Corn oil supplementation to steers grazing endophyte-free tall fescue. II. Effects on longissimus muscle and subcutaneous adipose fatty acid composition and stearoyl-CoA desaturase activity and expression

Eighteen steers were used to evaluate the effect of supplemental corn oil level to steers grazing endophyte-free tall fescue on fatty acid composition of LM, stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) activity and expression as well as cellularity in s.c. adipose. Corn oil was supplemented (g/kg of BW) at 0 (none), 0.75 (medium), and 1.5 (high). Cottonseed hulls were used as a carrier for the corn oil and were supplemented according to pasture availability (0.7 to 1% of BW). Steers were finished on a rotationally grazed, tall fescue pasture for 116 d. Fatty acid composition of LM, s.c. adipose, and diet was determined by GLC. Total linoleic acid intake increased linearly (P < 0.01) with corn oil supplementation (90.7, 265.1, and 406.7 g in none, medium, and high, respectively). Oil supplementation linearly reduced (P < 0.05) myristic, palmitic, and linolenic acid percentage in LM and s.c. adipose. Vaccenic acid (C18:1 t11; VA) percentage was 46 and 32% greater (linear, P = 0.02; quadratic, P = 0.01) for medium and high, respectively, than none, regardless of tissue. Effect of oil supplementation on CLA cis-9, trans-11 was affected by type of adipose tissue (P < 0.01). In the LM, CLA cis-9, trans-11 isomer was 25% greater for medium than for none and intermediate for high, whereas CLA cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer was 48 and 33% greater in s.c. adipose tissue for medium and high than for none, respectively. Corn oil linearly increased (P 0.05) the percentage of total SFA, MUFA, or PUFA but linearly increased (P = 0.03) n-6:n-3 ratio from 2.4 to 2.9 in none and high, respectively. Among tissues, total SFA and MUFA were greater in s.c. adipose than LM, whereas total PUFA, n-6, and n-3 fatty acids and the n-6:n-3 ratio were lower. Trans-10 octadecenoic acid, VA, and CLA trans-10, cis-12 were greater (P < 0.01) in s.c. adipose than in LM. Oil supplementation did not alter (P > 0.05) stearoyl CoA desaturase activity or mRNA expression. Corn oil supplementation to grazing steers reduced the percentages of highly atherogenic fatty acids (myristic and palmitic acids) and increased the percentages of antiatherogenic and anticarcinogenic fatty acids (VA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA).     

Fatty acid indices of stearoyl-CoA desaturase do not reflect actual stearoyl-CoA desaturase enzyme activities in adipose tissues of beef steers finished with corn-, flaxseed-, or sorghum-based diets

We hypothesized that stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) enzyme activity would not correlate with fatty acid indices of SCD activity in steers fed different grains. Forty-five Angus steers (358 +/- 26 kg BW) were individually fed for 107 d diets differing in whole cottonseed (WCS) supplementation (0, 5, or 15% of DM) and grain source (rolled corn, flaxseed plus rolled corn, or ground sorghum grain) in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement. Flaxseed- and corn-fed steers had greater (P < 0.01) G:F (0.119 and 0.108, respectively) than sorghum-fed steers (0.093). Marbling score was decreased by WCS (P = 0.04), and LM area was decreased (P < 0.01) by sorghum. Plasma 14:0, 16:0, 16:1n-7, and 18:2n-6 were greatest in corn-fed steers, whereas plasma 18:3n-3 and 20:5n-3 were greatest in the flax-seed-fed steers (P < 0.01). Plasma 18:1trans-11 was least in sorghum-fed steers, and plasma cis-9,trans-11 CLA was barely detectable, in spite of high intestinal mucosal SCD enzyme activity (118 to 141 nmol*g tissue(-1).7 min(-1)). Interfascicular (i.f.) and s.c. cis-9,trans-11 CLA remained unchanged (P > or = 0.25) by treatment, although 18:1trans-11 was increased (P < or = 0.02) in steers fed corn or flaxseed. Steers fed flaxseed also had greater (P < 0.01) i.f. and s.c. concentrations of 18:3n-3 than steers fed the other grain sources. Oleic acid (18:1n-9) was least and total SFA were greatest (P < 0.01) in i.f. adipose tissue of steers fed 15% WCS. Lipogenesis from acetate in s.c. adipose tissue was greater (P < 0.01) in flaxseed-fed steers than in the corn- or sorghum-fed steers. Steers fed flaxseed or corn had larger i.f. mean adipocyte volumes (P < 0.01) than those fed sorghum and tended (P = 0.07) to have larger s.c. adipocyte volumes. Several fatty acid indices of SCD enzyme activity were decreased (P < or = 0.03) by WCS in i.f. adipose tissue, including the 18:2cis-9,trans-11/ 18:1trans-11 ratio. The 18:2cis-9,trans-11/18:1trans-11 ratio also tended to be decreased (P = 0.09) in s.c. adipose tissue by flaxseed; however, SCD enzyme activities in i.f. and s.c. adipose tissue were not affected by dietary WCS (P > or = 0.47) or grain source (P > or = 0.37). Differences in SFA seemed to be independent of SCD enzyme activity in both adipose tissues, suggesting that duodenal concentrations of fatty acids were more important in determining tissue fatty acid concentrations than endogenous desaturation by SCD.     

