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Fat absorption in germ-free and conventional rats artificially deprived of bile secretion.

Bile duct ligation was performed in germ-free and conventional rats in order to study the effects of bile deprivation on the absorption of dietary lipids and the excretion of faecal lipids in the presence or the absence of gastrointestinal flora. The main consequence of bile duct ligation in conventional rats was decrease of about 50% in the apparent absorption of dietary lipids (peanut oil). In germ-free rats, absorption decreased by only about 25%. In conventional as well as in germ-free controls, faecal lipids were mainly excreted as compounds directly soluble in organic solvents that is, free fatty acids, triglycerides, partial glycerides, cholesterol, cholesterol esters. Deprivation of bile secretion significantly increased the faecal excretion of 'insoluble' compounds-that is, calcium soaps-both in germ-free and conventional rats. Free fatty acids and sterol esters were the two main class of soluble faecal lipids both in germ-free and conventional rats deprived of bile secretion. Faecal excretion of triglycerides remained low in germ-free as well as in conventional animals. No significant difference of fatty acid absorption was observed between germ-free and conventional controls. Deprivation of bile secretion resulted in a significant decrease in the absorption of all fatty acids in germ-free as well as in conventional animals. However, the decrease was larger for saturated fatty acids-that is, 16:0 or 18:0- than for unsaturated fatty acids-that is, 18:1 or 18:2. The absorption of all fatty acids, except linoleic acid (18:2), was significantly lower in conventional rats artificially deprived of bile secretion than in their germ-free counterparts. Evidence was given for a negative digestive balance of stearic acid (18:0) in bile deprived conventional animals. This observation was correlated with a very efficient biohydrogenation of dietary unsaturated fatty acids as revealed by radio gas chromatography of faecal acids in bile deprived conventional rats fed a diet containing 1-14C oleic acid (18:1) as homogeneous triglycerides. Nevertheless, biohydrogenation of unsaturated dietary fatty acids by the gastrointestinal flora was not considered to be the only factor involved in the origin of the difference of fat absorption between bile deprived germ-free and conventional animals.

Animals↗

Production of conjugated linoleic acid by intestinal bacteria in dogs and cats.

Production of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) by the intestinal bacteria of dogs and cats was demonstrated by incubating their feces with linoleic acid (LA). CLA accumulated once, and then decreased with time. The numbers of LA-hydrogenating bacteria in the intestines appeared to decrease greatly with the ages of dogs and cats. As a major product of LA biohydrogenation, trans-vaccenic acid (t-VA) was identified. Most CLA and t-VA were readily solubilized by shaking the incubation mixture with bovine serum albumin, which strongly supports the presumption that CLA and t-VA are mostly formed on the outer surface of cell membrane, or excreted to the outer cell surface. This result suggests that CLA and t-VA can readily be absorbed through the large intestines. Triacylglycerol and phospholipid were shown to be hydrolyzed to free fatty acids by fecal bacteria, which is critical for biohydrogenation to occur, because esterified LA is not hydrogenated. However, since the ability of intestinal bacteria to produce CLA is probably low, it is desirable to augment CLA production.

Aging↗

Thermophilic anaerobic fermentation of olive pulp for hydrogen and methane production: modelling of the anaerobic digestion process.

The present study investigates the thermophilic biohydrogen and methane production from olive pulp, which is the semi-solid residue coming from the two-phase processing of olives. It focussed on: a) production of methane from the raw olive pulp; b) anaerobic bio-production of hydrogen from the olive pulp; c) subsequent anaerobic treatment of the hydrogen-effluent with the simultaneous production of methane; and d) development of a mathematical model able to describe the anaerobic digestion of the olive pulp and the effluent of hydrogen producing process. Both continuous and batch experiments were performed. The hydrogen potential of the olive pulp amounted to 1.6 mmole H2 per g TS. The methane potential of the raw olive pulp and hydrogen-effluent was as high as 19 mmole CH4 per g TS suggesting that: a) olive pulp is a suitable substrate for methane production; and b) biohydrogen production can be very efficiently coupled with a subsequent step for methane production.

Anaerobiosis↗

Effects of degree of fat saturation on fiber digestion and microbial protein synthesis when diets are fed twelve times daily.

