf nutritional quality were used to compare leaves from winter-browsed plants with leaves from unbrowsed plants. The indicators used were dry matter intake, nitrogen intake, condensed tannin intake, dry matter digestibility, apparent digestibility of nitrogen and nitrogen retention. The results obtained were in agreement with the above hypothesis. In early summer, at the time snowshoe hares and other northern herbivores reproduce, hares fed leaves from browsed plants consumed more nitrogen, digested more of the nitrogen they consumed, and retained more of the nitrogen they digested than did hares fed leaves from unbrowsed plants. The high nitrogen content and low tannin content of leaves from browsed plants may explain this browsing caused increase in leaf nutritional value. How these positive effects of winter browsing on snowshoe hare nutrition at the time of reproduction might affect hare population dynamics are briefly discussed. [source]


Food preferences of wild mountain gorillas

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2008
Jessica Ganas
Abstract Determining the nutritional and phenolic basis of food preference is important for understanding the nutritional requirements of animals. Preference is a measure of which foods would be consumed by an animal if there was no variation in availability among food items. From September 2004 to August 2005, we measured the food preferences of four wild mountain gorilla groups that consume foliage and fruit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, to determine what nutrients and phenols are preferred and/or avoided. To do so, we asked the following questions: (1) Which plant species do the gorillas prefer? (2) Considering the different plant parts consumed of these preferred species, what nutrients and/or phenols characterize them? (3) Do the nutritional and phenolic characteristics of preferred foods differ among gorilla groups? We found that although some species were preferred and others were not, of those species found in common among the different group home ranges, the same ones were generally preferred by all groups. Second, all groups preferred leaves with relatively high protein content and relatively low fiber content. Third, three out of four groups preferred leaves with relatively high sugar amounts. Fourth, all groups preferred pith with relatively high sugar content. Finally, of the two groups tested, we found that the preferred fruits of one group had relatively high condensed tannin and fiber/sugar contents, whereas the other group's preferred fruits were not characterized by any particular nutrient/phenol. Overall, there were no differences among gorilla groups in nutritional and phenolic preferences. Our results indicate that protein and sugar are important in the diets of gorillas, and that the gorillas fulfil these nutritional requirements through a combination of different plant parts, shedding new light on how gorillas balance their diets in a variable environment. Am. J. Primatol. 70:927,938, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Willow genotype, but not drought treatment, affects foliar phenolic concentrations and leaf-beetle resistance

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2004
Carolyn Glynn
Abstract In a greenhouse experiment we examined the effect of willow genotype and irrigation regime (moderate drought and well-watered) on plant growth parameters, foliar nitrogen, and phenolic concentrations, as well as on the preference and performance of the blue leaf beetle, Phratora vulgatissima (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The 10 vegetatively propagated willow genotypes in the experiments were F2 full-sibling hybrids, originated from a cross between Salix viminalis (L.) (Salicaceae) (high in condensed tannins) and Salix dasyclados (L.) (Salicaceae) (rich in phenolic glycosides). Insect bioassays were conducted on detached leaves in Petri dishes as well as with free-living insects on intact potted plants. The 10-week long irrigation treatments caused statistically significant phenotypic differences in the potted willow saplings. Total biomass was somewhat higher in the well-watered treatment. The root to total biomass ratio was higher in the drought-treatment plants. There was significant genotypic variation in foliar nitrogen concentrations, and they were higher in the drought-treatment plants. There was also a strong genotypic variation in each of the phenolic substances analyzed. Condensed tannins, which accounted for the greatest proportion of total phenolic mass, were higher in the well-watered treatment. There was, however, no difference in levels of the other phenolics (salicylates, cinnamic acid, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid) between irrigation treatments. The sum of these phenolics was higher in the well-watered treatment. There was a strong variation in P. vulgatissima larval development on different willow genotypes, and larval performance was negatively correlated with levels of salicylates and cinnamic acid. There was, however, no effect of irrigation treatment on larval performance. Phratora vulgatissima preferred to feed on well-watered plants, and we found a preference for oviposition there, but neither feeding nor oviposition site preference was affected by willow genotype. Adult feeding and oviposition preferences were not correlated with larval performance. [source]


