Fatty acids composition of ewe`s milk at different altitudes

The fatty acid composition was determined in ewe’s milk (pasture feeding), originating from plain, subalpine and alpine areas. Significant differences were encountered in the milk of the three origins. Compared to cow milk, the fatty acids which differed significantly depending on the altitude were often different, probably because of the different fodder specific for sheep (grazing on natural grassland, addition of concentrates containing vegetable fatty acids). However, similarly to cow milk, the concentrations of CLA and omega-3 fatty acids in sheep milk was higher in the milk originating from the higher altitudes.