Three Holstein heifers and one nonlactating cow, fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas, were arranged in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to determine the effects of degree of fat saturation on ruminal neutral detergent fiber digestion and microbial protein synthesis and to determine whether changes in the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis were related to protozoal populations in the rumen. Corn silage-based diets contained no added fat or 4.85% of diet dry matter as partially hydrogenated tallow, tallow, or animal-vegetable fat. Iodine values of fat sources were 12.8, 50.6, and 109.7 for partially hydrogenated tallow, tallow, and animal-vegetable fat, respectively. Cattle were fed every 2 h and consumed 1.5% of body weight as dry matter daily. Ruminal neutral detergent fiber digestibility was decreased by added fat but was not affected by increasing iodine value. Flows of microbial N and non-NH3-nonmicrobial N to the duodenum were not affected by treatment. Ruminal protozoa concentration decreased linearly as the iodine value of fats increased. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was increased and protozoa concentrations tended to decrease when fat was fed. Decreased ruminal protozoa concentration may have decreased intraruminal N recycling. Biohydrogenation of added fat may result in a low ruminal concentration of unsaturated fatty acids when cows are fed frequently, reducing the negative effects of unsaturated fat sources on ruminal neutral detergent fiber digestibility. Protozoa were inhibited by unsaturated fat, but it is not clear if biohydrogenation and frequent feeding lessened inhibition.

Animal Feed↗

Effect of forage:concentrate ratio on ruminal digestion and duodenal flow of fatty acids in ewes.

The objective of this study was to determine the forage:concentrate ratio that would provide the greatest duodenal flow of unsaturated fatty acids in ewes supplemented with soybean oil and to determine how diets differing in forage content affect flow of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans-vaccenic acid (18:1(trans-11)). Five mature ewes (66.5 +/- 12.8 kg) fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square experiment. Diets were isonitrogenous and included bromegrass hay, cracked corn, corn gluten meal, urea, and limestone. Dietary fat was adjusted to 6% with soybean oil. Five ratios of forage:concentrate (18.4:81.6, 32.2:67.8, 45.8:54.2, 59.4:40.6, and 72.9:27.1) were fed at 1.3% of BW daily in equal allotments at 0630 and 1830. After 14 d, Cr2O3 (2.5 g) was dosed at each feeding for 7 d and ruminal, duodenal, and fecal collections were taken for the next 3 d. Duodenal flow of 18:0 increased linearly (P < 0.01) with dietary forage. Duodenal flow of 18:1(cis-9) and 18:2(cis-9,12) decreased (P < 0.001) but duodenal flow of 18:3(cis-9,12,15) increased (P < 0.01) with increased dietary forage. Biohydrogenation of dietary unsaturated fatty acids increased (P < 0.001) as dietary forage increased, which was concomitant with increased ruminal pH. Duodenal flow of 18:2(cis-9,trans-11) increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increased dietary forage but increased abruptly when forage was fed at 45.8%. Duodenal flow of the trans-10, cis-12 and cis-10, cis-12 CLA isomers decreased as dietary forage increased, but flow tended to increase on the highest-forage diet, resulting in both linear (P < 0.01) and quadratic (P < 0.01) effects. Duodenal flow of 18:1(trans-11) decreased from 8.28 g/d on the 18.4% forage diet to 5.47 g/d on the 59.4% forage diet then increased to 7.29 g/d on the highest-forage diet (quadratic, P < 0.1). Duodenal flow of 18:1(trans-11) was 27- to 69-fold greater than flow of CLA. We conclude that when ewes were fed a 6% crude fat diet duodenal flows of dietary fatty acids changed incrementally as dietary forage was increased, whereas changes in flows of CLA isomers seemed to be more abrupt. Biohydrogenation changes were gradual with diet, suggesting a gradual shift in ruminal microbial populations with increasing forage. Finally, the highest-concentrate diet supported the greatest duodenal flows of dietary unsaturated fatty acids, as well as the highest flow of 18:1(trans-11).

