Fatty Acid Profile in Liver Tissue From Cattle Raised in Different Systems in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Bovine liver is a nutrient-dense food source.
• Rearing systems can impact the nutritional quality of beef liver.
• Understanding fatty acid profiles is crucial for human health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the fatty acid profile of bovine liver from cattle in the Brazilian Eastern Amazon.
• To investigate the influence of different rearing systems and seasonality on liver fatty acid composition.
• To correlate liver fatty acid profiles with potential human health benefits.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of liver tissue samples from cattle raised in various systems: native pastures, flooded areas, cultivated pastures, highlands, and confinement.
• Gas chromatography was used to determine the fatty acid profile.
• Statistical analysis (p < 0.05) was employed to compare groups.

Main Results:

• Extensive grazing systems resulted in higher proportions of saturated fatty acids (C16:0, C17:0) and monounsaturated fatty acids compared to confinement.
• Confinement systems showed a higher total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content.
• Pasture-raised cattle liver had significantly higher levels of essential long-chain PUFAs (EPA, DHA, DPA) and alpha-linolenic acid.

Conclusions:

• Rearing systems significantly influence the fatty acid composition of bovine liver.
• Pasture-based systems yield liver with superior levels of beneficial long-chain PUFAs.
• Optimizing beef production through informed rearing strategies can enhance the nutritional value of offal for human health.