Abstract The study's aim was to evaluate the microbiological, nutritional, textural quality and palatability of pet biscuits made with the inclusion of three flours. The treatments were chicken viscera flour (CVF), commercial Nile tilapia flour (FF) and mixed fish flours of several species (FVF). For the FVF, only the carcasses (backbones) of Nile tilapia, salmon, tuna and sardines were used, and they were washed, whereas FVF as well as the others were cooked for 60 minutes, then pressed, ground and dehydrated for 24 hours at 60° C. After this period, they were crushed and ground for inclusion in the biscuits. The CVF, FF and FVF flours showed 43.82%, 50.48% and 56.70% of crude protein, respectively. CVF had the highest lipid content (10.01%) and FVF had the highest ash content (23.94%) and FVF had the highest caloric value (338.63 kcal 100 g-1). The inclusion of flours in biscuits did not influence the protein and carbohydrate contents, whose average values were 18.48% and 50.23%. However, they influenced the moisture content, lipids, ash and caloric value. Biscuits with the inclusion of viscera (CVF) had the highest lipid content (5.91%) and those with fish had the highest ash content (5.66% and 5.81%) for FF and FVF. Biscuits with FVF had a lower caloric value (318.47 kcal 100 g-1). The microbiological analysis indicated that the biscuits were considered of good quality to feed dogs. Regarding texture and palatability, there was no significant difference between treatments. The inclusion of fish flour, both FF and FVF, is a viable alternative.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e nutricional, a textura e a palatabilidade de biscoitos pet elaborados com a inclusão de três farinhas. Os tratamentos foram farinha de vísceras de frango (FVC), farinha de tilápia comercial (FF) e mix de farinhas de peixes de várias espécies (FVF). Para FVF, foram utilizadas apenas as carcaças (espinhaço) de tilápia, salmão, atum e sardinha, as quais foram lavadas. Em todos os tratamentos, as farinhas foram cozidas por 60 minutos, depois prensadas, moídas e desidratadas por 24 horas a 60 °C. Decorrido esse período, as farinhas foram trituradas e moídas para inclusão nos biscoitos. As farinhas FVC, FF e FVF apresentaram 43,82%, 50,48% e 56,70% de proteína bruta, respectivamente. A FVC apresentou maior teor lipídico (10,01%) e a FVF, maior teor de cinzas (23,94%) e o maior valor calórico (338,63 kcal 100 g-1). A inclusão das farinhas nos biscoitos não influenciou nos teores de proteína e carboidratos, cujos valores médios foram de 18,48% e 50,23%, respectivamente. Entretanto, influenciaram no teor de umidade, lipídios, cinzas e valor calórico. Os biscoitos com inclusão de vísceras (CVF) apresentaram os maiores teores de lipídeos (5,91%) e aqueles com inclusão pescado maiores teores de cinzas (5,66% e 5,81%) para FF e FVF. Os biscoitos com FVF apresentaram menor valor calórico (318,47 kcal 100 g-1). A análise microbiológica indicou que os biscoitos apresentaram qualidades apropriadas para serem fornecidos a cães. Em relação a textura e aceitabilidade, não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos. A inclusão de farinhas de peixe, tanto FF quanto FVF, é uma alternativa viável.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar e caracterizar mortadelas a partir de aparas da filetagem (corte em “V” do filé) de tilápia do Nilo, de forma a possibilitar a agregação de valor a este subproduto do processo de filetagem. Foram elaboradas três mortadelas, sendo uma com 100% de aparas da filetagem de tilápia, outra contendo 100% de carne de frango e a terceira com 100% de carne suína. As mortadelas foram caracterizadas quanto à microbiologia, composição química, cálcio, colágeno, pH, Aw, cor, textura e custo de formulação. As mortadelas estavam dentro dos padrões microbiológicos recomendados. A mortadela de tilápia apresentou maiores teores de umidade, cinzas, cálcio e colágeno, maior pH e menor atividade de água quando comparada às demais espécies. A mortadela de tilápia apresentou menor luminosidade, maior croma a* e croma b* intermediário às demais. A textura foi melhor para as mortadelas de tilápia, quanto a dureza, gomosidade e mastigabilidade, cujos valores foram menores. A mortadela de frango teve maior índice de aceitação, porém, a de tilápia também foi elevado, enquanto de suíno todos os atributos avaliados receberam as piores notas. A mortadela de tilápia do Nilo é uma inovação tecnológica que pode ser introduzida no setor alimentício com bom valor nutricional e bom índice de aceitação.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to elaborate and characterize mortadella using fillet residues (‘V’-cut fillet trim) of Nile tilapia, in order to add value to this by-product of the filleting process. Three mortadellas were made, one with 100% tilapia fillet trimmings, another containing 100% chicken meat and the third with 100% pork meat. Mortadellae were characterized in terms of microbiology, chemical composition, calcium, collagen, pH, Aw, colour, texture and formulation cost. Mortadella was within the recommended microbiological standards. Tilapia mortadella had higher levels of moisture, ash, calcium and collagen, higher pH and lower water activity when compared to other species. The tilapia mortadella had lower brightness, higher chroma a * and intermediate chroma b *, compared with the others. The texture of tilapia mortadella was better in terms of hardness, gumminess and chewability, the values of which were lower. The chicken mortadella had a higher acceptance rate; however, that of tilapia was also high, while all evaluated attributes of pork received the worst grades. Nile tilapia mortadella is a technological innovation that can be introduced into the food sector with good nutritional value and a good acceptance index.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional, sensorial and microbiological characteristics of pizzas with the inclusion of dehydrated mix of salmon and tilapia in the dough. Tilapia and salmon carcasses were cooked, pressed, ground, dehydrated and crushed, and a mixture of salmon (20%) and tilapia (80%) was made. This mix was included in the pizza dough at different levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) and afterwards the toppings were added.In the dough composition, protein, ash and phosphorus levels rose linearly, while lipids, carbohydrates and caloric value of the dough samples decreased linearly as the mix levels increased. In pizzas, the moisture, lipids and carbohydrates contents were not different. Protein and ash contents presented a linear behavior. The inclusion of the mix was effective in reducing the saturated fatty acids and raising the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. There was no difference between the pizzas for the sensorial attributes analysed. Therefore, the inclusion of up to 20% of dehydrated mix of tilapia and salmon added protein, minerals, and polyunsaturated fatty acids and maintained the acceptance of the pizza dough samples, which makes possible the preparation of a food product with health claims and good sensorial quality.

