Effect of dietary supplementation with fermented Ginkgo-leaves on performance,egg quality,lipid metabolism and egg-yolk fatty acids composition in laying hens

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of 3 types of fermented Ginkgo-leaves (FGL) on layer performance, egg quality, lipid metabolism, microbial populations, and egg-yolk fatty acids composition in laying hens. A total of 432 Lohmann Brown laying hens, 49 weeks of age, were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 6 replications of 18 birds each. Layers were fed basal diets (Control) or basal diets supplemented with 0.5% Ginkgo-leaves fermented with Candida utilis (CF group), Aspergillus niger (AF group), or their combined fermentation (CAF group), respectively, for an 8-week feeding trial. Compared with the control group, AF and CAF supplementation improved (P<0.05) laying rate and feed conversion ratio. Birds fed FGL (CF, AF and CAF) supplemented diet had a decrease (P<0.05) in cracked-egg rate, egg-yolk cholesterol, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations of birds from CF and AF groups were increased (P<0.05) compared with that of the control. The concentrations of C18:1 (n-9), C18:2 (n-6), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), ratio of PUFA/saturated fatty acids (SFA) and n-6: n-3 was increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01) with FGL supplementation. While FGL supplementation led to a decrease in total saturated fatty acids (P=0.01) concentrations. In addition, ileal and cecum Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria populations of birds fed FGL were increased (P<0.05) compared with the control group, while ileal Escherichia coli, Salmonellas, and cecal Salmonellas were decreased in birds fed FGL. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of FGL, especially AF and CAF, in layer diets may be a feasible means of producing eggs with lower cholesterol and higher PUFA contents for health conscious consumers.     

Influence of dietary boron supplementation on some serum metabolites and egg-yolk cholesterol in laying hens

The influence of dietary boron (B) supplementation on some serum parameters and egg-yolk cholesterol was studied in laying hens. A total of 224 eighteen-week-old hens of the Hyline Brown 98 strain were assigned to 7 groups with 4 replicates of 8 hens each after 10 days of adaptation, and they were fed commercial diets supplemented with 0, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg (diet) B (H3BO3) for 8 weeks. Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity, albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels were decreased with all B levels. Except in the group receiving 5 mg/kg B supplementation, decreases were found in serum triglycerides in all groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity was decreased in the groups receiving 100 mg/kg or higher levels of B. All levels of B supplementation increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity at weeks 21 and 22, while 10 mg/kg or higher levels of B increased serum globulin, urea and egg-yolk cholesterol levels. The results demonstrate that B supplementation at levels exceeding 5 mg/kg affects serum biochemical parameters and increases egg-yolk cholesterol in laying hens.     

Effects of saturated and unsaturated fats with vitamin E supplementation on the antioxidant status of broiler chicken tissues

The influence of fish oil (highly unsaturated) and beef tallow (highly saturated) with vitamin E (100 IU/kg) supplementation on the antioxidant status of broiler chicken cockerels was investigated. Chicks were fed a control diet with no added fat, 40 g/kg each of fish oil and beef tallow diets, respectively, from 11 to 42 days of age. Tocopherol concentration and the rate of lipid peroxidation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in liver, fatty acid composition of the liver lipids, blood serum total antioxidant status (TAS), and reduced glutathione (GSH) content were determined. Vitamin E supplementation of the diet increased liver alpha-tocopherol content in chicks regardless of the type of dietary fat. Fish oil diet resulted in higher liver TBARS value while beef tallow diet showed lower values compared to the control diet. Vitamin E supplementation reduced liver TBARS as well as serum GSH, and raised serum TAS for all diets. Serum GSH was the same for vitamin E supplemented diets regardless of the fat supplement. Fish oil diets resulted in a significant increase in hepatic lipid n-3 PUFA content. A significant positive correlation was found between liver TBARS and n-3 PUFA content. No relationships were established, however, between liver TBARS and n-6 PUFA or saturated fatty acids. The results suggest that feeding oils rich in n-3 PUFA increases tissue concentration of these fatty acids, consequently increasing tissue lipid peroxidation and reducing the antioxidative status of broiler chickens. Supplementing high levels of vitamin E with such oils may increase tissue oxidative stability. Serum TAS or GSH may be used as a measure of antioxidative status in chickens.     

Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on red blood cell lipid composition and plasma metabolites in the cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus

Although dietary n-3 fatty acids have been extensively studied in poultry, they have not yet been prospectively investigated in psittacines, despite potential benefits for preventing and treating atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, and other chronic disease processes. The objectives of this study were to investigate the incorporation of dietary n-3 fatty acids into red blood cells (RBC) and to determine the effects of supplementation of psittacine diets with fish or flax oil on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in the cockatiel. Adult cockatiels were fed a custom-formulated diet containing either 4% (wt/wt, as-fed) beef tallow (CON), 3% fish oil + 1% tallow (FSH), or 3.5% flax oil + 0.5% tallow (FLX; n = 20 per diet group). Baseline measurements were obtained for RBC fatty acid composition, triacylglycerides (TAG), and cholesterol. After 8 to 13 wk on the study diets, plasma chemistry profiles, lipoprotein density profiles, and RBC fatty acid composition were determined. At 8 wk, total plasma cholesterol was least in FSH birds (P < 0.05) and TAG concentrations were less in FSH birds than FLX birds (P < 0.05). Total n-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid were markedly greater in the RBC of FSH birds than FLX or CON birds (P < 0.05). Alpha linolenic acid was greatest in FLX (P < 0.05). Initial and final BW, and nonlipid plasma chemistry values did not differ among diet groups. No adverse effects of dietary supplementation of cockatiels with 3.5% flax oil or 3% fish oil were observed during the 13-wk feeding period. Although fish and flax oils provided similar total n-3 PUFA to the diets, fish oil caused greater reductions in cholesterol and TAG, and greater total RBC n-3 incorporation. Thus, dietary modification of psittacine diets with long chain n-3 PUFA from fish oil appears safe and may be beneficial to these long-lived companion birds.     

Essential fatty acids supplementation in different-stage atopic dogs fed on a controlled diet

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation in different-stages atopic dogs fed on a controlled diet. Twenty-two non-seasonal atopic dogs of different breeds and ages were included in the 2-month trial. All the patients were given an essential fatty acid (EFA) supplementation [17 mg/kg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + 5 mg/kg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + 35 mg/kg gammalinolenic acid (GLA)], the global (diet + supplementation) omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was 5.5-1. Two groups of dogs were considered: group A 'pre-immunotherapy' (15 cases) included dogs with early stages atopy, which had not been submitted to any treatment yet; group B 'post-immunotherapy' (seven cases) included dogs with chronic atopy immunotherapy non-responsive. Clinical evaluations were performed at the beginning, on day 30 and at the end of the trial. Blood serum fatty acids profile was determined at the beginning and at the end of the study. Better clinical results were obtained in group A, a great difference was found between the two groups on pruritus score. Serum arachidonic acid (AA) was significantly lower at the end of the trial in group A while GLA was significantly higher in group B. We hypothesized that different-stages atopic dogs could have different response to EFA supplementation, maybe because of a different fatty acids metabolism. Early stages cases seem to be more responsive to EFA supplementation.     

Effects of fish oil and conjugated linoleic acids on carnitine homeostasis in laying hens

1. The effects of n?3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) on genes involved in carnitine homeostasis were compared in laying hens. Three groups of laying hens were fed on a control diet or a diet with either 3% of fish oil or CLA for 4 weeks.

2. Feed intake and egg production rate did not differ between the three groups. Diets with fish oil or CLA had only a weak effect on mRNA levels of PPARα target genes (ACO, CPT-I) in the liver and did not influence mRNA concentrations of the most important carnitine transporter OCTN2, enzymes of involved in carnitine synthesis (TMLD, TMABA-DH, BBD) or concentrations of carnitine in plasma, liver and total egg contents.

