Nano-encapsulated flaxseed oil has the potential to enhance omega-3 fatty acid profile and modulate hepatic fatty acid–related gene expression in broiler chickens

Chicken meat enrichment with n − 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) is a viable delivery route for these bioactive compounds to humans. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nano-constructed flaxseed oil on growth performance, the deposition of n − 3 LCPUFA in meat, and the expression of some hepatic genes involved in lipid metabolism. One hundred and eighty-one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated to three treatments. Birds received either basal diet (control), FlxO (basal diet plus 1 mL kg⁻¹ body weight [BW] oral flaxseed oil), or NanoFlxO (basal diet plus 1 mL kg⁻¹ BW oral flaxseed oil nanoemulsion) treatments. In comparison to the control, both bulk and nano-form flaxseed oil resulted in increased BW but decreased feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Birds in the NanoFlxO group had a reduced saturated fatty acid content of breast meat compared to the control group (p > 0.05). The breast meat was more effective than thigh muscle in the accumulation of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid following NanoFlxo treatment. The ratio of n − 6/n − 3 PUFA was significantly lower in the breast and thigh meats following both flaxseed oil treatments. The n − 3 LCPUFA incorporation rate was two times higher in broilers that were given NanoFlxO in comparison to those fed FlaxO. The highest transcript levels of acyl coenzyme A (CoA) oxidase 1, lipoprotein lipase, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 were observed in birds fed NanoFlxO. In conclusion, NanoFlxO has a promising potential to enrich the n − 3 LCPUFA content of chicken meat as well as improve lipid metabolism.

Practical Applications: This study offers further insights into the fortification of chicken meat with omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients that cannot be synthesized by human body but are crucial for overall health. In a wider perspective, this could serve as a safe and practical approach to produce omega-3 enriched meat rather than relying on supplements that may have potential side effects. Moreover, the findings of this research could pave the way to utilize nanocarriers in upcoming research in the fields of bioactive-enriched poultry products.