Effects of simulated browsing on growth and leaf chemical properties in Colophospermum mopane saplings

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
Edward M. Kohi
Abstract Browsing intensity influences a plant's response to herbivory. Plants face a trade-off between investment in the production of secondary compounds and investment in growth. To elucidate this trade-off, we simulated four browsing intensities (0%, 50%, 75% and 100%) on mopane saplings, Colophospermum mopane (J. Kirk ex Benth.) J.Léonard, in a greenhouse experiment. This showed that, with increasing defoliation intensity, plants change their investment strategy. At intermediate levels of defoliation (50%), mopane saplings increased the synthesis of condensed tannins, so that tannin concentrations followed a hump-shaped relation with defoliation intensity, with significantly higher tannin concentration at intermediate defoliation levels. When defoliated heavily (75% and 100%), tannin concentrations dropped, and plants were carbon stressed as indicated by a reduced growth rate of the stem diameter, and leaf production and mean individual leaf mass were reduced. This suggests that, at intermediate defoliation intensity, the strategy of the plants is towards induced chemical defences. With increasing defoliation, the relative costs of the secondary metabolite synthesis become too high, and therefore, the plants change their growing strategy. Hence, browsers should be able to benefit from earlier browsing by either adopting a low or a relatively high browsing pressure. Résumé La réponse d'une plante à sa consommation dépend de l'intensité de ce phénomène. Les plantes sont confrontées à un compromis entre un investissement dans la production de composants secondaires et un investissement dans leur croissance. Pour élucider ce compromis, nous avons simulé quatre intensités de consommation (0%, 50%, 75% et 100%) sur des jeunes mopanes, Colophospermum mopane (J. Kirk ex Benth.) J.Leonard, lors d'expériences sous serre. Ceci a montré que, lorsque la défoliation s'intensifie, les plantes changent leur stratégie d'investissement. À des niveaux de défoliation intermédiaires (50%), les jeunes plants de mopanes augmentaient la synthèse de tanins condensés, de sorte que les concentrations en tanins suivaient une courbe en cloche (hump-shaped) selon l'intensité de la défoliation; elles étaient significativement plus élevées aux niveaux de défoliation intermédiaires. Lorsque les plantes sont fortement défoliées (75% et 100%), leurs concentrations en tanins chutent, et elles sont en stress carbone comme le montre le taux de croissance réduit du diamètre du tronc; la production de feuilles et la masse moyenne de feuilles par individu sont aussi réduites. Cela suggère que, quand l'intensité de défoliation est intermédiaire, la stratégie des plants va vers une défense chimique induite. Lorsque la défoliation augmente, le coût relatif de la synthèse du métabolite secondaire devient trop élevé et le plant change de stratégie de croissance. Donc, les herbivores qui les consomment devraient pouvoir bénéficier d'une consommation antérieure en adoptant une pression de consommation faible ou relativement élevée. [source]


Effects of genotype, elevated CO2 and elevated O3 on aspen phytochemistry and aspen leaf beetle Chrysomela crotchi performance

AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Leanne M. Vigue
1Trembling aspen Populus tremuloides Michaux is an important forest species in the Great Lakes region and displays tremendous genetic variation in foliar chemistry. Elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3) may also influence phytochemistry and thereby alter the performance of insect herbivores such as the aspen leaf beetle Chrysomela crotchi Brown. 2The present study aimed to relate genetic- and atmospheric-based variation in aspen phytochemistry to C. crotchi performance (larval development time, adult mass, survivorship). The experiment was conducted at the Aspen Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) site in northern Wisconsin. Beetles were reared on three aspen genotypes under elevated CO2 and/or O3. Leaves were collected to determine chemical characteristics. 3The foliage exhibited significant variation in nitrogen, condensed tannins and phenolic glycosides among genotypes. CO2 and O3, however, had little effect on phytochemistry. Nonetheless, elevated CO2 decreased beetle performance on one aspen genotype and had inconsistent effects on beetles reared on two other genotypes. Elevated O3 decreased beetle performance, especially for beetles reared on an O3 -sensitive genotype. Regression analyses indicated that phenolic glycosides and nitrogen explain a substantial amount (27,45%) of the variation in herbivore performance. 4By contrast to the negative effects that are typically observed with generalist herbivores, aspen leaf beetles appear to benefit from phenolic glycosides, chemical components that are largely genetically-determined in aspen. The results obtained in the present study indicate that host genetic variation and atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases will be important factors in the performance of specialist herbivores, such as C. crotchi, in future climates. [source]


