Maternal obesity stimulates lipotoxicity and up‐regulates inflammatory signaling pathways in the full‐term swine placenta

This study aimed to investigate the effects of back‐fat thickness (BF), at mating of sows, on placental lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. We performed iTRAQ labeling‐based proteomic analysis on term placentas obtained by vaginal delivery from BFI (15–20 mm, control) and BFII (21–27 mm, obese) sows formed according to BF at mating. Proteomic analysis revealed 413 proteins to be significantly different in placenta from BFII sows by ≥1.2‐fold. Gene ontology (GO) analysis identified proteins related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory response to be altered in placenta from obese sows. Indicative of a lipotoxic placental environment, increased placental lipid, and up‐regulated mRNA expression of lipogenic genes, including ADRP (p = .06), PPARD, FASN, ACACA, DGAT1, and LIPIN3, were associated with decreased AMPK and increased activation of WNT signaling in placenta from BFII group (p < .05). Furthermore, we observed a 18% decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), increased mRNA content of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6, IL‐18, and TNF‐α, and increased activation of inflammatory NF‐κB and JNK signaling in placenta from BFII sows that was significantly associated with macrophage accumulation (p < .05). These findings suggest that maternal obesity aggravates a lipotoxic environment in pig term placenta that may be associated with placental dysfunction and impaired fetal growth.     

Effect of dietary fish oil on fatty acid deposition and expression of cholesterol homeostasis controlling genes in the liver and plasma lipid profile: comparison of two animal models

The objective of the present study was to compare hepatic fatty acid deposition, plasma lipid level and expression of cholesterol homeostasis controlling genes in the liver of rats (Wistar Albino; n = 32) and pigs (Large White × Landrace; n = 32) randomly assigned into two groups of 16 animals each and fed 10 weeks the diet with either 2.5% of fish oil (F; source of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid, EPA+DHA) or 2.5% of palm oil (P; high content of saturated fatty acids; control). F‐rats deposited in the liver three times less EPA, but 1.3 times more DHA than F‐pigs (p < 0.05). Dietary fish oil relative to palm oil increased PPARα and SREBP‐2 gene expression much strongly (p < 0.01) in the pig liver in comparison with the rat liver, but expression of Insig‐1 and Hmgcr genes in the liver of the F‐pigs relative to the expression of these genes in the liver of the P‐pigs was substantially lower (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 respectively) as compared to rats. When plasma lipid concentration in the F‐animals was expressed as a ratio of the plasma concentration in the P‐counterparts, dietary fish oil decreased HDL cholesterol less (p < 0.01), but LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols more (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively) in rats than in pigs: more favourable effect of fish oil on rat plasma lipids in comparison with pigs can therefore be concluded. Concentration of total cholesterol and both its fractions in the rat plasma was negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with hepatic DHA, but also with unsaturated myristic and palmitic acid respectively. It has been concluded that regarding the similarity of the plasma lipid levels to humans, porcine model can be considered superior; however, using this model, dietary fish oil at the tested amount (2.5%) was not able to improve plasma lipid markers in comparison with saturated palm oil.     

Nutrients,amino acid,fatty acid and non‐starch polysaccharide profile and in vitro digestibility of macadamia nut cake in swine

The highly variable cost and limited availability of conventional feedstuffs make it imperative to explore alternative feedstuffs to be used in swine. Macadamia nut cake (MNC), a coproduct of the macadamia nut oil industry, has not been well studied. MNC was analyzed for its nutrient profile, gross energy (GE), fibers, amino acids and fatty acids content. Dry matter (DM) and GE digestibility of MNC in swine was determined using an in vitro model. On a DM basis, ash, crude protein, ether extract, NDF, ADF, lignin and GE were found to be 3.7, 25.5, 11.9, 35.8, 28.0, 16.0% and 5581 kcal/kg, respectively. Total and soluble non‐starch polysaccharide content were 32.2 and 11.8%, respectively. The concentration of lysine was found to be 0.7%. The DM and GE digestibility were found to be 75.7 and 71.4%, respectively. Gross energy content of MNC is comparable with that of corn and higher than soybean meal, while protein content is twice as high as corn but lower than soybean meal. In conclusion, MNC is not merely a good source of protein and energy but also has fairly high digestibility in swine. Hence, it can be used as a viable alternative source of energy and protein in swine diets.     

