Proportion Of Fatty Acids Research Articles

Effects of postharvest piling up in bulk on qualities of Camellia oleifera seeds

The study investigated the effects of postharvest piling up in bulk on Camellia oleifera seed qualities, including moisture content, oil content, fatty acid composition, soluble sugar, soluble protein content, acid value, peroxide value, lipase activity, lipoxygenase activity, and mold colony, under varying relative humidity (60%, 80%, 98%) and time durations (1–8 days). Additionally, it examined the impact of piling temperature and diverse postharvest treatments. The results revealed that piling up in bulk promoted the post-ripening of Camellia oleifera seeds, leading to a gradual decrease in seed moisture content while initially increasing oil content before stabilizing. After 2 days of piling, seed oil content increased by 5.65%, 4.40%, and 1.06% under RH conditions of 60%, 80%, and 98%, respectively. However, after 4 days, the oil content declined by 8.36%, 6.06%, and 4.14%, respectively. The proportions of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids declined gradually, while monounsaturated fatty acids increased significantly. The acid value decreased, correlating positively with lipase activity. Mold colonies on seeds increased minimally with piling duration, while those on fruit shells increased sharply by 1–4 logarithmic units after the 4th day. When examining the effect of temperature, higher piling temperatures were found to gradually increase the seed oil content. Based on the order of oil content, the different treatment methods were ranked as follows: piling up in bulk-sun drying > piling up in bulk-drying > shelling-sun drying > direct sun drying > shelling-drying. Therefore, these findings advance our understanding of postharvest piling up in bulk of Camellia oleifera seeds and provide valuable insights for selecting treatment methods and parameters.

Effect of supplementing zilpaterol hydrochloride during different periods on energetics, growth performance, carcass traits and fatty acid profile in meat of finishing lambs

To determine the effect of adding β2 agonist zilpaterol hydrochloride during different periods on growth performance, dietary energetic, carcass traits and fatty acid profile, forty male lambs Pelibuey × Katahdin (37.70 ± 0.83 kg) were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to pens. Treatments consisted in: 1) control, no zilpaterol supplementation, 2) zilpaterol supplementation for 20 d (ZIL20), 3) zilpaterol supplementation for 30 d (ZIL30), and 4) zilpaterol supplementation for 40 d (ZIL40). Compared with control treatment, zilpaterol supplementation increased final live weight (FLW) (3.5 %; P = 0.0563), average daily gain (ADG, 14.8 %; P = 0.0598) and gain:feed ratio (10.3 %; P = 0.0324). As well as hot carcass weight (6.1 %; P = 0.0064), dress out percentage (2.6 %; P = 0.0139) and Longissimus dorsi muscle area (13.7 %; P = 0.0015). Compared to control group, zilpaterol increased (P = 0.0413) observed vs. expected dietary of NEm (net energy requirements for maintenance) and NEg (net energy requirements for growth) (5.7 and 8.1 %, respectively). Twenty days of zilpaterol treatment improved FLW (4.4 %, P = 0.0566) and tended to improve ADG (17.4 %, P = 0.0718) when compared to control group. Only intramuscular fat showed a positive linear effect (P = 0.0006) in stearic fatty acids proportion and negative linear effect (P = 0.0585) in araquidonic fatty acid proportion. We conclude that zilpaterol hydrochloride improved variables of growth performance, energy retention and carcass traits with noticeable effects from 20 d of zilpaterol supplementation.

