Maternal and direct dietary polyphenol supplementation affect growth, carcass and meat quality of sheep and goats

The beneficial effects of polyphenol intake such as improved nitrogen retention make them interesting feed supplements for ruminants. In contrast, dietary polyphenols may have adverse on the bioavailability nutrients and palatability which might impair growth performance. differ between different ruminant species well direct metabolites via suckling when supplemented to lactating dams. This study investigated maternal supplementation grape seed extract in sheep goats growth, slaughter performance, meat quality fatty acid profile. diet East Friesian Dairy ( n = 11) Saanen 9) their lambs 16) kids 13), respectively, was either with (dams: 7.4% offspring: 5.6%, P ) or without C ). resulted four groups per species, namely maternalC/offspringC, maternalC/offspringP, maternalP/offspringC, maternalP/offspringP. but not goats, maternalP increased average daily gain performance whereas offspringP had no effect. Maternal offspring did affect physicochemical lambs, rancid aroma burger patties. goat kids, both diets slightly affected colour. While acids FAs were by n– 6 3 FA ratio compared respective control groups. kid lamb meat, proportions several rumen biohydrogenation intermediates. conclusion, can be applied while maintaining even improving carcass quality. Only few species-specific observed, additive scarce. Larger studies are required confirm observed response during lactation. underlying reasons this differential need further evaluated.