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Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Cattle
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Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Cattle

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Cattle".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2024 | Viewed by 6260

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gabriella Holló

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Guba Sándor Str. 40, H-7400 Kaposvar, Hungary
Interests: beef quality; carcass value
Prof. Dr. Ferenc Szabó

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Albert Kázmér Faculty of Mosonmagyaróvár, Széchenyi István University, Vár Sguare 2, H-9200 Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
Interests: beef cattle breeding

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Beef, which can come from both the dairy and beef sector, is high-quality animal product that provides essential amino acids, minerals (e.g., iron and zinc), and vitamins, in addition to anti-inflammatory conjugated linoleic acid that humans need. Consumers demand an increase in safe, nutritious, and high-eating-quality beef produced through sustainable and acceptable methods. Experience of flavour, tenderness and juiciness will be most important in shaping quality experience, satisfaction, and future purchase. Beef tenderness is strongly determined by the amount of intramuscular fat, also known as marbling, which can vary according to genetics, age, sex, and feeding. The development of non-invasive, fast, and reliable technologies to accurately evaluate carcass and meat quality parameters is one of the main objectives of the beef industry. Countries with an eating quality grade system evaluate marbling score as one of the carcass quality attributes, which is currently assessed subjectively through graders' scores or objectively with scanner technologies. In recent years, the entire beef production chain has faced significant challenges, from cow farming, raising, fattening, slaughter,  to  packaging, to delivery to the consumer. These challenges, even though the beef comes from either the dairy or beef sector, occurred in order to achieve higher yield and quality, while minimizing environmental emissions.

The aim of this Special Issue is to publish original research papers or reviews concerning genetic regulation of beef quality, several biomarkers related to quality traits, early predictors of unambiguous beef quality, fattening with alternative sources of forages in more variable environmental conditions, the contribution of native cattle, dairy or beef cattle breeds to the beef industry.

Areas of interest: The effect of breed, farming, raising, fattening, feeding, slaughter, processing packaging on beef quality. Improved carcass value cutability with heavier finished animals. Antemortem and postmortem factors to improve eating quality. Accurate grading technology prediction of eating quality or cutability. Sustainable beef production under climate change stressor condition.

You are kindly invited to share your recent research results findings and literary synthesis through this Special Issue. 

Dr. Gabriella Holló
Prof. Dr. Ferenc Szabó
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • cattle genetics
  • carcass cutability
  • carcass quality traits
  • accurate grading technology
  • finishing diet
  • alternative production system
  • tenderness
  • marbling
  • biomarkers

