Effect of a high linoleic acid diet on lipogenic enzyme activities and on the composition of the lipid fraction of fat and lean tissues in the pig.

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of a high linoleic acid diet on lipogenic enzyme activities in pig tissues and on the dietetic quality of these tissues (subcutaneous adipose tissue, Semimembranosus and Diaphragma muscles). Pigs were fed diet M containing 4% of maize oil or diet T containing 4% of tallow from 40 to 100 kg live weight. We did not observe any differences in growth or slaughter performances that could be attributed to diet. Lipogenic enzyme activities were higher in the adipose tissue of pigs fed diet M. However, diet had no effect on lipogenesis in the muscles. The lipid, linoleic acid, and cholesterol contents were higher in the adipose tissue of pigs fed diet M whereas the oleic acid concentration of the adipose tissue was lower. No significant increase in the lipid content of either muscle was however observed in pigs fed diet M. The linoleic acid and cholesterol contents were higher in both muscles of pigs fed diet M than in muscles of pigs fed diet T.