Distribution of hydrocarbons in bovine tissues

Liver, heart, kidneys, muscle and adipose (perirenal and subcutaneous) tissues were collected from six animals for analysis of their hydrocarbon composition. Qualitative and quantitative determinations were carried out by gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Although differing in the proportions, a homologous series of n-alkanes ranging from n-C12 to n-C31 was found in all the samples examined. The isoprenoid hydrocarbons phytane and phytene (phy-1-ene and phyt-2-ene) were also identified.