Sheep Fat Research Articles

Biodiesel production from sheep fat catalyzed by CaO-SrO(x)/BCs(y) acid-base bifunctional catalyst and process optimization

Biodiesel production from sheep fat catalyzed by CaO-SrO(x)/BCs(y) acid-base bifunctional catalyst and process optimization

Iron Age Fur Skin Tanning – a Sustainable Practice?

Tanning is among the most polluting industries in the world. Industrial-produced hides and skins are fully or pre-tanned with highly polluting chromium salts. The purpose of the study was to gain new knowledge about Iron Age tanning methods to clarify whether sustainable tanning methods can be developed based on this. Fur skin capes, uncovered in Jutland bogs, from Baunsø Mose (20-220 AD), Borremose I (365-116 BC), Huldremose I (1-174 AD) and Vindum Mose (386-203 BC) were analysed by Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and morphological assessment of the skin fibres to identify tanning substances and material condition. Analyses were supplemented with source studies of previous visual assessment of the capes and measured shrinkage temperature of leather and skins excavated from bogs. Our results show that only the samples from Baunsø Mose, Borremose I and Huldremose I contain vegetable tannins. Furthermore, Baunsø Mose contains cow fat and Borremose I, Huldremose I and Vindum sheep fat. All contain indications of the presence of aluminum and iron compounds. The samples are decomposed to varying extents. Remnants from conservation were detected on Huldremose I, Baunsø Mose and Vindum Mose.

Fatty Acids and Volatile Flavor Components of Adipose Tissue from Local Tibetan Sheep in Qinghai with Dietary Supplementation of Palm Kernel Meal (PKM).

Substituting traditional protein feed with palm kernel meal (PKM) in the diet of Tibetan sheep can be a cost-effective feeding strategy. To determine the impact of PKM on flavor development in different adipose tissues of Tibetan sheep, subjects were fed with 15% and 18% of PKM, while the control group received no PKM. The fatty acids and volatile compounds in the samples were then analyzed by GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS. Adding PKM to the diet significantly increased the C12:0, C14:0, C16:0 and C18:1N9 content in adipose tissues compared with the control, and most of these were associated with flavor formation (p < 0.05). The flavor compounds in the adipose tissues predominantly consisted of alcohols, ketones, acids and aldehydes. In particular, including PKM in the diet increased the proportion of ketones but decreased the proportion of alcohols, acids and aldehydes in subcutaneous and tail fat. Specifically, the proportion of acetone, acetoin monomer, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanone monomer, 2-methyl-2-propanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol and methyl acetate increased significantly in the subcutaneous and tail fat (p < 0.05), while that of ethanol, 1-propanol monomer, butanol monomer, acetic acid monomer and acetic acid monomer decreased. Intermuscular fat exhibited variable results, mainly because the addition of PKM resulted in higher proportions of alcohols, including ethanol, 1-propanol and butanol monomer, especially at 15% PKM. In summary, the addition of PKM improved the flavor of Tibetan sheep fat and increased the amount of favorable volatile flavor compounds. This study can serve as reference for understanding the effects of dietary PKM on the adipose tissue flavor profile of Tibetan sheep.

Impact of various dietary lipids on amelioration of biomarkers linked to metabolic syndrome in both healthy and diabetic Wistar rats

BackgroundThe present study was designed to investigate the influence of different dietary lipids (sheep’s fat, olive oil, coconut oil, and corn oil) on specific biomarkers associated with metabolic syndrome in both healthy and diabetic rats.MethodsThe study designed for 45 days, utilized a male diabetic wistar rat (body weight, 180–220 g) model induced by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg bw). The rats were divided into two sections: five non-diabetic and five diabetic groups, each containing six rats. The first group in each section serving as the control, received a standard diet. Both non-diabetic or diabetic groups, were provided with a standard diet enriched with 15% sheep fat, 15% coconut oil, 15% olive oil, and 15% corn oil, respectively for a duration of 45 days.ResultsPost-supplementation, both healthy and diabetic control rats exhibited a higher food intake compared to rats supplemented with lipid diet; notably food intake was higher in diabetic control than healthy control. However, rats fed with coconut oil, olive oil and sheep fat showed weight gain at the end of the experiment, in both healthy and diabetic groups. Coconut oil supplementation significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased HDL-C and total cholesterol level in diabetic groups compared to healthy group, it was confirmed by an increased PPAR-α and ABCA-1 protein level. Olive oil significantly decreased triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-C levels in diabetic rats when compared to sheep fat or coconut oil. Corn oil significantly decreased fasting glucose, total cholesterol and LDL-C levels compared to all other groups. Corn and olive oil supplemented normal groups, found with significant increase in hepatic glucose-lipid oxidative metabolism associated protein, like FGF-21, MSH, ABCA-1, PPAR-γ and decreased lipogenesis proteins like, SREBP and PPAR-α levels. In contrast, sheep grease and coconut oil increased SREBP and PPAR-α expression in both normal and diabetic groups. Most notably, normal and diabetic groups pretreated with sheep grease resulted in increased inflammatory (MCP-1, IL-1β, TLR-4, TNF-α), and oxidative stress markers (LPO, GSH, GPx, SOD and CAT) linked with metabolic complications.ConclusionThe combination or alternative use of olive oil and corn oil in daily diet may play a significant role in preventing proinflammatory condition associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases.

