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One of the important factors influencing the microbial community of ruminants, besides environment or diet, are breed and physiology. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess these changes in the levels of basic microbial phyla and families. For this study, qPCR analysis was performed to determine the level of bacteria (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria clusters and Clostridiaceae, Lactobacillaceae families) in the feces of ewes of three native Polish sheep breeds (Polish Lowland Sheep (PON), Świniarka Sheep (SW), and synthetic line BCP) at different physiological periods (conception, early pregnancy, lambing, end of lactation). The animals were kept in the same environment and were at the same age (2-years). The results showed a significant effect of both breed (p = 0.038) and physiological period (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) on the levels of bacteria analyzed. The breed showed differences across physiological periods. The influence of the race factor was noted primarily between the BCP synthetic line and the other two breeds (differences in terms of all analyzed clusters and families except Actinobacteria phyla). In the case of SW and PON, however, the observed differences were only at the level of Proteobacteria cluster and Clostridiaceae family. On the other hand, the early pregnant and lambing periods were the most microbiologically diverse in terms of the analyzed clusters and families of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During parturition, animals exhibit variation in hormone levels, homeostasis disturbance and dysfunction of the immune system as a result of stress. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is responsible for the occurrence of oxidative stress in the cells. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, but it is also involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and metabolism processes led by adipose tissue. The aim of the this study was to determine how the levels of GST and cortisol change depending on the parity. Additionally, the influence of lambing on the microbiological composition of the digestive system and placenta in Olkuska sheep was investigated. Methods: Eighteen ewes were selected for the experiment - primiparas (n = 9) and multiparas (n = 9), they were kept in the same environmental conditions, had the same diet and did not show any disease symptoms. Fecal samples were collected individually from each ewe (n = 18) and then bacterial DNA isolation was made, then qPCR analysis for Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria phyla and Lactobacillaceae family bacteria levels was performed. These samples were also used to analyze cortisol levels by ELISA test. In addition, placenta fragments were collected during delivery, and then the GST level from the tissue was tested. Results: The analysis of the results showed a higher level of cortisol in primiparous sheep than in multiparous ones, as in the case of glutathione transferase. There were differences between both studied groups in the microbiological composition of the digestive system. In primiparous sheep, the levels of the tested microorganisms were significantly lower than in multiparous ones. A similar relationship occurred in the study of the placental microbiome. Conclusion: The results show that sheep microbiome, cortisol and GST levels are different in primiparas and multiparas. The study conducted may constitute an introduction to further analyzes that would help positively affect the welfare and homeostasis of the female organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we used 10 healthy sheep, which gave birth to healthy twins. Stool samples were collected from mothers and their offspring 3 times during the study (0, 28 and 56 day postpartum). Milk samples were taken from the mothers at the same time. RT PCR analysis of faeces and milk was performed in order to assess the level of bacteria from the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla including the family Lactobacillaceae (phylum Firmicutes). The composition of mother's milk was also analyzed and their BCS. The data were compiled statistically. The obtained results showed that the level of the studied groups of bacteria may change due to the change of diet. Additionally, there were significant differences between lambs and mothers in the levels of the studied groups of bacteria. Analysis also shown that in the digestive system of mothers was a smaller disproportion in the level of the studied bacterial phyla than in lambs. The results also indicated the occurrence of differences in the bacterial composition at the individual level, both in ewes and their offspring. Additionally, in the conducted experiment, there were differences in the level of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes groups depending on the sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of clothing in recent years is mainly based on synthetic materials. Synthetics such as polyacrylonitrile fiber (PAN) significantly reduce the costs of clothing production. PAN fiber requires considerably more water than natural fibers in the treatment process, which has a negative impact on the environment. This is quite different in the case of natural fiber wool, which is a biodegradable material. Due to the high quality of its products, wool is also a material highly appreciated by the textile industry. Differences between the materials were determined by testing electrical properties (resistance and impedance), which may represent differences at the molecular level. As the use of the proposed method is at the preliminary stage, measurements of fiber diameter, heat resistance, and breaking stress were also performed to supplement the results. The electrical characteristic tests showed a higher