# Meat Production Potential of Local Horse Breeds: Sustainable Conservation Through Valorization

## TL;DR

This study shows that the Croatian Posavina horse can produce high-quality, nutritious meat while supporting sustainable conservation and rural identity.

## Contribution

The study provides new empirical data on the meat production potential and nutritional quality of the Croatian Posavina horse breed.

## Key findings

- Croatian Posavina foals reached a live weight of 347 kg and a dressing percentage of 60.62% by 11 months.
- The meat had high protein (22.37%), low fat (3.61%), and a balanced ω-6/ω-3 ratio (3.46).
- Sensory analysis confirmed favorable meat tenderness, flavor, and appearance.

## Abstract

The Croatian Posavina horse is an indigenous cold-blooded breed traditionally reared in the floodplain areas of the Sava River. Although once endangered, the breed has regained population stability through conservation efforts and is now primarily used for pasture-based meat production. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of male foals reared under semi-extensive conditions. The results showed that at eleven months of age, the foals achieved a solid live and carcass weight and produced meat with favorable technological and nutritional properties. The meat was high in protein, low in fat, and had a desirable profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including a balanced ω-6/ω-3 ratio. Sensory analysis confirmed the meat’s tenderness, pleasant flavor, and attractive appearance. Compared to other European horse breeds, the Croatian Posavina horse demonstrated competitive production traits and superior nutritional quality. These findings highlight the potential of this local breed not only for sustainable meat production but also for contributing to the preservation of agro-biodiversity and rural identity. Promoting its use in niche markets could ensure both economic viability and long-term conservation.

Local horse breeds, particularly cold-blood types, are often marginalized in economic and social contexts, primarily due to the neglect of their economic, genetic, and cultural potential, as well as their role in preserving the identity of rural areas, local communities, and ecosystems. The valorization of these breeds is a crucial prerequisite for their economic repositioning. The Croatian Posavina horse is a local breed, well adapted to harsh, extensive production systems. Its sustainability is achieved through pasture-based meat production, primarily targeting foreign European markets. Ensuring the sustainability of conservation programs requires a thorough understanding of growth dynamics, carcass traits, and meat quality. This study assessed growth performance and carcass characteristics in a sample of 30 male foals, with ten animals selected for detailed analysis of fatty acid, amino acid, and volatile aromatic compound profiles. At eleven months of age, the foals reached a live weight of 347 kg and a dressing percentage of 60.62%. Color, tenderness, and water-holding capacity parameters were favorable for consumers. The meat’s high protein content (22.37%) and low intramuscular fat (3.61%) make it suitable for health-conscious or sensitive consumer groups. A high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (28.5%) and a nutritionally balanced ω-6/ω-3 ratio (3.46) highlight the meat’s functional properties. The essential-to-non-essential amino acid ratio (0.81) further supports its nutritional value. Sensory analysis confirmed an attractive appearance, desirable texture and flavor, and a rich aromatic profile. The carcass and meat quality results, when compared with the production traits of other horse breeds, indicate that Croatian Posavina foal meat is a high-quality and nutritionally valuable alternative to conventional red meat. With optimized conservation and production strategies, the Croatian Posavina horse holds strong potential for market repositioning within sustainable and functional meat production systems.