Differing effects of forage and concentrate diets on the oleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid content of sheep tissues: the role of stearoyl-CoA desaturase

Feeding sheep concentrate-based diets increases the oleic acid content of their tissues, whereas the cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content is increased by feeding forage diets. Both these metabolic transformations could be attributable to increased activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD). Therefore, the effect of forage or concentrate feeding regimens on the fatty acid composition of sheep tissues were investigated to determine whether any changes are related to an alteration of SCD mRNA levels. Twenty-four ewe lambs were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatment groups: 1) dehydrated grass pellets, 2) concentrate diet fed to achieve a growth rate similar to that of the dehydrated grass pellets, and 3) the same concentrate diet approaching ad libitum intake. As expected, animals fed ad libitum concentrates grew at a greater (P = 0.001) rate (280 g/d) than those fed either of the other two diets (180 g/d), which were similar. In samples of liver and the three adipose tissue depots studied, the concentration of oleic acid from sheep fed either level of the concentrate diet was greater (P < 0.001) than from animals fed forage. This was associated with an increase (P < 0.05) in the ratio of SCD to acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA in adipose tissue and liver. Compared with concentrate-fed, the forage-fed lambs had increased (P < 0.05) levels of the cis-9, trans-11 isomer of CLA and C18:1, trans-11 in all their tissues, although the levels of SCD mRNA were lower. It therefore seems that the increased oleic acid content of sheep tissues in response to concentrate-rich diets is associated with an increase in SCD gene expression. By contrast, the increased concentration of CLA in animals fed forage-based diets is associated with an increase in substrate (C18:1 trans-11) availability.     

Effect of breed on fatty acid composition and stearoyl-CoA desaturase protein expression in the Semimembranosus muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue of cattle

The present study investigated (i) the effect of breed on the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) protein and fatty acid composition in Semimembranosus muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue of beef cattle and (ii) the relationship between SCD expression, cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content, and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) level. The study was conducted on the following breeds: Longhorn (L), Charolais cross with Holstein–Friesian (CX), Hereford (H), Belted Galloway (BG) and Beef Shorthorn (BS). Significant breed differences in the total fatty acid content, saturated fatty acid (SFA) level, MUFA and n−3 PUFA content were observed in subcutaneous adipose tissue but not in muscle. In the case of CLA, the breed differences were observed in both muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue, with the highest level in L and the lowest level in H. In the case of subcutaneous adipose tissue, the breed with the highest CLA content (L) also had the highest SCD protein expression. The breed-specific pattern of SCD expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue was similar to the breed-specific pattern of one of the products of an SCD-catalysed reaction, C16:1 (BS < BG < H < CX < L). It has been concluded that (i) the mechanisms regulating SCD protein expression and CLA level in beef cattle are tissue-specific; (ii) breed-specific variations in SCD expression might contribute to breed variations in MUFA and CLA content in subcutaneous adipose tissue but not in Semimembranosus muscle.     

Insulin and dexamethasone regulate stearoyl-CoA desaturase mRNA levels and fatty acid synthesis in ovine adipose tissue explants

Sheep adipose tissue explants were maintained in culture for 24 h in the presence of insulin, dexamethasone, or insulin and dexamethasone, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and fatty acid synthesis were measured. Insulin increased SCD mRNA levels (P = 0.008) and synthesis of both saturated (P = 0.07) and unsaturated (P < 0.001) fatty acids but had the greatest effect on unsaturated fatty acid synthesis, resulting in the overall production of a greater (P < 0.001) proportion of monounsaturated fat. Dexamethasone, alone, had the opposite effect but actually potentiated the effect of insulin in stimulating SCD expression and both saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis, without affecting the relative proportions of each. Across adipose tissue depots, the effect of hormones was similar, although the increase in SCD mRNA levels (P = 0.008) and monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis (P < 0.001) was greater in subcutaneous adipose tissue than in the internal (omental and perirenal) depots. These data clearly show that, in ovine adipose tissue, changes in SCD gene expression in response to insulin and dexamethasone are associated with changes in monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis and suggest that it may be possible to develop strategies to manipulate sheep tissues to produce a less-saturated fatty acid profile.     