Evaluation of seed yield, essential oil compositions, and fatty acid profiles in advanced fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) breeding populations

Metabolites derived from bitter fennel serve as flavoring and healing agents in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic sectors. Previously, we developed three fennel breeding populations (Early, Medium, and Late Maturity Synthetic Cultivars) with the potential to produce higher seed yield. This investigation aimed to assess the quality and quantity of the important metabolites in these three cultivars alongside their elite parental populations. Our results showed that the highest amounts of essential oil yield and seed yield were produced by, two breeding populations, Medium and Late Maturity Synthetic Cultivars. These cultivars showed positive seed yield heterosis rates of 28% and 20%, respectively, above the averages of their parental populations. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil samples identified 24 components in total. The major compounds in all genotypes were trans-anethole (34.09–77.84%), limonene (4.99–12.66%), methyl chavicol (1.35–38.69%), and fenchone (6–13.07%). The highest amount of trans-anethole belonged to Fasa and the Medium Maturity Synthetic with 77.84 % and 73.10%, respectively. The analysis of fatty acid compositions in the genotypes was conducted using GC-FID, which revealed the presence of 19 unique fatty acids, of which ten were saturated, and nine were unsaturated fatty acids. Petroselinic acid (67.11–78.44%), and linoleic acid (9.14–11.60%) were the major unsaturated fatty acids in fennel seeds. The Early Maturity Synthetic exhibited the least saturated fatty acid content (7.24%), while the highest levels of unsaturated fatty acids were found in both the Early Maturity Synthetic (89%) and Hashtgerd (88.55%). The genotypes were categorized into four groups using a heat map analysis with hierarchical clustering. Overall, the results showed that the three synthetic cultivars of fennel have outperformed the elite parental populations for seed and essential oil yields, concentration of the major industrial secondary metabolites such as trans-anethole, and higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids. These cultivars show potential for usage in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

Assimilation of fish farm wastes by the ecosystem engineering bivalve Atrina zelandica

As feed-additive aquaculture expands to open ocean areas, there is concern that ecologically important habitats may be adversely impacted by sedimentation of farm wastes. In this study, we investigated assimilation of salmon faecal wastes by an ecosystem engineering bivalve that occurs in open ocean environments (Atrina zelandica), as well as effects on physiology and fatty acid metabolism. A. zelandica were subjected to one of 3 treatment diets (fish faeces, 1:1 mix of algae:faeces and algae) in a 51 d laboratory trial. We found a diet-related response in fatty acid composition, including increased prevalence of oleic acid (OA) in digestive tissues of A. zelandica fed on both the fish faeces diet and the mixed diet, indicating fish wastes were assimilated in both treatments. Fish waste consumption was related to a more marked reduction in fatty acid content of digestive gland, as well as lower proportions of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in digestive tissues. Fatty acid composition in gonad and muscle tissues was more strongly influenced by sex. Regardless of dietary treatment, females accumulated C18 fatty acids in gonad tissues, particularly OA, which may preclude the use of OA as a fish waste tracer in this organ. The accumulation of specific fatty acids according to sex may indicate a capacity for preferential selection and retention or biosynthesis of biologically important fatty acids. If present, these mechanisms may increase resilience of A. zelandica to stress from deficiencies in LC-PUFA when using fish wastes as a trophic subsidy.

