Abstract:
The fatty acid composition of the triacylglycerol fraction of shoulder fat from Limousin and Jersey yearling heifers, yearling steers, and non-lactating cows was investigated. Significant breed differences in the degree of fatty acid saturation were apparent between Jersey and Limousin cows, but were not observed in the yearlings. Jersey cows had less saturated fatty acids than the Limousin. Jersey cows showed an increased percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids compared with the Jersey yearlings. In contrast, the level of monounsaturated fatty acids in the Limousin cows was the same as in the Limousin yearlings. The calculated indices of enzyme activities also differed between the breeds. Jersey cows had higher indices of