Concentrations Of Individual Fatty Acids Research Articles

Comparing the effect of different levels of zinc hydroxychloride with inorganic zinc sulfate on in vitro rumen fermentation parameters

Optimum productivity in ruminants is positively related to efficient rumen fermentation. Apart from major nutrients in diet, micronutrients (trace elements and vitamin B complex) play an essential role in maintaining proper rumen function; however the effect depends on source and level of micronutrients supplementation.Therefore, present study was conducted to compare the effects of different sources of hydroxy and inorganic zinc on in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. Different levels (0, 40, 80, and 160 ppm) of Zn as hydroxy zinc chloride (Zn5(OH)8Cl2) and inorganic zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) were added in substrate consisting of roughage (sugargraze fodder; a cross of sorghum and maize) and concentrate mixture in the ratio 50:50. Inclusion of Zn as zinc hydroxychloride and ZnSO4 at different levels showed no change in total gas (mL/g DM) production. Similarly, supplementation of zinc either as zinc hydroxychloide or ZnSO4 upto160 ppm supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility (%) of the diet. Furthermore, no significant effect was observed in the CH4 (%, mL/24h and mL/100mg DM) and NH3-N (mg/dL) and individual fatty acid concentrations with variable sources and levels of Zn supplementation. It can be concluded from the present findings that supplementation of both hydroxy Zn and inorganic Zn up to 160 ppm had no adverse effect on in vitro rumen fermentation. Hence, hydroxy Zn can be used as an alternative source of Zn in the diet of ruminants to conventional inorganic sources.

Supranutritional selenium level minimizes high concentrate diet-induced epithelial injury by alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis in colon of goat

BackgroundHigh concentrate (HC) diet-induced oxidative stress causes gut epithelial damages associated with apoptosis. Selenium (Se) being an integral component of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) plays an important role in antioxidant defense system. Therefore, increasing dietary Se level would alleviate HC diet-induced injuries in gut mucosa. The present study investigated eighteen cross-bred goats, randomly divided into three groups (n = 6/group) fed either low concentrate (LC, roughage: concentrate ratio 65:35), high concentrate (HC, 35:65) or HC plus Se (HC-SY) diets for 10 weeks. Se was supplemented at the dose rate of 0.5 mg Se kg− 1 diet in the form of selenium yeast. The background Se level in HC and LC diets were 0.15 and 0.035 mg.kg− 1 diet, respectively. The Se at the dose of 0.115 mg.kg− 1 diet was added in LC diet to make its concentration equivalent to HC diet and with the supplementation of 0.5 mg Se kg− 1, the goats in group HC-SY received total Se by 0.65 mg.kg− 1 diet.ResultsThe molar concentrations of individual and total short chain fatty acids (TSCFA) significantly increased (P < 0.05) with simultaneous decrease in pH of colonic fluid in goats of HC and HC-SY groups compared with LC goats. HC diet induced loss of epithelial integrity, inflammation and loss of goblet cells in colonic mucosa associated with higher lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in colonic fluid whereas, the addition of SY in HC diet alleviated such damaging changes. Compared with LC, the HC diet elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) level with concurrent decrease in GSH-Px and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, while SY supplementation attenuated these changes and improved antioxidant status in colonic epithelium. Moreover, epithelial injury and oxidative stress in colon of HC goats were associated with increased apoptosis as evidenced by downregulation of bcl2 and upregulation of bax, caspases 3 and 8 mRNA expressions compared with LC goats. On contrary, addition of SY in HC (HC-SY) diet alleviated these changes by modulating expression of apoptotic genes in colonic epithelium.ConclusionsOur data suggest that supranutritional level of Se attenuates HC diet-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis and thereby minimizes the epithelial injury in colon of goats.

The Profiles of Low Molecular Nitrogen Compounds and Fatty Acids in Wort and Beer Obtained with the Addition of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) or Maltose Syrup.

