Linseed oil in boar's diet improved in vivo fertility and antioxidant status.

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are produced during storage of boar semen are causing oxidative stress and leads to poor fertility. Also, tropical and sub-tropical weather condition adversely impacts the physicomorphological quality and fertility of boar sperm. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of feeding linseed oil to boar on its seminal attributes, sperm kinetics, biomarkers of antioxidant, fatty acid profile of seminal plasma (SP) and sperm and in vivo fertility. Six Hampshire crossbreed boars were fed with 90 ml linseed oil (LIN) whereas six Hampshire crossbreed boars were fed 90 ml canola oil (CON) for 16 weeks. Sperm quality was evaluated (60 ejaculates for each group; a total of 120 ejaculates) for motility, livability, abnormal morphology, acrosomal membrane integrity, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and sperm kinetic parameters by computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) at 0 h and at 72 h of storage at 17°C. Biomarkers of antioxidant (glutathione peroxidase; GPx, catalase; CAT, total antioxidant capacity; TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in SP and serum. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the estimation of fatty acid composition of SP and sperm. Boars fed with linseed oil had higher semen volume (p < .01) and more total sperm numbers (p < .01). Feeding linseed oil to boar enhanced seminal attributes (p < .05) at 0 h as well as at 72 h of storage. Linseed oil feeding (p < .01) improved biomarkers of antioxidants and significantly (p < .01) lowered the lipid peroxidation in serum and SP. Linseed oil feeding (p < .05) increased the proportion of alpha linolenic (ALA), arachidonic and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids in SP. The ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in sperm increased significantly (p < .01) in treatment group. Farrowing rate was significantly (p < .05) higher in treatment group. In conclusion, feeding linseed oil to boar improved the in vivo fertility, enhanced antioxidant capacity and increased the DHA content of SP and sperm.

Redundancy Analysis to Reduce the High-Dimensional Near-Infrared Spectral Information to Improve the Authentication of Olive Oil.

The high price of marketing of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) requires the introduction of cost-effective and sustainable procedures that facilitate its authentication, avoiding fraud in the sector. Contrary to classical techniques (such as chromatography), near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy does not need derivatization of the sample with proper integration of separated peaks and is more reliable, rapid, and cost-effective. In this work, principal component analysis (PCA) and then redundancy analysis (RDA)─which can be seen as a constrained version of PCA─are used to summarize the high-dimensional NIR spectral information. Then PCA and RDA factors are contemplated as explanatory variables in models to authenticate oils from qualitative or quantitative analysis, in particular, in the prediction of the percentage of EVOO in blended oils or in the classification of EVOO or other vegetable oils (sunflower, hazelnut, corn, or linseed oil) by the use of some machine learning algorithms. As a conclusion, the results highlight the potential of RDA factors in prediction and classification because they appreciably improve the results obtained from PCA factors in calibration and validation.

Evaluation of linseed oil oleogels to partially replace pork backfat in fermented sausages.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, fat replacement in meat products is a matter of concern in the meat industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of pork backfat with two oleogels of linseed in dry-cured sausages. RESULTS: Five batches of dry-cured sausages were prepared with two oleogels, a mixture of γ-oryzanol and ß-sitosterol (SO) and beeswax (B), at two levels of replacement (20% and 40%) (SO-20, SO-40, B-20, and B-40, respectively) and a control batch. The fatty acid profile improved in terms of nutrition: the polyunsaturated fatty acid / saturated fatty acid (PUFA/SFA) and n-6/n-3 ratio was about 1.41 and 0.93 for the higher levels of replacement, SO-40 and B-40, respectively. Quality parameters such as pH and color also changed with the inclusion of oleogels, resulting in changes in the sensory quality. CONCLUSION: Oleogels based on linseed enabled the replacement of pork backfat in fermented sausages. Depending on the level of fat substitution, such oleogels could replace fat in dry-cured sausages at the industrial level. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of dietary fat sources on the intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissue fatty acid composition, and consumer acceptability of lamb.

