%A AEO Malau-Aduli
%A BD Siebert
%A CDK Bottema
%A WS Pitchford
%J Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
%T Heterosis, sex and breed differences in the fatty acid composition of muscle phospholipids in beef cattle
%X Longissimus dorsi muscle tissue was biopsied between the 12th and 13th ribs of 96 purebred Jersey, purebred Limousin and Jersey x Limousin crossbred calves at the age of 9 to 10 months. Fatty acids of the phospholipid fraction were extracted and analysed for sex and breed differences. Heterosis, additive and maternal variances were estimated. All calves grazed pasture in a single management group and were biopsied from the same anatomical site. Steer calves had significantly higher proportions of the 14:0, 14:1, 18:2, 20:3 fatty acids and less of the 16-di-methyl-acetal than heifer calves. Significant breed differences were observed: Limousin calves had the highest proportions of 16:0, 24:0 and saturated fatty acids (SFA), whereas Jersey x Limousin calves had the most 18:0 and elongation index. Dominant effects were evident in the proportions of 16:0, 18:0, SFA and elongation index. Additive genetic effects were significant in the proportions of 16:0, 18:0, 18:1n-9, total SFA and desaturation and elongation indices. Combined maternal and additive effects were significant for long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids 18:2, 20:3 and 20:4.
%N 3
%K Fatty acids, Heterosis, Muscle phospholipids, Beef cattle, Breed differences
%P 113-120
%V 83
%D 2000
%R 10.1046/j.1439-0396.2000.00255.x
%L epprod654