Whey and Cow Milk: Dairy Products Useful for Crop Protection

The study was conducted during spring and summer 2022 at Mare Savin garden centre (Trappes, France) to confirm plant protection properties of some dairy products. Indeed, for crop protection, the search for new non-chemical fungicides useful, durable, affordable and efficient as active substances (a.s.). These suitable products, especially from natural origin called BioControl Agents (BCA) are acceptable to civil society (i.e., low-concern profile, and absence of residues of concern) are of paramount importance as the number of chemical solutions has drastically decreased in recent years. When natural substances from the plant origin are plethoric in literature and some are approved as Plant Protection Product (PPP), natural substances from the animal origin repertoire are sparsely represented in PPP a.s., but lately a few substances have obtained a European Union (EU) active substance approval (i.e. sheep fat, blood meal, fish oil, chitosan hydrochloride from crab shell). Dairy products may also exhibit crop protection properties like whey and cow milk are two of these new BCAs. The corresponding applications under EU PPP regulation (EC) n° 1107/2009 were granted as basic substance according Article 23, respectively in 2016 for whey and 2020 for cow milk for protection of vegetable against mildew and agricultural tools disinfection. These basic substances are approved for an unlimited period of time with no Market Authorisation, for all Europe without zone or Member State consideration, and with no Maximum Residue Limits (MRL). Later, an extension of use for vineyards protection against diseases was granted for whey in 2021.

Potential Hepatoprotective Effect of Matricaria Pubescens on High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats.

This study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds of Matricaria pubescens by LC-MS/MS and evaluate the potential protective effect of its supplementation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult rats through modulation of oxidative stress and histopathological changes. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group served as control and received the standard diet. The second group (HFD) received a high-fat diet only (30 % of sheep fat). The third group's (control+MP) animals received a standard diet supplemented with 5 % M. pubescens (w/w). The fourth group (HFD+MP) received a high-fat diet supplemented with 5 % M. pubescens for 16 weeks. LC-MS/MS analysis showed that M. pubescens contains many phytochemical compounds. It was observed that the ethanolic extract of M. pubescens has a higher phenolic content than the aqueous extract. The supplementation of M. pubescens (5 % w/w) to HFD rats decreased significantly (p<0.01) body weight, liver and epididymal adipose tissue relative weights, glycemia, triglycerides (TG), insulin resistance, liver markers, TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) level, and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activities as well as ameliorated histological alterations through the reduction hepatic lipid deposition and adipocytes hypertrophy compared to the HFD group. We conclude that M. pubescens powder may be effective for correcting hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and liver markers while decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver of high-fat diet-fed rats.

Co-sonicated coacervation for high-efficiency green nanoencapsulation of phytosterols by colloidal non-biotoxic solid lipid nanoparticles

