Genome‐wide association study for fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle

Fatty acid composition is one of the important traits in beef. The aim of this study was to identify candidate genomic regions for fatty acid composition by genome‐wide association study with 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array in Japanese Black cattle. A total of 461 individuals and 40 657 SNPs were used in this study. We applied genome‐wide rapid association using mixed model and regression (GRAMMAR) and genomic control approaches to estimate the associations between genotypes and fatty acid composition. In addition, two SNPs in fatty acid synthase (FASN) (T1952A) and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) (V293A) genes were also genotyped. Association analysis revealed that 30 significant SNPs for several fatty acids (C14:0, C14:1, C16:1 and C18:1) were located in the BTA19 FASN gene located within this region but the FASN mutation had no significant effect on any traits. We also detected one significant SNP for C18:1 on BTA23 and two SNPs for C16:0 on BTA25. The region around 17 Mb on BTA26 harbored two significant SNPs for C14:1 and SNP in SCD in this region showed the strongest association with C14:1. This study demonstrated novel candidate regions in BTA19, 23 and 25 for fatty acid composition.     

Identification and utilization of genes associated with beef qualities

The fatty acid composition of adipose tissue in beef has been recognized as an important trait because of its relationship with beef quality, including favorable beef flavor and tenderness. Over the last decade, we have tried to identify the genes responsible for the fatty acid composition in cattle, and have found the following. (i) Genetic polymorphism of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) is one of the responsible genes associated with fatty acid composition. The average effects of gene substitution of the SCD type A gene on the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) percentage and the melting point of intramuscular fat were approximately +1.0% and ?1.0°C, respectively. (ii) Intron polymorphism of sterol regulatory element binding protein–1 (SREBP‐1) also affected MUFA. (iii) No effect of SCD or SREBP‐1 genotypes on any representative carcass traits of Japanese Black in the field population was observed. (iv) Additional genetic markers adipocytes fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and liver X receptor α also affected the fatty acid composition. (v) SCD and FABP4 significantly affected fatty acid composition in Holstein steers. These findings will bring new insight into the fat‐related carcass traits of beef cattle and will thus contribute to the beef industry.     

UTS2R gene polymorphisms are associated with fatty acid composition in Japanese beef cattle

Fatty acid composition of beef adipose tissue is one of its important traits because a high proportion of monounsaturated fatty acid is related to favorable beef flavor and tenderness. In this study, we searched polymorphisms in full length coding DNA sequence of urotensin 2 recepter and investigated the effects on fatty acid composition (C14:0, C14:1, C16:0, C16:1, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, monounsaturated fatty acid, saturated fatty acid). Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified by sequence comparison among eight animals, including five Japanese Black and three Holstein cattle. One of these SNP (c.866C>T) was predicted to cause amino acid substitutions (P289L) and the other seven synonymous SNP, including c.267C>T, were presumed to be in linkage disequilibrium. Therefore we selected two SNP (c.267C>T and c.866C>T) for further analysis. We investigated associations between these genotypes and fatty acid composition in three Japanese Black populations (n = 560, 245 and 287) and a Holstein population (n = 202). Tukey‐Kramer's honestly significant difference test revealed that CC genotype in c.267C>T indicated lower C14:0 and higher C18:1 than the other genotypes in Japanese Black cattle and CC genotype in c.866C>T showed lower C16:1 than CT genotype in Holstein cattle (P < 0.05). These results suggested that these genotypes would contribute to production of high‐grade meat as selection markers in beef cattle.     

Allelic frequencies and association with carcass traits of six genes in local subpopulations of Japanese Black cattle

Marker‐assisted selection (MAS) is expected to accelerate the genetic improvement of Japanese Black cattle. However, verification of the effects of the genes for MAS in different subpopulations is required prior to the application of MAS. In this study, we investigated the allelic frequencies and genotypic effects for carcass traits of six genes, which can be used in MAS, in eight local subpopulations. These genes are SCD, FASN and SREBP1, which are associated with the fatty acid composition of meat, and NCAPG, MC1R and F11, which are associated with carcass weight, coat color and blood coagulation abnormality, respectively. The frequencies of desirable alleles of SCD and FASN were relatively high and that of NCAPG was relatively low, and NCAPG was significantly associated with several carcass traits, including carcass weight. The proportions of genotypic variance explained by NCAPG to phenotypic variance were 4.83 for carcass weight. We thus confirmed that NCAPG is a useful marker for selection of carcass traits in these subpopulations. In addition, we found that the desirable alleles of six genes showed no negative effects on carcass traits. Therefore, selection using these genes to improve target traits should not have negative impacts on carcass traits.     

