Rumen fermentation,milk production and conjugated linoleic acid in the milk of cows fed high fiber diets added with dried distillers grains with solubles

The effects of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) feeding on rumen fermentation and milk production in cows were evaluated using diets high in neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 45.9–46.6%). The control diet (Control) consisted mainly of hay, corn silage and concentrates. In the experimental diets, the concentrates were replaced with DDGS as 10% dry matter (DM) (10%DDGS) and 20% DM (20%DDGS). Eight cows were used for each 14‐day treatment period. Effect of DDGS feeding on DM intake was not significant. Ruminal volatile fatty acids and ammonia‐N at 5 h after feeding of 20%DDGS were decreased compared to Control, whereas protozoal count at 2 h after feeding of 20%DDGS was higher than that of 10%DDGS. Milk yield of cows fed DDGS diets was greater than that of Control, although percentages of milk protein and solids‐not‐fat were decreased by DDGS diets. The proportions of C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0 in the milk fat decreased, and those of C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) increased markedly with elevated DDGS. Increase in trans‐11 C18:1 was observed in the rumen fluid at 5 h after feeding. These findings suggest that DDGS feeding enhanced milk yield, as well as CLA synthesis under a high dietary NDF condition.     

Partially replacing sorghum silage with cactus (Opuntia stricta) cladodes in a soybean oil-supplemented diet markedly increases trans-11 18:1, cis-9, trans-11 CLA and 18:2 n-6 contents in cow milk

Based on low 18:0 contents observed in milk fat of cows fed cactus cladodes (CC), we hypothesized that including Opuntia stricta cladodes in a soybean oil (SO)-supplemented diet would promote incomplete rumen biohydrogenation of supplemental PUFA, leading to increased trans-11 18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA contents in milk. Twelve Holstein cows were used in a two-period study: (a) Baseline: all cows received a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of sorghum silage (SS) and a concentrate containing no SO for 14 days; (b) Treatment: cows received one of the following SO-supplemented diets for 21 days: (1) SS-TMR: a TMR composed of SS and a SO-enriched concentrate, (2) CC-TMR: a TMR containing CC as a partial substitute for SS plus the SO-enriched concentrate, and (3) CC-PMR: same diet as in treatment 2, but CC were mixed with the SO-enriched concentrate and fed as a partial mixed ration (PMR). Both CC diets increased relative abundances of trans-11 18:1, cis-9, trans-11 CLA, and 18:2 n-6 in milk fat, whereas opposite effects were observed on 18:0 and cis-9 18:1. Proportion of 18:2 n-6 increased, and cis-9, trans-11 CLA tended to increase with CC-PMR as compared to CC-TMR, whereas 18:3 n-3 was higher with CC-PMR than with SS-TMR. Proportions of several odd- and branched-chain fatty acids, certain 18:1 isomers, and trans-9, cis-11 CLA changed with CC diets, notably with CC-PMR. Milk yield and intake of most nutrients (except fibre) increased or tended to increase with the CC diets, whereas gross milk composition was unaltered. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 index for C18 (SCD₁₈) was higher with CC-PMR than with SS-TMR, and milk n-6:n-3 FA ratio and apparent transfer of 18:2 n-6 to milk increased with CC diets. These results indicate that Opuntia stricta cladodes can be a valuable feed ingredient for improving the nutraceutical value of milk fat.     

