Choline and methionine supplementation in layer hens fed flaxseed: effects on hen production performance, egg fatty acid composition, tocopherol content, and oxidative stability.

Choline is an essential nutrient in laying hen diets and is needed for the formation of phosphatidylcholine (PC), that serves as a rich source of long chain (≥20 C) n-3 fatty acids (FA) in eggs. Methionine (Met) is the first limiting amino acid in layer hen diets and serves as a lipotropic agent with antioxidant properties. The objectives of the current study is based on the hypothesis that choline and Met supplementation will enhance egg PC and n-3 FA status, lipid stability, and production indices in layer hens fed flaxseed. Ninety-six, 40-wk-old laying hens (W-36 White Leghorns) were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups, with 6 replicates containing four hens per cage. Hens were fed corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 0% flaxseed (Control), 15/100 g flaxseed (Flax), Flax+50% more methionine requirement for W-36 White Leghorns (Flax+Met), or Flax+0.15g/100g choline chloride (Cho) (Flax+Cho). All experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and fed for a period of 120 d. Egg production and egg mass (g/hen/d) was higher for Flax+Met and Flax+Cho when compared to Flax and Control (P < 0.05). Egg weight was greater (P < 0.05) among hens fed the Control and Flax+Cho diets compared to Flax diet. Feeding flaxseed to hens led to over 6-fold increase in total n-3 FA. Choline supplementation increased egg α-tocopherol content (P < 0.05) while reducing lipid oxidation products measured as thiobarituric acid reactive substances in egg yolk (P < 0.05). Neither Met nor Cho had any impact on docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3) acid concentration in eggs from hens fed flaxseed. However, addition of Met and Cho to layer diets increased docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3) levels in eggs from hens fed flaxseed (P < 0.05). The PC content was lower in Control and Flax+Met (P < 0.05) when compared to Flax+Cho group. No difference was found in total lipid or phosphatidylethanolamine content of eggs (P > 0.05). The results from the current study suggest that n-3 FA content of egg yolk can be greatly increased by feeding flaxseed but reduced egg production. However, dietary Met and Cho can improve production performance in hens fed flaxseed-containing diets. Addition of Cho to flaxseed increased in egg weight, yolk α-tocopherol levels, PC content and oxidative stability of eggs when compared to hens fed flaxseed. Met and choline could be used in flaxseed (>15%) to increase egg production and egg mas.

Egg quality, fatty-acid composition and gastrointestinal morphology of layer hens fed whole flaxseed with enzyme supplementation.

1. Flaxseed is a rich source of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3 n-3). Feeding flaxseed to hens can increase n-3 fatty acids (FA) in eggs. However, non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in flaxseed decrease nutrient digestibility and can have a negative impact on egg n-3 FA incorporation. Addition of carbohydrase enzymes to flaxseed-based diets can decrease the anti-nutritive effects of NSP. 2. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of enzyme supplementation on FA composition and gastrointestinal morphology in hens fed flaxseed. A total of seventy-two, 51-week old brown layer hens were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments (six replicates with three hens per replicate): corn-soybean based diet containing 0% flax (Control), 10% flax (Flax), Flax+0.05% enzyme (Flax+E1), or Flax+0.1% enzyme (Flax+E2) in a 120-day feeding trial. 3. Egg weight was highest in hens fed Flax+E1 (P < 0.05). Yolk weight was higher in Flax+E1 compared with the control and Flax+E2 and was not different from Flax treatment. ALA and total n-3 FA was highest in eggs from Flax+E2 hens (P < 0.05). Addition of enzyme has no effect of on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), total long chain (>20-C FA), or n-6:n-3 FA ratio in eggs from hens fed flaxseed-based diets (P > 0.05). Over nine-fold increase in hepatic ALA was observed in the liver of hens fed flaxseed-based diets when compared with the control diet (P < 0.0001). No effect of enzyme supplementation was observed on liver ALA, DHA or long chain n-3 FA (P > 0.05). Enzyme supplementation reduced arachidonic acid, total n-6 and LC n-6 FA in liver tissue from hens fed flaxseed-based diets (P > 0.05). 4. Villi height and width was higher in the duodenum and jejunum of hens fed flax-based diets compared to the control (P < 0.05). Enzyme supplementation led to an increase in villi width in jejunum (P < 0.05) in hens fed Flax+E2 (P < 0.05). No effect of diet was observed in the crypt depth and villi height:crypt depth ratio in the jejunum (P > 0.05). 5. It was concluded that enzyme supplementation enhanced total n-3 FA deposition in eggs and liver and influence gastrointestinal morphology in layer hens fed flaxseed.

