Acids In Subcutaneous Fat Research Articles

Myostatin Alteration in Pigs Enhances the Deposition of Long-Chain Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Subcutaneous Fat.

In animals, myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator that inhibits muscle growth and repair. The decreased level of functional MSTN gene expression can change the amount and proportions of fats in pigs. In this study we determined the lipidomics of subcutaneous fat in MSTN single copy mutant pigs and evaluated the variations in lipid contents of the subcutaneous fat from MSTN+/− and wild type Large White (LW) pigs via ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole/Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (MS). The results showed that the quantities of glycerolipids, sphingolipids, fatty acyls and glycerophospholipids were significantly changed, particularly, the molecular diacylglycerol in glycerolipids, long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, and ceramide non-hydroxy fatty acid-sphingosine in sphingolipids were remarkably increased in the MSTN+/− group. Due to their positive bioavailability demonstrated by previous researches, these three lipids might be beneficial for human health. Further, the results of our study confirm that MSTN participates in the regulation of fat metabolism, and reduced expression of MSTN can ultimately influence the accumulation of lipid contents in the subcutaneous fat of pigs.

Carbon stable isotopes, fatty acids and the use of NIRS to differentiate IBERIAN pigs

This study explores the viability of the application of Near Infrared Spectrometry (NIR) for the rapid prediction of the ratio of 13C/12C stable isotopes and fatty acid composition in Iberian pigs. The potential use of this technique for distinguishing samples according to the duration of the montanera period was also studied. Subcutaneous fat samples from 50% and 100% Iberian pigs allowed to feed freely during different montanera periods were analyzed: 24 biopsies were taken prior to the montanera and 106 samples were taken after this feeding period. The results show significant correlations between δ13C (‰) and several fatty acids. Furthermore, it is possible to differentiate samples taken from pigs reared using different feeding regimes by analyzing the data obtained from the NIR spectra or by applying an Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) on data on δ13C (‰) and fatty acids in subcutaneous fat.

Prediction of stable isotopes and fatty acids in subcutaneous fat of Iberian pigs by means of NIR: A comparison between benchtop and portable systems

The potential of a portable Near Infrared spectrophotometer compared with that of NIR benchtop equipment is assessed to determine the13C/12C relationship of stable isotopes and the fatty acid content. 105 samples of subcutaneous fat of Iberian pigs collected at the time of their slaughter have been analyzed. The analysis of stable isotopes and gas chromatography were the methods of reference used. The samples were analyzed without prior handling (portable and benchtop NIR) and after extracting the fat (benchtop NIR). The results show that with the portable equipment it is possible to determine δ13C (‰), 12 fatty acids, and 5 summations of fatty acids (SFA, MUFA, PUFA, w3, and w6), while with the benchtop NIR equipment it is possible to measure δ13C (‰), 16 fatty acids, and the 5 summationsof fatty acids. The correlation coefficients of the portable equipment were slightly lower than those of the NIR benchtop equipment.

Effect of Free-Range and Low-Protein Concentrated Diets on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Composition of Iberian Pig.

Simple SummaryIt is generally assumed in the Iberian pig sector that substitution of traditional free-range rearing, with acorns and grass, by mixed diets affects intramuscular fat content and fatty-acid composition, among others, causing a decrease in meat quality. As mixed diets are usually formulated with higher protein contents than those supplied by natural resources consumed by Iberian pig fed extensively, we hypothesized that the use of a low-protein diet in the final fattening period of pig could be a suitable strategy to improve meat and dry-cured product quality. However, it is also necessary to evaluate the effect of this strategy on performance and carcass traits of pigs. In this study, we found that Iberian pigs fed on low-protein diets had higher intramuscular fat content and different meat composition compared to pigs fed on concentrates with standard protein levels, which could be a suitable way of improving the Iberian pig meat and dry-cured product quality.The feeding system is one of the main factors influencing the Iberian pig meat quality. This experiment was undertaken to evaluate the influence of feeding diets containing different levels of protein on performance, carcass, and meat quality of Iberian pigs. To that aim, 24 castrated male Retinto Iberian pigs with an average weight of 116 kg were fed under free-range conditions with acorns and grass (FR), and on concentrated diets in confinement with standard (SP) and low protein content (LP). The crude protein content in acorns was lower than that in the grass and SP diet, but similar to that in the LP diet. FR pigs needed more time to achieve slaughter weight than LP and SP pigs. Iberian pigs fed on low-protein diet (FR and LP) had a higher intramuscular fat content in the musculus serratus ventralis than SP pigs. The influence of diet on the fatty-acid composition was reflected more markedly in subcutaneous fat than in muscles. FR pigs showed a higher level of C18:1 n-9 and total polyunsaturated fatty acids and lower total saturated fatty acids in subcutaneous fat than LP and SP. It is concluded that diets with low protein levels do not affect Iberian pig productive traits but change the meat composition, rendering them an interesting strategy to improve the quality of Iberian pig meat and dry-cured products.

