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Abstract
Fat content and fatty acid composition of milk from mares grazing in two dominant Mongolian ecosystems, Steppe and Forest-steppe, were compared during the summer and autumn seasons. The mares received no additional supplements. Milk fat content, concentration of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and total unsaturated fatty acids (TUFA) were similar in the two regions and milking seasons. Significant effects of season on individual milk fatty acids were found. The concentrations of caprylic (8:0) and stearic acid (18:0) were highest in summer milk, and the concentration of palmitic acid (16:0) was lower in summer milk. The proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids 14:1, 17:1 and 20:1 was higher in milk from mares grazing on the Steppe than the Forest-steppe. The concentration of SFA was lower and of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) higher than published for other breeds and feeding conditions. High concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), especially in the summer, is noteworthy.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Dr B. Minjigdorj, Dr J. Sukhdolgor, Ms S. Munkhzaya and Ms B. Atarbayasgalan for their analytical, technical and managerial support. Special thanks are due to Dr K. Hove and Dr T. Gjedrem for their support and advice. Data analysis and write-up was carried out at Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences (IHA) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB) on a Kvote Lånekassen funded scholarship.