What Are the Uses of MCT Oil in Animal Feeding?

Medium-cha에서 지방이 많은 acids (MCFAs) are composed 의 saturated fatty acids conta에서에서g 6–12 carbon a을ms. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can be obtained 에 의해 syn이sizing MCFAs with glycerol through artificial syn이sis, or by fractionating 그리고 extracting natural oils such as milk, sheep milk, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, camphor seed oil, 그리고 certain plants 의 the genus Euphorbia, among other natural sources [1-4]. MCTs 의fer advantages such as environmental friendliness, safety, high oxidative stability, strong water solubility, rapid energy release, good antibacterial effects, 그리고 enhanced animal immune function, 그리고 have gradually gained recognition. and are beginning to be used in animal feed [5-8].

Studies have shown that adding MCT oil to the diet can improve growth performance in weaned piglets, increase serum IgA levels, optimize 장 microbiota structure, shorten the farrowing process in sows, and alleviate LPS-유도 enteritis in mice [9-11]. However, MCT is present in very low quantities in natural plants, and direct extraction is expensive, making it inconvenient for widespread application. Nevertheless, with advancements in technology, MCT can now be obtained through artificial methods such as alcoholysis, esterification, ester exchange, acid hydrolysis, and biosynthesis, reducing costs and laying the foundation for its widespread application [12-15]. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the physicochemical properties, nutritional value, physiological effects, and applications of MCT in livestock production, aiming to provide theoretical support for the application of this novel feed additive beneficial to livestock health.

1 Physical and chemical properties of medium-chain triglycerides

At room temperature, MCT is a liquid, odorless, colorless, transparent liquid that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and acetone. It is easily soluble, has low viscosity, a low freezing point, and an iodine value not exceeding 0.5. It exhibits superior extensibility and lubricity compared to plant oils such as soybean oil and castor oil [16]. Compared to other fats, MCT is less prone to oxidation, more easily digestible, and more readily absorbed, providing approximately three times the energy of glucose. At 100°C for 300 hours, it does not oxidize, and at 20°C, its viscosity is 25–31 cps. It has short carbon chains and excellent emulsifying properties [17]. MCT serves as an excellent O/W emulsifier, promoting the absorption of β-carotene in animal bodies [18].

MCT contains medium-chain fatty acids that can esterify to form glycerol chains. Under the action of digestive enzymes, they hydrolyze into MCFAs, which have shorter chain lengths and are rapidly metabolized in the body, serving as a direct energy source. The total energy content of MCT is 34.73 MJ·kg-1, which is lower than the total energy content of fats or long-chain triglyceride oil (LCT oil) (37.66 MJ·kg⁻¹) [19-20].

MCT is a unique dietary fat form, where medium-chain (6–12 carbon atoms) fatty acids are esterified at two external (sn-1 and sn-3) and one intermediate (sn-2) positions. During lipid digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreatic lipase stereoselectively hydrolyzes the ester bonds at the sn-1 and sn-3 positions of these triglycerides, resulting in sn-2 monoglycerides and free fatty acids as the primary products [21].

Artificially synthesized MCT is generally a mixture containing trace amounts of glycerol diester impurities. In practice, MCT produced by different manufacturers may exhibit slight differences in physical and chemical properties [22]. The quality requirements for food-grade MCT in China are as follows: iodine value ≤ 1.0 g · 100 g^(−1), saponification value (calculated as KOH) of 325–360 mg·g^(−1), relative density (20 °C/4 °C) of 0.940–0.955, peroxide value ≤1.0 mmol·kg^(−1), and acid value (calculated as KOH) ≤0.1 mg·g^(−1)[23].

2 Nutritional and physiological effects of medium-chain triglyceride oil on 가축 · 가금

2.1 Rapid energy supply effect

MCT oil has short fatty acid carbon chains, strong hydrophilicity, does not require carnitine to enter mitochondria, and is completely metabolized, providing rapid energy [24-26]. Under the action of hormone-sensitive triglyceride enzymes in fat 세포, fat is broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, which are released into the bloodstream for oxidation and energy supply by other tissues. Generally, different types of fatty acids have distinct metabolic characteristics. The longer the carbon chain of fatty acids, the higher the 분자 weight, and the lower the probability of contact with lipase per unit time in animal bodies [27-28]. MCT is composed of saturated fatty acids with C8 and C10 carbon chains and glycerol, with short carbon chains, low molecular weight, and high water solubility. Compared to long-chain triglycerides, they have a larger surface area in contact with lipase per unit time, and their hydrolysis rate is approximately 5–10 times that of long-chain triglycerides (LCT). The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) produced by MCT hydrolysis do not undergo re-esterification, do not require bile salts or lipase for digestion, and can be directly absorbed or enter the bloodstream without passing through the lymphatic system, where they are transported to the liver. MCFA do not require carnitine transport and can rapidly undergo oxidative decomposition for energy production through the double membrane of liver cell mitochondria [29-31].

