A Study on the Modifying Effect of Raspberry Seed Oil on Rabbit Meat Quality and Chemical Composition

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Rabbit meat is a valuable source of protein.
• Understanding the impact of feed supplements on rabbit production is crucial for optimizing meat quality and animal health.
• Raspberry seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, potentially offering health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of dietary raspberry seed oil on slaughter performance, plasma lipids, and meat quality in Termond White rabbits.
• To determine the optimal inclusion level of raspberry seed oil in rabbit feed.

Main Methods:

• Forty-two Termond White rabbits were divided into three groups, with two experimental groups receiving feed supplemented with 1% and 2% raspberry seed oil, respectively.
• Rabbits were fed a complete pelleted diet with ad libitum water access until slaughter on day 84.
• Slaughter performance traits, plasma lipid concentrations, and meat quality parameters (fat content, shear force, texture profile analysis) of the longissimus lumborum muscle were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Raspberry seed oil supplementation did not significantly affect rabbit slaughter performance traits (p > 0.05).
• No significant differences were observed in meat fat content, shear force, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, or chewiness.
• Significant improvements were noted in the fatty acid profile, with increased linoleic acid levels (p ≤ 0.05), and positive effects on plasma lipid levels.

Conclusions:

• Dietary supplementation with raspberry seed oil positively influences the fatty acid profile and plasma lipid levels in rabbits.
• While not impacting carcass yield or basic meat quality attributes, raspberry seed oil offers nutritional benefits through enhanced fatty acid composition.