Effect of short‐chain fatty acids on triacylglycerol accumulation,lipid droplet formation and lipogenic gene expression in goat mammary epithelial cells

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major energy sources for ruminants and are known to regulate various physiological functions in other species. However, their roles in ruminant milk fat metabolism are still unclear. In this study, goat mammary gland epithelial cells (GMECs) were treated with 3 mmol/L acetate, propionate or butyrate for 24 h to assess their effects on lipogenesis. Data revealed that the content of triacylglycerol (TAG) and lipid droplet formation were significantly stimulated by propionate and butyrate. The expression of FABP3, SCD1, PPARG, SREBP1, DGAT1, AGPAT6 and ADRP were upregulated by propionate and butyrate treatment. In contrast, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FASN and LXRα was not affected by propionate, but reduced by butyrate. Acetate had no obvious effect on the content of TAG and lipid droplets but increased the mRNA expression of SCD1 and FABP3 in GMECs. Additionally, it was observed that propionate significantly increased the relative content of mono‐unsaturated fatty acids (C18:1 and C16:1) at the expense of decreased saturated fatty acids (C16:0 and C18:0). Butyrate and acetate had no significant effect on fatty acid composition. Overall, the results from this work help enhance our understanding of the regulatory role of SCFAs on goat mammary cell lipid metabolism.     

The temporal-spatial patterns,polymorphisms and association analysis with meat quality traits of FABP1 gene in domestic pigeons (Columba livia)

ABSTRACT

1. Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP) are members of lipid-binding proteins, which participate in the metabolism and intracellular transportation of lipids. This study was designed to investigate the expression patterns, polymorphisms and associations with meat quality traits of the FABP1 gene in pigeons.

2. The temporal-spatial expression patterns showed FABP1 was widely expressed in all eleven tissues from 0–4 weeks of age, the expression level in the liver was the highest, followed by the small intestine and subcutaneous fat.

3. Five novel SNPs were found; all of them were synonymous and in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Association analysis revealed that for the SNP of G161C, the AB and BB genotypes had higher (P ≤ 0.01) inosinic acid concentrations in breast muscle than the AA genotype. The BB genotype showed the highest (P < 0.01) intramuscular fat among the three genotypes, and significantly greater FABP1 mRNA levels were observed in the breast muscle of the BB genotype than in the AA and AB genotypes (P < 0.01). In the SNP C1376T, the AB and BB genotypes showed higher (P < 0.01) intramuscular fat than the AA genotype, and the relative mRNA expression level of the BB (P < 0.01) and AB (P < 0.05) genotypes was higher than that of the AA genotype in breast muscle. Correlation analysis implied that the FABP1 mRNA expression level was closely related to the inosinic acid (P < 0.05) and intramuscular fat content (P < 0.01). Oil red O staining of frozen sections of breast muscle on d 28 for SNPs G161C and C1376T also indicated that the BB genotype had the highest intramuscular fat content in both SNPs. In addition, correlation analysis implied the FABP1 mRNA expression level was closely related to inosinic acid (P < 0.05) and intramuscular fat content (P < 0.01).

4. The results suggested that FABP1 could be a potential candidate gene in marker-assisted selection for breeding pigeons with high-quality meat.     

