Changes on Plasma Metabolic Biochemical Profile, Humoral Immune Response and Fatty Acids Composition of the Muscle in Barrows Mangalitsa Pigs Fed Linseed Oil

The Mangalitsa pig breed is one of the oldest breeds in Europe. The trend of an increasing n-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration in animal tissue has continued, thus requiring an increase in
using various types of oleaginous sources rich in n-3 fatty acid (FA). The objective of this study
consist on investigate the influence of dietary linseed oil, as rich sources of the essential FA,
particularly α-linolenic, on the plasma biochemical profile and the humoral immune response of the
finishing Mangalitsa pigs. The implications of the addition of linseed oil on the FA composition of two
types of muscles, longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus, were assessed as well. Twenty one
Mangalitsa finishing barrows pigs, were assigned randomly to two groups fed: i) control diet based on
classical ingredients; ii) linseed oil diet containing in addition vs. control diet, linseed oil produced by
cold pressing 3.0%. Blood samples were aseptically collected by jugular venipuncture in order to
determine biochemical and immunoglobulins profile. Samples of muscles were collected as well for
establishing FAs composition by gas chromatography method. The use of linseed oil in the diets of
barrow Mangalitsa pigs changed significantly most of the biochemical and immunological plasma
parameters. The data show that the plasma constituents ranged within the physiological limits or
slightly higher, but with no adverse effects on the health status of the animals. The meat from
Mangalitsa pigs, improved nutritionally by the addition of linseed seed oil, as source rich in n-3 FA,
brings several benefits beyond the controversies over the high-fat content: a higher content of α-
linolenic FA; presence of the EPA, DPA, and DHA; a proper n-6:n-3 ratio, good for human health; a
lower cholesterol level. These data are important because they can be used as a reference for
biochemical determinations in humans due to the similarities existing between the human and pig
organisms.