Inclusion Of Vegetable Oils Research Articles

Chlorella and vegetable oil inclusion in diets for growing rabbits: effects on growth, digestibility, plasma metabolites, and caecal fermentations and microbiota

Chlorella and vegetable oil inclusion in diets for growing rabbits: effects on growth, digestibility, plasma metabolites, and caecal fermentations and microbiota

Replacement of fish oil by alternative n-3 LC-PUFA rich lipid sources in diets for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

IntroductionIn order to ensure lipid quality of cultured fish and an environmentally sustainable production, new alternative sources of EPA and DHA are needed to replace traditional lipid sources, such as fish oil.MethodsDifferent combinations of alternative marine lipid sources rich in n-3 LC-PUFA available in the market were herein evaluated to replace traditional fish oil (sardine oil) in diets for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). A commercial-type diet (CTRL), containing 1.6% of EPA + DHA, 5% sardine oil and 8% rapeseed oil was used as a negative control. Another diet (SARDINE) formulated with 8.5% sardine oil, 4.5% rapeseed oil and 2.5% EPA + DHA was used as the positive control. Three experimental diets were formulated to completely replace sardine oil with alternative sources, targeting approximately the same EPA + DHA level as the positive control: the SALMON diet contained 9.9% salmon by-product oil mixed with 3.1% of an algal oil rich in EPA and DHA, while the ALGARAPE and the ALGASOY diets included 4.4% of the algal oil and 8.6% of either rapeseed or soybean oil, respectively. A sixth diet (ALGABLEND) was formulated to partially replace sardine oil with salmon by-product oil and rapeseed oil, balanced with 2% of algae biomass. The experimental diets were hand-fed to 118 g fish for 54 days. ResultsAll diets were well-accepted by fish and no significant differences were found in feed efficiency, growth performance, somatic indexes or whole body composition among treatments. At the end of the trial, regardless the dietary EPA + DHA level, all fillets contained more than 250 mg of EPA + DHA per 100 g fresh weight, meeting EFSA recommendations for cardiovascular risk prevention for European adults (> 250 mg day -1). DiscussionOverall, this study demonstrated that combining expensive sources of n-3 LC PUFA (Veramaris® or Algaessence Feed™ with low-priced sustainable oils (salmon by-products oil or vegetable oils) allows fortifying European sea bass flesh with EPA and DHA, without major textural changes. This approach is a successful strategy for mitigating the negative effects associated with the high inclusion of vegetable oils. However, the retention of n-3 LC-PUFA in muscle was not significantly increased, suggesting that there is a maximum dietary threshold beyond which β-oxidation might be promoted, and hence there is no advantage in increasing the dietary level of these fatty acids in European sea bass diets.

Effect of the rearing diet on gene expression of antimicrobial peptides in Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).

Insect proteins have been proposed for human and animal food production. Safeguarding the health status of insects in mass rearing allows to obtain high-quality products and to avoid severe economic losses due to entomopathogens. Therefore, new strategies for preserving insect health must be implemented. Modulation of the insect immune system through the diet is one such strategy. We evaluated gene expression of two antimicrobial peptides (one defensin and one cecropin) in Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) reared on different diets. Analyses were performed on prepupae and 10-day-old larvae reared on cereal- and municipal organic waste-based diets and on only prepupae reared on a cereal-based diet supplemented with sunflower, corn, or soybean oil. The inclusion of sunflower oil at different points in the cereal-based diet was also evaluated. Moreover, diet-driven differences in the inhibitory activity of the hemolymph were tested against Escherichia coli DH5α and Micrococcus yunnanensis HI55 using diffusion assays in solid media. Results showed that a municipal organic waste-based diet produced a significant overexpression of antimicrobial peptides only in prepupae. Inclusion of vegetable oils caused an upregulation of at least one peptide, except for the corn oil. Higher expression of both genes was observed when sunflower oil was added 5 days before pupation. All hemolymph samples showed an inhibitory activity against bacteria colonies. Our results suggest that municipal organic waste-based diet and vegetable oil-added diet may successfully impact the immune system of H. illucens. Such alternatives may also exist for other species of economic interest.

