Effect of dietary supplementation of whole flaxseed on sperm traits and sperm fatty acid profile in aged broiler breeder roosters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of whole flaxseed on sperm traits and sperm fatty acid profile in aged broiler breeder roosters. Twelve Ross 308 broiler breeder roosters (age: 52 weeks; weight: 4,900 ± 210 g) haphazardly allotted to three dietary treatments (each treatment contained four replicates and one bird in each replicate) for six weeks. Treatments were different levels of flaxseed (0% flaxseed [GFL0], 2% flaxseed [GFL2] and 4% flaxseed [GFL4]). The feed intake quadratically decreased (p < .05) with increasing whole flaxseed levels for the period (58 to 60 weeks). Sperm traits (semen volume and sperm concentration, sperm total and forward motility, sperm viability and morphology, sperm plasma membrane functionality) were evaluated every two weeks (four times), and sperm fatty acid profile was assessed at the end of the experiment. Semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm morphology were not affected by treatments. On week 60, GFL2 group showed a significantly lower percentage of total and progressive sperm motility and sperm membrane functionality in comparison with the control and GFL4 groups. Also, sperm viability was lower in GFL2 group compared with other groups on week 58 (p < .05). In terms of sperm fatty acid profile, GFL2 group significantly reduced the percentage of linoleic acid (C18:2 [n-6]) in comparison with other groups. However, any of the other fatty acids were not affected by dietary flaxseed. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of whole flaxseed could not improve the quality of aged broiler breeder roosters' sperm in this study, nor it could alter the sperm fatty acid profile; thus, it seems necessary to use some antioxidants such as vitamin E in the diet of aged broiler breeder roosters, when supplementing the diets with oils or oilseeds such as flaxseed.     

Effects of dietary fish oil and alpha-tocopherol supplementation on selected blood parameters and fatty acid profiles in mares and their foals

The effects of fish oil (40 ml/day) supplementation, with or without synthetic all-rac-alpha-tocopherol-acetate (2,500 IU/day), during the last 65 days before expected parturition were investigated in 15 adult mares (553 ± 24 kg BW) and their foals. Mares were assigned to one of three diets: control (n = 5), control plus fish oil and alpha-tocopherol (n = 4; FO + AT) or control with just fish oil (n = 6; FO). Blood samples were obtained from the mares before a 15-day dietary adaptation period (T1) and from mares and foals the first (T2) and fifth (T3) days post-partum. Colostrum was collected at T2 and milk at T3. Routine haematological, biochemical and alpha-tocopherol analyses were undertaken on all blood samples. Fatty acid concentrations were determined in the foal serum and alpha-tocopherol concentrations measured in the milk and colostrum. Diet had no effect on haematology or biochemistry in the mares. Alpha-tocopherol concentrations were significantly higher at T2 & T3 in the FO + AT mares. Foal WBCs were higher in FO (11.33 ± 2.59 × 10⁹/l), comparing to FO + AT and control groups (9.18 ± 1.24 × 10⁹/l and 7.26 ± 1.03 × 10⁹/l, respectively), at T3 (p < .05). There was no significant effect of the fish oil supplementation on the foal's serum fatty acid profile. In the FO + AT group, both colostrum and milk alpha-tocopherol concentrations (2.56 ± 0.36 and 1.36 ± 0.22 µg/ml, respectively) were higher compared than those of the FO group (1.33 ± 0.39 and 0.72 ± 0.31 µg/ml, respectively; p < .05). Additional 2,500 IU/day of synthetic alpha-tocopherol in the last 65 days of pregnancy increased alpha-tocopherol concentrations in colostrum and milk and the foal's serum. 40 ml/day fish oil, however, did not significantly increase serum eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations in the foals.     

Linseed oil supplementation in diet for horses: Effects on palatability and digestibility

Feed palatability and in vivo apparent digestibility of nutrients were compared in horses fed concentrates in which barley was, or not, partially substituted by 8% linseed oil. According to a cross-over design, three geldings and one stallion were fed at near maintenance level hay plus low or high fat diet (50/50). The last days of each 3-months sub-periods, partial faeces collections were performed and concentrate intake rate was measured to estimate the digestibility and the palatability of the diet. The inclusion of linseed oil did not affect the palatability of the diet and increased significantly (P < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of DM (66.5 vs 64.1%), CF (83.7 vs 57.3%) and NDF (53.0 vs 50.7%) but not of CP and ADF.     

