Evaluating the Fatty Acid Distribution of Bratwurst in Retail Products and of Fat in Sows Fed FertiliumTM-Treated Diets

In Experiment 1, fatty acid distribution of bratwurst (n = 14 different brands) were investigated from products purchased from various retail stores. In Experiment 2, sows were fed a control diet (n = 5) or a diet enriched with FertiliumTM. (United Feeds, Sheridan, IN) (n = 5), a fertility supplement with high levels of Omega n3 fat, to investigate the fatty acid profile in the middle and outer fat layers. Results of Experiment 1 suggest that major fatty acids [C16:0, C18:0, C18:2, as well as the n6:n3 ratio and iodine value (IV)] varied significantly (P<0.001) between the brands of bratwurst and exhibited tremendous variability in fatty acid composition. In Experiment 2, there were differences (P<0.03) in the fatty acid content of backfat between control sows and sows fed enriched diets as well as between fat layers. Overall and across both fat layers, sows fed enriched diets displayed a lesser (P<0.05) n6:n3 ratio when compared with sows fed control diets. Furthermore, fat from sows fed control diets displayed a greater (P<0.05) level of n6:n3 ratio in the outer layer when compared with the middle layer. These data suggest that sows fed the enriched diet display a fatty acid profile unlike that of sows fed the control diet and may provide a better source of n3 fatty acids in the pork products produced from their carcasses.