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Background Carcass evaluation is a key process to ascertain the value and the quality characteristics of the animal at slaughter. In addition to being the base for monetary transactions between livestock producers and meat processors, in some countries, this evaluation also helps to determine the market allocation of cuts. Recent advances in non-invasive techniques are being tested for their potential to improve classification and grading systems in the meat industry. Scope and approach In this review, global grading and classification practices for pig, sheep and beef carcasses are discussed along with the latest technological developments in objective carcass measurement. We discuss a number of studies predicting marketable attributes such as yield (lean and saleable meat yield), eating quality attributes (inter- and intra-muscular fat, meat and fat colour) and carcass dimensions (skeletal structure, ribeye area). Technologies based on x-ray, nuclear magnetic resonance, video image analysis, ultrasound, bioelectric impedance and spectroscopy are discussed, along with recent developments and their possible future adoption. Key findings and conclusions Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and magnetic induction technologies have been commercialised for the sheep and pig industries, respectively. X-ray technologies and updates in video image analysis could go beyond grading to improve yield and cut dimension predictions. Some technologies could improve process efficiencies through cut sorting and enabling robotic cutting, while also enabling improved value-based payment systems. However, there are challenges associated with their implementation in meat processing plants and further research and development is required in some areas.

International audience; Comprehensive characterization of the post-mortem muscle proteome defines a fundamental goal in meat proteomics. During the last decade, proteomics tools have been applied in the field of foodomics to help decipher factors underpinning meat quality variations and to enlighten us, through data-driven methods, on the underlying mechanisms leading to meat quality defects such as dark-cutting meat known also as dark, firm and dry (DFD) meat. In cattle, several proteomics studies have focused on the extent to which changes in the post-mortem muscle proteome relate to dark-cutting beef development. The present data-mining study firstly reviews proteomics studies which investigated dark-cutting beef, and secondly, gathers the protein biomarkers that differ between dark-cutting versus beef with normal-pH in a unique repertoire. A list of 130 proteins from eight eligible studies was curated and mined through bioinformatics for Gene Ontology annotations, molecular pathways enrichments, secretome analysis and biological pathways comparisons to normal beef color from a previous meta-analysis. The major biological pathways underpinning dark-cutting beef at the proteome level have been described and deeply discussed in this integromics study.

Meat consumption internationally is driven by many common factors. While this broadly results in similar temporal trends, diversity in how these factors play out locally is evident. Drawing on secondary data sources, this paper illustrates this by comparing Irish meat consumption with other geographies. It illuminates the differential impact of significant shocks, e.g. the BSE crises, and socio-cultural factors on consumption. With increased attention on sustainability, how motivations relating to health, the environment and animal welfare will influence consumption is likely to vary across countries. Questions arise as to how strategies such as "less but better" will evolve, with available options including changing production parameters, producing meat-blended products, premiumisation and meat reduction. Given that the demand for meat stems as much from its traditional role in cultural practices as it does from satisfying individual needs, the extent to which consumer needs are being met by current offerings will change as the position held by meat in society changes.

International audience; Over the last two decades, proteomics have been employed to decipher the underlying factors contributing to variation in the quality of muscle foods, including beef tenderness. One such approach is the application of high throughput protein analytical platforms in the identification of meat quality biomarkers. To broaden our understanding about the biological mechanisms underpinning meat tenderization across a large number of studies, an integromics study was performed to review the current status of protein biomarker discovery targeting beef tenderness. This meta-analysis is the first to gather and propose a comprehensive list of 124 putative protein biomarkers derived from 28 independent proteomics-based experiments, from which 33 robust candidates were identified worthy of evaluation using targeted or untargeted data-independent acquisition proteomic methods. We further provide an overview of the interconnectedness of the main biological pathways impacting tenderness determination after multistep analyses including Gene Ontology annotations, pathway and process enrichment and literature mining, and specifically discuss the major proteins and pathways most often reported in proteomics research.

Post-mortem (p-m) muscle undergoes a myriad of complex physical and biochemical changes prior to its conversion to meat, which are influential on proteolysis and hence tenderization. A more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underpinning these dynamics is a key to consistently providing tender beef. Using an LC-MS/MS approach, with state-of-art mass spectrometry Q Exactive HF-X, the proteome and associated pathways contributing to the appearance of the proteolytic breakdown products appearing over 14 days p-m, at two important molecular weights (110 and 30 kDa) on 1D SDS-PAGE gels, have been investigated in beef longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles exhibiting four rates of pH decline differentiated on the basis of time at pH 6 (fast glycolysing, or = medium > slow > very slow. The day 2 p-m appearance of the 30 kDa band was most evident for the fast glycolysing muscle with little or no evidence of appearance in slow and very slow. For days 7 and 14 p-m, the strength of appearance was dependent on glycolysing groups fast > medium > or = slow > very slow. LC-MS/MS analysis yielded a total of 22 unique proteins for the 110 kDa fragment and 13 for the 30 kDa, with 4 common proteins related to both the actin and fibrinogen complex. The Gene Ontology analysis revealed that a myriad of biological pathways are influential with many related to proteins involved primarily in muscle contraction and structure. Other pathways of interest include energy metabolism, apoptotic mitochondrial changes, calcium and ion transport, and so on. Interestingly, most of the proteins composing the fragments were so far identified as biomarkers of beef tenderness and other quality traits.

International audience; Ahmed Ouali was born on October 4, 1948 in Tigzirt, Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria. In 1952, he moved with his parents to Montluçon, France. In 1974, he was trained and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry at the University of Lyon. He then, in 1976, earned a joint Ph.D. in Animal Science at the University of Blaise Pascal (Clermont-Ferrand) where he studied at the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA, Theix). The title of his doctorate thesis was “The role of muscle proteases on meat tenderization”. Subsequently, he was employed in a private laboratory for medical analysis from 1976 to 1978 and thereafter at the Meat Research Laboratory group at INRA, Theix as a permanent researcher. In 1990, he was appointed as a research director and led the “Biochemistry and Functions of Muscle Proteins” unit for 8 years. The Meat Research Station focused their research on many topics including colour and protein oxidation; enzymology and tenderness; and muscle protein functionalities. During his entire scientific career at INRA, but before his retirement on October 2013, Ahmed was living in Clermont-Ferrand, the city of the famous volcanic chain of the Puy-de-Dôme, with his wife Anne-Marie with whom he had two lovely children: Armelle (41 years) and Gäel (38 years). In 2019, they moved to their new house in Montpellier in the South of France.

International audience; Marbling is one of the primary carcass attributes utilized in most beef grading systems for eating quality evaluation. In Europe, the current beef grading system is the EUROP grid, which is focused on carcass commercial value and production yield rather than eating quality estimation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between marbling and the most common scores for carcass classification in Europe. If there are strong associations between marbling and European classification scores, marbling score may be estimated from the carcass characteristics. However, this study indicated that European classification scores explain only a slight proportion of the variance in marbling score (32%, 46%, 34% and 21% for the entire cattle group, young bulls, females and steers, respectively). Therefore, whereas the EUROP grid is well adapted to estimate yield, it does not reflect marbling at all. The European beef industry should take into account additional indicators related to beef palatability to assist the determination of the commercial value of carcasses.

Despite several issues in relation to human health, beef is still a most popular meat product among large section of society due to the presence of high quality protein and other nutrients. The current paper reviews numerous studies that provide nutritional profiles and health implications of high marbled beef consumption. In relation to lipid content of beef, intramuscular fat contains high level of PUFA and MUFA compared to other beef fat. Level and composition of intramuscular fat varies depending on breed and feeding regime. Literature suggests that the marbling is more complex than the development of subcutaneous fat and marbling not only provides good fatty acids but also contributes to the higher eating quality of beef. Finally, the current work emphasize that meat plays a pivotal role in nutritious diets, high quality marbled beef is not only of excellent eating quality but also contain more beneficial fatty acids.

New and emerging robust technologies can play an important role in ensuring a more resilient meat value chain and satisfying consumer demands and needs. This paper outlines various novel thermal and non-thermal technologies which have shown potential for meat processing applications. A number of process analytical techniques which have shown potential for rapid, real-time assessment of meat quality are also discussed. The commercial uptake and consumer acceptance of novel technologies in meat processing have been subjects of great interest over the past decade. Consumer focus group studies have shown that consumer expectations and liking for novel technologies, applicable to meat processing applications, vary significantly. This overview also highlights the necessity for meat processors to address consumer risk-benefit perceptions, knowledge and trust in order to be commercially successful in the application of novel technologies within the meat sector.

This study evaluated the contributions of sensory traits to overall liking in Europe. Perceptions by untrained consumers of tenderness, juiciness, flavor liking and overall liking were determined using the Meat Standards Australia protocols. According to European consumer testing with European beef samples, flavor liking was the most important contributor (39%) to beef overall liking, followed by tenderness (31%) and juiciness (24%) (P0.94). The improvement in tenderness over the last decades may explain the highest contribution of flavor liking nowadays. Flavor liking is therefore the main driver of variability in overall liking. Juiciness is the least robust trait which could be influenced by other traits during consumer perception. For outstanding steaks, each sensory trait should have excellent scores and high contributions to overall liking. For medium cuts, one sensory trait with a low score has the potential to be compensated by other traits with higher scores and more emphasis will be placed on the trait with the lowest perception.

The ability of brown seaweed extracts, Ascophyllum nodosum, Laminaria hyperborea, Pelvetia canaliculata, Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus serratus to protect against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH) induced stress in Caco-2 cells was investigated. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring alteration in the enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutases (SOD) and cellular levels of glutathione (GSH). L. hyperborea, P. canaliculata and F. serratus significantly protected against tert-BOOH induced SOD reduction but did not protect against the reduction in CAT activity or the increased cellular levels of GSH. The ability of F. serratus and F. vesiculosus to protect against H(2)O(2) and tert-BOOH induced DNA damage was also assessed. The DNA protective effects of the two seaweed extracts was compared to those of three metal chelators; deferoxamine mesylate (DFO), 1,10-phenanthroline (o-phen) and 1,2-Bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis (BAPTA-AM). F. serratus and F. vesiculosus significantly protected (P

To examine the effect of a modification of a typically Irish dairy calf-to-beef production system, Charolais × Friesian steers were offered a finishing ration of grass silage ad libitum and 5.6 kg concentrates daily for 174 days prior to slaughter at 25 months of age or grass silage ad libitum for 174 days, followed by pasture for 167 days and slaughter at 30 months of age. Finishing at pasture increased carcass weight (376 vs. 342 kg) but did not affect intra-muscular lipid concentration (28 vs. 24 g/kg). Finishing at pasture decreased Longissimus thoracis et lumborum lightness (35.6 vs. 36.9) and increased shear force of muscle at 2 (8.54 vs 4.32) and 7 days (5.21 vs 3.64 kg) post-mortem but not at 14 days post-mortem (4.45 vs. 3.42 kg). Finishing at pasture did not affect the sensory characteristics of tenderness, juiciness, firmness or chewiness and tended (P

The antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts of brown seaweeds was assessed by Total Phenol Content, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), β-carotene bleaching and the DPPH scavenging assays. Ascophyllum nodosum, Pelvetia canaliculata, and Fucus serratus contained the highest phenol concentrations while Fucus vesiculosus and F. serratus exhibited the highest FRAP activities. F. vesiculosus and A. nodosum were the most effective extracts at scavenging DPPH radicals and preventing β-carotene bleaching. The antioxidant activity of the seaweed extracts was also evaluated in Caco-2 cells. All extracts significantly (P

The effectiveness of increasing CLA in pork products through animal dietary supplementation or direct addition in the product formulation has been studied, and the effect of grilling on dry matter and fat contents and fatty acid composition has been analysed. Sausages made with meat and back fat from pigs with CLA dietary supplementation had the highest saturated fatty acid content. Sausages from dietary supplementation and direct addition had CLA levels between 6% and 7% of total fatty acids. Moisture and fat contents decreased and increased respectively after cooking for the three sausage types (control, dietary supplementation, direct addition). Grilling had little effect on fatty acid levels, especially for sausages with direct addition in the product formulation. In general, saturated fatty acids increased and poly-unsaturated fatty acids decreased due to the increase of C16:0 and to the decrease of C18:2 n 6c and C18:3 n 3 fatty acids. Added CLA, both from animal dietary supplementation or direct addition, remained at similar levels in cooked sausages to those found in raw sausages.

Approaches for improving the profile of functional unsaturated fatty acids in pork products include dietary supplementation of pigs with functional oils. Little information is available to indicate the benefit of this approach in a processed and cooked pork product such as breakfast sausages. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to examine the fatty acid profile and oxidation level in cooked pork sausages, produced following dietary supplementation with CLA compared to sunflower oil (SFO). Fat and moisture percentages, total fatty acid profiles and TBARS were analysed. Fatty acid profiles were altered in the sausages following all treatments. While a stronger effect was seen for CLA treatments, addition of SFO in the diet also resulted in linear increases of CLA in the sausages. CLA supplementation resulted in increased saturated fatty acid content; however, all treatments were within the recommended polyunsaturated/ saturated fatty acid ratio of above 0.4. Improved oxidative stability was observed in sausages from CLA supplemented diets.

Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle from 60 Charolais crossbred heifers, aged for 14 days was used to investigate the effect of cooking on the content of PUFA and CLA fatty acids. Animals were offered a control diet of grass silage and concentrates (CO) or rations designed to enhance the concentration of CLA in tissue, i.e. unsupplemented grazed pasture (G), sunflower-oil supplemented grazing (SFG) or linseed-oil oil supplemented grazing (LSG). The SFG diet was the most effective for increasing the concentration of CLA but also caused the highest n −6/ n −3 fatty acid ratio. There were no changes in the relative distribution of fatty acids upon cooking (140 °C for 30 min) and this procedure can be recommended because it preserves the nutritional value of the meat. It is concluded that irrespective of the change in the fatty acid composition of LD due to alteration in the diet of the cattle, cooking did not cause thermal degradation of PUFA, or thermal degradation or oxidative synthesis of CLA.

Connective tissue of three porcine muscles (M. infraspinatus, IS; M. longissimus dorsi, LD; M. semimembranosus, SM) from 27 animals [populations A (n = 13, reared in Ireland) and B (n = 14, reared in Finland)] was studied by measuring the collagen content, collagen solubility and thermal shrinkage temperature of the connective tissue. Colour and pH were also determined. Collagen solubility was highest in IS (p < 0.05) and lowest in SM (p < 0.05) although no difference between LD and SM was found in population B. The onset and peak temperatures of thermal shrinkage (To and Tp) were highest in IS (p < 0.05). The lowest To and Tp were found in SM from population B whereas no differences were seen between LD and SM muscles in population A. It was concluded that the thermal stability of the connective tissue in the three porcine muscles differ. IS, as a dark muscle has high thermal shrinkage temperatures and high collagen solubilities in comparison to the lighter LD and SM muscles which have lower thermal shrinkage temperatures and collagen solubilities. Collagen contents were highest in IS and lowest in LD.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of proteolysis and sarcomere length in determining the tenderness of bovine M. longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle over a 21-day period. This was done by altering the pre-rigor glycolytic behaviour of hot-boned LD muscles using different early post-mortem temperature regimes. Hot-boned LD muscles (n=8) were cut in two, randomised, placed in polythene bags and submerged in a water bath set at 5°C (rapidly chilled) and 15°C (slowly chilled) for 8h post-mortem. All muscles were then stored at 2°C for up to 21 days post-mortem. The temperature regimes altered the glycolytic behaviour of the muscles in the pre-rigor period. The slowly chilled muscles exhibited a faster (P0.01) pH fall than rapidly chilled muscles. Cold shortening was induced in rapidly chilled muscles as they had shorter (P0.01) sarcomere lengths than slowly chilled muscles up to day 21 post-mortem. Warner Bratzler shear force values (WBSF) deemed cold-shortened muscles as tougher than noncold shortened up to day 14 post-mortem. Both cold-shortened and noncold-shortened muscles tenderised over time to an extent where there was no significant difference in WBSF values by day 21 post-mortem. SDS-PAGE protein profiles indicated that the rate of proteolysis was faster in slowly chilled muscles when compared to rapidly chilled muscles. However by day 21 post-mortem it appeared that rapidly and slowly chilled muscles underwent proteolysis to the same extent.

