The effects of utilization of hazelnut oil,sunflower oil and their products on performance and fatty acid composition of yolk in layer hens

This research has been performed to determine the effects of hazelnut crude oil, sunflower crude oil and its refinery by-products over the laying hens performance and the fatty acid composition of the egg’s yolk. Four hundreds 36-week-old Nick Brown layer hens were allocated into five groups. Treatment groups were supplemented with 1.5% of sunflower crude oil, hazelnut crude oil, acidulated sunflower soapstock, acidulated hazelnut soapstock and acidulated hazelnut crude oil. The daily feed consumption for groups that were fed with crude oils were numerically improved as compared for those nourished with acidulated soapstocks. Although the percentages of cracked and broken eggs in acidulated hazelnut soapstock group was significantly higher than the other groups, daily feed consumption and egg production values were not different. The usage of acidulated hazelnut soapstock reduced the percentage of intact egg ratio. Egg’s specific gravity and yolk color index were the highest level throughout the experiment from start to end in hazelnut crude oil group (p < 0.05). In group that was nourished by hazelnut oil, Omega 3/Omega-6 fatty acid ratios in egg yolk were higher than the groups that were fed with sunflower oil. The oleic acid content of the egg yolk was increased in the groups which were supplemented with hazelnut crude oil and acidulated hazelnut crude oil. Consequently, hazelnut crude oil and acidulated hazelnut crude oil improved the egg shell quality, yolk color index and yolk oleic acid value which would increase egg’s shelf life. On the other hand acidulated hazelnut soapstock supplementation adversely affects the quality of egg shell.     

Effect of linseed oil supplementation on performance and milk fatty acid composition in dairy cows

Thirty‐six Holstein‐Friesian crossbred lactating dairy cows were used to determine the effects of linseed oil supplementation on performance and milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Three treatments were as follows: basal diet (56:44 Roughage:concentrate [R:C] ratio, dry matter basis) supplemented with 500 g of palm oil as control (PO), 500 g mixture (1:1, w/w) of palm oil and linseed oil (POLSO) and 500 g of linseed oil (LSO). The LSO supplementation had no effects on total dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and milk composition. Compared to control cows, cows supplemented with LSO increased milk concentrations of cis‐9,trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and n‐3 FA (P < 0.05), particularly C18:3n‐3, C20:5n‐3 and C22:6n‐3. Feeding LSO reduced concentrations of milk short‐ and medium‐chain saturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) while it increased concentration of milk unsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05). Milk proportions of n‐3 FA increased, whereas n‐6/n‐3 ratio decreased in the LSO as compared with the control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing dairy cows' diet based on corn silage with LSO at 500 g/day could improve the nutritional value of milk with potential health‐beneficial FA without detrimental effect on milk composition or cow's performance.     

Effects of extruded flaxseed on layer performance,nutrient retention and yolk fatty acid composition

1. This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding an extruded flaxseed (EF) on layer performance, apparent total tract nutrient retention (ATTR) and egg yolk fatty acid concentrations.

2. Seventy-two White Leghorn laying hens (58-week-old; three per cage) were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments: 0%, 7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% of EF-supplemented diets for 8 weeks.

3. Supplementation with EF had no effect on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio and egg weight. Egg components (yolk, albumen and shell percentages) were similar among treatments, except that shell percentage was greater for layers fed 22.5% EF than those fed 7.5% and 15% EF. The ATTR of dry matter and organic matter were highest for 0% and 7.5% EF, intermediate for 15% EF and lowest for 22.5% EF. Similar reductions on ATTR of crude protein and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy were observed for layers fed 22.5% EF relative to those fed 0% or 7.5% EF.

4. Feeding EF at 7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% of the diet markedly increased (by 92%, 198% and 271%, respectively) egg yolk concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and reduced saturated fatty acid and n-6 PUFA concentrations.