l‐carnitine and fat type in the maternal diet during gestation and lactation modify the fatty acid composition and expression of lipid metabolism‐related genes in piglets

This study examined the influence of adding different amounts of maternal dietary l ‐carnitine and two fat types on fatty acid (FA) composition and the expression of lipid metabolism‐related genes in piglets. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial with two fat types (3.5% soyabean oil, SO, and 3.5% fish oil, FO) and two levels of l ‐carnitine (0 and 100 mg/kg) added to the sows' diets. A higher proportion of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a lower ratio of n‐6/n‐3 PUFA in sow milk and piglet tissues were observed in the FO groups than in the SO groups. Adding l ‐carnitine increased the proportion of C16:1 in sow milk and decreased n‐3 PUFA in piglet subcutaneous fat. Hepatic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPAR‐α) was more abundantly expressed in piglets from the FO groups than from the SO groups (p < 0.05), whereas stearoyl‐CoA‐desaturase (SCD), sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1 (SREBP1) and ?6‐desaturase (D6D) genes were less expressed in the FO groups compared with piglets from the SO groups. The expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) genes was decreased in the SO groups with l ‐carnitine compared to that of the other dietary treatments. No differences among dietary treatments were observed with regard to the expression of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC). In conclusion, FO and l ‐carnitine supplementation in sows affect FA composition and hepatic gene expression in piglets.     

Conversion of α‐linolenic acid to long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid derivatives and alterations of HDL density subfractions and plasma lipids with dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus)

The effect of α‐linolenic acid from a flaxseed (FLX)‐enriched diet on plasma lipid and fatty acid metabolism and possible atherosclerosis risk factors was studied in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus). Twenty‐four Monk parrots were randomly assigned to diets containing either 10% ground SUNs or 10% ground FLXs. Feed intake was calculated daily. Blood samples, body condition scores and body weights were obtained at ?5 weeks, day 0, 7, 14, 28, 42 and 70. Plasma samples were analysed for total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triacylglycerols and lipoproteins. Phospholipid subfraction fatty acid profiles were determined. By day 70, the FLX group had significantly higher plasma phospholipid fatty acids including 18:3n‐3 (α‐linolenic acid), 20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid). The sunflower group had significantly higher plasma phospholipid levels of 20:4n‐6 (arachidonic acid). By day 70, the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) peak shifted resulting in significantly different HDL peak densities between the two experimental groups (1.097 g/ml FLX group and 1.095 g/ml SUN group, p = 0.028). The plasma fatty acid results indicate that Monk parrots can readily convert α‐linolenic acid to the long‐chain omega‐3 derivatives including docosahexaenoic acid and reduce 20:4n‐6 accumulation in plasma phospholipids. The reason for a shift in the HDL peak density is unknown at this time.     

日粮中不同来源多不饱和脂肪酸对育肥猪生长性能和猪肉脂肪酸组成的影响

选取125日龄,体重为60kg左右的杜×长×大三元去势肥育猪32头,随机分为4组,每组8头,公母各半。对照组添加2%猪油,3个试验组分别添加3%亚麻油、3%鱼油和1.5%亚麻油+1.5%鱼油,研究日粮中不同来源脂肪酸对育肥猪生长性能和猪肉脂肪酸组成的影响。结果表明:1)日粮中添加不同油脂对猪生长性能无显著影响;2)日粮中添加3%亚麻油、3%鱼油以及1.5%亚麻油+1.5%鱼油组,可以使猪肉中的C18∶3分别提高236.9%(P<0.01)、27.1%(P>0.05)和204.9%(P<0.01);C20∶5分别提高142.4%(P<0.01)、732.9%(P<0.01)和360.5%(P<0.01);C22∶5分别提高24.0%(P>0.05)、40.5%(P<0.05)和36.4%(P<0.05);C22∶6分别提高5.6%(P>0.05)、222.2%(P<0.01)和136.9%(P<0.01);总n-3PUFA的含量提高131.2%(P<0.01)、317.2%(P<0.01)和223.0%(P<0.01);3)各试验组猪肉中总n-3PUFA的含量显著提高,n-6/n-3的值显著降低。     

The effect of dietary Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on micro‐organism community,enzyme activities and fatty acid profile in the rumen liquid of goats

