Medium-chain Fatty Acids Supplementation Research Articles

Feeding medium-chain fatty acid-rich formula causes liver steatosis and alters hepatic metabolism in neonatal pigs.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) are often added to enhance the caloric value of infant formulas. Evidence suggests that MCFAs promote growth and are preferred over LCFAs due to greater digestibility and ease of absorption. Our hypothesis was that MCFA supplementation would enhance neonatal pig growth to a greater extent than LCFAs. Neonatal pigs (n = 4) were fed a low-energy control (CONT) or two isocaloric high-energy formulas containing fat either from LCFAs, or MCFAs for 20 days. Pigs fed the LCFAs had greater body weight compared with CONT- and MCFA-fed pigs (P < 0.05). In addition, pigs fed the LCFAs and MCFAs had more body fat than those in the CONT group. Liver and kidney weights as a percentage of body weight were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for pigs fed the MCFAs than those fed the CONT formula, and in those fed LCFAs, liver and kidney weights as a percentage of body weight were intermediate (P ≤ 0.05). Pigs in the CONT and LCFA groups had less liver fat (12%) compared with those in the MCFA (26%) group (P ≤ 0.05). Isolated hepatocytes from these pigs were incubated in media containing [13C]tracers of alanine, glucose, glutamate, and propionate. Our data suggest alanine contribution to pyruvate is less in hepatocytes from LCFA and MCFA pigs than those in the CONT group (P < 0.05). These data suggest that a formula rich in MCFAs caused steatosis compared with an isocaloric LCFA formula. In addition, MCFA feeding can alter hepatocyte metabolism and increase total body fat without increasing lean deposition.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our data suggest that feeding high-energy MCFA formula resulted in hepatic steatosis compared with isoenergetic LCFA or low-energy formulas. Steatosis coincided with greater laurate, myristate, and palmitate accumulation, suggesting elongation of dietary laurate. Data also suggest that hepatocytes metabolized alanine and glucose to pyruvate, but neither entered the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In addition, the contribution of alanine and glucose was greater for the low-energy formulas compared with the high-energy formulas.

Effects of medium-chain fatty acids and tributyrin supplementation in milk replacers on growth performance, blood metabolites, and hormone concentrations in Holstein dairy calves

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of triglycerides containing medium-chain fatty acids (MCT) and tributyrin (TB) supplementation in a milk replacer (MR) on growth performance, plasma metabolites, and hormone concentrations in dairy calves. Sixty-three Holstein heifer calves (body weight at 8 d of age, 41.1 ± 2.91 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental MR (28% crude protein and 18% fat): (1) containing 3.2% C8:0 and 2.8% C10:0 (in fat basis) without TB supplementation (CONT; n = 15), (2) containing 6.7% C8:0 and 6.4% C10:0 without TB supplementation (MCT; n = 16), (3) containing 3.2% C8:0 and 2.8% C10:0 with 0.6% (dry matter basis) TB supplementation (CONT+TB; n = 16), (4) containing 6.7% C8:0 and 6.4% C10:0 with 0.6% TB supplementation (MCT+TB; n = 16). The MR were offered at 600 g/d (powder basis) from 8 to 14 d, up to 1,300 g/d from 15 to 21 d, 1,400 g/d from 22 to 49 d, down to 700 g/d from 50 to 56 d, 600 g/d from 57 to 63 d, and weaned at 64 d of age. All calves were fed calf starter, chopped hay, and water ad libitum. The data were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA via the fit model procedure of JMP Pro 16 (SAS Institute Inc.). Medium-chain fatty acid supplementation did not affect the total dry matter intake. However, calves that were fed MCT had greater feed efficiency (gain/feed) before weaning (0.74 ± 0.098 vs. 0.71 ± 0.010 kg/kg) compared with non-MCT calves. The MCT calves also had a lower incidence of diarrhea compared with non-MCT calves during 23 to 49 d of age and the weaning period (50 to 63 d of age; 9.2% vs. 18.5% and 10.5% vs. 17.2%, respectively). Calves fed with TB had a greater total dry matter intake during postweaning (3,465 vs. 3,232 g/d). Calves fed TB also had greater body weight during the weaning (90.7 ± 0.97 vs. 87.9 ± 1.01 kg) and postweaning period (116.5 ± 1.47 vs. 112.1 ± 1.50 kg) compared with that of non-TB calves. The plasma metabolites and hormone concentrations were not affected by MCT or TB. These results suggest that MCT and TB supplementation in the MR may improve the growth performance and gut health of dairy calves.

