Longer consumption of flaxseed oil enhances n-3 fatty acid content of chicken meat and expression of FADS2 gene

Ahiflower seed and its press cake as sources of nutrients for laying hens and omega-3 fatty acids in their eggs

240 64-week-old Lohman LSL-Lite laying hens were used to evaluate the effect of ahiflower seed (AS) and its press cake (APC) on egg yolk fatty acid profile, production performance, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility (ATTD), egg quality, eggshell mineral content, and fecal microbiota composition for 12 weeks in a completely randomized design, with 6 replicates of 5 birds in a cage. The diets included a control (CD), CD supplemented with 10 % flaxseed (FS), and CD supplemented with AS at 1, 5, and 10 % inclusion levels and APC at 5, 10, and 15 % inclusion levels. Diet did not affect eggshell Ca (P=0.1168) and P (P=0.8212) levels, and feed conversion ratio (P=0.136), but the 10 % FS reduced body weight gain (P=0.044), hen day egg production (P= 0.000) and feed intake (P<.0001) compared to other treatments. The yolk lightness L* was reduced (P=0.030) by 5 % APC compared to 10 % APC, redness a* was reduced (P= 0.002) by 10 % FS and 15 %APC compared to 10 %APC, CD, and 1 % AS. The 10 % FS and 15 %APC also reduced (P<0.001) yellowness *b compared to 1 %AS and 5 %APC. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) increased (P<0.001) in 10 %FS and all AS and APC levels compared to CD. Compared to CD (87 %), ATTD of energy was increased (P<0.001) in hens fed 10 %FS (93 %), 1 %AS (93 %), and 15 %APC (92 %). However, 10 %FS (78.7 %) and 1 %AS (81.7 %) had higher (P=0.011) ATTD of P than 10 %APC (64.6 %). Similarly, ATTD of Ca was reduced (P<0.001) in hens fed 10 %APC compared to CD and 10 %AS. Compared to other treatments, total n-3 and stearidonic acids were increased (P<0.001) by 10 %FS and 10 %AS, respectively, and the total n-6 FAs and linoleic acid were highest (P=0.001) in 15 %APC. Both 10 %AS and 10 %FS increased (P<0.001) eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, and alpha-linolenic acid, compared to CD. The n-6/n-3 ratio was reduced (P<0.001) by 10 %FS and 10 %AS compared to APC and CD. Dietary treatments modulated fecal microbiota differently, but notably, Lactobacillus was more abundant when hens were fed 5 %AS compared to other treatments. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of 10 %AS increased n3-FAs deposition in eggs similar to 10 %FS. However, 10 %FS reduced production performance. All levels of AS and APC increased diet metabolizable energy with no negative effect on production performance.

The impact of enriching heat-stressed rabbit diets with flaxseed oil with/ without allicin, lycopene, or Punicalagin on antioxidative status, physiological response and meat omega-3

To improve the health and lifespan of customers, modern nutritionists have focused on improving meat quality and nutritional value. To enhance the unsaturation lipids of rabbit meat, different oil sources used in rabbit diets. Flaxseed oil (FSO) is one way to raise the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (ω3) in animal meats. On the other hand, FSO can cause high rates of oxidation in rabbit meat under heat stress. Therefore, the use of natural antioxidants may be a good strategy to produce functional meat under stress. The study investigated the beneficial impact of enriching heat stressed rabbit diets with FSO supplemented with/without allicin (ALC), lycopene (LCO) or punicalagin (PCA) during the last 3 weeks before slaughter at a ban temperature ranging from 30 to 35 C, humidity 70 to 82% and temperature humidity index of 27.9 to 31.2 on growth performance, antioxidative status, physiological response, liver and kidney function and ω3 & ω6. In total, 120 male V-line growing rabbits (5 weeks old) were divided into 5 groups, 24 rabbits each. CON rabbits fed a standard diet without supplementation, FO rabbits fed a diet with 1.5% FSO, FOA rabbits fed a diet with 1.5% FSO and 100 mg / kg of ALC diet, FOL rabbits fed a diet with 1.5% FSO with 100 mg LCO / kg of diet, FOP rabbits fed a diet with 1.5% FSO with 100 mg PCA / kg of diet. All treatments with flaxseed oil supplemented with antioxidants significantly elevated ω3 content and ratio between ω3/ω6 of rabbit meat (P ≤ 0.01) while concomitantly reducing total cholesterol without any significant change in physiological response (rectum temperature and respiration rate). Furthermore, these treatments markedly improved antioxidant status, as evidenced by increased total antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid peroxidation. Additionally, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) significantly (P ≤ 0.01) elevated in FOA, FOL and FOP rabbits compared to the CON group. Supplementation with ALC, LCO and PCA could be recommended to restrain the results of oxidative stress results of enriched diets with ω3 and heat stress to provide healthier and functional rabbit meat (rich in ω3).