The use of coupled gas chromatography columns for the determination of individual isomers of trans fatty acids in the adipose tissue of vegans

The profile of fatty acids including detailed analysis of positional trans and cis isomers of octadecenoic acid in subcutaneous fat (adipose) tissue was determined on two polar 100-m SLB-IL111 and SP-2560 columns joined by a connector, with hydrogen carrier gas at a flow rate of 1.7 cm3/min and injection of the 1.0 mm3 of derivatised sample with split of 100:1. The separation time was 160 min, with determination of 62 fatty acids, 13 of which were trans isomers. An epidemiological study demonstrated a lower level of trans fatty acids in vegans; the sum of trans fatty acids in vegans equaled 4.6 mg/g of adipose tissue, while that for the control group of omnivores was 7.7 mg/g. In contrast, the level of beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids in vegans was 201.8 mg/g, compared to 103.3 mg/g in omnivores.

Combining genome-wide association analyses and gene interaction networks to reveal new genes associated with carcass traits, meat quality and fatty acid profiles in pigs

The various strains of Iberian pigs originate high quality processed products and represent a source of genetic variability that has not yet been deeply exploited, thus representing an opportunity to identify the genetic basis of traits with high economic relevance. The Alentejano breed is a strain of Iberian pigs that is characterized by excellent meat quality and slow growth rate, very well adapted to harsh climate conditions and usually raised outdoors in oak-tree forests. In this study, a sample of Iberian pigs from the Alentejano strain was genotyped with PorcineSNP60 v2 Beadchip to identify markers and candidate genes associated with a total of 153 different traits, including carcass, meat cuts, meat quality, fatty acid composition and derived metabolic indexes. To explore the biological role of the revealed associations, SNPs significant in GWAS which overlapped introns or gene regulatory regions were used to identify related genes, by generating gene interaction networks covering an enlarged and connected list of candidate genes. Using the genotypes of 31,434 SNPs that passed quality control steps, we performed single SNP association testing, using the GenABEL toolset and accounting for population stratification by principal component analysis. In these analyses, we identified novel associations for the index of desaturase and elongase activity of n − 3 c18:3 to c20:5 and for the content of cis-vaccenic acid in intramuscular fat, for the content of lauric acid in subcutaneous fat and for meat moisture and heart weight. The identified SNPs of interest were located within introns or within regulatory regions of 11 relevant genes, namely CRISPLD2, LDLRAD3, PPIL4, SOGA3, ME3, FLRT3, PPIL4, DOPEY2, CELC3A, and DSCAM. Based on these SNPs, we have further identified direct interactions with other genes and the biological processes involved in the regulation of these traits. Our results show that the study of a local pig breed allowed the identification of new genomic regions and candidate genes associated to several traits, and some of these are related with the levels of fatty acids that occur in high abundance in Iberian pigs and contribute positively to consumer health.