Effect of dietary flaxseed, flax oil and n-3 fatty acid supplement on hepatic and plasma characteristics relevant to fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens

1. Two experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of dietary flaxseed, flax oil and n-3 fatty acid supplementation (Dry n-3) on hepatic fat content, plasma triglycerides, hepatic haemorrhage score, egg production, food intake and body weight in an inbred line of Single Comb White Leghorns (UCD-003) predisposed to fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) and normal SCWL hens. 2. Feeding diets containing 100 g/kg ground flaxseed, 40 g/kg flax oil, or 100 g/kg Dry n-3 reduced body weight and significantly reduced hepatic fat content compared to feeding the control diet with animal and vegetable oil as a fat source. 3. Hepatic malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation within the liver, was not significantly affected by dietary treatment. 4. Normal SCWL hens tended to have higher egg production, greater body weight, greater food intake and higher blood triglyceride concentrations than UCD-003 hens, although the strain effects were not significant. Liver weight as a percent of body weight was significantly lower in normal SCWL hens. Treatments by strain interactions were not found. 5. The result suggested that dietary flaxseed, flax oil and Dry n-3 decrease hepatic fat content and reduce body weight, 2 of the predisposing factors believed to contribute to FLHS onset. However, haemorrhages were still apparent in both strains regardless of treatment, indicating that other unknown underlying mechanisms may also be responsible for FLHS.     

P-76 The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on cutaneous and plasma fatty acid concentrations in dogs with atopic dermatitis

The objectives of this study were to evaluate in vivo tolerance, and antimicrobial and clinical activities of a topical otic preparation containing EDTA tromethamine (Tris) and chlorhexidine digluconate 0.15% solution (Otodine^®) in dogs with chronic bacterial otitis externa. Eleven dogs were included. The affected ears were filled with the solution once daily during a 2-week period. Dogs were evaluated on days 0, 14 and 28. Three clinical parameters (exudate, erythema, pain) and three cytologic parameters ( Malassezia , cocci, rods) were scored (0–4 scale) by otoscopic and cytological examinations of otic exudate. Bacterial cultures were performed at each time point. If there were bacteria on cytological examination on day 14, the dogs were treated with the original product, with the addition of enrofloxacin (5%) applied 10 min after the original product, for a further 2 weeks. All 11 cases yielded isolates of resistant gram-negative bacteria; gram-positive bacteria were also isolated from six of 11 dogs. On day 14, six of 11 dogs were negative on culture examination; on day 28, 10 of 11 were negative and only one case had a positive culture. On day 14, clinical and microbial scores (cytology) were reduced by 54.6 and 71.1%, respectively, and by 85.7 and 94% on day 28. All cases reported good tolerance of the treatment. The results show that this ear solution was helpful in the management of chronic bacterial otitis externa in dogs and was well tolerated. There seems to be a synergistic effect of the combination of Tris-EDTA/chlorhexidine digluconate 0.15% solution, and an antimicrobial agent (enrofloxacin) against resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Funding: Self-funded.     

Effects of physiologic agonists on canine whole blood flow cytometry assays of leukocyte-platelet aggregation and platelet activation

Platelets play a role in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Methods for detecting activated platelets and leukocyte-platelet aggregates (LPAs) are useful for basic and applied research concerning the role of platelets in inflammation and immune disorders. The aim of the study was to develop flow cytometric assays for detection of platelets binding to monocytes and neutrophils and for activated platelets in canine whole blood and to investigate the effect of physiologic agonists. Citrate anticoagulated whole blood was incubated with monoclonal antibodies against CD14 and CD61 for detection of LPAs, and the effect of various agonists was investigated. For detection of activated platelets, whole blood was incubated with monoclonal antibodies against CD62P and against a receptor-induced binding site on fibrinogen (CAP1) with CD61 as a platelet identifier. Isotype controls were prepared in parallel. The individual physiologic agonists ADP, collagen and epinephrine increased LPAs, CD62P and CAP1 binding only modestly. However, combinations of agonists gave more substantial increases. A dose-response relationship was seen using alpha- and gamma-thrombin, and ADP as agonists. In conclusion, we have developed flow cytometry assays to measure LPAs and platelet activation in canine whole blood, and have explored the effect of various physiologic agonists at different concentrations.     

