Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare European wild boar (Sus scrofa) with chromosomal number 2n = 36 to phenotypically similar animals with 2n = 37 and 2n = 38 chromosomes (crossbreeds) with respect to fatty acid (FA) profile and cholesterol content. According to gender and genetic group (2n = 36, 2n = 37, and 2n = 38; seven animals each), the FA profile in longissimus dorsi (LD), semimembranosus (SM) muscles, and back fat was measured. Cholesterol content of LD and SM muscles was also analysed. The animals were fed and reared under the same conditions until slaughter at the age of nine months. FA profiles of LD, SM, and back fat were measured by GC and cholesterol with HPTLC. SM muscle of wild boar group (2n = 36) showed a higher proportion of PUFAs and lower C16:0 and C18:0 than that of crossbreeds. No differences in the FA profiles of LD and cholesterol content of LD and SM muscles among karyotypes were found. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.