Dietary Antioxidants and Storage Affect Chemical Characteristics of ω-3 Fatty Acid Enriched Broiler Chicken Meats

The influence of feeding full-fat flax seed with and without dietary antioxidants to 6-wk old male Hubbard chickens, on chemical characteristics of cooked white and dark meats was assessed. Level of dietary ω-3 fatty acid and dietary antioxidant significantly influenced the ω-3 PUFA compositions of meat lipids. Addition of antioxidants, especially mixed tocopherol plus canthaxanthin, to the diet significantly reduced concentrations of malonaldehyde and total volatiles in the enriched meat, particularly dark meat. Broiler meats enriched with omega-3 fatty acids could be stabilized by incorporation of natural antioxidants.     

An experimental evaluation of the hypoallergenic action of fat constituents for specialized therapeutic products

The influence of fatty compositions with varying proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) omega-6 and omega-3 on the manifestation severity of anaphylaxis to ovalbumin (OVA), whole pasteurized cow milk (WPCM), and sensitivity to histamine LD50 were investigated in male guinea pigs. Hypoallergenic effect to OVA and WPCM, decreased sensitivity to to histamine LD50 were manifested in the animals which received the fatty composition with a high ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 PUFA (24, 20). A correlation was established between the hypoallergenic action of the fatty composition and the content of medium- and long-chain saturated fatty acids in this composition. The results obtained have been considered with respect to the characteristics of the immunomodulatory effects of PUFA omega-6, omega-3 and saturated fatty acids.     

Correlation of animal diet and fatty acid content in young goat meat by gas chromatography and chemometrics

The meat fatty acids (FA) profiles of caprines submitted to different dietary treatments were determined by gas chromatography. The data were treated by Chemometrics to consider all variables together. The contents of saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), omega-3 (n-3) FA, and omega-6 (n-6) FA in 32 samples were analyzed. PUFA:SFA and n-6:n-3 ratios were also considered. The multivariate methods of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the experimental results. HCA can group samples according to their basic composition, and PCA can explain the relationship among the dietary treatments according to the meat fatty acid composition. Treatment 1 presented the highest n-6 FA concentration, PUFA:SFA, and n-6:n-3 ratios, and the lowest MUFA and n-3 concentrations. Opposite results were observed for treatment 4. Treatments 2 and 3 were highly similar with differences mainly in SFA and MUFA concentrations.     

Meat quality of Argentinean "Camperos" chicken enhanced in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids

Five diets were assessed with the aim of increasing oleic fatty acid and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content in 'campero' poultry meat and evaluating their influence on sensory attributes. Animals from treatment 1 (T1) were confined and fed with corn/soybean diet; in T2, animals were fed with a corn/soybean mix with free access to pasture; T3 diet had high oleic sunflower seeds (HOSS) and linseeds with access to pasture; T4 diet was similar to T2 with free access to chicory instead of pasture and T5 diet was similar to T3 with free access to chicory instead of pasture. Linseeds and HOSS supplementation significantly increased the fatty acids profile, regardless of forage supply. T3 MUFA content was significantly higher than in the other treatments. Due to the high presence of omega-3 PUFA in linseeds and HOSS treatments (T3 and T5), meat omega-6/omega-3 ratio decreased from 9 to 4. The presence of off-flavours was not influenced by diets but there was an interaction between portion and storage conditions. 'Poultry meat' aroma was only influenced by the storage conditions, being slight after 4 months of freezing, while presence of off-aromas was affected by diets. We conclude that it is possible to produce 'campero' poultry meat with enhanced omega-3 and omega-9 content and a low omega-6/omega-3 ratio using diets based on linseed and HOSS, without any important change in sensory properties.     

