EFFECT OF FEEDING PLAN AND GENOTYPE ON FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF VEAL

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding plan and genotype on fatty acid profile of veal. Thirty-two male calves, 16 purebred Friesian and 16 beef x dairy crossbreds, reared in the same farm, were fed on milk replacer (1.9 kg milk powder/calf/day) and maize silage (0.3 kg/calf/day). Within each genotype group, half of calves were supplemented with 0.4 kg/calf/day of maize grain while the others were supplemented with 0.6 kg/calf/day. The animals were slaughtered at an average age and weight of 6 months and 276 kg respectively. At 1 day post mortem samples of longissimus thoracis muscle were taken from the right half carcass between the 8th and 10th rib. Fat content and fatty acid composition were determined. There was no effect of diet on fat content and fatty acid profile of veal. Breed variations (P<0.05) in meat fatty acid composition were observed for some individual fatty acids (myristic, myristoleic, palmitic and stearic acid) and for the total saturated fatty acids. From a human health standpoint, fatty acid composition of longissimus thoracis muscle of crossbred has a positive impact on human nutrition as confirmed by a better polyunsaturated/saturated ratio and lower atherogenic and trombogenic indices.