3. Hens fed the CLA diet had lower concentrations of free and total carnitine in egg yolk but higher concentrations of carnitine in albumen than control hens (P? 4. In conclusion, the study showed that feeding fish oil or CLA causes only a weak activation of PPARα in tissues of laying hens that probably explained the lack of effect on carnitine homeostasis. The results contrast with those in humans and mice that show a significant effect of synthetic PPARα agonists on carnitine homeostasis in humans and mice.     

Influence of oils on the Taihe Silky Fowl production performances and fatty acids composition of the meat*

Focus on the enrichment of eggs and poultry meat with polyunsaturated fatty acids has increased given their important roles in the human health. The inclusion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially n‐3 fatty acids, n‐3 FA) is achieved by different biological methods. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of inclusion of different oils into the feed on the production performances and fatty acids composition of the meat in Taihe Silky Fowl. A total of 80 fowls were selected at 8 weeks and randomly divided into four groups and fed with basal diet, basal diet + 4% fish oil, basal diet + 4% soybean oil and basal diet + 4% palm oil within 3 weeks respectively. The results showed that: the fowls fed with the diet inclusion of 4% fish oil had higher total gain, average daily gain, the second and the third week average daily gain than those in control group (p < 0.05). Also, inclusion of fish oil could improve the content of C22:5 n‐3 and C22:6 n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat significantly compared with the other three groups (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, C18:3 n‐3 and C18:4 n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were also higher than in the other three groups (p < 0.05 and 0.01). Oils Supplementation could enhance C14:0 and C16:0 (p < 0.05) level, but they did not affect the total saturated fatty acids in the meat. Compared with the control group, fish oil inclusion could lower the C18:2 n‐6 level, higher the C18:3 n‐6, C22:4 n‐6 and C22:5 n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat (p < 0.05). Moreover, diets supplied with 4% fish oil reduced the total n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids level and enhanced the total n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids level in the meat, which resulted in that the ratio of n‐3/n‐6 was improved, and could meet the need of human body.     

氧化鱼油对蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质及血清抗氧化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮添加氧化鱼油对蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质及血清抗氧化指标的影响。选择720只体重相近的38周龄海兰灰蛋鸡,随机分为4个组,每组6个重复,每个重复30只鸡。将新鲜鱼油和过氧化物值(POV)为1 200.10 meq O2/kg的氧化鱼油按不同比例分别加入基础饲粮中,组成新鲜鱼油组(FFO组)、0.25%氧化鱼油组(OFO1组)、0.50%氧化鱼油组(OFO2组)和1.00%氧化鱼油组(OFO3组)。试验期4周。结果表明,试验期内各氧化鱼油组显著降低了蛋鸡的平均蛋重(P<0.05),与FFO组相比,OFO1、OFO2和OFO3组平均蛋重分别降低了0.9%、0.9%和1.7%(P<0.05);氧化鱼油组显著降低了鸡蛋蛋黄颜色和哈氏单位(P<0.05),对蛋壳颜色影响差异不显著(P>0.05);与FFO组相比,OFO3组显著降低了蛋鸡血清谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性(P<0.05),显著提高了血清丙二醛含量(P<0.05)。由此可见,蛋鸡饲粮中鱼油被氧化在一定程度上影响了蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质和血清抗氧化指标。     

Effect of dietary Rhodobacter capsulatus on lipid fractions and egg-yolk fatty acid composition in laying hens

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary Rhodobacter capsulatus on lipid fractions and egg‐yolk fatty acid composition in laying hens. Thirty‐six laying hens (30 weeks old) were randomly assigned into two dietary groups fed diets with (0.04%) or without (control) R. capsulatus for a 60‐day feeding trial. Dietary R. capsulatus decreased (p < 0.05) serum and hepatic cholesterol and increased (p < 0.05) the excreta cholesterol, and resultant lower (p < 0.05) cholesterol contents in egg yolk. The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and ratio to saturated fatty acids in egg yolk was improved (p < 0.05) by dietary R. capsulatus. The concentration of hepatic bile acid was increased (p < 0.05) and excreta bile acid was decreased (p < 0.01) in the laying hens fed R. capsulatus diet. The incorporation of 1‐¹⁴C‐palmitic acid into hepatic lipids and lipid fractions was increased (p < 0.05) in laying hens fed R. capsulatus diet. Moreover, dietary R. capsulatus did not appear to cause any adverse effects on laying hen performances. Therefore, dietary supplementation of R. capsulatus in layer diets may be a feasible means of producing eggs with lower cholesterol and higher PUFA contents for health conscious consumers.     