Effects of Dietary Eucommia ulmoides Leaf Extract Supplementation on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Lipid Metabolism of Finishing Pigs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in finishing pigs. A total of 240 "Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire" crossbred pigs with an initial weight of 74.70 ± 0.77 kg were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and 0.2% ELE group, with each group containing 10 replicates of 12 pigs per pen (half barrows and half gilts). The data showed dietary 0.2% ELE supplementation did not affect growth performance but tended to reduce the backfat thickness of the finishing pigs (p = 0.07). ELE diets increased pH value (p < 0.05) and meat color score (p = 0.01) and decreased 45 min L* value (p < 0.05), 24 h L* value (p = 0.01), pressurization loss (p = 0.01), and 24 h drip loss (p < 0.05) in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, accompanied by an increased (p < 0.05) proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p = 0.06) and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (p = 0.05) compared to controls. In addition, ELE supplementation increased inosine monophosphate (IMP) (p = 0.01), sweet amino acids (AAs) (p < 0.05), and total free AA content (p = 0.05) in LD. Meanwhile, increased activity of glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) in both serum and LD muscle and decreased malondialdehyde content (p < 0.01) in LD muscle were detected with ELE treatment. Moreover, pigs fed ELE had a higher total protein (p < 0.01), albumin (p < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05) and a lower total cholesterol (p < 0.01) and triacylglycerols (p = 0.06) in serum. Consistently, significant effects of dietary ELE were observed on the relative mRNA expression of lipid metabolism in the backfat and the LD muscle, respectively. ELE attenuated lipogenic processes in backfat, decreasing the relative expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and upregulating the relative expression of adipose triacyl glyceride lipase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B, and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (p < 0.05). ELE also decreased the relative expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (p < 0.05), fatty acid translocase (p < 0.05), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B (p < 0.01), and adipose triacyl glyceride lipase (p < 0.05) in LD muscle (p < 0.05). More specifically, lipogenesis appeared to be inhibited in both LD muscle and backfat, with the difference being that lipolysis was enhanced in backfat and inhibited in LD muscle. In conclusion, dietary ELE supplementation can potentially enhance carcass traits, sensory quality, and nutritional value of pork without negatively affecting intramuscular fat content. The underlying mechanism for these positive effects may be linked to the alterations in lipid metabolism and increased antioxidant capacity induced by ELE.

Effects of Genotype on Pig Carcass, Meat Quality and Consumer Sensory Evaluation of Loins and Bellies.

The objective of the study was to compare carcass and meat quality among Lithuanian White, Lithuanian Indigenous Wattle and conventional hybrids as well as consumer sensory evaluations. The pigs were slaughtered at a live weight of approximately 95-100 kg. After 24 h of slaughter, carcasses were evaluated and sampled for the analysis of meat quality traits of loins and consumer evaluation of cooked loins and baked bellies. The pigs of both Lithuanian breeds had higher backfat thickness and depth of underbelly but lower loin area compared with hybrids. However, more fatty local breeds had higher intramuscular fat content but lower cholesterol content than hybrids. The loins from local pigs displayed higher pH and colour with lower lightness and yellowness but higher redness and also lower cooking loss, shear force and hardness than conventional hybrids. Pork from lean hybrids had a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids and more favourable lipid quality indices such as atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) indices and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (h/H) ratio; however, the peroxidisability index (PI) and iodine value (IV) were less favourable compared with local pigs. Consumers evaluated cooked loins and baked bellies. The loins from local breeds scored higher in juiciness, taste and overall acceptability compared with conventional hybrids. However, a higher overall acceptability was observed for the lean bellies of hybrids. The results can be used to increase pork consumption choices.

The impact of overnight lairage on meat quality and storage stability of pork loin.

Lairage, a part of the animal welfare practices, has been known to mitigate pre-slaughter stress in animals. However, research investigating the relationship between lairage and pork meat quality remains scarce. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the physicochemical quality and storage stability of pork from pigs subjected to immediate slaughter (CON) and those provided with a 24 h lairage before slaughter (LRG) over a 7-day storage period. The loins from 20 castrated pigs in each group, respectively, were collected at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days and used for analysis of meat quality and storage stability, including pH, meat color, moisture, water holding capacity, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation, antioxidant activity, and electrical resistance. Overall, there were no significant differences in physicochemical meat quality parameters between CON and LRG groups. Similarly, no differences were observed in the storage stability of pork including 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and electrical resistance. However, the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids was significantly higher in LRG compared to CON. In conclusion, 24 h lairage for castrated pigs had limited impact on meat quality and storage stability but led to an increase in the unsaturated fatty acid proportion.

