Carotenoids and tocopherol in plasma and subcutaneous fat colour to trace forage-feeding in growing steers

Dietary Inclusion of Carob Pulp (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Does Not Replace the Antioxidant Effect of Vitamin E in Lambs' Meat to Lengthen Shelf-Life

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of dietary carob pulp (Cp, Ceratonia siliqua L.) and vitamin E (Vit E) on the quality and shelf-life of light lamb meat stored for a maximum of 15 days under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Forty-eight lambs (half females and half entire males, 25.3 ± 0.3 kg of body weight and 83 ± 5.8 days old) were randomly selected and slaughtered after an experimental fattening period with a 2 × 2 factorial design: 0 vs. 20% Cp and 40 vs. 300 IU of Vit E/kg of diet for 41 days. The carcass traits, fatty acid (FA) profile, antioxidant content, colour, lipid oxidation, and microbial count in the meat were evaluated. Scarce interactions between Cp and Vit E were observed on most of the variables studied. The dietary inclusion of Cp did not affect carcass traits (p > 0.05) but produced minor changes in the content of branched FA and reduced the α-tocopherol content in the meat (p < 0.05), while no impact was observed on discolouration or lipid oxidation (p > 0.05). High Vit E supplementation increased the yellowness of caudal fat and the α-tocopherol content, which limited discolouration and lipid oxidation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the High Vit E diet (without Cp) controlled the psychrotrophic bacterial count after 15 days of storage. At slaughter, males were heavier than females but had lower carcass dressing (p < 0.05). The lambs' sex had minor impacts on the quality and shelf-life of meat. This study demonstrated that there is no synergistic interaction between Cp and Vit E on lamb meat quality and shelf-life. Including 20% of Cp in lamb diets is feasible without impairing meat quality. Nevertheless, supplementation with 300 IU of Vit E/kg of feed is essential to extend the shelf-life of meat stored under MAP.

Statistical approaches for assessing meat quality and heifer rumen histology based on dietary forage

Introduction

Feeding local forages to ruminants is a promising strategy for enhancing metabolic processes, promoting sustainable farming, and improving product quality. However, studies comparing the effects of different forages on rumen histology and meat attributes of heifers are limited and variable.

Material and methods

This study evaluated the benefits of incorporating local forages into heifer diets by comparing barley straw (BS) and oat hay (OH) on heifer attributes focusing on meat quality (MQ) and rumen status (RS). Sixteen crossbred (Charolais x Limousin) female heifers (7 months of age, 263 ± 10.50 kg) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments (BS or OH) over 120 days.

Results and discussion

Heifers fed OH showed enhanced RS (p < 0.05), characterized by improved intestinal epithelial integrity and a lower percentage of hyperpigmented cells, suggesting a potential reduction in inflammatory processes compared to BS, which may indicate a lower risk of metabolic diseases. Despite this, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in animal performance, chemical composition, and technological properties of the meat between the dietary groups, while lower levels (p < 0.05) of certain saturated fatty acids (C12:0, C15:0, and C22:0) were found in the meat from heifers fed OH. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced the variables and demonstrated that all variables assessed can be condensed into four new variables explaining 75.06% of the variability. Moreover, biplot analysis reveals that the OH diet could be discriminated from BS. Our findings suggest that OH is a valuable fiber source, positively influencing certain heifer attributes, and supporting sustainable animal agriculture practices.

Fattening Pigs with Tannin-Rich Source (Ceratonia siliqua L.) and High Doses of Vitamin E: Effects on Growth Performance, Economics, Digestibility, Physiology, and Behaviour

This study aimed to assess the impact on growth, economic results, apparent nutrient digestibility (CTTAD), physiological variables, and animal behaviour when 214 fattening pigs (78 ± 8.5 kg of initial body weight and 130 ± 4.5 days of age) of both sexes (gilts and boars) were fed two levels of carob pulp (Cp, 0 vs. 20%) and two doses of vitamin E (Vit E, 30 vs. 300 IU/kg) for 40 days. No interaction effects between factors studied (Cp, Vit E, and sex) were observed on the variables. Most productive traits were unaffected by Cp or Vit E inclusion. However, the Cp increased the feed conversion ratio during the first 20 days. The Cp group showed a higher CTTAD of ether extract and hemicellulose but lower CTTAD of crude protein. Pigs fed Cp had a lower plasmatic urea content than the control group. The high Vit E doses increased the CTTAD of every nutrient and the plasmatic α-tocopherol content. The pigs fed Cp tended to spend more time eating in the early morning, likely to mitigate tannins' astringent effects. Dietary inclusion of 20% Cp in finishing high-conformation pigs is possible without affecting overall performance though it reduces nutrient CTTAD and increases feeding cost. Supra-nutritional doses of Vit E do not affect pig performance but increase the α-tocopherol deposition with potential antioxidant effects.

