对妊娠母猪追加n-3类脂肪酸对其子宫脂肪酸含量的影响

用2个试验来评估母猪饲料中追加脂肪酸对母猪子宫脂肪酸构成的影响。在试验1中,组1为对照组(基础日粮),组2为亚麻组(基础日粮添加3.75%的亚麻),组3为保护性脂肪酸组(PFA)含有n-3多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)。当母猪170日龄时,对其进行配种使其怀孕。在妊娠40～43d将组1的7头、组2的5头和组3的8头妊娠母猪屠宰。结果表明,相比对照组,组2有增加胎儿二十碳五烯酸(EPA:C20:5n-3)的趋势(P=0.055);组3中胎儿的二十二碳六烯酸(DHA:C22:6n-3)含量显著增加;组2和组3中胎儿的绒毛尿囊膜中的DHA含量有显著增加趋势;在组2中的母猪子宫内膜中,EPA和二十二碳五烯酸(DPA)含量和对照组差异显著(P0.001;P0.05),组3的DHA含量也显著增加(P0.001)。总体来看,亚麻组(组2)和保护脂肪酸组(组3)都选择性地使得母猪子宫内膜和绒毛尿囊膜中的EPA和DHA含量有所增加。在试验2中,将含有PFA(1.5%)的170日龄的母猪日粮作为试验组(n=13/每组)日粮,对照组日粮为玉米-豆粕型。30d后采集其血液样本,当母猪205日龄时对其进行人工配种。妊娠11～19d采集其胎儿和母体子宫样本。血液样本数据显示,PFA日粮组的血浆中EPA和DHA含量都有所增加,且试验组的子宫内膜的EPA含量和对照组差异显著(P0.005);另外试验组胚胎外其他组织的EPA和DHA含量也成倍增加;PFA日粮组的19d胎儿的DHA含量较对照组也有所增加(P0.05)。     

Effects of dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and vitamin E on the immune response of healthy geriatric dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratios and alpha-tocopheryl acetate concentration on immune functions andT cell subpopulations in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: Thirty-two 7- to 10-year old female Beagles. PROCEDURE: For 17 weeks, dogs were fed food that contained low (1.4:1) or high (40:1) ratios of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in combination with 3 concentrations of all rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (low, 17 mg/kg of food; medium, 101 mg/kg; high, 447 mg/kg). Dogs were inoculated twice with a keyhole limpet hemocyanin suspension at 13 and 15 weeks. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, dogs consuming low concentrations of alpha-tocopheryl acetate had lower percentages of CD8+ T cells, compared with dogs consuming medium or high alpha-tocopheryl acetate concentrations. Also, dogs consuming low alpha-tocopheryl acetate concentrations had higher CD4+ to CD8+ T cell ratios. On day 4 of week 15, the percentage of CD8+ T cells was highest in dogs fed medium concentrations of alpha-tocopheryl acetate, compared with other dogs; however, the CD4+ to CD8+ T cell ratio was higher only in dogs fed low concentrations of alpha-tocopheryl acetate with high concentrations of n-3 fatty acids. Dogs consuming low concentrations of n-3 fatty acids with medium concentrations of alpha-tocopheryl acetate had the largest delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test response. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An optimum amount of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate concentration, regardless of the dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio, stimulates the CD8+ T cell population. Effects of an optimum amount of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate concentration on the DTH response are blunted by dietary n-3 fatty acids.     

Effect of diets containing n-3 fatty acids on muscle long-chain n-3 fatty acid content in lambs fed low- and medium-quality roughage diets