Abstract The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of multiple freezing and thawing cycles on the physicochemical properties of Nile tilapia fillets. For this purpose, 72 fresh Nile tilapia fillets were packed and stored in a freezer at -18 °C. The frozen samples were submitted to five freeze-thaw cycles; in each cycle, the freezer was switched off during 14 hours. The consecutive freeze-thaw cycles resulted in a fillet’s total weight loss of 9.48%, with a quadratic regression (P < 0.0001) for thaw loss, with a greater loss percentage in cycle 3 (2.68%). pH values differed between the cycles (P < 0.0001), being observed an increment in this parameter only from cycle 4. The lipid oxidation remained constant in cycles 1, 2, 4 and 5, however in cycle 3 the lowest value (P < 0.0002) was observed. The luminosity, and intensity of the red and yellow colours increased linearly (P < 0.0001) as the cycles increased. Thereby, the tilapia fillets’ quality were adversely affected by the freezing cycles. The unfavourable alterations included weight loss, lipid oxidation and elevated pH, as well as the increasingly augmentation of brightness and red and yellow colorations of fillets as the progressive cycles occurred.

Abstract We evaluated the effect of the length of stay out of water on stress, gene expression, pH variation, blood parameters, histological analysis and water holding capacity (WHC) in fillets of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated in net-tanks. For this purpose, the fishes were maintained out of water under different periods of anoxia. Three and 6 min of anoxia in the pre-slaughter period increased the blood levels and mRNA expression of heat shock protein 70 the Nile tilapia and produced fillets with a less firm texture (greater sarcomere length). The evaluated periods of anoxia did not markedly affect pH and WHC. These results demonstrate that a pre-slaughter period of acute stress of up to 6 min does not considerably affect the quality of meat. The fillets of fish slaughtered in the early evening had a higher WHC and lower plasma glucose level than those slaughtered at the other time periods (morning and afternoon).

