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Apart from their antioxidant activity, plant-derived bioactive compounds can also positively affect the quality of meat and meat products by improving their sensory and microbiological properties and preventing discolouration. The aim of this study was to determine how the addition of different forms of rosemary improved the quality of pork. Minced pork samples were divided into a control sample without additives (C) and three experimental samples with certified additives (15 mg/kg of meat each), i.e. rosemary oleoresin (ROL), extract (REX) and essential oil (REO). Each was further divided into three subsamples; the first was evaluated before storage, and the second and third were evaluated after respective 7- and 14-day vacuum-packed storage at 2°C. The TBARS value was expressed as mg of malondialdehyde (MDA) per kg of meat. Colour was determined based on the values of the standard colour space values of L* (lightness), a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) as well as C* (chroma) and h° (hue angle). Sensory attributes of the samples were evaluated on a nine-point scale. The pour-plating procedure was used for the enumeration of Pseudomonas, mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria and rods of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Within each bacterial group, the most common colonies were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization (MALDI). Lipid oxidation was most effectively inhibited by REO. The addition of ROL and REO to pork lightened its colour. Meat with REO had stronger redness, whereas meat with ROL had stronger yellowness. The addition of REX affected the sensory properties of pork most beneficially. Neither Enterobacteriaceae nor Pseudomonas spp. were detected in REO pork, which also contained lower counts of lactic acid bacteria than group C pork. The results of this study indicate that rosemary has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and may improve the colour and sensory attributes of pork. The effect exerted by rosemary on meat quality may vary depending on the physical form of the additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current hike in price of conventional energy feedstuff warrants an intensified effort for a sustainable alternative that would not compromise performance and meat quality of poultry birds. The study evaluated the carcass trait and meat quality of finisher broiler chickens fed diets containing highly processed cassava peel meal at 50% inclusion level in replacement of maize. Three hundred and twenty Cobb500 broiler chickens were allocated to 4 dietary treatments on a weight equalisation basis. Diet 1 = control diet (corn-soybean meal based diet) containing 4.0 g kg-1 digestible methionine (MET), 0.96 g kg-1 digestible lysine, diet 2 = diet containing 50% replacement of maize in diet 1 with high quality cassava peel meal and containing 4.0 g kg-1 digestible MET, 0.96 g kg-1 digestible lysine, diets 3 and 4 are similar to diet 2 except with higher MET and lysine concentrations. Diet 3 contains 4.4 g kg-1 digestible MET, 1.02 g kg-1 digestible lysine, and diet 4 contains 4.8 g kg-1 digestible MET, 1.08 g kg-1 digestible lysine. The study lasted for 3 weeks (finisher phase). The highest slaughtered, carcass, and small intestinal weight were recorded in birds fed diet 2 while the birds fed diet 3 had the least abdominal fat value (p < 0.05). The water holding capacity and cooking loss percentage was highest in the meat of the chickens fed diet 4. The meat colour (redness, yellowness, and lightness) of chickens fed diet 4 recorded the highest value. The very low density of lipoprotein and triglyceride concentrations were least in the meat of chickens fed diet 2 (p

In Japan, Korea, the USA, and Australia, the area of the “muscle eye” (cross-section of the M. longissimus dorsi during the division of the half-carcass between the 12th and 13th rib into the front and rear parts) is used to assess the quality of cattle carcasses. The correlation between this feature and the slaughter and quality characteristics of carcasses in 20-22-month-old crossbred bulls (Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy × Holstein) has been studied. The area of the “muscle eye” in bulls was determined before slaughter by an ultrasound analyzer Emperor 860. After slaughter, it was calculated by the length and depth of the "muscle eye". The colour of muscle and adipose tissue, carcass conformation, development, and subcutaneous fat thickness have been examined. The correlation between the size of the "muscle eye" and carcasses' quantitative and qualitative characteristics has been determined. The area of the "muscle eye" has a positive relationship (r = 0.612; p >0.999) with live weight after fasting, carcass weight (r = 0.598; p >0.999), flesh weight (r = 0.498; p >0.99), including the highest (r = 0.745; p >0.999), and first grade (r = 0.662; p >0.99), the amount of adipose tissue (r = 0.491; p >0.99) and tendons and ligaments (r = 0.435; p >0.99). With its increase, there is a tendency to an inverse relationship with the content of second-grade flesh in the carcass (r = 0.303), carcass conformation (r = 0.147), fat-irrigation thickness (r = 0.125), and marbling (r = 0.340). The area of the "muscle eye" is inversely correlated with the development of subcutaneous fat (r = -0.389; p >0.95) and the saturated colour of muscle tissue (r = -0.309). The correlation coefficients between the area of the "muscle eye" determined by ultrasound and quantitative and qualitative characteristics of carcasses are significantly higher than those obtained by post-slaughter calculation of the area of the muscle eye by measuring the length and depth. The data's practical significance is obtaining knowledge that allows beef to be sorted based on the correlation between the muscle eye area and the quality of carcasses and beef.