Fatty acid composition of ruminal bacteria and protozoa,and effect of defaunation on fatty acid profile in the rumen with special reference to conjugated linoleic acid in cattle

Objectives of this study were to compare fatty acid (FA) composition of ruminal bacterial (B) and protozoal (P) cells, and to investigate effect of protozoa on FA profile in the rumen of cattle. Three cows were used to prepare ruminal B and P cells. Four faunated and three defaunated cattle (half‐siblings) were used to study effect of protozoa on ruminal FA profile. Proportions of C16:0 and C18:0 in total fatty acids in B cells were 20.7% and 37.4%, whereas those in P cells were 33.4% and 11.6%, respectively. Proportions of trans‐vaccenic acid (VA) and cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in B cells were 3.9% and 1.0%, and those in P cells were 5.5% and 1.6%, respectively, being higher in P cells. Proportions of C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 in P cells were two to three times higher than in B cells. Proportions of unsaturated fatty acids, VA and CLA in B cells of faunated cattle were higher than those of defaunated. VA and CLA in the ruminal fluid of faunated were also 1.6 to 2.5 times higher than those of defaunated. This tendency was similar for cell‐free fraction of ruminal fluid. These results indicate that protozoa contribute greatly in VA and CLA production in the rumen.     

Effect of monensin and vitamin E on milk production and composition of lactating dairy cows

Feeding unsaturated oils to lactating dairy cows impair ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) of unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) and increase ruminal outflow of BH intermediates such as trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA that are considered to be potent inhibitors of milk fat synthesis. Supplementing lactating dairy cow’s rations containing plant origin oils with monensin and/or vitamin E may minimise the formation of trans‐10 isomers in the rumen, thereby preventing milk fat depression. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of monensin and vitamin E supplementation in the diets of lactating dairy cows containing whole cottonseed, as the main source of FA on feed intake, milk production and composition, milk fatty acid profile, efficiency of nitrogen (N) utilisation, efficiency of net energy (NE) utilisation and nutrients digestibilities. Four multiparous Holstein lactating dairy cows (86 ± 41 days in milk) were assigned to a balanced 4 × 4 Latin square design. Each experimental period lasted 21 days with a 14 days of treatment adaptation and a 7 days of data collection. The control diet was a total mixed ration (TMR) consisted of 430 g/kg forage and 570 g/kg of a concentrate mixture on dry matter (DM) basis. Cows were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments including control diet (C), control diet supplemented with 150 mg of vitamin E/kg of DM (E), control diet supplemented with 24 mg of monensin/kg of DM (M) and control diet supplemented with 150 mg of vitamin E and 24 mg of monensin/kg of DM (EM). Dry matter intake (DMI) ranged from 19.1 to 19.5 kg/d and was similar among the dietary treatments. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E or monensin had no effect on milk production, milk fat, protein and lactose concentrations, efficiency of utilisation of nitrogen and net energy for lactation (NE_L). Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) was not affected by the dietary treatments. Digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was higher in cows fed with the M and EM diets in relation to those fed the C and E diets. The concentrations of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, trans‐10‐16:1, cis‐9‐16:1, 17:0, 18:0, trans‐11‐18:1, cis‐9‐18:1, cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA, and 18:3n‐3 FA in milk fat were not affected by the dietary supplementations. While feeding the M diet tended to decrease milk fat concentration of C16:0, the milk fat concentration of C18:2n‐6 FA tended to be increased. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E or monensin had no effect on milk fat concentrations of saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, short chain and long chain FA, but feeding the M diet numerically decreased milk fat concentration of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). The results showed that vitamin E and/or monensin supplementations did not improve milk fat content and did not minimise the formation of trans‐10 FA isomers in the rumen when whole cottonseed was included in the diet as the main source of fatty acids.     

Conjugated fatty acids and methane production by rumen microbes when incubated with linseed oil alone or mixed with fish oil and/or malate

