Roasted Guar Korma Meal with High Protein for Cattle & Animal Feed

The ruminants require a daily supply of proper nutritious food for maintenance, production of milk and making their younger ones. The high yielding animals often face a shortage supply of energy and protein, but it must be considered that it may affect the health of the animals.

The high protein content in the animal feed is profitable, as with its low consumption the animal will meet its entire protein requirement. The nutrition requirement of ruminant depends upon its age, weight and production levels.

Cattle Feed Preparation-Ingredients Used

About Roasted Guar Korma Meal

Guar seeds are processed for the production of guar gum and the by-products produced during this process are called Guar Korma Meal and Guar Meal Churi.The Guar Korma is available in granular form, whereas the Guar Churi is available in powder form.

The processed form of these products can be applied either in combination with other animal feed ingredients or directly given to animals as itis efficient nutritional food for them.

The advent of Guar Korma Meal has lessened worries of poultry feed manufacturers and livestock producers due to its high nutritious properties. It is reliable and safe for animal consumption.

Specification of Roasted Guar Korma Meal

Particulars Content Measure
Protein Approx. 55-58%
Silica Max. 1 %
Fiber Max. 5 %
Moisture Max. 8 %

 

Roasted Guar Korma Meal- Description about its Processing
The guar meal is originated from guar plant, the guar pods are harvested and dried on the field through which the seeds are obtained andtransported to the factory.
The seed components are then separated mechanically into hull, raw protein, and gum splits. Later on, the components are conveyed to the processing unit, roasting plant and factory respectively.

In the roasting plant, the pre-production testing of each raw protein batch is carried out. The approved raw protein goes under the rigorous refining stages which consist of following:

  • Screening: The screening process removes husk and silica from the product.
  • MTR Machine:Here, MTR machine is used to isolate Fibers and Galactomannan from it.
  • De-stoning:  In this stage, the protein is completely cleaned as the field stones are removed from it with the help of destoner.

The refined protein is then roasted in an oven at approx 130° Celsius for few minutes. The roasted guar Korma is refined further in gravity separator to remove burnt and cellulose parts.

The final obtained product is sent for lab testing and later to packaging process.

Why RoastedGuar Korma is considered the best for Animal & Cattle Feed?

  • Roasted guar korma is a non-GMO, plant-based protein supplement for animal feed.
  • It is the natural high protein source constituting 55%- 58% of protein, which particularly more than soybean meal.
  • It is relatively inexpensive than soybeanmeal. Hence, this makes it as an ideal choice for feed manufacturers.
  • It provides high energy and carbohydratesi.e. approx. 4050KCAL/KG to the animals.
  • It has natural pellet binding properties.
  • It also enhances palatability and digestibility among animals.

Demand of Roasted Guar Korma Meal

  • The roasted guar korma, a relatively cost effective protein additive, is demanded from several nations.
  • India enjoys the monopoly in export of guar products, by fulfilling 80% of its global demand.
  • Guar Korma is majorly demanded from many European countries, USA, China, Canada and many more.
  • The research and development in the guar meal sector has increased its demand substantially.
  • As a result, the export quantity of guar korma meal has been increasing since 2010-11 at the moderate rate.

Conclusion: Guar Korma is a new good source of protein for animal rations. It improves the productive performance of animals. It also improves economic efficiency for animal feed manufacturers.

Why Choose Us?

Altrafine Gums is one of the foremost companies, involved in processing and supplying quality Roasted Guar Korma Meal. The company also offers a wide range of products which includes Guar Gum Powder, Psyllium Husk Powder, Sesbania Gum Powder, Cassia Tora Powder, Fenugreek Gum Powder and many more.
The company isequipped with advanced manufacturing system, excellent R&D capabilities and skilled employees who promote and explore innovative production technologies, as well as deliver the best quality products at cost-effective rates to our well-regarded clients throughout the world.

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Boost in Demand of Guar Gum with Inflating Crude Oil Prices

The Shale Oil companies in United States have given rise to oil production six times in past few years. It has increased demand of Guar Gum substantially.

Moreover, the advancements in drilling technology have shifted preference to eco-friendly and natural substitute from synthetic which has also raised the demand of guar gum.

