Effect of production system on physical–chemical,antioxidant and fatty acids composition of Longissimus dorsi and Serratus ventralis muscles from Iberian pig

The effect of three production systems of Iberian pigs namely Montanera (free-range system and feeding based on acorns and grass), Recebo (free-range system and nutrition based in combination of acorns, grass and mixed feeds) and Intensive (confinement with mixed feeds) on some quality traits of Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Serratus ventralis (SV) muscles were studied. Muscles from pigs raised in the Montanera system showed significantly higher CIE L^∗, a^∗ and b^∗ values and higher haem pigment content than those from Intensive system. Similarly, muscles from pigs raised in the Montanera system had significantly higher contents of α and γ-tocopherol and phenolic compounds contents and higher lipophilic and hydrophilic activity antioxidant than those from pigs raised in the Intensive system. Fatty acids profiles from Montanera pigs had significantly higher monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids and lower saturated fatty acids (SFA) than those from pigs raised in the Intensive system. In relation to muscle effect, LD showed lower intramuscular fat (IMF), α-tocopherol, phenolic compounds, lipid oxidation and PUFA, but higher MUFA than SV.     

Acorns (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.) and grass as natural sources of antioxidants and fatty acids in the “montanera” feeding of Iberian pig: Intra- and inter-annual variations

In two consecutive years (2006/2007 and 2007/2008), fortnightly samples were taken to characterise the antioxidant composition and fatty acid profile of acorns and grass on which Iberian pigs feed during the period of “montanera” (free-range rearing system of the south-western of Iberian Peninsula). The antioxidant parameters analysed were: α- and γ-tocopherol, total phenolics compounds (TPC), lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activities (LAA, HAA) (acorn and grass) and condensed and hydrolysable tannins (CT, HT) and protein precipitating capacity (PP) (acorns). To characterise the fatty acid profiles, the thirteen major fatty acids were assayed. For the acorns, it was found that there was intra-annual variability in all the antioxidants studied except α-tocopherol, and inter-annual variability in all except the protein precipitating capacity. The fatty acid profile also varied depending on the sampling date and the study year, especially in the saturated fatty acids (SFA) and C18:1 n-9 content. For the grass, there was intra- and inter-annual variability in all the antioxidant parameters studied, and in the proportions of the fatty acids C18:0, and C18:1. It could explain variations in the antioxidant and fatty acids composition of Iberian pig tissues from animals raised in different “montanera” seasons and even in the same “montanera” season.     

Intramuscular and subcutaneous lipid fatty acid profile composition in male and female foals

This study characterised the lipid classes of Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle and the fatty acid profiles of the LD intramuscular fat and subcutaneous (SC) adipose tissue of male and female foal mixed populations. Two animal groups were studied based on slaughter ages of 16 and 24 months. The sex of the animals had no statistical significance in the lipid fractions of the LD muscle or in the intramuscular fatty acids (p ? 0.05). In contrast, there was a significant effect of sex on the fatty acid profile of the SC adipose tissue. Furthermore, the livestock production system showed difference in both lipid class and fatty acid profiles from the LD and SC adipose tissues. The LD of 24-month old foals had lower phospholipids content (p ? 0.001), displayed little difference in saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p ? 0.1), exhibited higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p ? 0.05) and lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p ? 0.05) compared with that of the 16-month old foals. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile of the SC adipose tissue of the 24-month old foals had higher SFA (p ? 0.05) and PUFA (p ? 0.01) with lower amounts of MUFA (p ? 0.001) relative to the 16-month old foals.     

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Gaylussacia brasiliensis (camarinha) grown in Brazil

This paper presents the centesimal and mineral composition, fatty acid profile of the lipidic fraction, phenolic and anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant activity of Gaylussacia brasiliensis fruit. The results indicated the following composition: moisture (81.30%), lipids (0.62%), proteins (0.56%), carbohydrates (10.74%), dietary fiber (6.53%), and ash (0.25%). The main elements comprising the mineral composition were K, Mg, Ca, and Fe. The fatty acid composition was characterized by a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (62.2%) and a high PUFA/SFA ratio (2.92). The G. brasiliensis fruit contained considerable amounts of phenolics (492.87 mgAG/100 g) and anthocyanins (240.43 mg/100 g), which contribute to its high antioxidant activity. This study highlights the potential of this fruit as an important source of both nutritional and bioactive compounds available in the native Brazilian flora.     

