Factors affecting the concentration of short branched-chain fatty acids in sheep fat
L. Salvatore A B F , D. Allen C , K. L. Butler C , D. Tucman C , A. Elkins C , D. W. Pethick D and F. R. Dunshea C D EA Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.
B Department of Primary Industries, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Vic. 3049, Australia.
C Department of Primary Industries, 600–621 Sneydes Road, Werribee, Vic. 3030 Australia.
D School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
E Faculty of Land and Food Resources, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia.
F Corresponding author. Email: Lily.Salvatore@dpi.vic.gov.au
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(10) 1201-1207 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA07037
Submitted: 1 February 2007 Accepted: 10 May 2007 Published: 19 September 2007
Abstract
The concentration of short branched-chain fatty acids, specifically 4-methyloctanoic acid (MOA) and 4-methylnonanoic acid (MNA), in subcutaneous fat were determined in five genotypes (Poll Dorset × Border Leicester Merino, Poll Dorset × Merino, Poll Dorsetmuscling × Merino, Merino × Merino, Border Leicester × Merino) of Australian sheep. In total, 264 ewes and wethers, either 8 or 22 months of age, were selected for genotype, age and gender. These animals were sired by 16 rams that were selected for growth based on estimated breeding values (EBVs), except for one group (Poll Dorsetmuscling × Merino), which was selected for muscling based on EBVs. There was a strong relationship between the concentration of MOA and MNA at 8 and 22 months of age. There were no differences between lambs sired by Poll Dorset rams selected for muscling or growth. The 8- and 22-month-old Poll Dorset × Merino sheep had higher levels of MOA and MNA compared with the other genotypes (P < 0.001). At 8 months of age, the wethers had higher levels of MOA and MNA (P < 0.001) than the ewes of the same genotype. There was a strong relationship (P < 0.001) between MOA and MNA and the fat and lean percentage for 22-month-old ewes. Effects of sire, dam and slaughter day (at the same slaughter age) on MOA and MNA were also found. The results suggest that there is good feasibility for selection against animals at risk of possessing higher levels of short branched-chain fatty acids.
Acknowledgements
The animals sampled for this paper were generated at the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Centre for Sheep Meat Development, Cowra, as part of the Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre. The team at Cowra, under the supervision of Dr David Hopkins, is thanked for their management of the flock and the efficient execution of the slaughter program. Specifically, we thank David Stanley (NSW DPI) who has managed the database arising from this large collaborative program and the team members from other research groups who assisted with data collection. The Victorian Department of Primary Industries funded this study and we thank Matt Kerr for the co-ordination of sample collection for DPI. The support provided by the Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre is also acknowledged.
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