Abstract This study evaluated the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, technological quality, sensory profile and microbiological characteristics of rolls with inclusion of 0, 5, 10 and 15% meal prepared with tilapia carcasses. Moisture and carbohydrate content were linearly reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing inclusion of tilapia meal, but a linear increase (P < 0.0001) was observed in protein (9.91 to 14.30%) and ash (1.74 to 4.65%) content. Lipids and calorific value of the rolls were not affected (P > 0.05) by inclusion levels, but 15% tilapia meal resulted in greater amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (4.63%) in relation to 0% inclusion (4.46%). There was a linear increase (P < 0.0001) in the firmness of the breads (3.65 to 13.17N) and a linear decrease (P < 0.001) in volume and specific volume. Sensory attributes showed a negative linear effect (P < 0.01), with acceptance rates ranging from 85.24% (0% inclusion) to 70.57% (15% inclusion). It can be concluded that the inclusion of 5 to 15% tilapia meal in roll is effective to increase the protein, mineral matter, polyunsaturated fatty acids and the firmness of the roll, in addition to reducing carbohydrates and volume. Considering the reduction in sensory acceptance, it is recommended to use up to 10% tilapia meal in rolls.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated pre-slaughter stress and its influence on the stress indicators, quality characteristics and sensory characteristics of Nile tilapia fillets. To this end, two experiments were conducted: (1) two transportation times (60 and 240 min), with a density of 200 kg m−3, were compared to control treatment fish (in which the fish were removed from the net cage and immediately euthanized); and (2) two transportation densities (100 and 400 kg m−3), transported for 180 min, compared with control treatment fish. In experiment 1, the transportation time of 60 min resulted in higher levels of serum cortisol and plasma glucose compared to the transportation time of 240 min and the control. Fish fillets transported for 240 min had higher water-holding capacity, less water loss by pressure and higher levels of juiciness compared to fish transported for 60 min. Color, pH and water loss during cooking were not affected by transportation time. In experiment 2, transportation densities of 100 and 400 kg m−3 did not significantly affect the stress indicators nor the instrumental quality parameters of the fillets, but fish transported at 400 kg m−3 showed better visual acceptance by panellists.

RESUMO: A piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) é um peixe de grande valor econômico que nos últimos anos tem apresentado uma redução drástica em suas populações naturais. Nesse contexto, estudos de variabilidade genética dos estoques naturais e nos programas de repovoamento são fundamentais para adoção de medidas conservacionistas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar a amplificação cruzada de primers heterologos em B. orbignyanus. Foram avaliados um total de 52 primers das espécies Brycon opalinus, Brycon hilarii, Brycon insignis, Prochilodus sp., Piaractus mesopotamicus, Colossoma macropomum e Oreochromis niloticus. Os primers com melhor reprodutibilidade foram aplicados a uma amostra de 20 indivíduos e os parâmetros genéticos foram calculados. Nove primers apresentaram resultados satisfatórios de amplificação cruzada com B. orbignyanus, sendo das espécies Brycon opalinus (BoM5 e BoM13), Brycon hilarii (Bh5, Bh6, Bh8, Bh13 e Bh16), Brycon insignis (Bc48-10) e Prochilodus argenteus (Par80). Os primers de Piaractus mesopotamicus, Colossoma macropomum e Oreochromis niloticus não apresentaram amplificação ou apresentaram inespecificidade. Os resultados revelaram a possibilidade da utilização de primers de diferentes espécies e gênero em B. orbignyanus, o que facilita a realização de estudos genéticos nessa espécie.

