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Genotype-related variations in subcutaneous fat composition in sheep
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 August 2016
Abstract
The aim of this research was to study the effect of genotype on the fatty acid composition in adult ewes and 5-to 6-month-old lambs of two mutton breeds (Suffolk and Pannon Sheep) and Booroola Merino. Samples of subcutaneous fat were obtained by surgical biopsy around the tailhead. Fatty acid composition of the adipose fat was determined by gas chromatography. Significant differences (P < 0·05) were found in the fatty acid composition of the adipose tissue among the three breeds. Suffolk showed a lower (P < 0·05) proportion of C12: 0 and C14: 0 fatty acids than the other two breeds. Considering the total quantity of saturated (TSFA) and the total quantity of unsaturated (TUFA) fatty acids, Booroola Merino showed a significantly (P < 0·05) higher proportion of TSFA and lower proportion of TUFA in their adipose tissue than the mutton genotypes (Suffolk and Pannon Sheep). Higher proportions of C18: 0, C18: 3 and C20: 1 (P < 0·05) but lower proportions of C12: 0, C14: 0, C16: 0, C16: 1 and C18: 2 (P < 0·05) were found in the subcutaneous fat of adult ewes than in that of their female progeny. Sex differences were also observed in the study. The proportions of saturated fatty acids were higher (P < 0·05) in female lambs than in males of the same age. These results indicate that a genetic approach may be useful to improve fatty acid composition of carcass lipids in sheep. However, age and sex differences also have to be taken into consideration.
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- Ruminant, nutrition, behaviour and production
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- Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 2001
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