Variability in milk fatty acids: recreating a foraging trip to test dietary predictions in Antarctic fur seals

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 1099-1107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain J Staniland ◽  
David Pond
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Euphausia Superba ◽  
Dietary Fatty Acids ◽  
Fatty Acid Profiles ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Experimental Diet ◽  
Milk Fatty Acids ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Fur Seals ◽  
Antarctic Fur Seals

Using Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella (Peters, 1875)) in a feeding trial, we investigated the use of milk fatty acids to determine diet. In a regime designed to replicate an average foraging trip, six female seals were fed on four successive days meals of krill (Euphausia superba Dana, 1850; day 1), mixed krill and icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari Lönnberg, 1905; day 2), and icefish (days 3 and 4). Four milk samples were collected from each female, one every 12 h from the time of the last feed. Fatty acid profiles of samples were analysed using canonical discriminant analysis and classification trees. Milk fatty acids could be used to distinguish between seals fed the experimental diet, which was high in fish, and those feeding naturally, thought to be consuming mostly krill. However, there was significant variation between individual seals, which may have been the influence of feeding prior to the experiment. Milk fatty acids remained relatively unchanged over time, suggesting that the influence of dietary fatty acids was averaged over the suckling period. We conclude that, whilst this technique has potential in studying the diet of higher predators, further work is needed to test the underlying assumptions and mechanisms involved in the transfer of fatty acids from the diet into milk.

Effect of a carnivorous diet on the lipids, fatty acids and condition of Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilhelm Hagen ◽  
Toshihiro Yoshida ◽  
Patti Virtue ◽  
So Kawaguchi ◽  
Kerrie M. Swadling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Polar Lipid ◽  
Antarctic Krill ◽  
Euphausia Superba ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Fatty Acid Profiles ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
In The Wild

AbstractKrill are thought to be predominantly herbivorous, but a heterotrophic diet might be crucial for their growth and survival. To compare the influence of herbivory and carnivory on krill we conducted a nine month feeding trial. We examined lipid composition of the hepatopancreas, abdomen and remaining body portions of krill fed diatoms at bloom condition levels, and diatoms with the addition of pellets or minced clam meat to simulate a partly carnivorous diet. Mortality, dry mass and lipid content were similar among treatments. We examined lipid class and fatty acid profiles, with emphasis placed on the ratio of storage (triacylglycerol) to structural (polar lipid) lipid and key essential omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: 20:5ω3 and 22:6ω3. The triacylglycerol : polar lipid ratio increased in krill fed on the mixed diet as did the 20:5ω3 : 22:6ω3 ratio. Overall these findings indicate that provision of clam in the diet improved krill condition, and further suggest that carnivory may aid krill growth in the wild under certain environmental conditions.

Milk fatty acid signatures indicate both major and minor shifts in the diet of lactating Antarctic fur seals

1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Iverson ◽  
J. P. Y. Arnould ◽  
I. L. Boyd
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Signature Analysis ◽  
Milk Fatty Acids ◽  
Fatty Acid Signature ◽  
Dietary History ◽  
Fur Seals ◽  
Antarctic Fur Seals

Fatty acid signature analysis is based on the principle that unique arrays of fatty acids within groups of organisms can be transferred, largely unaltered, up the marine food chain and thus may be an indicator of diet composition. We applied fatty acid signature analysis to milks collected from Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) at South Georgia in 1990–1991, during the perinatal period (N = 19) and subsequently during early (N = 11), mid (N = 11), and late (N = 8) foraging trips. In lactating otariid females, milk fatty acids secreted during the perinatal fast are derived largely from blubber mobilization and thus are influenced by dietary history prior to parturition. Conversely, milk fatty acids secreted during foraging trips are derived primarily from immediate dietary intake. The fatty acid signature of perinatal milks was significantly different from that of all other milks, suggesting differences in the prepartum diet when females are away from the breeding grounds. At the onset of foraging periods, the fatty acid composition of milks' changed dramatically to reflect a diet composed mainly of krill. However, during late foraging periods, milk fatty acids again changed from those of early and mid foraging, and suggested a predominance of teleost fish in the diet. These findings were consistent with independent assessments of diet by faecal analysis and indicate the potential value of fatty acid signature analysis in studying foraging ecology in free-ranging pinnipeds.

scholarly journals Dynamics of diet-egg transfer of fatty acids in the teleost fish, red drum ( Sciaenops ocellatus )

