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Simple Summary: This review highlights the benefits of using valuable alternative feeds such as crop residues, silage, grasses, hay, browse, plant leaves, shrubs, and agro-industrial by-products in small ruminants' diets. Alternative feeds can significantly improve the productivity and reduce carbon footprints and GHG fluxes of small ruminant farms, making them both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, these alternative feeds possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties that can enhance the quality of the meat and milk produced. Small ruminants, such as sheep (Ovisaries) and goats (Capra hircus), contribute to approximately 475 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 6.5% of the global emissions in the agriculture sector. Crop residues, silage, grasses, hay, browse, plant leaves, shrubs, agro-industrial by-products, poultry litter, and other alternative feed sources are frequently utilized for small ruminant production. The use of these valuable alternative feeds can significantly improve animal productivity and reduce carbon footprints and GHG fluxes, making it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, these alternative feeds possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties that can enhance the quality of the meat and milk produced. By impacting the bacteria involved in ruminal biohydrogenation, alternative feeds can reduce methane emissions and contribute to a decrease in the carbon footprint. Overall, the use of alternative feed sources for small ruminants generally improves their apparent nutrient digestibility and productivity, and has an impact on the production of greenhouse gases, especially methane. Finally, this review recommends evaluating the economic analysis of reducing methane emissions in small ruminants by utilizing different feed sources and feeding techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Climate change presents significant nutritional challenges to animal breeding, demanding resilience and efficiency for survival and productivity. In this study, we investigated the effects of body reserves dynamics (mobilization and accretion) on the production and reproduction parameters of fat-tailed Barbarine and thin-tailed Queue Fine de l'Ouest ewes over two production cycles under semi-intensive conditions. The results show that all reproductive traits were similar among breeds; however, they depend on ewes' body reserves. Similarly, lambs' growth parameters depend on ewes' body condition scores (BCSs) at lambing and weaning, with higher growth for ewes with BCS > 2 at lambing. In conclusion, regardless of the breed, ewes have evolved adaptive mechanisms by mobilizing body reserves to effectively cope with environmental challenges and successfully rear their offspring. Additionally, to sustain a high growth rate in offspring, it is advisable to carefully plan the flock nutritional needs during the suckling period. Under climate change, animal breeding faces severe nutritional challenges, exhibiting their resilience and efficiency to survive and produce. The animals' robustness can be evaluated through the use and reconstitution of body reserves (BR). This study investigated the dynamics of ewes' BR, measured through body weight (BW) and the body condition score (BCS), and their effect on production performances of 480 ewes belonging to fat-tailed Barbarine (BB) and thin-tailed Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) ewes over two consecutive years. The BW and BCS were recorded across physiological stages. Reproductive parameters and lambs' growth were calculated. For both years and breeds, the decrease in the BCS between mating and lambing showed BR mobilization to balance nutritional restrictions, which continues until suckling; after weaning, a BR accretion was noted. The lambs' birth weight was similar regardless of the dams' BCS at lambing, though it was lower in the second year (3.5 vs. 4 kg). Lambs' growth parameters depended on ewes' BCS at lambing and weaning. Fertility rates changed with BCS changes and the higher values (80%) were recorded for ewes with BCSs between 2 and 2.5. However, prolificacy was similar for both breeds and years (p > 0.05). In conclusion, ewes have developed adaptative capacities through BR mobilization to cope with environmental challenges and successfully rear their offspring. To maintain a high offspring growth rate, it is recommended to plan correct flock nutrition during suckling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to distinguish between the Tunisian Djebel lamb meat and meat from typical Tunisian production systems (PSs) through the fatty acids (FAs) profile and the stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA). Thirty-five lambs from three different regions and PSs (D = Djebel, B = Bou-Rebiaa, and O = Ouesslatia) were considered for this purpose. The results demonstrated that the PS and the geographic origin strongly influenced the FA profile of lamb meat. It was possible to discriminate between the Djebel lamb meat and the rest of the dataset thanks to the quantification of the conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and the branched chain FAs. Moreover, statistically different concentrations of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FAs and a different n-6/n-3 ratio were found for grazing (D and BR) and indoor (O) lambs, making it possible to discriminate between them. As for the stable isotope ratio analysis, all parameters made it possible to distinguish among the three groups, primarily on the basis of the dietary regimen (δ(13C) and δ(15N)) and breeding area (δ(18O) and δ(2H)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green oak (Quercus ilex) plays an important role in forest ecology when oaks are the dominant species or are plentiful. The use of acorns as an alternative to barley for livestock feeding can be beneficial for breeders. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the acorn intake by lambs in two stages, suckling and fattening, on growth, diet digestibility, carcass and non-carcass characteristics. For this, 32 lambs were used. During the suckling period, 16 lambs were reared on range pasture, supplied by barley (S-Ba), the other 16 on forest pasture and supplied by acorns (S-Ac). During the fattening period, lambs were assigned to concentrate based either on barley (F-Ba) or acorn (F-Ac) resulting in eight animals per suckling treatment per fattening treatment. The feed intake, diet digestibility and lamb growth were recorded. At 90 d of fattening, all animals were slaughtered and carcass traits studied. The main results show that the incorporation of acorn in concentrate was without effect on digestibility of organic matter, crud protein and neutral detergent fibre. The nitrogen balance was positive for animals fed barley concentrate or acorn one (>8 g d -1). The lamb growth rates and slaughter body weight were not affected by acorn incorporation in both phases (p>0.05). Consequently, the carcass weights and carcass yields were similar. The F-Ac and S-Ac lambs had relatively heavier liver than F-Ba and S-Ba. The carcass composition in cutting pieces and that in tissues (muscle, fat and bone) was similar for all groups. These results suggest that acorns could replace partially conventional feedstuffs as concentrate without affecting animal performance and carcass quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that the use of rosemary and thyme residues and essential oils in animal feeding was widely documented, that of myrtle is scarce. To test the hypothesis that myrtle essential oils (MEOs) could improve goats' carcass characteristics and meat quality traits, twenty‐one male goats received a ration consisted of 40% oat hay and 60% concentrate. Experimental goat kids received the control diet supplemented with 0, 0.3 and 0.6% of myrtle essential oils (MEOs) for C, Myrt1 and Myrt2 groups respectively. The administration of MEO did not improve the daily DM intake (p > 0.05). Kids of C and Myrt2 groups had higher average daily gain than Myrt1 group (75 versus 55 g). The goats slaughtered at 19.9 kg of weight did not differ (p > 0.05) in carcass weights and carcass yield in terms of commercial dressing percentage (CDP = 41%) and real dressing percentage (RDP = 52%). The administration of MEO increased the meat polyphenol content, being higher in both Myrtle groups (87 versus. 56 μg gallic acid equivalents g‐1 fresh matter, p < 0.05). Myrtle EO administration protected kids' meat against oxidation (0.48 versus. 0.91 mg MDA/kg of meat for Myrtle and C groups, respectively, at the 9th day of storage; p < 0.05). It could be useful to include MEO as a dietary supplement in goats' rations since it improves meat's oxidative status without negative effects on FA profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To test the hypothesis that feeding cull ewes with Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) distillation residues (RR) and linseed improves meat quality traits; fatty acid (FA) profile, lipid oxidation, meat colour, sensory and microbiological analysis were investigated. For this, 28 Barbarine ewes received 500 g of basal diet and 700 g of concentrate. Two groups received the control concentrate (CC) with, as basal diet, straw for CCC and straw plus 200 g of RR for RCC group. The two other groups received the concentrate containing 10% of linseed (LC) with straw for CLC and straw plus 200 g of RR for RLC group. The linseed intake increased n‐3 PUFA (+28.7%) and C18:3n‐3(+41%) and decreased n‐6/n‐3 ratio from 4.55 to 3.25; while the RR diet affected only the content of branched chain fatty acid in cull ewes' meat. Feeding RR combined to linseed delayed lipid oxidation at almost ½ at Day 9 (2.38 vs. 4.63 for RLC and CLC respectively). Meat from rosemary diet had higher tenderness and lower resilience. It is concluded that the meat obtained after rosemary and linseed supply can be regarded as healthier and shows higher quality traits and greater oxidation stability under chilling storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rosemary distillation industry produces a considerable amount of rosemary distillation residues (RRs), which can be an alternative for feeding animals in harsh conditions and could enhance animal product quality. Given the meat quality is largely influenced by its fat content and fatty acid composition, the fatty acid (FA) profiles of longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), semi-membranous (SM) muscles, and caudal (CFs) and omental fats (OFs) were determined using 21 Barbarine lambs fed with or without RRs. Diets contained 600 g of concentrate plus 600 g of forage. Forage represented oat hay, RR87 and RR60 pellets containing 87 % or 60 % of RR, respectively. At the end of the study, all lambs were slaughtered, and the fatty acid profile was studied. The inclusion of RR increased the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents and reduced saturated fatty acids (SFAs), and the thrombogenic and saturation indexes in all tissues. The SM muscle was the richest tissue in PUFAs, n -3 and n -6; however, both adipose