ABSTRACT: Brycon orbignyanus, popularly known in Brazil as piracanjuba, is a fish with great economic value but whose natural population drastically decreased in number during the last years. In this context, genetic variability studies of natural stocks and in restocking programs are fundamental for the adoption of conservation measures. Current analysis verifies the cross-amplification of heterologous primers in B. orbignyanus. Fifty-two primers of the species Brycon opalinus, Brycon hilarii, Brycon insignis, Prochilodus sp., Piaractus mesopotamicus, Colossoma macropomum and Oreochromis niloticus were tested. Primers with the best reproducibility were applied to a sample of 20 individuals and the genetic parameters were calculated. Nine primers provided good results for cross-amplification with B. orbignyanus, involving (BoM5 and BoM13) of Brycon opalinus, (Bh5, Bh6, Bh8, Bh13 and Bh16) of Brycon hilarii, (Bc48-10) of Brycon insignis and (Par80) of Prochilodus argenteus. Primers of Piaractus mesopotamicus, Colossoma macropomum and Oreochromis niloticus failed to provide amplification or provided non-specificity. Results demonstrated the possibility of using primers of different species and genera of B. orbignyanus, facilitating genetic studies on the species.

Abstract The aim of this study was to develop a lasagna pasta enriched with dried mix of tuna (30%) and tilapia (70%) and formulate ready lasagna with enriched pasta. Lasagna pasta was elaborated with increasing levels (0, 5, 10 and 15%) of dried mix. Moisture, lipids and calories were not different between the inclusion levels; crude protein and ash increased linearly, carbohydrates reduced linearly, according to increasing levels of inclusion. There was an increase in n-3 and n-6 fatty acids with the inclusion of mix in lasagna. Between lasagna prepared with different sauces (tuna, chicken and bolognese), and pasta with 15% mix, it was observed that tuna lasagna had lower moisture content and higher protein, lipids, ash, carbohydrates and calories. All lasagna showed optimal sensory acceptance, indicating that the inclusion of 15% dried mix of tilapia and tuna in the pasta is feasible to improve the nutritional composition of lasagna.

RESUMO: Objetivando avaliar rendimento, cor e composição química dos cortes comerciais (cauda, filé de lombo, filé de dorso e coxa) da carne do jacaré-do-Pantanal nos diferentes sexos, foram processados 20 animais, sendo estes, dez fêmeas (3677g) e dez machos (3510g). Não houve interação significativa (P>0,05) entre cortes comerciais e sexo para peso dos cortes, teor de umidade e cor. O rendimento da cauda foi superior aos demais cortes, sendo o rendimento das fêmeas (17.0%) superior ao dos machos (15,9%). A coxa dos machos apresentou menor teor de proteína (20,8%), em relação aos demais cortes. As fêmeas apresentaram maior teor de lipídeos na cauda (2,4%) e na coxa (0,8%), em relação aos machos (1,7% e 0,4%, respectivamente). A cauda apresentou maior quantidade de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (45,2%) e maior razão n6/n3 (4,6). A luminosidade não foi diferente entre cortes e sexos. Os machos apresentaram carne com coloração mais amarelada em relação às fêmeas, e a coxa e o filé de dorso tiveram cor mais avermelhada, comparadas ao filé de lombo e cauda, independente do sexo. Concluiu-se que houve influência do sexo no corte de cauda, para o teor de lipídios e rendimento, sendo que a fêmea apresentou rendimento e lipídeos maiores que o macho.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the yield, color, and chemical composition of commercial cuts (tail, sirloin cut, back fillet, and thigh) of Pantanal caiman meat in both sexes. The yield of tail was higher than other cuts, and the yield of females (17.0%) was higher than males (15.9%). The thigh of males had lower protein content (20.8%) compared with other cuts. Females showed a higher lipid content in the tail (2.4%) and thigh (0.8%) compared with males (1.7% and 0.4%, respectively). The tail presented the greatest content of monounsaturated fatty acids (45.2%) and higher n6/n3 ratio (4.6). Although lightness was not different among cuts or between sexes, there were differences in color. Males have more yellowish meat compared with females. Thigh and back fillet were more reddish when compared to sirloin cut and tail, regardless of sex. In conclusion, female tail meat provided greater yield and lipid content than males, and this result was statistically significant. These findings can help producers and consumers alike, better understand yield, quality, and nutritional quality of Pantanal caiman meat.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver massas de pizza com diferentes níveis de inclusão de farinha de atum (Tunnus spp.). Para a produção da farinha de atum, foram utilizados troncos de atum sem nadadeiras, cozidos por uma hora, prensados, moídos e desidratados por 24 horas a 60 °C. Foram elaboradas massas de pizza sem inclusão (0%) ou com inclusão de 5, 10, 15 e 20% de farinha de atum, sendo estas inclusões calculadas com base na quantidade de farinha de trigo. A farinha de atum e as diferentes massas foram analisadas quanto aos teores de umidade, proteína bruta, lipídeos totais, cinzas e carboidratos, além do valor calórico e do perfil de ácidos graxos. Análises microbiológica e sensorial foram realizadas nas massas de pizza. A crescente inclusão de farinha de atum resultou em aumento do teor de proteína bruta (10,89 a 18,94%), de lipídeos totais (4,63 a 5,89%) e de cinzas (2,54 a 3,54%) nas massas, sem influenciar no teor de umidade e no valor calórico. A inclusão de farinha de atum aumentou linearmente a quantidade de ácidos graxos da série n-3 nas massas, com aumento de 1,56 para 5,93 g/kg, em 20% de inclusão de farinha de atum. A relação entre ácidos graxos poli-insaturados e saturados da farinha de atum e das massas variou entre 1,21 e 1,85. A análise microbiológica demonstrou que as massas foram produzidas em condições adequadas de higiene. Observou-se que a inclusão de 5 a 20% de farinha de atum na massa de pizza não interferiu significativamente (p>0,05) nos parâmetros de aroma, sabor, impressão global e intenção de compra. Concluiu-se que a inclusão de 5 até 20% de farinha de atum é eficaz para melhorar o valor nutritivo e o perfil de ácidos graxos de massa de pizza.

