Muscle Fatty Acid Composition Research Articles

Lipid Metabolism, Carcass Characteristics and Longissimus dorsi Muscle Fatty Acid Composition of Tropical Crossbred Beef Cattle in Response to Desmanthus spp. Forage Backgrounding.

Lipid metabolism, carcass characteristics and fatty acid (FA) composition of the Longissimus dorsi (loin eye) muscle were evaluated in tropical crossbred steers backgrounded on Desmanthus spp. (desmanthus) with or without feedlot finishing. It was hypothesized that steers backgrounded on isonitrogenous diets augmented with incremental proportions of desmanthus will produce carcasses with similar characteristics and FA composition. Forty-eight Brahman, Charbray and Droughtmaster crossbred beef steers were backgrounded for 140 days on Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay augmented with 0, 15, 30 or 45 percent desmanthus on dry matter basis. Lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay was added to the 0, 15 and 30 percent desmanthus diets to ensure that they were isonitrogenous with the 45 percent desmanthus diet. After backgrounding, the two heaviest steers in each pen were slaughtered and the rest were finished in the feedlot for 95 days before slaughter. Muscle biopsy samples were taken at the beginning and end of the backgrounding phase. Carcasses were sampled at slaughter for intramuscular fat (IMF) content, fat melting point (FMP) and FA composition analyses. Increasing the proportion of desmanthus in the diet led to a linear increase in docosanoic acid (p = 0.04) and omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated FA ratio (n-6/n-3 PUFA; p = 0.01), while docosahexaenoic acid decreased linearly (p = 0.01). Feedlot finishing increased hot carcass weight, subcutaneous fat depth at the P8 site and dressing percentage (p ≤ 0.04). The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was within the recommended < 5 for human diets. IMF was within the consumer-preferred ≥3% level for palatability. The hypothesis that steers backgrounded on isonitrogenous diets augmented with incremental proportions of desmanthus will produce similar carcass characteristics and FA composition was accepted. These findings indicate that a combination of tropical beef cattle backgrounding on desmanthus augmented forage and short-term feedlot finishing produces healthy and highly palatable meat.

Effects of Vitamin C and E Supplementation on Growth, Fatty Acid Composition, Innate Immunity, and Antioxidant Capacity of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed Oxidized Fish Oil

This 10-week feeding experiment examined the effects of supplementing vitamin C (VC) and E (VE) in oxidized oil diets on growth, fatty acid composition, blood physiological indicators, innate immunity, antioxidant capacity, and liver and intestine histology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Four diets were produced including a fresh fish oil containing diet (FFO diet), an oxidized fish oil containing diet (OFO diet), and OFO diet supplemented with 500 mg kg–1 VC and 400 mg kg–1 VE (OFO+C500+E400 diet) or 1,000 mg kg–1 VC and 800 mg kg–1 VE (OFO+C1000+E800 diet). Four hundred and twenty fish averaging 46.9 ± 0.32 g were stocked into 12 tanks and fed the diets twice a day to visual satiety. The results showed no significant effect of OFO or vitamins supplementation on growth, feed intake and feed utilization (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The groups that received OFO and OFO+C1000+E800 diets had significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) lower hepatosomatic indices than the other groups. Muscle fatty acid composition showed decreased proportion of 15:0, 16:0, 16:1n-7, 16:2n-4, 18:1n-5, 18:2n-6 (linoleic acid) and total saturated fatty acids in OFO group. Whereas higher percentages of 20:3n-6 and 20:3n-3 were found in OFO group. In addition, the highest ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) was detected in OFO+C500+E400 group. The highest serum triglyceride concentration was recorded in the OFO group. Serum aspartate aminotransferase activity increased in OFO and OFO+C1000+E800 groups compared to OFO+C500+E400 group. Furthermore, significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity in blood was found in OFO and OFO+C500+E400 groups. Significantly lower serum lysozyme, antiprotease, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were recorded in OFO group compared to FFO and OFO+C500+E400 groups, and an opposite trend was observed for malondialdehyde concentration. Muscle VC and VE concentrations, and liver and intestine histology remained unaffected. To conclude, feeding diet containing oxidized oil with peroxide value of 182 meq kg–1 with/without VC and VE supplementation did not influence growth and tissue VC and VE concentrations of rainbow trout. However, supplementing 500 mg kg–1 VC and 400 mg kg–1 VE reversed the adverse effects of OFO on non-specific immune response and antioxidant capacity.

