Application of a linear regression model to study the origin of C17 branched-chain fatty acids in caprine milk fat.

This research communications addresses the hypothesis that a part of iso 17:0 and anteiso 17:0 in milk fat could come from endogenous extraruminal tissue synthesis. In order to confirm this a linear regression model was applied to calculate the proportions of iso 17:0 and anteiso 17:0 in milk fat that could come from elongation of their putative precursors iso 15:0 and anteiso 15:0, respectively. Sixteen dairy goats were allocated to two simultaneous experiments, in a crossover design with four animals per treatment and two experimental periods of 25 d. In both experiments, alfalfa hay was the sole forage and the forage to concentrate ratio (33 : 67) remained constant. Experimental diets differed on the concentrate composition, either rich in starch or neutral detergent fibre, and they were administered alone or in combination with 30 g/d of linseed oil. Iso 15:0, anteiso 15:0, iso 17:0 and anteiso 17:0, the most abundant branched-chain fatty acids in milk fat, were determined by gas chromatography using two different capillary columns. The regression model resolved that 49% of iso 17:0 and 60% of anteiso 17:0 in milk fat was formed extraruminally from iso 15:0 and anteiso 15:0 elongation.

Quick changes of milk fatty acids after inclusion or suppression of linseed oil in the diet of goats.

BACKGROUND: Lipid supplementation of ruminant diet is an excellent tool to improve the nutritional quality of dairy fat. The purpose of this research was to monitor in detail the goat milk fatty acid (FA) profile during the first 24 h after linseed oil (LO) supplementation or suppression in the diet. Particular emphasis was placed in the changes of FA with bioactive properties. Milk fat was analysed by gas chromatography from milkings at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after diet shift. RESULTS: The α-linolenic acid levels increased 12 h after LO incorporation in the diet and decreased 3 h after oil suppression. Most of the milk 10:0 to 16:0 saturated FA decreased 24 h after LO supplementation, whereas oil suppression raised their levels after 6 h. Similarly, raising of mono- and polyunsaturated trans-FA after LO inclusion was delayed in comparison with their decrease after oil suppression. CONCLUSION: This study supports that ruminal bacteria and mammary glands would exhibit a fast responsiveness after the inclusion or suppression of LO in ruminant rations. Milk with an improved FA profile could be collected between 12 h after LO supplementation and the last milking before LO suppression in the diet. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Short communication: Discrimination between retail bovine milks with different fat contents using chemometrics and fatty acid profiling.

We used a multivariate chemometric approach to differentiate or associate retail bovine milks with different fat contents and non-dairy beverages, using fatty acid profiles and statistical analysis. We collected samples of bovine milk (whole, semi-skim, and skim; n = 62) and non-dairy beverages (n = 27), and we analyzed them using gas-liquid chromatography. Principal component analysis of the fatty acid data yielded 3 significant principal components, which accounted for 72% of the total variance in the data set. Principal component 1 was related to saturated fatty acids (C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C12:0, C14:0, C17:0, and C18:0) and monounsaturated fatty acids (C14:1 cis-9, C16:1 cis-9, C17:1 cis-9, and C18:1 trans-11); whole milk samples were clearly differentiated from the rest using this principal component. Principal component 2 differentiated semi-skim milk samples by n-3 fatty acid content (C20:3n-3, C20:5n-3, and C22:6n-3). Principal component 3 was related to C18:2 trans-9,trans-12 and C20:4n-6, and its lower scores were observed in skim milk and non-dairy beverages. A cluster analysis yielded 3 groups: group 1 consisted of only whole milk samples, group 2 was represented mainly by semi-skim milks, and group 3 included skim milk and non-dairy beverages. Overall, the present study showed that a multivariate chemometric approach is a useful tool for differentiating or associating retail bovine milks and non-dairy beverages using their fatty acid profile.

Associations between major fatty acids in plant oils fed to dairy goats and C18 isomers in milk fat.