Improving the Rumen Molar Proportion of Glucogenic Volatile Fatty Acids with the Inclusion of Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata) Meal in Pelleted Diet of Fattened Cattle

Improving the Rumen Molar Proportion of Glucogenic Volatile Fatty Acids with the Inclusion of Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata) Meal in Pelleted Diet of Fattened Cattle

Effect of red osier dogwood extract on in vitro gas production, dry matter digestibility, and fermentation characteristics of forage-based diet or grain-based diet

This in vitro batch culture study investigated the effects of red osier dogwood (ROD) extract supplementation on gas production (GP), dry matter disappearance (DMD), and fermentation characteristics in high forage (HF) and high grain (HG) diets with varying media pH level. The experiment was a factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized design with 2 media pH (5.8 and 6.5) × 4 dose rates of ROD extract (0, 1, 3, and 5% of DM substrate). An additional treatment of monensin was added as a positive control for each pH level. The HF substrate consisted of 400 and 600 g/kg DM barley-based concentrate and barley silage, respectively, while the HG substrate contained 100 and 900 g/kg DM barley silage and barley-based concentrate, respectively. Treatments were incubated for 24 h with GP, DMD and fermentation parameters determined. No interaction was detected between the media pH level and ROD extract dose rate on GP, DMD and most of the fermentation parameters. The GP, DMD, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration were greater (P = 0.01) with media pH of 6.5 in both HF and HG diets. The GP were not affected by increasing ROD dose rate, except that GP linearly decreased in the HF (P = 0.04) and HG (P = 0.01) diets at 24 h; the DMD tended to linearly decrease at pH 6.5 (P = 0.06) for both HF and HG diets and at pH 5.8 (P = 0.02) for the HG diet. Adding ROD extract to the HF and HG diets linearly (P = 0.01) increased the acetate molar proportion at high or low media pH and consequently, the acetate to propionate (A:P) ratio linearly (P ≤ 0.04) increased. Supplementation of ROD extract to the HF diet linearly (P = 0.04) decreased the molar proportion of propionate at pH 6.5 (interaction between pH and ROD extract; P = 0.05), but had no effect on propionate proportion when added to the HG diet. Moreover, the proportion of branched-chain fatty acids linearly (P = 0.03) decreased with ROD extract supplementation at low pH (interaction, P < 0.05) for HF diet and linearly decreased (P = 0.05) at pH 6.5 for HG diet (interaction, P < 0.05). The NH3–N concentration was not affected by ROD supplementation in the HF diet but it linearly (P = 0.01) decreased with increasing dose rate in the HG diet. Methane concentration tended to linearly (P = 0.06) increase with ROD extract supplementation at high pH for HF diet and linearly increased at pH 5.8 (P = 0.06) and pH 6.5 (P = 0.02) for HG diet. These results indicate that the decreased DMD and increased A:P ratio observed with addition of ROD extract may be beneficial to HG-fed cattle to reduce the risk of rumen acidosis without negatively impacting fiber digestion.

Early Low-Grade Inflammation Induced by High-Salt Diet in Sprague Dawley Rats Involves Th17/Treg Axis Dysregulation, Vascular Wall Remodeling, and a Shift in the Fatty Acid Profile.

Unrestricted increased table salt (NaCl) intake is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. However, data on salt-induced immunomodulatory effects in the earliest phase of salt loading are scarce. In the present study, an animal model of short-term salt loading was employed, including male Sprague Dawley rats consuming a high-salt diet (HSD; 4% NaCl) or standard laboratory chow (low-salt; LSD; 0.4% NaCl) during a 7-day period. The contribution of angiotensin II (ANGII) suppression was tested by adding a group of rats on a high-salt diet receiving ANGII infusions. Samples of peripheral blood/mesenteric lymph node leukocytes, brain blood vessels, and serum samples were processed for flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, total proteome analysis, and multiplex immunoassay. Data analysis revealed the up-regulation of Il 6 gene in the microcirculation of high-salt-fed rats, accompanied by an increased serum level of TNF-alpha cytokine. The high-salt diet resulted in increased proportion of serum mono-unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids, reduced levels of linoleic (C18:2 ω-6) and α-linolenic (C18:3 ω-3) acid, and increased levels of palmitoleic acid (C16:1 ω-7). The high-salt diet had distinct, lymphoid compartment-specific effects on leukocyte subpopulations, which could be attributed to the increased expression of salt-sensitive SGK-1 kinase. Complete proteome analysis revealed high-salt-diet-induced vascular tissue remodeling and perturbations in energy metabolism. Interestingly, many of the observed effects were reversed by ANGII supplementation. Low-grade systemic inflammation induced by a HSD could be related to suppressed ANGII levels. The effects of HSD involved changes in Th17 and Treg cell distribution, vascular wall remodeling, and a shift in lipid and arachidonic acid metabolism.