resistance of wool compared to PAN fiber, which indicates that wool is a better dielectric than PAN fiber. The breaking stress tests showed that PAN fiber was the weakest of the assessed fibers. The measurements have also shown that the heat resistance of the samples of wool from alpaca were higher than those of PAN fiber. The wool samples from angora goats were characterized by the lowest heat resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The microbiome of the digestive tract of ruminants contains microbial ecosystem that is affected by both environmental and genetic factors. The subject of this study concerns the influence of selected genetic factors, such as species of animals and "host" individual differences on the digestive tract microbiome composition. The results show the core microbiological composition (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) of ruminants digestive tract (based on feces) depending on breed and "host". The Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla are the most abundant in ruminants digestive tract. The aim of the study was to determine the differences prevalence level of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla in feces of Charolaise cattle and Polish Olkuska Sheep with respect to intra- and inter-species variability. Results: The research group in the experiment consisted of animals at the age of 3 months kept in the same environmental conditions – rams of Polish Olkuska Sheep (n = 10) and Charolaise bulls (n = 10). Feces were collected individually from each animal (animals without disease symptoms were selected), living on the same environmental conditions. The analysis of the results in terms of species showed differences in the Firmicutes phylum level and Lactobacillaceae family between rams and bulls. Subsequently, the analysis performed for the "host effect" showed differentiation in the levels of the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla between individuals in a group and also between the groups. Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that, apart from the diet and the environment, the species and the individual host are equally important factors influencing the microbiological composition of the digestive system of ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminants are an important part of world animal production. The main factors affecting their production rates are age, diet, physiological condition and welfare. Disorders related to low level of welfare can significantly affect the microbiological composition of the digestive system, which is essential to maintain high production rates. The microbiology of the ruminant gastrointestinal tract may be significantly affected by inappropriate keeping system (especially in juveniles), psychological stress (e.g. transport), or heat stress. This results in an increased risk of metabolic diseases, reduced fertility and systemic diseases. Therefore, the paper focuses on selected disorders i.e., aforementioned inappropriate maintenance system, psychological stress, heat stress and their effects on the microbiome of the digestive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to explain the influence and characterization of the microbiome in the ruminant digestive system by presenting the knowledge collected so far. The knowledge presented in this work is focused on the main factors affecting the microbiome and the main dependencies that have been found in it so far. The microbiome in the rumen is the first to come into contact with the biomass of the forage and its main purpose is to decompose into smaller particles or compounds. With the gradual increase in knowledge about the microbiome, there is a chance to manipulate it so that the animal continues to live in a symbiotic relationship with it, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the environment as well as increasing feed efficiency. Therefore, understanding the influence of the ruminant microbiome is the main step to achieve such results. However, learning the relationship between microorganisms is only at an early stage, because research focuses mainly on taxonomy. Future research should focus on interactions in the ecosystem which is the microbiome, on explaining individual functions and on influence of environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a steadily growing demand for animal protein. Consumer awareness is also growing every year, which is why breeders are obliged to provide animals with the best possible environmental conditions that will determine the productivity of animals and the quality of raw materials obtained from them. Today's consumer is looking for not only the highest quality food but also the one that will characterize health-promoting properties. Therefore, food is sought, which will be characterized by a favorable profile of fatty acids and a high content of biologically active ingredients, such as vitamins or minerals. One of the most effective methods of enriching food with these ingredients is their supplementation in feed. However, it should be remembered that the form in which such a component will be delivered is very important. High hopes are associated with the possibility of using organic forms of macro- and micronutrients, which are sometimes better absorbed than inorganic salts. The aim of the work was to collect and systematize knowledge related to the possibility of enriching food of animal origin with micronutrients using additional feed containing these ingredients in organic form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Aggression in dogs is often a reason for abandonment and/or euthanasia. Recently, knowledge about aggression has been subjected to more detailed analysis. In recent years, it has been studied in terms of factors affecting it, such as diet (especially nutritional supplements) and physiology (endocrine