Feeding Artemisia annua alters digesta pH and muscle lipid oxidation products in broiler chickens.

Because of growing consumer concern about the use of antimicrobials and the ban on most antibiotic feed additives in the European Union, there is increased interest in using alternatives to antimicrobials in poultry diets. Dried leaves of Artemisia annua have been used in Oriental medicine due to their antimicrobial activities. In the current study, the effect of including A. annua in broiler diets on hindgut and ceca pH, lipid oxidation products, and phenolic content of dark and white meat, and bird performance were investigated. A total of 96 broiler chicks were kept in 48 cages. Two cages with 2 birds per each cage are considered as 1 replicate, and there were 8 replications per treatment. The birds were fed corn-soy diets containing 0% (control), 2% (ART2), or 4% (ART4) dried A. annua leaves from d 14 through d 42. Cecal digesta pH was the lowest in birds fed the ART4 diet (P < 0.02), whereas the pH of ileal digesta was the lowest in ART2 (P < 0.01). Lipid oxidation products measured as TBA reactive substances (TBARS) were lower in the breast and thigh muscle of birds fed ART2 and ART4 diets compared with the control (P < 0.0001). No difference was found in total fat content of the liver, abdominal fat pads, or breast or thigh muscle content (P > 0.05). Artemisia annua addition did not affect final BW, weight gain, feed consumption, carcass weight, or feed:gain. No difference was observed in the relative weight of liver, abdominal fat, spleen, or heart tissue. Gastric acidity is protective against intestinal colonization and translocation of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, gut pH and muscle tissue TBARS reduction in birds fed ART2 and ART4 suggest that A. annua may prove useful as a natural phytogenic feed additive with antioxidant potential that could be incorporated into poultry diets.

Effect of flaxseed supplementation rate and processing on the production, fatty acid profile, and texture of milk, butter, and cheese.

Health and nutrition professionals advise consumers to limit consumption of saturated fatty acids and increase the consumption of foods rich in n-3 fatty acids. Researchers have previously reported that feeding extruded flaxseed, which is high in C18:3n-3, improves the fatty acid profile of milk and dairy products to less saturated fatty acids and to more C18:3n-3. Fat concentrations in milk and butter decreased when cows were fed higher concentrations of extruded flaxseed. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal rate of flaxseed supplementation for improving the fatty acid profile without decreasing production characteristics of milk and dairy products. By using a double 5 × 5 Latin square design, 10 mid- to late-lactation Holstein cows were fed extruded (0, 0.91, 1.81, and 2.72 kg/d) and ground (1.81 kg/d) flaxseed as a top dressing for 2-wk periods each. At the end of each 2-wk treatment period, milk and serum samples were taken. Milk was subsequently manufactured into butter and fresh Mozzarella cheese. Increasing supplementation rates of extruded flaxseed improved the fatty acid profile of milk, butter, and cheese gradually to less saturated and atherogenic fatty acids and to more C18:3n-3 by increasing concentrations of C18:3n-3 in serum. The less saturated fatty acid profile was associated with decreased hardness and adhesiveness of refrigerated butter, which likely cause improved spreadability. Supplementation rates of extruded flaxseed did not affect dry matter intake of the total mixed ration, milk composition, and production of milk, butter, or cheese. Flaxseed processing did not affect production, fatty acid profile of milk, or texture of butter and cheese. Feeding up to 2.72 kg/d of extruded flaxseed to mid- to late-lactation Holstein cows may improve nutritional and functional properties of milk fat without compromising production parameters.

Effects of camelina meal supplementation on ruminal forage degradability, performance, and physiological responses of beef cattle.