2.2 Growth-promoting effects

MCT oil promotes growth in livestock and poultry, accelerating growth rates. The mechanism of action is as follows: ① Stimulating growth endocrine pathways to increase endocrine components of the growth axis, reducing the incidence of growth-inhibiting diseases in young animals (such as growth retardation and diarrhea); ② increasing the plasma concentrations of growth hormone and growth hormone-releasing factors (such as ghrelin); ③ improving small intestinal villus height and increasing daily weight gain; ④ regulating the secretion of ghrelin, growth hormone, and insulin [32-33]. Additionally, MCT can increase pancreatic lipase activity, improve feed conversion efficiency, promote weight gain, and enhance growth rate [34-35].

2.3 Enhancing immune function

MCT oil possesses immune-enhancing properties and can improve immune function in livestock and poultry. MCT reduces serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin IL-1β, and IL-6 concentrations, as well as liver TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expression and protein concentrations, while enhancing liver heat shock protein 70 protein expression. It also reduces the expression of receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase (RIP) in the liver. Mixed kinase-like protein (MLKL) and phosphoglycerate mutase 5 mRNA expression, and inhibit MLKL phosphorylation. Inhibit p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, and increase extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in the liver [36-37].

P. Trevisi et al. fed diets containing sow diluted feces with and without MCT to cesarean section piglets. The group without MCT enrichment showed genes associated with interferon response, while the MCT-added group did not, indicating that MCT promotes the recruitment and maturation of immune cells [38]. In a chemically induced rat 대장 염 experiment, the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the colon tissue of rats fed a diet containing MCT was significantly reduced, and colitis was improved, indicating that a diet rich in MCT can serve as an anti-inflammatory immune-modulating nutrient [39].

2.4 Body nutrient redistribution function

Dietary energy is primarily stored in animals in the form of protein and fat. MCT oil increases energy production through oxidation in animals, reduces protein oxidation and consumption, decreases fat deposition, and increases protein deposition [40-41]. MCT can reduce the expression of many key lipogenic genes, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein α, as well as their downstream metabolic target genes, and inhibit the activity of lipoprotein lipase in adipose tissue, thereby improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance [42].

MCT is rapidly digested and transported to the liver via the portal vein, primarily metabolized into carbon dioxide and ketone bodies, increasing plasma insulin levels and promoting protein deposition [43]; it also elevates plasma MCFA levels, increases IRS-1 (612) phosphorylation and reduces S6K phosphorylation (240/244), thereby decreasing protein catabolism, and improve dietary nitrogen deposition rate [44-45]; it can activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, reduce cell cycle-dependent protein kinase 5 (CDK5)-mediated PPARγ ser237 phosphorylation, improve insulin sensitivity, and does not cause lipid deposition [46].

2.5 Regulation of intestinal microbiota structure

MCT significantly influences intestinal microbiota composition by increasing microbial diversity and rapid recovery capacity, as well as altering microbial composition and function [47]. Feeding dogs a high-MCT diet resulted in a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria in fecal microbiota [48]. Feeding weaned piglets of the Sichuan-Tibet black pig breed a diet containing MCT resulted in increased numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the jejunum, ileum, colon, and cecum, while Escherichia coli counts decreased [49]. MCT reduced the number of coliform bacteria in the colon and rectum of piglets, improved the intestinal microbial environment of weaned piglets, and enhanced feed utilization efficiency [50].

2.6 Protection of intestinal morphology

MCT 보호 intestinal mucosa, reduces intestinal damage, and maintains normal physiological functions [51-53]. In an experiment inducing acute intestinal inflammation in mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), feeding MCT resulted in the lowest degree of small intestinal mucosal damage, as MCT effectively inhibited the expression of proteins related to the TLR4 signaling pathway, inhibited the expression of factors associated with the intestinal TLR4 signaling pathway, suppressed the increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines or chemokines in the ileum, and enhanced the expression of secretory IgA to protect the intestine [54-55].