Guar Gum in Oil Derivation

  1. Guar Gum is procured from the guar seed. The guar plant is mostly grown in India, in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
  2. It is a non-ionic hydrocolloid. It has excellent thickening property which is considered as useful attribute in oil extraction process.
  3. Hydraulic Fracturing, a method for extracting shale oil that involves pumping pressurized liquid into the ground. It requires water-soluble gelling agent such as guar gum to control viscosity levels and to efficiently deliver proppant into the formation.

Guar Gum Powder - Industrial Applications in Different Countries

 

How has inflated price of crude oil boosted demand for guar gum?

  1. Crude oil plays a vital role in every growing industry, be it Plastic, Clothing, Insulation, and most importantly in Automotive.
  2. Crude oil is even used in growing the crops, as the synthetic fertilizers are made up of inorganic compounds which are usually derived from by-products of the petroleum industry. Thus, due to its versatile applications, its prices and demand are always inflating globally. It promotes the producers to carry out oil derivation processing.
  3. The major oil producing countries are Saudi Arabia, United States, Russia, Canada, etc. These countries require guar gum on large scale for oil production; hence they are major importers of the same.
  4. Furthermore, US Government is also promoting oil rig industry. As a consequence, the oil rigs have been doubled in North America which has induced the demand of guar gum. A rise in crude prices has also stoked its demand.

Some Facts and Figures about Export of Guar Gum

  1. As per the data from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, India’s guar gum exports for first three month of FY 2017-18 almost doubled to 145,775 tonnes from 77,174 tonnes a year ago, due to higher demand from the US.
  2. According to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India’s guar gum exports were 366,938 tonnes, up 23.5% on year for the period of Apr-Feb in 2016-17 compared 2015/16 same period, due to increase in number of oil rigs in the US this year resulting in higher oil drilling and shale gas exploration, which needs guar gum as a fracking agent.
  3. India is the largest exporter of Guar Gum in the world, accounting for about 80 percent of global production.

Why Altrafine Gums?

Altrafine Gums is one of the leading processors and exporters of guar gum in India, since 1982. We offer a wide range of products including Guar Gum Powder, Fast Hydration Guar Gum Powder, psyllium husk powder, Sesbania Gum Powder, Indian Spices & Seeds, and many more. Our product range conforms to international standards and it is applauded worldwide. Our success is underpinned by our strong commitments to satisfy customers by providing supreme grade products at competitive rates and its on-time delivery. We conduct business in an ethical manner to develop and retain the trust of our customers throughout the world.

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Comparison between Guar Gum Powder & Fast Hydration Guar Gum Powder

Guar plant is majorly grown in India and Pakistan since several thousand years as a vegetable, and a forage crop. After World War II, due to major scarcity of locust bean gum in textile and paper industry, the guar gum received commercial attention. At that time, the technology of guar extraction was commercialized in many countries. And their application started in various industries like Food & Beverages, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics, Tobacco, etc due to its distinct properties such as thickening, viscosity, emulsifying and solubility in cold water.

Guar Gum Powder – Evolution& Applications

  • Guar gum was introduced in oil industry as it is viciousness in nature. Though its usage was less exhaustive till 2005 as it delayed to provide viscosity in substances.
  • Necessity is truly a mother of invention. The evolution of guar gum took place to enhance its usability. Resultantly, fast hydration guar gum powder (FHGGP) wasinstigated in the economy.
  • FHGGP is obtained by processing guar gum with certain additives which can boost its viscosity.It is also known as rapid hydration guar gum powder and diesel slurry guar gum.
  • It is used to increase the production of oil & gas and in industries like well drilling, oil & gas drilling.
  • It is commonly used for applications where quick hydration and high lethal viscosity is required. It fulfills the rheological requirements necessary in water-based and brine-based drilling fluids.
  • During drilling, it is important to maintain the balance the viscosity level, the rapid hydration guar gum not only helps to balance viscosity level but also allows a smoother operation with reduced friction in the holes.
  •  FHGGP promotes efficiency in process with minimal water loss and less consumption of power. It is also used to cool drilling bits, cementing slurries and continuous fracturing in the oil and gas drilling industries. Thus, it enables easy and rapid oil derivation utilizing less time and resources, leading to more financial gains to producers.
  • Today, 80% of guar gum produced in India is used in Shale oil and gas extraction.

