Relationship between adipose maturity and fatty acid composition in various adipose tissues of Japanese Black,Holstein and Crossbred (F1) steers

The amount of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) is intimately related to adipose softness, melting point (MP) and flavor in beef. Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) is a main gene involved in MUFA synthesis. Mature adipose tends to be highly saturated, whereas immature or maturing adipose is highly unsaturated when chronologically based, so the degree of non‐saturation can be an index of adipose maturity. In this study, three different adipose tissues (coelomic (CL), perirenal (PR), and subcutaneous (SC)) from three beef breeds with differing slaughter ages (Japanese Black (29.5 months), Holstein (20.1 month), and F1 crossbreed (25.6 months)) were examined to: (i) determine adipose maturity level as indexed by MUFA %; and (ii) determine SCD and other lipogenic gene messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in relation to unsaturated fatty acid content. Fatty acid composition was significantly different between adipose tissues (P < 0.05). MUFA amount was high in the following order: SC > CL > PR. This pattern corresponded to SCD mRNA expression profile showing higher expression in SC than CL and PR. However, Japanese black cattle are an exception with CL adipose containing similar UFA % as SC adipose, yet having the lowest SCD mRNA expression level among all adipose tissues tested. Therefore, SCD mRNA expression and MUFA % appear to be directly related; however, differences in SCD mRNA expression among three adipose tissues may reflect differences in the fat development characteristics affected by chronological age of the cattle breeds.     

Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids on productive, carcass and meat quality traits of pigs

Three levels (0, 1 and 2%) of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were combined with two levels (low and high) of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) for pig feeding. Productive, carcass and meat quality traits were studied. Large White ♂ × Landrace × Large White ♀ gilts (n = 288) weighting 70 kg were randomly allotted to 6 different feeding treatments and fed to a final average weight of 107 kg. Loins were taken from 48 animals (8 animals randomly selected from each treatment). No differences due to dietary CLA, MUFA or CLA × MUFA interaction were found on average daily gain, average daily consumption, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, backfat thickness, loin weight, loin pH and loin colour. A significant increase in intramuscular fat content (p = 0.010) and in saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p < 0.001), and a decrease in MUFA (p = 0.001) and desaturase indices were found as consequence of dietary CLA, regardless the MUFA level. Therefore, dietary CLA, MUFA and their interaction did not influence productive and carcass traits of pigs. However, the use of CLA for swine feeding increased the intramuscular fat content and modified the fatty acid profile, regardless the MUFA level of the diets.     

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.     

Adipogenic gene expression and fatty acid composition in subcutaneous adipose tissue depots of Angus steers between 9 and 16 months of age

We have demonstrated that among carcass adipose tissue depots, brisket subcutaneous adipose tissue contains the greatest concentration of MUFA and lowest concentration of SFA. Therefore, we hypothesized that brisket subcutaneous adipose tissue depots would exhibit greater adipogenic gene expression over time than other major subcutaneous adipose tissue depots. Four Angus steers, each at 9, 12, 14, and 16 mo of age, were harvested and fresh subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were collected from over the brisket, chuck, rib, loin, sirloin, round, flank, and plate. Relative gene expression for C/EBPβ, PPARγ, carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 beta (CPT-1β), stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD), AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα), and G-coupled protein receptor 43 (GPR43) was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Expression of C/EBPβ, PPARγ, and CPT-1β was greatest at 12 to 14 mo of age (all P < 0.0001) and declined to very low abundance by 16 mo of age in all depots. Expression of PPARγ and CPT-1β was greater (P < 0.03) in flank, rib, and sirloin subcutaneous adipose tissues than in brisket and round adipose tissues. The expression of the SCD gene did not differ among the 4 age groups (P = 0.95). The palmitoleic:stearic acid ratio (an estimate of SCD activity) was greater (P < 0.001) in the subcutaneous adipose tissues from brisket, plate, and round than in the loin, rib, and sirloin. Conversely, subcutaneous adipose tissue from the loin, rib, and sirloin had greater (P < 0.001) SCD gene expression than the brisket, plate, and round. In general, subcutaneous adipose tissues with the highest concentration of MUFA and least SFA consistently exhibited the least SCD gene expression and adipogenic gene expression. We conclude that MUFA in the brisket and other depots with large SCD indices were deposited before 9 mo of age, during a time when the subcutaneous adipocytes were highly differentiated.     

