Cette thèse s’articule autour de 3 parties. Dans la première (épidémiologie descriptive), nous avons évalué, sur un large échantillon d’adultes français (cohorte NutriNet-Santé), la prise de compléments alimentaires et les facteurs associés en population générale et dans des groupes spécifiques (fumeurs, femmes enceintes, sujets atteints de cancer). La prise de compléments, souvent en automédication, était très répandue, en particulier chez les femmes enceintes et les sujets atteints de cancer. Nos travaux suggèrent que les pratiques « à risque » de consommation de compléments alimentaires étaient loin d’être négligeables dans certains groupes. Dans la seconde partie (épidémiologie étiologique), nous avons mis en évidence, pour la première fois, un potentiel effet modulateur d’une supplémentation en antioxydants (essai randomisé SU.VI.MAX) sur les relations prospectives entre consommation de charcuteries et risque de cancer du sein d’une part et taux d’acides gras plasmatiques et risque de cancer (toutes localisations et du sein) d’autre part, en cohérence avec les études mécanistiques. Nos résultats suggèrent que les antioxydants pourraient contrecarrer certains effets potentiellement pro-cancérigènes des charcuteries sur le risque de cancer du sein, et pourraient modifier les associations acides gras – cancer en s’opposant aux effets potentiels des acides gras sur la carcinogénèse. Enfin, la troisième partie de ma thèse a consisté en des travaux méthodologiques transversaux en e-épidémiologie portant sur les compétences informatiques des participants à la web-cohorte NutriNet-Santé. Ces travaux méthodologiques sont nécessaires à la bonne conduite des études épidémiologiques descriptives ou étiologiques en e-épidémiologie nutritionnelle. Les résultats de cette thèse soulignent l’importance de la prise en compte des consommations de compléments alimentaires en épidémiologie et contribuent plus généralement à une meilleure connaissance de l’étiologie des cancers. Ils permettront, à terme, d’améliorer les recommandations en matière de prévention nutritionnelle des cancers. / This thesis is structured in three parts. In the first part (descriptive epidemiology), we assessed dietary supplement use and associated factors in the general population and in specific subgroups (smokers, pregnant women and cancer survivors) of a large sample of French adults (the NutriNet-Santé cohort). Dietary supplement use was widespread, often in self-medication, particularly in pregnant women and in cancer survivors. Our findings suggest that the frequency of risky practices of dietary supplement use were su bstantial in several subgroups. In the second part (etiological epidemiology), we highlighted, for the first time, a potential modulatory effect of an antioxidant supplementation (SU.VI.MAX. trial) on prospective relationships between processed meat intake and breast cancer risk and between levels of plasma fatty acids and cancer risk (overall and breast), in line with mechanistic studies. Our results suggest that antioxidants may counteract the potential procarcinogenic effects of processed meat on breast cancer risk and may modify associations between fatty acids and cancer risk by counteracting the potential effects of these fatty acids on carcinogenesis. Finally, the third part of my thesis pertained to a methodological work in the field of e-epidemiology, related to computer literacy of participants of the NutriNet-Santé web-cohort. These results will be useful for optimizing descriptive and etiological epidemiological studies in nutritional e-epidemiology. Overall, these PhD findings underline the importance of taking into account dietary supplement use in epidemiological studies and contribute to a better understanding of cancer etiology. More general ly, they will also contribute to optimize nutritional recommendations for primary cancer prevention.

The Paleolithic, or ancestral, diet was first proposed by Eaton and Konner in 1985, and it is based on the theory that humans have not diverged greatly from the physiology of the Paleolithic human. Eaton and Konner suggested a diet consisting of meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds while omitting food such as dairy, grains, legumes, refined sugar and processed foods. The latter of which are incongruous with the diet we evolved with and are likely the cause of the so-called "diseases of civilization" such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, obesity, osteoporosis and cancer (Konner & Eaton, 2010). This review will first elaborate on the Paleolithic lifestyle and the evidence presented on it before examining the evidence for and against other diet categories not included in the diet such as whole grains, red meat, grass-fed meat, dairy milk and soymilk. The aim of this study is to first evaluate the Paleolithic diet, based on nutrition and ability to address common public health diseases and then to appraise the value of other food categories not included in the lifestyle on the same factors, in order to determine their place in an ideal diet. This study concludes that the Paleolithic diet can lower total body weight, body mass index, cardiovascular risks, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein among others while increasing insulin sensitivity and ω-3, iron, fiber, vitamins and minerals, including improving the ω-6 to ω-3 ratio and the potassium to sodium ratio when compared to the typical Western diet. The results were consistent even when compared to other diets such as the Mediterranean or the diabetes diet. Studies showing the effectiveness of consuming other foods, such as whole grains, dairy or soymilk, with the intent on losing weight or preventing diabetes, on the other hand, have been inconclusive. Research on soy's estrogenic isoflavone action has been inconclusive. Concerns over the consumption of red meat due to cholesterol and cancer are mitigated and review of the grass-fed literature reveals a potentially richer fatty acid profile with more healthy polyunsaturated fats and less cholesterol-raising saturated fatty acids. It is concluded that an ancestral diet of whole foods, made up of mostly fruits and vegetables, meats, especially grass-fed, nuts and seeds is strongly associated with significantly better outcomes for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity as compared to a typical Western diet, Mediterranean diet or diabetes diet.

