Proportion Of Α-linolenic Acid Research Articles

Influence of Dietary Inclusion of Exhausted Bergamot By-Product in Pigs on Animal Performance, Fatty Acid Profile and Oxidative Stability of Meat and Meat Products.

Simple SummaryThe pharmaceutical industry is increasingly interested in the extraction of phenolic compounds from bergamot pulp, which becomes less available for use in animal feeding. On the other hand, the extraction of phenol compounds generates a new bergamot by-product characterized by a low moisture content and a small concentration of phenolic compounds which are residual after extraction. In light of the above, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of exhausted bergamot by-product in pigs’ performance and on the quality of meat and meat products.An investigation was carried out on the effect in pig diet of supplementation with exhausted bergamot by-product, stemming from pharmaceutical industry after extraction of phenolic compounds, on growth performance and on the quality of meat and meat products. Twenty pigs were assigned to two dietary treatments and fed a conventional concentrate (control) or a concentrate including exhausted bergamot by-product at the level of 15% on a DM basis (EB). No significant differences between dietary treatments were found for final weight (p = 0.243), carcass weight (p = 0.679), dry matter intake (p = 0.321). In EB pork, the proportion of docosapentaenoic acid was significantly increased (p < 0.05); it tended to have a greater proportion of n-3 PUFA (p = 0.09), and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was lower in EB treatment (p = 0.01). In salami from EB pigs fed, the proportion of α-linolenic acid and the total n-3 PUFA were higher than in the control group (p < 0.001). In salami, the TBARS value was lower after 5 days of storage (p < 0.001) in the EB group. Therefore, the present results suggest that the inclusion of exhausted bergamot by-product in pig diet resulted in a qualitative improvement of meat and meat products.

Little Difference in Milk Fatty Acid and Terpene Composition Among Three Contrasting Dairy Breeds When Grazing a Biodiverse Mountain Pasture.

In the mountains, autochthonous and robust breeds are often used to valorize biodiverse grasslands. Along with their lower nutrient requirements, compared to specialized dairy breeds, they are expected to be better adapted to complex environments and valorize grasslands into dairy products of high quality. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the grazing selection of three contrasting dairy breeds on a biodiverse mountain pasture, and its consequences on milk fatty acid (FA) profile and prevalence of individual terpenes. A dual-purpose breed from the Italian Alps, the Valdostana Red Pied (Va), was compared to Montbéliardes (Mo), more specialized in milk production, and the highly specialized Holsteins (Ho). Diet selection was measured by scan-sampling, calculating selectivity indexes, and collecting simulated bites during two consecutive days in June (end of first grazing cycle) and July (second grazing cycle). Milk samples were collected at each milking during these experimental periods. Yield of milk and its fat and protein contents were measured. Milk FA and terpenes were analyzed by gas chromatographic methods. We tested the effects of breed, period and their interaction in a repeated mixed model, and calculated Pearson's correlations between behavioral data and milk FA as well as terpenes. The Va grazed less mature vegetation than Ho, but this difference was not sufficient to lead to a major breed effect on milk FA profile and prevalence of terpenes. However, the proportion of α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) was always higher in the milk fat of Va than Ho (Mo were intermediary), but this without any correlation to grazing selection. This could be a consequence from a different metabolism concerning ruminal biohydrogenation, but must be further investigated. Finally, we confirmed previous studies that highlighted a link between milk quality and cows' grazing behavior, but here without differences among breeds. All cows adapted their behavior to the herbage evolution during the season, leading to higher proportions of unsaturated FA in July than June milks. Our study suggests that under mountain grazing conditions (biodiverse pasture and cows in late lactation), milk quality depends more on herbage composition than on cow breed.

In vitro and in vivo evaluations of wine lees as feeds for ruminants: Effects on ruminal fermentation characteristics, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites and antioxidant status

Wine lees are by-products of wine-manufacturing, but the usefulness as animal by-product feed has not yet been revealed. The present study was aimed to investigate the usability of wine lees as feed for ruminants in fattening conditions by in vitro and in vivo trials. In in vitro experiments (in vitro I and II), the following four treatments were prepared: 100% dry matter (DM) rolled barley as a control (WL0), and replaced 7.5% DM, 15.0% DM, and 22.5% DM of wine lees as three treatments (WL7.5, WL15, WL22.5, respectively). A linear decrease in gas production was observed at 48 h after incubation with an increase in the percentage of wine lees in the substrate (P < 0.01). The DM and crude protein (CP) digestibility were linearly decreased with wine lees inclusion (P < 0.01), while neutral detergent fiber expressed exclusive of residual ash (NDFom) digestibility was linearly increased (P < 0.05). The polyphenolic contents and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability of fermented residue were linearly increased with wine lees inclusion (P < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). The proportion of α-linolenic acid and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the residues after incubation was linearly increased with wine lees inclusion (P < 0.01). Additionally, in in vivo experiment, four cannulated wethers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment and each wether was assigned to one of the following feeding treatments: C, basal concentrate without wine lees; L, 6.7% DM of concentrate was replaced with wine lees; M, 13.3% DM of concentrate was replaced with wine lees; H, 20.0% DM of concentrate was replaced with wine lees. The apparent digestibilities of DM, CP, and NDFom did not differ among the treatments (P > 0.05). As wine lees increased, the proportion of ruminal propionate at 4 h after feeding and plasma malondialdehyde, which is one of the oxidative stress markers, were decreased (P < 0.05), and inorganic phosphorus concentration in plasma was increased (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the nitrogen balance between the treatments. Conclusively, the wine lees substituted for the fattening ration up to 20% DM had no adverse effects on apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and nitrogen balance and decreased an oxidative stress marker in plasma in vivo. Although the gas production and DM and CP digestibility were decreased in vitro, wine lees inclusion protected PUFA from ruminal biohydrogenation during ruminal fermentation. Thus, wine lees have a potential to be an important alternative as a partial substitute for antioxidant products.

