https://doi.org/10.52973/rcfcv-e34305
Received: 15/08/2023 Accepted: 17/10/2023 Published: 01/01/2024
1 of 8
Revista Científica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIV, rcfcv-e34305
ABSTRACT
Sheep meat production is facing new challenges, so a thorough
knowledge of the attributes of lamb meat produced by different
genotypes and under pasture conditions is necessary to characterise
these systems, to valorise and differentiate the product from a quality
approach and towards a more natural image, attributes that are
increasingly taken into account by consumers. This study aimed to
characterize the lamb meat nutritionally, coming from ve genetic
types, reared in a pastoral system, through the content of essential
minerals, macro element, Ca, Mg, Na and K, trace elements as Se,
Co, Zn, Cu, Mn, total iron (TFe), hem iron (HFe) and non–hem iron
(NHFe) and B
12
vitamin in the Longissimus dorsi muscle. The breeds,
Corriedale, Merino Dohne, Highlander®, Corriedale Pro, and Australian
Merino x Corriedale crossbreed; n=10, were studied. Merino Dohne
breed has the highest calcium concentration (66.6 ± 6.3 mg·kg
–1
),
Highlander® and Merino Dohne have a signicantly (P<0.05) higher
manganese concentration (304.1 ± 26.0 and 308.7 ± 23.6 µg·kg
–1
,
respectively) than the other breeds. There were no significant
differences in vitamin B
12
concentrations between lamb breeds.
The HFe and HFe/TFe ratio was higher (P<0.05) in the Corriedale and
Corriedale Pro breeds (15.7 ± 0.6 and 15.4 ± 0.7 mg·kg
–1
and 81.7 ± 2.8%
and 76.0 ± 2.2%, respectively) and consequently less NHFe, related to
others groups. Also, increased Zn content was obtained in Corriedale
(32.6 ± 1.3 mg·kg
–1
), but other breeds are also rich in zinc. These results
show that meat from these breeds qualies as a good source claim
for people with high requirements as children and elders.
Key words: Lamb breeds; meat quality; minerals; haem and no
haem iron
RESUMEN
La producción de carne ovina se enfrenta a nuevos desafíos, por
lo que el conocimiento profundo de los atributos de la carne de
cordero producido por diferentes genotipos y en condiciones de
pastura, son necesario para caracterizar estos sistemas, valorizar
y diferenciar el producto desde un enfoque de calidad y hacia una
imagen más natural, atributos que cada vez más toman en cuenta
los consumidores. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar
nutricionalmente la carne de cordero, proveniente de cinco tipos
genéticos, criados en un sistema pastoril, a través del contenido de
minerales esenciales; macroelementos, Ca, Mg, Na y K, minerales
traza como Se, Co, Zn, Cu, Mn, hierro total (TFe), hierro heme (HFe)
y hierro no heme (NHFe) y vitamina B
12
en el músculo Longissimus
dorsi. Se estudiaron las razas Corriedale, Merino Dohne, Highlander®,
Corriedale Pro y la cruza Merino Australiano x Corriedale; n=10. La
raza Merino Dohne tuvo la mayor concentración de calcio (66,6 ± 6,3
mg·kg
–1
), Highlander® y Merino Dohne tienen una concentración
de manganeso signicativamente (P<0,05) mayor (304,1 ± 26,0 y
308,7 ± 23,6 µg·kg
–1
, respectivamente) que las demás razas. No hubo
diferencias signicativas en las concentraciones de vitamina B
12
entre
las razas de corderos. La relación HFe y HFe/TFe fue mayor (P<0,05)
en las razas Corriedale y Corriedale Pro (15,7 ± 0,6 y 15,4 ± 0,7 mg·kg
–1
y 81,7 ± 2,8% y 76,0 ± 2,2%, respectivamente) y, en consecuencia,
menor NHFe, en relación con los otros grupos. También se obtuvo
un mayor contenido de Zn en Corriedale (32,6 ±1,3 mg·kg
–1
), pero las
otras razas también son ricas en zinc. Estos resultados demuestran
que la carne de cordero de estas razas constituye una buena fuente
para personas con altos requerimientos como niños y ancianos.
Palabras clave: Raza de cordero; calidad de carne; minerales; hierro
heme y no heme
Macrominerals, trace elements and hem and non–hem iron status in muscle
Longissimus dorsi, from ve double purpose lambs breed reared on pasture
system in Uruguay
Macrominerales, minerales traza y estado del hierro heme y no heme en músculo Longissimus
dorsi, de cinco razas de corderos doble propósito criados en sistema de pastoreo en Uruguay
María Helena Guerra
1
* , Arnaldo Moreni
2
, Alí Saadoun
2,3
, María Cristina Cabrera
2,3
1
Universidad de la República, Facultad de Agronomía, Estación Experimental de Salto, Departamento de Producción Animal y Pasturas. Uruguay.
2
Universidad de la República, Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de Producción Animal y Pasturas. Laboratorio de Calidad de Alimentos y Productos, Uruguay.
3
Universidad de la República, Facultad de Ciencias, Sección Fisiología y Nutrición. Uruguay.
*Corresponding author: mhguerra@fagro.edu.uy
Macrominerals and trace elements status in lamb meat / Guerra et al. ______________________________________________________________
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INTRODUCTION
Animal protein demand globally, driven by increasing population
and discretionary income, is associated with better life quality in
great Cities, fast information exchanges, marketing, and cultural
evolution [1]. Throughout the World, different animal production
system coexists, being lamb production is the most extended and
adapted to different Regions, with many other breeds, and also with a
predominance of the farm family system [2]. Lamb meat production
in Uruguay has undergone different stages in the last ve years, with
a stable sheep stock of 6.2 million heads [3]. The primary breed
reared in Uruguay was Corriedale (42%), a dual–purpose breed, and
Australian Merino (26%) for wool production [4].
Due to the variability of external market demand and competitive
prices, the Country has recently emphasized increasing the added
value of products to be more competitive in international markets.
Traditionally, sheep production in the Country carry out in pastoral
systems, associated with an image of animal welfare and natural
product, whose exploitation is essential for export promotion and to
offer healthy food for consumers [5]. A Region in the littoral Northwest
of the Country, with abundant high–quality grasses in natural
conditions, is traditionally lamb producer, mainly small–scale and
predominately Merino for the wool [6]. Red meat is highly nutritional
and has a high biological value of protein, bioavailable iron, trace
minerals, and vitamins, including a high content of B
12
[7]. Considering
the pastoral–based systems, it observed that the genetic type [8], as
well as the type of muscle and the age of the animal [9], impact some
nutritional components, which can vary, as well as their oxidative and
antioxidant potential [7, 10]. These differences could associate some
racial cross, with a specic nutritional composition, to a particular
oxidation potential and antioxidant capacity of the meat. Knowledge
of the attributes of lamb meat produced by different genotypes in
grazing conditions, is necessary to characterize this meat and to
add value, take into account the pastoral system, to contribute to
human nutrition, consumers demand, and with the objectives of
development sustainable (SDO) for this Region of South America. This
study aimed to characterize the meat nutritionally, coming from ve
genetic types, Corriedale, Corriedale Pro, Merino Dohne, Highlander®,
and Australian Merino × Corriedale cross breed, reared on a pastoral
system, through the content of essential minerals, macro element,
Ca, Mg, Na and K, trace elements as, Se, Co, Zn, Cu, Mn and total iron,
hem iron and non–hem iron in the Longissimus dorsi muscle.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Animals
The study carries out with lambs from the Experimental Station
Mario Alberto Cassinoni (EEMAC) of the Faculty of Agronomy (Udelar)
in Paysandú, Uruguay. Five genetic biotypes were studied, Corriedale,
Merino Dohne, Highlander®, Corriedale Pro, and Australian Merino x
Corriedale crossbreed , n=10 in each group (TABLE I). The lambs were
maintained in a single ock for the experiment, grazing forage. A
strategic health control of lamb plan followed, and no lamb presented
health problems during the study period, and no lamb presented
health problems during the study period.
Experimental diets
Lambs were grazing on mixed pasture, including cocksfoot (Dactylis
glomerata) and white clover (Trifolium repens.) (available forage
2,756kg DM·ha
–1
) and on a winter annual crops oats (Avena sativa) in
a rotational grazing with the availability of forage of 2,743 kg DM·ha
–1
,
as shown in TABLE II. To determine the amount of available forage and
the types of vegetation present in the grazing area, it was utilized the
"Sample Sward–cutting techniques" cutting method and Botanal [11].