Effects of variable phytochemistry and budbreak phenology on defoliation of aspen during a forest tent caterpillar outbreak

AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Jack R. Donaldson
Abstract 1,The present study assessed the relationship between clonally variable rates of defoliation in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and two potential resistance traits: defensive chemistry and leaf phenology. 2,In 2001, coincident with a major outbreak of the forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria Hubner) in the northcentral U.S.A., we monitored defoliation rates, phytochemical composition, and foliar development in 30 clones of trembling aspen. Leaf chemistry was also assessed in re-flushed leaves and 2 years post-outbreak. 3,Early in the season, differences in defoliation among clones were substantial but, by mid-June, all clones were completely defoliated. Leaf nitrogen, condensed tannins, and phenolic glycosides varied among clones but did not relate to defoliation levels. Budbreak phenology differed by 3 weeks among clones and clones that broke bud early or late relative to forest tent caterpillar eclosion experienced reduced rates of defoliation. 4,Defoliation led to increased tannins and slight decreases in phenolic glycoside concentrations in damaged leaf remnants, but to moderately decreased tannins and a six-fold increase in phenolic glycosides in reflushed leaves. This shift in chemical composition may significantly affect late season herbivores. 5,These results suggest that aspen chemical resistance mechanisms are ineffective during intense episodic eruptions of outbreak folivores such as the forest tent caterpillar. Variable budbreak phenology may lead to differential susceptibility during less intense outbreak years and, at peak forest tent caterpillar population densities, mechanisms affording tolerance are probably more important than chemical defences. [source]


In vitro effects of phlorotannins from Ascophyllum nodosum (brown seaweed) on rumen bacterial populations and fermentation

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2009
Yuxi Wang
Abstract BACKGROUND: Use of brown algae (seaweed) in ruminant diets is increasing, but the effects of its phlorotannins (PT) on rumen microbial ecology have not been determined. Mixed forage (50:25:25 ground barley silage,alfalfa hay,grass hay) was used as substrate in a batch culture ruminal incubation that included PT extracted from Ascophyllum nodosum, with and without polyethylene glycol. Principal ruminal bacteria were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: At 500 µg mL,1, PT reduced growth of Fibrobacter succinogenes by 78%, 83% and 65% at 6, 12 and 24 h (P < 0.001), Ruminococcus albus at 24 h only (P < 0.01) and did not affect R. flavefaciens. Non-cellulolytic bacteria Selenomonas ruminantium, Ruminobacter amylophilus and Prevotella bryantii were increased (P < 0.001) by PT at 12 and 24 h. Effects of PT on fermentation products (gas production, volatile fatty acid profiles and ammonia accumulation) were consistent with alterations in rumen microbial populations. CONCLUSION: The effects of PT on ruminal bacteria were species-dependent, which suggests that diet may mediate PT effects on animal performance. The variation in sensitivity of ruminal bacteria to PT reflects previously reported effects of condensed tannins from terrestrial plants on microbial populations. Copyright © 2009 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [source]


The content and distribution of condensed tannins in different species of the genus sorghum (Sorghum Moench) and their effect on seed protein electrophoresis,

