Effect of fat and lactose supplementation on digestion in dairy cows. 2. Long-chain fatty acids

Intestinal digestibility of long-chain fatty acids in lactating dairy cows: A meta-analysis and meta-regression

The objective of this analysis was to examine the intestinal digestibility of individual long-chain fatty acids (FA) in lactating dairy cows. Available data were collated from 15 publications containing 61 treatments, which reported total and individual FA duodenal flows and calculations of intestinal digestibility. All studies involved lactating dairy cows, and estimates of digestibility were based on measurements either between the duodenum and ileum (18 treatments) or between the duodenum and feces (43 treatments). Fatty acid digestibility was calculated for C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 (cis and trans isomers), C18:2, and C18:3. Digestibility of C18:0 was lower than for C18:1 and C18:3, with no difference in digestibility between saturated FA (C16:0 and C18:0). We weighted the studies by the reciprocal of the variance to generate best-fit equations to predict individual FA digestibility based on duodenal flow of FA and dietary independent variables. The flow of C18:0 negatively affected the digestibility of C18:0 and was also included in the best-fit equations for all other 18-carbon FA using duodenal flow characteristics. The type of fat supplemented had an effect on digestibility of individual FA, with whole seeds having reduced digestibility. Our meta-analysis results showed minimal differences in the digestibility of individual FA. However, C18:0 flow through the duodenum had a negative effect on the digestibility of several individual FA, with the largest negative effect on C18:0 digestibility. The mechanisms that reduce C18:0 absorption at high concentrations are unknown and warrant further investigation.

Correlation of geographical location with stable isotope values of hydrogen and carbon of fatty acids from New Zealand milk and bulk milk powder

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of δ²H and δ¹³C of bulk milk powder and milk powder fatty acids to their production region. A total of 46 milk powder samples from across New Zealand were collected and analyzed. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the δ²H and δ¹³C of four fatty acids (C4:0, C14:0, C16:0, C18:1) and bulk milk powder were found to be correlated with regional production area. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) models were prepared using different combinations of bulk and fatty acid δ²H and δ¹³C. All models were effective in discriminating samples from the North and South Islands. The LDA model using just fatty acid δ²H and δ¹³C provided the best separation. Therefore, the isotopic composition of the aforementioned fatty acids can be utilized as a good biomarker in milk powder that conveys reliable isotopic information to track milk powders to their regional origin.

Effects on animal performance and fat composition of two fat concentrates in diets for growing-fattening bulls

Two experiments were carried out with growing-fattening bulls, offered a fattening diet based on concentrate and supplemented with soya oil or steam-flaked linseed. Soya oil (200 g/kg) was mixed with middlings (800 g/kg). Linseed (500 g/kg) and whole barley (500 g/kg) were steam flaked. The fat incorporation resulted in an increase of the ether extract content from 26·5 g/kg dry matter to about 45 g/kg. The incorporation of soya oil increased the average daily gain (P> 0·05). The saturated: unsaturated fatty acid ratio was reduced in perirenal fat due to an increase of oleic acid and a reduction of stearic acid. The inclusion of steam-treated linseed resulted in a lower slaughter weight (P< 0·05) and a shorter fattening period (P> 0·05). The fatty acid composition of perirenal fat was affected significantly: the concentrations of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid were increased and the concentrations of myristic, palmitic and stearic acids were reduced. This resulted in a reduced saturated: unsaturated fatty acid ratio.

In a third experiment, samples of the two fat concentrates were incubated in nylon bags in the rumen. The ether extract disappearance was high with both concentrates. Furthermore, the fatty acid composition was altered to a large extent for soya oil while large proportions of unsaturated fatty acids were still present with steam-flaked linseed.

Fatty acid flow to the duodenum and in milk from cows fed diets that contained fat and nicotinic acid

Four cows fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design; treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial. Treatments were 1) low fat diet, no nicotinic acid; 2) low fat diet, 12 g/d of nicotinic acid; 3) high fat diet, no nicotinic acid; and 4) high fat diet, 12 g/d of nicotinic acid. Cows were fed for ad libitum intake diets consisting of 35% alfalfa silage, 15% corn silage, and either 50% low fat concentrate or 40% high fat concentrate (tallow supplied 6.25% of concentrate) and 10% whole raw soybeans (dry matter basis). Intake of gross energy (104 Mcal/d) was not different among treatments. Ruminal and postruminal digestibility of energy was not altered by fat or nicotinic acid. Fatty acid intake and flow to the duodenum were increased by fat but were not affected by nicotinic acid. For all diets, flows to the duodenum of C16:0, C18:0, total C18, and total fatty acids increased, and flows of C16:1, C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3 decreased, compared with their intakes. Biohydrogenation of unsaturated C18 was decreased by fat but was not affected by nicotinic acid. Digestibilities of C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, and total fatty acids that flowed to the duodenum were decreased by fat but were not affected by nicotinic acid. The yield of C18:0 in milk was increased, and yields of C6:0 to C16:0 fatty acids were decreased, by fat, but yields were not affected by nicotinic acid.