5. It was concluded that omega-3 labelled eggs (300 mg/60 g of egg) may be produced with low (7.5% of diet) levels of dietary EF without compromising egg production parameters. However, feeding moderate to high levels of EF (i.e. 15% and 22.5% EF) may reduce total tract nutrient and energy utilisation.     

猪肌内脂肪酸成分的研究进展

脂肪酸成分在猪的育种上是一个重要的经济性状,不仅影响猪肉品质,而且对人类的健康也有十分重要的作用。本文综述了近几年来国内外学者在猪肌内脂肪酸成分方面的研究进展。     

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.     

饲喂不同油脂对黄羽肉鸡肌肉组织中脂肪酸组成的影响

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

Poultry fat decreased fatty acid transporter protein mRNA expression and affected fatty acid composition in chickens

Background: A study was undertaken to examine the effects of poultry fat (PF) compared with those of soybean oil (SBO) on intestinal development, fatty acid transporter protein (FATP) mRNA expression, and fatty acid composition in broiler chickens. A total of 144 day-old male commercial broilers were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups (6 replicates of 12 chicks for each treatment) and fed isocaloric diets containing 3.0% PF or 2.7% SBO at 0 to 3 wk and 3.8% PF or 3.5% SBO at 4 to 6 wk, respectively. Results: PF had no influence on intestinal morphology, weight, or DNA, RNA, or protein concentrations at 2, 4, and 6 wk of age. However, compared with SBO, PF significantly decreased FATP mRNA abundance at 4 wk (P=0.009) and 6 wk of age (P<0.001); decreased liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) mRNA abundance at 6 wk of age (P=0.039); and decreased C18:2 (P=0.015), C18:3 (P<0.001), C20:2 (P=0.018), Σ-polyunsaturated fatty acids (Σ-PUFA) (P = 0.020), and the proportion of PUFA (P<0.001) in the intestinal mucosa and decreased C18:2 (P=0.010), C18:3 (P<0.001), C20:2 (P<0.001), Σ-PUFA (P=0.005), and the proportion of PUFA (P<0.001) in breast muscle at 6 wk of age. Conclusions: PF decreases FATP and L-FABP mRNA expression and decreased the proportion of PUFA in the intestinal mucosa and breast muscle.     

Poultry fat decreased fatty acid transporter protein mRNA expression and affected fatty acid composition in chickens

Background

A study was undertaken to examine the effects of poultry fat (PF) compared with those of soybean oil (SBO) on intestinal development, fatty acid transporter protein (FATP) mRNA expression, and fatty acid composition in broiler chickens. A total of 144 day-old male commercial broilers were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups (6 replicates of 12 chicks for each treatment) and fed isocaloric diets containing 3.0% PF or 2.7% SBO at 0 to 3 wk and 3.8% PF or 3.5% SBO at 4 to 6 wk, respectively.

Results

PF had no influence on intestinal morphology, weight, or DNA, RNA, or protein concentrations at 2, 4, and 6 wk of age. However, compared with SBO, PF significantly decreased FATP mRNA abundance at 4 wk (P = 0.009) and 6 wk of age (P < 0.001); decreased liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) mRNA abundance at 6 wk of age (P = 0.039); and decreased C18:2 (P = 0.015), C18:3 (P < 0.001), C20:2 (P = 0.018), Σ-polyunsaturated fatty acids (Σ-PUFA) (P = 0.020), and the proportion of PUFA (P < 0.001) in the intestinal mucosa and decreased C18:2 (P = 0.010), C18:3 (P < 0.001), C20:2 (P < 0.001), Σ-PUFA (P = 0.005), and the proportion of PUFA (P < 0.001) in breast muscle at 6 wk of age.

Conclusions

PF decreases FATP and L-FABP mRNA expression and decreased the proportion of PUFA in the intestinal mucosa and breast muscle.     

