Fatty acid composition, fat deposition, lipogenic gene expression and performance of broiler fed diet supplemented with different sources of oil

Performance, fatty acid composition, and liver fatty acid metabolism markers of broilers fed genetically modified soybean DP-3Ø5423-1

Several genetically modified (GM) plants have been produced and approved by regulatory agencies worldwide for cultivation and commercialization. Soybean and its by-products are major components of poultry diets and approximately 74% of world production is obtained from GM soybean events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutrient composition of DP-3Ø5423-1 extruded full-fat soybean meal (FFSBM) and near isoline non-GM control FFSBM included in broiler diets. Also assessed were their effects on bird performance, body composition, intestinal morphology, tissue fatty acid profile, and mRNA abundance of fatty acid metabolism markers. A total of 480 Ross 308 d of hatch birds were randomly allocated to 24 floor pens in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with diet and gender as main factors. Birds were fed diets containing 20% of either DP-3Ø5423-1 or control FFSBM for 35 d. Data were subjected to a 2-way ANOVA using the GLM procedure of JMP (Pro13). No significant interaction (P > 0.05) was observed between treatment groups in terms of performance and carcass composition. Morphological measurements of the jejunum and ileum were not influenced by the SBM treatments. Dietary addition of the DP-3Ø5423-1 FFSBM resulted in higher monounsaturated fatty acid composition of the thigh muscle and abdominal fat. Moreover, dietary treatment had no significant impact on the mRNA abundance of metabolic markers ACCα, FAS, MTTP, SREBP1, PPARα, PPARγ, AMPK-α1, SOD, CAT, and GPx in the liver. In conclusion, our results showed that DP-3Ø5423-1 extruded FFSBM is nutritionally equivalent to non-GM near-isoline counterpart with a comparable genetic background as evidenced by feed analyses except for fatty acid composition. Furthermore, the findings of this study clearly indicate that the examined DP-3Ø5423-1 FFSBM yields similar bird performance as conventional FFSBM.

Nutritional, Productive, and Qualitative Characteristics of European Quails Fed with Diets Containing Lipid Sources of Plant and Animal Origin

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of alternative lipid sources on nutrient metabolism, performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in European quails. Trial 1 determined the energy values and nutrient metabolizability of non-conventional lipid sources. Six treatments (control, soybean oil, conventional corn oil, distilled corn oil, poultry fat, and beef tallow) were randomly assigned with 10 replicates per treatment. Trial 2 evaluated animal performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality using a randomized design with five treatments and 10 replicates each. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in apparent metabolizable energy corrected by nitrogen (AMEn) and coefficients of metabolizability (CM%) among the lipid sources. The AMEn values found were 8554 for soybean oil, 7701 for corn, 7937 for distilled corn oil, 7906 for poultry fat, and 7776 for beef tallow (kcal/kg). The CM values were 88.01% for soybean oil, 79.01% for corn oil, 84.10% for distilled corn oil, 81.43% for poultry fat, and 79.28% for beef tallow. The inclusion of lipid sources of plant and animal origin in the diet of 7-35-day old meat quails did not influence performance or carcass and cut characteristics. The inclusion of distilled corn oil increased carcass yield and influenced skin and meat color parameters. AMEn values varied for each lipid source. The inclusion of distilled corn oil positively influenced skin and meat color as well as carcass yield in quails.

Multi-Omics Analysis of Genes Encoding Proteins Involved in Alpha-Linolenic Acid Metabolism in Chicken

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, ω-3) is an antioxidant that reduces triglyceride (TG) levels in blood, a component of cell membranes and a precursor compound of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, ω-3) and eicosatrienoic acid (DHA, ω-3). Fatty acid content is a quantitative trait regulated by multiple genes, and the key genes regulating fatty acid metabolism have not been systematically identified. This study aims at investigating the protein-encoding genes regulating ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in chicken meat. We integrated genomics, transcriptomics and lipidomics data of Jingxing yellow chicken (JXY) to explore the interactions and associations among multiple genes involved in the regulation of fatty acid metabolism. Several key genes and pathways regulating ω-3 fatty acid metabolism in chickens were identified. The upregulation of GRB10 inhibited the mTOR signaling pathway, thereby improving the content of EPA and DHA. The downregulation of FGFR3 facilitated the conversion of ALA to EPA. Additionally, we analyzed the effects of ALA supplementation dose on glycerol esters (GLs), phospholipid (PL) and fatty acyl (FA) contents, as well as the regulatory mechanisms of nutritional responses in FFA metabolism. This study provides a basis for identifying genes and pathways that regulate the content of FFAs, and offers a reference for nutritional regulation systems in production.