Fatty acid digestion in lactating dairy cows fed fats varying in degree of saturation and different fiber sources

Six cannulated cows were assigned to six treatments in a 6 x 6 Latin square design to evaluate the effects of fat saturation and amount and source of effective fiber on fatty acid metabolism. Cows were fed a control diet with no added fat or diets with 5% added fat from saturated tallow, tallow, or animal-vegetable fat; the diets with animal-vegetable fat had three percentages of effective fiber: 40% forage, 40% forage plus 20% soyhulls, or 60% forage. Cows fed diets supplemented with fat tended to have more disappearance of total fatty acids in the rumen than did those fed the control diet. Disappearance of fatty acids from the rumen, especially C16 and C18, was higher for cows fed the low fiber diet. The apparent digestibility of fatty acids in the small intestine was higher for cows fed the control diet than for those fed supplemental fat. Apparent digestibility also was reduced as fat saturation increased, primarily because of saturated tallow. Digestibility of C18:1 in saturated tallow was reduced, apparently in association with other saturated fatty acids. Fiber source had no effects on apparent intestinal digestibility of fatty acids. Concentrations of C18:0 and C18:1 in milk fat increased as the degree of fat saturation decreased, reflecting higher unsaturated C18 intake and ruminal biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated C18 fatty acids.

Effects of fat saturation and source of fiber on site of nutrient digestion and milk production by lactating dairy cows

Six primiparous cannulated cows were assigned to six treatments in a 6 x 6 Latin square design to evaluate the effects of degree of fat saturation and amount and source of effective fiber on site of nutrient digestion and milk production. Cows were fed for ad libitum intake a control diet with no added fat or diets with 5% added fat from saturated tallow, tallow, or animal-vegetable fat; the diets with animal-vegetable fat had 40% forage, 40% forage plus 20% soyhulls, or 60% forage. Ruminal acetate:propionate was higher when soyhulls replaced forage NDF because of the higher digestibility of soyhulls in the rumen and total tract. Ruminal digestion of NDF was decreased as unsaturation of fat increased. True and apparent efficiencies of bacterial protein synthesis were increased as fat unsaturation increased, probably because of reduced recycling of microbial N in the rumen. The digestibility of fatty acids in the small intestine was higher in cows fed no fat than in those fed fat and was reduced as fat unsaturation decreased, primarily because of the saturated tallow. Dry matter intake was decreased 14% by increased fat unsaturation. All fat supplements depressed milk protein percentage. Production of 4% FCM tended to decrease linearly as unsaturation of fat increased. In diets with 5% added fat, a degree of saturation between saturated tallow and tallow (iodine values of 18 and 62) appears to be optimum for fatty acid digestibility and DMI.

Raw soybeans and roasted soybeans of different particle sizes. 2. Fatty acid utilization by lactating cows

This study was conducted to examine the effects of feeding whole raw soybeans and roasted soybeans of different particle sizes on utilization by ruminal bacteria and lactating cows. Five cows with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. Diets contained 55% corn silage and 45% concentrate. Treatments were control (Ca soaps at 4.24% of dietary DM), whole raw soybeans, whole roasted soybeans, cracked roasted soybeans, or ground roasted soybeans. All soybean diets contained 19.7% soybeans. Source of fat (Ca soaps vs. soybeans) caused more differences in utilization of fatty acids than did processing of soybeans. Ruminal bacteria harvested from cows fed roasted soybeans had higher fatty acid content than from cows fed raw soybeans. Different methods for calculation of ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids are discussed. Roasting tended to increase the total tract digestibility of fatty acids, and roasted soybeans tended to increase polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk compared with raw soybeans, primarily because of changes in concentration of C18:2. Change in particle size of roasted soybeans had minor effects on utilization of fatty acids. Decisions on processing of soybeans need to be based primarily on factors other than fatty acid digestibility.

