Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) provides a rich source of polysaccharides that can act as powerful antioxidants, but their potential as feed ingredients in the lamb industry still rarely exploited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary astragalus membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of goat muscles. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles from two groups of Cashmere goat (basal diet, C group; basal diet supplemented with 1% astragalus membranaceus root, AM group) were evaluated for lipid oxidation, myoglobin oxidation, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that color parameters in Cashmere goat of two feeding conditions were no significant difference (p > .05). In AM group, myoglobin (Mb) content was higher than C, while metmyoglobin (MMb) (p < .05) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < .01) were lower. Additionally astragalus membranaceus supplementation had a significant effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p < .001). In whole, the AM group goats presented a relatively higher antioxidant capacity than C. Especially, RSA and CUPRAC values of AM group goats had significantly higher than C (p < .05). Consequently, the AM group goats ingested abundant astragalus membranaceus, which enhanced the antioxidant capacity. Thus, it can eliminate free radicals and effectively inhibit oxidation.
Highlights
In livestock production, astragalus membranaceus can improve its growth performance and antioxidant capacity, working as antioxidants to scavenge free radicals, and enhance the body's immunity and disease resistance
As a feed additive, the improvement of antioxidant capacity and meat quality of astragalus membranaceus are more common in pigs, chickens, geese, etc
We found Astragalus membranaceus (AM) goats had lower degree of lipid peroxidation than C potentially due to a large number of antioxidant-containing substances of astragalus membranaceus, such as polysaccharide, flavonoid, and polyphenol compounds
Summary
Astragalus membranaceus (traditional Chinese herbal medicine) can improve its growth performance and antioxidant capacity, working as antioxidants to scavenge free radicals, and enhance the body's immunity and disease resistance. As a feed additive, the improvement of antioxidant capacity and meat quality of astragalus membranaceus are more common in pigs, chickens, geese, etc. Their application in goats has rarely been reported. Some researches found that Cashmere goat's cashmere and meat are affected by animal species, age, sex, feeding methods and other factors, and closely related to its antioxidant capacity (Qwele et al, 2013; Zervas & Tsiplakou, 2011). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of astragalus membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of Cashmere goats, and establish feeding recommendations by utilization of green feed additives to improve meat quality and extend shelf life in Cashmere goat production
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