Effect of sunflower, linseed and fish oils on the production of trans fatty acids in vitro

In vitro anaerobic incubations were used to determine the effect of different oils (LO-linseed, SO-sunflower, FO-fish oil) on trans fatty acid production in rumen fluid and to test if combining of monensin (MON) with the oils affects the interactions on trans fatty acid concentrations in mixed cultures of ruminal microorganisms. Two different sources of rumen fluid were used; the inoculum from the sheep fed hay and barley (80:20%)--the inoculum A and the inoculum from the sheep fed alfalfa and barley (80:20 %)--the inoculum B. The analyses showed that inoculum B contained more short chain fatty acids (SCFA), medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) than inoculum A. In contrast, inoculum A contained more unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) than inoculum B. The results show, that the oils affected the biohydrogenation of fatty acids (FA) by increasing the concentration of C18:0 (3-7 times) and trans C18:1 isomers (2-9 times). The concentration of two main intermediates of FA biohydrogenation-- cis 9, trans 11 C18:2 (CLA) and trans 11C18:1 (TVA) were increased with the oils, but FO was more efficient than other plant oils on CLA and TVA production.The monensin treatment had similar effect on FA metabolism as the oil treatment in comparison to unincubated control. The interactions of monensin treatment with the oils were characterized with decrease (LO+MON, SO+MON) or increase (FO+MON) of the proportions of C18:0 and trans C18:1 isomers in comparison to oil treatment.The highest concentrations of two main isomers--CLA,TVA were found in the samples containing fish oil and monensin. In conclusion, fish oil treatment and monensin with fish oil treatment was more efficient than other plant oils in the effect on trans fatty acid production (mainly CLA and TVA) in fermentation fluid in vitro.     

不同种类多不饱和脂肪酸对产蛋鸡抗体产生和淋巴细胞增殖的影响

选用360只60～70周龄海兰褐蛋鸡,研究不同种类的多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)在不同添加水平下对产蛋鸡免疫功能的影响。试验共设10个处理,其中n-3PUFA的来源分别为亚麻籽油和鱼油,在日粮中的添加水平分别为20、40、60和10、30、50g/kg。n-6PUFA的来源为玉米油,在日粮中的添加量为20、40和60g/kg,另设一处理为不添加脂肪酸的对照组。在试验开始后的第5周和第7周分别给每个处理组中的6只鸡注射牛血清白蛋白抗原(BSA)和绵羊红细胞(SRBC),并分别于注射后第6,10,14天和第5,9,13天翅静脉采血,测定BSA抗体效价和SRBC抗体滴度。在试验开始后的第5周和第10周,采血测定外周全血淋巴细胞增殖速度,同时每个处理杀3只鸡,取脾脏制备单核细胞,测定其增殖速度。试验结果表明,日粮中添加PUFA具有提高产蛋鸡一免及二免BSA抗体和SRBC抗体产量的趋势,并呈现剂量依赖性。其中高鱼油添加组在一免10天时能显著(P<0.05)提高SRBC抗体滴度,二免后高鱼油添加组和高亚麻籽油添加组都能够显著(P<0.10)提高SRBC抗体滴度;对于BSA抗体效价,高n-3PUFA添加组都能够显著(P<0.10)提高。产蛋鸡外周全血淋巴细胞和脾脏单核细胞增殖速度在饲喂添加高n-3PUFA日粮后受到明显抑制。鱼油来源的n-3PUFA对产蛋鸡免疫功能影响程度比亚麻籽油的大。     

Direct supplementation of diet is the most efficient way of enriching broiler meat with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

1. Concentrations of beneficial omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs) in poultry meat can be improved by increasing the concentration of n-3 PUFA in poultry diets.

2. A decrease in flavour quality is, however, usually associated with the dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA, which is due to the susceptibility of PUFA to oxidation.