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 9 2009
Min-Xuan Liu
Abstract BACKGROUND: The interaction between condensed tannins (CTs) and seed protein in varieties of sorghum interferes with protein extraction and the separation by electrophoresis, so electrophoresis can not be used widely for determining seed purity and identifying a variety. The objective of this research was to classify the effect of CTs on the extraction of seed storage proteins and on their analysis by SDS,PAGE, and to search for a promising solution to reduce the negative effect of CTs in sorghum. RESULTS: The vanillin,HCl test confirmed that CTs were localised mainly in the glumes of grain sorghum, but distributed in every fraction of sudangrass. Samples with high CT content did not produce any bands in the gel after electrophoresis. Removal of the glumes and pericarp/testa prevented the influence of CTs on electrophoresis for grain sorghum but had little effect for sudangrass. Adding tannin/catechin to the protein extraction of sorghum kernel decreased the number of bands in the gel. Adding polyvinylpyrrolidine to the protein extraction of sudangrass increased the bands. CONCLUSION: Tannin,protein interactions are responsible for the absence of bands in varieties with high CT content. For grain sorghum, decortication can prevent the influence. Adding polyvinylpyrrolidine during the extraction of seed protein could solve the problem of tannin,protein interactions for varieties of sudangrass. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Forage quality and tannin concentration and composition of a collection of the tropical shrub legume Flemingia macrophylla

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 7 2006
Meike S Andersson
Abstract A collection of 23 Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Merrill accessions of different growth habits and contrasting digestibility and one Flemingia stricta reference accession were assessed for forage quality with particular emphasis on digestibility, condensed tannin concentration and fiber content. Large differences in in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (356 to 598 g kg,1), content of crude protein (CP) (121 to 254 g kg,1) and extractable condensed tannins (CT) (0 to 268 g kg,1), protein-binding capacity of extractable CT or astringency (1.7 to 7.9 protein-binding entities) (PBE) and monomer composition of extractable CT were detected. IVDMD and extractable CT were negatively correlated and extractable CT was positively correlated with protein-binding capacity. Prodelphinidin was positively and propelargonidin negatively correlated with protein-binding capacity of extractable CT. The accessions CIAT 18438, CIAT 21083, CIAT 21090 and CIAT 22082 were superior to the most widely used accession CIAT 17403 in terms of forage quality and could be an option in production systems with acid infertile soils. In future evaluations, particular attention needs to be paid to chemical and structural features related to the composition of extractable CT and their effect on nitrogen utilization by ruminants. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Condensed tannins in humid tropical fodder crops and their in vitro biological activity: Part 1,

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 4 2004
Juan López
Abstract A descriptive study was conducted in order to determine the tannin profiles of tropical fodder crops. The following types of condensed tannins (CT) were determined (expressed as g kg,1 of dry matter): free (FCT), bound to protein (CTP), bound to fibre (CTF) and total (TCT). High FCT levels were found in Desmodium ovalifolium (228.4), Flemigia macrophylla (181.9), Guazuma ulmyfolia (129.7) and Leucaena leucocephala (129.5). The highest concentrations of CTP were detected in Gliricidia sepium (61.0), F macrophylla (23.3), and G ulmyfolia (21.1). CTF levels were the highest in G ulmyfolia (55.1), F macrophylla (46.7) and G sepium (41.5). Analyzed samples cultivated in vertisol and fluvisol soils showed different contents of tannins. It has been reported that plants with more than 60 g kg,1 FCT are less palatable and digestible than forages with lower concentrations of this chemical class, although there is more protein to bypass the rumen and higher nitrogen retention. Graminaceous plants showed higher concentrations of FCT and TCT concentrations were generally lower than legumes and other forage crops. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Condensed tannins in tropical fodder crops and their in vitro biological activity: Part 2,

