Influence of Addition of Linseed on the Diet on Meat Quality of Piglets

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of diet supplemented with linseed rich additive under commercial name Vitalan on omega-fatty acids content in piglet meat. The main ingredient in Vitalan is extruded linseed, that contribute the diet is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Piglets were divided in control and experimental group and reared to 33 kg of average live weight. Experimental group was fed the standard diet enriched with 2.5% of Vitalan. After the end of fattening period, the meat samples from both groups were analyzed for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids content in raw and oven- roasted meat. The ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 acids was established. Additionally, other parameters, such as weight gain, health and behaviour of piglets were observing during the study. The treatment with linseed enriched diet resulted in higher omega-3 acids content, which lowered ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 acids in meat, thus making it better for a human nutrition from a health perspective.