Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Animal Production Science Animal Production Science Society
Food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Relationship between the fatty acid composition of uropygial gland secretion and blood of meat chickens receiving different dietary fats

Khaled Kanakri A D , Beverly Muhlhausler A , John Carragher A , Robert Gibson A , Reza Barekatain B C , Carolyn Dekoning B C , Kelly Drake B and Robert Hughes B C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A FOODplus Research Centre, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, SA 5064, Australia.

B South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Roseworthy Campus, SA 5371, Australia.

C School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, SA 5371, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: khaled.kanakri@adelaide.edu.au

Animal Production Science 58(5) 828-833 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN16268
Submitted: 26 April 2016  Accepted: 18 October 2016   Published: 6 December 2016

Abstract

Manipulation of the fatty acid composition of chicken feed has been shown to be effective for improving the nutritional value of chicken products. Currently, however, evaluation of the effectiveness of this approach requires invasive blood sampling or post mortem tissue sampling of the birds. Preen oil can be collected non-invasively from live birds. So this study aimed to test the hypothesis that the fatty acid composition of preen oil reflects that of the blood. Male and female meat chickens (Cobb 500) were fed a diet supplemented with 4% (w/w) flaxseed oil (high n-3 polyunsaturates) or beef tallow (mostly monounsaturates and saturates) for 6 weeks. Preen oil and whole blood samples (n = 9 birds per sex/diet treatment group) were collected freshly post mortem for fatty acid analysis. Preen oil analysis showed that ~97% of fatty acids were saturates, with a small percentage of n-6 polyunsaturates and traces of other types. There were negligible n-3 polyunsaturates in preen oil. Proportions of some saturated fatty acids were slightly, but significantly, affected by diet (C16:0 (P < 0.05) and C17:0 (P < 0.01)) or by gender (C10:0 and C18:0) (P < 0.05). Some fatty acids with odd numbers of carbon atoms (e.g. C17:0 and C19:0) were found in relatively high concentrations in preen oil, despite not being detectable in either the diet or blood. In conclusion, the fatty acid composition of preen oil does not accurately reflect the fatty acid profile of the blood; it is not, therefore, a suitable alternative for determining fatty acid status of meat chickens.

Additional keywords: gender effect, preen oil.


References

Aghaei N, Safamehr A, Mehmannavaz Y, Chekaniazar S (2012) Blood and tissue fatty acid compositions, lipoprotein levels, performance and meat flavor of broilers fed fish oil: changes in the pre- and post-withdrawal design. Animal 6, 2031–2040.
Blood and tissue fatty acid compositions, lipoprotein levels, performance and meat flavor of broilers fed fish oil: changes in the pre- and post-withdrawal design.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38Xhs1GitLjJ&md5=1a48211dff2c748dc9b9ebe4a61eb9f4CAS |

An BK, Banno C, Xia ZS, Tanaka K, Ohtani S (1997) Effects of dietary fat sources on lipid metabolism in growing chicks (Gallus domesticus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 116B, 119–125.
Effects of dietary fat sources on lipid metabolism in growing chicks (Gallus domesticus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXhsFKgtLg%3D&md5=ee2845e07097309006783f416566877bCAS |

Apandi M, Edwards HM (1964) Studies on the composition of the secretions of the uropygial gland of some avian species. Poultry Science 43, 1445–1462.
Studies on the composition of the secretions of the uropygial gland of some avian species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bhattacharyya SP, Chowdhury SR (1995) Seasonal variation in the secretory lipids of the uropygial gland of a sub-tropical wild passerine bird, pycnonotus cafer (L) in relation to the testicular cycle. Biological Rhythm Research 26, 79–87.
Seasonal variation in the secretory lipids of the uropygial gland of a sub-tropical wild passerine bird, pycnonotus cafer (L) in relation to the testicular cycle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2MXkslGgtbY%3D&md5=d0929153f98a6972766831b92d9033b9CAS |

Biester EM, Hellenbrand J, Gruber J, Hamberg M, Frentzen M (2012) Identification of avian wax synthases. BMC Biochemistry 13, 4
Identification of avian wax synthases.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38XlvF2gsrw%3D&md5=fd112db061f4397e7f2e4b2a2feca327CAS |

Carragher JF, Muhlhausler BS, Geier MS, House JD, Hughes RJ, Gibson RA (2016) Effect of dietary ALA on growth rate, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and breast meat omega-3 LCPUFA content in broiler chickens. Animal Production Science 56, 815–823.
Effect of dietary ALA on growth rate, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and breast meat omega-3 LCPUFA content in broiler chickens.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC28XksFChsLY%3D&md5=34ed118c08cb0e2ce0d164c482b723a5CAS |

