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This study was to evaluate the difference in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 3 contrasting integrated crop and livestock production systems in Gansu of China from 1991 to 2016 using the life cycle assessment technique. The three systems were located in different regions: Hexi Oasis (dry arid, intensive crop/livestock production), Loess Plateau (semi-arid/semi-humid, dominated by extensive crop production) and Qinling Bashan Mountains (moist-subtropical, extensive crop/livestock production). The data used were collated from 525 farms (35 farms/county and 5 counties/region) thorough official statistical records and farm survey. The ANOVA analysis of average data from 2012 to 2016 indicated that Loess Plateau had a higher CO2 equivalent (CO2-eq) emission factor per kg DM product of maize and flaxseed than other 2 regions (P< 0.05), while a lower rate per kg beef carcass weight. Qinling Bashan Mountains had a lower emission factor for producing 1 ¥ of crop products than other 2 regions (P< 0.05). The evaluation of change in GHG emissions from 1991 to 2016 indicated that CO2-eq per kg carcass of pork, beef, and lamb in the 3 production systems generally declined during this period, but emissions per kg DM of potato, rapeseed, and maize increased. However, CO2-eq per ¥ of crop and livestock products tended to decrease from 1991 to 2016, driven mainly by market price and productivity. The present results provide the benchmark information for local policy makers and agricultural industries to make informed decisions for mitigation of GHG emissions from agricultural production in Gansu of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The bolar blade, striploin and topside cuts from dark cutting (DC) and normal (nDC) beef carcasses were compared in terms of their eating quality, oxidation and colour traits. Carcass grades were assigned so that striploins assessed to have pH > 5.7 were classified DC. Cuts were aged (14 and 28 d) before their shear force, sarcomere length, ultimate pH, particle size, TBARS, drip and cooking losses, and colour stability traits were analysed. DC effects on tenderness traits were not uniform across all cuts. Only TBARS was influenced by grade and ageing period interactions. Colorimetric variation due to grade was more evident in the striploin than the other cuts, although this was independent to ageing or display. Cuts themselves differed and were impacted by ageing and display periods. It was concluded that unlike the topside and striploin, the bolar blade from DC carcasses had comparable quality to nDC and could therefore retain its value if priced independent to the entire carcasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, a medium voltage electrical stimulation (ES) system with three parameter combinations (A: 1A, 1.55 ms pulse width, 27 s; B: 0.55A, 1 ms pulse width, 34 s; C: 0.55A, 2 ms pulse width, 20s) were applied to beef carcases (n = 24; 319 ± 26.4 kg), in the context of a very slow pH decline rate in the abattoir. All the ES combinations significantly accelerated the rate of pH decline (reflected by temp@pH 6.0, i.e. temperature when pH drops to 6.0), resulting in a tenderness improvement even after 14 days ageing compared to the controls. Sarcomere length was not different between treatments and controls, and it was not a contributor to the tenderness improvement, instead, physical disruption revealed by transmission electron microscopic images may have led to the improvement. Retail colour was significantly improved by either combination B or C after 7 days of ageing. Combination B shows the most promise for commercial application, however, verification on more animals is required before commercial adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the use of molecular breeding values (MBVs) for carcass traits to sort steers into quality grid and lean meat yield (LMY) groups. A discovery set of 2,609 animals with genotypes and carcass phenotypes was used to predict MBVs for LMY and marbling score (MBS) for 299 Angus, 181 Charolais, and 638 Kinsella Composite steers using genomic best linear unbiased prediction. Steers were sorted in silico into four MBV groups namely Quality (with MBVs greater than the mean for LMY and MBS), Lean (with MBVs greater than the mean for LMY but less than or equal to the mean for MBS), Marbling (with MBVs greater than the mean for MBS but less than or equal to the mean for LMY), and Other (with MBVs lower than the mean for LMY and MBS). Carcass phenotypes on the steers were then collected at slaughter and evaluated for consistency with the assigned MBV groups using descriptive statistics and least square analysis. Accuracy of MBV predictions was assessed by Pearson's correlation between predicted MBV and adjusted phenotype divided by the square root of trait heritability. Genomic breed compositions were predicted for all steers to correct for possible population stratification and breed effects in the test model. The number of steers that met the expected carcass outcome was counted to produce actual percentages for each MBV group. Results showed that on average, Quality and Marbling groups had greater back-fat and more marbling across the three populations while Lean group had leaner carcasses. Carcass weights were similar across MBV groups. Within MBV groups, decreases in variability were observed for most traits suggesting improvement in carcass uniformity. Greater than 70% of the steers in Quality, Lean, and Marbling groups met the Quality Grid and Y1-LMY target for Angus and Charolais but not for Kinsella composite. The accuracy of MBV prediction ranged from 0.43 to 0.59 indicating that up to 35% of the observed carcass trait variability can be predicted, which suggests utility of MBV as a marker-assisted management tool to sort feeder cattle into uniform carcass endpoint groups under similar environmental and management conditions. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the performance of feeder cattle sorted based on MBV and managed for different carcass endpoints as well as the cost–benefit implications for feedlot operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Within 24 h post-mortem , loin surfaces of Australian beef carcasses (n = 436) were evaluated using the Nix Pro Color Sensor™ (NIX). The potential for colorimetrics (L*, a*, b*, hue and chroma) to discriminate between dark cutting (DC) and non-dark cutting (nDC) carcasses was compared. For this purpose, a chroma threshold of 30.5 delivered maximum total sensitivity and specificity. The bolar blade, striploin and topside from a selection of DC and nDC carcasses were also removed, aged for 14 d and tested for shear force, drip loss, cooking loss, ultimate pH, colour change over 3 d display (ΔE), and sarcomere length. Association between chroma values and these quality traits were investigated by linear models. The hypothesis of zero slope was rejected (P < 0.05) for pH on striploin and topside, but the models had poor predictive ability (R 2 = 0.23). The NIX was found to be a viable grading tool, with limited capacity to provide additional insights into beef quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to enhance estimates of additive, dominance, and epistatic effects of marker polymorphisms on beef carcass and quality traits. Myostatin (MSTN) F94L SNP and the µ-calpain (CAPN1) 316 and 4751 SNP haplotype have previously been associated with fat and muscle traits in beef cattle. Multiyear selection in a composite population segregating these polymorphisms increased minor allele (F94L L) and chosen haplotype (CAPN1 CC and GT) frequencies to intermediate levels resulting in more precise estimates of additive and nonadditive genetic effects. During the 3 yr after selection, 176 steers were evaluated for growth, carcass, meat quality, tenderness (n = 103), and meat color traits. The statistical model included year, age of dam, age of the steer, and genotype in a random animal model. The 9 genotypes (3 CAPN1 diplotypes × 3 F94L genotypes) affected marbling score, ribeye area, adjusted fat thickness, vision yield grade (all P < 0.001), slice shear force (P = 0.03), and CIE L* reflectance (P = 0.01). Linear contrasts of the 9 genotypes estimated additive, recessive, and