Comparative study of lipid profile of pigs, goats and cattle slaughtered at Nsukka Municipal Abattoir, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Fat contents of meat largely determine consumer's choice and the general acceptability by people. Thus, this research was carried out to compare the lipid profile of pigs with that of goats and cattle in the study area. One hundred and ninety two animals; 64 from each species, aged two to three years slaughtered at Nsukka Municipal abattoir were used. Samples of Rectus abdominus muscle, liver, kidney, brain, skin and large intestine were collected. Two g of each of the sample was grinded, centrifuged, decanted and the supernatants used to determine their cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride profile by enzymatic colorimetric method using reagents test kits. Result showed that although cholesterol profile in liver, kidney and intestine of the goats was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in pigs and cattle, its concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in muscle and skin of the pigs than goats and cattle. Highest concentration of cholesterol which ranged from 1205.34 to 1328.34mg/dL was from brain tissues of the animals. The HDL in muscles of the pigs and goats showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference but were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of cattle. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in LDL and triglyceride profiles in tissues/organs of the three animal species. It was concluded that Nigerian pig todays share similar lipid profile with goats and cattle.