Fatty Acid Composition of New Zealand Forage Finished Beef Compared to US Grain Fed Beef

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate differences in fatty acid (FA) composition of NZ beef finished on fodder beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris L.; FB) or traditional grass diets and US grain-finished beef.Materials and MethodsStrip loins (n = 240) were selected from a commercial abattoir in NZ representing two feeding treatments (FB, non-FB) and expected low and high eating quality (primarily based on marbling) following a nationwide feeding trial to finish beef steers using FB. Selection resulted in four treatments: FB low quality (FBL), FB high quality (FBH), non-FB low quality (NFBL), and non-FB high quality (NFBH). Additionally, sides of beef (n = 120) representing USDA Top Choice (TCH) and Select (SEL) were sourced from a commercial abattoir in the US. Loins were fabricated prior to 21 d postmortem to isolate the longissimus lumborum (LL); these were sliced into 2.5 cm steaks, vacuum packaged, and stored at 2–4°C until 21 d or 35 d postmortem and frozen on the appropriate day. Lipids were extracted from a subset of samples via chloroform: methanol extraction then separated into polar and neutral fractions. Fatty acid methyl esters were evaluated using GC-FID. Data were analyzed with a 2-way ANOVA at a significance level of α = 0.05 and treatment, aging, and the respective interaction as fixed effects.ResultsAging influenced percent saturated FA (%SFA; P &lt; 0.01), monounsaturated FA (%MUFA; P &lt; 0.01), and polyunsaturated FA (%PUFA; P = 0.01). An increase in %MUFA and %PUFA at 35 d compared with 21 d (P &lt; 0.01) corresponded with a decrease in %SFA at 35 d (P &lt; 0.01). Treatment also influenced %PUFA (P &lt; 0.01). NFBL contained the greatest %PUFA (P &lt; 0.05). TCH and FBH contained less %PUFA than all treatments except SEL (P &gt; 0.05). Treatment and aging also affected palmitic and stearic acids (P &lt; 0.01), which make up the greatest portion of SFA. The proportion of palmitic acid was least in SEL (P &lt; 0.05) and greater in FBH than NFBH and TC (P &lt; 0.05). The US treatments had lower proportions of stearic acid than NZ treatments (P &lt; 0.05). Both palmitic and stearic acids were of greater proportions in 35 d samples than 21 d samples (P &lt; 0.05). Oleic acid contributes largely to total FA and was affected by the interaction of treatment and aging (P = 0.04). At 35 d, NZ treatments had greater proportions of oleic acid than at 21 d (P &lt; 0.05). The proportion of oleic acid was least in SEL at both aging times. Of the PUFA, linoleic was affected by treatment (P &lt; 0.05) and was greatest in SEL and TC (P &lt; 0.05); FB treatments had the lowest proportion of linoleic acid (P &lt; 0.05). Treatment and aging affected α-linolenic acid (P &lt; 0.01). NFBL and NFBH had a greater proportion than both FB and US treatments (P &lt; 0.05); both FB treatments had greater proportions of α-linolenic than US treatments (P &lt; 0.05). Proportion of α-linolenic acid was elevated with 35 d aging (P &lt; 0.05). Treatment affected proportions of long chain PUFA (P &lt; 0.05) with TCH and SEL having lower proportions than NZ treatments (P &lt; 0.05). Low quality NZ treatments had the greatest proportions of long chain PUFA (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionWhile finishing diet does affect fatty acid composition of beef strip steaks, finishing on FB produces a similar FA composition to non-FB grass. Total lipid content is also responsible for variation in FA composition. As lipids oxidize during aging, a shift toward more unsaturated FA occurs, leading to a decrease in %SFA.