Guar Gum Powder

Important Factors for Guar Gum Powder & Fast Hydration Guar Gum Powder

The easy and precise explanation of differences is displayed below:

Factors Guar Gum Powder Fast Hydration Guar Gum Powder
Introduction It was introduced as a substitute of locust bean gumwhich was in scare. It was introduced to make it usable in oil industry.
Viscous&Quick Hydration It takes almost two hours to provide viscosity to any suitable substance. It starts providing viscosity to substance within few minutes.
Health Benefits It helps in relieving certain ailments and promotes weight loss. It is not suitable for food grade due to its high viciousness.
Application Food grade, Paper,Textile, Cosmetics, etc Geological drilling, Oil and shale gas industry, etc
How does it work? It works asbinder, stabilizer, and thickening agent. It also retains moisture in various items. It works as surfactant, synthetic polymer, defoamer and fracturing agent in industries.
How does it help industries? It helps industries to preserve products and make the products attractive. Thus, it improves profitability of industries. It increases the industries’ capacity to sustain oil recovery.

Conclusion
The evolutionof guar gum has not been curbed yet.  The processors undertake various measures to enhance its properties to widen its scope in unexplored areas.

About Altrafine

Altrafine is one of the foremost procurers, processors and suppliers of guar gum in India. We have come from a long way, as we came into existence in 1982.We offer a wide range of products which includes Guar Gum Powder, FHGGP, Cassia Tora Powder, Sesbania Gum Powder, Psyllium Husk Powder and many more. We have advanced infrastructure, inquisitive R&D department, and resourceful staff which promoted us to bring innovations in the industry whichhas made us renowned worldwide. We believe in fulfilling strong commitments, by delivering quality supplies and unmatched customer support at competitive rates to our valued customers across the globe.

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Trend Analysis of the Guar Business and Future Insights

Guar gum powder is also known as guar flour, procured from seeds of Guar plant. Since many years, it has been cultivated in countries like India and Pakistan but to meet the increasing demand of guar gum powder, countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Australia and USA (Southern states of USA such as Arizona and Texas) started importing guar gum and its derivatives.

Why Guar Gum Powder is Trending Worldwide?

  • One can witness the usage of Guar Gum powder in almost every growing industry.
  • Visible growth has been seen in food industry, pharmaceutical industry, textile industry or oil and gas industry.
  • It is quite cost effective as compared to other stabilizers and thickeners.
  • In short, one can conclude that the Guar Gum powder has great importance in wide industrial applications.guar gum powder in India

Industrial applications of Guar Gum Powder

It is used and applied in various industries such as:

  • It is used as stabilizer, water retention agent and thickener in food industry and in other industries like pharmaceutical, textile, cosmetics, paper manufacturing and more.
  • Used in baked food, frozen products, dairy, pet food, feed additives and etc.
  • Used as stabilizer, thickener, viscosifiers and suspending agent in the oil and gas industry.

Consumption of Guar Gum:

Guar gum and its derivatives are consumedin different industries:

  • The consumption of guar gum is 20% in food industry.
  • Guar gum is consumed 10% in industries like pharmaceutical, cosmetics, paper and etc.
  • Major consumption is seen in oil & gas industrywhich is 70%.
  • It is used in oil & gas industry for:
  • Drilling in well, water and geological.
  • Reducing friction in holes which ultimately saves power and water
  • Removing drill waste from deep holes.

Trend Analysis of the Guar Gum Industry

  • 2014: A significant decline in the exports of guar gum was observed due to depreciation of Russian currency.
  • 2015: A notable increase in demand of guar gum was witnessed due to fall in the prices of guar seeds.
  • 2016: A bearish trend was observed in the market of guar gum as the petroleum industry cut down the usage of guar gum due to reduction in oil prices.
  • 2017: In this year, the guar gum was able to achieve its past glory as its demand increased due to demand of gluten free baked products.
  • 2018: Since in this year, the price of crude oil has been raised to a prominent level, the requirement of guar gum is booming.

Conclusion:

  • The demand of guar gum is seen to be fluctuating in economy.
  • he development of alternative energies resulted into stable rates of guar seeds, increase in price of oil and many favorable factors resulted into increase of sales of Guar Gum powder.

Future Insights of Guar Business

  • According to studies of a research firm, there is a significant increase in the use of Guar gum in the manufacturing of drugs as it is beneficial to manage health disorders.
  • The demand and supply of guar price not only rely on oil prices but also on production of guar seeds which again relies on natural elements and geographical spread.
  • With widening of geographical spread and awareness about guar, its prices are now moderate which has made it as feasible preference for purchasers.
  • The studies show that the global gum market would surpass US $ 1300 million by the end of 2026.

If you want to experience the best customer service, contact Altrafine Gums.
Altrafine Gums is one of the leading processor and supplier of guar gum powder since last 36 years.  We provide a wide array of products which includes Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Sesbania Gum Powder, Psyllium Husk Powder and many more.

  • The prime objective of our company is to provide quality products after inspection and quality tests. We use hi-tech machineries to maintain its quality and enhance yield.
  • Our company has set the benchmark by winning the award of Gujarat’s biggest exporter.
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Guar Gum Powder Effect in Low Fat Meat Diet as Fat Replacer

Meat is one of the significant food comprising the nutritious values targeting health and well balanced diet as it has high source of proteins, vitamins and minerals. It has also become a pivotal part of human evolution. Initially, meat and its product consumption was high due to low cost, pleasant flavor and varied meat food types.

However, the time is changing and people are demanding more of healthy, low fat and natural food products which also includes meat diet containing high nutritious values and low fat. Though meat has been one of the dominant food, serious health risks has also been analyzed due to its consumption.

Seeing its certain health risks, using vegetal fat and guar gum is considered to improve the nutritional quality of meat and its products. These strategy has been implemented to reduce saturated fatty acid and increase polyunsaturated level which will help preventing health risk and heart disease.

Effect of using Guar Gum

While formulation, replacing and reducing the animal fat by vegetal fat, there is visible modifications in binding properties of water and fat. The change includes emulsion stability, texture and color. This behavior occurs as fat is replaced by water.

Nevertheless, when sodium alginate and guar gum is added to the formulation there is a reduction in fluid release.  Adding guar gum and sodium alginate along with other formulation has impacted a change in its texture, chewiness, hardness and color.

Analysis after using guar gum

After using guar gum with other formulations to create low fat meat, certain analysis has been done from the samples of the meat. Meat containing guar gum had high protein and moisture content and lower in fat content comparatively.

It has been analyzed that using guar gum reduces the ash content and it has been noted that, if it is used up-to 1.5% in the formulation, the ash content would be the lowest.

The test of the moisture retention in the meat is very much important in the cooking parameters. The more guar gum is used during the formulation, moisture content is retained on higher ratio as the quantity of water added combined with guar gum powder leads to proper binding ability.

There was another aspect examined during research and testing. Due to the reduction of content and ratio of fat and using guar gum, there is a significant decrease in yellowness of the meat. These examination and conclusion came out in front, with various research done.

Reduction in fat content with moisture increase, directly impacted on the hardness of the meat food. Use of guar gum have impacted on the textural properties of the meat and it hardness too. Change is also noted in its springiness. But it is considered that the increase in springiness with higher gum level might be due to gel formed with increased water level.

However, if the guar gum content is 1.5% then, it can reduce the gumminess and chewiness of the meat food. So this states, that more use of guar gum leads to better formulation and production of low fat meat diet.

Conclusion

Based on various research done by many scholars, it is concluded that the use of guar gum to partially replacement of fat in the meat diet can helps to produce and develop healthier meat and various meat diets. Use of guar gum in low fat formulation leads to higher emulsion stability and cooking, helps in creating economically profitable product.

Choosing Altrafine Gums!

Established in the year 1982, we have gradually outgrown our business wide. We are always focusing on in-depth research and development. Our team is qualified and are updated with latest technologies. We produce guar gum products after undergoing extensive research of its benefits and there applications. We take utmost care of testing and quality parameters.

 

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Reformation of the Guar Industry Will Guarantee an Efficient Supply Chain

There has been a high annual variation in the production of the guar gum which has consequently affected the levels of export of guar and its derivatives. The guar gum is highly used in the food industry such as baking and thickening agents and food safety concerns are also becoming critical considerations in the guar supply chain. There has also been a low level of preparedness by guar gum manufacturer to handle these challenges and this has had a negative impact on the continued growth and success of this industry.

Current Attempts

India is the largest producer of guar gum, contributing over 80% of the global production. There has been several attempts made to prepare a road map for the development of the guar gum production, marketing and the processing industry. There have also been deliberate efforts to align the views of all the stake holders in the value chain to create a single vision strategy for streamlining the product supply chain.

Identification of Issues Critical To Long Term Profitability and Sustainability

This process will involve;

  • Assessment of current gaps in production, processing and marketing and developing strategies to close these gaps.
  • Organizing a series of stakeholder meetings and group discussions, grower consultations, interviews, research and industry strategic planning.

Production and Supply

This is largely affected by the monsoon conditions in India and mainly in the western districts of Rajasthan. While it is impossible to change the weather patterns, strategies can be adopted to develop varieties that can withstand mild to low rainfall or even draught resistant varieties of the guar seed. Research and breeding stations are required to develop varieties with higher yield levels to increase the seed replacement ratios and consequently reduce fluctuations associated with lower yield levels.

Agronomic Practices

Increased emphasis in extension services aimed sensitizing farmers on the best practices for better production and higher yield is a key factor in enhancing stability in the supply chain.

Price movements

The guar seed has a shelf life that is more than three years with no losses in any of its properties and qualities. The product also requires minimal maintenance and handling practices. The prices of the guar therefore largely depend on the production levels and the monsoon conditions. The emergence of futures trading for the guar has therefore served to minimize the price risk and cause stability in the supply chain. This hedging platform must therefore be supported for the benefit of the farmers, processors and exporters involved in the whole chain.

Marketing Chain

The various products and by products that are derived from the guar plant creates even greater demand for the plant. The marketing process involves mainly farmers selling the produce to commission agents who then sell to wholesalers and processors. By products such as the guar meal is manufactured and sold as animal feed to the domestic market. Creating efficient infrastructure system such as access roads and better storage technologies will also go a long way in ensuring efficiency in the guar gum value chain.

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What to Expect From the Guar Gum Business in the Year 2018 – 19

In the last three years, the guar gum has been under pressure from major factors of production and marketing that had a heavy effect on the entire supply chain. These factors included poor production, poor demand and poor crude prices. There has been a good sign of recovery in the period 2016-2017, as there was witnessed an approximately 30% increase in the prices. This trend is expected to continue well into 2018. According to data from several physical markets, the sentiment has been fairly neutral with most markets closing the day at the same prices of guar seed or at slightly lower prices. In the market of hanumangarh for example,there was no absolute change in prices of the guar seed loose by the end of day of January 29th trading. The prices of guar seed in the market of Nohar also remained the same.

Cultivation Area
By the mid of the year 2017, it is estimated that the total cultivated area was in the rain fed zones and the productivity per hectare estimated at 200 kilograms of the powder per hectare. This was considered much lower than expected and also coming from a lower cultivated area as compared to the year 2016. Rajasthan and Gujarat are the two major producers of the guar seed and low planting and production acreage was reported. There was an approximately 10% drop in the production acreage which ultimately translate to reduced supply.

Poor crop performance
It is also noteworthy that the prevailing climatic conditions did not quite favor guar production. It has been noted that areas with irrigated crops have experienced better production and the recorded weight of seed is also very good. This translates to better recovery of the guar splits from the guar seeds.

Demand versus supply
With the perceived reduced production and increasing USA shale gas output, it is expected that there will be a generally positive trend in prices of the product. The decline in the prices towards the end of the year 2017was attributed to higher carry forward stocks by both traders and farmers.