Muscles samples
At 72 h post mortem, the Longissimus dorsi muscle was excised
from the carcass, subcutaneous fat and silver skin (epimysium) were
removed and packed in a vacuum (Vacuum Sealer Machine: Lacor,
Model: 69050, Spain) and immediately transported to the laboratory
in a cooler with ice packs. The samples were lyophilized (LGJ–12
Freezer Dryer, China) for minerals and non–hem determination. For
hem iron analysis, samples were used immediately.
Preparation of solutions and standards
Sub–boiling distilled HNO
3
1 M, prepared with HNO
3
65%, puriss. p.a.
(84378, Merck, Germany); HCL 6 M, prepared with HCl 37%, EMSURE,
puriss. p.a. (30721, Merck, Germany); Mg (NO
3
)
2
, in 17%HNO
3
, magnesium
matrix modier 1% (63043, puriss. p.a. for graphite furnace–AAS,
Fluka, Chemika, Switzerland); and Pd (NO
3
)
2
, in 15% HNO
3
, palladium
nitrate modier 1% (B0190635, puriss. p.a. for graphite furnace–AAS,
Perkin Elmer, Germany) was used for sample preparation and analysis.
Millipore–Milli Q distilled deionized water (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt,
Germany), with a resistivity of 18 MΩ cm
–1
, was used throughout.
Glassware was soaked for 24 h in dilute (50 mL·L
–1
) distilled nitric acid
and then rinsed thoroughly in distilled deionized water.
Sample Preparation
Samples of pasture (1 g, from a larger sample previously dried
to 50°C for 48 h and grounded) and a sample of Longissimus dorsi
muscle (10 g previously freeze–dried) were dried in a forced–air oven
at 105 ± 2°C (Labotecgroup, BJPX–Juneau, Uruguay) until the weight
was constant. Subsequently, the samples were ashed in a covered
crucible at 550°C in a mue furnace (Thermolyne, Cimarec 3, USA)
with a temperature ramp for 16 h to obtain white residual ash. The
ashes were subjected to an acid digestion process in an Erlenmeyer
ask, covered with a micro glass ball, with 1 M HNO
3
and 6 M HCl on
a hot plate (< 80°C, Thermolyne, 48000 Furnace, USA), then ltered
with ashless lter paper (Macherey–Nagel MN 640 d, Germany) and
diluted to 10– or 25–mL nal volume with distilled deionized water
[12]. Blank was also prepared in the same procedure without a sample.
TABLE I
Live weight and age at slaughter of lambs for Corriedale,
Corriedale Pro, Highlander®, Merino Dohne and a Crossbreed
(MA×C; Australian Merino × Corriedale), raising on pastures
Genotypes
Age at slaughter
(days)
Live weight
(kg)
Corriedale 339.8 ± 4.7 49.3 ± 5.3
Corriedale Pro 343.7 ± 7.3 45.7 ± 2.7
Highlander® 340.4 ± 5.4 53.0 ± 3.6
Merino Dohne 341.3 ± 5.5 55.5 ± 3.8
Crossbreed (MA×C) 334.1 ± 11.2 46.6 ± 8.0
Data represent mean ± SEM of n=10 for each one of genotypes
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TABLE II
Macro and trace mineral content (mean ± SEM) in the mixed pasture (1) and oat, a winter annual grass (2) oered to ve genotypes of lambs for the nishing period
Pastures
Available
forage
kg·ha
–1
Minerals
Fe Zn Cu Mn Se Co Ca Mg Na K
mg·kg
–1
DM
b
µg·kg
–1
DM g·100 g
–1
DM
Pasture 1
Dactylis
glomerata
a
2,756
225.01 ± 50.72 10.45 ± 0.36 14.41 ± 0.76 114.11 ± 21.71 96.15 ± 13.37 49.40 ± 4.12 0.41 ± 0.03 0.15 ± 0.01 0.06 ± 0.00 1.22 ± 0.01
Trifolium repens
a
173.30 ± 25.77 12.78 ± 0.47 12.47 ± 2.10 78.86 ± 6.88 46.56 ± 5.38 122.46 ± 14.79 1.34 ± 0.12 0.37 ± 0.01 0.22 ± 0.04 1.32 ± 0.02
Weeds
a
384.55 18.38 19.30 126.74 39.31 58.97 1.48 0.18 0.10 0.93
Pasture 2
Avena sativa 2,743 116.02 ± 17.29 6.2 ± 0.58 4.26 ± 0.52 71.70 ± 15.84 74.31 ± 16.66 90.05 ± 9.99 0.35 ± 0.03 0.14 ± 0.01 0.17 ± 0.02 1.23 ± 0.02
a
Botanical species mainly represented in mixed pasture 1
b
DM = dry matter
For Se and Co determination in pasture and meat samples,
calibration solutions of Se (0, 35, 70, 140, and 280 μg Se·L
–1
) were
prepared immediately before use by dilution (with 0.2% distilled HNO
3
65% in distilled and deionized water) of a 1000 μg Se·L
–1
, HNO
3
2%
standard solution for AA (certied, N93000149, Perkin Elmer, USA).