epistatic genetic effects. Significant additive effects of the F94L L allele decreased marbling score, adjusted fat thickness, vision yield grade, and slice shear force; and increased ribeye area and CIE L* reflectance. The homozygous F94L FF and LL genotypes differed by 1.3 to 1.9 phenotypic SD for most carcass traits and by 0.8 to 0.9 SD for slice shear force and CIE L * reflectance but carcass weight differed by only 3 kg (0.1 SD). The L allele was partially recessive to F for ribeye area (P = 0.02) and the heterozygous FL means tended to be closer to the FF genotype than the LL genotype for other carcass traits but differences from additive were not significant. The CAPN1 additive × F94L additive effect on slice shear force was the only significant epistatic estimate. The F94L L allele is prevalent in Limousin but nearly absent in other U.S. purebreds. This allele had about half of the effects on birth weight, muscle, and fat traits reported for severe MSTN mutations in Belgian Blue and Piedmontese breeds. The interaction between MSTN and CAPN1 genotypes may reflect the strong additive effects of MSTN F94L L allele on fat and muscle traits interfering with the phenotypic effect of CAPN1 genotype on meat tenderness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In most developing countries like Uganda, antimicrobials including β-lactams and tetracyclines are used indiscriminately in livestock. When livestock get sick and treatment is necessary, some producers and veterinarians use these drugs with minimal controls to prevent residues from occurring in the beef sent to markets. This study was done to determine the presence of drug residues above acceptable limits of two commonly used antimicrobials in Uganda’s rural and urban beef. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 134 cattle carcasses from eight different slaughter slabs over twelve weeks. This study entailed 81 samples of rural and 53 samples of urban origin. To enable detailed analysis these samples were categorized according to age (maturity), breed, and sex. For each of the 134 carcasses, three samples of liver, kidney and muscle were taken and homogeneously mixed into one sample, which was tested for β-lactam and tetracycline drug residues. Results: The results were statistically significant for β-lactam levels (χ2 = 22.10, df = 10, p = 0.0146) with average concentration (μg/kg) of 2.93:29.3 (rural: urban), though not for tetracycline levels (χ2 = 3.594, df = 10, P = 0.9638) with average concentration (μg/kg) of 5.028:12.83 (rural: urban). Age (maturity) had significant effect at all values of antibiotic level (F(1, 68) = 5.06, p = 0.0278). Age effect was extremely significant (F(1, 68) = 15.51, p = 0.0002). Conclusion: A significant difference existed in drug residue proportions of β-lactam and tetracycline antimicrobials among Uganda’s rural and urban beef. A significant difference also occured in drug residue proportions of these two commonly used antimicrobials related to age (maturity), but neither breed, nor sex, of Uganda’s rural and urban beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The problem of segmenting the cross-section through the longissimus muscle in beef carcasses with computer vision methods was investigated. The available data were 111 images of crosssections coming from 28 cows (typically four images per cow). Training data were the pixels of the muscles, marked manually. The AlexNet deep convolutional neural network was used as the classifier, and single pixels were the classified objects. Each pixel was presented to the network together with its small circular neighbourhood, and with its context represented by the further neighbourhood, darkened by halving the image intensity. The average classification accuracy was 96%. The accuracy without darkening the context was found to be smaller, with a small but statistically significant difference. The segmentation of the longissimus muscle is the introductory stage for the next steps of assessing the quality of beef for the alimentary purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of a single injection of extended-release eprinomectin on economically relevant production variables in beef cows and calves as well as subsequent feedlot health, performance, and carcass traits of calves compared with a traditional, short duration anthelmintic. Animals from 13 cooperator herds across seven states were stratified within herd and assigned to one of two treatments; injectable doramectin (DOR; Dectomax; n = 828) or injectable eprinomection (EPR; Longrange; n = 832). Fecal samples were randomly collected from a subset of cows at both treatment and the end of grazing to evaluate fecal egg count (FEC). Continuous and categorical data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS, respectively. Cow treatment body weight (BW) and final BW were not different (P ≥ 0.40) between treatments. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.12) between treatments in cow ADG, change in BW, or body condition scores during the grazing season. While FEC at treatment did not differ (P = 0.18), cows treated with EPR had lower final FEC at the end of the grazing season (P = 0.02) and a greater reduction of FEC over the grazing season (P = 0.01). Calf treatment BW, weaning BW, and ADG did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.34). Incidence of pinkeye tended to be less (P = 0.06) for cows treated with EPR but was not different for calves (P = 0.43). Conception to AI, overall pregnancy rates, and calving interval were not different between treatments (P ≥ 0.45). A subset of calves from each herd was sent to Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity (TCSCF) feedlot for the finishing phase. Calf BW did not differ at initiation of feeding (P = 0.20). While EPR calves tended to be heavier at reimplantation (P = 0.07), final BW and overall ADG were not different between treatments (P ≥ 0.13). Health records indicated lower morbidity for EPR calves (P = 0.05). Carcass performance including HCW, dressing percent, backfat, KPH, REA, YG, were not different between treatment groups (P ≥ 0.12). However, EPR calves had a greater marbling score, greater average quality grade (P < 0.01), and higher proportion of calves that graded average choice or greater (P = 0.03). Results of this study indicate no difference in cow or preweaning calf performance, however, carcass quality in the feedlot phase was improved. Thus, economic analysis indicates opportunities for return on investment if animals treated with EPR have improved health status and/or carcass quality during the feeding phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to determine the effects of dry and wet conditions during the preweaning on subsequent feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of beef cattle. Steers (n = 7,432) and heifers (n = 2,361) finished in 16 feedlots in southwestern Iowa through the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Cooperative were used for a retrospective analysis. Cattle originated in the Midwest (Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota) and were born in February, March, or April of 2002 through 2013. Feedlot performance and carcass composition data were obtained for each animal. Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) values were obtained for each animal's preweaning environment on a monthly basis. Mean PDSI values were used to classify conditions as dry (≤−2.0), normal (>−2.0 and <2.0), or wet (≥2.0) for the cool (April and May), warm (June through August), and combined (April through August) forage growing seasons preweaning. Mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of PDSI class on subsequent performance. Calf sex, date of birth (as day of year), year, and feedlot were also included as fixed effects. When considering PDSI class during the cool season, cattle from normal and wet classes had a greater feedlot delivery BW (P < 0.0001) than dry. Dry and normal classes had greater (P ≤ 0.02) delivery BW than wet during the warm and combined seasons, however. For the cool season, average daily gain was greater (P < 0.0001) for the dry class than normal and wet. Cattle from the normal class for the cool season had greater (P = 0.001) final BW than wet, but the wet class had the greatest (P < 0.04) and dry class had the lowest (P < 0.01) final BW during the warm season. During the cool season, HCW was greater (P < 0.007) for the normal than wet class, although HCW was greater (P ≤ 0.02) for wet compared with dry and normal during the warm season. Calculated yield grade was lower (P ≤ 0.006) for the normal class during the cool season compared with dry and wet. For both the warm and combined seasons, the dry class had lower (P ≤ 0.004) calculated yield grade compared with normal and wet. Carcasses from cattle that experienced normal or wet warm seasons had greater (P ≤ 0.0005) marbling scores than dry, and normal had greater (P = 0.0009) marbling score than dry for the combined seasons. In conclusion, these data indicate that both dry and wet conditions during the preweaning phase may impact ultimate feedlot performance and carcass composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and eighty beef bulls (BW = 337 ± 10.9 kg) were blocked by BW (6 blocks) and assigned randomly to one of three treatments on day 0: 1) INJ; received 1 mL (100 mg Zn) of a Zn solution in each testis, 2) BAN; received blood-restrictive rubber band placed upon the dorsal aspect of the scrotum, and 3) BUL; bulls with testicles remaining intact. Cattle were grouped by weight block in a randomized complete block design (three treatment pens/block and 10 cattle/pen) and harvested by block on three separate dates when blocks reached similar BW and visual subcutaneous fat thickness depth. Striploins were removed from the left carcass sides, vacuum packaged and aged for 14 d, and then frozen at −20 °C. Frozen striploins were sliced into 2.54-cm-thick steaks and remained frozen until analyses. Steaks (n = 3/animal) were used to assess consumer acceptability via consumer taste panel (n = 152 panelists), Warner-Bratzler shear force, percentage cook loss, and cooked color values. Data were analyzed using mixed model procedures; pen was the experimental unit for all dependent variables. Hot carcass weights and LM area were greater (P < 0.01) for the INJ and BUL treatments compared with BAN. Mean yield grade did not differ between treatments (P = 0.12), although BAN carcasses had smaller LM area (P < 0.01) than BUL or INJ carcasses. Percentage of USDA Choice or better carcasses was greater (P < 0.01) for BAN than INJ and BUL treatments. Consumer panelists detected a difference in perceived tenderness; BAN steaks had greater (P = 0.02) tenderness scores than BUL steaks, whereas INJ steaks were intermediate. Panelists rated juiciness of BAN steaks greater (P < 0.01) than either BUL or INJ steaks. Panelists rated beef flavor greater (P = 0.01) for BAN and BUL steaks than INJ steaks. Overall acceptability was greater (P < 0.01) for BAN compared with INJ steaks, whereas BUL steaks were intermediate. Percentage cook loss of striploin steaks (P = 0.47) and Warner-Bratzler shear force values (P = 0.11) did not differ. Cooked color lightness (L *) and redness (a *) values were not affected (P ≥ 0.23) by treatment. Striploin steaks from BAN and BUL treatments had greater (P = 0.02) yellowness values (b *) than INJ steaks. The ratio of red-to-brown (630:580 nm) of cooked striploin steaks was greater (P = 0.05) for INJ than either BAN or BUL treatments. Carcass and palatability outcomes of INJ were more similar to BUL than BAN, suggesting limited efficacy of INJ in mature beef bulls at feedlot entry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Primary cooling did not affect qualitatively the composition of the potentially active microbiota. • Slight changes of like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were observed after cooling. • Co-occurrence and co-exclusion analyses underline competition for the colonisation of the carcass surface. • Carcass microbiota composition was mainly influenced by the animal's origin. The impact of primary cooling on beef microbiota was investigated on six beef carcasses consecutively processed with the parallel use of metataxonomic and culture-dependent analysis. Samples were collected immediately after slaughtering (AS) and after the 24th-hour post-cooling (PC) from three different surfaces, namely neck, flank and thigh. The main objective was to examine whether the microbiota composition of beef carcasses changes as function of the surface sampled, primary cooling (from AS to PC) and animal's origin (breeder). The outcomes underline that primary cooling did not affect qualitatively the composition of the potentially active microbiota or the carcass superficial counts. Although slight changes in chemical-physical parameters like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were observed after cooling, the carcasses microbiota and its inferred metabolic pathways varied among animals as a function of their origin. Co-occurrence and co-exclusion analyses underlined competition for the colonisation of the carcass surface between Brochothrix-Psychrobacter and Carnobacterium-Serratia-Pseudomonas. Once integrated in a comprehensive monitoring of the supply chain, the metataxonomic characterisation of the beef carcasses microbiota might represent a valid integrative approach to define the cuts' perishability and their appropriateness to specific packaging and storage methods. These new bits of knowledge could be the base to define good strategies for the prevention of meat spoilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing consumer interest in meat quality, the need for accurate quality assessment becomes increasingly important. One crucial factor of Korean beef quality is the longissimus muscle area, which is closely associated with both quality and yield grade. Currently, the measurement is visually assessed, introducing subjectivity and placing a substantial burden on inspectors in terms of labor. To address these challenges, we have developed a compact image acquisition system designed to acquire accurate grading assessment images of beef carcasses. Several preprocessing steps after image acquisition were conducted, including radial distortion correction and color calibration. We have employed conventional image-processing techniques and four deep-learning models to segment the longissimus muscle area using the calibrated images. Among the segmentation models, DeepLab model based on ResNet50 achieved the highest accuracy. It demonstrated a Global Accuracy, Weighted IoU, and Mean BF Score of approximately 99.26%, 98.54%, and 95.70%, respectively. The results of our study are expected to contribute to the development of objective criteria for loin area assessment. By enabling precise and consistent determination of beef carcass quality, our research has the potential to reduce labor requirements for inspectors and provide a standardized approach to assessing loin area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial community in the rumen has an important role in the health and production of beef cattle providing up to 70% of the daily energy requirements from the metabolism of otherwise non-digestible dietary carbohydrates. Diet is often the largest determinant of rumen microbiome composition, but it is also affected by host age, genetics, and sex. Performance attributes such as average daily gain and feed efficiency have all been linked to the rumen microbiome and recent studies with relatively small numbers of cattle have also suggested there may be an association with certain beef quality traits such as marbling, which largely determines the carcass value. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association of the rumen microbiota with carcass merit and beef quality traits. Two hundred steers were slaughtered, and rumen samples were collected immediately post-slaughter. Subsequently, carcass merit and meat quality attributes were evaluated. The rumen microbiota of these animals was then characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Although we did not identify a significant association between marbling score and the structure of the rumen microbiota (PERMANOVA; P > 0.05), there were significant associations between rumen microbial community structure and commercial weight, dressed weight percentage, drip loss, and intramuscular fat content (P < 0.05). There were also individual bacterial taxa that were correlated with various carcass merit and beef quality traits. Members of the Acidaminococcus genus were negatively associated with both intramuscular fat content and marbling score (P < 0.10) while Coprococcus, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group, Moryella, and Prevotella were among those genera positively correlated with intramuscular fat content (P < 0.10). Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group, Moryella, and Prevotella were also significantly associated with dressed weight percentage. Commercial weight was positively correlated with the genera Catonella, Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group, Pseudoramibacter, Selenomonas, and Sutterella and negatively associated with Oribacterium and Ruminococcaceae UCG-001 (P < 0.10). Therefore, bacteria within these genera may be ideal targets for future microbiomebased strategies to improve carcass merit and beef quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research study was to determine the accuracy of ultrasound scanning to predict post-harvest carcass data. Beefmaster steers (n = 47) representing two different sires were ultrasounded 62 d before harvest using an Aloka 500 ultrasound unit, equipped with a 17.2cm probe to collect 12th rib fat thickness (FTU), 12th rib longissimus muscle area (LMAU), intramuscular fat (%FatU) and rumpfat (RFU). Beef Image Analysis (BIA) software was used to determine FTU, REAU, %FatU and RFU using chuteside captured ultrasound images on all steers. Carcass data collection included 12th rib fat thickness (FTC), 12th rib longissimus muscle area (REAC) and marbling score (MS). Additionally, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and ether extraction (EE) estimates were determined on 12 to 13th longissimus muscle samples. All carcass data were collected by the Beef Carcass Research Center at West Texas A&M University. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Simple descriptive statistics were 1.03 ± 0.25 cm, 90.1 ± 8.64 cm2, 457.3 ± 74.7, 1.35 ± 0.38, 5.75 ± 1.83, 3.86 ± .64 kg for FTU, REAU, %FatU, RFU, EE and WBSF, respectively. Simple descriptive statistics were 18 ± 0.35 cm, 89.72 ± 7.74 cm2, and 504.7 ± 67.2 for FTC, REAC and MS, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.72 (P < 0.0001) between FTU and FTC, 0.52 (P < 0.0002) between REAU and REAC, and 0.45 (P < 0.0017) between %FatU and MS. Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.45 (P < 0.0017) between EE and %FatU and 0.72 (P < 0.0001) between EE and MS. These results suggest that ultrasound measures of final body composition should be taken closer to the final harvest date to better estimate endpoints of fat thickness, longissimus muscle area and intramuscular fat in harvest ready beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of anesthetic and analgesic administration at castration on the dry matter and water intake, growth, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics of beef steers. Angus (n = 14) and Simmental x Angus (n = 12) bulls (200 to 278 days of age) were randomly assigned to 2 treatments by breed. Control (CON) bulls were castrated by elastration with no pain management. Pain managed (PM) bulls were castrated by elastration, but also received an anesthetic (lidocaine + 10% sodium bicarbonate; 15 to 20 mL) injection and an oral analgesic (meloxicam; 0.992 mg per kg BW). Initial BW = 325.4 ± 36.9 kg and 299.3 ± 48.2 kg for CON and PM bulls, respectively. Steers were provided with ad libitum access to feed and water using an Insentec RIC system (Hokofarm, Marknesse, Netherlands). Beginning 2 weeks after castration, steers received 2 diets containing increasing energy concentrations at weekly intervals until reaching a finishing diet. Steers were implanted 28 d after castration. Dry matter intake (DMI), diet water intake (DWI), liquid water intake (LWI), and total water intake (TWI) were collected from d -7 to d 195. Depression scores were determined at 6, 18, and 30 h after castration. Body weights were collected on d -7, d 0, d 7, d 14, d 21, d 28, and d 195. Camera carcass data and USDA Yield and Quality Grades were collected at slaughter. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS and significance was declared at P < 0.05. Dry matter intake, water intake, and BW were analyzed by periods beginning 1 week before castration (d -7 to d -1). Periods 2, 3, and 4 were the weeks following castration (d 0 to d 6, d 7 to d 13, and d 14 to d 20, respectively). Period 5 was from d 21 to d 195 and overall was from d 0 to d 195. Dry matter intake, DWI, LWI and TWI were unaffected by treatment. Average daily gain (P = 0.0178) and G:F (P = 0.0130) were influenced by treatment x period interactions. Pain managed steers gained faster (ADG: 1.26 vs 0.48 kg/d; P = 0.0069) and more efficiently (G:F: 0.148 vs 0.051; P = 0.0032) than CON cattle in the week following castration. Depression scores, carcass characteristics, overall ADG, and overall feed and water intake were not different. Pain management at time of castration improves ADG and G:F in the short term; however, the effects are not different over the duration of the feeding period. Further research is needed to determine the best method of castration pain management for beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of a constant current electrical stimulation (CCES) system and hormonal growth-promoting (HGP) implants on the quality and palatability of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) from yearling-finished steers. The experiment used a total of 46 Angus cross steers, which were either non-implanted (n = 20) or implanted with trenbolone acetate and estradiol benzoate (n = 26). The CCES was applied to one side of each carcass during the slaughter process, whereas the other side remained unstimulated. Regardless of the application of HGP implants, the CCES reduced pH at 3 and 72 h post-mortem and shear force at all ageing times (P < 0.05), improved colour at 72 h post-mortem and during the retail display (P < 0.05), increased initial and overall tenderness (P < 0.01), and decreased the amount of perceived connective tissue and the proportion of trained panelists detecting spongy texture (P < 0.05) compared to meat from unstimulated carcass sides. Although CCES increased meat purge losses and reduced moisture content (P < 0.05), this did not affect meat juiciness (P > 0.10). CCES interacted with HGP to prevent increase in drip loss (P > 0.10), increase frequency of panelists detecting bloody/serumy flavour and typical texture, and reduce the proportion of panelists detecting rubbery texture in meat (P < 0.05). Regardless of stimulation treatment, meat from implanted animals had a more pronounced pH decline at 72 h post-mortem (P < 0.05) and a higher proportion of panelists finding no off-flavours (P < 0.05) or bloody/serumy flavour (P < 0.01) than non-implanted cattle. The CCES system tested in this study improved LTL quality and palatability of heavier beef carcasses. • A constant current electrical stimulation system (CCES) hastened meat pH decline. • CCES reduced shear force and improved meat colour, tenderness and texture traits. • Implants together with CCES prevented drip loss and improved texture/flavour traits. • More panelists found no off-flavour or bloody flavour in meat from implanted steers. • The CCES developed is an effective method to improve beef quality and palatability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The rearing period had minor effects on meat physic-chemical characteristics. • The finishing period affects fat, but not muscle color. • The finishing period affects total fatty acid content and fatty acids proportions. • Sensory characteristic did not differ when all consumers were considered. • Sensory characteristic differ when consumer clusters were generated. The present study evaluates the effects of extending the rearing period on pasture for 0, 49, and 98 d (beyond 300 kg of live weight) and of finishing on a concentrate diet for 49 and 98 d on beef carcass quality, meat and subcutaneous fat color, shear-force, fatty acid profile and on consumer sensory quality of meat. No major interactions were observed throughout the study. Increasing the rearing period increased slaughter and carcass weight and fat thickness with no other effects on meat quality. Extending the finishing period increased slaughter and carcass weight, fat thickness, and longissimus muscle area with no effects on meat color, shear-force and cooking loses. Longissimus fatty acid profile was altered by extending the finishing period with greater amounts of total FA and proportion of C18:1 cis-9 while decreasing the proportion of n-3 polyunsaturated FA. There were no effects of extending the rearing and finishing periods on consumer evaluation of sensory traits. However, evaluation of consumer clusters found greater overall and flavor liking scores for meat from steers with the shortest rearing period for Cluster-1 while Cluster-2 gave greater flavor liking scores to beef from steers where the finishing period was extended. The results suggest slaughter weight can be increased by extending the finishing period without negatively affecting consumer quality, while extending the rearing period may have a negative impact on. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture and food systems contribute significantly to climate change. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity from beef production are high when compared to other livestock production systems and, therefore, mitigation of these emissions is urgently required. In many countries dairy-beef is making a large and growing contribution to total beef output thereby reducing net emissions given the lower emissions intensity of beef originating from the dairy herd when compared to specialized beef-cow systems. GHG emissions from dairy-beef systems can be further reduced by adopting best practice and mitigation technologies. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate a range of management practices to reduce GHG emissions for pasture-based beef cattle production systems, (2) model the individual and combined impacts of these management practices on GHG emissions from dairy-beef systems, and (3) identify any trade-offs between GHG emissions mitigation, farm profitability, food security and land use. A farm level bioeconomic systems model was modified to evaluate spring-born, steer production systems finishing cattle at differing slaughter ages and from contrasting forage-based finishing diets (grazed grass or grass silage, each supplemented with concentrates). Mitigation measures included earlier slaughter age, optimal slurry management, urease inhibitors for nitrogen (N) fertilizers, replacing cereals with 'by-products' in concentrate feed rations and incorporating clover in grassland pastures. Combining mitigation strategies reduced dairy-beef systems GHG emissions intensity by an average of 21%. Incorporating clover in grassland pastures was found to be the most profitable stand-alone mitigation strategy increasing net margin by an average of 18%. Substituting by-products for barley in a concentrate ration converted all systems into net producers of human edible protein; otherwise, steer systems finishing at pasture during the third grazing season were the only net producers of human-edible protein. However, finishing at pasture during the third grazing season increased GHG emissions per animal and per kilogram of beef carcass. Within a grass-based dairy-beef system, such as that modelled in this study, a number of complementary GHG emissions mitigation strategies can be implemented, without making substantive changes to the production system, while simultaneously improving farm profitability. [Display omitted] • A growing proportion of global beef output is originating from the dairy herd. • A number of GHG emissions mitigation strategies were identified and applied to pasture-based dairy-beef systems. • Combining GHG mitigation strategies was found to be the most effective way of reducing GHG emissions. • Trade-offs were found whereby there was no single mitigation strategy thatoptimized all sustainability metrics. • A number of GHG mitigation strategies can be implemented without making substantive changes to the farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was evaluated for its accuracy in predicting total lean, fat and bone in beef carcass sides and primal cuts. Left carcass sides (n = 316) were broken down into primal cuts, scanned using DXA and then dissected to fat, lean and bone. The DXA estimates for bone, lean and fat from the primals (n = 237) were used to calibrate partial least squares regression (PLSR) models for predicting tissue weights. Models were validated using 79 additional carcass sides, which were broken into primals, scanned using DXA, and subsequently dissected to fat, lean and bone. Models were highly accurate for predicting tissue weights for the entire carcass side (lean R2 = 0.991, fat R2 = 0.985 and bone R2 = 0.941) and within most primal cuts. Results suggest DXA technology can be utilized to accurately predict carcass tissue composition for whole carcass sides and within most primals. Highlights • DXA can accurately predict tissue composition from primal cuts and full beef carcass sides. • The DXA yield models developed are robust and could perhaps be applied more broadly. • DXA could provide highly accurate carcass composition data for genetic and nutritional improvement to the beef industry and to researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Calves were followed from arrival to rearing farm (appr. 23 days of age) to slaughter. • Increased SAA concentration on arrival was negatively associated with growth until 15 months of age. • Increased globulin concentration lengthened the time before the first antimicrobial treatment. • No difference in health or growth was observed between the groups of ten and forty calves. Abstract Efficient dairy-beef production relies on good quality of purchased calves, defined by breed, health, and growth characteristics. Several management factors, such as commingling of calves and large group size, predispose calves to diseases. Acute phase proteins are sensitive detectors of calf diseases. We studied the associations between group size, serum acute phase proteins, immunoglobulin G (IgG), calf morbidity and growth of dairy-beef calves in a random field trial in a calf-rearing unit in Finland. The randomized trial was carried out at a calf rearing unit, where approximately 80 dairy or crossbred calves were allocated either into a single group of 40 calves or into four groups of 10 on arrival at the calf-rearing unit (at age 24.1 SD ± 9.2 days). The study was carried out on 6 arrival batches: 476 calves. Calves were clinically examined and blood sampled on arrival (day 0), and haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), albumin and IgG were determined. Calves were weighed on arrival (day 0, average age 24.1 days), at the end of the milk feed period (day 49), at approximately 200 days of age and at slaughter (carcass weight) at 15–18 months of age. During the rearing calves were observed by the farm workers and treated, if necessary, according to predetermined instructions of the veterinary surgeon. All NSAID and antimicrobial treatments were recorded and used as morbidity indicators in statistical analysis. There were no differences in the numbers of antimicrobial treatments or growth among the groups. The majority (84.1%) of antimicrobial treatments were used against respiratory tract infections. Higher concentrations of albumin and IgG on arrival extended the time before the first and the second antimicrobial treatments. Complex relationships between group size, morbidity, concentrations of serum acute phase proteins and IgG at arrival, and growth of calves were explored. Group size of 10 calves did not protect calves from respiratory tract infections, when the small groups were sharing the air space with a large group. An increased SAA concentration on arrival was associated with poorer average daily gain at two rearing periods and with lower carcass weight at slaughter. Serum proteins could be valuable health indicators for purchased calves because they have numerous and variable associations with health and growth. The mechanisms that connect increased SAA concentration and poorer average daily gain over the long term remain unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dry-aging on meat quality and microbiological properties of grass-fed beef loins. At 7 d postmortem, eighteen bone-in loins ( M. longissimus lumborum ) from 9 beef carcasses (USDA Select) were obtained. Each loin was cut in half yielding a total of 36 sections, which were assigned to three aging methods: wet-aging (WA); dry-aging (DA); and dry-aging in a water permeable bag (DW). DA resulted in greater shrink and trim loss compared to WA ( P  < 0.05). However, DW minimized moisture and trim loss resulting in an increase in total saleable yield up to 4%. DA samples were lowest in both aerobic/anaerobic bacteria ( P  < 0.05). DA steaks had significantly higher flavor and tenderness preferences compared to WA counterparts. Consumers determined DW to have greater juiciness compared with WA ( P  < 0.05). Our findings indicate that dry-aging could improve eating quality attributes of low marbled grass-fed beef without adversely affecting microbial characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic and phenotypic parameters for feed efficiency, growth, and carcass traits for Australian Angus beef cattle were estimated. Growth traits included birth weight (BWT), 200-d weight (200dWT), 400-d weight (400dWT), and 600-d weight (600dWT). Traits associated with feed efficiency were average daily weight gain (ADG), metabolic midweight, average of daily feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), residual feed intake (RFI), and residual gain (RG). Carcass traits involved were carcass eye muscle area (CEMA), carcass intramuscular fat (IMF), subcutaneous fat depths at the 12th/13th rib (CRIB), rump P8 fat depth (P8FAT), and carcass weight (CWT). For growth traits, heritability estimates ranged from 0.14 ± 0.03 for 200dWT to 0.48 ± 0.06 for 600dWT. For feed efficiency traits, direct heritability estimates for FI, FCR, RFI, and RG were 0.55 ± 0.08, 0.20 ± 0.06, 0.40 ± 0.07, and 0.19 ± 0.06, respectively. High heritability estimates were observed for CEMA, IMF, P8FAT, and CWT of 0.52 ± 0.09, 0.61 ± 0.09, 0.55 ± 0.09, and 0.66 ± 0.09, respectively. Strong positive genetic correlations were found for FI with 200dWT, 400dWT, and 600dWT of 0.68 ± 0.09, 0.42 ± 0.11, and 0.61 ± 0.07, respectively. Weak genetic correlations were observed between RFI and growth traits. For carcass traits, genetic correlations between RFI and CEMA, IMF, CRIB, P8FAT, CWT were −0.19 ± 0.14, 0.31 ± 0.14, 0.18 ± 0.16, 0.24 ± 0.13, and 0.40 ± 0.12, respectively. There was a tendency for low to moderate unfavorable genetic associations between feed efficiency traits, evaluated as RFI and RG, with growth and carcass traits. This implies that selection for RFI would have slight negative impacts on growth and reduce carcass quality. To avoid this, it would be necessary to build selection indices to select feed efficient animals without compromising growth and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study investigated the causes of beef carcass and organ condemnations and the associated financial losses at a high throughput abattoir in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, from 2009 to 2013. Post-mortem meat inspection records from September 2009 to July 2013 that were kept at the abattoir were analyzed. Of the 26,957 cattle slaughtered during the study period, 59 whole carcasses, 13,884 livers, 13,161 lungs, 406 hearts, 33 kidneys, 265 pluck, 563 spleens, 163 heads, 160 tongues and 79 intestines were condemned. Whole carcasses were condemned mainly due to generalized Cysticercus bovis cysts (40.7%) and cachexia (39%). Among the organs, livers (51.5%) and lungs (48.8%) had the highest levels of condemnation. Liver flukes and hydatid cysts were responsible for most of the liver condemnations (65% and 17.1%, respectively), while hydatid cysts (63.4%) and abscesses (15.4%) were responsible for most of the lung condemnations. Fecal contamination (68.7%) and pericarditis (19.7%) were identified as the major cause of heart condemnations. Fecal contamination (43.6%, 32.5%), abscesses (41.7%, 45%) and C. bovis cysts (14.7%, 15%) were responsible for head and tongue condemnations, respectively. About 7.5% of the tongues were also condemned for floor contamination. Abscesses (49.4%), C. tenuicollis cysts (34.2%), nodular worm (13.9%) and floor contamination (2.5%) were responsible for condemnations of intestines. Fecal contamination (98.4%), floor contamination (0.9%) and splenitis (0.7%) were responsible for condemnations of spleens. Nephritis was the only recorded reason for the condemnation of kidneys. Total monetary losses due to carcass and organ condemnations over the study period were estimated at US$143,711.08. Although there was a 0.2% proportional condemnation of whole carcasses, these were responsible for 17.5% of the revenue losses (US$25,149.44). About 65.0% and 30.5% of the rest of the revenue losses were due to liver and lung condemnations, respectively. The rest of the causes were collectively responsible for only 3.71% of the overall revenue losses. Zoonotic parasites, C. bovis, fasciolosis and hydatid cysts were identified as the major causes of carcass and organ condemnations constituting a major public health concern. Considering the size of the local economy, the revenue losses due to carcass and organ condemnations were quite high. This necessitates education of the stakeholders and the general public on the health and economic implications conveyed by this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL) supplementation on growth performance and blood and carcass characteristics in Hanwoo steers during the early fattening period. Methods: Sixty Hanwoo steers (average body weight, 333±36.4 kg) were randomly allotted to 3 treatments, with twenty steers per treatment, and ten steers per pen with a size of 80 m2. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; treatment (TRT) 0.5, 0.5% down-spec of TDN with 0.1% SSL; TRT 1.0, 1.0% down-spec of TDN with 0.1% SSL. Results: The results demonstrated that average daily gain and feed efficiency increased with TRT 0.5 (0.85 kg and 11.68) vs CON (0.82 kg and 11.27) or TRT 1.0 (0.78 kg and 10.74), indicating that 0.1% SSL supplementation in the feed of early fattening steers may result in a saving of 0.5% TDN. No significant differences were observed amongst all treatments (p> 0.05) for blood metabolite concentration and blood corpuscle values, which were all within the normally accepted range for healthy steers. Conclusion: Our study suggests that a TDN 0.5% down spec with 0.1% SSL supplemented feed may be effective and profitable for the early fattening period of Hanwoo steers without causing adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Argentina, Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups O157, O26, O103, O111, O145 and O121 are adulterant in ground beef. In other countries, the zero-tolerance approach to all STEC is implemented for chilled beef. Argentinean abattoirs are interested in implementing effective interventions against STEC on carcasses. Pre-rigor beef carcasses were used to determine whether nine antimicrobial strategies effectively reduced aerobic plate, coliform and E. coli counts and stx and eae gene prevalence. These strategies were: citric acid (2%; automated), acetic acid (2%; manual and automated), lactic acid (LA 2%; manual and automated), LA (3%; automated), electrolytically-generated hypochlorous acid (400 ppm; manual), hot water (82 °C; automated) and INSPEXX (0.2%; automated). Automated application of 2% LA after 30–60-min aeration and 3% LA at 55 °C were the most effective interventions. Automated application was more effective than manual application. Decontamination of beef carcasses through automated application of lactic acid and hot water would reduce public health risks associated with STEC contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella is one of the major foodborne pathogens worldwide. The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of this foodborne pathogen has raised a great concern in recent years. Studies on the frequency and characterization of Salmonella serotypes can help to improve our knowledge on the epidemiology of this pathogen. The purpose of this study was to compare the serotypes, AMR and genetic profiles of Salmonella isolates recovered from raw beef throughout the beef production chain and from human feces associated with clinical cases of salmonellosis. The serotype, AMR