Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in an Embden×Toulouse Goose Cross Raised in Organic Dehesa.

This study assessed the influence of genetic type (Embden-Anser anser, EE; Toulouse-Anser anser, TT and F1 cross, ET) for meat characteristics (carcass, meat quality and fatty acid (FA) profiles), of domestic geese "Anser anser domesticus" raised in dehesa as an alternative, organic feeding system. Carcass and breast muscle weight (p<0.01) were greater for the ET group at the same live weight. None of the groups showed differences in the production of fatty liver with this type of feeding. Higher values were found for maximum Warner-Bratzler shear force (between 7.62 and 8.87 kg/cm(2)), which implies the improvement of this parameter. High levels of oleic FAs were obtained, especially for the TT group. The polyunsaturated/saturated FA ratio was highest for the ET group (p<0.001), reflecting the optimum nutritional values as a component of a healthy consumer diet.

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) for the determination of the milk fat fatty acid profile of goats.

Milk fatty acid (FA) composition is important for the goat dairy industry because of its influence on cheese properties and human health. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the feasibility of NIRS reflectance (oven-dried milk using the DESIR method) and transflectance (liquid milk) analysis to predict milk FA profile and groups of fats in milk samples from individual goats. NIRS analysis of milk samples allowed to estimate FA contents and their ratios and indexes in fat with high precision and accuracy. In general, transflectance analysis gave better or similar results than reflectance mode. Interestingly, NIRS analysis allowed direct prediction of the Atherogenicity and Thrombogenicity indexes, which are useful for the interpretation of the nutritional value of goat milk. Therefore, the calibrations obtained in the present work confirm the viability of NIRS as a fast, reliable and effective analytical method to provide nutritional information of milk samples.

Association between functional candidate genes and organoleptic meat traits in intensively-fed beef.

The aim of this study was to assess the associations between the single nucleotide polymorphisms in CAPN1, CAST, DGAT1, FABP4, LEP, RORC and SCD1 genes and the sensory meat quality in an intensively fed commercial population (Charolais, Limousin and Retinta breed). This work carried out analyses on a common Spanish population and evaluated the association between the markers and sensory traits. A total of 161 bulls were allocated to two different feedlots with two different finishing diets. Steaks aged for 7 and 21 days were assessed by both untrained and trained sensory panels. A significant association and allelic substitution effect were observed for markers UoG-CAST, LEP: g.73C>T and SCD1: g.878T>C on different descriptors evaluated by a consumer panel (tenderness and overall acceptability). There are no precedents of these kinds of association studies in a Spanish commercial population. The study suggested that CAST, LEP and SCD1 genes have a potential effect on the different measurements of sensory meat quality.

Association study between a SNP in bovine SCD1 gene with fatty acid composition in a Spanish commercial population fed with two different diets.

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1 gene) is an enzyme responsible for the endogenous conversion of saturated fatty acid into monounsaturated fatty acids. The objective of this study was to assess the association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the SCD1 gene with the fatty acid composition of beef intramuscular fat of a Spanish commercial bull population (n = 155) finished with two different diets. The results suggested that the marker could be used as a candidate gene to obtain a healthier final product.

Associations between DGAT1, FABP4, LEP, RORC, and SCD1 gene polymorphisms and fat deposition in Spanish commercial beef.

The objective of the present study was to assess the frequency distribution of markers in the diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), leptin (LEP), retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor C (RORC), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) genes in a Spanish commercial crossbred population (n = 286) produced in southwest Spain. We have also evaluated the association of these 5 major SNP with backfat thickness (BFT) and intramuscular fat (IMF) to use them routinely in the industry (if the associations are confirmed) due to their ease of use. The KK genotype of the DGAT1 gene was associated (P = 0.046) with the greatest BFT value. Bulls presenting the GG genotype for SNP in the FABP4 gene showed greater values for the percentage of IMF (P = 0.030), which means an increase of 0.155% IMF per copy of the G allele of this marker (P = 0.009). A significant association was found between the RORC: g.3290T > G marker and the percentage of IMF. The GG genotype of the RORC: g.3290T > G marker showed the lowest IMF percentage (P = 0.025). The specific associations found in this study not only provide information about the involvement of these genes in the fat deposition at different levels in the southwestern Spain cattle population, but can also serve as a tool to improve certain meat quality attributes through Marker Assisted Selection. However, sensory studies are needed to explore further the usefulness of these genes in meat quality and the impact on the actual palatability of the beef.

