Animal performance and milk fatty acid profile of dairy goats fed diets with different unsaturated plant oils

The effect of supplementing a basal diet with 1 of 3 plant oils on productive efficiency and milk fatty acid composition was studied in dairy goats. Sixteen Malagueña goats were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with 21-d periods and 4 goats per treatment. The basal diet comprised 30% alfalfa hay and 70% pelleted concentrate. Experimental treatments were control (basal diet without added oil) and the basal diet supplemented with 48 g/d of high oleic sunflower oil (HOSFO), regular sunflower oil (RSFO), or linseed oil (LO). Dry matter intake and body weight were not affected by treatments. Milk production was higher in HOSFO treatment and milk fat content was higher in RSFO and LO treatments, although no differences in milk energy production or milk renneting properties were found. The RSFO and LO treatments increased the proportion of vaccenic acid in milk fat more so than the HOSFO diet, and rumenic acid followed the same pattern. The content of trans10-18:1 remained low in all experimental diets (<0.7% of total fatty acid methyl esters) although HOSFO and RSFO diets increased it. The variations in the fatty acid profiles observed with the 4 diets, mainly the unsaturated fatty acid isomer contents, are extensively discussed. Compared with that in the control diet, the n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio in milk fat substantially decreased with the LO, increased with RSFO, and did not change with HOSFO. The addition of moderate amounts of LO to the diets of dairy goats has favorable effects on milk fatty acid composition from the point of view of the human consumer, without negative effects on animal performance.     

Effect of nitrate fertilization and saline stress on the contents of active constituents of Echinacea angustifolia DC

In this study, the effect of nitrogen form (nitrate and ammonium in the molar ratio of 1:1 or 1:0), supplied to the plant or NaCl salinity (up to a concentration of 50 mol m⁻³) of the feeding solution, on the content of selected caffeic acid derivatives and the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL; EC. 4.3.1.5) and shikimate dehydrogenase (SKDH; EC 1.1.1.25) were investigated in the leaves and the roots of Echinacea angustifolia DC, grown hydroponically. Two experiments were conducted under glasshouse conditions with seedlings transplanted in aerated stagnant nutrient solution (floating raft system) four weeks after emergence. The nitrate/ammonium ratio in the nutrient solution did not affect plant growth or dry matter partitioning, but it influenced the concentration of determined metabolites; in particular, the root concentrations of chlorogenic acid, echinacoside and caffeic acid were significantly higher in the plants grown with nitrate as sole source of nitrogen. NaCl salinity reduced plant growth, by reducing the biomass allocated to the inflorescences, and enhanced the accumulation of chlorogenic acid and cichoric acids, at least in the roots.     

Chicoric acid found in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves

This is the first report to identify the presence of chicoric acid (cichoric acid; also known as dicaffeoyltartaric acid, which is a caffeic acid derivatized with tartaric acid) in basil leaves. Rosmarinic acid, chicoric acid and caftaric acid (in the order of most abundant to least; all derivatives of caffeic acid) were identified in fresh basil leaves. Rosmarinic acid was the main phenolic compound found in both leaves and stems. Chicoric acid was not detected in sweet basil stems, although a small amount was present in Thai basil stems. Other cinnamic acid monomers, dimers and trimers were also found in minor quantities in both stems and leaves. Basil polyphenolic contents were determined by blanched methanol extraction, followed by HPLC/DAD analysis. The characterization of the polyphenolics found in the basil extracts were performed by HPLC/DAD/ESI–MS/MS and co-chromatographed with purchased standard. The influence of inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Glomus intraradices, on plant phenolic composition was studied on two basil cultivars,‘Genovese Italian’ and ‘Purple Petra’. Inoculation with AMF increased total anthocyanin concentration of ‘Purple Petra’ but did not alter polyphenolic content or profile of leaves and stems, of either cultivar, compared to non-inoculated plants. In the US diet, basil presents a more accessible source of chicoric acid than does Echinacea purpurea, in which it is the major phenolic compound.     

