ABSTRACT: Feeding increased levels of dietary vitamin
E can inhibit lipid oxidation. The aim of this study
was to investigate the effect of levels of dietary α-tocopherol
acetate (VE) and feeding duration on meat
quality and lipid oxidation. Eighty-one pigs were allocated
to 1 of 3 diets containing 40, 200, or 400 IU of
VE/kg of feed, and each diet group was divided into 3
feeding periods (3, 6, or 9 wk). Carcass characteristics
and meat quality were evaluated. Oxidative stability
of fresh and cooked pork patties and pork chops was
determined after chilled or frozen storage. Increasing
dietary concentrations of VE did not affect any growth
performance parameter. Drip loss, however, decreased
(P < 0.05) with increased dietary VE levels. Moreover,
an increased duration of VE feeding improved (P < 0.05)
pH and drip loss. Less lipid oxidation (P < 0.05) was
detected in fresh ground pork from pigs fed greater
concentrations of VE after 4 d of storage. A greater (P