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Pastrami is a traditional and popular meat product which is produced from whole muscle obtained from beef carcasses. Consumers prefer pastrami produced by small scale firms or local butchers, as a result of common estimation about homemade products are healthier and more nutritive than processed pastrami. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the microbiological quality of pastrami samples traditionally produced in Tokat with unstandardized methods and to evaluate the results in the context of food safety. All the samples were analyzed for total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, coagulase-positive staphylococci, sulphite-reducing bacteria, yeasts and molds, Escherichia coli , Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes . Titratable acidity, pH and water activity values were determined to evaluate the microbiological test results. The results of microbiological analyses were higher than the limits in the legislation and the samples were not microbiologically safe for consuming. Unstandardized and uncontrolled process conditions are the main reasons for the microbiological risks. When the increasing consumer demand for traditional foods is considered, the safety of the traditional product, should be the primary and plenary parameter and it could be managed with standardized production methods and appropriate sanitation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty 10-month-old Japanese Black steers were used to evaluate the effects of clay on fat necrosis and carcass characteristics. Ten steers ( Clay group) were fed the clay (50 g/day) during 10-30 months of age. The other 10 steers (Control group) were not fed it. There was no significant difference in body weight or average daily gain between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The occurrence of fat necrotic mass in the Clay group (30%) was lower ( P < 0.05) than that in the Control group (90%) at slaughter. The size of necrotic masses in the Clay group was smaller ( P < 0.05) than that in the Control group. There was no significant difference in the marbling score, beef color, Longissimus muscle area or subcutaneous fat thickness between the two groups. These results suggest that the clay prevented the occurrence of fat necrosis and did not affect the carcass characteristics in Japanese Black steers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate performance and carcass traits of Guzerat-based beef bulls. In experiment 1, Guzerat; F1 Guzerat x Holstein ('Guzholstein'); F1 Guzerat x Nellore ('Guzonell'); and 1/2 Simmental + 1/4 Guzerat + 1/4 Nellore (Three-Cross) bulls (n = 12 each group) were kept in a feedlot for 84 days, receiving sorghum silage and concentrate supplement. 'Guzholstein' bulls had greater average daily gain (ADG; 1.7 kg/day) compared with 'Guzonell' (1.4 kg/day), but similar to Three-Cross and Guzerat (1.6 and 1.5 kg/day respectively). 'Guzonell' bulls gained less bodyweight (BW; 85.8 kg); however, the gain : feed ratio did not differ among groups. Dry matter intake (DMI) was less for Guzerat (11.8 kg) compared with other groups (12.4, 12.4, and 12.6 kg for 'Guzholstein', 'Guzonell', and Three-Cross respectively); DMI, as a percentage of BW, was lesser for Three-Cross bulls (2.5%) compared with other groups (2.7%, 2.8%, and 2.6% for Guzerat, 'Guzholstein', and 'Guzonell' respectively). In experiment 2, 18 bulls from experiment 1 were randomly selected from 'Guzonell', 'Guzholstein' and Three-Cross groups (n = 6, each breed group), transferred to a state-inspected slaughterhouse, and humanely slaughtered. Three-Cross bulls had greater carcass weight gain (80 kg), greater striploin yield (2.39%), and lesser leg yield (1.86%). 'Guzholstein' bulls had lesser dressing-out percentage and greater liver yield (51.6 and 1.28% respectively), whereas 'Guzonell' bulls had greater rump yield (1.47%). Forequarter yield, hindquarter weight and yield, eye round, flank steak, rump skirt, topside, rump cap, head, heart, lungs and trachea, spleen, tail, and tongue yield did not differ among groups. Despite the limited number of animals used in these experiments, we can conclude that all breed groups have potential for meat production because carcass traits meet the Brazilian beef industry standards, and 'Guzholstein' bulls could be an option for producers to diversify revenues. Guzerat (Bos indicus breed) animals have been used in crossbreeding programs for either beef, dairy or dual purposes, but studies evaluating their performance and carcass traits are scarce. We evaluated performance, carcass traits and meat cuts of Guzerat-based bulls. Results from this study indicate that all groups evaluated have potential for meat production since they meet the Brazilian beef industry standards, and bulls from a dual-purpose cross can be an option for dairy producers, to diversify revenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella is a foodborne pathogen that commonly inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of a healthy feedlot cattle and can be transferred to the carcass surface during hide removal and evisceration procedures. Numerous investigations on Salmonella prevalence throughout different stages of the beef chain have been conducted. In contrast, limited studies are available on quantitative determinations of Salmonella at different steps in raw meat production. Quantitative data, particularly for pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella are important for quantitative risk assessment. Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli populations were enumerated on beef carcass samples collected at abattoirs and also in beef chunks and ground beef samples collected from butcher's shops at retail in Jalisco State, Mexico. Sponge samples from beef carcass sides (n = 142) were collected immediately after final water wash and before chilling at three non-federally inspected abattoirs following USDA-FSIS sampling protocols. Beef chunks (n = 84) and ground beef (n = 65) samples were obtained from 86 butcher's shops. Salmonella enumeration was conducted by the Most Probable Number method and E. coli counts were determined using Petrifilm plates. Salmonella was isolated from 18% of beef carcasses, 39% of beef chunks and 71% of ground beef samples. Salmonella mean counts were 1.3 ± 0.9 Log MPN/300 cm 2 on beef carcasses, 1.9 ± 0.9 and 2.3 ± 1.1 Log MPN/25 g in beef chunks and ground beef samples, respectively. Twenty-six Salmonella serotypes and 11 serogroups were identified among 432 isolates recovered. Salmonella typhimurium (14%), Salmonella sinstorf (12%) and S . Group E1 monophasic (10%) were the most frequent. Escherichia coli was present on 97, 84 and 100% of beef carcasses, beef chunks and ground beef samples, respectively. Escherichia coli mean counts were 3.2 ± 0.7 Log CFU/300 cm 2 , 3.9 ± 1.1 and 4.5 ± 1.2 Log CFU/25 g on beef carcasses, beef chunks and ground beef, respectively. Salmonella prevalence and mean counts found in raw beef were higher than previously reported in studies from other countries. The data collected in this study show a trend in the prevalence of Salmonella to be higher as meat processing is extended at retail. This, together with the diversity of serotypes found, indicates that raw meat is exposed to multiple contamination sources during slaughter and retail processing and highlights the necessity to implement Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures for those establishments. Finally, this study provides quantitative information for future risk assessments associated with the risk of human salmonellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper uses a translog processing cost function to test whether imported beef and domestic beef are substitutes or complements. Findings suggest that imported beef and domestic beef are substitutes, thus giving grounds to the claim by U.S. cattle producers that beef imports decrease the use of domestic beef. The effect of a price decline of beef imports has more pronounced effect on the use of cull cow beef than carcass beef, with the latter dropping by more than three times the former during the sample period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) with ruminally protected AA was evaluated in a small-pen feeding trial. Crossbred steers (n = 180; initial BW = 366 kg) were blocked by weight and then randomly assigned to treatments (45 pens; 9 pens/ treatment). Treatment groups consisted of no ZH and no AA (Cont-), ZH and no AA (Cont+), ZH and a ruminally protected lysine supplement (Lys), ZH and a ruminally protected methionine supplement (Met), and ZH and ruminally protected lysine and methionine (Lys+Met). Zilpaterol hydrochloride (8.3 mg/kg DM) was fed for the last 20 d of the finishing period with a 3-d withdrawal period. Lysine and Met were top dressed daily for the 134-d feeding trial to provide 12 or 4 g·hd-1·d-1, respectively, to the small intestine. Carcass characteristics, striploins, and prerigor muscle samples were collected following harvest at a commercial facility. Steaks from each steer were aged for 7, 14, 21, and 28 d, and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) was determined as an indicator of tenderness. Prerigor muscle samples were used for immunohistological analysis. Cattle treated with Met and Lys+Met had increased final BW (P < 0.3) and ADG (P < 0.05) compared to Cont- and Cont+. Supplementation of Lys, Met, and Lys+Met improved G:F (P < 0.05) compared to Cont- during the ZH feeding period (d 111 to 134) as well as the entire feeding period (P < 0.05). Zilpaterol hydrochloride increased carcass ADG (P < 0.05) when compared