In two experiments, each with 32 cross-bred ([Merino x Border Leicester] x Poll Dorset) wether lambs (26 to 33 kg weight range), animals were randomly assigned to one of four treatments. A mixture of lucerne chaff:oaten chaff was used as a basal diet, offered in different ratios. Animals were allowed to consume on a free-access basis in Exp. 1 or 90% of ad libitum intake in Exp. 2 in order to provide a low- (6.5 MJ ME/d) and medium- (9.5 MJ ME/d) quality basal diet, respectively. Isoenergetic amounts of lipid supplements, fish meal (80 g DM), canola meal (84 g DM), and soy meal (75 g DM) were tested in Exp. 1. In Exp. 2, fish meal (9% DM), unprotected rapeseed (7% DM), and protected canola seed (6% DM) were fed as supplements. At the end of 53-d (Exp. 1) or 46-d (Exp. 2) experimental periods, lambs were slaughtered at a commercial abattoir and at 24 h postmortem longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle was collected for the analysis of fatty acid (FA) composition of structural phospholipid and storage triglyceride fractions. Fish meal diet increased LT muscle long-chain n-3 FA content by 27% (P < 0.02) in Exp. 1 and 30% (P < 0.001) in Exp. 2 compared with lambs fed the basal diet, but fish meal decreased (P < 0.01) the n-6 FA content only in Exp. 1. Soy meal and protected canola seed diets increased (P < 0.01) LT muscle n-6 FA content but did not affect long-chain n-3 FA content. Longissimus thoracis muscle long-chain n-3 FA were mainly deposited in structural phospholipid, rather than in storage triglyceride. In both Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, the ratio of n-6:n-3 FA in LT muscle was lowest (P < 0.01) in lambs fed fish meal supplement compared with all other treatments. Protected canola seed diet increased the ratio of n-6:n-3 FA (P < 0.01) and PUFA:saturated fatty acid (P < 0.03) content from those animals fed the basal, fish meal, and unprotected rapeseed diets in Exp. 2. This was due to an increase in muscle n-6 FA content, mainly linoleic acid, of both phospholipid (P < 0.001) and triglyceride (P < 0.01) fractions and not to an increase in muscle n-3 FA content. The results indicate that by feeding fish meal supplement, the essential n-3 FA can be increased while lowering the ratio of n-6:n-3 content in lamb meat to an extent that could affect nutritional value, attractiveness, and the economic value of meat.     

饲粮 ｎ-６／ｎ-３多不饱和脂肪酸比例对鹅肌肉脂肪酸组成的影响

本文旨在探讨饲粮 ｎ-６／ｎ-３多不饱和脂肪酸（ＰＵＦＡ）比例对扬州鹅肌肉脂肪酸组成的影响。试验选取 １６０只健康、体重接近的 ２１日龄扬州鹅,随机分成 ４组,分别饲喂 ｎ-６／ｎ-３ＰＵＦＡ比例为 １２∶１、９∶１、６∶１及 ３∶１的饲粮,于 ７０日龄时取胸肌和腿肌,进行脂肪酸组成的测定。结果表明：１）在胸肌中,亚油酸的含量 ９∶１组显著高于 ３∶１组（Ｐ＜０．０５）,而与其他各组之间无显著差异（Ｐ＞０．０５）;α－亚麻酸的含量 ３∶１组显著高于 ６∶１和 ９∶１组（Ｐ＜０．０５）,极显著高于１２∶１组（Ｐ＜０．０１）。２）在腿肌中,亚油酸的含量 １２∶１和 ６∶１组均显著高于 ３∶１组（Ｐ＜０．０５）,而与９∶１组无显著差异（Ｐ＞０．０５）;α－亚麻酸的含量 ３∶１组显著高于 ６∶１组（Ｐ＜０．０５）,极显著高于１２∶１和 ９∶１组（Ｐ＜０．０１）。综上所述,鹅肌肉中 ｎ-６／ｎ-３ＰＵＦＡ比例随饲粮中该比例的下降而下降,并以 ３∶１组最低,但除 １２∶１组的腿肌 ｎ-６／ｎ-３ＰＵＦＡ比例较高外,其他各组比例均在世界卫生组织推荐的适于人体健康的（６∶１）～（１０∶１）的比例范围内。     

Plasma and skin concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids before and after supplementation with n-3 fatty acids in dogs with atopic dermatitis

