Proximate Composition, Amino Acid Profile, and Mineral Content of Four Sheep Meats Reared Extensively in Morocco: A Comparative Study.

This study aimed to compare the organoleptic and nutritional quality of four sheep meats produced in Morocco. This comparison was carried out by analyzing the proximate composition, amino acid profile, and mineral content of meat. The majority of the evaluated parameters were influenced by genetic and geographical factors (p < 0.05). The longissimus lumborum muscle had higher a ∗ value in Timahdite and Ouled-Djellal breeds. The highest values of macroelement were recorded in samples of Beni-Guil meat sampled in the Tendrera region (BGT; 1067.3 mg/100 g), while the highest microelement content was registered in Timahdite meat (5.7 mg/100 g). Iron and zinc were the major identified trace elements, while phosphorus and potassium were the most abundant macroelements. The abundant amino acid was glutamic, while cysteine and methionine were least abundant. The higher essential amino acids index (IEAA) was recorded in the Timahdite sheep meat (162.20, 158.71, 161.02, and 159.65, respectively, for Timahdite, BGT, Ouled-Djellal breeds, and Beni-Guil meat sampled in Ain Beni Mathar region). From a nutritional point of view, the studied meats had a good protein and mineral quality, due to their richness in essential amino acids and microelements. The present study provided new insights on the organoleptic quality and the nutritional value of three Moroccan sheep meats reared in outdoor production system.

Chemical composition and oral toxicity assessment of Anisophyllea boehmii kernel oil: Potential source of new edible oil with high tocopherol content.

Anisophyllea boehmii is an indigenous and wild species in Burundi. Its fruits are edible and commercialized in local markets. This study investigates chemical quality, composition and toxicity test of A. boehmii kernel oil from two sites in eastern Burundi. Results of the present study reveal A. boehmii kernels to be an oil-rich source, yielding up to 29% of oil. Fatty acid composition analysis classifies these oils as palmitic. In fact, the main fatty acids are palmitic acid (36.47-39.55%) and oleic acid (18.83-22.21%). The analysis of minor compounds shows high tocopherols (485-657 mg kg-1), phenols (82-135 mg kg-1) and ß-carotene (144-234 mg kg-1) content. The physicochemical parameters analyzed make A. boehmii kernel a source of good quality oil. Furthermore, acute oral toxicity test reveals no toxicity of A. boehmii kernel oil. Results of the present study are decisive in adoption of A. boehmii kernel oil as an alternative source of edible oil.