and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profile of 243 Salmonella enterica isolates recovered from beef carcasses (nD78), ground beef (nD135), and human feces from clinical cases of salmonellosis (nD30) were compared. Forty-three different Salmonella serotypes were identified and regardless of the source, the top five corresponded to Typhimurium, Give, Group B (partially serotyped), Infantis and Anatum. Twelve serotypes from beef carcasses were also found in ground beef, showing their presence throughout the beef production chain. Salmonella Typhimurium, Infantis, Anatum and Montevideo were the only serotypes identified in all sample types. Resistance to tetracyclines was the most frequent (41.2%) followed by resistance to aminoglycosides (37%), folate pathway inhibitors (21%), quinolones (20.2%), phenicols (17.1%), penicillins (15.6%) and cephems (7%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 28.8% of the isolates, and those from human feces showed resistance to a larger number of antimicrobials. Great concern arises from the resistance and reduced susceptibility observed to quinolones and cephalosporins because these drugs are the first line of treatment for invasive Salmonella infections. Twenty-seven distinct pulse-types were detected among 238 isolates. Clustering analysis for the most frequent serotypes identified groups of isolates with similar AMR profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvement of carcass traits is highly emphasized in beef cattle production in order to meet consumer demands. Discovering and understanding genes and genetic variants that control these traits is of paramount importance. In this study, different genome wide association approaches (single step GBLUP GWAS, Bayes A and Bayes B) were implemented and compared for three ultrasound carcass traits: fat thickness (FAT), intramuscular fat (IMF) and ribeye area (REA) of a composite beef cattle breed. The results showed different SNP marker windows associated with carcass traits explaining a small percentage of the genetic variance. The SNP marker window with the highest percentage of genetic variance (1.83%) associated with FAT was located on BTA14 in position 24 Mb. Surveying candidate genes in the regions associated with these traits revealed genes such as LYPLA , and LYN genes which have been associated with feed intake and growth in beef cattle. This study supported previous results from GWAS of carcass traits and revealed additional regions in the bovine genome associated with these economically important traits. Comparing the top 5 SNP windows for each trait across the GWAS methods revealed that only a few of these windows overlap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment tested the effect of four extended transport treatments on sensory and objective meat quality in beef. A total of 343 steers (88 steers from each of three properties and 79 from a fourth property) were allocated to four treatments including a 12 hour transport time (T12), 24 hour transport time (T24), 24 h as 12 hour transport time, a 12 hour rest, with a further 12 hour transport (T12 ~ T12), 36 hour transport treatment (T36). Within property departure times of treatments were staggered to arrive at the abattoir together. There were no significant transport effects ( P  > .05) on live animal, carcass traits, consumer sensory scores, and objective meat quality of the longissimus lumborum . There was large between property variation in the proportions of carcasses excluded from grading on the basis of low ribfat, high ultimate pH and dark meat color scores. Variation in these traits was not associated with transport treatments and was likely related to variation in on-farm factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, four prediction models were developed by logistic regression using individual data from 96 heifers. Carcass and sensory rectus abdominis quality clusters were identified then predicted using the rearing factors data. The obtained models from rearing factors applied during the fattening period were compared to those characterising the heifers' whole life. The highest prediction power of carcass and meat quality clusters were obtained from the models considering the whole life, with success rates of 62.8% and 54.9%, respectively. Rearing factors applied during both pre-weaning and fattening periods influenced carcass and meat quality. According to models, carcass traits were improved when heifer's mother was older for first calving, calves ingested concentrates during pasture preceding weaning and heifers were slaughtered older. Meat traits were improved by the genetic of heifers' parents ( i.e. , calving ease and early muscularity) and when heifers were slaughtered older. A management of carcass and meat quality traits is possible at different periods of the heifers' life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pastırma is a traditional Turkish meat product which produced by using whole meat pieces obtained from water buffalo and beef carcasses. Although there are many studies on the general characteristics of the pastırma produced by using beef meat, the number of the studies on the pastırma produced from water buffalo meat is quite limited. In this study, different types of pastırma (sırt, bohça, kuşgömü, şekerpare and kürek) were made from water buffalo meat; and they were investigated in terms of physco-chemical, microbiological, sensorial and textural properties. There were no differences between pastırma types in terms of pH, redness (a*) value and the amount of non-protein nitrogenous substance (P>0.05). However, the lowest mean aw value (0.84±0.01) was determined in kuşgömü (P<0.05). Şekerpare showed the highest mean lightness (L*) value (P<0.05). While no significant difference was observed between the types of pastırma in terms of Micrococcus/Staphylococcus count (P>0.05), the lowest count of lactic acid bacteria was found in kuşgömü (P<0.05). The highest mean odor score was determined in the sırt type of pastırma (P<0.05). Kuşgömü, which dries more quickly, also showed higher values in terms of firmness and chewiness compared to other types of pastırma (P<0.05). Furthermore, textural differences between the types of pastırma were observed more clearly with the principal component analysis (PCA) applied to textural properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fat quality is an important aspect, especially for Wagyu beef. A handheld fiber-optic near-infrared spectrometer for on-site evaluation of beef fat quality was developed, and the interactance spectra of the intermuscular fat from 833 Wagyu carcasses at 12 markets were measured. The calibration model was transferred to five slave instruments using twenty-six block samples. The performance of one slave instrument was verified at five meat markets (n = 360). The coefficients of determination of the slave instrument for monounsaturated, oleic, and saturated fatty acid compositions determined by gas chromatography and near-infrared measurements were 0.69, 0.64, and 0.67, respectively. The standard error of prediction for the slave instrument was approximately 2%. The fiber-optic near-infrared spectrometers were highly accurate in the fat quality evaluation of Wagyu carcasses based on monounsaturated, oleic, and saturated fatty acid composition with easy calibration model transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an attempt to control bacterial cross-contamination of beef carcasses, in the present investigation acetic acid and lactic acid (3% v/v) were used for bacterial decontamination. For the decontamination, cows were sprayed with each above acid at two different stages; (i) on live animal's hides, (ii) on carcass surfaces immediately after slaughter. Microbiological samples were taken on different hide areas of animals before spraying and on carcass surfaces at 24 h after spraying. Meat quality traits were also analyzed on the sprayed animals. The detected microorganisms were identified using 16SrRNA gene sequencing. A diversity of bacterial species such as Staphylococcus, Shigella, Bacillus, Escherichia and Salmonella etc. were found on both external hide and carcass surface samples. The decontamination sprays significantly reduced the numbers (2–5 log unit) of all aforementioned