Fatty acid composition and quality properties of chicken sausage formulated with pre-emulsified perilla-canola oil as an animal fat replacer

The potential use of an oil in water (o/w) emulsion made from perilla and canola oil in chicken sausage as an animal fat replacer was assessed. The (o/w) emulsion was made from 50% (wt/wt) perilla-canola oil mixture in a 30:70 ratio, 3.20% (wt/wt) polyglycerol polyricinoleate, 4.48% (wt/wt) soy protein isolate, 14% (wt/wt) inulin, and 28.32% (wt/wt) water. The sausages were manufactured with 60% (wt/wt) ground chicken breast, 20% (wt/wt) fat (beef tallow as a control), and 20% (wt/wt) ice water. Full replacement of animal fat with a perilla-canola oil (o/w) emulsion reduced the fat content and estimated calories but increased the moisture, protein, ash, and carbohydrate content. The proportion of α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3) was increased when animal fat was replaced with either a perilla-canola oil mixture or pre-emulsified perilla-canola oil, resulting in a lower n6 to n3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio than the control. The perilla-canola oil (o/w) emulsion improved emulsion stability and minimized cooking loss during sausage manufacturing. Higher L* value (lightness) and whiteness were observed in the sausages formulated with the perilla-canola oil mixture, followed by the pre-emulsified perilla-canola oil and the control. The perilla-canola oil (o/w) emulsion also increased the hardness but maintained an acceptable appearance, flavor, and overall impression similar to the control. The shelf life could be extended by vacuum packing and storing the cooked sausages formulated with a perilla-canola oil (o/w) emulsion for 30 D at 2 ± 1°C. Pre-emulsified perilla-canola oil could be used to replace animal fat in reduced-fat chicken sausage manufacture.

Fatty Acid Composition of New Zealand Forage Finished Beef Compared to US Grain Fed Beef

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate differences in fatty acid (FA) composition of NZ beef finished on fodder beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris L.; FB) or traditional grass diets and US grain-finished beef.Materials and MethodsStrip loins (n = 240) were selected from a commercial abattoir in NZ representing two feeding treatments (FB, non-FB) and expected low and high eating quality (primarily based on marbling) following a nationwide feeding trial to finish beef steers using FB. Selection resulted in four treatments: FB low quality (FBL), FB high quality (FBH), non-FB low quality (NFBL), and non-FB high quality (NFBH). Additionally, sides of beef (n = 120) representing USDA Top Choice (TCH) and Select (SEL) were sourced from a commercial abattoir in the US. Loins were fabricated prior to 21 d postmortem to isolate the longissimus lumborum (LL); these were sliced into 2.5 cm steaks, vacuum packaged, and stored at 2–4°C until 21 d or 35 d postmortem and frozen on the appropriate day. Lipids were extracted from a subset of samples via chloroform: methanol extraction then separated into polar and neutral fractions. Fatty acid methyl esters were evaluated using GC-FID. Data were analyzed with a 2-way ANOVA at a significance level of α = 0.05 and treatment, aging, and the respective interaction as fixed effects.ResultsAging influenced percent saturated FA (%SFA; P < 0.01), monounsaturated FA (%MUFA; P < 0.01), and polyunsaturated FA (%PUFA; P = 0.01). An increase in %MUFA and %PUFA at 35 d compared with 21 d (P < 0.01) corresponded with a decrease in %SFA at 35 d (P < 0.01). Treatment also influenced %PUFA (P < 0.01). NFBL contained the greatest %PUFA (P < 0.05). TCH and FBH contained less %PUFA than all treatments except SEL (P > 0.05). Treatment and aging also affected palmitic and stearic acids (P < 0.01), which make up the greatest portion of SFA. The proportion of palmitic acid was least in SEL (P < 0.05) and greater in FBH than NFBH and TC (P < 0.05). The US treatments had lower proportions of stearic acid than NZ treatments (P < 0.05). Both palmitic and stearic acids were of greater proportions in 35 d samples than 21 d samples (P < 0.05). Oleic acid contributes largely to total FA and was affected by the interaction of treatment and aging (P = 0.04). At 35 d, NZ treatments had greater proportions of oleic acid than at 21 d (P < 0.05). The proportion of oleic acid was least in SEL at both aging times. Of the PUFA, linoleic was affected by treatment (P < 0.05) and was greatest in SEL and TC (P < 0.05); FB treatments had the lowest proportion of linoleic acid (P < 0.05). Treatment and aging affected α-linolenic acid (P < 0.01). NFBL and NFBH had a greater proportion than both FB and US treatments (P < 0.05); both FB treatments had greater proportions of α-linolenic than US treatments (P < 0.05). Proportion of α-linolenic acid was elevated with 35 d aging (P < 0.05). Treatment affected proportions of long chain PUFA (P < 0.05) with TCH and SEL having lower proportions than NZ treatments (P < 0.05). Low quality NZ treatments had the greatest proportions of long chain PUFA (P < 0.05).ConclusionWhile finishing diet does affect fatty acid composition of beef strip steaks, finishing on FB produces a similar FA composition to non-FB grass. Total lipid content is also responsible for variation in FA composition. As lipids oxidize during aging, a shift toward more unsaturated FA occurs, leading to a decrease in %SFA.

