Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on the cognitive function and metabolomic of growing dogs

Author(s)

Roberta Bueno Ayres Rodrigues

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Pirassununga.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD)
• Defense date: 2021-03-08

Examining board members

Marcio Antonio Brunetto; Denise Tabacchi Fantoni; Ananda Portella Félix

• Advisor: Marcio Antonio Brunetto

Abstract

It is highlighted that acid docosahexaenoic (DHA) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty is found in high concentrations in the brain and plays an important role in brain development and functionality in humans and elderly dogs of the nervous system. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of fish oil concentrated in DHA on the cognitive function of growing dogs. 12 healthy dogs were used, blocked by breed and randomly distributed in two groups: Test Group (TG) (n=6), with supplementation of 40 mg DHA/kg/day and Control Group (CG) (n=6), without supplementation. The animals’ food intake was monitored daily. The data for the variables: object discrimination test [to measure learning ability associated with cognitive function, consisting of a normal (NP) and a reverse (NR) phase], serum PUFA concentration [DHA + Eicosapentaenoic (EPA), arachidonic (AA), Linoleic (AL), alpha linolenic (AAL) acids] and total antioxidant capacity (CAT) were collected before (0), 30 (1), 60 (2) and 90 (3) days after the start of supplementation. The results obtained were analyzed in the SAS statistical program, the Shapiro Wilk test was used to verify the normality of the residuals, analyzes of variance were performed with PROC MIXED with the application of the Tukey test (p <0.05) for comparison of means and PROC GLM for nutrient intake. The animals in the TG group had a higher intake of EPA + DHA (200mg/kg^075) than the animals in the CG group (114.50mg/kg^075) (p<0.0001). The results obtained in the NP showed differences between treatment (p=0.0039) and time (p<0.0001). The frequency of correct answers in the TG (70.12%) was higher than for CG (62.67%). In relation to the RP, there was a time effect (p<0.0001).The concentrations of EPA + DHA at time 1, 2 and 3 were higher than at time 0 for the TG group (p=0.0159), which in turn showed a higher concentration at time 2, when compared to the CG (p=0.0245). AA concentrations increased over time, regardless of treatment (p=0.0158), as well as AL (p<0.0001), while for AAL there were no differences (p>0.05). The mean serum percentages of EPA + DHA were 5.60% e 4.88%, for TG and CG respectively. For CAT, there was a time effect (p=0.0322). it is concluded that the cognitive function of growing dogs can be improved with the supplementation of fish oil concentrated in DHA without increasing serum oxidation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/01347-0 - Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation on the cognitive fuction and metabolomic of young dogs
• Grantee: Roberta Bueno Ayres Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master