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 500 KiB  
Article
Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in Female Lidia Cattle Slaughtered at Different Ages
by Miguel Ángel Cantarero-Aparicio, Elena Angón, Carlos González-Esquivel, Francisco Peña, Javier Caballero-Villalobos, Eoin G. Ryan and José Manuel Perea
Animals 2024, 14(6), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060850 - 10 Mar 2024
Viewed by 826
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the carcass and meat quality of female Lidia cattle slaughtered at different ages, in order to deepen our understanding of the breed’s unique characteristics. The effect of slaughter age on carcass traits and meat quality [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to assess the carcass and meat quality of female Lidia cattle slaughtered at different ages, in order to deepen our understanding of the breed’s unique characteristics. The effect of slaughter age on carcass traits and meat quality attributes of m. Longissimus was investigated in Lidia heifers (n = 200) and cows (n = 100) reared and finished in an extensive system. The animals were slaughtered at 24–36 months (Heifer I), 36–48 months (Heifer II) or >48 months (Cull cow). The carcasses (~120 kg) presented poor conformation (O, O+) and medium fatness (2, 2+). The dissection of the 6th rib yielded mean values of 58.6%, 14.3% and 24.8% for lean, fat and bone, respectively. The cows had a higher proportion of dissectible fat (p < 0.05). Subcutaneous fat was classified as dark and yellowish, and meat (aged for 21 days) as dark (L* = 25.5), reddish (a* = 14.4) and moderately yellowish (b* = 12.9), with acceptable water-holding capacity (TL = 5.34%; DL = 0.97%; PL = 8.9%; CL = 22.1%) and intermediate tenderness (WBSF = 4.6 kg/cm2). The b* value of meat was higher (p < 0.05) in cull cows. The meat of cull cows was more yellowish (p < 0.05) and obtained higher scores for flavor (p < 0.05), juiciness p < 0.01), overall tenderness (p < 0.001) and overall acceptance (p < 0.001). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Cattle)
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11 pages, 253 KiB  
Article
Effects of Zilpaterol Hydrochloride Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality for Steers Differing in Breed Type
by Jesse O. Fulton, Janna J. Block, Keith R. Underwood, Stacy M. S. Zuelly, Kenneth C. Olson and Amanda D. Blair
Animals 2024, 14(4), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040607 - 13 Feb 2024
Viewed by 634
Abstract
To determine the effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality for steers differing in breed type, steers with British (B; n = 76) or British × Continental (BC; n = 57) backgrounds were allocated to a randomized [...] Read more.
To determine the effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality for steers differing in breed type, steers with British (B; n = 76) or British × Continental (BC; n = 57) backgrounds were allocated to a randomized incomplete block design with a 2 × 2 treatment structure. Pens within each block × breed type were randomly assigned to either ZH (8.3 mg/kg of DM; fed for 20 d before slaughter, followed by a 3-day withdrawal) or control (CON; 0 mg/kg ZH). Steers were subjected to ultrasound immediately before ZH inclusion and following withdrawal to determine the influence of ZH on changes in longissimus muscle area (LMA), fat thickness and percent intramuscular fat (IMF). Carcass data were collected, and the longissimus lumborum was collected for analysis of tenderness, moisture percentage, crude fat content, collagen content, postmortem proteolysis and sensory attributes. The ZH × breed type interaction did not influence (p > 0.05) the feedlot performance, carcass or meat quality attribute traits evaluated, with the exception of moisture percentage. Responses among breed types were as expected for B vs. BC cattle types. Supplementation with ZH improved (p < 0.05) LMA and yield grade but increased Warner–Bratzler shear force. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Cattle)
11 pages, 3822 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Different Zilpaterol Hydrochloride Feed Supplements and Extended Aging Periods on the Meat Quality of Feedlot Bulls
by Edward C. Webb, Rochelle van Emmenis and Andrew M. Cassens
Animals 2024, 14(3), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030361 - 23 Jan 2024
Viewed by 813
Abstract
This study researched the effects of two commercially available zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) β-adrenergic agonists, denoted as ZH-A and ZH-B, on the meat quality characteristics of typical South African feedlot bulls (taurine × indicus composites), over extended aging periods of up to 120 days. [...] Read more.
This study researched the effects of two commercially available zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) β-adrenergic agonists, denoted as ZH-A and ZH-B, on the meat quality characteristics of typical South African feedlot bulls (taurine × indicus composites), over extended aging periods of up to 120 days. The effects of ZH were studied to address concerns about the possible adverse effects of ZH on beef quality following extended aging, which typically occurs during the exportation of beef by boat. The completely randomized control study consisted of 3 homogenous experimental groups, with 3 replicates per treatment and 50 bulls per replicate = 450 animals. Treatments were a negative control (CT) with no ZH supplementation added to the basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with either zilpaterol hydrochloride A (ZH-A) or zilpaterol hydrochloride B (ZH-B), both at 105 g ZH/ton, fed from the first day of the finishing period (D0) for 30 days. Subsamples were collected from 38 random carcasses from each treatment for proximate analysis and meat quality analysis using Longissimus dorsi samples. ZH supplementation decreased meat tenderness (Warner–Bratzler shear force values (WBSF)) of bulls fed ZH-A or ZH-B, compared to those fed the CT diet (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.24). The WBSF values of both ZH treatments were about 0.5–0.8 kg higher during the aging periods compared to the CT, but ZH did not affect post-mortem meat aging or meat quality characteristics differently compared to the CT. Post-mortem aging per se influenced all meat quality characteristics investigated (p < 0.001; η2 > 0.30), showing improvements in WBSF, a decrease in meat colour and an increase in drip and cooking losses. L*-values increased from 3 to 56 days of aging and then decreased to day 120 (p < 0.001; η2 = 032). Chroma values decreased from day 3 to day 120 (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.50). Hue° decreased from day 3 to day 7 and stabilized until day 120 (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.40). Moisture and cooking loss (CL) increased to 56 days and then decreased to 120 days. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Cattle)
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17 pages, 1365 KiB  
Article
The Oxidative and Color Stability of Beef from Steers Fed Pasture or Concentrate during Retail Display
by Alejandra Terevinto, María Cristina Cabrera, Fernanda Zaccari and Ali Saadoun
Animals 2023, 13(18), 2972; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182972 - 20 Sep 2023
Viewed by 813
Abstract
Beef production in Uruguay is based on pasture (~85%) or concentrate (~15%), resulting in differences in meat quality. The objective of this study was to compare the oxidative stability and color of beef from these two systems during refrigerated retail display. For these [...] Read more.
Beef production in Uruguay is based on pasture (~85%) or concentrate (~15%), resulting in differences in meat quality. The objective of this study was to compare the oxidative stability and color of beef from these two systems during refrigerated retail display. For these purposes, the Semimembranosus muscle was removed from ten Aberdeen Angus steers raised and fed on pasture (130 days prior to slaughter) and from another ten steers fed concentrate (100 days prior to slaughter), sliced. The muscles were placed in a refrigerated showcase for 3, 6, and 9 days. The contents of β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and fatty acids were determined before the meat was placed on display. Lipid and protein oxidation, color, and heme iron content were determined before and during display. The meat from pasture-fed steers had a lower intramuscular fat content (1.78 ± 0.15 vs. 4.52 ± 0.46), lower levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, a lower n-6/n-3 ratio, less lipid and protein oxidation, lower L* and a* values, and higher levels of α-linolenic acid, DHA, total n-3, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol. In conclusion, the meat from pasture-fed steers was more stable during retail display from an oxidative point of view, which may be due to its higher levels of antioxidant compounds such as β-carotene and α-tocopherol and had a healthier fatty acid profile for consumers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Cattle)
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16 pages, 381 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Beef Quality and Bull Breed
by Piotr Kostusiak, Jan Slósarz, Marcin Gołębiewski, Tomasz Sakowski and Kamila Puppel
Animals 2023, 13(16), 2603; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162603 - 12 Aug 2023
Viewed by 914
Abstract
The beef industry in Poland heavily relies on the Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) breed, known for its primary use in dairy production, but which also contributes significantly to the beef supply. In contrast, the Limousine (LM), Hereford (HH), and Charolaise (CH) breeds have gained [...] Read more.
The beef industry in Poland heavily relies on the Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) breed, known for its primary use in dairy production, but which also contributes significantly to the beef supply. In contrast, the Limousine (LM), Hereford (HH), and Charolaise (CH) breeds have gained popularity due to their ideal specialized characteristics for beef production. As PHF continues to dominate the beef market, a thorough comparison of its beef quality and nutritional attributes with the three most popular beef breeds in Poland is essential. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a rigorous comparison. The experiment was carried out on the beef from 67 bulls kept in a free-stall system with standardized feeding. The highest total antioxidant status (TAS) was found in CH and was 147.5% higher than that in PHF. Also, compared with PHF, a large difference of 70% was observed in LM, while in HH it was only 6.25%. For degree of antioxidant potential (DAP), the highest concentration was found in LM, while CH had a slightly lower score than LM. PHF had the lowest scores for each of the analyzed parameters of protein fraction. For anserine, taurine, creatinine, and creatine content, the highest results were found for LM. For carnosine and coenzyme Q10, the highest values were found for CH. Overall, these results highlight the impact of maturity and breed on carcass composition and quality. Late-maturing breeds, such as LM and CH, tend to exhibit leaner carcasses with superior fatty acid profiles and antioxidant properties. This knowledge is valuable for producers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding breed selection and production strategies to meet specific market demands for beef with the desired composition and quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Cattle)
12 pages, 297 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Some Myostatin Variants and Meat Production Related Calving, Weaning and Muscularity Traits in Charolais Cattle
by Tamás Csürhés, Ferenc Szabó, Gabriella Holló, Edit Mikó, Márton Török and Szabolcs Bene
Animals 2023, 13(12), 1895; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13121895 - 06 Jun 2023
Viewed by 961
Abstract
The slaughter value of live cattle can be assessed during visual conformation scoring, as well as by examining different molecular genetic information, e.g., the myostatin gene, which can be responsible for muscle development. In this study, the F94L, Q204X, nt267, [...] Read more.
The slaughter value of live cattle can be assessed during visual conformation scoring, as well as by examining different molecular genetic information, e.g., the myostatin gene, which can be responsible for muscle development. In this study, the F94L, Q204X, nt267, nt324 and nt414 alleles of the myostatin gene (MSTN) were examined in relation to birth weight (BIW), calving ease (CAE), 205-day weaning weight (CWW), muscle score of shoulder (MSS), muscle score of back (MSB), muscle score of thigh (MST), roundness score of thigh (RST), loin thickness score (LTS), and overall muscle development percentage (OMP) of Charolais weaned calves in Hungary. Multi-trait analysis of variance (GLM) and weighted linear regression analysis were used to process the data. Calves carrying the Q204X allele in the heterozygous form achieved approximately 0.14 points higher MSB, MST and LTS, and 1.2% higher OMP, and gained 8.56 kg more CWW than their counterparts not carrying the allele (p < 0.05). As for the F94L allele, there was a difference of 4.08 kg in CWW of the heterozygous animals, but this difference could not be proved statistically. The other alleles had no significant effect on the evaluated traits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Cattle)

