FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF SHOULDER FAT AND PERINEPHRIC FAT FROM PASTURE-FED HORSES

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Abstract
Shoulder and perinephric fat samples were obtained from 14 horses in October after the horses had been on pasture. Average shoulder fat composition (weight % fatty acids) was C14:0, 4.5; 16:0, 29.5; 16:1, 8.4; 17:0, 0.3; 17:1, 0.4; 18:0, 4.3; 18:1, 36.0; 18:2, 6.4; 18:3, 10.1; and 20:1, 0.1. Perinephric fat was similar in composition, but contained 41.7 ± 2.7% saturated fatty acids (C14:0, 16:0, 17:0 and 18:0) compared with 38.6 ± 3.1% saturated fatty acids for shoulder fat. The analyses indicated the unique composition of horse fat which contains very high levels of C18:3 and low levels of C18:0. Horses fed on pasture appear to have body fat composition similar to a monogastric, but modified by the high C18:3 present in forages. If saturation of fatty acids, similar to that occurring in ruminants, takes place in the cecum of the horse, such fatty acids are apparently absorbed in relatively small amounts.

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