to non-ZHfed steers. Methionine and Lys+Met treatments had heavier HCW (P < 0.02) than that of Cont-. Yield grade was decreased (P < 0.04) for Cont+ steers compared to steers treated with Lys, Lys+Met, and Cont-. Tenderness was reduced (P < 0.05) with ZH regardless of AA supplementation. Lysine, Met, Lys+Met, and Cont+ had less tender steaks (P < 0.05) throughout all aging groups compared to Cont-. Steaks from Lys-treated steers were less tender (P < 0.05) than those of Cont+ during the 7- and 14-d aging periods. Nuclei density was the greatest with Cont- cattle compared to all other treatments suggesting a dilution effect of the nuclei in the larger muscle fibers with ZH feeding. Supplementation of Met in conjunction with ZH feeding increased ADG and HCW although this may lead to decreased tenderness even after aging for 28 d. These findings indicated that steers fed ZH may require additional AA absorbed from the small intestine to maximize performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to determine the association of serum leptin concentrations with production measures including DMI, ADG, and G:F as well as carcass characteristics in genetically diverse finishing beef steers. Three cohorts of steers (n = 473 total) were individually fed a finishing ration for 92, 64, and 84 d for cohort 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Serum was collected on d 42, 22, and 19 of the experiment for cohort 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Leptin concentrations were positively correlated to DMI (r = 0.21, P < 0.01) but negatively correlated to grams DMI per kilogram initial BW (r = -0.21, P < 0.01). Leptin concentrations were also negatively correlated to ADG and G:F (P < 0.01). Leptin concentrations were positively correlated to 12th-rib fat thickness, yield grade, and marbling score (P < 0.01) and negatively correlated to LM area (P < 0.01). Using a mixed model analysis (SAS 9.3; SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) to account for breed effects, leptin concentrations were positively associated with DMI (P = 0.01) and accounted for 1.10% of the variance. However, if initial BW and yield grade were included as covariates to account for body size and fatness, leptin was negatively associated with DMI (P = 0.02) and accounted for 0.54% of the variance. Regardless of covariates included in the model, leptin was negatively associated with ADG (P < 0.01) and G:F (P < 0.01) and accounted for 2.62 and 7.87% of the variance for ADG and G:F, respectively. Leptin concentrations were also positively associated with 12th-rib fat thickness, yield grade, and marbling score (P < 0.01) and accounted for 14.74, 12.74, and 6.99% of the variance for 12thrib fat, yield grade, and marbling score, respectively. Leptin concentrations could be a useful physiological marker for growth and feed efficiency of finishing beef cattle. Genetic influences on the biology of leptin also need to be considered when using leptin as physiological marker for production measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European legislation has defined as process hygiene criteria for the main livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, horses and pigs) the monitoring of aerobic colony count and Enterobacteriaceae . Detected values above the defined criteria require an improvement in slaughter hygiene and the review of process control. The main source of microbiological contamination of beef carcasses along the slaughterline is of fecal origin, therefore Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae seem to be the most suitable indicators to assess the hygienic status of the slaughter process. Although microbiological criteria addressing indicator bacteria have been in place in industrialized countries for several years, scattered information still exists on factors affecting their counts on beef carcasses along the slaughterline. Therefore, a systematic literature review, covering the period 2000–2012, was conducted to gather information concerning: 1) counts of E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae on beef carcasses linked to different stages of the slaughterline; 2) factors influencing presence/counts of E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae on beef carcasses; and 3) the relationship between indicator bacteria ( E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae ) counts and visual fecal contamination of beef carcasses. According to the 41 retrieved papers the following conclusions were drawn. A decrease of the indicator bacteria counts was recorded after sequential decontamination treatments, such as pasteurization and hot water washing. Slaughterhouse characteristics influenced bacterial load of beef carcasses, although it was difficult to assess which factors (i.e., slaughterhouse throughput, design of the plant, surveillance system in place) had the greatest effect. Finally, carcasses from fecal contaminated animals had higher bacterial loads than those from clean animals. Therefore, the development of a visual classification system of the level of dirtiness of carcasses and the application of effective treatments on the carcasses classified as dirty along the slaughterline can lead to a contamination level for these carcasses comparable to or lower than that of originally clean ones at the end of the slaughterline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to characterize bruises in bovine carcasses in Uruguay and to evaluate the economic impact. Thirteen abattoirs were visited during 2 years and bruises were identified, classified, and quantified by zone and degree (depth and size). One hundred carcasses were separated and bruises were cut out and weighed separately. From a total of 15 157 carcasses observed, 60.0% had at least one bruise; 42.0% of these had bruises on both sides. The expensive butt zone was the most damaged, followed by rib, shoulder and loin, respectively. The mean weight and standard error of the condemned trimmed meat was 1602 ± 212 g. It suppose a loss of 899 g per animal slaugtered in Uruguay. In a country sending 2.5 million heads of cattle to be slaughter yearly, this indicates an important financial loss. Improving transport conditions and personnel skills will probably result in a better welfare for the animals as well as better financial profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A prototype on-line acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF)-based hyperspectral image acquisition system ( λ = 450–900 nm) was developed for tenderness assessment of beef carcasses. Hyperspectral images of ribeye muscle on stationary hanging beef carcasses ( n = 338) at 2-day postmortem were acquired in commercial beef slaughter or packing plants. After image acquisition, a strip steak was cut from each carcass, vacuum packaged, aged for 14 days, cooked, and slice shear force tenderness scores were collected by an independent lab. Beef hyperspectral images were mosaicked together and principal component (PC) analysis was conducted to reduce the spectral dimension. Six different textural feature sets were extracted from the PC images and used in Fisher’s linear discriminant model to classify beef samples into two tenderness categories: tender and tough. The pooled feature model performed better than the other models with a tender certification accuracy of 92.9% and 87.8% in cross-validation and third-party true validation, respectively. Two additional metrics namely overall accuracy and a custom defined metric called accuracy index, were used to compare the tenderness prediction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study identified the distribution of 22,850 beef carcasses belonging to three genotypes according to a visual judgment of the height of the hump (large, indicative of Bos indicus; medium, Crosses between B. indicus and Bos taurus, and small, B. taurus) among the classification grades obtained under the Mexican norm NMX-FF-078-SCFI-2002, at the No 51 Federal Inspected Type abattoir, Tabasco State, southeastern Mexico. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the association and the proportion of hump classification with carcass grading criteria. Fifty four percent of the carcasses classified as large hump (B. indicus breeding), 35% as small hump (B. taurus breeding), and 10.70% as medium hump (Crossbred). B. taurus and Crossbred genotypes had greater (P < 0.0001) percentage of Select carcasses (17.90 and 18.50%, respectively) and Standard grades (55.20 and 60.10%, respectively) than B. indicus genotype (10.10% for Select and 39.30% for Standard). B. indicus genotype had greater (P < 0.0001) percentage of Commercial carcasses (36.20%) and Out of Grade (14.40%) grades. The three genotypes representing the overall beef herd for the Mexican tropics, B. taurus, B. indicus, and Crossbred were present at the Select beef carcass classification grade suggesting that genotype is not a factor introducing bias in the Mexican carcass classification norm NMX-FF-078-SCFI-2002. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of carcass weight with quality and functional properties of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) beef was investigated. The carcasses of 250 Hanwoo steers were categorised into light (<375 kg; n = 74), medium (375-425 kg; n = 76) and heavy (>425 kg; n = 100) groups and were evaluated for back fat thickness, rib eye area, and beef marbling score 24 h postmortem using the Korean carcass grading system. Rib eye area, back fat thickness, and marbling score significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing carcass weight. However, marbling score and intramuscular fat content showed only a little increase (P < 0.05) beyond a limit of 375 kg. Inosine-5'-monophosphate concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in medium and heavy carcasses. Carnosine concentration was significantly higher in medium carcasses. Total saturated fatty acid content and n-6 : n-3 ratio decreased as carcass weight increased (P < 0.05). Medium and heavy carcasses had significantly higher (P < 0.05) scores for sensory quality parameters. Overall, medium carcasses of Hanwoo displayed optimal sensory and health benefits while minimising the economic disadvantages of growing cattle to heavier weights. Beef producers in Korea try to increase marbling in beef muscles due to higher consumer demand towards such meat. Increasing marbling through extended feeding eventually burdens stakeholders of the beef industry and this study showed that medium (375-425 kg) carcass weight was optimal for achieving superior beef quality. Medium carcasses provide more health benefits at lower cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies evaluated sorting and feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics in randomized block-designed finishing trials. In Exp. 1 (initial BW 342 ± 10 kg, n = 1,000), 5 treatments included an unsorted non-ZH fed negative control (-CON), an unsorted ZH fed positive control (+CON), and 3 treatments in which the heaviest 20% within the pen were sorted and marketed 28 d early and the remaining 80% were fed ZH. The 20% were identified at the beginning (EARLY), 100 d from slaughter (MIDDLE), or 50 d from slaughter (LATE). Because of sorting, the remaining steers in sorted treatments were fed 14 d longer than -CON and +CON. Average days on feed for control treatments were 165 and 173 d for the EARLY, MIDDLE, and LATE treatments. In Exp. 2 (initial BW 376 ± 29 kg, n = 1,400), 4 treatments included -CON; +CON; an early weight sort fed ZH (1-SORT) with the heaviest 20% identified at d 1 and sorted 50 d from harvest and marketed 14 d before -CON and +CON, with the remaining 80% of the pen fed 7 d longer than -CON and +CON; and a 4-way sort 50 d from harvest fed ZH (4-SORT) with steers sorted into HEAVY, MIDHEAVY, MID-LIGHT, and LIGHT groups marketed -14, 0, +7, and +28 d from -CON and +CON, respectively. Average days on feed for control treatments were 154 and 157 d for the 1-SORT and 159 d for 4-SORT. Steers were fed Zilmax at 8.3 mg/kg DM for 20 d followed by a 3 d withdrawal. In Exp. 1, steers fed +CON had 13 kg greater (P < 0.01) HCW than steers fed -CON. Steers sorted EARLY, MIDDLE, and LATE had 28, 25, and 24 kg heavier (P < 0.01) HCW than -CON steers, respectively. Carcass weight SD was greater (P = 0.01) for +CON than -CON but was not different (P = 0.17) between -CON and ZH sorted treatments. Percentage of overweight carcasses (454 kg) was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in sorted treatments than in -CON. In Exp. 2, HCW for +CON was 15 kg heavier (P < 0.01) than that for -CON, and HCW for 4-SORT was greater (P < 0.02) than that for +CON. Carcass weight SD was not different (P > 0.10) between +CON and -CON, whereas carcass weight SD of 4-SORT was reduced (P < 0.01) compared with that of -CON and +CON. Steers fed ZH had a greater percentage of carcasses over 454 kg than steers fed -CON (P < 0.01). Although not statistically different (P = 0.27), the percentage of carcasses over 454 kg was reduced by 28% for 4-SORT compared with +CON. Feeding ZH increases carcass weight, but sorting reduces variation, allowing further increases in carcass weight while minimizing overweight carcasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sarcoplasmic proteome of beef Longissimus lumborum demonstrating animal-to-animal variation in color stability was examined to correlate proteome profile with color. Longissimus lumborum (36 h post-mortem) muscles were obtained from 73 beef carcasses, aged for 13 days, and fabricated to 2.5-cm steaks. One steak was allotted to retail display, and another was immediately vacuum packaged and frozen at − 80 °C. Aerobically packaged steaks were stored under display, and color was evaluated on days 0 and 11. The steaks were ranked based on redness and color stability on day 11, and ten color-stable and ten color-labile carcasses were identified. Sarcoplasmic proteome of frozen steaks from the selected carcasses was analyzed. Nine proteins were differentially abundant in color-stable and color-labile steaks. Three glycolytic enzymes (phosphoglucomutase-1, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase M2) were over-abundant in color-stable steaks and positively correlated ( P < 0.05) to redness and color stability. These results indicated that animal variations in proteome contribute to differences in beef color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weaned calves (n = 98; 256 ± 11.5 kg) were used to evaluate the impact of improving trace mineral (TM) status using a multielement TM injection 28 d before transit on markers of inflammatory and stress responses in response to transit and postshipping growth performance. On d 0 of a 28-d preconditioning program, calves received subcutaneous TM injection (MM; n = 48) containing 15, 10, 5, and 60 mg/mL of Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn, respectively, or physiological saline injection (SAL; n = 48). On d 28, steers were weighed, half of the steers from each treatment were transported for a 20-h transit stress period (SHIP; n = 24 per injection treatment), and half of the steers were returned to their pens for 20 h of feed and water restriction without transit (NOSHIP; n = 24 per injection treatment). The SHIP steers were unloaded on d 29 and all steers (SHIP and NOSHIP) were immediately weighed and sorted into new pens (n = 4 steers per pen) for the growing period. At the start of finishing (d 113), steers received a second MM or SAL, resulting in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial (n = 12 steers per treatment combination). Samples of blood were collected on d 28, 29, and 34 and liver on d 22 and 40. The initial MM increased liver Cu, Se, and Zn concentrations of cattle (P ≤ 0.02) but did not affect ADG during preconditioning (P = 0.89) or BW shrink as a result of transit (P ≥ 0.52). Plasma Fe concentrations were decreased after the transit stress period in SHIP calves (P ≤ 0.05) relative to NOSHIP calves but recovered 5 d after transit, and serum IL-8 concentrations were greater in SAL-SHIP steers than MM-SHIP steers (P = 0.04). Altering TM status through MM caused steers to have lesser ADG (P = 0.03) during the 14-d period after transit (d 29 through 43) but did not affect growth during the growing period (d 5 through 112; P ≥ 0.40). Minimal effects on finishing performance and carcass characteristics were noted, but there was a 3-way interaction (P ≤ 0.02) in which SAL-NOSHIP-MM steers had the greatest yield grade (YG) and smallest ribeye area (REA) and SAL-SHIP-MM steers had the least YG and largest REA. Overall, a MM 28 d before transit or before feed and water restriction did not affect the inflammatory response or plasma TM concentrations but decreased ADG in the 14-d period after transit. Trace mineral injection had limited effects on overall growth performance and carcass characteristics, likely because steer initial TM status was well within the adequate range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle glycogen concentration (MGC) and lactate (LA), activity of glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE), glycogen phosphorylase (GP) and adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) were determined at 0.5 h (T0) and 24 h (T24) post-mortem in Longissimus dorsi samples from 38 steers that produced high pH (> 5.9) and normal pH (< 5.8) carcasses at 24 h postmortem . MGC, LA and glycolytic potential were higher ( P < 0.05) in normal pH carcasses. GDE activity was similar ( P > 0.05) in both pH categories. GP activity increased between T0 and T24 only in normal pH carcasses. AMPK activity was four times higher in normal pH v/s high pH carcasses, without changing its activity over time. Results reinforce the idea that differences in postmortem glycogenolytic/glycolytic flow in L. dorsi of steers showing normal v/s high muscle pH at 24 h, could be explained not only by the higher initial MGC in normal pH carcasses, but also by a high and sustained activity of AMPK and an increased GP activity at 24 h postmortem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several antimicrobial compounds have been used in commercial meat processing plants for decontamination of pathogens on beef carcasses, but there are many commercially available, novel antimicrobial compounds that may be more effective and suitable for use in beef processing pathogen-reduction programs. Sixty-four prerigor beef flanks (cutaneous trunci) were used in a study to determine whether hypobromous acid, neutral acidified sodium chlorite, and two citric acid-based antimicrobial compounds effectively reduce seven Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups and Salmonella on the surface of fresh beef. Two cocktail mixtures were inoculated onto prerigor beef flank surfaces. Cocktail mixture 1 was composed of STEC serogroups O26, O103, O111, O145, and O157; and cocktail mixture 2 was composed of STEC serogroups O45, O121, and O157 and Salmonella. The inoculated fresh beef flanks were subjected to spray treatments with four antimicrobial compounds. Following antimicrobial treatments, both control and treated fresh beef samples were either enumerated immediately or were stored for 48 h at 4°C before enumeration. All four antimicrobial compounds caused 0.7- to 2.0-log reductions of STEC, Salmonella, aerobic