Extraction of plasma triacylglycerols by the mammary gland of the lactating cow

Abstract

SummaryThe fatty acid content of triacylglycerols (TG) in arterial and mammary venous blood plasma has been analysed in five cows that were close to peak lactation. The fatty acids in arterial TG were extracted by the mammary gland in amounts 14:0 < 16:0 < 18:0and 18:0 > 18:1n – 9 > 18:2. The difference of extraction between palmitate and stearate was similar in different TG species. The fatty acid 18:1n – 7, which was largely the trans isomer, was extracted more than 18:1n – 9. Significant amounts of phytanic acid were acylated in plasma TG, but not extracted by the mammary gland.