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Characterization and Interrelationship of Certain Plasma Lipids during the Fattening Period in Beef Cattle¹

University of Wisconsin^,3, Madison

Abstract

Twelve beef steers were fed individually and ad libitum from 9 to 16 months of age at which time their shrunk weight was about 1,000 lb. Blood samples were obtained at 9 months of age and every 30 days thereafter until the end of the feeding period at 16 months.

Differences for total plasma fat, lipid phosphorus and total, free and esterified cholesterol were found between animals fed similarly and of comparable age and weight. During the test period all plasma lipids observed showed a marked increase in concentration. Of the total increase in total plasma fat which occurred during the test period, 76.2% had taken place by 13 months of age; whereas, a much lower portion of the total increase had taken place in the cholesterol fractions. The percent change in cholesterol esters occurring during the test period was significantly correlated with the percent change of free cholesterol, indicating that the ratio between the two components remained quite constant. The ratio of esterified to free cholesterol was about 2:1. Total plasma cholesterol levels at 9 and 16 months were significantly correlated with cholesterol ester levels at comparable stages. Total cholesterol levels at 9 months and 16 months were significanty correlated, indicating that high or low cholesterol levels are characteristic of an individual animal. Plasma lipid phosphorus at 9 months was significantly correlated with the 16-month determinations of cholesterol esters, total cholesterol and free cholesterol. This significant association between lipid phosphorus level and all 16-month cholesterol determinations is unexplained.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the Wisconsin Experiment Station.

² The authors acknowledge the support by research grant from Northern Pump Hereford Farm.

³ Departments of Meat and Animal Science, Paper No. 364, and Biochemistry.