Influence of dietary grape pomace combined with linseed oil on fatty acid profile and milk composition.

Grape pomace is a by-product resulting from the winery industry that is rich in phenolic compounds. It could play a role as an antioxidant and, owing to its high fiber concentration, it would be an alternative ingredient to partially replace forage in the diet of small ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E or different doses of grape pomace associated with linseed oil on milk fatty acid profile, composition, and yield. Forty-eight Churra ewes were fed with experimental diets consisting of a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 2.7% [on a dry matter (DM) basis] of linseed oil, forage, and concentrate at a 40:60 ratio. Ewes were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: control (without grape pomace), vitamin E (with 500 mg/kg of TMR of vitamin E), grape pomace-5 (5 g/100 g of TMR of DM of grape pomace), and grape pomace-10 (10 g/100 g of TMR of DM of grape pomace). Experimental diets did not affect DM intake and milk yield and composition. The vitamin E supplementation had only a moderate effect on milk concentration of fatty acids (increase in α-linolenic acid and 16:0 and decrease in cis-9 18:1). Grape pomace supplementation did not affect the percentages of total saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Levels of α-linolenic acid reached about 1% of total fatty acids as a consequence of the presence of linseed oil in the diets, were not modified with vitamin E, and remained unaltered in grape pomace-5 and -10 treatments. Linoleic acid was increased by the highest dose of grape pomace, but this ingredient did not modify the cis-9,trans-11 18:2 milk fat content. The concentration of total odd- and branched-chain fatty acids did not diminish in grape pomace-5 and pomace-10 treatments. The presence of grape residue did not modified the trans-11 18:1 and trans-10 18:1 contents, which might indicate that, under the conditions assayed, this winery by-product would not alter the pathways of rumen conversion of dietary unsaturated fatty acids.

Effect of supplementation of grazing dairy ewes with a cereal concentrate on animal performance and milk fatty acid profile.

This work was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementing grazing ewes on pasture with a cereal concentrate on the milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Ninety Assaf ewes in mid lactation were distributed in 9 lots of 10 animals each and allocated to 3 feeding regimens: 1) pasture--ewes were only allowed to graze pasture (an irrigated sward of Lolium perenne, Trifolium pratense, and Dactylis glomerata); 2) PS--grazing ewes were supplemented with oat grain (700 g/animal and day); and 3) TMR--ewes were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration (TMR; 80:20 concentrate/forage ratio). Milk yield and composition were recorded for 5 wk. The highest milk yield was observed in ewes receiving the TMR and the lowest in grazing ewes supplemented with oat grain. Productions of milk fat, protein, and total solids showed the lowest values in treatment PS. The atherogenicity index, which comprises C12:0, C14:0, and C16:0, in PS milk fat was no different from that observed in milk from animals on pasture (1.53 for pasture, 1.54 for PS, and 3.22 for TMR). Oat grain supplementation generated higher amounts of C18:0 and cis-9 C18:1 in milk fat than the pasture-only diet, but significantly decreased the levels of alpha-linolenic acid and most of intermediates of the process of biohydrogenation of this FA. Cis-9 trans-11 C18:2 and trans-11 C18:1, its precursor for endogenous synthesis in the mammary gland, were lower in PS (0.58 and 1.59 g/100 g of total FA) than in TMR (0.72 and 1.92 g/100 g of total FA) and very different from the results observed in grazing ewes receiving no supplement (1.21 and 3.88 g/100 g of total FA). Furthermore, the lowest levels of trans-10 C18:1 and trans-10 cis-12 C18:2 were detected in the milk fat of ewes fed pasture. It is concluded that, when pasture quality and availability do not limit dairy production, supplementation of grazing ewes with oat grain compromised the milk FA profile without any significant positive effect on milk production.

Animal performance and fatty acid composition of lambs fed with different vegetable oils.

