Comparative characterization of the nutritional value of meat sold in the markets of western and eastern Kazakhstan

The article presents a comparative assessment of the nutritional value of beef, mutton, and horse meat sold in the markets of two regions of Kazakhstan: the Western region (Atyrau Region) and Eastern Kazakhstan (the Rudny Altai area). Significant interregional differences were identified: meat from Western Kazakhstan is characterized by higher levels of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and iron, whereas meat from the Eastern region has higher levels of intramuscular fat, zinc, manganese, and vitamin E. The meat with the highest protein content is beef from Western Kazakhstan (24.21±0.21%). Lamb from Eastern Kazakhstan contains the highest amount of fat (4.91±0.09%). Among the meat types studied, beef demonstrated the highest energy value (132.1−133.4 kcal/100 g). In samples from the Western region, calcium content reaches 22.4±0.7 mg/100 g (horse meat), phosphorus 130.6±3.9 mg/100 g (beef), and iron 2.55±0.08 mg/100 g (beef). In the Eastern region, higher concentrations of zinc (up to 3.13±0.09 mg/100 g in horse meat) and manganese (up to 0.110±0.003 mg/100 g in beef and horse meat) were recorded. An elevated content of α-tocopherol was also observed in horse meat from Eastern Kazakhstan (0.765±0.023 mg/100 g), whereas lamb from Western Kazakhstan is characterized by high levels of vitamin B3 (11.040±0.331 mg/100 g). The data obtained indicate a significant influence of regional natural and geochemical conditions on the formation of the nutritional profile of meat products and support the inclusion of beef, lamb, and horse meat in the daily diet to meet the requirements for protein, macroand micronutrients, and vitamins. The results can be used in the development of region-specific recommendations for rational and functional nutrition, as well as in food quality and safety control systems.

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