Higher C18 Research Articles

Erythrocyte fatty acid patterns are associated with skeletal muscle mass in Chinese children.

Nutritional factors are important for skeletal muscle mass and grip strength development in children. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between erythrocyte membrane fatty acid patterns and skeletal muscle mass and grip strength in children. A total of 452 children aged 6-9 years were included in this study. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Hand grip strength (HGS) was determined by the Jamar® Plus+ hand dynamometer (Sammons Preston, Bolingbrook, IL, USA). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) was calculated, and the relative concentrations of 20 fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Factor analysis was used to explore the relationship between fatty acids and skeletal muscle mass and grip strength. Five fatty acid patterns (FAPs) were identified by factor analysis, and after adjusting for covariates, a multiple linear regression model showed that FAP2 (high C17:0, C20:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3) showed a negative correlation with ASM (β = -0.214; P<0.001), ASMI (β = -0.085; P<0.001) and left-hand grip strength (LHGS) (β = -0.235; P = 0.012). FAP3 (high C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C16:1 n-7, low C20:4 n-6) scores were positively correlated with ASM (β = 0.134, P = 0.017). No other associations between fatty acid patterns and skeletal muscle mass were found. The relationship between different fatty acid patterns and skeletal muscle health in children aged 6-9 years may be different. The pattern characterized by higher concentrations of C17:0, C20:5 n-3, and C22:6 n-3 in erythrocyte membranes may be associated with lower skeletal muscle mass. The pattern featuring higher concentrations of C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C16:1 n-7, and lower concentrations of C20:4 n-6 may be protective factors for muscle mass.

Circulatory response to exercise relative to oxygen uptake assessed in the follow-up of patients with fatty acid beta-oxidation disorders.

Patients with fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs) experience muscle symptoms due to impaired ATP metabolism and the toxicity of accumulated mitochondrial FAO substrates or intermediates, especially during catabolic states. A major issue is the absence of specific and sensible biomarkers to evaluate metabolic equilibrium. The relationship between cardiac output (Q) and oxygen consumption (VO2) during incremental exercise (dQ/dVO2) provides an indirect surrogate of mitochondrial function. A high dQ/dVO2 slope indicates impaired oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle during exercise. Our study aimed to evaluate dQ/dVO2 as a potential marker of the severity of FAODs. We retrospectively collected clinical, laboratory parameters and treatment data for FAOD patients over 6 years old, including a disease severity score, plasma acylcarnitines and cardiopulmonary exercise tests with Q measurement via thoracic bioelectrical impedance. FAO flux was measured in whole blood and in myoblasts when available. We included 27 FAOD patients followed from 2015 to 2022, with deficiencies in LCHAD (n = 10), CPT2 (n = 6), VLCAD (n = 7), or MADD (n = 4). CPT2 deficient patients with severe scores had the highest C18:1-, C16-, C18-acylcarnitines, and dQ/dVO2. In these patients, dQ/dVO2 was positively correlated with C18:1, C16, and C18 acylcarnitines. In a linear multivariate regression model, dQ/dVO2 was significantly associated with the severity score (B = 0.831, p = 0.008) and triheptanoin treatment (B = -0.547, p = 0.025). dQ/dVO2 and plasma long-chain acylcarnitines might be useful to monitor CPT2D, as these parameters associate with our clinical severity score and could reflect altered mitochondrial functions.

Effects of solute carrier family 27 member 1 (SLC27A1) genotypes on fat content and major fatty acids in colostrum and milk from Murrah and “Murrah × Carabao” crossbred buffaloes

This study analyzed the effect of Solute carrier family 27 member 1 (SLC27A1) genotypes on fat content and major fatty acids (lauric acid C12:0, myristic acid C14:0, palmitic acid C16:0, stearic acid C18:0, and oleic acid C18:1n-9) in milk and colostrum of 46 Murrah and “Murrah × Carabao” crossbred buffaloes at the Philippine Carabao Center - University of the Philippines Los Baños dairy herd. The SLC27A1 genotypes (CC and CT) were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method using DNA extracted from hair follicles. This study found polymorphism in the SLC27A1 gene that were consistent with Hardy Weinberg’s law of equilibrium (HWE), with a polymorphic information content (PIC) and heterozygosity (H) estimate of 0.2915 and 0.3542, respectively, for Murrah; and 0.3219 and 0.4032, respectively for “Murrah × Carabao” crossbreeds. In Murrah buffaloes, the CT genotype was significantly associated (P&lt;0.05) with higher colostrum yield and milk fat content, compared to CC. In “Murrah × Carabao” crossbreds, CT was associated with higher C12:0, C14:0, and C16:0, but lower C18:1n-9 in colostrum; and lower C16:0 in milk compared to CC. This study showed polymorphisms in SLC27A1 genotypes and their significant effects on colostrum yield and milk fat content in Murrah buffaloes and some major fatty acids in colostrum and milk from “Murrah × Carabao” crosses.