Adiposity, fatty acid composition, and delta-9 desaturase activity during growth in beef cattle

Oleic acid (18:1n‐9) is the most abundant fatty acid in bovine adipose tissue. Because most of the lipid in bovine muscle is contributed by intramuscular adipocytes, oleic acid also is the predominant fatty acid in beef. In many species, the concentration of oleic acid in adipose tissue is dictated by the average concentration of oleic acid in the diet, but in ruminant species such as beef cattle, oleic acid is hydrogenated largely to stearic acid by ruminal microorganisms. In these species, the concentration of oleic acid in adipose tissue is dependent upon the activity of Δ⁹ desaturase, encoded by the stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) gene. Expression of the SCD gene is essential for bovine preadipocyte differentiation, and desaturase gene expression and catalytic activity increase dramatically as adipose tissue mass increases after weaning. Feeding a hay‐based diet to American Wagyu steers to a typical Japanese bodyweight endpoint (650 kg) markedly stimulated desaturase enzyme activity as well as the accumulation of both oleic acid and intramuscular lipid, but the increase in oleic acid and intramuscular lipid was much less in hay‐fed Angus steers. Increasing the concentration of oleic acid improves the palatability and healthiness of beef, and Korean Hanwoo and Japanese Black (and American Wagyu) seem especially well adapted to accumulate oleic acid in their adipose tissue.     

Effects of supplemental rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid or corn oil on fatty acid composition of adipose tissues in beef cattle

Thirty-six Angus x Hereford heifers (365 +/- 60 kg) were used to determine the effects of supplemental dietary lipid sources on fatty acid composition of i.m., perianal (p.a.), and s.c. lipid depots. Lipid was supplied to diets as either corn oil or a rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) salt for two specific treatment periods of either the final 32 or 60 d on feed. Following an initial 56-d feeding period, heifers were fed one of three dietary treatments (DM basis): 1) basal diet containing 88% concentrate and 12% grass hay (CON), 2) basal diet plus 4% corn oil (OIL), or 3) basal diet plus 2% rumen-protected CLA salt (RPCLA) containing 31% CLA. The trans-10, cis-12 CLA concentration was greatest (P < 0.05) for heifers fed RPCLA and OIL diets and least (P < 0.05) for CON, regardless of time on dietary treatment. Heifers fed supplemental RPCLA had greater (P < 0.05) total CLA content than either CON- or OIL-fed heifers. Adipose tissue concentration of trans-11 vaccenic acid (TVA) was less (P < 0.05) for CON than OIL or RPCLA, which did not differ (P > 0.05). Percentages of C18:1 trans-10 were least (P < 0.05) in i.m. lipid compared with p.a. and s.c., which did not differ (P > 0.05). Following 60 d of lipid supplementation, heifers fed OIL and RPCLA had lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of oleic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) compared with CON. The ratio of cis-9, trans-11 CLA:TVA was higher (P < 0.05) for heifers fed 60 vs. 32 d, but did not differ (P > 0.05) between adipose depots. Feeding OIL increased (P < 0.05) adipose concentration of C18:2 fatty acid, whereas feeding RPCLA increased (P < 0.05) total CLA isomers by 22%. Intramuscular lipid contained the lowest (P < 0.05) percentage of cis-9, trans-11 CLA, total CLA, C18:1 cis-9, C18:1 trans-10, and TVA. Total CLA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomers were increased (P < 0.05) in p.a. and s.c. adipose depots, whereas i.m. adipose tissue contained increased (P < 0.05) amounts of total PUFA. Results from this study indicate that short-term lipid supplementation to feedlot cattle can increase adipose tissue CLA concentrations, but only marginally (8.3 to 17.5%). Moreover, observed decreases in oleic acid and total MUFA concentrations of adipose tissues from heifers fed rumen-protected CLA or corn oil suggest that lipid supplementation may decrease delta9 desaturase activity in adipose tissues, which in turn would lower the conversion of TVA to cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer.     

