The effects of conjugated linoleic acid on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and fatty acid composition of broilers fed corn dried distillers grains with solubles

Conjugated linoleic acid regulates adipocyte fatty acid binding protein expression via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α signaling pathway and increases intramuscular fat content

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is correlated positively with meat tenderness, juiciness and taste that affected sensory meat quality. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been extensively researched to increase IMF content in animals, however, the regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) gene has been proposed as candidates for IMF accretion. The purpose of this study is to explore the molecular regulatory pathways of CLA on intramuscular fat deposition. Here, our results by cell lines indicated that CLA treatment promoted the expression of A-FABP through activated the transcription factor of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). Moreover, in an animal model, we discovered that dietary supplemental with CLA significantly enhanced IMF deposition by up-regulating the mRNA and protein expression of PPARα and A-FABP in the muscle tissues of mice. In addition, our current study also demonstrated that dietary CLA increased mRNA expression of genes and enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis and lipid metabolism the muscle tissues of mice. These findings suggest that CLA mainly increases the expression of A-FABP through PPARα signaling pathway and regulates the expression of genes and enzymes related to IMF deposition, thus increasing IMF content. These results contribute to better understanding the molecular mechanism of IMF accretion in animals for the improvement of meat quality.

Evaluating the impact of feeding dried distillers grains with solubles on Boer goat growth performance, meat color stability and antioxidant capacity

A total of 72 male Boer goat kids (21.7 ± 0.5 kg) were fed for 21 d with 3 kids per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were: 0% inclusion of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; 0% DDGS) or 33% DDGS inclusion (33% DDGS) and were provided ad libitum. Goats and feeders were weighed weekly to collect body weights (BW) and determine feed disappearance in order to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (G:F). At the conclusion of the feeding study, a subset (n = 30; 2–3 goats from each pen representing six6 pens per treatment) of goats were harvested, carcasses evaluated, and loins were fabricated into 2.54 cm chops. Goat chop discoloration was evaluated by trained panelists and measured for L*, a*, and b* values on days 0, 4, 7, and 10 under retail display conditions. Samples were collected and analyzed for lipid oxidation, fatty acid profile, and hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant capacity. No evidence of differences was observed for final BW, ADFI, G:F, and carcass characteristics (P > 0.05). However, goats fed the 0% DDGS diet had greater ADG compared with those fed a diet containing 33% DDGS (P = 0.05). Overall, visual evaluation of discoloration, L*, a*, and b* as well as lipid oxidation data confirmed that feeding 33% DDGS to goats had no effect on goat chop discoloration and lipid oxidation (P > 0.10). However, all chops demonstrated a display effect, which they increased in visual discoloration and lipid oxidation and decreased in a* and b* values (P < 0.01) over the entirety of the 10-d period of retail display, regardless of the dietary treatments. As expected, feeding 33% DDGS to goats decreased relative percentage of multiple and total monounsaturated fatty acids, but increased relative percentage of multiple and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P < 0.05). The antioxidant capacity measurements showed no treatment difference in the hydrophilic portion (P > 0.10), but chops from the 33% DDGS treatment had greater lipophilic antioxidant activity compared with the 0% DDGS chops (P < 0.05). In conclusion, including 33% DDGS to the diet may negatively impact goat growth performance, but did not impact any carcass characteristics. Feeding a diet with 33% DDGS resulted in an increase in the PUFA content of goat chops but did not appear to impact meat color or lipid oxidation. The supposed negative consequence from increased PUFA is likely counterbalanced by the increased antioxidant capacity in the lipid component of meat, resulting in no difference in meat shelf-life.

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical indexes of male sika deer (Cervus nippon)

ContextConjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is very important for animals and humans. CLA has many important biological functions, such as reducing fat and increasing muscle, antioxidation, improving immunity and so on. CLA requirements for deer have not been established.AimsA single-factor test was conducted to evaluate the effects of CLA supplementation on male sika deer.MethodsSixteen deer were divided in four groups (from G0 to G3) of four animals, each according to their bodyweight. Deer in G0 were fed a basal diet without CLA supplementation. Deer in G1, G2 and G3 were fed diets supplemented with CLA at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0%. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical indexes were measured.Key resultsThe results suggested that the average daily gain of deer increased with conjugated linoleic acid supplementation (P&lt;0.05); maximal growth performance was seen in G2. The average daily feed intake showed differences among the treatments (P&lt;0.01). The highest average daily feed intake was observed in Group G2. Feed to gain ratio (F:G) in Groups G1, G2 and G3 was different from that in Group G0 (P&lt;0.01). The digestibility of crude protein and ether extract was increased by conjugated linoleic acid concentrations (P&lt;0.05). The alkaline phosphatase activity showed a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in Groups G2 and G3, compared with Group G0. There were significant differences in cholesterol between G1 and G2 groups (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionsThe results indicated that conjugated linoleic acid supplementation to diet plays a positive role in the growth of sika deer.ImplicationsThis experiment has shown the effects of dietary supplementation with CLA in sika deer breeding. It has layed a good foundation for the application of CLA supplementation in sika deer industry to promote the healthy development of sika deer breeding industry.

