l‐carnitine and fat type in the maternal diet during gestation and lactation modify the fatty acid composition and expression of lipid metabolism‐related genes in piglets

This study examined the influence of adding different amounts of maternal dietary l ‐carnitine and two fat types on fatty acid (FA) composition and the expression of lipid metabolism‐related genes in piglets. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial with two fat types (3.5% soyabean oil, SO, and 3.5% fish oil, FO) and two levels of l ‐carnitine (0 and 100 mg/kg) added to the sows' diets. A higher proportion of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a lower ratio of n‐6/n‐3 PUFA in sow milk and piglet tissues were observed in the FO groups than in the SO groups. Adding l ‐carnitine increased the proportion of C16:1 in sow milk and decreased n‐3 PUFA in piglet subcutaneous fat. Hepatic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPAR‐α) was more abundantly expressed in piglets from the FO groups than from the SO groups (p < 0.05), whereas stearoyl‐CoA‐desaturase (SCD), sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1 (SREBP1) and ?6‐desaturase (D6D) genes were less expressed in the FO groups compared with piglets from the SO groups. The expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) genes was decreased in the SO groups with l ‐carnitine compared to that of the other dietary treatments. No differences among dietary treatments were observed with regard to the expression of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC). In conclusion, FO and l ‐carnitine supplementation in sows affect FA composition and hepatic gene expression in piglets.     

Metabolic functions of L-carnitine and its effects as feed additive in horses. A review.

L-carnitine, a betaine derivative of beta-hydroxybutyrate, is found in virtually all cells of higher animals and also in some microorganisms and plants. In animals it is synthesized almost exclusively in the liver. Two essential amino acids, i.e., lysine and methionine serve as primary substrates for its biosynthesis. Also required for its synthesis are sufficient amounts of vitamin B6, nicotinic acids, vitamin C and folate. The first discovered ergogenic function of L-carnitine is the transfer of activated long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane into the mitochondrial matrix. For this transfer acyl-CoA esters are transesterified to form acylcarnitine esters. Thus, in carnitine deficiency fat oxidation and energy production from fatty acids are markedly impaired. Skeletal muscles constitute the main reservoir of carnitine in the body and have a carnitine concentration at least 200 times higher than blood plasma. Uptake of carnitine by skeletal muscles takes place by an active transport mechanism which transports L-carnitine into muscles probably in the form of an exchange process with gamma-butyrobetain. In young animals including foals, the capacity for biosynthesis of carnitine is not yet fully developed and apparently cannot meet the requirements of sucking animals. Sucking animals depend therefore on an extra supply of carnitine which is usually provided with milk. Additionally, young animals including foals possess a lower concentration of carnitine in blood plasma than adult animals. Besides its role as carrier of activated acyl groups, L-carnitine functions as a buffer for acetyl groups which may be present in excess in different tissues during ketosis and hypoxic muscular activity. Other functions of L-carnitine are protection of membrane structures, stabilizing of a physiologic CoA-SH/acetyl-CoA ratio and reduction of lactate production. Animal's derived feeds are rich in L-carnitine whereas plants contain usually very little or no carnitine. Carnitine is absorbed from the small intestine by active and passive transport mechanisms. From the increase in renal excretion of L-carnitine after oral supplementations of 10 g/d to horses it has been concluded that the efficiency of absorption of L-carnitine is rather low (about 5 to 10% of the supplied dose). A further decrease in fractional carnitine absorption was observed when the oral dose of carnitine was increased. L-carnitine is virtually not degraded in the body and renal excretion of carnitine is comparatively small under normal conditions. The concentration of L-carnitine in blood plasma of horses varies markedly between animals and between different days. In addition, circadian changes in carnitine concentration in plasma have been reported. Peak concentrations were found during late afternoon, being up to 30% higher than those in the morning. In breeding mares the carnitine concentration in blood plasma declines with onset of lactation. In resting skeletal muscles about 90% of the total carnitine content is present as free carnitine with the remaining part being available as carnitine esters. With increasing exercise intensity a continuing greater proportion of free carnitine (up to 80%) is converted into carnitine esters, mainly into acetylcarnitine. This shift from free to acetylcarnitine is readily reversed within about 30 min after termination of exercise. It appears that acute exercise does not have a marked effect on the content of total carnitine in skeletal muscle whereas training seems to elevate its total concentration in the middle gluteal muscle of 3 to 6 year old horses and to reduce variation of its concentration compared to age-matched untrained horses. Oral supplementations of 5 to 50 g of L-carnitine per day to horses elevated the carnitine concentration in blood plasma to about twice its basal concentration. No clear relationship existed, however, between the orally administered dose of carnitine and the increase of L-carni     

