Fat In Cattle Research Articles

Composition and thermal properties of cattle fats

AbstractThe physical‐chemical properties, fatty acid composition and thermal properties of cattle subcutaneous, tallow and intestinal fats were determined. Subcutaneous fat differed from the other fat types with respect to its lower melting point (29.0 °C) and higher saponification (211.4 mg KOH/g) and iodine (50.55) values. The cattle fat types contained palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1n‐9) and linoleic acid (18:2n‐6) as the major components of fatty acid composition (24.58–25.90%, 10.21–33.33%, 28.18–46.05%, 1.54–1.73%, respectively). A differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study revealed that two characteristic peaks were detected in both crystallization and melting curves. Major peaks (Tpeak) of tallow and intestinal fats were similar and determined as 24.10–27.71 °C and 2.16–4.75 °C, respectively, for crystallization peaks and 7.09–9.39 °C and 43.28–46.49 °C, respectively, for melting peaks in DSC curves; however, those of subcutaneous fat (12.48 °C and –6.79 °C for crystallization peaks and 3.56 °C and 23.55 °C for melting peaks) differed remarkably from those of the other fat types.

Annotation of novel transcripts putatively relevant for bovine fat metabolism

Two bovine transcripts encoded by the interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) gene and the locus LOC618944 predicted as similar to human chromosome 6 open reading frame 52 (C6orf52) gene had indicated divergent expression in bovine skeletal muscle containing different amount of intramuscular fat in a pilot screening experiment. However, for both loci any role in the regulation of energy or fat metabolism is not yet described. In this study, we validated and refined gene structure, screened for mRNA splice variants and analyzed the tissue-specific gene expression patterns of both loci as a prerequisite to elucidate their potential physiological function. Based on comparative sequence analysis, a new full-length gene model for the bovine IRAK1 gene was developed and confirmed experimentally. Expression of IRAK1 mRNA was found in a variety of tissues, and a splice variant was identified in skeletal muscle caused by an in-frame deleted segment of 210 bp affecting regions of intrinsic disorder in the respective protein. For the locus LOC618944, our data contributed to a revised gene model and its assignment to BTA23 (bovine chromosome 23) on the current bovine genome assembly supported by comparative similarity analysis between the bovine and human genomes and experimental data. Furthermore, we identified several splice variants in mammary gland, fat and skeletal muscle tissue and detected a highly similar processed pseudogene on BTA26. All transcript variants of LOC618944 detected in the analyzed tissues represent noncoding RNAs. For both loci, our results suggest yet undetected physiological functions in tissues relevant for fat or energy metabolism in cattle.

Regulation of Fat and Fatty Acid Composition in Beef Cattle

Fat composition of beef, taken here to mean marbling, can be manipulated by time on feed, finishing diet, and breed type. These three factors also strongly influence the fatty acid composition of beef. Both the amount of marbling and the concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) increase with time on feed in grain-fed and pasture-fed cattle, but much more dramatically in grain-fed cattle. High-concentrate diets stimulate the activity of adipose tissue stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), which is responsible for the conversion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) to their Δ9 desaturated counterparts. Also, grain feeding causes a depression in ruminal pH, which decreases those populations of ruminal microorganisms responsible for the isomerization and hydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The net result of elevated SCD activity in marbling adipose tissue and depressed ruminal isomerization/hydrogenation of dietary PUFA is a large increase in MUFA in beef over time. Conversely, pasture depresses both the accumulation of marbling and SCD activity, so that even though pasture feeding increases the relative concentration of PUFA in beef, it also increases SFA at the expense of MUFA. Wagyu and Hanwoo cattle accumulate large amounts of marbling and MUFA, and Wagyu cattle appear to be less sensitive to the effects of pastures in depressing overall rates of adipogenesis and the synthesis of MUFA in adipose tissues. There are small differences in fatty acid composition of beef from Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle, but diet and time on feed are much more important determinants of beef fat content and fatty acid composition than breed type.