Medium chain fatty acid supplementation improves animal metabolic and immune status during the transition period: A study on dairy cattle.

The transition period is the stage of the high incidence of metabolic and infectious diseases in dairy cows. Improving transition dairy cows' health is crucial for the industry. This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary supplementation medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) on immune function, metabolic status, performance of transition dairy cows. Twenty multiparous Holstein cows randomly assigned to two treatments at 35 d before calving. 1) CON (fed the basal 2) MCFA treatment (basal diet was supplemented at an additional 20 g MCFAs mixture every day) until 70 d after calving. The results showed that the serum amyloid A myeloperoxidase concentrations in the blood of cows in MCFA treatment significantly decreased during the early lactation (from 1 d to 28 d after calving) 0.03, 0.04, respectively) compared with the CON, while the tumor necrosis factor concentration was significantly decreased at 56 d after calving (P = 0.02). In addition, the concentration of insulin in the pre-calving (from 21 d before calving to calving) blood of cows in MCFA treatment was significantly decreased (P = 0.04), and concentration of triglyceride also showed a downward trend at 28 d after calving 0.07). Meanwhile, MCFAs supplementation significantly decreased the concentrations of lithocholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, and hyocholic acid in the blood at 1 d calving (P = 0.02, < 0.01, < 0.01, respectively), and the level of hyocholic acid taurocholic acid concentrations (P < 0.01, = 0.01, respectively) decreased dramatically at 14 d after calving. However, compared with the CON, the pre-calving dry matter intake and the early lactation milk yield in MCFA treatment were significantly decreased (P = 0.05, 0.02, respectively). In conclusion, MCFAs supplementation transition diet could improve the immune function and metabolic status of dairy cows, and the health of transition cows might be beneficial from the endocrine status.

Medium-chain fatty acids for the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In preclinicalAlzheimer's disease (AD), the brain gradually becomes insulin resistant. As a result, brain glucose utilization is compromised, causing a cellular energy deficit that leads to the accumulation of free radicals, which increases inflammation and damages neurons. When glucose utilization is impaired, ketone bodies offer an alternative energy source. Ketone bodies are synthesized from fats, obtained from either the diet or adipose tissue. Dietary medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are preferentially metabolized into ketone bodies, have the potential to supply the insulin-resistant brain with energy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to review the effect of MCFA supplements on circulating ketone bodies and cognition in individuals with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and AD. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed on August 12, 2019, to retrieve all publications meeting the inclusion criteria. Alerts were then set to identify any publications after the search date up until January 31, 2021. Data were extracted by 2 authors and assessed by a third. In total, 410 publications were identified, of which 16 (n = 17 studies) met the inclusion criteria. All studies assessing change in levels of blood ketone bodies due to MCFA supplementation (n = 12) reported a significant increase. Cognition outcomes (measured in 13 studies), however, varied, ranging from no improvement (n = 4 studies) to improvement (n = 8 studies) or improvement only in apolipoprotein E allele 4 (APOE ε4) noncarriers (n = 2 studies). One study reported an increase in regional cerebral blood flow in APOE ε4 noncarriers and another reported an increase in energy metabolism in the brain. MCFA supplementation increases circulating ketone body levels, resulting in increased brain energy metabolism. Further research is required to determine whether this MCFA-mediated increase in brain energy metabolism improves cognition. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019146967.