Effects of dietary fat and L-carnitine on plasma and whole blood taurine concentrations and cardiac function in healthy dogs fed protein-restricted diets

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate plasma taurine concentrations (PTC), whole blood taurine concentrations (WBTC), and echocardiographic findings in dogs fed 1 of 3 protein-restricted diets that varied in fat and L-carnitine content. ANIMALS: 17 healthy Beagles. DESIGN: Baseline PTC and WBTC were determined, and echocardiography was performed in all dogs consuming a maintenance diet. Dogs were then fed 1 of 3 protein-restricted diets for 48 months: a low-fat (LF) diet, a high-fat and L-carnitine supplemented (HF + C) diet, or a high-fat (HF) diet. All diets contained methionine and cystine concentrations at or above recommended Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimum requirements. Echocardiographic findings, PTC, and WBTC were evaluated every 6 months. RESULTS: The PTC and WBTC were not significantly different among the 3 groups after 12 months. All groups had significant decreases in WBTC from baseline concentrations, and the HF group also had a significant decrease in PTC. One dog with PT and WBT deficiency developed dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Taurine supplementation resulted in significant improvement in cardiac function. Another dog with decreased WBTC developed changes compatible with early DCM. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results revealed that dogs fed protein-restricted diets can develop decreased taurine concentrations; therefore, protein-restricted diets should be supplemented with taurine. Dietary methionine and cystine concentrations at or above AAFCO recommended minimum requirements did not prevent decreased taurine concentrations. The possibility exists that AAFCO recommended minimum requirements are not adequate for dogs consuming protein-restricted diets. Our results also revealed that, similar to cats, dogs can develop DCM secondary to taurine deficiency, and taurine supplementation can result in substantial improvement in cardiac function.     

Effects of flaxseed supplementation on milk production, milk fatty acid composition and nutrient utilization by lactating dairy cows.

Twelve multiparous Holstein cows at 72 +/- 20 days in milk were used in a switch-back design with 14-d periods to determine the effect of replacing barley grain into a dairy total mixed ration with micronized or raw flaxseed on nutrient digestibility, milk yield, milk composition. Total mixed diets were (DM basis) 50% barley silage, 50% concentrate mix mainly rolled barley grain and canola meal. Diets were supplemented with 1 kg raw (RF) or micronized (MF) flaxseed to substitute 1 kg of rolled barley grain (C). Neutral detergent fibre, ADF and CP digestibility of the diets were not significantly affected by supplementation; however, calcium digestibility was reduced by 62% and 46% when raw and micronized flax were fed, respectively. Milk yield (38.3, 39.6, and 38.4 kg/d for diets C, RF and MF, respectively) was similar for all diets. Milk fat (3.50, 3.48, and 3.52%) and protein (3.31, 3.34, and 3.31%) for diets C, RF and MF, respectively, were not affected by treatment diets. Concentrations of c9, t11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; 0.51, 0.72 and 0.76 g/100 g fatty acids) in milk fat increased (P<0.05) similarly among the two flaxseed supplemented diets. The RF and MF diets significantly increased the C18:1, C18:1 trans-11, C18:2 cis-9, cis-12 and C18:3 in milk fat however, C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0 were significantly reduced compared with control. Replacing barley grain with flaxseed in the diet of lactating cows increased the beneficial fatty acids in milk without depressing nutrient digestibility. Micronization of flaxseed did not reveal any advantage over raw flaxseed.     