Effect of replacing maize silage with red clover silage in the diet on milk fatty acid composition in cows

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing maize silage plus soybean meal with red clover silage (RCS) plus wheat on the fatty acid (FA) profile in the milk fat of cows. Forty-four lactating German Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods composed of 13 d of adaptation to diets followed by an 8-d sampling phase. Experimental diets offered as total mixed ration consisted of a constant forage-to-concentrate ratio (75:25) with target proportions of RCS to maize silage of 15:60 (RCS15), 30:45 (RCS30), 45:30 (RCS45), and 60:15 (RCS60) on a dry matter basis. Increasing the level of RCS in the diet was accompanied by a reduction of linoleic acid content in the diet and decreased linearly the proportions of linoleic acid in the milk up to 4%. Proportions of α-linolenic acid in milk increased 2-fold with RCS60 compared with RCS15, which resulted from the linear increase in α-linolenic acid intake with incremental levels of RCS. Vaccenic acid in the milk fat was reduced by 24%. Rumenic acid, a conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid) considered to be a human health promoter, was also decreased by 22%. Reduced rumenic acid in the milk fat was probably due to a reduced amount of vaccenic acid produced in the rumen and, consequently, to the low amount of vaccenic acid to be desaturated to rumenic acid in the mammary gland by Δ9-desaturase. Oleic acid was enriched in the milk fat, although the dietary concentration of oleic acid decreased. Stearic acid proportions remained constant with increasing levels of RCS. The proportions of total polyunsaturated FA were increased by 12%, and the long-chain FA proportions increased linearly with increasing levels of RCS. Myristic acid was reduced linearly, but palmitic acid remained constant. Saturated FA was reduced linearly by 2%. Branched-chain FA, which are presumed to possess anticarcinogenic properties, were reduced to a small extent only (quadratic effect). We conclude that replacing maize silage with RCS appears to alter milk FA composition by reducing linoleic acid intake and ruminal biohydrogenation. Feeding RCS represents a strategy to increase intake of α-linolenic acid in dairy cows. However, because changes in the FA profile show positive as well as negative effects, no distinct conclusions can be drawn with regard to human health benefits.

Chromatographic analysis of lypophilic compounds in eggs from organically fed hens

Egg yolks represent a common foodstuff in the human diet and are an important source of nutrients including lipids and carotenoids. The aim of this study was to compare the carotenoid, fatty acid and vitamin E contents of the yolk of eggs from nine hen breeds (Barred Plymouth Rock, Speckled Italian, Black Italian, Red Italian, Rhode Island, Silver Laced Wyandotte, Gold Araucana, Partridge Brahma and Yellow Cochin) raised in barns in an enclosed house. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the fatty acid analyses, and reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (RP-HPLC-PDA) for carotenoids and vitamin E quantification. The major carotenoids identified were lutein and zeaxanthin, which together represented more than 93% of the total carotenoids, followed by β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene.The results indicated that the total carotenoid content of the eggs ranged from 16.84–87.31 μg/g egg yolk (average value 49 μg/g egg yolk). The most representative fatty acids found were palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. Significant differences in the proportions of α-linolenic acid were observed among the samples. The α-tocopherol content was directly correlated with the total carotenoid content. The results show that the chemical composition of egg yolk varies greatly among hen breeds.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of two FAD2 genes from chia (Salvia hispanica)

FATTY ACID DESATURASE 2 (FAD2, EC 1.3.1.35), also known as delta-12 oleate desaturase, is a key enzyme for linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid biosynthesis. Chia (Salvia hispanica) seeds contain the highest known proportion of α-linolenic acid in any plant sources. In this study, two full-length FAD2 genes, named as ShFAD2-1 and ShFAD2-2, were isolated from S. hispanica based on RACE method. Both ShFAD2-1 and ShFAD2-2 proteins possess strong transmembrane helices, three histidine motifs and a C-terminal ER-located signal (YNNKL). Phylogenetic analysis showed that both ShFAD2-1 and ShFAD2-2 are grouped with constitutive plant FAD2s. Heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicated that ShFAD2-1 and ShFAD2-2 genes both encode a bio-functional delta-12 oleate desaturase. ShFAD2-2 was mainly expressed in flowers and early-stage seeds while ShFAD2-1 expression was almost constitutive in different organs. qRT-PCR results demonstrated that ShFAD2-1 and ShFAD2-2 show a cold-induced and heat-repressed expression pattern, whereas they also were differentially up-regulated or repressed by other abiotic stresses. This is the first cloning and function characterization of FAD2 from S. hispanica, which can provide insights into molecular mechanism of high ALA traits of S. hispanica and enrich our understanding of the roles of FAD2 genes in various abiotic stresses.