We hypothesized that manipulating metabolism with fish oil and malate as a hydrogen acceptor would affect the biohydrogenation process of α‐linolenic acid by rumen microbes. This study was to examine the effect of fish oil and/or malate on the production of conjugated fatty acids and methane (CH₄) by rumen microbes when incubated with linseed oil. Linseed oil (LO), LO with fish oil (LO‐FO), LO with malate (LO‐MA), or LO with fish oil and malate (LO‐FO‐MA) was added to diluted rumen fluid, respectively. The LO‐MA and LO‐FO‐MA increased pH and propionate concentration compared to the other treatments. LO‐MA and LO‐FO‐MA reduced CH₄ production compared to LO. LO‐MA and LO‐FO‐MA increased the contents of c9,t11‐conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and c9,t11,c15‐conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA) compared to LO. The content of malate was rapidly reduced while that of lactate was reduced in LO‐MA and LO‐FO‐MA from 3 h incubation time. The fold change of the quantity of methanogen related to total bacteria was decreased at both 3 h and 6 h incubation times in all treatments compared to the control. Overall data indicate that supplementation of combined malate and/or fish oil when incubated with linseed oil, could depress methane generation and increase production of propionate, CLA and CLnA under the conditions of the current in vitro study.     

Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeder Hens Fed n-3 Fatty Acid-rich Fish Oil

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of oil sources in the diet on milk yield, milk composition, and fatty acid (FA) profiles in mid-lactating dairy cows. Forty-eight Chinese Holstein dairy cows averaging 150 days in milk (DIM) at the start of the experiment (body weight = 596±19 kg; milk yield = 29.7±3.00 kg/d) were used in a completely randomized block design. The animals were assigned into four dietary treatments according to DIM and milk yield, and supplemented with no oil (control), 2% flaxseed oil (FSO), 2% soybean oil (SBO), and 2% oil from extruded soybeans (ESB). The experiment lasted nine weeks including the first week for adaptation. Milk yields, milk compositions (fat, protein, and lactose), and milk FA profiles were measured. Daily milk yield from cows fed with FSO, SBO, and ESB were higher than milk yield of the control cows (27.0, 27.0, and 26.5 vs. 25.4 kg/d). Milk fat percentage of the control cows was greater than those cows fed with oil-supplemented diets. However, increasing dietary fat content resulted with no change in fat-corrected milk yield. The FA profile of milk was changed by fat supplementation. Feeding oil reduced the proportion of both short-chain (C_8:0 to C_12:0) and medium-chain (C_14:0 to C_16:1) FAs, and increased the proportion of long-chain (≥C_18:0) FAs in milk fat. Cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in milk fat was increased from 0.38% for the control to 0.79, 1.51, and 1.56% of fat for the cows supplemented with FSO, SBO, and ESB, respectively. Feeding oils rich in linoleic acid (SBO and ESB) was more effective in enhancing cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat than oils containing linolenic acid (FSO). There was a linear relationship between transvaccenic acid and cis-9, trans-11 CLA content in milk. Overall, feeding the FSO, SBO, and ESB diets increased monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and decreased the saturated fatty acid in milk fat.     

Concentrations of retinol and tocopherols in the milk of cows supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid

This study was performed to investigate the hypothesis that supplementation of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) changes the concentrations of retinol and tocopherols in the milk of cows. To investigate this hypothesis, Holstein cows received daily from 3 weeks ante‐partum to 14 weeks post‐partum either 172 g of a CLA‐free rumen‐protected control fat (control group, n = 20) or the same amount of a rumen‐protected CLA fat, supplying 4.3 g of cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA and 3.8 g of trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA per d (CLA group, n = 20). Milk samples (collected at weeks 1, 3, 5, 8 and 11 of lactation) were analysed for retinol, α‐ and γ‐tocopherol concentrations. Milk of cows supplemented with CLA had higher concentrations of retinol (+34%), α‐tocopherol (+44%) and γ‐tocopherol (+21%) than milk of control cows (p < 0.05). The daily output of these vitamins via milk was also greater in cows of the CLA group than in cows of the control group (+36, 50 and 24% for retinol, α‐tocopherol and γ‐tocopherol, respectively, p < 0.05). In agreement with higher concentrations of tocopherols, concentrations of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, determined in milk of week 5, were lower in cows of the CLA group than in control cows, indicative of a lower susceptibility of milk lipids to peroxidation. Plasma concentrations of retinol and α‐tocopherol, determined at 1 and 5 weeks post‐partum, were not different between the two groups of cows. In conclusion, this study shows that supplementing dairy cows with a moderate amount of CLA causes an increase of the concentrations of vitamins A and E in the milk and results in an increased output of those vitamins via milk. These effects might be beneficial with respect to the nutritional value of dairy products and the susceptibility of milk fat to oxidative deterioration.     

