Characterization of branched-chain fatty acids from fallow deer perinephric triacylglycerols by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Branched-chain fatty acids of perinephric triacylglycerols of semi-feral fallow deer (Dama dama dama) were analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Of the total fatty acids, 15.50% were Branched-chain components including 8.96% iso acids, mostly 14-methylpentacanoic acid, 2.85% anteiso acids and 1.73% of other monomethyl-substituted acids; dimethyl-branched acids with an iso structure (1.05%) and with an anteiso structure (0.18%) were also present. Whereas the predominant iso acids and methyl-substituted iso acids had chain lengths of 13 and 15 carbon atoms, the anteiso acids and methyl-substituted anteiso acids had chain lengths of 14 and 16 carbon atoms. Methyl substitution occurred on the even numbered carbon atoms relative to the carboxyl group. The general composition is also given of the fatty acids comprising the triacylglycerols of subcutaneous (rump area) and perinephric adipose tissue.