Calcium Salts Of Fatty Acids Research Articles

Effects of calcium salts of fatty acids rich in palmitic and oleic fatty acids on reproduction and serum biochemistry in Barki ewes

The effect of a flushing diet supplemented with calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) high in palmitic (37%) and oleic (33.6%) fatty acids on reproductive performance was studied using 30 Barki ewes with a mean weight of 40.0±0.2kg (mean±SD). The control group (n=15) received the basic diet of 1kg/h/d concentrate plus Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) hay ad lib and the CSFA group received the basic diet plus 50g/h/d CFSA. The diets were offered for 60 days, prior to (30 d) and subsequent (30 d) to mating. Estrus was synchronized using a single injection of PGF2α prior to the introduction of rams. CSFA-fed ewes had non-significantly different twinning (20.0 vs. 7.1%), prolificacy (1.2±0.1 vs. 1.0±0.1) and female: male lamb sex ratio (72.2 vs. 50.0%) compared to controls; also, pregnancy, embryo survival and lambing rates were not affected by diet. Feeding CSFA resulted in a higher (P=0.06) total number of follicles and number of large follicles; however, the number of small follicles, and diameters of small and large follicles were not significantly different. Serum concentrations of estrogen at estrus were higher (P=0.06) 3days after PGF2α administration in CSFA (52.3±4.2pg/ml) compared to for control (41.6±3.8pg/ml) ewes. There were no significant differences in total number of corpora lutea (CL) or serum concentrations of progesterone during the luteal phase. Diameters of nascent CL were increased (P<0.05) by CSFA treatment (13.0±0.7mm) compared to control (11.2±0.2mm). Serum concentrations of lipid metabolites (TG, CHOL, HDL and LDL) were significantly (P<0.01) elevated relative to controls in the CSFA treatment. Serum TP, G and liver enzymes (ALT and AST) were not significantly affected by treatment. It was concluded that including CSFA in a flushing diet for Barki ewes resulted in increased serum concentrations of lipid metabolites, and improved twinning and prolificacy rates, and female/male lamb sex ratios.

Effect of calcium salts of fatty acids on the nutritive value of diets, feeding behavior, and serum blood parameters of lactating Saanen goats grazing on stargrass

The objective of this study was to determine effects of the addition of calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) to the concentrate on the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients and the grazing behavior of lactating Saanen goats. Five multiparous goats in their third lactation and four primiparous goats were used. The animals were distributed into two Latin square designs, which, for the multiparous goats was 5 × 5, with five treatments (0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5%, and 6.0% CSFA); and for the primiparous goats was 4 × 4, with four treatments (0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5% CSFA). The addition of CSFA to the concentrate of lactating Saanen goats did not influence the time spent grazing, ruminating, or lying for multiparous goats. However, for primiparous goats, for the time spent grazing, there was a negative quadratic effect with the addition of CSFA to the concentrate. The treatments did not affect the intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, or total digestible nutrients for multiparous goats. No effects were observed on nutrient digestibility, except for crude protein and the ether extract, which increased the energy values of the diets with 3.5% CSFA. For primiparous goats, no effects were observed on intake or digestibility. Addition of CSFA can be used as an alternative to feed primiparous goats in grassland when the grazing time is a factor limiting intake. Addition of up to 3.5% of CSFA increases the energy value of diets for multiparous goats. These results suggest that calcium salts of fatty acids is an alternative energy supplement to feed lactating goats.

Supplementation with Cashew Nut and Cottonseed Meal to Modify Fatty Acid Content in Lamb Meat.