Visible spectroscopy on lamb fat and muscle to authenticate the duration of pasture finishing

Pasture-based livestock systems are considered environmentally-sustainable and welfare-friendly farming systems that can meet consumer demand for good-quality produce. However, trust in products labelled as 'grass-fed' depends on the ability to reliably authenticate pasture origin. The two objectives of this study were (i) to test the ability of visible spectroscopy combined with discriminant analysis on lamb perirenal fat (PF), dorsal fat (DF) and longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle to discriminate different durations of pasture-finishing; and (ii) to determine the timing of appearance of the pasture signature and its stabilization in these tissues. Four groups of 35 lambs were used over two years, i.e. lambs fed concentrate in-stall (L0) and lambs grazing alfalfa for 21d (L21), 42d (L42) and 63d (L63) before slaughter. No one tissue satisfactorily discriminated the four treatment groups, with ≤75% of lambs correctly classified. However, visible spectroscopy discriminated L0 from L21 + L42 + L63 lambs with an accuracy of 92.8%, 92.0%, and 85.3% lambs correctly classified on PF, DF and muscle, respectively, and discriminated L0 + L21 from L42 + L63 lambs with an accuracy of 90.1%, 76.5% and 92.3% on PF, DF and muscle, respectively. The pasture fingerprint or signature on the spectrum appeared in most lambs between 0 and 21d in PF and DF and between 0 and 42d in muscle. Pasture signature gradually stabilized with increasing time on pasture but was not entirely stabilized in any tissue within the range of grazing durations explored. These promising results need to be confirmed on larger datasets with different breeds and grazing conditions.

Nutraceutical Potential of Leafy Vegetables Landraces at Microgreen, Baby, and Adult Stages of Development

Nutraceutical compounds present in leafy vegetables have gained substantial attention due to the health benefits they offer beyond their nutritional value. The biosynthesis, composition, and concentration of these compounds vary widely among leafy vegetables and carry the influence of genetic, agronomic, and environmental factors. Recently, micro-vegetables are gaining importance among consumers worldwide and are used in gastronomy at different development stages. Another tendency is the utilization of local genetic resources as an integral component of agricultural biodiversity crucial for sustainable production. The present study identifies the nutraceutical potential of 10 leafy vegetables at the microgreen, baby, and adult development stages using local genetic resources from the Spanish Vegetable Genebank (CITA, Aragón). Specifically, two landraces for each of the following crops were used: chard (Beta vulgaris), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), borage (Borago officinalis), and chicory (Cichorium intybus). The results reinforce the value of traditional local genetics and demonstrate the potential of these leafy vegetables as a source of functional compounds (fatty acids, vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and tocopherols). The observed variability depending on the crop and the developmental stage recommends the necessity of having a varied diet, since each leafy vegetable product offers a unique nutritional profile.

Colour Stability, Fatty Acid Profile, and Lipid Oxidation in Meat Stored in Modified Atmosphere Packaging from Light Lambs Fed with Concentrate with Carob Pulp (Ceratonia siliqua L.)