Meat colour is one of the primary factors affecting the acceptability of retail meat cuts. Therefore, displaying the natural bright-red colour of meat is a major goal of the meat industry. Consumers frequently reject to retail meat cuts with discolouration even at low levels of surface browning and/or darkening, which in turn results in significant food waste and economic loss. Thus, understanding the factors that influence meat colour deviations such as discolouration or darkening is crucial in developing effective strategies to minimise the display colour-related quality issues. Numerous factors influence series of biochemical reactions of post-mortem muscles and the chemical state of myoglobin, which ultimately affects meat colour and colour stability. Recent studies have demonstrated the incidence of dark-cutting beef post-mortem can be attributed to the combination of lower glycolytic potential, less glycolytic metabolites, enzymes and dysregulated energy metabolism. This review will focus on the role of post-mortem bioenergetics and mitochondria dynamics that affect beef colour chemistry.

The use of sexed semen to produce replacement heifers in dairy farms allows many cows to be inseminated with bulls of beef breeds with the aim of improving meat production. The major dairy and beef breeds are undergoing rapid genetic improvement as a result of more efficient selection methods, necessitating evaluation of the quality of meat produced by beef × dairy crosses obtained using current genetics. As part of a larger project, we carried out quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the veal and beef produced from crossbred calves produced by dairy farms that use sexed semen to obtain purebred replacement heifers. A total of 231 bull-calves were reared in the dairy farms or in specialised fattening farms, slaughtered, and sampled for meat quality analysis. These comprised: 104 crossbred calves, mainly from Belgian Blue sires and Holstein dams, which were intensively fattened for veal production; 84 beef × dairy crossbred calves, destined for beef production on the dairy farm of origin (12 calves) or in a specialised intensive fattening centre (72 calves); 26 purebred Charolais and 17 beef crosses from suckler cows, included for comparison, which were fattened in the same fattening centre and fed the same diet as the beef × dairy crosses. Veal and beef meat differed in all quality traits; the beef produced by dairy farmers was better than the beef produced by specialised fatteners in terms of cooking losses and tenderness, even though these animals were much older and weighed less at slaughter. There were minor differences in the quality traits of veal between the various beef × dairy breed combinations. In the case of intensive beef production, minor differences were observed between Belgian Blue-sired crosses from Brown Swiss cows (lipid content and shear force of meat) and Belgian Blue-sired crosses from crossbred cows (haem iron, lightness, yellowness, and hue) in comparison with crosses from Holstein cows. The beef of young bulls from suckler cows (Charolais and crosses) had a lower pH, dry matter and lipid contents, slightly higher cholesterol and haem iron contents, and higher cooking losses than meat from beef × dairy crosses. Taking into account the results from the entire project, we conclude that the combined use of sexed semen for pure-breeding and conventional beef semen for terminal crossbreeding improves meat production from dairy herds, both quantitatively and qualitatively.HIGHLIGHTS The meat from beef × dairy crossbred calves was found to have valuable qualitative characteristics. With regard to veal production, the meat quality characteristics of crossbred calves did not differ appreciably between breed combinations. With regard to intensive beef production, the meat from beef × dairy young bulls had greater quality than that from suckler cows. Crosses fattened by dairy farmers grew slower than those by specialised fatteners, but their beef was better in terms of cooking losses and tenderness.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Spirulina platensis on growth performance, physiochemical properties of meat, carcass characteristics and breast meat quality in broilers. A total of 144-day old commercial broiler chicks were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments with 4 replicates having 12 birds per replicate and reared for a period of 6 weeks. The dietary treatments were 0 (T1), 1(T2) and 2(T3) % spirulina inclusion in rations. Significantly (P<0.01) higher body weight gain, feed intake and better feed conversion ratio was observed in T1 and T2 compared T3. However, no differences (P>0.05) were observed in production parameters between T1 and T2. The meat quality parameters viz., crude protein, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 compared to T1. However, no significant difference was observed in yellowness of meat between T2 and T3 and T1 and T3. Microbial analysis indicates that total plate count (TPC), psychrophiles, yeast and moulds in meat was decreased (P<0.05) linearly as the level of spirulina