Animal protein-soybean oil-based broiler diet optimizes net profit at the expense of desirable ω-6 fatty acids from the breast muscle of the broiler chicken

Total 288 Ross-308-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly distributed into six dietary treatment groups in a two-way ANOVA with 2 × 3 factorial arrangements (two factors, i.e., dietary protein and energy having two types of protein, e.g., plant, animal and three different sources of energy, e.g., soybean oil, rice bran oil and sunflower oil) to justify if animal protein-soybean oil based broiler diet optimizes net profit at the expense of desirable ω-6 fatty acids in the breast muscle of the broiler chicken. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), final live weight (FLW), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), carcass characteristics, cardio-pulmonary morphometry, fatty acid profile of the breast muscle and cost-benefit analysis were measured. Results indicated that animal protein significantly increased 4.27% FLW, 6.13% ADFI, 4.31% ADG and 2.93% wing weight. Accordingly, soybean oil increased 4.76% FLW, 3.80% ADG and 1.36% dressing percentage at the expense of 12.07% proventriculus weight compared with sunflower oil. The generalized linear model identified no interaction effects of the sources of protein and energy on overall performance of the birds. Replacement of vegetable protein by animal protein decreased 14.01% ∑ω-3, 12.16% ∑ω-6 and 12.21% sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids (∑PUFA) and concomitantly increased 10.82% sum of saturated fatty acids (∑SFAs) in the breast muscle (Pectoralis major). Accordingly, replacement of sunflower oil by soybean oil decreased 29.17% ∑ω-3, 6.71% ∑ω-6, 11.62% sum of monounsaturated fatty acids (∑MUFAs) and 7.33% ∑PUFAs and concurrently increased 18.36% ∑SFAs in the breast muscle of the broiler birds. It was concluded that animal protein-soybean oil-based broiler diet optimized net profit at the expense of desirable ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids in the breast muscle of the broiler chicken.

Blood lipid profiles, fatty acid deposition and expression of hepatic lipid and lipoprotein metabolism genes in laying hens fed palm oils, palm kernel oil, and soybean oil

The palm oil, palm kernel oil and soybean oil have unique and distinctive fatty acid chain length and saturation profiles, and how they affect lipid peroxidation, fatty acid intake and metabolism is worth exploring in poultry. This study elucidated the influence the dietary oils on lipid peroxidation, blood lipid profiles, fatty acid deposition of liver, serum and yolk and the expression of liver genes related to lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in laying hens. About 150 Hisex brown laying hens were fed diets containing crude palm oil (CPO), red palm oil (RPO), refined palm oil (RBD), palm kernel oil (PKO) or soybean oil (SBO) for 16 weeks. Serum, liver and yolk lipid peroxidation were not different between dietary oils. The PKO increased liver, serum and yolk medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). There was no difference in liver saturated fatty acids (SFA). The CPO and RPO reduced serum SFA, but the PKO increased yolk SFA. The SBO increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in liver serum and yolk. No difference in liver elaidic acid (C18:1-trans), but SBO lowered elaidic acid (C18:1-trans) in serum. Higher very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in CPO than RPO and SBO and greater serum lipase in CPO, RBD and PKO than SBO. There was no difference in sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-II) between oils. Apolipoprotein VLDL-II (APOVLDL2) was upregulated in palm oils and apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB) in RBD. Downregulation in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) was observed in palm oils and PKO. In conclusion, different dietary oils greatly influence several aspects of fatty acid metabolism, deposition and lipoprotein profiles but have no influence on reducing lipid peroxidation.

