Meat quality in ewes submitted to reduction in water supply

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction in water supply (ad libitum intake - 100%, or 80%, 60% and 40% ad intake) on proximate composition, physicochemical properties, mineral composition fatty acid profile ewe meat. Thirty-two crossbred Santa Inês (n = 8 per treatment) were distributed a randomized block design, receiving diet consisting elephant grass concentrate (70:30). experimental period lasted 63 days, preceded by 14 days adaptation. Ewes slaughtered at end period, mean final body weight 37.63 kg. Carcasses cut lengthwise loin (longissimus lumborum) taken left half carcass characteristics, minerals content profile. resulted quadratic effect for resilience (p < 0.05), Lightness L* potassium 0.05) iron 0.001). There decreasing linear magnesium copper 0.001), C18:1n7t Σmonounsaturated 0.05). Crossbred tolerate restriction up voluntary without compromising meat quality.