Winter changes in fatty acid composition of badger and coyote tissues

Abstract

1. 1. The double bond index of badger marrow and subcutaneous fat increased progressively from September through January in correlation with decreased ambient temperatures. 2. 2. There was no significant difference between the double bond index of badger marrow and subcutaneous fatty acids. 3. 3. Coyote marrow had double bond indexes consistently below that of the badger throughout the winter and demonstrated no seasonal change in response to colder ambient temperatures. These findings may be the result of greater cold exposure by the badger due to a lower quality insulation.