Abstract
Studies were carried out to determine the influence of age and sex on two types of fat (back fat and abdominal fat) in the emu, as these are factors that influence the composition of animal tissues. The material involved 26 emus at the age 1 (6 males), 3 (6 males) and 15 years (8 females and 6 males), kept on the same farm and fed the feed of the same nutritional value. The basic chemical composition, cholesterol and mineral content, as well as fatty acid profile of back and abdominal fat of emu were determined. Abdominal fat was characterized by higher content of fat and ash, as well as Mn and Ba. Back fat, on the other hand, showed a higher level of protein, cholesterol, C16:1 and the elements K, P, Si, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Se and Cu. With age, regardless of the type of fat tissue, fat content decreased and water content increased. The highest content of protein, ash, cholesterol, some fatty acids (C18:0, C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c), generally higher content of MUFA, PUFA and the elements K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Pb, Se, Cr, Cd, were found in the fatty tissue of 15-year-old emus. Sex did influence the content of Si, Ca, Cu, Sr, which was higher in the fatty tissue of males. The composition of emu storage fat is determined by factors such as age, sex and the location of the fat tissue in the body.
Highlights
The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is world’s second largest bird and the largest avian species native to Australia
When analysing the basic chemical composition of back fat and abdominal fat in emu male depending on the age (Table 2), it was noted that the place of fat deposition influenced the content of protein, fat and ash (P ≤ 0.05)
Abdominal fat was characterized by a higher content of fat (96.6%) and ash (0.081%)
Summary
The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is world’s second largest bird and the largest avian species native to Australia. Emu fat is the raw material used to produce valuable oil. These birds accumulate fat mainly under the skin and in the abdominal cavity. Apart from anti-inflammatory properties, it shows hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic activity[16,17] It stimulates skin renewal and hair growth, reduces wrinkles and rejuvenates the skin. It is recommended for the treatment of discolorations and other disorders such as male pattern baldness and chemotherapy-induced alopecia[18]. The raw material is obtained from young birds raised for slaughter, and from older birds on the completion of the laying period.
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