Fish oil supplementation improved liver phospholipids fatty acid composition and parameters of oxidative stress in male wistar rats

In the present study, we examined the effects of fish oil supplementation in 3 months old male Wistar rats on changes in plasma and liver lipid metabolism and oxidative stress parameters. Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups of ten animals: control group and intervention group, treated for 6 weeks with fish oil capsules containing 45 mg eicosapentanoic acid and 30 mg docosahexanoic acid. After intervention, biochemical parameters in plasma [triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol, urea, creatinine and uric acid], fatty acid (FAs) profile of liver phospholipids and parameters of oxidative stress in liver [activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and paraoxonase (PON1), concentration of nitrites, lipid peroxidation (LPO), free thiol (SH) groups and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) izoenzymes were determined. Treatment with fish oil improved FAs profile of liver phospholipids, increasing n‐3 FAs and decreasing n‐6/n‐3 ratio. Significant decrease in plasma TG and LDL concentration, and increase in the level of HDL and uric acid were found in intervention group at the end of the study. Catalase activity, LPO, and nitrites concentration in liver were significantly decreased, after the supplementation, together with elevated PON1 activity. Applied treatment significantly improved plasma lipid profile, liver FAs composition and parameters of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats.     

脂肪酸钙在反刍动物中的应用及亚麻油脂肪酸钙的生产工艺

脂肪酸钙是一种新型高能饲料添加剂,是由脂肪和钙结合而成的保护性脂肪。目前大量研究表明,在动物日粮特别是反刍动物日粮中,添加脂肪酸钙可有效提高饲料的能量水平,进而提高动物的生产性能。选用富含多不饱和脂肪酸的脂肪,特别是富含亚油酸、α-亚麻酸的植物油制作脂肪酸钙饲喂奶牛可以提高乳脂中多不饱和脂肪酸含量,使生产出的奶不仅含丰富的蛋白质,而且有人体必需的多不饱和脂肪酸,为保健食品的开发生产提供了一条新的途径。亚麻油因含有丰富的亚麻酸和亚油酸(亚油酸12.7%、亚麻酸58.5%),常被用来制作成脂肪酸钙,用以提供不饱和脂肪酸。文章仅就脂肪酸钙在反刍动物特别是奶牛饲料中的应用及亚麻油脂肪酸钙的制作做一概述。     

不同胡麻品种TAG合成途径关键基因表达与含油量、脂肪酸组分的相关性分析

胡麻是一种富含不饱和脂肪酸尤其是α-亚麻酸的油料作物,明晰TAG合成途径中与胡麻含油量和脂肪酸组分相关的基因具有重要的理论意义。以3个含油量和脂肪酸组分有显著差异的胡麻品种(系)为材料,分析了不同品种(系)、不同组织和不同发育阶段胡麻油脂和脂肪酸组分的动态积累模式和TAG合成途径中7个关键基因的动态表达模式,以及含油量和不饱和脂肪酸与7个关键基因表达的相关性。结果表明,胡麻开花后10～20d,是种子油脂和亚麻酸的快速积累期,且不同胡麻品种(系)油脂和亚麻酸的动态积累模式差异显著。TAG合成途径中的7个关键基因(GPAT9、DGAT1、DGAT2、PDAT1、PDAT2、FAD2A和FAD3A)在胡麻不同发育阶段的不同组织中均有表达,在不同品种(系)间的表达模式各不相同。其中PDAT1、DGAT1和DGAT2基因的动态表达模式与含油量的动态积累模式显著正相关,PDAT1的动态表达模式与亚麻酸的动态积累模式显著正相关,且在高油高亚麻酸材料的种子动态发育阶段中PDAT1基因的累积表达量也显著高于低油低亚麻酸材料。因此,PDAT1可能是影响胡麻不同品种(系)中含油量和亚麻酸含量的关键基因。     

The influence of dietary fish oil vs. sunflower oil on the fatty acid composition of plasma cholesteryl-esters in healthy, adult cats

