Effects of supplementation with tropical dry forest tree foliage on meat quality and fatty acid composition in Colombian creole lambs (ovis aries)

Abstract

In tropical dry forest conditions, small ruminant production is an alternative for small farmers. Even so, the quality of the forages does not meet the nutritional requirements of the animals. However, the high biodiversity of trees that exist in the region offers a supplementation alternative especially during the dry season. The objective of this research work was to evaluate the quality and the profile effect of fatty acids in Colombian creole lamb meat supplemented with tree species from the tropical dry forest. A total of 35 lambs were used which were randomly distributed in 5 treatments as follows: T1: Botriochloa pertusa; T2: Botriochloa pertusa + 300 g/day of Leucaena leucocephala; T3: Botriochloa pertusa + 300 g/day of Gliricidia sepium; T4: Botriochloa pertusa + 300 g/day of Guazuma ulmifolia and T5 (BpSs): Botriochloa pertusa + 300 g/day of Senna spectabilis. The experimental units were brought to a final slaughter weight of ±32 kg and the pH, color, and fatty acid composition of the carcasses were evaluated at 24 hours. The meat quality parameters did not present significant differences (P>0.05) in the different supplements and obtained acceptable parameters for their consumption.It was evidenced that the proportions of saturated fatty acids (C 16: 0, C 18: 0, total SFA) in lambs supplemented with Senna spectabilis and Gliricidia sepium were lower (P<0.05). It is concluded that under the conditions of the study the supplementations with Senna spectabilis and Gliricidia sepium can induce a favorable change in the fatty acid content of lamb meat.