Twenty-seven lambs were used to investigate the effects of the inclusion of 4% hydrogenated palm oil (HPO) or sunflower oil (SFO) in the concentrate on animal performance, carcass and meat quality and fat characteristics and fatty acid composition. Animals (16.2±0.27kg initial weight) were fed concentrate (Control, HPO or SFO) and barley straw ad libitum and slaughtered at 25kg. SFO lambs tended to eat less concentrate than HPO animals (P<0.10). Neither HPO nor SFO affected any of the carcass characteristics studied, meat pH and meat and fat colour (P>0.05). SFO decreased proportions of C16:0, C18:1 cis-11 and C18:3 (P<0.05) and increased C18:1 trans (P<0.001) and C18:2/C18:3 ratio (P<0.05). Atherogenicity index was lower (P<0.05) when SFO was included in the concentrate. HPO did not affected and SFO improved fatty acid composition of fattening lambs without affecting animal performance.

Addition of olive oil to dairy ewe diets: effect on milk fatty acid profile and animal performance.

The effects of ruminant diet supplementation with linoleic or different polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) have been well documented. Less abundant information, however, exists on the effects of incorporating monounsaturated FA, such as oleic acid, on lipid metabolism or animal performance. The purpose of this work was to assess the effects of feeding dairy ewes a diet supplemented with high levels of olive oil (OO) on milk yield and composition, paying particular attention to the FA profile. Twenty-four Assaf ewes were fed ad libitum with 2 diets, control or supplemented with 6% OO (2 lots of 6 animals per diet) for 4 wk. Milk yield and composition and dry matter intake were recorded weekly. Milk FA composition was determined by gas chromatography and conjugated linoleic acid profile by silver ion HPLC. Milk yield increased in ewes receiving OO, with no differences in dry matter intake. The OO diet decreased the milk protein percentage but increased the milk fat, protein, and total solids yield. Medium-chain saturated FA (C10:0 to C16:0) content was reduced with OO supplementation, whereas C18:0 and cis-9 C18:1 content increased. Leaving aside trans-11, most trans C18:1 isomers, mainly trans-10, increased in supplemented ewes. The main conjugated linoleic acid isomer (cis-9, trans-11 C18:2) decreased with OO supplementation, whereas trans-7, cis-9 and trans-9, cis-11 C18:2 exhibited a remarkable increase. These results support the argument that the supplementation of ewe diets with high levels of OO does not have any detrimental effects on animal performance but substantially modifies the FA profile.

Milk production, conjugated linoleic acid content, and in vitro ruminal fermentation in response to high levels of soybean oil in dairy ewe diet.

Feeding vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy to enrich milk with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). However, high amounts of vegetable oil in the diet in free form could adversely affect animal performance, mainly in sheep. The aim of this work was to improve the ewe milk fatty acid profile by increasing potentially healthy acids such as CLA without any detrimental effects on milk production and ruminal fermentation with soybean oil (SBO) diet supplementation. Twenty-four ewes were assigned to 2 treatments and fed 2 diets (control or supplemented with 6% of SBO; 2 lots of 6 animals per treatment) and fed ad libitum for 4 wk. The forage:concentrate ratio was 20:80. Batch cultures of rumen microorganisms were used to study in vitro rumen fermentation. Changes in fatty acid profile were characterized as a reduction in C6:0 to C16:0 at the expense of an increase in C18:0, C18:1 isomers, and CLA concentrations. Proportions of milk CLA and trans-11 C18:1 (vaccenic acid) went from 1.04 to 3.44 and 2.08 to 6.20 g/100 g of total fatty acids, respectively. However, the SBO diet also increased trans-10 C18:1 and other trans C18:1 content. No significant decreases were found in the treatments for dry matter intake and milk production. The notable increases in trans-10, cis-12 and trans-9, cis-11 were not accompanied by fat level decreases in ewe milk. Concerning in vitro ruminal fermentation, no significant differences were found in the extent and rate of gas production, effective degradability, in vitro true digestibility, and volatile fatty acid production. The results demonstrate that dairy sheep milk CLA content can be substantially increased (more than 3-fold) by adding high levels of SBO in the diet as free oil, without any negative effects on animal performance.

Discrimination of adult steers (oxen) and young cattle ground meat samples by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS).

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to discriminate different types of ground beef samples. Fifty-three and sixty-seven samples of longissimus thoracis muscle corresponding to adult castrated steers (over 4 years old) and young cattle (under 14 months old), respectively, were homogenized and scanned over the NIR range (1100-2500nm). The results showed that NIRS could successfully discriminate 100% of ground beef samples depending on the sort of animal, probably as a consequence of differences in the intramuscular fat and water contents. Thus, NIRS is a fast, inexpensive, and non-destructive method that can be used to discriminate these beef products.