system). In addition, recently, new methods of brain research, such as neurocognitive research, have appeared, which enable a significant increase in knowledge about dog behavior, including aggression. Aggression as a behavior is not always desirable, often ends in abandonment and/or euthanasia. However, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of unwanted aggression in domestic dogs. Aggression is not a fully understood phenomenon. In recent years, many studies have focused on the influence of diet and physiology (including the endocrine system) on the emergence of behavioral disorders. In particular, the emphasis was put on nutritional additives such as fatty acids, amino acids, and probiotics. In addition, the possibility of using neurocognition in the observation of abnormal behavior in dogs has also been discussed, which may allow for a more detailed determination of the basis of aggressive behavior in dogs. In this review, the concepts related to aggression and its potential causes have been gathered. In addition, the possible influence of diet and hormones on aggression in dogs has been discussed, as well as the application of neurocognition in the possibility of its diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estrogen receptors (ERs) play a key role in many biochemical and physiological processes, that are involved in maintaining organism homeostasis. At the most basic level, they can be divided into nuclear estrogen receptors and membrane estrogen receptors that imply their effect in two ways: slower genomic, and faster non-genomic. In these ways, estrogens and xenoestrogens can negatively affect animal health and welfare. Most of the available literature focuses on human and mammalian physiology, and clearly, we can observe a need for further research focusing on complex mutual interactions between different estrogens and xenoestrogens in aquatic animals, primarily fishes. Understanding the mechanisms of action of estrogenic compounds on the ERs in fishes and their negative consequences, may improve efforts in environmental protection of these animals and their environment and benefit society in return. In this review, we have summarized the ER-mediated effects of xenoestrogens and estrogens on teleost fishes metabolism, their carcinogenic potential, immune, circulatory, and reproductive systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The skin is one of the largest surface organs for animals. The microbiome of the skin plays an important role in protecting the host. The study showed that the environment in which the animals lived and their size could affect the bacterial composition of their skin. Additionally, individual differences between the bacterial composition of the skin were observed, which may indicate the existence of a factor called "individual influence". For decades, skin has been assigned the main role of an insulator of the inside of the body from the external environment, but it also plays a role in maintaining homeostasis. In this study, the level of selected bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria) was assessed in three sheep breeds (Świniarka sheep, Uhruska sheep and BCP line (synthetic sheep breed; n = 6) and in two breeds of goats (Boer, Saenian; n = 6) living in the same environment and fed on the same feed, where the aim was to identify differences in terms of race, species and individual differences. Significant differences were found in Firmicute, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria phyla (p ≤ 0.05). Statistically significant and positive correlations were demonstrated between Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes or Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The obtained results suggest that the species and racial differences in the level of the studied bacterial phyla may also result from the physicochemical differences of the skin surface, as they could exacerbate the variations in humidity, temperature, composition of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) and lipid content. In addition, individual differences were observed, which indicate a similar effect of an individual on the microbiological composition of its organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The microbiome of the digestive system of both animals and humans is affected by many factors including diet, environment, age, physical condition, and genetic factors, as well as the "host effect". Physical effort, as a factor influencing the physiological state of an animal, can affect the microbial composition of the digestive system. The research so far is largely based on human and laboratory animals, but not enough research has been done on the effect of physical effort on horse digestive system. The study conducted suggests that effort has a significant impact on the studied bacterial phyla level and that there is also variation in the proportions of the studied phyla between individual horses, as well as "reacting" to changes in different ways, which also suggests the occurrence of a phenomenon called "host influence". Exercise significantly affects the body of both animals and humans, including the composition of the digestive microbiome. This study aimed to determine the changes in the composition of the most numerous bacterial phyla (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, as well as the level of the Lactobacillaceae family) in the digestive system of horses under the influence of physical effort. The study included a group of 17 Thoroughbred racehorses at the age of 3 years, fed the same forage, from whom feces samples were collected individually before and 48 h after physical effort. The obtained samples were subjected to DNA isolation and RT-PCR analysis. The results showed a significant increase in the level of both phyla after exercise compared to the state before physical