The question addressed was whether the fatty acid composition of plasma cholesteryl esters (CEs) in cats reflects the intake of fatty acids. Diets containing either fish oil or sunflower oil were fed to six healthy, adult cats in a cross-over trial. The dry cat foods contained approximately 18.5% crude fat, of which two-third was in the form of the variable oil. Blood samples were collected at the end of each 4-week feeding period, and the fatty acid composition of plasma CEs and plasma concentrations of lipoproteins were determined. Consumption of the diet with fish oil was associated with significantly greater proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and myristic acid in plasma CEs. The intake of fish oil instead of sunflower oil reduced the percentage of linoleic acid in CEs. The plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides were not affected by fish oil vs. sunflower oil feeding.     

多不饱和脂肪酸免疫功能的研究进展

概述了多不饱和脂肪酸的定义和分类及其在自然界的分布,着重归纳多不饱和脂肪酸对机体非特异性免疫功能和特异性免疫功能的影响,并简单阐述了多不饱和脂肪酸对免疫功能作用的机理。为多不饱和脂肪酸在畜牧业生产中的推广应用提供一定的参考。     

全肠外营养脂肪乳剂脂肪酸组成对仔猪不同组织中脂肪酸组成的影响

目前,对初生重非常低的人类婴儿全肠外营养（TPN）研究表明．脂肪乳剂对于新生儿的营养是合适但不是最佳的选择。由于脂肪酸在人类和猪身上的代谢非常相似,因而本试验研究几种脂肪乳剂（Clinoleic（克林诺）：Intralipid（英托利匹特）;Lipofundin（力保肪宁）;Omegaven（ω-3鱼油脂肪乳））在TPN的临床上如何发挥作用。与饲喂母乳替代物不同,在对仔猪注射不同组成的脂肪酸7d后,其组织脂肪酸结构发生变化。在脂肪乳剂中不同比例脂肪酸或母乳替代物与血浆、骨骼肌、皮下脂肪、肝脏、心脏、胰腺、胃及小肠的总血脂或者脑磷脂中所对应的脂肪酸存在着正态的线性关系．且脑磷脂表现出最低的相关性。除大脑外．各个组织中的油酸或α-亚麻酸的比例与相应的脂肪乳剂或者母乳替代物相关．而亚麻酸的比例与以上所有组织密切相关。除脑磷脂外,注射ω-3鱼油脂肪乳剂的仔猪组织里含有更高的二十碳五烯酸和二十二碳六烯酸。简言之,除大脑外,血浆脂肪酸组成以及仔猪不同组织受TPN乳剂中不饱和脂肪酸形态的极大影响。然而．脑磷脂脂肪酸的组成受日粮组成的影响要小．表明在生长的关键阶段积极和有效的代谢是确保脂肪酸组成的关键。     

Factors affecting conjugated linoleic acid and trans-C18:1 fatty acid production by mixed ruminal bacteria

The objective of this study was to identify environmental factors that influence conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans-C18:1 fatty acid production by mixed ruminal bacteria. Ruminal contents were collected from a 600-kg ruminally fistulated Hereford steer maintained on pasture. Mixed ruminal bacteria were obtained by differential centrifugation under anaerobic conditions and added to a basal medium that contained a commercial emulsified preparation of soybean oil and a mixture of soluble carbohydrates (cellobiose, glucose, maltose, and xylose). Culture samples were collected from batch culture incubations at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 48 h. Continuous culture incubations were conducted at dilution rates of 0.05 and 0.10 h(-1) with extracellular pH values of 5.5 and 6.5, and 0.5 and 1.0 g/L of mixed soluble carbohydrates. Culture samples were obtained from the culture vessel once steady-state conditions had been achieved. In batch culture, trans-C18:1 concentrations increased over time and reached a maximum at 48 h. Little CLA was produced during the first 8 h, but cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentrations remained high between 24 and 30 h. When mixed ruminal bacteria were maintained in continuous culture on 0.5 g/L of mixed soluble carbohydrates, concentrations of trans-C18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA were reduced (P < 0.05) at a dilution rate of 0.05 h(-1) and an extracellular pH of 5.5. Similar effects were also observed when 1.0 g/L of mixed soluble carbohydrates was used. When extracellular pH was lowered to 5.0, neither trans-C18:1 or CLA isomers were detected. In conclusion, our results suggest that culture pH appears to have the most influence on the production of trans-C18:1 and CLA isomers by mixed ruminal bacteria.     