Lipid–Protein Oxidation and In Vitro Digestibility of Fermented Turkey Sausages as Affected by Lipid Formulation

AbstractThis research investigates the effects of using different lipid formulations (100% beef fat, 85% beef fat+15% olive oil, or 70% beef fat+30% olive oil) in fermented turkey sausages on protein–lipid oxidation, in vitro digestibility, and related quality parameters. The use of olive oil results in decreased fat content, modified fatty acid profile, and increased pH value, acidity, and water activity, besides changes are recorded in instrumental quality and sensory features. Lipid oxidation is higher in samples with 30% olive oil than in the others. Carbonyl content increases depending on oil level and storage time. α‐aminoadipic semialdehyde is only detected in products containing 30% olive oil and their concentrations increased with storage. γ‐glutamic semialdehyde also increases by olive oil inclusion, but decrements are recorded during storage. Increasing olive oil results in increased pepsin digestibility but losses are recorded in both pepsin and trypsin plus α‐chymotrypsin digestion rates during storage.Practical applications: Inclusion of vegetable oils into meat product formulations has been preferred recently to supply healthier products, but in this situation, oxidative deterioration again becomes a considerable problem affecting overall quality. The data obtained from the present work wil contribute to understand the impacts of formulation and processing operations on the formation of oxidation products and change in digestibility, thereby to pioneer further research on this topic.

Vegetable oils in dairy production: perspectives, food safety and guarantee of sustainable development of the food system

The article describes the development process of butter enriched with vegetable oils. To enrich butter with vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, improve taste and biological value, increase shelf life the researchers used linseed and sesame oils. The product was manufactured using traditional technology. Additionally, a technological stage of enrichment of oil grains with linseed and sesame oils in an amount of 10% of the total volume of the product was introduced. It was found that amount of vitamin E in the butter increased to 2.74 mg per 100 g of the product due to add of vegetable oils. Physical, chemical, organoleptic parameters of finished product, enriched with vegetable oils, and its storage stability at a temperature of 3 ± 2°C were studied. It is proved that linseed and sesame oils introduction did not adversely affect the quality of the finished product. In appearance, consistency, taste and color, the enriched product was not inferior to the control sample, but had a slight taste of the added fillers. The content of vitamin E in the finished product, enriched with linseed and sesame oils, provides at least 8.0% of the average daily intake. The inclusion of vegetable oils with antioxidant properties had a positive effect on increasing storage stability of the finished product at a temperature of 3 ± 2°C.

Effect of dietary inclusion of vegetable oils on nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation in Surti goats

With an objective to study vegetable oils supplementation on nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation, 24 multiparous lactating Surti goats were divided into four groups as basal diet supplemented with no oil (CON), 3% of DMI soybean oil (SBO), 3% of DMI of rice bran oil (RBO) and equi-proportional blend of 1.5% of DMI of soybean oil and rice bran oil each (SRBO). DM, CP, NDF and ADF intake (g/d) and their digestibility (%) remained statistically similar amongst dietary treatments groups, except EE which was significantly improved in all the oil supplemented groups as compared to control. Nitrogen balance of experimental groups remained unaffected and all the animals were under positive nitrogen balance. Rumen metabolites like pH and total nitrogen and its fractions (ammonia N, TCA precipitable N and soluble N) remained similar amongst treatment except TVFA. Thus, soybean oils and/or rice bran oils at level of 3% of DMI can be effectively incorporated in ration of lactating Surti goats without affecting nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation.

Glycerin and cashew and castor oils inclusion in the diets of Purunã bulls finished in feedlot on fatty acid percentage in the Longissimus dorsi

