The objective of this experiment was to compare fat and cholesterol content, and fatty acids (FA) profile in Longissimus dorsi muscle of castrated and young bulls from Nellore (NE) and ½ Nellore x Sindi (NS) cattle and Mediterranean buffaloes. Eight animals (four castrated and four young bulls) per genetic group was used, with a total of 24 animals. A completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement (three genetic groups and two sexual conditions) was used. Animals were fed the same diet and were slaughtered at average live weight of 437.5 kg (± 3.4 kg). Buffaloes and ½ NS beef cattle showed smaller fat percentage in meat (10.8 and 12.5%, respectively) than NE beef cattle (15.4%), as well as young bulls animals (8.9%) as compared to castrated animals (16,8%). For cholesterol and monounsaturated FA there was no difference among genetic groups and sexual conditions. For polyunsaturated FA, buffaloes showed higher content (9.55%) than beef cattle (7.27 NE and 8.95% ½ NS), as well as young bulls animals (9.96%) as compared to castrated animals (7.21%). Buffaloes and NE beef catle showed higher saturated FA content, 42.7 and 42.1%, respectively, in relation to ½ NS beef catle (39.8%). Buffaloes and young bull animal meat showed smaller fat content and higher polyunsaturated FA, showing that could be better for human healthy.
buffalo; cattle; castrated; cholesterol; entire; fatty acids