The effects of sources of supplemental fat on performance,egg quality,and fatty acid composition of egg yolk in laying hens

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of sources of supplemental fat on laying performance, egg quality, and fatty acid composition of egg yolk. RESULTS: Two hundreds Isa Brown layers were assigned randomly to be fed ad libitum a standard commercial layer feed (BD), basal diet plus 2% tallow (T), basal diet plus a mixture of 1% tallow and 1% flaxseed oil (MTFO), basal diet plus 2% sunflower oil (SO), or basal diet plus 2% flaxseed oil (FO), which were offered for 8 weeks. Each diet was given to five groups, each containing 10 hens. The feed efficiency and egg production were 2.78 and 53.51% for BD; 2.30 and 63.47% for T; 2.45 and 60.14% for MTFO; 2.29 and 64.30% for SO, and 2.62 and 61.18% for FO groups, respectively. Dietary fat supplementation affected the laying performance but had no significant effects on egg quality parameters. The fatty acid composition of egg yolk lipids were significantly affected by dietary fatty acid composition. The supplemental tallow increased palmitic fatty acid. The proportions of linoleic and arachidonic fatty acids in egg yolks for layers fed the SO diet were higher than in the BD group and those on diets containing other fats. Concentrations of oleic and omega‐3 fatty acids were the highest in layers fed the FO diet during the laying period. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that dietary animal and plant fats changed the fatty acid composition of egg yolk. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Naturally occurring phenols: a detoxification strategy for fumonisin B1

Phenolic compounds from plants offer a means for both the prevention and detoxification of mycotoxins that affect human health. This research investigates the control of fungal growth and toxin production by Fusarium verticillioides with plant phenolic compounds, namely chlorophorin, iroko and maakianin, benzoic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and vanillic acid. Inhibition by these compounds of fungal growth was determined by the agar overlay method and their effect on fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) production was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Chlorophorin was the most effective compound in inhibiting fungal growth, followed by iroko, maakianin, vanillic acid and caffeic acid. Chlorophorin also was the most effective compound in reducing toxin production (94% reduction), followed by caffeic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid and iroko, which reduced FB₁ levels by 90-91%. The widespread occurrence of fumonisins world-wide and the lack of adequate prevention of fumonisins require 'biologically safe' alternatives to prevent the transfer of fungi and their health hazardous toxins into our daily foods and environment.     

Urinary Mercapturic Acids as Markers for the Determination of Isothiocyanate Release from Glucosinolates in Rats Fed a Cauliflower Diet

Glucosinolates, found in plants of the genus Brassica, release physiologically active metabolites, such as isothiocyanates and nitriles, in the digestive tract under the action of plant or bacterial myrosinase. Isothiocyanates are excreted in the urine as their mercapturic acid derivatives. To study the influence of diet on isothiocyanate release, two groups of eight rats were offered either a cauliflower-based diet or a standard laboratory rat diet. After 10 days' adaptation to the diets release of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) from a single oral dose of sinigrin, a glucosinolate commonly occurring in brassicas, was quantified. Each rat was dosed with 50 μmol of either sinigrin or AITC by stomach tube and urine was collected at 0, 2, 6, 24 and 48 h after administration. Three days later, rats which had previously received sinigrin were administered with AITC and vice versa. The concentrations of urinary mercapturic acids of isothiocyanates were determined by HPLC. Recoveries of the mercapturic acid derivative of AITC in each animal were used to estimate AITC production in sinigrin-dosed rats. Estimates of AITC release from sinigrin showed that a greater proportion of administered sinigrin was hydrolysed to AITC in cauliflower-fed rats than in rats fed a control diet (0·412 vs 0·134; P〈0·001). The approach should allow more rigorous investigation of the influence of dietary factors on glucosinolate hydrolysis in vivo. © 1997 SCI.     

The fatty acid composition of the lipids of earthworms.

