Differences in intramuscular fatty acid profiles among Bos indicus and crossbred Bos taurus × Bos indicus bulls finished on pasture or with concentrate feed in Brazil

Abstract

Bos indicus (n = 67) and crossbred Bos taurus × Bos indicus (n = 67) bulls were finished in extensive or intensive conditions to evaluate the effect of genetic differences and finishing system on the fatty acid (FA) composition of intramuscular fat. Finishing system had a more pronounced effect on FA profiles than the genetic group, but the two factors often interacted for both individual and groups of FA. When compared with animals finished intensively, those finished on pasture produced meat with higher concentration of CLA and polyunsaturated n-3 FA, in particular of 18:3, 20:5 and 22:5. Meat from animals finished intensively had higher amounts of 14:0, 16:0, 18:1 trans-10, 18:1 trans-11, monounsaturated trans FA and 18:2. When the two genetic groups were compared under intensive finishing, B. indicus animals showed lower amounts of 20:4 (synthesised from 18:2) and 20:5 (synthesised from 18:3), suggesting that they may have a lower ability in biochemical pathways involved in the metabolism of n-6 and n-3 long chain fatty acids. Overall, meat from animals finished on pasture had a higher amount of the FA considered desirable for human health.