3. This experiment was conducted to study the effects of introducing two different n-3 fatty acid sources (extruded linseed and DHA Gold?, a proprietary algal product rich in docosahexaenoic acid), either separately or together, on broiler productive performance, and meat quality, oxidative stability, sensory traits and LC-PUFA profile.

4. Birds given the algal product displayed better productive performances than animals from other groups.

5. The data revealed an improvement in the fatty acid nutritional value of meat from birds receiving the algal product and an inefficient conversion of α-linolenic acid (LNA) into LC-PUFA.

6. Metabolisation of LNA in vivo is not sufficient to improve meat quality in n-3 LC-PUFA and direct supplementation of the diet with n-3 LC-PUFA is a better alternative to modulate an increase in beneficial fatty acids of broiler meat.

7. The overall acceptability of meat was negatively affected by the dietary supplementation with 7.4% of DHA, in contrast to the supplementation with 3.7% of DHA, which showed to be efficient in improving LC-PUFA meat content without affecting its sensory properties.     

Tissue fatty acid composition and estimated ∆ desaturase activity after castration in chicken broilers fed with linseed or sunflower oil

The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of the short‐term addition of sunflower and linseed oil and castration on fatty acid composition and desaturation indexes in chicken broilers. Forty‐eight male Ross 308 chicken broilers were supplemented with 5% of sunflower or linseed oil. The four experimental groups were linseed oil supplementation and castration (LC), linseed oil without castration (LN), sunflower oil and castration (SC) and sunflower oil without castration (SN). There was no significant influence of castration or oil supplement on live weights, weight gain, feed intake or feed conversion. Castration resulted in an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), total n3, n6, measured desaturation indexes and a decrease in the saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content of abdominal fat. In breast muscle, castration increased PUFA and 18:3n3 values, while in the liver tissue, castration did not influence the parameters measured. Linseed oil supplementation significantly increased 18:3n3, n3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA), total n3 and decreased total n6, n6/n3 ratio, and 20:4n6 content. Values for 20:4n6 were the highest in SC and the lowest in the LC group. Linseed oil also significantly decreased ?5 and ?4 desaturation indexes in the thighs and ?5 and ?5, 6 in abdominal fat and the liver. These results suggest that short‐term supplementation of basal diet with 5% of linseed oil could significantly increase n3 LC PUFA and decrease n6/n3 ratio content in the edible tissues of chicken broilers, without adverse effects on growth performance. Meanwhile, castration only improved fatty acid profile in abdominal fat, which is not nutritionally important. The interactions observed between basal diet, supplemented oil, sex hormones and other non‐nutritional factors must be elucidated in future trials in order to correctly predict the nutritional value of linseed‐fed poultry.     

Influence of dietary fat source and copper supplementation on broiler performance, fatty acid profile of meat and depot fat, and on cholesterol content in meat

1. Three hundred and twenty d-old chickens were fed on a wheat/maize-soyabean meal diet supplemented with (i) 50 g/kg lard, (ii) 25 g/kg lard and 25 g/kg rapeseed oil, (iii) 50 g/kg rapeseed oil, and (iv) 50 g/kg rapeseed oil and 200 mg copper per kg as copper sulphate pentahydrate. 2. Final weights at 39 d of age in chickens receiving rapeseed oil were lower by 9% than in those fed on the diet containing only lard (P<0.05). The fatty acids profiles of lipids extracted from the tissues of 10 chickens per group reflected those of the diets. 3. The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of breast muscles and abdominal fat (expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids) was increased and the ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids was decreased by the substitution of lard by rapeseed oil (P<0.001). These changes were more pronounced for the adipose tissue than for breast muscles. 4. Copper sulphate supplementation increased the final body weight of chickens by 4.3% (P<0.05), reduced the saturated fatty acid (SFA) proportion (P<0.05) in abdominal fat and increased the PUFA:SFA ratio (P<0.05). The magnitude of improvement, however, was small. 5. The substitution of rapeseed oil for lard decreased the concentration of cholesterol in breast muscles by 13%. Copper supplementation further reduced the cholesterol content by 25%. Both effects were significant (P<0.001).     