The Impact of Dietary Consumption of Palm Oil and Olive Oil on Lipid Profile and Hepatocyte Injury in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

A metabolic disease called hypercholesterolemia is connected to both oxidative damage and inflammation. The goal of the current investigation was to determine if olive oil and palm oil could prevent hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress in the liver of rats fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD). The experimental mice were given HCD for three months while also receiving 0.5 mL/kg of either palm or olive oil. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, vLDL cholesterol, and the atherogenic index all significantly increased in HCD-fed rats, while HDL cholesterol significantly dropped. Additionally, HCD caused a notable rise in proinflammatory cytokines and serum transaminases in liver tissue. Additionally, HCD significantly increased the production of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation in the liver while decreasing antioxidant enzymes. Treatment with palm and olive oils dramatically reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipid peroxidation, improved antioxidant defenses, and considerably improved liver function indicators. Additionally, the examined oils dramatically decreased the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the liver of rats receiving HCD. In conclusion, HCD-fed rats exhibit significant antihyperlipidemic and cholesterol-lowering benefits from palm and olive oils. The improved antioxidant defenses, lower inflammation and lipid peroxidation, and altered hepatic FAS mRNA expression were the main mechanisms by which palm and olive oils produced their advantageous effects.

Study of rapeseed oil gelation induced by commercial monoglycerides using a chemometric approach

Commercial oleogelators rich in monoglycerides (MGs) are complex mixtures of acylglycerides with variable gelling properties, depending on the oil used and their concentration. In this study we developed a chemometric approach to identify the key parameters involved in gelling process. Analytical parameters have been defined, using GC and NMR analysis to identify fatty acids and acylglycerides composing the mixtures. Specific acylglyceride families and compound ratios were calculated to streamline the analytical results. To determine the key analytical parameters, artificial neural networks were used in a QSPR study related to the gelling properties measured by rheology through oscillatory experiments. At low oleogelator concentrations, the MGs especially rich in C16:0 and the ratio of specific isomers both have a positive influence on G'. For high oleogelator concentrations, C18:0-rich acylglycerides and unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratios have a positive influence on G'. Conversely, at low concentrations, C18:0-rich acylglycerides show a lesser effect on G'.

Effects of dietary palm oil on broiler chicken productive performance and carcass characteristics: a comprehensive review

Palm oil is a natural energy source ingredient in poultry diets that offers a broad range of beneficial effects on the performance of broiler chickens. This review was conducted to highlight the impact of palm oil as a feed ingredient on growth performance and carcass quality, as well as the biochemical, antioxidant activity and tissue fatty acids (FA) composition of broiler chickens. Palm oil inclusion in broiler chickens' rations contributes significantly to the high metabolisable energy (ME) of feed formulation, increases feed palatability and decreases digesta passage rate in the intestine. The reviewed literature indicated that dietary palm oil has a beneficial effect on broiler chickens' overall growth performance traits. The addition of palm oil can also improve the heat tolerance of chickens reared in high ambient temperature conditions. Regardless of breed and breeding conditions, palm oil exhibits good oxidative stability in broiler chickens due to the presence of prevalent phytonutrient elements in this oil. The inclusion of palm oil increased palmitic (C_16:0) and oleic (C_18:1) acids in tissue deposits, which improves meat stability and quality. Moreover, molecular studies have revealed that higher mRNA expression of several lipid-related hepatic genes in broiler chickens fed palm oil. Nonetheless, dietary palm oil can influence FA deposition in tissues, modulate lipoprotein and triglycerides (TG) levels, and cytokine contents in the blood serum of broiler chickens.

