Project description:The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E on growth performance, cellular immunity, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in geese. Sixty-four one-day-old male geese were selected from 1200 goose chicks with the same average body weight (92.5 ± 2.5 g) and subjected to two treatments (basal diet or control and basal diet plus 120 mg/kg vitamin E supplement) with 4 replicates (8 geese per replicate) for 8 weeks. After slaughter, goose meat was aerobically packed in polyethylene packages and stored at 4 °C for 9 days. The results showed that vitamin E supplementation improved the growth performance, carcass yield percentage, and immune response of goose (P < 0.05). The addition of vitamin E in the diet significantly increased the protein and fat content of goose meat but decreased the moisture and ash content with respect to those obtained from the control diet. During storage, meat from the vitamin E treatment showed higher phenolic content and lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) and total volatile nitrogen (TVB-N) values than those from the control treatment. Vitamin E supplementation increased the saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in goose meat. However, goose meat supplemented with vitamin E displayed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher PUFA/SFA ratio than those of the control group. Based on the results, it was concluded that vitamin E could be used to improve the growth performance of goose, the meat composition in terms of the protein and fat content, the nutritional value in terms of the fatty acid composition, and the shelf life.
Project description:Lipid metabolism in the rumen is responsible for the complex fatty acid profile of rumen outflow compared with the dietary fatty acid composition, contributing to the lipid profile of ruminant products. A method for the detailed dimethylacetal and fatty acid analysis of rumen contents was developed and applied to rumen content collected from lambs fed lucerne or concentrate based diets supplemented with soybean oil. The methodological approach developed consisted on a basic/acid direct transesterification followed by thin-layer chromatography to isolate fatty acid methyl esters from dimethylacetal, oxo- fatty acid and fatty acid dimethylesters. The dimethylacetal composition was quite similar to the fatty acid composition, presenting even-, odd- and branched-chain structures. Total and individual odd- and branched-chain dimethylacetals were mostly affected by basal diet. The presence of 18:1 dimethylacetals indicates that biohydrogenation intermediates might be incorporated in structural microbial lipids. Moreover, medium-chain fatty acid dimethylesters were identified for the first time in the rumen content despite their concentration being relatively low. The fatty acids containing 18 carbon-chain lengths comprise the majority of the fatty acids present in the rumen content, most of them being biohydrogenation intermediates of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3. Additionally, three oxo- fatty acids were identified in rumen samples, and 16-O-18:0 might be produced during biohydrogenation of the 18:3n-3.
Project description:Grape pomace (GPO), the main by-product of the wine making process, is a rich source of polyphenols with potent antioxidant properties. Recently, GPO has emerged as a potential feed additive in livestock nutrition, with several reports describing its beneficial effects on animals' overall health status or production traits. However, little is known about it from a molecular biology standpoint. In the present study, we report the first RNA sequencing-based whole-transcriptome profiling of Friesian calves fed with a GPO-supplemented diet. We identified 367 differentially expressed genes (p < 0.05) in the GPO-supplemented calves (n = 5), when compared with unsupplemented control group (n = 5). The pathway analysis showed that 'cholesterol lipid biosynthesis' was the most negatively-enriched (p < 0.001) pathway in the GPO-supplemented animals. In specific terms, five important genes coding for cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes, namely the Farnesyl-diphosphate Farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT-1), Squalene Epoxidase (SQLE), NAD(P)-dependent Steroid Dehydrogenase-like (NSDHL), Methylsterol Monooxygenase (MSMO)-1, and Sterol-C5-desaturase (SC5D), two major transcription factors (the Sterol Regulatory Element-binding Transcription Factor 1 and 2), as well as the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR), were all downregulated following GPO supplementation. Such an effect was mirrored by a reduction of blood cholesterol levels (p = 0.07) and a lowered (p < 0.001) Malondialdehyde (lipid oxidation marker) level in carcasses. We provide evidence on the effects of GPO-supplemented diets on the whole-transcriptome signature in veal calves, which mainly reflects an antioxidant activity.