This study evaluates the effect of cashew nut meal (CNM), whole cottonseed (WCS), and calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (Ca-LCFA) on the fatty acid profiles of meat from hair lambs. Thirty-five 60-d-old, male, noncastrated Santa Ines lambs with an initial average body weight of 13.00 ± 1.80 kg were used in a randomized complete-block design with 7 blocks and 5 treatments. The experimental treatments consisted of a control diet (CON) without supplemental lipids and 4 test diets with different lipid supplements that were selected according to the degree of protection from ruminal hydrogenation and their polyunsaturated fatty acid richness. The tests diets included the following modifications: supplementation with WCS, supplementation with CNM, supplementation with both cottonseed and CNM (CSCNM), and supplementation with Ca-LCFA. The C18:1n9c content was highest in the meat of the animals fed the CNM diet (42.00%). The meat from lambs fed the WCS and Ca-LCFA diets had higher C18:0 contents (25.23 and 22.80%, respectively). The C16:1 content was higher in the meat from the animals fed the CNM and CON diets (1.54 and 1.49%, respectively). C18:2c9t11 concentration was higher in the meat from the animals fed the Ca-LCFA and CNM diets. The estimated enzyme activity of Δ9-desaturase C18 was highest in the muscles of the lambs fed the CON, CNM, and CSCNM diets. The use of cashew nuts in the diet resulted in an increase in the C18:2c9t11 content of the lamb meat, which improved the nutritional characteristics of the fat.

Ruminal biohydrogenation and abomasal flow of fatty acids in lactating cows: Oilseed provides ruminal protection for fatty acids

Fat sources, besides the energy-rich content, have featured beneficial effects on dairy cow production, reproduction and health. This work aimed to study the biohydrogenation process and fatty acid abomasal flow in lactating dairy cows fed different fat sources. Eight rumen and abomasum cannulated cows (188±27.3 days in milk, 18.9±3.24kg of milk yield, and 572±59.6kg of body weight) were used in a 4×4 Latin square design. Control (CON) diet without fat source, soybean oil (SO), raw soybean grain (SG) and calcium salts of unsaturated fatty acids (CS) were evaluated. Fat sources decreased dry matter (DM), crude protein and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake and increased ether extract (EE) intake and ruminal pH (P<0.05). Acetate to propionate ratio was lower in animals fed diets with fat (P<0.05). Diets had no effect on microbial protein synthesis, and energy and nitrogen balances. NDF digestibility and DM passage rate were lower in animals fed diets with fat sources (P<0.05), while protected sources (SG and CS) tended to increase ruminal fiber digestibility (P=0.092) in relation to SO diet. Intake and abomasal flow of FA were higher (P<0.05) for animals supplemented with fat sources than those fed CON. Protected sources (SG and CS) promoted greater abomasal flow of linoleic acid (C18:2) and lower biohydrogenation rate compared to the SO diet. Fat sources increased unsaturated milk fatty acids and serum cholesterol concentration while protected sources (SG and CS) increased milk C18:2 cis concentration (P<0.05). Fat sources improved ruminal fermentation without compromise nutrients digestion and increasing fatty acids abomasal flow and milk concentration. Raw soybean grain had higher ruminal biohydrogenation protection than calcium salts.

&lt;b&gt;Influence of calcium salts of long chain fatty acids on the intake and digestibility of rations in female kids under heat stress

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the addition of calcium salts of long chain fatty acids (CSFA) on the intake and digestibility of diets. Twenty-five female goat kids housed in digestibility cages and subjected to heat stress of 32°C in a climatic chamber, were used. The female kids were distributed in a randomized block design with five treatments: control (without inclusion of CSFA) and 6.25; 12.50; 18.75 and 25.00 g CSFA kg-1 of DM. The inclusion of CSFA in rations did not influence water intake (3.08 L day-1), dry matter (0.66 kg day-1), organic matter (0.62 kg day-1), crude protein (0.12 kg day-1), neutral detergent fiber (0.27 kg day-1) and total carbohydrate (0.47 kg day-1). The results of the digestibility of dry matter (0.66 kg kg-1), organic matter (0.67 kg kg-1), crude protein (0.78 kg kg-1), neutral detergent fiber (0.47 kg kg-1) and total carbohydrate (0.63 kg kg-1) were not affected by the treatments. However, there was a positive linear effect on the intake and digestibility of ether extract. Therefore, the addition of calcium salts of long chain fatty acids in the diets for female kids under heat stress of 32°C does not influence the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, except for ether extract, which is intrinsic to the product added to the rations.