Genotype,production system and sex effects on fatty acid composition of meat from goat kids

Two trials were performed to assess the meat fatty acid profile of goat kids from different genotypes, production systems and sex. In the first trial, genotype effect was determined in 24 suckling male kids from Turkish Saanen, Maltese and Gokceada breeds. In the second trial, male and female Gokceada Goat kids were used to compare the effect of extensive and semi‐intensive production systems on fatty acid composition of meat. Significant genotype effect was observed in the percentages of myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1 n‐9), linolenic acid (C18:3 n‐3), arachidonic acid (C20:4 n‐6) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n‐3), despite no differences on the ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (PUFA/SFA) and n‐6/n‐3 (P > 0.05). The effect of production system had also significant effects on fatty acids, but sex only influenced significantly stearic acid (C18:0), C18:1 n‐9 and C18:3 n‐3 fatty acids and total PUFA level and PUFA/SFA ratio. This study confirms that dairy breeds are prone to produce higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids in their muscle. Meanwhile, meat from Gokceada goat kids, which is one of the indigenous breeds in Turkey, had similar PUFA/SFA and n‐6/n‐3 ratios to Turkish Saanen and Maltase.     

Evaluation of FABP2 as candidate gene for a fatty acid composition QTL in porcine chromosome 8

The objective of this work was to analyse the porcine Fatty acid binding protein 2, intestinal ( FABP2 ) gene as a candidate gene for a fatty acid composition quantitative trait loci (QTL) previously described on porcine chromosome 8 in an Iberian by Landrace F₂ cross (IBMAP). Re-sequencing of the porcine FABP2 gene in three Iberian and eight Landrace parental animals resulted in the identification of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms, all of them localized in intron 1. The polymorphism FABP2 :g.412T>C, localized in intron 1, and two additional microsatellites were genotyped in the IBMAP population in order to perform an association test of the FABP2 gene and to better define the QTL position previously described. Association analyses of the FABP2 :g.412T>C with the fatty acid composition traits were not significant in simple association and marker-assisted association tests, suggesting that the FABP2 region sequenced is not responsible for the QTL. However, the addition of three new markers to the pedigree allowed us to define the S0144–SW61 marker interval as the most likely QTL position, facilitating the future study of other candidate genes for this QTL.     

The g.841G>C SNP of FASN gene is associated with fatty acid composition in beef cattle

The objective of the current study is to evaluate the association between fatty acid composition and fatty acid synthase gene polymorphisms as responsible mutations. For this purpose, we selected seven previously reported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FASN gene, including one within promoter region (g.841G>C) and six non‐synonymous SNPs (g.8805C>T, g.13126C>T, g.15532A>C, g.16024A>G, g.16039C>T, g.17924A>G), and genotyped them in Japanese Black cattle. Genotyping results revealed that g.8805 C>T and g.17924 A>G were monomorphic loci. Genome‐wide association analysis including the other five SNPs revealed that only g.841G>C showed significant associations with the percentages of C14:0, C14:1, C16:1 and C18:1 at 5% genome‐wide significance level. In order to further evaluate the effect, we genotyped g.841G>C using additional three populations, including two Japanese Black populations and a Holstein cattle population. g.16024A>G was also genotyped and included in the analysis because it has been reported to be associated with fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle. In the result of analysis of variance, g.841G>C showed stronger effects on fatty acid percentage than those of g.16024A>G in all populations. These results suggested that g.841G>C would be a responsible mutation for fatty acid composition and contribute to production of high‐grade beef as a selection marker in beef cattle.     

Profiles of Fatty Acids in Different Bone Structures of Growing Chicks

This study was concerned with the dynamics of fatty acids in tissues involved in the growth and mineralization of the femur of Starbro chicks from 1 to 50 days of age. Four chickens that died of suffocation were obtained each day. Altogether, 400 femoral bones were studied in five age groups (I–V). Compact bone, spongy bone and articular cartilage were sampled. Lipids were extracted according to Folch and fatty acids were separated using gas chromatography. The fatty acid profile was found to change with age. Fatty acids with the highest content in bone were C_18:1, C_16:0, C_18:2 and C_18:0. The highest content of fatty acids was found in spongy bone and the lowest in articular cartilage. Several correlations were revealed between individual fatty acids. The following conclusions were drawn. (1) Fatty acid profiles in compact bone, spongy bone and articular cartilage change with age of chicks. (2) Oleic (C_18:1), palmitic (C_16:0), linoleic (C_18:2), stearic (C_18:0) and arachidonic (C_20:4) acids accounted for most of the fatty acid pool. (3) Correlations in the content of fatty acids were noted between bone structures.     