The effect of supplementation of beef cattle diets with tea catechins (TC) (1000mg/animal/day) and rosemary extract (RE) (1000mg/animal/day), for 103 days preceding slaughter, on the oxidative stability of M. longissimus dorsi (LD) steaks was evaluated. Dietary supplementation with TC and RE did not increase plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), LD α-tocopherol concentrations or pH. In LD steaks stored aerobically or in modified atmosphere packs (80% O(2):20% CO(2)) (MAP) for up to 8 days at 4°C, surface redness (CIE 'a' redness value) and lipid stability (TBARS, mg MDA (malondialdehyde)/kg muscle) were not significantly improved as a result of supplementation with TC and RE. Similarly no improvement in the sensory properties and lipid stability of cooked LD slices, stored aerobically or in 30% CO(2):70% N(2) for up to 11 days at 4°C, was observed. An in vitro fermentation study demonstrated that TC and RE were not fermented to any great extent under simulated rumen conditions. Direct addition of TC (1000ppm) and RE (1000ppm) significantly (P

The influence of breed and mh -genotype on carcass conformation, meat physico-chemical characteristics and the fatty acid profile of muscle were studied. Samples from 16 yearling bulls from “Asturiana de los Valles” (AV, n = 12) and “Asturiana de la Montana” (AM, n = 4) were collected. AV animals were classified into three groups according to the presence of the gene causing double-muscling (AV double-muscled ( mh/mh ), n = 4; AV heterozygous ( mh /+), n = 4; AV normal (+/+), n = 4). Double-muscled animals displayed better carcass traits, lower total fat (comprised of subcutaneous (SC), intermuscular (IT) and intramuscular (IM) deposits), higher lean, moisture and drip loss, and lighter meat than AV normal animals. Heterozygous animals showed intermediate characteristics. AM animals, being a more rustic and smaller breed, showed lower conformation, higher total fat (SC, IT and IM), lower moisture and darker meat. According to the intramuscular fatty acid profile, mh / mh animals showed a lower proportion of SFA and MUFA, and a higher proportion of PUFA with an equal proportion of CLA in total fatty acid content. The P/S ratio increased with increasing number of mh alleles (or double-muscling character), while no differences between animal groups were found for the n − 6/ n − 3 ratio.

Pork loins were pumped to 110% of original weight with solutions containing 5.5% salt and 3.3% sodium tripolyphosphate, 5.5% salt and 3.3% β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) enriched fraction or 5.5% salt and 3.3% whey protein concentrate 80% (WPC80) for comparison with non-enhanced control loins. The enhancement of pork loins significantly increased (p

This study characterised the lipid classes of Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle and the fatty acid profiles of the LD intramuscular fat and subcutaneous (SC) adipose tissue of male and female foal mixed populations. Two animal groups were studied based on slaughter ages of 16 and 24 months. The sex of the animals had no statistical significance in the lipid fractions of the LD muscle or in the intramuscular fatty acids (p⩾0.05). In contrast, there was a significant effect of sex on the fatty acid profile of the SC adipose tissue. Furthermore, the livestock production system showed difference in both lipid class and fatty acid profiles from the LD and SC adipose tissues. The LD of 24-month old foals had lower phospholipids content (p⩽0.001), displayed little difference in saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p⩽0.1), exhibited higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p⩽0.05) and lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p⩽0.05) compared with that of the 16-month old foals. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile of the SC adipose tissue of the 24-month old foals had higher SFA (p⩽0.05) and PUFA (p⩽0.01) with lower amounts of MUFA (p⩽0.001) relative to the 16-month old foals.

Loose structure and PSE like zones on the lateral surface of porcine semimembranosus muscle have beenobserved by other researchers. However the role of connective tissue in this abnormally loose structure insemimembranosus muscle has not yet been clarified. We collected about 100g samples from 7 loosestructured and 7 normal structured Irish commercial porcine semimembranosus muscles in order tocompare the onset and peak of thermal transition temperature of intramuscular connective tissue betweenthe samples from the two groups. Meat quality parameters, ultimate pH, rough estimate for drip loss,lightness (L), redness (a) yellowness (b) and as well as electrical conductivity and reflectance were alsomeasured on the samples. Four of the samples characterized as normal by visual assessment showed DFDcharacteristic so the statistical analysis was carried out both including and excluding those samples. Inboth cases the onset (p

Pale, soft, exudative (PSE) pork poses many problems for ham processors with the colour and texture of the final product being of major concern. As visual assessment is the primary, and often the only, method used by these producers, they require objective methods of assessing the quality of the raw material prior to production of hams. This study was conducted to establish the relationship between objective colour measurements and subjective (visual) methods of assessing pork meat quality and to ascertain the ability of objective colour measurements (CIE L* and percentage reflectance) to accurately segregate porcine muscles according to quality, prior to ham production. Pork topsides (M. semi-membranosus and M. adductor) were visually assessed by experienced industry personnel, from a large ham producing company, as being ‘pale’ (n 489) or ‘good’ (n 625) in colour. CIE L* and percentage reflectance (%R) were then recorded on all muscles. Pearson’s correlation coefficients confirmed a significant relationship between visually assessed meat and both L* (r 0.71) and reflectance (r 0.71). CIE L* above 57 and%R below 43% correctly classified 75% of the ‘pale’ topsides. CIE L* below 53 and%R above 53% correctly classified 75% of the ‘good’ topsides. Muscles were processed and colour, texture, sliceability and water holding capacity of the resulting ham products were determined. Hams produced using ‘pale’ topsides had significantly higher (p 0.001) CIE L* and b* values and lower%R (p 0.001), moisture content (p 0.001) and water holding capacity (p 0.05). The textural characteristics of the hams were significantly different (p 0.05) and those produced using ‘good’ meat had greater cohesiveness, chewiness, gumminess and springiness. This study indicates that these objective methods may have potential in the classification of topsides prior to ham processing.