For Co measurements, calibration solutions (0, 5, 10, 20 µg Co·L
–1
) were
prepared immediately before use by dilution (with 0.2% distilled HNO
3
65% in distilled and deionized water) of a 1000 μg Co·L
–1
, HNO
3
2%
standard solution for AA (certied, N93000149, Perkin Elmer, USA).
Se and Co measurements in acidic aqueous dilution (blanks, samples,
and calibration curve) were performed with an atomic absorption
spectrophotometer (AAS Perkin Elmer, Analyst 300, USA) equipped
with a deuterium lamp background corrector, a Perkin Elmer HGA 800,
USA, graphite furnace, and a Perkin Elmer AS–800 autosampler, USA
[13, 14]. The determinations were conducted using matrix modiers
based on magnesium nitrate and palladium nitrate [15]. Argon (99%
purity) was used as a carrier gas, and a selenium or cobalt HCL lamp was
used as a light source. All determinations were performed in triplicate.
The detection limit was calculated as three standard deviations
of blanks/ average of 10 blanks [15], and precision was calculated as
RSD, %, of 10 measures.
Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn measurements in acidic aqueous
dilution (blanks, samples, and calibration curve) were performed with
an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS Perkin Elmer, Analyst
300, USA) with ame, as described Jorhem et al. [16]. All samples
were analyzed in triplicate.
After extraction with acidified acetone solution, total haem
pigments in meat samples were determined as hemin [17]. Hemin
was quantied by its absorption peak at 640 nm. Briey, fresh meat
samples (1 g) were nely chopped and macerated in 4.5 mL of 90%
acidied acetone in 15 × 90 mm glass test tubes for 1 min on reduced
light to minimize pigment fading during the extraction. The tubes were
vortexed (ST–100, MRC, Israel), sealed to reduce evaporation, held at
room temperature in the darkness for 1 hour then ltered with glass
lter paper (Whatman® glass microber lters, Grade GF/A, Merck
KGaA Germany). The haem iron content was calculated with the factor
0.0882 g iron·g
-1
hematin. All samples were assayed in duplicate.
The ferrozine method determined the non–haem iron [18]. Briey,
freeze–dried samples of meat (500 mg) were grounded using a mortar
and pestle, dissolved in a mixture of 3 mL of 0.1 M citrate phosphate
buffer (pH 5.5) and 1 mL of 2% ascorbic acid (as reducing agent) in 0.2M
HCl and left to stand at room temperature for 15 min before adding 2mL
of 11.3% trichloroacetic acid. After centrifugation at 3.000 G for 10 min,
the supernatant was recuperated. Reagents were added to 2mL of
the supernatant plus 0.8 mL of 10% ammonium acetate and 0.2 mL
of ferrozine, and the absorbance was measured at 560 nm against a
standard curve. All samples were assayed in duplicate.
From values obtained for cobalt (Co) content in muscle, vitamin
B
12
was calculated [19].
