Tasco seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract has been reported to improve vitamin E status and carcass characteristics in meat animals, but its effects have not been studied in goats. This study was conducted to determine the effects of Tasco feed supplementation on colour and oxidative stability of goat meat (chevon). Mature intact Boer goats were fed a lucerne pellet diet and a Tasco supplement either with (Treatment) or without (Control) seaweed extract (2% of daily intake) for 8 weeks (n = 16/treatment group). The animals were transported 6 h to the slaughter facility on two different days, held in pens without feed, and slaughtered. Colour values (CIE L*, a*, b*), visual scores, percent metmyoglobin (metMb) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) of loin/rib chops (2.5 cm thick) were recorded on 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of display. The L* values increased significantly from d-1 to d-3, but did not change thereafter. Both a* and b* values decreased gradually until five days of display. However, after five days, the a* value remained unchanged, while the b* value increased significantly. Percent metMb and TBARS increased over display time. Metmyoglobin formation was significantly less in the treated group than in the control group. TBARS increased rapidly during the first three days of display, but did not change significantly thereafter. Visual scores decreased significantly over display time, and were negatively correlated with percent metMb (r = -0.62) and TBARS values (r = -0.40). Seaweed extract supplementation increased colour stability of loin/rib chops, although there was no effect on lipid oxidation.
"Experientia docet" - Experience is the best teacher