Naringin and vitamin E influence the oxidative stability and lipid profile of plasma in lambs fed fish oil

Abstract

Thirty two Merino lambs (15weeks old) fed barley straw and fish oil enriched concentrate were used to assess the effect of vitamin E (6gkg−1DM) and naringin (1.5–3gkg−1DM) on plasma lipid peroxidation (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS), immune response, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides. After 21days feeding the experimental diets, lambs were subjected to a 4h transportation stress period and then held 4 more hours without feed. TBARS values before stress were lower for animals consuming vitamine E and naringin when compared to control lambs (P<0.05). However, after stress all groups presented similar levels of TBARS. TAS decreased (P<0.05) in all groups in response to stress with values recovering (P<0.05) to pre-stress values following 4h of rest. A rise (P<0.05) in serum concentrations of triacylglycerol following 21 d of fish oil supplementation was dampened in lambs consuming vitamin E or naringin. Both pre-stress TBARS and triacylglycerol-reducing effects of naringin added to fish oil enriched concentrate for fattening lambs are reported.