“…(Z) ‐4‐Heptenal derives from linolenic acid (C18:3 n‐3 ) and has been correlated with lamb flavor in previous studies (Elmore et al., ), while (E) ‐2‐nonenal and 2‐heptanone derive from C18:2 n‐6 (Elmore et al., ). The decreased RA of 2‐ethyl‐3,6‐dimethylpyrazine with age ( P ≤0.05) and the absence of a positive correlation with the other pyrazines in the (older) April lambs; Figure ) could be related to decreased levels of free amino acids (for example, cysteine, glycine) that promote their formation (Madruga, Dantas, Queiroz, Brasil, & Ishihara, ) or a decrease in body protein content and synthesis in sheep with age (9 mo compared with 13 mo of age) (Lobley, ).…”