Odd-numbered Fatty Acids in Single-cell Protein and Their Transference into the Milk of Cows Fed with the Protein

Abstract

It was confirmed that single-cell protein (SCP) contains relatively large amounts of odd-numbered (uneven) fatty acids (UEFA); the contents of 9-heptadecenoic and heptadecanoic acids as percentages of total fatty acid were 39.1 and 9.6, respectively. When lactating cows were fed a diet containing SCP, the contents of 9-heptadecenoic and heptadecanoic acids increased to some extent in all classes of milk lipid tested. Heptadecanoic acid was accumulated preferentially in milk compared to 9-heptadecenoic acid. The contents of these fatty acids in milk decreased rapidly to the control level upon the cessation of feeding SCP.