Lipid absorption and transport in ruminants

The objective of this paper is to review new insights on the biological mechanisms of absorption and transport of lipid in ruminants, especially the modern concepts and analytical methods used in studies on structural properties and intravascular and tissue metabolism of lipoproteins and their factors of variation. The intestinal absorption of lipids (including long-chain fatty acids) is detailed, and variations in the qualitative and the quantitative aspects of absorption with diet composition, especially for high fat diets, are presented. Also, structural properties and distribution characteristics of lipoprotein classes in different lymphatic and blood vessels are compared across several animal species. Physicochemical and hydrodynamic properties of the lipoprotein particles and their apolipoprotein moieties are given for the main classes of lipoproteins. Finally, lipoprotein metabolism is discussed in relation to development and physiological, nutritional, and hormonal status. Intravascular metabolism of lipoproteins, including the role of lipolytic enzymes and lipid transfer proteins, is presented. Characteristics of the intestinal and hepatic synthesis of lipoproteins and apolipoprotein fractions are compared, especially through experiments stimulating the hepatic secretion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Different methods of measurement of lipoprotein tissue uptake or secretion in ruminants are discussed.

Lipid metabolism in the rumen

Recent advances in ruminal lipid metabolism have focused primarily on manipulation of physicochemical events in the rumen aimed at two practical outcomes: 1) control of antimicrobial effects of fatty acids so that additional fat can be fed to ruminants without disruption of ruminal fermentation and digestion and 2) regulation of microbial biohydrogenation to alter the absorption of selected fatty acids that might enhance performance or reduce saturation of meat and milk. Properties of lipids that determine their antimicrobial effects in the rumen include type of functional group, degree of unsaturation, formation of carboxylate salts, and physical association of lipids with surfaces of feed particles and microbes. The mechanism of how lipids interfere with ruminal fermentation is a complex model involving partitioning of lipid into the microbial cell membrane, potency of the lipid to disrupt membrane and cellular function, physical attachment of microbial cells to plant surfaces, and expression and activity of microbial hydrolytic enzymes. Lipolytic and hydrogenation rates vary with forage quality (stage of maturity and N content), surface area of feed particles in the rumen, and structural modifications of the lipid molecule that inhibit attack by bacterial isomerases.

Effects of dietary fat and protein on fatty acid flow to the duodenum and in milk produced by dairy cows

Four Holstein cows fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square with treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments were 1) soybean meal, no fat; 2) fish meal, no fat; 3) soybean meal, fat; and 4) fish meal, fat. Cows were fed for ad libitum intake a diet of alfalfa haylage, corn silage, and concentrate (30:20:50) on a DM basis. Intake of gross energy (105 Mcal/d) was not altered by treatment comparisons. However, feeding fat decreased energy digested in the rumen (15 vs. 24%) and increased energy digested postruminally (55 vs. 43%) but resulted in similar amounts of energy (72 Mcal/d) digested in the total tract. The flow of C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, and total fatty acids to the duodenum was increased by feeding fat. The average flow of C14:0, total C18, and total fatty acids to the duodenum was greater than their intake for all treatments, suggesting de novo synthesis of fatty acids by ruminal microbes. Biohydrogenation of unsaturated C18 was decreased 70, 67, 59, and 51% for treatments 1 to 4, respectively, by feeding fat and fish meal. Digestibility of total fatty acids entering the small intestine (78%) was not altered by treatment comparisons; however, feeding fat altered digestibility of individual fatty acids. The proportion of C16:0 and C18:1 was increased, and the proportion of C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, and C14:0 was decreased in milk fat produced by cows fed fat.

Ruminal synthesis, biohydrogenation, and digestibility of fatty acids by dairy cows

Ruminal synthesis and biohydrogenation of fatty acids in dairy cows were determined by sampling duodenal digesta through T-cannulas. Fatty acid digestibility in the total tract also was measured. Five diets (concentrate:alfalfa hay:alfalfa haylage:corn silage, 2:1:1:1, DM) in a 5 x 5 Latin square contained either no added fat; 3 or 6% added calcium soap; or 3 or 6% animal-vegetable blend fat. Seventy percent of dietary fatty acids were recovered at the duodenum, and 106 g/d were synthesized in the rumen regardless of diets. Fatty acids synthesized in greatest amounts were odd or branched chains, whereas more than 90% of the fatty acids shorter than 14 carbons disappeared. Fatty acids in calcium soap were biohydrogenated 57% and in animal-vegetable blend 87%. Fatty acids in calcium soap were more digestible (80.0 vs. 75.7%) than those in the blended fat due to greater unsaturation in the small intestine. Ruminal microorganisms selectively synthesized fatty acids.

