Influence of dietary magnesium and selenium levels in finishing diets on growth performance and carcass meat quality of feedlot Pelibuey lambs

Abstract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplemental dietary selenium (Se) and magnesium (Mg) on feedlot lambs. Sixty-four male lambs were randomly distributed to the following treatments: 1) low level of Mg and Se: diet with 0.18% of Mg and 0.1 μg Se/g, 2) with supplementation of magnesium oxide (MgO): diet with 0.32% of Mg and 0.1 μg Se/g, 3) with supplementation of Sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃): diet with 0.3 μg Se/g and 0.18 % of Mg, 4) With supplementation of MgO and Na₂SeO₃: diet with 0.32% of Mg and 0.3 μg Se/g. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the average daily gain and feed conversion but Se supplement with Na₂SeO₃ (0.3 μg Se/g) enhanced dry matter intake, dressing percentage (P<0.05) and leg muscle weight (P<0.02). The average values of the water retained potential, coordinate L, a, and sensory analysis were different with Se (P<0.05). Magnesium suplemented as inorganic source (0.32% of Mg) enhanced (P<0.05) some characteristics in sensorial meat analysis.