Microalgae might be considered as an alternative source of fat and/or protein for ruminant's diets. However, changes in populations of ruminal micro‐organisms associated with biohydrogenation process, methane and ammonia production in response to microalgae dietary supplementation have not been well characterized. Thus, 16 cross‐bred goats were divided into two groups. Each goat of both groups was fed individually with alfalfa hay and concentrates separately. The concentrates of the control group had no microalgae while those of the treated group were supplemented with 10 g lyophilized Chlorella vulgaris/kg concentrate (chlor). On the 30th experimental day, samples of rumen fluid were collected for microbial DNA extraction, fatty acid profile and enzyme activity analyses. The results showed that the chlor diet compared with the control increased significantly the populations of Methanosphaera stadtmanae, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium and Methanogens bacteria and protozoa in the rumen of goats. A significant reduction in the cellulase activity and in the abundance of Ruminococcus albus, and a significant increase in the protease activity and in the abundance of Clostridium sticklandii in the rumen liquid of goats fed with the chlor diet, compared with the control, were found. Chlorella vulgaris supplementation promoted the formation of trans C_18:1, trans‐11 C_18:1 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), while the proportions of C_18:0 and long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA) reduced significantly in the rumen liquid of goats. This shift in ruminal biohydrogenation pathway was accompanied by a significant increase in Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens trans C_18:1‐producing bacteria. In conclusion, the supplementation of diets with microalgae needs further investigation because it enhances the populations of methane‐producing bacteria and protozoa.     

The interaction between maternal and post‐hatch n‐3 fatty acid supplementation in broiler diets

This study investigated whether offspring from n‐3‐supplemented breeders have an enhanced performance and immune organ weight when fed a post‐hatch n‐3‐enriched diet in comparison with their control‐fed counterparts and the importance of timing of omega‐3 supplementation. Therefore, 480 Ross‐308 broiler breeder hens were fed one of four different diets (120/treatment). The control diet (CON) was a basal diet, rich in n‐6 fatty acids (FA). The three other diets were enriched in n‐3 FA, formulated to obtain a different EPA/DHA ratio of 1/1 (EPA = DHA), 1/2 (DHA) or 2/1 (EPA). At 33 weeks of age, eggs were incubated to obtain 1440 offspring. They were set up according to their maternal diet and sex in 48 pens of 30 chicks each (12 pens per maternal treatment: six male and six female). Half of the offspring were given a post‐hatch control diet, whereas to other half received an n‐3‐supplemented diet. Zootechnical performance was followed for starter, grower and finisher phase, and at the end of each phase two, chicks per pen were sacrificed to determine the weight of the immune organs. No interaction was found between maternal and post‐hatch n‐3 treatment for zootechnical performance. An interaction arose between the maternal and post‐hatch n‐3 supplementation for proportional bursa weight at day 1 and day 14 and proportional liver weight at day 14, but effects on immune organ weight were rather limited. Offspring post‐hatch n‐3 supplementation did not enhance maternal n‐3 supplementation.     

Genome‐wide association studies reveal additional related loci for fatty acid composition in a Duroc pig multigenerational population

The aim of the present study was to detect quantitative trait loci affecting fatty acid composition in back fat and intramuscular fat in a Duroc pig population comprising seventh‐generation pedigrees using genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). In total, 305 animals were genotyped using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) array and five selected SNPs from regions containing known candidate genes related to fatty acid synthesis or metabolism. In total, 24 genome‐wide significant SNP regions were detected in 12 traits, and 76 genome‐wide suggestive SNP regions were detected in 33 traits. The Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 7 at 10.3 Mb was significantly associated with C17:0 in intramuscular fat, while the SSC9 at 13.6 Mb was significantly associated with C14:0 in intramuscular fat. The SSC12 at 1.0 Mb was significantly associated with C14:0 in back fat and the SSC14 at 121.0 Mb was significantly associated with C18:0 in intramuscular fat. These regions not only replicated previously reported loci containing some candidate genes involved in fatty acid composition (fatty acid synthase and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase) but also included several additional related loci.     