Cherian G, Hayat Z (2009) Long-term effects of feeding flaxseeds on hepatic lipid characteristics and histopathology of laying hens. Poultry Science 88, 2555–2561.
Long-term effects of feeding flaxseeds on hepatic lipid characteristics and histopathology of laying hens.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhsFKku7zE&md5=8eaa45889146ab0a3810a8673db0eaceCAS |

Fendri A, Louati H, Sellami M, Gargouri H, Smichi N, Zarai Z, Aissa I, Miled N, Gargouri Y (2012) A thermoactive uropygial esterase from chicken: purification, characterisation and synthesis of flavour esters. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 50, 1238–1244.
A thermoactive uropygial esterase from chicken: purification, characterisation and synthesis of flavour esters.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38Xntlyrtbo%3D&md5=65f20e8f9f944c08aa5a43711254813cCAS |

Folch J, Lees M, Sloane Stanley GH (1957) A simple method for the isolation and purification of total lipides from animal tissues. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 226, 497–509.

Haahti E, Lagerspetz K, Nikkari T, Fales HM (1964) Lipids of the uropygial gland of birds. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 12, 435–437.
Lipids of the uropygial gland of birds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaF2cXksFKgtbg%3D&md5=aea135fac9af9275b50bb30b3cf94ab6CAS |

Haribal M, Dhondt A, Rodriguez E (2009) Diversity in chemical compositions of preen gland secretions of tropical birds. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 37, 80–90.
Diversity in chemical compositions of preen gland secretions of tropical birds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXivVehsLw%3D&md5=a4fe2f74e3990866a9ed73680429f751CAS |

Hirao A, Aoyama M, Sugita S (2009) The role of uropygial gland on sexual behavior in domestic chicken Gallus gallus domesticus. Behavioural Processes 80, 115–120.
The role of uropygial gland on sexual behavior in domestic chicken Gallus gallus domesticus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jacob J, Balthazart J, Schoffeniels E (1979) Sex differences in the chemical composition of uropygial gland waxes in domestic ducks. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 7, 149–153.
Sex differences in the chemical composition of uropygial gland waxes in domestic ducks.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE1MXltlOltrc%3D&md5=1047a46c48d0da38898993aae86accfeCAS |

Jawad HSA, Lokman Hakim I, Naji SA, Mdzuki B, Azhar K (2015) Partial ablation of uropygial gland effect on production performance of Akar Putra chicken. International Journal of Poultry Science 14, 213–221.
Partial ablation of uropygial gland effect on production performance of Akar Putra chicken.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kartikasari LR, Hughes RJ, Geier MS, Makrides M, Gibson RA (2012) Dietary alpha-linolenic acid enhances omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in chicken tissues. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids 87, 103–109.
Dietary alpha-linolenic acid enhances omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in chicken tissues.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38Xht1KjtbbF&md5=3aaf437d7578ed270e054f419af6ed85CAS |

Kolattukudy PE, Sawaya WN (1974) Age dependent structural changes in the diol esters of uropygial glands of chicken. Lipids 9, 290–292.
Age dependent structural changes in the diol esters of uropygial glands of chicken.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE2cXkt1eht7s%3D&md5=c995eb4fe7cd565ba03f50dd934a0f2fCAS |

Lepage G, Roy CC (1986) Direct transesterification of all classes of lipids in a one-step reaction. Journal of Lipid Research 27, 114–120.

Liu G, Muhlhausler BS, Gibson RA (2014) A method for long term stabilisation of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in dried blood spots and its clinical application. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids 91, 251–260.
A method for long term stabilisation of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in dried blood spots and its clinical application.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2cXhslahtb%2FL&md5=a55370af05436d8dc765169d839afea2CAS |

Lopes DCN, Xavier EG, Santos VL, Goncalves FM, Anciuti MA, Roll VFB, Del Pino FAB, Feijo JO, Catalan AAS (2013) Growth performance, carcass traits, meat chemical composition and blood serum metabolites of broiler chicken fed on diets containing flaxseed oil. British Poultry Science 54, 780–788.
Growth performance, carcass traits, meat chemical composition and blood serum metabolites of broiler chicken fed on diets containing flaxseed oil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhsVCisbrI&md5=8d268ae09f28b4cefd1b21c2b9b500c7CAS |

