The role of total fats, saturated/unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol content in chicken meat as cardiovascular risk factors

Dietary succinate reduces fat deposition through gut microbiota and lipid metabolism in broilers

Succinate has been shown to be a potentially beneficial nutritional supplement with a diverse range of physiological functions. However, it remains unknown whether succinate supplementation regulates lipid metabolism in chickens. The aim of this study was to explore how succinate affects fat deposition and the underlying mechanism involved in broilers and to determine the most appropriate level of succinate supplementation in the diet. A total of 640 one-day-old male yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups with 8 replicates and 20 broilers per replicate. A basal diet was provided to the control group (CON). The experimental broilers were fed diets containing 0.2% (L), 0.4% (M), or 0.6% (H) succinate and the study was lasted for 21 d. The linear (l) and quadratic (q) effects of succinate addition were determined. The results indicated that supplementation with 0.4% succinate reduced ADFI, serum triglycerides (l, q; P < 0.05), glucose (q; P < 0.05), and increased high-density lipidprotein cholesterol (l, q; P < 0.05) concentrations in broilers. Moreover, 0.4% succinate affects lipid metabolism by decreasing the abdominal fat percentage and adipocyte surface area, the expression of genes that promote liposynthesis in the abdominal fat and liver, as well as increasing the expression of genes that promote lipolysis in the abdominal fat and liver. In addition, increased cecal propionic acid content (q, P < 0.05) was found in the M group compared to the CON group. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that group M altered cecum microbial composition by increasing the abundance of genera such as Blautia and Sellimonas (P < 0.05). LC-MS metabolomic analysis revealed that the differential metabolites between the M and CON groups were enriched in amino acid-related pathways. In conclusion, the optimum level of succinate added to broiler diets in the present study was 0.4%. Succinate can potentially reduce fat accumulation in broilers by modulating the composition of the gut flora and amino acid metabolism related to lipid metabolism.

Effect of dietary Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin on broiler chicken growth performance, physiological status, fatty and amino acid profiles

Background and Aim

Natural antioxidants are crucial for preserving and enhancing the health, survival, reproduction, and reproductive function of poultry. Phycocyanin (PC) is a natural blue food colorant with various health benefits. The aim of this study was to extract Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin (ApPC) from A. platensis using simple and economical methods and investigate the impact of phytocyanin supplementation on the performance and fatty and amino acid profiles of broiler chicks.

Materials and Methods

PC was extracted from A. platensis by freezing and thawing, and optimization conditions such as pH and temperature were applied during storage periods. A total of 270 1-week-old Ross breed broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the following three treatment groups: basal diet supplemented with 0 mg of PC/kg diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 1 g PC/kg diet (T1), and basal diet supplemented with 2 g PC/kg (T2). In a completely randomized design, three cage replicates (30 birds each) were assigned to each of the three groups. The dietary effects of ApPC on growth performance (body weight gain [BWG], body weight [BW], feed intake, feed conversion ratio, serum constituents, and antioxidant indices) in broiler chickens, free amino acids, and fatty acids in muscles were evaluated.

Results

Total BWG and BW increased without a significant effect on the total feed consumption. Serum levels of total proteins and albumin increased with increasing ApPC supplementation. In addition, globulin levels significantly increased. There was a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol levels among the treatments. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity) is significantly increased. In contrast, an increase in ApPC caused a significant decrease in malondialdehyde. The content and quantity of fatty acids and amino acids in the meat of broiler chicks supplemented with PC varies.

Conclusion

The addition of PC to broiler chicken diets enhances antioxidant activities, BW, BWG, and meets quality requirements.

Discriminant canonical analysis as a tool for genotype traceability testing based on turkey meat and carcass traits

The present study aims to develop a statistical tool for turkey breed traceability testing based on meat and carcass quality characteristics. To this end, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed, collecting data from a total of 75 studies approaching meat and carcass attributes of 37 turkey strains and landraces since the late 1960s. A total of 22 meat and carcass traits were considered variables, grouped in the following clusters: carcass dressing traits, muscle fiber properties, pH, colorimetry, water-capacity traits, texture-related attributes, and nutritional composition of the meat. Once the multicollinearity analysis allowed the deletion of redundant variables, cold carcass weight, slaughter weight, muscle fiber diameter, sex-female, carcass/piece weight, meat redness, ashes, pH24, meat lightness, moisture, fat, and water-holding capacity showed explanatory properties in the discriminating analysis (p < 0.05). In addition, strong positive and negative correlations were found among those variables studied. Carcass traits were positively associated, particularly slaughter weight and cold carcass weight (+0.561). Among meat physical traits, pH showed positive correlations with drip loss (+0.490) and pH24 (+0.327), and water-holding capacity was positively associated with cholesterol (+0.434) and negatively associated with collagen (-0.398). According to nutritional traits, fat and ash showed a strong correlation (+0.595), and both were negatively associated with moisture (-0.375 and -0.498, respectively). Strong negative correlations were found as well between meat protein and fat (-0.460) and between collagen and cholesterol (-0.654). Finally, the Mahalanobis distance suggested a clustering pattern based on meat and carcass characteristics that report information about interbreeding and variety proximity. This study establishes a departure point in the development of a tool for breed traceability guaranteeing aimed at enhancing distinguished, local breed-based turkey meat.

The impact of dietary fat type on lipid profiles in lean mass hyper-responder phenotype

Key Clinical Message

Although the lean mass hyper-responder (LMHR) phenotype is well known, its diagnosis is impeded by the influence of fat type and intake on the lipid profile. Accordingly, a detailed assessment is warranted if LMHR is suspected.

Abstract

A 47-year-old man with suspected familial hypercholesterolemia presented with elevated triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. He had adhered to a ketogenic diet and was suspected of a lean mass hyper-responder phenotype; however, his lipid profile did not meet the definition. His lipid profile improved through dietary management without medication.

Bioactive compounds and biological activity in edible insects: A review

New strategies to combat hunger are a current and urgent demand. The increase in population has generated a high demand for products and services that affect food production, cultivation areas, and climate. Viable and sustainable alternative sources have been sought to meet food quality requirements. In this context, edible insects are a good source of macro-nutrients, and bioactive compounds confer biological properties that improve their nutritional aspects and benefit human health. This review aims to present the benefits and contributions of edible insects from the point of view of the biological contribution of macronutrients, and bioactive compounds, as well as consider some anti-nutritional aspects reported in edible insects. It was found that insects possess most of the macronutrients necessary for human life and are rich in bioactive compounds commonly found in plants. These bioactive compounds can vary significantly depending on the developmental stage, diet, and species of edible insects. However, they also contain phytochemicals in which anti-nutrients predominate, which can adversely affect humans with allergenic reactions or reduced nutrient viability when consumed in high amounts or for prolonged periods. Hydrocyanide, oxalates, soluble oxalate, and phytate are the most studied anti-nutrients. However, the doses at which they occur are far below the limits in foods. In addition, anti-nutrient levels decrease significantly in processing, such as oven-drying and defatting methods. However, there are few studies, so more trials are needed to avoid generalizing. Therefore, edible insects can be considered complete food.