plate counts, and Enterohacteriaceae. Results also indicated that the four antimicrobial compounds were as effective at reducing the six non-O157 STEC strains as they were at reducing E. coli O157:H7 on the surfaces of fresh beef. The recovery of all seven STEC strains and Salmonella in a low-inoculation study indicated that none of the four antimicrobial compounds eliminated all of the tested pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella continues to cause a considerable number of foodborne illnesses worldwide. The sources of outbreaks include contaminated meat and produce. The purpose of this study was to establish an initial investigation of the burden of Salmonella in produce and beef from Honduras by sampling retail markets and abattoirs. Retail produce samples (cantaloupes, cilantro, cucumbers, leafy greens, peppers, and tomatoes; n = 573) were purchased in three major cities of Honduras, and retail whole-muscle beef (n = 555) samples were also purchased in four major cities. Additionally, both hide and beef carcass (n = 141) samples were collected from two Honduran abattoirs. Whole-muscle beef samples were obtained using a sponge hydrated with buffered peptone water, and 10 ml of the buffered peptone water rinsate of each produce sample was collected with a dry sponge and placed in a bag to be transported back to the United States. Salmonella was detected using a commercially available, close-platform PCR system, and positive samples were subjected to culture on selective media to obtain isolates. Overall, the prevalence of Salmonella-positive samples, based on PCR detection in Honduras (n = 555) retail beef was 10.1% (95% confidence interval = 7.8, 12.9), whereas 7.8% (n = 141) of beef carcass and hides samples were positive in both beef plants. The overall Salmonella prevalence for all produce samples (n = 573) collected was 2.1% (95% confidence interval = 1.2, 3.6). The most common serotypes identified in Honduras were Salmonella Typhimurium followed by Derby. These results provide an indication of Salmonella contamination of beef and produce in Honduras. Developing a Salmonella baseline for Latin America through an initial investigation like the one presented here contributes to a broader global understanding of the potential exposure through food, thus providing insight into the needs for control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of feedlot production systems with and without the use of a β-adrenergic agonist compared to an all-natural production program on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Crossbred beef steers (n = 336; initial BW = 379 ± 8 kg) were randomized to 1 of 3 treatments in a randomized complete block design (RCBD; 14 steers/pen; 8 pens/treatment). Treatments consisted of an all-natural treatment (NAT), a conventional treatment (CONV), and a conventional treatment with a β-agonist (CONV-Z). All treatments were fed the same basal diet with NAT cattle receiving no growth promoting technologies. The CONV and CONV-Z cattle were implanted with 40 mg of estradiol and 200 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) on d 0 and were fed 33 and 9 mg/kg of monensin and tylosin daily, respectively. The CONV-Z cattle were fed zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) at 6.76 mg/kg (90% DM basis) for the last 20 days on feed (DOF) There was no effect of treatment on DMI (P = 0.83); however, CONV-Z steers gained 3.8% faster (1.64 vs. 1.58 kg/d; P < 0.01) and were 5.3% more efficient (0.160 vs. 0.152; P < 0.01) than CONV steers, and CONV steers gained 32.8% faster (1.58 vs. 1.19 kg/d; P < 0.01) and were 26.7% more efficient (0.152 vs. 0.120; P < 0.01) than NAT steers. There was a 35.7% improvement in estimated carcass gain (1.29 vs. 0.95 kg/d; P < 0.01) and a 32.6% improvement in carcass efficiency (0.126 vs. 0.095; P < 0.01) for CONV-Z steers compared to NAT steers. Hot carcass weight was increased by 8 kg for CONV-Z steers compared to CONV steers (394 vs. 386 kg; P = 0.05) and 46 kg compared to NAT steers (394 vs. 348 kg; P < 0.01). Longissimus muscle area was increased by 3.6 cm2 for CONV-Z steers compared to CONV steers (92.29 vs. 88.67 cm2; P = 0.02) and 12.1 cm2 for CONV-Z steers compared to NAT steers (92.29 vs. 80.16 cm2; P < 0.01), resulting in a 9.6% unit increase in USDA yield grade (YG) 1 (15.14 vs. 5.52%; P < 0.05) and a 21.6% unit reduction in USDA YG 3 for CONV-Z steers compared to CONV steers (30.70 vs. 52.32%; P < 0.05). The CONV-Z steers had a lower marbling score compared to the other treatments (432; P < 0.01), resulting in an 11.7% unit increase (20.70 vs. 9.03%; P < 0.05) in USDA Select carcasses compared to CONV steers. The results of this experiment show that CONV-Z and CONV production results in a significant improvement in feedlot performance and USDA YG compared to NAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of alternative finishing strategies on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Beef steers (64 pens; 8 steers/pen) were allocated to a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Factor 1 consisted of diet, with cattle fed a conventional (CON) diet or a diet consisting of Programmed Nutrition Beef Program (PN) supplements. The PN treatment included Programmed Nutrition Beef Receiver fed from d 1 through 20 of feeding and Programmed Nutrition Beef Finisher fed from d 21 to harvest. Factor 2 evaluated the presence (EGP+) or absence (EGP-) of exogenous growth promotants (ExGP) in the production system. Steers in the EGP+ treatments were initially implanted with Component E-S, reimplanted with Component TE-IS, and fed 400 mg.animal-1.d-1of ractopamine hydrochloride for the final 28 d before harvest. Steers were harvested on d 175, and strip loins were removed from 2 carcasses selected at random from each pen for transport to Kansas State University. One 1.27-cm-thick steak was removed from the anterior face for proximate and long-chain fatty acid analysis. There were no diet × ExGP interactions (P > 0.10) for feedlot performance except for DMI (P = 0.02). Steers in the PN/ EGP+ treatment consumed more feed than all other treatments (P < 0.05). Both diet and ExGP affected DMI (P < 0.05), with PN and EGP+ steers consuming more feed than their contemporaries. Gain:feed and ADG were unaffected (P > 0.10) by diet, but ExGP improved these measures (P < 0.01). There were no diet × ExGP interactions for carcass characteristics except KPH fat and percentages of yield grade 3 and 4 carcasses (P < 0.05). Diet affected total incidence of liver abscesses because PN steers had a greater (P = 0.05) incidence of liver abscesses than steers in the CON treatment. Diet did not affect the other carcass characteristics (P > 0.10). Use of ExGP increased (P < 0.05) HCW, LM area, and 12th-rib fat but did not affect (P > 0.10) marbling score. Using ExGP reduced the percentage carcasses grading Premium Choice (P < 0.05). No diet × ExGP interactions or diet effects were detected for long-chain fatty acid profiles (P > 0.10). Use of ExGP increased (P < 0.05) the ratio of saturated:unsaturated fatty acids. In summary, the alternative feeding strategy presented in this study produced similar feedlot performance and carcass characteristics compared with a conventional feedlot system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raising beef cattle on concrete floors can negatively impact their welfare by increasing joint swelling and body lesions, as well as abnormalities in resting behavior and postural changes. We hypothesized that the addition of rubber mats to concrete pens would improve beef cattle welfare by improving performance, health, hygiene, and resting behavior. Forty-eight crossbred Angus steers were housed in pens of 4 and randomly assigned to a single flooring treatment: (1) fully slatted concrete (CON), (2) fully slatted rubber mat (SLAT), or (3) solid rubber mat (SOLID; 60% of pen floor) from 36 to 48 wk of age. Weight, ADG, lesions, gait score, joint swelling, and animal and pen cleanliness were collected every 2 wk. Behavioral time budgets and frequency of postural changes (an indicator of floor traction and comfort) were collected at 0, 6, and 12 wk. No differences in weight gain or ADG were observed. Steers on SOLID flooring (0.80 ± 0.08) showed increased lesions compared to SLAT (0.38 ± 0.08) and CON (0.37 ± 0.08; both, P = 0.05); however, there was no difference between SLAT and CON. SLAT steers (1.69 ± 0.04) showed a reduced gait score compared to SOLID (1.95 ± 0.04) and CON (1.98 ± 0.04; both, P < 0.05), but SOLID and CON did not differ. Steers on SLAT flooring had less joint swelling (both knees and hocks) compared to SOLID and CON (all comparisons, P < 0.05), but SOLID and CON did not differ. Steers on SOLID (3.64 ± 0.05) flooring were dirtier than those on SLAT (2.27 ± 0.05) and CON (2.19 ± 0.05; both, P < 0.001), whereas SLAT and CON were similar. Additionally, SOLID and SLAT pens were less clean than CON pens (P < 0.001 and P = 0.094, respectively), and SOLID was less clean than SLAT (P < 0.001). Time budget behavior was affected by treatment (P = 0.043), where SOLID differed from CON and SLAT (both, P < 0.05). Steers on SOLID flooring preferred to rest on the rubber mat vs. slatted concrete (P = 0.001). Steers on SLAT flooring changed their posture more frequently than those on SOLID and CON flooring (both, P < 0.05), but SOLID and CON did not differ. Compared to CON steers, SOLID steers showed an increase in lesions and a reduction in cleanliness, whereas SLAT steers showed a decrease in gait score and joint swelling and an increase in postural changes. Combined, these data suggest that the addition of slatted rubber mats to concrete pens