COMPOSITION OF MILK FROM THE FLORIDA MANATEE, TRICHECHUS-MANATUS-LATIROSTRIS

1. 1. Milk composition data on the Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris were collected. 2. 2. Manatee milk had a higher content of lipid and protein than bovine milk. No lactose and a very small amount of citric acid were present. 3. 3. Manatee milk fat was primarily triglyceride and present as globules (0.7-7.0 μm in diameter). Of total fatty acids, 18:1, 16:0, and 16:1 accounted for 47, 20 and 12%. Phospholipid and cholesterol were present. 4. 4. Three major protein bands were evident upon electrophoresis; no protein precipitated at pH4.6. 5. 5. Salt content of manatee milk was higher than that of bovine milk. © 1979.