BACKGROUND: Lamb diets can alter the fatty acid (FA) profile of muscle and adipose tissue, which may affect the sensory quality and consumer acceptability of the meat. In this study, lambs received one of four pre-slaughter diets: a barley / maize / soya-based concentrate (C), supplemented with a saturated fat source (Megalac®) (SAT), or supplemented with protected linseed oil (PLO); or a by-product (citrus pulp / distillers' grain / soya-based) diet (BPR). Intramuscular FAs and adipose tissue branched-chain FAs were measured and consumer evaluation (hedonic liking and attribute intensity) was undertaken with cooked lamb. RESULTS: Compared to the other diets, the BPR diet resulted in a higher muscle concentration and a greater proportion of C18:2n-6, and greater proportions of conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11-C18:2) and n-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA), whereas the PLO diet resulted in higher muscle proportions of C18:0 and saturated FAs, higher concentrations of C18:3n-3 and n-3 PUFA, and a lower n-6 to n-3 ratio. The consumer acceptability of lamb was not affected by the pre-slaughter diets. CONCLUSION: Changes in the FA profile of lamb muscle and adipose tissue through the inclusion of sources of saturated fat, protected linseed oil, or by-products in the pre-slaughter diet did not result in consumer detection of significant effects on the acceptability of the cooked meat. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of liver pâté enrichment with flaxseed oil and flaxseed extract on lipid composition and stability.

BACKGROUND: There is an increase interest from food technologists in the improvement of the nutritional value of meat products, especially their lipid profile and shelf life. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of animal fat replacement with flaxseed oil (20%) and flaxseed extract addition (0.05%-0.25%) on changes in composition and stability of liver pâté lipid fractions. RESULTS: Replacement of animal fat with flaxseed oil was observed to lower the saturated and monoenoic fatty acid in the product's fatty acid profile by around 12% and to raise the polyene fatty acid contribution by more than 70% when compared to the control. The replacement also resulted in enriching the pâté with phytosterols (ß-sitosterol, campesterol, and cycloartenol). The addition of 0.05% and 0.10% ethanol flaxseed extract significantly slowed down lipid oxidation changes during storage of the pâté. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that a storage-stable meat product - liver pâté - characterized by a high nutritional value can be designed through the addition of flax oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids and flaxseed extract. The addition of 0.05% of the extract was found to be sufficient to improve the liver pâté's oxidative stability; it can thus be recommended for this type of product. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of linseed supplementation and slaughter age on meat quality of grazing cross-bred Galician x Burguete foals.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of finishing diet (control concentrate vs. linseed concentrate) and slaughter age (13 vs. 26 months) on meat and nutritional quality of foal meat. For this study, 46 foals from crossing Galicia Mountain x Burguete breeds were used. RESULTS: The obtained results showed that slaughter age had an influence on chemical composition and colour parameters. Foals slaughtered at the age of 13 months had lower content of intramuscular fat and higher cholesterol contents than those slaughtered at 26 months of age. Regarding colour parameters, older foals showed the highest values of redness and lowest myoglobin contents. Finishing diet had a low effect on the majority of parameters evaluated. Foals fed with linseed presented lower shear force values than those fed with control concentrate. Fatty acid and amino acid contents were hardly influenced by finishing diet, whereas slaughter age effect had a high impact on fatty acid profile. Older animals showed lowest SFA values and n-6/n-3 ratio. CONCLUSION: Older animals presented the best meat quality. Diet had low effect in meat quality and could be related to the short time during finishing diet was administered and the low amount of linseed in the experimental diet. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of fortification of milk with omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols and soluble fibre on the sensory, physicochemical and microbiological properties of milk.

BACKGROUND: The effect of the addition of flaxseed oil (FO), phytosterols (PS) and polydextrose (PDX) on the physicochemical and sensory properties of milk was investigated, as they are known to impart health benefits. RESULTS: For incorporating PS, a hydrophobic substance, FO and milk fat (MF) as an oil source, an emulsifier (DATEM) and PDX solution as an aqueous medium were used for the preparation of emulsion. Three emulsion formulations A (8 g PS, 8 g FO, 20 g PDX, 6 g MF), B (10 g PS, 10 g FO, 20 g PDX, 4 g MF) and C (12 g PS, 12 g FO, 20 g PDX, 2 g MF) were prepared and added individually to milk at a level of 50 g kg-1 . Based on sensory evaluation, formulation B was selected for fortification of milk. The fortified milk kept well at refrigerated temperature for 1 week, and changes in sensory, physicochemical and microbiological properties were comparable to those of control milk. The level of fortificants did not decrease in the milk after 1 week of storage. CONCLUSION: An emulsion containing FO, PS and PDX could successfully serve as a potential delivery system for enhancing the nutritional and therapeutic potential of milk. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of dietary omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid ratios on reproduction in the young breeder rooster.