Three experiments compared ruminal, physiological, and performance responses of beef steers consuming hay ad libitum and receiving grain-based supplements without (control) or with (CAM) the inclusion of camelina meal. In Exp. 1, 9 steers fitted with ruminal cannulas received CAM (2.04 kg of DM/d; n = 5) or control (2.20 kg of DM/d; n = 4). Steers receiving CAM had reduced (P = 0.01) total DMI and tended to have reduced (P = 0.10) forage DMI compared with control. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.35) for ruminal hay degradability parameters. In Exp. 2, 14 steers fed CAM (1.52 kg of DM/d; n = 7) or control (1.65 kg of DM/d; n = 7) were assigned to a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH; 0.1 µg/kg of BW) and a thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH; 0.33 µg/kg of BW) challenge. Steers fed CAM had greater (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of PUFA compared with control before challenges. Upon CRH infusion, plasma haptoglobin concentrations tended (P = 0.10) to be reduced and ceruloplasmin concentrations increased at a lesser rate in CAM steers compared with control (treatment × time; P < 0.01). Upon TRH infusion, no treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.55) for serum thyrotropin-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine. In Exp. 3, 60 steers were allocated to 20 pens. Pens were assigned randomly to receive CAM (2.04 kg of DM/steer daily; n = 10) or control (2.20 kg of DM/steer daily; n = 10) during preconditioning (PC; d -28 to 0). On d 0, steers were transported for 24 h. Upon arrival, pens were assigned randomly to receive CAM or control during feedlot receiving (FR; d 1 to 29). During PC, CAM steers had reduced (P < 0.01) forage and total DMI, and tended to have reduced (P = 0.10) ADG compared with control. Plasma linolenic acid concentrations increased during PC for CAM steers, but not for control (treatment × day; P = 0.02). During FR, steers fed CAM during PC had reduced (P < 0.01) forage and total DMI, but tended (P = 0.10) to have greater G:F compared with control. Steers fed CAM during FR had greater (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of PUFA, and reduced rectal temperature and concentrations of haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin during FR compared with control. In summary, CAM supplementation to steers impaired forage and total DMI, did not alter thyroid gland function, increased circulating concentrations of PUFA, and lessened the acute-phase protein reaction elicited by neuroendocrine stress responses.

Hatching egg and newly hatched chick yolk sac total IgY content at 3 broiler breeder flock ages.

During the first week of the posthatching period, before the immune system is mature enough to produce its own B lymphocytes, a chick's humoral immunity depends on maternal antibodies (IgY) received from the egg yolk. During incubation and after hatching, the yolk sac (YS) membrane transfers nutrients (including IgY) from the egg yolk to the developing embryo or newly hatched chick. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of breeder flock age on the total IgY content of egg yolks and chick YS from a commercial broiler breeder strain. Hatching eggs from the same broiler breeder flock were collected at 32, 40, and 55 wk of age. One group of eggs per flock age was used to determine the egg yolk total IgY content. Another group of eggs was incubated for 21.5 d, and upon hatching, the YS of newly hatched chicks were collected to determine the total IgY content. Egg and egg yolk weight increased with flock age, but YS weights did not reflect egg yolk weight. The total IgY content per gram of egg yolk increased with flock age; this fact plus the observed yolk weight increase with flock age notably increased the total IgY contained in yolks of eggs laid by 55-wk-old breeders. However, chicks hatching from 55-wk-old breeders had less IgY per gram of YS than chicks from 32- and 40-wk-old breeders. Whether there are differences in the rates of YS absorption between chicks of different breeder ages is unknown. This research provided total IgY values for broiler breeder egg yolk and chick YS of a commonly used meat-type chicken strain. Differences in egg yolk and YS total IgY contents due to flock age in this type of bird had not been previously reported. Research on the physiological consequences of YS absorption rates in chicks from different breeder ages is advised.

Early feeding and dietary lipids affect broiler tissue fatty acids, vitamin E status, and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression upon lipopolysaccharide challenge.

