Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Nannochloropsis on Gene Expression and Serum Profile of Metabolic and Lipogenic Markers in Growing Barki Lambs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Nannochloropsis on gene expression and serum metabolic profile in growing Barki lambs. For this reason, twenty apparently healthy growing Barki lambs were allocated into two equal groups (10 lambs each). Control group received the basal diet whereas the supplemented group received the basal diet with Nannochloropsis powder which given in the concentrate at a rate of 10 g /kg/day for subsequent 30 days. A blood sample was collected from each lamb via jugular venipuncture before starting the experiment (T0), (T15) and (T30) after supplementation for hematobiochemical examination and real time PCR. Gene’s expression of ACACA, FASN, SCD and FABP4 were significantly up-regulated in supplemented lambs at (T15) and (T30) while DGAT1, insulin, glucokinase and glucose transporter showed a significant up-regulation at day 30 compared to control ones. Supplemented lambs had a significant (P < 0.05) increase of final body weights, daily weight gain and feed intake with significant (P<0.05) decrease of feed conversion ratio. From the third week onwards, the body weight, body length and body condition score were significantly (P > 0.05) higher in the supplemented group. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in Hb, RBC, WBC, serum level of glucose, insulin, triglyceride, total protein, globulin and BUN with significant (p<0.05) decrease of cholesterol, ALT and AST in supplemented lambs at T30. The results suggest that Nannochloropsis could be used as a useful supplement to improve health status and body growth of growing Barki lambs.