Using blood near infrared spectra from steers to classify fat and meat samples with low or high levels of vaccenic acid

Near infrared spectroscopy on steer blood was tested to discriminate between subcutaneous fat and longissimus thoracis samples with low or high levels of vaccenic acid. One day prior slaughter, blood samples from steers were harvested and near infrared spectra were collected on both whole blood and red blood cells. At slaughter, samples of subcutaneous fat and longissimus thoracis were collected and vaccenic acid content was analyzed by gas chromatography. Partial least squares discriminant analyses based on whole blood and red blood cell near infrared spectra were applied to classify subcutaneous fat and longissimus thoracis samples according to their content of vaccenic acid (low or high). Based on the results from the partial least squares discriminant analyses, subcutaneous fat and longissimus thoracis samples with low or high content of vaccenic acid could be discriminated from the blood near infrared spectra with accuracy from 74 to 95%. Application of near infrared spectroscopy technology on steer blood may have potential as early screening of live animals based on low or high levels of vaccenic acid in subcutaneous fat or longissimus thoracis.

Effects of a traditional Chinese medicine formula supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acid profiles of finishing pigs

This study investigated the effects of a traditional Chinese medicine formula (TCMF) on growth performance, and meat quality and fatty acid profiles of finishing pigs. Ninety 146-day-old Pietrain × Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (84.1 ± 0.86kg BW) were assigned randomly to three treatments with five replicates, six pigs per pen. Control group was fed basal diet and the other two groups were fed basal diet plus different doses of the TCMF (TCMF1: 2.5g/kg feed; TCMF2: 5g/kg feed). Growth performance was unaffected by TCMF (P > 0.05). Pigs fed the TCMF had higher crude fat content in muscle (P < 0.05) and lower level of malondialdehyde (P < 0.01) in muscle than those fed with the control diet. The a* values, subjective color scores and marbling scores at TCMF1 dietary treatment were increased (P < 0.05), but those at TCMF2 dietary treatment were similar to the control (P > 0.05). The concentration of vaccenic acid in longissimus dorsi and of total unsaturated fatty acids in abdominal adipose tissue were increased by TCMF1 (P < 0.05), while paullinic acid in subcutaneous fat was increased by TCMF2 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, TCMF fed to fattening pigs increased crude fat in meat and reduced lipid oxidation of pork meat.

The effect of grapeseed oil on performance, rumen fermentation, antioxidant status and subcutaneous adipose fatty acid profile in lambs.

This experiment was carried out to examine the effect of grapeseed oil (GSO) on performance, rumen fermentation, antioxidant status and subcutaneous adipose fatty acid (FA) profile in lambs. Eighteen Baluchi lambs, 196±14days of age and 39.8±1.7kg body weight, were randomly assigned to three experimental diets: (i) diet without GSO (control), (ii) diet containing 2% of GSO (GSO2) and (iii) diet containing 4% of GSO (GSO4) for 42days. Results showed that the experimental diets had no significant effect on dry matter intake and performance (p>0.05). The supplemented diets with GSO had no effect on pH and NH3 -N of rumen fluid (p>0.05), but GSO4 increased (p=0.003) the concentration of propionic acid and reduced (p=0.002) the concentration of acetate acid compared to the control. Inclusion 4% of GSO to the diet increased total antioxidant activity and decreased malondialdehyde in serum and muscle (p<0.001). The level of blood glutathione peroxidase in diets containing GSO was higher than control diet (p=0.02), but diets had no effect on superoxide dismutase in blood and muscle tissues (p>0.05). The concentration of vaccenic acid, rumenic acid and linoleic acid and thus polyunsaturated fatty acid in subcutaneous fat was affected by experimental diets (p<0.001), as control had the lowest amount of these FAs and GSO4 had the highest amount of them. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of GSO up to 4% improves the antioxidant status and adipose fatty acid profile in lambs without effects on performance.