Meta-regression of the relationship between dietary 18C n-3 concentration and enrichment of n-3 fatty acids in liver and breast muscle of broiler chickens

The long-chain n-3 fatty acids (FA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have human health benefits, and many experiments have investigated the ability of plant n-3 sources to enrich n-3 FA in broiler meat. A meta-regression was conducted to evaluate the relationship between dietary 18-carbon n-3 FA content and the deposition of EPA, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and DHA in broiler breast and liver tissue. Bivariate regression of total diet 18-carbon n-3 and tissue FA profile was modeled with the random effect of experiment and the partial R2 was calculated. Increasing 18C n-3 FA in the diet quadratically increased the log10 concentration of all n-3 FA in breast tissue. The strongest relationship was found for breast alpha-linolenic (partial R2 = 0.55), followed by EPA, DPA, and DHA (partial R2 = 0.20, 0.14, and 0.05). Liver enrichment of EPA, DPA, and DHA (all partial R2 > 0.43) and EPA + DHA (partial R2 = 0.55) was quadratically related to dietary 18C n-3 FA, while liver EPA + DPA + DHA (partial R2 = 0.43) was linearly related to dietary 18C n-3 FA. In both breast and liver, the plateau in tissue enrichment was more apparent for DHA than EPA, with DPA being intermediate. A linear plateau model fit the data with a break point for enriching EPA and DHA in breast muscle at 22.4 and 17.9 g/kg of 18C n-3 FA in the diet, respectively. Enrichment of long-chain n-3 FA in broiler chickens was saturable, with little justification for feeding beyond approximately 20 g/kg 18C n-3 FA.

Does dietary linseed or canola oil affect lipid metabolism, immunity, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content in quail eggs?

One of the most intriguing areas of research and innovation in the animal production and food sector recently has been designed-enriched products. These items are regarded as functional foods because they feature components that have advantageous physiological impacts on human health. In the production of poultry, designed eggs constitute a significant category of functional foods. The present study hypothesized that adding different kinds of oils to quail diets will help produce designer eggs rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids in addition to enhancing productive performance. So, this study examined how linseed (flaxseed) and canola oils with various levels can affect lipid metabolism, immune function, and the amount of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in Japanese quail eggs. This work was conducted using 3 different vegetable oils (sunflower, linseed, and canola oils) and 3 different antioxidant supplements (0, 250 mg vitamin E/kg feed, and 1,000 mg ginger/kg feed) in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment. When linseed or canola oil was added to the diet, the number of fatty acids in the egg yolks of Japanese quail layers fell by (12.7 and 18.9%) and (41.4 and 24.6%), respectively. The amounts of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in total eggs fell by 21.9 and 14.6% and 24.5 and 15.8%, respectively, at 20 wk of age. However, when linseed and canola oil were added to the diet, the sum n-3 PUFA content in the egg yolk of Japanese quail-laying hens was noticeably raised at 15 and 20 wk of age. At 15 and 20 wk of age, the same groups' total n-6 PUFA content considerably increased compared to the group that did not receive flaxseed. In conclusion, during the laying period of Japanese quail, linseed oil, canola oil, vitamin E, or ginger positively affected productivity, blood hematology, constituents, resistance, lipid digestion system, and antioxidative properties in serum and egg yolk.

