Dietary Supplementation of Sunflower Oil and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum -R11 Improves Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Composition in Crossbred (Boer × Saanen) Goats.

Abstract

This study investigated the individual and combined effects of SFO and LP supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid profile, and serum biochemical indices in crossbred (Boer × Saanen) buck goats. Twenty-eight bucks (4 months old; 18.42 ± 2.03 kg) were randomly assigned to four treatments ( n = 7): control, SFO (5-10 mL/day), LP (10 mL containing 10 7 CFU/goat on alternate days), and SFO+LP. Growth performance was not affected; however, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved significantly ( p < 0.001) in supplemented groups, with improved efficiency observed in SFO+LP, indicating enhanced feed utilization efficiency despite differences in feed intake. Carcass traits were unchanged. Meat quality improved in SFO and SFO+LP groups, as evidenced by lower pH at 45 min postmortem ( p = 0.045) and reduced Warner-Bratzler shear force ( p = 0.036), indicating enhanced tenderness. The combined SFO+LP treatment significantly increased C18:2 n6t ( p = 0.036), total CLA ( p = 0.003), and total PUFA ( p = 0.001), indicating improved nutritional value of the lipids. Significant treatment × time interactions ( p < 0.05) were observed for lipid and enzyme parameters, with values increasing over time in the supplemented groups, while glucose remained unchanged. These results indicate a synergistic interaction between SFO and LP, likely through modulation of rumen biohydrogenation and lipid metabolism, enhancing feed efficiency and meat functional quality without compromising metabolic health.