Influence of a rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid mixture on carcass traits and meat quality in young simmental heifers1

• Published in: Journal of animal science 2012-05, Vol.90 (5), p.1532-1540
• Main Authors: Schlegel, G., Ringseis, R., Shibani, M., Most, E., Schuster, M., Schwarz, F. J., Eder, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal sciences; Cattle; Fatty acids; Meat quality; Weight
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163
• DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-3617

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of feeding rumen-protected CLA during the early growing period on physical and chemical beef properties in young Simmental heifers. Thirty six 5 months old heifers (initial BW 185 ± 21 kg) were allotted to three treatment groups and fed daily 250 g of different rumen-protected fats for 16 weeks: The control group received 250 g of a CLA-free control fat, the CLA100 group received 100 g of a CLA fat containing 2.4% of cis-9, trans-11 CLA and 2.1% of trans-10, cis-12 CLA and 150 g control fat, and the CLA250 group received 250 g of the CLA fat. Heifer growth performance parameters as well as carcass weight, classification (conformation and fatness), and weights of organs and fat depots were not affected (P > 0.05) by CLA supplementation. Concentration of trans-10, cis-12 CLA in tissues (LM and subcutaneous fat) was dose-dependently increased (P < 0.01) by CLA supplementation, whereas that of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in these tissues did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. The ratio of saturated to monounsaturated fatty acids was increased (P < 0.01) in tissues of CLA fed heifers compared to control heifers. Concentration of ...-tocopherol in LM was greater (P = 0.01) in heifers of the two CLA groups than in control heifers. Other quality characteristics such as drip loss during storage, cooking loss, intramuscular fat content, and color parameters in LM did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that feeding of rumen-protected CLA during the early growing period changes tissue fatty acid composition, but does not influence beef quality parameters. Performance parameters and carcass traits in young heifers, unlike in pigs and laboratory animals, are not influenced by CLA feeding. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]