Replacement of a part of malt with unmalted materials is a common practice in beer production. These materials may differ in chemical composition than barley malt, which in turn can contribute to changes in the final composition of the wort. Consequently, it may affect yeast metabolism and final parameters of the obtained products. In this research, two unmalted pseudocereals were used: quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.). Maltose syrup was tested as a reference material due to its commercial usage as a substitute of malt in production of worts. Replacement of a part of the malt with quinoa or amaranth favorably influenced the profiles of amino and fatty acids. Due to the fact that the type and concentration of individual amino acids and fatty acids in the fermented wort significantly affect the flavor compounds synthesized by yeast, differences in the profiles of esters and higher alcohol have been noted in beers produced with pseudocereals.

Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B subunits c-Rel, p65 and p50 by plasma lipids and fatty acids across the menstrual cycle

This study focused on a comprehensive analysis of the canonical activation pathway of the redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, addressing c-Rel, p65 and p50 activation in 28 women at early (T1) and late follicular (T2) and mid (T3) and late luteal (T4) phase of the menstrual cycle, and possible relations with fasting plasma lipids and fatty acids. For the first time, strong inverse relations of c-Rel with apolipoprotein B were observed across the cycle, while those with LDL cholesterol, triglycerides as well as saturated (SFA), particularly C14–C22 SFA, monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) clustered at T2. In contrast, p65 was positively related to LDL cholesterol and total n-6 PUFA, while p50 did not show any relations. C-Rel was not directly associated with estradiol and progesterone, but data suggested an indirect C22:5n-3-mediated effect of progesterone. Strong positive relations between estradiol and individual SFA, MUFA and n-3 PUFA at T1 were confined to C18 fatty acids; C18:3n-3 was differentially associated with estradiol (positively) and progesterone (inversely). Given specific roles of c-Rel activation in immune tolerance, inhibition of c-Rel activation by higher plasma apolipoprotein B and individual fatty acid concentrations could have clinical implications for female fertility.

Serum omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid concentrations and natural fertility.

Are serum omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acid concentrations associated with the probability of conceiving? There is no strong association between serum concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and the probability of conceiving naturally. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid serum concentrations have been shown to play an important role in reproduction in animal models, while conflicting results have been reported in human studies of infertile women. It is unknown to what extent omega fatty acid serum concentrations impact natural fertility. A nested, case-control study was conducted consisting of 200 participants [fertile: conceived within 3cycles of attempt (n= 50), subfertile: conceived within 4 and 12cycles of attempt (n= 100) and infertile: did not conceive within 12cycles of attempt (n= 50)] randomly selected from the Time to Conceive cohort, a prospective time-to-pregnancy study (2008 to 2015). In the Time to Conceive study, women aged 30-44years who were trying to conceive for <3months and had no history of infertility were recruited and followed until the end of their pregnancy or ~1year of pregnancy attempt. For this study, serum collected early in the woman's pregnancy attempt was analysed for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid concentrations by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The primary outcome was a positive home pregnancy test. The secondary outcomes were miscarriage and serum AMH level. A discrete-time Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the fecundability ratio. The odds ratios for miscarriage were calculated using logistic regression. The association between serum omega fatty acid concentrations and AMH level (natural log transformed) was analysed using Pearson's Correlation. A total of 200 women provided 1321cycles for analysis.Mean omega-3, omega-6 and omega-6:omega-3 ratios did not significantly differ between the fertile, subfertile and infertile groups. There were no associations (all fecundability ratios ~1.0) between pregnancy and individual omega-3 fatty acid concentrations, including alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, or omega-6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid (LA), dihommo-gamma linolenic acid and arachidonic acid. There was no significant association between any individual omega fatty acid serum concentration and the age-adjusted odds of miscarriage. No association was found between any serum omega fatty acid concentration and AMH. This study is limited by the sample size. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid concentrations were derived from serum provided at a single timepoint in the first cycle of enrollment. Serum concentrations may therefore not be representative of all critical timepoints in the menstrual cycle or throughout their attempts to conceive. Additionally, women enrolled in this study were 30years of age and older, and therefore the findings may not apply to younger women. These data would suggest that omega-3 and omega-6 serum levels are not associated with natural fertility or risk of miscarriage. However, due to the above-mentioned limitations, future investigation is still needed to determine whether omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may benefit women planning to conceive naturally. This study was supported by the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, by the NIH/NICHD (R21 HD060229-01 and R01 HD067683-01) and, in part, by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (Z01ES103333). Dr. Jukic received vitamin D supplements for a research study from Theralogix, Inc. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to disclose. N/A.

