Genetic variation in the fatty acid composition of cattle fat and muscle

Abstract

Genetic variation in the fatty acid composition of meat and fat biopsy samples collected from 89 Jersey and Limousin cows in a single management group was studied. The animals were part of the J.S. Davies Bovine Gene Mapping Herd. Results indicated that differences between Jersey and Limousin fats (triglycerides) in the percentages of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids were highly significant (P<0.01). Limousin cows contained higher percentages of SFA than the Jerseys (46 vs 41% respectively). Jerseys on the other hand exhibited higher levels of MUFA (43 vs 38%) and PUFA (15 vs 9%) than Limousins. There were no breed differences in the fatty acid composition of the meat samples (phospholipids).