Feeding lambs high-oleate or high-linoleate safflower seeds differentially influences carcass fatty acid composition

Our objective was to determine effects of dietary high-oleate (Oleate; 76% 18:1) or high-linoleate (Linoleate; 78% 18:2) safflower seeds on fatty acids in muscle and adipose tissue of feedlot lambs. White-faced ewe lambs (n = 36) were fed a beet pulp, oat hay, and soybean meal basal diet (Control), blocked by BW, and allotted randomly to dietary treatments. Cracked safflower seeds were used in isocaloric and isonitrogenous replacement of beet pulp, oat hay, and soybean meal so that Oleate and Linoleate diets contained 5.0% additional fat. Fatty acids were determined in semitendinosus, longissimus dorsi (longissimus), and adipose tissue from the tail head (tailhead adipose tissue), adjacent to the 12th rib (s.c. adipose tissue), and kidney and pelvic fat (KPH adipose tissue) depots. Fatty acid data were analyzed within muscle and adipose tissue as a split-block design. Single degree of freedom orthogonal contrasts were used to compare treatment effects. Average daily gain, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics did not differ (P = 0.15 to 0.96) across dietary treatments. Adipose tissue saturated fatty acids were greater (P = 0.04) for Controls but were not different (P = 0.36) in muscle. Trans-vaccenic acid (18:1(trans-11)) increased (P < 0.0001) with safflower supplementation and was greater (P < 0.0001) in Linoleate than in Oleate for both tissue types. Linoleate lamb had greater (P < 0.0001) PUFA than Oleate lamb in muscle and adipose tissue. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA; cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12) were greater (P < 0.0001) in muscle and adipose tissue of lambs fed safflower seeds. Lambs fed Linoleate had greater (P < 0.0001) CLA in adipose tissue and muscle than lambs fed Oleate. Saturated fatty acids were greater (P < 0.0001) in s.c. adipose tissue than in tailhead adipose tissue. Mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids were greater (P < 0.0001) in tailhead adipose tissue than in s.c. adipose tissue. Weight percentages of 18:1(trans-11) ranked tailhead adipose tissue = KPH adipose tissue > s.c. adipose tissue and semitendinosus > longissimus, whereas CLA ranked tailhead adipose tissue > s.c. adipose tissue > KPH adipose tissue and semitendinosus > longissimus. Feeding mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased tissue 18:1(trans-11) and CLA, which is a favorable change in regard to current human dietary guidelines.     

Subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissue stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase gene expression and fatty acid composition in calf- and yearling-fed Angus steers

We proposed that stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activity dictates fatty acid composition of adipose tissue and muscle in beef cattle, regardless of ruminal or hepatic fatty acid hydrogenation or desaturation. Twelve Angus steers were assigned to a calf-fed (CF) group and slaughtered at weaning (8 mo of age; n=4), 12 mo of age (n=4), or 16 mo of age (n=4). Twelve steers were assigned to a yearling-fed (YF) group and slaughtered at 12 mo of age (n=4), 16 mo of age (n=4), and 17.5 mo of age (n=4; 525 kg, market weight). Data were analyzed based on time on the corn-based finishing diet, with terminal age as a covariate, and orthogonal polynomial contrasts were tested on the main effects of treatment group and time on the finishing diet. Fatty acids from duodenal digesta, plasma, liver, LM, and subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissue were measured, and SCD gene expression was measured in intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues. In duodenal digesta, palmitic and linoleic acids increased by 100% over the sampling period, α-linolenic acid decreased over the sampling period, and trans-vaccenic acid was greater in YF than in CF steers (all P < 0.01). The proportion of α-linolenic acid decreased over time in all tissues, including liver. The SCD index (ratio of SCD fatty acid products to SCD fatty acid substrates) increased over time in LM and in intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues. The SCD:glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA ratio was virtually undetectable at the initial sampling periods in subcutaneous adipose tissue of YF and CF steers, and it increased over time (P < 0.01). The SCD index and SCD:glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase ratio were greater in intramuscular adipose tissue of CF steers than in that of YF steers. The SCD index did not change over time in liver and decreased over time in duodenal digesta. We conclude that, unlike essential fatty acids, the SFA and MUFA composition of adipose tissue is regulated by adipose tissue fatty acid desaturation, with little contribution from hepatic or duodenal fatty acids.     

Stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) gene polymorphisms in Italian cattle breeds.

Stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) is the key enzyme involved in the endogenous synthesis of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in ruminants. Changes in the enzymatic activity as a result of SCD gene polymorphism and regulation have been hypothesized to cause diet-independent variations of CLA content in milk. Evidences for the direct influence of SCD polymorphism on fatty acid composition of milk and beef have also been reported. To evaluate genetic differences because of breed and/or selection goal, we investigated the polymorphism of three previously reported single nucleotide polymorphisms located in exon 5 of the SCD gene in 11 cattle breeds raised in Italy and selected for different production goals. Results obtained: (i) evidenced a high variability in the allele frequencies across breeds; (ii) detected three novel haplotypes, one of which is private to indigenous beef breeds, and (iii) showed a significant association between haplotypes and selective goal.     

Lipogenesis and stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene expression and enzyme activity in adipose tissue of short- and long-fed Angus and Wagyu steers fed corn- or hay-based diets

Angus and Wagyu steers consuming high-roughage diets exhibit large differences in adipose tissue fatty acid composition, but there are no differences in terminal measures of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activity or gene expression. Also, adipose tissue lipids of cattle fed corn-based diets have greater MUFA:SFA ratios than cattle fed hay-based diets. We hypothesized that any changes in SCD gene expression and activity would precede similar changes in adipose tissue lipogenesis between short- and long-fed endpoints. Furthermore, changes in SCD activity and gene expression between production endpoints would differ between corn- and hay-fed steers and between Wagyu and Angus steers. Angus (n = 8) and Wagyu (n = 8) steers were fed a corn-based diet for 8 mo (short-fed; 16 mo of age) or 16 mo (long-fed; 24 mo of age), whereas another group of Angus (n = 8) and Wagyu (n = 8) steers was fed a hay-based diet for 12 mo (short-fed; 20 mo of age) or 20 mo (long-fed; 28 mo of age) to match the end point BW of the corn-fed steers. Acetate incorporation into lipids in vitro was greater (P < 0.01) in corn-fed steers than in hay-fed steers and tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in Wagyu than in Angus s.c. adipose tissue because the rate in Wagyu was twice that of Angus adipose tissue in the corn-fed, short-fed steers. There were diet x end point interactions for lipogenesis in i.m. and s.c. adipose tissues (both P < 0.01) because lipogenesis was 60 to 90% lower in the long-fed cattle than in short-fed cattle fed the corn-based diet. The greatest SCD enzyme activity in Angus s.c. adipose tissue was observed at 24 mo of age (corn-based diet), but activity in Wagyu adipose tissue was greatest at 28 mo of age (hay-based diet; breed x diet x end point interaction, P = 0.08). For short- vs. long-fed endpoints in Angus, s.c. adipose tissue SCD activity was less (hay diet) or the same (corn diet). Conversely, SCD gene expression was greatest in long-fed Wagyu steers fed the hay- or corn-based diets (breed x end point interaction; P < 0.01). Contrary to our hypotheses, SCD activity increased over time, whereas lipogenesis from acetate decreased. However, the developmental pattern of SCD gene expression and activity differed markedly between hay-fed Angus and Wagyu adipose tissues, which may explain the differences in the MUFA:SFA ratios observed in adipose tissues from these cattle.     

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 3'UTR SNPs and their influence on milk fatty acid composition of Canadian Holstein cows

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) catalyses the synthesis of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the mammary gland of ruminant animals. Considerable variations in CLA and MUFA have been reported among animals of the same contemporary group. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of the SCD1 gene would influence the production of SCD1 enzyme and consequently its activity in the mammary gland, which may account for some of the observed within breed variations in CLA and MUFA. The 5' and 3'UTRs of the SCD1 gene of 46 Holsteins and 35 Jerseys were analysed for SNPs by sequencing. No SNPs were identified in the 5'UTR, while 14 SNPs were identified in the 3'UTR region. Further analysis revealed three haplotype structures or regulatory variants in Holsteins: named H1, H2 and H3 and only H1 and H3 in Jerseys. An IRES motif was found in the H1 variant. A subsequent association study involving the milk fatty acid profiles of 862 Holstein cows found the H1 regulatory variant to be associated with higher C10 and C12 desaturase indices and consequently with higher contents of C10:1 and C12:1 relative to the H3 variant. The effects of the H2 variant were intermediate to those of H1 and H3. SNPs in the 3'UTR of the SCD1 gene could therefore explain some of the within-breed variations in MUFA content of milk fat.     