tissues contained the highest proportions of SFAs. Especially the OF was the richest tissue in oleic acid and SFAs. Feeding RR to lambs enhanced meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rosemary essential oils (REO) and the forage nature on ewes' performances, immune response and lambs' growth and mortality. Forty-eight dairy ewes (Sicilo-Sarde) were fed oat-hay or oat-silage supplemented with 400 g of concentrate during pregnancy and 600 g during postpartum. The experimental concentrate contained the same mixture as the control (barley, soybean meal and mineral vitamin supplement) more 0.6 g/kg of REO. Two groups were obtained with each forage (Hay groups: H-C and H-REO; Silage groups: S-C and S-REO). REO increased the dry matter (DM) intake, the nitrogen intake and retention being higher with the silage groups (P < 0.05). REO increased solid non-fat (P = 0.004) and fat contents of colostrum which was higher with hay (P = 0.002). REO decreased lamb mortality (P < 0.05) which averaged 21% for control groups and 6% for H-REO, while no mortality was recorded with S-REO. REO dietary supply improved forage intake and tended to ameliorate colostrum production; it could be a natural additive to improve ewes' performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthetic antioxidant improved the shelf life of meat products; however, consumers start to reject them for health reason. For this, the natural antioxidants like Myrtle distillate leaves (MDL) could be an interesting alternative and potential natural antioxidant given their richness in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to test the effect of myrtle distillate leaves (MDL) as natural antioxidant in premortem phase as diet of cull ewes and in postmortem phase in form of powder added to deboned legs on meat' quality. All ewes received individually 500 g of hay and 750 g of concentrate for Control (C) group; for Myrt group, the concentrate was partially replaced (400 g) by pellets containing 30% MDL and 350 g concentrate. For each ewe, both legs were used for the experiment; one leg was treated with MDL powder and the other with Control. Meat from ewes' fed MDL presented better scores for red color, aftertaste and juiciness, than control group. Meat treated with MDL powder showed the highest values of total phenolic, α‐tocopherol content and redness score with lower lipid oxidation (p <.05). The microbiological quality of meat was not affected by MDL. Myrtle distillate leaves could be used in different forms, in order to obtain higher meat product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine the increase in shelf life of fresh Barbarine lamb's meat due to the effect of rosemary essential oils (RE) dietary. Thirty-two Barbarine lambs (19.9kg body weight (BW)) were divided into 2 homogeneous groups receiving 50% dried alfalfa and 50% concentrate. Two types of concentrate were used, the Control (C) and the experimental, which corresponds to C with 0.06% of RE. At the end of the experiment (60 days), all animals were slaughtered. Lipid oxidation (TBARS) and color coordinates of longissimus dorsi (LD) of fresh lamb meat were analyzed on days 1, 3, 7 and 9.The RE incorporation has not affected the ultimate pH and cooking losses. TBARS values significantly increased for both treatments with storage time without any significant effect of regimen. At the ninth day of storage, meat of RE group tended to have higher redness (a*) and lower yellowness (b*) values (11.49 and 5.35 for RE vs. 10.30 and 5.58 for C). Lightness (L*) of meat from both treatments was in the range of acceptability (42–38) throughout the storage period. Panelists reported no significant effect of RE addition on the eating quality of lamb meat which was generally acceptable. The results showed that the dose rate of RE used in the present study did not affect lipid oxidation and had no significant effect against lamb meat discoloration across the storage period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the inclusion of rosemary residues (RR) and protein sources on lamb meat quality. Twenty-four male Barbarine lambs were divided into three homogeneous groups receiving individually: 600 g of oat hay as a roughage supplemented with 600 g of commercial concentrate for the control group (C), concentrate containing rosemary residues (RR) plus soybean meal for the RRS group, and RR plus faba bean for the RRF group. The inclusion of RR did not affect meat lipid oxidation, but improved meat nutritional properties by increasing its polyphenol and polyunsaturated FA content. The source of crude protein did not affect any parameter studied. The shortage of some ingredients and, consequently, the continuous increase in the price of feed encourage the search for other alternatives to maintain animal production and enhance its products. In this line, the use of aromatic plant by-products in animal diet has been recently and widely considered, given their richness in bioactive compounds. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the inclusion of rosemary residues (RR) and protein sources on lamb meat quality. The experiment was carried out on 24 male Barbarine lambs (3 months old) with an average body weight (BW) of 17.8 ± 2.6 kg, which were divided into three homogeneous groups according to BW. The diet comprised 600 g of oat hay and 600 g of concentrate. Three types of concentrate were evaluated: commercial concentrate as the control group (C); rosemary residues (RR) plus soybean meal as the RRS group, and RR plus faba bean as the RRF group. After an experimental period of 65 days, lambs were slaughtered. The inclusion of RR in both concentrates increased the α-tocopherol and total polyphenol content in meat and protected meat against discoloration (high red index and chroma after 9 days of storage) but did not affect meat lipid oxidation, which was similar for all groups. The FA profile was affected by the inclusion of RR, with no effect from the source of protein (faba bean or soybean). The inclusion of RR in the concentrate increased the C18:2 n-6, C18:3 n-3, C20:4 n-6, C20:5 n-3, and C22:5 n-3 content (p < 0.05). Consequently, the inclusion of RR also increased the total polyunsaturated FA (p < 0.05) and the ratio of polyunsaturated FA to saturated FA (p < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate that concentrate based on RR could be useful for lamb meat production by improving the nutritional quality of meat, especially the fatty acid profile. In addition, soybean meal can be replaced by faba bean in lamb concentrate without affecting meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aims to investigate the carcass and meat quality from lambs fed a dietary treatment including rosemary residues obtained after distillation as cereal substitute in concentrate knowing that cereals are the main component of concentrate. Twenty-four male lambs from local fat-tailed Barbarine breed were allocated into three groups. They received individually oat hay as roughage and as complementation standard concentrate for control group (C) and two concentrate types containing rosemary residues (RR) for the other groups. The protein source was soybean (S) for RRS group while faba bean (F, Vicia Faba) which is a legume was the protein source for RRF group. The results suggest a positive action of rosemary by-products in improving phenolic and tocopherol compounds given their richness in these components. In addition, growth, the non-carcass and carcass traits and the meat physical properties were not altered. Facing climate change implications on feeds unavailability, unconventional resources are being considered with a growing interest such as aromatic plant distillation residues with a two-fold object, enhancing meat quality by increasing the antioxidant properties and reducing feed prices which are often imported though expensive. Hence, this study aims to assess the effects of rosemary distillation residues (RR) incorporation in concentrate associated to two nitrogen sources as a substitute for standard concentrate on lamb's growth, carcass traits and meat quality. For this, 24 Barbarine male lambs (3 months old, 17.83 ± 2.6 kg body weight) were divided into three groups. All lambs received individually 600 g of oat hay as roughage and 600 g of standard concentrate for control group, 600 g of concentrate based on RR and soybean meal for RRS group and 600 g of concentrate based on RR and faba bean for RRF group. After 65 days of experiment, all lambs were slaughtered. Phenolic and tocopherol intakes were significantly higher for both RR groups compared to control (p < 0.05). Growth, carcass weights, dressing percentages and non-carcass component weights were unaffected by the diet (p > 0.05). Moreover, regional and tissular compositions and meat physical properties were similar irrespective of the diet (p > 0.05). All color parameters were similar among groups (p > 0.05). However, meat produced by lambs receiving RR-based concentrate was richer on vitamin E and polyphenol contents than control lambs (p < 0.05). Rosemary by-products may substitute the standard concentrate resulting in similar lamb's growth and carcass traits, while improving meat quality by increasing vitamin E content, which could improve its antioxidant power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the sheep meat physicochemical traits as affected by distilled myrtle residues (MR) supplementation. For this, 27 culled ewes were divided into three groups receiving a ration composed by concentrate and hay for the Control group, concentrate and MR as a total substitute to hay for the Myrt-H group, or hay, less concentrate, and MR as a partial substitute to concentrate for the Myrt-C group. The meat chemical composition, pH, and color parameters were not affected by the MR intake. However, this animal's dietary treatment resulted in higher meat polyphenol and α-tocopherol content for both MR groups (9.38 and 8.05 vs. 3.04 μg g−1 DM for Myrt-H, Myrt-C, and Control, respectively). In addition, since day 3 of meat storage, the lipid oxidation was improved by MR intake being lower for both MR groups than the Control (0.51 vs. 1.11 mg MDA/kg of meat). The total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and saturated fatty acid (SFA) were similar among groups. However, the meat of Myrt-H had the highest C18:2n-6 and total PUFAn-6. In conclusion, the MR intake could be useful given it increases the meat content of vitamin E and improves its oxidative status without negative effects on the FA profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This work aims to analyze flocks' management practices and sheep breeders' perceptions of the impact of climate change to enhance the resilience of the sheep production systems in the Tunisian semi-arid region. The results revealed three main sheep production systems: the agro-pastoral rain-fed system (AGPRF), the agro-pastoral irrigated system (AGPI), and the agro-sylvo-pastoral system (AGSP). Each production system is characterized by specific management and productive parameters that are used by farmers to build resilience actions. However, farmers' climate change perceptions are mostly the