Dietary administration of L-carnitine during the fattening period of early feed restricted lambs modifies liver transcriptomic and plasma metabolomic profiles

Early feed restriction of lambs promotes a permanent mitochondrial dysfunction that impairs efficiency along the whole life. Dietary L-carnitine, compound plays an essential role in energy metabolism transferring long-chain fatty acids to mitochondria for subsequent β-oxidation, has demonstrated positive effects (e.g., improved markers or muscle/heart function) early restricted lambs. The purpose present study is ascertain underlying mechanisms under these using samples same liver transcriptomic and metabolomic approach. Twenty-two male Merino were separated from dams 9 h daily allow during suckling period. Once weaned, allocated control group (CTRL, n = 11) being fed ad libitum complete pelleted diet fattening phase, whereas second (CARN, received formulated with 3 g/kg L-carnitine. most relevant results this revealed administration g L-carnitine/ kg period caused no differential expression genes involved directly β-oxidation. However increased related excretion cholesterol as bile was agreement higher amounts glycodeoxycholic acid other intermediates CARN group, might have contributed achieve heart function. Moreover, ribosomes translation pathways also allowed explaining observed group. It can be concluded function achieved by L-carnitine/kg are caused, mainly, either excretion. • L-carnitine alleviate ribosomes. Genes into over-expressed. metabolome profile corroborated altered pathway. No clear on β-oxidation detected.