Nutritional and sensory qualities of raw meat and cooked brine‐injected turkey breast as affected by dietary enrichment with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and vitamin E

BACKGROUND: This aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding turkeys with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and vitamin E on the fatty acid profile, proteolytic enzyme activities and oxidative status of raw breast meat and cooked brine‐injected breast meat. Four treatments were investigated: T1, basal diet (control); T2, basal diet plus 15 g kg^?1 DHA; T3, basal diet plus 100 mg kg^?1 vitamin E; T4, basal diet plus 5.4 g kg^?1 DHA plus 100 mg kg^?1 vitamin E. A sensory analysis of cooked brine‐injected breasts was conducted in order to assess the sensory characteristics of these products and relate them to the expected nutritional benefits. RESULTS: Among the four treatments tested, no differences were observed in enzyme activities. No activities of cathepsin B, cathepsins B + L and catalase were detected in cooked brine‐injected breast meat. Glutathione peroxidase activity was reduced and superoxide dismutase activity was similar to that measured in raw meat. The diets supplemented with DHA increased eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA levels in comparison with the control in both raw and cooked products. The increase in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) led to a reduction in n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio to values between 1.01 ± 0.11 and 2.94 ± 0.47. In cooked brine‐injected breast, treatment with 15 g kg^?1 DHA (T2) induced a considerable fishy flavour, while treatment with 5.4 g kg^?1 DHA plus 100 mg kg^?1 vitamin E (T4) induced a slight fishy flavour. However, fishy odour in T4 did not differ significantly from that of the control. CONCLUSION: By feeding turkeys with 5.4 g kg^?1 pure DHA plus 100 mg kg^?1 vitamin E, the nutritional quality is improved through the introduction of a natural antioxidant and the reduction in n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio. With this treatment the sensory characteristics were similar to those of control samples, except for the fishy flavour, which could probably be masked by modifying the technological process. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Long-chain n-3 PUFA against breast and prostate cancer: Which are the appropriate doses for intervention studies in animals and humans?

The potential antineoplastic effect of the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) remains a highly controversial issue. Numerous animal studies have supported the anticancer role of these dietary fatty acids, whereas conflicting results have been obtained in population studies, and only a few intervention human trials have been so far performed. In view of the possibility that the anticancer effects may be maximally observed within a defined range of EPA and DHA doses, herein we critically review the results and doses used in both animal studies and human clinical trials focusing on the possible n-3 PUFA protective effects against breast and prostate cancer. Our main aim is to identify the EPA and/or DHA ranges of doses needed to obtain clear anticancer effects. This may be of great help in designing future animal studies, and also in understanding the most appropriate dose for further human intervention studies. Moreover, since the healthy effects of these fatty acids have been strictly related to their increased incorporation in plasma and tissue lipids, we also examine and discuss the incorporation changes following the administration of the effective anticancer EPA and/or DHA doses in animals and humans.     

Health beneficial long chain omega-3 fatty acid levels in Australian lamb managed under extensive finishing systems

The variation in levels of the health claimable long chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) across production regions of Australia was studied in 5726 lambs over 3 years completed in 87 slaughter groups. The median level of EPA plus DHA differed dramatically between locations and sometimes between slaughters from the same location. The ratio of EPA plus DHA from lambs with high values (97.5% quantile) to lambs with low values (2.5% quantile) also differed dramatically between locations, and between slaughters from the same location. Consistency between years, at a location, was less for the high to low value ratio of EPA plus DHA than for the median value of EPA plus DHA. To consistently obtain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in Australian lamb, there must be a focus on lamb finishing diets which are likely to need a supply of α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), the precursor for EPA and DHA.     

Influence of low linoleic and linolenic acids in milk replacer on calf performance and lipids in blood plasma, heart, and liver

In a 6-wk study with 3-d-old calves (n = 32), we compared effects of low or adequate essential fatty acids in milk replacers on calf performance, feed utilization, and fatty acids in blood plasma, heart, and liver lipids. Four dietary treatments were hydrogenated coconut oil, as low-essential fatty acid basal; basal plus linoleic acid; basal plus linoleic plus linolenic acids; tallow control. None of the calves fed low essential fatty acid diet developed any external deficiency signs seen in monogastric animals. Supplementation of basal diet with essential fatty acids had no influence on weight gains, feed efficiency, or digestibility of lipids, nitrogen, and dry matter. Effects of low essential fatty acid intake were decreased resistance of erythrocytes to lysis, and in tissue lipids, marked reduction of linoleic acid and elevation of trienoic acid, palmitoleic acid, and ratio of trienoic acid to arachidonic acid, all indicative of low essential fatty acid status. Essential fatty acid intake in milk replacer may be more important than indicated here for longer term vealer calves, and where stresses, such as infectious diseases and high environmental temperature, are present.     