OBJECTIVE: To determine essential fatty acid concentrations in plasma and tissue before and after supplementation with n-3 fatty acids in dogs with atopic dermatitis. ANIMALS: 30 dogs with atopic dermatitis. PROCEDURE: Dogs received supplemental flaxseed oil (200 mg/kg/d), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 50 mg/kg/d)-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 35 mg/kg/d), or mineral oil as a placebo in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Clinical scores and plasma and cutaneous concentrations of linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (alpha-LLA), EPA, DHA, prostaglandin E2, and leukotriene B4 were determined. RESULTS: Total plasma concentrations of alpha-LLA and EPA increased and those of arachidonic acid decreased significantly with administration of EPA-DHA, and concentrations of alpha-LLA increased with flaxseed oil supplementation; nevertheless, there was no significant change in the concentrations of these fatty acids or eicosanoids in the skin. There was no correlation between clinical scores and plasma or cutaneous concentrations for any of the measured fatty acids or eicosanoids. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that at the dose used, neither the concentrations of fatty acids in skin or plasma nor a decrease in the production of inflammatory eicosanoids was a major factor involved in the mechanism of action in dogs with atopy that responded to fatty acid supplementation.     

Effects of dietary n-6 or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protected or not against ruminal hydrogenation on plasma lipids and their susceptibility to peroxidation in fattening steers

Two experiments were conducted using crossbred Salers x Charolais fattening steers fed diets enriched with no supplemental oilseeds or oils rich in either n-6 PUFA (from sunflower seeds) or n-3 PUFA (from linseeds) provided either as seeds incorporated in the diet (i.e., not protected from ruminal bacterial hydrogenation) or by chronic infusion into the duodenum (protected form). In the Sunflower experiment, animals (initial age = 454 +/- 20 d; initial BW = 528 +/- 36 kg) received a control diet for 70 d (CS, n = six) consisting of hay and concentrate, or the same basal diet supplemented with sunflower oil (4% of dietary DM), either fed as seeds (SS, n = six) or infused into the duodenum (ISO, n = six). The same experimental design was applied to animals (initial age = 412 +/- 33 d; initial BW = 536 +/- 33 kg) used in the Linseed experiment (CL, LS, and ILO; n = 8 per group). For all animals, blood was sampled every 15 d during 70 d. In both trials, a significant diet x time interaction (P < 0.001) was detected for plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein A-I, phospholipids, and free and esterified cholesterol, with values increasing with time during administration of the PUFA-rich diets being more evident with ISO and ILO diets. Plasma fatty acids were altered with oil infusions, with increased concentrations of n-6 (1.6-fold; P < 0.05) and n-3 PUFA (4.5-fold; P < 0.05) and of their respective indicies of peroxidizability (1.2- and 1.5-fold with Diets ISO and ILO, respectively; P < 0.05). In vitro copper-induced peroxidation of lipids revealed a decreased length of the lag phase in the process of conjugated diene generation by 48% (P < 0.005) with the ILO diet, indicating less resistance against peroxidation than in control steers. Compared with CS, the ISO treatment increased plasma alpha-tocopherol (x2.5; P < 0.05) leading to similar resistance against peroxidation. After depletion of this vitamin, the rates of peroxidation and production of conjugated dienes were greater (twofold; P < 0.05) with the ISO and ILO diets than with the others. In conclusion, infusion of sunflower or linseed oil into the duodenum altered the composition and distribution of plasma lipids and increased the plasma concentration of PUFA. The sensitivity of plasma PUFA to peroxidation depends on the plasma level of antioxidants, especially vitamin E, a nutrient important both for the health of animals and for the stability of the blood lipids until their tissue deposit.     

Different sources of dietary n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their effects on antibody responses in chickens