Growth Performance, Antioxidant Activity, Immune Status, Meat Quality, Liver Fat Content, and Liver Histomorphology of Broiler Chickens Fed Rice Bran Oil

Simple Summary

There are numerous approaches for enrichment of broiler’s meat with valuable nutrients, for instance the enrichment with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The addition of vegetable oils in the diets of broilers is an appropriate strategy to enrich the chicken meat with beneficial FA, however, this enrichment is accompanied by a lipid peroxidation with a resultant decrease in the nutritional value, quality, and shelf-life of the meat, and for that reason, the dietary supplementation with antioxidants becomes necessary. What places rice bran oil (RBO) on top of other vegetable oils is its antioxidant components and unique fatty acid profile and it is reported to induce substantial lipid-reducing effects and antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the influence of RBO inclusion in the diets of broiler chickens on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, meat quality, antioxidant activity, liver lipid content, and liver histological structure. RBO inclusion had a positive effect on the growing performance, dressing percentage, and immune status. Furthermore, RBO supplementation decreased the abdominal fat yield and EE content in the meat, while it increased the content of PUFA in the meat, which may be beneficial for consumers. RBO improved the antioxidant capacity of the meat and the liver, whereas it reduced the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, meat and liver. RBO could be used as an efficient ingredient in broiler chickens’ diets to improve performance, immune status, antioxidant activity, blood lipid profile, and the nutritive value of meat.

Abstract

This trial was performed to determine the effect of rice bran oil (RBO) inclusion in diets of broiler chickens on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, meat quality, antioxidant activity, liver lipid content, and liver histological structure. The 35-day feeding trial was conducted on 240 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens, allocated to four treatment groups with six replicates each. RBO was examined at different inclusion levels, 0% (control), 1% (RBO_1%), 1.5% (RBO_1.5%), and 2% (RBO_2%) in a completely randomized design. The results showed that at the end of the trial (35 days) the RBO supplementation had positive effects (p < 0.001) on the productivity parameters, but the feed intake was linearly decreased due to RBO inclusion. In addition, RBO supplementation linearly improved (p < 0.05) the dressing percentage, breast yield, immune organs relative weights, and meat glutathione concentration, while it decreased (p < 0.01) the abdominal fat yield and meat crude fat, triglycerides, cholesterol, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in broiler’s meat. Moreover, serum total protein, globulin, and high-density lipoprotein contents improved noticeably (p < 0.01) due to offering an RBO-supplemented diet, but serum total lipids, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations linearly reduced (p < 0.01). The RBO supplementation augmented (p < 0.05) the phagocytic index, phagocytic activity, and antibody titer compared to control. On the other hand, RBO inclusion had no effect on the breast, thigh, or abdominal fat color parameters. Moreover, RBO supplementation reduced (p < 0.01) the content of total saturated FA (SFA), but increased (p < 0.01) the content of total monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and polyunsaturated FA in both breast and thigh meat. Chemical analysis of the liver tissue samples revealed that the inclusion of RBO linearly reduced (p < 0.05) hepatic cholesterol, triglyceride, and MDA contents. Histologically, the lipid percentage and number of lipid droplets (p < 0.01) were markedly lessened in the RBO-supplemented groups. The histological structure of the liver asses by light and electron microscope were normal in all groups without any pathological lesions. It is concluded that RBO could be used as a valuable ingredient in broiler chickens’ diets to stimulate the growing performance and immune status, enhance the antioxidant activity and blood lipid profile, augment liver function, and improve the nutritive value of the meat.

Novel 61-bp Indel of RIN2 Is Associated With Fat and Hatching Weight Traits in Chickens

The Ras and Rab interactor 2 (RIN2) gene, which encodes RAS and Rab interacting protein 2, can interact with GTP-bound Rab5 and participate in early endocytosis. This study found a 61-bp insertion/deletion (indel) in the RIN2 intron region, and 3 genotypes II, ID, and DD were observed. Genotype analysis of mutation sites was performed on 665 individuals from F₂ population and 8 chicken breeds. It was found that the indel existed in each breed and that yellow feathered chickens were mainly of the DD genotype. Correlation analysis of growth and carcass traits in the F₂ population of Xinghua and White Recessive Rock chickens showed that the 61-bp indel was significantly correlated with abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat rate, fat width, and hatching weight (P < 0.05). RIN2 mRNA was expressed in all the tested tissues, and its expression in abdominal fat was higher than that in other tissues. In addition, the expression of the RIN2 mRNA in the abdominal fat of the DD genotype was significantly higher than that of the II genotype (P < 0.05). The transcriptional activity results showed that the luciferase activity of the pGL3-DD vector was significantly higher than that of the pGL3-II vector (P < 0.01). Moreover, the results indicate that the polymorphisms in transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) of 61-bp indel may affect the transcriptional activity of RIN2, and thus alter fat traits in chicken. The results of this study showed that the 61-bp indel was closely related to abdominal fat-related and hatching weight traits of chickens, which may have reference value for molecular marker-assisted selection of chickens.