Determination of Vedaprofen in Livestock Products and Seafoods by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the trace residue determination of vedaprofen (VPF) in livestock products and seafoods. VPF was extracted from each sample with acidified acetone, and the crude extract was re-extracted with ethyl acetate and NaCl solution. Clean-up was performed using a weak anion exchange cartridge (Bond Elut DEA). The LC separation was performed on a C18 column using acetonitrile-0.0025 mol/L formic acid (3 : 2) as the mobile phase and MS was run in the negative ion electrospray ionization mode. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.001-0.1 µg/mL VPF. The mean recoveries from equine muscle, cattle muscle, cattle liver, cattle fat, salmon, eel, corbicula, milk, egg and buckwheat honey were 72-94%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 1.1-2.0%. Limits of quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 0.001 to 0.007 µg/g.

Fatty acid and vitamin E composition of intramuscular fat in cattle reared in different production systems

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat and the vitamin E content of beef from different production systems. Four cattle production systems were used: cattle reared under intensive conditions and fed concentrate (INT1) from Spain, cattle raised at pasture and supplemented with concentrate (SUP1) from the United Kingdom, cattle raised at pasture and on corn silage (SUP2) from Germany and cattle reared under extensive conditions slaughtered at two and three years old (EXT2 and EXT3) from Uruguay. The highest proportion and content (mg per 100 g of muscle) of linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) and arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6) and the lowest saturated fatty acids (SFA) was found in INT1 beef. In contrast, beef reared under extensive conditions showed the highest proportion and content of linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5 n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3), and SUP1 and SUP2 beef showed the highest level of palmitic acid (C16:0) and SFA. Beef from intensive system (INT1) had the lowest P/S (PUFA/SFA) ratio, whereas beef from extensive system (EXT2 and EXT3) had the lowest n-6/ n-3 ratio. The results of the PCA (principal components analysis) of fatty acid composition showed that beef from intensive system (INT1) was clearly differentiated from the other meats and was located with the C18:2 n-6 and C20:4 n-6 and the n-6/ n-3 ratio. EXT2 and EXT3 beef were located with C18:3 n-3 and long chain fatty acids. Beef from extensive systems had the highest concentration of vitamin E (3.91 mg α-tocopherol/kg muscle).

Estimation of genotype×environment interactions for growth, fatness and reproductive traits in Australian Angus cattle

The magnitude of genotype × environment interactions (G × E) were estimated for growth, real time ultrasound scanned carcass and reproductive traits in Angus cattle. Traits measured in the states of Victoria and Queensland were assumed as different traits and the genetic correlations between them were estimated. Estimated heritabilities across states were similar for all traits. However, additive genetic variances of fat depth at the P8 (rump) site for bulls (BP8), intramuscular fat percent at the 12/13th rib for bulls (BIMF) and heifers (HIMF) were significantly different between states. Estimated genetic correlations across states for direct genetic effects were high for growth traits and ranged from 0.89 to 1.00. For the maternal genetic effects the correlations across states ranged from 0.66 to 0.87. The across state correlations for scanned traits were also high. The exception was for BIMF (0.65), where measurement procedures were observed to influence the result. The genetic correlation between the states increased to 0.94 when the records of bulls with low IMF value were removed. For reproductive traits, the estimated genetic correlations ranged from 0.97 to 1.00. These results indicated little evidence of G × E for growth, ultrasound scanned carcass and reproductive traits of Angus cattle from Victoria and Queensland. Combining performance data across states in a national genetic evaluation is appropriate and it is expected that the progeny of Angus cattle would rank similarly across states.

