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

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

营养水平对荣昌猪肌内脂肪、脂肪酸含量的影响研究

试验选用84头10 kg左右荣昌阉公猪,随机分成2组,每组6个重复,每个重复7头猪,在参照中国瘦肉型猪饲养标准(高营养水平组)、荣昌猪(GB 7223—1987)饲养标准(低营养水平组)配制的2种日粮饲喂条件下,研究日粮营养水平对生长肥育期荣昌阉公猪肌内脂肪、脂肪酸含量及组成的影响。结果表明:本试验条件下,营养水平对生长育肥阶段荣昌猪肌内脂肪含量无显著影响;高营养水平组显著提高荣昌猪35 kg时硬脂酸含量(P0.05)和20 kg时亚麻酸含量(P0.05);荣昌猪的饱和脂肪酸、不饱和脂肪酸和必需脂肪酸含量,高低营养水平组在各个体重阶段差异均不显著(P0.05)。     

猪生长肥育期背最长肌LPL基因表达与肌内脂肪含量相关研究

选取健康、体重接近10 kg的杜洛克×长白×大约克去势公猪36头,体重达10,20,35,50,80,110 kg时各屠宰6头。从背最长肌提取总RNA,反转录为cDNA,以猪β-actin基因作为内参,利用实时荧光定量RT-PCR技术,对各阶段LPL mRNA进行相对定量分析;结合IMF含量及大理石纹评分,分析LPL基因表达水平对IMF含量等的影响。结果表明:LPL mRNA、IMF含量及大理石纹评分随体重增加均呈上升趋势,其中LPL mRNA表达量80 kg阶段显著高于10~50 kg阶段(P<0.05),肌内脂肪和大理石纹评分110 kg均高于10~50 kg阶段(P<0.01);IMF含量与大理石纹评分和LPL基因表达水平均呈现极显著正相关(P<0.01)。     

Ultrasound prediction of intramuscular fat content in lean cattle

Accuracy and precision of intramuscular fat prediction by ultrasound (USIMF) in lean cattle were studied by developing a prediction model based on 172 pure and crossbred beef and dual purpose bulls and steers from commercial herds. The animals were scanned across the 13th thoracic vertebrae using a Pie 200 SLC scanner. Five images were collected per individual. A 2.5 cm cross sectional muscle sample at the 13th thoracic vertebrae was collected from each carcass for chemical analysis of intramuscular fat % (CHIMF; Mean 2.0%, SD 1.5%) at the scanning site. The prediction model was developed using stepwise regression procedures. The validation model R², RMSE, overall mean bias, SEP and r_P correlation between CHIMF and USIMF based on the final prediction model was 0.80, 0.66%, − 0.15%, 0.65% and 0.90, respectively. The rank correlations varied over the CHIMF parameter space (from 0.26 to 0.87). The causes of this and the implications that follow are discussed. The overall results imply that ultrasound can predict IMF in lean cattle with acceptably high accuracy and precision. Ultrasound may thus be a valuable selection tool for meat quality in such cattle populations. The importance of developing optimised prediction models, based on data representative for the actual population, is highly emphasised.     

Computer image analysis of intramuscular adipocytes and marbling in the longissimus muscle of cattle

The deposition of fat in muscle, recognized by the consumer as marbling, is an important meat quality trait. The objective of the study was to provide additional insights into the quantitative extent of marbling by means of computer image analysis. Fifty-one F(2) generation German Holstein and Charolais crossbreed cattle, 18 mo of age, were used to determine relationships among marbling traits, adipocyte size, and the amount of adipose tissue in different depots. Differences were recorded among the size of i.m. adipocytes in different groups of marbling flecks, divided according to the location in the muscle cross-section and to the size of the marbling flecks. The results showed positive correlation between i.m. adipocyte size and the weight of s.c. fat, intestinal fat, omental fat, and perirenal fat (r = 0.50, 0.61, 0.70, and 0.63, respectively, P < 0.001). The i.m. adipocyte size was correlated with i.m. fat content, number of marbling flecks, proportion of marbling fleck area, and total length of marbling flecks (r = 0.71, 0.44, 0.62, and 0.55, respectively, P < 0.01). The number of marbling flecks was also correlated with i.m. fat content, proportion of marbling fleck area, and total length of marbling flecks (r = 0.58, 0.62, and 0.91, P < 0.01, respectively). The ventral marbling flecks had a 5-fold larger fleck area, 4-fold more adipocytes, and larger adipocytes (P < 0.001). Larger marbling flecks contained larger adipocytes (P < 0.001). Moreover, compared with the small marbling flecks, there was a 48-fold larger fleck area and 26-fold more adipocytes in the large marbling flecks. The results indicate that i.m. fat deposition increases concurrently with the other fat depots but is still independent. Furthermore, the i.m. fat is preferentially deposited in the ventral area of LM. Although the i.m. adipocyte size has an important effect on the traits of marbling flecks, cell number plays a greater role in i.m. fat deposition than cell size.     

