The meat of Yakut cows contains the most omega-3 fatty acids - scientists

According to these indicators, they surpassed other farm animals and even some species of fish. This was reported by the press service of the federal research center "Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences" (FRC KSC SB RAS), the work was published in the journal Foods.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of the omega-3 family are essential for the normal development and functioning of the human cardiovascular and nervous systems. Moreover, such acids are substances that are synthesized in aquatic ecosystems and are scarce on land. The main source of omega-3 for humans is fish. However, commercial catches have reached their maximum and their further increase may lead to a reduction in fish in water bodies.

“Scientists from the Federal Research Center Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center SB RAS, together with colleagues from several Siberian academic organizations and universities, found that of all farm animals, Yakut cows contain a record high amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their meat and liver. Consumption of these acids is recommended for prevention cardiovascular diseases in humans. <…> The study showed that the meat of Yakut cattle, grazed on pastures in harsh climates, has a unique composition of fatty acids and is a valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids,” the report says.

Scientists have calculated indicators that reflect the influence of the fatty acid composition of cows on human health . 

“According to the results obtained, the meat and liver of Yakut cows have anti-atherogenic properties. That is, they inhibit (slow down - TASS note ) the accumulation of plaques in the vascular system and reduce cholesterol levels and the formation of blood clots in blood vessels. One of the important indicators of the nutritional value of products is the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids. According to this indicator, the quality of lipids in the meat and liver of Yakut cattle was twice as high as the recommended values ​​of the World Health Organization. <...> According to certain indicators, the quality of meat and liver of Yakut cows was higher than that of some types of fish," - explained the press service.

The indigenous Yakut breed of cows lives in the northeastern region of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). There are only a few thousand animals of this breed. According to Olesya Makhutova, Doctor of Biological Sciences, leading researcher at the Institute of Biophysics SB RAS, it is necessary to take measures to increase the population of this breed, while maintaining the current conditions of keeping and feeding these animals.