This work was carried out to study the glycerin and cashew and castor oils inclusion as natural additives on fatty acid composition of perirenal fat, subcutaneous fat and muscle Longissimus thoracis of Purunã bulls finished in feedlot for 252 days. A total of 32 Purunã bulls (11-12 ± 2.0 months; 202.8 ± 14.4 kg) were finished in feedlot with 4 diets (n = 8): CONT – basal diet; VOIL – basal diet and inclusion of vegetable oils (3 g/animal/day); GLYC – basal diet and inclusion of glycerin (20.1% glycerin in DM basis); GLVO – basal diet and inclusion of glycerin (20.1% glycerin in DM basis) and vegetal oils (3 g/animal/day). Glycerin inclusion reduced SFA, MUFA and PUFA levels in the diets. Glycerin and vegetable oils inclusion in the diets of bulls finished in feedlot did not change (P > 0.05) lauric, myristic, palmitic, docosanoic, n-7-tetradecenoic, palmitoleic, n-11 trans-vaccenic, oleic, n-7 cis-vaccenic, cis-9, t11 – CLA, n-3 docosapentaenoic and n-3 docosahexaenoic fatty acids levels in perirenal fat, subcutaneous fat and Longissimus thoracis muscle of bulls finished in feedlot. However, glycerin inclusion in the diets increased (P < 0.05) pentadecanoic, margaric and n-9, cis-10 heptadecanoic fatty acids levels when compared of perirenal fat, subcutaneous fat and Longissimus thoracis muscle of bulls fed CONT and VOIL diets. On the other hand, glycerin inclusion decreased (P < 0.05) linoleic fatty acid in perirenal fat, subcutaneous fat and Longissimus thoracis muscle in comparison of CONT and VOIL diets. Glycerin and vegetables oils inclusion in the diets did not alter (P > 0.05) SFA and MUFA levels in perirenal fat from bulls fed four diets. The PUFA, n-6 and n-3 levels and PUFA:SFA and n-6:n-3 ratios were similar (P > 0.05) between perirenal fat of bulls fed CONT and VOIL diets and greater (P < 0.05) when compared of perirenal fat from bulls fed GLYC and GLVO diets. SFA, MUFA levels and n-6 and n-3 ratios were similar (P > 0.05) among all diets. PUFA and MUFA levels in fat subcutaneous and n-6:n3 ratio were similar (P > 0.05) between GLYC and GLVO diets, but greater than CONT and GLYC diets. Total fatty acids sum levels in Longissimus thoracis muscle were similar (P > 0.05) among bulls from all diets, except the lowest levels in bulls from GLYC and GLVO diets in comparison to CONT and VOIL diets. In conclusion glycerin inclusion in the diets modifies fatty acids in fat and muscle of bulls finished in feed-lot.

Performance, carcass traits, and meat fatty acid profile and quality of Anglo-Nubian kids fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of vegetable oils in goat kid diets on performance, carcass traits, and meat composition, quality, and fatty acid profile. Forty-eight Anglo Nubian kids were evaluated in a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments, namely, control diet and diets including 2.5% canola, sunflower, or soybean oils. The animals were slaughtered at 30 kg live weight and performance, carcass and meat quality, centesimal composition, and fatty acid profile were evaluated. [...]

Inclusion of vegetable oils in diets of broiler chicken raised in hot weather and effects on antioxidant capacity, lipid components in the blood and immune responses

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of vegetable oils on the antioxidant capacity, blood lipid components and immune responses in chickens raised in hot climate. In a completely randomized design, 300 chicks were assigned to four treatments and five replicates with 15 chicks per each. The highest concentration of malondialdehyde was found in broilers fed palm oil (p < 0.05). Chickens fed corn oil had the lowest and those fed flaxseed oil had the highest antioxidant enzymes activities (p < 0.05). The highest hepatic Alanine-transferase and Aspartate-transferase was found in chickens fed corn oil and the lowest levels in those received flaxseed and olive oils (p < 0.05). The highest hypersensitivity was in chickens fed palm oil and the lowest was for olive oil. The highest antibody titer against sheep red blood cells was found in chickens fed flaxseed oil and the lowest titer was for those received palm oil (p < 0.05). The highest triglyceride, cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein and the lowest high density lipoprotein was found in chickens fed palm oil and vice versa for flaxseed and olive oils. Olive and flaxseed oils had beneficial effects on antioxidant activity and lipid attributes and palm oil had detrimental effects on these parameters that related to the poultry health.

Variation in the nutritional composition of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fillets with emphasis on EPA and DHA contents

