Effect of Dietary Anthocyanin-Extracted Residue on Meat Oxidation and Fatty Acid Profile of Male Dairy Cattle

Lipidomics and Transcriptomics Revealed Dietary Complex Plant Extracts Improve Lipid Composition of Longissimus dorsi Muscle in Sheep

Dietary regulation of intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition and fatty acid composition offers an effective strategy to enhance meat nutritional value. As phytogenic supplements rich in bioactive compounds, complex plant extracts (CPE) have demonstrated potential in improving meat quality through lipid metabolism modulation while ensuring food safety. In this study, we used 36 female sheep, approximately 4 months old and with a similar weight (29.92 ± 2.52 kg), to investigate the effects of CPE supplementation (80 mg/kg) on lipid metabolism. After the 75-day standardized feeding trial, the sheep were subjected to humane slaughter procedures and collected the Longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) for further experimental process. The findings indicate that CPE significantly increased (p < 0.05) the IMF content (36%) and total fatty acids concentration (10,045.79 to 26,451.99 ug/g). Lipid metabolism in LDM was mainly affected by regulating phospholipids (six lipid subclasses were affected). The qRT-PCR analysis showed that differential expressed genes, PLA2G2D and PLA2G4E, associated with lipid metabolism were significantly reduced. CPE appears to modulate the fatty acids through sphingolipid, linolenic acid metabolism, and glycosphingolipid biosynthesis pathways. Thus, this study uncoded the mechanisms of CPE on fatty acid, providing critical evidence that CPE can regulate the meat quality of ruminants.

Effect of extracted phycocyanin by-products as a synbiotic supplement on the production performance and intestinal morphology of broilers

Background and Aim

The extracted phycocyanin by-products retain nutritional value, including proteins, polysaccharides, and bioactive compounds, which have the potential as feed supplements in broiler production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of by-products acquired during phycocyanin extraction, which is used as a novel synbiotic supplement, on the production performance and intestinal health of broilers in a tropical climate.

Materials and Methods

A total of 240 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly distributed among five dietary treatment groups; they received a diet supplemented with a synbiotic product (probiotic [Lactobacillus johnsonii] at least 1.0 × 108 colony-forming unit/mg with prebiotic [by-product of phycocyanin extraction]) at 0.000%, 0.025%, 0.050%, 0.075%, and 0.100%. We investigated the effects of dietary synbiotic supplements on the growth performance, meat quality, intestinal morphology, and cecal bacterial population of broiler chickens aged 35 days.

Results

Synbiotics used as a dietary supplement did not affect the growth performance of broilers during any experimental period (p > 0.05); however, it significantly increased the redness of meat and decreased the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances on days 3 and 7 of storage (p < 0.05). Moreover, synbiotics significantly improved the height and surface area of villi in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with 0.1% synbiotics, incorporating a by-product of phycocyanin extraction, did not significantly influence the growth performance of broiler chickens. However, it positively affected meat quality by increasing redness and reducing lipid oxidation during storage. Additionally, synbiotic supplementation significantly enhanced intestinal health by improving the villi height and surface area in the duodenum and jejunum, highlighting its potential benefits for broiler intestinal morphology and meat quality in tropical climates. Further research is recommended to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and their implications for long-term poultry health and productivity.

Leptin pathway is a crucial target for anthocyanins to protect against metabolic syndrome

The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome is threatening the health of populations all over the world. Contemporary work demonstrates that high leptin concentration is directly related to the development of metabolic syndrome such as obesity, fatty liver diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Anthocyanins are a widespread group of dietary polyphenols, which can ameliorate chronic diseases related to metabolic syndrome. In addition, anthocyanins can regulate the leptin pathway in chronic metabolic diseases, however the potential mechanism between anthocyanin and leptin is complex and elusive. In this review paper, we have evaluated the bioactivity of anthocyanins on the mediation of leptin level and the upstream and downstream pathways in chronic metabolic diseases. Anthocyanins could regulate the hypertrophy of adipose tissue, and the expression of leptin level via mediating TNF-α, C/EBP, PPAR, CREB and SREBP-1. Anthocyanins promoted the leptin sensitivity by increasing the level of leptin receptor, phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT, and additionally ameliorated metabolic disorder related outcome, including oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid accumulation, insulin resistance and the balance of gut microbiota. However, direct evidence of anthocyanins treatment on leptin signal transduction is still limited which calls for future molecular binding and gene regulation test.