may improve beef cattle welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the use of polyethylene film wrapping of beef half carcasses and its effects on cooler shrink, cooling characteristics and microbial status of the half carcasses. Film wrapping reduced cooler shrink by 55.2%, 43.1%, 36.0% and 30% after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of cooling, respectively, compared to the unwrapped half carcasses, whereas the surface water activity showed no significant differences among the time periods. The wrapped half carcasses had a lower cooling rate and higher surface and internal temperatures. The highest values of the aerobic mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae were found in the half carcasses wrapped in film. No significant differences were found in the values of Escherichia coli . The polyethylene film was effective in reducing cooler shrink; however, it caused a delay in cooling, thereby enabling greater microbial occurrences and counts and impairing the hygienic and sanitary conditions of the carcasses, which may be an impediment to the practical application of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in pre-harvest stress measurements and carcass characteristics between kosher and not-qualified-as-kosher cattle were evaluated. Finished heifers ( n = 157) were slaughtered by a shochet while held in an upright position using Glatt slaughter procedures. Stress measurements were collected prior to slaughter. Carcass data were collected, and 3.8-cm thick samples were taken from the loin at the 13th rib. Steaks from each sample were evaluated for mechanical tenderness and simulated retail display. Cattle with shorter times from gate to exsanguination and lower vocalization scores were more likely ( P < 0.01) to qualify as kosher. Kosher carcasses had larger ( P = 0.02) ribeye areas and higher ( P < 0.0001) Warner–Bratzler shear values. At each day of simulated retail display, kosher steaks had lower ( P < 0.05) L*, a*, and b* values. These data suggest that body composition and pre-harvest stress affect the likelihood of a beef animal qualifying as kosher and quality differences exist between kosher and non-kosher steaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental studies were conducted on the chilling of beef carcasses by mist sprays to investigate the effect spray droplet size and Weber number have on the heat transfer and carcass weight loss during spray chilling. Experiments were conducted on 16 beef carcass halves. Half were conventionally chilled by the circulating air in the meat chiller, while the others were chilled by water mist. Tests reveal that spray heat transfer increases with the increase in the spray mass flux. Beef carcasses chilled by mist spray also show a reduction in carcass weight loss with the increase in the spray Weber number. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, the complete CoSYPS Path Food workflow including all steps, namely swab sample enrichment, SYBR®Green qPCR detection of Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp., isolation and confirmation of the detected strain, was validated on beef carcass swabs. To perform the validation, the results of the complete workflow were compared, according to the ISO 16140:2003, with the ISO reference methods for detection, isolation and confirmation of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. The results showed that the relative level of detection and the limit of detection of the complete workflow and ISO reference methods are in a range from 2 to 16 CFU/swab for both bacteria. The relative specificity, sensitivity and accuracy identified during this validation were all 100% since the results obtained with the complete CoSYPS Path Food workflow and the ISO reference methods were identical (Cohen's kappa index = 1.00). In addition the complete CoSYPS Path Food workflow is able to provide detection results (negative or presumptive positive) in half the time needed as for the ISO reference methods. These results demonstrate that the performance of the complete CoSYPS Path Food workflow is not only comparable to the ISO reference methods but also provides a faster response for the verification of beef carcasses before commercial distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hygienic - sanitary quality of carcasses obtained at five municipal slaughterhouses in the province of Manabi - Ecuador was evaluated and the results compared with the microbiological criteria set out in the regulatory documents of Latin America and the Caribbean. The selected slaughterhouses were representative of the province for both the technology used and the number of animals slaughtered. The influence of the season was considered by sampling in summer and winter in 2013. Ten carcasses were examined per season at the biggest slaughterhouses and five at the remaining units Aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, fecal or thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella spp,, and Staphylococcus aureus were counted by the concentration of cfu/g in each sample. In none of the samples studied in the five slaughterhouses, S. aureus or Salmonella spp. were isolated. The counts of microorganisms used as hygiene indicators were higher than those allowed by several of the standards used as references. The highest level of microorganism contaminations (p<0,05) occurred in winter, prevailing the total coliforms and mesophilic bacteria. It was shown that the carcasses obtained at these slaughterhouses had difficulties in their sanitary conditions indicating that these facilities and their hygienic practices should be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is subscribed of an extensive project that has as main objective the production of crossbred specialized beef hybrids from reformed Romanian Black Spotted cattle’s with bulls from breeds specialized in meat production (Blue Blanch Belgique, Aberdeen-Angus and Limousin). The obtained half-breeds products (fifteen bulls) were raised under semi-intensive conditions and slaughtered at 12 months of age. Vacuum packaged loin chops were aged for 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, and 15 days at 4 oC and evaluated by a trained taste panel. Ageing time had the main influence in all the studied sensorial descriptors. Hybrid type did not affect fibrosity or overall flavor intensity. Interactions between hybrid type and ageing appeared in global odor intensity, tenderness and acid flavor intensity (P < 0.05). All hybrid types showed higher tenderness scores as ageing period increased. Our results showed that the existing variability in the ageing evolution of meat depends on hybrid type. Because tenderness has been the main sensory attribute influenced by ageing we suggest an early consumption of RBSxBBB hybrid type meat after slaughter and a larger period for RBSxAA and RBSxLi hybrid types to obtain an optimum tenderness value according to consumer expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the extent that myoglobin and beef color are associated with calpain-1 relative abundance relative and tenderness. Longissimus lumborum (LL) samples from the left side of Holstein beef carcasses (n = 31) were collected immediately post-evisceration for 0 h analyses. At 48 h postmortem six steaks were removed from the right side of each carcass for analyses at 48 and 336 h postmortem. Myoglobin concentrations resulted in negative correlations (P < 0.05) to Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values at 336 h postmortem. L*, a*, and b* values at 48 h resulted in positive correlations (P < 0.05) with WBSF values at 48 and 336 h. Values for b* at 336 h had positive correlations with calpain-1 concentration at 0 and 336 h. Data from this study indicate a potential relationship between myoglobin concentration and meat color with tenderness aspects and calpain-1 relative abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to evaluate growth performance, carcass traits, and composition of fatty acid in carcass of feedlot steers fed diets varying in grain source and monensin levels. Two hundred crossbred steers (initial body weight [BW] 488 ± 36.9 kg) were blocked by BW, allotted to 20 pens, and then randomly assigned to 5 treatments (4 pens per treatment) with 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement. Treatments were barley (100 g/kg barley silage, 900 g/kg barley-based concentrate, and 28 mg/kg monensin) which is a standard feedlot diet for western Canadian feedlots, and diets substituting hard or soft wheat for barley combining with 28 or 44 mg/kg monensin. Dry matter intake (DMI) was higher (P < 0.02) for wheat than for barley diets but it was not different between hard and soft wheat diets. Increasing monensin supplementation reduced (P < 0.01) DMI. Final BW, average daily gain and gain:feed were not different between treatments. Carcass traits were not affected by treatments except that dressing fraction was greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed barley than wheat diets. Additionally, steers fed soft wheat had less (P < 0.05) back fat and greater (P < 0.05) meat yield compared with hard wheat diet. Substitution of wheat for barley grain did not affect the total monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid, but decreased (P < 0.05) vaccenic acid ( t 11-18:1; VA) and a-linolenic acid (18:3n-3; ALA) in the pars costalis diaphragmatic muscles of beef cattle. These results indicate that wheat can effectively replace barley grain in finishing ration without negatively influencing growth performance, carcass traits, and FA composition in beef. Supplementing monensin with higher level