Variation in Fatty Acids Concentration in Grasses, Legumes, and Forbs in the Allegheny Plateau

This study was conducted to determine the fatty acid (FA) content in pasture grasses, legumes, and non-leguminous forbs in northeast West Virginia. Grass, legume, and forb plant material were collected from rotationally stocked pastures and analyzed for crude protein (CP), linoleic acid (C18:2), alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3), and total FA content. Species within botanical classes varied in FA content. Forbs had the highest linoleic acid (C18:2) content followed by legume and grass species. Grasses and forbs had the highest alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) content. Forbs had the highest total FA content. These field data were combined with FA data from the research literature to evaluate the correlation of CP concentration with fatty acid concentration. Likewise, after accounting for CP, the summer months caused a decrease while forbs caused an increase in alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) content. Vegetative growth and leafiness are the major determinants of FA content in pasture forage. Grazing management to benefit vegetative growth and the presence of desirable forbs in tune with seasonal changes are valuable tools to increase desirable FA profiles in milk and meat products that may be of benefit to human health.

Automated summary

This study examined the fatty acid content in different types of pasture grasses, legumes, and non-leguminous forbs in northeast West Virginia. The research found variations in fatty acid content among different plant species, with forbs having the highest linoleic acid content and grasses and forbs having the highest alpha-linolenic acid content. The study also evaluated the correlation between crude protein concentration and fatty acid concentration, and found that the summer months and the presence of forbs affected the alpha-linolenic acid content. Vegetative growth and leafiness were identified as major factors influencing the fatty acid content in pasture forage.