Animal Feed↗

Concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11-octadecadienoic acid) are not increased in tissue lipids of cattle fed a high-concentrate diet supplemented with soybean oil.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a mixture of isomers of linoleic acid, has many beneficial effects, including decreased tumor growth in animal cancer models. The cis-9, trans-11 isomer of CLA (CLA9,11) can be formed in the rumen as an intermediate in biohydrogenation of linoleic acid. Recent data, however, indicate that tissue desaturation of trans-fatty acids is an important source of CLA9,11 in milk. Our objective was to determine whether supplementing a high-corn diet with soybean oil (SBO; a source of linoleic acid) would increase concentrations of CLA in ruminal contents and tissue lipids. Four ruminally cannulated steers were utilized in a Latin square design with 28-d periods. A control diet (80% cracked corn, 2.0% corn steep liquor, 8.0% ground corn cobs, and 10% supplement [soybean meal, ground shelled corn, minerals, and vitamins]) was supplemented with 2.5, 5.0, or 7.5% (DM basis) SBO. Supplemental SBO did not affect ruminal pH or concentrations of the major VFA. The proportion and amount (mg FA/g DM ruminal contents) of CLA9,11 were not increased by increasing dietary SBO. However, the proportion and amount of the trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomer (CLA10,12) in ruminal contents increased linearly (P < 0.006) as dietary SBO increased. Trans-18:1 isomers in ruminal contents increased linearly (P < 0.02) as dietary SBO increased. The proportion of CLA10,12 was correlated positively (P < 0.001) with proportions of trans-C 18:1 isomers in ruminal contents. Conversely, CLA9,11 was correlated negatively (P < 0.05) with the proportions of trans-18:1 in ruminal contents. The same high-corn diet, supplemented with 0 or 5% SBO, was fed to 20 Angus-Wagyu heifers for 102 d in a randomized complete block design to determine the effect of added SBO on tissue deposition of CLA. Supplemental SBO did not affect feed intake, gain:feed, or carcass quality. Tissue samples were obtained from the hindquarter, loin, forequarter, liver, large and small intestine, and subcutaneous, mesenteric, and perirenal adipose depots. The concentration of CLA9,11 was greatest in subcutaneous adipose tissue but was not affected in any tissue by SBO. Supplementing high-corn diets with SBO does not increase CLA9,11 concentrations in tissues of fattening heifers. Research is needed to identify regulatory factors for pathways of biohydrogenation that lead to increased concentrations of CLA10,12 in ruminal contents when high-oil, high-concentrate diets are fed.

Adipose Tissue↗

Effect of supplemental nutrient source on heifer growth and reproductive performance, and on utilization of corn silage-based diets by beef steers.

Two experiments were conducted to determine effects of oilseeds or soybean hulls on growth and reproductive performance of heifers and utilization of corn silage diets by growing beef cattle. In Exp. 1, 96 beef heifers (249 kg of BW) were used in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were as follows: 1) corn and soybean meal (CON) at 56% of the DMI; 2) whole linted cottonseed at 15% of the DMI (COT); 3) whole raw soybeans at 15% of the DMI (SB); or 4) pelleted soyhulls at 30% of the DMI (SH). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (13.8% CP) and fed to achieve target weights equal to 65% of expected mature BW at the time of AI. Estrus was synchronized and heifers were inseminated by AI in response to detected estrus. Because the energy value for SH was underestimated, cumulative ADG for SH (1.03 kg/d) was greater (P < or = 0.03) than for CON (0.89 kg/d), COT (0.87 kg/d), or SB (0.86 kg/d). Treatment did not affect (P > 0.10) the proportion of pubertal heifers at the beginning of the breeding season: CON (60%), COT (53%), SB (69%), SH (71%), or first-service conception rates: CON (37%); COT (38%); SB (57%); SH (42%). In Exp. 2, crossbred steers (387 kg) were used in a 6 x 6 Latin square design to evaluate the effects of supplemental nutrient source on utilization of corn silage diets. Treatments included diets used in Exp. 1, plus a negative control (soybean meal at 10% of the DMI; SIL) and whole raw soybeans at 25% of the DMI (SB25). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (13.8% CP) except SB25 (17% CP), and were fed twice daily at 1.8 x NEm. Oilseed inclusion decreased (P < 0.10) acetate:propionate ratios and (P < 0.10) apparent ruminal OM and ruminal and total tract NDF digestibilities. The CON and SH diets had the greatest (P < 0.10) total-tract OM digestibilities. Microbial efficiencies were greatest (P < 0.10), and long chain fatty acid flow to the duodenum increased (P < 0.10) with oilseeds. Biohydrogenation averaged 90.4% and increased slightly (P < 0.10) when oilseeds were added to the diet. Adding oilseeds or soybean hulls to corn silage-based diets did not affect reproductive performance of heifers. Although oilseed additions increased total fatty acid flow to the duodenum, a high degree of biohydrogenation occurred, greatly increasing C18:0, with only marginal increases in unsaturated fatty acid flow. Depending on diet and feeding conditions, inclusion of whole oilseeds may not be an effective means of increasing linoleic acid supply for ruminant animals.