Relationships between fatty acids (FAs) in plant oils included in goat diets and milk fat C18 isomers were determined by Principal Factor Analysis (PFA). The three first principal factors (PF1, PF2 and PF3) accounted for 64.5% of the total variation in milk FAs contents. Fatty acids with a double bond at carbons 13, 14, 15 or 16 had high (>0.6) and positive loadings for PF1, trans-4 to trans-8 C18:1 for PF2, whereas trans-10 C18:1, trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9 trans-11 C18:2 showed high and positive loadings for PF3. Pearson's correlations supported that PF1, PF2 and PF3 were related to α-linolenic, oleic and linoleic acid intakes, respectively. Our results show that the quantitatively main FAs in plant lipids supplemented to dairy ruminants are often the main cause of the observed changes in milk C18 isomer contents. However, sometimes the observed changes are caused, or at least are influenced, by other FAs present in lower quantities in the plant lipids. Thus, using mixtures of plant oils with differently unsaturated main FAs could be a way of tailoring milk fat composition to a pre-designed pattern.

Supercritical CO2 extraction increases the recovery levels of omega-3 fatty acids in Tetraselmis chuii extracts.

Tetraselmis chuii is a microalgae marketed as ingredient meeting the acceptance criteria for novel foods established by the European Union and can be an important source of healthy fatty acids (FA). The aim of this research was to characterize the FA profile of T. chuii fractions obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extraction operating with two sequential co-solvents and to evaluate the effect of biomass pretreatment (freeze/thaw cycles followed by ultrasounds). T. chuii biomass was confirmed to be an important source of omega-3 FA, mainly due to the abundance of α-linolenic acid, and pre-treatment significantly improved the lipid yield. Other omega-3 FA, such as 16:3, 16:4, 18:4, 18:5, 20:3 and 20:5, were also detected in different proportions. When SCCO2 extraction of pretreated and un-pretreated T. chuii was compared with conventional solvent extraction, the nutritional quality indices of the extracts were improved by the use of SCCO2.

Digestive interaction between dietary nitrite and dairy products generates novel nitrated linolenic acid products.

Nitrated fatty acids are important anti-inflammatory and protective lipids formed in the gastric compartment, with conjugated linoleic acid (rumenic acid, RA, 9Z,11E-18:2) being the primary substrate for lipid nitration. The recently reported identification of nitrated rumelenic acid (NO2-RLA) in human urine has led to hypothesize that rumelenic acid (RLA, 9Z,11E,15Z-18:3) from dairy fat is responsible for the formation of NO2-RLA. To evaluate the source and mechanism of NO2-RLA formation, 15N labeled standards of NO2-RLA were synthesized and characterized. Afterward, milk fat with different RA and RLA levels was administered to mice in the presence of nitrite, and the appearance of nitrated fatty acids in plasma and urine followed. We confirmed the formation of NO2-RLA and defined the main metabolites in plasma, urine, and tissues. In conclusion, RLA obtained from dairy products is the main substrate for forming this novel electrophilic lipid reported to be present in human urine.

Characterization of the invasive macroalgae Rugulopteryx Okamurae for potential biomass valorisation.

This study aimed to examine the composition and properties of the invasive macroalgae R. okamurae and explore potential applications. The results showed that the seaweed biomass is mainly composed of structural carbohydrates, with alginate being the main constituent, accounting for 32 % of its total composition and with a mannuronic and guluronic acid ratio (M/G) ratio of 0.93. It also has a relatively high concentration of fucose, related to the presence of fucoidans that have important biological functions. Among the mineral contents, a high magnesium and calcium (7107 and 5504 mg/kg) concentration, and the presence of heavy metals above legislated thresholds, were notable. R. okamurae also contained a high lipid content of 17 %, mainly composed of saturated fatty acids, but with a significant fraction of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (18 %) resulting in a low n6/n3 ratio (0.31), that has health benefits. The protein content of R. okamurae was 12 %, with high-quality proteins, as essential amino acids (mainly leucine, phenylalanine and valine) constitute 32 % of the total amino acids. It also showed a high polyphenol content and outstanding antioxidant properties (106.88 mg TE/g). Based on these findings, R. okamurae has significant potential as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds that can add value to different sectors, including food, feed, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Impact of the biomass pretreatment and simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the digestibility and antioxidant activity of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Tetraselmis chuii.