Supplementing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in breeder hens diet increased CLA incorporation in liver and alters hepatic lipid metabolism in chick offspring

This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of supplementing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in breeder hens diet on development and hepatic lipid metabolism of chick offspring. Hy-Line Brown breeder hens were allocated into two groups, supplemented with 0 (CT) or 0.5% CLA for 8 weeks. Offspring chicks were grouped according to the mother generation and fed for 7 days. CLA treatment had no significant influence on development, egg quality, and fertility of breeder hens, but darkened the egg yolks in shade and increased yolk sac mass compared to CT group. Addition of CLA resulted in increased body mass and liver mass, and decreased deposition of subcutaneous adipose tissue in chick offspring. The serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) levels of chick offspring were decreased in CLA group. CLA treatment increased the incorporation of both CLA isomers (c9t11 and t10c12) in liver of chick offspring, accompanied by the decreased hepatic TG levels, related to the significant reduction of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) enzyme activities and the increased of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1) enzyme activity. Meanwhile, CLA treatment reduced the mRNA expression of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS, ACC, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c), and induced the expression of genes related to β-oxidative (CPT1, AMP-activated protein kinase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α) in chick offspring liver. In summary, the addition of CLA in breeder hens diet significantly increased incorporation of CLA in liver of chick offspring, which further regulate hepatic lipid metabolism.

High-energy diet does not overcome the negative impact of conjugated linoleic acid on young broiler performance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation in diets with different energy levels in broiler performance. Birds were offered a starter (1-21 d), grower (22-35 d) and finisher (36-42 d) diets; wherein soybean oil was replaced by CLA. The study consisted of a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with two CLA levels (0 and 1%) and three energy levels (3050, 3100 and 3150 ME kg-1 diet). During the grower and finisher periods, birds were fed diets with same energy level and CLA supplementation was maintained the same. Growth performance was assessed weekly, and carcass and cuts yield were assessed at 42d. Interaction effect of CLA by energy level was observed in broiler performance and carcass yield throughout the study (p > 0.05). During the overall period (1-42 d) broiler performance was not affected by CLA (p > 0.05).However, CLA supplementation (1%) decreased weight gain (p < 0.05) at 21d, regardless of energy level, with no effects on feed intake and feed conversation rate (p > 0.05). The increase in dietary energy was not able to compensate the negative effect on growth performance of broilers supplemented with 1% CLA at the starter period.

The Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Intestinal Protective Effects of Baicalin-Copper in Deoxynivalenol-Challenged Piglets

The present study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant and intestinal protective effects of baicalin-copper on deoxynivalenol-challenged piglets. Forty weaned piglets were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to different diets: (1) basal diet (Con), (2) 4 mg/kg deoxynivalenol of basal diet (DON), (3) 5 g/kg baicalin-copper of basal diet (BCU); and (4) 4 mg/kg deoxynivalenol + 5 g/kg baicalin‐copper of basal diet (DBCU). The results showed that the ADFI and ADG of piglets in the DON group were markedly lower than those in the Con group, but the ADFI and ADG of the DBCU group were not significantly different from those of the Con group. In piglets fed a DON-contaminated diet, dietary supplementation with BCU significantly decreased the mRNA levels of P70S6K, 4E-BP1, and HSP70 in the liver, the protein expression of HO-1 in the jejunum, and the expression of p-Nrf2 and p-NF-κB in the ileum but increased Mn-SOD activity in serum. Dietary supplementation with BCU increased jejunal maltase, ZIP4 and MT mRNA levels, and serum concentrations of Arg, Val, Ile, Leu, Lys, and Tyr in DON-contaminated piglets. In summary, BCU can alleviate the growth impairment induced by DON and enhance antioxidant capacity and nutrition absorption in piglets fed DON-contaminated diets.