The effect of varying dietary starch and fat content on serum creatine kinase activity and substrate availability in equine polysaccharide storage myopathy

The effect of dietary starch and fat content on serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and substrate availability was evaluated in 4 mares of Quarter Horse-related breeds with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). Four isocaloric diets ranging in digestible energy (DE) from 21.2% (diet A), 14.8% (B), 8.4% (C), to 3.9% (D) for starch, and 7.2% DE (diet A), 9.9% (B), to 12.7% DE (diet C and D) for fat were fed for 6-week periods (4 weeks with exercise) using a 4 X 4 Latin square design. Postprandial glucose and insulin responses were measured, and 4 hours postexercise, serum CK activity, glucose, insulin, free fatty acids (FFA), and beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-HBA) were analyzed. Glycogen, glucose-6-phosphate, citrate synthase, 3-hydroxy-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase as well as abnormal polysaccharide and lipid content were measured in middle gluteal muscle samples. Postprandial insulin and glucose response was higher for diet A versus D. Log CK activity was higher with diets A, B, and C versus D. Daily insulin was higher and FFA lower on diet A versus B, C, and D, whereas glucose varied only slightly with diet. Muscle oxidative capacity and lipid stores were low in PSSM horses and muscle glycogen and abnormal polysaccharide content high on both diets A and D. Individual variation occurred in the response of PSSM horses to diets differing in starch and fat content. However, for those horses with clinical manifestations of PSSM, a diet with <5% DE starch and >12% DE fat can reduce exertional rhabdomyolysis, potentially by increasing availability of FFA for muscle metabolism.     

Effects of epigallocatechin gallate on lipid metabolism and its underlying molecular mechanism in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on fat metabolism and to establish the molecular mechanism of these effects in broilers. Seventy‐two 28‐day‐old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into three groups with different levels of EGCG supplementation for 4 weeks: normal control (NC) group, L‐EGCG (a low‐level supplement of EGCG, 40 mg/kg body weight daily) and H‐EGCG (a high‐level supplement of EGCG, 80 mg/kg body weight daily). After 4 weeks of oral administration, EGCG significantly reduced the level of abdominal fat deposition in broilers. The serum triglycerides and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol of chickens in H‐EGCG group were also significantly decreased compared with the NC group, and the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was notably increased at the same time. Moreover, the vital role of the liver and abdominal adipose tissue in lipid metabolism of poultry animals was examined through gene expression and enzyme activities related to fat anabolism and catabolism in these organs. Our data show that EGCG supplementation for 2 weeks significantly downregulated the expression of fatty acid synthesis and fat deposition‐related genes, and upregulated the expression of genes involved in fatty acid β‐oxidation and lipolysis genes. Simultaneously, the activities of hepatic fatty acid synthesis enzymes (fatty acid synthase and acetyl CoA carboxylase) were significantly decreased, and the activity of carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1 was notably elevated. The results suggest that EGCG could alleviate fat deposition in broilers through inhibiting fat anabolism and stimulating lipid catabolism in broilers.     