Higher membrane fluidity mediates the increased subcutaneous fatty acid content in pigs fed reduced protein diets

The production of pork with moderate amounts of intramuscular fat (IMF) without an increase in subcutaneous fat is highly desirable for the meat industry. Several studies indicate that dietary protein reduction during the growing–finishing period of pigs enhances IMF content, but its consequence on carcass fat deposition is still contradictory. In this study, we hypothesized that the effects of reduced protein diets (RPD), corrected or not with the limiting amino acid lysine, on subcutaneous fat deposition from pigs with distinct genotypes are mediated by adipose membranes biophysical properties. In total, 36 crossbred (Large White×Landrace×Pietrain – a lean genotype) and purebred (Alentejana breed – a fatty genotype) male pigs were randomly assigned to the control group, the RPD group or the reduced protein diet equilibrated for lysine (RPDL) group, allowing a 2×3 factorial arrangement (n=6). Backfat thickness and total fatty acid content were higher in Alentejana relative to crossbred pigs. Although dietary treatments did not change backfat thickness, RPD and RPDL increased total fatty acids content of subcutaneous fat. In order to understand this effect, adipose tissue membranes isolated from pig’s subcutaneous fat were assayed for glycerol permeability and fluidity, using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and 1-(4-(trimethylamino)-phenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) probes. The glycerol transport across adipose membranes was not mediated by aquaglyceroporins and remained unchanged across dietary groups. Regardless of lysine correction, RPD increased membrane fluidity at the hydrocarbon region (lower DPH fluorescence anisotropy) in both genotypes of pigs. This result was associated with a lower ratio between oleic acid and linoleic acid on membrane’s fatty acid composition. Adipose membrane’s cholesterol content was independent from genotype and diet. Taken together, the present study shows that dietary protein reduction is successful in maintaining backfat thickness, although a negative side effect was observed on total fatty acids in subcutaneous fat, which may be due to changes in the fluidity of adipose membranes.

Effect of progressive reduction in crude protein and lysine of heavy pigs diets on some technological properties of green hams destined for PDO dry-cured ham production

In order to investigate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) and lysine (Lys) content on some technological properties of green hams destined for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) dry-cured ham, green hams visual appraisal scores, thickness, iodine number and fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat, and ham weight losses during seasoning (SL) were assessed. The green hams were obtained from 233 pigs fed four diets containing 140 to 110g/kg CP and 6.5 to 5.3g/kg total Lys from 90 to 165kg body weight. A reduction in dietary CP and Lys of up to 20% compared with conventional feeds led to a 15% increase in the thickness of the subcutaneous fat, a 5% decrease in linoleic and polyunsaturated fatty acids in subcutaneous fat and a 7% decrease in SL. A 20% reduction of CP and Lys in diets for finishing pigs has positive effects on the technological properties of green hams destined for PDO dry-cured ham production.

Perfil lipídico da carne e gordura de suínos alimentados com milheto

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar níveis de milheto na alimentação de suínos na composição lipídica e de colesterol da gordura subcutânea e da carne. Foram utilizados 48 animais, machos castrados, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro níveis de milheto na dieta (0; 25; 50 e 75%), seis repetições, sendo cada unidade experimental constituída por dois animais. Foram analisados os perfis lipídicos da gordura e da carne através de cromatografia gasosa e a quantidade de colesterol nas amostras de carne foi determinada seguindo a metodologia de extração. O aumento do nível de milheto na dieta dos suínos reduziu (P&lt;0,05) a concentração dos ácidos mirístico, palmítico, palmitoleico, heptadecanoico e aumentou a concentração do ácido linoleico na gordura subcutânea. O nível de inclusão de 50,82% de milheto na dieta possibilita máxima deposição do ácido linolênico na gordura. Os níveis de milheto não modificam o perfil de ácidos graxos e o teor de colesterol na carne suína. O nível de 42,09% de inclusão de milheto na dieta resulta no maior índice trombogênico da carne.

Effects of replacing barley grain with wheat dry distillers' grains on growth performance, eating behavior, and subcutaneous fatty acid profiles of lambs

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of replacing barley grain with increasing concentrations of wheat dry distillers' grains with solubles (WDDGS) on the growth performance and fatty acid profile of adipose tissue in lambs. Increasing concentration of WDDGS was achieved by replacing barley grain with WDDGS. Thirty-nine weaned crossbred lambs were completely randomized by weight and assigned to three dietary treatments (control, 200 g/kg WDDGS, and 400 g/kg WDDGS). Increasing WDDGS in the diet affected eating rate, total daily intake, and average daily gain. Total saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in subcutaneous fat were unaltered, but proportions of linolenic acid were increased. This study suggests that a concentrated diet containing 400 g/kg WDDGS fed to lambs as replacement of barley grain, improved lamb intake and growth performance as compared to a barley-based diet.

