Flaxseed Supplementation Research Articles

Effect of Whole or Ground Flaxseed Supplementation on Fatty Acid Profile, Fermentation, and Bacterial Composition in Rumen of Dairy Cows.

Flaxseed is rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA) and can increase omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in the milk of dairy cows. However, the response of rumen fermentation to different forms of flaxseed supplementation is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different forms of flaxseed on the fatty acid profile, fermentation, and composition of bacteria in the rumen of dairy cows. In total, 30 Holstein dairy cows were selected and randomly assigned into three groups (10/group). Cows were fed a basal diet (control check; CK) or basal diets supplemented with either 1,500 g per day whole flaxseed (WF) or 1,500 g per day ground flaxseed (GF). The WF group had the highest ALA content in rumen fluid, whereas no difference was found between the CK and GF groups. However, the molar proportion of acetate increased in the WF and GF groups and was the highest in the GF group, and a similar trend was shown by propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate, isovalerate, and valerate (CK < WF < GF). The abundance of Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group also showed the same trend (CK < WF < GF). Different forms of flaxseed release ALA by different mechanisms in the rumen, and the molar proportions of volatile fatty acids and the bacterial composition were potentially influenced mainly by the amount of ALA released into the rumen.

Extruded Linseed and Oregano Dietary Supplementation: Effects on Growth Performance, Carcass Composition, and Meat Quality of Jonica Kids

To evaluate the influence of linseed and oregano dietary supplementation in Jonica kids, we carried out a trial that involved 30 male Jonica kids 20 days old, divided into three groups of ten animals. Each group was ascribed to one of the following dietary treatments: (C) group control fed without any supplement; (L) group fed control feed containing 3% extruded linseed (Linum usitatissimum); and (L + O) group fed control diet with 0.6% dried oregano (Origanum vulgare) and 3% extruded linseed. The kids were slaughtered at 60 days of age; carcass and cut yields were performed. The Longissimus lumborum muscle was separated to determinate physical, chemical, and fatty acid composition. Supplementation of kids’ diet with oregano did not show effects on performances in vivo and post mortem. Extruded linseed and oregano feed made commercial cuts of kids carcasses less fat (6.75% vs. 10.92% for leg; 4.82% vs. 7.73% for loin), whereas only the extruded linseed diet made the meat fatter (20.11% vs. 19.75%) and more proteic than the commercial pellet (20.11% vs. 19.75%). The use of oregano reduces the meat oxidation compared with the only use of linseed in kids’ diet (0.298 vs. 0.645). The healthy and beneficial effect of linseed in the diet is observed in meat with the lower value of n-6/n-3 ratio (4.57 vs. 8.60) and atherogenic (0.60 vs. 0.77) and thrombogenic (1.36 vs. 1.61) indices. Linseed diet enrich kids meat with healthy fatty acids that are easier to oxidize; instead, the addition of oregano, thanks to its antioxidant properties, allows a longer conservation and a more profitable marketing.

Milk replacer and linseed supplementation promotes puberty and semen quality in growing male lambs

• The strategic supplementation with energy and protein-rich feed-stuffs, containing health beneficial fatty acids may improve growth and reproduction performance in male lambs. • Protein rich milk replacer feeding during the pre-weaning and linseed supplementation during the post-weaning enhanced growth, testicular development and advanced the age of puberty in ram lambs. • Milk replacer feeding during the pre-weaning and linseed supplementation during the post weaning increased sperm concentration and rapid motility of spermatozoa in ram lambs. Feeding nutrient rich diets with functional properties enables accelerated growth and improves reproductive function in animals. In this experiment protein rich milk replacer was supplemented during the pre-weaning and n-3 PUFA rich linseed during the post-weaning to assess their effect on puberty and reproduction in Malpura ram lambs. Fifteen-day old male lambs of Malpura breed (n = 18) were equally divided into two groups. The lambs in one group were allowed to suckle their dam upto 3 months age and were fed standard control diet (CON) that included concentrate, Vigna unguiculata hay, Zizyphus nummularia and Ailanthus excelsa leaves up to six months age. Lambs in another group were supplemented milk replacer and linseed (MR-LIN) in a regimen of milk replacer at 100 mL/lamb/day for the first two weeks, then 250 mL/lamb/day until weaning, and subsequently, concentrate with 10 % crushed linseed. Testicular measurement and semen quality assessment of lambs were started at the age of five months. The average daily gain of milk replacer supplemented lambs up to weaning was 22.4 % higher (P = 0.07) than the CON lambs. The testicular attributes i.e. testicular length, breadth, volume and scrotal circumference were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in lambs of MR-LIN group. The puberty was hastened significantly (χ 2 df1 = 4.853, P = 0.046) in MR-LIN group in which 88.9 % of lambs attained puberty by age of 10 months in contrast to 55.6 % lambs in CON group. Sperm concentration, mass motility, percent of rapid motile spermatozoa were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in MR-LIN supplemented lambs than those of CON. Protein rich milk replacer feeding during the pre-weaning and n-3 PUFA rich linseed supplementation during the post-weaning period enhanced growth and testicular development and advanced the age of puberty in growing ram lambs.