BACKGROUND: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are necessary for the body's metabolism, growth and development. Although PUFAs play an important role in the regulation of reproduction, their role in testis development in the rooster is unknown. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of omega-3/omega-6 (n-3/n-6, PUFAs) ratios on reproductive performance in young breeder roosters. Plasma levels of reproductive hormones, testis development, and reproductive hormone receptor and StAR mRNA expression were also assessed. RESULTS: Although PUFAs (n-3/n-6: 1/4.15) had no significant effect on the testis index (P > 0.05), the spermatogonial development and germ cell layers were increased. Moreover, serum levels of hormones (GnRH, FSH, LH and T) on day 35 were also significantly increased by PUFAs (n-3/n-6: 1/4.15). To investigate whether PUFAs regulate the expression of hormone receptors and StAR, real time-PCR was used to measure GnRHR, FSHR, LHR and StAR mRNA levels. PUFAs significantly increased the mRNA levels of all of these genes. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that PUFAs enhance the reproductive performance of young roosters by increasing hormone secretion and function, the latter by up-regulating receptor expression. These findings provide a sound basis for a balanced n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio being beneficial to young rooster reproduction.

Radioactive Chernobyl environment has produced high-oil flax seeds that show proteome alterations related to carbon metabolism during seed development.

Starting in 2007, we have grown soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr. variety Soniachna) and flax (Linum usitatissimum, L. variety Kyivskyi) in the radio-contaminated Chernobyl area and analyzed the seed proteomes. In the second-generation flax seeds, we detected a 12% increase in oil content. To characterize the bases for this increase, seed development has been studied. Flax seeds were harvested in biological triplicate at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after flowering and at maturity from plants grown in nonradioactive and radio-contaminated plots in the Chernobyl area for two generations. Quantitative proteomic analyses based on 2-D gel electrophoresis (2-DE) allowed us to establish developmental profiles for 199 2-DE spots in both plots, out of which 79 were reliably identified by tandem mass spectrometry. The data suggest a statistically significant increased abundance of proteins associated with pyruvate biosynthesis via cytoplasmic glycolysis, L-malate decarboxylation, isocitrate dehydrogenation, and ethanol oxidation to acetaldehyde in early stages of seed development. This was followed by statistically significant increased abundance of ketoacyl-[acylcarrier protein] synthase I related to condensation of malonyl-ACP with elongating fatty acid chains. On the basis of these and previous data, we propose a preliminary model for plant adaptation to growth in a radio-contaminated environment. One aspect of the model suggests that changes in carbon assimilation and fatty acid biosynthesis are an integral part of plant adaptation.

Fatty acid content of serum lipid fractions and blood lipids in normolipidaemic volunteers fed two types of cheese having different fat compositions: a pilot study.

The aim of this randomised, double-blind, crossover study in normolipidaemic volunteers was to investigate the effect of consumption of an experimental cheese (from cows fed a grass and maize silage-based diet with 5% of linseed oil added) or a control cheese (without linseed oil) on both plasma lipids and fatty acid content of serum lipid fractions. A lower content of medium-chain saturated fatty acids as well as a higher content of stearic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids were found in the experimental cheese; its consumption was successful in limiting the enhanced blood concentration of atherogenic fatty acids, without affecting fatty acid content of serum lipid fractions. These results indicate that dairy products could be considered as key foods for fat modifications with the objective of optimizing their nutritional quality.

Phospholipidomics and quantum chemistry calculation unravel the changes in phospholipid molecules of flaxseed oil during roasting.

Roasting flaxseed significantly improves the antioxidant activities and flavor of its oil; however, the effect of roasting on phospholipid molecules in flaxseed oil is limited. Herein, on the basis of phospholipidomics and quantum chemistry calculation, phospholipidome in raw, light, and dark roasted flaxseed oils and their changes were systematically explored and compared. Seventy individual phospholipid molecules were detected in raw and roasted flaxseed oils. After light roasting, major classes of phospholipid molecules including phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol increased 11.43-, 36.62-, and 67.88-fold, respectively. PE exhibited 92.06 % reduction after dark roasting. The model reaction showed that the main reaction of PE was the Maillard reaction during roasting. Quantum chemistry calculation demonstrated that the reaction energy barriers of the Maillard reaction (96.81 kJ/mol) was much lower than the hydrolysis (188.84 kJ/mol) for PE. The study is expected to provide new insight into the change mechanism of PE during flaxseed processing.