Medium‐chain fatty acids in combination with a multidomain lifestyle intervention in Alzheimer’s disease prevention: Protocol design to study implementation

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology begins 20 to 30 years before clinical diagnosis. Thus, there is an opportunity to implement strategies to prevent the progression of AD. Insulin resistance in the brain causes a disruption in glucose utilisation. Medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) are readily available substrates for the synthesis of ketone bodies (KB), which are an alternative brain fuel not controlled by insulin. A constant supply of KB may close the energy gap in the AD‐prone brain, and in doing so prevent or delay symptom onset, or protect the brain from further degeneration. There is increasing evidence that multidomain lifestyle interventions with dietary components significantly impact cognitive decline. Yet, these interventions have not considered the effects MCFA supplementation, to ensure sufficient energy for the brain.MethodThis is a phase II placebo‐controlled, randomised double‐blind 24‐month intervention trial of MCFA supplementation within the AUstralian‐multidomain Approach to Reduce dementia Risk by prOtecting brain health With lifestyle intervention (AU‐ARROW) study, to investigate the additive effect of MCFA supplementation in older adults at increased risk of AD. A total of 124 participants will be recruited aged 60‐79 years, with subjective cognitive decline. Participants will be randomised 1:1 into either the intervention or placebo groups and will consume 3 daily doses at 15mL per dose of either MCFA or placebo supplement whilst continuing the AU‐ARROW protocol, which includes dietary education, physical activity, brain training, and health education.ResultThe primary outcomes involve statistical assessment of cognition, blood ketone body levels, and brain glucose utilisation. At baseline, and every 6 months, participants will have fasting blood samples collected. At baseline, 12, and 24 months, participants will undergo cognitive assessments. At baseline and 24 months, participants will undergo fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans to determine brain glucose utilisation.ConclusionThe final protocol is expected to maximise data collection and analyses. Combined with AU‐ARROW, it will allow for a) the implementation of MCFA supplementation guidelines in a plan to reduce cognitive decline and risk of AD, b) the determination of effects of MCFA consumption on neuroimaging and blood‐based biomarkers, and c) the comparison of between subject differences.

The Regulators of Peroxisomal Acyl-Carnitine Shuttle CROT and CRAT Promote Metastasis in Melanoma

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the key link between a primary tumor and distant metastases, but once in the bloodstream loss of adhesion induces cell death. To identify mechanisms relevant for melanoma CTC survival we performed RNAseq and discovered that detached melanoma cells and isolated melanoma CTCs rewire lipid metabolism by up-regulating fatty acid transport and fatty acid beta-oxidation (FAO) related genes. In melanoma patients high expression of fatty acid transporters and FAO enzymes significantly correlates with reduced progression free and overall survival. Amongst the highest expressed regulators in melanoma CTCs were the carnitine-transferases CROT and CRAT, which control the shuttle of peroxisome derived medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) towards mitochondria to fuel mitochondrial FAO. Knockdown of CROT or CRAT and short-term treatment with peroxisomal or mitochondrial FAO inhibitors thioridazine or ranolazine suppressed melanoma metastasis in mice. CROT and CRAT depletion could be rescued by MCFA supplementation, indicating that the peroxisomal supply of fatty acids is crucial for the survival of non-adherent melanoma cells. Our study identifies targeting the fatty acid based cross-talk between peroxisomes and mitochondria as a potential therapeutic opportunity to challenge melanoma progression. Moreover, the discovery of the anti-metastatic activity of the FDA-approved drug ranolazine carries translational potential.

PSVII-7 The Effects on Supplementation of Medium Chain Fatty Acids on Piglet Health and Immune Markers

Abstract A total of 77 mixed parity sows were used from d 28 of gestation until weaning to determine the effects of supplementation of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) on colostrum composition and serum immunocrit ratios. On d 28 of gestation, sows were weighed, blocked by parity and weight and allotted to either control diets (UNSUP) or control diets plus 0.3% inclusion of MCFA blend in gestation and lactation. After birth of the first piglet, a 40 mL colostrum sample was collected. On d 2 of age, a 1 mL blood sample was collected from the piglet mammary vein and serum was stored. Colostrum samples were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, and total solids. Piglet serum were analyzed for immunocrit ratios. Piglet fecal samples were collected at 10, 35 and 63 d of age and quantitative rtPCR for Lactobacillus were completed. Data were analyzed as a randomized incomplete block with maternal diet as main effect and litter as experimental unit. The MCFA sows had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentration of colostral protein (17.7 vs 16.5%) and solids not fat (23.4 vs 22.2%), a tendency for greater concentration of total solids (29.9 vs 28.6%, P=0.07) and tendency for reduced (P = 0.07) concentration of lactose. Overall preweaning survivability was 91.6 and 92.5% in UNSUP and SUP litters, respectively. Serum immunocrit values (0.16 vs 0.14) were greater (P = 0.01) in piglets from UNSUP sows compared with supplemented. Lactobacillus represented 55 and 49% at day 10, 24 and 57% at day 35 and 9 and 3% at day 63 of age in UNSUP and SUP pigs, respectively and were not different. In conclusion, MCFA supplementation in gestation and lactation diets improved overall colostrum quality.

