2.2 | Sample preparation
For the different grazing time analysis, fecal samples were collected
twice from 12 of the 26 individuals from 3 September (LG1 and G1) and 7
October in 2019 (LG2 and G2). At each of the two time points, six lambs
from each treatment were placed in cages before grazing to collect
feces. The fresh feces samples from each lamb for each period were
collected and were immediately stored at −20°C. Three days of fecal
samples were pooled for each lamb during each sampling period and mixed
fully as a compound sample for subsequent molecular analysis.
At the end of the experimental period, all lambs were transported to an
abattoir and were slaughtered after 24-h fasting by exsanguination from
the jugular vein. Within 45 minutes of slaughter, the LD muscle was
sampled at the level of the 10–13th rib from the side of the carcass
and frozen at -20°C for fatty acid (FA) analysis.