Carcass and meat quality of finished and non-finished Limousin heifers from alpine livestock systems differing in altitudinal origin of the forage

ABSTRACTEffects of the alpine origin of the forage and of finishing on carcass and beef quality were quantified by modelling different alpine livestock system alternatives. Thirty-five Limousin heifers, initially weighing 383 ± 45 kg, were fed fresh grass at 400 or 2000 m above sea level, or a 1:1 mixture of alpine grass and lowland grass hay at 2000 m. After 9 weeks, the six heaviest and oldest animals per group were slaughtered. The remaining animals were finished for 8 weeks on a silage-concentrate diet in the lowlands to similar age and body weight as the first slaughtered group. Carcass and meat quality (M. longissimus thoracis) were assessed in various respects. The average daily gains achieved were of about 600 g/d and similar between forage-type groups. Dressing percentage was 53.5% in the alpine and 57.2% in the lowland group. Carcass conformation and fat cover scores did not differ between forage-type groups. The meat from the alpine groups had greater ultimate pH and smaller redness, yellowness and protein contents. Still, these differences were of minor practical relevance. There was no forage-type effect on water-holding capacity and shear force of the meat. The alpine systems enhanced the proportion of α-linolenic acid in intramuscular fat and decreased the levels of some volatile compounds in perirenal fat. Finishing resulted in compensatory growth, especially in the animals previously fed lowland grass. There was a trend for the finished compared with the non-finished groups towards greater carcass fat cover and intramuscular fat content. Additionally, ultimate pH was smaller and cooking loss was greater with than without finishing. Meat colour differences were also observed. Shear force was not affected by finishing. The finished animals had a smaller α-linolenic acid proportion in the intramuscular fat. In conclusion, the forage type had small effects on carcass and meat quality. Finishing did not substantially improve carcass and meat quality. The (alpine) grass-specific differences in fatty acid profile found in the unfinished cattle were not present in the finished animals.

Fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, proteolysis and lipid composition of alfalfa silage ensiled with apple or grape pomace

The effects of adding 100g of either dried apple pomace (AP), unground grape pomace (GP) or ground grape pomace (GGP) per kg wilted alfalfa (wet basis) on silage characteristics, aerobic stability, proteolysis and lipid composition were studied. The three combinations as well alfalfa without addition were ensiled in 1.8L- jars for 60d, with 4 jars per treatment. Addition of AP and GGP decreased pH (P<0.05). Pomace-treated silages contained more lactic acid than the control silage. Pomace treatments decreased aerobic stability of the ensiled alfalfa. The nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) concentrations in the ensiled alfalfa were decreased by 54%, 67% and 69% after being ensiled with AP, GP and GGP, respectively. Total fatty acid concentrations in the control silage and AP silage were comparable, but in GP or GGP-treated silages it was more than double that of the control silage. Application of pomace markedly increased (P<0.05) the proportions of oleic acid and linoleic acid in the ensiled alfalfa due to high proportions of these fatty acids in both pomaces. Silages treated by GP or GGP had a much greater proportion of linoleic acid than the control or AP treated silages (P<0.05); this fatty acid accounted for half of the fatty acids in GP or GGP-treated silages. The proportion of α-linolenic acid was lower in GP or GGP silages than in control silage or AP silage (P<0.05). In conclusion, application of apple or grape pomace at ensiling of alfalfa could not only employ this industrial waste as feed, but also inhibit proteolysis and alter the fatty acid composition of ensiled alfalfa.

Dietary α-linolenic acid from flaxseed oil or eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids from fish oil differentially alter fatty acid composition and characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed bull semen

Incorporation rates of dietary omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FAs) from different sources into bull plasma and sperm and the effects on physiological characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed semen were determined. Fifteen fertile bulls were assigned to three treatment groups and supplemented for 13 weeks with encapsulated fat: (1) SFA—360 g/d per bull saturated FA; (2) FLX—450 g/d per bull providing 84.2 g/d C18:3n-3 (α-linolenic acid) from flaxseed oil; and (3) FO—450 g/d per bull providing 8.7 g/d C20:5n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 6.5 g/d C22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) from fish oil. Blood samples were taken every 2 weeks and semen was collected weekly. With respect to the FA supplements, the proportion of α-linolenic acid in plasma increased in the FLX bulls, whereas that of DHA was increased in the FO bulls, within 2 weeks. However, changes in the sperm FA fraction were first expressed in the sixth week of supplementation: in the FO and FLX bulls the DHA proportion increased (P < 0.001), whereas that of C22:5n-6 FAs (docosapentaenoic acid [DPA] n-6) decreased (P < 0.001). Sperm motility and progressive motility in fresh semen were higher (P < 0.05), and the fading rate tended to be lower in the FLX than in FO bulls (P < 0.06). Furthermore, sperm motility, progressive motility, and velocity in frozen-thawed semen were higher in FLX than in the other groups (P < 0.008). These findings indicate that the proportion of DHA in sperm can be increased at the expense of DPAn-6 by either FO or FLX supplementation, indicating de novo elongation and desaturation of short- into longer-chain n-3 FAs in testes. Furthermore, the moderate exchange of DHA and DPAn-6 in the FLX group's sperm was associated with changes in the characteristics of both fresh and frozen-thawed semen, suggesting the importance of the ratio between these two FAs for sperm structure and function.

Alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid in meat and adipose tissue of grazing lambs differ among alpine pasture types with contrasting plant species and phenolic compound composition

The special quality of foods from alpine grazing systems concerning their fatty acid (FA) composition is well established. However, the contribution of different specific vegetation types and the animal's genotype to this alpine effect is still unclear. In the present study, the FA profiles of muscle and adipose tissue lipids were determined in lambs that had grazed either an intensively managed lowland pasture or one of three characteristic alpine vegetation types differing in plant species number and composition, forage quality and amount, and composition of phenolic compounds and FA. On each vegetation type and in two subsequent years, two groups of lambs (seven Engadine sheep, ES; and seven Valaisian Black Nose sheep, VS) grazed for 9 weeks and were subsequently slaughtered (total n=110 lambs). Forage samples, meat (Longissimus dorsi muscle, LD) and perirenal adipose tissue were analysed for their FA composition. Forages were additionally analysed for contents of phenolic compounds. Although proportions of α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3) and linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) in plant biomass were clearly higher in the lowland compared to the alpine vegetation, the proportions of these FA were increased in the adipose tissue of alpine grazing sheep by 20–87% and by 26–58% in muscle compared to lowland grazing, depending on the alpine vegetation type. The levels of these two FA in body tissues differed between lambs having grazed different alpine pastures and were clearly positively associated with the contents of phenolic compounds in the vegetation but not with its lipid composition. Compared to the lowland pasture, conjugated linoleic acid (C18:2c9t11) in the tissues was lower when the lambs grazed alpine pastures, but did not differ between the alpine vegetation types. Slight breed differences were found, with a trend for higher proportions of long chain polyunsaturated FA at cost of saturated and monounsaturated FA in the VS compared to the ES. In conclusion, vegetation type is an important factor determining the FA composition in lamb meat and differentiating the alpine effect in this respect. The data clearly suggest that the plant secondary compounds in the swards prevented part of C18:3n-3 and C18:2n-6 from being hydrogenated in the rumen. Tissue-specific differences in incorporation of C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 point to a physiological optimum level in the muscle but not in the adipose tissue.

Dietary α-linolenic acid from flaxseed oil improved folliculogenesis and IVF performance in dairy cows, similar to eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids from fish oil

The objectives of this study were to determine the differential incorporation of various omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FAs) supplemented to dairy cows into ovarian compartments and assess the effects on IVF. Forty-two 256-day pregnant cows were supplemented with encapsulated fats, in treatments designated as i) SFA - saturated fat at 240 and 560 g/day per cow, prepartum and post partum (PP) respectively; ii) FLX - flaxseed oil at 300 and 700 g/day per cow prepartum and PP respectively; and iii) FO - fish oil at 300 and 700 g/day per cow prepartum and PP respectively. Commencing at 60 days in lactation, ovum pickup (OPU) was performed twice weekly (20 sessions; five cows per group) and in vitro maturation and IVF were conducted. The proportion of α-linolenic acid (ALA) was greater in follicular fluid (FF), granulosa cells, and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) of FLX cows than in other groups (P<0.001). The proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was 6.7 times as great in FF of FO as in other groups (P<0.001); docosapentaenoic acid n-3 and DHA were detected in COCs of FO but not in others. The follicle number during OPU was higher in FLX and FO than in SFA (P<0.05), and the oocyte cleavage rate was higher in FLX and FO than in SFA (P<0.01). Also, the percentage of oocytes that developed to blastocysts tended to be higher in both n-3 groups than in SFA (P<0.1). In conclusion, both dietary n-3 FAs similarly improved folliculogenesis and IVF performance; therefore, ALA-rich botanical n-3 seems to be a satisfactory approach to improve oocyte quality.

Plasma Fatty Acid Composition in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer: Correlations to Clinical Parameters

Pancreatic cancer (PC) ranks as the fourth cause of cancer-related deaths in the Czech Republic. Evidence exists that deregulation of fatty acid (FA) metabolism is connected with some malignancies; therefore, we decided to analyze FA profile in plasma lipid classes in patients with PC with relation to tumor staging, nutritional status, and survival. The study included 84 patients (47 males, 37 females) with PC and 68 controls (36 males, 32 females). FA patterns were analyzed in plasma lipid classes by gas-chromatography. We observed increased proportion of total monounsaturated FA (MUFA) in PC group in all plasma lipid classes. These changes were connected with increased Δ9-desaturase (SCD1) and Δ5-desaturase indices. Correlations of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DHGLA) with these variables were opposite. Longer survival of patients was connected with higher content of EPA, DHA, and with lower SCD1 index, respectively. Plasma phospholipid proportions of α-linolenic acid, DHGLA, EPA, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids displayed negative trend with tumor staging. Plasma lipid FA pattern in PC patients resulted from decreased dietary fat intake and increased de novo synthesis of FA with transformation into MUFA. Changes in FA profile implicated some pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for disturbed FA metabolism in PC and importance of appropriate nutritional support.

