Physicochemical Properties and Contents of Amino Acids, Fatty Acids, and Phytanic Acid in Goat Meat Produced by Grazing System in an Abandoned Rice Field

This study evaluated carcass weight and physicochemical properties of loin and leg meat parts of Saanen castrated goats (n = 4) reared by grazing for 5 months in an abandoned rice field with concentrate supplements, comparing with meat of goats (n = 4) reared by confined feeding with grass silage and concentrate. Carcass and meat part weights of goats in the grazing group were lower (p < 0.01) than confined group. Shear force and cooking loss of meat showed no differences between the feeding groups. For meat color, L* value of loin meat tended to be lower (p < 0.15) for the grazing group compared with the confined group. Moisture content tended to be higher, but fat content tended to be lower (p < 0.15) in loin meat for the grazing group. Carnosine and alanine contents in loin meat were higher (p < 0.05) for the grazing group. Polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in meat was higher (p < 0.05), whereas monounsaturated fatty acid composition was lower (p < 0.05) for the grazing group. Phytanic acid content in both meat parts showed higher value (p < 0.05) for the grazing group. These results indicate that goat meat produced by grazing system in an abandoned rice field contains beneficial compounds for human health.