The increase in the global popularity and production of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) has led to compositional changes in their feeds that can potentially diminish their nutritive value. Thus, the aim of the study was to compare the lipid, protein, fatty acid (omega-3) and mineral contents of salmon fillet portions available in the UK and estimate their contribution towards consumer dietary intake levels. Twenty pre-packaged fresh salmon fillets, encompassing all ranges (value, standard, premium and organic) and farmed origins (Scotland and Norway) were purchased from 10 main UK-wide retailers and analysed for their nutritional compositions. Lipid contents were between 11.2–16.3 % wet weight (ww), except the Retailer 10 value product which was significantly lower due to a high proportion of tail pieces. No difference in protein contents (17.5–20.2 % ww) were observed between fillets. However, fatty acid profiles showed marked variations between samples with marker fatty acids 18:1n-9 (24.3–42.0 %), 18:2n-6 (8.3–15.1 %) and 18:3n-3 (2.6–8.1 %) reflecting the differing levels of vegetable oil inclusion and eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA + DHA, 5.6–16.6 %) indicating the level of marine oils included within salmon feeds. Consequently, EPA + DHA contents varied from 0.88 to 2.36 g EPA + DHA.130 g−1 flesh ww, equivalent to supplying 26–67 % of the recommended 3.5 g EPA + DHA weekly intake suggested for optimal cardiac health in adults. Similarly, selenium contents differed significantly between samples delivering between 13.9–55.5 % and 17.3–69.3 % of the 75 and 60 μg day−1 UK intake for males and females, respectively. Additionally, EPA + DHA and selenium contents were both affected by farmed origin, reflecting differences in production strategies of the two salmon producing nations. Overall, the study highlights the contrasting nutritional profiles of farmed salmon fillets available to consumers based on retailer requirements (healthy versus sustainable product) and how this can affect the recommended dietary intakes from a human nutrition perspective.

Microencapsulation of healthier oils to enhance the physicochemical and nutritional properties of deer pâté

The influence of pork backfat substitution by microencapsulated healthier oils on physicochemical and nutritional properties of deer pâté was assessed. Four different treatments were elaborated: control with 100% of pork backfat and the other ones with 50% of pork backfat was replaced by microencapsulated oils (tigernut, chia and linseed oils). These fat replacements were accompanied by a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in fat and cholesterol contents. The inclusion of vegetable oils resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) modification of colour parameters, being tigernut batches which presented the highest redness and yellowness values. Moreover, softer textures were observed in reformulated pâtés. The fatty acid composition of pâtés with microencapsulated oils was modified, decreasing the total amount of SFA and increasing PUFA (chia and linseed pâtés) or MUFA contents (tigernut pâtés). Pâtés prepared with oils that contained high n-3 PUFA levels displayed higher TBARS values.

Growth performance and nutrient utilisation of Senegalese sole fed vegetable oils in plant protein-rich diets from juvenile to market size

Sustainable aquaculture is highly dependent on the optimization of aquafeeds in terms of production costs, environmental sustainability and nutritional value. Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is a prized flatfish produced in Europe with demonstrated capacity to cope well with both vegetable protein and oil sources. However, the total replacement of fish oil (FO) in diets with a high inclusion of plant proteins (PP) has never been assessed before in this species. Three extruded isoenergetic (23 KJ/g) and isolipidic (15% DM) practical PP-based diets (75% PP) were formulated: a control diet with fish oil (FO) and two experimental diets with 50% and 100% inclusion of a vegetable oil (VO) blend to replace FO (VO50 and VO100). Triplicate groups of fish (13.3 ± 0.9 g) were kept in a recirculation saltwater system at 19 °C and fed the experimental diets ad libitum during 18 months. Fish were sampled after 6 and 18 months (in juvenile and on-growing developmental stages, respectively). The total substitution of FO by VO (VO100) during the juvenile phase (6 months of feeding) significantly reduced final body weight, daily growth index, and protein gain, and increased FCR. A longer feeding period (after 18 months) showed that VO inclusion had no major effects on fish growth, but FCR was still significantly higher in fish fed VO100 than in FO. At the end of the trial, muscle saturated FA level decreased with increasing dietary VO, whereas monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA levels increased in fish fed VO diets particularly due to increased levels of linoleic, α-linoleic and arachidonic acid acids. In conclusion, the long-term replacement of marine ingredients by VO and PP sources does not impair Senegalese sole growth, but strongly reduces EPA + DHA muscle levels, compromising the nutritional value of fillets for human consumption.

Essential fatty acid deficiency increases hepatic non-infectious granulomatosis incidence in meagre (Argyrosomus regius, Asso 1801) fingerlings