Assessment of the Nutritional Value of Stems and Leaves of Australian Adzuki Bean

Adzuki bean has recently been proposed as a viable dual-purpose (grain-and-graze) crop for the Northern regions of Australia because of its successful use in semi-arid regions and its nitrogen fixation capacity to improve soil fertility and animal nutrition. However, there are very few studies on the phytochemical composition and nutritional value of the non-seed material. This study investigated the phenolic composition of the parts grown in the vegetative phase (leaves and stems) of nine Australian adzuki bean varieties for the first time. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the stem material (157-406 mg GAE/100 g) was 23-217% higher than that of commercial livestock feed, while the TPC of the leaf material (1158-1420 mg GAE/100 g) was 9-11 times higher. Using tandem liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), the major phenolic compounds identified were rutin, luteolin, salicylic acid, and quercetin-3-glucoside. The leaf and stem materials showed high levels of apparent in vitro dry matter digestibility, with no significant difference in total gas or methane production compared to lucerne hay. The results suggest that adzuki bean vegetative materials could be a high-value livestock fodder and support pursuing further in-depth studies into their nutritional value for livestock.

Iron sulfate and molasses treated anthocyanin-rich black cane silage improves growth performance, rumen fermentation, antioxidant status, and meat tenderness in goats

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effects of feeding anthocyanin-rich black cane treated with ferrous sulfate and molasses on animal performance, rumen fermentation, microbial composition, blood biochemical indices, and carcass characteristics in meat goats.

METHODS

Thirty-two Thai-native×Anglo-Nubian crossbred male goats (14.47±2.3 kg) were divided equally into two groups (n = 16) to investigate the effect of feeding diet containing 50% untreated anthocyanin-rich black cane silage (BS) vs diet containing anthocyaninrich black cane silage treated with 0.03% ferrous sulfate and 4% molasses (TBS) on average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI). At the end of 90 d feeding trial, the goats were slaughtered to determine blood biochemical indices, rumen fermentation, microbial composition, and carcass characteristics differences between the two dietary groups.

RESULTS

Goats fed the TBS diet had greater ADG and ADG to DMI ratio (p<0.05). TBS diet did not affect rumen fluid pH; however, goats in the TBS group had lower rumen ammonia N levels (p<0.05) and higher total volatile fatty acid concentrations (p<0.05). Goats in the TBS group had a higher (p<0.05) concentration of Ruminococcus albus but a lower (p<0.05) concentration of methanogenic bacteria. The TBS diet also resulted in lower (p<0.05) thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances concentration but higher (p<0.05) total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase concentrations in blood plasma, while having no effect on plasma protein, glucose, lipid, immunoglobin G, alanine transaminase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Meat from goats fed the TBS diet contained more intramuscular fat (p<0.05) and was more tender (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In comparison to goats fed a diet containing 50% untreated anthocyanin-rich black cane silage, feeding a diet containing 50% anthocyanin-rich black cane silage treated with 0.03% ferrous sulfate and 4% molasses improved rumen fermentation and reduced oxidative stress, resulting in higher growth and more tender meat.