Conjugated linoleic acid (c9, t11 CLA) is a dietary fatty acid produced mainly by ruminant animals and exhibits promising health-promoting biological effects. For lipid fatty acid composition analyses, including CLA, lipids must be pre-treated so that the free and esterified fatty acids (triacylglycerols, phospholipids, etc) are available for determination. The most common treatments involve fatty acid methyl ester derivatives from relatively simple chemical reactions, but this becomes complicated when esterification of CLA is involved because of potential changes in its positional and geometrical isomers by reaction with certain reagents. In this review we explain concisely the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular methods (acid- and base-catalysed methods) generally employed for total fatty acid derivatization and their determination on a gas chromatograph. Based on our experiences we put forward the (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane method as an alternative and successful approach for ruminant tissue lipid determinations. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry

Variation in quality traits may occur between the different muscles within a carcass and also within a muscle. This study examined inter- and intramuscular variation and the resulting effect on measurements (pH, conductivity and colour) taken within 24 h post mortem. The effect of shackling on these quality prediction measurements was also determined. Finally the inherent variability of quality attributes within porcine M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) was examined at 4 days post mortem. Significant intermuscular variation was detected at 24 h post mortem, with higher pH and conductivity values recorded in the M. semimembranosus (SM) than in the LTL. pH and conductivity measurements in both muscle types were correlated (r = 0.46–0.88, P < 0.05) at 45 min and 3 h post mortem. CIE L* and a* values, % reflectance and Japanese pork colour scores were significantly (P < 0.001) different in the neck region (M. biventer cervicis and M. splenius) than on the surface of the SM and M. gluteus medius. An intramuscular effect was not observed in either SM or LTL muscles. Shackling did not introduce a significant variation between sides for pH, conductivity and colour measurements taken up to 24 h post mortem. At 4 days post mortem it was determined that the water-holding capacity, tenderness (Warner–Bratzler Shear force) and composition of the LTL are not dependent on sampling location within the muscle. These results suggest that meat quality measurements are uniform throughout the LTL (loin) and that a significant relationship exists between the LTL and SM muscles. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of type of conserved forage and concentrate composition on the quality of beef held in overwrapped (aerobic) or modified atmosphere packaging under simulated retail display for 17 d. Friesian steers (n = 45) were assigned randomly to one of five dietary treatments: 1) extensively fermented grass silage plus silage concentrate (EFS); 2) restricted fermented grass silage plus silage concentrate (RFS); 3) starch-based concentrate plus wheat straw (SC); 4) nonstarch-based concentrate plus wheat straw (NSC); or 5) zero-grazed perennial ryegrass plus grass concentrate (RYE). Meat quality was determined by measuring color, lipid oxidation (TBARS), alpha-tocopherol concentrations, and fatty acid composition. In aerobically packaged beef, there was a display x diet interactive effect (P < 0.001) on Hunter a* values, with steaks from the EFS group having higher (P < 0.05) a* values than all other dietary groups from d 6 through d 17. Moreover, during the last 12 d of display, beef from the EFS group had the lowest (P < 0.01) proportion of metmyoglobin (display day x diet; P < 0.001). Under aerobic packaging, the SC and NSC groups produced steaks with higher (P < 0.05) TBARS values than RFS, EFS, and RYE groups, which did not differ from each other (display day x diet; P < 0.01). The SC and NSC groups had higher (P < 0.05) oxidation levels than RFS, EFS, and RYE groups, which did not differ from each other. Beef from the EFS group had (P < 0.05) higher concentrations of alpha-tocopherol than from the SC, NSC, and RYE groups. Beef from EFS-fed steers had a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of saturated fatty acids than the SC and NSC groups. It was concluded that the method of grass conservation influenced beef color, whereas concentrate composition did not. Color of aerobically packaged beef was improved by feeding animals silage that had undergone extensive fermentation. Conversely, oxidative stability was decreased by feeding animals starch- and nonstarch-based concentrate diets.

The darker coloured meat sometimes reported when cattle finished at pasture are compared to cattle finished indoors may reflect breed, diet, age at slaughter, exercise and/or environment. To determine the contribution of exercise/environment to beef colour, 24, 24-week-old Holstein/Friesian bulls were either housed (H, 2.5 m 2 /animal) or maintained at pasture (P, 133 m 2 /animal) for 180 days prior to slaughter. The bulls were offered a barley-based concentrate ad libitum and minimum roughage (straw for H and grass for P) to maintain rumen function. Changes in fat deposition were used as an index of exercise. Concentrate intake (group basis) was 7.0 and 6.5 kg dry matter for H and P, respectively. Mean carcass weight was 234 and 246 (sed 4.63) kg for H and P, respectively. Corresponding values for carcass fat score, kidney fat weight and longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle lipid concentration were 3.13 and 2.67 (sed 0.165), 17.9 and 13.9 (sed 2.08) g/kg carcass and 6.7 and 5.4 (sed 0.172) g/kg. Neither LT lightness (Hunter L value) at 2 (mean 35.5) or 7 days (mean 35.7) post-mortem, redness (Hunter a value) at 2 (mean 11.1) or 7 days (mean 13.8) post-mortem nor the pattern of pH fall post-mortem, differed between H and P. It is concluded that exercise/environment sufficient to alter body composition did not affect LT muscle colour in bulls.