A 90‐day adaptation to a high glycaemic diet alters postprandial lipid metabolism in non‐obese horses without affecting peripheral insulin sensitivity

High glycaemic feeds are associated with the development of insulin resistance in horses. However, studies that evaluated the effect of high glycaemic feeds used horses that either ranged in body condition from lean to obese or were fed to increase body condition over a period of months; thus, the ability of high glycaemic feeds to induce insulin resistance in lean horses has not been determined. This study evaluated the insulin sensitivity of 18 lean horses fed a 10% (LO; n = 6), 20% (MED; n = 6) or 60% (HI; n = 6) non‐structural carbohydrate complementary feed for 90 days. Although both the MED and HI diets increased insulinaemic responses to concentrate feeding in relation to the LO diet (p > 0.05), neither induced insulin resistance, as assessed by glucose tolerance test, following the 90‐day feeding trial. Interestingly, the post‐feeding suppression of plasma non‐esterified fatty acids was less pronounced in HI‐fed horses (p = 0.054) on days 30 and 90 of the study, potentially indicating that insulin‐induced suppression of adipose tissue lipolysis was reduced. As insulin‐resistant animals often have elevated plasma lipid concentrations, it is possible that altered lipid metabolism is an early event in the development of insulin resistance. The effects of high glycaemic feeds that are fed for a longer duration of time, on glucose and lipid metabolism, should be investigated further.     

Effects of dietary energy level on lipid metabolism‐related gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue of Yellow breed × Simmental cattle

This study was conducted to estimate the effect of dietary energy level on lipid metabolism‐related gene expression of subcutaneous adipose tissue in Yellow breed × Simmental cattle. The experiment was conducted for 60 days. The results showed that final weight, average daily gain, average backfat thickness, (testicles + kidney + pelvic) fat percentage and subcutaneous fat percentage in the high and medium energy groups were significantly higher than in the low‐energy group but that the feed conversion ratio was significantly lower. The glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein in the high‐energy group were significantly higher than in the low‐energy group. With dietary energy increasing the activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) significantly increased, whereas hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 (CPT‐1) significantly diminished. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), LPL, FAS, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP‐1), ACC, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) and adipocyte‐fatty acid binding proteins (A‐FABP) gene expression were significantly increased by dietary energy increasing, and HSL and CPT‐1 gene expression were significantly decreased. These results indicated that with dietary energy increasing, the subcutaneous fat accumulation mainly increased due to adipose tissue lipogenic gene expression and decreased lipolytic gene expression.     

An epidemiological study of myopathies in Warmblood horses

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There are few detailed reports describing muscular disorders in Warmblood horses. OBJECTIVES: To determine the types of muscular disorders that occur in Warmblood horses, along with presenting clinical signs, associated risk factors and response to diet and exercise recommendations, and to compare these characteristics between horses diagnosed with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), those diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder other than PSSM (non-PSSM) and control horses. METHODS: Subject details, muscle biopsy diagnosis and clinical history were compiled for Warmblood horses identified from records of biopsy submissions to the University of Minnesota Neuromuscular Diagnostic Laboratory. A standardised questionnaire was answered by owners at least 6 months after receiving the muscle biopsy report for an affected and a control horse. RESULTS: Polysaccharide storage myopathy (72/132 horses) was the most common myopathy identified followed by recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) (7/132), neurogenic or myogenic atrophy (7/132), and nonspecific myopathic changes (14/132). Thirty-two biopsies were normal. Gait abnormality, 'tying-up', Shivers, muscle fasciculations and atrophy were common presenting clinical signs. Forty-five owners completed questionnaires. There were no differences in sex, age, breed, history or management between control, PSSM and non-PSSM horses. Owners that provided the recommended low starch fat supplemented diet and regular daily exercise reported improvement in clinical signs in 68% (19/28) of horses with a biopsy submission and 71% of horses diagnosed with PSSM (15/21). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle biopsy evaluation was a valuable tool to identify a variety of myopathies in Warmblood breeds including PSSM and RER. These myopathies often presented as gait abnormalities or overt exertional rhabdomyolysis and both a low starch fat supplemented diet and regular exercise appeared to be important in their successful management. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Warmbloods are affected by a variety of muscle disorders, which, following muscle biopsy diagnosis can be improved through changes in diet and exercise regimes.     