Effect of feeding rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid on carcass characteristics and fatty acid composition of sheep tissues

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of a rumen-protected CLA (pCLA) supplement and the impact of feeding this pCLA on carcass characteristics and tissue fatty acid composition of lambs. In Exp. 1, a CLA-80 preparation (80% pure CLA; contained similar proportions of cis-9, trans-11, and trans-10, cis-12 CLA), protected against rumen degradation, was fed to sheep, and the proportion of CLA reaching the duodenum was determined. A 3 x 3 Latin square design was used with 3 diets (1.4 kg of concentrate-based control diet, the same control diet plus 22 g of CLA-80, or the same control diet plus 110 g of pCLA/d), 3 feeding periods, and 3 rumen and duodenally cannulated sheep (Mule x Charolais males, 10 mo of age, BW 55.3 +/- 1.8 kg). After 7 d of feeding, sheep were ruminally infused with chromium EDTA and Yb acetate for 7 d, after which samples of duodenal digesta were collected every 6 h for 48 h to determine the quantity of CLA reaching the small intestine each day. The amounts of CLA cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12, and combined isomers, flowing through the duodenum each day were greater (P = 0.01) in sheep fed pCLA. Approximately 65% of the pCLA avoided rumen biohydrogenation, with the ratio of the 2 main isomers remaining similar. In Exp. 2, 36 Mule x Charolais ewe lambs (approximately 13-wk old, average initial BW 29.3 kg) were fed 3 levels of the pCLA or Megalac, which were fed to provide an equivalent energy content at each pCLA level. Lambs were randomly assigned to 1 of 7 treatment groups, which were fed for 10 wk to achieve a growth rate of 180 g/d. Treatments included the basal diet and the basal diet plus 25, 50, or 100 g of pCLA/kg of diet or the equivalent amount of Megalac. In liver (P < 0.001) and all adipose tissue depots studied, the proportions of both CLA isomers increased (P = 0.02) with the amount of pCLA fed but were not altered with increasing of Megalac. Although there was no effect of treatment on cis-9, trans-11 CLA content, accumulation (P < 0.001) in the LM with increasing of pCLA supplementation was observed for the trans-10, cis-12 isomer. Although tissues had been enriched with CLA, there was no evidence of a reduction in adipose tissue or an increase in muscle mass in these sheep. However, an effect of pCLA on tissue fatty acid composition was consistent with an inhibition of stearoyl-CoA desaturase.     

Concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11-octadecadienoic acid) are not increased in tissue lipids of cattle fed a high-concentrate diet supplemented with soybean oil

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a mixture of isomers of linoleic acid, has many beneficial effects, including decreased tumor growth in animal cancer models. The cis-9, trans-11 isomer of CLA (CLA9,11) can be formed in the rumen as an intermediate in biohydrogenation of linoleic acid. Recent data, however, indicate that tissue desaturation of trans-fatty acids is an important source of CLA9,11 in milk. Our objective was to determine whether supplementing a high-corn diet with soybean oil (SBO; a source of linoleic acid) would increase concentrations of CLA in ruminal contents and tissue lipids. Four ruminally cannulated steers were utilized in a Latin square design with 28-d periods. A control diet (80% cracked corn, 2.0% corn steep liquor, 8.0% ground corn cobs, and 10% supplement [soybean meal, ground shelled corn, minerals, and vitamins]) was supplemented with 2.5, 5.0, or 7.5% (DM basis) SBO. Supplemental SBO did not affect ruminal pH or concentrations of the major VFA. The proportion and amount (mg FA/g DM ruminal contents) of CLA9,11 were not increased by increasing dietary SBO. However, the proportion and amount of the trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomer (CLA10,12) in ruminal contents increased linearly (P < 0.006) as dietary SBO increased. Trans-18:1 isomers in ruminal contents increased linearly (P < 0.02) as dietary SBO increased. The proportion of CLA10,12 was correlated positively (P < 0.001) with proportions of trans-C 18:1 isomers in ruminal contents. Conversely, CLA9,11 was correlated negatively (P < 0.05) with the proportions of trans-18:1 in ruminal contents. The same high-corn diet, supplemented with 0 or 5% SBO, was fed to 20 Angus-Wagyu heifers for 102 d in a randomized complete block design to determine the effect of added SBO on tissue deposition of CLA. Supplemental SBO did not affect feed intake, gain:feed, or carcass quality. Tissue samples were obtained from the hindquarter, loin, forequarter, liver, large and small intestine, and subcutaneous, mesenteric, and perirenal adipose depots. The concentration of CLA9,11 was greatest in subcutaneous adipose tissue but was not affected in any tissue by SBO. Supplementing high-corn diets with SBO does not increase CLA9,11 concentrations in tissues of fattening heifers. Research is needed to identify regulatory factors for pathways of biohydrogenation that lead to increased concentrations of CLA10,12 in ruminal contents when high-oil, high-concentrate diets are fed.     