A comparison of the effect of soybeans roasted at different temperatures versus calcium salts of fatty acids on performance and milk fatty acid composition of mid-lactation Holstein cows

To evaluate the effect of soybeans roasted at different temperatures on milk yield and milk fatty acid composition, 8 (4 multiparous and 4 primiparous) mid-lactation Holstein cows (42.9±3 kg/d of milk) were assigned to a replicated 4×4 Latin square design. The control diet (CON) contained lignosulfonate-treated soybean meal (as a source of rumen-undegradable protein) and calcium salts of fatty acids (Ca-FA, as a source of energy). Diets 2, 3, and 4 contained ground soybeans roasted at 115, 130, or 145°C, respectively (as the source of protein and energy). Dry matter intake (DMI) tended to be greater for CON compared with the roasted soybean diets (24.6 vs. 23.3 kg/d). Apparent total-tract digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein were not different among the treatments. Actual and 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield were greater for CON than for the roasted soybean diets. Milk fat was higher for soybeans roasted at 130°C than for those roasted at either 115 or 145°C. No differences were observed between the CON and the roasted soybean diets, or among roasting temperatures, on feed efficiency and nitrogen concentrations in rumen, milk, and plasma. Milk from cows fed roasted soybeans had more long-chain fatty acids and fewer medium-chain fatty acids than milk from cows fed Ca-FA. Compared with milk from cows fed the CON diet, total milk fat contents of conjugated linoleic acid, cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid, cis-C18:2, cis-C18:3, and C22:0 were higher for cows fed the roasted soybean diets. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and total unsaturated fatty acids were greater in milk from cows fed roasted soybean diets than in milk from cows fed CON. Concentrations of C16:0 and saturated fatty acids in milk fat were greater for CON than for the roasted soybean diets. Cows fed roasted soybean diets had lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indices than cows fed CON. Milk fatty acid composition did not differ among different roasting temperatures. In summary, results showed that cows fed CON had higher DMI and milk yield than cows fed roasted soybean diets. Among different roasting temperatures (115, 130, and 145°C), soybeans roasted at 115°C led to higher milk production and lower DMI. Cows fed roasted soybeans, regardless of the roasting temperature, had more unsaturated fatty acids in milk. Using roasted soybeans in dairy cow rations could, therefore, improve the health indices of milk for human nutrition.

Effects of whole flaxseed, raw soybeans, and calcium salts of fatty acids on measures of cellular immune function of transition dairy cows

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental n-3 and n-6 fatty acid (FA) sources on cellular immune function of transition dairy cows. Animals were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 diets: control (n=11); whole flaxseed (n-3 FA source; n=11), 60 and 80g/kg of whole flaxseed [diet dry matter (DM) basis] during pre- and postpartum, respectively; whole raw soybeans (n-6 FA source; n=10), 120 and 160g/kg of whole raw soybeans (diet DM basis) during pre- and postpartum, respectively; and calcium salts of unsaturated FA (Megalac-E, n-6 FA source; n=10), 24 and 32g/kg of calcium salts of unsaturated FA (diet DM basis) during pre- and postpartum, respectively. Supplemental FA did not alter DM intake and milk yield but increased energy balance during the postpartum period. Diets containing n-3 and n-6 FA sources increased phagocytosis capacity of leukocytes and monocytes and phagocytosis activity of monocytes. Furthermore, n-3 FA source increased phagocytic capacity of leukocytes and neutrophils and increased phagocytic activity in monocytes and neutrophils when compared with n-6 FA sources. Supplemental FA effects on adaptive immune system included increased percentage of T-helper cells, T-cytotoxic cells, cells that expressed IL-2 receptors, and CD62 adhesion molecules. The results of this study suggest that unsaturated FA can modulate innate and adaptive cellular immunity and trigger a proinflammatory response. The n-3 FA seems to have a greater effect on phagocytic capacity and activity of leukocytes when compared with n-6 FA.