A preliminary assessment of the effects of dietary black cumin seed cake on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and fatty acid composition of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio var. specularis) fingerlings

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the response of feeding black cumin seed cake (BCSC) as a feed ingredient on growth, feed utilization, blood bio-chemistry, and muscle fatty acid composition for mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio var. specularis). Three diets were formulated to replace 0% (Control), 25% (BCSC25), and 50% (BCSC50) of soybean meal protein with BCSC. Carp fingerlings were distributed to nine 150-L tanks connected to a recirculating aquaculture system and fed the experimental diets twice a day for 63 days. At the end of the feeding trial, growth and feed intake were negatively correlated with dietary BCSC levels. Different dietary levels of BCSC had no significant effect on the levels of serum total protein, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and glucose. However, fish fed with BCSC25 and BCSC50 exhibited a significantly lower cholesterol and triglyceride contents compared to control treatment. The palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6), saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content of mirror carp muscle were not significantly influenced by dietary treatments. The findings of the present study indicated that BCSC and its therapeutic potential should be investigated at lower inclusion levels on the growth and health status of C. carpio.

Effects of feed on fatty acid composition in muscles and gonads of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Abstract In this study, the effects of different feeds on fatty acid composition in the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) were investigated. The fatty acid composition in the Chinese mitten crab was significantly correlated with the type of feed source provided. Differences between the feed groups pertained mainly five fatty acids: oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The content of EPA and DHA was higher in the group of frozen trash fish than in the group of formulated feed. On the other hand, the content of oleic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid was higher in the formulated feed group than in the frozen trash fish group. There were significant differences in the nutritional value of the Chinese mitten crab reared under different feed sources, i.e. Chinese mitten crabs reared with the frozen trash fish feed were larger than those reared with the formulated feed, especially as regards the ω-3/ω-6 PUFA ratio and essential fatty acid levels.

Optimizing the fatty acid profile of novel terrestrial oil blends in low fishmeal diets of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) yields comparable fish growth, total fillet n-3 LC-PUFA content, and health performance relative to fish oil

Identifying and effectively utilizing suitable, novel, terrestrial oil sources either alone or as blends to replace fish oil (FO) is a prerequisite for improving the sustainability of global aquaculture. Therefore, the present study evaluates several novel terrestrial oil blends (TOBs), optimized for their fatty acid profile, as alternatives to FO in low fishmeal diets fed to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and describes the subsequent effects on fish growth, fatty acid composition and health. Insect oil (IO), genetically modified canola oil (CO), palm oil (PO) and linseed oil (LO) were used for the formulation of three TOBs viz., TOB-1 (30%IO+36%CO + 34%LO), TOB-2 (40%PO + 20%CO + 40%LO) and TOB-3 (50%TOB-1 + 50%TOB-2). Formulas TOB-1 and TOB-2 considered the total fatty acid profile based upon the general FO fatty acid profile, published fatty acid research for rainbow trout, and the fatty acid requirements of rainbow trout. A low fishmeal based basal diet containing 44% crude protein was formulated, and FO, TOB-1, TOB-2 and TOB-3 were incorporated in the basal diet to prepare the experimental diet groups, Control, TOB-1, TOB-2 and TOB-3, respectively. All experimental diets were fed to triplicate groups of rainbow trout juveniles (initial weight 7.9 ± 0.02 g) for 9 weeks. Growth performance (final weight, percent weight gain and specific growth rate) in TOBs fed groups were equal to the FO-based control group. Fish fed the TOB-3 diet consumed more feed followed by the control and TOB-1 diet groups. Significantly lower feed intake was observed in the TOB-2 diet group. Feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were not significantly influenced by dietary oil sources. Fish fed the control diet showed significantly higher hepatic lipid content compared to TOB groups, followed by TOB-2, TOB-3, and TOB-1, which was significantly lower in hepatic lipid content. Muscle lipid content and whole-body major nutrient compositions were not significantly influenced by the dietary oil sources. Fatty acid composition of muscle and liver reflected that of the diets. Maximum values for n3 LC-PUFAs (EPA and DHA), lauric acid (C12:0) and C18:3n-3 were observed in the FO, TOB-1 and TOB-2 groups, respectively. Except for C12:0, muscle saturated fatty acid contents were significantly lower in TOBs-based diet compared to the FO-based control diet fish. As expected, muscle C12:0 content was significantly higher in the TOB-1 group followed by the TOB-3 group. TOB-2 and control groups had significantly lower content of C12:0. The fillet total n-3 LC-PUFA was significantly higher in fish fed the control diet group followed by TOB-3 and TOB-2 groups, TOB-1 showed significantly lower content of total n-3 LC- PUFA. Hepatic delta-5 desaturase (Δ5fad), delta-6 desaturase (Δ 6fad) and fatty acid elongase-2 (Elovl-2) gene expressions were significantly influenced by dietary oil sources, where TOB-based groups showed higher Δ6fad and Elovl-2 expressions. Measured innate immunity and antioxidant markers were not affected by TOBs. Finally, we concluded that TOBs could serve as a substitute for FO in rainbow trout feed without negatively impacting performance. Moreover, fillet total n-3 LC-PUFA of TOB-fed fish satisfies the suggested daily serving for humans.

