Evaluation of surface lipids of sheep wool following dietary inclusion of emulsified fatty acid complex

Fatty acids, particularly ω-3, ω-6, and ω-9 play vital roles in sheep nutrition, but their influence on the protective properties of wool grease remained unclear. This study assessed the effects of dietary supplementation with an emulsified fatty acid complex on both the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of wool surface lipids in adult Prekos ewes and their lambs. The experimental group received a water soluble emulsion containing linoleic, oleic, palmitic, arachidonic, stearic, and α linolenic acids incorporated into the basal diet. Wax content was determined via Soxhlet extraction, and sweat salts were measured by aqueous extraction. Lipid classes were separated by thin layer chromatography, and fatty acid profiles were quantified using gas liquid chromatography. Results indicate a significant increase in wax secretion in ewes (P < 0.01) and lambs (P < 0.05), along with a decrease in sweat pH among lambs (P < 0.05). In ewe wax, levels of lanosterol (P < 0.01) and esterified cholesterol (P < 0.05) were elevated; lamb wax exhibited increases in lanosterol (P < 0.05) and dehydrocholesterol (P < 0.05). Both ewes and lambs showed a reduction in polar lipid content (P < 0.05), suggesting diminished accumulation of oxidative products. Analysis of fatty acid composition in the ewe group revealed significant increases in cerotic (C26:0; P < 0.001), lauric (C12:0; P < 0.01), and oleic (C18:1; P < 0.01) acids. Therefore, dietary inclusion of an emulsified fatty acid complex enhances the protective properties of wool grease by modulating wax and fatty acid composition, with potential benefits for fiber integrity and resilience.