linseed oil, although the basic ration contained also olive oil.
The finding confirmed that the addition of only 0.5% of
linseed oil suffices for altering the fatty acid composition
of intramuscular adipose tissue. Linseed oil treated with
formaldehyde was used in studies in beef cattle for the
reduction of protein degradation and bio-hydrogenation
of fatty acids in the rumen (Choi et al., 2000). Increase
of n-3 unsaturated fatty acids was confirmed, particularly
as regards LNA, EPA, DPA, but not DHA. According to
Raes et al. (2004), the animal nutrition in the early period
of life is of exceptional importance for the formation and
incorporation of long chain PUFA in intramuscular adipose
tissue, especially in phospholipids. Continuous, long-term
feeding with specially adapted diet is of utmost significance. Increased level of n-3 unsaturated fatty acids in
intramuscular adipose tissue was found in beef cattle kept
on pasture in comparison with animals given concentrated feed. Six-fold increases of EPA and LNA levels and a
three-fold increase of DHA were recorded in meat (Lorenz
et al., 2002). In free-range rearing of pigs with access to