Effects of supplementing fish oil in the drinking water of dairy cows on production performance and milk fatty acid composition

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementing fish oil (FO) in the drinking water of dairy cows on production performance and milk fatty acid composition. Sixteen multiparous Holstein dairy cows (741 +/- 84 kg of BW; 60 +/- 2.3 d in milk, mean +/- SD) housed in a tie-stall facility were used in the study. The study was conducted as a completely randomized design with repeated measurements. The cows were blocked by days in milk and allocated to 1 of 2 treatments: 10 g of menhaden FO/kg of DM top-dressed on the total mixed ration (FOT), and 2 g of menhaden FO/L delivered in the drinking water (FOW). The trial lasted for 5 wk: a 1-wk pretreatment adjustment period and 4 wk of treatment. The animals were fed and milked twice daily (feeding at 0830 and 1300; milking at 0500 and 1500) and had unlimited access to water. Dry matter intake (21.3 kg/d for FOT vs. 22.7 +/- 0.74 kg/d for FOW), milk yield (38.2 kg/d for FOT vs. 39.5 +/- 1.9 kg/d for FOW), and water intake (101 L/d for FOT vs. 107 +/- 4.4 L/d for FOW) were not affected by treatment. The mode of delivery of FO had no effect on milk fat percentage, but milk fat percentage declined linearly with time. The fatty acid contents of 7:0; 8:0; 9:0; 10:0; 12:0 in the milk of FOT cows were lower than for FOW cows, whereas 18:1 trans-12; 18:1 trans-13 and 14; 18:1 trans-16; and trans-9, trans-11 plus trans-10, trans-12 CLA were greater for FOT than for FOW. The contents of 24:1 in the milk of FOW cows were 48% greater than for FOT cows, although the concentrations were low in both groups. There was a tendency for the contents of 14:0 and 22:5n-6 to be greater in FOW cows than FOT cows and for the contents of iso-18:0 to be lower for FOW cows than for FOT cows. Although it appears that the amount of FO added in the study did not bypass the rumen as hypothesized, these results suggest that drinking water can be an alternative for supplementing FO to dairy cows without decreasing feed or water intake relative to cows fed FO in the diet.     

Dietary fish oil supplementation affects serum fatty acid concentrations in horses

Thirteen horses of Thoroughbred or Standardbred breeding were used to study the effect of dietary fish oil supplementation on blood lipid characteristics. Horses were assigned to either fish oil (n = 7) or corn oil (n = 6) treatment groups for 63 d. The fish oil contained 10.8% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 8% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Each horse received timothy hay and a mixed-grain concentrate at rates necessary to maintain BW. Oil (corn or fish) was top-dressed on the concentrate daily at a rate of 324 mg/ kg of BW. The n-6:n-3 ratio was approximately 3.6:1 for horses receiving the corn oil diet and 1.4:1 for horses receiving the fish oil diet. Horses were exercised 5 d/wk during the study. Before supplementation, there was no difference in the concentrations of any serum fatty acids between the 2 treatment groups. The mean basal concentrations of EPA and DHA on d 0 were 0.04 and 0.01 mg/mL, respectively. After 63 d, horses receiving the fish oil treatment, but not those receiving the corn oil treatment, had increased concentrations of EPA and DHA (P <0.05). Fish oil supplementation for 63 d also increased the concentrations of C22:0, C22:1, and C22:5 fatty acids (P <0.05). Overall, horses receiving fish oil had a decreased concentration of n-6 fatty acids (P <0.05) and a greater concentration of n-3 fatty acids (P <0.01), resulting in a lower n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio after 63 d (P <0.05). Serum cholesterol concentrations increased (P <0.05) during the supplementation period in horses receiving the corn oil but not in horses receiving the fish oil. Compared with horses receiving corn oil, horses receiving fish oil had lower serum triglycerides at d 63 (P <0.05). These results demonstrate that 63 d of fish oil supplementation at 324 mg/kg of BW was sufficient to alter the fatty acid profile and blood lipid properties of horses receiving regular exercise.     