Conjugated linoleic acid regulates lipid metabolism through the expression of selected hepatic genes in laying hens

The effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on lipid metabolism in laying hens was investigated. A total of 360 eighteen-wk-old Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly divided into 4 groups that consisted of 6 replicates with 15 birds each. Birds were fed basal diets with 0, 1%, 2%, and 4% CLA addition. The experiment lasted for 56 D after a 7-D adaptation period. Results showed that dietary CLA addition linearly reduced (P < 0.05) abdominal fat percentage but linearly increased (P < 0.05) relative liver weight of layers on day 56. A linear reduction (P < 0.05) in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and a linear elevation (P < 0.05) in the ratio of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level to LDL-C level of layers on both days 28 and 56 were observed with dietary CLA addition, which also linearly decreased (P < 0.05) cholesterol content in the liver of layers on day 56 as well as in eggs on both days 28 and 56. Besides, there were linear reductions (P < 0.05) in the gene expression and contents of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) and cholesterol 7 alpha hydroxylase 1 (CYP7A1), along with a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the gene expression and content of hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in layers responded to dietary CLA addition. In conclusion, dietary CLA supplementation decreased the accumulation of lipids including abdominal fat and cholesterol in the liver and egg of laying hens, probably by upregulating hepatic LDLR expression and downregulating hepatic HMGR and CYP7A1 expression.

Effectiveness Evaluation of Use of Various Protein Feeds for Broiler Chicken Feeding

The purpose of this paper was to assess the suitability of various protein feeds in broiler chicken feeding. The study covered 160 birds split into 5 equipotent groups (SBM, EFFS, RFFS, EL, DDGS). Four protein feeds were an experimental factor: extruded full-fat soybean (EFFS group), raw full-fat soybean (RFFS group), extruded lupine (EL group) and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS group) that were added to starter rations in an amount replacing 30%, and in grower and finisher rations 50% of extracted soybean meal protein. Results showed that after replacing an identical amount of extracted soybean meal protein with protein from extruded soybean or DDGS in chicken rations, the final body weight and feed conversion ratio were similar to those of birds from the control group. Deterioration (P≤0.01) in the above-mentioned parameters was observed for chickens fed with rations containing raw soybean or extruded lupine. Birds that were given rations containing raw soybean (RFFS group) were characterized by the lowest dressing percentage, and, compared to the control group, the difference was significant (P≤0.01). The type of protein feed contained in the rations did not affect the musculature of chickens, however it did impact their fat deposition. Fat deposition was the lowest in birds from RFFS and DDGS groups that reached the lowest final body weight. Microscopic images of all examined livers showed a normal histological structure. The results of the studies carried out provide a basis for recommending the use of extruded full-fat soybean or DDGS in broiler chicken rations as partial substitutes for extracted soybean meal protein.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with dl-Methionine and dl-Methionyl-dl-Methionine in Breeding Pigeons on the Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Squabs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with dl-methionine (dl-Met) and dl-methionyl-dl-methionine (dl-Met-Met) in breeding pigeons on the carcass characteristics, meat quality and antioxidant activity of squabs. A total of 324 pairs of breeding pigeons were selected and allotted to 9 treatments in a completely randomized design, and the birds were fed dietary treatments for 45 d, including a Met-deficient basal diet (BD, crude protein = 15%, Met = 0.25%) and BD + 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, or 0.60% dl-Met or dl-Met-Met diets. Compared with the diet fed to the BD group, dietary dl-Met or dl-Met-Met supplementation effectively increased the carcass yield, semieviscerated yield, eviscerated yield, breast muscle yield, thigh muscle yield, a* value, catalase activity, total superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione peroxidase activity, but decreased the L* value, malonaldehyde concentration, drip loss and cooking loss of squabs (p < 0.05). The relative bioavailability values of dl-Met-Met relative to those of dl-Met were 467% and 376% based on carcass yield and breast muscle yield, respectively (p < 0.001). Moreover, dl-Met-Met was more effective than dl-Met in decreasing the drip loss and improving the antioxidant activity of the breast and thigh muscles of squabs (p < 0.05). As a source of Met, dl-Met-Met, rather than dl-Met, was more beneficial to squabs.

