Project name: CARNOVI - L-carnitine dietary supplementation in lambs in relation to feed efficiency and rumen microbiome

Description: Early feed restriction of lambs may program animals to achieve reduced feed efficiency traits as a consequence of permanent mitochondrial dysfunction. The hypothesis at the background of the present study is that dietary administration of L-carnitine (a compound that promotes the activation and transportation of fatty acids into the mitochondria) during the fattening period of early feed restricted lambs can a) improve the biochemical profile of early feed restricted lambs, b) improve feed efficiency, c) modulate the ruminal and intestinal microbiota, d) induce changes in the gastroenteric mucosa, including the immune status. Twenty-two newborn male Merino lambs were raised under natural conditions but separated from the dams for 9 h daily to allow feed restriction during the suckling period. Once weaned, the lambs were allocated randomly to a control group (CTRL, n=11) being fed ad libitum a complete pelleted diet during the fattening phase (CTRL group), whereas the second group (n=11) received the same diet supplemented with 6 g/kg of Carniking® (CARN group). The most relevant results revealed that even though L-carnitine was absorbed, feed efficiency was not modified by dietary L-carnitine during the fattening period (residual feed intake, P>0.05), whereas ruminal fermentation was improved [total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), 113 vs. 154 mmol/l; P=0.036]. Moreover, increased concentrations of butyrate in the ileal content (0.568 vs. 1.194 mmol/100 ml SCFA; P=0.074) were observed. Other effects such as reduced heart weight, lower levels of markers related to muscle metabolism or damage, improved renal function and increased ureagenesis were detected in the CARN group. Limited changes in the microbiota were also detected. These combined findings suggest that L-carnitine may contribute to improving the ruminal fermentation parameters and maintain both the balance of gut microbiota and the health of the animals. However, the improved ruminal fermentation and the consequent greater accumulation of intramuscular fat might have hidden the effects caused by the ability of dietary L-carnitine to increase fatty acid oxidation at the mitochondrial level. This would explain the lack of effects of 6 g/kg of Carniking 50® on feed efficiency and points towards the need of testing lower doses, probably in the context of animals being fed in excess non-protein nitrogen.

Data type: Other

Sample scope: Monoisolate

Last updated: 2022-02-05