effort; there were no such differences in the level of facultative aerobes, i.e., the Lactobacillaceae family (although a decreasing tendency was found after exercise). In addition, the analysis of the level of the studied phyla indicates individual differences in horses' response to the effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The microbiome plays an important role in the digestive system of ruminants. It affects the health status of animals and their development and production rates. However, its composition may be influenced by factors such as diet, age, gender, and health condition. The study was conducted on three breeds of sheep that were kept in one environment and fed with the same feed. The microbiological analysis showed that the animal microbiome is also influenced by breed. Studies carried out so far have indicated the effect of the microbiome on the composition of ruminant products. Recent studies have shown that not only diet, but also genetic factors can affect the microbiological composition of the digestive system. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in the levels of selected bacterial phyla in terms of breed differences. Three sheep breeds, i.e., Olkuska, Romanov, and old-type Polish Merino, differing in their use (meat–wool, meat, prolificacy) and country of breed origin were included in the study. Sheep at the same age and of the same sex were kept for a period of 3 months in the same environmental conditions and fed the same feed in the same proportions. The study included real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis of feces collected before the slaughter and measurements of body weight and chilled carcasses. The obtained results showed significant differences between the breeds in the levels of bacterial populations tested. There were also differences in body weight between the breeds during the first weight measurements, however, the final results did not show any differences—after three months of maintenance all of them reached similar body weights, despite differences in fecal microbiological composition. The study suggests that in addition to diet and environmental conditions, the microbiology can also be influenced by breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Proper cooperation between digestive system microbiota and the host is an important issue in maintaining proper health condition, and—in the case of farm animals—production indices. In the case of pigs, microbiota significantly affect production parameters such as meat quality, growth rate or improvement of immune response to infections. Understanding of pig digestive system microbiota and factors affecting this is an important issue. This may enable improvement of animal performance and stabilization of microbiota during their growth, reducing the risk of metabolic or systemic diseases. The development of research methods and tools related to microbiome investigation, as well as widened knowledge and awareness concerning the significance of microorganisms inhabiting mammalian organisms, has led to an increasing popularity of studies in this field. This review paper presents some issues related to the swine microbiome, its development starting from an early age of life and its status in adult animals, as well as factors affecting the microbiome in pigs. Attention is paid to the role of probiotics and prebiotics as alternatives to antibiotics in the context of post-weaning diarrhea treatment, and to the role of microorganisms inhabiting the digestive tract of pigs in performance indices formation. In veterinary and pork production practice, understanding of the swine microbiome and its relationships with the host organism may be useful in the prevention of some diseases and also in improvement of performance results of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary supplementation of ruminants with fish oil is a strategy for favorably modifying the fatty acid composition of milk fat. This study investigated the effect of supplementing cows' diet with fish oil after low-temperature crystallisation (LTC-FO) compared to its raw form (FO) on milk yield, milk components (fat, protein, and lactose), and milk fatty acid profile. Twenty-four mid-lactating multiparous Polish Holstein–Friesian cows fed a total-mix ration were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups (n = 12 cows each) and supplemented with LTC-FO or FO at 1% of dry matter. Milk samples were collected on days 14 and 30 of the 30-day experiment. No significant differences between the groups in terms of milk yield, milk protein, and lactose content were found, however, the fat yield and content decreased in the LTC-FO group. Milk fat from cows in the LTC-FO group contained significantly higher levels of C18:1 trans-11, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, C18:3n − 3, C20:5, and C22:6, and lower levels of saturated fatty acids compared to the FO group (p < 0.05). Therefore, LTC-FO may be a more efficient feed additive than FO and may serve as a practical way to modify the fatty acid composition of milk fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saliva is easy to collect and a biofluid that is readily available without the need for special equipment for its collection. The collection process, which is non-invasive and inexpensive, leads to obtaining a biomaterial that can serve as a source of information for molecular diagnostics of diseases in general medicine, genetics and dentistry. Unfortunately, many of the salivary methodologies are lacking important parameters to provide for not only the safety of the operator, but also the quality and reproducibility of the research. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, salivary diagnostics demonstrate a great potential for research of SARS-CoV 2. In this review, good practice for unstimulated saliva collection and patient preparation was provided, based on the latest literature and available guidelines. Schemes for saliva collection procedures were presented following an extended literature search. Descriptions of salivary probes/cups, techniques of saliva collection, and the use of specific buffering solutions for the stability of collected samples for SARS-CoV-2 detection were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The ruminant microbiome is considered a specific ecosystem found within the gastrointestinal tract. A balanced intestinal microbiota is important not only for maintaining gut homeostasis, but also for regulating immune function and has a direct impact on the gut–brain axis. Factors, such as pregnancy, age, or genetics, can influence the microbial composition of the digestive system. The results of the study suggest that the parity, as well as the age of the animals, may affect the level of microorganisms in the digestive system. During pregnancy and parturition, the homeostasis of the body is disturbed, and the immune system is undermined, which is associated with hormonal changes within the body. Recently, it has also been suggested that physiological and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy may affect the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the composition of the microbiome in the third month of pregnancy in sheep in their first and second parity. Eighteen females in total were selected for the experiment, and they were divided into two groups: primiparous (aged 1 year) and multiparous ones (aged 2 years). The animals were fed the same fodder, and did not show any disease symptoms. Fecal samples were collected individually from each female (n = 20), and then bacterial DNA isolation and real-time PCR were performed for the main bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria) and families (Lactobacillaceae and Clostridia). The obtained results showed the differentiation in the microbiome between the primiparous and multiparous ewes with respect to the following groups: Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria—the level was higher in the case of the primiparas. These results suggest that the parity and age of the females may affect the gastrointestinal microbiome, but further studies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Estrogens are a group of steroid hormones that recently have gained even more attention in the eyes of scientists. There is an ongoing discussion in the scientific community about their relevance as environmental contaminants and the danger they pose to animal health and welfare. In available literature we can find many examples of their negative effects and mechanisms that are involved with such phenomena. Nowadays, there is a growing interest in environmental pollution; however, knowledge about this aspect is growing at an insufficient pace. There are many potential sources of environmental contamination, including sex hormones—especially estrogens. The analyzed literature shows that estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and synthetic ethinyloestradiol (EE2) are the most significant in terms of environmental impact. Potential sources of contamination are, among others, livestock farms, slaughterhouses, and large urban agglomerations. Estrogens occurring in the environment can negatively affect the organisms, such as animals, through phenomena such as feminization, dysregulation of natural processes related to reproduction, lowering the physiological condition of the organisms, disturbances in the regulation of both proapoptotic and anti-apoptotic processes, and even the occurrence of neoplastic processes thus drastically decreasing animal welfare. Unfortunately, the amount of research conducted on the negative consequences of their impact on animal organisms is many times smaller than that of humans, despite the great richness and diversity of the fauna. Therefore, there is a need for further research to help fill the gaps in our knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The continuous intensification of ruminant production drives towards the expansion of feed components and additives that are utilizes for the coverage of animal's demand for nutrients. Additionally, in recent years, studies are focused on the investigation of how feed additives affect the microbiome of the digestive system in order to obtain improved performance and/or reduce methane emissions by ruminants. The use of additives such as algae, probiotics, fermented feed or essential oils can serve as an alternative to antibiotics or other synthetic compounds that may pose a danger to the environment. In recent years, a boost in the ruminant population has been observed, and consequently, an increase in the animals' demand for nutrients and methane emissions. Methane emission is generated during the microbial fermentation of feed in the rumen, and a percentage even up to 12% of the energy obtained by this process can be wasted. In addition, the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry is being increasingly restricted. restricted. As a result, there is a continuous search for innovative feed additives that can serve as alternatives to antibiotics, and will also be safe for both people and the environment. In the present review article, additives were selected on basis that, according to studies conducted so far, may positively affect the microbiome of the digestive system by improving indicators and/or reducing methane production. Among them, probiotics, prebiotics or their combination—synbiotics are at the forefront of research. However, additives in the form of algae or plant origin are also gaining ground in popularity, such as essential oils, fermented wheat straw or Gelidium amansii, due to their general recognition as safe (GRAS) for both humans and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important