Genetic variation in fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat in cattle

Genetic parameters were estimated for fatty acid composition of subcutaneous beef fat of 1573 animals which were the progeny of 157 sires across seven breeds grown out on pasture and then finished on either grain or grass in northern New South Wales or in central Queensland. There was genetic variation in individual fatty acids with estimates of heritability for the proportions of C14 : 0, C14 : 1c9, C16 : 0, C16 : 1c9, C18 : 0 and C18 : 1c9 fatty acids in subcutaneous beef fat of the order of 0.4 or above. Also substantial correlations between some fatty acids were observed. Genetic correlations between fatty acids and fat depth at the P8 site suggested that much of the genetic variation in fatty acid composition was related to changes in fatness. Selection for decreased fatness resulted in decreased proportions of C18 : 1c9 with concomitant increases in C18 : 0, C14 : 0 and C16 : 0. This suggested that selection for decreased fatness at a given weight will result in a decrease in the proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids in the subcutaneous fat in the carcass with a corresponding increase in the proportions of saturated fatty acids.

Triticale Dried Distillers' Grain Increases Alpha‐Linolenic Acid in Subcutaneous Fat of Beef Cattle Fed Oilseeds

This study investigated the effect of triticale dried distillers' grain with solubles (DDGS), flax (FS) and sunflower (SS) seed on growth and the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous (SQ) fat in individually housed steers (n = 15 per diet) fed ad libitum (DM basis); (1) control (CON) 90% barley grain + 10% barley silage; or substitution of barley grain for: (2) 30% DDGS; (3) 10% FS; (4) 30% DDGS + 8.5% FS; (5) 10% SS and (6) 30% DDGS + 8.5% SS. Oilseeds in the combination diets were reduced to maintain diet lipid levels below 9% DM and to determine if favorable changes in the fatty acid profile could be maintained or enhanced at reduced levels of oilseed. Plasma and SQ fat biopsies were collected at 0, 6, and 12 weeks. Inclusion of DDGS decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain, feed conversion and backfat thickness. Feeding FS increased (P < 0.05) plasma ALA compared to CON and SS and consistently increased (P < 0.01) ALA and non-conjugated and non-methylene interrupted dienes (NCD), whereas SS tended to decrease ALA in fat. Inclusion of DDGS with FS further increased (P < 0.02) ALA and decreased (P < 0.05) NCD and 18:1-t10 in fat. The fact that the levels of n-3 fatty acids in SQ fat from steers fed DDGS + FS were higher than those obtained with FS alone, has obvious benefits to the practical cost of favorably manipulating fatty acid profiles in beef.

Dietary methods and biomarkers of omega 3 fatty acids: a systematic review

The aims of the present study were to review the validity of dietary methods used to measure the usual long chain (LC) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) intake of a population and to assess the usefulness of different biomarkers of n-3 PUFA in healthy humans. Two systematic literature searches were conducted until May 2011 to update previous systematic reviews. The first literature search aimed to find studies validating the methodology used for measuring the dietary intake of n-3 PUFA. The second search aimed to find human intervention studies in which n-3 PUFA status changed after 2 weeks of n-3 PUFA supplementation. Sixteen studies were identified for inclusion in the first review. Correlation coefficients between fatty acids in subcutaneous fat or blood lipids and dietary intake of n-3 PUFA from different questionnaires were similar. Subcutaneous fat has been reported as the best reference method for some authors, and these studies showed moderate correlation coefficients with no dietary intake method being superior to any other. As for the evaluation of biomarkers of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22 : 6 n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20 : 5n-3) status in response to supplementation, the new search reaffirmed and reinforced the evidence supporting that plasma phospholipid DHA, erythrocyte DHA, and platelet DHA were all effective and robust biomarkers of DHA status. Our findings only confirmed earlier studies and did not provide evidence for reaching new conclusions.