The Presence of Bioactive Compounds in European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) Skin: A Comparative Study with Edible Tissue.

The presence of bioactive compounds in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) skin was studied. Proximate and lipid class compositions and analysis of the fatty acid (FA) profile (individual FAs; FA groups, i.e., saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated; FA ratios, i.e., polyunsaturated/saturated, ω3/ω6) were determined and compared to the composition of the eel muscle. As a result, higher (p < 0.05) levels of proteins (271.6 g·kg-1), lipids (38.0 g·kg-1), ash (27.7 g·kg-1), and ω6 FAs were observed in the skin tissue. Contrary, the muscle tissue showed higher (p < 0.05) moisture, ω3 FA, and ω3/ω6 ratio values. Regarding lipid classes, a higher (p < 0.05) proportion of phospholipids (111.1 g·kg-1 lipids), free sterols (104.7 g·kg-1 lipids), α-tocopherol (274.0 mg·kg-1 lipids), and free FAs (43.6 g·kg-1 lipids) was observed in the skin tissue. No differences (p > 0.05) between both tissues could be detected for triacylglycerol and FA group (saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated) values and for the polyunsaturated/saturated FA ratio. It is concluded that European eel skin, a by-product resulting from commercial processing, can be considered a valuable source for the food and pharmaceutical industries by providing value-added constituents such as proteins, lipids, ω3 FAs, phospholipids, and α-tocopherol.

Growth of Scenedesmus obliquus in anaerobically digested swine wastewater from different cleaning processes for pollutants removal and biomass production

Anaerobically digested swine wastewater (ASW) purification by microalgae provides a promising strategy for nutrients recovery, biomass production and CO2 capture. However, the characteristics of ASW from different cleaning processes vary greatly. At present, the cultivation of microalgae in ASW from different manure cleaning processes is rarely investigated and compared. That may bring uncertainty for microalgae growth using different ASW in large-scale application. Thus, the ASW from three cleaning processes were tested for cultivating microalgae, including manure dry collection (I), water flushing (II) and water submerging processes (III). The characteristics of ASW from three manure cleaning processes varied greatly such as nutrient and heavy metals levels. High concentration of ammonia and copper in ASW significantly inhibited microalgae growth. Fortunately, the supply of high CO2 (10%) effectively alleviated negative influences, ensuring microalgal growth at low dilution ratio. The characteristics of three ASW resulted in significant differences in microalgae growth and biomass components. The maximal biomass production in optimal diluted ASW-I, II and III reached 1.46 g L−1, 2.19 g L−1 and 2.47 g L−1, respectively. The removal of organic compounds, ammonia and phosphorus by optimal microalgae growth in diluted ASW-I, II and III was 50.6%/94.2%/64.7%, 63.7%/82.3%/57.6% and 83.2%/91.7%/59.7%, respectively.The culture in diluted ASW-I, II and III obtained the highest lipids production of 12.1 mg L−1·d−1, 16.5 mg L−1·d−1 and 19.4 mg L−1·d−1, respectively. The analysis of lipids compositions revealed that the proportion of saturated fatty acids accounted for 36.4%, 32.4% and 27.9 % in optimal diluted ASW-I, II and III, as ideal raw materials for biodiesel production.

