The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of dietary propionate supplementation on the proportion of odd-numbered and methyl-branched chain fatty acids in different subcutaneous adipose tissue sites. These fatty acids are responsible, in part, for abnormally soft subcutaneous adipose tissue. Twelve male lambs were fed two rich carbohydrate diets based mainly on barley, ad libitum, one of which was supplemented with 5 per cent of sodium propionate. The fatty acid compositions of 3 adipose tissue sites (dorsal, caudal and sternal) were analysed. The animals fed with the propionate diet showed a significant increase in the proportion of odd-numbered fatty acids in all 3 sites, and a trend for an increase in the methyl-branched chain ones for the dorsal adipose tissue. This experiment confirms the role of propionate as a precursor of odd-numbered and methyl-branched chain fatty acids.