The effect of dietary flaxseed supplementation on sperm fatty acid composition, semen quality attributes and some blood parameters in Kurdish ram

دانه کتان منبع غنی از اسید آلفا لینولنیک (امگا3) با خاصیت آنتی اکسیدانی بالا ‌می‌باشد، که ‌می‌تواند در سنتز هورمون‌های جنسی و بهبود کیفیت اسپرم در گونه‌های مختلف نقش داشته باشد. مطالعه حاضر اثرات دانه کتان بر خصوصیات کمی و کیفی اسپرم و برخی پارامترهای خونی را بررسی ‌می‌کند. در این تحقیق که در مدت 12 هفته اجرا گردید 15 راس قوچ نژاد کردی انتخاب و به صورت تصادفی به سه گروه تقسیم شدند. گروه شاهد دریافت کننده جیره پایه و گروه دوم که شامل جیره پایه و 5 درصد دانه کتان و گروه سوم محتوی جیره پایه و 10 درصد دانه بود. نتایج نشان داد که غلظت اسپرم، نسبت اسپرم زنده، تحرک کل و عملکرد غشای پلاسما در تیمار 10 درصد دانه کتان در مقایسه با سایر گروه‌ها بیشتر بود (P<0.05). دانه کتان باعث افزایش درصد اسپرم با آکروزوم نرمال شد (P<0.01). با این حال، درصد اسپرم‌های غیر طبیعی پس از دریافت 10 درصد دانه کتان و در پایان هفته 12 در مقایسه با سایر گروه‌های مربوطه کاهش یافت (P<0.05). نتایج نشان داد که مکمل دانه کتان بر قطر بیضه اثری نداشت اما غلظت تستوسترون پلاسما را در گروه 10 درصد نسبت به گروه شاهد افزایش داد (P <0.05). اثر افزودن مکمل دانه کتان، اثر زمان و اثر متقابل آنها بر فعالیت آنزیم گلوتاتیون پراکسیداز معنی دارنبود. جیره 10 درصد کتان موجب افزایش معنی داری اسید چرب DHA (دوکوزاهگزاانوئیک DHA=Docosahexaenoic acid) در چربی اسپرم شد (P<0.05). نسبت اسیدهای چرب امگا سه به شش افزایش یافته و نیز نسبت اسیدهای چرب اشباع به اسیدهای چرب با چند باند مضاعف در گروه 10 درصد در مقایسه با سایر گروه‌ها کاهش یافت (P<0.05). نتایج نشان داد که افزودن 10 درصد دانه کتان به جیره پایه قوچ‌های کردی در خارج از فصل تولید مثل ‌می‌تواند سبب بهبود کمی و کیفی شاخص‌های ازریابی اسپرم و در نهایت بهبود باروری آنها گردد.

Effect of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic state, endocrine profiles, body composition and reproductive performance of sows

Objective: To assess the effect of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic profile, endocrine concentrations, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), body composition variables, and reproductive performance of sows. Methods: All the 21 crossbred Large White Yorkshire sows were considered in the study period starting at day 1 of current farrowing when the feeding of specific supplemental ration was started until the day of subsequent farrowing (days 150-155) and were equally allocated into three groups. Group 1 served as the control group and followed their normal feeding schedule. Group 2 and group 3, in addition to their normal feeding schedule, were supplemented with flaxseed at a rate of 0.5% and 1.0% of the dry matter, respectively. Blood samples were collected 15 days prior to farrowing, on the day of farrowing (day 0), at weekly intervals until day 28 of lactation and at monthly intervals during gestation to harvest the plasma. Plasma was used to assess the metabolic and endocrine status of sows. Body weight of each sow and individual birth weight of all piglets born were measured. Results: Flaxseed supplementation led to decrease in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the supplemented groups than in the control group (P&lt;0.05). Plasma estradiol-17β level was higher in group 2 than that in group 1 and 3 on day 90 of the gestation period (P&lt;0.05). The mean plasma level of insulin-like growth factor 1 was higher in group 3 than that in group 1 and 2 both in late lactation (day 28) as well as in early gestation (day 30) (P&lt;0.05). Plasma NEFA and weight gain were greater in sows of group 2 and 3 compared to those fed with the normal control diets (P&lt;0.05). The proportion of pregnant sows relative to sows bred was 100.0% in group 2 and 3 and 85.7% in the control group. Piglet mortality was lower in group 2 and 3 compared to group 1 (P&gt;0.05). Conclusions: Flaxseed improves endocrine profiles, NEFA concentrations and body weight, resulting in better pregnancy rate and litter size.