Effect of Dietary Enrichment with Flaxseed, Vitamin E and Selenium, and of Market Class on the Broiler Breast Meat-Part 1: Nutritional and Functional Traits

The effect of dietary enrichment with flaxseed, selenium and vitamin E, and market class on the nutritional and functional value of breast meat was evaluated. A completely randomized block design was set up, where the experimental unit (n = 6000 birds) received conventional or enriched diet and was slaughtered at 37 (light class), 47 (medium class), or 57 (heavy class) days of life. Hence, functional and standard Pectoralis major muscles from every market class were analyzed for FA composition, inorganic elements and vitamin E. Lipid metabolism indices and health lipid indicators were assessed along with the nutritional value. A multiple linear model revealed that in breasts, the dietary treatment significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the FA profile, lipid metabolism and health lipid indices, while the slaughtering weight was related (p < 0.05) to most of elements (e.g., Na, Mg, K, Mn, and Se) and vitamin E. The interdependence of the two factors had strong relations (p < 0.05) with total PUFAs, including linolenic acid, desaturase activities, health lipid indices, trace essential elements and vitamin E. Consequently, enriched meat from heavy chickens showed the best functional and nutritional traits. Overall, the study pointed out that both market class and dietary manipulation are two relevant factors to consider for producing breast meat with higher nutritional and functional value.

Effects of dietary sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) oil and medicinal plant powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, and breast meat quality of colored broiler chickens raised in Vietnam

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing dietary soybean oil (SBO) with sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) oil (SIO) supplemented or not with medicinal plant powder (MP, 60% cinnamon twig, and 40% star anise fruits) on broiler performance, carcass traits, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) content of breast meat. A total of 288 Ho × Luong Phuong broiler chickens (age and average body weight: 6 weeks old and 877 ± 13.4 g) were equally divided into three groups (6 replicates of 16 birds each), balanced by BW and sex. Each group was randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments: a 2% SBO diet (CON), a 2% SIO diet (SI), and a diet supplemented with 2% SIO and 1% MP (SIM). The experiment lasted for 70 days. Broiler performance, carcass traits, and technological meat quality were not affected by the diets (P > 0.05). However, colored broiler chickens fed the SIM diet had increased empty gizzard percentage (P < 0.05) compared to those fed the CON diet. Especially, the n-3 PUFA content of breast meat from broiler chickens fed diets containing SIO was higher than those of birds fed CON diet (P < 0.01). A significant decrease in cholesterol content was observed (P < 0.01) in broilers fed SIM diet compared to those fed CON diet. In conclusion, replacing 2% SBO with 2% SIO and 1% MP supplementation in broiler diets increased n-3 PUFA content and decreased cholesterol content in breast meat, without negative effects on bird performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Therefore, a combination of SIO and MP can be used as an effective strategy to ameliorate the meat quality of finishing broiler chickens by enhancing n-3 PUFA content and reducing the cholesterol content of breast meat.

Comparison of Ahiflower oil containing stearidonic acid to a high-alpha-linolenic acid flaxseed oil at two levels on tissue omega-3 enrichment in broilers

Enrichment of broiler meat with very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (VLCn-3 FA) is of interest because of their beneficial effects on human health. The ability of Ahiflower® (AHI) oil (Buglossoides arvensis), which naturally contains stearidonic acid (SDA), and a high-alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) flaxseed (FLAX) oil to enrich VLCn-3 FA contents in broilers tissues was investigated. Fifty-five Cobb 500 chicks were fed from days 12 to 35 of life either a control (CON) diet that contained 27.9 g/kg soybean oil or AHI or FLAX oils, each individually at 7.5 or 22.5 g/kg of the diet in substitution for soybean oil (all on an as fed basis). Total VLCn-3 FA contents were greater in breast, thigh, liver, adipose tissue, and plasma of all n-3 treatments compared to CON, with the greatest increase observed at the highest level of AHI and FLAX oils (p < 0.001). AHI oil at 7.5 g/kg promoted the most efficient synthesis and deposition of VLCn-3 in broiler tissues measured as deposition of VLCn-3 FA in tissues relative to intake of n3 FA. In conclusion, both ALA and SDA oils increased VLCn-3 FA deposition in tissues, but there were diminishing returns when increasing dietary levels of the oils.