Statistical analysis
Data of all variables measured were presented as mean ± standard
error of the mean (SEM). The normality study of the variables was
performed using the Shapiro–Wills test. To determine the effect
of breeds on the variables studied, a one–way ANOVA analysis was
used for normally distributed variables and Kruskal Wallis test for
non–normally distributed variables, following the mathematical model:
YTiejn
=+ +
where
n
: mathematical average,
T
: treatment relative effect,
e: experimental error, Y: response variable (macro and trace
minerals, vitamin B
12
, hem iron and non–hem iron), i: lamb bread, j:
random variable
When the lamb breed effect detected a signicant difference,
post hoc means multiple comparisons were realized by the Tukey
and Kramer test at P<0.05 (normal distributed) and Wilcoxon test
with (non–normally distributed).
To determine if it is possible to differentiate meat samples of breed
based on their mineral content and gain further insight into the variables
that have the most impact on lamb meat, the trace mineral composition
dataset and iron forms, such as iron hem, iron non–hem and the ratio
iron hem/total iron was included in the principal component analysis
(PCA). The statistical analysis was performed with R software [20].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Concerning the mineral composition of mixed pasture and
oats (Avena sativa) (TABLE II), levels of Ca, Mg, Na, and K could be
inadequate for the requirements of different breeds of lambs Masters
et al. [21], taking into account that levels and bioavailability changes
with the season in the Southern Hemisphere Pittaluga [22] and those
requirements are not accurate determined in all breeds [21].
Macrominerals and trace elements status in lamb meat / Guerra et al. ______________________________________________________________
4 of 8
Following the requirements of the different genotypes studied
here, the pasture's copper content is under the recommended levels
according to the lambs under study [23]. Soils in Uruguay are widely
decient in copper, impacting hypocupraemia in cattle (Bos taurus)
in the littoral west region [24]. However, copper content in plants
depends on botanical species, as shown in TABLE II, where cultivated
oats are decient in copper (< 10 mg·kg
–1
McDowell et al. [25]) and native
pastures, legumes, and grasses are adequate (> 10 mg·kg
–1
). Also,
season and fertilization can affect the level of copper in native grass
and cultivated pastures [22, 26]. Suboptimal content in selenium in
pasture mixed received in this study was observed previously Guerra
et al. [6] related to season, particularly in the littoral Region where
this study was carried out. Still, it could change with the season, as
reported before [6]. For cobalt in pastures fed by lambs, it seems
adequate to the requirements of lambs (> 0.1 mg·kg
–1
Masters et al.
[21]). Concerning Fe and Mn in pastures, levels were higher than critical
levels (> 50 and > 40 mg·kg
–1
, respectively, McDowell et al. [25]), and
it is not a problem for lambs. However, for zinc, pastures content
is under the critical level of 30 mg·kg
–1
DM and thus does not ll the
requirements of this mineral for growing lamb following the National
Research Council recommendation (NRC) [23], but taking into account
that relevant differences have breed reported for different breeds [27,
28], caution is due to conclude.
Macrominerals and trace minerals content in Longissimus dorsi
meat from ve genotypes (breed) studied raising on the pasture
analyzed shown in TABLES III and IV.
Only Ca showed signicant differences (P<0.05) among the macro
minerals between breeds. Merino Dohne had the highest value
(66.6 ± 6.3 mg·kg
–1
), and the lowest value was from Corriedale Pro
(37.9 ± 5.4 mg·kg
–1
). Williams [29], Purchas et al. [30], and Kasap etal.
[31] reported Ca values between 4–11 mg·100 g
-1
of fresh meat. In
contrast, Balhaj et al. [32] reported much higher values (between
41.96 – 59 mg·100 g
–1
fresh meat) than those found in this and other
studies reported in the literature. This difference may be due to breed
studied, muscle type, genre, body weight or feeding intensity Bellof
etal. [33] since in that work, the lambs, German Merino received
barley and mineral salt supplementation from weaning onwards,
contrary to our work that lambs were only on pasture.
Animal muscle content calcium is not claimed as a good source for
humans but is essential to biochemical function, particularly for muscular
bres contraction [34]. However, it needs to be claried the minimum
content of calcium that muscles need to work and also for meat quality
in each lamb breed, and the literature is scarce on this subject.
