Growth, efficiency and the fatty acid composition of blood and muscle from previously grazed late-maturing bulls fed rumen protected fish oil in a high concentrate finishing ration

In bulls, with a genetic predisposition for leanness and reared in grass-based production system dietary fish oil may further enhance the nutritional value of beef by increasing concentration omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) docosahexanoic (DHA). The impact including rumen protected finishing diet late maturing breed bulls on their growth, feed efficiency, carcass fat classification, aspects ultimate meat quality composition M. Longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) was examined. Twelve month old were supplemented barley-based concentrate (500g/kg dry matter) from turn-out to pasture spring until housing 94 days later. Bulls housed indoors offered ad libitum, either same or containing (PFO) at ration 50g/kg matter, along grass silage appetite, 88 pre-slaughter. Inclusion PFO increased (P<0.05) consumption, but this not reflected classification colour LT tenderness. Concentrations 18:2, EPA, DHA, total PUFA PUFA: saturated ratio (0.19 v 0.14) higher compared control bulls. increase EPA + associated inclusion, 7 12 mg/100g is below required European Commission regulations (40 mg/100g) allow be labelled “source of” DHA. Nevertheless, consuming would make greater contribution daily consumer requirement omega-3 than This has potential add system.