Enrichment of Broiler Chickens' Meat with Dietary Linseed Oil and Lysine Mixtures: Influence on Nutritional Value, Carcass Characteristics and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four combinations of dietary linseed oil and lysine mixtures on performance, fatty and amino acid profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers, cell energy and meat quality parameters of broiler chickens. One hundred and sixty broiler chicks were allocated into four groups. Birds of groups 1–4 were fed diets containing optimum lysine and 2% of linseed oil, optimum lysine and 4% of linseed oil, high lysine and 2% of linseed oil, and high lysine and 4% of linseed oil, respectively, for a period of 35 days. High linseed oil or lysine levels did not affect the performance of the tested birds, but the high level of dietary linseed oil decreased the concentrations of muscles’ saturated fatty acids (SFA). The highest values of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty (ω-3 PUFA) and arachidonic acids with lowest levels of monounsaturated fatty (MUFA) were detected in the muscles of birds fed diets containing high linseed oils and/or lysine levels. High linseed oil or lysine levels provided the best essential amino acid profile and improved antioxidant components as well as cell energy, and tenderness and redness of the meat. Conclusively, high dietary lysine and linseed oil combinations improved the nutritional value, antioxidant status and cell energy of broiler chickens’ meat.

Supplementing flaxseed oil for long periods improved carcass quality and breast fatty acid profile in Japanese quail

The efficient time for supplementing flaxseed oil to meat-type quail to produce n-3 fatty acid fortified meat has not been determined. This study was conducted to find out the effects of different periods of flaxseed oil supplementation in the Japanese quail diet on the subsequent growth performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acids profile of breast, and functional properties of the Japanese quail meat. Totally, 720 one-day-old Japanese quail were studied in a 35-day experiment using a completely randomized design. Substituting sunflower oil with flaxseed oil had no significant effect on weight gain and feed intake in Japanese quails. Supplementing flaxseed oil for the whole 35-day growth period significantly reduced abdominal fat proportion. Flaxseed oil addition to the quail diet just a week before slaughter resulted in a 4.97-fold increase in the n-3 fatty acid content of the breast muscle. Feeding flaxseed oil decreased the activity of delta-9-desaturase in quail's breast compared to sunflower oil. The greatest thrombogenic index observed in the breast meat from control while consumption of flaxseed oil significantly decreased the thrombogenic index. Supplementing flaxseed oil to quail's diet for 21 and 35 days before slaughter significantly increased breast malondialdehyde content. Feeding flaxseed oil for long periods had no significant impact on the breast meat pH while water holding capacity was decreased. The breast lightness was increased when the flaxseed oil was fed for longer periods. Generally, feeding flaxseed oil in the last week of the growth period improved the feed conversion ratio and the fatty acid profile of quail breast meat with the minimum deterioration effects on meat quality characteristics.

Comparative Effects of Flaxseed Sources on the Egg ALA Deposition and Hepatic Gene Expression in Hy-Line Brown Hens

Healthy diets are necessary for both humans and animals, including poultry. These diets contain various nutrients for maintenance and production in laying hens. Therefore, research was undertaken to explore the efficiency of various dietary flaxseed sources on the n-3 deposition in the egg yolk and gene expression in laying hens. Five dietary groups were analyzed, i.e., (i) a corn-based diet with no flaxseed (FS) as a negative control (NC), (ii) a wheat-based diet supplemented with 10% whole FS without multi-carbohydrase enzymes (MCE) as a positive control (PC), (iii) ground FS supplemented with MCE (FS), (iv) extruded flaxseed meal was supplemented with MCE (EFM), (v) flaxseed oil supplemented with MCE (FSO). Results indicated that egg weight was highest in the NC, FS, EFM, and FSO groups as compared to PC in the 12th week. Egg mass was higher in enzyme supplemented groups as compared to the PC group, but lower than NC. In the 12th week, the HDEP (hen day egg production) was highest in the FS and EFM groups as compared to FSO, PC, and NC. The FCR (feed conversion ratio) was better in enzyme supplemented groups as compared to the PC group. Enzyme addition enhanced the egg quality as compared to PC in the 12th week. The HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) was increased, while LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), VLDL-C (very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), TC (total cholesterol), and TG (total triglycerides) were reduced in the enzyme supplemented groups as compared to PC and NC. The FSO deposit more n-3 PUFA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the egg yolk as compared to FS and EFM groups. The expression of ACOX1, LCPT1, FADS1, FADS2, and ELOV2 genes were upregulated, while PPAR-α was downregulated in the FSO group. The LPL mRNA expression was upregulated in the FS, EFM, and FSO groups as compared to the PC and NC groups. It was inferred that FSO with enzymes at 2.5% is cost-effective, improves the hen performances, upregulated the fatty acid metabolism and β-oxidation genes expression, and efficiently deposits optimal n-3 PUFA in the egg as per consumer’s demand.