Lipids were freshly extracted from earthworms from agricultural pasture land, and fatty acid compositiona analyses were carried out on the total lipids; phospholipids; triglycerides; free fatty acids; mixed sterol esters, wax esters, free methyl esters, etc.; glycolipids; and neutrallipids. A wide variety of fatty acids ranging from C₁₀ to C₃₂ were identified. In the fatty acids of the total lipids, polyunsaturated constituents predominated in amount, while monomethyl branched, isoprenoid and n-odd-numbered acids were present in appreciable proportions. Eicosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid occurred at higher levels than any other components and were located mostly in the phospholipids. Significant contents of linoleic and linolenic acids were also detected. Earthworms collected in spring had a fatty acid composition which differed noticeably from that of worms from other seasons. The content of lauric acid during spring was much higher than that normally found in animals or pasture plants. The composition of the free fatty acids indicated that these components were the products of lipolysis and were derived from all the lipid classes. The results of this investigation suggest that the diet of local earthworms, which is reported to consist mainly of dead plant material, is supplemented by living and dead microorganisms from ingested soil.     

4 种杂粮对大鼠肠道菌群组成及短链脂肪酸的影响

目的：研究我国常见的4 种杂粮（甜荞、燕麦、糜米、谷米）对大鼠肠道菌群组成及短链脂肪酸的影响。方法：将50 只7 周龄SD雄性大鼠（体质量（302.10±9.58）g）随机分为对照组、燕麦组、甜荞组、糜米组和谷米组。对照组饲喂100%的基础日粮,其余各组大鼠分别饲喂50%的基础日粮＋50%实验谷物,连续饲喂6 周。实验期间,每周测定大鼠采食量、体质量。实验期结束,测定大鼠粪便含水率、盲肠和结肠质量、盲肠和结肠内容物pH值及短链脂肪酸含量;此外,测定回肠、盲肠、结肠内容物的菌群组成及分布。结果：饲喂甜荞、燕麦和谷米组大鼠的粪便含水率（分别为25.76%、24.64%和22.45%）显著高于对照组（12.06%）;饲喂谷物杂粮大鼠的盲肠内容物pH值（6.21～6.91）和结肠内容物pH值（6.01～6.15）均显著低于对照组（分别为7.28和6.93）;盲肠内容物短链脂肪酸总量（23.78～37.89 μmol/g）和结肠内容物短链脂肪酸总量（80.82～153.46 μmol/g）均显著高于对照组（分别为14.99 μmol/g和46.15 μmol/g）,且甜荞组最高（分别为37.89 μmol/g和153.46 μmol/g）。大鼠回肠、盲肠和结肠内容物中以厚壁菌门为主;盲肠和结肠内容物厚壁菌门与拟杆菌门的比值低于回肠;盲肠内容物中,4 种杂粮组厚壁菌门和拟杆菌门的比值均低于对照组;甜荞组大鼠回肠、盲肠和结肠内容物厚壁菌门和拟杆菌门的比值分别比对照组低39.2%、38.8%和24.5%。结论：谷物杂粮对大鼠肠道内容物的pH值、短链脂肪酸含量和菌群组成都有重要的调节作用,且甜荞的调节作用尤其显著,在日常膳食中应保证适量杂粮的摄入。     

Phytochemical and bioactive compounds identification of Ocimum tenuiflorum leaves of methanol extract and its fraction with an anti-diabetic potential

Phytochemical screening assay on crude extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum L. leaves and methanol fractions was performed in this study. Phytochemical qualitative assay on aqueous crude extract and aqueous fraction did not show any steroid and terpenoid. However, ethanol and butanol fractions also did not show steroid in the screening test. The result of HPLC identification of active crude extracts and active fractions showed the possible bioactive compounds in this plant extracts, which may control diabetes. These findings showed that the active crude extract (methanol) and its active fractions (ethyl acetate, and butanol) showed the presence of polyphenolic active constituents such as 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid, diosmetin, luteolin, kaempferol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and genistein that control the blood glucose in diabetic rats. Furthermore, isolation of the active components may pave the way for the development of new agents for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.     