Impact of dietary vitamin (E) and Eruca sativa seeds powder on broiler productivity, health, carcass characteristics, and meat quality

This investigation examined the impact of nutritional vitamin E (VE) and Eruca sativa seeds powder (ESSP) on broilers' performance, physiological, and meat quality. A total of 350 two-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were used in this study. Chicks were allocated into five dietary treatments as follows: control (fed a basic diet), VE treatment (fed a basic diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg diet), the third, fourth, and fifth treatments were fed a basic diet supplied by different levels of ESSP (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg diet). Outcomes showed that chicks of VE treatment or ESSP (0.2 g/kg) significantly improved vital body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Additionally, relevant dressing and hind parts of the carcass for birds of VE treatment or ESSP at different levels were significantly increased. The results showed a significant improvement in meat quality traits. Moreover, ESSP (0.1 and 0.2 g/kg) groups represented a significant decrease in the total bacterial count and E. coli compared with other groups. In conclusion, ESSP positively affected broiler performance, hematological, and immunological indices, carcass characteristics, intestinal bacterial count, meat quality, and cooking properties of the resulting meat, especially at the level of (0.2 g/kg).

Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profiles of Seven Edible Insects: Focus on Lipid Class Composition and Protein Conversion Factors

This study is based on the fatty acid and amino acid profiles of seven edible insect species: Acheta domesticus, Alphitobius diaperinus, Blaptica dubia, Galleria mellonella, Locusta migratoria, Tenebrio molitor, and Zophobas morio. The aim of the present study is to provide new data on the fatty acid distributions among lipid classes as well as the species-specific protein conversion factor (Kp) of a wide range of insects in order to further improve the nutritional characterisation of insects as food. Oleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all insects except for A. domesticus, in which a significantly higher percentage of linoleic acid was found. The majority of the lipids were neutral lipids. A significant amount of α-linolenic acid in the phospholipid fraction of L. migratoria was shown, while in T. molitor, phospholipids were the only fraction in which a measurable amount of docosahexaenoic acid was found. Overall, in most insects, the phospholipid fraction had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content compared to the other classes, which may be protective in terms of auto-oxidative stability. Kp values in the range of 4.17 to 6.43 were obtained. Within the nutritional quality indices, all insects showed healthy fatty acids and high-quality amino acid profiles.

A Functional Variant Alters the Binding of Bone morphogenetic protein 2 to the Transcription Factor NF-κB to Regulate Bone morphogenetic protein 2 Gene Expression and Chicken Abdominal Fat Deposition

In this study, we employed a dual-luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift analysis (EMSA) in vitro to explore whether a 12-base pair (bp) insertion/deletion (InDel) variant (namely g.14798187_14798188insTCCCTGCCCCCT) within intron 2 of the chicken BMP2 gene, which was significantly associated with chicken abdominal fat weight and abdominal fat percentage, is a functional marker and its potential regulatory mechanism. The reporter analysis demonstrated that the luciferase activity of the deletion allele was extremely significantly higher than that of the insertion allele (p < 0.01). A bioinformatics analysis revealed that compared to the deletion allele, the insertion allele created a transcription factor binding site of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which exhibited an inhibitory effect on fat deposition. A dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of NF-κB on the deletion allele was stronger than that on the insertion allele. EMSA indicated that the binding affinity of NF-κB for the insertion allele was stronger than that for the deletion allele. In conclusion, the 12-bp InDel chicken BMP2 gene variant is a functional variant affecting fat deposition in chickens, which may partially regulate BMP2 gene expression by affecting the binding of transcription factor NF-κB to the BMP2 gene.

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified hub genes critical to fatty acid composition in Gushi chicken breast muscle

BACKGROUND

The composition and content of fatty acids in the breast muscle are important factors influencing meat quality. In this study, we investigated the fatty acid composition and content in the breast muscle of Gushi chickens at different developmental stages (14 weeks, 22 weeks, and 30 weeks). Additionally, we utilized transcriptomic data from the same tissue and employed WGCNA and module identification methods to identify key genes associated with the fatty acid composition in Gushi chicken breast muscle and elucidate their regulatory networks.

RESULTS

Among them, six modules (blue, brown, green, light yellow, purple, and red modules) showed significant correlations with fatty acid content and metabolic characteristics. Enrichment analysis revealed that these modules were involved in multiple signaling pathways related to fatty acid metabolism, including fatty acid metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, and fatty acid biosynthesis. Through analysis of key genes, we identified 136 genes significantly associated with fatty acid phenotypic traits. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that nine of these genes were closely related to fatty acid metabolism. Additionally, through correlation analysis of transcriptome data, we identified 51 key ceRNA regulatory networks, including six central genes, 7 miRNAs, and 28 lncRNAs.

CONCLUSION

This study successfully identified key genes closely associated with the fatty acid composition in Gushi chicken breast muscle, as well as their post-transcriptional regulatory networks. These findings provide new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the flavor characteristics of chicken meat and the composition of fatty acids in the breast muscle.

Effect supplementation of black soldier fly larvae oil (Hermetia illucens L.) calcium salt on performance, blood biochemical profile, carcass characteristic, meat quality, and gene expression in fat metabolism broilers

This study evaluated the effect supplementation of black soldier fly larvae oil calcium salt (BSFLO-SCa) on performance, blood biochemical profile, carcass characteristic, meat quality, and gene expression in fat metabolism broiler chickens. A total of 280 male New Lohmann strain MB 202 broiler chicks (1-day-old) were randomly placed into 4 treatments, including a control group (T0) were fed basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 1% (T1), 2% (T2), and 3% (T3) BSFLO-SCa. Each treatment consisted of 7 pens with 10 chickens each. Results showed that 1% BSFLO-SCa supplementation significantly reduced (P < 0.05) abdominal and meat fat, while gene expression on fat synthesis (FAS, ACC) was downregulated. Meat fatty acid profiles such as medium-chain fatty acid being dominant in lauric and myristic and monosaturated fatty acid significantly increased (P < 0.05). On the other hand, polyunsaturated fatty acid significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, the other parameters did not affect by supplementation of 1% BSFLO-SCa. The addition starting from 2% significantly reduced (P < 0.05) performance and carcass characteristics. Blood biochemical profiles (HDL, protein, albumin) and meat qualities (protein, cholesterol, water-holding capacity, cooking losses, a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) values) were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while gene expression on fat oxidation (CPT-1) was upregulated. In conclusion, broiler chicken that received of 1% BSFL-SCa does not negatively affect growth performance and carcass characteristics but reduced fattening in broiler meat.