There is a growing interest in using by-products rich in polyphenols, such as carob pulp (Cp, Ceratonia siliqua L.), as a dietary source of antioxidants for animals. This study assesses the effects of including Cp in lambs' diet and meat display time (0, 7, 9, and 11 days) in modified atmosphere packaging on meat colour, fatty acid (FA) composition, tocopherol levels, and lipid oxidation values in the Semimembranosus muscle of 40 light lambs. The lambs were fed with concentrates supplemented with increasing Cp levels (0, 150, and 300 g/kg) for 45 days before slaughter. Metmyoglobin (MMb) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased linearly with display time (p < 0.05), regardless of diet (p > 0.05). At 11 days of display, MMb (28 ± 0.8%) and MDA (0.6 ± 0.1 mg MDA/kg of meat) contents remained within the acceptable limits. The α-tocopherol content was lower in the 30% Cp group and meat (p < 0.05). Total saturated and monounsaturated FA contents (934 ± 64 and 823 ± 65 mg/100 g of meat, respectively) did not differ significantly among the groups. However, the meat from lambs fed with 30% Cp showed reduced levels of branched-chain FAs, while polyunsaturated FAs increased (p < 0.05) compared to the control lambs. The inclusion of Cp in the lamb's diet, up to 30%, did not lead to meat deterioration and improved certain quality parameters, including a healthier FA profile. These findings highlight Cp's potential as an alternative antioxidant source in animal diets.

Fatty acid profile, secondary compounds and antioxidant activities in the fresh forage, hay and silage of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) and sulla (Hedysarum coronarium)

BACKGROUND

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) and sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) are forage legumes usually preserved to optimize their utilization as feedstuffs. However, the method of preservation modifies the chemical composition differently in both legume species. Secondary compounds (such as proanthocyanidins, fatty acids, carotenoids and tocopherols) present in forages affect the quality of animal products. Therefore, the effect of preservation on the contents of secondary compounds should be investigated. Accoridngly, samples of sainfoin and sulla were directly freeze-dried (fresh), dried at ambient temperature (hay) and vacuum-packaged for 82 days (silage).

RESULTS

In both legumes, the total fatty acid and C18:3 n-3 contents decreased and C16:0 increased with preservation (P < 0.001), with a greater effect for the hays than for the silages. For both legumes, the lutein, neoxanthin and violaxanthin contents decreased to a greater extent in the silages than in the hays (P < 0.001). Both hays exhibited the lowest β-carotene concentrations (P < 0.001). The α-tocopherol contents decreased in hays, but not in silages, compared to the fresh forages of both legumes (P < 0.001). The antioxidant activities were lower in the silages than in the hays and fresh forages (P < 0.001) and were very strongly related to the contents of polyphenols and proanthocyanidins (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Haymaking affected the fatty acid, carotenoid and α-tocopherol contents to a greater extent but had a lesser effect on the antioxidant activities than silage-making, which were very strongly related to their contents of polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Aging and Retail Display Conditions on the Color and Oxidant/Antioxidant Status of Beef from Steers Finished with DG-Supplemented Diets

The aim of this work was to study the effect of finishing diets including distiller grains (DG) on color and oxidative stability of beef after being exposed to aerobic retail display conditions, with or without previous aging. For this purpose, beef samples from animals fed with finishing diets including 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% DG (on a dry matter basis), which had been exposed to aerobic retail display conditions, with or without previous aging under vacuum packaging, were evaluated. The content of γ-tocopherol, β-carotene, and lutein in diet samples increased with the level of DG. Beef evaluated at 72 h post-mortem showed greater content of γ-tocopherol and retinol as the DG level increased. Meat color was not affected by DG inclusion, but color parameters decreased with retail conditions. Meat from animals fed with DG showed the lowest values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), independently of the retail display conditions. However, all samples were below the threshold associated with rancid aromas and above the a* value related to meat color acceptance. Thus, feeding diets including up to 45% of DG improved the antioxidant status of meat, preserving the color, and delaying lipid oxidation in meat samples under the display conditions evaluated.

The Inclusion of Pea in Concentrates Had Minor Effects on the Meat Quality of Light Lambs

The use of pea (Pisum sativum) has been recommended to replace soybean meal in the diet of ruminants, but it may affect meat quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the proportion of pea (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) in fattening concentrates fed to light lambs for 41 days on carcass colour and on the meat quality. Pea inclusion affected neither the colour of the lamb carcasses nor affected most of the parameters of the meat quality. However, the inclusion of pea affected the cholesterol content, and the 20%pea concentrate yielded meat with greater cholesterol contents than the 30%pea concentrate did (p < 0.05). The inclusion of pea had minor effects on individual FAs but affected the total saturated fatty acids (p < 0.01) and the thrombogenicity index (p < 0.05). A greater total saturated fatty acid content was recorded for the 20%pea concentrate than for the rest of the concentrates, and a greater thrombogenicity index was recorded for the 20% concentrate than for the 10%pea concentrate. The results indicated the viability of the inclusion of pea in the fattening concentrate of light lambs without impairing meat quality, with the 30%pea concentrate being the most suitable to reduce the soya-dependency.