Fatty acid profile in the breast and thigh muscles of the slow- and fast-growing birds under the same management system.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of feeding the same diet to different breeds of chickens and at different ages on fatty acid (FA) composition of the breast and thigh muscles. A total of 150 chickens comprising 50 each of red jungle fowl (RJ) and village chicken (VC), the slow-growing birds, and the commercial broiler (CB), fast-growing birds, were used for this study. Ten chickens from each breed were serially euthanized at days 1, 10, 20, 56, and 120 post hatch, and pectoralis major and bicep femoris were harvested to represent the breast and thigh muscles respectively. It was revealed that the breast muscle concentrations of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are significantly different (p<0.05) among the breeds. Also, the FA composition of breast and thigh muscles among RJ, VC, and CB at various ages studied varied significantly (p<0.05) but without a definite pattern. The composition of MUFA was lower, but that of PUFA was higher in the RJ and VC than in the CB breast muscles. Within the breeds, the composition of total MUFA decreased, while that of PUFA increased with age. The total MUFA and PUFA showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the breast and thigh muscles at different ages evaluated. This study suggests that slow-growing birds (RJ and VC) might be better sources of desirable FA than the fast-growing birds, CB.

A sequence variant in the diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 gene influences palmitoleic acid content in pig muscle

The bulk of body fat in mammals is in the form of triacylglycerol. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) catalyses the terminal step in triacylglycerol synthesis. The proximity of DGAT2 with stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in the endoplasmic reticulum may facilitate provision of de novo SCD-mediated fatty acids as substrate for DGAT2. Here, we first searched for sequence variants in the DGAT2 gene to then validate their effect on fat content and fatty acid composition in muscle, subcutaneous fat and liver of 1129 Duroc pigs. A single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 9 (ss7315407085 G > A) was selected as a tag variant for the 33 sequence variants identified in the DGAT2 region. The DGAT2-G allele increased DGAT2 expression in muscle and had a positive impact on muscular C14 and C16 fatty acids at the expense of C18 fatty acids. Although there was no evidence for an interaction of DGAT2 with functional SCD genotypes, pigs carrying the DGAT2-G allele had proportionally more palmitoleic acid relative to palmitic acid. Our findings indicate that DGAT2 preferentially uptakes shorter rather than longer-chain fatty acids as substrate, especially if they are monounsaturated, and confirm that fatty acid metabolism in pigs is subjected to subtle tissue-specific genetic regulatory mechanisms.

Effects of dietary fish oil and corn oil on gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic index, gonadal histology, 17β‐oestradiol level and fatty acids profile of mahseer ( Tor tambroides ) broodstock in captivity

The present research was conducted to investigate the effects of fish oil (FO) substitutions with corn oil (CO) on the gonad development of female Tor tambroides broodstocks, a high value freshwater fish. Three isonitrogenous (450 g kg−1 crude protein) and isolipidic (105 g kg−1 crude lipid) were formulated to contain FO and CO at a ratio of 1:0, 1:1 and 0:1, respectively, and fed to female fish (n = 10 fish × 3 replicate × 3 treatment; average weight = 910.0 ± 130.0 g) for five months. At the end of the feeding trial, there were no significant differences (p > .05) on the gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index, 17β-oestradiol (E2) concentration and muscle fatty acids (FA) composition. However, fish fed with diet containing FO to CO at a ratio of 1:1 demonstrated higher percentage of GSI, E2 concentration (ng ml−1) and the presence of vitellogenic oocytes in the histological data compared to the other two feeding diets. The FA composition also highlighted that T. tambroides broodstocks can elongate polyunsaturated FA to highly unsaturated FA. Based on these preliminary results, it shows that T. tambroides prefer diets with supplementation of both n3 and n6 oil source. However, more studies need to be done to strengthen this conclusion.