Study of the effect of canola proteins-xanthan based Pickering emulsion as animal fat replacer in a food matrix produced from mechanically separated meat

Pickering emulsions stabilized by protein microgel, and hydrocolloid have shown desirable properties to be used as animal fat replacers. However, the potential applications of these structures as animal fat replacers in meat systems formulations have not been explored yet. Therefore, novel Pickering emulsions stabilized by canola proteins microgels and xanthan gum were developed, and their potential as animal fat replacer in meat systems was assessed for the first time. In the present study, 25, 50, 75, and 100% animal fat content were replaced by Pickering emulsion. Moreover, the obtained results revealed that complete fat replacement with canola proteins-based Pickering emulsion in meat emulsion improved its nutritional value by significantly enhancing the percentage of protein, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition, and reduction of saturated fatty acid content compared to control (100% animal fat). Reformulation with PEs enhanced the meat systems' technological behavior such as emulsion stability and cooking loss, and oxidative stability. Also, significant total color difference (ΔE *) was observed only in samples with 100% fat replacement. Meat systems containing fat replacement ≤50% showed the closest texture parameters to the control sample. This study provides a promising alternative to replace animal fat with plant-based ingredients in meat systems.

Contribution of Village Chickens in Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems for Children along a Rural-Urban Gradient: A Systematic Review

Achieving sustainable and healthy food systems in support of human and planetary health is a global challenge. We systematically reviewed papers (n = 2322) showing how village chicken products (meat, eggs, and offal) contribute to sustainable and healthy food systems for children along a rural-urban gradient. A total of 72 articles, representing all different sections covered in this review, were finally included. Production of village chickens contributed positively on livestock-derived food consumption by children. Households who owned chickens were likely to move from medium to high dietary diversity. Children from households that owned chickens had lower odds of anemia (1.07) and higher height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) scores. Egg intervention increased HAZ and WAZ for children by 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38-0.88] and 0.61 [95% CI, 0.45-0.77], respectively. Village chicken ownership had positive effect on children's poultry meat and egg consumption. Per capita consumption of chicken by girls and boys combined was 38.2 g/day, where girls had 36.9 g/day and boys had 39.4 g/day. Children from households that owned chickens consumed eggs 2.8 more times per week compared to children from households without chickens. Moving along a rural-urban gradient, village chicken production was less common. Improved production and quality of village chicken products, and policies supporting optimal maternal and child intake these products are required.

Chronic dietary exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide in broiler hens has long-term impacts on the progeny metabolism

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are the most commonly used herbicides in agriculture. Several studies reported possible adverse effects on human and animal models after a GBH exposure. However, the effects of a temporary maternal exposure on the progeny have been poorly documented, especially in avian models. We investigated the effects of a hen chronic dietary exposure to a GBH on the progeny, obtained during the period following the withdrawal of GBH from the diet. Hens were exposed to a GBH via their food for 6 wk, after which the GBH was removed from their food. Eggs from these hens were collected 3 wk after the GBH was withdrawn for 1 wk. We monitored the growth performances, metabolic parameters, and behavior from the progeny of the hens (Ex-GBH chicks, n = 186) and compared them with those of unexposed control-hen progeny (CT chicks, n = 213). Ex-GBH chicks were more likely to explore their new environment than CT chicks during the open-field test. In addition, they had an increased fattening and blood triglycerides level, whereas their food consumption was similar to CT chicks. Quantitative PCR on the chemerin system and FASN in chicks livers indicate a transcriptional activity in favor of fatty acid synthesis, and lipidomic analysis on chicks abdominal adipose tissue reveal a global increase in monounsaturated fatty acid and a global decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Seven genes involved in the synthesis of fatty acids were identified with the open access LIPIDMAP software, and their disturbance in Ex-GBH chicks was confirmed via qPCR. Taken together, these results suggest that the progeny of hens temporarily exposed to a GBH are more likely to fatten, even with a balanced diet. The removal of GBH from their contaminated environment would therefore not be sufficient to completely restore their health, has it could induce transgenerational effects.

Chicken cecal microbiota reduces abdominal fat deposition by regulating fat metabolism

Cecal microbiota plays an essential role in chicken health. However, its contribution to fat metabolism, particularly in abdominal fat deposition, which is a severe problem in the poultry industry, is still unclear. Here, chickens at 1, 4, and 12 months of age with significantly (p < 0.05) higher and lower abdominal fat deposition were selected to elucidate fat metabolism. A significantly (p < 0.05) higher mRNA expression of fat anabolism genes (ACSL1, FADS1, CYP2C45, ACC, and FAS), a significantly (p < 0.05) lower mRNA expression of fat catabolism genes (CPT-1 and PPARα) and fat transport gene APOAI in liver/abdominal fat of high abdominal fat deposition chickens indicated that an unbalanced fat metabolism leads to excessive abdominal fat deposition. Parabacteroides, Parasutterella, Oscillibacter, and Anaerofustis were found significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high abdominal fat deposition chickens, while Sphaerochaeta was higher in low abdominal fat deposition chickens. Further, Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the relative abundance of cecal Parabacteroides, Parasutterella, Oscillibacter, and Anaerofustis was positively correlated with abdominal fat deposition, yet cecal Sphaerochaeta was negatively correlated with fat deposition. Interestingly, transferring fecal microbiota from adult chickens with low abdominal fat deposition into one-day-old chicks significantly (p < 0.05) decreased Parabacteroides and fat anabolism genes, while markedly increased Sphaerochaeta (p < 0.05) and fat catabolism genes (p < 0.05). Our findings might help to assess the potential mechanism of cecal microbiota regulating fat deposition in chicken production.

The comparison of two different plumage-color lines of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) disclosed a significant effect in increasing abdominal fat contents with increasing age

This study aimed to investigate the characteristic differences between the white and brown-feathered Japanese quails, by evaluating the carcass traits and egg fat content, blood parameters, and intestinal histopathological features. A total of 1200 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks of two varieties (brown and white-feathered) were used in this study. Live body weight and feed intake were reordered every week. At the 4^th week of age, 80 birds from each variety were slaughtered and carcass quality measurements and histopathological changes were recorded. After 6 weeks of age, eggs were collected, and egg quality was assessed. The results revealed that white-feathered quails had significantly heavier body weights and higher growth rates. At 4 weeks of age, females of the white-feather quail had significantly heavier slaughter, after de-feathering, and carcass weights. Remarkable variations between the studied quail varieties, with significant dominance of females in both varieties, at the level of water holding capacity, pH, and meat tenderness ascertained an obvious superiority of white-feathered quails compared to brown ones and indicated the higher tendency of the white quails for meat production. These results were linked with significant changes in biochemical profiles including lipids biomarkers, total protein, and Ca and phosphorus levels along with variations in the intestinal morphometry. It can be concluded that white-feathered quails had, in general, higher values of productivity compared with the brown-feathered ones during growing and laying periods.

The cecal ecosystem is a great contributor to intramuscular fat deposition in broilers

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is a meat quality trait of major economic importance in animal production. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that meat quality can be improved by regulating the gut microbiota. However, the organization and ecological properties of the gut microbiota and its relationship with the IMF content remain unclear in chickens. Here, we investigated the microbial communities of 206 cecal samples from broilers with excellent meat quality. We noted that the cecal microbial ecosystem obtained from hosts reared under the same management and dietary conditions showed clear compositional stratification. Two enterotypes, in which the ecological properties, including diversity and interaction strengths, were significantly different, described the microbial composition pattern. Compared with enterotype 2, enterotype 1, distinguished by the Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, had a higher fat deposition, although no discrepancy was found in growth performance and meat yield. A moderate correlation was observed in the IMF content between 2 muscle tissues, despite the IMF content of thigh muscle was 42.76% greater than that of breast muscle. Additionally, the lower abundance of cecal vadinBE97 was related to higher IMF levels in both muscle tissues. Although vadinBE97 accounted for 0.40% of the total abundance of genera in the cecum, it exhibited significant and positive correlations with other genera (accounting for 25.3% of the tested genera). Our results highlight important insights into the cecal microbial ecosystem and its association with meat quality. Microbial interactions should be carefully considered when developing approaches to improve the IMF content by regulating the gut microbiota in broilers.