Association between fatty acid compositions and genotypes of FABP4 and LXR-alpha in Japanese Black cattle

BackgroundFatty acid composition has become an important trait in the beef industry in terms of beef flavor and decreasing the circulating concentration of LDL cholesterol. In this study, we examined the association between polymorphisms of six genes, adipocytes-type fatty acid binding protein (FABP4), liver X receptor α (LXRα), cytochrome b5 (Cyt b5), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL) 1, ACSL4 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) and fatty acid composition.ResultsSequence comparisons revealed 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms in six genes. Four of them, I74V and V110M in FABP4 and G51E and V133I in LXRα, were nonsynonymous substitutions. The associations between the genotypes and fatty acid compositions were analyzed by using 234 Japanese Black cattle. The genotypes of FABP4 I74V and LXRα V133I were significantly associated with palmitoleic acids (C16:1, P = 0.0086) and linoleic acid (C18:2, P = 0.0121) content in intramuscular fat, respectively.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the two polymorphisms of FABP4 I74V and LXRα V133I might be genetic factors in part associated with palmitoleic acid (FABP4 I74V) and linoleic acid (LXRα V133I) composition in intramuscular fat of Japanese Black cattle, respectively. Especially, FABP4 I74V had highly significant effect (P < 0.01) on C16:1 proportion, indicating that the I/I homozygote exhibited 0.5% higher percentage than V/V homozygote.

Lack of an association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the bovine leptin gene and intramuscular fat in Bos taurus cattle

Leptin contributes to the regulation of adiposity and metabolism, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the leptin gene have been associated with intramuscular fat (IMF) levels in beef. Our objectives were to estimate the frequency of four SNPs in the leptin gene in nine purebred cattle ( n = 430), to test for linkage disequilibrium and infer haplotypes, and to determine if individual genotypes or estimated haplotypes were associated with IMF values in crossbred cattle ( n = 244). The four SNP loci were found to be in linkage disequilibrium and thus, the frequencies of each of the 16 possible haplotypes were inferred by maximum likelihood. No significant association between any individual SNP and haplotype was found with the divergent IMF values. Our results suggest that these SNPs are not influential on the divergent IMF levels in the crossbred population tested.

Parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis of fat deposition models in beef steers using acslXtreme

The Davis Growth Model (a dynamic steer growth model encompassing 4 fat deposition models) is currently being used by the phenotypic prediction program of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Beef Genetic Technologies to predict P8 fat (mm) in beef cattle to assist beef producers meet market specifications. The concepts of cellular hyperplasia and hypertrophy are integral components of the Davis Growth Model. The net synthesis of total body fat (kg) is calculated from the net energy available after accounting for energy needs for maintenance and protein synthesis. Total body fat (kg) is then partitioned into 4 fat depots (intermuscular, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and visceral). This paper reports on the parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis of the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) logistic growth equations and the fat deposition first-order differential equations in the Davis Growth Model using acslXtreme (Hunstville, AL, USA, Xcellon). The DNA and fat deposition parameter coefficients were found to be important determinants of model function; the DNA parameter coefficients with days on feed >100 days and the fat deposition parameter coefficients for all days on feed. The generalized NL2SOL optimization algorithm had the fastest processing time and the minimum number of objective function evaluations when estimating the 4 fat deposition parameter coefficients with 2 observed values (initial and final fat). The subcutaneous fat parameter coefficient did indicate a metabolic difference for frame sizes. The results look promising and the prototype Davis Growth Model has the potential to assist the beef industry meet market specifications.

Potential for Estimation of Body Condition Scores in Dairy Cattle from Digital Images

