Glycerolipid biosynthesis in adipose tissue of the bovine during growth

1. Rates of palmitate esterification in tissue slices and glycerophosphate acyltransferase activity in homogenates were determined in bovine subcutaneous and intermuscular adipose tissue at 340, 418 or 498 kg of live weight. 2. Lower rib section fat accretion rates were observed from 340 to 418 kg than from 418 to 498 kg. 3. Changes in palmitate esterification rates at different body weights were consistent with reduced rib section fat accretion as well as with reported differences in fat accretion in subcutaneous and intermuscular fat depots. 4. Glycerophosphate acyltransferase activity was increased at 418 kg and remained elevated whereas palmitate esterification was decreased at 418 and then increased at 498 kg. 5. Differences between palmitate esterification and glycerophosphate acyltransferase in vitro may have been related to differences in substrate supply.