Influence of bovine growth hormone and growth hormone-releasing factor on messenger RNA abundance of lipoprotein lipase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase in the bovine mammary gland and adipose tissue

Our objective was to determine the influence of bovine growth hormone (bGH) and bovine growth hormone-releasing factor (bGRF) administration on the mRNA abundance of lipoprotein lipase (LpL) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD). Primiparous Holstein cows received bGH, bGRF, or no treatment from 118 to 181+/-1 d postpartum. We hypothesized that bGH and bGRF treatment would increase the mRNA abundance of both SCD and LpL in the mammary gland with a corresponding reduction in adipose tissue. Milk yield significantly increased but milk fat percentage did not change as a result of bGH or bGRF treatment. Short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acid concentrations in milk were not affected by either bGH or bGRF treatments, with the exception of a modest, but significant, increase in C16:1 and C18:1 following bGH treatment. Analysis was conducted on the genes encoding LpL (E.C. 3.3.1.34), a key enzyme involved in the uptake of fatty acids into tissues, and SCD (E.C. 1.14.99.5), which is the enzyme responsible for introducing delta9 double bonds in fatty acids of 16 and 18 carbons in length. In adipose tissue, treatment with bGH and bGRF reduced the mRNA abundance of LpL to 14.6 and 25.7% respectively, of that observed for control animals. Similarly, these treatments reduced the SCD mRNA abundance to undetectable levels in adipose tissue. In mammary gland, bGH and bGRF had no significant impact on LpL mRNA abundance. Bovine GH did not significantly affect SCD mRNA abundance in the mammary gland, and bGRF reduced SCD mRNA abundance. From this study to examine the role of bGH and bGRF on the expression of the genes encoding these key lipogenic enzymes in cattle, we conclude that the increased substrate required for enhanced milk fatty acid yield may have been provided through redirection of nutrients to the mammary gland away from adipose tissue and through overall increased metabolism in the mammary gland.     

气相色谱法检测牛乳中共轭亚油酸的研究

共轭亚油酸（CLA）主要存在于反刍动物乳制品中,本试验建立了气相色谱法检测CLA的方法,采集牛乳提取脂肪检测脂肪酸中CLA的含量,发现在试验条件下c9,t11-CLA占到总脂肪酸含量的1．25‰是CLA异构体的主要形式。     

The fatty acid composition of muscle fat and subcutaneous adipose tissue of grazing heifers supplemented with plant oil-enriched concentrates

Our objective was to determine the effect of oil supplementation of pasture fed, beef cattle on the fatty acids, particularly CLA and PUFA, of muscle and s.c. adipose tissue. Forty-five Charolais crossbred heifers were blocked on BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary regimens in a randomized complete block design (n = 15). The 3 treatments were: unsupplemented grazing (GO), restricted grazing plus a sunflower oil-enriched ration (SO), or restricted grazing plus a linseed oil-enriched ration (LO). Heifers were fed the experimental diets for approximately 158 d. Samples of LM muscle and s.c. adipose tissue were taken postmortem, the muscle fat was separated into neutral lipid and polar lipid (no separation was performed on the s.c. adipose tissue), and the fatty acid profile was determined by GLC. No effect of dietary treatment on carcass weight or total fatty acid concentration (mean 2,571 mg/100 g of muscle) in muscle fat was detected. Heifers offered SO had a greater (P < 0.001) proportion of CLA and C18:1trans-11 (1.90 and 9.35 vs. 1.35 and 6.89 g/100 g of fatty acids, respectively) in neutral lipid of muscle fat compared with those offered LO, which had a greater proportion of CLA and C18:1trans-11 than heifers offered GO (0.78 and 3.37 g/100 g of fatty acids, respectively). Similar effects were observed in the polar lipid and s.c. lipid. The PUFA:SFA ratio was greater in muscle fat and s.c. adipose tissue from supplemented heifers than in those offered GO (P < 0.001). Compared with LO, the PUFA:SFA ratio was greater (P < 0.05) in muscle fat of heifers offered SO, but there was no difference between SO and LO for this ratio in s.c. adipose tissue. The n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio was similar in muscle and s.c. adipose tissue for GO and LO, but it was greater (P < 0.05) for SO. It is concluded that supplementation of pasture-fed cattle with plant oil-enriched concentrates resulted in an increase in beef fat of some fatty acids considered to be of benefit to human health. Concentrates enriched with sunflower oil were more effective in increasing the CLA concentration, whereas linseed oil-enriched concentrates resulted in a more favorable n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio. The relevance to human health of the associated increase in C18:1trans-11 merits investigation.     

