Effect of slaughter season on fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid isomers and nutritional value of intramuscular fat in Barrosã-PDO veal

• Published in: Meat science 2007, Vol.75 (1), p.44-52
• Main Authors: Alfaia, Cristina M.M., Castro, Matilde L.F., Martins, Susana I.V., Portugal, Ana P.V., Alves, Susana P.A., Fontes, Carlos M.G.A., Bessa, Rui J.B., Prates, José A.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: beef quality; Biological and medical sciences; breeds; cattle feeding; CLA isomers; conjugated linoleic acid; cow-calf operations; fatty acid composition; Fatty acids; Food industries; forage grasses; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; lipid content; Meat and meat product industries; Meat quality; omega-3 fatty acids; omega-6 fatty acids; pastures; polyunsaturated fatty acids; Production systems; saturated fatty acids; seasonal variation; seasons; slaughter; stereoisomers; Veal; veal calves
• ISSN: 0309-1740; 1873-4138
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2006.06.013

This paper describes the influence of slaughter season on lipid content, fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomeric profile and nutritional value of fat in Barrosã veal from calves reared according to the specifications of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Barrosã purebred calves ( n = 27) were raised in a traditional production system and slaughtered in early autumn (October) and late spring (June). Barrosã-PDO veal only presented seasonal differences in the levels of some minor fatty acids and CLA isomers, as well as in the PUFA/SFA ratio. Based on the analysed grass intake indicators, it was shown that veal-PDO has similar values to pasture-fed cattle for both slaughter seasons. From a human nutrition perspective, intramuscular fat in Barrosã-PDO veal has a high nutritional value throughout the year, since CLA contents and the percentages of the c9,t11 isomer are relatively high, and the n − 6/ n − 3 ratios are within the recommended values for the human diet.