PSI-12 The Effects on Maternal Supplementation of Medium Chain Fatty Acids on Offpsring Performance

Abstract A total of 39 mixed parity sows were used from d 28 of gestation until weaning to determine the effect of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) in sow and weaned pig diets on sow and offspring growth performance. On d 28 of gestation, sows were blocked by parity and body weight, and allotted to either a control diet (UNSUP) or control plus 0.3% inclusion of MCFA blend in gestation and lactation (SUP). At weaning, piglets were allocated in a 2x2 factorial based on maternal diet (UNSUP or SUP) and post-weaning diet (UNSUPnurs or SUPnurs) in a 3-phase nursery pig feeding program lasting 42 d. Individual piglets were weighed at birth, d 7, weaning and every 2 weeks in the nursery period. There was no difference among maternal diet for birth weight (P = 0.56); however, SUP piglets tended to be lighter at d 7 (P = 0.10) and weaning (P = 0.07) than UNSUP piglets (P = 0.10). There was no interaction between maternal diet and post-weaning diet on offspring performance. Throughout the nursery period, there was no difference in body weight, daily gain, feed intake, or gain:feed by maternal treatment or post-weaning diet. In conclusion, supplementation of MCFA throughout gestation, lactation, and in the nursery period had minimal impact on offspring growth.

Effects of medium-chain fatty acid supplementation on performance and rumen fermentation of lactating Holstein dairy cows

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have antimicrobial properties and cause negative or positive effects on animal performance depending on its dosage. We hypothesized that MCFA supplementation at a lower dose (i.e., 0.05–0.2% of dietary DM) would increase rumen pH and milk production without decreasing nutrient digestibility which is typically observed with the higher inclusion rates (i.e., >1% of dietary DM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of MCFA supplementation at a lower dose on productivity, plasma energy metabolite concentrations, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbial profile of lactating dairy cows. Thirty (n = 8 primiparous, n = 22 multiparous) Holstein cows in mid-lactation (637 ± 68.5 kg of initial BW, 98.5 ± 27.4 d in milk; mean ± standard deviation) were used in a crossover design with two 28-d periods. The MCFA supplement, consisted of 25% MCFA (containing 32% C8:0, 21% C10:0, 47% C12:0 on DM basis) and 75% carrier ingredients, was fed at 0.25% of dietary DM replacing dry ground corn in control (CON). Total inclusion of MCFA was 0.063% of dietary DM. No differences were observed in DM intake, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and BW change between MCFA and CON. Milk and milk component yields did not differ between treatment groups. The MCFA supplementation tended to have higher minimum rumen pH (5.66 vs. 5.54), and decreased daily fluctuation range of rumen pH (1.17 vs. 1.40) compared to CON. However, the duration of acidosis (pH < 5.8, min/d) did not differ between treatment groups and ruminal total volatile fatty acid concentration and its profile did not differ between treatment groups. For rumen microbiota, the Chao1 index of bacterial community tended to be lower (10.9 vs. 11.6) whereas the Shannon index did not differ (0.91 vs. 0.93) in MCFA compared to CON, and both indices did not differ for archaeal and protozoan communities between treatment groups. The relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii increased when supplemented with MCFA (5.14 vs. 4.92%). These results suggest that supplementation of MCFA at 0.063% dietary DM may not affect overall animal performance or total tract nutrient digestibility, but decrease the daily range of pH and the bacterial richness in the rumen.