Detritivore physiology and growth benefit from algal presence during microbial leaf colonization

AbstractIn headwater streams, riparian leaf litter is the primary food source for detritivores. While it is well known that aquatic fungi improve the nutritious quality of leaves, our understanding on whether and how benthic algae influence this process remains limited. Here, we hypothesized that the interplay between algae and fungi, termed “algal priming”, further enhances food quality. In a 40‐d microcosm experiment, we fed Gammarus fossarum of two size classes with Fagus sylvatica leaves of varying qualities: pure leaves (low quality), leaves colonized by fungi (intermediate quality), and leaves colonized by fungi in the presence of a diatom (high quality). Our results revealed that Gammarus' ingestion rates increased (55–164%) with food quality, spurring accelerated growth (4–14%), regardless of the size class. Furthermore, we observed a tendency for Gammarus' overall fatty acid (FA) quantity to rise with higher‐quality food (12–318%), with the FA profile exhibiting increased proportions of specific polyunsaturated FAs that are essential for detritivores. These observations can likely be attributed to leaf‐associated fungi, which are more readily assimilated than the leaves and are known as a source of FA. This enhancing effect by fungi was further amplified in the presence of diatoms, presumably through the positive effect of algal‐derived labile organic carbon, which supports fungal growth. Despite reduced autochthonous primary production in shaded headwater streams, the experimental findings from this study indicate a potential of enhanced secondary production and energy transfer to higher trophic levels within the aquatic ecosystem.

Effects of various levels of coated cysteamine hydrochloride in the diet on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites in growing Charolais crossbred cattle.

This study investigated the impact of different levels of coated cysteamine hydrochloride (CSH) supplementation on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites in Charolais cross bulls. Twelve bulls were allotted to three feeding treatments in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design: 0% CSH (control), 0.5% CSH, and 1.0% CSH in concentrate. Animals were fed concentrate at 1.5% of body weight. Dry matter intake (DMI) and DMI as a percentage of body weight showed no significant differences among treatments (p > 0.10). Nutrient digestibility was consistent across treatments, except for a slight decrease in NDF digestibility with 1% CSH (p = 0.07). Ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acid (VFA) proportions, and total VFA concentration were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). Total bacteria, fungal zoospores, and protozoa populations in the rumen did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). Blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations remained stable (p > 0.05), while blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were higher in CSH-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, incorporating CSH levels ranging from 0.5% to 1.0% into the diet did not adversely affect feed intake, ruminal fermentation, or microbial populations. Additionally, 1.0% CSH improved BUN concentration in growing Charolais cross bulls.

Effects of sex on meat quality traits, amino acid and fatty acid compositions, and plasma metabolome profiles in White King squabs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of sex on meat quality and the composition of amino and fatty acids in the breast muscles of White King pigeon squabs. Untargeted metabolomics was also conducted to distinguish the metabolic composition of plasma in different sexes. Compared with male squabs, female squabs had greater intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition and lower myofiber diameter and hydroxyproline content, leading to a lower shear force. Female squabs also had higher monounsaturated fatty acid and lower n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid proportions in the breast muscle, and had greater lipogenesis capacity via upregulation of PPARγ, FAS and LPL gene expression. Moreover, female squabs had lower inosine 5'-monophosphate, essential, free and sweet-tasting amino acid contents. Furthermore, Spearman's correlations between the differential plasma metabolites and key meat parameters were assessed, and putrescine, N-acetylglutamic acid, phophatidylcholine (18:0/P-16:0) and trimethylamine N-oxide were found to contribute to meat quality. In summary, the breast meat of male squabs may have better nutritional value than that of females, but it may inferior in terms of sensory properties, which can be attributed to the lower IMF content and higher shear force value. Our findings enhance our understanding of sex variation in squab meat quality, providing a basis for future research on pigeon breeding.

