Production system and slaughter age effects on intramuscular fatty acids from young Tudanca bulls

• Published in: Meat science 2012-03, Vol.90 (3), p.678-685
• Main Authors: Humada, M.J., Serrano, E., Sañudo, C., Rolland, D.C., Dugan, M.E.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abattoirs - standards; Animal Feed; Animals; Beef; Biological and medical sciences; Breeding; Cattle; Conjugated linoleic acid; Consumer Behavior; Diet - veterinary; Dietary Fats; Feeding system; Food Handling - methods; Food industries; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated - analysis; Lipid profile; Local breed; Male; Meat - analysis; Meat and meat product industries; Muscle, Skeletal - chemistry
• ISSN: 0309-1740; 1873-4138
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2011.10.013

Thirty-three young bulls from Tudanca local breed were used to investigate the effect of two production systems (semi-extensive vs. intensive) and two slaughter ages (12 vs. 14months) on meat fatty acid (FA) composition. Longissimus thoracis from semi-extensive animals had a lower percentage of intramuscular fat (p≤0.001), saturated FAs (p≤0.05), trans-18:1 (p≤0.001), n-6/n-3 ratio (p≤0.001) and a higher percentage of branched chain FAs (p≤0.001), polyunsaturated FAs (p≤0.001) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (p≤0.001). Few differences were observed in FA composition between slaughter ages. Hence, meat from semi-extensive animals slaughtered at 12 or 14months displayed a healthier FA profile from a consumer's point of view. ► Tudanca intramuscular fatty acids are strongly affected by production system. ► Semi-extensive feeding decreased saturated fatty acids, trans-18:1 and n-6/n-3. ► Semi-extensive feeding increased c9,t11-18:2 and branched chain fatty acids. ► Few differences were observed in fatty acids between 12 and 14 months slaughter ages.