Newly hatched chicks are often subjected to delayed access to feed and water because of shipment distances and hatchery practices, which may reduce growth and development of the immune system. The current study investigated the effects of early vs. late access to feed and dietary lipids (n-3 vs. n-6) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced alterations in tissue fatty acids, vitamin E status, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression. The chicks (n = 16/group) were fed a high or low n-3 diet within 5 to 5 h 30 min (early) or after 48 h (late) of hatching. Feeding high n-3 diets increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) in the liver, spleen, and plasma (P < 0.05). Feeding low n-3 diets increased arachidonic acid in the liver and plasma (P < 0.05). Early access to feed led to increases in liver oleic acid and reduction in arachidonic acid as compared with late-fed birds (P < 0.05). No effect of time of feeding on fatty acids in the spleen was observed. Early feeding led to significant increases in linoleic and arachidonic acids in the plasma (P < 0.05). Stearic acid was higher in the plasma of low n-3 early-fed as opposed to low n-3 late-fed birds (P < 0.05). The LPS challenge led to an increase in liver total fat content (P < 0.05). The total fat content in the spleen and plasma were not affected by LPS injection (P > 0.05). The LPS-injected birds had decreases in oleic acid in the liver and plasma as compared with saline-injected birds (P < 0.05). Stearic acid increased upon LPS injection in the spleen and plasma (P < 0.05). Liver vitamin E content was significantly higher in saline-injected birds from the early high n-3 group compared with all treatment groups, except for the late low n-3 saline-injected birds (P < 0.05). Plasma vitamin E was highest in the early low n-3 LPS-injected birds compared with all other treatment groups (P < 0.05). The COX2:actin ratio in the early high n-3 LPS-injected birds was higher than that of the saline-injected birds of the same treatment (P < 0.05). However, no difference in COX-2 expression was observed between LPS- or saline-injected fed early low n-3, late high n-3, or late low n-3 diets (P > 0.05). No effect of diet, time of feeding, or LPS challenge on plasma isoprostanes was observed (P > 0.05). These results suggest that dietary and management strategies directed at modulating tissue polyunsaturated fatty acid status may offer the promise of modulating lipid metabolism and COX-2 expression in commercial poultry.

Antioxidative effect of dietary Camelina meal in fresh, stored, or cooked broiler chicken meat.

Camelina sativa is an oilseed crop of the Brassica (Cruciferae) family that has gained increased popularity as a biofuel source. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding C. sativa meal to broiler birds on phenolic compounds, tocopherols, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation in chicken thigh meat during short (4°C for 2 or 7 d) or long-term (-20°C for 90 d) storage and cooking. One hundred sixty 1-d-old Cobb chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet with added Camelina meal at 0% (control), 2.5% (CAM2.5), 5% (CAM5), and 10% (CAM10). The experimental diets were fed for a period of 42 d. Feeding Camelina meal at 5 or 10% led to a 1.6-fold increase in γ-tocopherols in the thigh meat when compared with control birds (P < 0.05). No effect of diet on γ-tocopherols in the breast meat and α-tocopherols in the thigh and breast meat was observed (P > 0.05). Antioxidant activity measured as 2,2-azino-bis [3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid] radical scavenging capacity in the thigh meat from CAM2.5, CAM5, and CAM10 was higher than control birds (P < 0.05). In the breast meat, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical scavenging capacity was highest in CAM10 (P < 0.05). Feeding Camelina meal at 5 or 10% led to reductions in thigh TBA reactive substances (TBARS) during short-term (2 d) and long-term storage (P < 0.05). The TBARS of thigh meat from CAM5 and CAM10 were reduced up to 49 or 36% during 2- or 90-d storage, respectively, when compared with control (P < 0.05). However, no effect of diet on thigh meat TBARS at 7 d of storage was observed among treatment groups. Overall, TBARS were highest in the thigh meat from control and CAM2.5 birds (P < 0.05). Upon cooking, TBARS were lowest in thigh meat from CAM10 birds, which was over 48% lower than in meat from birds fed the control diet (P < 0.05). The current study showed that Camelina meal could be effective in inhibiting lipid oxidation and enhancing antioxidant capacity. However, the effect was more prominent in the thigh than breast meat.

Sensory evaluation and consumer acceptance of eggs from hens fed flax seed and 2 different antioxidants.

The sensory attributes and consumer acceptance of eggs from flax seed-fed hens were evaluated by trained and untrained panelists. Hens were fed diets containing 0% flax seed (control), 10% flax seed (flax), 10% flax seed+100 IU/kg of vitamin E (flax+α-tocopherol), or 10% flax seed+100 mg/kg of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (flax+BHT). Fresh eggs collected within 24 h were hard-boiled, coded, and were offered to trained panelists in 4 testing sessions. Sensory traits evaluated were aroma, flavor, off-flavor, and overall difference. The trained panelists rated flax, flax+α-tocopherol, and flax+BHT eggs to be different from control eggs (P<0.001). In a second study, sensory attributes were tested by untrained panelists. The majority (75 to 80%) of the panelists could not distinguish flax seed-fed versus control eggs for aroma and flavor. A consumer preference test was also conducted to gauge end-user response to flax seed-fed eggs. Consumer acceptance testing did not find any significant difference (P>0.05) between control and flax seed-fed eggs. These results suggest that flax seed when incorporated at 10% in the layer diet can produce eggs that are acceptable to untrained panelists and consumers. However, trained panelists are able to detect differences in flavor, aroma, and off-flavor and overall difference in eggs from hens fed flax seed. Antioxidant supplementation (vitamin E, BHT) did not enhance the acceptability of flax seed-fed eggs by trained panelists.