Chlorella vulgaris and Tetraselmis chuii are two microalgae species already marketed because of their richness in high-value and health-beneficial compounds. Previous studies have demonstrated the biological properties of compounds isolated from both microalgae, although data are not yet available on the impact that pre-treatment and gastrointestinal digestion could exert on these properties. The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of the biomass pre-treatment (freeze/thaw cycles plus ultrasounds) and simulated gastrointestinal digestion in the bioaccessibility and in vitro antioxidant activity (ABTS, ORAC, Q-FRAP, Q-DPPH) of the released digests. The cell wall from microalgae were susceptible to the pre-treatment and the action of saliva and gastric enzymes, releasing bioactive peptides and phenolic compounds that contributed to the potent antioxidant activity of digests through their radical scavenging and iron reduction capacities. Our findings suggest the potential of these microalgae against oxidative stress-associated diseases at both, intestinal and systemic level.

Bioactivity and Digestibility of Microalgae Tetraselmis sp. and Nannochloropsis sp. as Basis of Their Potential as Novel Functional Foods.

It is estimated that by 2050, the world's population will exceed 10 billion people, which will lead to a deterioration in global food security. To avoid aggravating this problem, FAO and WHO have recommended dietary changes to reduce the intake of animal calories and increase the consumption of sustainable, nutrient-rich, and calorie-efficient products. Moreover, due to the worldwide rising incidence of non-communicable diseases and the demonstrated impact of diet on the risk of these disorders, the current established food pattern is focused on the consumption of foods that have functionality for health. Among promising sources of functional foods, microalgae are gaining worldwide attention because of their richness in high-value compounds with potential health benefits. However, despite the great opportunities to exploit microalgae in functional food industry, their use remains limited by challenges related to species diversity and variations in cultivation factors, changes in functional composition during extraction procedures, and limited evidence on the safety and bioavailability of microalgae bioactives. The aim of this review is to provide an updated and comprehensive discussion on the nutritional value, biological effects, and digestibility of two microalgae genera, Tetraselmis and Nannochloropsis, as basis of their potential as ingredients for the development of functional foods.

Production of isotopically labeled standards from a uniformly labeled precursor for quantitative volatile metabolomic studies.

Optimal accuracy and precision in small-molecule profiling by mass spectrometry generally requires isotopically labeled standards chemically representative of all compounds of interest. However, preparation of mixed standards from commercially available pure compounds is often prohibitively expensive and time-consuming, and many labeled compounds are not available in pure form. We used a single-prototype uniformly labeled [U-(13)C]compound to generate [U-(13)C]-labeled volatile standards for use in subsequent experimental profiling studies. [U-(13)C]-α-Linolenic acid (18:3n-3, ALA) was thermally oxidized to produce labeled lipid degradation volatiles which were subsequently characterized qualitatively and quantitatively. Twenty-five [U-(13)C]-labeled volatiles were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/TOF-MS) by comparison of spectra with unlabeled volatiles. Labeled volatiles were quantified by a reverse isotope dilution procedure. Using the [U-(13)C]-labeled standards, limits of detection comparable to or better than those of previous HS-SPME reports were achieved, 0.010-1.04 ng/g. The performance of the [U-(13)C]-labeled volatile standards was evaluated using a commodity soybean oil (CSO) oxidized at 60 °C from 0 to 15 d. Relative responses of n-decane, an unlabeled internal standard otherwise absent from the mixture, and [U-(13)C]-labeled oxidation products changed by up to 8-fold as the CSO matrix was oxidized, demonstrating that reliance on a single standard in volatile profiling studies yields inaccurate results due to changing matrix effects. The [U-(13)C]-labeled standard mixture was used to quantify 25 volatiles in oxidized CSO and low-ALA soybean oil with an average relative standard deviation of 8.5%. Extension of this approach to other labeled substrates, e.g., [U-(13)C]-labeled sugars and amino acids, for profiling studies should be feasible and can dramatically improve quantitative results compared to use of a single standard.

Comparative study of the most commonly used methods for total protein determination in milk of different species and their ultrafiltration products.

