Comparative Study of Carcasses Characteristics and Fatty Acid Composition of Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Fat of Awassi and Najdi Sheep

摘要

The objective of this study was to carry a comparative study of carcasses characteristics and fatty acid composition of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat of Awassi and Najdi sheep. The experiment utilized four Awassi lambs and four Najdi lambs fed with 50% alfalfa hay and 50% concentrate feed for a period of 15 days prior to slaughtering. The muscles of the carcasses were analyzed for moisture, protein, fat and ash contents by following the standard methods. The live body weight, carcass diameter and length, protein and fat percentages were significantly lower for Awassi than Najdi breed. The SFA and MUFA were significantly higher for Najdi and Awassi breeds, respectively. Awassi breed showed a higher percentage of C15:0 in intramuscular fat and C15:1 in Longissimus dorsi , semimembranosus and subcutaneous fat than Najdi. Najdi breed showed a higher percentage of C16:0 in Longissimus dorsi , semitendinosus and subcutaneous fat. The C18:0 was significantly higher for Najdi breed in semimembranosus and semitendinosus whilst the C18:1 (trans-9) was significantly higher in Longissimus dorsi and subcutaneous fat of Awassi carcasses. Najdi breed showed significantly higher proportion of SFA in semimembranosus and semitendinosus while MUFA was significantly higher for Awassi carcasses in these muscles and the n-6-3 in Longissimus dorsi . In conclusion, the Awassi breed produced better and healthier meat due to low percentage of SFA and high proportion of MUFA compared to Najdi breed.