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in piglets results in damaged intestinal morphology, reduced villus height, increased crypt depth, and impaired intestinal digestive and absorptive function. After feeding MCT, maltase activity in the jejunum, plasma D-xylose concentration, and sucrase activity in the jejunum all increased. Additionally, energy metabolism efficiency in the intestines of IUGR piglets is reduced. Feeding MCT increased ATP concentration and ATP synthase F1 complex polypeptide expression in piglets, while reducing the expression of intestinal adenine monophosphate-activated kinase alpha1, and the activity and transcription levels of citrate synthase, succinate dehydrogenase in the jejunum were also up-regulated [56].

2.7 Antimicrobial and bactericidal effects

Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that MCT inhibits bacterial activity, kills Escherichia coli and other harmful bacteria in the intestine, and promotes the growth of livestock and poultry [57-59].

MCT is hydrolyzed by pancreatic lipase in the small intestine to form medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), which inhibit bacterial growth through the following mechanisms: ① penetrating bacterial cell membranes, dissociating within cells, and continuously accumulating hydrogen ions, killing bacteria through acidification in the cytoplasm; ② entering the lipid layer of bacterial cell membranes, damaging the bacterial cell membrane structure, causing loss of cellular contents and disruption of transport mechanisms, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth; ③ inhibiting bacterial adhesion to the intestinal wall. Bacteria attach to intestinal villi with the assistance of lipases, but MFCA can block the production of bacterial lipases, causing bacteria to remain free in the intestine, and are excreted 에서 the body via feces; ④ Inhibiting Gram-positive bacteria through uncoupling effects [60-61].

2.8 Enhancing the body'의 항산화 능력

Oxidative stress induces inflammatory responses in the body, affecting physiological functions and health status [62]. Studies have found that oxidative stress can cause damage to liver, pancreas, and thyroid function in mice, inhibiting energy metabolism and insulin secretion. Plasma transaminase CAST and ALT activity, as well as levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the liver, increase, while levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) decrease; thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion are inhibited; the number of pancreatic β cells decreases, insulin secretion decreases, and elevated blood glucose levels in the body [63]. Oxidative stress reduces growth performance in piglets, with decreased activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity in the liver, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Liver cells exhibit vacuolated cytoplasm, nuclear fragmentation, lymphocyte accumulation, and impaired liver function [64].

MCT possesses cellular antioxidant activity. Feeding MCT improves glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in rat liver, reduces malondialdehyde (MDA) content, enhances antioxidant capacity, and improves overall health status [65-66].

3 Application of medium-chain triglyceride oil in livestock production

3.1 Application in Swine Production

MCT oil improves swine production performance, enhances growth rate and survival rate of piglets, and maximizes the reproductive potential of sows. MCT oil can be effectively hydrolyzed by gastric lipase and pancreatic lipase in the stomach of newborn and lactating piglets, providing rapid energy to intestinal epithelial cells and intermediate liver metabolism, improving the composition of the intestinal microbiota, and inhibiting bacterial concentrations in digesta (primarily Salmonella and Escherichia coli)[67].

Supplementing newborn piglets with 5 mL of MCT significantly increased body weight, daily weight gain, and plasma medium-chain fatty acid concentrations, improved villus height in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, and reduced crypt depth in the duodenum and ileum [68]. A mixture of MCT, soybean oil, olive oil, and fish oil can prevent liver disease in newborn piglets and reduce systemic inflammation [69].

MCT can increase the average daily gain of piglets within 2 weeks post-weaning and the feed-to-gain ratio within 4 weeks; improve the digestibility of crude protein and crude fat; significantly increase plasma D-xylose and total protein content; significantly reduce blood urea nitrogen; promote the recovery of intestinal absorption capacity in piglets within 2 weeks post-weaning; improve protein metabolism; and thereby enhance the growth performance [70-71].

MCT is beneficial to piglets whether used in combination with organic acids (OA) or alone. Adding 0.1% MCT and 0.1% OA to the diet of weaned piglets significantly increased body weight at week 5 and average daily gain throughout the trial, while adding 0.1% MCT improved daily gain, feed-to-gain ratio, and villus height in the duodenum and ileum of piglets within two weeks post-weaning [72].