Effects of Medium Chain Fatty Acid Supplementation in Broiler Diet on Microbiological Quality of Litter

In our experiment, coconut and palm oil supplementation was added to the diet of broiler chickens to prove the hypothesis that medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) can reduce the occurrence of potential pathogens (Clostridium perfingens, Coliform) in gut microflore and therefore improve bird welfare. Cobb 500 cockerels were divided in five groups. Control birds were fed commercial broiler diet, while birds in the four treatment group diets were supplemented with coconut, palm oil, or a combination of the two, respectively. As a positive control, sunflower oil supplementation was included in the diet of the fifth group. During the 28 days of the study (from 14 to 42 days of life), 5 samplings were scheduled, when excreta samples were taken from the litter to analyse total microbial count and the number of Clostridia, Coliforms, and Salmonella. According to the results of microbiological analysis, coconut oil supplementation led to the continuous decline of Clostridium perfringens numbers until they vanished by the end of the experimental period. A similar but faster decline was found as a result of palm oil and the combined (palm oil+coconut oil) treatment. However, the number of Coliforms and total microbial count changed only slightly by the end of the study. No Salmonella spp. was present in the samples throughout the experiment. Altogether, coconut and palm oil supplementation has a beneficial effect on the microbiological composition of poultry litter.

PSVI-11 The Effects of Medium Chain Fatty Acid Supplementation on Sow and Piglet Performance

Abstract A total of 38 mixed parity sows were used from 28-d of gestation until weaning to determine the effects of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) in sow and nursery pig diets on litter characteristics and growth performance. On 28-d of gestation, sows were blocked by parity and body weight (BW), and allotted to either a control diet (UNSUP) or a control diet plus 0.3% inclusion of DaaFit Plus (MCFA) fed during gestation and lactation. At weaning, piglets (n=432) were allocated in a 2x2 factorial based on maternal diet (UNSUP or MCFA) and post-weaning diet (UNSUPnurs or MCFAnurs) in a 3-phase nursery pig feeding program lasting 42 days. Individual piglets were weighed at birth, 7-d, at weaning and every 2 weeks post-weaning. A flu outbreak occurred during the latter part of gestation leading to high overall stillborn rate (11%). There was no impact of MCFA supplementation on sow performance (P&amp;gt;0.14). During the suckling period, MCFA fed to sows had no impact on piglet weights or ADG (P&amp;gt;0.82). In the nursey period, overall gain (0.112±0.02 kg) was low in the first two weeks possibly due to health challenges. Supplementation of MCFA to sows or nursery pigs had no impact on body weights during the nursery period (P&amp;gt;0.32); however, absolute differences between groups increased with week [wean, 0.10kg; wk 2, 0.14kg; wk 4, 0.71kg; wk 6, 0.83kg) to the advantage of MCFA fed pigs. Pigs from MCFA fed sows had greater feed intake (P&amp;lt; 0.02) from 14 to 28-d and decreased gain:feed (P &amp;lt; 0.04) from 28 to 42-d compared to pigs from UNSUP sows. Overall, sow and nurser-y pigs fed MCFA had numerically greater 42-d BW, ADG, and ADFI. In conclusion, despite health challenges, supplementation with MCFA in gestation, lactation or in the nursery period improved piglet performance.

Effect of Medium Chain Fatty Acids as Replacement to Antibiotics in Diets on Growth Performance and Gut Health in Broiler Chicken

Background: Due to wide use of Antibiotic growth promoter builds antibiotic resistance in poultry bird. While attempting to explore potential alternative, medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) can be used due to its unique nutritional, physiological and antimicrobial property. MCFA possess activity to inhibit growth of pathogenic organism and increase the digestibility that boosts the production and growth performance of birds. The present experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of medium chain fatty acids supplementation as replacement to antibiotics in diets on growth performance and gut health in broiler.Methods: Three hundred, day-old straight-run chicks were randomly distributed into five dietary treatment groups with three replicates in each containing twenty chicks. The five treatments were, control group (T0), basal diet with antibiotic of BMD (bacitracin methylene disalicyclate) group (T1), basal diet with 0.25% lauric acid (T2), basal diet with 0.25% capric acid (T3) and basal diet with 0.25% lauric and 0.25% capric acids (T4).Result: The birds fed diet containing lauric acid, capric acid or their combination recorded significantly higher (P less than 0.01) body weight compared to control. The increase in live weight in birds fed lauric acid over control was 4.37%. Likewise, the broilers fed diets with lauric acid singly or along with capric acid recorded significantly higher gain in weights compared to other groups. The feed intake was comparable in all treatment groups. The feed conversion ratio was improved in broilers fed with MCFAs either singly or in dietary combination. The coliform count was numerically reduced, whereas, the total viable count in group fed MCFAs and their combination were substantially reduced.