The impact of seawater warming on fatty acid composition and nutritional quality indices of Trematomus bernacchii from the Antarctic region

There is a growing interest in exploiting Antarctic fisheries for human consumption. However, information on how the nutritional qualities of these resources will respond to the predicted seawater warming in the region for the next century is poor. The present research investigates changes in various nutritional indices of dietary importance (e.g. the ratio polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids, the atherogenicity index, the thrombogenicity index, the hypo-cholesterolemic to hyper-cholesterolemic index, the health-promoting index, the flesh lipid quality and the ratio omega-3 to omega-6 index) by determining the fatty acid composition in muscle of Trematomus bernacchii (an Antarctic fish species) in its natural habitat (-1.87 °C) and warmer temperatures (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 °C). Comparison of the estimated nutritional indices at −1.87 °C with those at warmer temperatures revealed that seawater warming caused changes in the nutritional indices in the range of −12%<Δ < 30%. The observed changes were not statistically significant and ascribed to biological variability. Therefore, the nutritional values of T. bernacchii muscle were preserved after increasing the temperature of its natural habitat by + 4 °C. The present research is the first report describing the nutritional quality indices for an Antarctic fish species and the consequences of seawater warming on the nutritional value of T. bernacchii.

Specialized Nutritional Support Improves Muscle Function and Maintains Physical Activity Without Affecting Chemotherapy Efficacy in a Colorectal Cancer Mouse Model

Abstract Objectives Skeletal muscle wasting and fatigue are commonly observed in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and are associated with reduced treatment outcome and quality of life. Nutritional support may mitigate these side effects, but potential interference with chemotherapy efficacy could be of concern. Here, we investigated the effects of a ω-3-PUFA (EPA and DHA), leucine-enriched, high protein (100% whey), additional vitamin D and prebiotic fibers “Specific Nutritional Composition” (SNC) and chemotherapy on state-of-the-art tumor organoid models and muscle cells and studied muscle function, physical activity, systemic inflammation, and chemotherapy efficacy in a mouse model of aggressive colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Chemotherapy treatment consisted of oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Tumor formation (caliper) and physical activity (infrared camera's) were assessed over time, while tumor-bearing mice received a diet with or without SNC. Ex vivo muscle performance was determined by myography, muscle fatty acid composition by gas-chromatography, and plasma cytokine levels by Luminex xMAP technology. Patient-derived CRC-organoids and C2C12-myotubes were used to determine whether SNC affects chemotherapy-sensitivity in vitro. Results SNC increased the muscle contraction capacity of chemotherapy-treated tumor-bearing mice (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and enriched ω-3 fatty acid composition in muscle without affecting treatment efficacy (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) compared to control tumor-bearing mice. Mice receiving SNC maintained physical activity after chemotherapy and showed decreased systemic inflammation and splenomegaly. Therapeutic response of CRC-organoids was unaffected by SNC nutrients, while C2C12 cell viability and protein synthesis significantly improved. Conclusions The results show that specialized nutritional support can be used to maintain muscle function and levels of physical activity during chemotherapy without increasing tumor viability. Therefore, nutritional strategies have potential value in promoting cancer and chemotherapy tolerance. Funding Sources This research is part of the SCOPE project (Specialized nutrition to improve outcomes of COlorectal cancer PatiEnts) and is supported by the Province of Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Specialized nutrition improves muscle function and physical activity without affecting chemotherapy efficacy in C26 tumour-bearing mice.

