Enhancing the nutritional and health value of beef lipids and their relationship with meat quality

Abstract This paper focuses on dietary approaches to control intramuscular fat deposition to increase beneficial omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid content and reduce saturated fatty acids in beef. Beef lipid trans -fatty acids are considered, along with relationships between lipids in beef and colour shelf-life and sensory attributes. Ruminal lipolysis and biohydrogenation limit the ability to improve beef lipids. Feeding omega-3 rich forage increases linolenic acid and long-chain PUFA in beef lipids, an effect increased by ruminally-protecting lipids, but consequently may alter flavour characteristics and shelf-life. Antioxidants, particularly α-tocopherol, stabilise high concentrations of muscle PUFA. Currently, the concentration of long-chain omega-3 PUFA in beef from cattle fed non-ruminally-protected lipids falls below the limit considered by some authorities to be labelled a source of omega-3 PUFA. The mechanisms regulating fatty acid isomer distribution in bovine tissues remain unclear. Further enhancement of beef lipids requires greater understanding of ruminal biohydrogenation.