Dietary flaxseed's protective effects on body tissues of mice after oral exposure to xylene.

Xylene is a common pollutant in the environment that enters the body of animals and humans in various ways, but most often through the respiratory tract and adversely affects their overall health. However, xylene effects after oral exposure have not been sufficiently studied. This study aimed to investigate the effects of xylene exposure on the mouse organism and to identify possible beneficial effects of flaxseed on such exposure. Eighty mice were divided into four groups: control group C (basal diet + no xylene exposure), group X (oral exposure by 400 mg/kg/day xylene), group F (10% flaxseed supplementation of basal diet), and group XF (10% dietary flaxseed + oral exposure by xylene). Experimental trial took 14 days. Clinical examination, spectroscopic analysis of tissue aminotransferases, total lactate dehydrogenase (TLDH), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activities, electrophoretic analysis of LDH isoenzymes, western blot and immunohistochemical analysis of apoptosis as well as routine histology of the kidneys and jejunum, and transmission electron microscopy of the liver were performed. Marked restlessness in group X and high weight losses in mice of all groups were recorded during the experiment. Xylene promoted apoptosis (caspase-3 expression) without causing marked structural changes in the liver and jejunum, although renal cortex structure was affected adversely. In the brain, liver, and kidney of mice, xylene increased levels of liver transaminases, LDH, and decreased AchE activities, reflecting cell membrane damage. Flaxseed feeding improved animal behaviour, leakage of enzymes and prevented selected tissue toxic damage induced by xylene by protecting cell membrane integrity and fluidity and by suppressing apoptosis. These results point at the protective effect of flaxseed consumption on mice.

Fortification of biscuit with sidr leaf and flaxseedmitigates immunosuppression and nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine A.

The focus of consumers in healthy food turned to the possible health benefits of particular foods and food ingredients. This study aimed to evaluate the newly fortified biscuits supplemented with sidr leaves and flaxseed and to highlight their nutritional quality and health benefits against cyclosporine A-induced dexterous effects. Sidr leaves (SL), and flaxseed (FS) were used in the preparation of fortified biscuits. Proximate analysis and sensoryevaluation were carried out on thebiscuits. In in vivo study, 15 male albino mice were used for each group. Groups were divided into control, CsA, SL, FS, and SL+FS-treated groups. Hematological analysis, kidney function tests, oxidative stress, and anti-oxidant status were estimated. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect apoptosis and autophagy levels. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for detection of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels. The composition of biscuits complemented by SL and FS demonstrated significant improvement in the nutritional value represented by the increase in overall protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate contents. Treatment with SL and FS restored the disturbance in hematological, kidney function, oxidative, and antioxidant biomarkers. CsA-induced apoptotic and autophagic renal cell death was suppressed. Cytokines and pro-inflammatory markers were ameliorated. The use of SL and FS in dietary products can be recommended as a functional food. Moreover, they showed renal-protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing activities. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Sidr leaves (SL) and flaxseed (FS) were used in the preparation of fortified biscuits. The composition of biscuits complemented by SL and FS demonstrated a significant improvement in the nutritional values represented by the increase in overall protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate contents. SL and FS showed a potential therapeutic activity in reversing CsA-induced dexterous side effects by acting as an antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antiautophagic, anti-inflammatory, renal-protective, and immune-enhancing agents. The use of sidr leaves and flaxseed in dietary products can be recommended as a functional food. Supplementation of SL and/or FS to the diet is recommended to ensure a good health. Moreover, introducing awareness for the patients utilizing CsA to use SL and FS in their diets.