2020 ◽  
Vol 375 (1804) ◽  
pp. 20190646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenxin Hou ◽  
Cynthia K. Faulk ◽  
Lee A. Fuiman
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Maternal Diet ◽  
Red Drum ◽  
Dietary Fatty Acids ◽  
Sciaenops Ocellatus ◽  
Diet Shift ◽  
Fatty Acid Profiles ◽  
Marine Food Webs ◽  
Batch Spawning

Eggs of marine organisms are increasingly being recognized as important components of marine food webs. The degree to which egg fatty acid profiles reflect maternal diet fatty acid profiles, and therefore the value of fatty acids in eggs as trophic biomarkers, depends on the species' reproductive strategy and the extent of modification of ingested fatty acids. We measured the dynamics of transfer of recently ingested fatty acids to spawned eggs in a batch-spawning teleost, red drum ( Sciaenops ocellatus ). Results of 21 diet-shift experiments, from which the fatty acid profiles of the diets and eggs were compared, showed that 15 of 27 fatty acids measured (one saturated, two monounsaturated and 12 polyunsaturated fatty acids) in eggs were correlated with their levels in the recent diet, and the rate of incorporation into eggs was proportional to the magnitude of the diet shift. Large shifts in diet might occur naturally during spawning migrations or when prey communities vary over time. Results of this study indicate that fatty acids in red drum eggs can be useful for studying adult diet and exploring trophic linkages in marine systems. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The next horizons for lipids as ‘trophic biomarkers': evidence and significance of consumer modification of dietary fatty acids'.

Effects of common dietary fatty acids on milk yield and concentrations of fat and fatty acids in dairy cattle

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 2224 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. R. Dorea ◽  
L. E. Armentano
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Dietary Fatty Acids ◽  
Dietary Fatty Acid ◽  
Milk Fatty Acid ◽  
Milk Fatty Acids ◽  
Acid Yield ◽  
Dietary Concentration ◽  
Total Milk

The objective of the present article was to summarise the effects of five common dietary fatty acids (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3) on the major milk fat groups (<C16, C16 and C18). Forty published papers were reviewed to evaluate the effect of adding free fat or oil supplements rich in C16 and C18 fatty acids on the response of milk fat secretion and composition. From those 40 studies, 21 were used to investigate the effect of total dietary concentration of C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 on milk secretion or concentrations of milk <C16, C16 and C18 fatty acid groups. The results indicated that C16 supplementation increased total milk fatty acids, mainly by increasing milk C16 yield, without affecting milk <C16 and C18 yield. Supplements rich in unsaturated fatty acid decreased total milk fatty acid by inhibiting secretion of milk fatty acids shorter than C18, with linoleic acid being the most inhibitory. Mixtures of feed fatty acid (C16:0 + C18:0 and C16:0 + C18:1) did not significantly affect total milk fatty acid yield. According to regression of milk C16 yield on dietary fatty acid, endogenous C16 contributes ~80% of total milk C16, but this proportion varies with the level and type of dietary fatty acid fed. Milk mid-infrared analysis can be used to routinely measure the presence of milk <C16 fatty acid, the concentration of which provides a good indicator of inhibition of milk fatty acid secretion. In contrast, measurement of total milk fat content is less effective as a diagnostic tool due to the masking effect of the exogenous supply of C16 and C18 dietary fatty acids.

scholarly journals Temporal Changes in Breast Milk Fatty Acids Contents: A Case Study of Malay Breastfeeding Women

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Geok Lin Khor ◽  
Seok Shin Tan ◽  
Eline Stoutjesdijk ◽  
Kock Wai Tony Ng ◽  
Ilse Khouw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Breast Milk ◽  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Human Breast Milk ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Alpha Linolenic Acid ◽  
Mature Milk ◽  
Milk Fatty Acids ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Total Fatty Acids

The composition of human breast milk changes in the first two months of life, adapting itself to the evolving needs of the growing new-born. Lipids in milk are a source of energy, essential fatty acids (FA), fat-soluble vitamins, and vital bioactive components. Information on breast milk FA of Malaysian lactating women is scarce. Based on convenience sampling, a total of 20 Malay breastfeeding women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited. Breast milk was collected three times from each subject at consecutive intervals of 2–3 weeks apart. A total of 60 breast milk samples were collected and classified into “transitional milk” (n = 8), “early milk” (n = 26) and “mature milk” (n = 26). All milk samples were air freighted to University of Groningen, Netherlands for analysis. The dominant breast milk FA were oleic acid, constituting 33% of total fatty acids, followed by palmitic acid (26%). Both these FA and the essential FA, linoleic acid (10%) and alpha-linolenic acid (0.4%), showed no significant changes from transitional to mature milk. Breast milk ratio of n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was comparatively high, exceeding 10 throughout the lactation period, suggesting a healthier balance of PUFA intake is needed in pregnancy and at postpartum.