Ability of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate physical parameters of adult steers (oxen) and young cattle meat samples.

The potential of NIRS-based models to predict several physical parameters of oxen and young cattle beef protected by a quality mark was evaluated. Fifty-three and 67 samples of Longissimus thoracis muscle corresponding to oxen and young cattle reared in extensive conditions were analyzed for pH, colour (L(∗), a(∗), b(∗)), water holding capacity (WHC) and Warner-Braztler shear force (WBSF), according to the conventional methods. Several factors which might have jeopardized the prediction of pH, a(∗), WHC and WBSF by NIRS are considered in the discussion section. However, the best NIR calibrations, tested by full cross-validation, were for L(∗) (R(2)=0.869; SE(CV)=1.56) and b(∗) (R(2)=0.901; SE(CV)=1.08) colour parameters in meat samples from young cattle. It can be concluded that NIRS could be a useful tool for estimating the colour of young cattle meat samples, primary consideration for consumers when making purchasing decisions.

Carcass and meat quality of Assaf milk fed lambs: Effect of rearing system and sex.

The effect of sex and rearing system on growth and carcass and meat characteristics of milk fed Assaf lambs was studied. Thirty-six lambs, 18 males and 18 females were used. Twelve lambs remained with their mothers throughout the experiment (NR). Within 24-36h of birth, the rest were housed individually and fed twice a day ad libitum (AAR) or at 70% of ad libitum consumption (RAR) with reconstituted cow's milk. Sex did not affect animal performance, yet females showed higher carcass and non-carcass fat deposits. NR lambs showed greater BWG than AAR fed lambs, and AAR, higher than the RAR. Differences between naturally and artificially reared lambs in CCW and killing out percentage were not significant. Empty digestive tract and mesenteric fat weights were greater for RAR than NR lambs, with the AAR lambs demonstrating intermediate values; conversely, omental fat was greater in NR lambs. Carcass ether extract content was greater for NR lambs, possibly due to the greater growth. Use of ad libitum cow's milk substitute in suckling lambs twice a day resulted in less body weight gain but similar killing out percentages compared to naturally raised lambs. A 70% restricted supply increased the days in suckling and reduced carcass fatness and compactness. Except for water loss, which was less in NR than artificially fed lambs, no differences were found in meat characteristics.

Effect of slaughter age and feeding system on the neutral and polar lipid composition of horse meat.

This study was undertaken to provide a thorough analysis of the neutral lipid (NL) and polar lipid (PL) fractions of horse meat that included the content and distribution of acyl and alkenyl moieties in foals under different rearing conditions. Two groups of crossbred horses were studied; the first group was selected from suckling foals produced under grazing conditions and slaughtered at 4 months of age (n=8), and the second group was selected from concentrate-finished foals and slaughtered at 12 months of age (n=7). There were significant differences related to the age and feeding practices of foals which affected the intramuscular (IM) fat content and the fatty acid (FA) composition of NL and PL fractions. Samples from suckling foals were leaner and provided the highest content of methylation products from the plasmalogenic lipids, and total and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). By contrast, the meat from concentrate-finished foals had a higher IM fat level resulting in a greater accumulation of 16:0 and total monounsaturated FAs in the NL fraction, whereas the muscle PL fraction retained a similar FA composition between both groups. Linolenic acid was preferentially deposited in the NL fraction, but linoleic acid and the long-chain n-3 and n-6 PUFAs were incorporated into the PL fraction where they served as cell membrane constituents and in eicosanoid formation.

Grape pomace in ewes diet: Effects on meat quality and the fatty acid profile of their suckling lambs.

Grape pomace (GP) is an inexpensive natural antioxidant promising as animal feed supplement due to its high content of phenolic compounds. In order to evaluate its effect in lactating ewe rations on meat quality and fat composition of their suckling lambs, 48 Churra ewes were divided into 4 treatments. All animals were fed a ration containing linseed oil (Control) supplemented with Vitamin E or two levels of GP. Lambs were nourished exclusively by suckling until they were slaughtered. Dietary GP did not generate adverse effects on carcasses or lambs meat quality when compared with Control or Vit-E diets. GP improved the water holding capacity of the meat. In addition, lambs meat FA profile was not nutritionally affected with the diets assayed. Hence, the use of GP as a dietary supplement in ewe rations would not have negative effects on meat from suckling lambs.