Combining shading and lipid-enriched diets as an adaption tool to reduce coral bleaching

Mass coral bleaching driven by climate change impacts coral reefs globally. As net zero emissions and a return to pre-industrial global temperatures are unlikely to occur in the near future, there is an urgent need to engineer intervention methods that can mitigate the risk of coral bleaching at different scales. Coral dietary enrichment and shade-based irradiance reduction have each been shown to reduce coral bleaching. Here, we tested the hypothesis that combining these two intervention methods could further reduce the risk and impact of bleaching using an outdoor experiment with fragments of the coral Hydnophora exesa. The experiment was set up over three orthogonal factors: shade (2 levels – 4 h of 30% shade and no shade), temperature (2 levels – 32.6 °C and 26.4 °C) and food type (2 levels – fatty-acid enriched and non-enriched Artemia). The provision of 30% shade for 4 h did not significantly affect any of the measured bleaching response variables, likely due to the low natural irradiance for all treatments throughout the experiment. Significant bleaching of H. exesa fragments occurred in the high-temperature treatments after 18 days of thermal stress. Feeding the corals Artemia enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids had a minor impact on the proportion of fatty acids in the corals and resulted in a decline in chlorophyll a content and symbiont density. Overall, these results suggest that coral PUFA enrichment may have limited potential as a mitigation tool to minimise the risk of mass coral bleaching as numerous factors such as species and lipidome composition must be considered. In addition, we recommend that irradiance values higher than the natural light levels recorded during our experiment are required to effectively test the ability of shading technologies designed to reduce mass bleaching of coral reefs.

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron ameliorates mouse hepatic steatosis through regulating gut microbial composition, gut-liver folate and unsaturated fatty acids metabolism

ABSTRACT Gut microbiota plays an essential role in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), making the gut-liver axis a potential therapeutic strategy. Bacteroides genus, the enriched gut symbionts, has shown promise in treating fatty liver. However, further investigation is needed to identify specific beneficial Bacteroides strains for metabolic disorders in NAFLD and elucidate their underlying mechanisms. In this study, we observed a positive correlation between the abundance of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (B. theta) and the alleviation of metabolic syndrome in the early and end stages of NAFLD. Administration of B. theta to HFD-fed mice for 12 weeks reduced body weight and fat accumulation, decreased hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance, and prevented hepatic steatohepatitis and liver injury. Notably, B. theta did not affect these indicators in low-fat diet (LFD)-fed mice and exhibited good safety. Mechanistically, B. theta regulated gut microbial composition, characterized by a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in HFD-Fed mice. It also increased gut-liver folate levels and hepatic metabolites, alleviating metabolic dysfunction. Additionally, treatment with B. theta increased the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acid in the mouse liver, offering a widely reported benefit for NAFLD improvement. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that B. theta ameliorates NAFLD by regulating gut microbial composition, enhancing gut-liver folate and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, highlighting the therapeutic role of B. theta as a potential probiotic for NAFLD.

Enhancing milk quality and modulating rectal microbiota of dairy goats in starch-rich diet: the role of bile acid supplementation.

Diets rich in starch have been shown to increase a risk of reducing milk fat content in dairy goats. While bile acids (BAs) have been used as a lipid emulsifier in monogastric and aquatic animals, their effect on ruminants is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of BAs supplementation on various aspects of dairy goat physiology, including milk composition, rumen fermentation, gut microbiota, and BA metabolism. We randomly divided eighteen healthy primiparity lactating dairy goats (days in milk = 100 ± 6 d) into two groups and supplemented them with 0 or 4g/d of BAs undergoing 5weeks of feeding on a starch-rich diet. The results showed that BAs supplementation positively influenced milk yield and improved the quality of fatty acids in goat milk. BAs supplementation led to a reduction in saturated fatty acids (C16:0) and an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids (cis-9 C18:1), resulting in a healthier milk fatty acid profile. We observed a significant increase in plasma total bile acid concentration while the proportion of rumen short-chain fatty acids was not affected. Furthermore, BAs supplementation induced significant changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, favoring the enrichment of specific bacterial groups and altering the balance of microbial populations. Correlation analysis revealed associations between specific bacterial groups (Bacillus and ChristensenellaceaeR-7group) and BA types, suggesting a role for the gut microbiota in BA metabolism. Functional prediction analysis revealed notable changes in pathways associated with lipid metabolism, suggesting that BAs supplementation has the potential to modulate lipid-related processes. These findings highlight the potential benefits of BAs supplementation in enhancing milk production, improving milk quality, and influencing metabolic pathways in dairy goats. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the broader implications of these findings.

