Response to iodine supplementation in the growth and quality of Texel lamb meat

Abstract

Iodine deficiency determines reproductive problems especially in the production of thyroid hormone, affecting the functions that thyroidal hormones regulate, such as energy metabolism, thermoregulation, reproduction, growth, muscle and bone tissue function. Indeed a certain concentration of iodine in the diet can promote performance in production in terms of fattening and growth. The main goal of the work was the supplementation with iodine salt from weaning to work on the production and quality of carcass and meat of early lambs of the Texel breed. Three random groups were formed. In one group, iodine salt was administered daily individually, in another group salt without iodine and finally a third "control" group without salt aggregate. All these animals were fed on natural field with an energy-protein supplement. The weaning weight and its evolution (daily gain) were determined, fortnightly until the work weight (35 kg) was reached. Blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Selenium (Se) were evaluated. In the carcass were measured the hot and cold carcass weight, pH, colour; GR point and in the meat tenderness will be determined in the Longissimus dorsi muscle. Se concentrations, neutral detergent fiber, crude protein and iodine in pastures were also determined. The results show that no significant differences were found for any of the characters measured.