Age Factors↗

Feeding oleamide to lactating Jersey cows 1. Effects on lactation performance and milk fatty acid composition.

Oleamide was previously reported to resist ruminal biohydrogenation and elevate milk oleic acid concentration when fed to lactating Holstein cows. To determine if Jersey cows responded similarly to oleamide, four lactating Jersey cows (mean 417 kg of body weight and 64 days in milk) were fed four diets in a 4x4 Latin square with 2-wk periods. Diets were total mixed ration containing 47% corn silage and 53% concentrate (dry matter basis) and were supplemented with no added fat (control), or with 3.5% added fat from either higholeic canola oil, a commercial source of oleamide, or oleamide synthesized from oleic acid and urea. The canola oil supplement had no effect on milk yield or composition. Compared to canola oil, the oleamide supplements reduced milk yield, dry matter intake, and milk fat and protein contents. Milk oleic acid concentration increased from 17.4% of total fatty acids for the control diet to 22.1% for the canola oil diet. Both oleamides further increased milk oleic acid to 30.0 and 27.1% of total fatty acids for the commercial and synthesized oleamides, respectively. Milk palmitic acid was reduced and stearic acid was increased by all fat supplements but more so by the oleamides than by the canola oil. Consistent with previous reports that fatty acyl amides resist ruminal biohydrogenation, feeding oleamide to Jersey cows in this study increased milk oleic acid concentration but had negative effects on feed intake and milk yield.

Animal Feed↗

Comparison of calcium salts and formaldehyde-protected conjugated linoleic Acid in inducing milk fat depression.

Abomasal infusion studies have shown that trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) decreases milk fat synthesis. However, supplements of CLA must avoid rumen biohydrogenation for this technology to be applied to ruminants. Rumen protection methods would reduce CLA metabolism in the rumen and increase its supply to the small intestine. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of 2 forms of rumen-protected CLA at inducing milk fat depression. Three mid to late lactation Holstein cows each fitted with a rumen fistula were used in a 3 x 3 Latin square design. Treatments were: 1) control, 2) calcium salts of CLA (Ca-CLA), and 3) formaldehyde-protected CLA (FP-CLA). Supplements were designed to provide 10 g/d of trans-10, cis-12 CLA and were administered intraruminally once per day to ensure exact delivery of amount. Both CLA treatments substantially reduced milk fat yield and content compared with control, with the reductions in milk fat yield averaging 34% for the Ca-CLA treatment and 44% for the FP-CLA treatment. In contrast, milk yield, milk protein yield, and dry matter intake were unaltered by CLA treatment. Efficiency of transfer of trans-10, cis-12 CLA from the supplement into milk fat was 3.2 and 7.0% for Ca-CLA and FP-CLA, respectively. These values are much lower than transfer efficiencies reported for abomasally infused CLA, suggesting that much of the trans-10, cis-12 CLA present in the 2 formulations was biohydrogenated in the rumen. Overall, the extent of the reduction in milk fat yield indicates that both protection formulations are acceptable methods for the formulation of CLA supplements to induce milk fat depression in lactating dairy cows.

Animals↗

Dilution rate and pH effects on the conversion of oleic acid to trans C18:1 positional isomers in continuous culture.

