title: Stable isotope ratio analysis: A potential analytical tool for the authentication of South African lamb meat.
abstract: Stable isotope ratios ((13)C/(12)C and (15)N/(14)N) of South African Dorper lambs from farms with different vegetation types were measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), to evaluate it as a tool for the authentication of origin and feeding regime. Homogenised and defatted meat of the Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle of lambs from seven different farms was assessed. The δ(13)C values were affected by the origin of the meat, mainly reflecting the diet. The Rûens and Free State farms had the lowest (p ⩽ 0.05) δ(15)N values, followed by the Northern Cape farms, with Hantam Karoo/Calvinia having the highest δ(15)N values. Discriminant analysis showed δ(13)C and δ(15)N differences as promising results for the use of IRMS as a reliable analytical tool for lamb meat authentication. The results suggest that diet, linked to origin, is an important factor to consider regarding region of origin classification for South African lamb.
authors: Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7602, South Africa; Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7602, South Africa.
authors: Sara Wilhelmina
authors: SW
authors: Erasmus
authors: Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7602, South Africa.
authors: Magdalena
authors: M
authors: Muller
authors: ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa.
authors: Marieta
authors: M
authors: van der Rijst
authors: Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7602, South Africa. Electronic address: lch@sun.ac.za.
authors: Louwrens Christiaan
authors: LC
authors: Hoffman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis* / Q000145:classification*; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D012756:Sheep; D013019:South Africa
chemical_list: D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes
keywords: Extensive; Geographical origin; Lamb meat; Stable isotope ratios