Effect of short‐chain fatty acids on triacylglycerol accumulation,lipid droplet formation and lipogenic gene expression in goat mammary epithelial cells

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major energy sources for ruminants and are known to regulate various physiological functions in other species. However, their roles in ruminant milk fat metabolism are still unclear. In this study, goat mammary gland epithelial cells (GMECs) were treated with 3 mmol/L acetate, propionate or butyrate for 24 h to assess their effects on lipogenesis. Data revealed that the content of triacylglycerol (TAG) and lipid droplet formation were significantly stimulated by propionate and butyrate. The expression of FABP3, SCD1, PPARG, SREBP1, DGAT1, AGPAT6 and ADRP were upregulated by propionate and butyrate treatment. In contrast, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FASN and LXRα was not affected by propionate, but reduced by butyrate. Acetate had no obvious effect on the content of TAG and lipid droplets but increased the mRNA expression of SCD1 and FABP3 in GMECs. Additionally, it was observed that propionate significantly increased the relative content of mono‐unsaturated fatty acids (C18:1 and C16:1) at the expense of decreased saturated fatty acids (C16:0 and C18:0). Butyrate and acetate had no significant effect on fatty acid composition. Overall, the results from this work help enhance our understanding of the regulatory role of SCFAs on goat mammary cell lipid metabolism.     

Effects of pH and fermentative substrate on ruminal metabolism of fatty acids during short‐term in vitro incubation

The ruminal biohydrogenation of c9,c12‐18:2 can be affected by the fibre/starch ratio of the diet and the ruminal pH. The objectives of this study were to examine independently in vitro the effects of fermentation substrate (hay vs. corn starch) and buffer pH (6 vs. 7) on the biohydrogenation of c9,c12‐18:2 carried out by grape seed oil, focusing on its t11 and t10 pathways, using 6‐h ruminal incubations. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Fermentation substrate and pH affected the C18 fatty acid balance in incubated media, but few interactions were observed. Compared with starch, hay as the fermentation substrate favoured the production of 18:0 (×2.3), all trans‐18:1 isomers (×12.6) and CLA (×6.1), except c9,t11‐CLA, and the disappearance of unsaturated C18 fatty acids, but decreased the production of odd and branched chain fatty acids. Compared with pH 6 buffer, pH 7 buffer resulted in higher c9,c12‐18:2 disappearance and CLA production. For c9,t11‐CLA, an interaction was noticed between the two factors, leading to the highest production in cultures incubated on hay with the 7 pH buffer. Compared with starch, hay as fermentation substrate favoured the activity of t11 producers, which are fibrolytic bacteria, and the production of t10 isomers, possibly due to the presence of potential t10 producers in hay. Low pH resulted in a decreased t11 isomers production and in a slightly increased t10 isomers production, probably due to a modulation of enzymatic or bacterial activity.     

Canine spinal meningiomas and nerve sheath tumours in 34 dogs (2008‐2016): Distribution and long‐term outcome based upon histopathology and treatment modality

The purpose of this retrospective, multicentre case series was to describe the outcome following surgery and/or radiation of spinal meningiomas and nerve sheath tumours (NSTs) based upon treatment modality, with a specific aim to evaluate the survival times and time to recurrence following treatment for each histopathological diagnosis. Our hypothesis was that the addition of radiation therapy modalities to treatment will yield longer time to recurrence of clinical signs and survival time. Thirty‐four dogs met the inclusion criteria of histopathologically diagnosed extramedullary spinal meningioma or NST. Sixteen extramedullary spinal meningiomas and 18 NSTs were diagnosed. A diagnosis of meningioma was associated with a significantly longer survival time compared with NSTs, with median survival times (MST) of 508 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 66‐881) vs 187 days (95% CI: 76‐433; P = .02). Dogs (seven) treated with stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for recurrence after surgery alone or SRT alone as their initial treatment gained an additional 125 to 346 days survival time.     

Effects of long‐term microalgae supplementation on muscle microstructure,meat quality and fatty acid composition in growing pigs

We investigated the effects of long‐term microalgae supplementation (7% in a piglet diet and 5% in a fattening diet) on muscle microstructure and meat quality, including fatty acid composition in female Landrace pigs (n = 31). The major effects were muscle‐specific increases in n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations, resulting in increased accumulation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Carcass traits and meat quality of longissimus thoracis muscle were not affected by the microalgae diet with the exception of reduced drip loss (p = 0.01) and increased protein proportion (p = 0.04). In addition, the microalgae diet resulted in a shift to a more oxidative myofibre type composition in semitendinosus but not longissimus thoracis muscle. In conclusion, microalgae supplementation offers a unique opportunity to enhance essential n‐3 PUFA contents in pig meat. The results support small but coordinated changes in skeletal muscle phenotypic appearance and functionality.     