Effect of crossbreeding with Limousine,Rubia Gallega and Belgium Blue on meat quality and fatty acid profile of Holstein calves

The object of this work was to study the effects of crossbreeding on meat quality and fatty acid profile of Holstein calves. Samples were taken from Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of 36 calves of three different groups (Holstein crossed with Rubia Gallega (HF×RG), Holstein crossed with Limousine (HF×LI) and Holstein crossed with Belgian Blue (HF×BB)). Significant differences were observed in carcass weight and killing out percentage (P < 0.001) among, groups reaching the highest values in the HF×BB group (228 kg and 59.4%, respectively), while the cross with Limousine presented the lowest values for carcass weight (191 kg) and the cross with Rubia Gallega showed the lowest killing out percentages (54.9%). Meat from HF×RG animals was redder (a* 13.31) and lightest (L* 39.55) than meat from HF×LI and HF×BB groups. With regard to fatty acid profile, the saturated fatty acids were the most abundant fatty acid, followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the three groups. Crossbreeding did not affect the proportion of fatty acid. Finally, live weight, cold carcass weight, killing out, shear force, L* from LT, b*from LT, a* from fat, b* from fat, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:3n‐6, MUFA and price‐to‐sales ratio were the selected variables from discriminant analysis to classify the types of crossbreeding.     

Effect of a genetic polymorphism in SREBP1 on fatty acid composition and related gene expression in subcutaneous fat tissue of beef cattle breeds

Sterol regulatory element-binding factor 1 (SREBP1) plays an important role in the lipogenesis which affects fatty acid (FA) composition in backfat and consequently influences beef nutritional quality. This study analyzed the association of 84 bp-indel, both short (S) and long (L) alleles in intron 5 of SREBP1, with FA composition and gene expression of SREBP1 in backfat of northern Spanish beef breeds (Pirenaica, Salers and Holstein-Friesian). Phylogenetic analysis suggests that 84 bp-indel of ruminants is a highly conserved region compared with those in the full-length sequence of intron 5 or mRNA of SREBP1 among species. Overall, higher content of polyunsaturated FAs was observed in SL genotype compared to LL genotype of 84 bp-Indel (p < .05). In particular, in Pirenaica, SL genotype was associated with a higher content of stearic (18:0), α-linolenic (18:3n-3) acid, and total n-3 content (p < .05). However, the gene expression of SREBP1 did not differ among genotypes of 84 bp-Indel (p > .05).     

Interactions of bovine oocytes with follicular elements with respect to lipid metabolism

Among many factors, lipid metabolism within the follicular environment emerges as an important indicator of oocyte quality. In the literature a crucial significance is described concerning follicular fluid (FF) composition as well as messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in follicular cells. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between oocyte, FF and follicular cells with regard to lipid metabolism. The set of data originating from individual follicles comprised: lipid droplets (LD) number in oocytes (BODIPY staining), mRNA expression of seven genes in cumulus and granulosa cells (SCD, FADS2, ELOVL2, ELOVL5, GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT8; real time polymerase chain reaction) and fatty acid (FA) composition in FF (gas chromatography). Obtained results demonstrate significant correlation between oocyte lipid droplets number and FA composition in FF. However, gene expression studies show significant correlation between LD number and GLUT1 gene only. Moreover, the present experiment revealed correlations between FA content in FF and expression of several genes (SCD, FADS2, ELOVL5, GLUT8) in granulosa cells, whereas only the SCD gene in cumulus cells. We suggest that the results of our experiment indicate the importance of glucose : lipid metabolism balance, which contributes to better understanding of energy metabolism conversion between oocytes and the maternal environment.     

