Olio di girasole ad alto tenore in acido oleico nell'alimentazione del suino pesante: Effetti su parametri di accrescimento e qualità della carne. [Effect of high oleic sunflower oil on growth parameters and meat quality of heavy pigs]

The aim of the trial was to evaluate the effects of the dietary addition of a 3% sunflower oil containing high-oleic and low-linoleic acid levels, supplemented or not with vitamin E, on heavy pig production parameters (growth, meat quality and fatty acid composition of ham subcutaneous fat). 64 Duroc x Large White pigs were allotted to four group (Control, Control plus vitamin E, 3% high oleic sunflower oil and 3% high oleic sunflower oil plus vitamin E). Regardless of vitamin E supplementation, our results indicate that a 3% addition of high oleic sunflower oil has no effect both on growth parameters and carcass and fresh meat quality. high oleic sunflower oil dietary addition resulted in a higher (P < 0.001) level of oleic acid and in lower levels of palmitic and stearic acids in the subcutaneous fat. Furthermore, fat deriving from pigs on high oleic sunflower oil diets showed a higher (P < 0.001) iodine value. Nevertheless, linoleic acid level and iodine value did not exceed the maximum allowed for longcuring PDO hams