日粮中添加具有不同脂肪酸特征的油籽对育肥绵羊脂肪组织中脂肪酸组成的影响

文章旨在探讨日粮中添加具有不同脂肪酸特征的油籽对育肥绵羊脂肪组织中脂肪酸组成的影响,为研究通过日粮调控手段提高绵羊肉中功能性脂肪酸的含量,改善羊肉品质提供理论依据。试验采用单因子完全随机组区设计,选用40只体重为(33.73±3.65)kg、生理状态相似的杂交公羊(小尾寒羊×蒙古羊)随机分为4个组,每组10只。其中对照组采用基础日粮(不含油籽),以豆粕和棉粕代替油籽,试验组分别饲喂含10%油菜籽、10%葵花籽、10%胡麻籽的日粮。预饲期10 d,正试期35 d。试验结果表明:日粮中添加油菜籽、葵花籽和胡麻籽后,葵花籽组和胡麻籽组显著提高了育肥羊脂肪组织中多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)含量(P<0.05),油菜籽组相比于对照组有一定的增加,但差异不显著(P>0.05),不饱和脂肪酸(USFA)含量油菜籽组和葵花籽组极显著高于对照组和胡麻籽组(P<0.01),而试验组饱和脂肪酸(SFA)含量均有不同程度的降低,存在差异极显著(P<0.01)的情况。n-6多不饱和脂肪酸/n-3多不饱和脂肪酸(n-6/n-3)为胡麻籽组(4.49)<油菜籽组(8.77)<对照组(13.92)<葵花籽组(17.40),组间差异极显著(P<0.01),胡麻籽组对于改善n-6/n-3效果最好。在本试验条件下,日粮中添加油菜籽和葵花籽可以极显著提高脂肪组织中不饱和脂肪酸的含量,胡麻籽对于改善PUFA及n-3脂肪酸的含量效果最好。     

Dietary supplementation with dimethylglycine affects broiler performance and plasma metabolites depending on dose and dietary fatty acid profile

The effect of dietary supplementation with N,N‐dimethylglycine sodium salt (Na‐DMG) was evaluated in a feeding trial with 1500 1‐day‐old broiler chicks (Cobb 500). DMG was supplemented at 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 or 1 g Na‐DMG/kg feed to a ration with either animal fat (chicken fat) or vegetal fat (soy oil) as main fat source. In the vegetal fat diets, production value was significantly linearly improved by supplementation with DMG up to 11%. Irrespective of dietary fat source, abdominal fat percentage was significantly linearly reduced up to 24% and meat yield tended to increase linearly with DMG level up to 4%. In the vegetal fat groups, DMG significantly lowered abdominal fat pad by up to 38% and tended to increase meat yield up to 6% at the highest dose. Fasted non‐esterified fatty acid level significantly decreased with increasing DMG level up to 36% and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) decreased with a statistical trend up to 46% at the highest dose. In vegetal fat diets, addition of DMG resulted in significant lower TBARS level by 56% at the highest dose. Finally, a significant quadratic effect on ascites heart index was present in the vegetal fat diets, with a minimal value at 0.5 g Na‐DMG/kg. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with DMG may improve technical and slaughter performance, and may reduce oxidative stress and pulmonary hypertension, but the degree of effects is modulated by fatty acid profile of the diet. Herewith, effects are more pronounced in a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with a diet rich in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.     

Effects of dietary supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid on fatty acid composition and lipid oxidation in chicken breast meat

We investigated the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on fatty acid composition and lipid oxidation in breast meat of broiler chickens. Broiler chickens (28-day-old females) were fed diets containing experimental oils at 20 g/kg diet for 28 days. The experimental oils consisted of either a 2:0, 1:1, or a 0:2 (wt : wt) ratio of safflower oil (high linoleic acid content) to a commercial CLA mixture. In this study, dietary CLA supplementation significantly increased the composition and content of CLA in chicken meat. The predominant CLA in meat from birds with supplemented diets was the cis -9, trans -11 isomer. The proportion of saturated fatty acid in meat significantly increased with increasing CLA supplementation, with a corresponding decrease in monounsaturated fatty acid. Dietary CLA also reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values in raw meat during storage at 4°C for 5 days. These results provide evidence that CLA feeding is a practical strategy not only for adding nutritional benefits to chicken meat but also for improving meat quality including oxidative stability.     

Effects of oral sunflower oil and olive oil on serum and cutaneous fatty acid concentrations in dogs.