Bioavailability and Potential Uses of Vegetarian Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Review of the Literature

Presently alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the most widely used vegetarian LC3PUFA, but only marginal amounts are converted into eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); both of which are strongly related to human health. Currently, fish oils represent the most prominent dietary sources of EPA and DHA; however, these are unsuitable for vegetarians. Alternative sources include flaxseed, echium, walnut, and algal oil but their conversion to EPA and DHA must be considered. The present systematic review sets out to collate information from intervention studies examining the bioavailability of alternative vegetarian long chain omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC3PUFA) sources. Ten key papers published over the last 10 years were identified with seven intervention studies reporting that ALA from nut and seed oils was not converted to DHA at all. Three studies showed that ingestion of micro-algae oil led to significant increases in blood erythrocyte and plasma DHA. Further work is now needed to identify optimal doses of alternative vegetarian LC3PUFAs and how these can be integrated within daily diets. The potential role of algal oils appears to be particularly promising and an area in which further research is warranted.     

Cow colostrum and early milk enriched with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic fatty acid

The objective of the study was to explore whether it is possible to alter cow colostrum and early milk fatty acid composition with a low level of fat supplement, high in docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) fatty acid. Diets included a control diet and a diet supplemented with DHA- and EPA-enriched fat supplement. Addition of fat supplement significantly decreased saturated fatty acids, C14:0 and C16:0 and increased the values of monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n3 fatty acids, EPA, DHA, C18:1n9cis and C18:1n11trans. The percentage of short-chain fatty acids significantly increased with the progress of lactation, while the percentage of PUFA, n3 and n6 significantly decreased. These results showed that fat supplement, high in DHA and EPA, modified the fatty acid profile of colostrum and milk fat and increased the proportion of beneficial fatty acids for human health.     

Innovations in beef production systems that enhance the nutritional and health value of beef lipids and their relationship with meat quality

Consumers are becoming more aware of the relationships between diet and health and this has increased consumer interest in the nutritional value of foods. This is impacting on the demand for foods which contain functional components that play important roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. For beef, much attention has been given to lipids. This paper reviews strategies for increasing the content of beneficial omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and reducing saturated fatty acids (SFA) in beef. Particular attention is given to intramuscular fat (IMF) and the relationships between fatty acid composition and key meat quality parameters including colour shelf life and sensory attributes. Despite the high levels of ruminal biohydrogenation of dietary PUFA, nutrition is the major route for increasing the content of beneficial fatty acids in beef. Feeding grass or concentrates containing linseed (rich in α-linolenic acid, 18:3n-3) in the diet increases the content of 18:3n-3 and its longer chain derivative eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) in beef muscle and adipose tissue, resulting in a lower n-6:n-3 ratio. Grass feeding also increases docasahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3). Feeding PUFA rich lipids which are protected from ruminal biohydrogenation result in further enhancement of the PUFA in meat with concomitant beneficial improvements in the ratio of polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acids (P:S ratio) and n-6:n-3 ratio. The main CLA isomer in beef is CLA cis-9, trans-11 and it is mainly associated with the triacylglycerol lipid fraction and therefore is positively correlated with level of fatness. The level of CLA cis-9, trans-11 in beef is related to (1) the amount of this isomer produced in the rumen and (2) synthesis in the tissue, by delta-9 desaturase, from ruminally produced trans vaccenic acid (18:1 trans-11; TVA). Feeding PUFA-rich diets increases the content of CLA cis-9, trans-11 in beef. Trans-fatty acids in foods are of rising importance and knowledge of the differential effects of the individual trans isomers is increasing. TVA is the major trans 18:1 isomer in beef and as the precursor for tissue CLA in both animals and man should be considered as a neutral or beneficial trans-isomer. Increasing the content of n-3 PUFA in beef can influence colour shelf life and sensory attributes of the meat. As the content of n-3 PUFA increases then sensory attributes such as "greasy" and "fishy" score higher and colour shelf life may be reduced. Under these situations, high levels of vitamin E are necessary to help stabilise the effects of incorporating high levels of long chain PUFA into meat. However, grass feeding not only increases n-3 PUFA and CLA but, due to its high content of vitamin E, colour shelf life is improved. It is evident that opportunities exist to enhance the content of health promoting fatty acids in beef and beef products offering opportunities to add value and contribute to market differentiation. However, it is imperative that these approaches to deliver "functional" attributes do not compromise on the health value (lipoperoxidation) or the taste of beef products.     

