Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2017
The health benefits of n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to humans are now widely recognised. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n -3 series such as a-linolenic acid (C18:3n -3), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n -3; EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n -3; DHA) reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases (Department of Health, 1994). CLA has a diverse array of potential beneficial health effects which include anticarcinogenesis, antiatherogenesis, immune system modulation, antidiabetic effects and reduction of body fat accretion (Bessa et al., 2000). However, the consumption of both n -3 PUFA and CLA by humans is currently less than optimal. The current study investigates the extent to which n -3 PUFA and CLA in milk fat of lactating ewes may be enhanced by feeding diets rich in EPA and DHA.