Effects of the inclusion of sodium bicarbonate and sugar beet pulp in the concentrate for fattening lambs on acid-base status and meat characteristics.

Thirty-six young Merino lambs (15.3kg live weight) were allocated into four equal groups to study the effects of the inclusion of sodium bicarbonate ('Bic', 0 vs. 2%) and sugar beet pulp ('SBP', 0 vs. 12%) in the concentrate on meat characteristics. Lambs were fed barley straw and concentrate ad libitum. When they reached 25kg a blood sample was taken and the animal slaughtered. After 24h meat characteristics (pH, colour, water holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler shear force, chemical and fatty acid - 'FA' - composition) were measured on M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum. SBP replacing 24% of the barley in the concentrate caused an increase in shear force (P<0.05) and saturated FA (P<0.05), decreasing meat unsaturated FA (P<0.05). SB increased blood base excess (P<0.05) and meat yellowness (P<0.05) and decreased meat pH (P<0.05), without altering any other meat characteristics.

Effects of feeding strategy during a short finishing period on performance, carcass and meat quality in previously-grazed young bulls.

Twenty-one Brown Swiss×Limousin young bulls reared on pasture were housed for a short finishing period (60 days). CA group (concentrate-ad libitum group) received concentrate and straw ad libitum for the whole finishing period. CR group (concentrate-restricted group) received 4kg of concentrate/animal per day and ad libitum alfalfa hay throughout the 60days. CRA group (concentrate-restricted/ad libitum group) received the same diet as CR group for the first 30days and the same diet as CA group for the last 30days. CA and CRA groups presented higher fatness values. Myoglobin concentration in muscle was highest in CA group (P<0.05) and carotene content in subcutaneous fat was highest in CR group (P<0.01), while Warner-Bratzler shear force and sensory traits were unaffected (P>0.05). It is concluded that, in this type of young animal, 4kg concentrate plus ad libitum alfalfa hay for a 60-day finishing period, despite lower fatness, provides carcasses and meat with acceptable quality characteristics, similar to those obtained from ad libitum fed animals for the same period.

Potential use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for the estimation of chemical composition of oxen meat samples.

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was evaluated as a tool to estimate several chemical parameters of oxen meat protected by a quality mark. Fifty-three samples of longissimus thoracis muscle corresponding to oxen reared in extensive conditions were homogenized and scanned over the NIR spectral range (1100-2500nm). Immediately after scanning, the samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), myoglobin, collagen, ether extract (EE), gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM) and ash content, according to the official methods. Best NIR calibrations for chemical composition tested by cross-validation showed R(2) and SE(CV) of 0.874 and 20.33gkg(-1) DM (CP), 0.924 and 16.22gkg(-1) DM (EE), 0.941 and 0.293MJkg(-1) DM (GE) and 0.874 and 6.75gkg(-1) FM (DM). Calibrations for myoglobin, collagen and ash content showed a poor predictability, probably as a consequence of the lack of correlation between these parameters and EE content. However, NIRS technology could be an useful tool for estimating the main chemical parameters of oxen meat samples, thus guaranteeing the standards of quality marks.

Effects of grape pomace in growing lamb diets compared with vitamin E and grape seed extract on meat shelf life.

The effect of dietary treatment (CTRL, control; VIT-E, 500 mg kg(-1) vitamin E; GSE, 50 mg grape seed extract kg(-1); GP-5, 5% dried red grape pomace kg(-1)) on shelf life of lamb meat was studied. After slaughter (27 kg LBW), m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was sliced, packaged under modified atmosphere (80:20%/O2:CO2) and stored in retail conditions for 14 days. At each sampling day (0, 4, 7, 11, 14), microbiological, physico-chemical and sensory characteristics were analysed. Meat from VIT-E presented lower microbial counts than CTRL, GSE and GP-5, without differences between polyphenol treatments (GSE and GP-5) and CTRL. Vitamin E reduced meat discoloration and lipid oxidation (TBARS values) from day 7 with respect to the other treatments. Although not significant, an improvement in TBARS values of about 20% was observed for GSE and GP-5, compared with CTRL, from day 7 of storage. VIT-E dietary treatment was more effective in preventing sensory spoilage than the other treatments.

