The in vitro destruction of rumen fluid carotenoids by plant lipoxygenases.

An ability to destroy carotenoids in the rumen of cattle may be an effective method of limiting their absorption from the small intestine which, in turn, is likely to result in reduced adipose tissue colour. Plant lipoxygenases are well known for their ability to bleach beta-carotene. As lutein is the major carotenoid present in most forage grasses, we have investigated the bleaching of lutein as well as beta-carotene by lipoxygenase isolated from soybeans. In vitro studies, using micellar preparations of carotenoids, indicated that lutein was rapidly oxidised and that the progress of the reaction was similar to that observed for beta-carotene. The polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleate was essential. When bovine rumen fluid was used as a source of carotenoid for in vitro studies with preparations of lipoxygenase, a rapid decrease in carotenoid and chlorophyll concentrations was observed, again requiring the addition of linoleic acid. The direct addition of soya flour to bovine rumen fluid resulted in the effective bleaching of the pigments without the inclusion of linoleate. When compared with flours from a variety of other plant sources, soya flour was most effective. The inclusion of dietary sources of lipoxygenase may be an effective method for controlling carotenoid uptake in certain ruminant species.