Tropical grass and legume pastures may alter lamb meat physical and chemical characteristics

The present study assessed the influence of the type of the tropical pastures on lamb body weight (BW) gain and meat quality. Fifty-four lambs were allocated to three grazing pastures: (1) AG - Aruana grass (Panicum maximum cv. IZ-5); (2) PP - pigeon pea legume (Cajanus cajan cv. Anão); and (3) CS - contiguous swards, half of the paddock with AG and half with PP. After 92 days of grazing, the lambs were slaughtered. Carcasses were evaluated and the longissimus muscle was collected to determine color, lipid profile, tocopherol concentrations, and lipid oxidation. Although the pastures present differences in the characteristics of nutritional quality, the animals did not show difference in BW gain. The results show that all forage presented similar concentration of alpha-tocopherol (137 ± 14.37 mg kg^-1 of fresh matter), whereas total and condensed tannin contents were greater in PP, intermediate in CS, and the lowest in AG treatment (P = 0.0001). Meat α-tocopherol content was similar among treatments (P = 0.1392), with an average concentration close to the optimal level to reduce the meat oxidation. Meat from AG treatment had 45 and 25% lower n-6/n-3 ratio than meat from PP and CS treatments, respectively. The legume increases the unsaturated fatty acids and the grass can reduce the n6/n3 ratio. The level of condensed tannin concentration did show to have important effect on meat characteristics. Both tropical pastures studied can provide a high amount of alpha-tocopherol, generating a great potential to increase the concentration of this antioxidant in lamb's meat.

Carotenoids and Liposoluble Vitamins in the Plasma and Tissues of Light Lambs Given Different Maternal Feedings and Fattening Concentrates

Simple Summary

Meat of lambs that grazed with their dams during lactation on sainfoin had longer shelf-life than that of lambs whose dams grazed on alfalfa or received straw and concentrates (intensive). This effect could be partially ascribed to a different deposition of carotenoids and tocopherols in the muscle, that could be in turn affected by condensed tannins, secondary compounds of plants with antioxidant activity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate: (1) the effect of maternal feeding (sainfoin, alfalfa, intensive) on the presence of carotenoids and liposoluble vitamins in the plasma and tissues of light lambs after a finishing period on concentrates with or without quebracho (as source of condensed tannins); and (2) the authentication of the maternal feeding using the carotenoids and tocopherols in plasma and tissues. Grazing on alfalfa and sainfoin during suckling affected the concentrations in plasma at weaning, and some of the contents in the tissues even after the concentrate feeding period. Unexpectedly, the inclusion of quebracho in the concentrate decreased the α- and γ-tocopherol content in the lamb tissues. The use of carotenoids and tocopherols has to be combined with other analytes to authenticate the feeding system during the suckling period after a finishing period.

Abstract

The carotenoids and liposoluble vitamins in the plasma and tissues of the lambs under different maternal feedings and fattening concentrates was studied. During lactation, 21 lambs were housed with their dams, that received a total mixed ration (intensive); 21 ewe–lamb pairs grazed on alfalfa; and 21 pairs grazed on sainfoin. After weaning, half of the lambs in each maternal feeding group received a commercial concentrate (control) and the other half a concentrate with quebracho (Schinopsis balansae), as a source of condensed tannins, until they were slaughtered (23 kg). The analyte concentrations in the plasma of lambs at weaning reflected the content in the feedstuffs. Grazing during suckling more than doubled the contents of lutein in the liver and retinol in the tissues compared to the intensive feeding. The content of α-tocopherol in the tissues was greatest in sainfoin lambs, intermediate in alfalfa lambs, and lowest in the intensive lambs. The quebracho concentrate decreased α-tocopherol (by 41–81%) and γ-tocopherol (by 65–89%) contents in the lamb tissues. The use of the analytes in the plasma at weaning correctly classified 100% of the lambs into the maternal feeding (intensive vs. grazing (alfalfa + sainfoin)) but has to be improved in the carcass and tissues separately.