Body condition scoring, an indirect measure of the level of subcutaneous fat in dairy cattle, has been widely adopted for research and field assessment or for management purposes on farms. The feasibility of utilizing digital images to determine body condition score (BCS) was assessed for lactating dairy cows at the Scottish Agricultural College Crichton Royal Farm. Two measures of BCS were obtained by using the primary systems utilized in the United Kingdom (UK-BCS) and the United States (USBCS). Means were 2.12 (±0.35) and 2.89 (±0.40), modes were 2.25 and 2.75, and ranges were 1.0 to 3.5 and 1.5 to 4.5 for the UKBCS (n=2,346) and USBCS (n=2,571), respectively. Up to 23 anatomical points were manually identified on images captured automatically as cows passed through a weigh station. Points around the hooks were easier to identify on images than points around pins and the tailhead. All identifiable points were used to define and formulate measures describing the cow's contour. For both BCS systems, hook angle, posterior hook angle, and tailhead depression were significant predictors of BCS. When the full data set testing only the angles around the hooks was used, 100% of predicted BCS were within 0.50 points of actual USBCS and 92.79% were within 0.25 points; and 99.87% of predicted BCS were within 0.50 points of actual UKBCS and 89.95% were within 0.25 points. In a reduced data set considering only observations in which the tailhead depression angle was available, adding the tailhead depression to models did not improve model predictions. The relationships of the calculated angles with USBCS were stronger than those with UKBCS. This research demonstrates the potential for using digital images for assessing BCS. Future efforts should explore ways to automate this process by using a larger number of animals to predict scores accurately for cows across all levels of body condition.

Technical note: A novel technique to assess internal body fat of cattle by using real-time ultrasound1

The objectives of this study were to describe a system to assess KPH fat by using real-time ultrasound (RTU) and to develop equations to predict total physical separable internal fat (IFAT) based on ultrasound measurements. Data for this study were obtained from 24 Angus steers fed either hay- or corn-based diets during the backgrounding phase. Steers were serially slaughtered in 3 groups: at weaning (baseline), then at 4 and 8 mo after weaning. A fourth group was composed of 4 steers from the hay-fed group that were slaughtered at approximately 10 mo after weaning. The RTU measurements were collected every 2 mo, with a preslaughter scan approximately 7 d before the slaughter time. The RTU measurements consisted of 12th- to 13th-rib backfat thickness, 12th to 13th ribeye area, percentage of intramuscular fat, and kidney fat depth, which was measured in a cross-sectional image collected between the first lumbar vertebra and the 13th rib. For kidney fat, the ultrasound probe was placed on the flank region approximately 15 cm from the midline of the animal. Images were stored in the ultrasound console, and measurements were taken between the ventral part of the iliocostalis muscle and the end of the KPH fat at the chute side. The relationship between carcass and ultrasound measurements in the depths of kidney fat (cKFd and uKFd, respectively) had an r(2) of 0.93, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.14 cm. An allometric regression between carcass KPH weight (cKPHwt) and cKFd was identified, and the untransformed regression had an r(2) of 0.96. The linear regression between total IFAT and cKPHwt had an r(2) of 0.97, with an RMSE of 2.67 kg. Therefore, a system was developed to predict IFAT from uKFd measurements by combining these equations. Additionally, a single linear regression between IFAT and uKFd measurements was developed (r(2) = 0.89, RMSE = 5.32 kg). Even though the system of equations had a lower RMSE of prediction and greater r(2) compared with the single linear regression (4.80 vs. 5.10 kg and 0.91 vs. 0.89, respectively), there was no difference between these methods in predicting IFAT (P = 0.4936) by using a pairwise mean square error of prediction analysis. Our results indicated that uKFd measurements can accurately and precisely predict the cKFd of steers consuming either high concentrate or forage rations. The results also showed that cKFd is highly correlated with cKPHwt, which can be used to estimate total IFAT. More research is needed to further evaluate this technique with different feeding strategies, breeds, and sexes.

