Genetic differences for fatty acids and other body components in mice

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Abstract
Differences in fatty acid composition and other body components were studied in two inbred lines of mice and crosses between them (reciprocals). The two inbred lines differed significantly (P < 0·05) in percentage moisture and percentage fat in the carcass, but there was no difference between the two kinds of crossbreds. Percentage protein of the carcass did not differ among the lines. Seven fatty acids were identified and considerable variation in the amount of each was found in the mice. About 65 % of the fatty acids identified was composed of palmitic and oleic. The two inbred lines differed significantly (P < 0·05) from each other for four of the seven fatty acids. The crossbred mice also differed for four of the seven fatty acids, but not necessarily the same acids as for the parental lines. Heterosis (crossbreds exceeding the mean of the parents) was observed for several traits. Crossbreds had a larger percentage protein and less fat in their carcasses than the inbreds. Crossbreds exceeded the inbreds for percentage lauric and percentage myristic acids, but had less palmitoleic acid than the inbreds. In general crossbreds had a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids than the inbreds.