Metabolic profiling of pea (Pisum sativum) cultivars in changing environments: Implications for nutritional quality in animal feed

Field pea seeds have long been recognized as valuable feed ingredients for animal diets, due to their high-quality protein and starch digestibility. However, the chemical composition of pea cultivars can vary across different growing locations, consequently impacting their nutrient profiles. This study employs untargeted metabolomics in conjunction with the quantification of fatty acids and amino acids to explore the influence of three different growing locations in Spain (namely Andalusia, Aragon and Asturias), on the nutritional characteristics of seeds of various pea cultivars. Significant interactions between cultivar and environment were observed, with 121 metabolites distinguishing pea profiles. Lipids, lipid-like molecules, phenylpropanoids, polyketides, carbohydrates, and amino acids were the most affected metabolites. Fatty acid profiles varied across locations, with higher C16:0, C18:0, and 18:1 n-9 concentration in Aragón, while C18:2 n-6 predominated in Asturias and C18:3 n-3 in Andalusia. Amino acid content was also location-dependent, with higher levels in Asturias. These findings underscore the impact of environmental factors on pea metabolite profiles and emphasize the importance of selecting pea cultivars based on specific locations and animal requirements. Enhanced collaboration between research and industry is crucial for optimizing pea cultivation for animal feed production.

The Effects of Hemp Hay (Canapa sativa L.) in the Diets of Grazing Goats on Milk Production and Fatty Acid Profile.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a cosmopolitan annual herbaceous plant used in the past as a source of textile fiber. Currently, hemp is receiving great interest as animal feed due to its chemical and nutritional properties. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of supplementing goats' diets with hemp hay on the milk yield, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile. Twenty multiparous goats, immediately after kidding, were divided into two homogenous groups (C: control vs. H: hemp); the goats had free access to the pasture, and both groups received a supplement of 500 g/head/day of a barley and corn meal mixture (50/50). In addition, group H was given 250 g/head/day of hemp hay while group C received the same amount of alfalfa hay. The milk yield was measured daily, and milk samples were collected monthly 4 times to evaluate the milk composition and fatty acid profile. The milk yield was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the experimental group, while no differences were found in the milk chemical composition. Concerning the fatty acid profile, the milk from group H was characterized by significantly lower concentrations of C11:0, C12:0, C13:0, C14:0, C15:0, and C17:0 and higher C16:0 and C18:0. Among the polyunsaturated FA, C18:2 n6 and C20:4 were significantly (p < 0.001) lower, and C20:5 n3 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the milk from group H than that from group C. The n6/n3, LA/ALA and AA/EPA ratios were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the milk from group H, while the CLAs were unaffected by the treatment.

Short leukocyte telomere length and high plasma phospholipid fatty acids increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In the last 40 years, there has been a notable rise in the occurrence of diabetes within China, leading to the country now having the highest number of individuals affected by this condition globally. This prospective observational study examined the effect of different baseline relative leukocyte telomere length (RTL) and the combined effect of baseline RTL and plasma phospholipid fatty acid (PPFA) on the risk of developing diabetes. Adults from Ningxia Province who underwent baseline and follow-up surveys were included in the study. The correlation between the baseline RTL and PPFA was investigated using a multiple linear regression model. The combined effects of baseline RTL and PPFA levels on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were investigated using a Cox regression model with time as the covariate. A total of 1461 study subjects were included in this study. According to the diagnostic criteria of the Chinese Diabetes Society, 141 subjects developed T2DM during the follow-up period. The baseline age was negatively correlated with RTL. After adjustment for age, C16:0, C18:1 n-9, C20:4 n-6, C20:3 n-3, and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) concentrations were negatively correlated with RTL. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that C16:0 and MUFA concentrations influenced RTL. Subjects with shorter RTL at baseline had a higher risk of developing diabetes than those with longer RTL. Subjects with shorter RTL and higher C16:0 and MUFA concentrations at baseline had a higher risk of developing T2DM than those with longer RTL and lower C16:0 and MUFA concentrations. Our findings indicated that PPFA affects changes in RTL. In addition, RTL and PPFA are associated with the occurrence of T2DM.