Linseed oil supplementation affects fatty acid desaturase 2, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, and insulin-like growth factor 1 gene expression in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Objective

Effects of linseed oil (LO) supplementation on the fat content and fatty acid profile of breast meat, and the expression of three genes in the liver, breast muscle and fat tissues of commercial 154-day-old hybrid male turkeys were investigated.

Methods

The animals in the control group were fed a commercially available feed and received no LO supplementation (n = 70), whereas animals in the LO group (n = 70) were fed the same basic diet supplemented with LO (day 15 to 21, 0.5%; day 22 to 112, 1%). The effect of dietary LO supplementation on fatty acid composition of breast muscle was examined by gas chromatography, and the expression of fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) genes was analysed by means of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The LO supplementation affected the fatty acid composition of breast muscle. Hepatic FADS2 levels were considerably lower (p<0.001), while adipose tissue expression was higher (p<0.05) in the control compared to the LO group. The PPARγ expression was lower (p<0.05), whereas IGF1 was higher (p<0.05) in the fat of control animals. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences in FADS2, PPARγ, and IGF1 gene expressions of breast muscle; however, omega-6/omega-3 ratio of breast muscle substantially decreased (p<0.001) in the LO group compared to control.

Conclusion

Fatty acid composition of breast meat was positively influenced by LO supplementation without deterioration of fattening parameters. Remarkably, increased FADS2 expression in the liver of LO supplemented animals was associated with a significantly decreased omega-6/omega-3 ratio, providing a potentially healthier meat product for human consumption. Increased PPARγ expression in fat tissue of the LO group was not associated with fat content of muscle, whereas a decreased IGF1 expression in fat tissue was associated with a trend of decreasing fat content in muscle of the experimental LO group.

Duration of the flaxseed diet promotes deposition of n-3 fatty acids in the meat and skin of Peking ducks

BACKGROUND

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly n-3, have beneficial effects on human health, and for this reason foodstuffs with increased content of n-3 PUFA are now very common and widely available.

DESIGN

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the duration of a flaxseed diet on Peking duck's growth performance, antioxidant status, gene expression, and fatty acid profile of the meat. A total of 792 12-day-old white Peking ducks were divided into four groups. In the control group, animals were provided with a basal diet. In the three experimental groups, animals were fed a 10% flax seed diet with vitamin E at 13, 23, and 33 days of age for 30, 20, and 10 days, respectively.

RESULTS

The growth performance of the ducks decreased with flaxseed diet's duration. Both body weight and body weight gain decreased linearly while Feed conversion ratios (FCR) increased in the group of ducks fed flaxseed compared to control ducks. Serum triglycerides (TG), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) linearly decreased while high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels increased by feeding flaxseed up to 30 days. The expression of lipin-1 gene (LPIN-1) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) linearly increased in ducks fed flaxseed for 30 days. Linolenic acid (n-3) and its long-chain metabolites like eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total n-3 fatty acids (FA) linearly increased while the ratio of n-6 to n-3 was reduced with increased duration of flaxseed supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we found that increasing the duration of flaxseed diet with vitamin E for more than 10 days had a mild adverse effect on duck's growth performance but enrichedits meat with long-chain PUFA and decreased the n-6 to n-3 ratio, providing quality meat for health-conscious consumers. A period of 20 days is good for producing n-3 enriched Peking duck meat and skin.