Enriching milk fat with n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by supplementing grazing dairy cows with ruminally protected Echium oil

Echium oil is a naturally rich source of stearidonic acid (SDA; C18:4 n−3), an n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ( n−3 PUFA) which is a precursor to the long chain (LC) n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n−3 PUFA) eicosapentaenoic (EPA, C20:5 n−3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA, C22:6 n−3). The latter are LC n−3 PUFA for which there is accumulating evidence for positive cardiovascular health claims in human consumers. To determine the extent to which SDA supplementation can enrich milk fat with EPA and DHA, we supplemented 5 dairy cows on irrigated pasture with Echium oil for 10 d. The oil supplement was ruminally protected against biohydrogenation by using a protein–aldehyde matrix. Milk samples were collected during supplementation and 1, 2 and 30 d after supplementation ceased. Echium oil supplementation had no effect on levels of milk crude protein, fat, lactose and solids-not-fat. Average daily milk yield gradually declined as the period of supplementation progressed, and returned to pre-supplementation period levels after withdrawal of the supplement. The proportions of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3 n−3), SDA, EPA and total n−3 PUFA in milk fat increased in response to supplementation. The initial (Day 1) and final (Day 10) concentrations (in mg/l) of ALA, SDA, EPA and DPA in whole milk were 463 ± 29.2 versus 877 ± 63.1, 38 ± 8.6 versus 144 ± 12.4, 13 ± 6.2 versus 76 ± 9.0 and 45 ± 4.5 versus 65 ± 4.3, respectively. ALA, SDA, EPA and total n−3 PUFA concentrations increased linearly with increasing days of supplementation, while increases in DPA concentrations were curvilinear with a 3–4 d delay in their rise. DHA was not detected in milk fat. In terms of fatty acid yield/cup (i.e., 250 ml) of whole milk, enrichment of milk with EPA amounted to an increase from around 3.1–13.9 mg. As there was no change in DHA content, the long-chain n−3 PUFA content based on EPA alone was less than half of the cut-off point for omega-3 “source” claim (30 mg EPA + DHA per human serving) for foods in Australia. However, the total n−3 PUFA content of milk increased from 559 ± 41.0 to 1162 ± 82.4 mg/l. Data suggest that this oil containing SDA enriched milk with EPA, but not DHA. Dose response and large scale studies are needed to determine the optimal dietary inclusion rate and the commercial feasibility of SDA-containing oils as a means of increasing n−3 fatty acids in dairy cow milk.

Probiotics and dietary counselling targeting maternal dietary fat intake modifies breast milk fatty acids and cytokines

Breast milk fatty acids possess immunomodulatory properties, and new intervention strategies beyond supplementation of maternal diet with single oils are called for. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary intervention during pregnancy and breastfeeding on breast milk fatty acid and cytokine composition. Pregnant women were randomised into three study groups: dietary intervention with probiotics (diet/probiotic) or with placebo (diet/placebo) and a control group (control/placebo). Dietary intervention included dietary counselling and provision of rapeseed oil-based food products. The probiotics used were Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 in combination. Dietary intake was evaluated by food records at every trimester of pregnancy and 1month postpartum. Breast milk samples were collected after birth (colostrum) and 1month after delivery for fatty acid and cytokine analysis (n=125). Dietary intervention improved the quality of fat in the diet. In breast milk, the proportion of α-linolenic acid and total n-3 fatty acids was higher in both dietary intervention groups compared with control group (p<0.05). In the diet/probiotic group, the γ-linolenic acid content was higher compared with the diet/placebo group (p<0.05). The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-4 and IL-2 were higher in both dietary intervention groups compared with controls, and furthermore, long-chain n-3 fatty acids were associated with several cytokines in colostrum samples. The present intervention demonstrated the possibility of modifying breast milk immunomodulatory factors by dietary means.

The trans fatty acid and conjugated linoleic acid content of Fulani butter oil in Nigeria

From the milk of their cows, the Fulani pastoralists who inhabit northern Nigeria and other regions of the western Sahel produce a high-fat product called man shannu or butter oil. Since cow milk and dairy products contain a variety of trans fatty acids (TFAs) and conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) which, depending on the particular TFA or CLA, can affect human health either adversely or positively, we were interested in determining the fatty acid composition of the milk fat of Fulani cattle and the butter oil manufactured therefrom. Milk from 12 Fulani cows and three different preparations of man shannu were analyzed for their content of TFAs and CLAs. The average fat content of the Fulani cow milk and man shannu was 3.84% and 62.5%, respectively. The milk fat contained relatively large proportions of trans vaccenic acid (mean, 3.82%) and the CLA, rumenic acid (mean, 1.35%). The percentage of the 4 major trans 18:1 isomers in man shannu was 2.23-fold higher than it was in the milk fat (10.4% versus 4.61%, respectively); in contrast, the c9,t11-18:2 percentage of man shannu was 80% lower than it was in the milk fat of the Fulani cows (0.23% versus 1.35%, respectively). Eighty percent or higher reductions were observed in the proportions of α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid in the man shannu relative to the milk fat. These data show that: (1) the fat of Fulani cow milk and man shannu both contain large amounts of TFAs; and (2) substantial quantities of the healthful CLAs and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are lost during the preparation of man shannu.