Responses of dogs to dietary omega-3 fatty acids

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and other marine sources appear to be capable of modifying inflammatory and immune responses in dogs. Information is provided on the capacity of dogs to metabolize omega-3 fatty acids and the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on skin and coat, inflammatory responses, and neurologic development in puppies.     

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on canine atopic dermatitis

Twenty-nine dogs were included in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised trial and were orally supplemented for 10 weeks with either flax oil (200 mg/kg/day), eicosapentaenoic acid (50 mg/kg/day) and docosahexaenoic acid (35 mg/kg/day) in a commercial preparation, or mineral oil as a placebo. For each dog, clinical scores were determined based on a scoring system developed prior to the trial. Total omega-6 and omega-3 intake and the ratio of omega-6:omega-3 (omega-6:3) were calculated before and after the trial. The dogs' clinical scores improved in those supplemented with flax oil and the commercial preparation, but not in the placebo group. No correlation was identified between total fatty acid intake or omega-6:3 ratio and clinical scores. Based on the results of this study, the total intake of fatty acids or the omega-6:3 ratio do not seem to be the main factors in determining the clinical response.     

Dietary (n-3) fatty acids from menhaden fish oil alter plasma fatty acids and leukotriene B synthesis in healthy horses

The study objective was to determine the effect of feeding corn oil or fish oil to horses on plasma fatty acid profiles and leukotriene B (LTB) synthesis by stimulated peripheral blood neutrophils. Two groups of horses (n = 5) were randomly assigned to diets supplemented with either 3.0% (by weight) corn oil or fish oil for a period of 14 weeks. The ratio of (n-6) to (n-3) fatty acids in oil supplements was 68.1:1 for corn oil and 0.12:1 for fish oil. Production of LTB4 and LTB, by peripheral blood neutrophils stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 and plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were measured. At 12 weeks, horses fed fish oil had increased plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (27-fold; 8.5 versus 0.3 g/100 g fatty acids; P < .0001), docosahexaenoic acid (34-fold; 5.1 versus 0.1 g/100 g fatty acids; P < .0001), and arachidonic acid (8.3-fold; 4.1 versus 0.5 g/100 g fatty acids; P < .0001) compared with horses fed corn oil. Neutrophils from horses fed fish oil produced 78-fold (P = .01) more LTB5 and 9.5-fold (P = .003) more LTB4 compared with predietary levels, and 17.6-fold (P = .01) and 3.3-fold (P = .02), respectively, more than horses fed corn oil, and the ratio of LTB5 to LTB4 concentrations was 4.0-fold (P = .002) higher in horses fed fish oil. This study suggests that dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate the leukotriene inflammatory response of horses. If the ratio of LTB5 to LTB4 concentrations is important in determining how inflammatory processes are mediated, then fish oil supplementation may have value in treatment of equine inflammatory diseases.     

Effects of dietary flaxseed oil supplementation on equine plasma fatty acid concentrations and whole blood platelet aggregation

An 18-week feeding trial was performed to investigate the effects of an omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid-enriched ration on plasma fatty acid concentrations and platelet aggregation in healthy horses. Flaxseed oil served as the source of the n-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Twelve horses were fed dietary maintenance requirements using a complete pelleted ration (80%) and timothy grass hay (20%) for a 2-week acclimation period before being randomly assigned either to a treatment (group 1) or control (group 2) group. Group 2 horses (n = 6) were fed the diet described in the acclimation period, whereas group I horses (n = 6) were fed a 10% flaxseed oil-enriched complete pellet (80%) and grass hay (20%). Biological samples and physical measurements were collected at one point during the acclimation period (week 0) and every 4 weeks thereafter (weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16). Body weight, CBC (including platelet count), plasma fibrinogen. electrolyte (Na, K, and Cl) concentrations, and biochemical profile enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and creatine kinase) did not change markedly with diet. Platelet aggregation was not altered by the supplementation of flaxseed oil in these healthy horses, although increases in plasma cis-polyunsaturated 18-carbon fatty acids C18:3; n-3 (ALA) and C18:2; n-6 (linoleic acid), biologically active C20:5; n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evident. There were no marked decreases in C20:4; n-6 (arachidonic acid [AA]) or increases in C22:6; n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]), signifying that flaxseed oil may have had a high percentage of omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids as well as n-3 fatty acids, and this relatively high n-6: n-3 fatty acid ratio may have affected the biochemical effect of n-3 fatty acids. In healthy horses supplemented with flaxseed oil, platelet aggregation was not altered, which may have been due to the limited biologic effect in healthy subjects or the inability of flaxseed oil to induce the necessary biochemical effect of replacing n-6 fatty acids with n-3 types.     