Feeding lactating sows a diet containing 15% MCT increased feed intake, reduced mortality of newborn piglets, and promoted piglet development, especially in underweight piglets, under heat stress conditions. starting from 4 days before parturition, feeding sows with MCT increased the daily weight gain of suckling piglets by 12.62% [73-74].

3.2 Application in Poultry Production

MCT also plays a positive role in poultry farming, improving growth performance, meat quality, egg production, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota composition.

In broiler chicken production, MCT improves meat quality, enhances meat color, reduces drip loss, effectively reduces fat deposition, improves lipid composition, reduces lipid peroxidation products, enhances nutritional balance, and may extend the shelf life of chicken meat [75]. When MCT was added at 6% and 8%, it significantly reduced gastrointestinal weight in broiler chickens, increased cecal intestinal length; fat deposition decreased, while protein deposition increased; daily weight gain improved, and growth performance was enhanced [40]. Adding 0.1% MCT to the diet of broiler chickens aged 7–21 days improved blood white blood cell, IgG, and lymphocyte concentrations, as well as the microbial flora in feces, thereby enhancing growth performance [76].

In duckling production, MCT is safe and harmless to ducklings, significantly affecting their weight gain and thyroid hormone levels. MCT directly acts on the liver, where a homeostatic regulatory mechanism regulates thyroid hormone levels, thereby influencing chick weight gain [77]. When MCT and composite probiotics were used in combination in the diet of Shaoxing ducks during the late laying period, egg production rates increased significantly; the number of Salmonella in the duodenum, jejunum, and cecum decreased significantly; and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the duodenum and intestinal wall thickness in the jejunum of chicks increased significantly [78].

3.3 Applications in ruminant production

MCT not only influences nutrient metabolism in ruminants but also treats parasitic diseases. The effects of MCT on nutrient metabolism vary depending on the type of fatty acid and the physiological stage of the animal.

In the diets of Holstein calves from birth to 85 kg, 32% caprylic acid glyceride (CAP oil) and 32% lauric acid glyceride (from coconut oil, CCO) were added. There were no significant differences in dry matter, energy, protein, and fat intake among the groups. At 65 days of age, insulin was administered to all groups, and the blood glucose concentration decreased the most in the CAP oil group. At approximately 88 kg body weight, fasting body weight measurements showed that the daily weight gain of CAP oil-fed calves was lower than that of the control group; in the CCO group, the energy and fat content retained in the fasted body were 5.6% and 8.7% higher than those of the control group, respectively, and the liver weight was 330 g heavier than that of the control group and the CAP oil group, with fat content 15% higher [79].

MCT was fed to 8 calves infected with coccidia for 3–11 days, and all coccidia oocysts were completely eliminated from the feces of all calves. Additionally, there were no adverse effects on the calves' appetite, fecal pH, ammonia, lactic acid, or volatile fatty acid levels [80–81].

3.4 Applications in other animal production

MCT has no negative effects on the production performance and palatability of ruminants and can improve growth performance, protect the intestine, and enhance overall health.

MCT improves growth performance and intestinal barrier function in rabbits. Adding MCT to the diet of weaned rabbits significantly increases survival rate, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and crude fat digestibility. After feeding, serum immunoglobulin levels (IgA, IgG, IgM), catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity in young rabbits were significantly improved; intestinal villus height and crypt depth increased markedly, and the abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum significantly increased [82].

MCT has no adverse effects on palatability in horses. K. R. Vineyard added liquid coconut oil, MCT, and corn oil to the diets of horses, with no significant difference in feed intake between the corn oil group (0.78 ± 0.24 kg) and the MCT group (1.0 ± 0.18 kg). There was also no significant difference in feed intake between the MCT group (0.85 ± 0.14 kg) and the coconut oil group (0.94 ± 0.12 kg) [83].

4 결론

MCT possesses multiple physiological functions, including rapid energy supply, maintenance of intestinal microbiota balance, improvement of intestinal morphology, and enhancement of immune and antioxidant capacities. MCT products offer advantages such as being environmentally friendly, pollution-free, safe, easily absorbed, and leaving no residues in the body, making them increasingly widely applied in livestock production. However, the efficacy of MCT is influenced by factors such as addition rate, product form, livestock species, and physiological stage. Therefore, future studies should further investigate the optimal addition rate, the best combination application schemes, and a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

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