Effect of Holder Pasteurization, Mode of Delivery, and Infant's Gender on Fatty Acid Composition of Donor Breast Milk.

Breast milk (BM) plays a crucial role in providing essential fatty acids (FA) and energy for the growing infant. When the mother's own BM is not available, nutritional recommendations suggest donor milk (DM) in clinical and home practices. BM was collected from a variety of donor mothers in different lactation stages. Holder pasteurization (HoP) eliminates potential contaminants to ensure safety. FA content of BM samples from the Breast Milk Collection Center of Pécs, Hungary, were analyzed before and after HoP. HoP decreases the level of C6:0, C8:0, C14:1n-5c, C18:1n-9c, C18:3n-6c, C18:3n-3c, and C20:4n-6c in BM, while C14:0, C16:0, C18:1n-9t, C22:0, C22:1n-9c, C24:0, C24:1n-9c, and C22:6n-3c were found in elevated concentration after HoP. We did not detect time-dependent concentration changes in FAs in the first year of lactation. BM produced for girl infants contains higher C20:2n-6c levels. In the BM of mothers who delivered via cesarean section, C12:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1n-9t, C22:1n-9c levels were higher, while C18:2n-6c, C22:0, C24:0, and C22:6n-3c concentrations were lower compared to mothers who gave birth spontaneously. FAs in BM are constant during the first year of lactation. Although HoP modifies the concentration of different FAs, pasteurized DM provides essential FAs to the developing infant. Current data providing information about the FA profile of BM gives origination to supplementation guidelines.

Bimetallic PdNi catalyst on cattail Leaves-Derived nanoporous carbon support for synthesis of partially hydrogenated fatty acid methyl ester (H-FAME)

Cattail leaves (CL) have been used as a carbon source to synthesize nanoporous carbon (NPC) support with high surface area (SBET = 2002.12 m2g−1) via hydrothermal carbonization and potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation. The studied catalysts, including monometallic Pd/NPC and Ni/NPC, and bimetallic PdNi/NPC, were synthesized and characterized by using several techniques (e.g., scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen sorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction). Their catalytic activity toward partial hydrogenation of palm biodiesel to H-FAME was tested, and the liquid product composition, cloud point, and oxidation stability were determined. The studied catalysts have a high porosity with the SBET of approximately 2037.34–2187.96 m2g−1 led to excellent metal dispersion. Although Ni did not show high catalytic activity compared to Pd, Ni incorporated with Pd as PdNi/NPC catalyst significantly increased the cis-C18:1 selectivity and prevented the catalytic deactivation during the partial hydrogenation. The oxidation stability of palm biodiesel feedstock was increased from 13.69 to 17.12 h while the cloud points adversely increased by only 3 degrees from 12 to 15 °C (still lower than 16 °C of the Thai industrial recommendation) with bimetallic PdNi/NPC catalyst. The main benefit of bimetallic PdNi/NPC over monometallic Pd/NPC and Ni/NPC is shown through not only higher C18:2 conversion but also much higher cis-to-trans ratio of C18:1 resulting in higher oxidation stability with acceptable compromise on the cloud point increasing. Consequently, the produced palm H-FAME can be used at a high blend ratio.

Management and Outcomes of Very Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (VLCAD Deficiency): A Retrospective Chart Review.

Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is a rare genetic condition affecting the mitochondrial beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. This study reports on the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed by newborn screening with VLCAD deficiency comparing metabolic parameters, enzyme activities, molecular results, and clinical management. It is a single-center retrospective chart review of VLCAD deficiency patients who met the inclusion criteria between January 2002 and February 2020. The study included 12 patients, 7 of whom had an enzyme activity of more than 10%, and 5 patients had an enzyme activity of less than 10%. The Pearson correlation between enzyme activity and the C14:1 level at newborn screening showed a p-value of 0.0003, and the correlation between enzyme activity and the C14:1 level at diagnosis had a p-value of 0.0295. There was no clear correlation between the number of documented admissions and the enzyme activity level. Patients who had a high C14:1 value at diagnosis were started on a diet with a lower percentage of energy from long-chain triglycerides. The C14:1 result at diagnosis is the value that has been guiding our initial clinical management in asymptomatic diagnosed newborns. However, the newborn screening C14:1 value is the most sensitive predictor of low enzyme activity and may help guide dietary management.