Meat quality comparisons were carried out on hams produced from pork legs showing evidence of PSE and normal pork legs. Quality measurements included drip loss, sliceability, cooking loss, TBARS analysis and colour evaluation (Hunter L, a, b). A total of 40 pork legs were selected from a commercial slaughtering plant, 20 from carcasses showing PSE and 20 from normal carcasses based on L, a, b, and pH values. Carcass pH taken between the third/fourth rib was measured 45 min, 90 min, and 24 h after slaughter. Using a Minolta colorimeter (Hunter L, a, b,), colour of the Longissimus dorsi muscle was measured 24 h after slaughter. PSE had an adverse effect on cooked hams in comparison to normal cooked hams with respect to driploss (P

At present sustainability is one of the main societal challenges. The core objective of global sustainability is to match the supply of food, feed, and fuel with the demand of the world’s growing population in the most appropriate way possible. As we look toward unlocking the potential of our seas and oceans as a reserve of much needed resources to sustain our planet while protecting, improving, and helping our seas and oceans to flourish in order to increase their value to the economy, society, and the environment. Cultivation of seaweed has the capacity to grow massive amounts of nutrient-rich food for human consumption. Ocean farms are seemingly more sustainable compared to land-based agriculture because cultivation of seaweeds requires no fresh water, chemical fertilizer, or land, which are the significant negative factors to land-based cultivation. Apart from being an excellent source of food, seaweeds can be a substantial feedstock for biomass, biofuel production, and for animal feeds.

Heifers (n=10) were randomly selected from the slaughter line of a local factory each month for a period of 21 months. Rib steak (sampled at the 10th rib) from the left side of each carcass was taken for analysis. The cattle breeds selected during this study were Friesian, Hereford and Charolais. The mean weight of the left side for all carcasses was 146.6 (S.E.M.= 1.0kg). Graded carcasses selected for sampling during this trial were classified using the EUROP scale and the specific heifer grades chosen were factory grades EO4L and EO4H. Initial Hunter 'a' values (on the day of arrival in the laboratory) of rib steak from heifers finished between November and March (overwintered) were significantly (P0.001) higher than Hunter 'a' values from heifers finished between April and October (pastured). After storage at 4 °C under simulated retail display conditions for 6 days, the Hunter 'a' values for overwintered samples were also significantly (P0.001) greater than those for pastured samples. Breed also had an effect on the colour of the meat. After storage for 6 days, Hunter 'a' values of rib steak from Charolais were significantly (P0.05) higher than either Friesian or Hereford. Pastured heifers had significantly (P0.05) higher levels of the monounsaturated fatty acid C16.1 in the total lipid fraction of rib steak (neutral and polar) than samples taken from overwintered heifers. Pastured heifers had significantly (P0.01) higher levels of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) C18.3 in the phospholipid fraction than those from overwintered cattle. However, Hereford had significantly (P0.05) higher levels of C14.0, C16.1 and C18.0 in the phospholipid fraction than those found in Friesian and Charolais. The level of α-tocopherol in the muscle was not affected by either pasturing/overwintering or breed. However, Continental breeds had significantly (P0.05) higher levels of α-tocopherol in adipose tissue than Friesian.

peer-reviewed This paper uses quality theory to identify opportunities for the meat sector that are consistent with trends in meat consumption. Meat consumption has increased and is likely to continue into the future. Growth is largely driven by white meats, with poultry in particular of increasing importance globally. The influence of factors such as income and price is likely decline over time so that other factors, such as quality, will become more important. Quality is complex and consumers' quality expectations may not align with experienced quality due to misconception of certain intrinsic cues. Establishing relevant and effective cues, based on extrinsic and credence attributes, could offer advantage on the marketplace. The use of extrinsic cues can help convey quality characteristics for eating quality, but also for more abstract attributes that reflect individual consumer concerns e.g. health/nutrition, and collective concerns, e.g. sustainability. However, attributes are not of equal value to all consumers. Thus consumer segmentation and production differentiation is needed. The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Irish Department of Agriculture Food and Marine for funding through their Stimulus Fund for the project entitled “Genetic selection for improved milk and meat product quality in dairy, beef and sheep”: project reference no: 11/SF/311.

Meat products manufactured from low-value cuts may be unacceptably tough because of the high connective tissue content of meats used in their manufacture. The effects of shin beef treated with lactic acid at two concentrations (0.5 mol/L and 0.05 mol/L) and citric acid (0.05 mol/L) on cook loss, colour, textural and sensory characteristics of frankfurters were investigated. The results were compared to two controls containing high and low-value beef. Results indicate that the acids had little or no effect on cook loss and at the low concentrations had no apparent tenderising effect in comparison to the control shin beef. However, a significant effect on tenderness (P

A semi-quantitative SDS-PAGE method was standardised for the routine analysis of myofibrillar protein fragments, 30 and 110 kDa, associated with the meat tenderisation process. Bovine serum albumin was used as an internal standard. Standard curves for purified proteins demonstrated a linear response using this method. Mean analytical recoveries were 95.5 and 102.8% for separation on 7.5 and 15% acrylamide gels, respectively. The ability of the test to measure 30 kDa and 110 kDa fragments independently of sample volumes was demonstrated. Quality control studies showed that levels of 110 kDa protein fragment quantified on 7.5% gels varied by 23.1% within gels and 36.4% between gels. Quantification of 30 kDa protein fragment on 15% gels varied by 7.3% within gels and 7.0% between gels. This thoroughly standardised SDS-PAGE method may be used to measure 30 and 110 kDa bands in extracts of bovine M. longissimus dorsi over the post-mortem ageing period and to evaluate other quantitative methods developed in the future for measurement of the same protein fragments.

