Dose-dependent effects of dietary curcumin nano-micelles on the quality characteristics of Longissimus lumborum muscle in fattening lambs during extended freezing storage

Abstract

The current study evaluated the impact of dietary curcumin nano-micelles (CNM) on the quality of Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in lambs during long-term freezing storage. Thirty-two crossbred male lambs were assigned into four groups receiving 0, 20, 40, or 80 mg CNM daily over a 97-day fattening period. Meat samples were analyzed for quality attributes over nine months of freezing. Supplementation with CNM, especially at 40 mg, improved carcass characteristics and reduced saturated and branched-chain fatty acids. Notably, CNM preserved meat color, enhanced water-holding capacity, and reduced drip and cooking losses, with the 40 mg dosage showing the most significant effects. While meat tenderness was unaffected, CNM exhibited antioxidant properties by reducing lipid peroxidation and stabilizing enzyme activities and total antioxidant capacity. These results indicate that CNM, particularly at 40 mg, enhances meat quality during long-term freezing, especially after six months. The findings underscore CNM's potential as a natural additive to improve lamb meat stability and quality during extended frozen storage, with implications for both the meat industry and consumer satisfaction.