Black Soldier Fly Larva Fat in Broiler Chicken Diets Affects Breast Meat Quality

This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent effect of black soldier fly (BFL) larvae fat inclusion in broiler chicken diets on breast meat quality. Four hundred 1-day-old male birds (Ross 308) were assigned to the following four treatments (10 replicates with 10 birds each): HI0, a basal diet without dietary fat inclusion, and HI03, HI06, and HI09, basal diets enriched with 30 g/kg, 60 g/kg, and 90 g/kg of BSF larvae fat, respectively. Principal component analysis showed noticeable differentiation between the selected plant, animal, and insect-origin dietary fats. The BSF fat exhibits a strong relationship with saturated fatty acids (SFAs), resulting in a high concentration of C12:0 and C14:0. The fatty acid (FA) profile in breast muscle obtained from broilers fed diets with increasing insect fat inclusion showed a significant linear effect in terms of C12:0, C15:0, C18:2, C18:3n6, and total FAs. The proportion of dietary insect fat had a quadratic effect on meat color. The water-holding capacity indices have stayed consistent with the meat color changes. Throughout the experiment, favorable growth performance results were noticed in HI06. The present study confirmed that BSF larvae fat negatively affects the n3 level in meat. However, the physicochemical indices related to consumer acceptance were not altered to negatively limit their final decision, even when a relatively high inclusion of insect fat was used.

Can botanically-diverse pastures positively impact the nutritional and antioxidant composition of ruminant meat? - Invited review

A desire for more sustainable pasture-based ruminant feeding systems has led to growing interest in utilising botanically-diverse pastures (BDP) over monoculture pastures. Research suggests that, from a human consumption viewpoint, grass-based ruminant feeding leads to more nutritionally desirable fatty acid (FA) and antioxidant concentrations in meat compared with concentrate feeding, which can affect meat quality. The FA, antioxidant and secondary metabolite content of plants differ, depending on species, maturity and seasonality, offering the potential through targeted feeding of BDP to produce meat with superior nutritional and antioxidant profiles. This review explores the effect, if any, that grazing ruminants on BDP has on the FA profile, fat-soluble vitamin, and antioxidant content of meat. The input-output relationship between forage and red meat constituents is complex and is likely affected by species diversity, forage consumption patterns and modulation of rumen fermentation processes. Further investigation is required to fully understand the effect that BDP may have on the composition and quality of ruminant meat.

Feeding Aquilaria sinensis Leaves Modulates Lipid Metabolism and Improves the Meat Quality of Goats

Aquilaria (A.) sinensis is a medicinal plant widely grown in tropical South China. Given the abundant pruning waste of its leaves, the use of A. sinensis leaves is valuable. In this study, goats were fed a diet containing 20% A. sinensis leaves. Compared with the basal diet, feeding A. sinensis leaves to goats did not affect growth performance but considerably reduced the feeding cost. Strikingly, feeding A. sinensis leaves resulted in a significant decrease in the blood cholesterol levels (2.11 vs. 1.49 mmol/L, p = 0.01) along with a significant increase in the high-density lipoprotein levels (1.42 vs. 1.82 mmol/L, p = 0.01). There was also a tendency to lower the content of low-density lipoprotein levels in goats (0.78 vs. 0.45 mmol/L, p = 0.09). Furthermore, metabolomics analysis demonstrated that the reduction in cholesterol levels occurred in both the serum (0.387-fold change) and muscle (0.382-fold change) of goats during A. sinensis leaf feeding. The metabolic responses to feeding A. sinensis leaves suggest that the activation of lipolysis metabolism might happen in goats. These observed changes would be conducive to improving animal health and meat quality, ultimately benefiting human health.

Omega-6: Its Pharmacology, Effect on the Broiler Production, and Health

Lipids and oils are the primary sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA), which are necessary for human and animal health. Omega-3 and omega-6 are essential nutrients for broilers. Omega-6 members, such as linolenic acid, are essential for broilers and must be obtained through feed. Vegetable oils are the primary source of omega-6 added to broiler feeds. Unsaturated fatty acids are better digested and absorbed than saturated fatty acids and generate more energy at a lower cost, boosting productivity. Feeding supplements with omega-6 can increase the fatty acid content in meat and increase weight, carcass, viscera, and FCR. The quality of meat taste and antioxidant content was also improved after giving omega-6 and influencing mineral metabolism. Broiler reproductive performance is also enhanced by reducing late embryonic mortality, hence enhancing fertility, hatchability, sperm quality, and sperm quantity. Meanwhile, for broiler health, omega-6 can lower cholesterol levels, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. It also supports support for T-helper cell (TH)-2-like IgG titers, increasing prostaglandins, eicosanoids, and antioxidants. In addition, it also supports anti-inflammation. Other researchers have extensively researched and reviewed studies on the effects of omega-6 on poultry. Meanwhile, in this review, we provide new findings to complement previous studies. However, further studies regarding the effects of omega-6 on other poultry are needed to determine the performance of omega-6 more broadly.

Composition of Slow-Growing Male Chicken's Meat and Bone Quality as Affected by Dietary Moringa oleifera Lam. Meal

This study investigated the impact of Moringa oleifera Lam. meal (MOM) on meat nutritional properties and bone quality of slow-growing layer-type male chickens raised in semi-intensive conditions. A total of 198, 72-d-old Dominant Blue D 107 male chickens, with an average weight of 1093 ± 15.2 g, were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 3, and 6% of MOM that corresponded to T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Each treatment, consisting of six replicated floor pens of 11 birds, had access to the outdoors for 49 days. The results showed that breast muscle ash percentage was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in T2 in comparison to the T1 group. Meat dry matter, protein, and fat content were not influenced by the treatments (P > 0.05). Regardless of the treatments, oleic acid (C18:1N9C) was numerically more abundant in the breast than in the leg muscle. Alternatively, femoral and tibial lengths were shorter (P ≤ 0.05) in birds fed 3% MOM than the two other groups. Moreover, birds fed with MOM had greater tibial diameter (P ≤ 0.05) than those that were fed without MOM. In addition, bone ash content and phosphorous amount were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in birds fed 6% MOM compared to those fed without MOM. The data of this study indicate that up to 6% of MOM may be added to the diet of slow-growing layer-type male chickens raised with outdoor access under tropical conditions to improve bone quality traits.