The effect of pomegranate seed oil and grapeseed oil on cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA (rumenic acid), n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids deposition in selected tissues of chickens

The aim of this study was to determine whether diet modification with different doses of grapeseed oil or pomegranate seed oil will improve the nutritive value of poultry meat in terms of n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids, as well as rumenic acid (cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid) content in tissues diversified in lipid composition and roles in lipid metabolism. To evaluate the influence of applied diet modification comprehensively, two chemometric methods were used. Results of cluster analysis demonstrated that pomegranate seed oil modifies fatty acids profile in the most potent way, mainly by an increase in rumenic acid content. Principal component analysis showed that regardless of type of tissue first principal component is strongly associated with type of deposited fatty acid, while second principal component enables identification of place of deposition—type of tissue. Pomegranate seed oil seems to be a valuable feed additive in chickens’ feeding.     

Genetic variants of the unsaturated fatty acid receptor GPR120 relating to obesity in dogs

G protein-coupled receptor (GPR) 120 is an unsaturated fatty acid receptor, which is associated with various physiological functions. It is reported that the genetic variant of GPR120, p.Arg270His, is detected more in obese people, and this genetic variation functionally relates to obesity in humans. Obesity is a common nutritional disorder also in dogs, but the genetic factors have not ever been identified in dogs. In this study, we investigated the molecular structure of canine GPR120 and searched for candidate genetic variants which may relate to obesity in dogs. Canine GPR120 was highly homologous to those of other species, and seven transmembrane domains and two N-glycosylation sites were conserved. GPR120 mRNA was expressed in lung, jejunum, ileum, colon, hypothalamus, hippocampus, spinal cord, bone marrow, dermis and white adipose tissues in dogs, as those in mice and humans. Genetic variants of GPR120 were explored in client-owned 141 dogs, resulting in that 5 synonymous and 4 non-synonymous variants were found. The variant c.595C>A (p.Pro199Thr) was found in 40 dogs, and the gene frequency was significantly higher in dogs with higher body condition scores, i.e. 0.320 in BCS4–5 dogs, 0.175 in BCS3 dogs and 0.000 in BCS2 dogs. We conclude that c.595C>A (p.Pro199Thr) is a candidate variant relating to obesity, which may be helpful for nutritional management of dogs.     

The effect of some cryoprotectants on dromedary camel frozen‐thawed semen

The cryopreserved camel semen is often associated with poor quality and fertility. This study aimed to improve the dromedary frozen semen quality by comparing the efficiency of four cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) on sperm freezability. Semen samples were collected from seven male Maghrabi camels, diluted with Shotor diluent supplemented with glycerol (Sh‐G), dimethyl formamide (DMF, Sh‐DF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, Sh‐DS) or ethylene glycol (EG, Sh‐EG), all at 6% final concentration, and the samples were subjected to cryopreservation. The results revealed the superiority of Sh‐DF over Sh‐G and Sh‐DS in terms of post‐thaw motility (55.83 ± 2.20 vs. 47.50 ± 4.33 and 45.00 ± 2.89%, respectively), sperm membrane (49.00 ± 0.58, 39.33 ± 3.33 and 42.67 ± 1.45%, respectively) and acrosomal integrities (53.00 ± 0.58, 57.33 ± 0.88 and 52.33 ± 1.45%, respectively). Sh‐EG group showed the lowest post‐thaw motility, plasma membrane and acrosome integrities (12.50 ± 1.44, 22.67 ± 1.45 and 30.67 ± 1.45, respectively). In conclusion, the protocols of dromedary camel semen cryopreservation could be enhanced using 6% DMF as a cryoprotectant agent.     

Effect of supplemental β‐carotene compared to retinyl palmitate on fatty acid profile and expression of mRNA from genes involved in vitamin A metabolism in beef feedlot cattle

To examine the effects of dietary β‐carotene (βC) or retinyl palmitate (RP) on fatty acid (FA) profile and mRNA expression, samples were collected from 24 Angus‐cross calves that were allotted to four treatments consisting of RP supplemented at 2200 IU/kg, and synthetic β‐carotene (SβC) supplemented at one, five or 10 times RP. Longissimus muscle (LM) cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid was greater in RP compared to SβC1X (P = 0.04). The polyunsaturated:saturated FA increased linearly (P = 0.04) in the LM as dietary SβC increased. Expression of βC oxygenase 2 (βCO2), an enzyme that cleaves β‐carotene, was greater in the LM for SβC1X compared to RP and decreased linearly as SβC increased (P ≤ 0.02). Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression in the LM increased in SβC1X compared to RP (P = 0.03); however, PPARγ and retinoic acid X receptor α (RXRα) expression decreased linearly (P = 0.02) in the LM with increasing SβC. Retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) expression tended (P = 0.10) to decrease linearly in the LM with increased SβC. In conclusion, SβC supplementation increased mRNA expression of some lipogenic genes in the LM, but increasing dietary SβC inhibited their expression and tended to increase polyunsaturated FA.     