Abstract The aim of this study was to develop pizza dough with different levels of tuna meal (Tunnus spp.). In order to produce tuna meal, tuna torsos without fins were used, cooked for 1 hour, pressed, milled and dehydrated for 24 hours at 60 °C. Pizza dough was produced without (0%) or with the addition of 5, 10, 15 and 20% of tuna meal, calculated based on the quantity of wheat flour. The tuna meal and different pizza pastries were analyzed for moisture content, crude protein, total lipids, ash, carbohydrates, caloric value and fatty acid profiles. Microbiological and sensory analyses were also carried out on the pizza pastries. The increasing addition of tuna meal resulted in gains in the crude protein (10.89 to 18.94%), total lipid (4.63 to 5.89%) and ash (2.54 to 3.54%) contents of the pizza pastries, not influencing the moisture content or caloric value. The inclusion of tuna meal linearly increased the quantity of n-3 series fatty acids in the pizza pastry, from 1.56 to 5.93 g/kg with the addition of 20% tuna meal. The ratio between the polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids in the tuna meal and pizza pastries varied from 1.21 to 1.85. The microbiological analyses showed that the pizza pastries were produced under proper hygiene conditions. It was also observed that the addition of 5 to 20% of tuna meal to the pizza pastry did not significantly (p>0.05) alter the parameters of aroma, flavor, overall impression and purchase intention. It was therefore concluded that the addition of 5 to 20% tuna meal is effective in improving the nutritional value and fatty acid profile of pizza pastry.

Abstract With the goal of developing and characterizing the nutritional and sensory aspects of fresh pasta supplemented with tilapia protein concentrate, four types of pasta were prepared, with inclusion of 0, 10, 20, or 30% of tilapia protein concentrate. Linear effects were observed (P < 0.01) in crude protein, total lipids, ash, carbohydrate, and caloric values; these parameters increased with increasing amounts of tilapia protein concentrate in the pasta. The concentration of Na, P, Ca, Mg, and Zn increased linearly (P < 0.01) in correlation with the increase in protein concentrate content, while Fe content decreased linearly (P < 0.01). In the sensory analysis, texture, overall impression, and the acceptance index demonstrated a cubic regression (P < 0.05), with the inclusion of 20% protein concentrate yielding the best scores. Including up to 30% of tilapia protein concentrate in pasta yields an increased nutritional value, but based on the sensory results, 20% of tilapia protein concentrate in pasta is the recommended maximum level.