The effect of Cattle Fat and Coconut Oil on the Blood LDL Cholesterol of the Chicken (Gallus gallus)

This study was conducted to know the influence of cattle fat and coconut oil in affecting bloodLDL cholesterol. Eighteen male local chickens (Gallus gallus) at the age of 2 months were used. Thechickens were allotted into 3 groups of 6 each. The chickens in each groups were fed with 521 standardration (control groups); 9% cattle fat in standard ration 521 (group II); 9% coconut oil in standardration 521 (group III) for 45 days. All chickens were fed ration and drunk ad libitum every day. At theend of the experiment, the blood samples were collected for analysis blood LDL cholesterol withenzymatic methods using spectrophotometre. Analysis of variance with completely randomized designindicated that treatment significantly effect on blood LDL cholesterol (P0.01). From the results could beconcluded that cattle fat 9% supplementation could be increase blood LDL cholesterol levels. While coconut oil supplementation significantly effect on decrease blood LDL cholesterol levels. Keywords: cattle fat, coconut oil, LDL cholesterol

The Effect of Genetic Variation of the Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor C Gene on Fatness in Cattle

Genotypes at the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor C (RORC) gene were associated with fatness in 1750 cattle. Ten SNPs were genotyped in RORC and the adjacent gene leucine-rich repeat neuronal 6D (LRRN6D) to map the QTL, 7 of which are in a 4.2-kb sequence around the ligand-binding domain of the RORC gene. Of the 29 inferred haplotypes for these SNPs, 2 have a combined frequency of 54.6% while the top 5 haplotypes have a combined frequency of 85.3%. The average D' value of linkage disequilibrium was 0.92 although the average r2 was a low 0.18. The RORC:g.3290T>G SNP had the strongest association with marbling. The inferred haplotypes were significantly associated with marbling and the difference between the most divergent haplotypes was 0.35 sigma(p) of marbling and 0.28 sigma(p) of rump fat, explaining the previously reported QTL effect. cDNA for RORC were sequenced and 2 new alternative transcripts were found. Fetal tissue shows 40 times greater transcription of RORC than adult tissue. The highest expression in fetal tissue was found in liver and kidney, but in adults the longissimus muscle had the greatest expression of the tissues tested.

Production Effects of Pathogens Causing Bovine Leukosis, Bovine Viral Diarrhea, Paratuberculosis, and Neosporosis

The primary purpose of this research was to determine associations among seropositivity for bovine leukemia virus (BLV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), and Neospora caninum (NC) and each of 3 outcome variables (305-d milk, fat, and protein production) in Canadian dairy cattle. Serum samples from up to 30 randomly selected cows from 342 herds on monthly milk testing were tested for antibodies against BLV (IDEXX ELISA; IDEXX Corporation, Westbrook, ME), MAP (IDEXX or Biocor ELISA; Biocor Animal Health, Inc., Omaha, NE), and NC (IDEXX or Biovet ELISA; Biovet Inc., St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada). Up to 5 unvaccinated cattle over 6 mo of age were tested for virus-neutralizing antibodies to the Singer strain of type 1 BVDV. Dairy Herd Improvement records were obtained electronically for all sampled cows. Linear mixed models with herd and cow as random variables were fit, with significant restricted maximum likelihood estimates of outcome effects being obtained, while controlling for potential confounding variables. Bovine leukemia virus seropositivity was not associated with 305-d milk, 305-d fat, or 305-d protein production. Cows in BVDV-seropositive herds (at least one unvaccinated animal with a titer ≥1:64) had reductions in 305-d milk, fat, and protein of 368, 10.2, and 9.5kg, respectively, compared with cows in BVDV-seronegative herds. Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis seropositivity was associated with lower 305-d milk of 212kg in 4+-lactation cows compared with MAP-seronegative 4+-lactation cows. Neospora caninum seropositivity in primiparous cows was associated with lower 305-d milk, fat, and protein of 158, 5.5, and 3.3kg, respectively, compared with NC-seronegative primiparous cows. There were no interactions among seropositivity for any of the pathogens and their effects on any of the outcomes examined, although the low MAP seroprevalence limited this analysis. Results from this research will contribute to understanding the economic impacts of these pathogens and justify their control.