than currently practical level had no evident effect on growth rate, feed efficiency and carcass traits, although DMI was decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate conventional (CONV) and natural (NAT) beef production systems from annual pasture through finishing through grazing. Beef steers (n = 180, initial B W = 250 ± 19 kg) were assigned randomly to 2 treatments in the pasture phase. Steers were implanted with 40 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA), 8 mg estradiol, and 29 mg tylosin tartrate (CONV), or received no implant (NAT). Steers on the 2 treatments grazed wheat or cereal rye for 109 d. Conventional steers had an 18.5% improvement in ADG (1.22 vs. 1.03 kg/d, P < 0.01) and a heavier final BW (385 vs. 366 kg, P < 0.01) compared with NAT steers. Following the pasture phase, steers (n = 160 steers, 5 steers/pen, 8 pens/treatment) were assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial in the feedlot phase. Production system (NAT vs. CONV) was maintained from the pasture phase, and the second factor was 7 vs. 12% low-quality roughage (DM basis, LOW vs. HIGH). During finishing, CONV steers were given 120 mg of TBA and 24 mg estradiol at processing, fed monensin and tylosin, and fed zilpaterol hydrochloride for the last 20 d of the experiment. There were no program x roughage level interactions (P > 0.07). The CONV steers ate 6.9% more feed (11.8 vs. 11.0 kg/d, P < 0.01), gained 28.4% faster (1.90 vs. 1.48 kg/d, P < 0.01), and were 24.2% more efficient (0.164 vs. 0.132, P < 0.01) compared with NAT steers. The LOW steers had greater G:F (0.153 vs. 0.144, P < 0.01) compared with HIGH steers. There was a 28.3% improvement in estimated carcass weight gain (1.36 vs. 1.06 kg/d), 18.6% improvement in carcass efficiency (0.115 vs. 0.097, P < 0.01), and 21.6% improvement (1.52 vs. 1.25 Mcal/kg, P < 0.01) in calculated dietaty NEd for CONV compared with NAT steers. Hot carcass weight was increased by 62 kg (424 vs. 362 kg, P < 0.01) and LM area was increased by 16.9 cm² (100.9 vs. 84.0 cm², P < 0.01), decreasing USDA yield grade (YG, 3.09 vs. 3.54, P < 0.01) for CONV steers compared with NAT steers. Natural steers had a greater percentage of carcasses in the upper 2/3 of USDA Choice grade (48.7 vs. 18.7%, P < 0.01), a greater percentage of YG 4 and 5 carcasses (25.4 vs. 9.3%, P < 0.01), and a greater percentage of abscessed livers (39.6 vs. 10.5%, P < 0.01) compared with CONV steers. The results show that CONV production results in more rapid and efficient production that resulted in heavier carcasses with superior YG and desirable quality grades with both roughage levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On a global scale, most beef is produced from grazing pastures or rangelands. Certain limitations exist, however, such as not having adequate animal rates of gain for marbling and availability of adequate forage nutritional value and quantity for constant animal weight gains. In the last 20 yr, there has been an increased interest in forage-fed beef for multiple reasons (health related, environmental concerns, and welfare issues). Starting on June 5, 13, 14, and 8 in 4 consecutive yr, 54 steers (initial BW = 259 ± 5.6 kg; average of 9 mo of age) were randomly allotted to 3 yr-round forage systems. Each system occupied 6 ha/ replicate and had the same stocking rate. System 1 had annual ryegrass (.Lolium multiflorum) for winter grazing and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylori) for summer grazing; while Systems 2 and 3 added rye and a clover mix to the ryegrass and diversified the use of pastures in the fall (dallisgrass [Paspalum dilatatum} and clovers [Trifolium spp.]). System 3 added the use of annual summer forages. During their respective growing season for each forage or forage mix, mass and height did not limit animal performance; however, there was a sampling date effect (P < 0.05) for nutritive value variables since it decreased as forages became mature. The ADG observed (0.44 kg) for all systems (P = 0.78) during summer was lower than expected and might have been limited by the observed temperature as well as forage nutritive value. Systems 1 and 2 had more grazing days (P = 0.03) during summer (155 and 146 d, respectively) compared to System 3 (132 d) due to the greater pasture area of bermudagrass in those systems. Steers in System 3 were fed more hay for a longer period of time (P < 0.05) than on the other 2 systems. System 1 and 2 produced more hay per hectare than System 3 (P < 0.05). No differences (P > 0.05) were detected between systems in ADG year round, during the winter season, or carcass characteristics. Return over total direct costs and total specified expenses were greater for Systems 1 and 2, while System 3 was the lowest. Hay making and bale sales played a major role in explaining the economic results of this study. Where possible, year-round forage systems are a viable alternative for forage-fed beef production; however, the low gains during summer and forage availability during the transition period when hay is necessary deserve further research to find alternatives to improve productivity during those times of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghrelin is a gut peptide that when acylated is thought to stimulate appetite. Circulating ghrelin concentrations could potentially be used as a predictor of DMI in cattle. The objective of this experiment was to determine the association of circulating ghrelin concentrations with DMI and other production traits. Steers and heifers were fed a finishing diet, and individual intake was recorded for 84 d. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture following the DMI and ADG measurement period. Plasma active ghrelin and total ghrelin were quantified using commercial RIA. Active ghrelin was not correlated to DMI (P = 0.36), but when DMI was modeled using a multivariate analysis including plasma metabolites and sex, active ghrelin was shown to be positively associated with DMI (P < 0.01) and accounted for 6.2% of the variation accounted for by the regression model (R² = 0.33). Total ghrelin was negatively correlated to DMI (P < 0.01), but was not significant in a multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.13). The ratio of active:total ghrelin was positively associated with DMI (P <0.01) and accounted for 10.2% of the variation in the model (R² = 0.35). Active ghrelin was positively associated with ADG (P < 0.05), while total ghrelin was negatively associated with ADG (P < 0.01), and the ratio of active:total ghrelin was positively associated with ADG (P< 0.01). Active ghrelin was not associated with G:F (P = 0.88), but total ghrelin concentrations were negatively associated with G:F (P <0.01) and accounted for 10.24% of the variation (R² = 0.25). Heifers consumed less feed than steers (P < 0.01), tended to have greater active ghrelin concentrations (P = 0.06), and had greater total ghrelin concentrations than steers (P = 0.04). Total ghrelin concentrations were not different between sire breeds (P = 0.80), but active ghrelin concentrations and the ratio of active:total ghrelin differed between breeds (P < 0.01), indicating that genetics have an effect on the amount and form of circulating ghrelin. Total ghrelin concentrations tended (P = 0.08) to be correlated with HCW, but no other carcass characteristics were correlated with active or total ghrelin concentrations (P > 0.10). Results indicated that ghrelin concentrations are associated with DMI in beef cattle and that there is genetic variation that leads to differences in the amount and form of circulating ghrelin which could contribute to variation observed in DMI of beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to evaluate whether feeding elevated Cu concentrations in conjunction with Linpro, a co-extruded blend of field peas and flaxseed, affected in vitro fermentation, performance, and plasma lipid profiles of fattening beef heifers. In study 1, 2 in vitro trials were conducted as randomized complete experiments with a 2 x 2 factorial treatment arrangement (10 or 100 mg/kg added Cu and 0 or 10% Linpro, DM basis) to determine VFA/gas production and IVDMD. Linpro contains 12% a-linolenic acid and added vitamins and minerals. In study 2, a randomized complete block experiment with a 2 x 2 factorial treatment arrangement was conducted with the same previously described treatment. Crossbred yearling heifers (n = 261; 351 ± 23 kg initial BW) were blocked by weight into heavy and light groups and randomly assigned to experimental pens containing 10 or 11 heifers each. In study 1, no interactions between levels of Cu and Linpro were observed. Copper concentration did not affect IVDMD (P > 0.2) but increased (P < 0.05) by 1.2% when Linpro was included. Final pH was not effected by added Cu (P > 0.05), but pH increased when Linpro was added (P < 0.05). Total VFA were greater in high-Cu treatments (P = 0.038) and molar proportions were not affected (P > 0.34). Linpro had no effect on total VFA (P = 0.46) and molar proportions of propionate and isobutyrate increased whereas acetate and the acetate:propionate ratio decreased (P < 0.01). Linpro increased the production of H2S (30% higher; P = 0.05), and Cu inclusion slightly increased CO? proportion (64.06 vs. 67.58% for Linpro vs. Cu treatments, respectively). In study 2, there were no interactions between levels of Linpro and supplemental Cu except for plasma n-6:n-3 ratio (P<0.01). Final BW were similar for cattle fed 0 and 10% Linpro (581 vs. 588 kg; P > 0.20), but cattle fed diets with Linpro consumed less feed (14.08 vs. 13.59 kg/d; P < 0.05) and were therefore more efficient (0.129 vs. 0.137 for 0 