Seasonal variation of fat composition in sheep's milk from areas of central Italy

Abstract

This study was conducted on sheep's milk to determine the fat composition in flocks of different breeds (Suffolk, Fabrianese, Sopravvissana, Sarda) living in Marche region areas (central Italy). Samples were collected from December to July and the fatty acid profile, cholesterol content and lipid peroxidation status were analysed. The results show high levels of saturated fatty acids (SAT) for each period of the year considered. The amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) is three to five times higher than polyunsaturated ones (PUFA). An increase in PUFA content is present in samples collected in May and July. The content of cis-9,trans-11- and trans-10,cis-12-CLA isomers increases in May, reaching the highest values in July. The results reported here are of importance since the conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) content in cheese will depend on the CLA content of milk itself and this should be taken into account due to the beneficial effects of CLA isomers on human health.