EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL DIETARY COPPER ON GLYCERIDE DISTRIBUTION IN THE BACKFAT OF PIGS

Abstract

The depot fat triglyceride composition of pigs fed 250 ppm supplemental dietary copper from 18 to 23, 46, 69, or 92 kg was determined to further elucidate the effects of supplemental copper on triglyceride composition in the pig. The presence of supplemental copper in the diet significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the amount of 16:0 and increased the amounts of 16:1, 18:1, and 18:2 esterified at the 2 position of porcine backfat triglycerides. Removal of copper from the diet at 23, 46, or 69 kg eliminated these effects in samples taken from such pigs at slaughter (92 kg). The observed alterations in the positional distribution of fatty acids in porcine triglycerides was related to changes in the fatty acid composition of porcine depot fat associated with copper supplementation of the diet. Alterations in the concentration of isomeric triglycerides was also noted and is discussed.