Inflammatory and metabolic responses to an intramammary lipopolysaccharide challenge in early lactating cows supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid

Supplementation of dairy cows with trans‐10, cis‐12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) allows nutrient repartitioning despite an energy deficiency in early lactation, which might be a benefit for the immune system, too. In this study, we investigated potential nutrient sparing effects of CLA in early lactating cows with low plasma glucose concentrations exposed to an intramammary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Fifteen multiparous Holstein cows were exposed to an intramammary LPS challenge in week 4 p.p. Eight cows (CLA) were supplemented daily with 70 g of lipid‐encapsulated CLA (6.8 g trans‐10, cis‐12 and 6.6 g of the cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA isomer; CLA) and seven cows with 56 g of control fat (CON). Blood samples were obtained every 30 min along with rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rate, and milk samples were taken hourly until 10 hr after the LPS application. Plasma was analysed for concentrations of glucose, free fatty acids, beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cortisol, insulin and glucagon. In milk, somatic cell count and activity of lactate dehydrogenase were determined. Initial plasma glucose concentration was lower in CLA than in CON. During the immunostimulation, CLA had higher glucose concentrations than CON, and BHB decreased distinctly in CLA, whereas CON cows maintained BHB concentration at a lower level. Body temperature in CLA increased earlier, the difference between peak and basal temperature was higher, and the decline thereafter occurred earlier. In conclusion, CLA supplementation of early lactating cows exposed to an intramammary LPS challenge affected local and systemic immune responses. We assume that CLA supplementation triggered glycogen storage. Cows supplemented with CLA provided more glucose and preferentially used BHB as an energy source during the immune response. The more intense metabolic and more concentrated endocrine responses support an immunomodulatory effect of CLA supplementation.     

Effects of incremental amounts of fish oil on trans fatty acids and Butyrivibrio bacteria in continuous culture fermenters

Previous studies have shown that adding fish oil (FO) to ruminant animal diets increased vaccenic acid (VA; t11 C18:1) accumulation in the rumen. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary FO amounts on selected strains of rumen bacteria involved in biohydrogenation. A single‐flow continuous culture system consisting of four fermenters was used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 9 days consecutive periods. Treatment diets were as follows: (i) control diet (53:47 forage to concentrate; CON), (ii) control plus FO at 0.5% (DM basis; FOL), (iii) control plus FO at 2% (DM basis; FOM) and (iv) control plus FO at 3.5% (DM basis; FOH). Fermenters were fed treatment diets three times daily at 120 g/day. Samples were collected from each fermenter on day 9 of each period at 1.5, 3 and 6 h post‐morning feeding and then composited into one sample per fermenter. Increasing dietary FO amounts resulted in a linear decrease in acetate and isobutyrate concentrations and a linear decrease in acetate‐to‐propionate ratio. Propionate, butyrate, valerate and isovalerate concentrations were not affected by FO supplementation. Concentrations of C18:0 in fermenters linearly decreased, while concentrations of t10 C18:1 and VA linearly increased as dietary FO amounts increased. The concentrations of c9t11 and t10c12 conjugated linoleic acid were not affected by FO supplementation. The DNA abundance for Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Butyrivibrio vaccenic acid subgroup, Butyrivibrio stearic acid subgroup and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus linearly decreased as dietary FO amounts increased. In conclusion, FO effects on trans fatty acid accumulation in the rumen may be explained in part by FO influence on Butyrivibrio group.     