Effect of dietary fish oil on the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle of lactating sows

This study investigated the hypothesis that dietary supplementation of fish oil as a source of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influences the expression of target genes of sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins (SREBP)‐1 and (SREBP)‐2 involved in triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis and fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism in the liver, and moreover activates the expression of target genes of peroxisome proliferation‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐α involved in TAG and fatty acid catabolism in liver and skeletal muscle. Twenty lactating sows were fed a control diet or a fish oil diet with either 50 g of a mixture of palm oil and soya bean oil (4:1, w/w) or fish oil per kg. The diet of the fish oil group contained 19.1 g of n‐3 PUFA (mainly 20:5 n‐3 and 22:6 n‐3) per 100 g of total fatty acids, while the diet of the control group contained 2.4 g of n‐3 PUFA (mainly 18:3 n‐3) per 100 g of total fatty acids. The fish oil group had reduced relative mRNA concentrations of various target genes of SREBP‐1 involved in fatty acid and TAG synthesis in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Relative mRNA concentrations of target genes of PPARα involved in fatty acid catabolism in both liver and muscle, and mRNA concentrations of target genes of SREBP‐2 involved in cholesterol synthesis and uptake were not influenced by fish oil supplementation. Concentrations of cholesterol and TAG in plasma, fat content of milk and weight gains of litters during the suckling period were not different between the two groups of sows. In conclusion, this study suggests that fish oil has only minor effects on hepatic lipid metabolism, which are non‐critical with respect to milk production in sows.     

饲喂不同油脂对黄羽肉鸡肌肉组织中脂肪酸组成的影响

选用 8 3日龄的雌性广西黄羽肉鸡 90只 ,随机分成 5组 (每组设 2个重复 ,每个重复 9只 ,共 18只 ) ,研究饲粮中不同油脂对肉鸡肌肉组织脂肪酸组成的影响。 5组饲粮分别含 3%的富含饱和脂肪酸的棕榈油 (PO3组 ,对照组 )、 3% (LO3组 )和 5%的富含α 亚麻酸 (C18:3n 3,ALA)的亚麻油 (LO5组 )、 5%的富含长链n 3脂肪酸 (如C2 0 :5n 3,EPA ;C2 2 :6n 3,DHA)的鱼油 (FO5组 )、 5%的富含亚油酸(C18:2n 6 ,LA)和ALA的火麻仁油 (HO5组 )。饲喂 2 8d,取样测定胸肌和腿肌中的脂肪酸组成。结果表明 :PO3(对照组 )肌肉中的n 6 /n 3脂肪酸比值比例高于其他组 (P <0 0 5) ;与对照组相比 ,LO3组和LO5组以ALA和LA为主的多不饱和脂肪酸 (PUFA)增加 (P <0 0 5) ,ALA和LA在体内可转化为相应的长链脂肪酸 ;FO5组以长链n 3PUFA ,(如EPA、DPA、DHA)为主的PUFA含量增加 (P <0 0 5) ;HO5组以LA为主的n 6脂肪酸高于其他组 (P <0 0 5) ;长链PUFA (如DHA)易沉积于胸肌中 ,而LA ,ALA易沉积于腿肌中。由此可见 ,肉鸡肌肉组织脂肪酸的组成充分反映了饲粮油脂的脂肪酸组成 ,通过饲粮中添加不同脂肪酸组成的油脂可生产富含特定PUFA的鸡肉