1. Effects of linoleic and linolenic acid provided via different oil sources on total antibody (Ab) titres, Ab isotypes after primary and secondary immunisation, and cutaneous hypersensitivity (CH) responses to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and maleyl-BSA, respectively, were studied in pullets fed on one of 4 diets. The diets were the basal control diet enriched with either sunflower oil or safflower oil as sources of linoleic acid, and linseed oil as a source of linolenic acid, tested against a control diet supplemented with animal fat. 2. Total Ab and immunoglobulin (Ig) isotype responses to BSA were affected by diet after primary, and diet x immunisation effects after secondary immunisation. Higher total Ab and IgG titres to BSA were found especially after primary immunisation in birds given the sunflower oil enriched diet, whereas birds given sunflower oil mounted significantly lower IgM titres to BSA after primary and secondary immunisation. The antibody responses to maleyl-BSA were affected by diet after primary, and immunisation x diet interactions after secondary immunisation. Sunflower oil enhanced total and IgG Ab titres to maleyl-BSA after primary immunisation, but decreased IgM titres to maleyl-BSA after primary and secondary immunisation. Cutaneous hypersensitivity responses to BSA and maleyl-BSA were not affected by the diet. 3. It is concluded that modulation of the magnitude and isotype of Ab responses of poultry to T cell-dependent antigens is affected not only by type of essential fatty acids, but also by their source. In the present study the n-6 source, sunflower oil, showed strong enhancement of primary Ab responses, directed to both Th2 and Th1 antigens. On the other hand, the different effects of safflower oil imply that constituents other than n-6 acids within dietary plant oils may affect immune responsiveness. 4. The relationship between magnitude and isotype of Ab responsiveness, type of antigen, and essential fatty acids is discussed.     

Fatty acid patterns of dog erythrocyte membranes after feeding of a fish-oil based DHA-rich supplement with a base diet low in n-3 fatty acids versus a diet containing added n-3 fatty acids

Background

In dogs, increasing the tissue n-3 fatty acid (FA) content is associated with potential benefit in some medical conditions, e.g. atopic dermatitis, cancer or heart disease. Therefore effectively and conveniently increasing tissue n-3 FA levels in dogs is of interest. Incorporation of dietary n-3 FA into cell membranes may be studied by FA analysis of erythrocyte membranes (EM), because of the correlation of its FA composition with the FA composition of other cells. Aim of the study was to determine whether an n-3 FA additive added to a control diet is as effective in increasing EM n-3 FA content as feeding an n-3 FA enriched diet. Furthermore the time course of the incorporation of dietary n-3 FA into canine EM was investigated.

Methods

Thirty dogs were randomly divided into three dietary groups with ten dogs per group. CONT got a dry dog food diet which did not contain EPA or DHA. FO got a dry dog food diet with a high EPA and DHA content. ADD got the CONT diet combined with an n-3 FA additive rich in DHA and EPA. After a feeding period of 12 weeks the additive was discontinued in ADD and these dogs were fed CONT diet for another four weeks to observe washout effects. Erythrocyte lipids were extracted from venous blood samples and their FA composition was determined by gas chromatography. The Mann-Whitney-U-test was used to detect significant differences between the different groups and time points.

Results

After one week the proportions of n-3 FA, DHA and EPA were already significantly increased in ADD and FO, apparently reaching a plateau within eight weeks. In our study DHA and not EPA was preferably incorporated into the EM. After discontinuing the administration of the additive in ADD, the n-3 FA values declined slowly without reaching baseline levels within four weeks.

Conclusions

In dogs, an increase of dietary n-3 FA content leads to a rapid inclusion of n-3 FA into EM, regardless of whether the n-3 FA are offered as an enriched diet or as a normal diet supplemented with an n-3 FA additive.     

n-3多不饱和脂肪酸强化鸡蛋育鳙鱼苗效果研究

鸡蛋因营养全面均衡,可制成微粒来培育鱼苗,以弥补高密度养殖鱼苗时天然饵料的不足。近20年来,人们愈来愈重视饲料中n-3多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)对鱼类的作用,研究开发的n-3PUFA强化鸡蛋是用含有一定量n-3PUFA的原料如鱼油、亚麻籽、红花油等饲喂蛋鸡,经鸡蛋富集而成。目前,该技术     

Evaluation of Effects of Dietary n-6 to n-3 Fatty Acid Ratios on Leukotriene B Synthesis in Dog Skin and Neutrophils