Mixed oats and alfalfa improved the antioxidant activity of mutton and the performance of goats by affecting intestinal microbiota

Oat hay and alfalfa hay are important roughage resources in livestock production. However, the effect of the mixture of oat hay and alfalfa hay on the meat quality of Albas goats is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding different proportions of oat hay and alfalfa hay on the growth performance and meat quality of Albas goats. Therefore, 32 goats were fed for 70 days and randomly divided into four treatment groups on the principle of similar weight: whole oat group (OAT), oat alfalfa ratio 3:7 group (OA73), oat alfalfa ratio 7:3 group (OA37) and whole alfalfa group (Alfalfa), with eight goats in each group. Daily feed intake records, feces, feed samples, and rumen fluid collection were made throughout the trial. The goats were weighed on the last day of the trial, and four goats per group were randomly selected for slaughter. Cecum contents, meat samples, and hot carcass weight were collected, and data were recorded. Furthermore, the relationship between the rumen and cecal microbes on performance and meat quality was clarified by analyzing the rumen and hindgut microbiomes. The results showed that feeding alfalfa could significantly reduce the daily weight gain of fattening goats. Compared with the highest group (OA37), the daily weight gain decreased by 19.21%. Although there was no significant change in feed intake in the four treatments, the feed conversion rate of the alfalfa group significantly decreased by 30.24-36.47% compared to the other groups. However, with the increased alfalfa content, MDA decreased significantly, T-AOC was up-regulated, and the antioxidant activity of the fattened goat meat fed with the high alfalfa group was significantly higher than that of the low alfalfa group. Notably, the abundance of Bacteroidales_unclassified and Clostridium were strongly correlated with T-AOC and MDA. Therefore, increasing the proportion of alfalfa in the diet can affect the antioxidant activity of goat meat by improving the gut microbiota, while an oat-hay mixture can improve the growth performance of livestock.

Intake, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of feedlot lambs fed novel anthocyanin-rich corn cobs

Feeding anthocyanin- and antioxidant-rich forages to sheep and dairy cows can improve performance and product quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of feeding anthocyanin-rich (Hi-A) corn cobs on the growth performance and meat quality of lambs. A total of 30 eight-month-old Rambouillet ewe lambs (body weight 30.7 ± 1.2 kg) were fed for 63 days with three diets consisting of 80% concentrate and 20% roughage: Hi-A corn cobs (Hi-A), regular corn cobs (Low-A), and bermudagrass hay (BGH). A completely randomized design trial with 10 lambs per treatment was used. Data were collected on dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), gain:feed ratio (G:F), carcass traits, meat color, fatty acid (FA) profile, volatile aroma compounds, and sensory panels. After feeding for 63 days, lambs were harvested, and the carcasses were evaluated. Boneless lamb loin chops were fabricated and submitted to FA, aroma, and sensory analysis. The corn cob diets did not affect BW, ADG, or G:F of the lambs compared to BGH diet, but DMI (P < 0.01) was decreased. The dressing percentage was greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed BGH than in those fed Hi-A, while lambs fed Low-A did not differ from the other two diets. Loin chop instrumental color characteristics were not influenced by diets, except the hue angle, which was greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed Hi-A than Low-A, while BGH did not differ from lambs fed either cob diet. There was no significant difference in the meat fatty acid profile. Five volatile compounds were affected by diets. The 2-butanone (P = 0.07) and 2,3-butanedione (P = 0.05) were greater in chops from lambs fed BGH relative to lambs fed Hi-A and neither differed (P > 0.05) from lambs fed Low-A diet. The 2-propanone was greater (P = 0.01) in chops from lambs fed BGH than in those fed either the Low-A or Hi-A diets. Both 3-methyl-butanal and methyl benzene were lower (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) in chops from lambs fed the Hi-A diet than in those fed either the BGH or Low-A diet. Replacing 20% bermudagrass hay with corn cobs in the diets of feedlot lambs did not affect sheep growth performance, meat fatty acid profile, sensory traits, and most carcass characteristics and meat color parameters. Hi-A corn diet improved aroma in cooked boneless loin chops, but sensory traits were not affected. This study showed the Hi-A corn cobs can be safely used for roughage and feed for lambs and for improving meat aroma in cooked boneless loin chops.