A comparison of slaughter performance and meat quality of pigs immunised with a gonadotrophin-releasing factor vaccine against boar taint with physically castrated pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vaccination against gonadotropin-releasing factor (GnRF) on carcass characteristics and meat quality and back fat quality. In total, 400 healthy male pigs were randomly assigned into two treatment groups: physically castrated males (CM) and vaccinated males (IM). CM pigs were physically castrated within 3 days of age. IM pigs received the GnRF vaccine twice, at 14 and 21 weeks of age. At the end of the experiment, 20 pigs of each treatment were weighed individually and slaughtered at 25 weeks of age. The longissimus muscle was collected to evaluate the meat quality including pH, drip loss, shear force, cooking loss, intramuscular fat, fatty acid composition and inosine monophosphate. Subcutaneous fat was sampled to evaluate fatty acid composition. IM pigs had a lower dressing percentage and were leaner (P &lt; 0.01). The inosine monophosphate content was higher in pork from IM pigs than from CM pigs (P &lt; 0.05). IM pigs had a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in longissimus muscles than CM pigs (P &lt; 0.01), mostly because of the higher linoleic acid content (P &lt; 0.01). IM pigs had higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids in subcutaneous fat than CM pigs (P &lt; 0.01), mostly because of the higher linoleic acid and linolenic acid (P &lt; 0.01) and the lower myristic acid content (P &lt; 0.01). There were no adverse effects of the GnRF vaccine on slaughter performance and meat quality of pigs. These results suggest that GnRF vaccine administered to pigs increases the inosine monophosphate content in longissimus muscles and the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in longissimus muscles and back fat. Consequently, vaccination with Improvac for boar taint control will provide a good alternative to physical castration of male pigs.

Productive performance, carcass and meat quality of intact and castrated gilts slaughtered at 106 or 122 kg BW

A total of 200 (Landrace × Large White dam × Pietrain × Large White sire) gilts of 50 ± 3 days of age (23.3 ± 1.47 kg BW) were used to investigate the effects of castration (intact gilt, IG v. castrated gilt, CG) and slaughter weight (SW; 106 v. 122 kg BW) on productive performance, carcass and meat quality. Four treatments were arranged factorially and five replicates of 10 pigs each per treatment. Half of the gilts were ovariectomized at 58 days of age (8 days after the beginning of the trial at 29.8 ± 1.64 kg BW), whereas the other half remained intact. The pigs were slaughtered at 106 or 122 kg BW. Meat samples were taken at Musculus longissimus thoracis at the level of the last rib and subcutaneous fat samples were taken at the tail insertion. For the entire experimental period, CG had higher (P < 0.05) BW gain and higher (P < 0.001) backfat and Musculus gluteus medius fat thickness than IG. However, IG had higher (P < 0.05) loin and trimmed primal cut yields than CG. Meat quality was similar for IG and CG but the proportion of linoleic acid in subcutaneous fat was higher (P < 0.001) for IG. Pigs slaughtered at 122 kg BW had higher (P < 0.001) feed intake and poorer feed efficiency than pigs slaughtered at 106 kg BW. An increase in SW improved (P < 0.001) carcass yield but decreased (P < 0.05) trimmed primal cut yield. Meat from pigs slaughtered at the heavier BW was redder (a*; P < 0.001) and had more (P < 0.01) intramuscular fat and less thawing (P < 0.05) and cooking (P < 0.10) loss than meat from pigs slaughtered at the lighter BW. In addition, pigs slaughtered at 122 kg BW had less (P < 0.01) linoleic acid content in subcutaneous fat than pigs slaughtered at 106 kg BW. Castration of gilts and slaughtering at heavier BW are useful practices for the production of heavy pigs destined to the dry-cured industry in which a certain amount of fat in the carcass is required. In contrast, when the carcasses are destined to fresh meat production, IG slaughtered at 106 kg BW is a more efficient alternative.