There has been rapid recovery in the crude oil prices and advancements in technology used in shale gas production has seen many of the oil rigs come back to full production in the united states and the world. This spells good times for guar gum powder producers in the year 2018 and going forward. The exports of the fast hydrsesation guar gum powder to Norway were also noted to have increased by up to 52 % which is a good indicator of the market direction.

Future Outlook
There has been a continuous average growth rate in the guar gum powder demand of approximately 8.8% per annum and this trend is bound to continue. Increasing research and development activities has led to more and more applications of the guar gum powder being discovered every day, the future looks good for the guar producers and the value chain will benefit.

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How the Usage of Fast Hydration Guar Has Made Impact in Oil Exploration Sector

The fast or quick hydrating guar gum powder (FHG) is a derived from the guar plant, but unlike the ordinary guar gum powder which causes viscosity in a period of two hours; this achieves almost complete viscosity in just a few minutes. The powder belongs to the category of industrial grade guar gum powder.

Impact of Fast Hydration Guar in Oil Exploration Sector

FANN Viscosity Readings
The FANN viscosity reading is the widely regarded as the standard for measurement of viscosity for the drilling fluids. They are also used in measuring the gel strength of the drilling mud. The viscometer is a rotational cylinder and bob instrument. It has got two operational speeds of 300 and 600 rpm. It is referred to as the direct reading or direct indicating because at a given speed the dial reading reflects a true centipose viscosity.

The viscosity at 2% KCL solution, with 0.48% solution of the guar gum powder on the fann viscometer on 300 RPM at 250 c and stirring at 1500 RPM) is a minimum of 25 CPS in 3 minutes to 45 CPS in 3 minutes.

Color Characteristics
This powder can be separated from the food grade guar based on the color. The food grade guar is usually white in color while the fast hydration guar is pale to off white color.

  • Thixotropic properties of the fast hydrating guar means it has high gelling rate as required in oil extraction.
  • Apart from the gelling properties, the powder is required to create a gel that is thin enough for easier pumping into the well, while the gel strength increase as it moves through the well and to support the proppant sand and effectively flush it deep into the rock fissures. The gel then has also to be loose enough to flow back and recover the fracking fluid while leaving the proppant behind. This chemical process is very important and to break the gel, chemicals such as Guar + boron + other proprietary fluids are used to accomplish this process.

This unique characteristic is very important in the production of oil and gas during the drilling process. It is applied where quick hydration and high viscosity is required.

This natural slurrible guar is non ionic and a polymeric viscosifier that is slurrible up to 50% of solids in diesel fuel systems and other similar applications. When the product is used in oil fracturing, it yields excellent pump ability, good hydration, good thermal stability and enhanced shelf life of the petroleum products.

The product is mainly used as a surfactant, an artificial polymer and a defoamer which is a critical requirement for water and brine based drilling fluids.

Other Important Uses 
With the primary function of the guar being that of viscosity, it has been seen to function effectively in cooling of drill bits, mud drilling and cementing slurries where these properties are required.

The fast hydration guar has also been heavily used in industry as a stabilizer, thickener and suspending agent in the oil well fracturing agent.

 

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Economic and Environmental Sustainability Analysis of Guar Farming In Various Regions

The Guar ( cyamopsis tetragonoloba ) is mainly a spring to summer crop that exhibits high drought tolerance and grown in various regions around the world. The seeds contains galactomanans which have broad applications in various industries.
Some of these applications include softening and thickening properties, flocculation, stabilisation and many other industrial applications.

Environmental Sustainability of Guar Farming

Sustainability
Sustainable crop production is raising crops in ecologically and ethically responsible processes. This mainly includes adhering to the processes of good agricultural practices that will not harm the environment and the crops themselves promote and enhance the creation of a good environment.

Advantages of Annual and Perennial Crops in Environmental Sustainability
The total world production of the guar is mainly from Indian subcontinent which accounts for over 80% to global supply.  Since the development of agriculture, more than one quarter of the earth surface has been converted to agricultural production. The production of crop such as the
guar gum
has helped deal with many issues of environmental conservation and food security in a world where resources are rapidly shrinking.