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is a promising new aquaculture species, however with some bottlenecks to high-scale commercial production. One of those constraints are the scarce information about its nutritional requirements, which difficult the production of optimized diets and can lead to pathological alterations in liver, such as hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, meagre production is widely affected by granulomatosis, an infectious or non-infectious disease that may compromise fish performance and appearance. The cause of non-infectious granulomatosis is still unclear, but nutritional deficiencies are potential explanations. Since essential fatty acids are nutrients required to sustain vital functions, growth, but also immune status and disease resistance, the present work evaluated, in a 30-day feeding trial, the effect of 5 dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels (0.8, 1.4, 2.0, 2.6 and 3.5% in dry weight of the diet) on liver health status of meagre fingerlings. Fish fed the lowest n-3 LC-PUFA diets (0.8 and 1.4%) showed a higher hepatosomatic index, as well as a higher hepatic lipid infiltration, which resulted in severe hepatic steatosis. Oleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were the most important fatty acids driving the variability of meagre hepatic fatty acid composition and, consequently, hepatic histological alterations. Although fatty acid composition of phospholipids was less affected by the dietary n-3 LC-PUFA, meagre fed 0.8% n-3 LC-PUFA tended to present lower levels of essential fatty acids and higher levels of oleic acid in polar lipids. Moreover, the diet with the lowest n-3 LC-PUFA content (0.8%) led to a higher incidence of hepatic granulomas, suggesting a possible relation between essential fatty acid deficiency and hepatic granulomatosis in meagre. These results suggest that the inclusion of vegetable oils in diets for meagre fingerlings should be taken with careful, guaranteeing that, at least, 2.0% DW of n-3 LC-PUFA is available in feeds, in order to maintain the normal hepatic function in meagre.

Factorial structure of the questionnaire for the inclusion of in natura vegetable oil in the diet of children

The scope of this study was to investigate the factorial structure of the questionnaire for the inclusion of vegetable oil in natura in the diet of children. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 220 mothers using the Likert Scale questionnaire. Thirteen Child Nutrition experts/judges semantically evaluated the items and the Generalizability Coefficient (GC) assessed the errors according to a one-off, two-facet random model (item/judge). The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) indicated dimensionality of the tools applied: Doornik-Hansen Test; Main Factor Analysis; Kaiser Guttman criterion; Promax rotation; Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (KMO); convergent and discriminant validities, Cronbach's Alpha; Composite Reliability. The GC = 0.8407 was considered satisfactory. The Doornik-Hansen test (chi2 (28) = 198.053, prob>chi2 = 0.0000) confirmed the multivariate normality of data. The Kaiser Guttman criterion explained 76.32% of the latent construct. The correlation between factors 1 and 2 (-0.4042) suggests the two-dimensional nature of the instrument. The KMO (0.8440) indicated the adequacy of the data to perform EFA. Cronbach's alpha showed values around 0.70, considered acceptable. The two-dimensionality of the questionnaire was verified to assess the inclusion of in natura vegetable oils in the diet of children.

Influence of vegetable diets on physiological and immune responses to thermal stress in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis).

The substitution of fish resources as ingredients for aquafeeds by those based on vegetable sources is needed to ensure aquaculture sustainability in the future. It is known that Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) accepts high dietary content of plant ingredients without altering growth or flesh quality parameters. However, scarce information is available regarding the long-term impact of vegetable diets (combining the inclusion of both vegetable protein and oils) on the stress response and immunity of this fish species. This study aims to evaluate the concomitant effect of the extended use of vegetable protein-based diets with fish oil (FO) replacement (0, 50 or 100%) by vegetable oils (VO), on the response to acute (10 min) or prolonged (4 days) stress, induced by thermal shock. Plasma levels of cortisol, glucose and lactate as well as hepatic levels of glucose, glycogen and lactate were evaluated as primary and secondary responses to stress, 6 and 18 months after feeding the experimental diets (6 and 18 MAF). The brain monoaminergic activity in telencephalon and hypothalamus, and non-specific immune parameters were also evaluated. As expected, thermal shock induced an increase in values of plasma parameters related to stress, which was more evident in acute than in prolonged stress. Stress also affected lactate levels in the liver and the values of the alternative complement pathway-ACH50 in the plasma. Dietary substitution of FO induced an effect per se on some parameters such as decreased hepatic glucose and glycogen levels and peroxidase activity in plasma as well enhanced serotonergic activity in brain of non-stressed fish. The results obtained in some parameters indicate that there is an interaction between the use of vegetable diets with the physiological response to thermal stress, as is the case of the hepatic lactate, serotonergic neurotransmission in brain, and the activity of ACH50 in plasma. These results suggest that the inclusion of VO in plant protein based diets point to a slightly inhibited stress response, more evident for an acute than a prolonged stress.