Linseed ameliorates renal apoptosis in rat fetuses induced by single or combined exposure to diesel nanoparticles or fenitrothion by inhibiting transcriptional activation of p21/p53 and caspase‐3/9 through pro‐oxidant stimulus

Gestational exposure to environmental pollutants can induce oxidative injury and apoptosis since the fetal organs are sensitively vulnerable to these chemicals. In this work, we have investigated the renal anti-apoptotic efficiency of linseed (LS) against the oxidative stress-mediated upregulation of the fetal apoptosis-related genes following the prenatal intoxication with diesel nanoparticles (DNPs) and/or fenitrothion (FNT). A fifty-six timed-pregnant rats were equally divided to eight groups; control, LS (20% in diet), DNPs (0.5 mg/kg by intratracheal inoculation), FNT (3.76 mg/kg by gavage), DNPs+FNT, LS + DNPs, LS + FNT, and LS + DNPs+FNT. The transmission electron microscope analysis revealed the spherical shape of diesel particles with a homogeneous nanosized range (20-92.3 nm) and the crystallinity was confirmed by electron diffraction microscopy. Administration of DNPs and/or FNT significantly increased fetal renal malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and glutathione reductase as compared with the control group. However, they declined the level of glutathione together with the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Furthermore, DNPs and/or FNT elicited many histopathological changes in fetal renal cells, markedly up-regulated apoptosis-related gene expressions (p53, p21 caspase-3, and caspase-9), and evoked DNA breaks as detected by comet assay. Interestingly, LS supplementation significantly ameliorated the disturbances in oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers, downregulated the apoptosis gene expressions, and alleviated DNA damage alongside renal cell architecture. These findings reveal that the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic characteristics of LS are acceptable defender pointers for the renal injury especially during gestational exposure to DNPs and/or FNT.

The effects of omega-3 α-linolenic acid from flaxseed oil supplemented to high-yielding dairy cows on production, health, and fertility

Among the long-chain fatty acids (FA), the omega-3 (n-3) FA have the most potent immunomodulatory activities. In the present large-scale study, we tested the effects of supplementation of α-linolenic acid (ALA) from flaxseed commenced at the dry period on milk yield, health and fertility of dairy cows. Cows in a large commercial dairy farm were randomly divided into two groups 21 days before expected calving. During the dry period, cows in the treatment group were fed a diet that contained, on a DM basis, 40 g/kg of an extruded flaxseed supplement (EFLX; n = 276); their postpartum diet contained 50 g/kg of the same supplement. The cows were group-fed, and based on average cow's intake, the EFLX cows consumed 80 and 220 g ALA/day per cow prepartum and postpartum, respectively. The control cows received a diet with a different composition but a similar content of nutrients (CTL; n = 240). A veterinarian routinely examined the cows 7 to 10 days after calving, treated them according to the farm's routine practice, and determined their body condition score at that visit and at peak lactation. Milk yield was 4.5% greater (1.8 kg/day; P < 0.0001), and fat (P < 0.0001) and protein (P = 0.002) contents were lower in the EFLX vs. CTL group. The proportion of n-3 FA in milk was 3.9 times higher in EFLX than in CTL cows (P < 0.0001), and the omega-6 (n-6):n-3 ratio in the milk fat decreased from 13.0 in the CTL cows to 4.1 in the EFLX cows (P < 0.0001). The unsaturated FA content in milk fat was 20.1% greater in EFLX than in CTL cows (P < 0.0001). Ketosis incidence was lower in the EFLX vs. CTL group, 23.5 and 31.2%, respectively (P = 0.05), and ketosis was less severe in the former (P = 0.03). The mortality rates in EFLX and CTL cows were 0.7 and 4.6%, respectively (P = 0.005). No differences were observed in conception rates at first or second insemination, but days from first service to conception and calving to conception were 17 (P = 0.07) and 18 days (P = 0.09) less in the EFLX cows, respectively. In conclusion, supplementation of EFLX to dairy cows from the dry period increased milk yield, decreased incidence of ketosis and severe metritis, reduced mortality, and tended to enhance fertility performance. Overall, ALA supplementation improved milk quality and was beneficial to the cow's health and fertility.

Cardioprotective Effects of Dietary Flaxseed Post-Infarction Are Associated with Changes in MicroRNA Expression.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) such as miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, miR-135a, and miR-29b play a key role in many cardiac pathological remodeling processes, including apoptosis, fibrosis, and arrhythmias, after a myocardial infarction (MI). Dietary flaxseed has demonstrated a protective effect against an MI. The present study was carried out to test the hypothesis that dietary flaxseed supplementation before and after an MI regulates the expression of above-mentioned miRNAs to produce its cardioprotective effect. Animals were randomized after inducing MI by coronary artery ligation into: (a) sham MI with normal chow, (b) MI with normal chow, and (c–e) MI supplemented with either 10% milled flaxseed, or 4.4% flax oil enriched in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), or 0.44% flax lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside. The feeding protocol consisted of 2 weeks before and 8 weeks after the surgery. Dietary flax oil supplementation selectively upregulated the cardiac expression of miR-133a, miR-135a, and miR-29b. The levels of collagen I expression were reduced in the flax oil group. We conclude that miR-133a, miR-135a, and miR-29b are sensitive to dietary flax oil, likely due to its rich ALA content. The cardioprotective effect of flaxseed in an MI could be due to modulation of these miRNAs.

