Relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids and animal production: A review

Abstract

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play important roles in maintaining normal physiological conditions and, consequently, in animal health. Two PUFAs families, n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FAs), are physiologically and metabolically distinct. The focus on PUFAs has been gradually extended from the apparent properties of growth performance, antioxidant ability and immune function to the mechanism of molecular regulation and mechanism such as regulating the expression of related genes and the anticancer action mechanism, which strengthen the understanding of the theoretical basis and application of animal husbandry in a range of animal species. The present review focuses on current knowledge related to the origin, biological function and practical application of PUFAs in animal production.