Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important components of mammalian diets, and the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on human development and cardiovascular health have been well documented. Caenorhabditis elegans is one of the few animals known to be able to produce linoleic (LA, 18:2n-6) and alpha-linolenic (ALA, 18:3n-3) essential fatty acids. These essential PUFA are generated by the acti...

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers effect an impressive range of biological processes including the ability to inhibit milk fatty acid synthesis. Although this has been demonstrated in several mammals, research has been most extensive with dairy cows. The first isomer shown to affect milk fat synthesis during lactation was trans-10, cis-12 CLA, and its effects have been well characterized i...

The review summarizes literature dealing with the effects of animal factors (breed, cow individuality, parity and stage of lactation) on fatty acid (FA) composition of milk fat. Genetic parameters affecting the composition of the FAs in milk are reviewed and the possibilities for altering milk fat composition are discussed. Cow individuality and the stage of lactation appear to be the main anim...

Rumen biohydrogenation of dietary alpha-linolenic acid gives rise in ruminants to accumulation of fatty acid intermediates, some of which may be transferred into milk. Rumelenic acid [cis-9 trans-11 cis-15 C18:3 (RLnA)] has recently been characterized, but other C18:3 minor isomers are still unknown. The objective of this work was to identify a new isomer of octatridecenoic acid present in milk...

Trans isomers are formed from cis unsaturated fatty acids during biohydrogenation by rumen microorganisms and by commercial partial hydrogenation during the processing of vegetable and fish oils. Recent estimates indicate that consumers in Western countries may receive from 0.5-2.1% to 2.5% of total energy intake as trans fatty acids. In recent years special attention has been given to the pote...

The beneficial effects of polyphenol intake such as improved nitrogen retention make them interesting feed supplements for ruminants. In contrast, dietary polyphenols may have adverse on the bioavailability nutrients and palatability which might impair growth performance. differ between different ruminant species well direct metabolites via suckling when supplemented to lactating dams. This stu...