Provenance effect on bioactive phytochemicals and nutritional and health benefits of the desert date Balanites aegyptiaca.

Balanites aegyptiaca L. is a multipurpose tree distributed in Africa and Middle East. Several parts of B. aegyptiaca have been suggested to have medicinal uses. So far the effect of ecological origin on the nutritional values and biological activities of B. aegyptiaca genotypes is rarely investigated. Further, metabolic profiling and assessment of the functional food value of B. aegyptiaca leaves are far from complete. In this study, biological activities and profiling of primary and secondary metabolites were investigated in the leaves of five B. aegyptiaca provenances collected from Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Interestingly, all provenances showed notable antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiprotozoal, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed significant variability in the concentrations of individual sugars, organic acids, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, phenolics, and minerals among the provenances and these variations were provenance dependent. Medina provenance showed the heights diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and antifungal activities and was the most powerful against embryonic kidney adenocarcinoma and urinary bladder carcinoma cells. The highest inhibition against Escherichia coli and colon carcinoma cells was observed by Sudan and Cairo provenances. El-Kharga and Yemen provenances showed the greatest activity against Trypanosoma cruzi and hepatocellular and urinary bladder carcinoma. Therefore, leaves of B. aegyptiaca possess good nutritive and biological capacities and might have potential applications in the food and medical industries. However, the strength of such activities is significantly affected by the provenance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: According to the national Research Council (NRC) of United States, Balanites aegyptiaca L. is recognized among the 24 priority lost crops of Africa. B. aegyptiaca leaves contain considerable amounts of primary metabolites (e.g., sugars, EAAs, USFAs) and secondary (e.g., phenolic acids and flavonoids) metabolites, vitamins, and macro and microelements. The obvious existence of these nutritionally and medicinally related compounds supports the functional food value of B. aegyptiaca leaves. Moreover, the present results revealed that B. aegyptiaca is not only a foliage dietary plant, but also could be considered as a valuable source for neutraceuticals, which support its pharmacological value. So far, this is the first report to explore, in detail, the functional food value of B. aegyptiaca leaves by presenting a clear image about its metabolic profiling and biological activities, and how the provenance factor could affect these values.

Characterization, Quantification and Quality Assessment of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Oils.

Avocado oil is prized for its high nutritional value due to the substantial amounts of triglycerides (TGs) and unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) present. While avocado oil is traditionally extracted from mature fruit flesh, alternative sources such as avocado seed oil have recently increased in popularity. Unfortunately, sufficient evidence is not available to support the claimed health benefit and safe use of such oils. To address potential quality issues and identify possible adulteration, authenticated avocado oils extracted from the fruit peel, pulp and seed by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), as well as commercial avocado pulp and seed oils sold in US market were analyzed for TGs and FAs in the present study. Characterization and quantification of TGs were conducted using UHPLC/ESI-MS. Thirteen TGs containing saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in avocado oils were unambiguously identified. Compared to traditional analytical methods, which are based only on the relative areas of chromatographic peaks neglecting the differences in the relative response of individual TG, our method improved the quantification of TGs by using the reference standards whenever possible or the reference standards with the same equivalent carbon number (ECN). To verify the precision and accuracy of the UHPLC/ESI-MS method, the hydrolysis and transesterification products of avocado oil were analyzed for fatty acid methyl esters using a GC/MS method. The concentrations of individual FA were calculated, and the results agreed with the UHPLC/ESI-MS method. Although chemical profiles of avocado oils from pulp and peel are very similar, a significant difference was observed for the seed oil. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on TG and FA compositional data allowed correct identification of individual avocado oil and detection of possible adulteration.