延黄牛皮下脂肪与背最长肌中差异基因通路的GSEA分析

通过构建延黄牛皮下脂肪与背最长肌基因芯片表达谱,获得芯片探针总数22 810个,占牛基因组芯片总量的94.5%,杂交后检测到信号的探针13 674个,占检测探针总数的60%。通过基因富集分析方法得出,皮下脂肪中富集的通路主要包括脂肪代谢过程、免疫系统发育过程、磷脂代谢过程、脂类生物合成、细胞脂代谢过程、膜脂代谢过程、脂类转运等基本生物过程。背最长肌中富集的通路有肌肉发育,系统进程、多细胞生物过程调节,横纹肌发育,有机化合物氧化的能量衍生,骨骼肌发育系统等生物过程。为深入研究脂肪组织与肌肉组织的调控机制提供新思路。     

Evaluation of ultrasound for prediction of carcass fat thickness and longissimus muscle area in feedlot steers.

Four hundred fifty-two yearling steers from two experiments were measured for subcutaneous fat thickness and longissimus muscle area between the 12th and 13th ribs using real-time linear array ultrasound equipment. Ultrasonic predictions were compared to corresponding carcass measurements to determine accuracy of ultrasound measurements. In Exp. 1, 74% of the ultrasonic estimates of fat thickness were within 2.54 mm of carcass values (r = .81) and muscle area was predicted within 6.45 cm2 for 47% of all carcasses (r = .43). Although similar correlation coefficients between ultrasonic and carcass fat thickness were obtained in Exp. 2 (r = .82), estimates were more biased; only 62% of ultrasound estimates were within 2.54 mm of carcass measurements. Improvement in longissimus muscle area estimates was noted in Exp. 2, in which 54% of ultrasonic estimates were within 6.45 cm2 of carcass values (r = .63). The extremes for each trait proved most difficult to predict; fat thickness was underestimated on fatter cattle and muscle area was underpredicted on more heavily muscled steers. Ultrasonic measurements of fat thickness are precise and accurate in determining carcass fat thickness, but muscle area estimates are inconsistent and warrant further investigation.     

The relationships among body weight, body composition, and intramuscular fat content in steers

Angus steers of known age (265 +/- 17 d) and parentage were used in a 2-yr study (yr 1, n = 40; yr 2, n = 45) to evaluate the relationship between percentage of i.m. fat content of the longissimus dorsi at the 12th rib and carcass characteristics during growth of nonimplanted steers. Steers were sorted by age and EPD of paternal grandsire for marbling into high- and low-marbling groups so that steers with varying degrees of genetic potential for marbling were evenly distributed across slaughter groups. All steers were fed a 90% concentrate corn-based diet. Steers were allotted to five slaughter groups targeted to achieve hot carcass weights (HCW) of 204, 250, 295, 340, and 386 kg over the course of the feeding period. Data were analyzed as a completely random design with a factorial arrangement of treatments (year, marbling group, and slaughter group). Marbling group did not affect backfat, LM area, yield grade (YG), or marbling score. Regression equations were developed to quantify the change in carcass characteristics and composition over slaughter groups. Hot carcass weight increased in a linear fashion and differed (P < 0.01) among the slaughter groups as anticipated by design. Yield grade followed a quadratic upward pattern (P < 0.01) as HCW increased. Slaughter group affected the degree of marbling linearly (P < 0.01). There were no slaughter group x marbling group interactions, indicating that no differences occurred in the pattern of marbling attributable to paternal grandsire EPD. Carcasses expressed small degrees of marbling at 266 kg of HCW and obtained a YG of 3.0 at 291 kg of HCW. Fractional growth rates decelerated with increasing HCW. Greater advances in marbling relative to total carcass fatness occurred at HCW less than 300 kg. Management practices early in growth may influence final quality grade if compensatory i.m. fat content development does not occur.     