Targets for milk fat research: nutrient, nuisance or nutraceutical?

2005 ◽  
Vol 143 (5) ◽  
pp. 359-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. DEWHURST
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Milk Fatty Acid ◽  
Fatty Acid Profiles ◽  
Milk Fatty Acids ◽  
Research Areas

Demand for milk has waxed and waned over the last 100 years in response to changing perceptions of its health effects. Milk consumption was promoted for health benefits in the first half of the twentieth century, whilst milk fat has increasingly been regarded as something to avoid over the last 30 years. Emerging research is showing that milk fat provides a number of important components, almost uniquely, within a balanced human diet. Understanding of the role of animal diets in controlling milk fat content and milk fatty acid profiles has grown over this period. The multiple correlated changes associated with milk fat depression have led to a number of mechanistic theories which have not been resolved completely. The detailed mechanisms at the molecular level remain to be elucidated. Interestingly, the two research areas of milk fat content and milk fatty acid profiles have merged as it became clear that some of the intermediates of rumen biohydrogenation are involved in regulating milk fat content. The multivariate nature of milk fatty acid profiles means that future studies must make use of multivariate statistical techniques. These approaches will also be of great value in assessing the consequences of fatty acids for human health, where studies of the effects of single nutrients can be misleading. Issues about the sustainability of the marine harvests mean that attention needs to focus on alternative sources to meet the growing demand for n-3 fatty acids, notably from forages. Whilst attention has focused on milk fatty acids for their effects on human health, future work should also address effects on health and reproductive function of cows offered diets designed to alter milk fatty acid profiles.

scholarly journals Wintertime overlaps between female Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) and the krill fishery at South Georgia, South Atlantic

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248071
Author(s):  
Connor C. G. Bamford ◽  
Victoria Warwick-Evans ◽  
Iain J. Staniland ◽  
Jennifer A. Jackson ◽  
Philip N. Trathan
Keyword(s):  
Antarctic Krill ◽  
Euphausia Superba ◽  
Arctocephalus Gazella ◽  
Habitat Models ◽  
South Georgia ◽  
Fur Seals ◽  
Fur Seal ◽  
Ice Edge ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Antarctic Fur Seals

The diet of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) at South Georgia is dominated by Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). During the breeding season, foraging trips by lactating female fur seals are constrained by their need to return to land to provision their pups. Post-breeding, seals disperse in order to feed and recover condition; estimates indicate c.70% of females remain near to South Georgia, whilst others head west towards the Patagonian Shelf or south to the ice-edge. The krill fishery at South Georgia operates only during the winter, providing the potential for fur seal: fishery interaction during these months. Here we use available winter (May to September) tracking data from Platform Terminal Transmitter (PTT) tags deployed on female fur seals at Bird Island, South Georgia. We develop habitat models describing their distribution during the winters of 1999 and 2003 with the aim of visualising and quantifying the degree of spatial overlap between female fur seals and krill harvesting in South Georgia waters. We show that spatial distribution of fur seals around South Georgia is extensive, and that the krill fishery overlaps with small, highly localised areas of available fur seal habitat. From these findings we discuss the implications for management, and future work.

Characterization of milk fatty acids based on genetic and herd parameters

2011 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeroen ML Heck ◽  
Heim JF van Valenberg ◽  
Henk Bovenhuis ◽  
Jan Dijkstra ◽  
Toon CM van Hooijdonk
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Milk Fatty Acids ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Branched Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Branched Chain ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Friesian Cows

The objective of this study was to characterize the fatty acids (FA) in milk based on genetic and herd parameters to investigate the origin of the different FA in milk. Milk samples of 1912 Dutch Holstein-Friesian cows were analysed for 39 different FA including odd and branched-chain fatty acids. The proportion of variation caused by genetic and herd effects was calculated. In addition, genetic and herd correlations among the fatty acids were estimated and a clustering technique was used to visualise these correlations. The results indicated that in Dutch milk C12:0 is not completely synthesised de novo but also partly blood derived. It was suggested that C20:0 in milk is formed from the action of elongase enzymes on C18:0 and that the odd-chain FA C5:0–C13:0 and a part of C15:0 and C17:0 are synthesised de novo while the other part of C15:0 and C17:0 is blood derived. Furthermore, this work gives an overview of the opportunities to change the concentration of individual FA both by breeding and feeding. It is clearly shown that the extent to which the individual FA can be changed varies greatly and is dependent on the origin of the different FA in milk.

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