Oxidative stability and lipid components of eggs from flax-fed hens: effect of dietary antioxidants and storage.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary antioxidants and storage on fatty acid profile, oxidative stability, and vitamin E concentration of n-3 fatty acid-enriched eggs. Eggs (384, 48/diet) were collected from ISA Brown layers fed diets containing corn-soy (control) with 100 g/kg of flax seed and 2 types of antioxidants [alpha-tocopherols (alpha-TOC) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)] at 0, 50, 100, or 150 IU or mg/kg. Eggs were stored at 4 degrees C. On d 0, 20, 40, and 60 of storage, 2 eggs were selected randomly from each replicate (totaling 12 eggs per treatment) and analyzed. Eggs from hens fed flax had increased alpha-linolenic (18:3n-3), eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA, 22:6n-3) and decreased arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) and total n-6:n-3 ratio when compared with control eggs (P<0.05). The n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio was lowest in the flax+50 IU of alpha-TOC, flax+100 IU of alpha-TOC, and flax+BHT supplemented group when compared with the flax group (P<0.05). With the exception of flax+100 mg of BHT, addition of antioxidants led to a reduction in palmitic acid in fresh eggs (P<0.05). During the first 20 d of storage, over a 17% reduction in total n-3 fatty acids was observed in eggs from flax+50 mg of BHT supplemented groups (P<0.05). Docosahexaenoic acid was the predominant long-chain n-3 fatty acid in egg and was stable during storage in the control, flax, flax+100 IU of alpha-TOC, flax+150 IU of alpha-TOC, and flax+150 mg of BHT groups. However, antioxidant supplementation had no effect on DHA upon storage in flax+50 IU of alpha-TOC and flax+50 mg of BHT eggs where over 13 to 17% reduction in DHA content was observed during 20 to 60 d of storage (P<0.05). Inclusion of alpha-TOC led to over 4.5- to 12-fold increases in alpha-TOC in eggs. Egg storage for 40 d or longer led to over 50% reduction in egg alpha-TOC (P<0.05). Feeding flax seeds led to an increase in TBA reactive substances in eggs (P<0.05). alpha-Tocopherol was better in preventing lipid oxidation than BHT at d 0 of storage. However, neither had a significant effect on egg TBA reactive substances upon 60 d of storage (P>0.05). These studies demonstrate that the level and type of antioxidants and duration of egg storage significantly affected the fatty acid profile, alpha-TOC status, and oxidative stability of chicken eggs.

Long-term effects of feeding flaxseeds on hepatic lipid characteristics and histopathology of laying hens.

The long-term effects of dietary flaxseed and tocopherols on hepatic and blood plasma lipids, fatty acids, tocopherols, hepatic TBA reactive substances, and histopathology of Brown Leghorn hens were investigated. Thirty-two-week-old ISA Brown Leghorn hens (n = 120) were kept in cages and were fed 1 of the 3 corn-soybean meal-based diets, a control diet (no flax) or a 10% flax diet with or without 100 IU of tocopherols, until the hens were 64 wk of age. Feeding diets with 10% flaxseed reduced hepatic and plasma fat content, hepatic triglycerides, total number of fat vacuoles, and number of cells with 75% or higher lipid infiltration in hepatocytes (P < 0.05). Addition of tocopherols to the 10% flax diet increased hepatic and plasma tocopherol content. A significant reduction in hepatic TBA reactive substances was observed in the hens supplemented with the basal diet with 10% flax and 100 IU of tocopherols (P < 0.05). Feeding diets containing flaxseed resulted in an increase in the content of alpha-linolenic (18: n-3) and docosahexaenoic acids (22:6n-3), with a concomitant reduction in monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids in the hen liver and plasma. Overall, long-term feeding of hens with flax led to a reduction in liver and plasma lipids and reduced hepatocellular infiltration. Inclusion of tocopherols may be needed to reduce lipid oxidation products in the liver of flax-fed hens. However, tocopherol supplementation had no effect on hepatocellular lipid infiltration or liver total lipid or triglyceride content.

Egg yolk omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids modify tissue lipid components, antioxidant status, and ex vivo eicosanoid production in chick cardiac tissue.

