Benefits of eating meat sheep to human health

Abstract

This work aims to analyze the dietary influence on animal health, its effects on meat quality and carcass characteristics, and the benefits of meat sheep consumption for human health. A search was conducted for articles published between 2000 and 2023 in the primary scientific bases in which the theme aimed at the relevance of sheep farming combined with animal nutrition and management. Although sheep production occurs throughout Brazil, it is still not exploited efficiently, and sheep meat consumption is still associated with special occasions. Its commercialization. Nutrition is one of the main factors that influence the quality of meat, and the use of natural alternatives such as essential oils and plant extracts, which improve color and aroma and guarantee longer shelf life, has been increasing. In addition, the use of lipid sources in the diets of small ruminants improves the lipid profile of the products, decreasing the amount of saturated fatty acids and increasing the content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are associated with the prevention of various types of cancer and diseases. The heart also improves immunity. Consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and more demanding about food quality, so the meat industry must pay attention to consumer perceptions and preferences to meet market demands.