Evaluation of Performance, Nitrogen Metabolism and Tissue Composition in Barrows Fed an n-3 PUFA-Rich Diet

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

see attachment 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Reponses to Reviewer 1 Comments

 

Title of the manuscript « Evaluation of Performance, Nitrogen Metabolism and Tissue Composition in Barrows Fed an n-3 PUFA-Rich Diet” submitted for publication in Animals by Habeanu et al, (2019).

 

General comments

We accept the general criticism of reviewers. All changes of words / phrases specified by reviewers were accepted and made. The whole manuscript has been reviewed according to the suggestion of the reviewers.

Respons.

1.    Introduction: As response of Reviewer 1 we specify that the chemical fatty acids (FA) and amino acid (AA) composition were assessed in heart, spleen and liver due to their role in lipoprotein metabolism and their importance as edible organs. The heart, liver and spleen define as edible organs due to their function, could accumulate important nutrients.  It is known the heart, liver, spleen are key organs in relation to health status and have a nutrients dense composition, but little is known about their detailed chemical content in FA and AA. Our information regarding lipids structure in edible organs modified by diet, could help consumers meet health recommendations if we take into consideration the n-3 PUFA potential therapeutic roles in intestinal inflammation in pigs, in the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism, adipose tissue function and inflammation, to help reduce the risk of heart disease and also to promote healthy skin etc.

2. Abstract: As required by reviewer 1 we corrected:

- line 28 revised: …and cecum

- line 30, 115, 124 revised: metabolic cages replaced metabolism cages

- line 30-32: we deleted “HPLC Surveyor Plus Thermo Electron equipment was used to determine the AA content of tissues and gas chromatography was used for FA analyses”

3. Material and Methods.

- Line 116. As suggested by reviewer 1 we specify “ad libitum” in the text: Feed was given ad libitum twice a day (08.00 h and 15.00 h).

4. Results. Line 203-204: r value was added.

The observation of reviewer 1 regarding the indicators feed intake and residual feed intake in table 2 and 3 is correct. We mention that in table 2 we reported feed intake because this indicator is essential for determining N balance and in table 3 the residual feed intake was reported because give information about feed efficiency.

5. Discussion.

-Line 323-324 revised: “In previous study [21], were two levels of protein and inulin in the diet were used, a similar faecal nitrogen level was found, while the urinary nitrogen resulted higher than the level obtained in our study”.

- Line 324-326. As suggested by reviewer 1 we corrected: “In addition, an increase of NPU (P > 0.05) in the LEW group compared to the SM group was not obtained” and we moved it to Results section, line 204-205.

- Line 336-337. The phrase “A negative correlation was noticed between plasma creatinine and BWG (0.44, P < 0.001)” was moved to Results section Line 220-221, and r value was added. 

- Line 339-344. The paragraph “LD muscle had a nitrogen content lower in the LEW group (P > 0.05) compared to the SM group. In contrast, in ST muscle, heart, spleen and liver, we noticed an increase in nitrogen content. No diet × tissue interaction was observed (Table 4). LD is known to be more oxidative than the ST muscle [11]; thus, we found LD to contain <5.5% fat in the LEW group vs. the SM group. Nonetheless, a higher fat level was found in ST muscle (>11.06% in the LEW group) and spleen (>12.99% in the LEW group)” was moved to Results section after line 224.

- Line 350 revised: DHA; as remarked [28].

- Line 354-360 and table 7 were moved at Results below line 284.

- table 7 and line 356 revised: (0.65)

- Line 374 “Met + Cys. were negatively correlated with TNO (r =-0.57, P < 0.01)” moved to Results above Discussion section.

Upon recommendation of reviewer 1, we gave up the supplementary material.

6. Conclusion. The paragraph “The dietary addition of extruded linseed associated with walnut meal favored deposition in tissue of n-3 PUFA, especially ALA which their health effects are well known” was added.

 

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Reviewer 2 Report

I found this article very interesting, prepeared carefully and correctly. It confirmed that it is possible to influence among others on nitrogen balance (intake and output) without unprofitable health and production results.It is very important to perform such investigations and looking for the best resolutions - I think about dietary components. We can't forget about economical efficiency, especially walnut meal seems to be an expensive ingredient for pigs' diet.

Author Response

Reponses to Reviewer 2 Comments

Thank you for your comment and observation.

RESPONSE:

The observation about economical efficiency related especially to walnut meal is correct. In fact, the production of walnut increased (for example Romania produced about 30,546 tonnes) and a lot of by-product were obtained from food industry. If we take into account the chronic feed deficit, the concern about our health and environment, to develop the practical solution is a major objective. From the practical point of view, the type of compound feed proposed in our study are directed to the farmers who aimed to obtained products valuable nutritional with beneficial effects for health in spite of a prise little higher because the consumer gain in another way. On the other hand our formula can be used of the farmers who have local food industry interested to valorise walnut meal or other type of waste available.

The observation about economical efficiency related especially to walnut meal is correct. In fact, the production of walnut increased (for example Romania produced about 30,546 tonnes) and a lot of by-product were obtained from food industry. If we take into account the chronic feed deficit, the concern about our health and environment, to develop the practical solution is a major objective. From the practical point of view, the type of compound feed proposed in our study are directed to the farmers who aimed to obtained products valuable nutritional with beneficial effects for health in spite of a prise little higher because the consumer gain in another way. On the other hand our formula can be used of the farmers who have local food industry interested to valorise walnut meal or other type of waste available.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx