Effects of Chia Seeds on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Fatty Acid Profile of Lamb Meat

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Growth is an important factor in animal production. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in human foods have been shown to have health benefits. Dietary manipulation strategies such as the inclusion of oilseeds in diets have been used to enhance the FA profile of sheep meat. Chia seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber. This study investigated the effect of increasing the amount of dietary chia seeds on lamb growth performance and changes in the fatty acid profile of the meat. The inclusion of chia seeds in lambs’ diets to feed lambs increased the bodyweight of neither the meat carcasses nor the non-meat components. However, it tended to increase the oleic acid and decrease stearic acid in the meat (Longissimus thoracis). ABSTRACT: The aim of this work was to supplement a diet with chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) based on the requirements of finishing lambs for meat, and to analyze biometric parameters and fatty acid profiles in meat. Eighteen male Rambouillet lambs with a bodyweight of 25 kg were used. Animals were kept in individual pens with water and feed provided ad libitum. Three finishing diets were designed with the inclusion of 0, 50 and 100 g dry matter chia seeds and divided among the animals (n = 6). The experimental period lasted 60 days. The weights of the individual lambs were recorded every 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were slaughtered and the weights of the hot carcasses and non-meat components were registered. In addition, an analysis of the fatty acid composition was carried out in the muscles (Longissimus thoracis). The total weight gain and average daily gain displayed significant differences (p < 0.05). Initial and final bodyweights, such as the dry matter intake, did not display differences. The fatty acid profile of the meat tended to decrease the SFA (stearic acid) and increase MUFA (oleic acid) (p < 0.0001) when chia seeds were added to the lamb diets. In conclusion, chia seed supplementation did not increase meat production or other biometric parameters; however, it modified the fatty acid profile in L. thoracis.