Short-chain aliphatic acids in the interdigital gland secretion of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.), and their discrimination by reindeer

Interdigital gland secretion from reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.) was analyzed by thin-layer chromatography and gas chromato-graphy. The short-chain acid fraction consisted of acetic, propionic, isobutyric,n-butyric, isovaleric, 2-methylbutyric,n-valeric, isocaproic, andn-caproic acids. The short-chain acids were produced by sterol esters when hydrolyzed in the gland-probably by microorganisms. Triglycerides present did not contain any short-chain acids. By testing isovaleric acid and isobutyric acid applied on small filter papers placed in a pen and measuring the number of sniffings on and towards the samples, we elicited good response at 1 ng application compared with the blanks, while pivalic acid gave no response under the same conditions.