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.

Dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus and Mannan-Oligosaccharides Alter the Lipid Metabolism and Health Indices in Broiler Chickens

The effects of dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus (LBA) and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation on lipid metabolism and consequent lipid profile and health indices in broiler chicken were investigated in this study. Supplementation of 0.2% MOS along with either 10⁶ or 10⁷ LBA/g feed in broiler chicken downregulated hepatic expression of genes involved in lipogenesis, and upregulated expression of lipolytic genes. It caused decline of lipogenesis and increase of lipid oxidation which resulted in lower carcass fat content. None of the genes studied influenced fatty acid profile of chicken meat except the expression of stearoyl CoA (Δ9) desaturase-1 (SCD-1) whose upregulation increased monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content at the cost of saturated fatty acid (SFA) content. The lipid metabolism indices of chicken meat such as ∆9 desaturase index (DI) increased in birds supplemented with 0.2% MOS along with either 10⁶ or 10⁷ CFU LBA/g feed, whereas no effect was observed on ∆5 + ∆6 DI. The supplementation of 0.2% MOS along with either 10⁶ or 10⁷ CFU LBA/g feed in birds improved the health indices of chicken meat due to upregulation of SCD-1 expression. The supplementation of 0.2% MOS along with either 10⁶ or 10⁷ CFU LBA/g feed in broiler chicken produced hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects with improved serum cardio-protective indices.

Growth Performance, Cytokine Expression, and Immune Responses of Broiler Chickens Fed a Dietary Palm Oil and Sunflower Oil Blend Supplemented With L-Arginine and Varying Concentrations of Vitamin E

This study set out to examine the combined effects of the supplementation of a dietary palm oil (PO) and sunflower oil (SO) blend, 0. 25% L-Arginine (L-Arg), and different levels of vitamin E (Vit E) on growth performance, fat deposition, cytokine expression, and immune response in broilers. A total of 216 1-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb500) were randomly distributed into six dietary groups as follows: Diet 1: 6% palm oil (negative control); Diet 2: PO and SO blend (4% palm oil and 2% sunflower oil) + 0.25% L-Arg (positive control); Diet 3: (PO and SO blend + 0.25% L-Arg) + 20 mg/kg Vit E; Diet 4: (PO and SO blend + 0.25% L-Arg) + 50 mg/kg Vit E; Diet 5: (PO and SO blend + 0.25% L-Arg) + 100 mg/kg Vit E; and Diet 6: (PO and SO blend + 0.25% L-Arg) + 150 mg/kg Vit E. Weight gain and serum IgG and IgM increased while feed conversion ratio, fat deposition, and plasma cholesterol decreased in broilers fed Vit E with the oil blend and L-Arg, compared to those fed the negative control (Diet 1). Expression of IFN and TNF-α were reduced, whereas TGF-ß1 was up-regulated as the level of Vit E increased in the broiler diets. In summary, the combination of oil blend, L-Arg, and Vit E at a level of 50 mg/kg increased the performance and altered the expression of cytokines that may positively influence immune function in broiler chickens.

Eicosanoids: Atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been the leading causes of death in the U.S. for nearly a century. Numerous studies have linked eicosanoids to cardiometabolic disease. Objectives and Methods: This review summaries recent advances and innovative research in eicosanoids and CVD. Numerous review articles and their original human or animal studies were assessed in the relevant and recent studies.