nutrients affecting wool production include sulfur amino acids, such as methionine, and minerals, such as zinc, and their deficiency may cause wool production decrease. The aim of this study was to evaluate an effect of zinc and methionine chelate addition on the qualitative characteristics of Merino ewes wool and zinc content in wool fibers and on their surface. Histological evaluation of fibers was also performed. The study included 22 Polish Merino ewes divided into two groups: control and experimental (0.4 g chelates daily per head). The experiment lasted for 4 months (3.5 months of pregnancy and 2 weeks of early lactation). The length, thickness and breaking force of wool fibers were higher in the experimental group compared to the control group. Higher content of zinc in wool of sheep from the experimental group was also demonstrated. The histological structure of fibers from both groups did not differ, as the content of zinc on their surface. It can be concluded on the basis of the obtained results that the addition of chelates favorably influenced the thickness compensation of wool fibers and amount of wool obtained from sheep during pregnancy and early lactation, as well as mechanical features of wool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nowadays, both consumers and producers are paying increasing attention to the health-promoting properties of food (functional food). Wide and multi-directional pro-healthy effects are shown by long-chain unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (mainly eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) ones) and conjugated linoleic acid dienes (CLA). On the other hand, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), particularly medium-chain ones, have adverse atherogenic and thrombogenic effects. The supplementation of dairy cows' rations with fish oil subjected to low-temperature crystallization (LTC-FO) enriched with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids reduced milk fat yield and concentration and profitably modified the fatty acid profile. The level of SFAs, especially short- and medium-chain ones, in milk fat decreased. In turn, the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including biologically active ones like eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), CLA, and trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), increased. In conclusion, LTC-FO could be used to modify the nutritional and health value of milk. The study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation of fish oil after the process of low-temperature crystallization (LTC-FO) enriched with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) on cow milk parameters. The experiment was carried out on 24 Polish Holstein Friesian cows. For 4 weeks, experimental (EXP) group animals (n = 12) were fed LTC-FO (1% of dry matter). Milk was collected two times: on days 14 and 30. LTC-FO supplementation decreased milk fat yield and concentration (p < 0.01). Higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including these with beneficial biological properties, i.e., eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), CLA, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and TVA (p < 0.01), and lower levels of SFAs, especially short- (p < 0.01) and medium-chain ones (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), were found in the EXP group. The addition of LTC-FO reduced the value of atherogenic and thrombogenic indices as well as SFA/UFA and n-6/n-3 ratios and increased the content of n-3 PUFA and functional fatty acids (p < 0.01). The addition of LTC-FO also increased the delta-9 desaturase index for CLA/TVA and decreased it for pairs C14:1/C14:0 and C16:1/C16:0 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has attracted significant interest due to its health-related properties. The use of isomerized poppy-seed oil (IPO) enriched with CLA in cow and sheep feed reduced the fat content in milk and favorably modified the fatty acid profile. The content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in milk fat, especially medium-chain fatty acids showing adverse atherogenic and thrombogenic effects, decreased, while the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including biologically active fatty acids with pro-health properties (i.e., CLA isomers and trans-vaccenic acid (TVA)), increased. In conclusion, IPO with a high concentration of CLA could be used in dairy animal feed to change the nutritional quality and health value of milk, which is beneficial from a human point of view. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of dietary supplementation of isomerized poppy seed oil (IPO) enriched with conjugated dienes of linoleic acid (CLA) on cow and sheep milk parameters (fat content, fatty acid profile, Δ9-desaturase index, and atherogenic index). The process of poppy seed oil alkaline isomerization caused the formation of CLA isomers with cis-9,trans-11, trans-10,cis-12, and cis-11,trans-13 configurations in the amounts of 31.2%, 27.6%, and 4.1% of total fatty acids (FAs), respectively. Animal experiments were conducted on 16 Polish Holstein Friesian cows (control (CTRL) and experimental (EXP), n = 8/group) and 20 East Friesian Sheep (CTRL and EXP, n = 10/group). For four weeks, animals from EXP groups received the addition of IPO in the amount of 1% of dry matter. Milk was collected three times: on days 7, 14, and 30. Diet supplementation with IPO decrease milk fat content (p < 0.01). Milk fat from EXP groups had higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including FAs with beneficial biological properties, that is, CLA and TVA (p < 0.01), and lower levels of saturated fatty acids, particularly short- (p < 0.01) and medium-chain FAs (p < 0.05). The addition of IPO led to a decrease in the atherogenic index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]