Dietary inclusion of anthocyanin-rich black cane silage treated with ferrous sulfate heptahydrate reduces oxidative stress and promotes tender meat production in goats

Pre-treating anthocyanin-rich black cane with ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FSH) produces high-quality silage with anthocyanin and nutritional losses. However, it's unclear how to apply this to studies on how FSH-treated silage affects animal performance and meat quality. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a standard total mixed ration (TMR) containing anthocyanin-rich black cane silages either with or without dilutions of FSH on animal performance, blood biochemical indices, rumen fermentation, microbial community, and carcass characteristics in meat goats. Forty healthy crossbred Thai-native Anglo-Nubian male goats (14.42 ± 1.4 kg) were used to compare the feasibility of using anthocyanin-rich black cane silage (ABS) as a functional feed resource as opposed to anthocyanin-rich black cane treated with 0.030% commercial FSH silage (ABSF). All goats received a 90-day routine feeding of two isocaloric and isonitrogenous experimental diets: the control group received TMR containing 50% anthocyanin-rich black cane silage (ABS; n = 20), and one group received TMR containing 50% FSH-treating anthocyanin-rich black cane (ABSF; n = 20). As performance indicators, average daily weight gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured. Samples of meat, blood, and rumen were taken at the end of the experiment. There were no differences in final body weight, ADG, DMI, or ADG/DMI between the two groups. The ABSF group did not differ from the ABS group in terms of rumen pH, but the ABSF had a tendency to lower rumen ammonia N levels, and to higher total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. Individual VFA concentrations differed, with the ABSF group having more Ruminococcus albus and the ABS group having more methanogenic bacteria. Blood biochemical indices differed, with the ABSF group having lower TBARS concentrations and the ABS group having lower TAC, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GSH-Rx concentrations. In comparison to goat meat from the ABS group, goat meat from the ABSF group contained more intramuscular fat and was more tender. The current results indicate that the feeding of a TMR containing 50% anthocyanin-rich black cane, along with FSH pre-treatment prior to ensiling, reduces oxidative stress and promotes the production of tender meat without affecting animal performance.

Effects of Purple Corn Anthocyanin on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Muscle Antioxidant Status, and Fatty Acid Profiles in Goats

This study was conducted to examine the effect of purple corn anthocyanin on performance, meat quality, muscle antioxidant activity, antioxidant gene expression, and fatty acid profiles in goats. The feeding trial period lasted 74 d. The adaptation period was 14 d, and the formal experimental period was 60 d. Eighteen Qianbei-pockmarked goats (Guizhou native goat breed; body weight, 21.38 ± 1.61 kg; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly allotted into three equal groups, including a control with no purple corn pigment (PCP) and groups receiving either 0.5 g/d PCP or 1.0 g/d PCP. The inclusion of PCP did not affect (p > 0.05) the dry matter intake, average daily gain, or feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. The addition of PCP reduced (p < 0.05) shear force in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (LTL) during the growth phase of the goats. Goats receiving PCP showed higher (p < 0.05) levels of reduced glutathione, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity and peroxidase in LTL compared to the control. Moreover, compared to the control, the PCP group displayed lower (p < 0.05) concentrations of 12:0, C16:0, and total saturated fatty acids, but increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of various unsaturated fatty acids, including C18:1n9, C20:3n6, C20:4n6, C18:2n6 cis, C20:3n6, C22:5n3, C22:6n3, and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The abundance of nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2, superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione peroxidase 1, and catalase was upregulated (p < 0.05) in the LTL of goats receiving 0.5 g/d PCP in comparison to the other groups. Collectively, result of the current study indicated that PCP anthocyanin could be used as a source of natural functional additive because anthocyanin-rich PCP has the potential to improve meat quality and enhance muscle antioxidant status as well as improve the proportions of PUFAs in goat muscle.

Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Indices, Rumen Bacterial Community, and Carcass Characteristics in Goats Fed Anthocyanin-Rich Black Cane Silage

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of a standard total mixed ration (TMR) with containing anthocyanin-rich plants on animal performance, blood biochemical indices, rumen fermentation, microbial composition, and carcass characteristics in meat goats. Thirty-six healthy crossbred Thai-native Anglo-Nubian male goats (14.42 ± 0.6 kg) were used to compare the possibility of using anthocyanin-rich black cane silage (AS) in place of Napier grass silage (NS) as a functional feed resource. All goats received a 90-d routine feeding consisting of two experimental diets that were isocaloric and isonitrogenous: the control group received TMR containing 50% NS (NS; n = 18), and one group received TMR containing 50% AS (AS; n = 18). Average daily weight gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured as indicators of performance. At the end of the experiment, meat, blood, and rumen samples were collected. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of final body weight, ADG, DMI, or ADG/DMI. There were no differences in rumen pH or total volatile fatty acids (VFAs); however, rumen ammonia N concentrations were lower in the AS group than in the NS group. Individual VFA concentrations varied, with AS group containing more Ruminococcus albus and NS group containing more methanogenic bacteria. Blood biochemical indices varied, with NS group having higher TBARS concentration and AS group having higher concentrations of TAC, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GSH-Rx. Goat meat from the AS group had higher levels of intramuscular fat and was more tender compared to goat meat from the NS group. The feeding of anthocyanin-rich black cane appears to be an attractive alternative for Napier grass in the nutrition of meat goats. The current results indicate that the feeding of a TMR containing 50% anthocyanin-rich black cane alleviates oxidative stress and promotes the production of tender meat.

Potential Effects of Anthocyanin-Rich Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Extract on the Growth, Intestinal Histomorphology, Blood Biochemical Parameters, and the Immune Status of Broiler Chickens

The potential effects of anthocyanin-rich roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extract (ARRE) on the growth, carcass traits, intestinal histomorphology, breast muscle composition, blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant activity, and immune status of broiler chickens were evaluated. In the present study, Hibiscus acidified ethanolic extract was reported to have a total anthocyanin content of about 359.3 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/100 g DW, total polyphenol concentration (TPC) of about 598 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g DW, and total flavonoids (TFs) of about 100 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g DW. Two-hundred-fifty one-day-old chicks (Ross 308 broiler) (87.85 gm ± 0.32) were randomly allotted to five experimental groups and fed on basal diets supplemented with five levels of ARRE: 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg Kg−1 for 35 days. Dietary ARRE addition did not improve the birds’ growth and carcass traits. Supplemental ARRE increased the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (ω-3) percentage in the breast muscle. Dietary ARRE increased the villous height, and the ARRE100 group raised the villus height to crypt depth ratio. Dietary ARRE increased the immunoexpression of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the spleen. The serum thyroxine hormone (T4) level was higher in the ARRE200 group. The serum growth hormone level was increased by ARRE addition in a level-dependent manner. According to the broken-line regression analysis, the optimum inclusion level of ARRE was 280 mg Kg−1. All levels of supplemental ARRE decreased the serum triglyceride level. The serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was increased in the ARRE100-ARRE400 groups, the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was increased in the ARRE200 group, and the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level was decreased by increasing the ARRE level. Supplemental ARRE significantly increased the serum levels of lysozymes and IL10. The serum complement 3 (C3) level was increased in ARRE200 and ARRE400 groups. It can be concluded that dietary ARRE addition had many beneficial effects represented by the improvements in the bird’s metabolic functions, blood biochemistry, intestinal morphology, antioxidant activity, immune status, and higher ω-3 content in the breast muscles. However, it had no improving effect on the birds’ growth.

Potential Effects of Delphinidin-3-O-Sambubioside and Cyanidin-3-O-Sambubioside of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Ruminant Meat and Milk Quality