Effect of nicotinic acid on the plasma membrane function and polyunsaturated fatty acids composition during cryopreservation in boar sperm

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nicotinic acid on plasma membrane integrity and fatty acid composition in frozen–thawed boar sperm. Boar semen was cryopreserved using freezing extender containing nicotinic acid (NA), then plasma membrane integrity, osmotic equilibration, lipid peroxidation and fatty acid were analysed. The plasma membrane integrity of frozen–thawed sperm was significantly higher in the 10 mM NA than in the 0 and 20 mM NA treatment groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the osmotic equilibration ability was not different in treatment groups, but lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased in the 10 mM NA treatment group (p < 0.05). The saturated fatty acids were significantly decreased in the 10 mM NA treatment group, and C18:1n‐9, C18:2n‐6, C20:4n‐6, C22:5n‐6 and C22:6n‐3, and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were significantly increased in the 10 mM NA treatment groups (p < 0.05). In summary, 10 mM NA improved plasma membrane integrity, inhibited lipid peroxidation and increased PUFAs in frozen–thawed boar sperm. These results suggest that NA may be useful to protect the plasma membrane and inhibit the loss of PUFAs for sperm cryopreservation in pigs.     

Genetic variation in fatness and fatty acid composition of crossbred cattle

Mature Hereford cows (766) were mated to 97 sires from seven breeds (Jersey, Wagyu, Angus, Hereford, South Devon, Limousin, and Belgian Blue), resulting in 1,215 calves born over 4 yr (1994 to 1997). These cattle comprised Australia's 'Southern Crossbreeding Project." Heifers were slaughtered at an average of 16 mo with hot standard carcass weight of 219 kg and 9 mm fat over the rump. Steers were slaughtered at an average of 23 mo with carcass weight of 319 kg and 13 mm fat over the rump. Meat and fat samples were taken from the carcass on the day after slaughter for subsequent laboratory analysis of i.m. fat content and fatty acid composition. Data were analyzed using uni- and bivariate animal models containing fixed effects of cohort, management group, birth month, and sire breed. March-born calves had fat with a 0.5 degrees C lower melting point, 0.6% higher total monounsaturated fatty acids, and 0.7% higher fatty acid desaturation index than calves born in April. Steers born in 1997 were the only cohort finished on pasture, and they had much more yellow fat than the other cohorts. Four heavy breed crosses (Angus, South Devon, Limousin, and Belgian Blue) averaged 284 kg carcass weight, followed by purebred Hereford (268 kg), Wagyu (244 kg) and Jersey (236 kg). Angus had the greatest fat depth (14.3 mm), ahead of Hereford and Wagyu (11.9 mm), Jersey (10.7 mm), South Devon and Limousin (9.9 mm) and Belgian Blue (8.0 mm). Jersey, Wagyu, and Angus had themost i.m. fat (4.6%), followed by Hereford and South Devon (3.8%), and Limousin and Belgian Blue (3.1%). The highly marbled Jersey and Wagyu had softer fat (6% lower fat melting point) than the other breeds. Angus were more highly marbled, similar to Jersey and Wagyu, but had harder fat similar to the leaner breeds. Heritabilities for all traits were low to moderate (16 to 36%). Genetic correlations between fatty add composition and carcass traits were not significant, indicating little evidence of antagonisms between traits that would prevent genetic progress in both production and quality.