Effect of lowering the amount of dietary linoleic acid on tissue omega-3 fatty acid contents of broilers fed supplemental flaxseed oil from 18 to 35 days of age

Chickens can hepatically synthesize very long-chain omega-3 ( VLC n-3 ) polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFA ) from α-linolenic acid ( ALA ; 18:3 n-3); however, the efficiency is attenuated by linoleic acid ( LA ; 18:2 n-6), which competes with ALA for the same elongase and desaturase enzymes. Here, we fed broilers supplemental ALA-rich flaxseed oil ( FLAX ) while reducing the dietary level of LA to determine if greater tissue n-3 PUFA enrichment could be attained. Male Ross 708 chicks were fed a common starter diet from day 1 to 17. On day 18, 4 pens of 36 birds were each fed one of 5 diets: (1) reduced-LA/low-n-3 fatty acid base + 60 g/kg high-oleic sunflower oil ( HOSO ); (2) reduced-LA base + 50 g/kg FLAX+ 10 g/kg HOSO; (3) standard-LA base + 50 g/kg FLAX + 10 g/kg HOSO; (4) standard-LA base + 50 g/kg FLAX + 10 g/kg high-LA safflower oil; and (5) standard-LA base + 50 g/kg FLAX + 10 g/kg fish oil. There was no effect ( P > 0.05) of diet on day-35 BW, FCR, breast, thigh, or abdominal fat pad weights, while birds fed diet 2 had higher thigh ALA, total n-3, and total VLC n-3 PUFA than birds fed diets 1, 3, and 4. Breast data followed a similar pattern, although the differences were not significant ( P > 0.05). In conclusion, reducing the LA content of a FLAX-supplemented diet promoted greater deposition of n-3 PUFA in broiler muscles, although the highest tissue contents of VLC n-3 PUFA were observed in birds fed fish oil (diet 5).

Abstract B35: Dietary flaxseed supplementation in ovarian cancer: Elucidating the molecular actions of its biologically derived active compounds

Abstract The goal of our study is to elucidate the anti-ovarian cancer molecular mechanisms promoted by a flaxseed-supplemented diet in the laying hen. A flaxseed-supplemented diet generates a myriad of biologically active compounds that work synergistically to attack ovarian tumors. Our laboratory has demonstrated that flaxseed diet reduces the occurrence and severity of ovarian cancer in laying hen—the only spontaneous animal model for ovarian cancer. Flax diet in chicken induces the CYP1A1 pathway of estrogen metabolism increasing production of 2-hydroxy and 2-methoxy metabolites. 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) is produced by the Catechol-O-Methyl transferase (COMT) enzyme from 2-hydroxyestradiol—a pathway that reduces estrogen toxicity, which is protective against ovarian cancer. Flaxseed is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, mostly a-linoleic acid (ALA), which is converted into docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the gut. We have recently shown that flaxseed diet induces apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis in the chicken ovarian tumors. 2ME promotes apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis via activation of p38-MAPK; DHA has potent antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory actions, however not dependent on the p38-MAPK pathway. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms of the antiangiogenic actions of flax diet, a qRT-PCR array analyzing 84 key genes involved in angiogenesis was performed. Nine key genes were significantly downregulated with flax diet. These genes are involved in hypoxia-induced endothelial cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and lymphangiogenesis. Using human ovarian cancer cells, DNA damage was studied by TUNEL staining; DNA content and cell cycle progression were studied by PI staining and flow cytometry; apoptosis was measured by cleavage of caspase-3 by Western blot. 2ME treatment induced phosphorylation at ser139 of histone H2A (gH2Ax), a known marker for dsDNA breaks, along with phosphorylation at ser10 of histone H3 (pHH3) and ser14 of histone H2B (pHH2B). 2ME is known to bind at/near the colchicine binding site of the growing microtubules and therefore arresting cells at G2/M phase. 2ME effects were equivalent in ERa positive and negative human ovarian cancer cells. Also, the selective GPR30 agonist and antagonist, G1 and G15, did not modulate the effects of 2ME. Therefore, the anticancer actions of 2ME are not dependent on or mediated through the estrogen receptors. (NIH RO1AT005295) Citation Format: Purab Pal, Karen Hales, Dale Buchanan Hales. Dietary flaxseed supplementation in ovarian cancer: Elucidating the molecular actions of its biologically derived active compounds [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr B35.

