Effects of Magnesium Potassium Sulfate on Tibetan Sheep Quality and Its Volatile and Non-Volatile Metabolic Substances

Why It Matters

The findings offer a practical feed‑additive solution to improve Tibetan sheep meat quality, supporting premium market positioning and sustainable livestock production on the Qinghai‑Tibet Plateau.

Key Takeaways

• 0.3% PMS increased abdominal wall thickness by 13% and backfat by 7%
• 0.25% PMS raised intramuscular fat and essential omega‑3 fatty acids
• Flavor analysis showed more fruity, nutty volatiles and fewer off‑odors
• Metabolomics linked PMS to fatty‑acid biosynthesis and sphingolipid signaling pathways

Pulse Analysis

Tibetan sheep, a cornerstone of Qinghai‑Tibet Plateau agriculture, face unique nutritional challenges due to harsh climates and limited forage quality. As grazing pressures intensify, producers are turning to stall‑feeding systems that allow precise dietary control. Mineral nutrition, especially potassium, magnesium, and sulfur, has long been suspected to influence meat characteristics, but empirical data were scarce. The recent PMS trial fills this gap by quantifying how a blended magnesium‑potassium‑sulfate additive reshapes growth performance and carcass composition, offering a science‑backed pathway to higher‑value lamb production in remote regions.

The experiment demonstrated that a 0.3% PMS inclusion boosted abdominal wall thickness by 13% and backfat by 7%, while a 0.25% dose elevated intramuscular fat to over 10% and enriched essential omega‑3s such as EPA and DHA. These compositional shifts translated into more stable post‑mortem pH, improved water‑holding capacity, and reduced shear force, collectively enhancing tenderness and juiciness. Volatile‑compound profiling showed a pronounced increase in fruity and nutty aromas—methyl 3‑methylpentanoate and methyl heptanoate—while suppressing malodorous substances like 1‑hydrazinopropan‑2‑ol. Metabolomic pathways implicated fatty‑acid biosynthesis and sphingolipid signaling, suggesting that PMS modulates both lipid deposition and cellular signaling mechanisms that govern flavor development.

For the broader meat industry, the study signals a viable route to differentiate Tibetan sheep products through natural mineral fortification, aligning with consumer demand for premium, nutritionally superior meat. Feed manufacturers can leverage the regulatory approval of PMS to develop region‑specific formulations that boost feed conversion efficiency and reduce environmental strain from overgrazing. Moreover, the metabolomic insights open avenues for targeted breeding and nutrition strategies that optimize flavor and health‑benefiting fatty acids, positioning high‑altitude ruminant meat as a niche yet scalable market segment.