Abstract

The inadequacy of food supply due to the population growth together with urbanization, drive a significant demand for animal sources. Consequently, a number of technologies have been developed and are being used commercially to enhance profitability of animal production and to improve their quality. The objective of this paper is to review recent studies on the effects of metabolic modifiers on quantity and quality of meat and their contribution in sustaining food security and improving quality of life. Metabolic modifiers such as β-agonists, anabolic implants, somatotropin, immunocastration, vitamin E, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trace elements have been utilized by different agribusiness to improve meat production and enhance meat quality. These compounds supplement to the animals with feed, as an injection or implant to enhance the rate of gain, the feed utilization efficiency, carcass percentage, shelf-life of meat, improve meat’s nutrient content and/or meat palatability. On the other hand, some metabolic modifiers are either not approved or banned from use due to negative health effects to the consumer. There is a consistent research report for the approved technologies enhancing protein synthesis and muscle deposition, while decreasing fat synthesis and deposition, when they are applied in the recommended dosage. Therefore, we believe that utilizing available technologies and methodologies in reference to the mentioned materials will help in improving meat quality and thereby increase productivity of the livestock resource and hence, improve food security.

Key words: Meat yield, food security, beef, lamb, pork.