肌间脂肪沉积能力相关基因在前脂肪细胞分化前后的差异表达

研究表明,HBA、HBB、MB、HSPB1、MSRA、TCAP、TXN、PSMA1、GSTM1、COX6B1、VDAC1等基因在具有不同脂肪沉积程度的牛肉中存在差异表达,并对肌肉中脂肪的沉积情况具有潜在的影响。本研究以牛前体脂肪细胞为研究对象,诱导其分化为成熟脂肪细胞,通过实时荧光定量PCR检测上述基因在前体脂肪细胞分化前后的表达情况,通过油红O检测脂类沉积情况。结果表明,PSMA1、HBB、COX6B1、TCAP、MB、HBA、TXN、GSTM1、MSRA、HSPB1在前体脂肪细胞分化后表达量上升,而VDAC1表达量下降,前体脂肪细胞分化后脂质沉积明显加大,说明这些基因可能在调节前体脂肪细胞分化、脂质沉积中具有潜在作用。     

In vitro studies on the synthesis of intramuscular fat in the longissimus dorsh muscle of pigs

The amount of intramuscular fat is one factor contributing to the palatability of meat. As a preliminary attempt to study the capability of M. Longissimus dorxi in pigs to synthesize intramuscular lipids, an in vitro techniques was designed. Tissue alices were incubated with glucose U-C¹⁴ or acetate-1-C¹⁴ in the presence and absence of non-radioactive glucose and insulin. Following incubation, the quantities of C¹⁴-labelled total lipids, fatty acids, and individual lipid classes, produced from each substrate were determined. The results indicate that intramuscular lipids can be synthesized in the muscle tissue, but at a slow rate. It was found that the conversion of glucose into lipids, fatty acids, and triglycerides was markedly stimulated by an increase of the glucose concentration of the medium from 2 to 5 mM. Insulin had no effect on the amount of glucose converted into total lipids. However, at both glucose concentrations insulin significantly stimulated the utilization of glucose for production of giyearide-glycerol at the expense of fatty acid synthesis. Acetate was utilized to a greater extent than glucose for synthesis of fatty acids. The presence of glucose and insulin had no effect on the utilization of acetate for production of total lipids, fatty acids, and individual lipid classes. The major part of the radioactivity of total lipids was incorporated into the triglycerides both when glucose-U-C¹⁴ and acetate-1-C¹⁴ were used as substrates.     

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.     

Regionalisation of the muscle fascicle architecture in the equine longissimus dorsi muscle

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The longissimus dorsi is the largest muscle in the equine back and plays an important role in locomotor ability and performance in the horse. In vivo studies suggest that the mechanical function varies between different muscle segments, in part determined by anatomy. It is possible therefore that variations in function reflect variations in the anatomy of the longissimus dorsi along its length. OBJECTIVES: To identify if there are regional variations in muscle architecture of the longissimus dorsi. METHODS: Computed tomography scans were obtained from 8 cadaver backs to identify the cross-sectional area and volume of the muscle. The 3D orientations of the muscle fascicles were quantified in situ by their direction cosines using a magnetic digitisation system. RESULTS: Mean +/- s.e. volume of the muscle was 2.34 +/- 0.18 l for each side and mean length of the vertebral column from T4 to L6 dorsal spinous processes was 56.57 +/- 2.0 cm. There were significant differences in the cross-sectional area and the moment arm lengths between muscle segments (P<0.05). In the lumbar region, the mediolateral moment arms were 2-3 times greater than the dorsoventral moment arms. There were significant variations in the direction cosines (n = 7129) between muscle segments and between different regions within each segment (P<0.05). POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: These observations indicate that the muscle fascicle architecture predisposes the longissimus dorsi to different functions both along its length and between different regions within each segment. Detailed 3D anatomical measures of the structure with in vivo measures of function (back motion and muscle activity) will be investigated in further studies.     

Evaluation of ultrasonic estimates of carcass fat thickness and longissimus muscle area in beef cattle.

