Effect of Algae Supplementation on the Gene Expression of Liver Lipid Metabolism in Dairy Goat Bucks

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how diets supplemented with DHA-rich algae affect the expression of liver lipid synthesis genes in dairy goat bucks. The results revealed that when supplemented with DHA-rich algae, liver weight and serum HDL-C were significantly increased (p < 0.05), as well as serum LDL-C was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing indicated that algae supplementation alters liver gene expression. The differentially expressed genes were predominantly enriched in fatty acid metabolism and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. The expression of fatty acid desaturation and transcription factors (SCD, FADS1, INSIG1), de novo synthesis fatty acids (FASN), fatty acid transport (LDLR), and cholesterol and steroid synthesis (HMGCR, HMGCS1, SQLE) genes were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and fatty acid oxidation (ALDH3B1) genes were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this research provided preliminary evidence that supplementation with algae in dietary supplements altered the expression of the liver lipid synthesis genes in the Saanen dairy goat bucks.