Different patterns of volatile compounds and fatty acid profiles in the adipose tissues of male and female Hu sheep

This study was conducted to compare the volatile and fatty acid (FA) components between rams and ewes and between perirenal (PF) and subcutaneous adipose tissues (SF). The SF and PF were sampled from 24 Hu sheep. Volatile compounds and FAs were evaluated by gas chromatographymass spectrometry. Data analysis was performed by principal component analysis. A total of 55 volatiles and 19 fatty acids were identified. Ewes had more aldehydes and less total unsaturated and monounsaturated FAs than did rams, and more aldehydes, total unsaturated and monounsaturated FAs were found in SF than in PF. Aldehydes and unsaturated FAs were closely related with the distinction between ram SF and PF. It is inferred that volatile compound profiles are different between genders and fat sites, with aldehydes as the main contributor, and that aldehydes are related to unsaturated FA contents in Hu sheep.