Effect of consumption of sheep and cow milk on rat brain fatty acid and phospholipid composition

The effect of sheep milk and cow milk on the lipid composition of rat brain was investigated in two feeding experiments of 28-days duration. Total lipids of the rat brain were extracted using ethanol-hexane, and the fatty acids and phospholipid contents analysed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR). Furthermore, freeze-dried pooled samples were analysed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared and Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy and analysed with multivariate methods. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher C18:2 content was found in the cow milk group compared with sheep milk-treated groups in Study one. In Study two, a significantly (P < 0.05) lower C16:0 content was present in the sheep milk-treated group compared to the control low Ca/P group. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed in the spectroscopy analyses. It is concluded that sheep and cow milks fed to rats for 28-days had a low effect on the brain lipidome.

Inclusion of Sainfoin in the Concentrate of Finishing Lambs: Fatty Acid Profiles of Rumen, Plasma, and Muscle.

The effects of sainfoin inclusion (Onobrychis viciifolia) in the finishing concentrate for light lambs on the fatty acid (FA) composition of the ruminal digesta, plasma, and meat were evaluated. Twenty-six weaned male lambs were divided into three groups and fed individually ad libitum for 40 days with one of three concentrates differing in the level of sainfoin inclusion: 0% (0SF), 20% (20SF), and 40% (40SF). The rumen digesta showed an increase in C18:3 n-3 concentration and a decrease in C18:1 t10 concentration when sainfoin was included in the concentrate regardless of the level of inclusion. However, the highest C18:1 t11 and the lowest C18:2 n-6 proportions were obtained only in the 40SF rumen, showing a stronger t11 biohydrogenation pathway. In plasma, most effects were associated with changes in the levels of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) n-3. The meat FA profile of 40SF lambs presented higher percentages of PUFA n-3 and CLA c9,t11 and a lower PUFA n-6/PUFA n-3 ratio compared with those from 0SF and 20SF diets because of the potentiation of the ruminal t11 pathway. Inclusions of 20 and 40% sainfoin both showed beneficial effects on meat quality; furthermore, these effects were most marked in the 40% sainfoin diet.

Novel exploration of ions and fatty acids in hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens calcification.

To conduct a novel exploration and analysis of the ion and fatty acid levels of a medium in which calcified hydrophilic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are present. Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China. Retrospective, laboratory observational case series. Eleven patients (11 eyes) who had implantation of foldable hydrogel posterior IOLs were found to have opacification of the IOLs. In vivo and in vitro analyses included the evaluation of patients' clinical characteristics, microscopy, histological staining, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), the ion level of the aqueous humor (AH) and preserving fluid (PF), and the fatty acid content of AH. Ten of 11 cases were female with unilateral opacification, and seven cases had both-eye cataract surgery, including 1 first eye and 6 second eyes with IOL opacification. Four types of similar serial numbers were counted. The analysis of AH showed that the concentrations of phosphorus and silicon were elevated but that of calcium decreased, and an increased level of silicon was detected in three random PFs. The palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) fatty acids were higher than the others in the AH. The EDS confirmed that the IOL surface deposits were composed of calcium, phosphate, and a small amount of silicon. More silicon and higher C16:0 and C18:0 were found in the AH of patients with IOL opacification. New ideas and avenues have been proposed in the study of IOL opacification.

Bacterial quorum sensing precursors N-(3-Oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone & N-(3-Hydroxyoctanoyl)-DL-homoserine lactone ameliorate algal biomass, lipids and fatty acids

Quorum sensing precursors of bacteria interact with microalgae in cultures and indirectly affect the algal physiology but their profound effect on the lipid and biomass in relation to improving the biofuel competence is one of the potential unexplored areas. The knowledge on the effect of phycospheric bacterial quorum sensing (QS) precursors on the lipid metabolism of microalgae under axenic and xenic conditions is highly restricted. This study endeavored to investigate an independent effect of QS precursors on the selected potential alga Chlorella sp. and unraveled the hidden prospect of QS for improvement of the lipids and identified the differences between the xenic and axenic conditions in the presence and absence of the QS precursors. Results revealed that N-(3-Oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone and N-(3-Hydroxyoctanoyl)-DL-homoserine lactone changed lipid composition, increased lipid productivity (2–4.5- folds) and biomass productivity (1.96–4.2- folds) under both xenic and axenic conditions of Chlorella sp. Further, selected QS precursors ameliorated fatty acid composition of the biomass that affected the resultant biodiesel properties at the end. N-(3-Hydroxyoctanoyl)-DL-homoserine promoted synthesis of PUFA and phospholipids with higher C18:2n6 compare to control. In contrast, N-(3-Oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone promoted SFA and neutral lipids with higher C18:00. Upon investigation of the stress physiology of Chlorella sp., it was revealed that the above QS precursors mediate the antioxidant levels and accumulate lipids, while also encourage biomass amelioration.

Composition and distribution of fatty acids in various lipid fractions in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing assisted reproductive technology.

Fatty acids (FA) in follicular fluid (FF) are present in an esterified form [triglycerides, cholesterol esters and phospholipids] or as non-esterified FA, which partly originate from blood. However, a comprehensive comparison of blood vs. FF FA in various lipid classes is missing. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of the FA composition in each lipid class of serum and FF, and to investigate their mutual correlations. A total of 74 patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment were involved in the study. Both in serum as well as FF, saturated FA and mono-unsaturated FA were predominant in non-esterified FA and triglycerides fractions while poly-unsaturated FA were mainly present in phospholipids and cholesterol esters fractions, although phospholipids also contained high proportions of saturated FA. Irrespective of the lipid class, the FA proportions differed between serum and FF (P < 0.05). Despite these differences, most of the FA in triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol esters of FF were well correlated with their proportions in serum. Nevertheless, only weak to moderate associations (r < 0.60) were observed for the majority of the FA in the non-esterified FA fraction. Differences in FA product/precursor-ratios were found between serum and FF, such as higher C20:4n-6 to C18:2n-6 and C20:5n-3 to C18:3n-3 in FF. FA metabolism (e.g. desaturation and elongation) takes place in cells of the intrafollicular micro-environment. Moreover, good correlations between esterified FA in serum and FF suggest esterified FA in blood could be representative of esterified FA in FF.

Cohort study examining associations between ceramide levels and risk of multimorbidity among persons participating in the Mayo Clinic Biobank

ObjectiveCeramides have been associated with several ageing-related conditions but have not been studied as a general biomarker of multimorbidity (MM). Therefore, we determined whether ceramide levels are associated with the...

Serum fatty acid profiles associated with metabolic risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Dyslipidemia is a feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that may augment metabolic disturbances. Serum fatty acids are important biomedical indicators of dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to determine the distinct serum fatty acids in various PCOS subtypes and their association with metabolic risk in women with PCOS. Fatty acids in the serum of 202 women with PCOS were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fatty acids were compared between PCOS subtypes and correlated with glycemic parameters, adipokines, homocysteine, sex hormones, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The levels of total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the reproductive subtype of PCOS were lower than those in the metabolic subtype. Docosahexaenoic acid, a PUFA, was associated with higher SHBG after correction for multiple comparisons. Eighteen species of fatty acids emerged as potential biomarkers associated with the metabolic risk factors measured, independent of body mass index (BMI). Among them, myristic acid (C14:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), oleic acid (C18:1n-9C), cis-vaccenic acid (C18:1n-7), and homo-gamma-linolenic acid (C20:3n-6) were the strongest lipid species that were consistently associated with metabolic risk factors, particularly insulin-related parameters in women with PCOS. As for adipokines, 16 fatty acids were positively associated with serum leptin. Among them, C16:1 and C20:3n-6were significantly associated with leptin levels. Our data demonstrated that a distinct fatty acid profile comprising high C14:0, C16:1, C18:1n-9C, C18:1n-7, and C20:3n-6levels is associated with metabolic risk in women with PCOS, independent of BMI.

Factors Affecting Fatty Acid Composition of Holstein Cow's Milk.

Milk fatty acid composition has gained the interest of both manufacturers and consumers during recent years. The present paper aimed to perform an analysis of C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration in cow's milk in relation to the type of ration, parity, lactation phase and season. Cows' milk from animals being fed total mixed rations, including corn silage, had higher C14:0, C16:0 and SFA concentrations than those being fed pasture-based rations but lower concentrations of C18:0 and PUFA. Comparing to 1st parity cows, 2nd and 3rd parity animals had higher SFA and SCFA concentrations in milk. With respect to spring, C14:0, C16:0 and SFA concentrations increased in summer, autumn and winter while MUFA, PUFA and SCFA concentrations decreased. Considering the lactation phase, C14:0, C16:0 and SFA concentrations decreased in fresh cows with ketosis comparing to healthy fresh cows and increased in peak, mid and late lactation. C18:0, C18:1 and MUFA follow the opposite trend. The milk fatty acid profile varies significantly through the studied effects. The fact that the fatty acid profile is associated with animal health, organoleptic properties of milk or even methane production highlights the importance of studying factors that affect its variation.

