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N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) are lipid signaling mediators, which can be synthesized from dietary fatty acids via n-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and in turn influence physiological outcomes; however, the roles of NAPE-PLD upon dietary fatty acid modulation are not fully understood. Presently, we examine if NAPE-PLD is necessary to increase NAEs in response to dietary fatty acid manipulation. Post-weaning male wild-type (C57Bl/6), NAPE-PLD (-/+) and NAPE-PLD (-/-) mice received isocaloric fat diets containing either beef tallow, corn oil, canola oil or fish oil (10% wt/wt from fat) for 9 weeks. Brain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were higher (P<.01) in NAPE-PLD (-/+) (10.01±0.31 μmol/g) and NAPE-PLD (-/-) (10.89±0.61 μmol/g) than wild-type (7.72±0.61 μmol/g) consuming fish oil. In NAPE-PLD (-/-) mice, brain docosahexaenoylethanolamide (DHEA) levels were higher (P<.01) after fish oil feeding suggesting that NAPE-PLD was not necessary for DHEA synthesis. Liver and jejunum arachidonoylethanolamide, 1,2-arachidonoylglycerol and DHEA levels reflected their corresponding fatty acid precursors suggesting that alternate pathways are involved in NAE synthesis. NAPE-PLD (-/-) mice had lower oleoylethanolamide levels in the jejunum and a leaner phenotype compared to wild-type mice. Overall, these results demonstrate that dietary fatty acid can augment tissue NAEs in the absence of NAPE-PLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Plant and animal breeding can contribute to promote human health by providing new and healthier food products that farmers can produce in an economically viable way and consumers will choose to buy and eat. However, this can only be achieved if breeding makes full use of knowledge about nutrition, consumer behaviour, farming and agricultural economics. A strategy is needed for breeding for public health. Scope and Approach A multidisciplinary group of researchers has developed a strategy for plant and animal breeding for public health. The group includes experts in plant breeding, animal breeding, food science, nutrition science, clinical nutrition, agricultural economics, consumer research, and ethics. Key Findings and Conclusions An outline is proposed of a strategy for breeding for public health. It aims at improving public health in both low- and high-income countries. To prevent chronic disease, the highest priority should be to develop healthy variants of traditional food items that can be introduced universally, i.e. completely replace the older, less healthy variants. In particular in low-income countries, food products with enhanced micronutrient content are urgently needed. In all countries, crops with improved fatty acid composition can contribute substantially to improved public health. A reasonable second priority is products that may not be suitable for universal introduction but will expectedly be demanded by large groups of consumers. One example could be diminishing the energy density of traditional foodstuffs by reducing their fat, sugar, and starch content and increasing their dietary fibre content. Changes in the current organization of the market for farm products are needed to encourage the production of healthier foodstuffs. Highlights • A strategy is proposed for breeding for public health. • The first priority is healthy products that can be introduced universally. • The second priority is other healthy products with expected consumer demand. • Oils and fats with improved fatty acid composition exemplify the first priority. • Crops with lower energy density and more dietary fibre exemplify the second priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective We aimed to study whether dietary fat composition (n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (PUFAs) and PUFAs and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) ratio) is associated with total body fat (TF) and body fat distribution and whether this association was modified by the presence of chronic disease in middle-aged and elderly women in two population-based cohorts in the Netherlands and Australia. Methods The study was performed in the Rotterdam Study (RS), a prospective cohort study among subjects aged 55 years and older (N = 1182 women) and the Calcium Intake Fracture Outcome Study (CAIFOS), a 5-year randomized controlled trial among women age 70+ (N = 891). At baseline, diet (i.e. PUFAs and SFAs) was measured by validated food frequency questionnaires. TF was assessed using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in both studies and android abdominal fat (AF), gynoid fat (GF) and the android/gynoid ratio (A/G ratio) in the RS but not the CAIFOS. Chronic disease was defined as the presence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and cancer. Results No association was found between dietary n-3/n-6 PUFAs ratio or SFA/PUFAs ratio with TF in both cohorts. In the RS, a high n-3/n-6 PUFAs ratio was associated with a higher AF (3rd vs. 2nd tertile (reference): β: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.24) but not with