Increased plasma leptin through l‐carnitine supplementation is associated with an enhanced glucose tolerance in healthy ponies

In this study 0 or 4 g of l ‐carnitine was supplemented for 7 days in a cross‐over design of six healthy ponies to modulate glucose metabolism and leptin production. At the end of each period, serial blood samples were taken to measure glucose and insulin response, leptin, triglyceride (TG), non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and creatine phosphokinase. l ‐carnitine supplementation was associated with a decrease in postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentration, indicating an enhanced glucose tolerance. In contrast, postprandial plasma leptin concentration was increased when l ‐carnitine was supplemented. Yet, this increase in leptin concentration was not preceded by an increase in insulin concentration, suggesting that other factors apart from plasma insulin concentration could influence plasma leptin concentration. Although NEFA and TG were not significantly influenced by l ‐carnitine supplementation under these experimental conditions, further research must clarify whether net TG synthesis might be responsible for this increase in leptin.     

Disturbed bovine mitochondrial lipid metabolism: a review

In mammals, excess energy is stored primarily as triglycerides, which are mobilized when energy demands arise and cannot be covered by feed intake. This review mainly focuses on the role of long chain fatty acids in disturbed energy metabolism of the bovine species. Long chain fatty acids regulate energy metabolism as ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Carnitine acts as a carrier of fatty acyl groups as long-chain acyl-CoA derivatives do not penetrate the mitochondrial inner membrane. There are two different types of disorders in lipid metabolism which can occur in cattle, namely the hypoglycaemic-hypoinsulinaemic and the hyperglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic type with the latter not always associated with ketosis. There is general agreement that fatty acid β-oxidation capability is limited in the liver of (ketotic) cows. In accord, supplemental L-carnitine decreased liver lipid accumulation in periparturient Holstein cows. Of note, around parturition concurrent oxidation of fatty acids in skeletal muscle is highly activated. Also peroxisomal β-oxidation in liver of dairy cows may be part of the hepatic adaptations to a negative energy balance (NEB) to break down fatty acids. An elevated blood concentration of nonesterified fatty acids is one of the indicators of NEB in cattle among others like increased β-hydroxy butyrate concentration, and decreased concentrations of glucose, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-I. Assuming that liver carnitine concentrations might limit hepatic fatty acid oxidation capacity in dairy cows, further study of the role of acyl-CoA dehydrogenases and/or riboflavin in bovine ketosis is warranted.     

Dietary Fat Supplementation and the Consequences for Oocyte and Embryo Quality: Hype or Significant Benefit for Dairy Cow Reproduction?

In many countries, fat supplementation in the diet has become common in the dairy industry. There are several ideas as to how dietary fat could influence reproductive performance. Saturated fatty acids, such as palm oil, can increase milk yield but may aggravate negative energy balance and thus may impair fertility when fed during the first week post‐partum. However, priming the lipid oxidation in the liver by feeding saturated fats during the dry period has recently been shown to be a potentially promising strategy to mitigate fat mobilization and liver accumulation post‐partum. Furthermore, polyunsaturated fats (omega‐3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids) are fed to reduce the ‘de novo’ fat synthesis in the udder and thus the milk fat content, which may be of modest benefit for overall energy balance. Furthermore, omega‐6 and omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are reported to alter follicular growth, steroid synthesis and prostaglandin metabolism in the ovary and endometrium, respectively. Omega‐6 fatty acids are believed to have pro‐inflammatory and thus PGF2α‐stimulating properties rendering them extra value as ‘nutraceutical’ early post‐partum, while omega‐3 fatty acids can weaken this inflammatory potency, leading to a higher chance of survival of the embryo when supplemented during the periconceptual period. Unfortunately, research results rarely provide a consensus in this perspective. The consequences of these fat‐feeding strategies on oocyte and embryo quality remain an intriguing issue for debate. Fat feeding may alter the microenvironment of the growing and maturing oocyte of the early and older embryo and thus may affect reproductive outcome. We recently reported that dietary‐induced hyperlipidaemic conditions can be harmful for embryo development and metabolism. However, to date, research results remain somewhat conflicting most probably due to differences in fat sources used, in diet and duration of supplementation and in experimental set‐up in general.     