REVIEWS: Conjugated Linoleic Acid: Historical Context and Implications

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are implicated as anti-carcinogenic, anti-atherosclerosis, and anti-inflammatory agents in a variety of experimental model systems. However, evidence of dietary CLA protection against human mammary cancer risk is mixed and comes from European countries where the death rate from mammary cancer is relatively scarce. Unfortunately, epidemiological data are inconclusive, especially from retrospective studies. Prospective human study evidence will take more time. European values as great as 1.9% CLA in the fat of milk products from grass-fed ruminants has been reported; ordinary monogastric meat and egg products contain substantially less CLA in fat (0.3%). It is now recognized that the principle CLA in ruminant meat and milk is the natural diene, cis (c)-9, trans (t)-11 isomer (rumenic acid) of C18:2 (octadecadienoic acid). Another isomer, C18:2 t-10, c-12, also contributes to the unique biological activity of CLA, but does not readily accumulate in ruminant lipids and is found only in commercial preparations of mixed CLA isomers. Evidence in humans suggested that the role of the dietary mixed isomer CLA in the loss of body fat mass (BFM) was only modest compared with the results from animal model studies, and urine metabolites of prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α), indicative of lipid oxidation stress, have been elevated during supplementation. In addition, the fatty acid C18:1 t-11 (vaccenic) is now believed to be the principle precursor of endogenous c-9, t-11 CLA in both ruminants and monogastrics. This finding helps explain the discrepancy between measured c-9, t-11 CLA originating from the rumen and that secreted in cow’s milk. Manipulation of ruminant meat and milk by feeding marine or vegetable oils is clearly associated with increases in vaccenic acid as well. This relationship requires a re-examination of human foods for vaccenic acid content and quantitative measures of CLA endogenous synthesis in humans as well to formulate dietary strategies to capture CLA’s potential protective health benefits.     

Concentration of conjugated linoleic acid in grazing sheep and goat milk fat

The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content of grazing sheep and goat milk fat, throughout their lactation period, was examined. Six sheep and six goat representative farms were selected at random and milk samples were taken at monthly intervals for fatty acids profile determination. Sheep and goat nutrition was based on natural grazing and on supplementary feeding during the winter months. From April onwards, grazing native pastures was the only source of feed for sheep and goats. The University farm whose sheep are kept indoors all year round without any grazing, was also used as reference. Fifteen individual milk samples were also taken in April from a sheep and goat farm respectively, in order to see the variability of CLA inside the farm. The results showed that: a. the CLA content of grazing sheep and goat milk fat increased significantly in April–May (early growth stage of grass) and then declined while that of indoors kept sheep was more or less constant during the same period, b. the isomers cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 of CLA were found in grazing sheep milk fat, while in indoors kept sheep and goats' milk fat only the cis-9, trans-11 isomer was found, c. the CLA content of sheep milk fat was much higher than that of goats, d. a negative correlation between sheep milk fat and CLA content was found and e. there was considerable variation in milk fat CLA content between sheep and goat farms and inside the farms.     

Analysis of fatty acids in Longissimus muscle of steers of different genetic breeds finished in pasture systems

The chemical composition, the fatty acids profile, and conjugated linoleic acids content in Longissimus muscle (LM) of steers have been determined. For such, 18 steers (6, Nellore, NEL) and their Simmental (6, NSI), and Santa Gertrudes (6, NSG) crossbreds finished in pasture system with Brachiaria brizantha cv. marandu for about 3 months with approximate weight at slaughter of 480 kg at average age approximate of 25 months. The lipid content increased in the following order influenced by genetic groups: Nellore, F1 Nellore × Simmental and F1 Nellore × Santa Gertrudes crossbreds. The lipid content increased while moisture, ash and protein contents decreased. The content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was affected by genetic groups. The conjugated linoleic acids contents (CLA) in fat were similar in the genetic groups, but the quantity of CLA concentrations in muscle lipids of steers with larger total lipid was higher. The predominant CLA was CLA cis-9, trans-11.     