Linseed oil supplementation and DGAT1 K232A polymorphism affect the triacylglycerol composition and crystallization of milk fat.

We studied the effect of dietary linseed oil (LSO) supplementation and DGAT1 K232A (DGAT1) polymorphism on the triacylglycerol composition and crystallization of bovine milk fat. LSO supplementation increased unsaturated triacylglycerols, notably in the C52-C54 carbon range, while reducing the saturated C29-C49 triacylglycerols. These changes were associated with an increase in the low-melting fraction and the crystal lamellar thickness, as well as a reduction in the medium and high-melting fractions and the formation of the most abundant crystal type at 20 °C (ß'-2 polymorph). Furthermore, DGAT1 KK was associated with higher levels of odd-chain saturated triacylglycerols than DGAT1 AA, and it was also associated with an increase in the high-melting fraction and the endset melting temperature. An interaction between diet and DGAT1 for the unsaturated C54 triacylglycerols accentuated the effects of LSO supplementation with DGAT1 AA. These findings show that genetic polymorphism and cows' diet can have considerable effects on milk fat properties.

[Nutritional value and functional properties of flaxseed].

The nutritional value and functional properties of flaxseed Linum Usitatissimum L. are analyzed. There are three groups of compounds in the flaxseeds, characterized by specific biological activity and functional properties: PUFA omega-3 family, soluble dietary fiber in the form of mucus, and lignans, which have phytoestrogen properties. Data on the chemical composition of flaxseed, obtained from various sources, are characterized by high variability. The flaxseeds contain 35-45% oil, which contains 9-10% of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic), about 20% monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid), and more than 70% alpha-linolenic fatty acids acid. The protein content in seeds of flax varies from 20-30%. Proteins of flaxseeds are limited by lysine, but are characterized by a high coefficient of digestibility (89,6%) and biological value (77,4%). The content of dietary fiber reaches 28% by weight of whole seed, with the ratio of soluble and insoluble fractions from 20:80 until 40:60. According to the content of B-group vitamins and some minerals flaxseeds are close to the crops. Vitamin E in the flaxseeds is mainly in the form of gamma-tocopherol (9,2 mg/100 g of seeds). Flaxseed is the richest in the vegetable world source of lignans (up to 0,7-1,5% of dry weight of seed), among which prevails secoisolariciresinol diglucoside. The chemical composition of flaxseed has identified areas in the study of preventive and functional properties. PUFA omega-3 family, dietary fibers and phytoestrogen lignans determine hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic actions of flaxseed. Flax seeds under the conditions of storage and processing technologies are harmless food product. Consumption of 50 g/day of flaxseed showed no adverse effects in humans.

Rapid identification of flaxseed oil based on portable fiber optic Raman spectroscopy combined with an oil microscopy method.

To explore a fast, simple, and accurate method to identify adulteration in flaxseed oil, the Raman spectral data of 130 samples containing flaxseed, canola, cottonseed, and adulterated oils were obtained using a portable fiber optic Raman spectrometer. The Raman spectral results showed that the Raman spectra of the flaxseed and canola oils had noticeable peak shifts, whereas the peak positions of the flaxseed and cottonseed oils were relatively similar. Clear peak intensity differences were observed in the flaxseed, cottonseed, and canola oils, mainly at 868 cm-1 , 1022 cm-1 , 1265 cm-1 , and 1655 cm-1 , with Raman shift intensities in the following order: Iflaxseed oil  > Icottonseed oil  > Icanola oil . Similarly, the peak intensity of the flaxseed and adulterated oils also exhibited certain differences (at 868 cm-1 , 1022 cm-1 , 1265 cm-1 , and 1655 cm-1 ), and the Raman shift intensity tended to decrease gradually with the increasing content of canola and cottonseed oils in the flaxseed oil. Additionally, the results of Raman spectroscopy combined with the "oil microscopy" method exhibited large variations in the radar patterns of the flaxseed, canola, and cottonseed oils, whereas the radar patterns of the flaxseed and adulterated oils closely resembled each other. The results indicated that Raman spectroscopy in combination with oil microscopy more effectively revealed the subtle differences in the Raman shift intensity, serving as a more visual and comprehensive approach for differentiating the quality variations between pure flaxseed oil and other oil species and adulterated oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study analyzed the Raman spectra of flaxseed, canola, cottonseed, and adulterated oils using fiber optic Raman spectroscopy. Combined with the oil microscopy method for comprehensive evaluation and analysis, it is feasible to effectively identify the quality differences among flaxseed, canola, cottonseed, and adulterated oils.