Transepithelial transfer of phenanthrene, but not of benzo[a]pyrene, is inhibited by fatty acids in the proximal intestine of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The inclusion of vegetable oils in aquafeeds introduces contaminating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in salmonids. Since lipophilic PAHs solubilize in micelles composed of lipids, bile salts and fatty acids, dietary lipid composition can alter intestinal transepithelial PAH transfer. We studied the uptake of two PAHs, viz. benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and phenanthrene (PHE), in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intestine. We also investigated the effects of two fatty acids, viz. fish oil-derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and vegetable oil-derived oleic acid (18:1n-9) on intestinal uptake. Radiolabeled PAHs were solubilized in micelles composed of tritiated EPA and oleic acid, respectively, and administrated to intestinal segments mounted in Ussing chambers.In the absence of micelles, PHE accumulation was two times higher than BaP in the mucosal and serosal layers of proximal and distal intestine. Administration of PHE in micelles composed of oleic acid resulted in a 50% lower accumulation of PHE in the mucosal layers of the proximal intestine compared to EPA-composed micelles. Accumulation of EPA and oleic acid in the proximal intestinal mucosa correlated negatively with the transepithelial transfer of these fatty acids across the proximal intestinal epithelium. Transepithelial PHE transfer across the proximal intestine was reduced by 30% in co-exposure with EPA-composed micelles compared to 80% with oleic acid micelles. BaP was not transferred across the intestine.We conclude that the lipid composition of an aquafeed is an important determinant of PAH bioavailability. Therefore, lipid composition should be an important consideration in choosing vegetable oils as alternatives for fish oil in aquafeeds.

Effects of soybean oil inclusion in the pre-lambing diet on udder size, colostrum secretion, and offspring thermoregulation and growth in hair-breed ewes

Dietary inclusion of vegetable oils in pregnant females is beneficial to improve offspring development and growth during its pre- and post-natal life because these oils are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Excessive oil intake can result in contrary effects. To evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion level of soybean oil (SBO) during the last third of gestation on udder size, production and composition of colostrum, newborn thermoregulation, and lamb growth during the pre-weaning period, 30 Katahdin x Pelibuey multiparous ewes (Body weight [BW]= 50.8±0.38kg, body condition score [BCS]= 3.02±0.04 units) were assigned under a randomized complete block design to 1 of 3 treatments, which consisted in isoenergetic and isoprotein diets containing 0, 30 or 60g of SBO/kg DM. Diets were offered from d 100 of pregnancy to lambing. All measurements were collected around lambing and first 60 d post-lambing. There was no treatment x time interaction for BW, BCS, production and chemical composition of colostrum, and offspring thermoregulation. Maternal BW and BCS as well as chemical composition were not affected by SBO. Weight and volume of colostrum linearly increased (P = 0.01) as the dietary level of SBO increased from 0 to 60g/kg DM. Rectal temperature in newborn lambs was not affected by SBO, but eye and muzzle temperatures, as well as coat temperatures from ear, muzzle, loin, right flank, belly, rump, shoulder and leg linearly increased (P < 0.01) with increasing the SBO level in the pre-lambing diet. Treatment x time interaction affected (P ≤ 0.05) udder traits, being higher udder volume and circumference in ewes fed 60g of SBO/kg DM than in control during the pre-lambing period. At birth, morphometric measures in lambs were unaffected by the treatment x sex interaction or main factors, while male lambs from ewes fed 60g of SBO were the heaviest (P < 0.01) compared to any of the other treatments. Pre-weaning daily weight gain and weight at weaning showed a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.05) with increasing levels of SBO. In general, results suggest that dietary inclusion of 60g of SBO/kg DM during the last third of pregnancy in hair ewes could be an optimal dose to simultaneously increase colostrum production, udder size pre-lambing, newborn thermoregulation and pre-weaning growth of their lambs.

