Journal of Lipid Research, Vol. 15, 243-248, May 1974
Copyright © 1974 by Lipid Research, Inc.
Chemical composition of uropygial gland secretions of owls
Jürgen Jacob and Jens Poltz
Biochemisches Institut für Umweltcarcinogene, Ahrensburg/Holstein, West Germany
The compositions of the uropygial gland secretions of the long-eared owl, eagle owl, and barn owl have been determined. The waxes of the first two owls, which are closely related, are composed of 2-alkyl-substituted fatty acids and n- or monomethyl-branched alcohols with even-numbered branching positions. In addition, some dimethyl-substituted alkanols were observed. In contrast to these waxes, the secretion of the barn owl is composed of 3-methyl- and 3,5-, 3,7-, 3,9-, 3,11-, 3,13-, and 3,15-dimethyl-branched fatty acids and n- as well as monomethyl-substituted alkanols branched at positions 2, 3, and 4. The mass spectra of esters of 2-alkyl-substituted fatty acids are discussed.
Supplementary key words long-eared owl • eagle owl • barn owl • 2-alkyl fatty acids • 2-ethyl fatty acids • 2-propyl fatty acids • 2-butyl fatty acids • branched fatty acids • chemotaxonomy • birds
Submitted on October 16, 1973
Accepted on January 22, 1974
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