Effects of diet and storage on fatty acid profile,micronutrients and quality of muscle from German Simmental bulls

This study evaluated the effect of diet on fatty acid profile, vitamins, trace elements, lipid peroxidation, and quality of longissimus muscle of German Simmental bulls. The effect of storage on fatty acid profile and vitamins was also included. A control group was fed concentrate including soybean, and maize silage/grass silage. Treatment group I (unrestricted) was fed concentrate including rapeseed, and grass silage. Treatment group II (restricted) was fed like treatment group I with a feed restriction period. The treatment diet was not effective to give similar daily live weight gain to the control diet, but it was successful in improving beef fatty acid composition without affecting tenderness and colour (under unrestricted conditions). There were no differences in vitamins and cooking loss, but selenium decreased in treatment groups. Stimulated lipid peroxidation, in samples taken immediately post-mortem, was higher in treatment groups. Polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased, saturated fatty acids and intramuscular fat increased after 14 days of storage while vitamins had no significant reduction.     

Effect of slaughter season on fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid isomers and nutritional value of intramuscular fat in Barrosã-PDO veal

This paper describes the influence of slaughter season on lipid content, fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomeric profile and nutritional value of fat in Barrosã veal from calves reared according to the specifications of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Barrosã purebred calves (n = 27) were raised in a traditional production system and slaughtered in early autumn (October) and late spring (June). Barrosã-PDO veal only presented seasonal differences in the levels of some minor fatty acids and CLA isomers, as well as in the PUFA/SFA ratio. Based on the analysed grass intake indicators, it was shown that veal-PDO has similar values to pasture-fed cattle for both slaughter seasons. From a human nutrition perspective, intramuscular fat in Barrosã-PDO veal has a high nutritional value throughout the year, since CLA contents and the percentages of the c9,t11 isomer are relatively high, and the n − 6/n − 3 ratios are within the recommended values for the human diet.     

Seasonal changes in the total fatty acid composition of Vimba, Vimbavimba tenella (Nordmann, 1840) in Eğirdir Lake,Turkey

Total fatty acid compositions and its seasonal variations in Vimba, Vimba vimba tenella (Nordmann, 1840) in E?irdir Lake, which is the second largest freshwater lake in Turkey, were investigated by a gas chromatographic method. Twenty seven different fatty acids were determined in the composition of Vimba vimba tenella. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were found to be in higher amounts than saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in all seasons. Oleic acid (C18:1 n9) was the major MUFA in all seasons. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was identified as the major SFA in all four seasons. Arachidonic acid (C20:4 n6), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n3), linoleic acid (C18:2 n6), and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n3) were at the highest levels among the PUFAs. In the present study, n-3/n-6 ratios were found to be 1.4,1.5,1.2 and 1.4 in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. Vimba vimba tenella may be a valuable food for human consumption in terms of fatty acids.     

Survey of the fatty acid composition of retail milk in the United States including regional and seasonal variations

Consumers are increasingly aware that food components have the potential to influence human health maintenance and disease prevention, and dietary fatty acids (FA) have been of special interest. It has been 25 years since the last survey of US milk FA composition, and during this interval substantial changes in dairy rations have occurred, including increased use of total mixed rations and byproduct feeds as well as the routine use of lipid and FA supplements. Furthermore, analytical procedures have improved allowing greater detail in the routine analysis of FA, especially trans FA. Our objective was to survey US milk fat and determine its FA composition. We obtained samples of fluid milk from 56 milk processing plants across the US every 3 mo for one year to capture seasonal and geographical variations. Processing plants were selected based on the criteria that they represented 50% or more of the fluid milk produced in that area. An overall summary of the milk fat analysis indicated that saturated fatty acids comprised 63.7% of total milk FA with palmitic and stearic acids representing the majority (44.1 and 18.3% of total saturated fatty acids, respectively). Unsaturated fatty acids were 33.2% of total milk FA with oleic acid predominating (71.0% of total unsaturated fatty acids). These values are comparable to those of the previous survey in 1984, considering differences in analytical techniques. Trans FA represented 3.2% of total FA, with vaccenic acid being the major trans isomer (46.5% of total trans FA). Cis-9, trans-11 18:2 conjugated linoleic acid represented 0.55% total milk FA, and the major n-3 FA (linolenic acid, 18:3) composed 0.38%. Analyses for seasonal and regional effects indicated statistical differences for some FA, but these were minor from an overall human nutrition perspective as the FA profile for all samples were numerically similar. Overall, the present study provides a valuable database for current FA composition of US fluid milk, and results demonstrate that the milk fatty acid profile is remarkably consistent across geographic regions and seasons from the perspective of human dietary intake of milk fat.     