The effects of maternal n-6 and n-3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation on hatched chick tissue FA profile, antioxidant status, and ex vivo eicosanoid production by the cardiac tissue were investigated. Eggs with low, medium, and high levels of n-3 FA were obtained by feeding Cobb breeder hens were fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 3.5% sunflower oil (low n-3), 1.75% sunflower oil plus 1.75% fish oil (medium n-3), or 3.5% fish oil (high n-3). Total n-3 FA in the yolk ranged from 1.8, 10.3, and 13.3% for low, medium, and high n-3 eggs, respectively (P < 0.001). Total long-chain (>20 C) n-6 FA in the egg yolk were 7.4, 2.1, and 1.3 for low n-3, medium n-3, and high n-3 eggs, respectively (P < 0.001). No differences were observed in total fat content of the eggs, which was 33.3, 31.6, and 31.9% for low n-3, medium n-3, and high n-3 eggs, respectively (P > 0.05). Hatchability for the low, medium, and high n-3 eggs was 89, 85, and 83%, respectively (P > 0.05). The total lipid content of chick liver, heart, brain, and lungs can be placed in the following descending order: liver > brain > heart > lung and was not affected by egg FA (P > 0.05). Total n-3 FA were higher in the tissues of medium and high n-3 chicks than in the tissue of low n-3 chicks (P < 0.05). There was no effect of egg FA on docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) in the heart of low, medium, and high n-3 chicks (P > 0.05). There were no differences in total glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, or superoxide dismutase activities in the tissues of chicks from low n-3, medium n-3, and high n-3 eggs (P > 0.05). The medium n-3 and high n-3 chicks had lower catalase activity in the heart than did the low n-3 chicks (P = 0.013). The TBA reactive substances were significantly lower in the liver of high n-3 chicks than in that of low and medium n-3 chicks (P < 0.05). Heart tissue prostaglandin E(2) concentration was higher in low n-3 chicks than in those hatched from medium or high n-3 eggs (P < 0.05). Heart tissue thromboxane A(3) was lowest in low n-3 chicks (P < 0.05). There was no effect of yolk FA on ex vivo prostaglandin E(3) or thromboxane A(2) production in cardiac tissue (P > 0.05). These results indicate that modulating egg yolk n-3 FA enhances tissue n-3 FA and reduces proinflammatory cardiac eicosanoid production without affecting hatchability.

Maternal dietary n-3 fatty acids alter cardiac ventricle fatty acid composition, prostaglandin and thromboxane production in growing chicks.

The effects of feeding n-6 and n-3 fatty acids to broiler hens on cardiac ventricle fatty acid composition, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production of hatched chicks were investigated. Fertile eggs obtained from hens fed diets supplemented with 3.5% sunflower oil (Low n-3), 1.75% sunflower+1.75% fish oil (Medium n-3), or 3.5% fish oil (High n-3) were incubated. The hatched chicks were fed a diet containing 18:3 n-3, but devoid of longer chain n-6 and n-3 fatty acids for 42 days. Arachidonic acid content was lower in the cardiac ventricle of High n-3 and Medium n-3 compared to Low n-3 birds for up to 2 weeks (P<0.002). Long chain n-3 fatty acids were higher in the cardiac ventricle of chicks from hens fed High and Medium n-3 diets when compared to chicks from hens fed the Low n-3 diet. Differences in long chain n-3 fatty acids persisted up to four weeks of age (P<0.001). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) of 7-day-old High n-3 broilers produced significantly lower PGE2 and TXA2 than PBMNC from Low n-3 and Medium n-3 birds. These results indicate that maternal dietary n-3 fatty acids increases cardiac ventricle n-3 fatty acids while reducing arachidonic acid and ex vivo PGE2 and TXA2 production during growth in broiler chickens.

Egg quality and yolk polyunsaturated fatty acid status in relation to broiler breeder hen age and dietary n-3 oils.