Fermented grape seed meal promotes broiler growth and reduces abdominal fat deposition through intestinal microorganisms

The fermentation of grape seed meal, a non-conventional feed resource, improves its conventional nutritional composition, promotes the growth and development of livestock and fat metabolism by influencing the structure and diversity of intestinal bacteria. In this study, the nutritional components of Fermented grape seed meal (FGSM) and their effects on the growth performance, carcass quality, serum biochemistry, and intestinal bacteria of yellow feather broilers were investigated. A total of 240 male 14-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly selected and divided into four groups, with three replicates of 20 chickens each. Animals were fed diets containing 0% (Group I), 2% (Group II), 4% (Group III), or 6% (Group IV) FGSM until they were 56 days old. The results showed that Acid soluble protein (ASP) and Crude protein (CP) contents increased, Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents decreased, and free amino acid content increased in the FGSM group. The non-targeted metabolome identified 29 differential metabolites in FGSM, including organic acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and monosaccharides. During the entire trial period, Average daily gain (ADG) increased and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased in response to dietary FGSM supplementation (p < 0.05). TP content in the serum increased and BUN content decreased in groups III and IV (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the serum TG content in group III and the abdominal fat rate in group IV were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The results of gut microbiota analysis showed that FGSM could significantly increase the Shannon and Simpson indices of broilers (35 days). Reducing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes significantly altered cecal microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes (p < 0.05). By day 56, butyric acid content increased in the cecal samples from Group III (p < 0.05). In addition, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between broiler growth performance, abdominal fat percentage, SCFAs, and gut microbes. In summary, the addition of appropriate levels of FGSM to rations improved broiler growth performance and reduced fat deposition by regulating gut microbes through differential metabolites and affecting the microbiota structure and SCFA content of the gut.

L-serine improves lipid profile, performance, carcass weight and intestinal parameters in feed restricted broiler chickens during the hot-dry season

The study evaluated effects of L-serine on lipid profile, performance, carcass weight and small intestinal parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens subjected to feed restriction. Broiler chickens were divided into four groups, comprising 30 each. Group 1, feed restriction (FR); Group 2, feed restriction + L-serine (200 mg/kg) (FR + L-serine); Group 3, ad libitum (AL); Group 4, ad libitum + L-serine (200 mg/kg) (AL + L-serine). L-serine was administered orally from days 1 to 14, and feed restriction was performed on days 7-14. Serum harvested from blood samples on days 21, 28 and 35 was evaluated for lipid profile. Feed and water intake, live weight gain, organ and carcass weight were measured. At 35 days old, broiler chickens (n = 7) per group were sacrificed to evaluate small intestinal morphology. Temperature-humidity index in the pen (30.88 ± 0.81) was above thermoneutral zone, indicating that chickens were subjected to heat stress. Concentrations of low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and total triglycerides were lower (p < 0.05), while higher concentration of high-density lipoprotein was recorded in L-serine groups than in the controls. Feed intake and live weight gain on day 35 in L-serine groups were higher (p < 0.05) than in controls. In L-serine groups, liver, spleen, pancreas and heart weight were higher, but abdominal fat was lower than in FR and AL groups. Villus height:crypt height ratio and area of villus surface were highest in L-serine groups than any other group. In conclusion, L-serine decreased low-density lipoprotein, increased feed intake, live weight, organ and carcass weight, villus height:crypt height ratio and villus surface area.

Effect of feeding strawberry, raspberry and rapeseed oil in rats’ diet on the fatty acid profile of muscle tissue

Currently, alternative plant oils with pro-health properties are sought. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of feeding strawberry, raspberry and rapeseed oils in rats’ diet on the fatty acid profile of muscle tissue. Adult rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=7) and fed with the addition of rapeseed, raspberry or strawberry seed oil, respectively, or control group. After a 6-week treatment period, the fatty acid profile in m. latisssimus dorsi, was analyzed using gas chromatography. The dietary strawberry or raspberry seed oil led to a significant increase in C-18:2 n-6 ad C-18:3 n-3 level in muscle fat when compared to control group. At the same time, in the group receiving raspberry oil, an unfavorable phenomenon of lowering the EPA content was observed, while a tendency towards a decrease in DHA level was observed in groups supplemented with both raspberry and strawberry oil. Both oils as a source of PUFA n-3 and n-6, increased ALA n-3 and LA n-6 fatty acids in latissimus dorsi muscle, but due to different activity of enzymes taking apart in conversion of polyunsaturated fatty acids to their long chain derivatives in rats, the research on pig model would be advisable.

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.

Lipid Indexes and Quality Evaluation of Omega-3 Rich Oil from the Waste of Japanese Spanish Mackerel Extracted by Supercritical CO2

Japanese Spanish mackerel (JSM) (Scomberomorus niphonius) is a marine fish species containing health-beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In the present study, the quality of JSM by-products oils extracted by supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) and organic solvent extraction was compared in terms of physico-chemical properties of the oils. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of the important polyunsaturated fatty acids present in SC-CO2-extracted skin and muscle oil 5.81 ± 0.69% and 4.93 ± 0.06%, respectively. The amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in SC-CO2-extracted skin and muscle oil was 12.56 ± 0.38% and 15.01 ± 0.28%, respectively. EPA and DHA are considered as important PUFAs for the development of brain function and the prevention of coronary heart diseases. Extracted oils showed considerable antioxidant activity. In the obtained oils, atherogenic index (AI) values varied from 0.72 to 0.93 and thrombogenic index (TI) ranged from 0.75 to 0.92, which is considered an acceptable level. Fatty acid composition, bio potentiality, thermogravimetric, and vitamin D analysis showed that oils extracted from JSM by-products can be a good source of oil for application in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Therefore, the present research revealed the potentiality of green valorisation of S. niphonius by-products as a possible sustainable approach for targeting the era of zero waste.

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Organically Reared Broiler Chickens Depending on Sex

Simple Summary

Consumers are increasingly interested in the health and nutritional aspects of meat products, with the result that they are willing to pay more for meat products that have been produced naturally, taking into account high standards and animal welfare. Therefore, we decided to examine in a slightly wider perspective the muscles of Ross 308 chickens kept in an ecological system, taking into consideration an additional factor, i.e., sex. As sexual dimorphism is considered to be a factor in meat quality, we decided to examine this factor in our study. At the same time, we investigated the suitability of these fast-feathering broilers for ecological production. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of sex on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid profile and histological traits of the pectoral muscles in organic Ross 308 broiler chickens. The suitability of these fast-growing broilers for organic production systems was also analyzed. As expected, the study confirmed the influence of sex on the analyzed parameters of the pectoral muscles in chickens reared in the organic system.

Abstract

Given the growing interest of consumers in naturally produced meat, we decided to examine the muscles of Ross 308 broiler chickens kept in an ecological system, with the division into two research groups depending on sex. All the analyses were carried out using the appropriate methods recommended by the AOAC and in accordance with the Polish standards (PN), which are described in detail in the relevant section of the publication. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of sex on the growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality, as well as the fatty acid profile and histological parameters, of the pectoral muscles from organic broiler chickens. A total of 60 one-day-old Ross 308 chickens (half males and half females) were divided into two groups, according to the sex, and reared under organic conditions (Org.) until 82 days of age (ten birds, i.e., five males and five females in each of three pens; replications for experimental groups). Compared with the female group, the male group had a higher final BW and carcass weight (p < 0.05). The males had a better growth and slaughter performance than the females. The meat quality traits and fatty acids content were also affected by sex. The meat from females showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) protein, dry matter, fiber diameter and shear force and a significantly lower (p < 0.05) fat level than the male group. In this research, the suitability of these fast-growing broilers for natural and organic production systems has been researched with regard to the performance, meat quality and histological characteristics of the muscles.

