Research Abstract
METABOLISM AND NUTRITION
The interaction of dietary flaxseed and length of feeding on the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat in grower-finisher pigs.
Authors :
J.F.Patience, A.D. Beaulieu, P. Leterme, M.E.R. Dugan, J.L. Aalhus, I. Haq, and R.T. Zijlstra
Purpose :
- To determine the optimum combination of level and length of feeding of extruded flaxseed to achieve a desired concentration of ALA in subcutaneous fat.
- To determine if the consistency of the elevation of ALA in the subcutaneous fat is affected by either the amount of flaxseed in the diet or the length of feeding.
Methodology :
- 40 gilts and 40 barrows were fed either the control diet for 12 weeks, or a diet containing 10, 20, or 30% LinPRO (equivalent to 5, 10 and 15% extruded flax) for 12, 8, or 4 weeks prior to fat sampling.
- Analysis included:
- Effect of diet
- Length of feeding
- Gender, and
- All interactions between the above effects
Results :
- In all feeding levels and durations, the Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio was improved with LinPRO compared to pigs fed the control diet.
- Males were found to have an increased ADG and ADFI, and a decreased FCE. There was a significant increase in backfat of the pigs as more LinPRO was included, as well as when feeding duration increased.
- ALA was significantly higher in the pigs fed 30% LinPRO, with the highest levels being reached when fed at this level for 12 weeks. The consistency of ALA enrichment was at its highest at 12 weeks.
Conclusion :
- Enrichment of ALA in backfat is improved by increasing either the dietary concentration of flaxseed or the length of feeding.
- Maximal enrichment was obtained by feeding 30% LinPRO for 12 weeks.
- Consistency of the enrichment is improved with the length of feeding.
