LIPIDS IN WILD RUMINANT ANIMALS AND STEERS

ABSTRACT Lipid was extracted from the biceps femoris and longissimus dorsi muscles of pronghorn antelope, mule deer, elk, range steers and feedlot steers after being trimmed of subcutaneous fat and connective tissue. Muscles of game animals contained more phospholipids than those of steers and muscles of antelope and deer were higher in cholesterol. Muscles of feedlot steers contained the most total lipid and triglycerides. Polyunsaturated lipid was highest in muscles of game animals due to higher levels of phospholipids. Polyunsaturated:saturated lipid ratios were highest in muscles of game animals followed by those in the muscles of range steers and lastly by those in the muscles of feedlot steers. In addition, the proporation of 18:3, an omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, in total polyunsaturated acids measured were higher in the muscles of game animals and range steers than in those of feedlot steers.