Association between the polymorphism of the goat stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) gene and milk fatty acid composition in Murciano-Granadina goats.

Genetic variability of the caprine stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) gene has been investigated by sequencing a 4.7-kb cDNA in 6 goats from the Murciano-Granadina and Malagueña breeds. Sequence alignment revealed the existence of one synonymous polymorphism at exon 5 (c.732C>T) and one nucleotide substitution (c.*3504G>A) at exon 6 that encodes the 3' untranslated region (UTR). Moreover, the existence of a previously reported 3'UTR polymorphism involving a 3-bp indel (c.*1902_1904delTGT) was confirmed. Single nucleotide polymorphism and haplotype-based association analyses revealed suggestive associations between genetic variability of the SCD1 locus and lactose, stearic, polyunsaturated, and conjugated linoleic fatty acid contents. Associations with milk fatty acid composition might be explained by the global effects that SCD1 exerts on mammary gland lipid metabolism through the down-modulation of key transcription factors. Interestingly, the performance of an in silico analysis revealed that the c.*1902_1904delTGT polymorphism involves a considerable change in the secondary structure of the SCD1 mRNA. Gene reporter assays and quantitative PCR analysis would be needed to assess if this mutation has a causal effect on milk polyunsaturated and conjugated linoleic fatty acid levels by altering the amount of SCD1 transcripts in mammary epithelial cells.

Pleiotropic effects of the goat prolactin receptor genotype on milk fatty acid composition.

In the lactating mammary gland, prolactin (PRL) stimulates the synthesis of lactose as well as fatty acid uptake, lipogenesis, and triacylglycerol synthesis. Associations between bovine PRL receptor (PRLR) genotype and fat yield have been reported, which illustrates the role of PRL in conveying lipids toward the udder as well as in stimulating their local synthesis during lactation. Conversely, and to the best of our knowledge, the effects of PRLR genotype on milk fatty acid content have not been studied so far in any mammalian species. In this study, we sequenced most of the coding region of the caprine PRLR gene in several individuals from the Malagueña and Murciano-Granadina breeds. This approach allowed us to identify 2 long and short mRNA isoforms, produced by alternative splicing, and 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely, c.177T>C, c.1131G>A, c.1201G>A and c.1355C>T. Two of these SNPs are nonsynonymous and involve G401R (c.1201G>A) and T452I (c.1355C>T) amino acid substitutions in the cytoplasmic domain of PRLR, which plays a fundamental role in signal transduction. Performance of an association analysis with milk composition traits in a Murciano-Granadina goat population revealed highly suggestive effects on palmitoleic acid content, whereas suggestive effects were detected for other fatty acids, such as palmitic and linoleic. These results are consistent with the pleiotropic effects of PRL on mammary gland lipid metabolism and milk composition.

Polymorphism of the caprine malic enzyme 1 ( ME1) gene and its association with milk quality traits in Murciano-Granadina goats.

Malic enzyme 1 plays a fundamental role in lipid metabolism because it yields a significant amount of the NADPH necessary for fatty acid biosynthesis. In ruminants, however, its contribution to this biochemical process seems to be less relevant than in other livestock species. In this study, we have partially sequenced the goat ME1 gene with the aim of identifying polymorphic sites. Structural analysis of the goat ME1 amino acid partial sequence evidenced the existence of two dinucleotide-binding motifs, located at positions 158 to 163 (GLGDLG) and 301 to 306 (GAGEAA), and three amino acid residues (E245, D246 and D269) involved in the binding of Mn2+ and strongly conserved among mammalian species. Moreover, multiple sequence alignment allowed us to identify four single nucleotide polymorphisms at exons 5 (c.483C > T), 6 (c.667G > A), 9 (c.927C > T) and 11 (c.1200G > A). The effects of ME1 genotype on milk production and composition traits were investigated in a Murciano-Granadina goat population. None of the associations found reached statistical significance after applying Benjamini-Hochberg correction. At most, associations with uncorrected P-values below 0.01 were observed for C16:0, C18:1n-9t and total conjugated linoleic acids. These negative results reinforce the notion that ME1 plays an ancillary role in ruminant lipogenesis.

Meat quality of tenderloin from Iberian pigs as affected by breed strain and crossbreeding.

