Fat content and composition of mare milk

This review summarises knowledge on fat and fatty acid composition in mare milk. The fat content is very low in mare milk, generally comprised between 10 and 20 g/kg, but can sometimes be lower than 5 g/kg, with diets rich in concentrates. Milk fat strongly decreases during the first 2 - 3 months of lactation then remains stable or slightly decreases. fat composition is characterised by a high content in polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic and alfa-linolenic acid. The proportion of this latter fatty acid, known for a positive effect on human health, is very variable but can reach 25% especially when mares are on pasture. No other fatty acids beneficial to human health, as conjugated linoleic acid, are found in significant amounts.