MEAT QUALITY FROM CATTLE FATTENED IN INTENSIVE SILVOPASTORIL SYSTEM IN TWO SEASONS OF THE YEAR

Abstract

The objective was to determine the effect of the seasons drought (n=10) and rainy (n=12) on meat quality intramuscular fat (IMF) and fatty acids profile in cattle of fattened in an Intensive Silvopastoril System (SSPi). Longisimus dorsi (Ld) and semimembranosus (Sm) muscles were evaluated, to quantify intramuscular fat (IMF), fatty acid profile, pH, color (L*a*b*), water holding capacity (WHC), drip loss water (DL), moisture, protein (CP), collagen and Sodium (Na). The effect of season was performed with a general linear model. The IMF was different (P<0.05) between seasons. Oleic acid was higher in (P<0.05) in drought vs rainy. Concentrations of linoleic, linolenic and eicosaenoic acids were lower (P<0.05) in drought vs. rainy. araquidonic acid (ARA) showed lower concentration (P<0.05) in drought vs. rainy. It is concluded that cattle fattened with tropical forages produced lean meat and important amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids. For livestock, the SSPi is an alternative for sustainable meat production and promising source of healthy fat for human nutrition.