The objective of this experiment was to evaluate if the fatty acids profile in meat is affected by sheep breed or managing system. Twenty sheep, being 10 of the Ideal and 10 of the Texel breed, were randomly distributed according to its genetic group in two managing systems: feedlot and receiving sorghum silage and concentrate-based diet or grazing on a temperate pasture. The major fatty acids present in Longissimus muscle of sheep in all treatments were the oleic (C18:1), palmitoleic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0). The genetic group did not affect the fatty acids profile of this muscle. However, the content of ù3 fatty acids was higher (P<.05) and the ù6/ù3 ratio was lower (P<.05) in meat of sheep grazing the temperate pasture. Based on fatty acids profile, the sheep finished on temperate pasture provided a healthier meat for the human consumption than sheep managed in feedlot.
conjugated linoleic acid; saturated fatty acids; insaturated fatty acids; feedlot; pasture