Effects of different lipid sources on intake, digestibility and purine derivatives in hair lambs.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different lipid sources on the nutrient intake, digestibility and purine derivative excretion of lambs. Thirty-five 60-day-old, male, non-castrated Santa Ines lambs with an initial average body weight (BW) of 13.00±1.80kg were used in a randomized complete block design with seven blocks and five treatments. The experimental treatments consisted of a control diet without supplemental lipids and four test diets with different lipid supplements, selected according to the degree of ruminal protection from hydrogenation: supplementation, being supplementation with whole cottonseed (WC), supplementation with cashew nut meal (CNM), supplementation with both cottonseed and cashew nut meal (WC-CNM) and supplementation with calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (Ca-LCFA). The lambs were slaughtered after reaching 28kg average BW for each treatment. The ether extract intake (EEI) was higher (p<0.01) for the lipid supplemented compared to control diet lambs. Supplementation with WC decreased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and total carbohydrate (TC) (p<0.01), whereas supplementation with CNM, WC-CNM and Ca-LCFA reduced non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) digestibility (p<0.01). The ether extract (EE) digestibility coefficient was higher with CNM, followed by Ca-LCFA and WC, when compared to WC-CNM and control diets. Nitrogen balance (NB) was not influenced (p>0.05) by the different lipid sources. A lower purine derivative (PD) excretion and thus lower microbial protein supply (MPS) was observed for animals supplemented with Ca-LCFA (p<0.01) compared to the WC-CNM and control diets. In conclusion, WC, CNM and WC-CNM supplementation did not have negative effects on MPS, although negative effects have been observed on nutrient digestibility.

Effect of feeding ca-salts of fatty acids on fatty acids composition in milk

A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Calcium Salt of Fatty Acid on the fatty acids composition of milk fed green German grass and concentrate diet. Twenty lactating Pabna cows having similar daily milk yield (3.4±0.842 Kg) were used and divided into four groups with five animals in each group. The study revealed that saturated fatty acids of milk fat were 61.12, 57.83, 54.93, and 54.56% and unsaturated fatty acids of milk fat were 38.36, 42.22, 45.22 and 45.5 38 % in treatment groups T0 (without Calcium Salt of Fatty Acid), T1 (2.0 % Calcium Salt of Fatty Acid), T2 (2.5 % Calcium Salt of Fatty Acid) and T3 (3.0 % Calcium Salt of Fatty Acid), respectively. The highest unsaturated fatty acid was found in T3 treatment and the lowest in T0 treatment. There is no significant difference between T2 and T3 treatments in relation to unsaturated fatty acids. The palmetic acid content in milk fat were 25.47, 27.22, 26.22 and 26.22% in T0 , T1 , T2 and T3 respectively. The highest palmetic acid found in T2 treatment and the lowest in T0 treatment. The stearic acid content in milk fat were 22.98, 15.78, 13.74 and 13.68% in T0 , T1 , T2 and T3 respectively. The study showed that there is a significant (p&lt;0.01) difference in the treatments for stearic acid content in milk fat. The linoleic acid content in milk fat were 1.57, 1.64, 1.73 and 1.94 % in treatment groups T0 , T1 , T2 and T3 respectively. It may be concluded that the feeding Ca-Salts of Fatty Acids increased unsaturation of milk fat, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid and decrease saturation and stearic acid content in milk fat.Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 19(1-2): 10-17, Jan-Dec 2012

Effects of flaxseed, raw soybeans and calcium salts of fatty acids on apparent total tract digestibility, energy balance and milk fatty acid profile of transition cows

