Changes on Plasma Metabolic Biochemical Profile, Humoral Immune Response and Fatty Acids Composition of the Muscle in Barrows Mangalitsa Pigs Fed Linseed Oil | Chapter 1 | Current Research Trends in Biological Science Vol. 2

The Mangalitsa pig breed is one of the oldest breeds in Europe. The trend of an increasing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration in animal tissue has continued, thus requiring an increase in using various types of oleaginous sources rich in n-3 fatty acid (FA). The objective of this study consist on investigate the influence of dietary linseed oil, as rich sources of the essential FA, particularly α-linolenic, on the plasma biochemical profile and the humoral immune response of the finishing Mangalitsa pigs. The implications of the addition of linseed oil on the FA composition of two types of muscles, longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus, were assessed as well. Twenty one Mangalitsa finishing barrows pigs, were assigned randomly to two groups fed: i) control diet based on classical ingredients; ii) linseed oil diet containing in addition vs. control diet, linseed oil produced by cold pressing 3.0%. Blood samples were aseptically collected by jugular venipuncture in order to determine biochemical and immunoglobulins profile. Samples of muscles were collected as well for establishing FAs composition by gas chromatography method. The use of linseed oil in the diets of barrow Mangalitsa pigs changed significantly most of the biochemical and immunological plasma parameters. The data show that the plasma constituents ranged within the physiological limits or slightly higher, but with no adverse effects on the health status of the animals. The meat from Mangalitsa pigs, improved nutritionally by the addition of linseed seed oil, as source rich in n-3 FA, brings several benefits beyond the controversies over the high-fat content: a higher content of αlinolenic FA; presence of the EPA, DPA, and DHA; a proper n-6:n-3 ratio, good for human health; a lower cholesterol level. These data are important because they can be used as a reference for biochemical determinations in humans due to the similarities existing between the human and pig organisms.

Author(s) Details

Mihaela Habeanu
National Research Development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition Balotesti, Calea Bucuresti nr.1, Balotesti,  077015 Ilfov, Romania.

Nicoleta Aurelia Lefter
National Research Development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition Balotesti, Calea Bucuresti nr.1, Balotesti,  077015 Ilfov, Romania.

Anca Gheorghe
National Research Development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition Balotesti, Calea Bucuresti nr.1, Balotesti,  077015 Ilfov, Romania

Lavinia Idriceanu
National Research Development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition Balotesti, Calea Bucuresti nr.1, Balotesti,  077015 Ilfov, Romania.

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