Determination of fatty acids profiles and volatile compounds of cows’ and goats’ butters

In this study, the fatty acid composition and volatile components of cows’ and goats’ yayik butters were analyzed. For this purpose, analyzes in cows’ and goats’ yayik butter obtained from local markets in Adıyaman province were performed. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were determined as dominant fatty acids in the butter samples. While the highest SFA content was detected in goats’ butters, the highest unsaturated fatty acid (UNSFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) contents were in cow samples. Furthermore, some individual fatty acid concentrations (tridecanoic, behenic and α-linolenic) of cows’ and goats’ butters were significantly different. Additionally, the total 27 volatile compounds including alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters, hydrocarbons, ketones and terpenes were quantified in samples. The most important volatile compounds in samples were oxylene, mxylene, butyric, caprylic and valeric acids.

Evaluation of hazelnut and walnut oil chemical traits from conventional cultivars and native genetic resources in a non-traditional crop environment from Argentina

The oil content and oil-quality responses of several hazelnut and walnut cultivars were evaluated in a new, non-traditional crop environment in north-western Patagonia. Moreover, two Argentinean landraces were studied for the first time. Oil contents were in the ranges 66–72% (hazelnuts) and 74–79% (walnuts). Oleic acid predominated largely (78.4–84.4%) in hazelnut oils, whereas linoleic acid did in walnut oils (52.2–60.9%). Concentrations of individual fatty acids from the two local landraces were similar to those from most commercial cultivars grown worldwide. Total tocopherol concentrations varied largely among oils from each nut species (404–534 mg/kg, hazelnuts; 319–424 mg/kg, walnuts). All hazelnut and walnut genotypes showed good oil yield and quality traits in the crop environment evaluated as compared with data from by the USDA National Nutrient Data Base for Standard Reference. Results connected with fatty and tocopherol profiles suggest potential value for breeding purposes towards obtaining nuts and oils with enhanced oxidative stability. Overall, findings contribute in enlarging the biodiversity sources to develop new cultivars with promising marketable quality characteristics.

Circulating Very-Long-Chain SFA Concentrations Are Inversely Associated with Incident Type 2 Diabetes in US Men and Women

Background:Very-long-chain SFAs (VLCSFAs), such as arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0), have demonstrated inverse associations with cardiometabolic conditions, although more evidence is needed to characterize their relation with risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition, little is known regarding their potential dietary and lifestyle predictors. Objective:We aimed to examine the association of plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of VLCSFAs with incident T2D risk. Methods:We used existing measurements of fatty acid concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes among 2854 and 2831 participants in the Nurses´ Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), respectively. VLCSFAs were measured using GLC, and individual fatty acid concentrations were expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. Incident T2D cases were identified by self-reports and confirmed by a validated supplementary questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the association between VLCSFAs and T2D, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary variables. Results:During 39,941 person-years of follow-up, we documented 243 cases of T2D. Intakes of peanuts, peanut butter, vegetable fat, dairy fat, and palmitic/stearic (16:0–18:0) fatty acids were significantly, albeit weakly, correlated with plasma and erythrocyte VLCSFA concentrations (|rs| = 0.19). Comparing the highest with the lowest quartiles of plasma concentrations, pooled HRs (95% CIs) were 0.51 (0.35, 0.75) for arachidic acid, 0.43 (0.28, 0.64) for behenic acid, 0.40 (0.27, 0.61) for lignoceric acid, and 0.41 (0.27, 0.61) for the sum of VLCSFAs, after multivariate adjustments for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors. For erythrocyte VLCSFAs, only arachidic acid and behenic acid concentrations were inversely associated with T2D risk. Conclusions:Our findings suggest that, in US men and women, higher plasma concentrations of VLCSFAs are associated with lower risk of T2D. More research is needed to understand the mechanistic pathways underlying these associations.

Rumen Fermentation and Fatty Acid Composition of Milk of Mid Lactating Dairy Cows Grazing Chicory and Ryegrass.