There were no signicant differences in magnesium (Mg) (P>0.05)
between the different sheep breeds studied here being similar to
values reported by Kasap et al. [31] and Hoke et al. [35]. There was no
signicant difference in sodium (Na) and potassium (K), being the values
obtained were the same as those reported by Hoke et al. [35], Williams
et al. [29], while Kasap et al. [31] said lower values than in this work.
Meat is a good source of vitamin B
12
for humans [34]. The synthesis
depends on cobalt, as the primary component of vitamin B
12
, either as
a cofactor for enzymes that require the vitamin or for microorganisms
that synthesize the vitamin as a secondary metabolite. Ruminants need
cobalt to provide to the rumen population of methanogenic bacteria
synthesizing vitamin B
12
[36, 37]. Vitamin B
12
has a molar mass of 1,355
g·mol
–1
Suttle [38] and contains 4.4% cobalt [19, 38]. Based on this ratio,
the value of vitamin B
12
was estimated in this study (TABLE III). There
was no signicant difference (P>0.05) between sheep breeds in the
concentration of cobalt and vitamin B
12
. The concentrations obtained
in this study are slightly lower than those reported by Juárez et al. [39]
(0.6–2.5 µg·100g
–1
). In sheep eciency of incorporation of cobalt in the
molecule of vitamin B
12
is lower than in bovine animals [37].
Copper, zinc, iron, and manganese are cofactors in several enzymes
and contribute to the functioning of the immune system [40]. Iron
is present in myoglobin and haemoglobin, proteins responsible for
oxygen transport in the blood [41].
Highlander® and Dohne Merino sheep breeds have signicantly
higher manganese concentrations (304.1 ± 26.0 and 308.7 ± 23.6 µg·kg
–1
,
respectively) (P<0.05). These breeds show high values (60%) concerning
those presented by the crossbreed (MA x C), although they were not
statistically signicantly different from Corriedale. Only some studies
are reporting Mn values in lambs. Studies by Hoke et al [35] report
values of 14 μg.100g
–1
of lean meat for the Loin Chop cut.
There was no difference in copper levels between different sheep
breeds of lambs, even though copper was at a critical level in the pasture.
Copper concentrations were similar to those of Lombardi–Boccia et al.
[42] and Juárez et al. [39]. Selenium in the meat of ve breeds is adequate
for nutrition children, ranged of 76.7 µg·kg
–1
to 91.1µg·kg
–1
. Indeed, a 100
grams of this raw lamb meat has a contribution of 20–25% of RDA [14].
TABLE III
Macro, trace mineral, and calculated vitamin B
12
(a)
, in raw Longissimus dorsi from lamb’s breeds (Corriedale, Corriedale Pro, Highlander®,
Merino Dohne) and one crossbreed (Australian Merino × Corriedale, MAxC) double purposes reared on pasture
Genotypes
Minerals Vitamin
Ca Mg Na K Zn Cu Mn Se Co B
12
mg·kg
–1
µg·kg
–1
ng.g
–1
Corriedale 50.5 ± 7.5
ab
244.7 ± 12.4 719.9 ± 52.7 3,572.1 ± 205.3 32.6 ± 1.3
a
1.40 ± 0.13 251.9 ± 34.4
ab
91.1 ± 7.3 28.6 ± 3.7 1.26 ± 0.17
Corriedale Pro 37.9 ± 5.4
b
269.0 ± 3.1 792.3 ± 29.9 3,846.4 ± 51.2 29.6 ± 0.7
ab
1.57 ± 0.10 281.9 ± 33.8
ab
81.7 ± 3.8 37.5 ± 5.3 1.65 ± 0.23
Highlander® 64.1 ± 7.0
ab
262.9 ± 2.7 694.7 ± 29.9 3,826.5 ± 54.6 30.9 ± 0.9
ab
1.50 ± 0.09 304.1 ± 26.0
a
86.2 ± 6.7 26.8 ± 3.7 1.18 ± 0.17
Merino Dohne 66.6 ± 6.3
a
258.1 ± 6.8 708.6 ± 31.1 3,689.3 ± 86.5 31.4 ± 0.9
ab
1.46 ± 0.14 308.7 ± 23.6
a
92.2 ± 2.8 29.1 ± 3.5 1.28 ± 0.15
Crossbreed (MA×C) 44.2 ± 6.7
ab
258.4 ± 4.1 669.3 ± 32.1 3,569.4 ± 60.4 27.9 ± 0.7
b
1.46 ± 0.09 191.5 ± 14.7
b
76.7 ± 7.9 34.5 ± 3.8 1.52 ± 0.17
P–value 0.01 n.s. n.s. n.s 0.03 n.s. 0.027 n.s. n.s. n.s.