Plant sterols are used as a supplement or an additive to reduce LDL cholesterol. The poor dispersibility and instability of phytosterols are the main limitations of their application. So, we tried to overcome these problems through nanoencapsulation of them with colloidal natural RSs (SLNs) using an effective approach to achieve higher efficiency and less intrinsic coagulation. Phytosterols extracted from flax seeds oil with caffeine by a new method were encapsulated with a stable colloid of sheep fat and ostrich oil (1:2), soy lecithin, and glucose through co-sonicated coacervation. Characterization of the obtained SLNs was conducted using FTIR, UV–Vis, SEM, DLS, and GC analysis. The three–factor three–level Behnken design (BBD) was used to prioritize the factors affecting the coacervation process to optimize particle size and loading capacity of SLNs. Operational conditions were examined, revealing that the size of SLNs was below 100 nm, with a phytosterols content (EE %) of 85.46% with high positive zeta potential. The nanocapsules' anti-microbial activity and drug-release behavior were then evaluated using the CFU count method and Beer-Lambert's law, respectively. The controlled release of nanocapsules (below 20%) at ambient temperature has been tested. The stability of nano-encapsulated phytosterols was investigated for six months. All results show that this green optimal coacervation is a better way than conventional methods to produce stable SLNs for the nanoencapsulation of phytosterols.

Concurrent use of two dual-combination drenches containing monepantel/abamectin and oxfendazole/levamisole in sheep: effect on marker residues 21 and 28 days after administration

ABSTRACT Aims To determine the concentration, in comparison with the maximum residue limit (MRL), of anthelmintic marker residues in the target tissues (liver and fat) of sheep treated concurrently with two oral drenches, one containing monepantel and abamectin and the other oxfendazole and levamisole. Methods On day 0 of the study, 12 sheep (six male and six female; 8–9-months old) were dosed according to individual body weight determined the day prior. Zolvix Plus (dual-active oral drench containing 25 g/L monepantel and 2 g/L abamectin) was administered to all animals prior to administration of Scanda (dual-active oral drench containing 80 g/L levamisole hydrochloride and 45.3 g/L oxfendazole). Six sheep (three male and three female) were slaughtered 21 and 28 days after treatment and renal fat and liver samples were collected. Using validated methods, analyses for monepantel sulfone, abamectin, levamisole and oxfendazole (expressed as total fenbendazole sulfone following conversion of the combined concentrations of oxfendazole, fenbendazole and fenbendazole sulfone) were performed on liver samples while renal fat specimens were analysed for monepantel sulfone and abamectin residues only. Detected concentrations were compared to the established MRL in sheep for each analyte determined by the Ministry for Primary Industries. Results All residues detected in samples of liver and fat collected 21 and 28 days after treatment were below the MRL for each analyte. All liver samples collected on day 21 had detectable monepantel sulfone (mean 232 (min 110, max 388) μg/kg) and oxfendazole (mean 98.7 (min 51.3, max 165) μg/kg) residues below the MRL (5,000 and 500 μg/kg, respectively). Monepantel sulfone (mean 644 (min 242, max 1,119) μg/kg; MRL 7,000 μg/kg) residues were detected in 6/6 renal fat samples. Levamisole residues were detected in 3/6 livers (mean 40.0 (min 14.3, max 78.3) μg/kg; MRL 100 μg/kg), and abamectin residues in 1/6 livers (0.795 μg/kg; MRL 25 μg/kg) and 2/6 fat samples, (mean 0.987 (min 0.514, max 1.46) μg/kg; MRL 50 μg/kg) 21 days after treatment. Conclusion and clinical relevance These results suggest that concurrent administration of Zolvix Plus and Scanda to sheep is unlikely to result in an extended residue profile for any of the active ingredients, with all analytes measured being under the approved New Zealand MRL 21 days after treatment. This work was not completed in line with guidance for establishing official residue profiles, nor is it sufficient to propose a new withholding period.

Full-Length Transcriptome and Gene Expression Analysis of Different Ovis aries Adipose Tissues Reveals Transcript Variants Involved in Lipid Biosynthesis.