Milk fatty acids as indicators of delayed commencement of luteal activity in dairy cows in early lactation.

Excessive mobilization of adipose reserves due to severe negative energy balance in early lactation may be detrimental to dairy cow fertility at individual and herd level. Reproductive efficiency is one of the main factors influencing herd profitability and a strategy for early detection and management of cows with delayed resumption of cyclicity will result higher conception rate, decreased proportion of cows with extended lactation, fewer inseminations per conception and lower culling rates due to reproductive disorders. Using two groups of dairy cows (Holstein n=37, Swedish Red breed [SRB] n=49), we investigated potential differences between cows with different commencement of luteal activity (CLA) and the feasibility of using milk fatty acids (MFAs) as predictors of delayed CLA. Milk samples for progesterone analysis were collected twice weekly during the first six weeks in milk. The concentrations of the MFAs C14:0, C16:0, C18:0 and C18:1 cis-9 in milk (g/100 g milk) and in milk fat (g/100 g fat) were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and individual MFA profiles were calculated by weeks in milk. Commencement of luteal activity was defined as the first day with milk progesterone concentrations >3ng/ml at two successive measurements. The study population was categorized as early (n=42) or late (n=44) CLA, using the median value of 21 DIM as the cut-off. Analysis of the data revealed that CLA was correlated with the proportion of some specific MFAs, where cows with delayed CLA had lower IGF-1 (92.9 ± 7.9 vs. 114.1 ± 7.9ng/ml; p=.05) and C14:0 levels (10.4 ± 0.2 vs. 11.5 ± 0.2g/100 fat; p < .01) and higher C18:0 (9.6 ± 0.2 vs. 8.9 ± 0.6g/100 fat; p < .01) and C18:1 cis-9 levels (24.9 ± 0.4 vs. 23.5 ± 0.4g/100 fat; p < .05). Delayed CLA (mean 34 days) was predictable for approximately 80% of cows based on C18:0 or C18:1 cis-9 concentrations in week 2 postpartum. Overall, MFAs (C18:0 and C18:1 cis-9) as biomarkers were better indicators than beta-hydroxybutyrate or non-esterified fatty acids in early detection of cows with delayed or normal CLA. The MFA concentrations in milk samples from cows in early lactation can thus be used as a non-invasive method to identify cows at risk of delayed CLA, acting as potential biomarkers for future reproductive performance.

Use of Moringa oleifera leaves (sole or combined with concentrate) in rabbit feeding: Effects on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality attributes

Sixty Chinchilla rabbits (28 days old) were divided into three equal groups (n = 20). Rabbits in MOL0 (control) were fed pellets containing 700 g cowpea hay/kg pellet as forage source, whereas rabbits in MOL700 and MOL950 were fed pellets containing 700 and 950 g moringa leaves/kg feed pellets, respectively. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio was comparable in MOL700 and MOL0, however, it was higher in MOL950. Among the carcass traits, dressing percent was higher while, chilling loss was lower in MOL700 treatment. The Longissimus thoracis muscle of rabbits fed moringa leaves containing pellets (MOL700 and MOL950) had lower saturated fatty acid content, higher C18:3n-3 and total n-3 fatty acids along with lower thrombogenic index value. Hence, incorporating moringa leaves at 70% level is beneficial in terms of improved growth performance and functional attributes of meat than diet- containing sole moringa leaves.

Association between Fatty Acid Composition in Hair and Energy Availability during Early Lactation in Simmental and German Holstein Cows.

This study examined (1) if fatty acids in bovine hair are influenced by dietary energy levels and (2) if the relationship between energy availability and fatty acids in hair persists across breeds and farms. Sixty-two and 59 Fleckvieh (Simmental), and 55 German Holstein cows from three farms, respectively, were fed two levels of energy concentration of roughage (6.1 and 6.5 MJ net energy for lactation/kg dry matter) and two levels of concentrate supply (150 and 250 g/kg energy-corrected milk). The average body weight was 727 kg (Simmental) and 668 kg (Holstein). The average lactation number was 3.1. Hair samples were taken in lactation weeks 4 and 8. In Simmental cows, a lower energy deficit due to a relatively higher energy intake from high energy concentration of the roughage was associated with higher C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 contents in hair at week 8. In cows from all three farms, higher energy intake between lactation weeks 2 and 6 correlated with higher content of C18:2n-6 in hair samples taken in lactation weeks 4 and 8. No correlation was found for C12:0. These results provide the first evidence that increased energy intake increases the contents of C18:2n-6 in hair.