INFLUENCE OF FEED FAT SOURCE ON FATTY ACID COMPOSITION, UNSATURATION AND LIPID OXIDATION OF BACKFAT AND SENSORY QUALITY OF PORK

The effect of different fats in a 9% fishmeal feed on backfat fatty acid composition, oxidation and pork sensory attributes was studied. The hydrogenated fish oil group (HFO) had significantly increased uptake of certain fatty acids in contrast to the other groups. Iodine values were highest in the fish oil group, followed by the lamb tallow group (LT) with the control group, containing no added fat, tailing. Backfat from the HFO group had more polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the other groups and stearic/linoleic acid ratio suggested more oxidative problems with this group. The HFO group led the LT group in oxidation with the control group being most stable. Sensory traits of fresh and frozen pork chops correlated with the oxidation results. Fat from pigs fed hydrogenated fish oil in their diet are therefore more susceptible towards oxidation possibly due to more polyunsaturated fatty acids and oxidation products in the backfat.