Effect of Adding Different Levels of Flaxseed Powder as a Source of Omega-3 on the Chemical Characteristics of Karadi Carcass Lambs

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of different levels of Flaxseed powder (FP) as a source of omega-3 on the chemical characteristics of Karadi carcass lambs. Twenty male Karadi lambs aged 4-5 months were used in this study with an average live-weight of 28.00 ± 0.40 kg. The animals were randomly divided into four treatments (FP was added at the levels of 3%, 6% and 9% compared with the control group) for 88 days. At the end of the experiment, twelve lambs were slaughtered. The carcasses were kept at 4°C for 24 h. and subjected to various physio-chemical measurements. The results illustrated significant (p <0.05) differences in percentages of (moisture, protein, fat and ash). T1 was superior than other treatment in moisture percentage and T2 was superior in protein percentage. While, control treatment was superior in fat and ash percentages. The results pointed to significant (P<0.05) increased in Water holding capacity percentage. But concerning pH, there were no significant differences among treatments. Myofibril fragmentation index and protein solubility significantly (P<0.05) increased with FP supplementation in the ration. A significant (P<0.05) decreasing of cholesterol concentration. In contrast to that, myoglobin concentration increase with FP. The results of collagen analysis showed significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments, in soluble part in hydroxyproline concentration and collagen content value, increased but in the insoluble part the value decreased. The results showed improvement in total soluble collagen percentage in FP treatments. The results pointed to improvement (P<0.05) in the sensory evaluation in FP treatments as compared to control treatment.