Fatty acid synthase effects on bovine adipose fat and milk fat

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) was identified by linkage analysis on bovine Chromosome 19 that affects the fatty acid, myristic acid (C14:0), in subcutaneous adipose tissue of pasture-fed beef cattle (99% level: experiment-wise significance). The QTL was also shown to have significant effects on ten fatty acids in the milk fat of pasture-fed dairy cattle. A positional candidate gene for this QTL was identified as fatty acid synthase (FASN), which is a multifunctional enzyme with a central role in the metabolism of lipids. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the bovine FASN gene, and animals were genotyped for FASN SNPs in three different cattle resource populations. Linkage and association mapping results using these SNPs were consistent with FASN being the gene underlying the QTL. SNP substitution effects for C14:0 percentage were found to have an effect in the opposite direction in adipose fat to that in milk fat. It is concluded that SNPs in the bovine FASN gene are associated with variation in the fatty acid composition of adipose fat and milk fat.

The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in intramuscular fat of beef cattle in different breeds and crossbreeds

Abstract. The effect of crossbreeding on the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in intramuscular adipose tissue of the Musculus longissimus pars thoracis of slaughter bulls was studied. The differences among 8 genotypes of bulls was most significant (p&lt;0.01) in C18:3, C20:4, C22:4, C22:5 and C22:6. The content of linolenic acid (C18:3) in the Czech Spotted Cattle (control group) was 0.526%, the highest in the Czech Spotted x Piedmont cattle crosses (0.659 %), and the lowest in crosses with the Belgian breed (0.186 %). We evaluated the content of C18:3 (n-6 and n-3) and among the genotypes the differences in the content were insignificant. Compared with the control group all the evaluated genotypes showed a higher representation of C18 n-3, which does not apply to the isomer C18 n-6. At low percent values we detected insignificant differences in changes in content of isomers C22:5. Factors such as the age of the animals and the carcass weight had no effect on the structure of fatty acids. More important was the content of the intramuscularly adipose tissues. With increasing content of intramuscularly adipose tissue the values of C18:3 (n-3 and n-6) and C22:5 (n-3 and n-6) decreased as did the content of other acids belonging to PUFA (p&lt;0.01).

Einfluss von elastischem Bodenbelag auf Milchmenge, Fett, Eiweiß und Zellgehalt bei Kühen in Laufstallhaltung

Abstract. Title of the paper: Effect of soft flooring in free stalls on milk yield, fat, protein and somatic cell counts in dairy cattle Research conducted at the Experimental Farm Oberschleißheim focused on comparing milk yield, fat, protein and somatic cell counts in dairy cattle housed in free stalls with concrete slatted floor and rubber mats covering the concrete slatted floor. Data were collected from 49 cows in 53 lactation periods, which were divided into experimental group (n = 26) on rubber matted floor (EBG) and control group (n = 27) on concrete slatted floor (BBG). Housing conditions of both groups differed in kind of cubicles. EBG had soft rubber mat mattresses, BBG had cubicles with straw manure mattresses. Data analysed originated from the official milk performance testing of the "Landeskuratorium der Erzeugerringe für tierische Veredelung in Bayern e.V." and from activity counters worn by the cows. Statistical analysis resulted in a significant higher activity level of the EBG versus BBG. Milk yield and protein showed no significant difference between both groups, fat was significant higher in BBG. Somatic cell counts were significant lower in EBG. Data analysed regarding activity level classes showed a trend of decreasing milk yield and milk constituents with increasing activity. No evidence was found that soft floor results in higher milk yield. But a higher activity level of EBG cows might indicate a higher cow comfort on elastic floor.