Predictive value of hypoglycin A and methylencyclopropylacetic acid conjugates in a horse with atypical myopathy in comparison to its cograzing partners

Hypoglycin A (HGA) was detected in blood and urine of a horse suffering from atypical myopathy (AM; Day 2, serum, 8290 μg/l; urine: Day 1, 574, Day 2, 742 μg/l) and in its cograzing partners with a high variability (46–1570 μg/l serum). Over the period of disease, the level of the toxic metabolites (methylencyclopropylacetic acid [MCPA]‐conjugates) increased in body fluids of the AM horse (MCPA‐carnitine: Day 2, 0.246, Day 3, 0.581 μmol/l serum; MCPA‐carnitine: Day 2, 0.621, Day 3, 0.884 μmol/mmol creatinine in urine) and HGA decreased rapidly (Day 3, 2430 μg/l serum). In cograzing horses MCPA‐conjugates were not detected. HGA in seeds ranged from 268 to 367 μg/g. Although HGA was present in body fluids of healthy cograzing horses, MCPA‐conjugates were not detectable, in contrast to the AM horse. Therefore, increasing concentrations of MCPA‐conjugates are supposed to be linked with the onset of AM and both parameters seem to indicate the clinical stage of disease. However, detection of HGA in body fluids of cograzing horses might be a promising step in preventing the disease.     

Expression of genes related to liver fatty acid metabolism in fat‐tailed and thin‐tailed lambs during negative and positive energy balances

Fat‐tailed sheep breeds can tolerate periods of negative energy balance without suffering from elevated concentration of plasma non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA). This ability was attributed to unique metabolism of fat‐tailed adipose depot, whereas role of liver as an influential organ in fatty acid metabolism was not evaluated yet. Hence, current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of negative and positive energy balances on liver expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism in fat‐tailed and thin‐tailed lambs. Lambs experienced negative (21 days) and positive (21 days) energy balances and were slaughtered at the beginning and end of negative energy balance and at the end of positive energy balance. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐Q‐PCR) was conducted to evaluate changes in gene expression. Expression of diglyceride acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) was not affected by genotype, energy balance and their interaction. Expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) was significantly higher in liver of fat‐tailed comparing to thin‐tailed lambs regardless of energy balance (p < 0.02). Catalase mRNA abundance was increased in response to negative energy balance (p < 0.02), and severity of this enhancement was higher in fat‐tailed lambs (p < 0.06). Expression of CPT1 was positively correlated with expression of HMGCS2 in both fat‐tailed (p < 0.05) and thin‐tailed lambs (p < 0.002); however, the correlation was weaker in fat‐tailed lambs (0.72 vs. 0.57, respectively, for thin‐tailed and fat‐tailed lambs). There was a positive correlation between DGAT1 and APOB genes expression in fat‐tailed lambs (0.94; p < 0.001), whereas this correlation was not observed in thin‐tailed lambs. Results demonstrate that liver of fat‐tailed lambs has higher capacity for metabolism of mobilized NEFA exposed to liver during negative energy balance.     

Dietary conjugated linoleic acids increase intramuscular fat deposition and decrease subcutaneous fat deposition in Yellow Breed × Simmental cattle

This study was conducted to estimate the effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) on intramuscular and subcutaneous fat deposition in Yellow Breed × Simmental cattle. The experiment was conducted for 60 days. The results showed that the average backfat thickness, (testicles + kidney + pelvic) fat percentage and subcutaneous fat percentage in dietary CLA were significantly lower than in the control group, while intramuscular the fat percentage was significantly higher. Compared to the control group, the Longissimus muscle enzyme activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) in dietary CLA and the subcutaneous fat enzyme activities of LPL, hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 (CPT‐1) were significantly increased. Similarly, compared to the control group, the Longissimus muscle sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP‐1), FAS, stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase (SCD), ACC, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), heart fatty‐acid binding protein (H‐FABP) and LPL gene expression in dietary CLA were significant increased, as were the subcutaneous fat of PPARγ, H‐FABP, LPL, CPT‐1 and HSL in dietary CLA. These results indicated that dietary CLA increases IMF deposition mainly by the up‐regulation of lipogenic gene expression, while decreasing subcutaneous fat deposition mainly by the up‐regulation of lipolytic gene expression.     