increased from 0 % (T1) to 2% (T3). Sensory attributes like tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 and T3 compared to T1. Carcass traits revealed that significantly (P<0.05) higher skin weight was observed in T1 compared to other treatments. However, no significant difference was observed in other parameters like carcass weight, breast weight and carcass percentage among the treatments. The results indicates that supplementation of spirulina in broiler diets up to 1% level improved the growth performance, increased meat colour, quality and overall acceptability. Hence, it can be concluded that spirulina powder can be fed up to 1 per cent level in broiler diets to improve the production and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat colour is one of the primary factors affecting the acceptability of retail meat cuts. Therefore, displaying the natural bright-red colour of meat is a major goal of the meat industry. Consumers frequently reject to retail meat cuts with discolouration even at low levels of surface browning and/or darkening, which in turn results in significant food waste and economic loss. Thus, understanding the factors that influence meat colour deviations such as discolouration or darkening is crucial in developing effective strategies to minimise the display colour-related quality issues. Numerous factors influence series of biochemical reactions of post-mortem muscles and the chemical state of myoglobin, which ultimately affects meat colour and colour stability. Recent studies have demonstrated the incidence of dark-cutting beef post-mortem can be attributed to the combination of lower glycolytic potential, less glycolytic metabolites, enzymes and dysregulated energy metabolism. This review will focus on the role of post-mortem bioenergetics and mitochondria dynamics that affect beef colour chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of sexed semen to produce replacement heifers in dairy farms allows many cows to be inseminated with bulls of beef breeds with the aim of improving meat production. The major dairy and beef breeds are undergoing rapid genetic improvement as a result of more efficient selection methods, necessitating evaluation of the quality of meat produced by beef × dairy crosses obtained using current genetics. As part of a larger project, we carried out quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the veal and beef produced from crossbred calves produced by dairy farms that use sexed semen to obtain purebred replacement heifers. A total of 231 bull-calves were reared in the dairy farms or in specialised fattening farms, slaughtered, and sampled for meat quality analysis. These comprised: 104 crossbred calves, mainly from Belgian Blue sires and Holstein dams, which were intensively fattened for veal production; 84 beef × dairy crossbred calves, destined for beef production on the dairy farm of origin (12 calves) or in a specialised intensive fattening centre (72 calves); 26 purebred Charolais and 17 beef crosses from suckler cows, included for comparison, which were fattened in the same fattening centre and fed the same diet as the beef × dairy crosses. Veal and beef meat differed in all quality traits; the beef produced by dairy farmers was better than the beef produced by specialised fatteners in terms of cooking losses and tenderness, even though these animals were much older and weighed less at slaughter. There were minor differences in the quality traits of veal between the various beef × dairy breed combinations. In the case of intensive beef production, minor differences were observed between Belgian Blue-sired crosses from Brown Swiss cows (lipid content and shear force of meat) and Belgian Blue-sired crosses from crossbred cows (haem iron, lightness, yellowness, and hue) in comparison with crosses from Holstein cows. The beef of young bulls from suckler cows (Charolais and crosses) had a lower pH, dry matter and lipid contents, slightly higher cholesterol and haem iron contents, and higher cooking losses than meat from beef × dairy crosses. Taking into account the results from the entire project, we conclude that the combined use of sexed semen for pure-breeding and conventional beef semen for terminal crossbreeding improves meat production from dairy herds, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The meat from beef × dairy crossbred calves was found to have valuable qualitative characteristics. With regard to veal production, the meat quality characteristics of crossbred calves did not differ appreciably between breed combinations. With regard to intensive beef production, the meat from beef × dairy young bulls had greater quality than that from suckler cows. Crosses fattened by dairy farmers grew slower than those by specialised fatteners, but their beef was better in terms of cooking losses and tenderness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to analyze the effect of storage in freezing conditions (-18 ° C) during 3 months of storage on the formation of malondialdehyde MDA, TVB-N (total volatile basic nitrogen), and colour. Rainbow trout up to 500 g (RT) aged 1-1.5 