EFFECT OF VITAMIN-E ADMINISTERED ORALLY BEFORE SLAUGHTER UPON EXTERNAL FAT CARCASS COLOR OF MALE LAMBS RAISED INDOORS

The effect on the external fatty tissue colour from lambs of oral administration of DL alpha-tocopherol acetate (0.1 g kg-1 live weight), 4 days before slaughtering was investigated. Lacaune males (N = 240. 120 reference group, 120 treated group), weaned early and intensively fed indoors (average daily gain: 312 g d-1; carcass weight 19.5 kg) and with similar fat cover characteristics (subcutaneous fatty tissue depth, development and firmness) were compared by colour score (7 grades scaled with Munsell's toner). Scoring was carried out- 18-h on chilled carcasses (4-degrees-C). Plasma vitamin E concentration tested in 15 lambs from each group, 3 d after administration, was increased with treatment (1.93 mug ml-1 vs 0. 70 mug ml-1: P < 0.001). The percentage of creamy white carcasses was therefore higher (38% vs 19%; P < 0.001) and the percentage of reddish-bistre colour lower (27% vs 46%; P < 0. 002). The percentage of yellow tones was the same in both groups (34% on average).