In a previous in vitro study, mixed ruminal microorganisms converted oleic acid to a variety of trans monenes when grown in batch cultures under constant environmental conditions. To determine whether a similar conversion occurs under environmental conditions more typical of the rumen, conversion of 13C-labeled oleic acid to biohydrogenation intermediates was determined in ruminal microorganisms grown in continuous culture at two pH (5.5 and 6.5) and liquid dilution rates (0.05 and 0.10/h) arranged factorially. After each morning feeding of the dual-flow continuous cultures, 250 mg of oleic acid in 5 mL of ethanol were injected into each culture. On d 10, 250 mg of oleic-1-(13C) replaced the unlabelled oleic acid in ethanol. Trans fatty acids were isolated from culture samples by solid phase extraction, and 13C enrichment and identity of double bond position was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. At pH 6.5 and 0.10/h dilution rate, 13C enrichment was detected in all trans-C18:1 isomers having double bond positions from C6 through C16 in the acyl chain. However, when pH or dilution rate in fermentors was lowered, no 13C enrichment was detected in any trans isomer with a double bond position beyond C10. Enrichment in stearic acid increased by reducing culture pH from 6.5 to 5.5, but decreased when dilution rate dropped from 0.10 to 0.05/h. The stearic acid carbons that originated from oleic acid biohydrogenation increased from 30 to 72% when pH dropped from 6.5 to 5.5. The 13C enrichment of trans-10 was reduced under low pH and dilution rate conditions. The results of this study confirm that ruminal microorganisms are capable of converting oleic acid to a wide variety of trans-C18:1 positional isomers when ruminal conditions are favorable (such as the pH 6.5 and 0.10/h dilution rate treatment). However, at low pH and dilution rate, the conversion of oleic acid to trans-C18:1 still occurs, but positional isomers produced are restricted to double bond positions from C6 to C10. Low pH conditions also increased the conversion of oleic acid to stearic acid.

Animals↗

Efficacy of a novel whey protein gel complex to increase the unsaturated fatty acid composition of bovine milk fat.

A novel whey protein emulsion gel (WPEG) complex was developed to protect dietary unsaturated fatty acids from rumen biohydrogenation with the goal of modifying the fatty acid composition of milk fat. Three experiments were conducted with WPEG complexes made from either whey protein concentrate containing 80% crude protein, whey protein isolate, or whey protein concentrate high-gel capacity. Each experiment lasted 3 wk. All cows received a basal total mixed ration (TMR). During wk 1 and 3, all cows received only the TMR. During wk 2, 3 control cows received 330 g/d of soybean oil added to the TMR, and the other 3 cows received 330 g/d of soybean oil in one of the WPEG complexes. During wk 2, C18:2 increased from 3.29 to 5.88 g/100 g of fat in Experiment 1, 2.91 to 7.42 g/100 g of fat in Experiment 2, and 3.57 to 6.56 g/100 g of fat in Experiment 3 for WPEG cows. Fatty acid C18:3 increased from 0.51 to 0.84, 0.52 to 1.15, and 0.51 to 0.97 g/100 g of fat for Experiments 1, 2, and 3, respectively, for WPEG cows. Higher proportions of C18:1 trans-9 in milk fat of control cows compared with WPEG cows were seen in all experiments. The proportion of C18:1 trans-11 was also higher in control cows in Experiments 1 and 2, but not in Experiment 3. The WPEG complexes successfully protected unsaturated fatty acids from rumen biohydrogenation and resulted in an increase in the unsaturated fatty acid composition of milk fat produced by Holstein cows without increasing the trans 18-carbon monoenes.

Animals↗

Rumen and total diet digestibilities in lactating cows fed diets containing full-fat rapeseed.

Effects of full-fat crushed rapeseed (0, 1, or 2 kg/d) on rumen and total digestion, rumen biohydrogenation, and rumen microbial protein synthesis were studied in lactating cows. Rumen digestibilities (%) of DM, NDF, and cellulose were 52.1, 46.1, and 51.8, respectively, for control. Rapeseed decreased rumen and total DM digestibilities and proportion of DM digested in the rumen. Rumen digestibility of cellulose was decreased by rapeseed, but this was apparently compensated by hindgut fermentation. Dry matter, NDF, and hemicellulose digestibilities were compensated at 1 kg but not at 2 kg/d. Biohydrogenation of 18:1 fatty acids increased with increasing dietary fat, whereas that of 18:2 and 18:3 was 85% on all diets. Fatty acid digestibility was not different among diets. Microbial nitrogen in the duodenum increased from 142 g/d for control to 191 g/d for 1 and 2 kg/d. Efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (grams of microbial nitrogen per kilogram organic matter apparently digested in the rumen) was 17.3, 24.8, and 26.6 for 0, 1, and 2 kg/d. Slow release of fat from crushed rapeseed minimized negative effects on rumen metabolism; 1 to 2 kg/d of full-fat crushed rapeseed may be fed to lactating cows without detrimental metabolic effects.