Sheep have historically been bred globally as a vital food source. To explore the transcriptome of adipose tissue and investigate key genes regulating adipose metabolism in sheep, adipose tissue samples were obtained from F1 Dorper × Hu sheep. High-throughput sequencing libraries for second- and third-generation sequencing were constructed using extracted total RNA. Functional annotation of differentially expressed genes and isoforms facilitated the identification of key regulatory genes and isoforms associated with sheep fat metabolism. SMRT-seq generated 919,259 high-accuracy cDNA sequences after filtering. Full-length sequences were corrected using RNA-seq sequences, and 699,680 high-quality full-length non-chimeric (FLNC) reads were obtained. Upon evaluating the ratio of total lengths based on FLNC sequencing, it was determined that 36,909 out of 56,316 multiple-exon isoforms met the criteria for full-length status. This indicates the identification of 330,375 full-length FLNC transcripts among the 370,114 multiple-exon FLNC transcripts. By comparing the reference genomes, 60,276 loci and 111,302 isoforms were identified. In addition, 43,423 new genes and 44,563 new isoforms were identified. The results identified 185 (3198), 394 (3592), and 83 (3286) differentially expressed genes (transcripts) between tail and subcutaneous, tail and visceral, and subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues, respectively. Functional annotation and pathway analysis revealed the following observations. (1) Among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of TF and SF tissues, the downregulation of ACADL, ACSL6, and NC_056060.1.2536 was observed in SF, while FFAR4 exhibited upregulation. (2) Among the DEGs of TF and VF tissues, expressions of ACADL, ACSL6, COL1A1, COL1A2, and SCD were downregulated in VF, with upregulation of FFAR4. (3) Among SF and VF expressions of COL1A1, COL1A2, and NC_056060.1.2536 were downregulated in VF. Specific differentially expressed genes (ACADL, ACSL6, COL1A1, COL1A2, FFAR4, NC_056060.1.2536, and SCD) and transcripts (NC_056066.1.1866.16 and NC_056066.1.1866.22) were identified as relevant to fat metabolism. These results provide a dataset for further verification of the regulatory pathway associated with fat metabolism in sheep.

Effect of extract of ginger root and liquorice on the microbiological safety of mutton liver pâté

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of ginger root (Zingiber officinale) and liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract in liver pates on their microbiological safety, water activity and pH values. Four samples of pates were produced: control (without extracts), variant 1 (addition of 1% liquorice root and 2% ginger root), variant 2 (2% liquorice root, 3% ginger root), variant 3 (3% liquorice root, 4% ginger root). The number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms, lactobacilli, moulds, yeasts, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella on the day of production and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of storage were determined. According to the experimental data, the studied microbiological safety indicators were within the permissible standards during the entire period of storage. The lowest microflora growth was observed in variants 1 and 4. With increasing storage time of the samples, a decrease in the value of water activity and an increase in the pH value was observed. Sensory analysis showed a positive trend in pates' taste, texture, and aroma when introducing sheep fat and plant extracts into the recipe. According to the overall sensory analysis score, variant 2 received the highest score (8.5), while the control sample received the lowest score (7.9). The aroma, consistency and juiciness of the pâtés of variant 2 were significantly better (p &lt;0.05). The studies confirmed the prospects of improving the microbiological stability of liver pâté using different combinations of plant extracts.

Energy recovery from waste animal fats and detailed testing on combustion, performance, and emission analysis of IC engine fueled with their blends enriched with metal oxide nanoparticles

The interest in researching alternative fuels is vital due to the alarming levels of environmental hazards of petroleum fuels. Since biodiesel is biodegradable, renewable, and has lower emissions, it has emerged as an appropriate choice for further investigation. The biodiesel and diesel blends with nanoparticle additives also contribute to improving efficiency and reducing the engine's exhaust emissions. Accordingly, this research analyzed the engine combustion, performance, and emission characteristics using Sheep fat (SF) biofuel blended with diesel fuel. The transesterification process produced the SF biodiesel, and the Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were added as additives to improve the engine behaviors. The Sheep fat (SF) biofuel of 20 % volumetrically blended with conventional diesel fuel of 80 % (B20). Results of in-cylinder pressure, HRR, and BTE were recorded at the higher value using B20+ZnO 100 ppm and B20+ZnO 50 ppm blend fuel and BSFC was lowered compared with the nanoparticles-free fuel blends at higher load. Furthermore, the carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbons (HC), and smoke levels have significantly decreased for both the B20+ZnO 100 and B20+ZnO 50 blends. For the B20+ZnO 100 fuel, these levels have decreased by roughly 28 %, 41 %, and 22 %, respectively, while for the B20+ZnO 50 blend, they have decreased by 24 %, 38 %, and 14 % at higher engine load. On the other hand, UHC, NOX, and smoke reduction percentage by using B20+ZnO 100 blend fuel is about 54.5, 52.4, and 45.4 % were reduced in comparison to these of diesel fuel. Compared with other test fuels, B20+ZnO 100 and B20+ZnO 50 blends significantly improve all engine characteristics.