BackgroundSkeletal muscle wasting and fatigue are commonly observed in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and associated with reduced treatment outcome and quality of life. Nutritional support may mitigate these side effects, but potential interference with chemotherapy efficacy could be of concern. Here, we investigated the effects of an ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), leucine‐enriched, high‐protein (100% whey), additional vitamin D, and prebiotic fibres ‘specific nutritional composition’ (SNC) and chemotherapy on state‐of‐the‐art tumour organoids and muscle cells and studied muscle function, physical activity, systemic inflammation, and chemotherapy efficacy in a mouse model of aggressive colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsTumour‐bearing mice received a diet with or without SNC. Chemotherapy treatment consisted of oxaliplatin and 5‐fluorouracil. Tumour formation was monitored by calliper measurements. Physical activity was continuously monitored by infrared imaging. Ex vivo muscle performance was determined by myography, muscle fatty acid composition by gas chromatography, and plasma cytokine levels by Luminex xMAP technology. Patient‐derived CRC organoids and C2C12 myotubes were used to determine whether SNC affects chemotherapy sensitivity in vitro.ResultsSpecific nutritional composition increased muscle contraction capacity of chemotherapy‐treated tumour‐bearing mice (P < 0.05) and enriched ω‐3 fatty acid composition in muscle without affecting treatment efficacy (P < 0.0001). Mice receiving SNC maintained physical activity after chemotherapy and showed decreased systemic inflammation. Therapeutic response of CRC organoids was unaffected by SNC nutrients, while cell viability and protein synthesis of muscle cells significantly improved.ConclusionsThe results show that specialized nutritional support can be used to maintain muscle function and physical activity levels during chemotherapy without increasing tumour viability. Therefore, nutritional strategies have potential value in promoting cancer and chemotherapy tolerance.

Partially replacing fish oil with microalgae ( Schizochytrium limacinum and Nannochloropsis oceanica ) in diets for rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) reared in saltwater with reference to growth performance, muscle fatty acid composition and liver ultrastructure

Partially replacing fish oil with microalgae ( <i>Schizochytrium limacinum</i> and <i>Nannochloropsis oceanica</i> ) in diets for rainbow trout ( <i>Oncorhynchus mykiss</i> ) reared in saltwater with reference to growth performance, muscle fatty acid composition and liver ultrastructure

Dietary Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extracted by Ultrasound Technology or Refined Olive Oil on the Quality Traits of Pork and "Capocollo di Martina Franca" Dry-Cured Meat.

Simple SummaryThe “Capocollo di Martina Franca” is a traditional dry-cured pig meat product made in Apulia. Its quality depends on the raw material which, in turn, is influenced by the kind and amount of fat supplementation in the pigs’ diet. Dietary manipulation of the fatty acid composition of muscle and subcutaneous fat in pork may affect the quality and suitability of meat for processing. Vegetable oils, such as olive oil, are used for pig feeding. The extraction process of olive oil affects its content in polyphenols, which are health promoting molecules. This study was planned in order to test the effects of a diet containing extra virgin olive oil (EVOO, rich in polyphenols) extracted by ultrasound technology, in comparison with refined olive oil (ROO, devoid of polyphenols), on the quality of pig meat and capocollo. The longissimus lumborum muscle was evaluated for physical and chemical features. The capocollo was analysed in relation to its storage time after seasoning (t1 = 0 vs. t2 = +6 months). The EVOO diet improved the fatty acid profile of fresh meat and lowered the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices, with potential benefits for human health. Moreover, the capocollo quality was better following the EVOO diet but only immediately after ripening (t1 = 0).The “Capocollo di Martina Franca” is a traditional dry-cured pig meat product made in Apulia. The dietary fat source is able to influence the lipid profile of muscle and subcutaneous fat in pork, thus affecting its nutritional and sensorial quality as well as its suitability for technological processing. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a diet containing extra virgin olive oil (EVOO, 3%, as-fed basis) extracted by ultrasound technology in comparison to refined olive oil (ROO, 3%, as-fed basis) on the quality of pig meat (longissimus lumborum muscle) and capocollo in relation to its storage time after seasoning (t1 = 0 vs. t2 = +6 months). The EVOO diet lowered the concentration of myristic, palmitic, stearic and total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and increased oleic, linoleic, total monounsaturated (MUFAs), polyunsaturated (PUFAs) and n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in pig meat; moreover, the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices were lowered, with potential benefits for human health. The overall quality of capocollo was positively affected by the EVOO diet, although storage for 6 months after ripening levelled the protective effects of extra virgin olive oil in comparison with refined olive oil.