A series of on-farm quality assurance schemes for red meat producers across Australia were developed in the late 1990s in response to increasing global demands for greater accountability within the whole food. The Cattlecare and Flockcare schemes were introduced in 1996 and 1998, respectively, to provide mechanisms for producers to demonstrate that their livestock were free of potential chemical residues, and that they had taken measures to prevent injury or stress to livestock. These schemes were independently audited codes of practice. After several years there was some dissatisfaction with the levels of adoption of these schemes, especially Flockcare. By 2001 just over 5% of all cattle producers and just over 1% of all sheep producers had implemented on-farm quality assurance. This covered nearly 16% of all cattle and 2% of all sheep in Australia, indicating that the larger than average producers were implementing quality assurance. Based on previous studies and anecdotal evidence that there were few current benefits for producers, the aims of this study were to identify the reasons for slow uptake and to quantify factors affecting implementation of on-farm quality assurance in the red meat industry. Surveys of "adopters" and "nou-adopters" of these schemes were developed and implemented in 2000 and 2001. Producers were approached initially by phone and given the options of completing the survey over the phone, by mail or by fax. / Three hundred and forty-seven Cattlecare producers (9% of all certified Cattlecare producers) and 142 Flockcare producers (22% of certified Flockcare producers) across Australia were initially approached. A total of 382 adopter surveys were completed. The level of interest from adopters was remarkable, with a 75% completion rate from telephone approaches and only 9 direct refusals. These producers had over 1.3 million cattle and 0.9 million sheep covered by quality assurance schemes. This represented 5% of the total cattle population (27% of certified cattle) and less than 1% of all sheep (26% of certified sheep) in Australia at that time. There was an extremely large variation in the size of properties surveyed, which reflected the structure of the industry. The producers were asked about what motivated them to implement quality assurance, what were the problems, where could it be improved, how much time and money had they invested specifically into implementing quality assurance, what benefits had they gained (financial and other), how it had changed their management or product offered for sale, and their opinion on various issues associated with quality assurance and food safety. In addition 133 non-adopter surveys were also completed to provide a control data set. These producers had over 0.12 million cattle and 0.48 million sheep on their properties. In general, it was much harder to persuade these producers to participate. It was estimated that about 60% of producers approached refused to participate. These producers were asked similar questions; except that they were asked to estimate (if they could) how much time and money it would take to implement quality assurance. Unfortunately, most of these producers were uninterested or knew little about quality assurance and were reluctant to estimate these values, so the data for these producers was very limited. / Analysis of the adopter data indicated the adoption rates between regions and schemes were significantly different. A benefit cost analysis was completed for the adopters based on estimated time and money invested into quality assurance and the tangible benefits gained from selling certified animals. The resulting net benefits were calculated as annual equivalent annuities. Only about 30% of adopters had gained any tangible benefit, and only half of these (15% of the total analysed producers) had a positive net benefit, and these were all cattle producers. Description of time, effort and money spend by adopting producers was most representative using median values due to the extreme data from some producers. Overall, implementation took a median of 13 days in the initial year and 6 days in subsequent years per property, and the median cost was $1,200 in the initial year and $500 in subsequent years. This investment of time and money equated to a median cost of $875 per year. The median net financial loss per year from adopting quality assurance was $660 per property or $2 per 100 DSE of livestock managed. Producers indicated that they were implementing quality assurance to gain financial and market benefits; but, with only 15% of producers gaining a positive net benefit, some producers were disappointed with the schemes. However they did report improvements in product (15% of producers) or management practices (90% had at least one). / Improvements in product included livestock were free from chemical residues, cattle were dehorned and yards had been improved so bruising was reduced. Improvements in management practices included improved record keeping, chemical control and livestock handling. While producers mostly believed it was the right thing to do for the industry, they indicated that they would need to be rewarded for their efforts at some stage. Adopters and non-adopters had different motives for implementing quality assurance. Peer pressure, market advantage and increased returns (27%, 26% and 18% of producers, respectively) were cited as the three major prompts for adopters. All the other categories of reasons for adoption were not business-based, but more emotional. Non-adopters, however, cited increased returns, market advantage and supply chain pressure (44%, 7% and 6%, respectively) as possible prompts to implement quality assurance. Difficulties in adoption actually experienced by adopters were also different to the difficulties anticipated by non-adopters. Paperwork, actually getting to implementing it and the extra time demands (19%, 13% and 