Nutrition Chemistry

This book provides new knowledge about the nutrition and metabolism, as well as the roles of nutrients in the immunity, health, and management of companion animals (dogs and cats). The domestic dog (facultative carnivore) and the domestic cat (obligate carnivore) have evolved differentially in their digestive tract, nutrition, metabolism, chemical sensing, and feeding behavior. These animals have been human companions for at least 12,000 and 9,000 years, respectively, and continue to contribute to the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and adults. Both dogs and cats have become increasingly popular in many countries and worldwide over the past decades. Comprehensive update about how the animals utilize dietary nutrients for optimum growth, development, and health is beneficial for their owners, as well as students and researchers.

This Brief reviews the chemistry behind the production of yoghurt through acidification of milk. It quantifies the changes in physical and chemical properties of yoghurt during fermentation with microbial organisms (such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus). It has been found that this symbiosis has an optimal development at a temperature of ca. 45°C with the transformation of lactose into lactic acid and small amounts of acetaldehyde, diacetyl and volatile acids.