Characterization of volatile profile of longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle from Castellana and INRA 401 lambs reared under commercial conditions

Abstract

The objective of the present research was to characterize the chemical composition and volatile compounds of longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle from lambs of different origin: an autochthonous Spanish breed (namely Castellana) and a commercial breed (namely INRA 401). For this, 15 Castellana and 14 INRA 401 lambs raised on concentrate plus cereal straw from two farms were slaughtered at 4 months of age. The longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle of all carcasses was removed and chemical composition (moisture, protein, fat, and ash contents) and volatile profile was analyzed. The outcomes showed that chemical composition was not significantly (P > 0.05) different between both groups of animals. On the contrary, the total content of volatile compounds was significantly (P < 0.001) different, with the Castellana lambs displaying the highest amounts. Similarly, the total content of most of the families of volatile compounds (namely total hydrocarbons, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, ethers, and “other compounds”) and the level of most individual compounds were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the Castellana breed, except for the family of sulfur compounds, which was not significantly (P> 0.05) affected. These differences may lead to differences in the aromatic perception of lambs, which may be important for consumer acceptance.