Résumé— Les effets d'alimentations supplémentées avec des ratios croissants decides gras polyinsaturés n — 6/n — 3 sur la synthèse de leucotriènes B dans la peau du chien et les neutrophiles sont présentés. Trente chien Beagles ont reçu pendant 2 mois avec une alimentation ayant un ratio n —6/n —3 de 28:1. Des aliments expérimentaux contenant des ratios de 5:1, 10:1, 25:1, 50:1 et 100:1 (six chiens par groupe) ont été administrés ensuite pendant 12 semaines. A la fin des deux mois d'alimentation témoin et au bout de 6 et 12 semaines d'alimentation expérimentale, les concentrations de LTB4 et LTB5 dans la peau et les neutrophiles ont été déterminées. Les neutrophiles de chiens ayant mangé des aliments de ratio 5:1 et 10:1 ont synthétisé 30–33 pourcent moins de LTB4 (P <0,05) et 370–500 pourcent plus de LTB5 (P <0,05) à 6 et 12 semaines, mais le relargage d'anions superoxide était inchangé. La peau des chiens stimulée par un lipopolysaccharide a synthétisé 48 à 62 pourcent moins de LTB4 (P < 0,05) et 48 à 79 pourcent moins de LTB5 (P <0,05) à 12 semaines. [Vaughan, D. M., Reinhart, G. A., Swaim, S. F., Lauten, S. D., Garner, C. A., Boudreaux, M. K., Spano, J. S., Hoffman, C. E., Conner, B. Evaluation of effects of dietary n —6 to n — 3 fatty acid ratios on leukotriéne B synthesis in dog skin and neutrophils. (Evaluation de l'effet du ratio d'acides gras n — 6/n — 3 dans l'alimentation sur la synthèse de leucotriènes B dans la peau du chien et les neutrophiles). Resumen— Evaluamos los efectos producidos por el aumento en la proportion de ácidos grasos poli-insatu-rados n-6 a n-3 en la dieta sobre la sintesis de leucotrienos B en la piel del perro y en los neutrófilos. Se administró durante dos meses una dieta con una proporión 28:1 de ácidos grasos n-6 a n-3 a un grupo de treinta Beagles. Se administraron dietas experimentales con proporciones de 5:1, 10:1, 25:1, 50:1 y 100:1 durante 12 semanas (seis perros por grupo). Se cuantificaron los niveles de leucotrienos B₄ y B₅ en la piel y en los neutrófilos al final de los dos meses de dieta control y a las 6 y 12 semanas de la dieta-tratamiento. Los neutrófilos de perros con dietas 5:1 y 10:1 sintetizaron 30 a 33% menos leucotrieno B₄ (P < 0.05) y 370 a 500% más leucotrieno B₅ (P <0.05) a las 6 y 12 semanas pero no alteraron la liberación de aniones superóxido durante la espiracion. La piel de perro estimulada con lipopolisacáridos sintetizó de 48 a 62% menos leucotrieno B₄ (P < 0.05) y 48 a 79% más leucotrieno B₅ (P < 0.05) a las 12 semanas. [Evaluation of effects of dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratios on leukotriene B synthesis in dog skin and neutrophils (Effecto de la proporción de ácidos grasos n-6 a n-3 en la dieta sobre la sintesis de leucotrienos B en la piel del perro y en los neutrófilos). Abstract— The effects of diets supplemented with increasing ratios of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on leukotriene B synthesis in dog skin and neutrophils were evaluated. Thirty Beagles were conditioned for 2 months on a diet with an n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio of 28:1. Experimental diets, containing n-6 to n-3 ratios of 5:1, 10:1, 25:1, 50:1 and 100:1 (six dogs/group), were fed for 12 weeks. At the end of the 2 month control diet period, and again at 6 and 12 weeks of treatment feeding, leukotriene B₄ and leukotriene B₅ were quantitated in skin and neutrophils. Neutrophils from dogs fed the 5:1 and 10:1 diets synthesized 30–33 per cent less leukotriene B₄ (P < 0.05) and 370–500 per cent greater leukotriene B₅ (P < 0.05) at 6 and 12 weeks, but had no change in the release of superoxide anions during respiratory burst. Lipopolysaccharide-stimu-lated dog skin synthesized 48–62 per cent less leukotriene B₄ (P < 0.05) and 48–79 per cent more leukotriene B₅ (P <0.05) at 12 weeks.     