The bovine QTL viewer: a web accessible database of bovine Quantitative Trait Loci

BackgroundMany important agricultural traits such as weight gain, milk fat content and intramuscular fat (marbling) in cattle are quantitative traits. Most of the information on these traits has not previously been integrated into a genomic context. Without such integration application of these data to agricultural enterprises will remain slow and inefficient. Our goal was to populate a genomic database with data mined from the bovine quantitative trait literature and to make these data available in a genomic context to researchers via a user friendly query interface.DescriptionThe QTL (Quantitative Trait Locus) data and related information for bovine QTL are gathered from published work and from existing databases. An integrated database schema was designed and the database (MySQL) populated with the gathered data. The bovine QTL Viewer was developed for the integration of QTL data available for cattle. The tool consists of an integrated database of bovine QTL and the QTL viewer to display QTL and their chromosomal position.ConclusionWe present a web accessible, integrated database of bovine (dairy and beef cattle) QTL for use by animal geneticists. The viewer and database are of general applicability to any livestock species for which there are public QTL data. The viewer can be accessed at .

Fatty acids and composition of their important groups in milk fat of Czech Pied cattle

In 2003, 2004 and 2005 milk fat composition was determined three times in 55 dairy cows of Czech Pied cattle housed in a byre with stanchions and fed under conditions usual on Czech production farms. Fatty acids were determined by a gas chromatographic method, 26 acids out of the total 37 acids observed in chromatograms were identified. The highest proportions were observed for palmitic acid (29.25 &amp;plusmn; 2.98%), oleic acid (24.47 &amp;plusmn; 3.27%), myristic acid (12.14 &amp;plusmn; 1.80%) and stearic acid (8.91 &amp;plusmn; 2.44%). The proportions of saturated, unsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were 64.71 &amp;plusmn; 4.18, 31.96 &amp;plusmn; 4.20 and 27.45 &amp;plusmn; 3.42% of total acids, respectively. The total proportion of nutritionally undesirable lauric, myristic and palmitic acid was 45.26 &amp;plusmn; 4.77%, while that of the desirable group of polyunsaturated fatty acids was 4.51 &amp;plusmn; 1.09%. The observed relatively wide ranges of the individual groups of fatty acids indicate that it is possible to improve the milk fat composition in Czech Pied cows. &amp;nbsp;

Sire and dam breed effects on fatty acid profiles in the longissimus dorsi muscle and subcutaneous fat of beef cattle

This study investigated the effect of sire and dam breed on the fatty acid profiles of muscle and subcutaneous fat in beef cattle. Seven hundred and ninety-three steer and 222 female progeny derived from mating Angus and Hereford cows to Angus, Hereford, Limousin and Simmental bulls, were slaughtered at around 2 years of age (about 540 kg liveweight). The mean fat content of the longissimus dorsi muscle ranged from 4.6% for the Limousin-sired cattle to 6.0% for the Angus-sired cattle. Breed differences occurred in the majority of fatty acids from the intramuscular fat, but fewer differences were observed from the subcutaneous fat. The Limousin- and Simmental-sired progeny had less (P&lt;0.001) saturated fat and more (P&lt;0.001) unsaturated intramuscular fat compared with the Angus- and Hereford-sired cattle. The Angus and Simmental cattle had more (P&lt;0.001) monounsaturates than the Limousin and Hereford cattle. There were differences (P&lt;0.001) in the level of intramuscular polyunsaturates between all 4 sire-breeds, the Limousin having the highest and Angus the lowest. Simmental progeny had significantly higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, compared with the Hereford-sired progeny, as well as a higher monousaturated : saturated fatty acid ratio. Hereford-sired progeny had a lower (P&lt;0.001) monousaturated : saturated fatty acid ratio in the intramuscular fat. Intramuscular fatty acids were affected by dam breed, with progeny of Hereford cows having a higher percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.015), lower saturated fatty acids (P = 0.011), and a higher monousaturated : saturated fatty acid ratio (P = 0.028) than those of Angus cows. There was no effect of dam breed on the totals of the different fatty acid groups in the subcutaneous fat. The subcutaneous fat had higher levels of saturated fatty acids and lower levels of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with the intramuscular fat. Although the differences reported were generally small, it would seem that there may be scope to utilise these genetic differences to produce meat with more desirable fatty acid characteristics.