Deterioration and discoloration of historical protective treatments on marble.

This study integrates the complex research conducted on the sources of brown discolorations that occur on marble statues (fifteenth century) of the Church of Orsanmichele in Florence (Italy). They underwent conservative interventions in the past and the brownish discolorations on their surfaces strongly altered the clear tone of the marble. In this study, Carrara marble model specimens were treated with organic and inorganic substances (non-pasteurised milk; linseed oil; walnut oil; ammonium oxalate; microcrystalline wax; beeswax; milk + linseed oil; and milk + ammonium oxalate + linseed oil) to simulate their effects on the stone. Some of the substances were commonly used in the past (as on the Orsanmichele statues) but most of them are still used in many countries. The treated specimens were exposed to natural and artificial ageing. The main results of the research were (i) the specimens treated with linseed oil, milk + linseed oil, and milk + linseed oil + ammonium oxalate showed a severe change of colour after either artificial or natural ageing; (ii) an extensive polymerisation of the organic substances occurred; (iii) calcium oxalate and several oxidised diacylglycerols (DAGs) and triacylglycerols (TAGs) were the last chemical products of the oxidation processes induced by ageing; (iv) Maillard reaction, producing brownish coloration, likely occurred in specimens containing milk as a result of the interaction between sugars and proteins.

Comprehensive Lipidomics Analysis Reveals the Effects of Different Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-Rich Diets on Egg Yolk Lipids.

Dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) for laying hens enriches eggs with these essential fatty acids. However, the enrichment patterns and changes to intact lipids in egg yolk have not been sufficiently revealed. Herein, egg yolk lipids from hens fed with diets supplemented with flaxseed, Schizochytrium sp. residue, or their mixture were comprehensively analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). A total of 335 individual lipid species covering 23 (sub)classes were identified and quantified. Distinct n-3 PUFA-lipid profiles were revealed among different groups. Dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA) was mainly deposited in the TAG fraction, whereas synthesized or preformed docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) predominantly existed in the glycerophospholipid form. Furthermore, different lipid species were identified and related lipid pathways after dietary supplementation were analyzed. Collectively, these findings provide us with new knowledge for production, nutritional evaluation, authentication, and application of n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs.

A combined in vivo and in vitro approach to evaluate the influence of linseed oil or sesame oil and their combination on innate immune competence and eicosanoid metabolism processes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dietary pure linseed oil or sesame oil or a mixture on innate immune competence and eicosanoid metabolism in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Carp of 100.4 ±â€¯4.7 g were fed to satiation twice daily for 6 weeks with four diets prepared from three lipid sources (CLO; LO; SO; SLO). On day 42, plasma was sampled for immune parameter analyses, and kidney and liver tissues were dissected for gene expression analysis. On day 45, HKL and PBMCs from remaining fish were isolated and exposed to E. coli LPS at a dose of 10 µg/mL for 24 h. Results show that the SLO diet enhanced feed utilisation (P = 0.01), while no negative effects on growth or survival were observed in plant oil-fed fish compared to those fed a fish-oil based diet. Plant oil diets did not alter lysozyme and peroxidase activities or gene expression levels. Moreover, the diets did not affect the expression levels of some genes involved in eicosanoid metabolism processes (pla, pge2, lox5). Lys expression in HKL in vitro following exposure to LPS was up-regulated in LO-fed fish, while expression levels of pge2 were higher in SLO fish than in other groups (P < 0.05). The highest value for peroxidase activity in HKL exposed to LPS was found in the SLO-fed group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that dietary plant oils did not induce any negative effects on fish growth, survival, and immune competence status. Moreover, a dietary combination of SO and LO improved the feed utilisation efficiency and seemed more effective in inducing a better immunomodulatory response to LPS through a more active eicosanoid metabolism process.

Antioxidative effects of supplementing linseed oil-enriched diets with α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, selenium, or their combination on carcass and meat quality in broilers.