Conjugated linoleic acid depresses the delta9 desaturase index and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase enzyme activity in porcine subcutaneous adipose tissue

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to have an effect on subcutaneous fatty acid composition and has been reported to decrease stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) activity by decreasing mRNA expression and(or) catalytic activity in rodents and rodent cell lines. This investigation was designed to study the effects of CLA, corn oil, or beef tallow supplementation on s.c. adipose tissue fatty acid composition, adiposity, SCD enzyme activity, and the delta9 desaturase index in piglets. Eighteen crossbred barrows 16 to 18 d of age were adapted to diet for 1 wk and then assigned randomly to one of three treatments: 1.5% added CLA, 1.5% added corn oil, or 1.5% added beef tallow. Barrows were penned individually and fed the supplemental oils for 35 d (to 25.6 +/- 0.6 kg BW). Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were obtained after slaughter. Fatty acid composition of the s.c. adipose tissue differed for each fatty acid measured due to diet with the exception of 18:3. The concentrations of CLA trans-10, cis-12 and cis-9, trans-11 were elevated from nondetectable to 1.62 and 2.52 g/100 g lipid, respectively (P < 0.001 for both isomers). Conjugated linoleic acid decreased the delta9 desaturase index (P < 0.01) and SCD enzyme activity, expressed as nanomoles of palmitate converted to palmitoleate/(7 min x g of tissue) (P = 0.075) and nanomoles of palmitate converted to palmitoleate/(7 min 105 cells) (P= 0.056). Tallow-fed pigs had a greater proportion of large adipocytes (> 700 pL) and the greatest SCD activity. These data provide the first direct evidence that dietary CLA depresses SCD enzyme activity in porcine adipose tissue, which may in part be responsible for the depression of adiposity by CLA observed by others in market weight pigs.     

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.     

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).     

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.     

Trans10, cis12 conjugated linoleic acid increases triacylglycerol accumulation in goat mammary epithelial cells in vitro

Trans10, cis12 conjugated linoleic acid (t10c12‐CLA) is well‐established in decreasing milk fat content and causing milk fat depression (MFD) in dairy cattle and goats. However, the detailed mechanisms of its effect are not completely understood. Therefore, we used goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) to further study the molecular mechanisms whereby t10c12‐CLA regulates milk fat synthesis. The optimal concentration of t10c12‐CLA (100 μmol/L) for cell culture was determined through a cell vitality and morphology assay, and evaluation of abundance of apoptosis‐related proteins. Oil red O stain indicated that t10c12‐CLA increased concentration of cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Furthermore, t10c12‐CLA increased the intracellular triacylglycerol (TG) content (P < 0.05). Among 16 genes related to lipid metabolism that were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR, t10c12‐CLA down‐regulated (P < 0.05) genes involved in de novo fatty acid synthesis including FASN, ACACA and SCD1, and also down‐regulated the protein expression of FASN and SCD1 but up‐regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of CD36 and ADRP. Overall, the data indicate that a side effect of de novo fatty acid synthesis inhibition by t10c12‐CLA is the up‐regulation of fatty acid uptake and accumulation of lipid droplets in GMECs. The biologic reason for such an effect merits further study.     

Effects of breed type and restricted versus ad libitum feeding on fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of muscle and adipose tissue from mature bovine females

Fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of muscle and adipose tissue from mature cows (N = 101) representing 15 breeds and crosses were determined. An initial group of cows was slaughtered after being fed slightly above the maintenance level for 2 wk; the remaining cows were fed either at the maintenance level or ad libitum for 84 d, then slaughtered. Samples of triceps brachii and longissimus muscle and subcutaneous and perinephric adipose tissue were obtained from each carcass. In addition, phospholipid and triacylglycerol fatty acids from total lipid extracts of triceps brachii muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue were analyzed for 24 cows that were fed ad libitum or at the maintenance level for 84 d. Breed type effects on fatty acid composition were more pronounced in adipose tissue than in muscle tissue. Total lipid extracts of both triceps brachii and longissimus muscle from animals fed a maintenance diet for 84 d contained higher (P less than .01) percentages (3 to 8%) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower percentages (2 to 3%) of saturated fatty acids (SFA) than those from animals fed ad libitum for 84 d. This reflected significant variation in the fatty acids C14:0, C16:0, C18:2, C18:3 and C20:4 for both longissimus and triceps brachii muscle. Fatty acid composition within phospholipid and triacylglycerol fractions was similar regardless of maintenance or ad libitum feeding. Much of the variation in total lipid fatty acid composition appeared to be the result of differences in triacylglycerol:phospholipid ratios. Adipose tissue contained about twice as much cholesterol (mg/100 g wet weight) as muscle tissue. Both breed type and feeding group effects on cholesterol content of muscle tissue were nonsignificant. Values for cholesterol content of adipose tissue from cows fed restricted diets were higher than those from cows fed ad libitum (approximately 55 mg/100 g higher for subcutaneous and 25 mg/100 g for perinephric). The results show that changes in fatty acid composition of bovine tissues can be made genetically and by varying the energy level in the diet. Alteration of the cholesterol content of muscle tissue by these methods does not appear to be feasible.     