Formulation,process conditions,and biological evaluation of dairy mixed gels containing fava bean and milk proteins: Effect on protein retention in growing young rats

Food formulation and process conditions can indirectly influence AA digestibility and bioavailability. Here we investigated the effects of formulation and process conditions used in the manufacture of novel blended dairy gels (called “mixed gels” here) containing fava bean (Vicia faba) globular proteins on both protein composition and metabolism when given to young rats. Three mixed dairy gels containing casein micelles and fava bean proteins were produced either by chemical acidification (A) with glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) or by lactic acid fermentation. Fermented gels containing casein and fava bean proteins were produced without (F) or with (FW) whey proteins. The AA composition of mixed gels was evaluated. The electrophoretic patterns of mixed protein gels analyzed by densitometry evidenced heat denaturation and aggregation via disulfide bonds of fava bean 11S legumin that could aggregate upon heating of the mixtures before gelation. Moreover, fermented gels showed no particular protein proteolysis compared with gel obtained by GDL-induced acidification. Kinetics of acidification were also evaluated. The pH decreased rapidly during gelation of GDL-induced acid gel compared with fermented gel. Freeze-dried F, A, and FW mixed gels were then fed to 30 young (1 mo old) male Wistar rats for 21 d (n = 10/diet). Fermented mixed gels significantly increased protein efficiency ratio (+58%) and lean mass (+26%), particularly muscle mass (+9%), and muscle protein content (+15%) compared with GDL-induced acid gel. Furthermore, F and FW formulas led to significantly higher apparent digestibility and true digestibility (+7%) than A formula. Blending fava bean, casein, and whey proteins in the fermented gel FW resulted in 10% higher leucine content and significantly higher protein retention in young rats (+7% and +28%) than the F and A mixed gels, respectively. Based on protein gain in young rats, the fermented fava bean, casein, and whey mixed proteins gel was the most promising candidate for further development of mixed protein gels with enhanced nutritional benefits.     

湿热处理多孔玉米淀粉对大鼠脂质代谢的影响

目的：探讨湿热处理多孔玉米淀粉对大鼠脂质代谢的影响。方法：32 只雌性Sprague-Dawley（SD）大鼠随机分为4 组,其中1 组为对照组饲喂基础饲料,另外3 组为高脂组,分别为高脂空白组、多孔淀粉组（porousstarch,PS）和湿热处理多孔淀粉组（heat moisture treatment starch,HTMPS）,饲喂基础饲料,适应1 周后,对照组饲喂基础饲料,高脂组分别饲喂相应高脂饲料。饲喂4 周后解剖,检测大鼠血脂、肝脂及小肠和粪便中胆汁酸等指标。结果：饲喂多孔淀粉和湿热处理多孔淀粉组大鼠血清总胆固醇（total cholesterol,TC）、甘油三酯（triglyceride,TG）、非高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,non-HDL-C）、抗动脉硬化指数（atherosclerosis index,AI）、甘油三酯/高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（TG/HDL-C）、肝脏TC、肝脏总TC和腹部脂肪含量显著下降（P＜0.05）,粪便中粪醇、胆固醇等中性固醇排泄量增加,粪便中胆汁酸排泄量显著增加（P＜0.05）。PS组与HTMPS组相比,大鼠血浆中TC、AI、腹部脂肪含量、肝脏总脂肪含量较低,粪便中胆汁酸及小肠内容物中胆汁酸较高。结论：多孔淀粉降血脂降胆固醇效果优于湿热处理多孔玉米淀粉,可降低高脂饮食造成的高脂血症风险,对预防心血管疾病有一定的作用。     

黑曲霉发酵牛蒡根的化学成分及对α-葡萄糖苷酶和α-淀粉酶抑制作用

为明确黑曲霉(Aspergillus niger)发酵对牛蒡(Arctium lappa)根的化学成分及其降糖活性的影响,本文采用黑曲霉发酵牛蒡根,分析不同发酵时间不同的发酵品对α-葡萄糖苷酶和α-淀粉酶抑制作用和化学成分的变化.酶抑制实验结果表明,牛蒡根对α-葡萄糖苷酶和α-淀粉酶的抑制作用随发酵时间延长而增强,牛蒡...     