vs. 10% Linpro, respectively; P < 0.01). Carcass traits were not affected by treatment. Feeding elevated levels of Cu did not appreciably alter PUFA proportions in plasma and LM. Plasma and LM concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, including CI 8:3, C20:5, and C22:5, were greater for heifers fed Linpro (P < 0.05). Increasing dietary Cu was not effective as a strategy for decreasing ruminai biohydrogenation and subsequent tissue deposition of PUFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic marker effects and type of inheritance are estimated with poor precision when minor marker allele frequencies are low. A stable composite population (MARC III) was subjected to marker-assisted selection for multiple years to equalize specific marker frequencies to 1) estimate effect size and mode of inheritance for previously reported SNP on targeted beef carcass quality traits (n = 254), 2) estimate pleiotropic effects of previously reported SNP on nontarget performance traits (n = 542 or 254), and 3) evaluate tenderness SNP specific residual variance for LM tenderness. Three haplotypes within ¡u-calpain (CAPN1), a SNP in calpastatin (CAST), and a dinucleotide substitution in diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) were successfully selected to equalize their frequencies. Traits evaluated were birth BW, weaning BW, yearling BW, final BW, dressing percent, HCW, fat thickness, LM area, USDA marbling score, yield grade, LM slice shear force (SSF), and visible and near-infrared (VISNIR)-predicted SSF. While the CAPN1 genotype effect on SSF was not significant (P = 0.12), the direction and size of CAPN1 contrasts were consistent with previous research. Effects on SSF between divergent CAPN1 haplotypes (1.153 kg) and the additive effect of CAST (0.902 kg) were large, and animals homozygous for tender alleles at both CAPN1 and CAST would have 4.11 kg lower SSF (27.5% of the mean) than animals homozygous tough for both markers. Furthermore, the interaction between CAPN1 and CAST for SSF was not significant (P = 0.40). There were significant effects for DGAT1 on adjusted fat thickness (P = 0.02) and VISNIR-predicted SSF (P < 0.001) with additive and dominance modes of inheritance (P < 0.05) for both traits. Furthermore, CAST genotype specific residual variance models fit significantly better (P < 0.001) than single residual variance models for SSF, with the tougher genotypes having progressively larger residual (and hence phenotypic) variances. Therefore, risk of a tough steak from the undesired CAST genotype is increased through both an increase in mean and an increase in variation. This work is supportive of the importance of CAPN1 and CAST for mean tenderness in beef, confirms an effect of CAST on beef LM tenderness variation, and identifies an effect of DGAT1 on subcutaneous fat thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The microbiological condition of beef produced at North American plants has been improved as a result of the use of effective carcass-decontaminating treatments. The effect of these treatments on the storage life of beef has not been established. In this study, beef primal cuts in vacuum packs stored at −1.5 or 2 °C for up to 160 days were assessed for their microbiological and organoleptic properties. RESULTS The odours of boneless cuts were acceptable after storage at either temperature for ≤160 days; and the flavours of steaks from boneless cuts stored at 2 or −1.5 °C for ≤70 or ≤120 days, respectively, were acceptable. The storage life of bone-in cuts stored at 2 or −1.5 °C was, respectively, shorter or the same as that of boneless cuts stored at the same temperature. More than 20 microbial species that were mostly obligate aerobes were present on both types of cuts before storage. After storage for ≥30 days, the microflora was dominated by carnobacteria and Enterobacteriaceae were present in the flora from early storage times. CONCLUSIONS A storage life of 120-140 days was attained by vacuum-packaged beef primals from decontaminated carcasses stored at −1.5 °C. The bone-in cuts stored at 2 °C were spoiled at earlier times, probably by Enterobacteriaceae. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angus-cross steers (n = 96; BW = 309 ± 34 kg; 13.5 mo of age) were used to determine the effects of frame size (medium or small) and time-on-pasture (TOP) on meat composition and palatability in a 2-yr study. Finishing steers grazed mixed pastures (bluegrass/ white clover; April start) and were slaughtered after 89-, 146-, and 201-d TOP At 24 h postmortem, carcass traits were collected and a rib from each carcass was obtained for proximate and fatty acid composition, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and postmortem proteolysis. In yr 1, postmortem aging treatments included 14 and 28 d, whereas in yr 2, postmortem aging treatments included 2, 4, 7, 14, and 28 d. Increasing frame size of the finishing steers produced greater (P < 0.05) ADG by 0.10 kg, BW by 24 kg, HCW by 14 kg, and ribeye size by 2.65 cm². All other carcass, meat composition, and tenderness measures did not differ (P > 0.05) due to frame size or 2-way interaction with TOP. Increasing TOP resulted in quadratic increases (P <0.01) in BW and HCW. Ribeye area, fat thickness, KPH, marbling scores, quality grades, and yield grades increased (P < 0.001) linearly as TOP increased. Time-on-pasture linearly increased (P = 0.001) palmitic (CI6:0) acid, oleic (C18:l eis-9) acid, SFA, and MUFA in the LM. Both n-6 PUFA, linoleic (CI8:2) and arachidonic (C20:4) acids, decreased linearly (P = 0.001 ) with increasing TOP. Increasing TOP linearly reduced (P = 0.01) concentrations of all n-3 fatty acids in the LM. These changes resulted in a linear reduction (P = 0.01) in n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio with advancing TOP; however, the magnitude of the difference was small (1.46 vs. 1.37). At 14 d of postmortem aging, WBSF was lowest (P < 0.001 ) for 89-d TOP and greatest (P <0.05) for the 201 -d TOP. After 28 d of postmortem aging, WBSF values for 89- and 146-d TOP did not differ (P > 0.05) compared to the 14-d postmortem aging WBSF values. However, in steaks from 201-d TOP, additional postmortem aging to 28 d reduced (P < 0.001) WBSF. In pasture-based beef finishing systems, increasing TOP increases animal age, HCW, fat thickness, and marbling score; however, tenderness of ribeye steaks decreased with advanced TOP such that longer postmortem aging times were required to achieve similar tenderness levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meta-analysis of studies evaluating feedlot steer implant programs was conducted to evaluate the differential effects of anabolic implant dosage on feedlot performance and carcass traits. The effect sizes of the implant dosage of interest vs. negative controls and vs. other implant dosages on various dependent variables (ADG, F:G, DMI, dressing percentage [DP], HCW, yield grade, percentage Choice or higher, and marbling score) were calculated. Treatments used for comparisons included no implant, EST (20 mg estradiol benzoate + 200 mg progesterone, 36 mg zeranol, or 72 mg zeranol), ET 120 (24 mg estradiol 17β + 120 mg trenbolone acetate [TBA]), and ET200 (28 mg estradiol benzoate + 200 mg TBA or 20 mg estradiol- 17β + 200 mg TBA). In the first analysis, the 3 implant dosages were compared to negative control. A second analysis was conducted to compare ET120 vs. ET200 using only studies that included a direct comparison of these 2 dosages. The number of studies included in the analysis for each implant dosage and response variable ranged from 34 to 7. A mixed model was used to evaluate individual implant treatments; implant dosage was a fixed effect, and individual study was included as a random effect. All dosages had greater ADG, DMI, and HCW and lower F:G, percentage Choice, and marbling score vs. negative controls (P < 0.05) In the second direct comparison analysis, ET200 tended to have greater ADG (P = 0.10) and HCW (P = 0.07) and had lower F:G (P <0.01) and percentage of carcasses grading Choice or greater (P < 0.01) vs. ET120. Differences in HCW between ET 120 and ET200 diminished numerically with increasing days of implant activity (P < 0.01). All dosages of implants evaluated herein increased performance and decreased quality grade vs. negative controls. Combination implants containing estrogen (E) and 200 mg TBA have greater potency for growth promotion than implants containing E+120 mg TBA resulting in slightly greater performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of feeding dried com distillers grains (DDGS) or modified wet com distillers grains (MDGS) with or without CaO treatment to feedlot steers on 1) growth performance and carcass characteristics and 2) diet digestibility, pattern of intake, and meal distribution. In Exp. 1, steers (n = 139; average initial BW = 336 ± 75 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design, and pens were randomly allotted to 1 of the 4 dietary treatments (DM basis): 1) 50% DDGS untreated, 2) 48.8% DDGS treated with 1.2% CaO, 3) 50% MDGS untreated, or 4) 48.8% MDGS treated with 1.2% CaO. The remainder of the diet was com husklage, dry rolled corn, and vitamin and mineral supplement. In Exp. 2, fistulated steers (n = 8; average initial BW = 540 ± 250 kg) were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design with the same dietary treatments as in Exp. 1. There was no interaction (P ≥0.14) between distillers grains plus solubles (DGS) and CaO inclusion for DMI, ADG, final BW, or USDA yield and quality grades. However, steers fed CaO-treated DGS had decreased (P <0.01) DMI, regardless of DGS type. Because CaO treatment