Ultrasound-assisted preparation of flaxseed oil nanoemulsions coated with alginate-whey protein for targeted delivery of omega-3 fatty acids into the lower sections of gastrointestinal tract to enrich broiler meat

Flaxseed oil is one of the richest sources of α-linolenic acid (ALA). However, the susceptibility of ALA to oxidation and also lack of the convenient methods to deliver these invaluable compound into the lower sections of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are still unknown. The objective of the current study was to establish a method for ALA targeted delivery into the lower sections of GIT to enrich broiler meat. An in vitro study was performed to use ultrasound to produce oil-in-water nanoemulsions of flaxseed oil stabilized by different wall materials for controlled release of ALA in GIT. The fabricated nanoemulsions were assessed in terms of particle size distribution, zeta-potential, encapsulation efficiency, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and in vitro gastric and intestinal digestions. Results indicated that the nanoemulsions coated by a combination of whey protein-sodium alginate (WP/SA) had a relatively uniform distribution and all particles distributed in less than 1000 nm. The values of zeta-potential for nanoemulsions stabilized by whey protein (WP), sodium alginate (SA) and WP/SA were -31.4, -29.3 and -45.5 mV, respectively. The wall combination of WP/SA showed the best encapsulation efficiency followed by WP. The FESEM results indicated spherical and non-aggregated structures for three types of nanoemulsions. The nanoemulsions stabilized by WP/SA showed a high resistance to in vitro gastric digestion but a relatively rapid release during intestinal digestion. An in vivo study was conducted to enrich broiler meat with ALA, using the best wall material from the in vitro study. In total, 300 one-day-old broilers (Ross, 308) were assigned into 5 experimental treatments including: basal diet (BD), basal diet plus flaxseed oil (BD + FO, 1 mL/kg body weight), basal diet plus ultrasonicated flaxseed oil nanoemulsions stabilized by WP/SA (BD + FON, 1 mL/kg body weight), basal diet plus flaxseed oil and vitamin E (BD + FO + E, 1 mL/kg body weight and 200 mg/kg diet vitamin E) and basal diet plus ultrasonicated flaxseed oil nanoemulsions stabilized by WP/SA and vitamin E (BD + FON + E, 1 mL/kg body weight of nanoemulsion and 200 mg/kg diet vitamin E). Each experimental treatment included 4 replicates in a completely randomized design. Results showed a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) in birds treated with dietary treatments compared with those received basal diet. A greater incorporation of ALA and total poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) omega-3 were observed in thigh and breast meat of birds fed by ultrasonicated flaxseed oil nanoemulsions. In comparison to birds fed with BD, a favourably lower PUFA omega-6/omega-3 ratio was observed in birds received nanoemulsions of flaxseed oil. In general, the current study showed that using ultrasound to produce nanoemulsions stabilized by WP/SA has potential to protect ALA of flaxseed oil from gastric digestion and could be used as delivery carriers of ALA omega-3 fatty acid to the posterior sections of chicken GIT. Moreover, ultrasonic fabrication of nanoemulsion has potential to enrich broiler meat by ALA fatty acid.

Can we improve the nutritional quality of meat?

The nutritional value of meat is an increasingly important factor influencing consumer preferences for poultry, red meat and processed meat products. Intramuscular fat content and composition, in addition to high quality protein, trace minerals and vitamins are important determinants of nutritional value. Fat content of meat at retail has decreased substantially over the past 40 years through advances in animal genetics, nutrition and management and changes in processing techniques. Evidence of the association between diet and the incidence of human non-communicable diseases has driven an interest in developing production systems for lowering total SFA and trans fatty acid (TFA) content and enrichment of n-3 PUFA concentrations in meat and meat products. Typically, poultry and pork has a lower fat content, containing higher PUFA and lower TFA concentrations than lamb or beef. Animal genetics, nutrition and maturity, coupled with their rumen microbiome, are the main factors influencing tissue lipid content and relative proportions of SFA, MUFA and PUFA. Altering the fatty acid (FA) profile of lamb and beef is determined to a large extent by extensive plant and microbial lipolysis and subsequent microbial biohydrogenation of dietary lipid in the rumen, and one of the major reasons explaining the differences in lipid composition of meat from monogastrics and ruminants. Nutritional strategies can be used to align the fat content and FA composition of poultry, pork, lamb and beef with Public Health Guidelines for lowering the social and economic burden of chronic disease.

