| Abstract: | The aim of this study was to estimate total carotenoids, β-carotene and retinol concentrations in the livers
and muscles of some ungulates (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and horses) in comparison with the Wistar rats as
a control. Cattle and horses had the highest contents of total carotenoids and β-carotene. Unexpectedly, sheep
was the highest accumulator of retinol with a mean concentration of 203 ± 23.34 µg/g, while
the least accumulator was buffalo, having a mean value of 58.28 ± 13.77 µg/g. Livers had
higher contents of the examined phytochemicals than muscles. Consumption of these tissues may provide human
with some needs from these important phytochemicals, though ingestion of livers, especially that of the sheep,
is not advisable for the pregnant women. |
