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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) on quality attributes of three beef muscles (longissimus lumborum, psoas major, and infraspinatus). Ninety-six, yearlings crossbred steers were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments (Corn, 15%, or 30% WDGS - DM basis) and fed for 133 d. No significant differences were observed in marbling score (P = 0.89), marbling texture (P = 0.70), and marbling distribution (P = 0.36). Greater concentrations of PUFA and lower levels of 18:1(n-7) were observed in beef from steers fed 30% WDGS when compared to other treatments. Lipid oxidation was also greater in beef from steers fed 30% WDGS (P ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were observed in sensorial attributes and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) for all muscles (P > 0.05). Feeding WDGS increased PUFA and lipid oxidation, which may lead to shorter shelf life.

Calf-fed crossbred steers (n = 94) were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments (0%, 15%, or 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles, WDGS; DM basis) and fed for 167 d to determine the effects on quality attributes of beef. At 48 h postmortem, marbling score, marbling texture, and marbling distribution were assessed by a USDA grader. After grading, one rib eye slice (longissimus thoracis) »7 mm thick was excised from each carcass, trimmed of subcutaneous fat, and analyzed for fatty acid profile and lipid content. At 7 d postmortem, 48 top blades (infraspinatus), strip loins (longissimus lumborum), and tenderloins (psoas major) (16 per treatment) were removed from shoulder clods and short loins and 2 steaks were obtained to measure mineral content, fatty acid profile (except strip loins), trained sensory analysis, objective color, and lipid oxidation. Finishing diet did not influence the content of total lipid (P = 0.19) or marbling, marbling texture, or marbling distribution (P = 0.46, 0.84, 0.40, respectively). Feeding WDGS created a linear increase (P 0.50), except a minimal effect on strip loin juiciness (5.32, 4.86, and 5.52 for 0%, 15%, and 30% WDGS, respectively; P = 0.02). Top blade and tenderloin steaks from cattle fed 30% WDGS were significantly less red (lower a* values) on d 3 of simulated retail display (P < 0.04). Inclusion of 30% WDGS in the diet resulted in higher levels of oxidation after 7 d of retail display for top blade and strip loin steaks (P < 0.01). Feeding WDGS to calf-fed steers altered fatty acid profile, increased oxidation, and decreased color stability during retail display.

Wet distillers grains contain approximately 65% moisture. A partially dried product [modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS)] contains about 50% moisture. However, both have similar nutrient composition on a dry matter basis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of finishing diets varying in concentration of MDGS on marbling attributes, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile of beef. Yearling steers (n = 268) were randomly allotted to 36 pens, which were assigned randomly to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% MDGS (DM basis) and fed for 176 d before harvest. The 48-h postmortem marbling score, marbling texture, and marbling distribution were assessed by a USDA grader and 1 ribeye slice (longissimus thoracis) 7 mm thick was collected from each carcass for proximate and fatty acid analyses. Treatments did not significantly alter marbling score or marbling distribution (P ≥ 0.05). United States Department of Agriculture Choice slices had coarser marbling texture when compared with USDA Select. Although dietary treatment affected marbling texture, no consistent pattern was evident. Diets did not influence fat content, moisture, or ash of the ribeye (P ≥ 0.05). For treatments 0, 10, 30, 40 and 50%, there were positive linear relationships between marbling score and fat percentage in the ribeye (P ≤ 0.05), and all slopes were similar (P = 0.45). Feeding MDGS linearly increased stearic, linoelaidic, linoleic, linolenic, PUFA, and n-6 fatty acids. As dietary MDGS increased, linear decreases were observed in all n-7 fatty acids and cubic relationships were detected for the 18:1 trans isomers [trans-6-8-octadecenoic acid (6-8t), elaidic acid (9t), trans-10-octadecenoic acid (10t), and trans vaccenic acid (11t)]. No effects were observed for saturated fatty acids containing 6 to 14 carbons. Feeding MDGS resulted in increased PUFA, trans, and n-6 fatty acids, minimal effects on marbling texture, and no effects on the relationship of marbling to intramuscular fat content relationship.