Milk ultrafiltration is a widely used membrane filtration process that allows the recuperation of whey proteins in a concentrate high in total solids, which can later be transformed in multiple healthy dairy products with great prospects for the food industry. Protein content is a decisive factor for the technological performance of milk concentrates and currently, the ISO standard method for its determination is Kjeldahl, which is time-consuming and requires specific instrumentation. For this reason, the use of rapid methods to quantify protein would greatly facilitate the monitoring of the milk ultrafiltration process. In this study, the bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA), the detergent compatible Bradford assay and the Dumas method were compared to Kjeldahl protein determination to select a quick and accurate methodology suitable for milk of different species and its ultrafiltration products (retentates and permeates). The protein content obtained from Bradford assay and Dumas method in origin milk and retentate samples was consistent with Kjeldahl values. In contrast, BCA protein levels were significantly different when compared to Kjeldahl and no method was proved to be suitable for protein determination in permeate samples. The use of sodium dodecyl sulfate was also examined to improve protein measurements without success. In comparison with the official method, Bradford assay quantitatively provided the best results, and it would be recommended for a quick, economic and easy determination of total protein content in milk and retentate samples.

Enrichment of Ewe's Milk with Dietary n-3 Fatty Acids from Palm, Linseed and Algae Oils in Isoenergetic Rations.

Increasing the levels of n-3 fatty acids (FA) in dairy products is an important goal in terms of enhancing the nutritional value of these foods for the consumer. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of linseed and algae oil supplements in ovine isoenergetic diets on healthy milk fatty acid composition, mainly n-3. Seventy-two Churra dairy ewes were divided and randomly assigned to four experimental treatments for 6 weeks. The treatments consisted of a TMR (40:60 forage:concentrate ratio) that varied according to the inclusion of different types of fat (23 g/100 g TMR): hydrogenated palm oil (control), linseed oil (LO), calcium soap of linseed oil (CaS-LO) and marine algae oil (AO). The most effective lipid supplement to increase n-3 FA in milk was AO. 22:6 n-3 and total n-3 PUFA content increased from 0.02 and 0.60% (control) to 2.63 and 3.53% (AO), respectively. All diets supplemented with n-3 FA diminished the content of saturated FA in milk and its atherogenic index, while the levels of trans-11 18:1 and cis-9 trans-11 18:2 significantly increased. Overall, the enhancement of n-3 FA in ewe's milk would be advantageous for the manufacture of nutritionally improved cheeses.

Effects of Extending Milk Replacer Feeding during the Fattening Period on the Behaviour and Welfare of Lambs: A Preliminary Study.

There is a lack of information on the behavioural and welfare effects of sustaining artificial milk feeding in fattening lambs. Therefore, the present work aimed to study the effects of prolonged artificial milk feeding during fattening with a high concentrate diet on the behaviour of lambs. The behaviour of 16 non castrated male lambs of the Manchega sheep breed (eight lambs were in the group that were fed daily a bottle of milk, and the other eight were in the weaned group) was recorded with four fixed cameras just before bottle feeding (~8:30 a.m.) of the unweaned group till four hours later, every day for 7 weeks. The solid diet (pelleted concentrate plus cereal straw) and housing conditions were the same in both groups. Solid feeds were offered ad libitum. There were no differences between groups in time spent eating nor in drinking, playing, scratching and oral activity behaviours (p > 0.05), but resting episodes were longer in weaned lambs (p < 0.05). Weaned lambs presented a higher frequency of self-grooming behaviour (p < 0.05), while the unweaned group performed a higher frequency of interaction behaviour (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the behaviours of lambs that were fed daily a bottle of milk during the fattening period did not substantially differ from the weaned individuals.

Influence of Dietary Algae Meal on Lipid Oxidation and Volatile Profile of Meat from Lambs with Competent Reticular Groove Reflex.

