Fatty acid composition of black bear (Ursus americanus) milk during and after the period of winter dormancy

摘要: Black bears give birth and lactate during the 2–3-mon fast of winter dormancy. Thereafter female emerges from den with her cubs begins to feed. We investigated fatty acid patterns milk native Pennsylvania black period dormancy, as well after emergence. Throughout composition remained relatively constant. The principal acids at all times were 14∶0, 16∶0, 16∶1, 18∶0, 18∶1, 18∶2n−6, 18∶3n−3 20∶4n−6. After emergence, large changes occurred in almost acids, particularly 18∶2n−6 18∶3n−3. Large variability among active free-ranging animals likely reflected differences diet. In a carnivore, apparently limitedde novo synthesis may be affected by factors such transition reliance on stored lipids feeding, temporal dietary intake.