Project description:The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feeding licuri cake to lambs on the sensory characteristics, physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid (FA) profile of meat from lambs. Forty-four crossbred Santa Ines lambs (21.2 ± 2.70 kg body weight; 6 months old) were housed in individual pens and fed 4 experimental diets, containing 0, 8, 16 or 24% licuri cake (DM basis). The averages concentrations of ash (11.4), pH (5.82), lightness (38.1), cooking loss (26.8) or shear-force resistance (2.48) of lamb meat were not affected by the licuri cake diets. However, there was a linear decrease (P < 0.01) of redness and chroma indexes, lipid and protein contents, whereas the moisture content of the meat (P < 0.001) increased linearly due to the inclusion of licuri cake in lambs' diets. The licuri cake inclusion in the lambs feed linearly increased (P < 0.05) the fatty acids concentrations of C12:0, C17:0, C20:0, C20:1, C18:3, C20:3, C20:4 and ΣPUFA/ΣMUFA ratio, Σω-3 and atherogenicity index (AI). However, C18:1 cis, C20:2, C20:5, ΣMUFA, ΣMUFA/ΣSFA and Σω-6:Σω-3 ratios in the longissimus lumborum of lambs linearly decreased by licuri cake inclusion. There was a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) on C14:0 (maximum point 4.94 g/100 g FAME to 14.5% licuri inclusion), C16:1 (maximum point 8.59 g/100 g FAME to 10.7% licuri inclusion) and enzymatic activities of Δ9-desaturase C16 (maximum point 27.5 g/100 g FAME to 10.6% licuri inclusion) in the longissimus lumborum of lambs fed due to increased concentrations of licuri cake. However, there was a quadratic decrease (P = 0.04) in ΣPUFA/ΣSFA ratio with minimum concentration of 0.63 g/100 g FAME to 11.1% inclusion. The inclusion of licuri cake in the lambs diet did not change (P > 0.05) the concentrations of SFA C10:0, C15:0, C16:0, C18:0, C14:1, MUFA C18:1 trans, PUFA C18:2 cis, CLA, total sum of ΣSFA and ΣPUFA, desirable fatty acids (DFA), hypocholesterolemic:hypercholesterolemic index, and elongase and Δ9-desaturase C18 enzymes. Licuri cake in the lamb diet improved (P < 0.05) meat aroma, flavor and overall acceptance by consumers. Licuri cake inclusion in the diet of lambs improves sensory attributes of meat and the meat fatty acid profile becomes nutritionally healthier for the human diet because do not affect major FA of meat; however, the growth performance of finishing lambs is reduced.
Project description:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of medicinal herbal mixtures rich in phenolic, flavonoid and alkaloid compounds on ruminal fermentation and microbial populations, and fatty acid (FA) concentrations and lipid oxidation in tissues of lambs infected with the gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasite (Haemonchus contortus). Parallel in vitro and in vivo studies were performed using two different herbal mixtures (Mix1 and Mix2). The in vitro study was conducted in a 2 (infection status; non-infected versus infected) × 3 (diets; control, Mix1 and Mix2) factorial design. In the in vivo study, 24 lambs were equally divided into four treatments: non-infected lambs fed a control diet, infected lambs fed the control diet, infected lambs fed a diet with Mix1 and infected lambs fed a diet with Mix2. Herbal mixtures (100 g dry matter (DM)/d) were added to the basal diets of meadow hay (ad libitum) and a commercial concentrate (500 g DM/d). The experimental period lasted for 70 days. Ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane production were not affected by infection in vivo or in vitro. Both herbal mixture supplementation increased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations (P < 0.01) and DM digestibility (P < 0.01) in vitro. Archaea population was slightly diminished by both herbal mixtures (P < 0.05), but they did not lower methane production in vitro or in vivo (P > 0.05). Infection of H. contortus or herbal mixtures modulated FA proportion mainly in the liver, especially the long chain FA proportion. Concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in serum were significantly higher after 70 days post-infection in the infected lambs. Herbal Mix1 supplementation reduced TBARS concentrations in meat after seven days of storage. In conclusion, supplementing of herbal mixtures to the diets of GIN parasite infected lambs did not affect the basic ruminal fermentation parameters. Herbal mixtures may improve few FA proportions mainly in liver as well as decrease lipid oxidation in meat.
Project description:The use of agroindustry by-products in animal diets allows the use of residues that are not fit for human consumption. In this study, it was investigated whether fattening commercial rabbits during 30 days with a non-medicated feed, with 20% addition of grape pomace (GPD), affected production traits and the fatty acid composition, antioxidants properties, and the shelf life of the meat compared to a conventional strategy (CON). Furthermore, it was tested, by chromatographic analysis, whether this alternative diet allowed the transfer of phenolic compounds to the meat. Thirty-six weaned rabbits were allotted to the two treatments. In each treatment, 18 rabbits were fattened in three indoor cages, each housing three males and three female rabbits. No significant differences were found in live weights (p > 0.05), but the feed conversion rate and carcass weight and yield were found to be impaired in the GPD group (p ≤ 0.05). The GPD group had a higher intramuscular fat percentage (2.01 vs. 1.54), improved polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio (0.75 vs. 0.66), and better atherogenicity (0.71 vs. 0.83) and thrombogenicity (1.14 vs. 1.24) indexes, while the n-6/n-3 ratio was higher (25.4 vs. 20.3). Total volatile basic nitrogen in meat was lower in the GPD group (p = 0.01), suggesting a delayed spoilage. However, no improvements in total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, reducing power, and lipid oxidation (p > 0.05) were found in the meat. Even though the GPD pellets offered to the animals had several grape-derived phenolic compounds, and higher antioxidant properties compared to the CON diet, none of the phenolic compounds detected in feeds were detected in the meat samples.
