Fatty acids, cholesterol and protein content of nutria (Myocastor coypus) meat from an intensive production system in Uruguay

This study describes the total lipids, protein and fatty acids in the meat, liver, brain and adipose tissue of five male and five female nutria (Myocastor coypus). The animals were reared on a specialized farm in Uruguay. Total lipid content was between 1.41% and 1.84% in males and females. Total cholesterol content was between 70.1 mg and 72.7 mg/100 g of wet tissue. The protein content was between 19.56% and 22.34% in males and females. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected between males and females for total lipid, cholesterol or protein. Total, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid values were higher (P < 0.001) in female than in male thigh muscle. Pectoral muscle had more (P < 0.05) saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in females than in males. Subcutaneous adipose tissue from females had the highest (P < 0.01) total, saturated and monounsaturated but not polyunsaturated fatty acids while abdominal adipose tissue from males had more polyunsaturated fatty.