The effects of Alnus viridis encroachment in mountain pastures on the growth performance, carcass and meat quality of Dexter cattle and Engadine sheep

Context Climate and economic changes promote the encroachment of woody plants on marginal mountain pastures. In Alps, main invader is nitrogen-fixing shrub Alnus viridis (green alder). Robust breeds different ruminant species may perform well these shrub-encroached pastures.Aims To assess effects A. levels pastures growth performance carcass meat characteristics cattle sheep.Methods For 8–9weeks, 22 15-month-old growing Dexter 20 7-month-old weaned Engadine sheep were grazed rotationally in a subalpine zone with four (average: 0.8%, 28.7%, 50.3% 67.8%). Following slaughter, assessed (longissimus thoracis biceps femoris) included physicochemical quality, muscle fibre typing, fatty acid profiling (intramuscular perirenal fat) sensory properties patties.Key results The had only minor animals. Interactions animal influenced some characteristics. average daily gains 201g 104g sheep. Both achieved satisfactory quality favourably low n-6/n-3 ratios (0.63 0.68 intramuscular fat sheep, respectively). from slightly higher cooking loss shear force lower proportion acids relevant to human health. Flavour appreciation was favour burgers prepared beef.Conclusions robust suitable for producing extensive up 70%. Based indirect evidence, it seems that neither consumed significant quantities leaves or bark trees.Implications Our study provides detailed information rare two context production according customer preferences. better explain differences between species, particularly terms profiles, role understory needs be clarified.