Exploring the impact of fatty acid composition on carcass and meat quality in Bos taurus indicus influenced cattle

The study of fatty acid (FA) and mineral content in beef is crucial for bridging health and taste. Understanding these components is essential for catering to consumer preferences for nutritious and tasty food, in line with current dietary trends and health recommendations. This holistic view of beef quality is key to helping both producers and consumers make more knowledgeable and health-oriented decisions in meat consumption. The objectives of this study were to 1) characterize the FA composition and mineral concentration of beef from Brangus cattle; 2) estimate their heritability; and 3) calculate the genetic and phenotypic correlations of carcass and meat quality traits to FA composition and mineral concentrations. Brangus steers were evaluated for meat quality and sampled for nutritional content measurements. Brangus cattle had palmitic acid levels as low as 21%, and stearic acid levels as high as 26%, which is notable since stearic acid is considered to have a neutral or potentially beneficial impact on cholesterol levels, unlike other saturated fats. Additionally, Brangus cattle had oleic acid levels as high as 53%, a beneficial monounsaturated fat, and linoleic acid concentrations as high as 12%, an essential omega-6 FA. Saturated FA showed weak negative correlations (-0.06 to -0.15) with hot carcass weight, marbling, and fat over ribeye, similar to polyunsaturated FA which had moderate negative correlations (-0.19 to -0.37) with these traits. Conversely, monounsaturated FA was positively correlated (0.16 to 0.34) with these traits, suggesting that higher levels of monounsaturated FA, particularly oleic acid, are associated with improved meat quality and consumer-desirable traits such as increased marbling. This relationship where higher marbling is linked with increased monounsaturated FA and decreased saturated FA is unique in Brangus cattle, differing from other breeds where increased intramuscular fat typically raises FA saturation levels. The variation in FA observed in Brangus cattle highlights the breed's potential to provide nutritionally enriched beef. With selective breeding, it may be possible to improve both the nutritional value and marbling of the meat, meeting consumer demand for healthier, tastier options. Overall, the study underscores the intricate relationships between FA composition, mineral content, and meat quality, with implications for breeding and nutrition strategies aimed at improving meat quality and healthfulness.