Selective removal of tannins from medicinal plant extracts using a collagen fiber adsorbent

A novel adsorbent, used for the selective removal of tannins from medicinal plant extracts, was prepared from bovine skin collagen fiber. Some typical active constituents of medicinal plants were selected as probe molecules to investigate the adsorption selectivity of the collagen fiber adsorbent to tannins. In batch adsorption experiments, the extent of adsorption of condensed tannins, including larch tannin, black wattle tannin and bayberry tannin, was 100%. The extent of adsorption of tannic acid and the hydrolyzable tannins was also 100%. In contrast, for the most active constituents of medicinal plants, their amounts adsorbed by collagen fiber adsorbent were limited. For procyanidin, the common active constituents in medicinal plant extracts, its extent of adsorption was also low, although it has a similar basic structure to condensed tannins. In comparison with traditionally used polyamide adsorbent, the collagen fiber adsorbent exhibited an obvious advantage in adsorption selectivity over tannins. Therefore, this study provides a novel and effective method for selective removal of tannins from medicinal plant extracts. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparative evaluation of zinc organic and inorganic form bioavailability in vivo

Bioavailability of zinc complex with enzymatic hydrolysate of milk protein (EHMP) was studied in Wistar rats. Body mass, zinc content in os femoris and serum alkaline phosphatase activity were similar in rats receiving Zn-EHMP and zinc sulphate and were significantly higher than in animals fed with basal semi synthetic zinc-deficient diet. Apparent absorption of both Zn sources in rat's intestine was high (more than 70%) probably due to absence of plant dietary fiber in applied diet. Zinc organic form use in fortification of food is discussed.     

桑椹籽油的降脂作用研究注

目的研究桑椹籽油的降脂作用;方法普通基础饲料加10%猪油、l%胆固醇,0.5%胆酸钠组成高脂饲料,高脂饲料中添加6%的桑椹籽油饲喂Wistar大鼠(桑籽油组)4周后与单饲高脂饲料的大鼠(高脂组)对比血脂和肝脂水平.结果与高脂组比较,桑籽油组大鼠血清和肝脏的胆固醇、甘油三酯含量均显著降低(P＜0.01),血清低密度脂蛋白胆固醇和致动脉硬化指数也明显下降(P＜0.01),而高密度脂蛋白胆固醇和抗动脉硬化指数显著升高(P＜0.01);结论桑椹籽油具有显著的降脂、抗动脉粥样硬化作用.     

Enrichment of eggs in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by feeding hens with different amount of linseed oil in diet

The production of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched eggs by addition of linseed oil to the laying hens' diet has been evaluated in terms of production parameters and n-6/n-3 ratio. A total of 150 18weeks old Lohmann Brown laying hens were housed in cages and fed with basal diet and four experimental diets containing 1%, 2%, 3% or 4% of linseed oil added to the basal diet. The effect of the altered level of linseed oil on hens laying performance, fatty acid content and composition and cholesterol content in egg yolk has been evaluated during 13weeks of experiment. Egg weight, yolk fat content, yolk weight, yolk percentage and shape index were not influenced by dietary treatment. The ratio between n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in eggs decreased in first 5weeks and then remained stable until the end of the experiment for all experimental groups. Different contents of linseed oil in feed highly influenced the n-6/n-3 ratio (P<0.0001). Addition of linseed oil did not influence the cholesterol content in yolks (P=0.5200) while the only factor affecting the cholesterol content was the hens age (P<0.0001).     

The effect of honey compared to sucrose, mixed sugars, and a sugar-free diet on weight gain in young rats

ABSTRACT:  To determine whether honey, sucrose, and mixed sugars as in honey have different effects on weight gain, 40 6-wk-old Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a powdered diet that was either sugar free or contained 8% sucrose, 8% mixed sugars as in honey, or 10% honey freely for 6 wk. Weight gain and food intake were assessed weekly, and at completion of the study blood samples were removed for measurement of blood sugar (HbA1c) and a fasting lipid profile. The animals were then minced and total percentage body fat and protein measured. Overall percentage weight gain was significantly lower in honey-fed rats than those fed sucrose or mixed sugars, despite a similar food intake. Weight gains were comparable for rats fed honey and a sugar free diet although food intake was significantly higher in honey-fed rats. HbA1c and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in all sugar treatments compared with rats fed a sugar free diet, but no other differences in lipid profiles were reported. No differences in percentage body fat or protein levels were reported.     

Influence of method of administration of rapeseed oil in dairy cows. 1. Digestion of nonlipid components.