Oilseeds offer some protection to the access of ruminal microorganisms and may be an alternative to calcium salts of fatty acids (FA), which are not fully inert in the ruminal environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different sources of FA supplementation on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, milk yield and composition, and energy balance (EB) of cows during the transition period and early lactation. We compared diets rich in C18:2 and C18:3 FA. Multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to receive one of the four diets: control (n=11); whole flaxseed (WF, n=10), 60 and 80 g/kg (diet dry matter (DM) basis) of WF during the prepartum and postpartum periods, respectively; whole raw soybeans (WS, n=10), 120 and 160 g/kg (diet DM basis) of WS during the prepartum and postpartum periods, respectively; and calcium salts of unsaturated fatty acids (CSFA, n=11), 24 and 32 g/kg (diet DM basis) of CSFA during the prepartum and postpartum periods, respectively. Dry cows fed WF had higher DM and net energy of lactation (NEL) intake than those fed WS or CSFA. The FA supplementation did not alter DM and NDF apparent total tract digestibility, dry cows fed WF exhibited greater NDF total tract digestion than cows fed WS or CSFA. Feeding WS instead of CSFA did not alter NEL intake and total tract digestion of nutrients, but increased milk fat yield and concentration. Calculated efficiency of milk yield was not altered by diets. FA supplementation increased EB during the postpartum period. Experimental diets increased long-chain FA (saturated and unsaturated FA) in milk. In addition, cows fed WS and CSFA had higher C18:1 trans-11 FA and C18:2 cis, and lower C18:3 FA in milk than those fed WF. Furthermore, cows fed CSFA had higher C18:1 trans-11 and cis-9, trans-11 FA than cows fed WS. Although supplemental C18:2 and C18:3 FA did not influence the milk yield of cows, they positively affected EB and increased unsaturated long-chain FA in milk fat.

Impact of microbial activities and hydraulic retention time on the production and profile of long chain fatty acids in grease interceptors: a laboratory study

Fat, oil and grease (FOG) deposits are a major cause of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and calcium salts of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) have recently been identified as key components of FOG deposits in sewer systems.

Inclusion of various amounts of steam-flaked soybeans in lactating dairy cattle diets

Whereas most soybean feedstuffs have been extensively investigated for use in ruminant diets, a lack of information exists regarding steam-flaked soybeans (SFSB). This research evaluated various inclusion rates of SFSB in diets for lactating dairy cattle. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows (103±39 d in milk) were used in a 4×4 Latin square experiment consisting of 28-d periods, 14 d for diet transitioning followed by a 14-d sampling period. Treatments were inclusion of SFSB at 0, 5, 10, and 15% of dietary dry matter (DM), replacing a mixture of soybean meal, soy hulls, calcium salts of fatty acids, and choice white grease. Animals were fed lactating dairy cow diets formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic, containing 60% of DM as forage and 40% of DM as concentrate. Dry matter intake (mean=28.8kg/d), milk production (42.2kg/d), milk fat percentage (3.52%), and feed efficiency (1.43kg of energy-corrected milk/kg of DM intake) were similar across all treatments. Milk protein (2.98%) and lactose (4.87%) were also unaffected by the amount of SFSB in the diet. Milk urea nitrogen concentration decreased linearly as the amount of SFSB in the diet increased. Unlike some other soybean supplements, feeding SFSB did not increase trans-11 C18:1 or cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid, but instead resulted in increased cis-9,cis-12 C18:2 and α-C18:3. Body weights (752kg) and body condition scores (3.17) were similar with all diets. This research demonstrated that SFSB can be substituted for soybean meal and commercial fat sources while maintaining milk and milk component production and decrease milk urea nitrogen concentration.

Energy sources in low intake supplements on the productive and reproductive performance of Zebu cows

Avaliaram-se diferentes fontes energéticas em suplementos de baixo consumo sobre o desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de vacas primíparas zebuínas manejadas em Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu. Foram utilizados 60 pares de vacas/bezerros (as) distribuídos em três tratamentos, suplemento padrão a base de mistura mineral, suplemento com grão de milho moído e suplemento contendo gordura protegida, sob as mesmas condições de pasto. As vacas apresentavam idade média inicial de 36 meses e 295.9 ± 20 kg de peso corporal médio inicial. O período de avaliação se estendeu de novembro de 2006 até maio de 2007, dos 24 dias após o parto até o desmame dos bezerros (as) aos 192 dias de idade. Vacas alimentadas com suplemento à base de grão de milho moído (351 g dia-1) e gordura protegida (357 g dia-1) apresentaram semelhante acréscimo de peso corporal, o qual foi superior às vacas alimentadas com mistura mineral (179 g dia-1). A suplementação com mistura mineral resultou em perda de escore corporal das vacas entre 80 e 136 dias após o parto. Vacas alimentadas com suplementos energéticos de baixo consumo apresentaram maior produção de leite, desmamaram bezerros mais pesados e apresentaram maior taxa de prenhez que aquelas alimentadas com mistura mineral. A utilização de 3% de sabões de cálcio de ácidos graxos em suplementos energéticos de baixo consumo não alterara o desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de vacas primíparas zebuínas.