The M. quadriceps femoris from USDA Choice (n = 12) and USDA Select (n = 12) carcasses were fabricated traditionally (COLD) or innovatively (HOT), in which the seams it shares with the top round and bottom round were separated prerigor to evaluate positional and locational effects on Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), sensory attributes, and objective color. At slaughter, paired USDA Choice and USDA Select carcasses were alternately assigned either the HOT or COLD treatment. At 48 h postslaughter, subprimals were removed, vacuum-packaged, and aged for an additional 5 d. After aging, the M. quadriceps femoris was cut into 2.54-cm-thick steaks and allowed to bloom 1 h. For the M. rectus femoris (REC) and M. vastus lateralis (VAL), L* values significantly (P < 0.050) decreased when moving from the proximal to distal position within the muscle. Similarly, a* and b* values decreased in the VAL when moving from the proximal to the distal aspect. After color measurement, steaks were vacuum-packaged and frozen (-26 degrees C) until shear and sensory data were collected. Significant position (proximal to distal) and location effects (cranial to caudal) were noted for both muscles. However, treatment did not affect WBSF of the VAL. Although intramuscular variation existed, WBSF and sensory panel tenderness ratings were acceptable for the REC. Although WBSF values were greater and tenderness ratings were less than the REC, the VAL were not extremely tough and therefore could be used in enhancement applications.

The objective of this study was to determine whether aging would alter the beneficial effects (tenderness, juiciness, and flavor) of enhancing beef chuck and round steaks with a 20% solution of water, ammonium hydroxide, salt, and carbon monoxide. A randomized, complete block design was used, with 2 treatments [0% (control) and 20% (pump)], 3 aging periods (1, 2, and 3 wk), 3 muscles (M. triceps brachii from the clod heart, M. biceps femoris from the sirloin cap, and M. rectus femoris from the knuckle), and 3 replications. There were a total of 12 subprimals per treatment per aging period (n = 72 each). Individual steaks were cut to a thickness of 2.54 cm and packaged in a high-oxygen modified-atmosphere package (80% oxygen, 20% carbon dioxide). At the end of the aging period, steaks were vacuum packaged and frozen. Steaks were used to determine Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS) and consumer sensory ratings. For all muscles, WBS values were lower for pump steaks than control at every aging period (P < 0.050). In addition, as aging period increased, WBS values for all steaks increased. Consumer taste panels revealed more desirability for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability for pump steaks than control steaks. In addition, steaks aged for 1 d were more desirable than steaks aged for 7 and 14 d (P < 0.050). These data indicate that aging does not decrease the benefits (tenderness, juiciness, and flavor) of enhancement.

Beef knuckles (n = 160) were obtained from source-verified cattle finished on 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles enriched with varying levels of alfalfa hay (4 or 8%), corn silage (6 or 12%), or corn stalks (3 or 6%) based on NDF. Proximate analysis, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, fatty acid composition, and sensory analysis were conducted on the rectus femoris muscle to determine if roughage inclusion, in conjunction with wet distillers grains plus solubles and cattle source, affects beef flavor with particular interest in liver-like off-flavor. Proximate analysis, fat content, and oxidation-reduction potential were unaffected (P ge;0.129) by diet or source. For s.c. adipose tissue, cattle from Nebraska (NE) had greater amounts of MUFA (P = 0.048) and unsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.068) but less SFA (P = 0.065) when compared with cattle from South Dakota. Diet affected s.c. adipose tissue levels of 15:0, 17:0, and n-3 fatty acids in which cattle from NE finished on the low corn stalk diet had (P < or =0.050) lower levels. Cattle from NE had (P < or = 0.049) greater i.m. adipose proportions of 13:0 and CLA. Dietary effects (P < or = 0.050) were observed for i.m. adipose tissue proportions of 16:0, 18:1(n-9), 18:2(n-6), 20:4(n-6), 22:5(n-3), MUFA, PUFA, and n-6 fatty acids. Sensory analysis revealed that cattle from NE were (P < or = 0.023) less juicy and had less bloody notes when compared with cattle from South Dakota. Cattle finished on the low alfalfa diet were (P < or = 0.014) more tender and juicy but had more bloody notes. No (P ge; 0.670) dietary or source effects were noted for liver-like off-flavor. Subcutaneous amounts of 18:2(n-6 trans) (r = -0.17) were inversely related to the incidence of liver-like off-flavor, whereas 20:1(n-9) (r = 0.21), CLA cis-9, trans-11 (r = 0.16) were directly related. Data from this study indicate that type and level of roughage inclusion and cattle source have minimal effects on fatty acid profiles and sensory properties of the musculus rectus femoris. However, individual fatty acids of s.c. and i.m. adipose tissue were significantly correlated with liver-like off-flavor.

