Fatty Acid Composition of Adipose Tissue from Lean and Obese Swine

The fatty acid composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue from three lines of swine (genetically selected obese and lean and a contemporary crossbred line) was determined during the growing period between 3 and 6 months of age. The developmental pattern for individual fatty acids was complex, and breed × age interactions generally were observed. There were more saturated fatty acids in the obese swine than in the other two breeds, primarily the result of greater amounts of 14:0 and 16:0 acids and less 18:2 acid. The degree of saturation may result from genetic selection via unknown mechanisms, from selection for altered lipid metabolism, e.g., increased de novo fatty acid synthesis in the obese relative to the other breeds — or from the extent of obesity. The tendency for the proportion of saturated fatty acids to increase in all breeds with age also may be associated with the extent of obesity.