Improving oxidative stability of liquid fish oil supplements for pets

Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have produced beneficial health effects in animals and are recommended by veterinaries to pet patients suffering from osteoarthritis. However, these oils are highly susceptible to lipid oxidation. The objectives of this study were to improve oxidative stability of fish oil by adding vegetable oils, mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract, and to formulate a commercial product according to the results obtained. The formulated product was evaluated against commercial fish oil products. An initial screening for antioxidative effect was performed by using Oxipres equipment. The effect of antioxidant and vegetable oil blends was examined in oils stored at 30 and 40°C by measuring peroxide value, volatile compounds with GC‐MS and tocopherol content. Addition of vegetable oil and rosemary extract at high level (4000–6000 ppm) plus 600 ppm of mixed tocopherols increased oxidative stability to the same extent as 2000 ppm mixed tocopherols in Oxipres. Overall, oxidative stability of fish oil or fish oil + vegetable oil blends was improved the most by addition of 5000 ppm rosemary extract and 500 ppm mixed tocopherols. A commercial oil blend with composition optimized based on the results of this study performed better than other commercial marine oils tested.Practical applications: In some commercial oil blends for pets, a high level of vegetable oils is included in order to increase oxidative stability. In this study, vegetable oils are included at 30% level. At this level of vegetable oil inclusion, the omega‐3 EPA and DHA content of the blends is at least 21% of total fatty acids for both fish and tuna oil based blends. In this study we wanted to examine, whether we could reduce the level of vegetable oil inclusion without compromising oxidative stability. This study demonstrates how the oxidative stability of omega‐3 PUFA formulations for pets can be improved by combining fish oil with vegetable oils and by adding an antioxidant blend consisting of high concentrations of rosemary extract and tocopherol. The results are also of relevance to the manufacturers of dietary supplements.

Digestibilidad y contribución de cecotrofia de conejos alimentados con o sin aceite vegetal en la dieta

The experiment was conducted at Animal Metabolism and Nutrition Laboratory located at the Veterinary School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (VS-UFMG). 20 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), race (New Zealand White) were used, of both sexes, with 63 days old. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design, consisting of two treatments, two experimental diets (T1: diet without the addition of vegetable oil vegetable and T2: diet complemented with oil vegetable) and ten repetitions. The feces of each animal were collected daily in the morning. We evaluated the apparent digestibility of dry matter (CDDM), crude protein (CDCP), Ethereal Extract (CDEE), organic matter (CDOM) and gross energy (CDGE) of the feed. A diet with carbohydrate as the main source of energy had a higher CDGE 61.34% and lower CDMS 60.95%. The other parameters evaluated showed no differences between treatments. It evaluated the composition and production of cecotrophes rabbits fed with the aforementioned diet. Regarding the composition of cecotrophes no differences were observed in dry matter and CP by different diets offered, however, the OM and EE content were different and that a diet without lipid complementation showed cecotrophes higher OM content and lower content EE. Regarding the nutritional contribution of nutrients from cecotrophes, the CNDM and CNEE were no significant differences, and the diet supplemented with lipids provided greater CNDM 23.01% vs 17.83% of the diet not complementation and a smaller CNEE 9.65% vs 15.17% of the diet not complementation. The diets did not result in differences in the production of cecotrophes. Based on the results obtained it was concluded be possible inclusion of vegetable oil in the diets of growing rabbits in the 6% level, provided that respect the limits established in the literature fibers, when making the diet.

Yolk Color and Lipid Oxidation of the Eggs of Commercial White Layers Fed Diets Supplemented with Vegetable Oils

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the supplementation of vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids to the diet of Leghorn layers on yolk color and on yolk lipid oxidation of eggs stored at room temperature for 10 days. Sixty eggs laid by commercial white layers (Lohmann LSL) fed diets supplemented with different vegetable oils were used. Hens were fed one of the following treatment diets: conventional diet with no oil inclusion (T1); T1 diet with 2.5% linseed oil inclusion (T2); T1 diet with 2.5% canola oil (T3); T1 diet with 2.5% soybean oil (T4); T1 with 5.0% linseed oil (T5); T1 diet with 5.0% canola oil (T6); T1 diet with 5.0% soybean oil (T7); T1 diet with 2.5% linseed oil + 2.5% soybean oil (T8); T1 diet with 2.5% canola oil + 2.5% soybean oil (T9); and T1 diet with 2.5% linseed oil + 2.5% canola oil (T10). Eggs were evaluated as to yolk lipid peroxidation (TBARS values) and yolk color, as determined by colorimetry and subjective sensorial analysis. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by the test of Tukey at 5% significance level. It was concluded that the inclusion of vegetable oils in commercial white layer diets does not significantly change egg yolk pigmentation, as colorimetrically evaluated. However, when subjectively assessed, the yolks of the eggs laid by hens fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils tend to be paler. The yolks of the eggs laid by layers fed diets containing sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids presented high lipid oxidation, particularly when compared with those derived from layers fed the diet with no oil supplementation.