Beef knuckles (n = 60) were chosen from a population of 328 knuckles to test a selection procedure and determine the potential causes of liver-like off-flavor. In phase I, 2 independent panelists were allowed to smell the aromas or smell and taste samples of cooked beef to determine the presence or absence of the liver-like off-flavor and off-flavor intensity. The panelists tested knuckles from 5 feedlots, but only identified 29 as having an off-flavor. A kappa statistic was generated to assess the level of agreement of the 2 panelists that indicated the panelists moderately or substantially agreed when judgments were based on smell exclusively or smelling and tasting, respectively. Although the agreement was acceptable (kappa = 0.57 and 0.76), there was not enough variation in the liver-like off-flavor and off-flavor intensity for the 2 panelists to detect differences compared with an independent sensory panel. Phase II identified factors that led to the development of the liver-like off-flavor in beef. The M. rectus femoris from knuckles identified from phase I were used. Sensory analysis, proximate composition, heme iron, mineral content, and fatty acid analyses were conducted. Stepwise regression was used to identify factors contributing to the liver-like off-flavor. Specifically, Na, 16:1, cis 18:1(n-7), 20:2(n-6), and 20:3(n-6) fatty acids explained (P = 0.021) 46% of the variation of the liver-like off-flavor. Although previously reported as playing a role in the development of the liver-like off-flavor, iron, heme iron, and pH had no effect in this study.

Wet distillers grains contain approximately 65% moisture. A partially dried product [modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS)] contains about 50% moisture. However, both have similar nutrient composition on a dry matter basis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of finishing diets varying in concentration of MDGS on marbling attributes, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile of beef. Yearling steers (n = 268) were randomly allotted to 36 pens, which were assigned randomly to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% MDGS (DM basis) and fed for 176 d before harvest. The 48-h postmortem marbling score, marbling texture, and marbling distribution were assessed by a USDA grader and 1 ribeye slice (longissimus thoracis) 7 mm thick was collected from each carcass for proximate and fatty acid analyses. Treatments did not significantly alter marbling score or marbling distribution (P ≥ 0.05). United States Department of Agriculture Choice slices had coarser marbling texture when compared with USDA Select. Although dietary treatment affected marbling texture, no consistent pattern was evident. Diets did not influence fat content, moisture, or ash of the ribeye (P ≥ 0.05). For treatments 0, 10, 30, 40 and 50%, there were positive linear relationships between marbling score and fat percentage in the ribeye (P ≤ 0.05), and all slopes were similar (P = 0.45). Feeding MDGS linearly increased stearic, linoelaidic, linoleic, linolenic, PUFA, and n-6 fatty acids. As dietary MDGS increased, linear decreases were observed in all n-7 fatty acids and cubic relationships were detected for the 18:1 trans isomers [trans-6-8-octadecenoic acid (6-8t), elaidic acid (9t), trans-10-octadecenoic acid (10t), and trans vaccenic acid (11t)]. No effects were observed for saturated fatty acids containing 6 to 14 carbons. Feeding MDGS resulted in increased PUFA, trans, and n-6 fatty acids, minimal effects on marbling texture, and no effects on the relationship of marbling to intramuscular fat content relationship.

Calf-fed crossbred steers (n = 94) were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments (0%, 15%, or 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles, WDGS; DM basis) and fed for 167 d to determine the effects on quality attributes of beef. At 48 h postmortem, marbling score, marbling texture, and marbling distribution were assessed by a USDA grader. After grading, one rib eye slice (longissimus thoracis) »7 mm thick was excised from each carcass, trimmed of subcutaneous fat, and analyzed for fatty acid profile and lipid content. At 7 d postmortem, 48 top blades (infraspinatus), strip loins (longissimus lumborum), and tenderloins (psoas major) (16 per treatment) were removed from shoulder clods and short loins and 2 steaks were obtained to measure mineral content, fatty acid profile (except strip loins), trained sensory analysis, objective color, and lipid oxidation. Finishing diet did not influence the content of total lipid (P = 0.19) or marbling, marbling texture, or marbling distribution (P = 0.46, 0.84, 0.40, respectively). Feeding WDGS created a linear increase (P0.01) of PUFA in all three muscles (longissimus thoracis showed 4.90%, 5.91%, and 6.23% PUFA for 0%, 15%, and 30% WDGS, respectively). Similar responses were observed for 18:2(n-6) and total n-6 fatty acids. Conversely, lower proportions of 18:1(n-7) fatty acid were observed in beef from animals fed 30% WDGS (P0.01). Total trans fatty acids increased linearly in strip loin and top blade steaks (P0.01), whereas proportions of 16:0 and 14:1(n-5) fatty acids decreased in all muscles (P0.01) as WDGS increased. Diet did not affect mineral content of top blades or strip loins. For tenderloin steaks, S concentration was lower when 30% of WDGS was fed (P = 0.05). No effects on sensory attributes and Warner-Bratzler shear force were observed (P0.50), except a minimal effect on strip loin juiciness (5.32, 4.86, and 5.52 for 0%, 15%, and 30% WDGS, respectively; P = 0.02). Top blade and tenderloin steaks from cattle fed 30% WDGS were significantly less red (lower a* values) on d 3 of simulated retail display (P0.04). Inclusion of 30% WDGS in the diet resulted in higher levels of oxidation after 7 d of retail display for top blade and strip loin steaks (P0.01). Feeding WDGS to calf-fed steers altered fatty acid profile, increased oxidation, and decreased color stability during retail display.