Fatty acid composition and carcass characteristics of growing lambs fed diets containing palm oil supplements.

Thirty 45-day-old male Ojalada lambs were used to investigate the effect of palm oil (as such or in the form of calcium soap) on carcass characteristics and fat composition. Dietary palm oil did not significantly affect dorsal fat thickness, carcass fatness or carcass conformation. The palm oil supplement did not affect C16:0 levels in intramuscular and subcutaneous fat, but did increase the percentage of C16:0 and reduce PUFA and MUFA content in internal fat depots. Supplementation with palm oil in the form of calcium soap did not cause significant differences in the composition of intramuscular fat. Subcutaneous and perirenal fat of lambs fed treatments including palm oil as such contained higher levels of some saturated fatty acids than that of those fed fat in the form of calcium soap. Mesenteric fat of lambs that received calcium soap had less % C18:1 and more % C18:3 than that of those given palm oil.

Effects of linseed oil and natural or synthetic vitamin E supplementation in lactating ewes' diets on meat fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation from their milk fed lambs.

Forty-eight Churra ewes with their new-born lambs were separated into four dietary treatments: Control (without added fat), LO (with 3% linseed oil), LO-Syn E (LO plus 400 mg/kg TMR of synthetic vitamin E) and LO-Nat E (LO plus 400 g/kg TMR of natural vitamin E). Linseed oil caused an increase in trans-11 C18:1 (VA), trans-10 C18:1, cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 (RA), trans-10, cis-12 C18:2 and C18:3 n-3 (ALA) in milk fat compared to the Control. The addition of vitamin E to the LO diets did not influence significantly the majority of milk fatty acids compared with the LO diet alone. Trans-10 C18:1, VA, RA, trans-10, cis-12 C18:2 and LA levels were higher in intramuscular lamb fat from treatments with linseed oil. No statistically significant differences were observed in these FA due to vitamin E supplementation or the type of vitamin E (synthetic vs. natural). Vitamin supplementation resulted in lipid oxidation levels below the threshold values for detection of rancidity in lamb meat.

Intoxication of sheep with quebracho tannin extract.

This experiment was carried out to study the toxicity of quebracho tannin extract (containing 760 g of condensed tannins [CTs] per kg), with the aim of validating its use as a feed additive for improving the digestive utilization of protein-rich feeds. Four groups (Q(0), Q(1), Q(2) and Q(3)) of four sheep were dosed intra-ruminally once daily, for up to 21 days with, respectively, 0, 0.5, 1.5 or 3.0 g quebracho tannin extract/kg live-weight (LW). Feed intake, live-weight changes, plasma biochemistry, indicators of hepatic detoxification function, gross lesions and histopathology were examined. Animals in groups Q(0), Q(1) and Q(2) consumed all the offered feed. In contrast, feed intake was practically nil after 6 days of quebracho dosing in group Q(3), this being associated with a loss of 4.7+/-1.30 kg LW in 10 days (P<0.05). Sheep from groups Q(0), Q(1) and Q(2) remained healthy throughout the experiment. Ewes from group Q(3) became weak and depressed on day 5 and after 8 days of dosing remained recumbent. They were humanely killed after 10 days to avoid suffering. In general, neither gross lesions nor microscopical changes were observed in animals from groups Q(0), Q(1) and Q(2). However, Q(3) sheep showed striking lesions in the digestive tract (well-demarcated ulcers filled with necrotic material in the mucosa of the rumen and reticulum, distension of abomasum and small intestine, and dense mucous material in the caecum), and changes in plasma biochemistry. Cytochrome P-450 and glutathione concentrations were significantly reduced in Q(3) sheep (P<0.05). It is concluded that quebracho tannin extract is not toxic for ruminants, except in concentrations too high to be encountered under practical conditions.

Plasmatic profiles of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein and progesterone levels during gestation in Churra and Merino sheep.