Centronuclear myopathy in a Border collie dog

A two‐year old, male entire Border collie was presented with a one‐year history of exercise‐induced collapsing on the pelvic limbs. Physical examination revealed generalised muscle atrophy. Neurological examination supported a generalised neuromuscular disorder. Electromyography revealed spontaneous electrical activity in almost all muscles. Unfixed and formaldehyde‐fixed biopsy samples were collected from the triceps brachii, longissimus and vastus lateralis muscles. Histopathological, histochemical and ultrastructural examinations of biopsy specimens were consistent with either centronuclear or myotubular myopathy. The dog clinically improved with supportive treatment with L‐carnitine, co‐enzyme Q10 and vitamin B compound. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of centronuclear/myotubular myopathy in a Border collie.     

l-carnitine supplementation and lipid metabolism of rats fed a hyperlipidaemic diet

Until now, there has been no clear knowledge about the effect of dietary carnitine supplementation on lipid metabolism. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of a dietary l -carnitine supplementation (500 mg/kg) onx the lipid metabolism of adult rats. Rats fed a hyperlipidaemic basal diet containing 15% lard and 1% cholesterol were used as an animal model. The feeding period was 6 weeks. As parameters of lipid metabolism, the concentrations of individual lipids in plasma, lipoproteins and liver and the fatty acid composition of liver and erythrocyte total lipids were determined. There were no significant differences between the control group and the group receiving the diet supplemented with carnitine on parameters of animal performance (daily body weight gains and feed conversion ratio). As expected, plasma, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and liver exhibited high concentrations of cholesterol. Concentrations of triglycerides and phospholipids in plasma and individual lipoproteins as well as the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids in the liver were not significantly altered by dietary carnitine supplementation. The concentration of cholesterol in plasma and liver was increased by dietary carnitine. The fatty acid composition of liver and erythrocyte total lipids was not influenced by dietary carnitine supplementation. In conclusion, this study does not indicate a lipid-lowering effect of dietary carnitine supplementation in hyperlipidaemic rats. Probably, the essential functions of carnitine in metabolism were realized by carnitine which was synthesized endogenously.     

The response of gene expression associated with intramuscular fat deposition in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Simmental × Yellow breed cattle to different energy levels of diets

This study was designed to estimate dietary energy level on intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition in Simmental × Yellow breed cattle. Results showed that ultimate weight and average daily gain in high and medium energy groups were significantly higher than low‐energy group, yet feed conversion ratio was significantly lower. IMF content was significantly increased by dietary energy increasing, whereas longissimus muscle shear force significantly decreased. Serum‐free fatty acids, triglycerides and glucose significantly increased by dietary energy increasing, whereas growth hormone (GH) significantly decreased. Enzyme activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) significantly increased by dietary energy increasing, whereas hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 (CPT‐1) significantly diminished. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase, adipocyte‐fatty acid‐binding proteins, ACC, LPL, and FAS gene or protein expression significantly increased by dietary energy increasing, whereas HSL, CPT‐1, and GH gene or protein expression significantly decreased. These results indicated that high dietary energy promoting IMF deposition is mainly by downregulating pituitary GH gene expression, decreasing serum GH concentration, increasing lipogenic genes levels of mRNA, enzyme activities and protein expression, and decreasing lipolytic genes levels of mRNA, enzyme activities, and protein expression.     