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 4 2004
Juan López
Abstract With the aim to evaluate the biological activity of purified condensed tannins of tropical forages we conducted two in vitro experiments. In the first, using a radial diffusion technique, the protein precipitation of free condensed tannins (FCT) from Manihot esculenta, leucaena leucocephala, Arachis pintoi, Guazuma ulmyfolia, Gliricidia sepium and of tannic acid on bovine serum albumin (ASB), papain, pepsin and trypsin at pH 5.0 and 6.8 was evaluated with a three-way analysis of variance. Significant effects (P , 0.05) for the tannin type, protein source, pH and their interactions were observed. Pepsin showed the highest protein precipitation (PP) at a pH of 5.0 (82.9 µg) with FCT of G ulmyfolia and the lowest (0 and 0.2 µg) of BSA with G sepium and A pintoi at pH 6.8. Experiments were then conducted using completely randomized designs in order to observe the effect of adding 0, 1.25 or 2.50 mg of FCT from M esculenta and L leucocephala to the rumen fluid-buffer in an in vitro dry matter digestibility test (IVDMD) of Medicago sativa and Brachiaria decumbens, The IVDMD value of M sativa (757 g kg,1) decreased with L leucocephala tannins, although with those of M esculenta it was increased (824 g kg,1 and 871 g kg,1, respectively) for 1.25 and 2.5 mg of FCT. The IVDMD value of B decumbens (774 g kg,1 without tannins) diminished with any tannin and any dose (P < 0.05). We conclude that there are differences in the FCT contents of fodder crops and in their biological activity measured as the capacity to precipitate proteins, which is modified by the type of tannin, the protein and the pH. The result of an IVDMD is regulated by the type of tannin and its dose. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


The interaction of plant genotype and herbivory decelerate leaf litter decomposition and alter nutrient dynamics

OIKOS, Issue 1 2005
Jennifer A. Schweitzer
We examined how plant genetic variation and a common herbivore (the leaf-galling aphid, Pemphigus betae) influenced leaf litter quality, decomposition, and nutrient dynamics in a dominant riparian tree (Populus spp.). Based on both observational studies and a herbivore exclusion experiment using trees of known genotype, we found four major patterns: 1) the quality of galled vs non-galled or gall-excluded litter significantly differed in the concentration of condensed tannins, lignin, nitrogen and phosphorus; 2) the difference in litter quality resulted in galled litter decomposing at rates 34 to 40% slower than non-galled litter; 3) plant genotype and herbivory had similar effects on the magnitude of decomposition rate constants; and 4) plant genotype mediated the herbivore effects on leaf litter quality and decomposition, as there were genotype-specific responses to herbivory independent of herbivore density. In contrast to other studies that have demonstrated accelerated ecosystem properties in response to arthropod herbivory, our findings argue that herbivore-induced secondary compounds decelerated ecosystem properties though their "after-life" effects on litter quality. Furthermore, these data are among the first to suggest that genotype-specific responses to herbivores can have a major impact on decomposition and nutrient flux, which likely has important consequences for the spatial distribution of nutrients at the landscape level. Due to the magnitude of these effects, we contend that it is important to incorporate a genetic perspective into ecosystem studies. [source]


Effects of CO2 and light on tree phytochemistry and insect performance

OIKOS, Issue 2 2000
Jep Agrell
Direct and interactive effects of CO2 and light on tree phytochemistry and insect fitness parameters were examined through experimental manipulations of plant growth conditions and performance of insect bioassays. Three species of deciduous trees (quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides; paper birch, Betula papyrifera; sugar maple, Acer saccharum) were grown under ambient (387±8 ,L/L) and elevated (696±2 ,L/L) levels of atmospheric CO2, with low and high light availability (375 and 855 ,mol×m,2×s,1 at solar noon). Effects on the population and individual performance of a generalist phytophagous insect, the white-marked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) were evaluated. Caterpillars were reared on experimental trees for the duration of the larval stage, and complementary short-term (fourth instar) feeding trials were conducted with insects fed detached leaves. Phytochemical analyses demonstrated strong effects of both CO2 and light on all foliar nutritional variables (water, starch and nitrogen). For all species, enriched CO2 decreased water content and increased starch content, especially under high light conditions. High CO2 availability reduced levels of foliar nitrogen, but effects were species specific and most pronounced for high light aspen and birch. Analyses of secondary plant compounds revealed that levels of phenolic glycosides (salicortin and tremulacin) in aspen and condensed tannins in birch and maple were positively influenced by levels of both CO2 and light. In contrast, levels of condensed tannins in aspen were primarily affected by light, whereas levels of ellagitannins and gallotannins in maple responded to light and CO2, respectively. The long-term bioassays showed strong treatment effects on survival, development time, and pupal mass. In general, CO2 effects were pronounced in high light and decreased along the gradient aspen birch maple. For larvae reared on high light aspen, enriched CO2 resulted in 62% fewer survivors, with increased development time, and reduced pupal mass. For maple-fed insects, elevated CO2 levels had negative effects on survival and pupal mass in low light. For birch, the only negative CO2 effects were observed in high light, where female larvae showed prolonged development. Fourth instar feeding trials demonstrated that low food conversion efficiency reduced insect performance. Elevated levels of CO2 significantly reduced total consumption, especially by insects on high light aspen and low light maple. This research demonstrates that effects of CO2 on phytochemistry and insect performance can be strongly light-dependent, and that plant responses to these two environmental variables differ among species. Overall, increased CO2 availability appeared to increase the defensive capacity of early-successional species primarily under high light conditions, and of late-successional species under low light conditions. Due to the interactive effects of tree species, light, CO2, and herbivory, community composition of forests may change in the future. [source]


