Summary
This comparative study examined how pasture grazing versus concentrate feeding affects the fatty acid profile of lamb meat across different lipid compartments. Pasture-grazed lambs accumulated significantly higher proportions of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid, whilst maintaining a more favourable n-6/n-3 ratio (1.2 in muscle, 0.9 in subcutaneous fat) compared to concentrate-fed lambs (2.3 and 3.5 respectively), suggesting grass feeding produces meat with improved lipid composition from a nutritional perspective.
Regional applicability
These findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom sheep farming systems, where both pasture-based and indoor concentrate-fed production systems are practised. The results support the nutritional advantage of grass-fed lamb production, relevant to UK consumers and producers interested in functional meat quality and fatty acid composition.
Key measures
Fatty acid composition (linolenic acid, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, n-6/n-3 ratio, CLAcis-9,trans-11, saturated fatty acids, C18:1trans-11) in muscle lipids, phospholipids, triacylglycerols, and subcutaneous fat
Outcomes reported
The study measured n-3 and n-6 fatty acid profiles, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentrations, and saturated fatty acid content in muscle and subcutaneous fat of lambs raised on pasture versus concentrate feed. Grass-fed lambs showed significantly higher n-3 fatty acids and lower n-6/n-3 ratios compared to concentrate-fed lambs.
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