Effects of the supplementation of a calcium soap containing medium-chain fatty acids on the fecal microbiota of pigs, lactating cows, and calves.

Medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have antialgal, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoan, and antiviral activities. However, antibacterial activities of MCFAs in the hindgut of pigs and cattle are still unknown. We report the effects of the supplementation of MCFAs on fecal bacteria of pigs, lactating cows, and Japanese Black calves. Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., eaeA(+) Escherichia coli , Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni , and Clostridium perfringens in the feces of animals were quantified by real‐time PCR assay. There was no significant increase or decrease in Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in the three animals. In the pig feces, eaeA(+) E. coli was reduced to less than a third in the treatment group (P < 0.01). C. jejuni in the pig feces was also significantly less in the treatment group compared with the control (P < 0.01). In the lactating cow, eaeA(+) E. coli was reduced to one fifth of that in the control (P < 0.01). Salmonella spp. was halved in calf feces (P < 0.01). Thus, a reduction in Gram‐negative pathogenic bacteria was observed. In conclusion, supplementation of a MCFA calcium soap in the diet would be beneficial to growing pigs, lactating cow, and calves by reducing pathogenic bacteria.

Efficacy of natural alternatives to antibiotic on the growth performance, gut microbial population, intestinal morphology, and serum biochemical metabolites of broiler chickens

The present study investigated the effects of different feed additives on growth performance, carcass characteristics, gut microbial population, intestinal morphology, and blood metabolites of broiler chickens. A total of 540, day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly distributed into 6 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens per treatment for 35 days. The birds fed on a basal diet without feed additive (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 0.25 g/kg antibiotic as growth promoter (AGP), 1 g/kg essential oils (EO), 1.7 g/kg synbiotic (SYN), 3 g/kg medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and 1 mL/L essential oils in drinking water (EOW). The additives improved the body weight gain (p = .004) and feed conversion ratio (p = .02) compared to the CON group during the whole trial. The serum concentration of cholesterol was lower in the birds fed the MCFA diet and serum concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) decreased in MCFA and SYN groups. The relative weight of spleen was the greatest in MCFA group (p = .01). Feeding birds diets containing different additives decreased the population of coliform (p = .002) and Clostridium perfringens (p = .01) while Lactobacillus population was greater in broilers offered EOW, SYN, and MCFA supplements (p = .02). The jejunal villus height enhanced in the broiler chickens which received AGP and MCFA additives (p = .008). It is concluded that EOW, SYN, MCFA, and EO as alternatives for AGP improved the growth performance and intestinal morphometric indices and reduced the caecal pathogenic bacteria in broiler chickens. Highlights Adding MCFA to diet and EO to the drinking water improved BWG and FCR in broiler chickens. Dietary supplementation of MCFA decreased serum total cholesterol, increased caecal LAB population, and improved intestinal villus height. All supplements as AGP alternatives had beneficial effects on suppressing the pathogenic bacteria.

Effect of Maternal Diet and Medium Chain Fatty Acids Supplementation for Piglets on Their Digestive Tract Development, Structure, and Chyme Acidity as Well as Performance and Health Status.