Fatty acid composition and lipid nutritional quality of adult and pediatric enteral diets

This study evaluates the fatty acid composition and lipid nutritional quality of enteral diets (ED), focusing on patients requiring enteral nutrition (EN). EN is crucial for patients unable to take adequate oral nutrition. The emphasis is on the importance of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly those from the omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) series, present in diets. These fatty acids are associated with health benefits, such as preventing cardiovascular disease and modulating the immune system. Seven adult ED and three pediatric ED were analyzed, using techniques such as gas chromatography to identify the fatty acid profile. Chemometric analysis, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), was employed to explore patterns and similarities between samples. The PCA results indicate that there were similarities and distinctions between the samples studied, especially samples DA6 and DA7. HCA corroborated these observations, identifying four distinct groups. The analysis of lipid nutritional quality indices revealed that some samples meet the recommended proportions of fatty acids, while others present discrepancies, especially in relation to the ∑n-6/∑n-3 and ∑PUFA/∑SFA ratios. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the lipid composition of ED, to ensure adequate nutrition and benefit the health of EN-dependent patients. Understanding these aspects contributes to more informed choices when prescribing enteral diets, optimizing clinical results.

The Effects of Harvest Maturity of Eragrostis tef 'Moxie' Hay and Supplemental Energy Source on Forage Utilization in Beef Heifers.

The phenological stage of maturity of grasses and supplementation program can impact forage utilization in grazing beef cattle. However, the potential interaction between harvest maturity of Eragrostis tef (teff) hay and energy supplement source was yet to be fully evaluated. Therefore, our objective was to determine the effects of harvest maturity of teff hay and supplemental energy sources on nutrient intake, apparent total-tract nutrient digestion, nitrogen (N) utilization, and ruminal fermentation characteristics in beef heifers. A split-plot design with teff hay harvest maturity as the whole plot and supplemental energy source as the subplot was administered in a three-period (21 d), three × three Latin square design. Six crossbred beef heifers (804 ± 53.6 kg of body weight; BW) were allocated to two harvest maturities (early- (EH]) or late-heading (LH)) and to two supplemental energy sources (no supplement (CON), or rolled corn grain or beet pulp pellet fed at 0.5% of BW). Data were analyzed using SAS. There was no harvest maturity × energy supplement interaction. Although harvest maturity had no impact on total dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein (CP) intake was greater (p < 0.01) for EH than LH heifers. Total intakes of dry (DM) and organic matter (OM) were also greater (p < 0.01) for supplemented than CON heifers, whereas acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake was greater for beet pulp heifers compared to heifers fed the CON diet and supplemental corn grain. Harvest maturity had no impact on ruminal pH. However, mean ruminal pH was lower (p = 0.04), duration pH < 6.2, and molar proportions of butyrate and branched-chain fatty acids were greater (p ≤ 0.049) for heifers fed corn grain compared to CON and beet pulp diets. Heifers fed EH hay had greater (p ≤ 0.02) apparent total-tract DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF digestibility than heifers fed LH hay. Although there was no supplemental energy effect on microbial nitrogen (N) flow, it was greater (p < 0.01) for EH than LH heifers. Apparent N retention, which did not differ, was negative across all diets. In summary, delaying the harvest of teff hay from the EH to LH stage of maturity compromised nutrient supply, which was not attenuated by feeding supplemental corn grain and beet pulp at 0.5% of diet DM. Because N retention was negative across harvest maturity, there might be a need to provide both energy and protein supplements to improve growth performance when feeding teff hay to beef cattle.