Effects of breed, sex and halothane genotype on fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in pork longissimus muscle

The objective of this study was to estimate the effects of breed, sex, and halothane (HAL‐1843^TM) genotype on fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols (TAG) and phospholipids (PL) extracted from porcine longissimus muscle (LM). Purebred Yorkshire (n = 131), Duroc (n = 136), Hampshire (n = 49), Spotted (n = 35), Chester White (n = 74), Poland China (n = 51), Berkshire (n = 169) and Landrace (n = 82) pigs (n = 727; 427 barrows and 300 gilts) from the 1994 and 2001 National Barrow Show Sire Progeny Tests were used. For statistical analyses, a mixed model was used that included fixed effects of breed, sex, HAL‐1843^TM genotype, year, slaughter date within each year, interaction of breed × sex and random effects of sire and dam within breed. Breeds and sex were significantly associated with the percentages of the majority fatty acids in TAG. Duroc pigs had greater total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and lower total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p < 0.05) contents than did pigs of all other breeds except Berkshire (p > 0.05). The concentration of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was the greatest in Hampshire pigs (p < 0.05). The content of total SFA was greater (p < 0.01), whereas the concentrations of total MUFA and PUFA were lower (p < 0.01) in barrows than those in gilts. The contents of major SFA in PL did not differ significantly among pigs from different breeds and sex groups. However, breed and sex significantly affected the concentrations of major MUFA and PUFA in PL and strong negative correlation between the total contents of MUFA and PUFA in PL was observed in the current study. Chester White pigs had greater total MUFA and lower total PUFA contents (p < 0.05) in PL than did pigs of all other breeds except Spotted (p > 0.05). In contrast to breed and sex effects, the concentrations of fatty acids in PL were more affected by HAL‐1843^TM genotype than those in TAG. The content of C16:0, a major SFA in PL, differed significantly in pigs with different HAL‐1843^TM genotypes. In conclusion, these results suggest that breed and sex are important sources of the variations for fatty acid composition of TAG and PL in LM.     

The effect of high doses of remifentanil in brain near‐infrared spectroscopy and in electroencephalographic parameters in pigs

ObjectiveTo study the effects of a high remifentanil bolus dose on pig’s electroencephalographic indices and on brain regional and global oxygenation.Study designProspective experimental study.AnimalsTwelve healthy Large-White male pigs, age 3 months and weight 26.2 ± 3.6 kg.MethodsAnaesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol 4 mg kg^?1, then maintained with constant rate infusions of propofol (15 mg kg^?1 hour^?1) and remifentanil (0.3 μg kg^?1 minute^?1). Following instrumentation, all pigs received a 5 μg kg^?1 remifentanil bolus. The responses of jugular venous oxygen saturation, cardiac output and cerebral oxygen saturation to the remifentanil bolus were studied. The Bispectral index, spectral edge frequency 95%, total power, approximate entropy and permutation entropy were also studied. Repeated measures anova and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the effect of remifentanil bolus on these variables until 5 minutes after the bolus.ResultsCardiac output and cerebral oxygen saturation decreased significantly after the remifentanil bolus from 4.6 ± 0.9 to 3.8 ± 1.0 L minute^?1 and from 65 ± 6 to 62 ± 1% (p < 0.05), respectively. No significant changes were observed in the jugular venous oxygen saturation (p > 0.05) nor in any of the electroencephalogram derived indices (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive significant correlations between cerebral oxygen saturation and cardiac output (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and between cerebral oxygen saturation and approximate entropy (r = 0.65, p < 0.001).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe effect caused by the remifentanil bolus on the brain oxygenation seems to be better reflected by the cerebral oxygen saturation than the jugular venous oxygen saturation. The effect of remifentanil on the electroencephalogram may not be reflected in indices derived from the electroencephalogram, but the potential of the approximate entropy in reflecting changes caused by opioids on the electroencephalogram should be further investigated.