same across the three sheep production systems: a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperatures and extreme events, which negatively influence feedstuff availability and costs. Global climate change inflicts unambiguous risks on agricultural systems and food security. Small ruminants are known for their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This paper aims to characterize sheep production systems in a vulnerable agricultural zone and the breeders' perceptions of climate change to apprehend challenges that they are confronting, and formulate resilience actions. The data analysis is based on 94 semi-structured surveys of sheep farmers carried out in the Tunisian semi-arid region. The PCA analysis results revealed three main sheep production systems. The agro-pastoral rain-fed system (AGPRF) is dominant (55%), with large farms and common pastures integrating cereals and fodder. The agro-pastoral irrigated system (AGPI: 20%) is characterized by small-area and forage irrigation (1.8 ha) and a smaller number of ewes but a greater use of animal feed supplementation. The agro-sylvo-pastoral system (AGSP: 25%) is a system where grazing is based on common lands and using tree sub-products, while the agricultural area is exclusively used to cultivate cereal crops. Sheep breeders' climate perceptions are summarized as unpredictable climate events, a decrease in precipitation, and an increase in temperature. Resilience actions principally consist of reducing flocks' numbers, using alternative local feed, fodder, and water resources, and building more shelters and planting more trees in the grazing areas. Nevertheless, cost-effectiveness should be considered in such vulnerable zones to insure the sheep production systems' sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The effects of distilled myrtle leaves (DML) intake on physiochemical traits, fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation of ewe's sausage (Merguez) were investigated. Twenty‐seven ewes were divided into three homogenous groups. Ewes were fed hay and concentrate for control group (C). They received concentrate and M‐Hay pellets, containing 87% DML, as substitute to hay in MH group; for MC group, ewes received hay, concentrate and M‐Conc pellets having 30% DML in partial substitution to concentrate. They were slaughtered at the end of trial (90 days) with an average body weight of 42 kg. DML did not affect the physicochemical and sensory properties (P > 0.05) of Merguez; whereas, it increased lipid oxidative stability (P < 0.05). MH group showed the highest values of α‐tocopherol content, C18:2‐n6 fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids. DML could be used in animal feeding to obtain higher meat product quality with better fatty acids content and antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat is considered a highly nutritious and valued food, although red meat contains high amounts of fat, while goat meat has been established as lean meat. The main objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional quality of meat from Mediterranean kids raised on two forest pastures in the extensive production system (EPS) where goats grazed on a natural forest pasture without concentrate and in the semi-intensive production system (SIPS) where goat received concentrate in addition to pasture grazing. The meat analysis involved 10 kids from each system. The physicochemical characteristics of meat were similar for both management variants of forest raised goats. The meat of the EPS variant contained more (p<0.01) saturated fatty acids (SFA) while that of SIPS more (p<0.01) monounsaturated FA. Contents of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), PUFA n-3 and n-6 as well as ratios of PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 were similar for all meat samples of forest raised goats. The n-6/n-3 ratio was below 4, indicating high nutritional quality of meat from forest raised goats. After 9 days of storage meat lipid oxidation in all the samples was below the threshold concentration. Meat of Mediterranean goats grazing in forest pastures may be considered as food of high nutritional quality, which was improved at a small concentrate supply given to goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean diet is promoted as one of the healthiest and closely linked to socioecological practices, knowledge and traditions, promoting sustainable food production, and linking geographical origin with food quality and ecosystem services. Consumer adherence to this dietary pattern drives increased consumption of authentic "premium" foods, such as Iberian pig meat and dry-cured ham from Portugal and Spain, argan oil from Morocco, "Djebel" lamb from Tunisia and truffles from Italy and Slovenia, i.e., food products that respond to current ethical, environmental and socially sustainable demands. Geographical indication and appellation of origin can increase traditional food products competitiveness, but the high-value recognition of these products can also lead to economically motivated product adulteration. It is therefore imperative to protect the high added value of these unique food products by ensuring their quality, authenticity, provenance and sustainable production systems. In this review, we provide a critical evaluation of the analytical methods that are currently used for the determination of provenance and authenticity of these Mediterranean products as well as possible strategies for improving the throughput and affordability of the methods discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]