Meat-based functional foods for dietary equilibrium omega-6/omega-3

Nutritionists encourage improving the diet by combining meat products with fish or other sea-related foods, in order to equilibrate the omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Strong scientific evidence supports the beneficial health effects of a balanced omega-6/omega-3 PUFA (poly unsaturated fatty acids) diets. In the present work, the scientific bases of new functional meat products with both a balanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio and a synergic combination of antioxidants are discussed. The aim is to contribute to the dietary equilibrium omega-6/omega-3 and to increase the antioxidant intake. Conventional meat products supplemented with a specific fatty acids and antioxidants combination led to functional foods with healthier nutritional parameters.     

Comprehensive analysis of fatty acids in human milk of four Asian countries

Human milk lipids provide not only energy but also indispensable bioactive components such as essential fatty acids. To establish the recommended daily intake value and guidelines for infant formula, a reference library of fatty acid composition has been generated from 4 Asian countries (South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Pakistan). Regardless of country, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:1), and linolenic acid (C18:2) were the 3 most abundant fatty acids in human milk and account for more than 75% of total fatty acids (total FA). However, there were several considerable differences between fatty acids, particularly n-3 and n-6 (omega-3 and omega-6) groups. Chinese mothers' milk had a high concentration of linoleic acid at 24.38 ± 10.02% of total FA, which may be due to maternal diet. Among the 4 countries, Pakistani mothers' milk contained a high amount of saturated fatty acid (56.83 ± 5.96% of total FA), and consequently, polyunsaturated fatty acids, including n-3 and n-6, were significantly lower than in other countries. It is noteworthy that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in Pakistani mothers' milk was 44.8 ± 33.3 mg/L, which is only 25 to 30% of the levels in the other 3 countries, suggesting the need for DHA supplementation for infants in Pakistan. Moreover, the ratio of n-6 to n-3 was also remarkably high in Pakistani mothers' milk (15.21 ± 4.96), being 1.4- to 1.7-fold higher than in other countries. The average DHA:ARA ratio in Asian human milk was 1.01 ± 0.79. Korean mothers' milk showed a high DHA:ARA ratio, with a value of 1.30 ± 0.98, but Pakistani mothers' milk had a significantly lower value (0.42 ± 0.12). The fatty acid compositions and anthropometric data of mother (body mass index, age) did not show any correlation. The obtained data might provide information about human milk compositions in the Asian region that could benefit from setting up recommended nutrient intake and infant formula for Asian babies.     

Characterization of the lipid composition and natural antioxidants in the liver oil of Dasyatis brevis and Gymnura marmorata rays

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), have been recognized for their important role in health. EPA has several beneficial effects regarding coronary heart disease, while DHA has been found to be important for the development of the brain and retina. The increase in the consumption of fish oil, a commercial source of PUFA, has made necessary the search for new fish species rich in PUFA that could be used as raw material for the fish oil production. The lipid, fatty acid composition and natural antioxidant contents (carotene, tocopherol) were analyzed for the liver oil of Dasyatis brevis (arenera) and Gymnura marmorata (mariposa), two ray species commercially captured in the Gulf of California. The liver oil yield 25–50% (w/w) for D. brevis and 38–56% for G. marmorata. The triglyceride fraction was the major lipid class (577–758 mg/g) for both species, with smaller proportions of sterol esters, free sterols, polar lipids and diacyl glyceryl ethers. D. brevis showed a greater carotene and tocopherols concentration (6.9 mg/100 g, 25.3 mg/100 g, respectively) than G. marmorata (1.8 mg/100 g, 2.8 mg/100 g, respectively). The content of saturated and monoenoic fatty acid was similar for both species, however, the liver oil of G. marmorata had twice as much DHA than D. brevis. The composite percentage composition of DHA plus EPA with respect to the total of fatty acids in liver oil was 18% for G. marmorata and 16% for D. brevis. The liver oil of G. marmorata and D. brevis represent a new source of omega-3 PUFA that can be used for human and animal nutrition.     