Hereford cross heifers ( n =3) were slaughtered and hung conventionally. At 1 h post-mortem the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) was excised, vacuum packaged in plastic bags and stored at 4°C. Samples were taken from each of eight different locations along the length of the LD muscle at 1 h, 1, 3 and 15 days post-mortem for extraction using 5% TCA. Supernatants were stored at −20°C until analysis by HPLC. Peptides produced during the storage of beef were isolated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results show that these components increase in quantity from 1 h to 15 days post-mortem. Five fractions were collected which correspond to various peaks of interest. These fractions were subsequently analysed by mass spectrometry and amino acid sequencing to reveal their identity. Fractions 1 and 2 were found to be mixtures of low molecular components. Fractions 3, 4 and 5 were found to be proteolytic fragmentation products of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, troponin T and creatine kinase, respectively. Enhanced appearance of proteolytic fragments from these parent proteins with muscle ageing suggest that they may be useful indicators of meat quality. Further work incorporating sensory and/or texture evaluation of muscle tissue is required to investigate this issue

Proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins results in an increase in substrate made available for the release of free amino acids. Levels of these amino acids have previously been determined in different muscles over the post mortem ageing period in beef. However, there is a shortage of information available regarding variations within a muscle over this ageing period. The objective of this study was to carry out preliminary investigations into the free amino acid levels in eight locations along the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) over the post mortem ageing period. Free amino acids were analysed in the LD of three Hereford cross heifers at 1 h, 1, 3 and 15 day post mortem. In general most amino acids increased in all locations over the ageing period while a 100% increase was observed in total amino acids averaged over the eight locations. More variations occurred between locations in the earlier post mortem period, however, there were no consistent differences during ageing which might suggest variations in proteolytic activity along the LD. As these analyses were carried out on three animals a larger number of animals would need to be sampled to verify these results.

Tapioca starch, carrageenan, oat fibre, pectin, whey protein and a commercial mixture of carrageenan and locust bean gum were assessed for their ability to mimic fat characteristics in cooked low-fat (10%) beef burgers. Thirteen different blends of the ingredients were formulated in order to examine their effects on quality parameters of low-fat beef burgers. The beef burgers were tested for cook yield, water-holding capacity (WHC), retention of shape, sensory and mechanical texture analysis. Most blends significantly (P

The optimising of the composition of ingredients has a major effect on the properties of low-fat products. The purpose of this research was to assess the effects of added tapioca starch (ranging from 0–30 g/kg), oat fibre (ranging from 0–20 g/kg) and whey protein (ranging from 0–20 g/kg) on the physical and organoleptic characteristics of low-fat beef burgers. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the simultaneous effects of these three ingredients. Significant models of regression were ascertained for cooking properties (yield and water holding capacity), the sensory attributes of tenderness and juiciness, and all mechanical texture attributes. The level of tapioca starch (TS) influenced the models to the greatest extent. Its effect on the cooking properties was highly significant, positive and linear. The presence of TS had a large negative linear effect on Warner-Bratzler and Kramer shear forces. For each significant regression model, TS exerted a linear effect, and in some cases a quadratic effect. Both oat fibre and whey protein had a limited influence. There was no evidence of interactions among the variables. The results indicate that as the TS in low-fat beef burgers increases a succulent and tender low-fat product is obtained.

Heifers (n = 70) were slaughtered and hung conventionally in an industrial meat plant. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was studied for its ability to predict selected meat quality attributes, i.e. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), sensory tenderness, texture, flavour and acceptability. Freshly cut steaks (2.5 cm thick) were taken from the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle at 1, 2, 7 and 14 days post mortem for NIR analysis. Other samples (also 2.5 cm thick) were taken at 2, 7 and 14 days post mortem, vacuum-packaged in plastic bags and stored at -20 °C for WBSF measurement and sensory analysis. Heifers were slaughtered in two groups; between slaughterings, replacement of the spectrophotometer lamp and lamp assembly was necessitated by a bulb failure. Using principal component regression (PCR), correlation coefficients of 0.82 and 0.73 were obtained for the prediction of WBSF in sample sets 1 and 2, respectively. On merging both sample sets, this value was lowered slightly (r = 0.61). Correlation coefficients obtained for the prediction of tenderness, texture, flavour and acceptability were 0.67, 0.53, 0.51 and 0.46 respectively (set 1); 0.72, 0.71, 0.45 and 0.67 (set 2); 0.53, 0.54, 0.24 and 0.42 (combined sets).

The effects of fat level (5% and 12%), tapioca starch and whey protein on the hydration/ binding properties, colour, textural and sensory characteristics of frankfurters were investigated. Decreasing the fat content increased cook loss and decreased emulsion stability and product lightness. Fat reduction increased smoke, spice and salt intensities and increased overall flavour intensity and juiciness. Texture profile analysis (TPA) indicated that fat reduction decreased gumminess and cohesiveness but the other parameters measured were unaffected. Addition of tapioca starch or whey protein reduced cook loss and increased emulsion stability. Whey protein did not effect the sensory characteristics but tapioca starch increased overall flavour intensity. Both ingredients increased hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess and chewiness as measured by TPA. Two-factor interactions between fat level and ingredient were observed for several parameters. The results indicate that both ingredients can partially offset some of the changes which occur in low-fat frankfurters when fat is replaced with added water and protein level is constant.