Seasonal variations on total fatty acid composition of fillets of zander (Sander lucioperca) in Beysehir Lake (Turkey)

Seasonal variations on total fatty acid compositions of zander, Sander lucioperca in Beysehir Lake, were determined by using GC. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were found to be higher than saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in all seasons. Palmitic acid was the major SFA (57.0–64.0% of total SFA) in all seasons. Oleic acid was identified as the major MUFA (45.0–58.0% of total MUFAs). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), linoleic acid (LA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (AA) were the most abundant PUFA. Relating to the total fatty acid composition of zander, the percentages of DHA, LA, AA, and EPA ranged between 17.1–23.3%, 5.40–15.4%, 6.72–9.94% and 4.22–5.93% of total lipid, respectively. The percentages of total ω3 fatty acid were higher than those of total ω6 fatty acid in the fatty acid composition of zander with ω3/ω6 ratios of 1.49, 1.45, 1.22, 0.72 in spring, autumn, winter, and summer, respectively. It was shown that the fatty acid composition and ω3/ω6 fatty acids ratio in the muscle of zander were significantly influenced by spawning and season.     

Seasonal changes and muscle type effect on the nutritional quality of intramuscular fat in Mirandesa-PDO veal

The influence of slaughter season and muscle type on the detailed fatty acid composition, including conjugated linoleic acid isomers, and contents of total cholesterol and lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamins (α-tocopherol and β-carotene) in Mirandesa-PDO veal was assessed. Mirandesa purebred calves (n = 29) were raised in a traditional production semi-extensive system, slaughtered in late spring (June) or early autumn (October) and the longissimus lumborum and semitendinosus muscles were sampled for analysis. Although the lipid composition of PDO veal was only slightly affected by the slaughter season, it was markedly changed by the muscle type. However, PDO veal had values of pasture-fed cattle for lipid grass intake indicators, in both seasons and muscles. From a human health standpoint, intramuscular fat in Mirandesa-PDO veal has a high nutritional value throughout the year, with favorable ratios of n− 6/n− 3 and contents of n− 3 PUFA and α-tocopherol, as a result of the beneficial effects of grass feeding.     

Determination of the seasonal changes on total fatty acid composition and ω3/ω6 ratios of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) muscle lipids in Beysehir Lake (Turkey)

The muscle lipid and fatty acid composition of carp, Cyprinus carpio in Beysehir Lake the largest freshwater lake in Turkey, was determined. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of carp, the most abundant fish species in Beysehir Lake, were found to be higher than those of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in spring, summer and autumn and also the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in spring and summer. Palmitic acid was the major SFA (14.6–16.6%) in all seasons. Oleic acid was identified as the major MUFA (15.1–20.3%). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was the major PUFA in summer and winter, whereas linoleic acid (LA) was the major PUFA in spring and autumn. The percentages of total ω3 fatty acid were higher than those of total ω6 fatty acid in the fatty acid composition of carp in winter. It was shown that the fatty acid composition in the muscle of carp was significantly influenced by feeding period and seasons.     

Assessment of the antioxidant potential and fatty acid composition of four Centaurea L. taxa from Turkey

This paper focused on the assessment of antioxidant property and fatty acid composition of four Centaurea species. The antioxidant activity of its methanol extract was evaluated by several in vitro experiments including phosphomolybedum assay, DPPH assay, β-carotene/linoleic acid, ferric and cupric reducing power. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also evaluated. The methanol extract of Centaurea pulcherrima var. pulcherrima showed the superior free radical scavenging activity, linoleic acid inhibition capacity, reducing power and also had the highest total phenolic content. A significant relationship between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic components was found. The oils of Centaurea taxa were also analysed for fatty acid concentration by gas chromatography. The principal fatty acids in the species were palmitic acid (23.38–30.49%) and linoleic acid (20.19–29.93%). These findings suggest that the Centaurea species could be used as a potential source of new natural antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids in food industry, cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparations.     