The M. quadriceps femoris from USDA Choice (n = 12) and USDA Select (n = 12) carcasses were fabricated traditionally (COLD) or innovatively (HOT), in which the seams it shares with the top round and bottom round were separated prerigor to evaluate positional and locational effects on Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), sensory attributes, and objective color. At slaughter, paired USDA Choice and USDA Select carcasses were alternately assigned either the HOT or COLD treatment. At 48 h postslaughter, subprimals were removed, vacuum-packaged, and aged for an additional 5 d. After aging, the M. quadriceps femoris was cut into 2.54-cm-thick steaks and allowed to bloom 1 h. For the M. rectus femoris (REC) and M. vastus lateralis (VAL), L* values significantly (P0.050) decreased when moving from the proximal to distal position within the muscle. Similarly, a* and b* values decreased in the VAL when moving from the proximal to the distal aspect. After color measurement, steaks were vacuum-packaged and frozen (-26 degrees C) until shear and sensory data were collected. Significant position (proximal to distal) and location effects (cranial to caudal) were noted for both muscles. However, treatment did not affect WBSF of the VAL. Although intramuscular variation existed, WBSF and sensory panel tenderness ratings were acceptable for the REC. Although WBSF values were greater and tenderness ratings were less than the REC, the VAL were not extremely tough and therefore could be used in enhancement applications.

The objective of this study was to determine whether aging would alter the beneficial effects (tenderness, juiciness, and flavor) of enhancing beef chuck and round steaks with a 20% solution of water, ammonium hydroxide, salt, and carbon monoxide. A randomized, complete block design was used, with 2 treatments [0% (control) and 20% (pump)], 3 aging periods (1, 2, and 3 wk), 3 muscles (M. triceps brachii from the clod heart, M. biceps femoris from the sirloin cap, and M. rectus femoris from the knuckle), and 3 replications. There were a total of 12 subprimals per treatment per aging period (n = 72 each). Individual steaks were cut to a thickness of 2.54 cm and packaged in a high-oxygen modified-atmosphere package (80% oxygen, 20% carbon dioxide). At the end of the aging period, steaks were vacuum packaged and frozen. Steaks were used to determine Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS) and consumer sensory ratings. For all muscles, WBS values were lower for pump steaks than control at every aging period (P0.050). In addition, as aging period increased, WBS values for all steaks increased. Consumer taste panels revealed more desirability for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability for pump steaks than control steaks. In addition, steaks aged for 1 d were more desirable than steaks aged for 7 and 14 d (P0.050). These data indicate that aging does not decrease the benefits (tenderness, juiciness, and flavor) of enhancement.