In a previous study, we examined the synergistic effects of the dietary supranutritional supplementation with vitamin E, vitamin C, and Se on the in vivo antioxidative status of broilers under conditions of dietary oxidative stress induced by feeding a diet high in n-3 PUFA. In this study, we examined the effect of their inclusion on the quality characteristics and oxidative stability of raw or cooked meat, both fresh or after a long-term frozen storage. Four hundred 21-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were allocated to 5 experimental groups fed 5% linseed oil-enriched finisher diets (days 21 to 40): Cont (recommended levels of vitamin E, C, and selenium), +E (200 IU vitamin E/kg feed), +C (250 mg vitamin C/kg feed), +Se (0.2 mg selenium/kg feed), or +ECSe (concentrations as in the sole supplementation, combined). Animal performance and carcass characteristics were monitored at the age of 40 D. Breast meat samples of 12 chickens per group were analysed fresh, fresh after frozen storage, cooked fresh, and cooked after frozen storage (2 × 2 factorial design) for parameters of meat quality (water-holding capacity-WHC, pH, and color) and oxidative stability (concentrations of vitamin E, malondialdehyde-MDA, antioxidant capacity of the water-soluble compounds-ACW, and fatty acid composition). Vitamin E alone (+E) and combined with Se and vitamin C (+ECSe) increased the α-tocopherol concentration in breast muscle, and showed similar protective effects against lipid peroxidation measured as MDA regardless of the frozen storage or cooking. The sole supplementation of vitamin C or selenium showed no effects on the meat quality parameters. In conclusion, the dietary supranutritional inclusion of vitamin E inhibited the lipid peroxidation in fresh, frozen stored, cooked fresh, and frozen stored meat in broilers fed with diets rich in n-3 PUFAs. Even though no clear synergistic effects of the supranutritional supplementation of vitamin C and Se with vitamin E were detected, their dietary inclusion did not negatively affect broilers carcass and meat quality parameters.

Modulatory role of vermicompost and vermiwash on growth, yield and nutritional profiling of Linum usitatissimum L. (Linseed): a field study.

Vermicompost, recommended inorganic fertiliser, vermiwash and their combinations were used in the present study to know their impact on the germination, growth, yield, oil content and nutritional status in seeds of two varieties of Linum usitatissimum L. LC-54 and LC-2063. Eight treatments, in 48 plots with three replicates, were studied and compared with control. Application of vermicompost enhanced growth and yield in both varieties of Linum. Vermicompost modulated the ratio of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids in seeds of Linseed. Growing degree days (GDD) indicated the significantly shortened of crop life cycle with vermiwash. Vermiwash particularly increased the yield indices. Fatty acid profile through GC-FID showed the increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (Æ©PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (Æ©MUFA) and saturated fatty acids (Æ©SFA) with Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). Different effects on nutritional status of LC-54 and LC-2063 seeds can be attributed to their unique genotypes. INM proved to be nutritionally balanced strategy with enhanced yield leading to better soil health. INM can be hypothesised as a transitional step to the organic agriculture after the green revolution, when compared with recommended inorganic fertiliser treatment and control. In terms of oil yield, highest oil content 34.85% and 33.67% was obtained with Integrated Nutrient Management in both the varieties, whereas treatments with vermicompost and vermiwash produced modulated and most suited ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 in Linseed seeds.

Impact of the addition of 4-vinyl-derivatives of ferulic and sinapic acids on retention of fatty acids and terpenoids in cold-pressed rapeseed and flaxseed oils during the induction period of oxidation.

In the western diet there is an oversupply of n-6 fatty acids. This adverse trend can be balanced by the consumption of rapeseed and flaxseed oils rich in α-linolenic acid (n-3). However, the high share of this fatty acid contributes to low oxidative stability of oil. Oxidation decreases n-3 fatty acid and other bioactive compounds contents, which adversely affects oil nutritional value. In this study, the impact of ferulic and sinapic acids vinyl derivatives on the fatty acids and oil terpenoids (sterols, tocols, carotenoids, squalene) retention at the end of induction period during accelerated oxidation of rapeseed and flaxseed cold-pressed oils was investigated. It was found that the use of 4-vinylsyringol (4-VS) or 4-vinylquaiacol (4-VQ) increased the retention of intact sterols and carotenoids (at least 2-fold) and squalene (at least 4-fold). The 4-VQ addition also inhibited the α-linolenic acid loss. Unfortunately, both phenolic derivatives favoured α-tocopherol decay in rapeseed oil.