ABSTRACT Brycon hilarii, popularly called piraputanga in Brazil, is a species distributed throughout the whole basin of the river Paraguay. In recent years, the species has been on a repopulation program due to its remarkable decline as a wild species in the region. Assessment of the genetic diversity of broodstock and fingerling stocks in repopulation programs is basic to avoid genetic impacts on wild populations. The genetic variability of the wild population and of the broodstock and fingerling stocks of B. hilarii in a repopulation program in the river Itiquira MT Brazil will be determined. Seven microsatellite loci produced 52 polymorphic alleles and heterozygosity revealed rates between 0.5794 and 0.7204. FIS did not register any endogamy in the broodstock but it was present in fingerlings and wild populations. Intra- and inter-specific genetic variability rates were higher within each combination but not between groups. Grouping in fingerling groups had a lower density when compared to the others. There is a higher genetic proximity between the natural population and broodstock (0.0237) when the distance between populations was analyzed, even though the two were greatly distant from the fingerling group (0.2622 - 0.2617). Results show that the wild population and the broodstock had high genetic variability and low genetic divergence; contrastingly, fingerlings showed mild genetic variability and great divergence when compared to other groups, indicating that they were not adequately constituted.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do peso de abate e do sexo sobre os rendimentos do processamento e sobre a composição centesimal do jundiá (R. voulezi). Foram calculados os rendimentos percentuais em relação à massa do peixe inteiro (rendimentos da carcaça, tronco limpo, músculo abdominal, filé, partes comestíveis, cabeça, pele, gônadas e gordura visceral). Não houve diferença estatística nos rendimentos entre as classes (P>0,05). Entretanto, ao se avaliarem os rendimentos entre os sexos, foi observada diferença significativa (P<0,05) para os rendimentos da carcaça, tronco limpo, músculo abdominal e gordura visceral, sendo que os machos obtiveram os maiores valores nestes itens. As fêmeas apresentaram maior (P<0,05) rendimento das gônadas. Os teores de proteína bruta, cinzas e carboidratos não diferiram (P>0,05) entre as classes, porém, a umidade, lipídeos e valor calórico tiveram diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre as classes, sendo que a umidade diminuiu com o aumento do tamanho dos peixes e o teor de lipídeos e valor calórico foi maior nos peixes da classe 301-400 g. Concluiu-se que os rendimentos do processamento do jundiá (R. voulezi) com massa entre 100 e 400 g são iguais, sendo que os peixes de 301 a 400 g apresentam maior teor de lipídeos no filé.

Abstract The aim of this study was evaluate the effect of slaughter weight and sex on processing yield and on the proximate composition of Rhamdia voulezi. We calculated the percentage yield of the whole fish (carcass, clean trunk, abdominal muscle, fillet, edible parts, head, skin, gonads and visceral fat yield). There was no statistical difference in yields among weight classes (P>0.05). However, when assessing the income between sexes we observed significant difference (P<0.05) for carcass, clean trunk, muscle and abdominal visceral fat yield, and males presented the highest values for these items. Females had higher (P<0.05) gonads yield. Crude protein, ashes and carbohydrates did not differ (P>0.05) among the classes, however, moisture, lipids and calories had significant difference (P<0.05) among the classes, and humidity decreased with increasing size of the fish, and lipid content and calorific value were higher for fish weighing 301-400 g. We concluded R. voulezi with mass between 100 and 400 g presents equal yield processing, and fish weighing 301-400 g have higher lipid content in the fillet.

Abstract Tilapia, salmon, tuna and sardine meals were prepared to develop and analyze extruded snacks with residue meal from fish processing. Residue meals were included in five types of corn snacks: control (0% fish meal) and four with 9% tilapia, salmon, tuna and sardine meals. Although moisture, lipids and carbohydrates rates did not differ among the snacks, protein rates increased with the increment of fish meal, reaching 11.85% in the tuna snack. Tuna and sardine snacks had the highest iron levels. The most abundant fatty acids were linoleic, oleic, palmitic, linolenic and stearic acids, with sardine, salmon and tuna snacks presenting the highest values of n-3 series fatty acids. Greater luminosity rate was reported for salmon snack, followed by tilapia, tuna and sardine snacks. The highest sensory acceptance index was verified in tilapia (78.07%) and salmon (72.40%). A 9% addition of residue meals of tilapia, salmon and tuna improved the nutritional value of the snacks.