This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chitosan, chitosan oligomer and beef tallow of different levels on lipid metabolism in rats, Seventy male rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain were blocked into 10 groups according to body weight , and were raised for 4 weeks. Dietary fat levels were 20% en and 40% en, and chitosan and chitosan oligomer were given at levels of 05, 3%, and 5%(wt/wt) of diet. The results are summarized as follows, chitosan oligomer supplement decreased serum total lipid, as chitosan 양, and exhibited a tendency to decrease serum total cholesterol. Chitosan oligomer supplement tended to increase the HDL cholesterol ; total cholesterol ration as chitosan did. Liver total lipid and triglyceride concentration were lower in high fat groups than in low fat groups. Liver total lipid concentrations was decreased slightly by chitosan and sigfnificantly by chitosna ligomer. Epididymal fat pad total lipid. total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration were slightly decreased by chitosan and chitosan oligomer supplement, especially in high fat groups. fat absorptivity was decreased by low fat level, chitisan and chitosan oligamer supplement. Fecal excretion of total lipid and triglyceride were increased by high fat level, chitosan and chi샌무 oligomer supplement. However, fecal excretion of total cholesterol was increased by high fat level and chitosan supplement. This indicated that chitosan and chitosan oligomer were effective in interfering with lipid and triglyceride absorption, In conclusion, chitosan oligomer at levels of 3% and 5% has more effective lipid, cholesterol and triglyceride lowering activity than chitosan.