years (n=15) and trout (RT1) up to 3.5 kg aged 2-2.5 years (n=15) were included in the experiment. The stated weight of the fish is already after processing. After slaughtering the fish, samples were taken from each fish for analysis of meat colour in the CIE colour space with a KONICA MINOLTA 2600D (L*, a*, b*) on the 1st day after slaughter and after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd month of storage. The content of TVB-N and MDA was measured parallel. For both weight categories of trout, after three months of freezing, we observed significant (RT1-P=0.05; RTP= 0.05) increase in TVB-N compared to the first day of measurement. Malondialdehyde content after three months of freezing was significantly (P=0.05) higher than at the first measurement in both weight categories of rainbow trout. In the RT experimental group, trout meat after three months of freezing was significantly (P=0.05) lighter (L*) and less yellow (b*). The meat of the RT1 group after 3 months of freezing storage was significantly (P=0.05) darker, less red and less yellow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of dry ageing with regard to retaining meat quality is still subject to debate. At 4 d post mortem, samples of boneless strip loins were excised from young Charolais carcasses and then stored for a further 26 d in a cooler, either vacuum-packaged (VP) or dried-aged (DA). Loin samples were also dissected 7 d post mortem as a control treatment (CT). Chemical, instrumental and microbiological data (n = 18) were determined in longissimus dorsi and underwent ANOVA to estimate the differences in the ageing fixed factor split into two orthogonal contrasts: control vs. aged and VP vs. DA. Ageing loss (both surface dehydration and water purge) was greater in DA compared to VP samples, resulting in the lowest moisture content and highest crude protein and fat percentage in DA loins. The ageing method did not affect meat surface colour, except for redness, which had the lowest value in DA samples. Meat tenderness improved a similar amount following both VP and DA ageing treatments. Compared to the control, prolonged ageing raised both the peroxide value and the total microbial count, especially in DA samples, though both remained within the recommended limits. In summation, both ageing methods improved beef meat tenderisation, preserving its shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current research was to determine the impact of Sophora koreensis (SKS) on Korean native chickens' (KNC) antioxidant status, meat quality (MQ), and growth performance at various levels (SKS0: basal diet without SKS, SKS1: basal diet + SKS of 10 mg/kg diet, SKS2: basal diet + SKS of 20 mg/kg diet, and SKS3: basal diet + SKS of 30 mg/kg diet). With the addition of SKS, there was a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde and an increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity in the blood and leg muscle. Leg muscles displayed higher 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate-reducing activity in the SKS-supplemented groups. The SKS-supplemented treatments demonstrated an increased breast muscle capacity to retain water as well as a decreased cooking loss, improved pH, and increased shear force. Inclusion of SKS in the diet was found to increase spleen and bursa of Fabricius weight and body weight gain, and reduce feed consumption and abdominal fat. The SKS-supplemented groups showed a decrease in corticosterone levels and oxidative stress, and an improved antioxidant status and meet quality. In conclusion, SKS-supplementation can increase the antioxidant potential and performance of KNC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horsemeat can be considered a good alternative for conventional meats due to its potential dietetic and health benefits linked with its specific nutritional composition. The aim of this review was to provide information on the carcass and meat quality of horses, as well as methods for their examination based on currently available scientific literature in order to expand knowledge in this field and determine the direction of future research. The most important horse carcass quality indicators are the carcass conformation and carcass fat cover, while the most important horsemeat quality traits are pH, colour, water-holding capacity and texture. However, more research is needed to establish a classification system for horse carcasses as well as threshold values for colour and water-holding capacity traits that might be used for horsemeat classification into quality classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a mixture of essential oils (EO), calcium malate (CM), or their combination (EO + CM) on the physico-chemical characteristics of lamb meat. A total of 36, two-month-old, 20 ± 3 kg live weight, male lambs were allocated to individual cages and randomly distributed into four treatment groups: 1, basal diet (BD); 2, BD + 150 g of EO ton-1; 3, BD + 2.5 kg of CM ton-1; and 4: BD + 150 g EO + 2.5 kg CM ton-1. Feed and fresh water were available ad libitum to the lambs during the 56-day experiment. There was no