Summary
This study examined the fatty acid composition and omega-3 LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity of three dual-purpose chicken breeds adapted to free-range systems. Using radiolabelled substrate, researchers demonstrated for the first time in a terrestrial vertebrate that chicken hepatocytes possess active desaturase and elongase enzymes capable of converting dietary alpha-linolenic acid into EPA, DPA and DHA. The findings suggest chicken meat could potentially serve as a more sustainable terrestrial source of omega-3 LC-PUFA, addressing the environmental burden of marine aquaculture whilst improving the omega-6/omega-3 ratio in western diets.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Spain using dual-purpose breeds adapted to free-range systems, which are relevant to UK outdoor poultry production systems. The findings on hepatic LC-PUFA biosynthesis capacity would be applicable to UK poultry breeding and nutrition programmes seeking to improve omega-3 content in chicken meat as part of dietary public health strategies.
Key measures
Fatty acid composition (% of total fatty acids) in thigh meat and hepatocytes; radiolabelled [1-14C]18:3n-3 metabolism; intermediate fatty acid products (C18-C24); tissue lipid classes
Outcomes reported
The study measured fatty acid profiles in thigh meat and hepatocytes of three dual-purpose chicken breeds, and demonstrated the capacity of chicken hepatocytes to synthesise long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) including EPA and DHA from dietary alpha-linolenic acid using radiolabelled substrate.
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