Amino acid composition of goat meat in the conditions of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site

Abstract

The study is devoted to the assessment of the amino acid composition of goat meat grown in areas with varying levels of radiation contamination on the territory of the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNR). The relevance of the work is due to the need to study the effect of radiation on the nutritional value of livestock products. Samples were taken in three zones with varying degrees of radiation risk (minimum, maximum and extreme). The organoleptic analysis included a visual assessment of the color, consistency, and freshness of the meat. A Hitachi-KLA 38 amino acid analyzer was used to determine the amino acid composition. The results showed that in areas with high levels of radiation pollution, there is a decrease in the content of essential amino acids (lysine, valine, leucine), which indicates possible violations of protein metabolism in animals. A decrease in the concentration of non-essential amino acids, such as arginine and glutamic acid, was also revealed, which may be due to adaptive changes in the body. The organoleptic characteristics of meat from areas of increased radiation risk worsened: darkening of tissues, a change in consistency and a decrease in the transparency of the broth were observed.

The practical significance of the work is to identify potential risks for consumers of products from regions with radiation contamination. The data obtained can be used to develop recommendations for quality control of meat products and animal husbandry in conditions of unfavorable ecology.