Simple SummaryWeaning is the most critical period of piglet rearing. During this time, pigs have not yet fully developed their intestinal tract and immune system; therefore, they are an easy target for pathogenic microorganisms that cause gastrointestinal diseases. In the last decade, several nutritional factors were studied to prevent gastrointestinal disorders in piglets. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of oils for sows during late pregnancy and lactation on offspring performance. In addition, the study determined the effect of caprylic acid or medium-chain triglyceride oil in piglets’ feed on their intestinal structure development, fatty acids content of chyme, productive performance, and health status. Summarizing, the study showed that coconut oil fed to pregnant and lactating sows can markedly reduce the mortality of piglets during the weaning period and that caprylic acid and medium-chain fatty acid oil can be a good feed supplement in weaned piglet feed. The nutritional factors tested in the present study could be used in the diet of sows and piglets to improve the health of piglets and thus the efficiency of pig production.The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of oils for sows during late pregnancy and lactation on offspring performance. In addition, the effect of caprylic acid (C8) or medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT) in piglets’ feed on their gut development, performance, and health status was determined. The experiment was conducted on 24 sows allocated to two treatments: diet with rapeseed oil or with coconut oil. Newborn piglets were randomly allocated to three treatments: feed with no supplement or supplemented with 0.3% MCT or with 0.3% C8. The results showed that both oils had no effect on sow reproductive rates; however, fatty acid patterns of milk differed significantly and the number of lost piglets was lower in sow fed with coconut oil. Both caprylic and MCT oil significantly improved piglet performance and villus height. These additives did not change triacylglycerol content in blood, but C8 lowered total cholesterol and MCT increased IgG content. It can be concluded that coconut oil fed to pregnant and lactating sows can markedly reduce the mortality of piglets and that caprylic acid and medium-chain fatty acid oil can be a good supplement in weaned piglet feed.

Protected Organic Acids Improved Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Decreased Gas Emission in Broilers.

Simple SummaryRecently, the development of antimicrobial resistance of bacteria has become a global health problem. Such a situation has compelled nutritionists and researchers to explore other potential alternatives. Among a variety of candidates for the replacement of antibiotic growth promoters, organic acids (OAs), both individual and as a blend of several acids are the most promising ones as feed additives in animal production. Organic acids maintain cellular integrity of the gut lining and improve the digestive process by maintaining normal gut flora. Addition of OAs to the diet can improve the absorption rate of proteins, amino acids, and minerals. This may contribute not only in improving performance but also reducing nitrogen and phosphorus excretion. Besides, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) constitute another type of acid and have been shown to be potential alternatives for in-feed antibiotics in farm animals as they have strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive cocci and Escherichia coli. The combination of OAs and MCFAs has been reported to improve the nutrient digestibility, growth performance, proliferation of Lactobacillus, and immunity of the animal. The present study investigated the effect of a blend of dietary protected OAs and MCFAs on broiler chickens. The results of this study showed that the blend of OA and MCFA supplementation positively influenced growth performance, DM digestibility, excreta Lactobacillus counts, as well as NH3 gas emission in broiler chickens.We investigated the effects of a blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) supplementation in 800 1-d-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (42 ± 0.90 g) in a 7-week study. Broiler chicks were randomly allocated into one of the five dietary treatments (16 birds per pen with 10 pens per treatment). Dietary treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal based basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with blend of OAs and MCFAs at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 g, and 1 g per kg of feed. In the current study, during the whole experimental period, the inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs in the basal diet linearly improved (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and dry matter digestibility. The increasing inclusion of the blend of OA and MCFA levels in the diets linearly decreased (p = 0.002) feed intake during d 1 to 7. Broilers fed diets containing different levels of the blend of OAs and MCFAs showed a linear increase (p = 0.006) in Lactobacillus concentrations and decrease (p = 0.014) in ammonia (NH3) at the end of the experiment. However, the blend of OAs and MCFAs did not affect carcass quality, E. coli, and Salmonella counts, as well as hydrogen sulfide and total mercaptans gas emission (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the blend of OA and MCFA supplementation positively influenced growth performance, DM digestibility, excreta Lactobacillus counts, as well as NH3 gas emission in broiler chickens.

Isolipidic replacement of krabok oil by whole krabok seed reduces in vitro methanogenesis, but negatively affects fermentation.

