Evaluation of the effect of a maternal rearing system on the odour profile of meat from suckling lamb.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of maternal rearing system on the chemical composition and odour profile of meat from suckling lamb. Twenty-four single male suckling lambs raised exclusively on maternal milk came from two rearing systems (extensive and intensive), and from Castellana and Churra breeds. The fatty acid composition of lamb meat from both breeds was affected by the rearing system, and Churra lamb reared under the extensive system had noticeable changes in odour attributes as detected by panellists and an electronic nose. Using partial least squares-discriminant analysis, the electronic nose was able to discriminate accurately between samples of Churra and Castellana meat according to their production system. However, it was not able to correctly classify meat samples from the extensive and intensive systems when both breeds were analysed together. The results suggest a significant effect of the rearing system and breed on suckling lamb meat quality traits.