Postpartum supplemental fat, but not maternal body condition score at parturition, affects plasma and adipose tissue fatty acid profiles of suckling beef calves

Three-year-old Angus x Gelbvieh beef cows, which were nutritionally managed to achieve a BCS of 4 +/- 0.07 (479 +/- 36 kg of BW) or 6 +/- 0.07 (580 +/- 53 kg of BW) at parturition, were used in a 2-yr experiment (n = 36/yr) to determine the effects of maternal BCS at parturition and postpartum lipid supplementation on fatty acid profile of suckling calf plasma and adipose tissue. Beginning 3 d postpartum, cows within each BCS were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments in which cows were all fed hay and either a low-fat (control) supplement or supplements with either high-linoleate cracked safflower seeds (linoleate) or high-oleate cracked safflower seeds (oleate) until d 61 of lactation. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric, and safflower seed supplements were provided to achieve 5% of DMI as fat. Total concentration of fatty acids in plasma did not differ (P = 0.48) due to maternal BCS at parturition. Percentage of 20:5n-3 in plasma tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for calves suckling cows with a BCS of 6 at parturition. No other differences (P = 0.12 to 0.99) were noted in calf plasma fatty acid profile due to maternal BCS at parturition. Likewise, no differences were detected for total fatty acid concentration (P = 0.88) in calf adipose tissue due to maternal BCS at parturition. Weight percentage of 14:1 (P = 0.001) was greatest in adipose tissue of calves suckling cows fed control and oleate; however, the percentages of 14:0, 15:0, 16:0, 16:1, 17:0, and 18:3n-3 were greater (P < 0.001) in adipose tissue from calves suckling cows fed control compared with calves suckling cows fed linoleate or oleate. Percentages of 18:0, 18:1trans-11, 18:2n-6, and cis-9, trans-11 CLA were greater (P < 0.001) in adipose tissue from calves suckling cows fed linoleate compared with calves suckling cows fed control and oleate. Calves suckling cows fed oleate had greater (P < 0.001) percentages of 18:1trans-9, 18:1trans-10, and 18:1cis-9 in adipose tissue than calves suckling cows fed control or linoleate. Calf plasma and adipose tissue fatty acid profiles were reflective of milk fatty acids. Because fatty acids play an important role in metabolic regulatory functions, changes in milk fatty acid profile should be considered when beef cows are fed lipid supplements.     

Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Dietary Fats Differentially Affect Hepatic ACAT Activity and LDL-Cholesterol in Postweanling Pigs Fed Low-Fat Diets

Two separate studies tested the hypothesis that plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can be decreased by conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) by depressing hepatic acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity.  In the first experiment, 3 groups of 6 early-weaned piglets were fed low-fat diets containing either 1.5% CLA, 1.5% corn oil or 1.5% beef tallow; fat provided 8% of the energy intake.  In the second experiment, 4 groups of 6 early-weaned piglets were fed high-fat diets containing either 15% beef tallow, 12% beef tallow plus 3% CLA, 15% corn oil, or 12% corn oil plus 3% CLA; fat provided 29% of energy intake.  Cholesterol was balanced across diets in both experiments.  In pigs fed the low-fat diets, all dietary fats increased LDL-C and triacylglycerols and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C). LDL-C was the same in pigs fed low-fat tallow or low-fat CLA diets.  However, ACAT activity was nearly 80% higher in pigs fed the low-fat tallow diet than in pigs fed the low-fat CLA diets.  All high-fat diets increased LDL-C, HDL-C and triacylglycerols equally with no effect on VLDL-C.  There were no unique fatty acid effects of the high-fat diets on ACAT activity.  We conclude that supplemental fats had differential effects on hepatic ACAT activity and LDL-C, but only in pigs fed low-fat diets.