(a)
Calculated in base to Girard et al. (2009). Data are presented as mean ± SEM of n=10.
a,b
Data in each column with dierent lowercase letters show a signicant dierence
between breeds or crossbreed,
P<0.05
FIGURE 1. Map of selected minerals trace and iron forms of lamb meat from
ve lamb breeds and cross–breed groups reared on pasture
_____________________________________________________________________________Revista Cientifica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIV, rcfcv-e34305
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The Longissimus dorsi muscle of the Corriedale sheep breed
presented a higher concentration of zinc (32.6 ± 1.3 mg·kg
–1
) than
the other sheep breeds and crossbreeds (P<0.05). Australian studies
across different lamb production systems reported zinc levels on
average of 2.43 mg.100 g
–1
of muscle Mortimer et al. [43], Pannier
etal. [44], 34% lower than in the present investigation. Zinc is many
Countries' second most decient mineral [45]. Its role has been
actualized related to antiviral immunity Read et al. [46], and this
meat contributes mainly to the recommendations to protect children
and older people Saadoun etal. [47] by increasing immune defences,
among other benecial effects.
Corriedale and Corriedale Pro sheep breeds show signicantly more
Hem Fe and a higher ratio of HFe/TFe, but no difference for Total
Fe was obtained (TABLE IV). These results are interesting because
iron is a relevant mineral in human nutrition, particularly in children,
pregnant women, and adolescents [48]. Iron dietary deciency is a
severe health problem affecting 20–39% of children worldwide (data
from World Health Organization (WHO) [49]). The diet has two types
of iron: hem iron, derived from haemoglobin, and myoglobin, which
represents a small fraction of total iron and is well absorbed, and
non–hem iron, inorganic iron with low availability. Hem iron provide
by animal proteins such as meat [41].
There was no statistical difference in total iron (TFe) concentration
between the ve breeds (TABLE IV). Pannier et al. [50], in a study
based on 2,000 lambs and three main genotypes, did not observe
differences in TFe but the difference between Zn levels was observed
in different sheep breeds. This response coincides with that obtained
in our work. On the other hand, there was a signicant difference
(P<0.05) in the content of hem iron (HFe) and the ratio HFe/TFe,
between sheep breeds. Corriedale was the sheep breed with the
highest hem iron (HFe) 15.7 ± 0.6 mg·kg
–1
and HFe/TFe (81.7%) than
Merino Dohne sheep breed (13.3 ± 0.6 mg·kg
–1
and 65.7%). Although
the difference in absolute value is 2 mg between the two breeds, this
represents a difference of 15%, so it can be considered an important
difference. As Hem iron is part of myoglobin, and the concentration
of myoglobin depends on the type of muscle ber, being higher in
oxidative type ber (Type I and IIa), red bers, and lower in glycolytic
type ber (Type IIx, IIb) in white muscle ber [51, 52, 53]. A possible
explanation is that sheep breeds studied here present differences in
ber type at the same slaughter age [53]. Cottle [54] reported that the
Merino Dohne sheep breed could have bers type IIb (IIx) related to a
leaner carcass; consequently, a lower myoglobin content is possible
and, therefore, less hem iron. Previous studies by Pannier et al. [44]
reported a positive association between aerobic markers and mineral
content as iron but in lesser magnitude with zinc.
Principal component analysis of meat quality
Principal component analysis (PCA) does carry out to show the
relationships among meat trace minerals and iron forms of ve breeds
produced in Uruguay (FIG. 1). The result of this analysis indicates the
genotype effect inuenced the majority of the parameters. The PCA
makes it possible to visualize a large number on a single graph and
estimate the statistical links between the studied individuals.