NMR and UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS characterisation of novel phenylethanol derivatives of phenylpropanoid glucosides from the leaves of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Jonsok)

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 5 2009
Kati Hanhineva
Abstract Introduction Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is rich in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, flavonols, condensed tannins and ellagic tannins. In addition to the fruits, the leaves of strawberry also contain a wide range of phenolic compound classes, but have not been investigated to the same extent as the fruit. Objective To characterise a metabolite group present in the leaves of strawberry, that was not amenable for identification based on earlier information available in the literature. Methodology Methanolic extracts of strawberry leaves were analysed by UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS and iterative quantum mechanical NMR spectral analysis. Results The structures of phenylethanol derivatives of phenylpropanoid glucosides Eutigoside A ( F4) and its two isomeric forms 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl-[6- O -(Z)-coumaroyl]- ,- d -glucopyranoside ( F6) and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl-[6- O -(e)-coumaroyl]- ,- d -glucopyranoside ( F1) were resolved by NMR and UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS. In addition, two other derivatives of phenylpropanoid glucosides similar to Eutigoside A but possessing different phenolic acid moieties, namely Grayanoside A ( F5) and 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl-[6- O -(e)-caffeoyl]- ,- d -glucopyranoside ( F14), were similarly identified. Also, accurate characteristic coupling constants for the subunits are reported and their usefulness in structural analysis is highlighted. Conclusion Chemical analysis of the leaves of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Jonsok) resulted in the identification of a compound class, phenylethanol derivatives of phenylpropanoid glycosides, not previously found in strawberry. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Comment on ,Solid sampling technique for direct detection of condensed tannins in bark by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry', Rapid Commun.

RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 3 2006
Mass Spectrom.
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


Condensed tannins in the diets of primates: a matter of methods?

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Jessica M. Rothman
Abstract To understand the ways in which condensed tannins (CT) affect primate diet selection and nutritional status, correct measurements are essential. In the majority of studies of the CT contents of primate foods, a tannin source such as "quebracho" is used to standardize CT assays, but the CT in quebracho tannin may not be similar to those in the plants of interest. We investigated how the choice of standard to calibrate CT assays affects the estimation of CT in the diets of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei). We purified the CT from gorilla foods and compared the actual amounts of CT in the foods with estimates produced by using the quebracho tannin. When quebracho was used, the estimates of CT contents of gorilla foods were, on average, 3.6 times the actual content of CT so that the amounts in frequently eaten gorilla foods were substantially overestimated. The overestimation for a given plant could not be predicted reliably and the ranking of plants by tannin content differed according to the standard used. Our results demonstrate that accurate measurements of CT necessitate the use of tannins purified from the plant species of interest. A reevaluation of primatology studies using interspecific comparisons of tannin content will provide new insights into primate food selection and nutritional ecology. Am. J. Primatol. 71:70,76, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Nutritional chemistry of foods eaten by gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2006
Jessica M. Rothman
Abstract Foods eaten by gorillas (Gorilla beringei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Uganda, were analyzed for their nutrient content. The goal of the study was to assess the amounts of fiber, protein, and sugars in the foods eaten by the Bwindi gorillas, and to determine whether condensed tannins and cyanide are present in these foods. A total of 127 food plant parts representing 84 plant species eaten by two groups of Bwindi gorillas were collected, processed, and analyzed for their chemical contents. The Bwindi gorilla ate foods that contain 2,28% crude protein (CP), 21,88% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 14,60% acid detergent fiber (ADF), 2,42% acid detergent lignin (ADL), and ,1,50% water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) on a dry matter (DM) basis. Moisture in these foods ranged from 7% to 96%. Approximately 35% of the foods analyzed contained condensed tannins, and two foods contained cyanogenic glycosides. This is the first detailed report regarding the nutritional chemistry of gorilla foods in Bwindi, many of which are also eaten by other primates. This unique data set adds to our knowledge about the nutritional composition of foods eaten by gorillas across habitats, is useful for understanding aspects of feeding behavior, and provides valuable comparative data for optimizing the diets of gorillas ex situ. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1,17, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Effect of different levels of Quebracho tannin on nitrogen utilization and growth performance of Najdi sheep fed alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay as a sole diet

ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2009
Soliman N. AL-DOBAIB
ABSTRACT A commercial tannin source (Quebracho tannin, QT), containing 75% condensed tannins (CT) in dry matter (DM) was used to evaluate the effects of addition of different levels of QT to alfalfa hay on the in vitro degradation kinetics of organic matter (OM) and nitrogen (N) in experiment 1 (Exp. 1), N utilization and microbial N synthesis (MNS) in experiment 2 (Exp. 2) and growth performance of growing Najdi lambs in experiment 3 (Exp. 3). Alfalfa hay was treated with QT at the levels of 0, 1, 2 and 3% of DM to form four treatments of QT0, QT1, QT2 and QT3 to have actual levels of CT being 0, 0.75, 1.5 and 2.25% of DM, respectively. Degradation rate and the effective degradability of N were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) for QT2 and QT3 as compared with the QT0. In Exp. 2, digestibility coefficients for OM, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at QT3, whereas QT1 and QT2 showed no difference toQT0. In the metabolism trial (Exp. 2), digested N (DN) and urinary N (UN) excretion for QT2 and QT3 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared to QT0 and QT1. The DN and UN as percentage of N intake were 79.2, 76.9, 75.5 and 69.8%; and 24.4, 22.6, 19.9 and 19.6% for QT0, QT1, QT2 and QT3, respectively. QT2 had the highest MNS and the lowest value was in QT3, the MNS of the treatments were 18.1, 18.7, 19.2 and 15.8 g/day for QT0, QT1, QT2 and QT3, respectively. In the growth trial of 56 days duration (Exp. 3, n = 24 lambs), the addition of QT at the level of QT2 enhanced (P < 0.05) the average daily gain and feed conversion rate compared with the QT0, while, QT1 and QT3 had intermediate values. It is concluded that alfalfa hay treated with QT at the level of 2% of DM could be used to protect alfalfa N from ruminal degradation that would lead to improve growth performance of lambs. [source]


Review: Condensed tannin and grape cell wall interactions and their impact on tannin extractability into wine

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF GRAPE AND WINE RESEARCH, Issue 1 2010
R.L. HANLIN
Abstract It has been suggested that tannin extraction from grape berries into wine is limited by tannin binding to cell walls. Here we review the current state of knowledge and identify gaps in research that would enable characterisation of these interactions. Such characterisation could improve tannin extraction management in winemaking. The work identified in this review supports the hypothesis that tannin,cell wall interactions are formed by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with the binding capacity of the cell walls influenced by tannin and polysaccharide structure and composition. Cell wall changes during berry development may increase the tannin-binding capacity of cell walls, while tannin structure may also influence its affinity for cell wall material. This review also identifies the need to investigate cultural and environmental factors that affect tannin and polysaccharide composition, to characterise the tannin-binding capacity of cell walls and to develop methods for assessing tannin-binding capacity of fruit prior to harvest. It is envisaged that a detailed understanding of tannin interactions with other components in the grape would lead to a predictive model for extractability of condensed tannins into wine. [source]