This study was carried out to determine ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (oPAG) and progesterone (P4) levels in the serum of Churra and Merino ewes throughout gestation and the first month post partum. The oPAG levels were determined with an heterologus RIA using bovine PAG as standard and tracer and rabbit antiserum against oPAG, sensitivity was 4.0 ng/ml. The P4 levels were measured with a radioimmunological procedure, including a specific extraction step with petroleum ether (bp 60-80 degrees C) with a sensitivity of less than 0.1 ng/ml. There were no differences (P<0.10) in the oPAG profile between breeds from Weeks 1 to 18. From Week 18 to lambing, oPAG concentrations increased rapidly in Churra ewes (on average, from 250 to 650 ng/ml) while remaining relatively constant in the Merino ewes (around 250 ng/ml). No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed for mean weekly P4 levels between the 2 breeds. In both breeds, P4 increased throughout the whole length of gestation, with the highest level measured at Weeks 19-20, then declined 2 wk before parturition. No correlation was found between P4 and oPAG concentrations during gestation in either of the breeds. After lambing, oPAG and P4 levels decreased rapidly in 4 wk to basal values. In both breeds the oPAG concentrations at Weeks 19, 20 and 21 of gestation in ewes carrying male fetuses were higher than in those carrying female fetuses. From the results, we conclude that the breed and sex of the fetus could influence the production of oPAG.

Effect of undegradable protein supply on testicular size, spermiogram parameters and sexual behavior of mature Assaf rams.

Eighteen mature Assaf rams were used to study the effect of undegradable protein (UDP) supply on testicular size, sperm production and quality, testosterone secretion and reproductive behavior. Animals were allocated to three groups of six animals each and fed during 10 weeks with different diets which were designed to supply approximately 0.5MJ of metabolisable energy (ME)/kg LBW(0.75) and 9g of effective rumen degradable protein (ERDP)/MJ of fermentable ME to all animals and to induce differences in rumen UDP intake (0.97, 1.72 and 3.08g of UDP/kg LBW(0.75) for LP, MP and HP diets, respectively). Neither plasma testosterone concentration nor reproductive behavior parameters (number of services, number of mounts without ejaculation and reaction time to first mount) were affected (P > 0.05) by protein intake. Nevertheless, there were significant (P < 0.05) differences between diets in both testicular size and sperm production. Scrotal circumference was lower in LP compared to MP and HP groups, no significant differences being observed between these latter two groups at any time. In relation to sperm production, the lowest and the highest values were always observed in LP and HP groups, respectively. MP group showed intermediate values, significantly different from those of LP and HP groups on Week 5 and only from those of LP group on Week 9. The present results provide a better understanding of the effect of protein nutrition and suggest that UDP should be supplied to Assaf rams during the mating season to improve their reproductive performance.

The use of banquettes of Posidonia oceanica as a source of fiber and minerals in ruminant nutrition. An observational study.

In the search for new food sources that contribute to the optimization of livestock production this paper discusses the possibility of using waste (called banquettes) of a marine plant commonly found on the Mediterranean coasts: Posidonia oceanica. The idea stems from the use of a waste that in summertime generates large costs because it is considered bothersome on the beaches. Thus, tons and tons of residues are collected each year from the beach, being destined for incineration. However, alternative uses for these residues are suggested, such as forage that is particularly relevant for the Mediterranean coast, where the weather does not support abundant grass growth. With this purpose, samples of banquettes of P. oceanica from six different points of a touristic place located in the Murcia Region (S.E. of Spain) were collected in April 2012 on the same day directly from the beach above the water line, washed with distilled water and sun-dried for 48 h. Approximately 500 g of each sample of plant material was chopped and two subsamples of 200 g each were placed in airtight plastic containers and sent to the laboratory for mineral and chemical analysis. This report provides data on the nutritional composition of P. oceanica such as mineral contents (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) and chemical composition (ash, CP, ether extract (EE), NDF and ADF, respectively) and ADL. Finally, the in sacco rumen disappearance of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), CP and NDF were studied. Our results showed that minerals, except for Fe, where within the range of values reported for P. oceanica in other parts of the Mediterranean region. Given the high Fe content further studies assessing the antagonic Fe-Cu interaction and its effect on animal health should be addressed. In relation to chemical composition, it is clear that this seagrass is a poor protein source and has levels of DM degradability at 24 h, similar to those obtained for cereal straw. The information summarized here shows some potential for the use of banquettes of P. oceanica as forage source in ruminant nutrition.