The background of the current in vitro study involves the issue of methane (CH4 ) production inherent to rumen fermentation. One of the dietary strategies to reduce enteric CH4 production by ruminants involves the supplementation of medium-chain fatty acids in diets. As such, oils containing high amounts of MCFA, such as coconut, palm kernel and krabok oil, are of much interest to formulate energy efficient and environmentally friendly rations for ruminants. Krabok oil (KO) reduces methanogenesis, but the appropriate inclusion level of dietary KO is unclear. We therefore investigated the dose-response relationship between krabok oil and CH4 production. In practice, the use of whole krabok seed (WKS), instead of KO, is easier, but the efficacy of WKS to inhibit methanogenesis was hitherto unknown. Thus, we also investigated whether WKS provides an alternative tool to inhibit CH4 production. The experimental substrates contained either KO, WKS, the residue of WKS after fat extraction residue (FER) or FER+KO. Appropriate amounts of WKS or its derivatives were added to a basal substrate so as to attain either a low, medium or high content of KO, that is, 37-46, 90-94 and 146-153g/kg dry matter respectively. The experimental substrates were formulated to keep the amounts of incubated fat-free OM, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre constant in order to avoid biased results through potential differences in fermentability between WKS and its derivatives, and the basal substrate. The latter resembled the ingredient composition of a total mixed ration commonly used in Thai dairy cows. Fully automated gas production (GP) equipment was used to measure gas- and CH4 production. Irrespective of the type of substrate (p≥.115), both the absolute (ml/g fat-free OM) and relative (% of total GP) CH4 production was reduced at the highest inclusion level of WKS or its derivatives (p≤.019). Total GP (ml/g fat-free OM), however, was reduced after incubation of FER, FER+KO, and WKS, but not KO, at the highest inclusion level of the respective substrates (p=.019). Volatile fatty acids were likewise affected (p≤.001). Krabok oil can inhibit CH4 production but only when the dietary KO content is at least 9.4% (DM). Supplementation of KO in the form of WKS, however, is considered not opportune because the fat extracted residue of WKS is poorly degraded during fermentation.

Effect of dietary supplemental medium chain fatty acids instead of antibiotics on the growth performance, digestibility and blood profiles in growing pigs.

Antibiotics have great functions in farm animal. However, the harm of antibiotics can't be ignored. The effects of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) supplementation to basal diet instead of antibiotics (CSP, Chlortetracycline, sulphonamide dimethazine and procaine penicillin, 1:1:1) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood profile in growing pigs were studied. A total of 140 growing pigs (Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc) with an average body weight of 27.84±0.42kg were allotted to four treatments of seven replicates/treatment and five pigs/replicate. The four experimental diets included: CON (basal diet, non-antibiotic, negative control); CSP (CON+CSP 0.1%, positive control); M1 (CON+MCFA 0.15%) and M2 (CON+MCFA 0.3%). After 5weeks, the fresh faecal and blood samples were collected from rectum and jugular vein respectively. The average daily gain (ADG) was significantly improved for pigs fed 0.3% MCFAs in relation to basal diet. Meanwhile, CSP supplementation had comparable effect on ADG. The lymphocyte percentage and IgG concentration were higher in blood of pigs-fed MCFAs in relation to that of CON and CSP treatment while white blood cell and red blood cell were not affected. In relation to basal diet and CSP treatment, the digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen and gross energy (E) were unaffected with MCFAs supplementation. In conclusion, MCFAs improved growth performance on body weight gain and immune profile. Addition 0.3% MCFAs into the diet indicated that its partial positive effect as an alternative to antibiotic.

Effect of dietary supplementation with medium chain fatty acids on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, lipid profile and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) diet supplementation on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, serum biochemistry and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens. The study was performed on 180 one-day-old broilers of the same origin (Cobb 500 hybrid), over a 42-day period. They were fed diets supplemented with three treatments: control group (basal diet without supplementation); group with MCFA supplementation; and group with MCFA and coccidiostat supplementation. Broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with MCFAs had a significantly greater final bodyweight. The weights of carcass cuts (breast, drumsticks with thighs and wings) were greater in broilers receiving MCFAs than in control broilers. The addition of MCFAs to broiler diet significantly increased villus length and crypt depth in the duodenum and caecum, and significantly decreased villus width in the duodenum and ileum. Additionally, serum HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were increased significantly in broilers with MCFA dietary supplementation. The results indicated that the MCFA diet supplementation had a beneficial effect on the performance of broiler chickens, their intestinal histomorphology and microflora.Keywords: Carcass characteristics, coccidiostat supplementation, nutrition, poultry, serum biochemistry

WPSI-2 Calcium salts of medium-chain fatty acids supplementation increased milk production and changed plasma hormone concentration in mid-lactating cows.

WPSI-2 Calcium salts of medium-chain fatty acids supplementation increased milk production and changed plasma hormone concentration in mid-lactating cows.