Construction of miRNA-mRNA network in the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes

1. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in regulating lipid metabolism, adipogenesis and fat deposition in chicken. To date, there are only a few miRNAs that had been confirmed to be involved in chicken adipogenesis. The detailed mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate chicken adipogenesis remain largely unknown.

2. To identify candidate miRNAs involved in chicken preadipocyte differentiation and explore potential mechanisms behind their functions, the following study analysed and identified miRNA and mRNA expression levels in undifferentiated and differentiated preadipocytes. Hub miRNA-mRNA interactions were identified, and the degree of connectivity of DE miRNAs in the network was established.

3. A total of 145 DE miRNAs and 660 DE mRNAs were identified between undifferentiated and differentiated preadipocytes. An miRNA-mRNA network was constructed, including 29 DE miRNAs and 155 DE mRNAs, forming 470 miRNA-mRNA interactions. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DE mRNAs in the network were significantly enriched in 712 biological processes and 13 KEGG pathways. Based on the connectivity degree, five DE miRNAs with higher degrees miR-195-x, gga-miR-200a-3p, gga-miR-135a-5p, novel-m0067-5p and novel-m0270-5p were identified as hub miRNAs. Fifty-eight DE mRNAs interacted with these five hub miRNAs and formed 70 miRNA-mRNA interactions.

4. This study constructed a miRNA-mRNA network associated with chicken preadipocyte differentiation and identified five hub miRNAs in the network. The findings identified the number of chicken adipogenic miRNAs and laid the foundation for elucidating the miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanism in chicken adipogenesis.

The effect of essential oils on cholesterol content in chicken meat

The study aimed to investigate cholesterol content in chicken breast and thigh muscles by the influence of feed supplements of various content of essential oils. The experiment was carried out under practical conditions in a poultry farm with broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 hybrid combination according to the feed supplement used thyme essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, commercial citrus fruit essential oil, and their combination. The control group was without the use of experimental feed supplements and commercial coccidiostats were used in their feed mixtures. The experiment lasted 40 days in welfare conditions. Broiler chickens were used for sample preparation of breast and thigh muscles with the skin and their analysis for dry matter, fat and cholesterol contents. Samples were analyzed using a Nicolet 6700 FT-IR Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The results were processed by the SAS system program, version 8.2. The results, which were evaluated, indicated a tendency to reduce the cholesterol content in chicken breast muscle due to cinnamon essential oil and the combination of cinnamon essential oil with citrus fruit essential oil as well as thyme essential oil with citrus fruit essential. In the achieved results of dry matter, fat, and cholesterol content in breast and thigh muscles, the difference between the effects of the used feed supplements based on essential oils and concerning the control group were not statistically significant p >0.05. The correlation was a statistically significant strong linear relation only between dry matter content and fat content due to thyme and cinnamon essential oils. In conclusion, it was stated that the investigation of the feed supplement effect based on essential oils is an open question concerning the production of safe food of animal origin.

Impact of juçara (Euterpe edulis) fruit waste extracts on the quality of conventional and antibiotic-free broiler meat

Juçara (Euterpe edulis) is a native Brazilian palm tree from the Atlantic Forest, whose fruit-processing waste can present high concentration of antioxidant compounds. This research was assessed to determine the antioxidant potential of juçara waste extracts aiming to reduce the lipid and protein oxidation processes on conventional and antibiotic-free broiler meat throughout 9 d during refrigerated storage. The juçara waste extracts were obtained by microwave-assisted extraction. Two different extracts were tested based on the optimum point obtained when checking total phenolic (TPC) contents (Extract P) and antioxidant activity (Extract A) based on a previous study. The treatments using conventional and antibiotic-free broiler meat included: chicken patties without antioxidant addition (AFBNC and CBNC), with synthetic antioxidant (BHT) (AFBPC and CBPC), with Extract P (AFBEP and CBEP) and with Extract A (AFBEA and CBEA), totaling 8 treatments. Antioxidant activity of extracts along with TPC, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and tannin contents of extracts and patties were assessed. Proximate composition, fatty acid profile, lipid and protein oxidation process, and instrumental color were analyzed in patty treatments. Although both extracts had similar content of TPC and tannin, extract A presented the highest anthocyanin, while extract P exhibited the highest flavonoid. While extract A exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, extract P was highly influential in the stability of lipid oxidative degradation in both types of broiler meat (AFBEP and CBEP), and as successful as BHT (AFBPC and CBPC). In addition, extract P was also able to stabilize protein oxidation in conventional broiler meat (CBEP) from the third day, until the end of the storage period. Therefore, the fruit waste extract P of juçara can be a promising source of natural antioxidants to prevent the oxidative process in conventional and antibiotic-free broiler meat.

Insights into triterpene synthesis and unsaturated fatty-acid accumulation provided by chromosomal-level genome analysis of Akebia trifoliata subsp. australis

Akebia trifoliata subsp. australis is a well-known medicinal and potential woody oil plant in China. The limited genetic information available for A. trifoliata subsp. australis has hindered its exploitation. Here, a high-quality chromosome-level genome sequence of A. trifoliata subsp. australis is reported. The de novo genome assembly of 682.14 Mb was generated with a scaffold N50 of 43.11 Mb. The genome includes 25,598 protein-coding genes, and 71.18% (485.55 Mb) of the assembled sequences were identified as repetitive sequences. An ongoing massive burst of long terminal repeat (LTR) insertions, which occurred ~1.0 million years ago, has contributed a large proportion of LTRs in the genome of A. trifoliata subsp. australis. Phylogenetic analysis shows that A. trifoliata subsp. australis is closely related to Aquilegia coerulea and forms a clade with Papaver somniferum and Nelumbo nucifera, which supports the well-established hypothesis of a close relationship between basal eudicot species. The expansion of UDP-glucoronosyl and UDP-glucosyl transferase gene families and β-amyrin synthase-like genes and the exclusive contraction of terpene synthase gene families may be responsible for the abundant oleanane-type triterpenoids in A. trifoliata subsp. australis. Furthermore, the acyl-ACP desaturase gene family, including 12 stearoyl-acyl-carrier protein desaturase (SAD) genes, has expanded exclusively. A combined transcriptome and fatty-acid analysis of seeds at five developmental stages revealed that homologs of SADs, acyl-lipid desaturase omega fatty acid desaturases (FADs), and oleosins were highly expressed, consistent with the rapid increase in the content of fatty acids, especially unsaturated fatty acids. The genomic sequences of A. trifoliata subsp. australis will be a valuable resource for comparative genomic analyses and molecular breeding.