Animals↗

Release of free fatty acids from raw or processed soybeans and subsequent effects on fiber digestibilities.

Two in vitro experiments were conducted to determine the rates of lipolysis and the extent of biohydrogenation of fat from raw or processed soybeans and to examine the subsequent effects on fiber digestibilities. In Experiment 1, substrates containing soy oil, raw soybeans, extruded soybeans, and soybeans roasted at 132, 146, or 163 degrees C were incubated with ruminal contents for 2, 4, 6, 12, or 24 h; and release of FFA was measured. The FFA released from substrates containing soy oil, extruded soybeans, and raw or roasted soybeans reached maxima at incubations of 4, 6, and 12 h, respectively. As the roasting temperature increased from 132 to 163 degrees C, release of FFA decreased at incubations of 2, 12, and 24 h. Fatty acids in roasted soybeans were subjected to less biohydrogenation than those in raw or extruded soybeans, suggesting that FFA of roasted soybeans are partially protected from ruminal bacteria. In Experiment 2, ground alfalfa hay was added to substrates used previously to determine the effect of release rate of FFA on ADF and NDF digestibilities. At all incubation times, the substrates containing soy oil and extruded soybeans had lower digestibilities, and those containing raw or roasted soybeans had higher digestibilities of NDF and ADF.

Animals↗

Potential to alter the content and composition of milk fat through nutrition.

Nutritional manipulation of the rumen ecosystem provides a strategy to alter the content and composition of milk fat. Dietary fat supplements affect the content and composition of milk fat. The magnitude of changes is influenced by the degree of protection; as protection increases, the deleterious effects fatty acids on microbial activity decreases, and biohydrogenation of C18 unsaturated fatty acids is reduced. In addition, change is influenced by the transfer of dietary fat into milk, which is related to fatty acid composition, degree of ruminal metabolism, and efficiency of digestion. A cascade of metabolic events involving specific nutrients (e.g., trans fatty acids and cyclopropene acids) occurs that regulates the activity of key enzymes in pathways of endogenous fat synthesis within the mammary gland. When cattle are fed oilseeds (e.g., canola and cotton) with > 75% protection from biohydrogenation, the proportion of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids is changed, and the fat content of milk is increased. Human consumption of dairy products containing elevated proportions of C18 mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the content of cholesterol in plasma low density lipoproteins. These fat-modified dairy products are more susceptible to autoxidation, which can be controlled by including vitamin E in the diet of lactating cow. These products also have much less solid fat, which improves spreadability of butter. By protecting different oilseeds from ruminal metabolism, demands for energy can be satisfied while producing milk fat that can be designed for consumer and manufacturing requirements.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

Effect of sunflower, linseed and fish oils on the production of trans fatty acids in vitro.

In vitro anaerobic incubations were used to determine the effect of different oils (LO-linseed, SO-sunflower, FO-fish oil) on trans fatty acid production in rumen fluid and to test if combining of monensin (MON) with the oils affects the interactions on trans fatty acid concentrations in mixed cultures of ruminal microorganisms. Two different sources of rumen fluid were used; the inoculum from the sheep fed hay and barley (80:20%)--the inoculum A and the inoculum from the sheep fed alfalfa and barley (80:20 %)--the inoculum B. The analyses showed that inoculum B contained more short chain fatty acids (SCFA), medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) than inoculum A. In contrast, inoculum A contained more unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) than inoculum B. The results show, that the oils affected the biohydrogenation of fatty acids (FA) by increasing the concentration of C18:0 (3-7 times) and trans C18:1 isomers (2-9 times). The concentration of two main intermediates of FA biohydrogenation-- cis 9, trans 11 C18:2 (CLA) and trans 11C18:1 (TVA) were increased with the oils, but FO was more efficient than other plant oils on CLA and TVA production. The monensin treatment had similar effect on FA metabolism as the oil treatment in comparison to unincubated control. The interactions of monensin treatment with the oils were characterized with decrease (LO+MON, SO+MON) or increase (FO+MON) of the proportions of C18:0 and trans C18:1 isomers in comparison to oil treatment. The highest concentrations of two main isomers--CLA,TVA were found in the samples containing fish oil and monensin. In conclusion, fish oil treatment and monensin with fish oil treatment was more efficient than other plant oils in the effect on trans fatty acid production (mainly CLA and TVA) in fermentation fluid in vitro.