This crop tends to have longer growing seasons and deeper rooting depths where they intercept, retain and utilize more precipitation. Due to the growth habit, they have longer photosynthetic season and longer green leaf duration which enhances the processes of air purification. The presence of a greater root mass reduces the risks of soil erosion and soil carbon losses compared to other crops.

 The growing of this crop provides multiple ecosystem services for sustainable production. Some of these activities include prevention of water pollution and nutrients conservation, storage of more carbon below and development of better pest tolerance.

The fact that the guar gum is drought tolerant makes it among the best crops for environmental conservation and also for conversion of unproductive areas such as the arid and semi arid areas to more productive and environmentally useful areas.

Research
Research on the cost effectiveness and environmental impact of the guar production process compared to other crops has been found to be very low. The guar crop production process has been seen to be less than 3000 kg of CO2 eq emissions and thus a low emissions crop.

Continued industrial usage of the guar gum leads to a direct increase in the demand of the product. There have been fears that this increased demand could lead to deforestation as more land gets cleared for growing of the guar. In this case, environmentalists have given caution against this trend as replacing trees with shrubs may lead to an increase in ground level ozone (O3 ) which is a polluting gas. Despite this, the crop has been used to successfully convert previously arid areas into more productive uses. The guar gum has therefore been seen to have more positive environmental impact than other similar plants.

 

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Natural vs. Synthetic Hydrocolloids and Industry Preferences

Hydrocolloids are water soluble and dispersible polysaccharides that are also referred to as food gums. The products also produce viscous dispersions called gels. In usage they basically bind/ hold water, improve texture of products, stabilize emulsions and form films as well as product coatings.

Natural Hydrocolloids
They are derived from plants and animals and they include;

Galactomanans
They have a mannose backbone linked to galactose side groups. The ratio of the galactose to mannose varies from 0.3 in carob to 0.6 in guaran to 0.9 in the fenugreek gum powder.

The guar gum powder is mainly produced in India and Pakistan and extracted from the seed endosperm. It hydrates rapidly in water to give a viscous solution that has a neutral PH. It is widely used in many industries due to these properties.

Locust Bean Gum
The plants also grow widely in the Middle East and the Mediterranean regions. It is also a galactomanans with the ratio of mannose to galactose being at 4:1. The side chains in this case are never uniformly distributed with some sections of the formula being referred to as hairy while others are bare of the side chains.  It is also widely used in the food processing such as ice creams, cheese products, meat products and chocolate products.

Locust Bean Gum

Gum Arabic
Harvested from trees and mostly occurring in the semiarid areas of Africa. It is also widely used in food industries such as candies, baked goods to reduce moisture absorption, frozen desserts and also flavor fixation.

Non-Plant Natural Hydrocolloids
Other in the same group includes the fenugreek gum and carrageenan gum.

Kappa carrageenan

Alginate; sourced from the brown algae and has applications in the food industry such as salad dressings, meringues and bakery icings. They are considered more expensive than the plant based hydrocolloids.

Synthetic Hydrocolloids
These are basically derived from chemical combinations to give a product with similar structure to the natural polysaccharides.

Semi synthetic hydrocolloids are more preferred compared to the purely synthetic gums. They include the starch derivatives such as the hetastarch, starch acetate and starch phosphates. Cellulose derivatives include; carbxy-methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), and microcrystalline cellulose.

Research has shown that the synthetic hydrocolloids are far less inefficient and have certain inherent disadvantages such as;

  • High cost
  • Toxicity to body and other animal life
  • Environmental pollution during the manufacturing process
  • Non renewable sources
  • Some have acute and chronic adverse effects on the skin
  • Poor biocompatibility compared to the natural gums

Advantages of Natural Gums
The natural gums are the most preferred in all the industries due to various reasons.

  • Bio degradable; they are renewable sources which are easily bio degradable.
  • Bio compatible and non-toxic
  • Low cost and easily available in nature, they are also easier to extract.
  • They have more public acceptance due to their numerous health benefits and they are also extracted from edible sources.
  • In pharmaceutical applications, there is less chance of side effects to patients compared to synthetic

With all these advantages, the natural hydrocolloids are gradually replacing synthetic gums in industrial applications.

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