Effects of replacing barley grain with triticale-based dried distillers’ grains with solubles on nutrient digestibility, lamb growth performance and carcass traits

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of increasing proportions of triticale-based dried distillers’ grains with solubles (TDDGS) in the diet on nutrient digestibility, growth and carcass traits of lambs. The control diet contained 72.5% barley grain, 10.0% beet pulp, 9.0% sunflower hulls, 3.0% alfalfa meal and 5.5% mixed supplement, which contained molasses, calcium carbonate, minerals and vitamins. Treatment diets contained TDDGS in place of barley grain at 20, 40 or 60% of diet dry matter (DM). In a growth study, 60 weaned lambs stratified by live weight (26.6 ± 3.6 kg) were fed one of the four diets to slaughter weight. Additionally, a digestibility study using these diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design was conducted using 12 ram lambs. Increasing dietary allocation of TDDGS in the diet did not affect (P &gt; 0.12) DM intake, average daily gain or feed efficiency (feed:gain). At slaughter, cold carcass weight and grade rule scores responded quadratically (P = 0.04) to increasing TDDGS in the diets. Feeding TDDGS did not affect other carcass traits (P &gt; 0.22). Total saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids in subcutaneous fat were unaffected by TDDGS, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids increased linearly (P = 0.03). Concentration of t10, c12-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in carcass fat increased linearly (P = 0.02) with increasing TDDGS, but there was no effect (P ≥ 0.20) on concentrations of c9, t11-CLA or t11-18:1. In the digestibility study, DM intake increased linearly (P &lt; 0.01) with increasing TDDGS in the diet, whereas digestibility of DM, crude protein and fat responded quadratically (P &lt; 0.01). Starch digestibility decreased and ADF digestibility increased linearly (P &lt; 0.01), but there was no treatment effect on NDF digestibility (P &gt; 0.29). Total nitrogen, total phosphorus and soluble phosphorus excretion increased (P &lt; 0.01) with increasing TDDGS. In conclusion, TDDGS can be fed in place of barley grain at levels up to 60% in diets for lambs without adverse affects on growth performance or carcass traits, but this practice will lead to an increase in N and P excretion into the environment.Key words: Lamb, digestibility, triticale distillers grains, performance, carcass characteristics

Effects of corn-, wheat- or triticale dry distillers’ grains with solubles on in vitro fermentation, growth performance and carcass traits of lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of replacing a mixture of canola meal and barley grain with corn-, wheat- or triticale dry distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) at 20% of dietary dry matter (DM) on in vitro ruminal fermentation in bovine ruminal fluid and on growth performance and carcass characteristics of lambs. Sixty ram lambs (22.6 ± 3.0 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments and given individual ad libitum access to feed until they attained slaughter weight. The control diet consisted (DM basis) of 54% barley grain, 16% sunflower hulls, 11.5% beet pulp, 10% canola meal, 2.5% canola oil and 6.0% molasses, vitamins and minerals mixture. For the three DDGS dietary treatments, 10% barley grain and 10% canola meal were replaced with 20% corn-, wheat-or triticale-DDGS. The source of DDGS did not influence (P &gt; 0.51) dry matter intake (DMI) or average daily gain (ADG). Feed conversion (feed:gain) of lambs fed wheat DDGS was approx. 12% poorer (P &lt; 0.05) than that of lambs fed control or corn DDGS diets. In vitro data suggest that the inefficient gain may have been attributable to greater (P &lt; 0.05) ammonia concentration at 24 h and lower digestibility of wheat DDGS. Carcass traits, including hot carcass weight, body wall thickness and saleable meat yield, were not affected (P &gt; 0.60) by dietary treatment. Total saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in subcutaneous fat were also not affected by DGGS source (P ≥ 0.13). There was no treatment effect (P = 0.33) on concentrations of t11-18:1, but feeding triticale DDGS increased the concentration (P = 0.04) of c9, t11-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). In conclusion, DDGS from corn, wheat or triticale can replace a mixture of barley grain and canola meal at 20% of dietary DM without adversely affecting DMI, ADG or carcass characteristics of growing lambs, although wheat DDGS may reduce feed conversion ratio (feed:gain). Including triticale DDGS may also improve the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat.Key words: Lamb, corn, wheat, triticale, distillers’ grains, performance, carcass characteristics