Differences in the proportions of branched-chain fatty acids in subcutaneous triacylglycerols of barley-fed ruminants

Abstract

1. The fatty acids of the triacylglycerols of subcutaneous adipose tissue of cattle, sheep, goats and red deer (Cervus elaphus) which consumed either herbage or a barley-rich diet were analysed for their content of branched-chain components. 2. Whereas the consumption of the barley-rich diet by sheep and goats was associated with the occurrence of relatively high proportions of branched-chain fatty acids, it was not in cattle and red deer.