Effects of fatty acids on meat quality: a review

Interest in meat fatty acid composition stems mainly from the need to find ways to produce healthier meat, i.e. with a higher ratio of polyunsaturated (PUFA) to saturated fatty acids and a more favourable balance between n-6 and n-3 PUFA. In pigs, the drive has been to increase n-3 PUFA in meat and this can be achieved by feeding sources such as linseed in the diet. Only when concentrations of α-linolenic acid (18:3) approach 3% of neutral lipids or phospholipids are there any adverse effects on meat quality, defined in terms of shelf life (lipid and myoglobin oxidation) and flavour. Ruminant meats are a relatively good source of n-3 PUFA due to the presence of 18:3 in grass. Further increases can be achieved with animals fed grain-based diets by including whole linseed or linseed oil, especially if this is "protected" from rumen biohydrogenation. Long-chain (C20-C22) n-3 PUFA are synthesised from 18:3 in the animal although docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) is not increased when diets are supplemented with 18:3. DHA can be increased by feeding sources such as fish oil although too-high levels cause adverse flavour and colour changes. Grass-fed beef and lamb have naturally high levels of 18:3 and long chain n-3 PUFA. These impact on flavour to produce a 'grass fed' taste in which other components of grass are also involved. Grazing also provides antioxidants including vitamin E which maintain PUFA levels in meat and prevent quality deterioration during processing and display. In pork, beef and lamb the melting point of lipid and the firmness/hardness of carcass fat is closely related to the concentration of stearic acid (18:0).     

Performance, carcass traits, muscle fatty acid composition and meat sensory properties of male Mahabadi goat kids fed palm oil, soybean oil or fish oil

This study examined the effect of palm, soybean or fish oils on the performance, muscle fatty acid composition and meat quality of goat kids. Twenty-four male Mahabadi kids (BW=19.4±1.2kg) were divided into three groups according to liveweight and randomly allocated to one of three diets. Animals were fed ad libitum for 84days. Different dietary fat sources had no effect on performance and/or carcass quality attributes. The soybean oil diet decreased 16:0 and 18:0 concentrations and increased 18:2 and 18:3 and the ratio of PUFA/SFA in the muscle compared with other treatments. Fish oil feeding increased 20:5 n-3 and 22:6 n-3 concentrations and decreased the ratio of n-6/n-3 in the muscle. The results demonstrate that the use of fish oil is a nutritional strategy to improve the health claimable long-chain omega-3 fatty acid content and n-6/n-3 ratio in goat meat without changing the sensory properties or colour of meat.     

Fat and content of yakutan horse fat tissue

The gas chromatography method the fat acid content of the young Yakut horse meat fat tissue lipids was studied in relation to the age group, various parts of the body and anatomic topographic location of the fat/It was determined that the of sixth-month young horse is the source of the PUFA omega-3 that allows to recommend horse meat as a dietary product for atherosclerosis prevention. By medial chain fat content the lipids of the 6 month young horses are close to the lipids of milk fat.     