difference in the chemical composition of the lamb meat although collagen was higher in the EO + CM treatment. The percentage of omega-3 and eicosapentaenoic acid was higher in the OE + CM group, but there were no differences in the total percentage of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids. The shear strength of raw meat was higher in the BD group, but the shear strength of cooked meat was lower in the EO group than in the BD or CM groups. There was no difference in water retention in raw meat or in water loss in cooked meat between groups. The colour of the meat was not affected by treatment. The EO and EO + CM groups had an increase in meat tenderness and the concentration of some unsaturated fatty acids, but this did not affect the colour or chemical composition of the lamb meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of adding red grape pomace (RGP) of variety Alibernet to the diet of broiler chickens Ross 308 on the technological properties of their meat. 200 one-day Ross 308 broiler chicks of mixed gender were initially split into 4 groups at random (n = 50). The control group (Group C) did not get any extra supplements. The feed for experimental group E1 was enhanced with 1% RGP per 1 kg of feed mixture (FM), 2% RGP per 1 kg of FM in group E2, and 3% RGP per 1 kg of FM in group E3, respectively. The 42-day fattening period was conducted without the use of any coccidiostats or antibiotics in FMs. After slaughter and processing, chicken halves were tested for weight losses by cooling, freezing, respectively defreezing and cooking. Breast and thigh meat was subjected for analysis – pH of fresh meat 45 and 120 minutes postmortem, its color by CIEL*a*b* system and shear force after cooking. Based on the results, we can conclude that the addition of GPA negatively affected weight loss after freezing, as these were the lowest (P≤0.05) in the control group – 2.74% compared to groups E1 – 3.64 and E2 – 3.94%. Losses by cooling and baking were similar in all groups (P≥0.05). pH values in breast muscle were not significantly affected by selected feed supplement, what is in the contrary with pH of thigh muscle, where we detected significant differences after 45 and also 120 minutes postmortem (P≤0.05). The highest shear force (P≤0.05) was recorded in control group (breast – 4.40, thigh – 3.68 kg.cm² ), while the lowest and therefore softest meat was found after application of 2% RGP (breast – 3.63, thigh – 2.52 kg.cm-2 ). Color characteristics were the most influenced by selected feed supplement, as we did not detect significant differences (P≤0.05) only in L* of thigh meat. The highest differences were observed in a* and b* in both breast and thigh muscle (P≤0.05) – highest values were found in group with 3% of supplemental RGP (breast – -0.88 and 9.78, respectively; thigh – 4.09 and 13.42, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Electrical stimulation is often used by meat processors to promote fast muscle pH decline and optimise meat quality. Meat colour can be made more acceptable by this process, but how this relates to the microstructure and light-scattering properties of muscle is still unknown. Aims: To investigate the effect of electrical stimulation of beef carcasses on the meat colour at grading and the role of the muscle fibre microstructure and light scattering in determining colour differences. Methods: Electrical stimulation inputs (electrical stimulation inputs (ES), n = 8; no electrical stimulation inputs (NS), n = 8) were applied to beef carcasses from female cattle of approximately 18–24 months of age. ES comprised electrical immobilisation, bleed rail electric simulation and hide puller rigidity probe, which have all been shown to increase pH fall post-mortem in beef carcasses. pH fall was monitored, the longissimus thoracis was graded at 20–22 h postmortem and measurements were made of colour, muscle-fibre structure and light scattering. Key results: The decline of pH was increased in ES relative to NS, as indicated by lower pH at 2 h postmortem (5.83 vs 6.86 respectively, s.e. = 0.068; P < 0.05) as well as changes in both chromatic colour a* b* and achromatic (no colour) lightness in the muscle. Chromatic changes were evident as higher grader colour scores, increased redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) with higher levels of oxymyoglobin and lower levels of deoxymyoglobin. Achromatic changes were evident as increased lightness (L*) and surface reflectance (%R) at the meat surface, and increased global brightness within the muscle fibres. Conclusions: Increased lightness and brightness in electrically stimulated muscles were likely to be due to formation of contraction nodes and distortion of muscle fibres, which changed the microstructure of muscle in ways that increased its light-scattering properties. Implications: Consideration of the role of light scattering in determining beef colour at grading will advance understanding of how to improve this important quality trait. Beef meat colour can be affected by electrical stimulation (ES) of carcasses, but how this relates to the microstructure and light-scattering