The effect of palm oil or canola oil on feedlot performance, plasma and tissue fatty acid profile and meat quality in goats

Twenty-four entire male Kacang kid goats were fed diets containing 3% canola (n = 12) or palm oil (n = 12) supplements for 16 weeks. The goats had an initial live weight of 14.2 ± 1.46 kg and were fed a mixed ration ad libitum (10.4 MJ/ME and 14% crude protein). There was no difference in feedlot performance due to diet. Inclusion of canola oil reduced (P < 0.05) kidney fat weight and increased (P < 0.05) linolenic acid (18:3n − 3) concentration in the blood plasma, m. longissimus lumborum (LL), liver, and kidney. The palm oil diet increased (P < 0.05) myristic (14:0) and palmitic (16:0) acid content in the blood, but this did not alter these fatty acids in the LL muscle. Lipid oxidative substances in the liver and LL from palm oil fed kids were higher (P < 0.05) than those from canola supplemented kids. The incorporation of canola oil into the goats' diet increased muscle omega-3 fatty acid content, but lipid oxidation was lowered in the blood and muscle LL.

► Canola oil increased the level of meat unsaturated fatty acids compared to palm oil. ► The canola oil treatment improved oxidative stability and reduced kidney fat. ► The canola oil increased muscle linolenic acid. ► Goat meat with high PUFA levels is more desirable for human health.