Simple SummaryEnhancing the concentration of individual fatty acids (FA) in milk has been, for a long time, a major aim for researchers because certain FAs are linked with several health benefits in humans as well as improving the processing quality of milk products. It is well documented that diet, management regime, and extent of biohydrogenation in the rumen are critical in determining the composition of FA in the milk of dairy cows. This study investigated the effects of including chicory into the traditional feeding regime of ryegrass/white clover, and time of its allocation on milk production, rumen fermentation, and FA composition of milk and rumen digesta of dairy cows. Our findings show that allocation of mature chicory herbage to dairy cows at 50% of their ration modified rumen fermentation and improved both milk yield and the FA profile of the milk. Allocating chicory herbage during the afternoon is a useful strategy that can translate to improved milk production and quality. These findings reflect not just the feasibility of including chicory as part of a feeding regime, but also the role of chicory in rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation.The goals of the current study were to investigate the effects of including chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) into the traditional feeding regime of ryegrass/white clover (Lolium perenne L./Trifolium repens L.), and time of its allocation on milk production, rumen fermentation, and FA composition of milk and rumen digesta of dairy cows. Nine groups of four cows were allocated one of three replicated feeding regimes: (1) ryegrass/white clover only (RGWC), (2) ryegrass/white clover + morning allocation of chicory (CHAM), and (3) ryegrass/white clover + afternoon allocation of chicory (CHPM). One cow per group had a rumen cannulae fitted. Treatment did not affect total grazing time or estimated dry matter intake, but cows ruminated more when fed RGWC than chicory. Allocating chicory in the afternoon elevated milk production compared with RGWC and CHAM. Milk from cows grazing chicory contained greater concentrations of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) such as C18:3 c9, 12, 15 and C18:2 c9, 12 than those on RGWC. As with milk, rumen digesta concentration of PUFA increased when cows grazed on chicory rather than RGWC, which corresponded with lower concentrations of intermediate vaccenic and biohydrogenation end-product stearic acid for cows grazing on chicory. Mean ruminal pH was lower for cows offered chicory than those on RGWC, reflecting greater rumen concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) for cows fed chicory. Allocating chicory during the afternoon is a useful strategy that can translate to improved milk production. The lower rumen pH, lower concentration of vaccenic and stearic acids, and elevated concentration of PUFA in the rumen of cows fed chicory suggest reduced biohydrogenation and may explain the elevated concentration of PUFA in the milk of cows fed chicory compared with those fed RGWC.

Study of Fatty-acid Composition of Goat and Sheep Milk and Its Transformation in the Production of Yogurt

The information on the structure of fatty acids is crucial for the production and promotion of goat and sheep milk in the manufacture of dairy products. The fatty-acid profile of milk fat can affect the nutritional value and market value of dairy products. The purpose of the research is to study the properties of fatty-acid composition of goat and sheep milk and its transformation in the process of yogurt production. The study of fatty-acid composition was performed using the method of gas chromatography. The milk of goats of Zaanen breed and sheep of North Caucasian breed, as well as yogurt produced from a mixture of goat and sheep milk in a ratio of 1:1 have become the objects of the study. It was found that goat’s milk contains 12% less saturated fatty acids than sheep’s milk. Oleic, stearic and palmitic acids are the main fatty acids found in the fat phase of milk and yogurt production. Changes in the concentration of individual fatty acids during milk processing and in the period of yogurt storage were noted. As a result of maturation and seven-day storage, the amount of saturated fatty acids in yogurt increased by 5% compared to the original milk mixture. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in yogurt decreased by 19.27 %. The highest ratio value of hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids was noted in goat milk. It is proved that goat milk is characterized by the most acceptable fatty acid composition in terms of healthy nutrition and prevention of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. A tendency to reduce the amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a simultaneous increase in the content of saturated fatty acids is noted in the process of yogurt production and storage. It was found that the production of yogurt with the use of goat’s milk in the mixture allows reducing the values of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices. The results of the study provide an information basis for the production of qualitatively new fermented milk drinks with a fatty-acid profile favorable for human health.