the A/G ratio. A low SFA/PUFA ratio was associated with a lower AF (1st vs. 2nd tertile (reference): β: −0.12; 95% CI: −0.22, −0.06) but not with the A/G ratio. Presence of chronic disease was found to be a significant effect modifier in both cohorts with regard to n-3/n-6 PUFAs and TF (P < 0.05). In participants without chronic disease, a higher n-3/n-6 PUFAs ratio was associated with a higher TF in the RS cohort (3rd vs. 2nd tertile (reference): β: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.12, 1.76), but this was not replicated in CAIFOS. Conclusion These findings do not support the hypothesis that dietary fat composition is consistently associated with TF and body fat distribution in women. Future studies should clarify to what extent these findings may be influenced by the presence of chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although the independence of the association and causality has not been fully established, non-fasting (postprandial) triglyceride (TG) concentrations have emerged as a clinically significant cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. In the current review, findings from three insightful prospective studies in the area, namely the Women''s Health Study, the Copenhagen City Heart Study and the Norwegian Counties Study, are discussed. An overview is provided as to the likely etiological basis for the association between postprandial TG and CVD, with a focus on both lipid and non-lipid (inflammation, hemostasis and vascular function) risk factors. The impact of various lifestyle and physiological determinants are considered, in particular genetic variation and meal fat composition. Furthermore, although data is limited some information is provided as to the relative and interactive impact of a number of modulators of lipemia. It is evident that relative to age, gender and body mass index (known modulators of postprandial lipemia), the contribution of identified gene variants to the heterogeneity observed in the postprandial response is likely to be relatively small. Finally, we highlight the need for the development of a standardised ‘fat tolerance test’ for use in clinical trials, to allow the integration and comparison of data from individual studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work deals with the characterisation of five fat types released during the conditioning process of table olives, pitting green olives (PGF), pitting ripe olives (PRF), pitting/stuffing green olives with vegetable origin products (PSGVF) and pitting/stuffing green olives with animal origin materials (PSGAF) along with the fat collected at the end of the factory sewer (WF). The parameters analysed included: acidity, peroxide value, spectrophotometric measurements (K232, K270 and ΔK), fatty acid composition of the raw material and the neutral fat, triacylglycerol composition of the neutral fat as well as the proportion and composition of the polar fraction. A chemometric analysis of specific groups of compounds was able to establish differences among the types of fats; the overall analysis showed two major groups: PGF, PRF and PSGVF were only moderately degraded, and PSGAF and WF were highly degraded. The information provided can help industries and authorities to handle these residues properly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study of UK retail milk identified highly significant variations in fat composition. The survey, conducted over 2 yr replicating summer and winter, sampled 22 brands, 10 of which indicated organic production systems. Results corroborate earlier farm-based findings considering fat composition of milk produced under conventional and organic management. Organic milk had higher concentrations of beneficial fatty acids (FA) than conventional milk, including total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; 39.4 vs. 31.8 g/kg of total FA), conjugated linoleic acid cis-9,trans-11 (CLA9; 7.4 v 5.6 g/kg of FA), and α-linolenic acid (α-LN; 6.9 vs. 4.4 g/kg of FA). As expected, purchase season had a strong effect on fat composition: compared with milk purchased in winter, summer milk had a lower concentration of saturated fatty acids (682 vs. 725 g/kg of FA) and higher concentrations of PUFA (37.6 vs. 32.8 g/kg of FA), CLA9 (8.1 vs. 4.7 g/kg of FA), and α-LN (6.5 vs. 4.6 g/kg of FA). Differences identified between sampling years were more surprising: compared with that in yr 2, milk purchased in year 1 had higher concentrations of PUFA (37.5 vs. 32.9 g/kg of FA), α-LN (6.0 vs. 5.1 g/kg of FA), and linoleic acid (19.9 vs. 17.5 g/kg of FA) and lower concentrations of C16:0 and C14:0 (332 vs. 357 and 110 vs. 118 g/kg of FA, respectively). Strong interactions were identified between management and season as well as between season and year of the study. As in the earlier farm studies, differences in fat composition between systems were greater for summer compared with winter milk. Large between-year differences may be due to changes in weather influencing milk composition through forage availability, quality, and intake. If climate change predictions materialize, both forage and dairy management may have to adapt to