Effect of two contrasting Chilean finishing systems on phytochemicals content and fatty acid profiles of beef from Angus steers
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Regenerative livestock grazing systems (RS), which employ rotational grazing and pasture-based finishing of plant-diverse forage, are promoted for ecological benefits, but their effects on beef composition remain under-characterized in temperate South America. This study compared animal performance, carcass traits, and the fatty acid and phytochemical profiles of longissimus dorsi muscle from Angus steers finished in either a Chilean RS (n = 9) or feedlot system (FS; n = 9). FS steers had greater average daily gain, carcass fatness, and cold carcass weight, whereas RS steers had higher ultimate muscle pH (all p < 0.05). Nutritionally, RS beef contained 5.3-fold more α-linolenic acid and a lower n − 6 ratio (both p < 0.001). RS beef also had greater phytochemical richness, including flavonoid glycosides, carboxylic acids, and total flavonoids (all p < 0.05). These findings suggest that regenerative finishing enhances beef nutritional and bioactive profiles but may reduce animal performance and carcass yield in this context.
Source: CyTA - Journal of Food
Authors: Rodrigo Arias, Cristian Díaz, Alejandro Velásquez, Muhammad Ahsin, Joseph Vinod Varre, Marina Carbonell-Herrera, Stephan van Vliet
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,790
Funder: Agricultural Research Service
Award: G3524448259
OpenAlex ID: W7204802010