Effect of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on clotting activities of Factor V, VII and X in Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome-susceptible laying hens

Abstract

1. The relationship between concetrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in plasma and Factor V, VII and X clotting activities was determined using a crossover feeding trial with diets supplemented with either soy oil or flax oil.

2. Laying hens on the soy diet, which is high in omega-6 fatty acids, had substantially higher clotting activity for all three factors compared to laying hens on the flax diet that was high in omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Positive associations were seen between liver haemorrhage score and the percentage of liver weight and between the percentage of liver weight and the severity of haemorrhagic and fatty changes seen on histology.

4. These results support the hypothesis that concentrations of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in plasma affect clotting activity; however, there was no relationship between the extent of liver haemorrhages and the composition of plasma fatty acids.

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciated technical assistance from Yanping Lou, Barbara Jefferson, Bruce Hunter, and statistical assistance from William C. Sears. Soy oil and flax oil were the generous gift of Grand Valley Fortifiers (Cambridge, Ontario). This study was financially supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Poultry Industry Council.