maintain current milk quality. Considerable variation existed in milk fat composition between brands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A total of 119 Duroc×(Landrace×Yorkshire) commercial pigs were used to investigate the effect of growth rate (fast vs slow), sex (barrows vs gilts) and slaughter liveweight (107, 115 and 125kg) on the fat characteristics of bellies. Backfat thickness increased with weight (P <0.01). Fat firmness score was only affected by sex (P <0.05), with gilts showing softer bellies than barrows. Fat from gilts and slow growing pigs showed a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA; P <0.001 and P <0.01, respectively), a higher proportion of linoleic fatty acid (C18:2 n-6; P <0.01), a higher proportion of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P <0.001 and P <0.01, respectively), and an increased iodine value (P <0.001). Consequently, the fat from these bellies had higher PUFA:SFA ratios (P <0.001) and n-6:n-3 ratios (P <0.01 and P <0.001, respectively) than that from the bellies of barrows and fast growing pigs. The belly fat from barrows and fast growing pigs had higher stearic fatty acid (C18:0; P <0.01) and SFA proportions (P <0.001 and P <0.01, respectively) than that from gilts and slow growing pigs. The belly fat from gilts and slow growing pigs would better meet the health requirements of consumers, but it is more prone to rancidity during storage leading to a potentially reduced bacon shelf-life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lab-reared sphingid and noctuid moths appear to feed less than wild moths, and often are starved to enhance responsiveness in feeding assays. To measure the impact of larval nutrition on adult feeding, we raised a model sphingid species, Manduca sexta, on control or modified diets (reduced sugar, protein or water, supplemented β-carotene) or cut tobacco leaves, then conducted feeding assays with artificial flowers. Behaviour was scored and analysed in a double-blind manner. Larval diet affected adult eclosion time, size and fat content, the latter of which was inversely proportional to moth approaches to the floral array in a flight cage. In contrast, behaviours refractory to feeding (sitting, escaping) were associated with sex and barometric pressure, but not with diet or fat content. Frequency of floral approaches and probing was not associated with any variable. However, moths reared on β-carotene-supplemented diet were 2–3 times more likely to feed, and significantly less likely to sit or show “escape” behaviour than were moths from most other treatments. Our results suggest that decreased visual sensitivity, rather than increased fat content, accounts for reduced adult feeding by lab-reared M. sexta. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The specific composition of milk fat of the small ruminant makes it especially valuable nutritionally and for consumer health. The aspects of the nature and composition of the animal''s diet that have an influence on the fat content of its milk and its composition has been reviewed. The various studies have been, fundamentally, aimed at optimising the production of milk. Particular account is taken of the industrial use made today of sheep and goat milk, as it comprises the raw material for the manufacture of different dairy products, especially of cheese. The physical form in which the forage proportion of the diet is presented and/or the forage/concentrate ratio in the diet are aspects for special consideration in determining the fat content of the milk. In the case of the goat, this seems to depend particularly on the energy intake achieved in each case. Dietary supplementation with different types of fat, unprotected or protected against the ruminal metabolism, is considered a crucial strategy. Not only does this alleviate certain limitations in the diet provided from the production system that is practiced. The semi-extensive production system of the small ruminant is most common in arid and semi-arid zones. It enables the producer to control the content and composition of milk fat. The scope of effect depends on the nature and amount of the dietary fat and on the existence of interactions between the basal diet (forage type, starchy concentrate, etc.) and dietary lipids. Besides the production system, the involvement of other factors, such as stage of lactation and the productive capability of the animal, should, also be taken into account. From the available information, it can be concluded that the nature of fat content of sheep and goat milk, in comparison with cow milk, presents advantages for consumer health. This composition makes them directly or in the form of dairy products, foods of choice for segments of the human population with specific requirements. Different nutritional strategies are designed with the aim of optimising the composition of these milks with respect to their fat content and composition. Experimental results in goat nutrition, show that lipid supplementation does not change net energy intake and milk yield, but increases in most cases, milk fat content and allows much less saturated fatty acids, much more oleic and/or vaccenic and rumenic acids, more linolenic acid, and other trans fatty acids. The responses of goats are different from cow''s responses in many aspects of milk production and mammary lipid metabolism, and the same is probably true for sheep. The variation in milk fat composition is very large, with important interactions between forage, concentrates and oils, in almost all major and minor fatty acids. Supplementation of corn silage or high-concentrate diets with vegetable oils increases sharply trans fatty acids other than rumenic and vaccenic acids. The aim of future research is to improve the effects of different feeding strategies, in order to increase more selectively fatty acids that are of interest for human nutrition and health without increasing the less desired fatty acids, and without decreasing the sensory quality of dairy products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The gross, proximate, fatty acids and cholesterol composition of three raw retail cuts from 28 lambs classified by weight, sex and fatness score were investigated. For gross composition, cut weight increased significantly with fat score and carcass weight. Percentage fat increased significantly from fat score 1–2 but not beyond (P<0.05). For nutrient composition the fat contents of the total cut and lean only portion of the three cuts increased directly with fat score by 10 g/100 g and 1.7 g/100 g, respectively. Fat content increased mainly at the expense of moisture. Cholesterol content of total cut and lean only portions decreased with increased fat score, by 16 and 18 mg/100 g, respectively. For lean only levels of myristic and palmitic acids increased significantly (P<0.05) while stearic acid decreased significantly, while levels of linoleic and linolenic acids decreased significantly with increased fat score. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sources of error in the interpretation of respiratory data are evaluated and reviewed with special reference to the detailed composition of foods. Estimates of fuel utilization or synthesis are 12-fold more sensitive to errors in the nonprotein respiratory quotient than is the heat equivalent of oxygen. Estimates of protein oxidation from nitrogen excretion can be in error from +14 to -39% of the true value. Heat equivalents of oxygen, respiratory quotients, and urinary nitrogen-to-oxygen conversion ratios are considered for 60 artificial and 101 conventional food proteins, 36 artificial and 125 conventional food fats, and the different carbohydrates contained in these foods. It is concluded that there is considerable uncertainty when the mix of fuels utilized is assessed accurately. Accuracy is best within 5% of the true values. This analysis is completed with descriptions of some physiological sources of error in an appendix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of subcutaneous fat of raw hams is a trait of interest in selective breeding programs for pig lines used in dry-cured ham production, and rapid, non-invasive methods for its assessment are available. However, the efficacy of such methods to provide indicator traits for breeding programs needs to be proven. The study investigated the accuracy of on-site visible–near IR spectroscopy predictions of iodine number and fatty acid (FA) composition of raw ham subcutaneous fat, and it evaluated their effectiveness as indicator traits of ham fat quality in a pig breeding program. Prediction equations were developed using visible–near IR spectra acquired at the slaughterhouse from five sites in subcutaneous fat of raw hams of 1025 crossbred pigs. Pigs were raised, under standardized rearing and feeding conditions, in the sib-testing program of the Goland C21 boar line and slaughtered at nine months of age and average body weight of 166 ± 15 kg. Accuracy was generally relatively poor, but R2 in external validation was > 0.7 for iodine number and concentration of C18:2n-6, polyunsaturated FAs and omega-6 FAs. To assess the effectiveness of the on-site predictions as indicator traits in a breeding program, (co)variance components of the measured traits (OBS) and of their predictions using in-lab (in-lab-PR) or on-site (on-site-PR) spectrometers were estimated. Available records for OBS were 6814 and 2048, for iodine number and FA composition, respectively. Predictions using in-lab were available for pigs slaughtered between 2006 and 2014, for a total of 10 153 records. Predictions using on-site were obtained from spectra collected since 2011, for a total of 10 296 records. The estimated heritabilities for the investigated traits ranged from 0.34 to 0.50 and were greater for on-site-PR than for OBS. Genetic correlations between OBS and in-lab-PR were very close to 1.00 for all the investigated traits, whereas those between OBS and on-site-PRED ranged from 0.86 to 0.94. On-site visible-IR predictions are accurate enough to support the use of this technique for large-scale phenotyping of raw ham fat quality, even when dealing with animals of a single genetic line raised in standardized conditions, and may be implemented as indicator traits in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]