Effects of chlorogenic acid-enriched extract from Eucommia ulmoides leaf on performance, meat quality, oxidative stability, and fatty acid profile of meat in heat-stressed broilers

To investigate the effects of chlorogenic acid-enriched extract (CGAE) from Eucommia ulmoides leaf on performance, meat quality, oxidative stability, and fatty acid profile of breast meat in heat-stressed broilers, 400 28-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned into 4 groups with 10 replicates per group (10 broilers per replicate). Broilers in the normal group (NOR) were kept at 22 ± 2°C (24 h/D) and fed the basal diet, and the other 3 groups were treated with cyclic heat (34 ± 2°C from 08:00 to 18:00 and 22 ± 2°C from 18:00 to 08:00) and fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (HT), 500 (CGAE500), and 1,000 mg (CGAE1000) mg of CGAE/kg of diet. The experiment lasted for 14 D. Compared with the HT group, broilers in the NOR and CGAE1000 groups had a higher average daily gain and a lower feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). CGAE supplementation at 1,000 mg/kg increased pH24 value, a* value and total superoxide dismutase activity and reduced drip loss, cooking loss, L* value and the contents of malondialdehyde and carbonyl in breast meat of heat-stressed broilers (P < 0.05). Broilers in the HT group showed lower mRNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (P < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (P = 0.004), and catalase (P < 0.001) in breast meat compared with the other groups. CGAE supplementation at 1,000 mg/kg reduced the stearic acid and saturated fatty acids (SFA) contents and increased the dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and n-6 PUFA contents and PUFA:SFA ratio in breast meat of heat-stressed broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CGAE supplementation at 1,000 mg/kg could alleviate the adverse effects of heat stress on growth performance and meat quality and improve oxidative stability and fatty acid profile of breast meat in heat-stressed broilers.

Investigating Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens Fed on Heat Processed Diets Containing Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles

The present study investigated the effects of feed form and distiller’s dried grain with solubles (DDGS) on meat quality and fatty acids profile of broiler chickens. A total of 720 broilers (Ross 308; average BW [body weight] 541±5.7 g) were randomly allotted to six treatments. Birds were fed three different feed forms (mash; SP, simple pellet; EP, expanded pellet) and DDGS (0 or 200 g kg^–1) in a 3×2 factorial arrangement. The addition of DDGS and EP to the diet resulted in increased shear force of breast meat. Moreover, DDGS inclusion in the diet reduced the concentration of stearic acid and behenic acid in thigh meat. Pelleting (SP and EP) of the diets increased palmitic acid content in the thigh, whereas the linolenic acid content decreased. The breast mass was higher with EP and SP diets than with the mash diet. Feed processing led to increased pectoralis muscle and drum mass compared to mash-fed chickens. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that EP decreased thigh linolenic acid and meat shear force. In addition, DDGS supplementation in broiler hampers meat quality by increasing the shear force.

Effects of corn dried distillers' grains with solubles on performance, egg quality, yolk fatty acid composition and oxidative status in laying ducks

The study investigated the effects of increasing content of corn distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in the diets of laying ducks on oxidative status, laying performance, egg quality, and egg yolk fatty acid composition. Longyan females (1080) with similar BW at 17 wk of age were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups, each consisting of 6 replicates of 30 birds. The basal diet (I) was a typical corn-soybean ration while the experimental diets (II to VI) substituted corn DDGS for soybean meal and wheat bran and a small reduction of corn. The level of substitution in diets (II to VI) was 6%, 12%, 18%, 24% and 30%. The experiment lasted for 18 wk. Average egg weight decreased linearly as the level of corn DDGS inclusion increased (P < 0.001). Haugh unit, albumen weight, and proportion declined as linear responses to corn DDGS substitution (P < 0.05), but yolk color linearly increased (P < 0.001); the proportions of oleic (C18:1) and total monounsaturated fatty acids in egg yolk linearly decreased with increasing corn DDGS and many of the key polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like linoleic (C18:2n-6), arachidonic (C20:4n-6) and α-linolenic (C18:3n-3) acids linearly increased (P < 0.001), but not those of eicosapentaenoic (C20:5n-3) and docoshexaenoic (C22:6n-3) acids. The PUFAs n-6/n-3 ratio linearly increased with increasing corn DDGS level (P < 0.001). Increasing corn DDGS linearly increased hepatic expression of GPX1, HO-1, and Nrf2 and hepatic activity of GSH-Px and the liver content of MDA (P < 0.001). There were no treatment effects on egg production, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, eggshell thickness, strength, and yolk cholesterol content (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the current study indicates that the use of corn DDGS is possible as a replacement, primarily for soybean meal at levels up to 18% in the diets of laying ducks without affecting laying performance, egg quality, and antioxidant status. Increasing amounts of corn DDGS linearly increased egg yolk concentrations of key fatty acids like like C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 and the antioxidant enzyme activity of GSH-Px through the Nrf2 pathway to avoid oxidative stress.