Review

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10 pages, 426 KiB  
Review
Knowledge Gaps on the Utilization of Fossil Shell Flour in Beef Production: A Review
by Zimkhitha Soji-Mbongo and Thando Conference Mpendulo
Animals 2024, 14(2), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020333 - 21 Jan 2024
Viewed by 738
Abstract
Population growth in many countries results in increased demand for livestock production and quality products. However, beef production represents a complex global sustainability challenge, including meeting the increasing demand and the need to respond to climate change and/or greenhouse gas emissions. Several feed [...] Read more.
Population growth in many countries results in increased demand for livestock production and quality products. However, beef production represents a complex global sustainability challenge, including meeting the increasing demand and the need to respond to climate change and/or greenhouse gas emissions. Several feed resources and techniques have been used but have some constraints that limit their efficient utilization which include being product-specific, not universally applicable, and sometimes compromising the quality of meat. This evokes a need for novel techniques that will provide sustainable beef production and mitigate the carbon footprint of beef while not compromising beef quality. Fossil shell flour (FSF) is a natural additive with the potential to supplement traditional crops in beef cattle rations in response to this complex global challenge as it is cheap, readily available, and eco-friendly. However, it has not gained much attention from scientists, researchers, and farmers, and its use has not yet been adopted in most countries. This review seeks to identify knowledge or research gaps on the utilization of fossil shell flour in beef cattle production, with respect to climate change, carcass, and meat quality. Addressing these research gaps would be a step forward in developing sustainable and eco-friendly beef production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Cattle)
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