Milk fatty acid composition of indigenous goat and ewe breeds from Sindh, Pakistan

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the breed influence on milk fatty acid (FA) composition, particularly on the concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from two different indigenous breeds of goats (Pateri and Kamori; n = 30 for each breed) and ewes (Kachi and Kooka; n = 25 for each) from Sindh, Pakistan. All animals were managed together and received the same diet. Statistical significant differences (P < 0.05) in the proportions of individual fatty acids were observed among goat and ewe breeds. Milk fat cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentration from Kamori goats and Kooka ewes were [17–28%] higher when compared to Pateri goats and Kachi ewes, with mean values of 0.48 g/100 g for goat breeds and 0.82 g/100 g for ewes. The greatest differences (P < 0.01) were observed between the group of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in goat (Pateri and Kamori 64.37 vs. 59.07 g/100 g) and ewe breeds (Kachi and Kooka 66.96 vs. 59.00 g/100 g). The sum of the mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was lower in Pateri goat and Kooka breed ewe as compared to Kamori goats and Kachi ewes (27.60 vs. 31.04 g/100 g and 25.35 vs. 30.33 g/100 g). The proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) did not differ statistically (P > 0.05) among goat and ewe breads, ranging from 2.45 to 3.60 for goats and 2.48 to 3.27 g/100 g for ewes. The present study reveals that the breed has a pronounced effect on FA composition of goat and ewes milk fat, and in the future genetic selection plans along with improved nutrition program of goats and ewes may result in optimum levels of various fatty acids in milk.