中国荷斯坦牛FASN基因单核苷酸多态性对脂肪酸含量的影响

奶牛脂肪酸合成酶（FASN）在乳脂肪酸合成中起至关重要的作用。本研究利用PCR—SSCP方法检测了318头中国荷斯坦牛FASN基因第2、4、26、34外显子的单核苷酸多态性（SNP），并对FASN基因SNP对脂肪酸含量的影响进行分析。结果表明仅第34外显子（g．16009）存在A／G多态性，基因频率分别为0．4481和0．5519．其基因型分布符合Hardy—Weinberg平衡。方差分析表明，FASN基因SNP对短链脂肪酸相对含量有显著影响（P〈0．05）。AA和AB基因型短链脂肪酸相对含量显著高于BB型。该结果为奶牛脂肪酸合成的调控和选种、选育提供了理论基础。     

DECR1 and ME1 genotypes are associated with lipid composition traits in Duroc pigs

Variation at the porcine DECR1 and ME1 genes has been associated with meat quality traits and backfat thickness in Landrace pigs, respectively. However, it has not been investigated yet whether DECR1 and ME1 genotypes influence lipid composition. With this aim, we have genotyped two missense DECR1 substitutions (c.160G>C and c.437G>C) and one silent ME1 (c.576C>T) polymorphism in 361 Duroc barrows distributed in five half‐sib families and phenotyped for serum lipid concentrations and intramuscular fat content and composition traits. At the whole‐population level, relevant associations, that is, with a posterior probability of the allele substitution effect to be over or below zero (PPN0) > 0.90, were observed between DECR1 genotype and serum cholesterol (CHOL) (PPN0 = 0.932) and LDL concentrations (PPN0 = 0.945) at 190 days, as well as between ME1 genotype and longissimus dorsi saturated fatty acid content (PPN0 = 0.924). At the within‐family level, we found relevant associations between DECR1 and ME1 genotypes and diverse lipid composition traits, but most of them were family‐specific. Discrepancies in allele substitution effects estimated in half‐sib families might be produced by many factors such as number of individuals, marker allele frequencies and informativeness in each family, unaccounted random genetic and environmental effects, epistasis and family‐specific differences in the linkage phase or amount of linkage disequilibrium between causal and marker mutations. This lack of consistency across families, combined with the fact that the ME1 mutation is synonymous and that the two DECR1 polymorphisms are conservative, suggests that the associations found are not causative.     

Variations in genes involved in fat metabolism and their association with ultrasonic and carcass traits in Japanese Black steers

Polymorphisms in genes involved in lipid metabolism have been reported to be associated with fatty acid composition of adipose tissue. However, the relationship of these polymorphisms with premortem ultrasonic traits is unknown. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess the association between polymorphisms in fatty acid synthase, stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase (SCD), sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 (SREBP1), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, and nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, number 3 genes with ultrasonic and carcass traits in Japanese Black steers (n = 300) under progeny testing at the Livestock Improvement Association of Miyazaki. To have a comprehensive analysis of the association between the aforementioned genetic polymorphisms and ultrasonic traits, longitudinal measurements of ultrasonic traits were taken. Furthermore, the association of these genetic polymorphisms and carcass traits was evaluated. The polymorphisms in the SCD gene and SREBP1 were associated (P < 0.05) with some ultrasonic traits at multiple stages. To add to that, the polymorphisms were associated (P < 0.05) with some carcass traits. These findings suggest that the polymorphisms in SCD and SREBP1 are functional mutations or could be related to mutations that can aid in selection to improve some ultrasonic and carcass traits.     

Expression analyses of candidate genes related to meat quality traits in squabs from two breeds of meat‐type pigeon

In this study, meat quality traits were compared between squabs from two pigeon breeds: one Chinese indigenous breed, the Shiqi (SQ) meat‐type pigeon, and an imported breed, the white king (WK) meat‐type pigeon. Breed differences were detected in the content of intramuscular fat (IMF) in the breast muscle. SQ squabs had significantly higher IMF content than the WK birds. The shear force value (an objective measure of meat tenderness) of SQ birds was also relatively lower than that of the WK squabs. Further analysis of fatty acids profile revealed that SQ squabs exhibited significant advantage in the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids, while WK squabs were significantly higher in the sum of monounsaturated fatty acids. Breast muscle in the SQ squabs was also significantly higher in the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids, as well as the sum of omega 6 fatty acids. Variability of expression levels of functional genes in relation to fat accumulation and meat tenderness was analysed by qRT‐PCR. Gene expression analyses showed that the hepatic expression of LPL (lipoprotein lipase), FABP4 (fatty acid‐binding protein 4), and CAPN2 (calpain‐2) were significantly higher in the SQ squabs. In the breast muscle tissue, the FABP3 (fatty acid‐binding protein 3) and CAPN2mRNA abundance was significantly higher in SQ squabs. Our results suggested that these differentially expressed genes might be candidate genes used in the programmes of targeted selection for squabs with higher IMF content, tender meat, and more favourable fatty acids composition.     

Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Digestive Tract of Lactating Cows Fed Tallow in Increasing Amounts at Two Feed Levels

Abstract

Long-chain fatty acid metabolism in the digestive tract was studied in lactating cows fed at two levels of dry matter intake (L, 8.6 kg DM and H, 12.6 kg DM), with 0, 4 and 6% added tallow at low feed level (L0, L4 and L6), and 0, 2, 4 and 6% fat at high feed level (H0, H2, H4 and H6). Mean fatty acid balance from mouth to duodenum was about zero when corrected for endogenous fatty acids from bile. However, regression analysis showed a microbial synthesis of 68 g at zero fatty acid intake, and a trend which indicated declining de novo synthesis of fatty acids with increasing fat level in the diet. As a mean 68% of the unsaturated C18 fatty acids were hydrogenated in the rumen.

Fatty acid and crude fat true digestibilities decreased with increasing fat intakes owing to a decrease in stearic acid (C18:0) digestibility.     

Genetic mapping using 1.4M SNP array refined loci for fatty acid composition traits in Chinese Erhualian and Bamaxiang pigs

Chinese indigenous pigs display marked genetic and phenotypic differences compared with western commercial pigs. In this study, we tested the association between 660K SNPs and longissimus muscle fatty acid composition traits in Chinese Erhualian (n = 331) and Bamaxiang (n = 315) pigs based on a customized 1.4 million SNP array. We identified a total of 64 significant associations for 20 fatty acid composition traits at the p‐value threshold of 1 × 10^?6 among which 42 associations in low linkage disequilibrium (r² < .2) with previously reported loci were considered novel. We substantially improved the strength and precision of the associations at four previously detected loci near FADS2, ELOVL7, ELOVL6 and FASN genes, facilitating follow‐up candidate gene studies. Moreover, we also identified loci near ABCD2, ACSBG1, ELOVL5, HPGDS, DAGT2, ACAD10 and ACSL1 genes with function relevant to metabolism of fatty acids. In this study, valuable genetic variants and candidate genes associated with fatty acid composition traits were identified in Erhualian and Bamaxiang pigs. Some identified loci could be used to improve pork nutrition in pig breeding practice. Using the SNP array with higher marker density and less ascertainment bias improved QTL detection power and precision in Chinese indigenous pigs.     

Relationships between the contents of vaccenic acid, CLA and n − 3 fatty acids of goat milk and the muscle of their suckling kids

The relationship between goat milk fatty acid composition, especially trans-11 C18:1 (vaccenic acid, VA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and n − 3 fatty acids, and that of the meat from their suckling kids was investigated by feeding the dams a diet supplemented with whole cottonseed (COT) or extruded linseed (LIN). Fifteen Sarda goats, fed 1.2 kg/day per head of concentrate and hay ad libitum, were divided into two groups and supplemented during weeks 4 and 5 post-partum with 32 g/day per head of fat from LIN and COT, which have high C18:3 and C18:2 content, respectively. Fifteen kids were fed exclusively by suckling maternal milk until slaughtering (at 9–10 kg of body weight and approximately 6 weeks of age). Twenty-four hour after slaughter, the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was removed from each carcass. Fatty acid profiles of milk and LD were significantly affected by diets. Compared to COT, feeding LIN changed the milk fatty acid profiles by decreasing the proportion of C16:0 and increasing the contents of VA, C18:3 n − 3 (linolenic acid) and total CLA, including cis-9, trans-11-, trans-11, cis-13-, trans-11, trans-13- and trans, trans isomers. The concentrations of VA, cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 (rumenic acid, RA) and linolenic acid in milk and those in kid muscle were strongly correlated. The fatty acid profile of meat from suckling kids was effectively modified by manipulating the diet of the dams.