Tropical grass and legume pastures may alter lamb meat physical and chemical characteristics

The present study assessed the influence of type tropical pastures on lamb body weight (BW) gain and meat quality. Fifty-four lambs were allocated to three grazing pastures: (1) AG — Aruana grass (Panicum maximum cv. IZ-5); (2) PP pigeon pea legume (Cajanus cajan Anão); (3) CS contiguous swards, half paddock with PP. After 92 days grazing, slaughtered. Carcasses evaluated longissimus muscle was collected determine color, lipid profile, tocopherol concentrations, oxidation. Although differences in characteristics nutritional quality, animals did not show difference BW gain. results that all forage presented similar concentration alpha-tocopherol (137 ± 14.37 mg kg−1 fresh matter), whereas total condensed tannin contents greater PP, intermediate CS, lowest treatment (P = 0.0001). Meat α-tocopherol content among treatments 0.1392), an average close optimal level reduce from had 45 25% lower n-6/n-3 ratio than treatments, respectively. increases unsaturated fatty acids can n6/n3 ratio. have important effect characteristics. Both studied provide a high amount alpha-tocopherol, generating great potential increase this antioxidant lamb’s meat.