12%, respectively) were the major difficulties for adopters, while time, in costs and paperwork (19%, 16% and 12%, respectively) were the anticipated difficulties for non-adopters. / Twenty-four percent of adopters had not had any difficulties, while 16% of non- adopters anticipated no difficulties. Simplification of initial paperwork, increased demand for quality assured livestock and a need to promote the schemes and the associated benefits to producers were the three highest ranking categories of suggested improvements by adopters. Non-adopters indicated similar issues but in a different order - a need to promote the schemes and the associated benefits to producers, simplification of initial paperwork and the process of implementation. Grouping producers based on inputs, attitudes, investment or any combination of these indicators failed to provide a statistically significant prediction of the net benefit or loss for a new adopter. The only way to identify or predict which producers would gain a positive net benefit was to focus on the methods of selling livestock. Selling direct to processors either over the hook, with forward contracts or privately appeared to be the only way to gain financial benefits from implementing quality assurance on-farm.

With electricity tariffs in South Africa escalating at a rapid pace the demand for alternative power sources has increased. One of these renewable energy sources includes the use of biogas. Biogas is not only one of the most efficient and effective renewable energy possibilities available but also requires less capital investment as compared to other renewable sources like hydro, solar and wind and are also more economical as it involves less per unit production cost. Biogas plants have been used around the globe for numerous years, but are a relative new technology in South Africa, predominantly in the red meat industry with the use of slaughter waste as a form of biomass. Slaughter waste offers a vital possible source of renewable energy. A variation of factors makes the production of renewable energy from slaughter waste particularly appealing. The continuous rise of energy prices, waste disposal prices, and incentives for renewable energy production have increased the value of outputs from slaughter waste-to-energy systems. The primary objective of the research is assessing the economic viability of biogas plants at abattoirs in South Africa and if such a biogas plant would be beneficial to an abattoir. The research aimed to determine the viability through various capital budgeting techniques and define what the most significant calculated variables are that should be addressed in such an economic viability model. For the purposes of this study a Class A abattoir with a slaughtering capacity of 400 cattle per day was used as a case study. Biogas will be generated through anaerobic digestion and the utilising of the gas for the generation of electricity and heat by means of a CHP generator. The economic viability study contains of a base case scenario and two other possible scenarios and provides recommendations and a concluding report, based on the scenario that is the most viable. The succeeding techniques which were recognised were used to analyse the economic viability of the biogas plant: Payback Period, Discounted payback period, Net present value, profitability index, and internal rate of return. Furthermore a sensitivity analysis was done in the study with a pessimistic and optimistic outcome on key variables. The study establish that in the base case scenario a positive net present value was realised, the internal rate of return was more than the required rate of return and the payback periods was shorter than required. In this study the concept of biogas plants in the red meat industry were researched with the purpose of determining the economic viability of these plants. In determining the viability of the biogas plant the key variables that will impact the viability was also identified and discussed. Based on the data gathered and assumptions that was made it was concluded that a biogas plant will be beneficial to an abattoir and was considered economically viable. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

With electricity tariffs in South Africa escalating at a rapid pace the demand for alternative power sources has increased. One of these renewable energy sources includes the use of biogas. Biogas is not only one of the most efficient and effective renewable energy possibilities available but also requires less capital investment as compared to other renewable sources like hydro, solar and wind and are also more economical as it involves less per unit production cost. Biogas plants have been used around the globe for numerous years, but are a relative new technology in South Africa, predominantly in the red meat industry with the use of slaughter waste as a form of biomass. Slaughter waste offers a vital possible source of renewable energy. A variation of factors makes the production of renewable energy from slaughter waste particularly appealing. The continuous rise of energy prices, waste disposal prices, and incentives for renewable energy production have increased the value of outputs from slaughter waste-to-energy systems. The primary objective of the research is assessing the economic viability of biogas plants at abattoirs in South Africa and if such a biogas plant would be beneficial to an abattoir. The research aimed to determine the viability through various capital budgeting techniques and define what the most significant calculated variables are that should be addressed in such an economic viability model. For the purposes of this study a Class A abattoir with a slaughtering capacity of 400 cattle per day was used as a case study. Biogas will be generated through anaerobic digestion and the utilising of the gas for the generation of electricity and heat by