Papaya (Carica papaya) leaf methanolic extract modulates in vitro rumen methanogenesis and rumen biohydrogenation

Papaya leaf methanolic extract (PLE) at concentrations of 0 (CON), 5 (LLE), 10 (MLE) and 15 (HLE) mg/250 mg dry matter (DM) with 30 mL buffered rumen fluid were incubated for 24 h to identify its effect on in vitro ruminal methanogenesis and ruminal biohydrogenation (BH). Total gas production was not affected (P > 0.05) by addition of PLE compared to the CON at 24 h of incubation. Methane (CH₄) production (mL/250 mg DM) decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of PLE. Acetate to propionate ratio was lower (P <0.05) in MLE (2.02) and HLE (1.93) compared to the CON (2.28). Supplementation of the diet with PLE significantly (P <0.05) decreased the rate of BH of C18:1n‐9 (oleic acid; OA), C18:2n‐6 (linoleic acid; LA), C18:3n‐3 (linolenic acid; LNA) and C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) compared to CON after 24 h incubation, which resulted in higher concentrations of BH intermediates such as C18:1 t11 (vaccenic acid; VA), c9t11 conjugated LA (CLA) (rumenic acid; RA) and t10c12 CLA. Real‐time PCR analysis indicated that the total bacteria, total protozoa, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and methanogen population in HLE decreased (P <0.05) compared to CON, but the total bacteria and B. fibrisolvens population were higher (P < 0.05) in CON compared to the PLE treatment groups.     

共轭亚油酸的来源及其生物学作用

共轭亚油酸（CLA）因具有许多生物保健功能而成为动物营养学领域的研究热点,诸如抗癌、抗动脉硬化及其提高免疫力等。CLA主要存在于反刍动物的肉及乳制品中,它主要由反刍动物瘤胃内微生物氢化多不饱和脂肪酸的中间产物,或通过内源乳腺、脂肪组织经△9脱氢酶脱氢所形成。     

Relationships between the contents of vaccenic acid, CLA and n − 3 fatty acids of goat milk and the muscle of their suckling kids

The relationship between goat milk fatty acid composition, especially trans-11 C18:1 (vaccenic acid, VA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and n − 3 fatty acids, and that of the meat from their suckling kids was investigated by feeding the dams a diet supplemented with whole cottonseed (COT) or extruded linseed (LIN). Fifteen Sarda goats, fed 1.2 kg/day per head of concentrate and hay ad libitum, were divided into two groups and supplemented during weeks 4 and 5 post-partum with 32 g/day per head of fat from LIN and COT, which have high C18:3 and C18:2 content, respectively. Fifteen kids were fed exclusively by suckling maternal milk until slaughtering (at 9–10 kg of body weight and approximately 6 weeks of age). Twenty-four hour after slaughter, the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was removed from each carcass. Fatty acid profiles of milk and LD were significantly affected by diets. Compared to COT, feeding LIN changed the milk fatty acid profiles by decreasing the proportion of C16:0 and increasing the contents of VA, C18:3 n − 3 (linolenic acid) and total CLA, including cis-9, trans-11-, trans-11, cis-13-, trans-11, trans-13- and trans, trans isomers. The concentrations of VA, cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 (rumenic acid, RA) and linolenic acid in milk and those in kid muscle were strongly correlated. The fatty acid profile of meat from suckling kids was effectively modified by manipulating the diet of the dams.     

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.     

