This study shows that the content of n−3 FA and linolenic
biohydrogenation products such as CLNA, CLA, non-CLA dienes and
trans-MUFA were predicted with accuracy by means of NIR spectroscopy
in the subcutaneous fat of beef cows fed flaxseed. These
predictions were better from warm than from cold subcutaneous fat
samples what would potentially allow NIR spectra to be collected
immediately after slaughter. Additionally, accurate NIRS predictions
were found for individual biohydrogenation intermediates including
rumenic and vaccenic acids, which have purported health benefits.
Furthermore, NIR spectroscopy could discriminate 100% of subcutaneous
fat samples from beef cows fed different diets (hay/barley silage
with or without flaxseed supplementation). Hence, this technology
has the potential to quickly and accurately estimate the content of FA
of subcutaneous fat from beef cows, particularly when feeding diets
with large differences in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Further research
will now be required to further validate NIR spectroscopy for fatty acid
analyses on-line in the abattoir