Treatment of Culicoides hypersensitive horses with high-dose n-3 fatty acids: a double-blinded crossover study

In this double-blinded crossover study the clinical efficacy of high dose α-linolenic acid (linseed oil) for the treatment of Culicoides spp. hypersensitivity was evaluated. Seventeen privately owned horses from north Florida, USA completed the 18-week study. Criteria for inclusion included negative dermatophyte cultures, negative skin scrapes, failure to respond to ivermectin treatment, compatible clinical signs, positive skin test to Culicoides spp.antigen and a history of seasonal pruritus consistent with Culicoides spp. hypersensitivity. Horses were randomized and each horse's feed was supplemented with 200 mL of linseed oil (n-3 source) or 200 mL of corn oil (n-6 source) per day for a 6-week period. After a 6-week washout period, each horse was crossed over to the other supplement for an additional 6 weeks. Horses were evaluated every 3 weeks. The level of pruritus was determined by counting pruritic acts in a 30-min period. Total lesional surface area was determined by computerized evaluation of scanned photographs and documented physical examination findings. There was no significant change in level of pruritus observed between the groups ( P  = 0.89). Additionally, lesional surface area was not significantly different between the groups ( P  = 0.06). However, most owners stated that horses improved while supplemented with linseed oil.     

Porcine leptin alters isolated adipocyte glucose and fatty acid metabolism

This study examined if leptin can acutely affect glucose or fatty acid metabolism in pig adipocytes and whether leptin's actions on lipogenesis are manifested through interaction with insulin or growth hormone. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained from approximately 55 kg crossbred barrows at the USDA abattoir. Isolated adipocytes were prepared using a collagenase procedure. Experiments assessed U-14C-glucose or 1-14C-palmitate metabolism in isolated adipocytes exposed to: basal medium (control), 100 nM insulin, 100 ng/ml porcine growth hormone, 100 ng/ml recombinant porcine leptin, and combinations of these hormones. Treatments were performed in triplicate and the experiment was repeated with adipocytes isolated from five different animals. Cell aliquots (250 microl) were added to 1 ml of incubation medium, then incubated for 2h at 37 degrees C for measurement of glucose and palmitate oxidation or incorporation into lipid. Incubation of isolated adipocytes with insulin increased glucose oxidation rate by 18% (P<0.05), while neither growth hormone nor leptin affected glucose oxidation (P>0.5). Total lipid synthesis from glucose was increased by approximately 25% by 100 nM insulin or insulin+growth hormone (P<0.05). Insulin+leptin reduced the insulin response by 37% (P<0.05). The combination of all three hormones increased total lipid synthesis by 35%, relative to controls (P<0.05), a rate similar to insulin alone. Fatty acid synthesis was elevated by insulin (32%, P<0.05) or growth hormone (13%, P<0.05). Leptin had no effect on fatty acid synthesis (P>0.05). Leptin reduced the esterification rate by 10% (P<0.05). Growth hormone and insulin could overcome leptin's inhibition of palmitate esterification (P>0.05).     

Coated fatty acids alter virulence properties of Salmonella Typhimurium and decrease intestinal colonization of pigs

Salmonella Typhimurium infections in pigs are a major source of human foodborne salmonellosis. To reduce the number of infected pigs, acidification of feed or drinking water is a common practice. The aim of the present study was to determine whether some frequently used short- (SCFA) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are able to alter virulence gene expression and to decrease Salmonella Typhimurium colonization and shedding in pigs using well established and controlled in vitro and in vivo assays. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 4 SCFA (formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid) and 2 MCFA (caproic and caprylic acid) were determined using 54 porcine Salmonella Typhimurium field strains. MIC values increased at increasing pH-values and were two to eight times lower for MCFA than for SCFA. Expression of virulence gene fimA was significantly lower when bacteria were grown in LB-broth supplemented with sub-MIC concentrations of caproic or caprylic acid (2 mM). Expression of hilA and invasion in porcine intestinal epithelial cells was significantly lower when bacteria were grown in LB-broth containing sub-MIC concentrations of butyric acid or propionic acid (10 mM) and caproic or caprylic acid (2 mM). When given as feed supplement to pigs experimentally infected with Salmonella Typhimurium, coated butyric acid decreased the levels of faecal shedding and intestinal colonization, but had no influence on the colonization of tonsils, spleen and liver. Uncoated fatty acids, however, did not influence fecal shedding, intestinal or tonsillar colonization in pigs. In conclusion, supplementing feed with certain coated fatty acids, such as butyric acid, may help to reduce the Salmonella load in pigs.     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Influence of dietary long-chain n-3 fatty acids from menhaden fish oil on plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in geriatric beagles