This study investigated the effects of high pressure (HP) treatment of pork meat before manufacturing sausages with reduced salt levels and compared them to sausages manufactured with untreated meat (control sausages). A 2×5 factorial design was set up incorporating two pressure levels (0 or 150 MPa) and five salt levels (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%). Most quality attributes were affected when salt levels were reduced below 1.5%. Fat loss (FL) was (P

This study investigated effects of high pressure (HP) treatment of pork meat at 150 or 300 MPa for 5 min before manufacturing sausages on the reduction of phosphate levels and compared to sausages manufactured with untreated pork meat (control sausages). Improvement in perceived saltiness, juiciness and overall flavour was observed in sausages manufactured using HP-treated meat at 150 MPa and 0% phosphate, compared to control sausages. Sausages manufactured using meat HP-treated at 150 MPa and 0.25% phosphate (P0.05) improved hardness of sausages. HP-treated meat at 300 MPa and 0% phosphate decreased juiciness and adhesiveness, while at 0.25% phosphate, adversely affected emulsion stability and sensory attributes. HP treatment did not affect significantly the lightness of the sausages; however, elimination of phosphate reduced (P0.05) the yellowness, while HP treatment at 150 MPa with 0.25 or 0.5% phosphate increased (P0.05) redness. HP reatment at 150 MPa has potential for reducing phosphate levels in sausages without significant changes in their functionality and improved acceptability.

The relationship between consumer perception of quality and the food industry's drive to satisfy consumer needs is complex and involves many different components. Science and innovation play a major role in equipping the industry to respond to consumer concerns and expectations. This paper examines the main elements of consumer perception of meat with focus on the red meat sector. Emphasis is placed on perception at point of sale particularly the intrinsic quality cues of colour, packaging and degree of visual fat. The state of the art developments in increasing consumers' perception at this point are discussed. Experienced quality cues such as tenderness and flavour are well known as being of immense importance to consumers at point of consumption. The latest technological developments to enhance the quality experienced by consumers are discussed. The use of pre-rigor restraining techniques offers the industry a method for changing its conventional procedures of processing beef for instance. Background cues of safety, nutrition, animal welfare and sustainability are also discussed. Finally opportunities and challenges facing the industry are outlined. It is concluded that the meat industry needs to invest in and embrace an innovation agenda in order to be sustainable. It must utilise emerging scientific knowledge and take a more proactive role in setting out a research agenda.

Steers were offered grass silage ad libitum and 6.4 kg concentrates daily for 126 days or silage ad libitum for 35 days, followed by concentrates ad libitum (Experiment 1). Steers were offered grass silage ad libitum and 6 kg concentrates daily for 154 days, concentrates ad libitum or grass silage ad libitum for 112 days followed by concentrates ad libitum (Experiment 2). All treatments received the same total concentrate allowance. In Experiment 1, there was no difference in any measurement of meat quality. In Experiment 2, ad libitum concentrate feeding per se, decreased redness and increased shear force of muscle at 2 days post-mortem. Delaying concentrate feeding decreased fat yellowness, decreased shear force at 7 and 14 days post-mortem and increased muscle redness at 14 days post-mortem. Modifications of the beef production system examined had minor effects on beef quality which are unlikely to be of commercial significance.

The objective was to determine the effect of pre-slaughter growth rate on feed efficiency, components of body growth and on the tenderness of longissimus muscle from steers reared to a common age and carcass weight. Sixty Friesian steers were group-housed and offered grass silage ad libitum and 3.5 kg concentrates per animal daily for 5 months and then 5 kg concentrates and 1 kg grass hay for 1 month before the experiment began. The animals were then weighed and in a randomised block were assigned to one of 5 groups, for slaughter at the beginning of the experiment or to be offered concentrates and hay (900 and 100 g/kg total diet, respectively) to achieve target growths of: 0.72 kg/day continuously for 17 weeks, 0.36 kg/day for the first 8 weeks and 1.08 kg/day for the final 8 weeks (low–high), 1.08 kg/day for the first 8 weeks and 0.36 for the final 8 weeks (high–low) or 0.36 kg/day for the first 2 weeks, 0.72 kg/day during weeks 4 and 14 and 1.08 kg/day for the final 2 weeks (pulse). One week was allowed for transition to the different dietary allowances within each energy supply pattern. The mean age at the beginning and end of the study was 18 and 22.5 months, respectively. After slaughter, the weight of the carcass and kidney + channel fat depot were recorded, the pistola hind quarter was dissected into fat, lean and bone and the tenderness of the m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTM) muscle was measured instrumentally and using a trained taste panel after 2, 7 or 14 days ageing. The pattern of energy supply did not affect carcass weight, fat score or kidney + channel fat weight. The pistola hind quarter from animals offered the low–high energy pattern had a similar composition to the continuously-fed animals but contained more muscle than that from animals offered high–low or pulse energy patterns. After 14 days ageing, LTM from the continuously-fed animals was more tender than that from animals offered the other energy supply patterns but shear force did not differ between supply patterns. The data do not support the hypothesis that pre-slaughter growth rate increases tenderness but suggest that energy supply pattern can influence body composition of finishing cattle.