bacterial species on carcass surfaces as compared with non-sprayed control. Thus, the two times-spray applications with the acid could be an effective tool for reducing bacterial cross-contaminations of beef carcass without adverse effect on meat quality. • A diversity of bacterial species was detected on both external hide and carcass surface. • A high cross-contamination of carcass surface with bacterial populations was found. • Spray with acids significantly reduced numbers of all bacterial species on carcasses. • Spray with lactic acid produced better decontamination efficiency than acetic acid. • Microbiological safety of beef tissue could be obtained by applying 3% lactic acid spray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined if different color intensities of dark-cutting beef carcasses (Dark B4/Moderate B4) were similar in quality to normal (N) carcasses of a lower marbling score. The eating quality from abnormal (AB) dark-cutting carcasses (normal pH) was also evaluated to determine if AB should receive the same penalty as classic (CL) dark-cutting carcasses in the Canadian grading system. B4-grade carcasses, regardless of dark color intensity, exhibited increased toughness and greater off-flavor than N carcasses of a lower marbling score. Additionally, AB and borderline (BD) carcasses were tougher than N. The CL dark cutters, albeit similar in tenderness to N carcasses, had greater off-flavor and less beef flavor intensity. Downgrading B4 carcasses one quality grade based on the marbling score, with no further carcass demerits, is likely not sufficient, and further devaluations of dark cutters may be warranted. As well, AB and BD carcasses were of lower quality compared to N carcasses and, therefore, deserve some economic penalty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To evaluate the effect of corn and flaxseed supplementation at finishing on longissimus thoracis color and shear-force and on subcutaneous fat color, forty-eight angus steers were assigned to four dietary treatments (DIET): no-supplement, supplemented with 0.7% live weight (LW) of cracked corn grain plus 0.0%, 0.125% and 0.25% LW of whole flaxseed in two finishing trials (Trial-1, early spring and Trial-2, late spring). None of the evaluated variables were affected by DIET in either trial, nor in a combined statistical analysis of the pooled data. The lack of DIET effect observed on muscle color and shear-force, are in agreement with the similar longissimus muscle pH@45 min, temp@45 min, pH@24 h, and glycogen content at slaughter observed between DIET. Lack of shear force difference between supplementation treatments is in agreement with their similar muscle sarcomere length, total and soluble collagen content and proportion of intact troponin-T. Subcutaneous fat color was also similar between supplementation treatments. Corn or flaxseed supplementation of steers grazing a high-quality pasture did not improve meat or subcutaneous fat color and meat shear force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to determine the meat quality responses of weaner steers fed diets containing potassium humate (PH) in a feedlot. Twenty-two yearling male steers were randomly allocated to two treatments: control (n = 11), fed a standard feedlot diet and PH (n = 11), fed a standard diet with added PH (5.8g/kg feed). The steers were housed in individual stanchions, with each steer as the experimental unit. At the end of the feeding trial at Day 112, the steers were slaughtered and the m. longissimus thoracic et lumborum muscle was sampled for meat quality measurements. Results of the study showed that diet had no effect on carcass characteristics and meat quality measurements, apart from meat pH and shear force values. Meat pH decline was more pronounced in the control group and higher shear force values were observed in the control group (6.58 and 4.91 kg) than the PH group (5.12 and 4.14 kg) at Day 1 and Day 7 of measurement respectively. The total intramuscular fat (IMF) was higher (by 16%) in the PH- fed weaner steers compared with the control. With regard to saturated fatty acids (SFA), higher amounts of myristic acid and heneicosanoic acid were observed in the PH-fed steers than in the control. However, the control had higher amounts of eicosatrienoic acid and eicosatetraenoic acid. PH inclusion in steer diets could therefore provide an alternative growth promotant in the production of safe and healthier meat in the feedlot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The myofibrillar structure of muscle was more seriously damaged by neck-arm restraint suspension than Achilles tendon suspension. • A total of 59 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified to impact meat quality. • Integrating DEPs with gene functions and meat quality-related QTLs, 11 proteins (MYL6B, MYO1A, COL3A1, AFP, CLN6, FGB, GLS2, BAG4, FGG, A2M, WNT10A) were proposed to be candidate biomarkers during the early postmortem aging process. The aging process of beef is impacted by the suspension method and aging time during the postmortem process. The neck-arm restraint (NR) suspension can accelerate the aging of beef carcasses compared with Achilles tendon (AT) suspension. However, the muscle protein changes between these two suspension methods in early postmortem aging are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the proteomes of longissimus thoracis (LT) muscles between AT and NR suspension methods at 1 h and 72 h postmortem by the multiplexed isobaric tagging technology for relative quantitation (iTRAQ) technique and uncover the critical protein biomarkers of beef quality. A total of 59 proteins were differentially expressed between different suspension methods or postmortem aging times, which were mainly involved in actin cytoskeleton reorganization, actomyosin structure organization, response to calcium ions, and muscle contraction. Through the analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI), we detected that ALB, APOA1, FGA, and TTN could be served as the hub proteins. Integration with the reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) of beef quality revealed that 30 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were involved in 46 QTL, in which, 11 proteins were differentially expressed in both the suspension method and time point comparison groups. We inferred these 11 proteins (MYL6B, MYO1A, COL3A1, AFP, CLN6, FGB, GLS2, BAG4, FGG, A2M, and WNT10A) as the most promising markers for the beef quality during the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gluconate salts have been reported to be metabolized by microbes in the gastrointestinal tract to yield butyrate and consequently enhance its functionality. The objective was to evaluate feed intake, growth, and carcass characteristics for heifers fed increasing doses of hydrogenated fat-embedded calcium gluconate (HFCG). Twenty-one 10-mo Simmental × Limousin beef heifers, blocked by initial BW (323 ± 35.3 kg), were individually fed for 206 d (8.72% barley silage, 87.44% dry-rolled barley grain, and 3.84% mineral and vitamin supplement) and used to evaluate three different levels of HFCG (0.0%, 0.09%, and 0.18%; on DM basis through substitution of barley grain). Dry matter intake was determined weekly, and BW was measured at the start and end of the study and every three weeks. Carcass weight was recorded and carcasses were refrigerated for 13 d. The left ribeye (10th to 13th rib) was excised and evaluated by a certified grader from the Canadian Beef Grading Agency. Inclusion of HFCG did not affect DMI (8.29 kg/d; P = 0.87), ADG (1.37 kg/d; P =0.55), or G:F (0.166 kg/kg; P = 0.32). Final live BW and carcass weight averaged 630.9 ± 34.99 and 374.1 ± 10.19 kg and were not affected by treatment (P = 0.73 and 0.65, respectively). Dose of HFCG did not affect carcass characteristics with average values of 7.0 mm for fat thickness (P = 0.46), 104 cm2 for rib-eye area (P = 0.92), 476 for marbling score (P = 0.94), and 50.3% for retail cut yield (P = 0.62). In addition, HFCG did not affect quality grade (P = 0.38) or yield grade (P = 0.86). The present data suggests that the use of HFCG did not affect performance of finishing heifers or carcass quality on beef heifers regardless of dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]