Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids

12juli2006
Source: Keum-Hee Yeom, 2002, Essential-fatty acid supply of goats
Research shows that essential fatty acids cannot be produced by animals themselves but must be present in the feed.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFAs, are types of those essential fatty acids. PUFAs can be divided in two groups; linolic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. Both are structural components of membranes.

The composition of fatty acids in the body of monogastric animals is mirrored by the composition of the fatty acids in the feed. This also counts for ruminants without a functioning rumen, like milk fed lambs. It is less clear with animals that have a functioning rumen, as unsaturated fatty acids can be hydrogated.

Large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids are undesirable for grownup ruminants. They may cause fermentation in the rumen, which slows down the feed reception.