The objective of this study was to determine the effects of replacing corn by dried citrus pulp on chemical composition and fatty acids profile in longissimus dorsi muscle of thirty-two Santa Ines lambs, slaughtered at average weight of 33 kg at 141 days of age. Lambs were fed a 90% concentrate (ground corn and/or dried citrus pulp, soybean meal and minerals) and 10% coastcross hay (Cynodon spp) diet. Dried citrus pulp was added at 23.7, 46.1 and 68.4% of dry matter replacing corn by 33, 67 and 100%, respectively. Total replacement of corn by dried citrus pulp resulted in 177% increase in linolenic acid concetration (C18:3) while a partial replacement showed 72% increase in conjugated linoleic acid (C18:2 cis9 trans11). There was no change in total saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration. However, the intramuscular fat content of longissimus muscle decreased as dried citrus pulp increased in the diet, with no effect on moisture, protein and mineral percentage. The replacement of corn by dried citrus pulp in the rations changes the quantity and profile of lipids in longissimus muscles of lambs.
conjugated linoleic acid; co-products; pectin; Santa Inês; sheep