Functional analysis of differentially expressed circular RNAs in sheep subcutaneous fat

BackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs), as important non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), are involved in many biological activities. However, the exact chemical mechanism behind fat accumulation is unknown. In this paper, we obtained the expression profiles of circRNAs using high-throughput sequencing and investigated their differential expression in subcutaneous fat tissue of Duolang and Small Tail Han sheep.ResultsFrom the transcriptomic analysis, 141 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, comprising 61 up-regulated circRNAs and 80 down-regulated circRNAs. These host genes were primarily enriched in the MAPK and AMPK signaling pathways which is closely associated with fat deposition regulation. We identified circRNA812, circRNA91, and circRNA388 as vital genes in fat deposition by miRNA-circRNA target gene prediction. The functional annotation results of target genes of key circRNAs showed that the signaling pathways mainly included PI3K-Akt and AMPK. We constructed the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network to study the role of circRNAs in sheep lipid deposition, and circRNA812, circRNA91, and circRNA388 can adsorb more miRNAs. NC_040253.1_5757, as the source of miRNA response element (MRE) among the three, may play an important role during the process of sheep fat deposition.ConclusionsOur study gives a systematic examination of the circRNA profiles expressed in sheep subcutaneous fat. These results from this study provide some new basis for understanding circRNA function and sheep fat metabolism.

Fat deposition, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant capacity and differentially expressed genes in subcutaneous fat of Tibetan sheep fed wheat-based diets with and without xylanase supplementation.

Xylanase, an exogenous enzyme that plays an essential role in energy metabolism by hydrolysing xylan into xylose, has been shown to positively influence nutrient digestion and utilisation in ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of xylanase supplementation on the back-fat thickness, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs)in the subcutaneous fat of Tibetan sheep. Sixty three-month-old rams with an average weight of 19.35 ± 2.18 kg were randomly assigned to control (no enzyme added, WH group) and xylanase (0.2% of diet on a dry matter basis, WE group) treatments. The experiment was conducted over 97 d, including 7 d of adaption to the diets. The results showed that xylanase supplementation in the diet increased adipocyte volume of subcutaneous fat (p < 0.05), shown by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Gas chromatography showed greater concentrations of C14:0 and C16:0 in the subcutaneous fat of controls compared with the enzyme-treated group (p < 0.05), while opposite trend was seen for the absolute contents of C18:1n9t, C20:1, C18:2n6c, C18:3, and C18:3n3 (p < 0.05). Compared with controls, supplementation with xylanase increased the activity of T-AOC significantly (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed the presence of 1630 DEGs between the two groups, of which 1023 were up-regulated and 607 were down-regulated, with enrichment in 4833 Gene Ontology terms, and significant enrichment in 31 terms (p < 0.05). The common DEGs were enriched in 295 pathways and significantly enriched in 26 pathways. Additionally, the expression of lipid-related genes, including fatty acid synthase, superoxide dismutase, fatty acid binding protein 5, carnitine palmytoyltransferase 1 A, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor A were verified via quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, dietary xylanase supplementation was found to reduce subcutaneous fat deposition in Tibetan sheep, likely through modulating the expression of lipid-related genes.

Thermoenviroeconomic performance augmentation of solar desalination unit integrated with wick, nanofluid, and different nano-based energy storage materials

The current paper introduces conducted efforts to augment the thermo-enviroeconomic characteristics of a hemispherical solar still (HSS) incorporating various improvements. These proposed modifications were applied to the HSS in sequence and each case was tested and compared to another ordinary HSS. In the first stage, corrugated copper covered with black cotton fabric was used as absorber and paraffin wax, used as phase change material (PCM), was filled under the absorber. Then, the second stage was tested using the same design but with sheep fat instead of the paraffin wax. In the third stage, graphite nanofluid was used in the basin of the previous design. Finally, the pure sheep fat was replaced with nano-based one by dispersing graphite nanoparticles in the sheep fat. Taking the experimental data as independent parameters, the thermo-enviroecomonic indicators were calculated. The daily yield augmentation ratios were 43 %, 59.77 %, 78.77 %, and 95.2 %, for the four cases, respectively. The best thermos-economic performance was reached using the final case as it had thermal and exergy efficiencies of 61.7 % and 5.8 %, likewise, equivalent improvements by 94.76 %, and 110.1 %. Furthermore, the freshwater price was decreased to 0.0106 $/L referring to a cost reduction of 33.90 %. Moreover, the environmental analysis resulted a 6.27-ton CO2/year reduction in CO2 emission, which refers to a cost of 90.89 $/year.

