Summary
This controlled feeding trial compared finishing diets for Holstein-Friesian bulls where rapeseed meal protein was replaced with faba bean (containing condensed tannins) or tannin-free white lupin seeds. Although total intramuscular fat remained similar across treatments at approximately 3%, the dietary protein source substantially altered the qualitative composition of muscle lipids, with faba bean diets producing a distinct fatty acid profile characterised by elevated biohydrogenation intermediates, particularly trans C18:1 isomers. The authors concluded that legume protein sources modify beef quality primarily through changes in fatty acid metabolism rather than fat deposition, likely reflecting combined effects of nutrient composition differences and possible tannin effects on ruminal lipid metabolism.
Regional applicability
This research is directly applicable to United Kingdom beef production systems, as Holstein-Friesian cattle are widely used in UK beef finishing operations. The findings suggest that substituting imported rapeseed meal with UK-grown legume crops (faba bean or lupin) as protein sources could improve intramuscular fatty acid profiles and beef quality attributes, supporting domestic feed crop utilisation and potential premiumisation of beef products.
Key measures
Intramuscular fat content, fatty acid profile (particularly C18:1 trans isomers and biohydrogenation intermediates), sensory attributes, beef colour, mineral concentrations, fat-soluble vitamin concentrations
Outcomes reported
The study measured beef quality traits and intramuscular fatty acid profiles in longissimus lumborum muscle from Holstein-Friesian bulls fed diets with different protein sources. Dietary treatment affected fatty acid composition, particularly trans C18:1 isomers and biohydrogenation intermediates, and selected sensory attributes, mineral concentrations, and fat-soluble vitamin levels, despite similar intramuscular fat content across groups.
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