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of dietary n-3 fatty acids from Menhaden fish oil on plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations in Beagles. ANIMALS: 32 female Beagles. PROCEDURE: For 82 days, dogs were fed diets that contained 1 of 2 ratios of n-6:n-3 fatty acids (40:1 [low n-3] and 1.4:1 [high n-3]) and 1 of 3 concentrations of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (low, 17 mg/kg of diet; medium, 101 mg/kg; and high, 447 mg/kg) in a 2 X 3 factorial study. RESULTS: Diets high in n-3 fatty acids significantly increased total content of n-3 fatty acids in plasma (17.0 g/100 g of fatty acids), compared with low n-3 diets (2.02 g/100 g of fatty acids). Mean +/- SEM plasma concentration of cholesterol was significantly lower in dogs consuming high n-3 diets (4.59 +/- 0.48 mmol/L), compared with dogs consuming low n-3 diets (5.71 +/- 0.48 mmol/L). A significant interaction existed between the ratio for n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and amount of alpha-tocopheryl acetate in the diet (plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration expressed on a molar basis), because the plasma concentration of alpha-toco-pherol was higher in dogs consuming low n-3 diets, compared with those consuming high n-3 diets, at the 2 higher amounts of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration expressed relative to total lipid content did not reveal effects of dietary n-3 fatty acids on concentration of alpha-tocopherol. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration is not dependent on dietary ratio of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids when alpha-tocopherol concentration is expressed relative to the total lipid content of plasma.     

Effect of oil containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the immune response and growth factors in piglets.

Oral administration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to piglets slightly enhances the immune response. As compared to the control, in the experimental piglets the absolute values of monocytes in the peripheral blood were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the metabolic activity of phagocytes and the number of lymphocytes within the individual subpopulations were slightly higher. The level of growth factors, determined on the basis of somatomedin in the blood serum, was significantly higher in the experimental group (P < 0.05). n-3 PUFA interfere with the synthesis of prostaglandins and influence the metabolism of fatty acids. This finding may contribute to the therapy of inflammatory processes influencing immune and growth factors in piglets.     

Effect of type and level of fish oil supplementation on yolk fat composition and n-3 fatty acids retention efficiency in laying hens

1. Laying hen performance and yolk fat fatty acid (FA) concentrations were evaluated with respect to the inclusion in the diet of different sources and levels of marine fish oil (MFO). 2. Twelve diets were arranged factorially, with three sources (MFO1, MFO2_EPA, MFO3_DHA) and four levels of inclusion (15, 30, 45 and 60 g/kg) of MFO. 3. Type of diet had little effect on egg production traits, although laying rate and shell thickness slightly decreased at the highest level of MFO supplementation. 4. An increase in level of inclusion of MFO from 15 to 60 g/kg linearly increased concentrations of C20:5 n-3, C22:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3 and total n-3 FA in yolk fat, but greatly impaired their efficiencies of deposition (g retained/g ingested). 5. An interaction between type and dietary concentration of MFO was found, as the reduction in efficiency of retention of n-3 FA in egg fat with level of MFO was less when the proportion of n-3 in total FA decreased or when that of DHA in total n-3 FA increased. 6. MFO3_ DHA was more efficiently used for total n-3 FA yolk deposition than MFO2_EPA at a similar total n-3 FA intake. 7. Dietary inclusion of MFO reduced LC n-6 FA yolk fat content, which additionally decreased the ratio between total n-6 and total n-3 FA in egg fat. 8. Regression equations were calculated in order to predict efficiency of retention and n-3 FA concentration of yolk fat in the range of diets studied.