Dynamics of oil and fatty acid accumulation during seed development in historical soybean varieties

Soybean seed oil concentration and fatty acid (FA) composition are relevant traits defining oil quality and economic value for industry. In spite of the importance of FA composition for soybean value, a detailed description of FA profile and accumulation during seed filling in contrasting soybean varieties and management conditions is currently lacking. This study aims to: i) evaluate whether genetic progress in soybean yield indirectly affected FA profile, ii) assess the influence of N fertilization on FA profile, iii) characterize the temporal dynamics of FA accumulation during seed filling, and iv) evaluate the relative contribution of FA accumulation rate vs. duration on final FA seed content. Seven soybean varieties released between 1980 and 2013 were field grown under control (0 kg N ha−1) and fertilized (670 kg N ha−1 added) treatments. In addition to seed yield, total seed oil and FA contents during seed filling were recorded by sampling seeds from the beginning of seed formation to maturity. Genetic progress was evident in seed yield with an increase of 31.3 kg ha year−1. Total oil concentration (g oil kg−1) slightly decreased across year of release for the control. Fatty acid concentration (g FA 100 g oil−1) profile was not associated with year of release but affected by varieties. Variation in total oil and FA contents (mg seed−1) across varieties and N treatments was mostly associated to longer filling but was also affected by accumulation rates. Interestingly, individual FA concentration at maturity was independent from FA content. Our results indicate past breeding efforts have not modified soybean FA profile. The fact that changes in FA contents were not translated in changes in FA concentration indicates that seed control of FA profile is narrow. Disentangling the physiological mechanism associated with FA homeostasis warrants further examination.

Oral administration of lactate producing bacteria alone or combined with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Megasphaera elsdenii on performance of fattening lambs

ABSTRACT To investigate the effect of direct fed microbial (DFM) on performance of fattening lamb, 4 treatments (7 animals/treatment) were evaluated; (1) control (without additive; CON); (2) Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus plantarum (FP); (3) Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) plus FP (SCFP) and (4) Megasphaera elsdenii plus SCFP (MSCFP). Feed intake, final body and feed efficiency except average daily gain were not affected by experimental treatment. Digestibility of dry matter and organic matter increased (P < 0.05) in MSCFP lambs versus other treatments. The highest (P < 0.05) amount of N intake, absorbed N and N retention were observed in MSCFP lambs. Blood parameters and enzymatic profiles were not affected (P > 0.05) by the treatments. The lowest and the highest of minimum pH were observed in CON and SCFP lambs. Moreover, concentration of ammonia-N, total and individual volatile fatty acids (except acetate and butyrate concentration) and acetate to propionate ratio were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. According to the results, the use of microbial feed additives had a positive effect on growth performance and some digestive and ruminal fermentation parameters.

Quality of Eggs from Layers Reared under Alternative and Conventional System

ABSTRACT The study aimed to compare and assess some of the quality characteristics (morphology, colour of the yolk, total carotenoid content and fatty acid profile) of eggs obtained from hens reared conventionally or in alternative system having access to pasture. Twenty eggs of each rearing system were analysed for the above characteristics. The eggs obtained from the layer reared under the alternative system were significantly heavier than the conventional ones, displayed higher diameters of the albumen and albumen index, as well as increased diameter and weight of the yolk. On the other hand, their shell thickness and Haugh units were lower when compared to the eggs from conventionally reared hens. The colour of the eggs from the alternative system was darker and they had lower values of L* and higher of a* in the yolk, corresponding to the significantly higher content of the total carotenoids in comparison to the eggs obtained from the hens reared conventionally. Furthermore, the eggs from the hens having access to pasture showed clear advantage in the fatty acid profile and the related lipid nutritional indices. In general, the rearing in alternative system reduced considerably the content of C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C16:1n-7 and C18:1n-9, as well as the saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). On the other hand, with the exception of C20:3n-6, the contents of both individual and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were dramatically increased in the eggs from the hens reared in the alternative system. This led to favourably decreased values of n-6/n-3 ratio as well as values of both atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) indices but augmented ratio between hypo- and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids.

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes and with well controlled glucose levels have decreased concentrations of individual fatty acids in maternal and cord serum.