means of a CHP generator. The economic viability study contains of a base case scenario and two other possible scenarios and provides recommendations and a concluding report, based on the scenario that is the most viable. The succeeding techniques which were recognised were used to analyse the economic viability of the biogas plant: Payback Period, Discounted payback period, Net present value, profitability index, and internal rate of return. Furthermore a sensitivity analysis was done in the study with a pessimistic and optimistic outcome on key variables. The study establish that in the base case scenario a positive net present value was realised, the internal rate of return was more than the required rate of return and the payback periods was shorter than required. In this study the concept of biogas plants in the red meat industry were researched with the purpose of determining the economic viability of these plants. In determining the viability of the biogas plant the key variables that will impact the viability was also identified and discussed. Based on the data gathered and assumptions that was made it was concluded that a biogas plant will be beneficial to an abattoir and was considered economically viable. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This preliminary study investigated the factors which influence consumer choice of beef. A questionnaire and sensory evaluation considered the level of importance which consumers attached to the sensory (intrinsic attributes) properties of beef as compared to extrinsic factors. It was found that consumers use sensory properties to predict the freshness and overall eating quality, but they can also misinterpret the quality cues. Consumers made it clear that the freshness and the place of purchase played a prominent role in their decision to purchase red meat because they perceive the retailer to be an integral part of the overall quality assessment with regard to the purchase process of mutton and beef. The Total Food Quality Model is used as the frame of reference for analysing the way in which consumers perceive meat quality. The way in which consumers form expectations about the quality at the point of purcha7se, based on their own experience and information cues available in the shopping environment, is described as well as the way in which quality is experienced in the home during and after meal preparation. The relationship between quality expectations and quality experience and its implications for consumer satisfaction and repeat purchase intent is addressed. The study collected data by means of a questionnaire to evaluate the quality perceptions of beef. Cronbach alpha as reliability coefficient recorded high levels of reliability and the factor analysis revealed that only one factor, namely that of quality considerations is present in the analysis. Furthermore, the building on the insights obtained on subjective quality perception, possibilities for consumer–oriented product development in the meat sector are addressed. Issues dealt with here are branding, differentiation by taste, healthiness and convenience. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This preliminary study investigated the factors which influence consumer choice of beef. A questionnaire and sensory evaluation considered the level of importance which consumers attached to the sensory (intrinsic attributes) properties of beef as compared to extrinsic factors. It was found that consumers use sensory properties to predict the freshness and overall eating quality, but they can also misinterpret the quality cues. Consumers made it clear that the freshness and the place of purchase played a prominent role in their decision to purchase red meat because they perceive the retailer to be an integral part of the overall quality assessment with regard to the purchase process of mutton and beef. The Total Food Quality Model is used as the frame of reference for analysing the way in which consumers perceive meat quality. The way in which consumers form expectations about the quality at the point of purcha7se, based on their own experience and information cues available in the shopping environment, is described as well as the way in which quality is experienced in the home during and after meal preparation. The relationship between quality expectations and quality experience and its implications for consumer satisfaction and repeat purchase intent is addressed. The study collected data by means of a questionnaire to evaluate the quality perceptions of beef. Cronbach alpha as reliability coefficient recorded high levels of reliability and the factor analysis revealed that only one factor, namely that of quality considerations is present in the analysis. Furthermore, the building on the insights obtained on subjective quality perception, possibilities for consumer–oriented product development in the meat sector are addressed. Issues dealt with here are branding, differentiation by taste, healthiness and convenience. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Published Article / The waste management practices used at red-meat abattoirs in the Free State province for disposal of condemned products generated in abattoirs and the problems associated with the different waste disposal methods were investigated. Problems caused by various products generated at abattoirs. such as abattoir waste water, blood, stomach contents, manure, whole carcasses, fetuses and all products unsuitable for human consumption requiring disposal were identified. Recommended solutions took into account the most effective handling manner, causing minimum environmental pollution, reducing any health risks to communities, and converting condemned products into value-added by-products by changing certain waste management processes / strategies. The handling of waste, specifically of condemned products, at 78 red meat abattoirs was analysed.