The effects of broiler breeder hen age and dietary n-3 oils on yolk n-3 and n-6 fatty acid composition, egg quality, fertility, and hatchability were investigated. A total of 2,200 eggs were collected from wk 26 through 62 from Cobb breeder hens fed diets containing 1.75% fish oil + 1.75% yellow grease (low n-3) or 3.5% fish oil (high n-3). Eggs obtained from a commercial source were used as the control for n-6 and n-3 fatty acid composition and hatchability studies. A significant decrease in egg weight, yolk weight, shell weight, and yolk color was observed for high n-3 when compared with low n-3 eggs (P < 0.05). No difference was noted in egg total fat content due to dietary treatments. However, egg fat was highest at 42 wk for high and low n-3 eggs when compared with other weeks (P < 0.05). Total n-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3), and the DHA:arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) ratios were higher in high n-3 eggs when compared with low n-3 eggs. The incorporation of DHA was lowest at wk 26 and highest at wk 38 for low and high n-3 eggs (P < 0.05). Low n-3 and high n-3 eggs at the oldest age had the highest level of AA (P < 0.05). A positive correlation between hen age and egg yolk AA content was observed. The r(2) values for AA in low n-3 and high n-3 eggs were 0.91 and 0.90, respectively (P < 0.05). The total content of long-chain (>18-C) n-6 PUFA (AA+ 22:4 n-6+22:5 n-6) constituted over 0.3 g per commercial egg when compared with 0.09 and 0.07 g in low and high n-3 eggs, respectively. The content of DHA in commercial eggs was negligible (<0.5%) when compared with low and high n-3 (P < 0.05). The overall fertility was 98.6 and 97.4%, and hatchability of fertile eggs was 80 and 83.8% for low and high n-3 eggs, respectively (P > 0.05). The overall fertility was 96%, and hatchability of fertile eggs was 80% for commercial eggs.

An acute haemolytic transfusion reaction caused by anti-Wr.

The Wright (Wr(a)) antigen is found on the red blood cells of approximately 1 : 1000 Caucasians. Anti-Wr(a) has been reported to be present in 1 : 25 to 1 : 100 healthy blood donors and an even higher proportion of hospital patients. Incompatibility due to anti-Wr(a) might therefore be expected to occur in approximately 1 in 50,000 blood transfusions. Reports of haemolytic transfusion reactions (HTR) and haemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-Wr(a) are, however, rare. We report an acute HTR due to anti-Wr(a) in a 58-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome associated with rigors, shortness of breath and a significant rise in serum bilirubin from 16 micromol L(-1) pretransfusion to 110 micromol L(-1) immediately afterwards. This was accompanied by the appearance of bilirubin and urobilinogen in his urine and a fall in haemoglobin of nearly 2 g dL(-1) following the transfusion. Anti-Wr(a) was the only antibody implicated. When tested against the recipients plasma, Wr(a+) panel cells and the transfused unit responsible for the reaction were 2-3+ by indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) and the donation typed as Wr(a+). The recipient had the common Wr(a-) phenotype. The reaction resulted in the patient being admitted to hospital for 2 days. The increasing use of electronic issue may result in more frequent reports of reactions due to anti-Wr(a) using current screening cells.

Conjugated linoleic acid and fish oil in laying hen diets: effects on egg fatty acids, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and tocopherols during storage.

The effects of incorporating conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and fish oil in laying hen diets on egg CLA, n-3 fatty acid, tocopherol, and TBA reactive substances (TBARS) during 60 d of storage were investigated. Hens were fed corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 3% yellow grease (YG), 2.75% yellow grease + 0.25% CLA (YG-CLA), 2.5% yellow grease + 0.25% CLA + 0.25% fish oil (YG-CLA-FO), or 2.75% yellow grease + 0.25% fish oil (YG-FO). Eggs were collected and stored at 4 degrees C up to 60 d. On storage d 0, 20, 40, and 60, eggs (n = 8) from each treatment were selected randomly, and tocopherol and TBARS contents were measured. Egg total lipid and fatty acids were determined on d 0 and 60 of storage. Feeding YG-CLA-FO led to a 5.4 and 7.7% reduction in egg total lipids on d 0 and 60 (P < 0.05) when compared with YG eggs. The YG-CLA and YG-CLA-FO diets led to a 12% increase in egg saturated fatty acids compared with YG eggs. The content of monounsaturated fatty acids were lower ( > 19%) in YG-CLA and YG-CLA-FO compared with YG. Egg n-3 was highest in YG-FO eggs and lowest in YG eggs (P < 0.0001). Storage over 60 d led to a 20 and 67% depletion of CLA in the YG-CLA and YG-CLA-FO eggs (P < 0.0001). A 29% reduction was observed in the total n-3 fatty acid content of YG-CLA-FO eggs at d 60 of storage when compared with d 0 of storage (P < 0.0001). Diet and storage increased TBARS (P < 0.0001), which was highest in YG-CLA eggs at 60 d of storage. The YG-CLA and YG-CLA-FO diets reduced alpha and gamma-tocopherol contents at all days of storage compared with YG eggs (P < 0.05). Regardless of diet, egg storage for 40 d or longer depleted egg tocopherol contents (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that healthy eggs with increased n-3 fatty acids and CLA can be generated by minor diet modifications, but added tocopherol supplementation may be needed to reduce lipid peroxidation when n-3 or CLA is included in the hen diet.

Metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in poultry: role of dietary lipids.

In the United States, supplemental dietary lipid is typically provided as an animal-vegetable blend using animal tallow or hydrogenated oils from the food industry. Lipids from these sources are rich in saturated, trans, n-6 fatty acids and poor in n-3 fatty acids. Linoleic (18:2 n-6) and alpha-linolenic (18:3 n-3) acids are essential fatty acids and are the precursors of long-chain n-6 and n-3 fatty acids such as arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA). Ester-linked arachidonic acid and EPA can be mobilized by phospholipase A(2) to generate free arachidonic acid and EPA, which can act as substrates for cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase to produce eicosanoids. Eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid, prostaglandin E2, thromboxane B2, and leukotriene B4 are proinflammatory and more potent than eicosanoids derived from EPA such as prostaglandin E3, thromboxane B3, and leukotriene B5. Developing dietary strategies in broiler chickens that enhance the n-3 fatty acid content of tissues is also associated with lipid oxidation and muscle product quality. Therefore, alternative strategies for enhancing tissue n-3 fatty acid content without affecting growth and product quality must be devised. The role of maternal (yolk) fatty acids in modulating the long-chain n-3 fatty acid content of tissues and eicosanoid production in chickens fed a diet lacking in long-chain n-3 fatty acids is investigated. Up to d 42 of growth, the cardiac tissues of chicks hatched from hens fed a high n-3 diet retained higher levels of long-chain n-3 fatty acids than those of chicks hatched from hens fed a low n-3 diet. Chicks hatched from hens fed a high n-3 diet produced less proinflammatory eicosanoids than chicks hatched from hens fed a low n-3 diet. Modulating maternal dietary n-3 fatty acids enhances tissue retention of n-3 fatty acids during growth and reduces proinflammatory eicosanoid production in chicks, which could lead to fewer metabolic and inflammatory-related disorders in poultry.

A survey of the hatchability of broiler and turkey eggs in the United States from 1985 through 2005.

A survey was conducted of the hatchability of broiler and turkey eggs set in US commercial hatcheries from 1985 through 2005. In 2005, a total of 11 billion broiler eggs and 343 million turkey eggs were set, compared with 5.6 billion broiler eggs and 258 million turkey eggs set in 1985. These numbers represented increases of 98 and 33% in the respective totals of broiler and turkey eggs set since 1985. Hatchability during this period ranged from 79 to 82% for broiler eggs and 76 to 80% for turkey eggs. Advances in nutrition, genetic selection, and management of broiler and turkey flocks during this time period did not result in an increase in hatchability. The economic loss associated with the lack of improved hatchability in the year 2005 was in excess of $500 million.

Maternal dietary n-3 fatty acids alter immune cell fatty acid composition and leukotriene production in growing chicks.

The effect of feeding different amounts of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FA) to hens on immune tissue FA composition and leukotriene production of hatched chicks was investigated. Hens were fed diets supplemented with either 3.0% sunflower oil (Diet I), 1.5% sunflower+1.5% fish oil (Diet II), or 3.0% fish oil (Diet III) for 46 days. The hatched chicks were fed a diet containing C18:3n-3, but devoid of longer chain n-6 and n-3 FA, for 21 days. Spleen docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content was higher in chicks from hens fed Diet III (P<0.05). The bursa content of arachidonic acid was lower in chicks hatched from hens fed Diet III (P<0.05), and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 FA was significantly higher in bursa of chicks hatched to hens fed Diet I (P<0.05). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA contents were higher in bursa of chicks hatched from hens fed Diet III (P<0.05). Thrombocytes from chicks hatched to hens fed Diet III produced the most leukotriene B(5) (LTB(5)). The ratio of LTB(5) to LTB(4) concentrations was also highest (P<0.05) in chicks hatched to hens fed Diet III. These results indicate that modulating maternal dietary n-6 and n-3 FA may alter leukotriene production in chicks, which could lead to less inflammatory-related disorders in poultry.