Both arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA,22:6 n-3), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), are involved in fetal development and, based on their percentage compositions, appear to be specifically accumulated in fetal circulation in a proposed phenomenon known as biomagnification. Discrepancies exist in the literature concerning the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on circulating fatty acids. Our objective was to analyse individual fatty acid concentrations in a large cohort of maternal and cord paired serum samples from pregnant women with and without GDM. Overnight fasted maternal and cord blood paired samples from 84 women with GDM and well controlled blood glucose levels and 90 healthy pregnant women (controls) were drawn at term. Individual fatty acids within total serum lipids were analysed by gas chromatography and expressed both as concentrations of fatty acid (mmol/l) and as a percentage of total fatty acids. In the serum of overnight fasted pregnant women with GDM, the concentrations of most fatty acids were lower than in control women, except for AA and DHA, which remained the same. The concentrations of most fatty acids in cord serum were also lower in the GDM group than in the control group, except for α-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3 n-3), which was higher in the GDM group. In both groups, the concentrations of all fatty acids were lower in cord serum than in maternal serum. In GDM participants only, a positive and significant correlation between cord and maternal serum concentration of AA and DHA was observed. The expression of fatty acids in molar concentrations reveals that GDM decreases the concentration of most fatty acids in both maternal and cord serum. There is a high fetal dependence on maternal AA and DHA, but our findings do not support the existence of a fetal biomagnification of those two LCPUFA.

Жирнокислотный состав козьего и овечьего молока и его трансформация в процессе производства йогурта

Introduction. Information on the structure of fatty acids is crucial for production and promotion of goat and sheep milk in dairy industry. The profile of fatty acids of milk fat can affect the nutrition value and market value of dairy products.&#x0D; Study objects and methods. The present research featured fatty acid structure of goat and sheep milk and its transformation during yogurt production. The fatty acid structure was studied using gas chromatography. The milk was obtained from goats of the Zaanensky breed and sheep of the North Caucasian breed. Their ratio in the yogurt was 1:1. &#x0D; Results and discussion. The content of saturated fatty acids was 12% less in goat milk than in sheep milk. Olein, stearin, and palmitic acids are the main fatty acids in the fatty phase of milk and yogurt. The research revealed some changes in concentration of individual fatty acids during milk processing and during the storage of yogurt. As a result of ripening and storage, the amount of saturated fatty acids in yogurt increased by 5% on day 7, in comparison with the initial dairy mix. The content of the polynonsaturated fatty acids decreased by 19.27%. Goat milk had the highest value of the ratio of the hypocholesteremic and hypercholesteremic fatty acids. Goat milk demonstrated the most acceptable fatty acid structure in terms of healthy nutrition and prevention of atherosclerosis and thrombogenesis. During yogurt production and storage, the monononsaturated and polynonsaturated fatty acids decreased, while the content of saturated fatty acids increased. Thus, goat milk can increase the amount of monononsaturated and polynonsaturated fatty&#x0D; acids in dairy products. However, the research also revealed a general tendency to decrease in monononsaturated and polynonsaturated fatty acids during yogurt production and storage, with a parallel increase in the content of saturated fatty acids. Unlike ship milk, goat milk had a lower value of the indices of atherogenicity and thrombogenesis.&#x0D; Conclusion. The indices of atherogenicity and thrombogenesis provided additional information on the functional properties of the product. The established features of the fatty acid profile and its transformation during yogurt production provide data that can help produce qualitatively new dairy drinks with a healthy fatty acid profile.

