Effect of dietary vitamin E on physicochemical and fatty acid stability of fresh and thawed lamb

摘要

This study evaluated the effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation (1000 mg of DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg of basal diet) on physicochemical and fatty acid stability of fresh and thawed lamb leg chops, frozen stored for 3, 6 and 9 months. Legs were chopped, modified atmosphere packaged (70% O-2/30% CO2) and maintained under retail conditions (4 +/- 0.5 degrees C, with 14 h fluorescent light) for 9 days. Muscle alpha-tocopherol concentration was over 3.5-fold higher in supplemented samples than in control lambs. The effect of dietary vitamin E was independent of frozen storage, so these effects were analysed separately. Vitamin E supplementation reduced lipid oxidation (P <= 0.001) and decreased metmyoglobin formation, leading to a more attractive colour of meat. Moreover, supplementation led to a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, vitamin E supplementation could be recommended for preserving either fresh or thawed lamb. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.