Impatto degli antiossidanti sulla qualità e la stabilità ossidativa dei grassi animali

The aim of the work was to determine the influence of natural and synthetic antioxidants on the quality and stability of animal fats. On the samples, with and without the addition of natural antioxidants (extract of sage, rosemary and ginger) added in the fats at a concentracion of 0.2 % and synthetic antioxidants (PG-propyl galate, BHA-butylhydroxyanisole and BHT-butylhidroxytoluene) added in the fats at a concentracion 0.01 % the values of the peroxide value and the content of free fatty acids were tested. The oxidative stability of fats was determined by the sustainability test at 98 °C during 7 days. Every 24 hours, the peroxide value and free fatty acids were examinedid for all samples of beef, sheep and goat fat. The results of the research show that the applied antioxidants successfully stabilized all animal fats compared to the control sample. Analysis of the composition of fatty acids of base samples (without the addition of natural antioxidants) shows that palmitic, stearic and oleic fatty acids are the most abundant in animal fats. The highest total SFA value was found in sheep fat (66.85 %), and the lowest in goat fat (56.57 %). In beef fat, the total SFA content was 59.26 %. Stearic acid is the most abundant in sheep fat (37.75 %), while beef and goat fat had lower and approximately equal values (27.93 % and 26.91 %). After staeric fat, palmitic fat is the mostabundant in beef fat with 27.78 %, followed by 25.25 % in sheep fat and 24.91 % in goat fat. Of the monounsaturated acids (MUFA), the most abundant in goat fat was oleic acid (38.16 %), while it was somewhat lower in beef (36.61 %), and the lowest in sheep (27.60 %). Total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) are most abundant in goat fat (43.51 %), followed by beef (40.82 %), while they are significantly less present in sheep's fat (32.95 %). Among polyunsaturated acids (PUFA), the highest content of linoleic acid was found in sheep fat (4.19 %). In beef fat, linoleic acid was 60 % lower compared to sheep fat (0.76 %), and 10% higher compared to goat fat (1.89 %). Based on the content of individual fatty acids and the content of certain groups of fatty acids: SFA, UFA, MUFA, PUFA, the nutritional indices of the tested fats were calculated. It was concluded that the tested samples of beef, sheep, and goat fat without the addition of antioxidants can not be declared as products of high nutritional value. The nutritional value expressed through the PUFA/SFA ratio for beef fat was 0,01, and sheep fat and goat fat 0.06.

TPT1 promotes the adipogenic differentiation of stromal vascular fractions via the PI3K/AKT pathway and FOXO1 in sheep

ABSTRACT The functions of tumour protein, translationally controlled 1 (TPT1), have been extensively researched in various cell types. Although TPT1 was reported to have accelerating effects on the lipid deposition of mouse hepatocytes, and the activation roles in phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K/AKT) pathway, its role in the differentiation of ovine stromal vascular fractions (SVFs) and their underlying mechanisms have not been addressed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore whether TPT1 participates in the adipogenic differentiation regulation of ovine SVFs and the underlying mechanisms. The results from this study revealed that TPT1 was abundant in the tail fat of sheep and the protein was located in the nucleus of C3H10T1/2 cell line and ovine SVFs. Moreover, TPT1 expression was up-regulated during the adipogenic differentiation of SVFs. The overexpression of TPT1 dramatically accelerated the adipogenic differentiation of SVFs, accompanied by the up-regulation of adipogenic marker genes, while TPT1 inhibition had opposite effects. TPT1 also had a negative effect on forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). The PI3K/AKT pathway was involved in the promotion of adipogenesis induced by overexpressing TPT1. We concluded that TPT1 promotes the adipogenic differentiation of ovine SVFs through PI3K/AKT-dependent pathway and attenuates the expression of FOXO1 in ovine SVFs.

