The volatile compounds in lamb fat are affected by the time of grazing.

Authors :: Vasta V
Ventura V
Luciano G
Andronico V
Pagano RI
Scerra M
Biondi L
Avondo M
Priolo A
Source :: Meat science [Meat Sci] 2012 Feb; Vol. 90 (2), pp. 451-6. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Sep 17.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: This study was designed to assess whether different grazing managements affect the appearance of organic volatile compounds (VOC) in lamb fat. Forty-two lambs were divided into four groups: 9 lambs were restricted in stall and fed concentrate (S group); 12 lambs grazed from 9 am to 5 pm (8h group); 10 lambs grazed from 9 am to 1 pm (4 hAM group) and 11 lambs grazed from 1 pm to 5 pm (4 hPM group). After 72 days on feed the animals were slaughtered and the perirenal fat subjected to SPME-GC/MS analysis of VOC; the data were analyzed by stepwise discriminant analysis. The 6-methyl-2-heptanone and furanone, 2,5-dimethyl, 4-hydroxy-3(2H) allowed discrimination between the 4 hAM and the 4 hPM animals. These are the first results indicating that the time of the day in which the animals are allowed to graze affects the appearance of VOC in lamb fat.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)