A alimentação humana requer o suprimento de nutrientes de uma forma balanceada. A carne vermelha é uma perfeita fonte de proteína de alta qualidade por suprimir a necessidade diária de ferro, zinco e de várias vitaminas. Porém, a carne vermelha aumenta o risco de induzir estresse oxidativo no organismo através da formação de radicais e espécies reativas catalisadas pelo ferro, elevando a incidência de câncer colorretal e do sistema gastrointestinal. Lipídeos e proteínas são os principais alvos de tais processos oxidativos, levando à formação de produtos potencialmente mutagênicos, pró-oxidantes e substâncias de aroma indesejado. Com o aumento da população mundial, há uma projeção de acentuado aumento do consumo de carne no mundo demanda por produtos de maior qualidade e estabilidade de prateleira para suprir uma dieta mais saudável. A produção de carne e derivados de superior qualidade sensorial e nutricional é mandatária, além de configurar um desafio científico e tecnológico suprir essa demanda e fornecer uma ingestão saudável de carne. Estudos recentes revelaram que as folhas da erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) possuem propriedades antioxidantes e anti-coccídeas. A utilização de metodologias modernas analíticas, de acordo com abordagens \"ômicas\", permite a caracterização de matrizes complexas por determinação do \"perfil metabólito ou metabólico\". Sendo assim, o presente trabalho se propôs a investigar o padrão metabólico e metabonômico da carne proveniente de animal suplementado com extrato de erva-mate a fim de verificar seu impacto na estabilidade redox do produto. Não foi observada uma mudança qualitativa no perfil metabólico dos animais, apenas uma mudança nos teores dos metabólitos investigados. As maiores concentrações de metabólitos, na maioria das amostras, foram encontradas em animais suplementados com teores de 1,0% e 1,5% de extrato de erva-mate na dieta, apontando uma influência desta no metabolismo animal. Em relação à influência da dieta dos animais no status redox de carne bovina, amostras provenientes de animais alimentados sem suplementação e com 1,5 % de extrato de erva-mate apresentaram, respectivamente, as taxas de formação de radicais mais altas e mais baixas. De fato, houve uma tendência de gerar uma menor concentração de radicais a uma menor taxa em conformidade com o aumento do nível de extrato de erva-mate na dieta. / The human nutrition demands the supply of nutrients in a balanced way. The red meat is a perfect source of protein with a high quality, once it supplies the daily needs of iron, zinc and many vitamins. Although, the red meat increases the risk of inducing the oxidative stress in the organism through the formation of radicals and reactive species catalyzed by iron, increasing the incidence of colorectal and gastro-intestinal system cancer. Lipids and proteins are the main targets of such oxidative process, leading to the formation of products which are potentially mutagenic, prooxidant and substances of an unpleasant smell. Considering the increase of the world population, there is a projection of a sharp increase of meat consumption which is demanded by products of higher quality and stability of shelves to supply a healthier diet. The production of meat and its derivatives of a higher sensorial and nutritional quality is mandatory, besides of characterizing a scientific and technological challenge to supply this demand and offer a healthier ingestion of meat. Recent studies pointed out that the leaves of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) present antioxidant and anticcocidial properties. The usage of modern analytical methodologies, according to omic approaches, allows the characterization of complex matrices by the determination of the \"metabolite or metabolic profile\". On this way, the present study aims at investigating the metabolic and metabonomic pattern and of meat which came from the animal supplemented with the extract of yerba mate in order to analyzing its impact on the redox stability of the product. It was not observed a qualitative change on the metabolic profile of animals, just a change on the levels of the investigated metabolites. The highest concentrations of metabolites, on the major part of samples, were found on animals supplemented with levels of 1.0% and 1.5% of yerba mate extract on the diet, pointing out an influence of it on the metabolism of the animal. Regarding to the influence of the diet on the redox status of the bovine meat, samples from the animals fed without supplementation and with 1.5% of yerba mate extract presented, respectively, the formation rates of higher and shorter radicals. Indeed, there was a tendency to create a lower concentration of radicals and a lower rate in accordance with the increase of the level of the yerba mate extract on the diet.