Beef knuckles (n = 160) were obtained from source-verified cattle finished on 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles enriched with varying levels of alfalfa hay (4 or 8%), corn silage (6 or 12%), or corn stalks (3 or 6%) based on NDF. Proximate analysis, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, fatty acid composition, and sensory analysis were conducted on the rectus femoris muscle to determine if roughage inclusion, in conjunction with wet distillers grains plus solubles and cattle source, affects beef flavor with particular interest in liver-like off-flavor. Proximate analysis, fat content, and oxidation-reduction potential were unaffected (P ge;0.129) by diet or source. For s.c. adipose tissue, cattle from Nebraska (NE) had greater amounts of MUFA (P = 0.048) and unsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.068) but less SFA (P = 0.065) when compared with cattle from South Dakota. Diet affected s.c. adipose tissue levels of 15:0, 17:0, and n-3 fatty acids in which cattle from NE finished on the low corn stalk diet had (Por =0.050) lower levels. Cattle from NE had (Por = 0.049) greater i.m. adipose proportions of 13:0 and CLA. Dietary effects (Por = 0.050) were observed for i.m. adipose tissue proportions of 16:0, 18:1(n-9), 18:2(n-6), 20:4(n-6), 22:5(n-3), MUFA, PUFA, and n-6 fatty acids. Sensory analysis revealed that cattle from NE were (Por = 0.023) less juicy and had less bloody notes when compared with cattle from South Dakota. Cattle finished on the low alfalfa diet were (Por = 0.014) more tender and juicy but had more bloody notes. No (P ge; 0.670) dietary or source effects were noted for liver-like off-flavor. Subcutaneous amounts of 18:2(n-6 trans) (r = -0.17) were inversely related to the incidence of liver-like off-flavor, whereas 20:1(n-9) (r = 0.21), CLA cis-9, trans-11 (r = 0.16) were directly related. Data from this study indicate that type and level of roughage inclusion and cattle source have minimal effects on fatty acid profiles and sensory properties of the musculus rectus femoris. However, individual fatty acids of s.c. and i.m. adipose tissue were significantly correlated with liver-like off-flavor.

The objective of this study was to determine the retail shelf stability of beef chuck and round muscles enhanced with ammonium hydroxide, salt, and carbon monoxide. A split plot design was used for each of 3 muscles [triceps brachii (TB), biceps femoris (BF), and rectus femoris (RF)] with 2 treatments (0 and 20% pump), 3 dark storage periods (1, 2, and 3 wk), and 3 replications in the whole plot and retail display period as the split plot. There were a total of 12 subprimals per treatment per dark storage period (n = 72 each). Individual steaks were cut to a thickness of 2.54 cm and packaged in a modified-atmosphere package (MAP). The TB was packaged in a high-oxygen MAP (80% oxygen, 20% carbon dioxide). The BF and RF were packaged in a low-oxygen MAP (100% carbon dioxide). At the completion of each dark storage period, steaks were subjected to 7 d of simulated retail display. Steaks were used for objective and subjective color measurements, total plate counts, and determination of retail purge and oxidation. For all muscles, total plate counts were always numerically greater in injected steaks. Triceps brachii steaks held in dark storage for 3 wk and displayed at retail for 4 or more days all exceeded 10(7) log of cfu/cm(2) for aerobic plate count. Biceps femoris and RF steaks packaged in a low-oxygen MAP had much lower bacterial counts, with levels below 4.2 log of cfu/cm(2), even after 7 d of retail display. Oxidation values for the TB were extremely high (ranging from 12.3 to 26.6), whereas the BF and RF had values that were much lower (or =1.0 mg of malonaldehyde/kg of muscle), likely due to the oxidation occurring in a high-oxygen MAP for the TB. Enhanced TB steaks proved to have greater color stability (less discoloration) than nonenhanced TB steaks. In addition, the BF and RF (low-oxygen MAP) steaks had better color stability (more stable redness values) than TB (high-oxygen MAP) steaks, although TB steaks initially exhibited a brighter red color. Retail display life was enhanced by packaging in 100% carbon dioxide, and enhanced steaks exhibited greater color stability in retail display than control steaks.

Beef knuckles (n = 60) were chosen from a population of 328 knuckles to test a selection procedure and determine the potential causes of liver-like off-flavor. In phase I, 2 independent panelists were allowed to smell the aromas or smell and taste samples of cooked beef to determine the presence or absence of the liver-like off-flavor and off-flavor intensity. The panelists tested knuckles from 5 feedlots, but only identified 29 as having an off-flavor. A kappa statistic was generated to assess the level of agreement of the 2 panelists that indicated the panelists moderately or substantially agreed when judgments were based on smell exclusively or smelling and tasting, respectively. Although the agreement was acceptable (kappa = 0.57 and 0.76), there was not enough variation in the liver-like off-flavor and off-flavor intensity for the 2 panelists to detect differences compared with an independent sensory panel. Phase II identified factors that led to the development of the liver-like off-flavor in beef. The M. rectus femoris from knuckles identified from phase I were used. Sensory analysis, proximate composition, heme iron, mineral content, and fatty acid analyses were conducted. Stepwise regression was used to identify factors contributing to the liver-like off-flavor. Specifically, Na, 16:1, cis 18:1(n-7), 20:2(n-6), and 20:3(n-6) fatty acids explained (P = 0.021) 46% of the variation of the liver-like off-flavor. Although previously reported as playing a role in the development of the liver-like off-flavor, iron, heme iron, and pH had no effect in this study.