Abstract
In order to elucidate the status of carcass fatty acids in ‘Hakata Wagyu Beef’, we investigated the fatty acid composition of carcass intermuscular fat of 514 steers and 89 heifers. Compared to steers, heifers had significantly higher rate of oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Regarding the relationship with slaughtering time, the ratio of MUFAs in steers slaughtered in October to November was significantly higher than March to May. Regarding the relationship with slaughtering age of month, there was no significant difference in oleic acid and MUFA ratios in both steers and heifers. Regarding the relationship with blood fatty acid composition, a positive correlation was observed between carcass oleic acid and MUFA with blood palmitic acid and oleic acid. On the other hand, carcass oleic acid and MUFA showed a negative correlation with blood linoleic acid. This study clarified the actual fatty acid composition of carcass of ‘Hakata Wagyu Beef’ and the effects of slaughtering age in month and slaughtering time on carcass fatty acid composition. We also found a certain correlation between carcass fatty acid composition and blood fatty acid composition.