255 EFFECT OF THE TYPE OF DIETARY FATTY ACID (α-LINOLENIC ACID OR LINOLEIC ACID) ON THE NUMBER AND THE QUALITY OF OOCYTES COLLECTED BY OVUM PICKUP AND ON IN VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION BY DAIRY HEIFERS

A supplement of dietary fat can improve oocyte quality in ruminants. However, to our knowledge, the effect of the type dietary fat (differing in fatty acid profile) on oocyte and embryo production has never been reported in cattle. Therefore, in this study the effect of the type of fat supplement on the number and quality of oocytes collected by ovum pickup (OPU) and on the production of embryos was investigated in Holstein heifers. The experiment was conducted over 2 years: year 1: 8 heifers, and year 2: 10 heifers (16 to 20 months old, body weight 368 � 8.2 kg and BCS 2.3 � 0.1). Heifers were given a diet of hay (67% DM) and a concentrate (33% DM). The concentrate (130 g fat/kg DM) was formulated with either extruded linseeds (L, rich in α-linolenic acid (ω-3 fatty acid),n = 9) or extruded soybeans (S, rich in linoleic acid (ω-6 fatty acid), n = 9). Oocytes were collected by OPU for 6 weeks (2 sessions/week) and their morphological quality was assessed (Q1, excellent; Q2, good; Q3, fair; and Q4, low). The oocytes from one session/week were frozen and those from the other session were used to produce embryos (in vitro maturation and fertilization). Embryo quality was judged following IETS criteria (EQ1, excellent; EQ2, good; EQ3, fair; and EQ4, low). Blood samples were collected weekly throughout the experiment for the analysis of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and urea. Statistical analysis was performed on the growth rate, BCS, hormone, metabolite, and fatty acid data and on the oocyte and embryo data using Split plot ANOVA. Growth rate was not affected by diet (S, 0.93 � 0.21 kg d-1 vs. L, 0.90 � 0.21 kg d-1), and there was no effect of dietary treatment on plasma hormone and metabolite concentrations. However, treatment L increased the proportion of α-linolenic acid (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), and treatment S increased the proportion of linoleic acid (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) in the plasma. Neither the oocyte characteristics (number of oocytes collected, 5.3 � 1.0 vs. 5.7 � 1.0; their quality: Q1, 1.1 � 0.3 vs. 1.0 � 0.3; Q2, 1.8 � 0.3 vs. 1.6 � 0.3; Q3, 1.4 � 0.4 vs. 2.1 � 0.4; and Q4, 1.0 � 0.2 vs. 1.1 � 0.2; and oocytes inseminated, 4.4 � 0.8 vs. 5.1 � 0.8, and cleaved, 3.4 � 0.7 vs. 3.5 � 0.7 per heifer per session; L vs. S, respectively) nor the embryo characteristics (number of embryos, 1.1 � 0.3 vs. 0.9 � 0.3; their quality: EQ1, 0.4 � 0.1 vs. 0.3 � 0.1; EQ2, 0.4 � 0.1 vs. 0.3 � 0.1; EQ3, 0.2 � 0.1 vs. 0.3 � 0.1; and EQ4, 0.04 � 0.03 vs. 0.05 � 0.03 per heifer per session; L vs. S, respectively) were affected by dietary treatment. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, the type of fatty acid (ω-3 vs. ω-6) does not modify significantly the numbers of oocytes and embryos produced by OPU and their quality in dairy eifers.

Storage lipid accumulation and acyltransferase action in developing flaxseed

Investigations of storage lipid synthesis in developing flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) provide useful information for designing strategies to enhance the oil content and nutritional value of this crop. Lipid content and changes in the FA composition during seed development were examined in two cultivars of flax (AC Emerson and Vimy). The oil content on a dry weight basis increased steadily until about 20 d after flowering (DAF). The proportion of alpha-linolenic acid (alpha-18:3, 18:3cisDelta9,12,15) in TAG increased during seed development in both cultivars while the proportions of linoleic acid (18:2cisDelta9,12) and saturated FA decreased. The developmental and substrate specificity characteristics of microsomal DAG acyltransferase (DGAT, EC 2.3.1.20) and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT, EC 2.3.1.51) were examined using cultivar AC Emerson. The maximal acyltransferase specific activities occurred in the range of 8-14 DAF, during rapid lipid accumulation on a per seed basis. Acyl-CoA of EPA (20:5cisDelta5,8,11,14,17) or DHA (22:6 cis4,7,10,13,16,19) were included in the specificity studies. DGAT displayed enhanced specificity for alpha-18:3-CoA, whereas the preferred substrate of [PAAT was 18:2-CoA. Both enzymes could use EPA- or DHA-CoA to varying extents. Developing flax embryos were able to take up and incorporate these nutritional FA into TAG and other intermediates in the TAG-formation pathway. This study suggests that if the appropriate acyl-CoA-dependent desaturation/elongation pathways are introduced and efficiently expressed in flax, this may lead to the conversion of alpha-18:3-CoA into EPA-CoA, thereby providing an activated substrate for TAG formation.