Effects of fat-enriched diet and methionine on insulin sensitivity in lactating cows.

The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (EGC) technique was used to investigate the effects of calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA-Ca) and rumen-protected Met (RPM) on insulin sensitivity in the peripheral tissues of lactating cows. Six multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square experiment in each 14-d period. Dietary treatments were 0 (RPM0), 20 (RPM20), and 60 (RPM60) g/d of RPM, supplemented with a diet containing 1.5% of LCFA-Ca equal to 110% of the cows' ME requirement. And as a control for the 3 LCFA-Ca-containing diets, a dietary treatment without LCFA-Ca (Con) was also included. After a 10-d adaptation period, milk samples were collected for 4 d, and EGC experiments were performed on d 14 of each treatment period. Insulin solution was infused through a jugular vein catheter at a rate of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 milliunits·kg BW-1·min-1 for 30 min and then at a rate of 0.5 milliunits·kg BW-1·min-1 for 60 min. Glucose solution was variably infused to maintain plasma glucose at steady state through the same catheter. Blood samples for measurements were taken using the contralateral catheter. Plasma total cholesterol, cholesterol ester, free cholesterol, and phospholipid concentrations in RPM0 and RPM20 were higher than those in Con, whereas the concentrations in RPM60 were low at the same degree of those in RPM0 (P < 0.05). Plasma Met concentration was greatest in RPM60 (P < 0.05). In the EGC experiment, the glucose infusion rate was greater in RPM60 than in RPM0 and RPM20 and an effective concentration of insulin resulting in 50% maximal glucose infusion rate was lower in RPM60 compared with RPM0 (P < 0.05), indicating that insulin sensitivity was intensified in RPM60. Although the insulin sensitivity evaluated from the EGC data in RPM0, RPM20, and RPM60 was not different from Con, a slight decline was observed in RPM0 and insulin sensitivity in RPM60 was higher than Con. Our results from the EGC experiment demonstrated that the feeding RPM lead to increased insulin sensitivity, which suggests that dietary Met affects lipid metabolism via insulin action in lactating dairy cows fed a LCFA-Ca-containing diet.

Effects on Physicochemical Characteristics of Yoghurt and Ice Cream with Fatty Acid Modification and Cholesterol Removal

This study investigated the effect of fatty acid modification and cholesterol removal on physico-chemical characteristics of yoghurt and ice cream. Fatty acid profile of milk fat was modified by feeding calcium salts of soybean oil fatty acids to cows and cholesterol was removed by b-cyclodextrin. b-cyclodextrin removed 76% and 60% cholesterol from yoghurt and ice cream. Modification of fatty acid composition did not have a significant effect on a-tocopherol content; while b-cyclodextrin treated milk had substantially lower a-tocopherol content. The concentration of a-tocopherol in control and b-cyclodextrin treated yoghurt was 45.62, 32.73 mg/g and 210.34, 185.56 mg/g for ice cream, respectively. Fatty acid modification and cholesterol removal significantly decreased the overrun in ice cream (P&lt;0.05), with no effect on sensory characteristics of yoghurt and ice cream. These results evidenced that milk with higher content of unsaturated fatty acids and low cholesterol can be used in the formulation of yoghurt and ice cream with improved health benefits and suitable sensory features.