Project description:A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets supplemented with three concentrations (control or 0%, 0.5% and 1.0%) of fermented Saccharina japonica and Dendropanax morbifera (FSJ-DM) on the meat composition, growth performance, oxidative stability and fatty acid profile of Korean native black goat (KNBG) meat. The feed conversion ratio and body weight gain (1st to 2nd month) were improved significantly (p < 0.05) in response to feed supplemented with 1.0% FSJ-DM. Moisture content was increased, whereas ether extract and cholesterol contents were decreased in meat obtained from goats supplemented with 1.0% FSJ-DM dietary feeds (p < 0.05). In the same diet group, the total saturated fatty acids (ΣSFA) were lower, whereas the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids (ΣPUFA) was higher, along with higher PUFA/SFA ratio and lower n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.05). On an average, the dietary supplementation of 1.0% FSJ-DM reduced the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and pH values of goat meat. Overall, the results of this study suggest that diet supplemented with 1.0% FSJ-DM improves the meat composition, growth performance and fatty acid profile and reduces lipid oxidation of goat meat.
Project description:This study aimed to investigate the impact of Astragalus dregs - the residue after the extraction of principal active components - on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of fattening pigs. Twenty-four 130 days of age fattening pigs were randomly assigned to the control group and experimental group (supplemented with 10% Astragalus dregs). The production performance was evaluated by average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and diarrhoea rates. Additionally, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and immune function factors were analysed. The group supplemented with Astragalus dregs showed a trend towards improved ADG and ADFI and reduced diarrhoea rates (p > 0.05). Moreover, it significantly enhanced the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract (p < 0.05). Blood analysis revealed that globulin and total protein were increased, and glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were decreased (p < 0.05) in the group supplemented with Astragalus dregs. The antioxidant capacity was significantly promoted by elevated T-AOC, GSH-px, and SOD activities and reduced malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). The immune function factors demonstrated that IgA, IgG, IgM, and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-22 were significantly increased, meanwhile pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2 and IL-6 were decreased (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that Astragalus dregs, as a dietary supplement, may enhance growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immune function in fattening pigs. It is suggested that future studies should explore the optimal supplementation ratio of Astragalus dregs in pig diets.
Project description:The supplementation of rumen bypass fat (RBF) has remained one of the preferred approaches used to decrease undesirable saturated fatty acids (FA) and increase beneficial unsaturated FA in the meat. This study was planned to evaluate the influences of rumen bypass fats on meat quality, fatty acid and metabolic profiles in male Dorper sheep (n = 36) with 24.66 ± 0.76 kg (mean ± standard error) initial body weight. Treatment comprised a basal diet (30:70 rice straw to concentrate) with no added RBF as a control (CON), basal diet with prilled fat (PF), basal diet with prilled fat plus lecithin (PFL) and basal diet with calcium soap of palm fatty acids (CaS). The findings revealed that cooking loss, drip loss and shear force in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were not affected by RBF supplementation, while meat pH was significantly higher in the CaS on aging day 1. However, the diet supplemented with prilled fat and lecithin modified the meat's fatty acid profile significantly by increasing unsaturated fatty acids and decreasing saturated fats. The relative quantification of the major differentiating metabolites found in LD muscle of sheep showed that total cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, choline, glycerophosphocholine and glycerophospholipids were significantly lower in CaS and PFL diets, while glycerol and sphingomyelin were significantly higher in CaS and PFL diets. Most of the metabolites in the liver did not show any significant difference. Based on our results, the supplementation of protected fats did not have a negative influence on meat quality and the meat from Dorper sheep fed prilled fat with lecithin contained more healthy fatty acids compared to other diets.
Project description:The amount and nature of dietary starch are known to influence the extent and site of feed digestion in ruminants. However, how starch degradability may affect methanogenesis and methanogens along the ruminant's digestive tract is poorly understood. This study examined the diversity and metabolic activity of methanogens in the rumen and cecum of lambs receiving wheat or corn high-grain-content diets. Methane production in vivo and ex situ was also monitored. In vivo daily methane emissions (CH(4) g/day) were 36% (P < 0.05) lower in corn-fed lambs than in wheat-fed lambs. Ex situ methane production (μmol/h) was 4-fold higher for ruminal contents than for cecal contents (P < 0.01), while methanogens were 10-fold higher in the rumen than in the cecum (mcrA copy numbers; P < 0.01). Clone library analysis indicated that Methanobrevibacter was the dominant genus in both sites. Diet induced changes at the species level, as the Methanobrevibacter millerae-M. gottschalkii-M. smithii clade represented 78% of the sequences from the rumen of wheat-fed lambs and just about 52% of the sequences from the rumen of the corn-fed lambs. Diet did not affect mcrA expression in the rumen. In the cecum, however, expression was 4-fold and 2-fold lower than in the rumen for wheat- and corn-fed lambs, respectively. Though we had no direct evidence for compensation of reduced rumen methane production with higher cecum methanogenesis, the ecology of methanogens in the cecum should be better considered.