The Impact of Whole Sesame Seeds on the Expression of Key-Genes Involved in the Innate Immunity of Dairy Goats

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study examined the impact of whole sesame seeds (WSS), rich in both linoleic acid and lignans, on the innate immunity of goats. WSS were incorporated in the concentrates of the control group at 5 and 10% respectively, by partial substitution of both soybean meal and corn grain. The highest supplementation level of WSS resulted in a significant down-regulation in the expression levels of several pro-inflammatory genes in the neutrophils of goats. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of goats with WSS might be a good nutritional strategy to improve their innate immunity. ABSTRACT: Whole sesame seeds (WSS) are rich in both linoleic acid (LA) and lignans. However, their impact on the innate immunity of goats is not well studied. Twenty-four goats were divided into three homogeneous sub-groups; comprise one control (CON) and two treated (WWS5 and WWS10). In the treated groups, WSS were incorporated in the concentrates of the CON at 5 (WSS5) and 10% (WSS10) respectively, by partial substitution of both soybean meal and corn grain. The expression levels of MAPK1, IL6, TRIF, IFNG, TRAF3, and JUND genes in the neutrophils of WSS10 fed goats were reduced significantly compared with the CON. The same was found for the expression levels of IFNG and TRAF3 genes in the neutrophils of WSS5 fed goats. Both treated groups primarily affected the MYD88-independent pathway. The dietary supplementation of goats with WSS might be a good nutritional strategy to improve their innate immunity.