TABLE IV
Moisture, ashes content, total iron (TFe), hem (HFe) and non–hem iron (NHFe) and the ratio HFe/TFe (%), in raw Longissimus dorsi from lamb’s breeds
(Corriedale, Corriedale Pro, Highlander®, Merino Dohne) and one crossbreed (Merino Australian × Corriedale, MA×C) double purposes reared on pasture
Genotypes
Moisture Ashes TFe HFe NH Fe HFe/TFe
g.100 g
–1
mg·kg
–1
Corriedale 75.6 ± 2.7 0.90 ± 0.01 19.5 ± 0.9 15.7 ± 0.6
a
3.6 ± 0.6
b
81.7 ± 2.8
a
Corriedale Pro 75.3 ± 2.9 0.85 ± 0.02 20.2 ± 0.6 15.4 ± 0.7
ab
4.6 ± 0.5
b
76.0 ± 2.2
ab
Highlander® 74.9 ± 2.6 0.85 ± 0.02 20.2 ± 1.9 13.7 ± 0.4
ab
6.4 ± 0.5
a
68.2 ± 2.1
b
Merino Dohne 75.1 ± 2.8 0.87 ± 0.02 20.5 ± 0.6 13.3 ± 0.6
b
7.1 ± 0.9
a
65.7 ± 3.7
b
Crossbreed (MA×C) 75.2 ± 2.8 0.87 ± 0.02 20.7 ± 0.8 14.5 ± 0.7
ab
6.3 ± 0.3
a
70.2 ± 1.2
b
P–value n.s n.s. n.s 0.027 0.001 0.001
Data are presented as mean SEM ± of n=10.
a,b
Data in each column with dierent lowercase letter show signicant dierence between breeds or crossbreed, P<0.05.
The loading values for principal component one (PC1) show a strong
and positive association with TFe (0.833), Cu (0.670), Mn (0.649) and
Zn (0.598). Loading values in PC2 are high and positive for HFe (0.844),
and Se (0.591) and negative for NHFe (-0.718). In summary, the variables
that best represent PC1 are TFe, (28.14%) and Cu (18.23%), while HFe
(42.58%) and NHFe (30.86%) are the variables that contribute most
to PC2. Co is the mineral trace that is poorly represented for both
principal components.
The individual projection shows no clear discrimination between
the breed studied. However, an association can be observed between
the Merino Donhe and Hightlander breeds. These breeds in turn have
a high association with the mineral HNFe.
Macrominerals and trace elements status in lamb meat / Guerra et al. ______________________________________________________________
6 of 8
Based on PCA statistical analysis, we identied variations in the
trace mineral content of the meat among the different animals
studied. If the principal components PC1 and PC2 are analysed
together, TFe and its components (HFe and NHFe) are the variables
that most account for the original variability. All in all, however,
there is considerable heterogeneity of distribution or variability of
dispersion of the genotypes studied (which somewhat lowers the level
of precision, reliability or accuracy of the groups formed).
Meat mineral trace content, principally iron and iron components
raised on pastures, is an excellent way to satisfy the requirements
of human people. If one wants to increase the value of the meat
market, it is crucial to consider the differences between sheep breeds,
especially those bred for both wool and meat production.
CONCLUSION
In the context of the study, the genetic component would not be
a determining differential for the content of macrominerals and
trace elements.
The sheep genotype studied showed a signicant association with
the minerals Mn, Ca, and Zn, as well as the quantities of HFe and NHFe.
This study justies and gives excellent scope for further research
on sheep breeds and possible interactions between factors such as
age, slaughter weight, different diets, and their effect on meat and
wool quality.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors gratefully acknowledge the partial annual nancial
support of PEDECIBA (Programa de Desarrollo de las Ciencias Básicas,
Uruguay) for research purposes.
Ethics statement
Animals used in this study were maintained in the facilities and
environment of the Experimental Station of the Faculty of Agronomy
(Udelar) in Paysandú, Uruguay, following the regulations of the University's
ethics committee, the Honorary Commission for Animal Experimentation
(CHEA, Udelar). The protocol used (Nº 1401) in this investigation was
approved by the Ethical Commission for the Use of Animals (CEUA,
CENUR Litoral Norte) following the regulations of the CHEA.
Disclosure statement
The authors declare no conict of interest.
Data availability statement
Data is available on request from the authors. The data that support
the ndings of this study are available from the corresponding author,
Guerra MH, upon reasonable request
Conict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conict of interest.
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