Effect of Growth Temperature on Muscle Lipid Class and Fatty Acid Composition in Adult Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed Commercial Diets with Different andomega;6 to andomega;3 Fatty Acid Ratios

The effect of fluctuating temperature on muscle lipid composition was examined in 1.8 Kg steelhead trout fed 3 commercial diets with varying proportions (16.5 - 31% total) of Σω3 fatty acids and large differences (5×) in ω6:ω3 fatty acid ratios. Temperature was increased from 13.5°C to 18.0°C and then dropped back down to 13.5°C over a period of 12 weeks. Diet had no significant effect on growth or on total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportions in muscle tissue, but significant changes were observed in individual fatty acids. There was a greater response to changes in diet in the fatty acids than there was to changes in temperature. Muscle C20–C22 ω3PUFA and C18 unsaturated fatty acids reflected dietary inputs leading to very different (up to 40%) ω6:ω3 fatty acid ratios. Independent of diet, increasing temperature significantly increased total lipids and saturated fatty acids, especially 16:0, and decreased monounsaturated ones, especially 18:1ω9, as well as the PUFA 18:2ω6. The ω6:ω3 fatty acid ratio was also lowest at 18.0°C. Increasing total lipids, sterols and saturated fatty acids with increasing temperature, has important implications for both cultured and wild fish in terms of their nutrition, food quality for humans, and resource availability for aquafeeds.

Alpha-Ketoglutarate: An Effective Feed Supplement in Improving Bone Metabolism and Muscle Quality of Laying Hens: A Preliminary Study

Simple SummaryHigh egg production in laying hens can negatively affect their skeletal system, which serves as a reservoir of minerals. Intense bone metabolism due to eggshell production in laying hens can lead to bone loss and subsequent fractures. Spent laying hens’ meat can be also used as raw material for the manufacture of processed products. Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a precursor of amino-acid glutamine, effectively improves growth performance, bone metabolism, immunity, and alleviate intestinal mucosal damage. The aim of this experiment was to assess the effect of dietary AKG supplementation on performance, serum hormonal parameters, intestine structure, bone parameters, articular cartilage degradation and characteristics of meat quality of laying hens with a mature skeletal system. The results of our study showed that dietary AKG supplementation did not influence feed intake, weight gain, or laying performance, but improved bone metabolism, increased bone collagen synthesis. Moreover, dietary AKG significantly decreased the cholesterol content of breast muscle. The results showed that AKG can be a valuable feed supplement, positively influencing the bone health status and welfare of laying hens.The aim of the experiment was to assess the effect of dietary alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) supplementation on performance, serum hormonal indices, duodenum and jejunum histomorphometry, meat quality characteristics, bone quality traits and cartilage degradation in laying hens with a mature skeletal system. Forty-eight 30 week-old Bovans Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to a control group or the group fed the basal diet plus 1.0% AKG. The experimental trial lasted 30 weeks. The supplementation of AKG increases blood serum content of leptin, ghrelin, bone alkaline phosphatate and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand, while osteoprotegerin and osteocalcin decrease. While dietary AKG was given to laying hens negatively influenced villus length, crypt depth, villus/crypt ratio and absorptive surface area in duodenum and jejunum, these changes have no effect on feed intake, weight gain, nor laying performance. In breast muscles, no significant changes in skeletal muscle fatty acid composition were observed, however, a higher shear force and decreased cholesterol content following AKG supplementation were noted, showing the improvement of muscle quality. While dietary AKG supplementation did not affect the general geometric and mechanical properties of the tibia, it increased collagen synthesis and enhanced immature collagen content. In medullary bone, an increase of bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, fractal dimension and decrease of trabecular space were observed in AKG supplemented group. The trabeculae in bone metaphysis were also significantly thicker after AKG supplementation. AKG promoted fibrillogenesis in articular cartilage, as indicated by increased cartilage oligomeric matrix protein immunoexpression. By improving the structure and maintaining the proper bone turnover rate of highly reactive and metabolically active medullar and trabecular bones AKG showed its anti-osteoporotic action in laying hens.

Fatty acid concentration of plasma, muscle, adipose and liver from beef heifers fed an encapsulated n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement

Increasing the content of polyunsaturated fat in the human diet is a priority for reducing cardiovascular disease and cancer risks. Beef has the potential to contribute to the polyunsaturated fat content in the human diet; however, ruminants cannot synthesise many long-chain fatty acids de novo; they require dietary supplementation. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate (i) the effect of a partially rumen protected n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) dietary supplement on the fatty acid composition of muscle (Longissimus dorsi), adipose and liver tissues of beef heifers and (ii) the usefulness of blood plasma as a predictor of tissue concentrations of specific fatty acids. Charolais crossbred heifers (n = 20) were assigned to one of two isolipid dietary treatments namely palmitic acid (control) or an n-3 LC-PUFA supplement for a 91-day period. Blood plasma and adipose tissue samples were taken to determine the temporal effect of these diets on fatty acid composition (days 0, 10, 35 and 91), while liver and muscle samples were taken following slaughter. Dietary lipid source did not influence animal growth rate or body condition score. At day 91, the percentage differences between control and n-3 LC-PUFA heifers in concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid were +61, +176 and +133 % in liver, muscle and adipose, respectively. For docosahexaenoic acid, at the same time point, the percentage differences were +57, +73 and +138 % for liver, muscle and adipose, respectively. Medium-to-strong positive correlation coefficients were evident for liver and plasma fatty acids, in particular, there were positive relationships with concentrations of total saturated fatty acid (SFA), total n-6 PUFA and total n-3 PUFA. This trend also extended to both the ratio of PUFA to SFA (slope (β1) = 0.56 ± 0.167, intercept (β0) = 0.56, R2 = 0.61, P < 0.05) and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 PUFA (β1 = 0.15 ± 0.054, β0 = 0.24, R2 = 0.52, P < 0.05). A strong correlation was also detected in the ratio of n-6 to n-3 in plasma and muscle tissue of heifers fed the n-3 LC-PUFA diet (β1 = 0.53 ± 0.089, β0 = −0.31, R2 = 0.83, P < 0.001). The results of this study show that the n-3 LC-PUFA can be readily increased through targeted supplementation and that plasma concentrations of n-3 LC-PUFA are useful predictors of their concentrations in a number of economically important tissues.

Effects of Raw and Fermented Rapeseed Cake on Growth Performance, Methane Production, and Breast Meat Fatty Acid Composition in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryThe addition of raw rapeseed cake (RRC) to broiler feed may avoid the negative effects of soybean meal (SBM), including its genetically modified origin, environmental impact, and nonprospective flexible price. Processing RRC through fermentation has also been shown to be beneficial: adding fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) to the broiler diet is a nutritional approach that addresses both the environmental issue of broiler enteric methane emission and the economic issues of soybean meal. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of partial replacement of soybean meal by a 15% addition of RRC or FRC to the diets of broiler chickens on methane emission, nitrogen retention, ether extract digestibility, growth performance, and breast muscle fatty acid composition. The FRC did not show any unfavorable effects on growth performance or nutrient utilization, and it improved the fatty acid profile of the breast muscle; additionally, both methanogens and methane emission from the fermentation of cecal contents were significantly limited. In conclusion, FRC as a partial substituent may be a valuable alternative to soybean meal in broiler chicken nutrition.The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) by 15% raw or fermented rapeseed cake (RRC or FRC) to broilers’ diets on growth performance, nutrient utilization, methane emission, and breast muscle fatty acid (FA) composition. A total of 420 one-day-old female Ros 308 broilers were used in three independent experiments (300 birds in the first experiment and 60 in the second and third experiments). In each trial, three treatments were set up: a control group (without rapeseed), and diets replaced soybean meal with 15% addition of RRC or FRC. Birds fed the FRC diet experienced no effect (p > 0.05) on performance or nutrients utilization. Methane emission and total methanogen population in the ceca was decreased (p < 0.05) with the FRC diet. The concentrations of n-3 and n-6 FAs in the breast tissue of fourteen-day-old birds were not affected (p > 0.05) by FRC. However, the n-6/n-3 ratio in the breast muscle of 28-day-old birds was reduced (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the replacement of SBM by FRC in the broiler diets did not show any unfavorable effects on performance or nutrient utilization. Furthermore, the breast meat FA profile was improved, methanogen counts significantly decreased, and methane emission was limited.

Total replacement of fishmeal with poultry by-product meal affected the growth, muscle quality, histological structure, antioxidant capacity and immune response of juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer.

The present study investigates if the total replacement of dietary fishmeal (FM) with poultry by-product meal (PBM), supplemented with methionine influences the muscle fatty acids composition, normal gut morphology, histological traits of the liver, muscle, and gill, liver enzymes, immune and antioxidant response, and stress-related gene in juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer in relation to growth and feed utilization. Barramundi (3.58±0.01g) were randomly distributed into six 300 L seawater recirculating tanks (25 fish/tank) and fed two formulated isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets for 6 weeks. The control diet had FM as the sole animal protein source, whereas other test diet had only PBM as an animal protein source. Dietary PBM affected the fish performance and feed utilization. Regarding muscle fatty acid profile, total saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids elevated while total PUFA particularly n-3 LC-PUFA and EPA decreased in PBM fed fish than control diet fed fish. Liver, muscle, gill, and intestinal histology showed no obvious alteration in control diet fed fish, however, more lipid droplets and hepatic vacuolization in the liver, necrotic myotome in muscle, hyperplasia in secondary lamellae in gill and short and broken folds in the intestine were observed in PBM fed fish. Similar to light microscopy observation of intestinal morphology, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed shorter and smaller microvilli in fish fed PBM. Histopathological alterations in the liver of PBM fed fish were further associated with the elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and the significant upregulation of stress-related genes, HSP70 and HSP90. Also, a negative influence on lysozyme activity, and antioxidant enzymatic activities were recorded in fish fed PBM. Overall, it can be concluded that a total substitution of FM protein by methionine supplemented PBM negatively influenced the growth performance, liver health, histological traits of different organs, immune and antioxidant response, and expression of stress-related genes in juvenile barramundi.