Madec I, Pageat P, Bougrat L, Lecuelle-Lafont C, Saffray D, Falewee C, Bollard A, Chabrol P, Gabarrou JF (2008) Influence of a preen gland secretion on growth and meat quality of heavy broilers. Animal 2, 631–635.
Influence of a preen gland secretion on growth and meat quality of heavy broilers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhvVKnsbk%3D&md5=c56f657b55a9285cf89448b6272c6ad8CAS |

Martínez-García Á, Soler JJ, Rodríguez-Ruano SM, Martínez-Bueno M, Martín-Platero AM, Juárez-García N, Martín-Vivaldi M (2015) Preening as a vehicle for key bacteria in hoopoes. Microbial Ecology 70, 1024–1033.
Preening as a vehicle for key bacteria in hoopoes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Newman RE, Bryden WL, Fleck E, Ashes JR, Buttemer WA, Storlien LH, Downing JA (2002) Dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids alter avian metabolism: metabolism and abdominal fat deposition. British Journal of Nutrition 88, 11–18.
Dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids alter avian metabolism: metabolism and abdominal fat deposition.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XmsF2msrY%3D&md5=47290a03880bdefe9f3e9774ef7024f7CAS |

Odham G, Stenhagen E (1971) Chemistry of preen gland waxes of waterfowl. Accounts of Chemical Research 4, 121–128.
Chemistry of preen gland waxes of waterfowl.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pan PR, Dilworth BC, Day EJ, Chen TC (1979) Effect of season of the year, sex, and dietary fats on broiler performance, abdominal fat, and preen gland secretion. Poultry Science 58, 1564–1574.
Effect of season of the year, sex, and dietary fats on broiler performance, abdominal fat, and preen gland secretion.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL3cXlslansw%3D%3D&md5=b98c45c0d6b7734f73e8fec926a13911CAS |

Rodríguez-Ruano SM, Martín-Vivaldi M, Martín-Platero AM, López-López JP, Peralta-Sánchez JM, Ruiz-Rodríguez M, Soler JJ, Valdivia E, Martínez-Bueno M (2015) The hoopoe’s uropygial gland hosts a bacterial community influenced by the living conditions of the bird. PloS One 10, e0139734

Saito K, Gamo M (1968) Distribution of unusual fatty acids in preen gland lipids. Journal of Biochemistry 64, 557–559.

Salibian A, Montalti D (2009) Physiological and biochemical aspects of the avian uropygial gland. Brazilian Journal of Biology 69, 437–446.
Physiological and biochemical aspects of the avian uropygial gland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1Mrlt1arsw%3D%3D&md5=7c0cca67add7a8916e252140b6ac92c0CAS |

Sandilands V, Powell K, Keeling L, Savory CJ (2004) Preen gland function in layer fowls: factors affecting preen oil fatty acid composition. British Poultry Science 45, 109–115.
Preen gland function in layer fowls: factors affecting preen oil fatty acid composition.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXhs1Wgu7Y%3D&md5=b815cd614b435c1d498165d76888196dCAS |

Shawkey MD, Pillai SR, Hill GE (2003) Chemical warfare? Effects of uropygial oil on feather-degrading bacteria. Journal of Avian Biology 34, 345–349.
Chemical warfare? Effects of uropygial oil on feather-degrading bacteria.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Soini HA, Whittaker DJ, Wiesler D, Ketterson ED, Novotny MV (2013) Chemosignaling diversity in songbirds: chromatographic profiling of preen oil volatiles in different species. Journal of Chromatography. A 1317, 186–192.
Chemosignaling diversity in songbirds: chromatographic profiling of preen oil volatiles in different species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhtlGqsb%2FN&md5=3703966a158277c94c476196511f6c4dCAS |

Tu WC, Cook-Johnson RJ, James MJ, Mühlhäusler BS, Gibson RA (2010) Omega-3 long chain fatty acid synthesis is regulated more by substrate levels than gene expression. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids 83, 61–68.
Omega-3 long chain fatty acid synthesis is regulated more by substrate levels than gene expression.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXpvFWgtbY%3D&md5=bcc1b6a786a3dda91b3f4cc44f4329d5CAS |

Tuttle EM, Sebastian PJ, Posto AL, Soini HA, Novotny MV, Gonser RA (2014) Variation in preen oil composition pertaining to season, sex, and genotype in the polymorphic white-throated sparrow. Journal of Chemical Ecology 40, 1025–1038.
Variation in preen oil composition pertaining to season, sex, and genotype in the polymorphic white-throated sparrow.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2cXhsFyiur7M&md5=8aa6f838f0b413a200a72f849553bd11CAS |