Yearling crossbred feedlot steers (n = 495) and heifers (n = 151) were ultrasonically measured at the 12-13th rib interface 24 h before slaughter to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonic measurements of fat thickness (BFU) and longissimus muscle area (LMAU) for prediction of actual carcass measures. Isonification was with an Aloka 210DX ultrasound unit equipped with a 12.5-cm, 3.0-MHz, linear array transducer by two technicians. Carcass fat thickness (BFC) and longissimus muscle area (LMAC) were measured 48 h postmortem. Differences between ultrasonic and actual carcass measures were expressed in actual (BFDIFF and LMADIFF) and in absolute (magnitude of BFDIFF and magnitude of LMADIFF) terms for backfat and longissimus muscle area, respectively. When expressed as percentages of the actual carcass measures, the average absolute differences indicated error rates of 20.6% for backfat and 9.4% for longissimus muscle area. Average actual differences (BFDIFF and LMADIFF) indicated that underprediction occurred more often than overprediction for both measures. The BFU was within .25 cm of BFC 70% of the time, and LMAU was within 6.5 cm2 of LMAC 53% of the time. Ultrasound measurements BFU and LMAU more accurately predicted BFC and LMAC in thinner and more lightly muscled cattle, respectively. Simple correlation coefficients between ultrasonic and carcass measures were .75 (P less than .01) for BF and .60 (P less than .01) for LMA. Analyses of variance of absolute differences between ultrasonic and carcass measures indicated no significant differences to exist between technicians. Predictive accuracy of ultrasonic measures did not change as the level of experience of technicians increased during the study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of intramuscular fat deposition on the beef traits of Japanese Black steers (Wagyu)

Effects of intramuscular fat deposition on the chemical composition, tenderness, and free amino acids (FAA) concentration of beef were studied using various classified carcasses of 21 Japanese Black (Wagyu) steers. The Beef Marbling Standard (BMS) No., judged on the market in 1998, and fat content, ranged from 2 to 10 and 4.8 to 39.0% in the M. longissimus thoracis, respectively. Moisture content was negatively correlated with the fat content (r =?0.98, P < 0.01). In contrast, protein content was relatively constant up to approximately 23% fat, corresponding to BMS No.4, and decreased as the fat content increased. Cooking loss was also constant up to approximately 28% fat, corresponding to BMS No.4, and markedly decreased with fat content increase. The beef in these cases were, however, classified into BMS No. around 9 and 11, respectively, according to the BMS model in 1988. A negative correlation was found between the shear‐force value and the fat content (r =?0.83, P < 0.05). Most FAA concentrations on the wet weight of meat were correlated negatively with the fat content, except glutamine, and this negative relationship was still observed when the concentrations were recalculated on the basis of protein. These results indicate that higher marbling Wagyu beef (above approx. 23% fat) would have an extremely lower content of protein, which would partly explain the lower cooking loss and FAA with fat increase. In addition, some other reasons not relating to protein content (e.g. high fat content preventing the breakdown of protein to FAA) seem to explain the negative correlation between fat and FAA.     

Fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat of bulls and steers

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the influence of castration on fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat. Twenty-four bull calves of Mertolenga breed were randomly assigned to two groups: castrates and intact males. Castration was done at weaning (6 to 8 months of age). After weaning, all animals grazed a rye-grass pasture through 1 year and were then placed in a feed-lot and fed a finishing diet. Three animals of each treatment were slaughtered after a period of 0 (pasture only), 50, 100 and 150 days of feed-lot feeding. All the animals were subjected to the same feeding and management regimes. Fatty acid composition of the intramuscular fat was analyzed in samples of muscle Longissimus lumborum taken after 7 days of ageing.After adjustment for equal intramuscular fat, entire males had significant higher values of C_17:0, C_18:1trans, C_18:2n−6, P/S, n − 6/n − 3 and C_18:2n−6/C_20:4n−6 ratios and lower values of C_16:0 and C_18:1cis-9, indicating that castration has an effect on the fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat of Longissimus lumborum.     

The relationship between ultrasound measurements and carcass fat thickness and longissimus muscle area in beef cattle