In 2007, a new National Quality Standard was published in Spain to regulate the products derived from the Iberian pig carcass, including for the first time fresh meat. In the same way, four different Iberian strains were recognized as official (Lampiño, Entrepelado, Retinto and Torbiscal). A batch (n=10) of each pig strain was selected using neutral DNA markers, and another batch of the most common crossbreeding pigs (Iberian×Duroc) was included into the study as a control. The main meat quality parameters of tenderloin, the most expensive meat cut for fresh consumption, from those five pig groups were analysed. Retinto and Lampiño strains showed the closest phenotypic distances, followed by Entrepelado strain. Meat from crossed and Torbiscal pigs had lower water holding capacity, L∗ and a∗, and higher SFA than meat from the other three strains. Crossbred pigs had the lowest protein, intramuscular fat and PUFA contents.

Meat and fat quality of unweaned lambs as affected by slaughter weight and breed.

Sixty-four male lambs of two Southern Spanish breeds, a dairy breed (Grazalema Merino) and a meat breed (Churra Lebrijana), were used to study the effects of slaughter weight and breed on meat traits and intramuscular and subcutaneous fat composition. Lambs were reared following a traditional production system without weaning and slaughtered when live weight reached 12kg (suckling) or 20kg (light). Meat from suckling lambs of both breeds had lower fat and myoglobin contents, and was more tender and had higher scores for sustained juiciness in the sensory analysis. Fat from light lambs had lower C12:0 and C14:0 levels than fat from suckling lambs. Grazalema Merino meat had higher fat and ash contents, and its fat had higher conjugated linoleic acid content than Churra Lebrijana meat.

Breed effect on carcass and meat quality of foals slaughtered at 24months of age.

In some areas, horsemeat may be considered as an alternative to beef. And recent studies have shown that it may be positive from a nutritional point of view. However, little research has been done on the effects that influence horse carcass traits and meat quality. Breed effect has been studied by comparing two Spanish local breeds (Burguete and Hispano-Bretón) reared following the same traditional production system (24months old). Some differences between breeds were observed for carcass quality measurements and colour parameters. Proximate composition was generally not affected by breed. Burguete foals had lower SFA and MUFA and higher PUFA than Hispano-Bretón ones. PUFA/SFA ratio from both breeds was higher than 0.4 and CLA levels were similar to those found in ruminants.

Comparison of four extraction/methylation analytical methods to measure fatty acid composition by gas chromatography in meat.

Four different extraction-derivatization methods commonly used for fatty acid analysis in meat (in situ or one-step method, saponification method, classic method and a combination of classic extraction and saponification derivatization) were tested. The in situ method had low recovery and variation. The saponification method showed the best balance between recovery, precision, repeatability and reproducibility. The classic method had high recovery and acceptable variation values, except for the polyunsaturated fatty acids, showing higher variation than the former methods. The combination of extraction and methylation steps had great recovery values, but the precision, repeatability and reproducibility were not acceptable. Therefore the saponification method would be more convenient for polyunsaturated fatty acid analysis, whereas the in situ method would be an alternative for fast analysis. However the classic method would be the method of choice for the determination of the different lipid classes.

Early attack and subsequent changes produced in an industrial lignin by a fungal laccase and a laccase-mediator system: an analytical approach.

An industrial kraft pine lignin (Indulin AT, KL) was characterized and treated in both aqueous-buffered media and dioxane to water, either with a partially purified laccase from Fusarium proliferatum or with the laccase plus 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic-acid (ABTS) as mediator. The changes in the lignin after different incubation periods were analyzed through the application of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), UV-visible (Vis) spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). At the onset of incubation, laccase-treated samples showed a slight polymerization and strong modifications in UV-Vis spectra. Through Py-GC/MS, a decrease in phenolic and methoxy-bearing pyrolysis products was observed, in contrast to an increase in the more oxidized products. After longer incubation periods (48 h) a substantial polymerization was detected by HPLC, along with a decrease in the guaiacyl (G) units. In contrast, the analysis by HPLC of the samples recovered from the laccase-ABTS system (LMS) showed an intense depolymerization, accompanied by a sizeable loss in G units and a decrease in the methyl and ethyl side-chain phenolic compounds. These results provide conclusive evidence of a rapid initial attack of the industrial lignin by laccase and notable modifications in the KL after longer incubation periods with laccase or LMS.