Effect of different dietary energy and protein sources on antioxidant status, fresh yolk fatty acid profile and microstructure of salted yolks in laying ducks

The study investigated whether different dietary energy and protein sources affect laying performance, antioxidant status, fresh yolk fatty acid profile and quality of salted yolks in laying ducks. In all, 360 19-week-old Longyan ducks were randomly assigned to four diets in a factorial arrangement (2×2). The four diets consisted of two energy sources, corn (CO) or sorghum (SO) and two protein sources, soybean meal (SM) and rapeseed meal with corn distillers dried grains with solubles (RMD), and each treatment contained six replicates of 15 birds each. The experimental diets were isocaloric (metabolizable energy, 10.84 MJ/kg) and isonitrogenous (CP, 17%). The results showed that egg production, average egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio were not affected by diets (P>0.05). Plasma contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), GSH/oxidized glutathione and total antioxidant capacity were lower (P<0.05) in ducks fed the RMD diets compared with those fed SM diets with a substantial increase (P=0.006) in plasma content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Egg yolks from ducks fed SO diets had higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids compared with CO diets (P<0.001). Similarly, ducks fed RMD diets had a higher content of PUFA and n-6/n-3 ratio in fresh yolks (P<0.001), and increased salted yolk MDA, carbonylated proteins content and incidence of hard salted yolks (P<0.05) compared with SM diets. Scanning electron microscopy showed that salted yolks contained rougher polyhedral granules and fewer fat droplets, and were surrounded with a layer of bunchy fibers in ducks fed SO+RMD than those fed CO+SM diet. In conclusion, the current study showed that feeding laying ducks with diets containing SO or RMD reduced antioxidant capacity and increased egg yolk concentrations of PUFA. It appeared that egg yolks from ducks fed these diets were more sensitive to lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation during salting, and reduced the quality of salted yolks.

Efficacy of dietary supplementation of fatty acid compound on performance and production in finishing pigs

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of dietary supplementation of 0.5 and 1% of fatty acid (FA) compound containing conjugated linoleic acid as active component on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum lipid profile, meat quality, and fatty acid profiles in muscle and adipose tissue in finishing pigs. A total of 90 finishing pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) were used in 5-week trial. The growth performance and nutrient digestibility were unaffected with FA supplementation. The lean percentage was greater (P = 0.05) in pigs fed FA-supplemented diet whereas the 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value was reduced (P < 0.05) during the storage. The FA supplementation tended (P = 0.06) to reduce serum total cholesterol. However, it improved (P < 0.05) C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, saturated fatty acid, conjugated linoleic acid, and omega 3 levels and reduced (P < 0.05) C18:1, C18:2, unsaturated fatty acid, and omega 6 levels in muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue. In conclusion, FA supplementation tended to reduce total serum cholesterol and improved lean percentage as well as meat value through enrichment of conjugated linoleic acid and omega 3 fatty acid in the muscle and adipose tissue.

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid and lutein on the growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens

The effects of lutein and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens were evaluated in the presence and absence of Salmonella lipopolysaccharide (LPS) immune challenge. Cobb chicks (360; 1 to 22 d of age) were used in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of CLA (0, 1, and 2%) and lutein (0 and 50 mg/kg) dietary levels. At d 8 and 15, birds were injected with BSA to assess IgY production. At d 20, birds were injected with LPS. Samples of liver, spleen, and duodenum were collected at 3 and 16 h post-LPS challenge for RT-qPCR analysis of RXRα, RXRγ, PPARα, PPARγ, TLR-4, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, and IL-12 gene expression. CLA decreased BW, BW gain (BWG), and G:F from d 1 to 20, but these effects were reversed when lutein was included in the 1% CLA diet (P < 0.001). The production of IgY anti-BSA increased following a 2% CLA supplementation (P < 0.01). LPS increased the liver:BW ratio at 3 h post-injection (P < 0.001) and decreased BWG at 3, 16, and 40 h (P < 0.001). Lutein decreased plasmatic nitric oxide levels (P < 0.01). LPS downregulated PPARα mRNA in the duodenum (P = 0.02) and liver (P = 0.04), and PPARγ (P = 0.01) and RXRα (P = 0.08) in the spleen; these effects were not reversed by CLA or lutein as initially hypothesized. Although LPS upregulated IL-1β (P = 0.02) and IL-12 (P = 0.07) expression, lutein downregulated these pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver (P = 0.03 and P = 0.07, respectively). Lutein decreased splenic (P = 0.09) but increased hepatic (P = 0.06) TLR-4 mRNA. A dietary CLA supplementation of 2% increased hepatic RXRα (P = 0.10). In conclusion, CLA decreased broiler chicken growth performance, but lutein could prevent this negative effect (depending on CLA dose). Lutein had an anti-inflammatory effect, and a 2% CLA supplementation improved the humoral immune response.