MRI-based analysis,lipid composition and sensory traits for studying Iberian dry-cured hams from pigs fed with different diets

The present work was aimed to study Iberian dry-cured hams from pigs reared outdoors and either fed with acorns and grass (AG) or with oleic acid enriched concentrates (HO), by means of their fatty acid profile, sensory traits and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The level of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) was higher in HO than in AG hams, whereas total monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) showed higher proportions in AG than in HO Iberian dry-cured hams. Besides, lower levels of the n ? 6/n ? 3 ratio were found in AG than in HO dry-cured hams. Sensory analyses only showed differences between AG and HO Iberian dry-cured hams in pastiness (higher in AG hams, p = 0.039) and marbling (lower in AG hams, p = 0.002). Pig feeding also leads to differences in two computational texture features obtained by MRI-based analysis. Thus, analysis of the fatty acid profile and MRI-based analysis might be used for classifying dry-cured hams from pigs fattened with different diets.     

Feeding Iberian pigs with acorns and grass in either free-range or confinement affects the carcass characteristics and fatty acids and tocopherols accumulation in Longissimus dorsi muscle and backfat

The experiment was undertaken to provide information on the influence of grass intake in a high fat diet based on acorns, in either free-range or confinement, on the carcass yield and characteristics, and on the accumulation of fatty acids and tocopherols. Groups raised free-range or with acorns and grass in confinement had the highest total backfat. Grass addition to the feed did not significantly modify the carcass weight and cut yield. However, outdoor raising produced lower carcass weights and yield, Longissimus dorsi muscle and ham weights than those fed the formulated diet or acorns and grass in confinement. Neither grass intake nor outdoor rearing did modify significantly the proportion of saturated fatty acids of the backfat. However, a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids was found in the intramuscular neutral lipids from pigs fed outdoors. Pigs reared free-range had significantly (P=0.0001) higher proportions of C18:1n-9 in the inner layer and in the intramuscular neutral lipids than the other groups. The grass intake significantly (P=0.0001) increased the proportion of C18:3n-3 in the inner and outer fat layers and intramuscular neutral lipids, while the outdoor rearing system not only affected on the proportion of linolenic acid but also C22:5 and C22:6 of the inner backfat layer and intramuscular polar lipids. These results suggest that the outdoor rearing allows a higher accumulation of n-3 fatty acids maybe due to an increased activity of the desaturase and elongase enzymes. On the other hand, the accumulation of tocopherols was not significantly modified neither by the grass intake nor the outdoor rearing, while differences were detected by the type of feeding (diet vs. acorns/acorns and grass). It is concluded, that the outdoor rearing system affects the nutritional value of meat, mainly by improving the fatty acid composition.     

Comprehensive analysis of Phyteuma orbiculare L., a wild Alpine food plant

Plants which have been traditionally eaten by the alpine population may provide new opportunities for agricultural development in mountain regions. In this context we have investigated the chemical composition of Phyteuma orbiculare (Campanulaceae), a perennial herb whose leaves have been eaten as salad by rural populations in Valais (Switzerland). Extracts of different polarities were subjected to comprehensive metabolite profiling using a dereplication platform combining HPLC–PDA-MS, and offline NMR analysis. Twenty-three compounds, including various phenolic glycosides, a new dimeric phenylpropanoid glucoside, saponins, and fatty acids were identified online, or after targeted isolation. Selected phenolic constituents were quantitatively assessed by HPLC–PDA analysis. In addition, substances relevant for nutrition, such as β-carotene, fatty acids, ascorbic acid and minerals were quantified in leaves and flowers. The antioxidant capacity was determined with an ORAC assay, and total phenolic compounds were quantified. Finally, the phytochemical profile was compared to that of the related species P. spicatum, P. hemisphaericum and P. ovatum.     

Changes in lipids and their contribution to the taste of migaki-nishin (dried herring fillet) during drying

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in lipids and their effect on the taste of migaki-nishin during drying. Lipid was extracted from herring fillets following different drying stages to measure the degree of lipid oxidation and changes in lipid composition, and fatty acid profile. Peroxide value, carbonyl value and acid value of the lipids were significantly increased (P < 0.05) during the drying period. Marked increase in free fatty acids, with decreases in triglyceride and phospholipid content were observed in proportion to drying time and this result suggested that hydrolysis was induced by lipases and phospholipases. The decreases in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were observed in the total lipids and phospholipid fraction. In addition, significant increase in PUFAs especially DHA was found in the free fatty acid fraction. Sensory evaluation showed that an addition of DHA to mentsuyu significantly (P < 0.05) enhances the intensities of thickness, mouthfulness and continuity. These results suggest that during drying period lipid oxidation was not only occurred but also lipolysis predominantly released DHA, which might have a contribution to kokumi enhancement of migaki-nishin.     