A reduced cost strategy for enriching chicken meat with omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids using dietary flaxseed oil

1. This study aimed to determine the minimal duration required for feeding male broilers (Cobb 500) with a flaxseed oil diet while still retaining long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA) accumulation in the meat at a desirable level. 2. Three groups of broilers (60 each) were fed on a 3% flaxseed oil (high α-linolenic acid (ALA)) diet for either 6, 4 or 2 weeks prior to slaughter. During the remaining time they were maintained on a 3% macadamia oil (low ALA) diet. A fourth group (control, n = 60) was fed on a commercial diet for 6 weeks. 3. No significant difference was observed in growth performance of broilers between groups. The amounts of total n-3 and n-3 LCPUFA in breast and thigh meat were not different between broilers fed the flaxseed oil diet for 4 and 6 weeks, but they were lower (P < 0.001) in those fed the flaxseed diet for only 2 weeks. 4. These results suggest comparable levels of n-3 LCPUFA in the meat can be achieved by only feeding the flaxseed oil diet in the last 3-4 weeks of the growth period; this would result in a ≥ 9.4% reduction in the use of flaxseed oil compared to 6 weeks of feeding; thereby reducing the cost of the enrichment process.

Haematological parameters, serum lipid profile, liver function and fatty acid profile of broiler chickens fed on diets supplemented with pomegranate seed oil and linseed oil

The objective of the present study was to determine effect of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and linseed oil (LO) on haematological parameters, serum lipid profile and liver enzymes as well as fatty acids profile of adipose tissue in broilers. Broilers (n = 400) were fed on diets containing graded PSO levels (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%) with or without 2% LO. After 6 weeks of feeding, 6 male broilers from each group were slaughtered and abdominal fat, liver and blood samples were collected. Mixtures of pomegranate seed oil (0.5%, 1%) with linseed oil increased white blood cell level in broilers. Total cholesterol was elevated after LO supplementation whereas administration of PSO (1.5%) significantly decreased this parameter. PSO administration caused c9,t11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration-dependent deposition in adipose tissue. By LO addition α-linolenic acid (ALA) content was enhanced, decreasing the n-6/n-3 ratio. PSO and ALA also affected oleic acid proportion in adipose tissue. Neither pomegranate seed oil nor linseed oil had any effect on liver parameters. Pomegranate seed oil had no negative effects on broiler health status and can be considered as a functional poultry meat component.

Effect ofα-linolenic acid and DHA intake on lipogenesis and gene expression involved in fatty acid metabolism in growing-finishing pigs

The regulation of lipogenesis mechanisms related to consumption ofn-3 PUFA is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to find out whetherα-linolenic acid (ALA) or DHA uptake can have an effect on activities and gene expressions of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism in the liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue andlongissimus dorsi(LD) muscle of growing–finishing pigs. Six groups of ten pigs received one of six experimental diets supplemented with rapeseed oil in the control diet, extruded linseed, microalgae or a mixture of both to implement different levels of ALA and DHA with the same content in totaln-3. Results were analysed for linear and quadratic effects of DHA intake. The results showed that activities of malic enzyme (ME) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) decreased linearly in the liver with dietary DHA. Although the expression of the genes of these enzymes and their activities were poorly correlated,MEandFASexpressions also decreased linearly with DHA intake. The intake of DHA down-regulates the expressions of other genes involved in fatty acid (FA) metabolism in some tissues of pigs, such asfatty acid desaturase 2andsterol-regulatory element binding transcription factor 1in the liver and2,4-dienoyl CoA reductase 2in the LD muscle. FA oxidation in the LD muscle and FA synthesis decreased in the liver with increasing amount of dietary DHA, whereas a retroconversion of DHA into EPA seems to be set up in this last tissue.