The effects of rapeseed oil supplements on ruminal digestion and total tract digestibility of nutrients were studied in four cows in midlactation, fitted with ruminal cannulas and used in a Latin square design (three periods x three diets). Treatments were basal diet only (control) or 1 kg of rapeseed oil added to a basal diet by continuous infusion or by a single administration via the ruminal cannula. The ratio of forage: concentrate of the basal diet was 68:32 on a DM basis. Total lipid contents were 3.9, 9.4, and 9.4% of DM in control diets and in diets with continuous and single supplementation, respectively. Fat supply decreased total tract OM digestibility (77.0, 72.0, and 74.0% in control diet and in diets with continuous and single supplementation, respectively) because of a depressive effect on fiber digestion. With both oil administration methods, the relative proportion of propionic acid increased and acetic and butyric acids in ruminal fluid decreased. Moreover, continuous infusion of oil increased the proportion of propionate and decreased the proportion of butyrate. When oil was added as a single administration, ammonia N concentration before feeding was lower than when oil was infused continuously.     

Synthesis of chitosan-caffeic acid derivatives and evaluation of their antioxidant activities

In this study, the antioxidant activities of different molecular weights (M_w) and grafting ratios of chitosan–caffeic acid derivatives were investigated. The grafting process was achieved using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC) as covalent connector under different conditions such as molecular-weight of chitosan, molar ratio of chitosan and caffeic acid, reaction temperature, pH, and reaction time. The half-inhibition concentrations (IC₅₀) of products were calculated by reduction of the 1,1-diphenyl picryl hydrazyl in the radical-scavenging assay and reduction of the Fe³⁺/ferricyanide complex to the ferrous form in reducing power assay. The EDAC showed maximum activity at 3-h, pH 5.0 and room temperature conditions, except high-molecular-weight chitosan in pH 2.0. The products were water-soluble in all pH and showed lower viscosity than native chitosan. The highest grafting ratio of caffeic acid was observed at 15% in low-molecular-weight chitosan. After 5% grafting of caffeic acid into chitosan, the grafting efficiency was increased by decreasing molecular-weight of chitosan at the same conditions. Caffeic acid has main role in the antioxidant activity of products. The maximum IC₅₀ of radical-scavenging activity (0.064 mg/ml) was observed at the highest caffeic acid containing derivative. Water-soluble chitosan and caffeic acid derivatives were obtained by this study without activity loss.     

Effect of interesterified fat mixtures on certain lipid indices in experimental fat metabolism disturbance

Groups of adult Wistar male and female rats were fed isoenergetically for a three and a six weeks period either with synthetic lipogenic diet containing 5% and 20% fat mixtures (in which sunflower oil and lard were blended according to the ratio of 35:65) or with the same synthetic diet containing the mixture of sunflower oil and interesterified lard in a similar ratio. A control group received a normal diet for 6 weeks, whereas one of the experimental groups (fed with the 20% fat mixture in the lipogenic diet for 6 weeks) was given the normal diet for an additional two weeks period. After the feeding periods had been completed serum HDL-C levels and the total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, free fatty acid levels were determined in serum and liver. The distribution of fatty acids in liver and heart muscle was also evaluated. In comparison to the control values it has been found: 1. Consumption of the lipogenic diet which is known to increase the serum total lipid and total cholesterol content induced in male rats a smaller augmentation in these indices when consuming the 20% fat mixture with a P/S ratio approaching the ideal 1 values, than in case of a 5% fat mixture consumption. In case of female rats, considerable increases of the serum values, could be observed at both fat consumption levels. The serum triglyceride and HDL-C contents decreased for all experimental groups. 2. The total lipid and triglyceride content of the liver increased in a high degree, the fatty liver syndrome was developed--more rapidly in males than in females. The total lipid, triglyceride and total cholesterol contents of the liver of male rats exceeded those of females by 15-30%. 3. The interesterification of the lard component of fat mixture resulted in lipid indices similar to those without interesterification, or in certain cases, they were found to be even slightly more favourable, i.e. the biological effect of the technological change proved to be adequate. 4. After a two weeks regeneration period the serum values of the male rats approached closer the normal control values than those of the females which were decreasing from a very high level but the degree of decrease was greater for them than for the male rats. The lipid content of the liver showed similar values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)