Comparison of FA compositions of selected tissues of phocid seals of Eastern Canada using one‐way and multivariate techniques

Abstract

AbstractThe FA composition of selected tissues of all six species of eastern Canadian phocid seals: bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus), gray seal (Halichoerus grypus), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), harp seal (P. groenlandica), hooded seal (Cystophora cristata), and ringed seal (P. hispida) was determined to detect possible differences among different tissues and species. A univariate approach was used to examine differences among different tissues and species separately, and a multivariate approach was taken in examining differences among different species and tissues simultaneously. Findings indicated that FA composition depended on both tissue and species of seal. However, differences were most apparent among tissues. Several unique features of the FA compositions were identified. Blubber was found to be high in the monounsaturated FA, but low in arachidonic acid and dimethyl acetals. Brain tissue lipids, on the other hand, were high in dimethyl acetals and DHA. Lung tissue lipids were very high in palmitic acid, and heart tissue lipids had a higher content of linoleic acid than did lipids of other tissues examined. Thus, the proportions of FA constituents in different tissues were different, most probably due to their varying functional requirements.