A alimentação humana requer o suprimento de nutrientes de uma forma balanceada. A carne vermelha é uma perfeita fonte de proteína de alta qualidade por suprimir a necessidade diária de ferro, zinco e de várias vitaminas. Porém, a carne vermelha aumenta o risco de induzir estresse oxidativo no organismo através da formação de radicais e espécies reativas catalisadas pelo ferro, elevando a incidência de câncer colorretal e do sistema gastrointestinal. Lipídeos e proteínas são os principais alvos de tais processos oxidativos, levando à formação de produtos potencialmente mutagênicos, pró-oxidantes e substâncias de aroma indesejado. Com o aumento da população mundial, há uma projeção de acentuado aumento do consumo de carne no mundo demanda por produtos de maior qualidade e estabilidade de prateleira para suprir uma dieta mais saudável. A produção de carne e derivados de superior qualidade sensorial e nutricional é mandatária, além de configurar um desafio científico e tecnológico suprir essa demanda e fornecer uma ingestão saudável de carne. Estudos recentes revelaram que as folhas da erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) possuem propriedades antioxidantes e anti-coccídeas. A utilização de metodologias modernas analíticas, de acordo com abordagens \"ômicas\", permite a caracterização de matrizes complexas por determinação do \"perfil metabólito ou metabólico\". Sendo assim, o presente trabalho se propôs a investigar o padrão metabólico e metabonômico da carne proveniente de animal suplementado com extrato de erva-mate a fim de verificar seu impacto na estabilidade redox do produto. Não foi observada uma mudança qualitativa no perfil metabólico dos animais, apenas uma mudança nos teores dos metabólitos investigados. As maiores concentrações de metabólitos, na maioria das amostras, foram encontradas em animais suplementados com teores de 1,0% e 1,5% de extrato de erva-mate na dieta, apontando uma influência desta no metabolismo animal. Em relação à influência da dieta dos animais no status redox de carne bovina, amostras provenientes de animais alimentados sem suplementação e com 1,5 % de extrato de erva-mate apresentaram, respectivamente, as taxas de formação de radicais mais altas e mais baixas. De fato, houve uma tendência de gerar uma menor concentração de radicais a uma menor taxa em conformidade com o aumento do nível de extrato de erva-mate na dieta. / The human nutrition demands the supply of nutrients in a balanced way. The red meat is a perfect source of protein with a high quality, once it supplies the daily needs of iron, zinc and many vitamins. Although, the red meat increases the risk of inducing the oxidative stress in the organism through the formation of radicals and reactive species catalyzed by iron, increasing the incidence of colorectal and gastro-intestinal system cancer. Lipids and proteins are the main targets of such oxidative process, leading to the formation of products which are potentially mutagenic, prooxidant and substances of an unpleasant smell. Considering the increase of the world population, there is a projection of a sharp increase of meat consumption which is demanded by products of higher quality and stability of shelves to supply a healthier diet. The production of meat and its derivatives of a higher sensorial and nutritional quality is mandatory, besides of characterizing a scientific and technological challenge to supply this demand and offer a healthier ingestion of meat. Recent studies pointed out that the leaves of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) present antioxidant and anticcocidial properties. The usage of modern analytical methodologies, according to omic approaches, allows the characterization of complex matrices by the determination of the \"metabolite or metabolic profile\". On this way, the present study aims at investigating the metabolic and metabonomic pattern and of meat which came from the animal supplemented with the extract of yerba mate in order to analyzing its impact on the redox stability of the product. It was not observed a qualitative change on the metabolic profile of animals, just a change on the levels of the investigated metabolites. The highest concentrations of metabolites, on the major part of samples, were found on animals supplemented with levels of 1.0% and 1.5% of yerba mate extract on the diet, pointing out an influence of it on the metabolism of the animal. Regarding to the influence of the diet on the redox status of the bovine meat, samples from the animals fed without supplementation and with 1.5% of yerba mate extract presented, respectively, the formation rates of higher and shorter radicals. Indeed, there was a tendency to create a lower concentration of radicals and a lower rate in accordance with the increase of the level of the yerba mate extract on the diet.