Economic and biological features of young cattle of Kalmyk breed of different breed types

Domestic beef cattle breeding is faced with a difficult task to accelerate the development of the industry in the context of a course on import substitution, which involves not only increasing the volume of raw materials produced, but also improving the quality of products. The purpose of the research was a comparative test of new breed types of Kalmyk cattle with the study of biological and economic features in terms of the formation of reproductive traits and meat productivity, as well as the composition of proteins and lipids of meat, morphometry of muscle tissue in young animals for further improvement of the breed. Comprehensive researches on the economic and biological characteristics and meat production taking into account bioconversion of nutrients in feed products, the qualitative assessment of meat in relation to the histological organization of muscle tissue, amino acid and fatty acid composition of proteins and lipids of meat and given the economic effectiveness of growing of young Kalmyk breed of new factory types Aita and Voznesenovsky have been carried out under environment of the Southern Federal District. Analysis of data on the intensity of daily body weight gain for the entire period of control rearing has shown that castrated bullates of Voznesenovsky type have surpassed herdmates of Aita type by 27,6 g or 3,43 %. A similar situation has been observed among heifers of different types. Different terms of implementation of individual cycles of reproductive function in heifers have been established. Heifers of Voznesenovsky type differed in an earlier period of sexual maturity by 3,9–7,8 days, relative to heifers of Aita type. A comparative analysis of the economic and biological characteristics of castrated bullates and heifers of Kalmyk breed of different breed types has shown the superiority of young animals of Voznesenovsky breed type.

Supplemental carbohydrase enzyme and methionine in broilers fed flaxseed: effects on growth performance, nutrient retention, muscle lipids, and jejunal morphology

The present study investigated the effect of carbohydrase enzyme, methionine ( Met ) (100% above Cobb 500 requirement level), or their combination on growth performance, carcass yield, total tract retention ( TTR ) of DM, CP, fatty acid ( FA ), muscle FA composition, lipid peroxidation products, and jejunum histomorphology in broiler chickens fed 10% flaxseed-containing diets. One hundred and twenty (n = 120) day-old Cobb chicks were fed corn-soybean meal–based diet containing 0% flaxseed (control), 10% whole flaxseed (diet 1), diet 1 + 0.05% carbohydrase enzyme (diet 2), diet 1 + 100% more Cobb 500 Met requirement (diet 3), and diet 1 + 0.05% carbohydrase enzyme + 100% more Cobb 500 Met requirement (diet 4) for 42 d. The data were analyzed by ANOVA with 5 treatments with 4 replications in a completely randomized design. At day 42, BW gain was the highest in control when compared to flaxseed-containing diets ( P < 0.05). Dry matter TTR was higher in diet 3 and diet 4 than that in diet 1 and diet 2 ( P < 0.05), and CP TTR was highest in diet 3 compared with that in diet 1 and diet 2 ( P < 0.05). Supplementing Met increased linoleic and α-linolenic acid TTR in birds fed flaxseed ( P < 0.05). Total and long-chain (≥20C) n-3 FA was higher in the thigh muscle of broilers fed diet 3 and diet 4 than in those fed diet 1, diet 2, and control ( P < 0.05). Lipid oxidation products in the thigh muscle was the highest in birds fed diet 4 ( P < 0.05). Jejunal villous height, villous perimeter, and villous surface area were highest in birds fed diet 1 ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Met, or its combination with carbohydrase enzyme, increased DM, CP, and essential FA TTR and thigh muscle n-3 FA in broilers fed flaxseed. However, supplementing Met or its combination reduced BW gain and negatively affected jejunal morphology in broilers fed flaxseed.