OUTCOME

We identified and discussed recent trends in eicosanoids known for their roles in CVD. Their subsequent relationships were assessed for any possible implications associated with consumption of different dietary lipids, essentially omega fatty acids. Eicosanoids have been heavily sought after over recent decades for their direct role in mediating the enhancement and resolution of acute immune responses. Given the short half-life of these oxidized lipid metabolites, studies on atherosclerosis have had to rely on the metabolites that are actively involved in eicosanoid production, signaling or redox reactions as markers for atherosclerosis-related molecular behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Further investigations expending current knowledge, should be applied to narrow the specific class and species of eicosanoids responsible for inciting inflammation especially in the context of recent clinical studies assessing the role of dietary lipid in cardiovascular diseases.

The effects of chronic lead exposure on the liver of female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica): Histopathological damages, oxidative stress and AMP-activated protein kinase based lipid metabolism disorder

Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic metals to human and wildlife. It also had multiple negative influences on birds with physical, neurological and hematological clinical signs. However, the impacts of lead on bird liver lipid metabolism are still unclear. In this study, female Japanese quails were used to examine the effects of chronic lead exposure on liver histology, oxidative stress and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) based lipid metabolism. Quails were randomly divided into 5 groups and each group was respectively fed with 0, 50, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm lead solution for 49 days. The result showed that exposure to 250, 500 and 1000 ppm Pb induced severe histopathological damages characterized by liver lipid vacuoles and accumulation, hepatic cytoplasmic hyalinization and vacuolization, hepatocytes necrosis, hepatic sinusoid congestion, and it also caused ultrastructural alterations featured by swelling and vacuolar mitochondria, the depolymerization of polyribosome, and lipid droplets accumulation. Moreover, significant decrease of activities of GPx (glutathione peroxidase), SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase) and level of T-AOC (total antioxidant capacity) while significant increase of MDA (malondialdehyde) content were found in livers of all Pb groups. In addition, the expressions of genes related to fatty synthesis were significantly upregulated in livers of all Pb groups while the expressions of genes related to fatty β-oxidation were significantly downregulated in livers of 250 ppm Pb group. The present study indicated lead exposure does cause bird health damages through inducing liver microstructural and ultrastructural injury, oxidative damages and lipid metabolism disorder.

Dietary supplementation with L-arginine and combinations of different oil sources beneficially regulates body fat deposition, lipogenic gene expression, growth performance and carcass yield in broiler chickens

Context Broiler meat with excessive of fat and saturated fatty acids content has serious health implication for consumers. The accumulation of abdominal fats in broiler chickens constitutes a loss of dietary energy and also reduces carcass yield. Oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids and l-arginine are effective for reducing fat deposition and improve meat quality. Aims The aim of this study was to examine the effects of supplementation of l-arginine (l-Arg) with four combinations of palm oil (PO) and sunflower oil (SO) on growth performance, carcass yield, fat deposition, lipogenic gene expression and blood lipid profile in broiler chickens. Methods A total of 180 1-day-old chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments as: T1, 6% PO (control); T2, 6% PO + 0.25% l-Arg; T3, 4% PO + 2% SO + 0.25% l-Arg; T4, 2% PO + 4% SO + 0.25% l-Arg; and T5, 6% SO + 0.25% l-Arg. Key results Birds fed l-Arg and combinations of PO and SO had higher weight gain at starter and finisher period compared with the control. The carcass yield increased, and relative abdominal fat reduced in broiler fed with combinations of l-Arg and increased level of SO in the diet. The concentration of oleic, palmitoleic and total monounsaturated fatty acids in liver tissue decreased by addition of l-Arg in broiler diet. The palmitic and total saturated fatty acid decreased, and total unsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased in liver tissue when PO replaced progressively by SO supplemented with l-Arg in the diet. The acetyl-CoA carboxylase , stearoyl-CoA desaturase and fatty acid synthetase gene expression tended to decrease by supplementation of l-Arg with an increased level of SO compared with control. Conclusion Supplementation with l-Arg and combination of PO and SO at the ratio of 4:2 could inhibit lipogenesis and subsequent lower abdominal fat deposition and enhance growth performance and carcass yield in broiler chickens. Implications Ratio of PO and SO, 4:2 with l-Arg supplementation in the dietary of broiler chickens can contribute to a better growth performance, lesser fat deposition and greater carcass yield.