Effect of Slaughter Age and Sex on Fatty Acid Composition of Vembur Sheep Meat

Six each of Vembur sheep males and females from 9 and 12 months of age maintained under grazing system were slaughtered to analyse the meat fatty acid composition. The results showed no significant difference in individual saturated fatty acids composition (C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C20:0 and C22:0) between slaughter age and sex. Both slaughter ages and sex showed no significant differences in the monounsaturated fatty acid (C16:1 and C18:1) and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition (C18:2, C18:3, C20:5 and C22:6) of meat. However, overall significantly lower saturated fatty acid and higher unsaturated fatty acids were observed at 9 months as compared to 12 months of age. Contrarily, sex of the animal had no effect on fatty acid composition.