Optimizing docosahexaenoic acid production in Tan lamb meat through Sophora alopecuroides L. supplementation: a strategy to balance n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio

The n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio is reduced in Tan lambs raised on a concentrate-based diet compared to that in pasture-fed animals. We determined whether the fatty acid composition could be improved via supplementation of plant materials or extracts. Lamb carcass traits and meat quality were hardly affected by dietary supplementation with Sophora alopecuroides L. (SA), Caragana korshinskii , Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides or glycyrrhetinic acid. Compared to the control group, male lambs fed dietary supplementation exhibited higher head weight than female lambs ( p < 0.05). In addition, male lambs demonstrated greater pre-slaughter live weight, carcass weight, and meat lightness at 24 h compared to females ( p < 0.05), but these parameters were not influenced by dietary composition. SA supplementation significantly increased the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and all n-3 fatty acids, and decreased the n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio. The SA group increased DHA lipid levels; various types of DHA-containing lipids were increased and DHA was more evenly distributed throughout various lipids. The increase in the DHA to n-3 fatty acid ratio may have resulted from the promotion of ALA -to-DHA conversion. In conclusion, DHA metabolism in Tan sheep was altered by SA supplementation. • We investigated effects of dietary plant supplementation on lamb meat fatty acids. • Sophora alopecuroides L. might facilitate ALA-to-DHA conversion in Tan lamb meat. • Sophora alopecuroides L. reduced the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in Tan lamb meat.