decreased DMI without affecting (P = 0.66) ADG, steers fed CaO-treated DGS had increased (P < 0.01) G:F compared to steers not fed CaO. The variation in DMI found in this experiment could be explained by differences in meal size and distribution. Steers fed CaO-treated DGS ate a similar (P = 0.36) number of meals but ate smaller (P< 0.01) meals. No effects (P &#8805>; 0.55) of CaO treatment or its interaction with DGS type were found for apparent total tract DM or NDF digestibility. However, steers fed MDGS had increased (P< 0.01) NDF digestibility compared to steers fed DDGS. In conclusion, CaO treatment of DGS improved feed efficiency when DGS-based diets were fed but did not improve digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matured leaves of Ocimum gratissimum were harvested and the extracts used to cure Suya (an intermediate moisture meat). O. gratissimum leaves were collected from Oyo state south west region of Nigeria, rinsed in distilled water and squeezed to extract the fluid. The meat used was Semi membranosus muscle from beef carcass, which was trimmed of all visible fat and connective tissues. The meat cut was sliced into sheets of 0.18cm-0.35cm thick and lengths of between 5.0cm-7.1cm. The study comprised five treatments with 10 replicates each in a completely randomized design. Treatment A (TA) served as the control (Suya without O. gratissimum extract(OGE), while treatment B (TB),treatment C (TC), treatment D (TD) and treatment E (TE) were Suya soaked in OGE for ½ hr, 1hr, l½ hrs and 2 hrs, respectively, before coating with Suya ingredients. A total of 50 sticks of Suya weighing from 38.10 - 59.30 grams of sliced meat per stick were prepared for each treatment. The meat on sticks was properly coated with Suya ingredients and arranged around glowing embers of charcoal. The morphological and biochemical characterization of aerobic bacteria, coliform and lactic acid isolates from the five treatments was carried out. At Day 0, isolates from samples of the five treatments include: Aerobic species of Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Micrococcus, and Flavobacterium species. Three Coliform species isolated were: Proteus, Aeromonas and Enterobacter species. The four Lactic acid bacteria isolated were Pediococcus, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus species and Enterococcus feacalis. The bacterial count on Suya meat soaked in OGE at different curing times of ½ hr, 1hr, 1½ hrs and 2hrs differed. The aerobic counts (0.001x105- 2.2x105) were relatively low at the third and fifth days for TC, TD, and TE while for Lactic acid bacteria, the count reduced from 3.0x105 in TA to 0.2x105 in TE. Coliform counts of 6.0x105 and 7.0x105 recorded at day 7 for TA and TB were exceptionally high. O. gratissimum extract, used as a curing agent in suya production significantly reduced the aerobic count of treated meat, thus enhancing the keeping quality of the products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holstein steers (n = 2,275) were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) a control diet containing no β-agonists, 2) a diet that contained zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; 8.3 mg/kg [100% DM basis]) for 20 d with a 3-d withdrawal period before harvest, and 3) a diet that contained ractopamine hydrochloride (RH; 30.1 mg/kg [100% DM basis]) for 28 d before harvest. No differences (P > 0.18) were detected between treatments for initial BW, BW at d 28, or DMI. Final BW, BW gain for the last 28 d, total BW gain, ADG for the last 28 d, and overall ADG were greater {P < 0.05) for steers fed ZH or RH than for steers fed the control diet. Additionally, G:F for the last 28 d and G:F for the entire trial was increased (P < 0.02) for steers fed ZH (0.147, 0.147) or RH (0.153, 0.151) compared to steers fed the control diet (0.134, 0.143), respectively. Steers fed ZH or RH had HCW that were 15.5 and 8.2 kg heavier (P< 0.01) and LM areas that were 7.1 and 2.3 cm2 larger (P < 0.01) than control cattle. Steers fed ZH also had dressed carcass yields that were 1.3% to 1.5% greater and USDA calculated yield grades that were decreased 0.16 to 0.23 units compared to RH and control steers. No differences (P > 0.39) were found between treatments for marbling score, fat thickness, and percentage KPH. Steers fed ZH had an increased (P< 0.04) percentage of yield grade 1 and 2 car casses(15.1,55.0)and a reduced (P < 0.02) percentage of yield grade 3 carcasses (27.1) compared with those fed RH (10.5, 49.1, 36.1) or the control diet (9.0,47.4,36.4), respectively. Additionally, ZH-fed steers had a decreased (P < 0.04) percentage of yield grade 4 and 5 carcasses (2.8) compared with steers fed the control diet (6.9). Steers fed ZH had an increased (P < 0.01) percentage of USDA Select grading carcass (31.0%) and a decreased (P < 0.01) percentage of USDA Choice grading carcasses (65.0%) compared with steers fed RH (25.8%, 70.2%) and no β-agonist (24.8%, 72.0%), respectively. Feeding either β-agonist to calf-fed Holstein steers increased live performance through increased BW, BW gain, and ADG. Furthermore, supplementing calf-fed Holstein steers with ZH provides greater improvements in HCW, LM area, and yield grade components, with a slight decrease in quality grade when compared to calf-fed Holstein steers supplemented with RH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) has been approved for use since 2006; however, there is no research on any interactions between ZH and coproduis. Additionally, there is no published information on the potential effects of ZH on heat stress in feedlot cattle. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of feeding dry-rolled corn (DRC)-based diets with and without wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) and ZH on performance, carcass characteristics, and heat stress in feedlot cattle. Four hundred thirtyeight steers were used in a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in 16 pens with 26 to 28 steers in each pen. Factors consisted of inclusion of 0 or 30% (on a DM basis) WDGS and inclusion of ZH at 0 or 84 mg/steer daily for 21 d at the end of the finishing period. Therefore, cattle were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of the resulting 4 treatment combinations: 1 ) DRC-based diet with 0% WDGS and 84 mg/steer ZH, 2) DRC-based diet with 0% WDGS and no ZH, 3) DRC-based diet with 30% WDGS and 84 mg/steer of ZH, and 4) DRC-based diet with 30% WDGS and no ZH. Final live BW, carcassadjusted BW, ADG, and G:F were greater for cattle fed ZH than non-ZH-fed cattle (P < 0.01). Additionally, cattle fed ZH consumed 7.4% less DM than cattle not fed ZH (P < 0.01). Cattle fed ZH for 21 d also had a 2.9% greater HCW (P < 0.01), a 1.1% greater dressing percentage (P < 0.01), 7.3% greater LM area (P < 0.01), and an 8.4% improvement in yield grade (P <0.01) than cattle not fed ZH. For the main effect of WDGS inclusion, ADG was greater for cattle fed 0 vs. 30% WDGS (P = 0.04) and G:F also tended to be greater for cattle fed 0 vs. 30% WDGS (P = 0.07) for the 21-d ZH feeding period. However, when evaluated over the entire experiment, cattle fed 30 vs. 0% WDGS had a greater ADG and G:F (P < 0.01). Furthermore, cattle fed 30 vs. 0% WDGS had a greater dressing percentage and tended to have a greater amount of 12th rib fat (P < 0.07). Heat stress measurements were collected during the time cattle were fed ZH, from May 31 to July 12, 2013. The slopes for change in respiration rate and panting score per day were positive but were not different across dietary treatments (P > 0.71); in addition, the slopes for change in respiration rate and panting score when accounting for environmental conditions were positive but were not different across dietary treatments (P > 0.32). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-four steers (initial BW = 385 ± 1.1 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 3 dietaty treatments (0, 30, or 60% wet distillers grains with solubles [WDGS]; DM basis) and were fed individually to determine the effect of WDGS on live growth and carcass performance, visceral organ mass, trace mineral status, and polioencephalomalacia biomarkers. Steers were slaughtered at 125, 150, 164, and 192 d (2 blocks/ slaughter date) when external fat depth was approximately 1.3 cm based on visual appraisal. Steers fed 30% WDGS had greater DMI than those fed 0 or 60% WDGS (P < 0.05), and steers fed 60% WDGS had the lowest carcass-adjusted ADG (P < 0.09) of the 3 treatments. Nonetheless, WDGS concentration did not alter feed efficiency (P > 0.41) on either live or carcass-adjusted basis. Steers fed 30% WDGS had greater liver S and Mn concentrations (DM basis) and lower liver Fe concentrations than control steers (P <0.10; initial values used as a covariate), and feeding 60% WDGS decreased liver Cu and increased liver Fe (P <0.10) compared with feeding 30% WDGS. Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity in brain tissue tended to be decreased with 60 vs. 30% WDGS (P = 0.12), and COX activity decreased linearly (P = 0.06) in lung tissue as dietaty WDGS concentration increased. Likewise, gut fill linearly increased (P = 0.01 ) with increasing WDGS concentration. Feeding 30% WDGS increased fractional mass (g/kg of empty BW) of the small intestine (P < 0.10) compared with controls, whereas 60% WDGS increased fractional kidney mass (P <0.10) compared with 30% WDGS. Overall, results suggest that gut fill, Cu status, and COX activity seem to be compromised by WDGS when fed at 60% of diet DM in diets based on steam-flaked com, which suggests a greater susceptibility to polioencephalomalacia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]