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.     

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.     

Relationship between leptin content, metabolic hormones and fat deposition in three beef cattle breeds

The aim of the study was to determine if cattle breeds differing in their carcass characteristics also differ in the profiles of their leptin and metabolic hormones. Three breeds, Belgian Blue (BB) (n = 12), Limousin (L) (n = 12) and Aberdeen Angus (AA) (n = 12) with varying ability to deposit fat and protein were compared. Blood, muscle and subcutaneous (SC) adipose tissue were sampled. Animal performance, carcass and meat characteristics were determined as well as plasma leptin concentration, leptin gene expression in SC adipose tissue, leptin-receptor gene expression in SC adipose tissue and plasma concentration of insulin, tri-iodothyronin (T3), thyroxin (T4) and cortisol. The BB bulls showed the lowest values of leptin gene expression (P < 0.05). Values of plasma leptin concentration and of leptin-receptor gene expression tended to be lower in BB than in the other breeds. For a similar amount of adipose tissue (after normalisation), BB bulls showed a higher ratio of plasma leptin (P < 0.05), whereas normalised leptin gene and leptin-receptor gene expressions did not significantly differ between breeds. Belgian Blue bulls also differed in their metabolic hormone profile, tending to show lower values of insulin, T3 and T4 than the two other breeds. Cortisol levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in BB than in L and AA animals.     

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid alters fatty acid composition of pig skeletal muscle and fat

The dietary dose responsiveness of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) addition relative to the fatty acid profile of edible lean tissue was examined in grower pigs treated with or without porcine somatotropin (pST). Gilts and barrows were fed CLA at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0% of diet by weight from 20 to 55 kg BW. Additional pigs were administered (pST) at 0 or 100 microg x kg BW x d(-1) and fed either 0.5 or 2.0% CLA. Animals were fed diets containing 18% CP, 1.2% lysine, and 3.5 Mcal of DE/kg at 110% of ad libitum intake. The fatty acid profile in latissimus dorsi and dorsal s.c. adipose tissue samples was determined by gas chromatography. Dietary CLA replacement of corn oil increased the percentage of total fatty acids as stearic acid, whereas the percentages as oleic and linolenic acids were reduced in lattisimus muscle. Treatment with CLA + pST increased the percentages of linoleic and arachidonic acids while reducing the percentages of palmitic and oleic acids in lattisimus muscle. Dietary CLA increased the percentages of palmitic and stearic acids in s.c. adipose tissue while reducing the percentages of oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids. The percentage of palmitic acid was reduced in s.c. adipose tissue, whereas linoleic acid was increased with CLA + pST. No synergistic effect was detected between CLA and pST for reducing carcass lipid content in grower pigs. However, pST increased the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in lattisimus muscle and s.c. adipose tissue while reducing the percentages of saturated fatty acids in swine fed CLA.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Chemical and sensory properties of beef of known source and finished on wet distillers grains diets containing varying types and levels of roughage

Beef knuckles (n = 160) were obtained from source-verified cattle finished on 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles enriched with varying levels of alfalfa hay (4 or 8%), corn silage (6 or 12%), or corn stalks (3 or 6%) based on NDF. Proximate analysis, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, fatty acid composition, and sensory analysis were conducted on the rectus femoris muscle to determine if roughage inclusion, in conjunction with wet distillers grains plus solubles and cattle source, affects beef flavor with particular interest in liver-like off-flavor. Proximate analysis, fat content, and oxidation-reduction potential were unaffected (P ge;0.129) by diet or source. For s.c. adipose tissue, cattle from Nebraska (NE) had greater amounts of MUFA (P = 0.048) and unsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.068) but less SFA (P = 0.065) when compared with cattle from South Dakota. Diet affected s.c. adipose tissue levels of 15:0, 17:0, and n-3 fatty acids in which cattle from NE finished on the low corn stalk diet had (P < or =0.050) lower levels. Cattle from NE had (P < or = 0.049) greater i.m. adipose proportions of 13:0 and CLA. Dietary effects (P < or = 0.050) were observed for i.m. adipose tissue proportions of 16:0, 18:1(n-9), 18:2(n-6), 20:4(n-6), 22:5(n-3), MUFA, PUFA, and n-6 fatty acids. Sensory analysis revealed that cattle from NE were (P < or = 0.023) less juicy and had less bloody notes when compared with cattle from South Dakota. Cattle finished on the low alfalfa diet were (P < or = 0.014) more tender and juicy but had more bloody notes. No (P ge; 0.670) dietary or source effects were noted for liver-like off-flavor. Subcutaneous amounts of 18:2(n-6 trans) (r = -0.17) were inversely related to the incidence of liver-like off-flavor, whereas 20:1(n-9) (r = 0.21), CLA cis-9, trans-11 (r = 0.16) were directly related. Data from this study indicate that type and level of roughage inclusion and cattle source have minimal effects on fatty acid profiles and sensory properties of the musculus rectus femoris. However, individual fatty acids of s.c. and i.m. adipose tissue were significantly correlated with liver-like off-flavor.     

Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on vitamin A status of lactating rats and their offspring

The absorption and metabolism of vitamin A is linked with that of lipids. It is known that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) affects the lipid metabolism in growing and lactating animals. In the present study, the hypothesis was investigated that dietary CLA influences vitamin A status of lactating rats and their pups during the suckling period. For this purpose, Wistar Han rats were fed either a control diet (control group, n = 14) or a diet containing 0.87% of cis‐9, trans‐11 and trans‐10, cis‐12 (1:1) CLA (CLA group, n = 14) during pregnancy and lactation. Vitamin A concentrations in various body tissues were determined 14 days after delivery in dams and 1, 7 and 14 days after birth in pups, and expression of selected genes involved in metabolism of retinoids was determined in dams. Vitamin A concentrations in liver, plasma and muscle were similar in control and CLA‐fed dams. Expression of genes involved in retinoid transport, storage and degradation in liver and adipose tissue in dams was also not different between control and CLA‐fed dams. Vitamin A concentrations in milk curd, sampled at d 1, 7 and 14 of lactation were not different between control and CLA‐fed dams. Vitamin A concentrations in liver, lung and adipose tissue were also not different in pups from control dams and pups from CLA‐fed dams. In conclusion, we show for the first time that dietary CLA has little effect on vitamin A concentrations and vitamin A metabolism in lactating rat dams and, moreover, does not influence tissue vitamin A concentrations in their newborn and suckling pups.     

Evidence for functional G-coupled protein receptors 43 and 120 in subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissue of Angus crossbred steers

We conducted 3 independent experiments to demonstrate functional G-coupled protein receptor 43 (GPR43) and GPR120 in bovine intramuscular (i.m.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) adipose tissues. We hypothesized that media volatile fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids would affect cAMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα) protein expression and cAMP concentrations differently in i.m. and s.c. adipose tissue. Experiment 1: oleic acid (18:1n-9) decreased phosphorylated AMPKα protein (p-AMPKα) and the p-AMPKα/AMPKα protein ratio in i.m. preadipocytes, increased the p-AMPKα/AMPKα protein ratio in bovine satellite cells, and had no effect in s.c. preadipocytes. Experment 2: ex vivo explants from the 5th to 8th longissimus thoracic rib muscle section of Angus crossbred steers were cultured 48 hr in media containing 0.25 µM ciglitizone, 5 mM glucose, and 5 mM acetate, in the absence or the presence of 100 µM oleic acid. Oleic acid increased acetate incorporation into fatty acids and GPR43 gene expression in i.m. adipose tissue (P < 0.05), but oleic acid had no effect on fatty acid synthesis or GPR43 expression in s.c. adipose tissue. Experiment 3: fresh s.c. and i.m. adipose tissue from the 5th to 8th longissimus thoracic rib muscle section of Angus crossbred steers was transferred immediately to 6-well culture plates containing 3 mL of KHB/Hepes/5 mM glucose. Samples were preincubated with 0.5 mM theophylline plus 10 μM forskolin for 30 min, after which increasing concentrations of acetate or propionate (0, 10⁻³, 10^−2.3, and 10⁻³ M) in the absence or the presence of 100 μM oleic acid or 100 µM palmitic acid (16:0) were added to the incubation media. Acetate had no effect on forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in s.c. adipose tissue but decreased cAMP in i.m. adipose tissue (P < 0.05); this indicates a functional GPR43 receptor in i.m. adipose tissue. The combination of 10⁻² M acetate and oleic acid decrease cAMP production in s.c. adipose tissue, consistent with GPR120 receptor activity, but oleic acid and palmitic acid attenuated the depression of cAMP production caused by acetate in i.m. adipose tissue. Palmitic acid depressed cAMP production in s.c. adipose tissue, and increased cAMP production in i.m. adipose tissue (P < 0.05). Propionate had no effect on cAMP production in s.c. or i.m. adipose tissue. These results provide evidence for functional GPR43 receptors in i.m. adipose tissue and GPR120 receptors in s.c. adipose tissue, both of which would suppress lipolysis.