Fatty acids, health lipid indices, and cholesterol content of sheep meat of three breeds from Moroccan pastures

The lipid analysis of commercial lamb's meat, from two main Moroccan production areas Middle Atlas and highlands of eastern Morocco, was conducted. This study concerns the lipid quality of sheep meat from Beni Guil (BG) and Timahdite (Ti) as indigenous breeds and that of the Ouled Djellal (ODj) breed of Algerian origin. To study the effect of the geographical area, the meat samples from the Beni Guil breed were taken in the two main locations of this breed: in the region of Ain Beni Mathar (BGA) and that of Tendrara (BGT). The fatty acid profiles of the sheep meats analyzed showed the following: (i) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) richness was of 12.87 % and 20.59 % respectively for BGA and BGT breeds; (ii) polyunsaturated  /  saturated fatty acid ratios were ranged between 0.28 to 0.50 respectively for BGA and Ti breed; and (iii) PUFA- n - 3 content was 1.71 % for ODj breed and 2.13 % for BGA. Thus, the PUFA- n - 6   /  PUFA n - 3 ratios range between 4.92 and 9.6 for BGA and Ti sheep meat, respectively. The cholesterol content was 0.08 % and 0.12 % of fresh meat respectively for ODj and BGA. Finally, meats of BGA and ODj have similar thrombogenicity (1.23 and 1.27 respectively) and atherogenicity indices (0.71 and 0.68 respectively). Statistically, these values were significantly higher than those registered for Ti breed (IT: 1.04 and AI: 0.51). In conclusion, from a nutritional point of view, it can be deduced that these meats have an interesting lipid quality due to their richness in desirable fatty acid (UFA  +  C18 : 0).

Feeding high-oleic peanuts to meat-type broiler chickens enhances the fatty acid profile of the meat produced

Early feeding trials using peanut meal prepared from normal-oleic peanuts helped to identify peanuts as a suitable alternative feed ingredient for poultry. Yet no studies to date have examined the use of high-oleic peanuts (HO-PN) as a feed ingredient for meat type chickens. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of feeding whole unblanched HO-PN on the fatty acid profile of the meat produced from broilers. At hatch male chicks were randomly placed in raised wire cages, in 10 replicate pens per treatment with 10 chicks per pen, and fed with one of the 3 isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets ad libitum for 42 days: (1) conventional control of soybean meal + corn, (2) 10 to 12% HO-PN and corn diet, or (3) control diet spiked with ≈6.0% oleic acid oil. All body weights (BW) were collected, and broiler selection for processing was determined by individual BW within one-half a standard deviation of the experiment 42-D mean BW, with one bird selected per pen (10 replicate pens per treatment, 3 treatments, 10 birds selected per treatment, yielding a total sample size of 30 birds). Performance was determined weekly and breast samples were analyzed for fatty acid and amino acid profile. All data was analyzed using analysis of variance, with t-test mean comparisons at P < 0.05. BW were similar between broilers fed the HO-PN and control diet, while feed conversion ratio of broilers fed the HO-PN diet was significantly higher at weeks 2, 4, and 6 in comparison to the other treatments (P ≤ 0.03). Broilers fed with HO-PN diet had reduced carcass and pectoralis major weights in comparison to the other treatments. Chicken breast from broilers fed the HO-PN diet had significantly reduced saturated and trans fatty acid content in comparison to the controls (P ≤ 0.0002). Although additional studies must be conducted, this study suggests that feeding whole unblanched HO-PN to broiler chickens may serve as a means to enrich the meat produced with unsaturated fatty acids.

Nutritional Characteristics of Selected Insects in Uganda for Use as Alternative Protein Sources in Food and Feed

Insects are potential ingredients for animal feed and human food. Their suitability may be influenced by species and nutritional value. This study was aimed at determining the nutritional profile of four insects: Dipterans; black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus) family stratiomyidae and blue calliphora flies (Calliphora vomitoria Linnaeus) family Calliphoridae; and orthopterans; crickets (Acheta domesticus Linnaeus) family Gryllidae and grasshoppers (Ruspolia nitidula Linnaeus) family Tettigoniidae to establish their potential as alternative protein sources for animals (fish and poultry) and humans. Gross energy, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrates, and total ash were in the ranges of 2028.11-2551.61 kJ/100 g, 44.31-64.90, 0.61-46.29, 5.075-16.61, 3.43-12.27, and 3.23-8.74 g/100 g, respectively. Hermetia illucens had the highest energy and ash content; C. vomitoria were highest in protein and fiber content, R. nitidula were highest in fat, whereas A. domesticus had the highest carbohydrate content. All insects had essential amino acids required for poultry, fish, and human nutrition. The arginine to lysine ratios of H. illucens, C. vomitoria, A. domesticus, and R. nitidula were 1.45, 1.06, 1.06, and 1.45, respectively. The fatty acids comprised of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). Palmitic acid (23.6-38.8 g/100 g of total fat) was the most abundant SFA, exception R. nitidula with 14 g/100 g stearic acid. Linoleic acid (190-1,723 mg/100 g) and linolenic acid (650-1,903 mg/100 g) were the most abundant PUFAs. Only C. vomitoria had docosahexaenoic acid. The study indicates that the insects studied are rich in crude protein and other nutrients and can potentially be used for human and animal (fish and poultry) feeding.

The Effect of Dietary Camelina sativa Oil or Cake in the Diets of Broiler Chickens on Growth Performance, Fatty Acid Profile, and Sensory Quality of Meat

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of supplementing the diets of broiler chickens with Camelina sativa oil or cake as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on their growth performance, fatty acid profile, and sensory quality of meat. The 456 Ross 308 broilers aged 21-42 days were divided into 3 groups with 4 replicates of 38 birds in each. Chickens in the control group I (CTR) were fed a standard grower-finisher feed mixture containing 60 g/kg rapeseed oil. The experimental components, C. sativa oil-CSO (group II) or cake-CSC (group III), were included in a diet based on wheat and soybean at 40 and 100 g/kg, respectively. The use of Camelina oil and cake as feed components did not have a significant effect on the growth performance of the chickens. Analysis of the fatty acid profile in the lipids of the breast muscles showed that Camelina oil and cake reduced the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05) but increased the content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid (C18:3) (p < 0.01). Furthermore, both components reduced the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs in the breast muscles (p < 0.01). Sensory analysis revealed that Camelina oil had a beneficial effect on meat juiciness, whereas Camelina cake slightly worsened the flavor and tastiness of the meat. In conclusion, supplementing the diet of broiler chickens with Camelina oil or cake can be an efficient method for modifying the fatty acid profile of the meat lipids in a beneficial way, without any negative impact on the growth performance of the chickens. According to the dietetic recommendations for humans, broiler chicken meat with a higher level of PUFA n-3 can be a good alternative source of these fatty acids in the human diet. Furthermore, Camelina oil improved the juiciness of breast meat.