Chemical characterization, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity of jussara (Euterpe edulis) fruit from the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil

Samples of fruit from the jussara palm plant (Euterpe edulis), collected in different regions of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, were analyzed for chemical composition, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids and fatty acids profile. Results indicated that the jussara fruit has a high lipid content (18.45-44.08%), oleic acid (44.17-55.61%) and linoleic acid (18.19-25.36%) are the fatty acids found in the highest proportion, and other components were proteins (5.13-8.21%), ash (1.55-3.32%) and moisture (34.95-42.47%). Significant differences were found in the total phenolic, total monomeric anthocyanins and other flavonoids for the samples from the five cultivation regions. The fruit from region E harvested in summer, with high temperatures and medium altitudes, had the highest contents of total phenolics (2610.86 ± 3.89 mg 100 g⁻¹ GAE) and monomeric anthocyanins (1080.54 ± 2.33 mg 100 g^− 1 cy-3-glu). The phenolic compound included ferulic, gallic, hydroxybenzoic and p-coumaric acids, as well as catechin, epicatechin and quercetin. The results show promising perspectives for the exploitation of this tropical fruit with a chemical composition comprising considerable phenolic acids and flavonoids compounds and showing activity antioxidant.     

The influences of carcass weight and depot on the fatty acid composition of fats of suckling Manchego lambs

The effects of carcass weight (<5.5 kg, 5.5–6.5 kg, ⩾6.5 kg) of Manchego suckling lambs, type of fat depot of the leg (subcutaneous, intermuscular and intramuscular) and muscle (m. longissimus dorsi (LD) or m. quadriceps femoris (QF)) on the fatty acid composition were studied. Carcass fatness increased with increasing carcass weight. However, few differences in fatty acid proportion were observed between the three carcass weight groups. The lightest carcasses had lower proportions of myristic (C14:0) and palmitoleic (C16:1) acid and higher proportions of stearic (C18:0) acid, desirable fatty acids (DFA) (C18:0 + total unsaturated fatty acid (TUFA)) and a greater nutritive value ((C18:0 + C18:1)/C16:0). The fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and intermuscular fat depots of the leg were similar, whereas the intramuscular fat depot was different from both of these, since it had a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA), a greater proportion of TUFA, higher PUFA/SFA and n − 6/n − 3 ratios, and greater DFA and nutritive values. The intramuscular fat of the LD was more saturated than QF, higher SFA, and had lower value of PUFA/SFA ratio and DFA. These results indicated that the intramuscular fat quality of the leg was better than subcutaneous and intermuscular fat depots and also that intramuscular fat displayed better attributes of quality (lower SFA, higher TUFA, and greater PUFA/SFA ratio and DFA as well) than intramuscular fat of the LD from the consumer health standpoint. Despite carcass weight affected carcass fatness, it did not seem to influence the proportions of saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids. For this reason, carcass weight probably had little effect on the organoleptic characteristics of the meat.     

Organic acids,antioxidant capacity,phenolic content and lipid characterisation of Georgia-grown underutilized fruit crops

Four underutilized Georgia-grown fruit crops, namely loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), mayhaw (Crataegus sp.), fig (Ficus carica), and pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and their leaves were analysed for total polyphenols by Folin–Ciocalteau method, and antioxidant capacity by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. Organic acids and phenolic compounds were identified by RP-HPLC. For lipid profile, fruits were separated into two fractions – seed and fruit (i.e., without seed); lipid was extracted using the Folch method and analysed for fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and phospholipids. The major organic acid identified in all samples was malic acid (177–1918 mg/100 g FW). The predominant phenolic acids in all the fruits were gallic (1.5–6.4 mg/100 g FW) and ellagic (0.2–33.8 mg/100 g FW), and the most abundant flavonoid was catechin (12.2–37.8 mg/100 g FW). Total lipid content varied from 0.1% in mayhaw fruit to 21.5% in pawpaw seed. Linoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all of the samples (28.2–55.7%).