INCLUSION OF PROTECTED FAT IN DIETS ON THE MILK PRODUCTION AND COMPOSITION OF SAANEN GOATS

According on the fat source included in the diets for goats, the milk production can be increased and milk fatty acid composition can be improved. This study was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of protected fat (CSFA - calcium salts of fatty acids) in the diets of lactating Saanen goats on milk production and composition. Five Saanen goats (63.23 ± 9.08 kg body weight and 105 ± 3 days of lactation) were distributed in a Latin square design (5 × 5) with five diets: control (without the addition of CSFA) and the other diets with: 6.25, 12.50, 18.75 and 25.0 g CSFA per kg dry matter (g/kg DM), respectively. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production (MP) were evaluated. Milk samples were collected to determine milk composition and fatty acid profile. Feed efficiency (FE) was estimated. The supplementation of CSFA up to 25 g/kg DM did not influence the DMI, MP and FE. Milk components production (g/d) was not influenced by the inclusion CSFA in the diet; however, there was a linear reduction of 0.87 g protein per kg of milk for each 1% CSFA included in the diet. The concentration of linolenic acid (18:3n-3) in milk was improved with a maximum point of 24 g of CSFA per kg DM. CSFA can be included in the diets of lactating Saanen goats up to 25 g/kg DM with no interference on DMI and MP.

Effects of calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) with different profiles (ω3 and ω6) during the flushing period on reproductive performance of ‘Afshari’ ewes

The effects of supplementing the flushing diet of Afshari ewes with calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) with different profiles (ω3 and ω6) on their reproductive performance were studied using 48 sheep weighing 46±3kg and 2–3 years old. The ewes were assigned to four groups (n=12 per group) and within a group received one of four diets for the period from the start of estrous synchronization to the end of mating (5 weeks). The diets all contained wheat bran (10%), wheat straw (37–40%), alfalfa (25–41%) and barley grain (7–25%). The control group received the basal (non-flushing) diet only. The remaining three groups received isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets with higher energy contents formulated to meet the ewes’ requirements during the flushing period. In the Barley group, the basal diet was enhanced using additional barley grain; in the CaFl group the flushing diet included 5% of DM as flaxseed oil (ω3 CSFA); and in CaSf group the diet was supplemented with 5% of DM as sunflower oil (ω6 CSFA). The estrous cycles of the ewes were synchronized by application of a CIDR for 14 d and administration of 400 units of PMSG at CIDR withdrawal. Afshari rams were introduced to the ewes 36h later and the experimental diets continued to be fed for a further 3 weeks. The fertility and lambing rates were higher for Barley (91.7%; 125%), CaFl (100%; 150%) and CaSf (100%; 116.7%) than for the Control (83.3%; 83.3%). The number of lambs produced was significantly on the flushing treatments than the control. Serum cholesterol and progesterone levels were significantly higher on the diet supplemented with flaxseed oil (CaFl) than the other treatments. The results showed that supplementing the flushing diet with CSFA increased blood metabolites and hormones related to reproductive performance; and improved fertility, lambing rate and lamb birth weight. Ewes on the flaxseed oil supplemented flushing diet had the highest values for these variates. It was concluded that supplementing the flushing diet of ewes with flaxseed oil to provide a source of ω3 CSFA produces beneficial responses in their reproductive performance.

Effects of rumen-protected choline with calcium salts of long chain fatty acids on milk yield and milk composition of middle and late lactation Holstein cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of rumen-protected choline (RPC) supplementation on milk production and milk composition of dairy cows. Fifty lactating multiparous Holstein cows >80 days in milk were randomly assigned to one of two treatments groups. Cows were fed with: (1) control diet (CON; n=25), not supplemented with RPC and (2) supplemented diet (RPC; n=25), supplemented with RPC (115g/cow/d). Control and supplemented cows were fed at ad libitum intake twice daily. Body weight and body condition score were measured weekly. Milk production and dry matter intake were recorded daily. Milk samples were collected twice weekly on week 3, 6, and 9 and analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, urea nitrogen, somatic cell count, fatty acid (FA) composition, and free choline concentration. Plasma was obtained on week 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 and analyzed for concentrations of free choline and non-esterified fatty acids. Cows remained in the experiment for 9 weeks. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (v9.4). Higher free choline concentration in plasma (P<0.001) confirmed intake and absorption of RPC by supplemented cows. Dry matter intake (23.6 vs. 23.4kg/d), body weight (704 vs. 703kg), and body condition score (2.86 vs. 2.90; 1–5 scale) were not affected (P>0.05) by RPC supplementation (CON vs. RPC, respectively). There was no difference (P>0.05) on milk yield (36.72 and 36.81kg/d, respectively), 3.5% fat corrected milk, or energy corrected milk between supplemented and non-supplemented cows, respectively. Although production parameters were not affected by RPC supplementation, they were significantly affected (P<0.01) by period and lactation stage. While concentration of de novo and mixed (16:0+cis-9 16:1) FA in milk fat were greater in CON cows, preformed FA were greater in RPC (P<0.05) supplemented cows. Concentration of total saturated FA (P<0.001) was higher in CON cows, whereas total monounsaturated FA (cis and trans) and cis polyunsaturated FA concentrations were greater in RPC cows (P<0.05). Yield of polyunsaturated omega-3 FA was greater when RPC was added to the diet. Although milk production was not affected, supplemental RPC either in middle or late lactation resulted in milk fat composition enriched by long chain polyunsaturated FA.