Duodenal rapeseed oil infusion in early and midlactation cows. 1. Intestinal apparent digestibility of fatty acids and lipids

Rapeseed oil was infused continuously into the duodenum of lactating dairy cows. Five separate trials were conducted with differences in amount of oil infused (1.0 to 1.5 kg/d), in lactation stage (early to late), and in basal diet (corn or grass silages). The effects of lecithin addition (9 g/d) also were studied. Oil infusion did not affect the apparent digestibility of defatted organic matter. Fatty acid, ether extract, and total lipid digestibilities in control cows were 62 to 82%, 72 to 76%, and 59 to 73%, respectively. Intestinal apparent digestibilities of oil fatty acid and ether extract fractions were estimated to be 63 to 74% and 67 to 81%, respectively. Intestinal apparent digestibility of oil total lipids was only 20 to 57% due to a significant increase in nonfatty acid lipid excretion (160 to 750 g/d above control cows), which sharply decreased the energy value of the infused oil. Lecithin did not modify apparent digestibility in oil-infused cows.

Distribution of bacteria in the rumen contents of dairy cows given a diet supplemented with soya-bean oil

1. Liquid-associated bacteria (LAB) were harvested from the liquid phase (LAB1) and from the solid phase of rumen contents after washing and manual shaking (LAB2). Solid-adherent bacteria (SAB) were recovered after washing and pummelling the total particles (SAB1). The distribution and the chemical composition of these three bacterial compartments were investigated in four dairy cows fitted with rumen fistulas. The animals received successively a diet consisting of one part hay and one part barley-based concentrate (diet C) and the same diet containing free soya-bean oil (79 g/kg dry matter (DM); diet So). 2. The efficiency of removal of SAB1 from total particles of rumen digesta collected 1 h after feeding, was calculated from the diaminopimelic acid content in particles and of the corresponding detached bacteria. It was 24% on diet C and 18% on diet So (P less than 0.05), using a combination of homogenizing and 'stomaching' treatments in saline (9 g sodium choloride/1) (reference treatment). For diets C and So respectively it was lowered by Tween in saline solution (1 g/l; 22.7 and 17.8%, not significant), but was increased when using a previous chilling (6 h at 4 degrees) of homogenized particles before stomaching in saline (28.8 and 24.7%, P less than 0.05) and in Tween 80 in saline (1 g/l; 26.6 and 20.8%, P less than 0.05). 3. The extent of removal of SAB1 from the solid fraction of rumen digesta by the reference treatment decreased with decreasing particle size; it was at the highest for particles retained on 4 and 2 mm sieves (62.1-82.1%) and still elevated for particles retained on 0.8, 0.4 and 0.1 mm sieves (41.3-57.9%). It was very much reduced for particles smaller than 0.1 mm (11.7-14.5%), suggesting the occurrence of favourable conditions for the adhesion of SAB firmly resistant to removal (SAB2). 4. The concentration of total SAB (SAB1 + SAB2) in particles collected 1 h after feeding was lower (P less than 0.05) in diet C (190 g/kg DM) than in diet So (234 g/kg DM). Values averaged 595-645 g/kg DM for particles smaller than 0.1 mm, but only 61 and 81-98 g/kg DM for particles retained on 4 and 0.4 mm sieves, and on a 0.1 mm sieve respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effect of fat and lactose supplementation on digestion in dairy cows. 1. Nonlipid components

Seven cows, of which five were fitted with rumen and duodenal cannulae, alternately received "milk" diet with 10% fat and 13% lactose, and control diet with 2% fat and no lactose. Both diets were 60% hay. Organic matter and crude fiber digestibilities were not different between milk diet (73.4 and 68.1%) and control diet (74.1 and 70.5%). The quantity of organic matter degraded in the rumen (percent of intake) was higher with control diet (51%) than with milk diet (44%). Ratio of duodenal nonammonia nitrogen to nitrogen intake was higher with milk diet. Both diets gave the same rumen pH. The milk diet increased butyrate and minor volatile fatty acids and decreased acetate proportions. The milk diet increased plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate and decreased plasma acetate. These differences were significant only after feeding. Changes in the characteristics of digestion with milk diet were related more to lactose than to fat. No decrease in fiber digestion was seen with the milk diet despite its high fat content.