Fatty acid profile as a discriminatory tool for the origin of lamb muscle and adipose tissue from different pastoral grazing areas in North Macedonia – A short communication

The fatty acid (FA) profiles of lamb muscle and adipose tissue originating from ten different grazing areas in North Macedonia and an assessment of whether the meat origin could be distinguished on the basis of FA profile are presented. Muscle and adipose tissues of three-month-old male lambs (crossbreds of autochthonous Ovcepolian and Württemberg) reared on spring pastures were studied. Statistically significant differences in the individual FA contents, FA groups and FA ratios were observed between lamb tissues from the different geographic regions. Canonical discriminant analysis showed there was a significant linear divergence between tissues from almost all examined regions. The greatest weight in the differentiation of the different areas showed fatty acid ratios, C18:3n3, C18:1n9c and C20:5n3 for the muscle tissue, as well as C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, C16:1 and C17:1 for the adipose tissue. This showed that the FA composition of muscle and adipose tissue obtained from lambs reared on pasture could serve as a useful indicator to aid differentiation of its geographic origin but it should be confirmed through further replicated studies.

Endogenous synthesis of milk cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid in dairy ewes: Quantification using 13C-labeled vaccenic acid and comparison with estimates based on cobalt administration

Isotopic tracers are used to directly quantify the effect of mammary Δ9-desaturation on milk fatty acid (FA) composition, but very few studies have applied this method to measuring the endogenous synthesis of rumenic acid (RA; cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid) in cows and goats, and no publications exist in ewes. In sheep, knowledge about the contribution of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) to milk FA secretion is derived mostly from indirect estimates based on inhibition of the enzyme by oral administration of cobalt, a cost-effective method that has not been validated to date. To fill both gaps, we conducted an isotopic tracer assay in sheep to quantify the proportion of endogenous RA in milk for the first time in this species. We then compared the results with estimates derived from a Co administration assay performed on the same animals. First, 5 lactating ewes received an intravenous injection of 200 mg of [1-13C]trans-11 18:1 (vaccenic acid, VA), the precursor for RA production by SCD activity. At -24, -15, 0, 9, 24, 33, 48, 57, 72, 81, and 96 h post-injection, we recorded milk yield and collected milk samples to examine fat concentration and FA profile. We conducted compound-specific isotope analysis of VA and RA by gas chromatography-combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Afterward, in the Co administration assay, ewes received a daily dose of 7 mg of Co/kg of body weight for 5 d. We analyzed milk samples for composition before and on the last days of cobalt dosing. On average, 17% of the injected amount of [1-13C]VA was transferred to milk within 96 h post-injection, and up to 29% of the VA taken up by the mammary gland was desaturated to milk RA. Under our conditions, the mean proportion of this conjugated linoleic acid isomer deriving from Δ9-desaturation represented 82 to 90% of the amount secreted in milk. However, the proportion estimated in the Co assay with calculations based on individual FA concentrations was lower (on average, 46%). When we calculated the same estimates based on changes in Δ9-desaturation ratios after Co dosing, the higher values of endogenous RA (75%) did not differ from the results of the isotopic tracer assay. Nevertheless, correlation analysis between the results obtained through [1-13C]VA or Co administration revealed no significant relationship, which would prevent acceptance of the latter as a reliable alternative to isotopic labeling to examine mammary Δ9-desaturation in dairy ewes.

GWAS identifies genetic variants associated with omega-3 fatty acid composition of Atlantic salmon fillets

The objective of this study was to identify genetic variants associated with long-chain omega-3 fatty acid content in Atlantic salmon muscle, in order to identify genes underlying the genetic variation in these traits, by performing a genome-wide association study.Fatty acid composition, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content and the ratios DHA/DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) and DHA/ALA (α-linolenic acid) of skeletal muscle was determined in 642 Atlantic salmon individuals from the Salmobreed broodstock program. Further, a 57 K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array was used to genotype the 642 individuals to search for SNPs associated with skeletal muscle content of individual omega-3 fatty acids as well as ratios between fatty acids, using a mixed model approach. We identified markers showing a significant association with the ratio of DHA to DPA located on chromosome 19, close to the candidate gene elovl2, which is directly involved in the conversion of DPA to DHA. The results further suggested that genetic variation affecting fillet EPA and DHA content is present on Atlantic salmon chromosome 21, as the GWAS analysis of EPA, DHA and DHA/ALA ratio all pointed to this chromosome. No known genes of direct relevance to the omega-3 bioconversion pathway were found here. We discuss the relevance of other interesting genes related to lipid metabolism and health located in this region.