Animal Feed↗

[Microbial community structure in different wastewater treatment processes characterized by single-strand-conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique].

In order to investigate microbial community structures in different wastewater treatment processes and understand the relationship between the structures and the status of processes, the microbial community diversity, variety and distribution in five wastewater treatment processes were studied by a culture-independent genetic fingerprinting technique single-strand-conformation polymorphism (SSCP). The five processes included a denitrification and phosphorus removal bioreactor (N), Chinese traditional medicine wastewater treatment bioreactor (P), beer wastewater treatment bioreactor (W), fermentative biohydrogen production bioreactor (H) and sulfate-reduction bioreactor (S). The results indicate that the microbial community profiles in the same wastewater bioreactors are very similar. The diversity of microbial populations is correlated with the complexity of organic contaminants in wastewater. Chinese traditional medicine wastewater contains more complex organic components, so the population diversity is higher than that of simple nutrient bioreactors fed with molasses wastewater. Compared with the strain bands in a simulated community, the relative proportion of some functional microbial populations in bioreactors was not dominant, namely, fermentative biohydrogen producer Ethanologenbacterium sp. in the better condition bioreactor had only 5% band density, and the Desulfovibrio sp. in the sulfate-reducing bioreactor had less than 1.5% band density. SSCP profiles can define the difference in microbial community structures in wastewater treatment processes and monitor some of the functional microbes in these processes, providing useful guidance for improving its efficiency.

Bacteria↗

Relationship between fecal neutral steroid concentrations and malignancy in colon cells.

Analysis of total and individual fecal neutral steroids in different groups of intestinal pathology from 105 patients was performed to investigate a relationship between neutral steroid concentration and malignant potentiality of colon cells. The fecal concentration of total neutral steroids was significantly higher in patients with colon cancer (57.3 +/- 2.4 mmol/kg of wet feces) and patients with malignant degenerative polyps at Stage I or II (49.5 +/- 2.9) compared with controls (36.9 +/- 3.5) as well as patients with adenomatous polyps (22.4 +/- 2.0). Moreover, a significant correlation was found between total neutral steroid concentrations and coprostanol concentrations in patients with colon cancer (r = 0.928) and in patients with malignant polyps (r = 0.915). Coprostanol results only from the biohydrogenation of delta 5-3 beta-OH steroids by anerobic bacteria because the analysis of a malignant colon tumor in comparison with a healthy colon wall showed that cholesterol is the only steroid included in membrane cells, and that the incubation of Clostridium or Bacteroides with delta 5-3 beta-OH steroids, such as cholesterol (steroid of animal origin) or beta-sitosterol (steroid of plant origin) converts these steroids into coprostanol at a level of efficiency greater than 45%. The findings suggest that high levels of coprostanol reflecting a high growth of anerobic bacteria through the gut are related to the malignant potentiality of colon cells. The screening of neutral fecal steroids should provide a valuable parameter for predicting the malignancy of colon cells.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

Bio-mimetic hydrogen production from polysaccharide using the visible light sensitization of zinc porphyrin.

A biohydrogen production system coupling the polysaccharide such as sucrose and maltose degradation with invertase and glucose dehydrognase (GDH) and hydrogen production with colloidal platinum as hydrogen-evolved catalyst using the visible light-induced photosensitization of water-soluble zinc porphyrin, zinc tetraphenylporphyrin tetrasulfonate (ZnTPPS) has been investigated. Continuous hydrogen gas production was observed when the sample solution containing polysaccharide, invertase, GDH, nicotinamide adenine dinucreotide (NAD(+)), ZnTPPS, methylviologen (an electron relay reagent), and colloidal platinum was irradiated by visible light. After 240-min irradiation, the amount of hydrogen production in the system using sucrose and maltose was estimated to be 3.1 and 0.35 micromol, respectively.

Biomimetics↗