Five hundred thirty-four steers were evaluated over a 2-yr period to determine the accuracy of ultrasonic estimates of carcass 12th-rib fat thickness (CFAT) and longissimus muscle area (CLMA). Within 5 d before slaughter, steers were ultrasonically measured for 12th-rib fat thickness (UFAT) and longissimus muscle area (ULMA) using an Aloka 500V real-time ultrasound machine equipped with a 17.2-cm, 3.5-MHz linear transducer. Overall, correlation coefficients between ultrasound and carcass fat and longissimus muscle area were 0.89 and 0.86, respectively. Correlations for UFAT with CFAT were similar between years (0.86 and 0.90), whereas the relationship between ULMA and CLMA was stronger in yr 1 (r = 0.91; n = 282) than in yr 2 (r = 0.79; n = 252). Differences between ultrasonic and carcass measurements were expressed on both an actual (FDIFF and RDIFF) and absolute (FDEV and RDEV) basis. Mean FDIFF and RDIFF indicated that ultrasound underestimated CFAT by 0.06 cm and overestimated CLMA by 0.71 cm2 across both years. Overall mean FDEV and RDEV, which are indications of the average error rate, were 0.16 cm and 3.39 cm2, respectively. Analysis of year effects revealed that FDIFF, FDEV, and RDEV were greater (P < 0.01) in magnitude in yr 1. Further analysis of FDEV indicated that leaner (CFAT < 0.51 cm) cattle were overestimated and that fatter (CFAT > 1.02 cm) cattle were underestimated with ultrasound. Similarly, steers with small CLMA (< 71.0 cm2) were overestimated, and steers with large CLMA (> 90.3 cm2) were underestimated. The thickness of CFAT had an effect (P < 0.05) on the error of UFAT and ULMA measurements, with leaner animals being more accurately evaluated for both traits. Standard errors of prediction (SEP) adjusted for bias of ultrasound measurements were 0.20 cm and 4.49 cm2 for UFAT and ULMA, respectively. Differences in SEP were observed for ULMA, but not UFAT, by year. These results indicate that ultrasound can be an accurate estimator of carcass traits in live cattle when measurements are taken by an experienced, well-trained technician, with only small differences in accuracy between years.     

Effect of soy lecithin on total cholesterol content,fatty acid composition and carcass characteristics in the Longissimus dorsi of Hanwoo steers (Korean native cattle)

This study aims to investigate the effect of soy lecithin on the total cholesterol content, the fatty acid composition and carcass characteristics in the Longissimus dorsi in Hanwoo steers. Hanwoo steers (24 head) were fed two diets: Control (CON) (concentrate + alcohol‐fermented feed (AFF)) and soy lecithin treatment (CON + soy lecithin at 0.5% of the AFF). Soy lecithin treatment increased average daily gain, serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol in the blood. A lower cholesterol concentration was found in the Longissimus dorsi for the soy lecithin diet compared to the CON diet. With respect to the marbling score and quality grade of Longissimus dorsi, soy lecithin supplementation significantly increased the C20:5n3, C22:4 and polyunsaturated fatty acids contents compared to the CON diet. Soy lecithin supplementation would alter the total cholesterol content, polyunsaturated fatty acid profile and meat quality of Longissimus dorsi.     

Cholesterol concentration of longissimus muscle, subcutaneous fat and serum of two beef cattle breed types

The cholesterol concentration of uncooked and cooked longissimus muscle, uncooked subcutaneous fat and serum, as affected by days on feed, breed type and sex class in a factorial arrangement, and the relationship between serum cholesterol and tissue cholesterol were studied. Days on feed, breed type and sex class had no effect (P greater than .05) on tissue cholesterol concentrations. Overall least-squares means for uncooked and cooked longissimus muscle and subcutaneous fat were 63.32, 80.27 and 98.90 mg of cholesterol/100 g of tissue, respectively. Cholesterol concentration was 26.8% higher in cooked vs uncooked muscle and 56.2% higher in uncooked subcutaneous fat compared with uncooked muscle. Serum cholesterol concentration was lower (P less than .05) for fullblood Chianinas and steers (122.6 and 133.9 mg/dl) compared with crossbreds and heifers (162.3 and 151.0 mg/dl), respectively. Serum cholesterol concentration showed a cubic response (P less than .05) over days on feed; it was lowest at 0 d (79.6 mg/dl), increased up to 77 d (156.3 mg/dl), leveled off (154.7 mg/dl), then increased again (179.3 mg/dl). Serum cholesterol had low and insignificant correlation coefficients with all tissue cholesterol concentrations (r = .08 to .22; P greater than .05). Results indicate that muscle and fat tissue cholesterol concentrations do not vary in response to the differences in breed type, sex class or time on feed represented in the present study and thus may be an inherent characteristic dependent upon quantitative needs for cellular membrane functions. However, serum cholesterol concentration was affected by treatments evaluated in this study and may be related to factors affecting lipid metabolism.