EFFECTS OF ADAPTATION TO DIETARY-FAT ON FATTY-ACID COMPOSITION OF SERUM AND SERUM-LIPIDS IN MINIATURE SWINE

The influence of dietary fat on the serum fatty acid composition and d istribution in different serum lipids was studied in 24 miniature swin e (Sus scrofa) divided into 4 groups. Three groups were fed a low-fat chow with different kind of fats added (sunflower oil, olive oil and b ovine lard) and the other group was fed a control diet with no fat add ed. The animals were fed the four diets for an experimental period of 12 weeks. Afterwards blood samples were taken to obtain serum, and the . serum lipids were separated into the following fractions: phospholip ids, triglycerides, and esterified cholesterol. The fatty acid composi tion of the serum and fractions was analyzed by gas chromatography. Un der our experimental conditions, the fatty acid composition of the die ts was reflected in serum, but not in all cases. In the triglyceride f raction the fatty acid composition was more evident. Our results show the interaction of the fatty acids in the different series and even wi thin a single series, along with the endogenous synthesis processes.