Effects of different forms and origins of oilseeds on dynamics of ruminal biohydrogenation of long‐chain fatty acids in vitro

Dietary unsaturated fatty acids (FA) are intensively hydrogenated in the rumen, resulting in reduced amount of poly‐unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and accumulation of several biohydrogenation (BH) products. In this study, BH of PUFA originating from different oilseeds (linseed, soya beans, sunflower seed and rapeseed) present in crushed oilseeds or their free oils were assessed in vitro. The assay substrates were incubated in buffered rumen fluid for 0, 6, 12 and 24 h. After incubation, the FA pattern of the incubated samples was analysed using gas chromatography. Biohydrogenation is defined as disappearance of double bonds (DB) calculated from the contents of unsaturated FA. After 24‐h incubation, the DB contents of all oilseeds were reduced (p < 0.001) by 40–60%. The reduction was higher (p < 0.001) for the crushed form compared with the oil form. In addition, linseed and sunflower seed known as oilseeds with high contents of linolenic acid C18:3 c9,12,15 (LNA) and linoleic acid C18:2 c9,12 (LA), respectively, showed a higher (p < 0.001) accumulation of the BH intermediates conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, isomer C18:2 c9t11) and vaccenic acid (C18:1 t11) for the crushed form, when compared with the oil. These results suggest an inherent effect of the physical form of the assay oilseeds on in vitro BH. Changes in FA pattern during BH in vitro can be attributed to both source and physical form of the assay oilseeds. However, further investigations are warranted to ensure whether the observed in vitro effects on ruminal BH can be confirmed in vivo.     

Detection of 11 beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor in various adipose tissue depots of dairy cows supplemented with conjugated linoleic acids

Early lactating cows mobilize adipose tissue (AT) to provide energy for milk yield and maintenance and are susceptible to metabolic disorders and impaired immune response. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), mainly the trans‐10, cis‐12 isomer, reduce milk fat synthesis and may attenuate negative energy balance. Circulating glucocorticoids (GC) are increased during parturition in dairy cows and mediate differentiating and anti‐inflammatory effects via glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) in the presence of the enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1). Activated GC are the main ligands for both receptors in AT; therefore, we hypothesized that tissue‐specific GC metabolism is effected by varying amounts of GR, MR and 11βHSD1 and/or their localization within AT depots. Furthermore, the lipolytic and antilipogenic effects of CLA might influence the GC/GR/MR system in AT. Therefore, we aimed to localize GR and MR as well as the expression pattern and activity of 11βHSD1 in different AT depots during early lactation in dairy cows and to identify potential effects of CLA. Primiparous German Holstein cows were divided into a control (CON) and a CLA group. From day 1 post‐partum (p.p.) until sample collection, the CLA group was fed with 100 g/d CLA (contains 10 g each of the cis‐9, trans‐11 and the trans‐10, cis‐12‐CLA isomers). CON cows (n = 5 each) were slaughtered on day 1, 42 and 105 p.p., while CLA cows (n = 5 each) were slaughtered on day 42 and 105 p.p. Subcutaneous fat from tailhead, withers and sternum, and visceral fat from omental, mesenteric and retroperitoneal depots were sampled. The localization of GR and 11βHSD1 in mature adipocytes – being already differentiated – indicates that GC promote other effects via GR than differentiation. Moreover, MR were observed in the stromal vascular cell fraction and positively related to the pre‐adipocyte marker Pref‐1. However, only marginal CLA effects were observed in this study.     

Study on some functional and compositional properties of yak butter lipid

The present experiment was performed to determine some functional properties of yak butter lipids such as lipid class composition; conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) composition, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis, tyrosinase inhibition activity and antioxidant property. Yak butter lipids composition contained 98% triacylglycerols, 0.9% free fatty acids, 0.32% free sterols and 0.27% phospholipids. The CLA content in yak butter was 2.5% and the major portion was of cis‐9 and trans‐11 (90%). The DSC analysis of yak butter lipids showed a similar path for transition temperature as cow butter lipids, although the enthalpy of yak lipid was higher (40.0 mJ/mg) compared to cow butter lipids (32.0 mJ/mg). Melting point of yak butter was observed at 41°C. Yak butter with lactic acid, NaCl, citric acid and ascorbic acid showed pronounced tyrosinase inhibition activity. Vegetable oils blended with yak butter have extended the oxidation induction time.