Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a short-term supplementation with a polyphenol-rich extract from radiata pine bark (PBE) on animal performance, blood parameters, and fatty acid (FA) profiles in finishing lambs. Twenty-seven Suffolk lambs (4 months old) fed a finishing diet were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: diet without PBE or diet supplemented with PBE on a 1 or 2% dry matter (DM) basis, for 35 d (14 d adaptation and 21 d of experimental period). Data were compared using Tukey’s test and orthogonal and polynomial contrasts. The results indicated that the supplementation with PBE increased (p = 0.008) relative growth rate (RGR) and improved (p = 0.003) protein conversion (CPC), whereas weight gain, carcass characteristic, and blood parameters were unaffected (p ? 0.106). Total mono- and polyunsaturated FAs, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vaccenic and oleic acids were linearly increased (p ? 0.016) by PBE supplementation. In contrast, total saturated FAs (?SFA), ?n-6/?n-3 ratio, atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and the proportion of elaidic acid were linearly decreased (p ? 0.018). In conclusion, the supplementation with 1 or 2% DM of PBE improves subcutaneous FA profiles by increasing CLA and reducing ?SFA, ?n-6/?n-3 ratio, AI, and TI. Additionally, PBE supplementation has the potential to improve RGR and CPC, with unaffected intake, growth performance, blood parameters, or carcass characteristics. © 2023 by the authors.