Impact of beef consumption on saturated fat intake in the United States adult population: Insights from modeling the influences of bovine genetics and nutrition

We sought to determine the impact of breed and finishing ration that reduces the saturated fat (SFA) content of beef on SFA intake (%E) in adults. Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2001–2016), we replaced the current fatty acid profile of beef with that from two breeds (Angus, Wagyu) and three finishing rations (pasture, 15% flaxseed supplementation, 35% wet distiller's grain (WDG) supplementation). Dietary replacement levels in the model were 10%, 25%, 50%, 100%. Overall, men consumed more beef fat than women (12.0 g (11.6–12.4 g, 95%CI) and 6.6 g (6.4–6.9 g, 95%CI), respectively). The contribution of beef fat to SFA intake was 2.1%E (2.1–2.2%E, 95%CI) in men and 1.6%E (1.6–1.7%E, 95%CI) in women. SFA intake decreased with each increased replacement level for all beef types. At 100% replacement, SFA intake decreased 0.5% (Angus), 2.8% (Wagyu), 1.9% (pasture), 4.1% (flaxseed), 2.6% (WDG). Our findings demonstrate that breed and finishing ration that reduces the SFA content of beef can decrease population-level SFA intake.

Methane Emissions and Milk Fatty Acid Profiles in Dairy Cows Fed Linseed, Measured at the Group Level in a Naturally Ventilated Housing and Individually in Respiration Chambers.

Simple SummaryCows emit the greenhouse gas methane (CH4) as a result of microbial feed digestion. Methane emissions can be reduced by adopting nutritional strategies, such as dietary supplementation of linseed. Additionally, the oil in linseed increases the proportion of favorable fatty acids in milk fat. This study evaluated the effect of linseed on CH4 emission and milk fatty acid composition measured in a group of cows in a naturally ventilated barn and in individual cows in respiration chambers. The substantially higher proportions of favorable fatty acids in the milk of linseed-fed cows were detected in individual milk samples and in the milk of the herd. Therefore, the analysis of bulk milk could be a suitable control instrument for retailers. Visualizing the course of CH4 emissions over a whole day showed slightly lower CH4 values in linseed-supplemented individuals and groups. However, we found no significant reduction of CH4 as a result of linseed supplementation. Feed supplements in concentrations that are effective in reducing CH4 must show whether the reduction potential is comparable when determined at the group and individual levels. The present study evaluated the effects of linseed supplementation on CH4 emission and milk fatty acid composition in dairy cows measured at the group level in an experimental dairy loose housing using a tracer gas technique and individually in tied stalls and respiration chambers. Cows (2 × 20) were maintained in two separate sections under loose-housing conditions and received a diet supplemented with extruded linseed (L) lipids (29 g·kg−1 dry matter) or a control (C) diet containing corn flour. Subsequently, 2 × 6 cows per dietary group were investigated in a tied-housing system and respiration chambers. Substantially higher proportions of favorable milk fatty acids were recovered in L cows when compared with C cows at the group level, making the analysis of bulk milk a suitable control instrument for retailers. Linseed supplementation resulted in a slightly lower diurnal course of CH4 emission intensity than the control at the group and individual levels. However, we found no more than a trend for a CH4 mitigating effect, unlike in other studies supplementing similar linseed lipid levels. Feed supplements in concentrations that lead to a significant reduction in CH4 emissions must show whether the reduction potential determined at the group and individual levels is comparable.

Modulation of Paraoxonase-1 and Apoptotic Gene Expression Involves in the Cardioprotective Role of Flaxseed Following Gestational Exposure to Diesel Exhaust Particles and/or Fenitrothion Insecticide.

The developmental exposure to a single chemical may elicit apoptosis in the different fetal organs, while the combined effects are restricted. We have examined the protective role of flaxseed (FS) against diesel exhaust particles (DEPs)- and/or fenitrothion (FNT)-induced fetal cardiac oxidative stress and apoptosis. A total of 48 timed pregnant rats were divided into eight groups (n = 6). The first group was saved as the control and the second fed on 20% FS diet. Animals in the third, fourth, and fifth groups were administered with DEPs (2.0mg/kg), FNT (3.76mg/kg), and their combination, respectively, while the sixth, seventh, and eighth groups were supplemented with 20% FS through intoxication with DEPs, FNT, and their combination, respectively. Our results revealed that DEPs and/or FNT significantly elevated the level of protein carbonyl and superoxide dismutase activity in the fetal cardiac tissues. However, the catalase activity and total thiol level were decreased; besides the histopathological alterations were remarked. Moreover, DEPs and/or FNT exhibited significant down-regulation in the anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and paraoxonase-1 gene expression, and up-regulation in the apoptotic (Bax and caspase-3) gene expression along with DNA fragmentation. Remarkably, FS supplementation significantly ameliorated the fetal cardiac oxidative injury, down-regulated the expression of the apoptotic genes, up-regulated the anti-apoptotic and paraoxonase-1 gene expression, reduced DNA fragmentation, and alleviated the myocardial cell architectures. These findings revealed that FS attenuates DEPs- and/or FNT-induced apoptotic cell death by repairing the disturbance in the anti-apoptotic/pro-apoptotic gene balance toward cell survival in the fetal myocardial cells.