The effects of dietary fatty acids on serum and cutaneous fatty acids of healthy dogs were evaluated under controlled conditions. Beagle puppies (n = 12) were fed a standard diet supplemented with sunflower oil (group A), olive oil (group B) or no supplementation (group C) for 12 weeks. There were no significant differences in food intake or growth rates between the three groups. Dogs in group A had significant increases (P < 0.05) in serum 18:2n6 (linoleic acid) and 20:3n6 (dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid), and cutaneous 18:2n6 with significant decreases in serum 20:4n6 (arachidonic acid) and cutaneous 18:1n9 (oleic acid) and 18:3n3 (alpha-linolenic acid). Dogs in group B had significant increases in serum 18:1n9, 20:3n6 and cutaneous 18:1n9 with decreases in serum 20:4n6, 22:4n6, 22:5n3 and 22:5n6, and cutaneous 18:2n6, 18:3n3 and 20:4n6. There were no significant changes in serum or cutaneous fatty acids for the dogs in group C. This study demonstrates that fatty acid supplements can be used to alter the serum and cutaneous fatty acid compositions of dogs.     

Effects of transport, lairage and stunning on the concentrations of some blood constituents in horses destined for slaughter

The aim of the present study was to determine, in horses destined to slaughter, the effects of transport, lairage and stunning on some blood constituents related to stress. Twenty one horses culled from a race track due to poor athletic performance, transported weekly to a nearby slaughterhouse were used. Each horse was canulated through venipuncture of the right jugular vein with a central venous catheter which remained permanently until after the exsanguination. Through the catheter, blood samples were taken at 6 sampling times: one hour before loading of the horses, immediately after loading, at the end of the journey, immediately after unloading, after lairage, in the stunning box before stunning and during exsanguination. Blood samples were analyzed for the following variables: plasma lactate concentration, plasma creatine phosphokinase activity (CK), plasma glucose concentration, plasma cortisol concentration and packed cell volume (PCV). Time in the stunning box, number of stunning attempts, presence of return to consciousness signs and time between stunning and sticking were also recorded. The results for pre-mortem variables were: mean time in the stunning box 9 min 48 sec, 85.7% of the horses fell at the first stunning attempt, 57.2% of the horses showed signs of returning to consciousness after stunning and the most frequent interval between stunning and sticking was 1.01 to 2 min. Mean values for the blood variables showed a significant rise (P < 0.05) in the concentrations of lactate, glucose and cortisol, as well as CK activity and PCV during transport. The highest values for these blood constituents were seen before stunning and during exsanguination, except for cortisol concentration, which showed the highest values during the transport process.     

The effect of oral phenylbutazone on whole blood platelet aggregation in the dog.

Platelet aggregation to collagen, arachidonic acid and adenosine diphosphate was evaluated in six dogs using a whole blood electronic aggregometer. The six dogs were then given phenylbutazone orally according to four different dosage levels and durations of treatment. Aggregation responses were measured at established intervals of time following phenylbutazone administration. Data on untreated dogs indicated that arachidonic acid, at a final concentration of 50 micrograms/mL and collagen, at a final concentration of 5 micrograms/mL, were useful agents for studying whole blood platelet aggregation in the dog, but adenosine diphosphate, at a final concentration of 30 microM was not. The high single dose (900 mg) of phenylbutazone significantly inhibited platelet aggregation to arachidonic acid at 1.5,4,7 and 12 hours following administration. The results indicated that the whole blood electronic aggregometer was of limited value in detecting subtle changes in platelet aggregation. It was concluded, however, that the instrument is potentially useful as a rapid screening aid for detecting canine patients at high risk of platelet-related bleeding problems.     

