Complete characterization of the fatty acid profile of mare milk from commercial semi-extensive farms during lactation

Summary

The present study aimed to thoroughly describe the profile of fatty acids in mare milk from farms with different management systems and changes during lactation. Eighteen mares belonging to three commercial farms (6 mares per farm) were milked during the complete lactation period (six months). Fat content was determined by infrared spectroscopy, while fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed using a GC-FID. Mare milk, in general, contained 47.5 % saturated, 25.3 % monounsaturated, and 26.5 % polyunsaturated fatty acids. A high proportion of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 but a low concentration of their long-chain metabolites was observed, and seven branched-chain fatty acids were identified. Stage of lactation significantly influenced the content of most individual fatty acids, and in general, milk fr