Impact of Beef Consumption on Saturated Fat Intake in the United States Adult Population: Insights from Modeling the Influences of Bovine Genetics and Nutrition

Abstract Objectives Beef, while a prominent source of high-quality protein in the American diet, is a source of saturated fat. Beef production practices, such as breed selection and nutrition regimens, can influence the nutritional value of meat by reducing the saturated fatty acids (SFA) content. Thus, we sought to determine the extent to which implementing these practices reduces population-level SFA intake to meet the Dietary Guideline for Americans (DGA) recommendation of ≤10% en. Methods Using reported intakes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2016, we determined the contribution of food types to total SFA intake. From these data, nutritional modeling methods were used in which the current fatty acid profile of beef was replaced with that from two different breeds (Angus, the predominant breed in the U.S., and Wagyu, a breed with lower SFA content) and three nutrition regimens (pasture-raised, 15% flaxseed supplementation, and 35% wet distiller's grain (WDG) supplementation) to estimate the contribution of each beef type to total SFA intake in the U.S. adult population. Four levels of replacement were compared - 10%, 25%, 50%, 100%. Results Daily per capita SFA intake was 10.9% en (10.8–11.0% en, 95% CI). Beef was the third greatest contributor (15%) to per capita SFA intake, behind grain (29%) and dairy (19%) dishes. In general, men consumed more beef fat than women (12.0 g vs. 6.6 g, respectively). SFA intake, as a percentage of total energy intake (% en), from beef was 2.1% en (2.1–2.2% en, 95% CI) in men and 1.6% en (1.6–1.7% en, 95% CI) in women. For each modeled beef, SFA intake decreased with each increase in replacement level. At 100% replacement, SFA intake was reduced by 0.5% (Angus), 2.8% (Wagyu), 1.9% (pasture-raised), 4.1% (15% flaxseed), and 2.6% (35% WDG). Conclusions Data from this modeling study indicate that decreasing the SFA content of beef through breed selection and nutrition regimens can result in a per capita reduction in SFA intake in the American population. However, modeled SFA consumption remained greater (c. 10.5–10.7% en) than DGA recommended intakes in all age and gender groups. These results demonstrate the importance for Americans to reduce SFA intake from all sources, including beef, to meet daily intake recommendations. Funding Sources United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.

Effect of dietary supplementation of whole flaxseed on sperm traits and sperm fatty acid profile in aged broiler breeder roosters.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of whole flaxseed on sperm traits and sperm fatty acid profile in aged broiler breeder roosters. Twelve Ross 308 broiler breeder roosters (age: 52weeks; weight: 4,900±210g) haphazardly allotted to three dietary treatments (each treatment contained four replicates and one bird in each replicate) for six weeks. Treatments were different levels of flaxseed (0% flaxseed [GFL0], 2% flaxseed [GFL2] and 4% flaxseed [GFL4]). The feed intake quadratically decreased (p<.05) with increasing whole flaxseed levels for the period (58 to 60weeks). Sperm traits (semen volume and sperm concentration, sperm total and forward motility, sperm viability and morphology, sperm plasma membrane functionality) were evaluated every two weeks (four times), and sperm fatty acid profile was assessed at the end of the experiment. Semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm morphology were not affected by treatments. On week 60, GFL2 group showed a significantly lower percentage of total and progressive sperm motility and sperm membrane functionality in comparison with the control and GFL4 groups. Also, sperm viability was lower in GFL2 group compared with other groups on week 58 (p<.05). In terms of sperm fatty acid profile, GFL2 group significantly reduced the percentage of linoleic acid (C18:2 [n-6]) in comparison with other groups. However, any of the other fatty acids were not affected by dietary flaxseed. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of whole flaxseed could not improve the quality of aged broiler breeder roosters' sperm in this study, nor it could alter the sperm fatty acid profile; thus, it seems necessary to use some antioxidants such as vitamin E in the diet of aged broiler breeder roosters, when supplementing the diets with oils or oilseeds such as flaxseed.