Dietary lipid sources influence intramuscular fatty acid composition, which in turn may affect the volatile profile of meat. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of marine algae supplementation (Aurantiochytrium limacinum) on volatile compounds of cooked lamb meat. Forty-eight lambs with 42 days of age were divided into three groups: lambs fed a conventional diet without algae meal supplementation (NOALG), lambs with competent reticular groove reflex (RGR) fed the same diet supplemented with 2.5% marine algae meal mixed in the concentrate (ALGCON), and lambs with competent RGR, receiving the same diet and fed with 2.5% marine algae meal in a milk replacer to bypass the rumen (ALGMILK). Lipid and protein oxidation in raw meat was assessed and volatile compounds in grilled meat were determined. The highest and lowest lipid oxidations were observed in the ALGMILK and NOALG groups, respectively. Protein oxidation was unaffected. Out of 56 identified compounds, 12 volatiles significantly increased in both algae groups and 6 of them exclusively in the ALGCON treatment. Algae meal supplementation and its form of administration, either protected or not from rumen degradation, are important factors to consider in lipid oxidation and the aromatic profile of lamb meat.

Cyclopropane Fatty Acids as Quality Biomarkers of Cheeses from Ewes Fed Hay- and Silage-Based Diets.

This study aimed to investigate cyclopropane fatty acids (CPFAs) as quality biomarkers of forage feedings in cheese fat obtained from ewe's milk, based on two different dietary treatments (hay and silage). The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis detected CPFAs in most cheese samples, both from hay and silage-based diets. CPFA levels in cheese fat from hay feeding were positively correlated to the total trans-monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), whereas they were negatively correlated to cis-MUFAs, odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (i.e., C13:0 anteiso, C16:0 iso, and C17:1), and C22:5n-3, which are mainly associated with a low starch intake and grass pasture. Overall, the presence of CPFAs in ovine cheese fat suggests the use of silage, but it can also be an indicator of poor-quality hay forages. This approach confirmed the reliability of CPFAs as biomarkers of forage quality, especially in relation to the use of conserved forages and good livestock practices.

Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids in Lamb Meat as Potential Indicators of Fattening Diet Characteristics.

There is a growing interest of researchers in meat authentication in terms of geographical and dietary background of animals, and several analytical methods have been proposed for the purpose of investigating this. We hypothesized that the odd- and branched-chain fatty acid (OBCFA) profile in intramuscular fat (IMF) might suffice to distinguish lamb meat entering the food chain supply on the basis of the type of diet fed to lambs during the fattening period. A total of 30 individual OBCFA profiles, quantified by gas chromatography, of IMF of Manchego lambs were used. During the fattening period (42 days), the lambs were fed three diets differing in concentrate composition: (i) Control, concentrate typical of commercial fattening rations, rich in starch and based on cereals and soybean meal; (ii) Camelina, similar to Control but replacing 50% of the soybean meal with camelina meal; and (iii) Fibrous, concentrate rich in neutral detergent fiber (NDF), based on fibrous by-products and not including cereals nor soybean meal. The OBCFA were grouped into three classes (linear odd, iso and anteiso fatty acids) and were then submitted to a linear discriminant analysis, using the feeding treatments as grouping variable and the OBCFA class contents in IMF as quantitative variables. The results suggested that a high NDF to starch ratio of the concentrate, being the lowest for Control (CON) treatment and the highest for Fibrous (FIB) treatment, would be negatively related to the odd/anteiso ratio and positively related to the iso/(anteiso+odd) FA ratio in IMF. Determination of OBCFA profile in lamb meat would be useful to monitor the feeding regime (starch- or NDF-rich) of lambs entering the food chain supply.

Feeding Algae Meal to Feedlot Lambs with Competent Reticular Groove Reflex Increases Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Meat.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of supplementing marine algae as a source of omega-3 fatty acids (FA) in the diet, mixed in the concentrate or bottle-fed, on intramuscular fat FA composition of lambs with competent reticular groove reflex (RGR). Forty-eight feedlot lambs were distributed in three equal groups: one group did not consume marine algae nor had competent RGR, the second group received a daily dose (2.5%) of algae meal in the concentrate and the last group consumed the same dose of algae meal emulsified in milk replacer and bottle-fed. Marine algae raised the contents of EPA, DPA, and mainly DHA in the intramuscular fat, but the increase was significantly higher when algae meal was administered with a bottle via RGR. This strategy could contribute to improvements in the marketing of lamb meat by optimizing its status as a healthier food.

Effect of Dietary Vegetable Sources Rich in Unsaturated Fatty Acids on Milk Production, Composition, and Cheese Fatty Acid Profile in Sheep: A Meta-Analysis.

A meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the effects of different dietary vegetable sources rich in unsaturated FA (UFA) on sheep cheese FA profile. This study also quantified the overall effect of feeding sheep with vegetable sources rich in UFA (linseed, flaxseed, sunflower seed, canola, olive oil, bran oil, and olive cake), on milk yield (MY) and milk composition. A literature search was conducted to identify papers published from 2000 to 2019. Effect size for all parameters was calculated as standardized mean difference. Heterogeneity was determined using I 2 statistic, while meta-regression was used to examine factors influencing heterogeneity. Effect size was not significant for MY, milk fat percentage (MFP), and milk protein percentage (MPP). Dietary inclusion of vegetable sources rich in UFA decreased the effect size for C12:0, C14:0, and C16:0 and increased the effect size for C18:0, C18:1 t-11, C18:1 c-9, C18:2 c-9, t-11, C18:2 n-6, and C18:3 n-3. Heterogeneity was significant for MY, MFP, MPP, and overall cheese FA profile. Meta-regression revealed days in milk as a contributing factor to the heterogeneity observed in MFP and MPP. Meta-regression showed that ripening time is one of the factors affecting cheese FA profile heterogeneity while the type of feeding system(preserved roughages vs. pasture) had no effect on heterogeneity. Overall, inclusion of dietary vegetable sources rich in UFA in sheep diets would be an effective nutritional strategy to decrease saturated FA and increase polyunsaturated FA contents in cheeses without detrimental effects on MY, MFF, and MPP.

Intramuscular Fatty Acids in Meat Could Predict Enteric Methane Production by Fattening Lambs.

Methane (CH4) emissions pose a serious problem for the environmental sustainability of ruminant production. The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of the intramuscular fatty acid (FA) profile to estimate CH4 production of lambs fattened under intensive feeding systems. A statistical regression analysis of intramuscular FA derived from ruminal metabolism was carried out to assess the best predictive model of CH4 production (g/d) in lambs fed with different diets. CH4 was calculated with three distinct equations based on organic matter digestibility (OMD) at maintenance feeding levels. The OMD of the experimental diets was determined in an in vivo digestibility trial by means of the indicator method. Regression models were obtained by stepwise regression analysis. The three optimized models showed high adjusted coefficients of determination (R2adj = 0.74-0.93) and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC = 0.89-0.98), as well as small root mean square prediction errors (RMSPE = 0.29-0.40 g/d). The best single predictor was vaccenic acid (trans-11 C18:1), a bioactive FA that is formed in the rumen to a different extent depending on dietary composition. Based on our data and further published lamb research, we propose a novel regression model for CH4 production with excellent outcomes: CH4 (g/d) = -1.98 (±1.284)-0.87 (±0.231) × trans-11 C18:1 + 0.79 (±0.045) × BW (R2adj = 0.97; RMSPE = 0.76 g/d; CCC = 0.98). In conclusion, these results indicate that specific intramuscular FA and average BW during fattening could be useful to predict CH4 production of lambs fed high concentrate diets.

Effects of Algae Meal Supplementation in Feedlot Lambs with Competent Reticular Groove Reflex on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Characteristics.

There is growing interest in increasing omega-3 fatty acid (FA) contents in ruminant meat by means of dietary manipulation, but the effects of such manipulation on productive results and meat quality need to be ascertained. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of supplementing lambs with competent reticular groove reflex (RGR) with marine algae as a source of omega-3 fatty acids on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality characteristics. Forty-eight feedlot lambs were distributed into three equal groups: the control group neither consumed marine algae nor had competent RGR, the second group received daily 2.5% of algae meal mixed in the concentrate, and the last group consumed the same amount of algae meal, but emulsified in a milk replacer and bottle-fed. Lambs in the second and third groups had competent RGR. There were not any negative effects on performance, carcass or meat quality parameters with algae supplementation. However, the results of the oxidative stability parameters were not conclusive. Ageing for 6 days improved meat tenderness and color, and increased lipid oxidation. In conclusion, algae meal inclusion in the diet of fattening lambs with competent RGR has no detrimental effects on animal performance, carcass traits or meat quality characteristics.