Concentrate with calcium salts of fatty acids increases the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk produced by dairy goats

Feeding rumen-inert fat, such as calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA), has dual benefits as it increases milk yield and improves the fat composition in milk. However, there is a shortage of information on the effect of CSFA on milk yield and composition in grassland Saanen goats. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of CSFA in the concentrate of lactating grassland Saanen goats on milk yield, composition, quality, and fatty acid composition and to determine the best response to the addition of CSFA. Five multiparous Saanen goats (five years old) were distributed in a 5×5 Latin square design with five treatments (0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5% and 6.0% CSFA), and four primiparous Saanen goats (three years old) were distributed in a 4×4 Latin square design with four treatments (0%, 1.5%, 3.0% and 4.5% of CSFA); the goats had an average of 78±10 days in lactation at the start of the experiment. Each period lasted 21 days, including 14 days for adaptation and seven days for data collection. Pelleted concentrate was composed of ground corn, soybean meal, a mineral–vitamin supplement for goats, salt and CSFA at the levels of inclusion. For grazing goats, an area with Stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) was used. The addition of CSFA to the concentrate of grassland Saanen goats had no effect on milk yield, milk components such as fat, protein, lactose and totals solids, or milk quality (acidity and somatic cell counts) in multiparous or primiparous goats. However, the concentration of fatty acids was modified. The concentration of capric (10:0) and myristic (14:0) fatty acids decreased linearly with increased inclusion of CSFA in the concentrate. There was a quadratic effect on medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids and omega-3 (n-3) in the milk of multiparous Saanen goats following treatment. The inclusion of CSFA in the diet of primiparous goats had a positive linear effect for linoleic fatty acid (18:2 n6c), conjugated linoleic acid, omega-6 (n-6) and polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas the concentration of medium-chain fatty acids showed a negative linear effect. In conclusion, CSFA in the concentrate of grassland primiparous goats showed positive responses on the fatty acid composition of goat milk, increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration.

Preparation of volatile fatty acid (VFA) calcium salts by anaerobic digestion of glucose.

Many potentially useful intermediates such as hydrogen and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are formed during the complex anaerobic digestion processes that produce methane from biomass. This study recovers VFAs from an anaerobic digester by a combination of gas stripping and absorption with calcium carbonate slurry. Glucose was used as the model substrate because it is readily available, inexpensive, and easily digested. Sludge from a meatworks anaerobic digester produced methane and carbon dioxide (and sometimes a small amount of hydrogen) when batch-fed with glucose. Conditioning the neutral anaerobic sludge to an acidic pH (below 4.8) was achieved using repeated 1 g L(-1) doses of glucose. After conditioning, mainly VFAs and hydrogen were produced. The intermediate VFAs could be stripped using headspace gas. In subsequent fed-batch digestion/stripping cycles, the pH decreased when glucose was added and then increased when the VFA was gas stripped. The predominant acids formed at low pH values were lactic, butyric, and acetic acids. Lactic acid was converted to VFAs during stripping. The VFA calcium salts recovered were 80% butyrate and 20% acetate with minor quantities of propionate and valerate.