Simple Summary

Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) calyxes are widely used as nutraceutical supplements in humans; however, stalks, leaves, and seeds are considered as agriculture by-products. Including HS by-products in animal feeding could reduce economic costs and environmental problems, and due to their bioactive compounds, could even improve the quality of meat and milk. However, although HS antioxidants have not been tested enough in ruminants, comparison with other by-products rich in polyphenols allows for hypothesizing on the potential effects of including HS by-products and calyxes in nutrition, animal performance, and meat and milk quality. Antioxidants of HS might affect ruminal fiber degradability, fermentation patterns, fatty acids biohydrogenation (BH), and reduce the methane emissions. After antioxidants cross into the bloodstream and deposit into ruminants’ milk and meat, they increase the quality of fatty acids, the antioxidant activity, and the shelf-life stability of dairy products and meat, which leads to positive effects in consumers’ health. In other animals, the specific anthocyanins of HS have improved blood pressure, which leads to positive clinical and chemicals effects, and those could affect some productive variables in ruminants. The HS by-products rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins can improve fatty acid quality and reduce the oxidative effects on the color, odor, and flavor of milk products and meat.

Abstract

The objective was to review the potential effects of adding anthocyanin delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside (DOS) and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (COS) of HS in animal diets. One hundred and four scientific articles published before 2021 in clinics, pharmacology, nutrition, and animal production were included. The grains/concentrate, metabolic exigency, and caloric stress contribute to increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS). COS and DOS have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anthelmintic activities. In the rumen, anthocyanin might obtain interactions and/or synergisms with substrates, microorganisms, and enzymes which could affect the fiber degradability and decrease potential methane (CH₄) emissions; since anthocyanin interferes with ruminal fatty acids biohydrogenation (BH), they can increase the n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic acid (LA), and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in milk and meat, as well as improving their quality. Anthocyanins reduce plasma oxidation and can be deposited in milk and meat, increasing antioxidant activities. Therefore, the reduction of the oxidation of fats and proteins improves shelf-life. Although studies in ruminants are required, COS and DOS act as inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACEi) and rennin expression, regulating the homeostatic control and possibly the milk yield and body weight. By-products of HS contain polyphenols as calyces with positive effects on the average daily gain and fat meat quality.

Purple Corn Anthocyanin Affects Lipid Mechanism, Flavor Compound Profiles, and Related Gene Expression of Longissimus Thoracis et Lumborum Muscle in Goats

Simple Summary

Natural flavor compounds can stimulate people’s senses of smell and taste; as indicators of food sensory quality, such compounds influence the acceptance by consumers. In addition, natural antioxidants are becoming popular among consumers because they are safe and have no adverse side effects. Purple corn anthocyanins are polyphenolic compounds with natural antioxidant properties that exist widely in nature. Research has shown that anthocyanins can provide extra electrons to the free radicals, preventing lipid oxidation and improving muscle volatile components. However, no information is available concerning the effect of feeding anthocyanin on goat meat volatile compounds. This was the first study to investigate the effects of dietary anthocyanins from purple corn supplementation on lipid mechanism, body composition, volatile compound profiles, and related gene expression in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle of goats. The current study indicates that the consumption of purple corn anthocyanin by growing goats improves mutton flavor by decreasing plasma lipid metabolism parameters and by modulating the abundance of several flavor-related genes in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle. The results will help to understand the mechanism of action of anthocyanins on the flavor compounds, providing the rationale for anthocyanins regulating mutton flavor through related signaling pathways of ruminants in future studies.

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of anthocyanins on muscle flavor compound profiles in goats. Goats in three groups were fed a basic diet or a diet supplemented with 0.5 g/d or 1 g/d anthocyanin-rich purple corn pigment (PCP). Compared to the control group, plasma total cholesterol was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the anthocyanin groups. The feeding of anthocyanin increased (p < 0.05) flavor compound types and total alcohol level, whereas it decreased (p < 0.05) total hydrocarbons, aromatics, esters, and miscellaneous compounds in the longissimusthoracis et lumborum muscle (LTL). Adding PCP to the diet enriched (p < 0.05) vegetal, herbaceous, grease, and fruity flavors compared to the control group. The 0.5 g/d PCP group had increased (p < 0.05) abundance of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, but there was a decreased (p < 0.05) level of lipoprotein lipase in LTL. Collectively, this study indicated that anthocyanin can improve mutton flavor by decreasing plasma lipid parameters and by modulating the abundance of several flavor-related genes of goats.