Carcass Traits in Sheep Receiving Acacia mearnsii Condensed Tannin Extract to Control Endoparasites

Abstract

We evaluated carcass traits from twenty 6-month-old Santa Ines lambs under tropical grazing (Andropogon gayanus) receiving condensed tannin from Acacia mearnsii once a week for 13 weeks to control endoparasites. Ten animals were treated with tannin (TG) and the remainder (10 animals) received a diet without tannin (CG). At slaughter, the following measurements were taken: live weight, carcass weight, half-carcass weight, carcass length, fat cover, skin weight and thickness, weight of thoracic and abdominal organs, scrotum and commercial cuts. The 12 th rib was removed for determination of muscle, fat and bone percentages, as well as their chemical analysis. Skin thickness was greater and commercial cuts (loin and rib/belly) were lower in TG. Animals that received tannin had a lower percentage of ether extract and higher protein in the 12 th rib. Condensed tannin from Acacia mearnsii did not impair carcass trait quality but decreased ether extract and increased protein content.

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Fatty Acid Composition, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Lamb Fed Diet with the Addition of Lingonberry Leaves and Oak Bark

“…There was only a tendency toward an increased leg weight in VVI lambs ( p = 0.076), which is difficult to explain. Similar results were obtained by Louvandini et al . in lambs receiving an extract from Acacia mearnsii (condensed tannins) in the diet.…”

“…The results of this study are consistent with a study Vasta et al., in which condensed tannins from Ceratonia siliqua decreased crude fat content in the MLD in comparison to the control group and animals receiving PEG. Lower fat proportion was shown in lambs fed a diet with Acacia mearnsii extract . The latter authors suggested that the amount of condensed tannins in the diet was positively correlated with growth hormone levels in lambs and may affect lipid metabolism.…”

“…Tannin‐rich plants used in ruminants nutrition may affect the taste (tartness), feed intake, nutrient digestion, and finally animal performance, when supplemented in high doses to the diet . In view of different effects of tannins on animal physiology, their action should not be considered separately …”