Stimulatory effect of plasma samples from fattening cattle on adipogenesis‐related gene expression in preadipocyte cells

It is desirable to produce beef with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), as this is related to fat softness and palatability. However, the physiology of MUFA synthesis in bovine fat during the fattening process remains to be established. In this study, in order to elucidate the relationship between plasma components and the fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat, we investigated the effect of plasma obtained from fattening cattle on the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of the adipogenesis‐related gene in a clonal bovine intramuscular preadipocyte line (BIP cells). The mRNA expressions of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase, adipocyte Protein 2, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma and sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 in BIP cells were significantly higher following treatment with those plasma samples collected from the cattle with the highest diaphragmatic unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio (US/S). Furthermore, the concentration of nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) in the plasma samples had an inverse correlation with carcass diaphragmatic US/S. These results indicate that cattle with a low ratio of US/S in fat may be discriminated from the population of fattening cattle before slaughter by measuring the effect of their plasma on gene expression in BIP cells as well as their plasma concentration and composition of NEFA.     

饲粮中添加共辆亚油酸及肉碱对动物肉品品质影响的研究进展

共轭亚油酸是亚油酸衍生的构象与位置异构体的总称，是一种新型的功能性脂肪酸，通过对脂肪前体细胞的增值和分化进行抑制，从而调节机体脂肪代谢。因此，国内外研究学者将共轭亚油酸的这一特性运用到了动物饲养方面的研究当中，肉碱近年来也在饲料行业得到了广泛应用。’本文介绍了影响畜禽品质的主要因素，并结合近几年相关研究报道阐述了共轭亚油酸和肉碱对畜禽肉品品质、风味等的影响。     

Effects of Turnout to Pasture and Dietary Fat Supplementation on Milk Fat Composition and Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Dairy Cows

Turnout to pasture involves considerable changes in the feed intake and metabolism of dairy cows. The aim of this study was to investigate how these changes affect milk production and milk fat composition, in cows selected for high (HFI) or low (LFI) milk fat content producing the same yield of 4% fat-corrected milk. Furthermore, two different concentrates, with high or low inclusion of soya oil, were studied. The experiment was conducted with 44 multiparous mid-lactating cows over a 4 week period. Samples of milk and blood were obtained before turnout to pasture, during transition to pasture and when cows were adapted to pasture. Milk yield decreased with 3.6 kg energy-corrected milk (ECM) on average during the first 5 days after turnout to pasture. This decrease, together with a drop in plasma insulin and increased plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), indicated nutritional insufficiency at turnout to pasture. Milk fat composition changed towards more long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) and fewer de novo synthesized fatty acids. This was probably caused by an increased supply of LCFA of feed and body origin to the udder. LFI cows showed higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid at pasture than HFI cows.     

Dietary supplementation with dimethylglycine affects broiler performance and plasma metabolites depending on dose and dietary fatty acid profile

The effect of dietary supplementation with N,N‐dimethylglycine sodium salt (Na‐DMG) was evaluated in a feeding trial with 1500 1‐day‐old broiler chicks (Cobb 500). DMG was supplemented at 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 or 1 g Na‐DMG/kg feed to a ration with either animal fat (chicken fat) or vegetal fat (soy oil) as main fat source. In the vegetal fat diets, production value was significantly linearly improved by supplementation with DMG up to 11%. Irrespective of dietary fat source, abdominal fat percentage was significantly linearly reduced up to 24% and meat yield tended to increase linearly with DMG level up to 4%. In the vegetal fat groups, DMG significantly lowered abdominal fat pad by up to 38% and tended to increase meat yield up to 6% at the highest dose. Fasted non‐esterified fatty acid level significantly decreased with increasing DMG level up to 36% and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) decreased with a statistical trend up to 46% at the highest dose. In vegetal fat diets, addition of DMG resulted in significant lower TBARS level by 56% at the highest dose. Finally, a significant quadratic effect on ascites heart index was present in the vegetal fat diets, with a minimal value at 0.5 g Na‐DMG/kg. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with DMG may improve technical and slaughter performance, and may reduce oxidative stress and pulmonary hypertension, but the degree of effects is modulated by fatty acid profile of the diet. Herewith, effects are more pronounced in a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with a diet rich in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.