鲨鱼肌肉与鱼翅营养价值的比较

为全面、客观地评价鲨鱼肌肉和鱼翅的营养差异,以镰状真鲨（Carcharhinus falciformis）和大青鲨（Prionace glauca）为研究对象,比较分析了2 种鲨鱼肌肉、鱼翅（包括全翅和翅针,下同）的各种营养成分。结果显示：鲨鱼的肌肉和鱼翅蛋白质量分数均很高（24.34%～37.03%）,其中同一鲨鱼的鱼翅蛋白质量分数高于肌肉;2 种鲨鱼肌肉和鱼翅的粗脂肪质量分数都非常低,均小于0.50%;鲨鱼全翅因其鱼皮表面有砂质导致灰分质量分数特别高（6.18%～7.09%）,但肌肉的灰分质量分数（1.23%～1.63%）仅略高于翅针（0.86%～0.90%）。鲨鱼的肌肉和鱼翅中氨基酸种类齐全,总体上鱼翅中氨基酸总量（total amino acid,TAA）高于肌肉,但肌肉的必需氨基酸（essential amino acid,EAA）质量分数（41.94%～42.42%）高于鱼翅（17.93%～22.61%）,且只有肌肉满足联合国粮食及农业组织/世界卫生组织提出的氨基酸模式标准（EAA/TAA≥40%且EAA/非必需氨基酸≥60%）,因此,鲨鱼肌肉的氨基酸营养价值远高于鱼翅,是一种优质蛋白源,而鱼翅并非优质蛋白源。通过氨基酸评分（amino acid score,AAS）、化学评分（chemical sore,CS）和必需氨基酸指数（essential amino acid index,EAAI）3 种氨基酸评分发现：鲨鱼肌肉的AAS、CS以及EAAI值均显著高于鱼翅,约为鱼翅的2 倍,说明鲨鱼肌肉的氨基酸营养价值高于鱼翅。蛋氨酸＋半胱氨酸是鲨鱼肌肉的第一限制性氨基酸;亮氨酸（根据AAS结果）或蛋氨酸＋半胱氨酸（根据CS结果）为鱼翅的第一限制性氨基酸。鲨鱼肌肉中共检出13 种脂肪酸,且饱和脂肪酸（saturated fatty acid,SFA）质量分数＞多不饱和脂肪酸（polyunsaturated fatty acids,PUFA）质量分数＞单不饱和脂肪酸（monounsaturated fatty acid,MUFA）质量分数;鱼翅中共检出16 种脂肪酸,且SFA质量分数＞MUFA质量分数＞PUFA质量分数。鲨鱼肌肉和鱼翅中均含有丰富的油酸、二十二碳六烯酸和花生四烯酸等具有重要生理活性的不饱和脂肪酸,且均符合理想脂肪酸的标准（PUFA/SFA＞0.4）,但肌肉的PUFA/SFA明显高于鱼翅。鲨鱼肌肉和鱼翅中均含有丰富的胶原蛋白,且鱼翅中胶原蛋白质量分数（7.61%～11.99%）明显高于肌肉（0.27%～0.41%）。鲨鱼肌肉和鱼翅中还含有一定的硫酸软骨素,其中全翅中硫酸软骨素含量非常高（镰状真鲨和大青鲨分别为2.67 mg/g和10.87 mg/g）,而肌肉和翅针中含量较少（质量分数低于1.2%）。     

Effects of goat milk or milk replacer diet on meat quality and fat composition of suckling goat kids

The effects of a diet with goat milk "GM" or milk replacer "MR" on the meat quality and fat composition of suckling Murciano-Granadina kids were studied. MR consisted of powdered skimmed milk, coconut oil and fat, and cereal products and by-products. Raw meat quality (moisture, protein, lipids, ash, collagen, cholesterol, haem pigments, CIELab colour, pH and water retention capacity), fatty acid "FA" composition and eating quality of cooked meat (odour, flavour and texture) were determined. Diet had only a slight effect on raw meat quality but had a pronounced effect on fatty acid composition and eating quality of cooked meat. MR diet increased the water/protein proportion in the muscle. The saturated/unsaturated FA ratio in GM and MR fat was 0.94 and 2.27, respectively. The major FA in GM and MR fat were C16:0 and C18:1, respectively. Short-chain C4-C12 hardly accumulated in the adipose tissue of suckling kid, increasing the relative percentages of C14-C20. This effect was more pronounced in MR fat, due to the fact that MR contained more short-chain fatty acids than GM. MR diet gave cooked meat a more intense characteristic goat meat odour and flavour, more tenderness and more juiciness than the natural suckling diet. This fact could be related to differences in meat and fat composition.