Production Performance, Quality and Lipid Composition of Eggs from Laying Hens Fed Heated Flaxseed with Carbohydrase Enzymes

The current study investigated the effect of heat processing or carbohydrase enzyme addition on egg production, egg quality, egg fatty acid composition, tocopherol content, and lipid oxidation products in eggs from layer hens fed flaxseed. A total of ninety-six 23-wk-old white leghorn laying hens were kept in individual cages and were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups, with 6 replicates containing 4 hens per each replicate. The hens were fed corn soybean meal-based diet containing 15 g/100 g raw flaxseed (Flax), 15 g/100 g heated (60°C for 8 h) flaxseed (HFlax), Flax+0.1% enzyme (Flax+E), and HFlax+0.1% enzyme (HFlax+E). The experimental diets were fed for a period of 120 d. Hen-day egg production and egg mass (g/hen/d) were highest for HFlax and HFlax+E and lowest for Flax+E ( P < 0.05). No difference was noted in egg, yolk or shell weight, or Haugh unit ( P > 0.05). Albumen weight as percentage of egg weight was lower in Flax when compared to HFlax, Flax+E, or HFlax+E ( P < 0.05). The yolk:albumen ratio was higher in Flax that in HFlax, Flax+E, and HFlax+E ( P < 0.05). Yolk color score was highest for HFlax+E and lowest for Flax+E ( P < 0.05). No effect of diet on egg total lipid, palmitic, stearic, α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, and arachidonic acid content as mg/egg or as percentage of fatty acid methyl esters was observed ( P > 0.05). Hens fed HFlax had lower concentration of linoleic acid (mg/egg) than Flax+E and HFlax+E ( P < 0.05). The concentrations of oleic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acids (mg/egg) were higher in Flax than those in other treatments ( P < 0.05). Eggs from hens fed HFlax+E had lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances than Flax+E ( P < 0.05) and was not different from Flax or HFlax ( P > 0.05). No difference was observed in the α-tocopherol content of the eggs ( P > 0.05). Enzyme supplementation and heating of flaxseed increased γ-tocopherol content in Flax+E and HFlax+E eggs ( P < 0.05). It is concluded that heating flaxseed prior to consumption increases egg production while reducing oleic acid and linoleic acid (mg/egg). Heating flaxseed or enzyme supplementation had no effect on egg weight, α-linolenic acid, total n-3 fatty acids, total lipid, or total tocopherol content of eggs.

Effects on milk quantity and composition associated with extruded linseed supplementation to dairy cow diets

Enhanced milk composition can improve human health. The composition of milk determines its nutritional and market value. Therefore, in almost all pricing schemes the economic benefits obtained from raw milk sales are influenced by the milk yield and composition. The objective of this retrospective study was to quantify the average effects of supplementing extruded linseed, rich in α-linolenic acid, to dairy cows on milk yield and milk fat and protein content under field conditions. The study included test day records performed on cows from 1294 dairy herds during the period from 2008 to 2015 that were supplied at least 4 times with extruded linseed deliveries. Exposure statuses were defined according to the time sequence and the amount of extruded linseed distributed in the herd. The unexposed population was composed of cows being in a herd period when extruded linseed was not offered. In a linear dose-response relationship, every 100 g increase in exposure to EL was associated with an increased milk yield from 0.11 to 0.14 kg/day, decreased milk fat from 0.06 to 0.13 g/kg and decreased milk protein from 0 to 0.02 g/kg, according to the cow parity. This study provides information on the associations between estimated intakes of EL and milk production and composition using a large database obtained from commercial dairy herds.

Impact of a high fructose diet in wistar rat – Metabolic and behavioral disorders – Effect of supplementation of flaxseed

Background The deregulation of the energy balance by the malnutrition leads to the dysfunction of the neuro- The metabolic mechanisms but these homeostatic problems can be corrected by nutritional supplements. In this study, we investigated the effects of flaxseed on metabolism and anxiety- depressive-like disorders in high fructose-fed (23%) Wistar rat. Methods One-month-old female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six rats: 1. Control: (30 g of standard food + 30 ml of tap water), 2. Control supplemented with flaxseed (27 g standard food + 7 g flaxseed + 30 ml tap water) 3. Fructose (30 g standard food + 23% fructose) 4. Fructose supplemented with flaxseed (23 g standard food + 7gflaxseed + 23% fructose), after two months of diet, the rats underwent a battery of tests to evaluate the affective behavior (Open Field, Elevated Plus Maze and Forced Swimming Test) and biochemical analyzes of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. Results High fructose diet inducesadverse metabolic effects (increases blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides) and behavioral ones (depression). Forflaxseed, it does not correct anxiety, but decreases depression-like and metabolic disorders. Conclusion Our results suggest that a high fructose diet induces metabolic and behavioral dysfunctions. Flaxseeds have improved these conditions.