Effects of vitamin C supplementation on plasma ascorbic acid and oxalate concentrations and meat quality in swine

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of vitamin C supplementation 48 h before slaughter on plasma ascorbic acid and oxalate concentrations and its effect on pork quality. In Exp. 1, 16 pigs (87.8+/-2.13 kg BW) were blocked by sex and weight and assigned randomly within block to one of three vitamin C treatments: 1) control; 2) 1,000 mg/L; or 3) 2,000 mg/L supplemented in the drinking water for a 48-h period. This was then followed by an additional 48-h period without supplemental vitamin C. Vitamin C increased plasma ascorbic acid concentrations (11.6, 19.5, and 23.4 microg/mL for 0, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/L of vitamin C; P < 0.05) within 6 h of supplementation. Plasma ascorbic acid concentrations from treated pigs decreased and did not differ from those of control pigs (13.7, 18.2, and 18.6 microg/mL for 0, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/L of vitamin C; P = 0.30) within 2 h of ending supplementation. No differences in plasma ascorbic acid concentrations were found between the two levels of supplementation. Vitamin C did not affect plasma oxalate or cortisol; however, cortisol tended to increase quadratically (P = 0.077) with vitamin C after 96 h. In Exp. 2, 30 pigs (107.5+/-0.54 kg BW) were blocked by sex and weight and assigned randomly within block to one of three vitamin C treatments: 1) control; 2) 500 mg/L; or 3) 1,000 mg/L supplemented in the drinking water 48 h before slaughter. Pigs were slaughtered 4 to 5 h after vitamin C supplementation ended, and loin samples were collected for meat quality measurements. At the time of slaughter, no differences in plasma ascorbic acid or cortisol were observed, but oxalate tended (P = 0.074) to increase quadratically with increasing vitamin C. Muscle ascorbic acid at slaughter and lactic acid in muscle at 0 and 1.5 h after slaughter were not different; however, lactic acid increased (P = 0.048) quadratically at 24 h after slaughter. Vitamin C did not affect initial or ultimate pH. Initial fluid loss (P = 0.041), and fluid loss on d 4 (P = 0.014) and 8 (P = 0.076) of simulated retail display; L* on d 0 (P = 0.038), 4 (P = 0.010), and 8 (P = 0.051); a* on d 0 (P = 0.021); and b* on d 0 (P = 0.006), 4 (P = 0.035), and 8 (P = 0.017) were negatively affected in a quadratic manner when vitamin C was supplemented. Vitamin C tended (P = 0.086) to increase oxidation in chops on d 0, but not d 4 or 8. Results indicate that on-farm supplementation of vitamin C was generally not effective in improving pork quality, which may be related to timing relative to slaughter.     

Effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid and fish oil supplementation on performance and egg quality in laying hens

1. Laying hen performance, yolk fat fatty acid concentrations and firmness of eggs were evaluated with respect to the inclusion in the diet of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and fish oil. 2. Nine diets were arranged factorially, with three levels of supplementation of CLA (1, 3 and 5 g/kg) and fish oil (0, 14 and 20 g/kg). 3. Type of diet did not affect egg production traits. 4. CLA addition increased yolk weight and yolk fat concentrations of CLA, saturated and total long-chain n-3 fatty acids, but decreased those of monounsaturated and total long-chain n-6 fatty acids. 5. Fish oil addition increased long-chain n-3 fatty acids yolk fat concentrations but decreased those of CLA, saturated and long-chain n-6 fatty acids. 6. Effects of CLA addition on yolk fat concentrations of C22:4 n-6 and C20:5 n-3 were greater when no fish oil was added to the diet. 7. CLA supplementation increased linearly yolk moisture and firmness and altered albumen and yolk pH.     

Effect of dietary supplementation with flaxseed oil or vitamin E on sheep experimentally infected with Fasciola hepatica

The effects of two diets supplemented with flaxseed oil (FO) or vitamin E (VE) were studied in sheep infected with Fasciola hepatica. The control group (CO), not supplemented, had higher weight gain and faecal egg count (P < 0.05) at the end of the study. At necropsy, the number (71.2 ± 26.5) and size of flukes were lower in the FO group (P < 0.01), probably due to the higher levels of white blood cells and lymphocytes (P < 0.01). This group also had higher red blood cell and haematocrit values (P < 0.01). The CO group had more severe hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia, due to having the highest fluke burden (123.0 ± 35.2), and also the highest IgG1 titre (P < 0.01). The diet did not affect production or gene expression levels of IFN-γ and IL-4. On the other hand, the supplementation with VE led to a reduction in adult fluke burden (97.7 ± 39.9) and lower lipid oxidation in the liver (P < 0.001).