Antioxidant effect of oregano essential oil during various storage meat time of hybrid combination Ross 308

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Origanum vulgare L. Hirtum essential oil on the oxidation stability of raw chicken meat. Oregano essential oil was applied in a different way, on the one hand in a feed for broiler chickens (E1) and on the other hand on a surface of chicken thighs (E2). Broiler chickens were fed during the experimental period in the all groups with commercial feed mixtures except the experimental group of E1 (with the addition of 0.05% oregano essential oil, 50 g EO per 100 g of the feed mixture). In E2 was application of oregano essential oil (0.5%) on surface of thighs 1 mL per 60 g of meat realized. The oxidative stability of the chicken meat was investigated in the same way, 8th days after vacuum-packed and stored at temperature 4 °C and 6, 9 and 12 months after vacuum-packed and storage at -18 °C. The samples of the E1 consisted of breast and thigh muscles with skin (150 g) and of the E2 thigh muscle with skin (60 g). The impact of oregano essential oil was measured by content of fat and peroxide value (PV). Fat content in both experiments was not affected by storage time and EO addition. Content of chicken meat fat in E1 in control group ranged between M = 9.64 – 12.95 g.100 g-1 and in experimental group contained similar amount of fat mean from M = 9.94 – 12.24 g.100 g-1; E2: in control group M = 7.01 – 7.73 g.100 g-1 and in experimental group M = 6.15 – 8.03 g.100 g-1. Measured peroxide values confirm that oregano essential oil has effect on broiler chicken meat oxidative stability, if applied to feed, manifested statistically significant differences between control and experimental group. The mean of peroxide value in control group of E1 was M = 0.58 –3.60 µmol O2.kg-1 and in experimental group was M = 1.06 – 2.11 µmol O2.kg-1. We found not statistically significant difference in peroxide values, if applied oregano essential oil to raw chicken meat. The results impact of oregano essential oil on chicken meat comparable to control group, but a tendency to improve oxidative stability was indicated.

The Associations between Meat Group Consumption and Acute Myocardial Infarction Risks in an Iranian Population: a Case-Control Study

Acute myocardial infraction (AMI) is a highly frequent cause of mortality and disability around the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations between meat group intake levels and AMI risks in an adult Iranian population. This case-control study was conducted on 200 first AMI cases and 200 healthy individuals matched by age, sex, and body mass index. A Food Frequency Questionnaire validated for Iranian populations was used to assess usual dietary intake levels over the previous year. Data was extracted regarding the meat group-including meat (red and processed), fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, and legumes. The associations between meat group items and AMI were calculated by multivariable logistic regression. Red meat consumption was significantly positively associated with increased risk of AMI. After adjustment for potential confounders, a positive association was found between higher frequency of processed and red meat intake, and increased risk of AMI (processed meat consumption: odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-2.23 and red meat consumption: OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.84-5.11). In addition, the results indicated an inverse association between the frequency of nuts consumption and AMI (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31-0.92). There were no associations seen between poultry, fish, eggs and beans intake levels, and the odds of AMI. The current study suggested a direct association between the frequency of processed/red meat consumption and increased AMI risks. In addition, an inverse relation was observed between frequency of nuts consumption and the risks of AMI.

Application of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) to obtain bioactive fatty acids and phenols from Laminaria ochroleuca collected in Galicia (NW Spain)

The increase of pathologies like cardiovascular diseases, obesity or diabetes due to the nature of diet is a matter of concern in our society. Because of this, there is a high interest in healthy natural products that could prevent the appearance of such diseases. This paper aims to study the content of fatty acids (FAs) and phenolic compounds of brown alga Laminaria ochroleuca (L. ochroleuca) and to determine the nutritional quality of the lipids extracted using pressurized liquids extraction (PLE) technique. PLE was applied to the algae using four solvents of different polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and ethanol:water 1:1). Results showed that the higher yield (52%), is obtained with ethanol: water solvent, however, both ethyl acetate and ethanol enrich unsaturated fatty acid (USFA) (palmitoleic, linolenic, linoleic, oleic, araquidonic and eicosapenataenoic) in the lipid fraction of L. ochroleuca, providing extracts up to 55% of their total fatty acid content compared to other solvents. The nutritional quality of the lipids in all PLE extracts was assessed by considering the ω-6/ ω-3 fatty acid ratio and two dietary indexes involved in the risks of coronary heart disease, atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI). The lower (best) index values are for ethanol extract, 4.4 (ω-6/ ω-3), 0.74 (AI) and 1.05 (TI), followed of ethyl acetate, 4.4 (ω-6/ ω-3), 0.87 (AI) and 1.24 (TI). Finally, the antioxidant capacity of PLE alga extracts in terms of total phenol content (TPC) was analyzed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The ethanol: water extracts showed the highest TPC with a concentration up to 173.65 mg eq. gallic acid / g PLE extract.

Fatty acid profile and carcass characteristics in castrated and uncastrated hair lambs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of castration on carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of visceral fat and meat from lambs. Eighteen six-month-old Santa Inês male lambs (18.9 ± 2.4 kg of body weight (BW)) were used. Animals were assigned to two treatments according to their sexual condition: uncastrated (U) or castrated (C). During a 98-day experimental period, animals were kept on an Andropogon gayanus grass pasture area of 1 ha and supplemented with 200 g/animal/day of concentrate mixture. Water and mineral salt were available ad libitum. The lambs were weighed fortnightly, and at the last day of the trial, they were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass characteristics and fatty acids profile of perirenal fat and longissimus lumborum muscle samples. Castrated lambs showed higher BW than U during most part of the experiment (p < 0.05). Fat deposition was higher in C lambs as evidenced by their increased carcass fat cover. Meat from U lambs showed lower content of C_16:0 and higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p < 0.05) than that from C (U, 14.3 and C, 10.5%). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content was not affected by castration (p > 0.05) (U, 0.74 and C, 0.76%). The cis-9, cis-12 C_18:2n-6 (U, 10.6 and C, 6.86%) fatty acid and the PUFA:SFA (saturated fatty acids) ratio (U, 0.36 and C, 0.25) were higher in the muscle of U lambs (p < 0.05), indicating that the meat from U animals may provide more benefits to human health than that of C.

Genomic Insights Into the Multiple Factors Controlling Abdominal Fat Deposition in a Chicken Model

Genetic selection for an increased growth rate in meat-type chickens has been accompanied by excessive fat accumulation particularly in abdominal cavity. These progressed to indirect and often unhealthy effects on meat quality properties and increased feed cost. Advances in genomics technology over recent years have led to the surprising discoveries that the genome is more complex than previously thought. Studies have identified multiple-genetic factors associated with abdominal fat deposition. Meanwhile, the obesity epidemic has focused attention on adipose tissue and the development of adipocytes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current understanding of genetic/epigenetic factors associated with abdominal fat deposition, or as it relates to the proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes in chicken. The results discussed here have been identified by different genomic approaches, such as QTL-based studies, the candidate gene approach, epistatic interaction, copy number variation, single-nucleotide polymorphism screening, selection signature analysis, genome-wide association studies, RNA sequencing, and bisulfite sequencing. The studies mentioned in this review have described multiple-genetic factors involved in an abdominal fat deposition. Therefore, it is inevitable to further study the multiple-genetic factors in-depth to develop novel molecular markers or potential targets, which will provide promising applications for reducing abdominal fat deposition in meat-type chicken.