Characterizing key aroma‐active compounds of stewed mutton using gas chromatography‐olfactometry‐mass spectrometry coupled with odour activity value

AbstractStewed mutton is popular for its nutritional and special flavour qualities. To determine the key aroma‐active compounds of stewed mutton in different parts, six experimental groups (sheep fat, sheep bone, sheep brisket, sheep loin, sheep rib and sheep leg) were investigated by gas chromatography‐olfactometry‐mass spectrometry (GC‐O‐MS). Totally, 57 volatile compounds in mutton soup were identified. Of these, 22 aroma‐active compounds were identified as key aroma compounds with odour activity values (OAVs) &gt;1. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) results indicated that sheep fat (SF) was greatly related to most variables of sensory attributes, thus presented richer aroma. Among all samples, 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone and (E)‐2‐nonenal were the major aromatic compounds they shared. There were 22 unique key aromatic compounds, including 3‐methylthiopropana, (E)‐2‐decenal, γ‐decalactone, (E)‐2‐octenal and hydroxyacetone, and the differences in these compounds contributed to the flavour profiles of mutton soup. Our research extends the knowledge into the flavour characteristics of different parts of mutton and provides powerful information for improving the flavour of mutton products.

Setting of import tolerances for fipronil in potatoes, sugar canes and commodities of animal origin.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF SE submitted a request to the competent national authority in Austria to set an import tolerance for the active substance fipronil in potatoes, maize, rice, sugar canes and to modify the existing EU MRLs (maximum residue levels) for fipronil in commodities of animal origin. During the assessment, the applicant withdrew the import tolerance requests on maize and rice. The data submitted in support of the present assessment were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposal for sugar canes. For potatoes, data gaps were identified which precluded the derivation of MRL proposal. The livestock exposure to fipronil residues from the intake of sugar canes molasses required the setting of MRL in fat of bovine, sheep and goat. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the total residues of fipronil in plant and animal matrices at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.005 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that consumer intake concerns are not associated with fipronil residues in food commodities under consideration: sugar canes and fat of bovine, sheep and goat. There are no EU authorisations of fipronil as well as no Codex maximum residue limits (CXLs) or import tolerances are set for fipronil in the EU MRL legislation; therefore, other plant and animal commodities were not considered in the consumer exposure assessment.

Whole-body adipose tissue multi-omic analyses in sheep reveal molecular mechanisms underlying local adaptation to extreme environments

The fat tail of sheep is an important organ that has evolved to adapt to extreme environments. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying the fat tail phenotype remain poorly understood. Here, we characterize transcriptome and lipidome profiles and morphological changes in 250 adipose tissues from two thin-tailed and three fat-tailed sheep populations in summer and winter. We implement whole-genome selective sweep tests to identify genetic variants related to fat-tails. We identify a set of functional genes that show differential expression in the tail fat of fat-tailed and thin-tailed sheep in summer and winter. These genes are significantly enriched in pathways, such as lipid metabolism, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, molecular transport, and inflammatory response. In contrast to thin-tailed sheep, tail fat from fat-tailed sheep show slighter changes in adipocyte size, ECM remodeling, and lipid metabolism, and had less inflammation in response to seasonal changes, indicating improved homeostasis. Whole-genome selective sweep tests identify genes involved in preadipocyte commitment (e.g., BMP2, PDGFD) and terminal adipogenic differentiation (e.g., VEGFA), which could contribute to enhanced adipocyte hyperplasia. Altogether, we establish a model of regulatory networks regulating adipose homeostasis in sheep tails. These findings improve our understanding of how adipose homeostasis is maintained, in response to extreme environments in animals.

Contribution of Chevreul to lipid chemistry

Michel Eugène Chevreul entered at 17 the laboratory of Vauquelin, at the Museum. He began his investigations on animal fats in 1811. They appear as yet the most complete and the best executed experiments found in all chemistry. For the first time, he combined fractional solution, crystallization, distillation, melting point determination, and ultimate analysis. All started with the isolation of an acid and solid substance, “margaric acid”, the first of a long list of fatty acids isolated from various fats. Studying saponification, he determined that “anhydrous glycerine” was combining with water. After studying human gallstones, he discovered “cholesterine” (cholesterol). From whale spermaceti, he described “cetin” (mainly cetyl palmitate), containing no glycerol. He isolated from sheep fat a new acid he named “stearic acid”. This component was proposed in a joint patent by Chevreul and Gay-Lussac (1825) for the fabrication of very efficient candles. He discovered several volatile fatty acids in cow and goat butter (from C4 to C10). His master work (Recherches chimiques sur les corps gras d’origine animale, 1823b) contains his experimental procedures and his theoretical conclusions on the nature of fats, it may be considered as the first treatise on lipochemistry.