properties of muscle is still unknown. The effect of electrical stimulation inputs on beef longissimus thoracis muscles (n = 16) was investigated. ES promoted both chromatic colour a*b* and achromatic (no colour) lightness changes in the muscle. Increased lightness and brightness were likely to be due to formation of contraction nodes and distortion of muscle fibres, which changed the microstructure, increasing the muscle light-scattering properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Hofmeister salts (NaCl, NaSCN, Na2SO4, KCl, LiCl, CaCl2) on surface iridescence in cooked pork was investigated. Strongest iridescence occurred in samples treated with NaSCN, NaCl and KCl. Control samples and LiCl, CaCl2 and Na2SO4 treatments showed weaker iridescence. However, differences between KCl and LiCl, CaCl2 and Na2SO4 were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Nevertheless, a tendency of chaotropic salts (NaSCN, NaCl, KCl) to cause stronger iridescence was noted that might be explained with a more effective solubilization of myofibrillar proteins (MPs), reducing incoherent scattering from the myofibrils and thus enhancing multilayer interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, live weight (LW), hot carcass weight (HCW), and beef colour values of Turkish Holstein bull (THBs) samples, and their relationship with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) variants were determined. E2JW and E2FB variants of leptin (LEP), and C422T variant of thyroglobulin (TG) genes were determined in 100 heads of THBs by polymerase chain reaction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Genotyping was carried out by capillary electrophoresis. The colour of raw and cooked beefs was spectrophotometrically measured before and after cooking. The cooked beefs were significantly brighter in the LEP E2JW AA and AT variants than in the TT genotype (p < 0.05). Based on b* of raw beefs, the yellowish colour density in the LEP E2JW AA genotype variant was significantly higher than in AT and TT (p < 0.05). The most significant correlation was determined between b* and L* (0.695), and b* and a* (0.694) of raw beefs, while the correlation coefficient between LW and HCW was found to be 0.604 (p < 0.01). The LEP E2JW AA marker genotype for cattle with brighter and more intense beef, and the LEP E2JW TT variant genotype to increase beef yield should be selected as a study by using MAS method at an early age. Also, AT / CT / CC marker genotypes of THBs should be selected in LEP E2JW / E2FB / TG C422T marker loci, respectively to generate more income from the increase in LW and HCW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of diets with increasing concentrate levels on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Murrah buffaloes in feedlot. Twenty-four animals, with an initial body weight of 240 ± 50.5 kg and mean age of 9 months, were distributed to four treatments: 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% concentrate. After 114 days, the animals were weighed, slaughtered, and meat quality and performance data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression. The dry matter intake and average daily gain increased linearly. The final body, hot carcass, and cold carcass weights responded linearly to increases in concentrate level. The subcutaneous fat thickness, protein, and ether extract of meat increased linearly with an increase in concentrate level. The colour parameters, cooking losses, and shear force of the meat were not affected by increasing the concentrate. The inclusion of concentrate in feedlot diets increases performance, characteristics of carcass, and meat quality of Murrah buffalo in a feedlot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of addition of phytonutrients from dry distilled rose petals (DDRP) in the feed on the meat quality and boar taint of entire male pigs. A total of 30 male 146 days old pigs from Danube white breed with an average body weight of 67 kg were allocated to one of the three groups – control (castrated male pigs - C), entire male pigs (EM), and EM fed with addition of 5 g of DDRP in 1 kg of feed (EM+R). At the age of 186 days and average live weight of 109 kg, the pigs were slaughtered and samples of m. Longissimus lumborum (LL) were subjected to analysis of meat quality characteristics (pH 45 min, pH 24 h, water holding capacity (WHC), L*a*b*c* colour space), proximate composition of the meat, fatty acid composition, androstenon and skatole content. The results showed that sex category had much more influence on the investigated traits than DDRP. The two groups ЕМ pigs presented lower backfat content (P

Simple Summary: Freezing is used to extend the storage time of meat and is common practice in lamb meat production, since it maintains a steady supply of seasonal meat throughout the year and allows shipping over long distances. Fresh meat may also be purchased and frozen at home, to enable longer storage of the product before consumption. Freezing is the best preservation method, apart from chilling of fresh meat. However, differences in quality parameters between fresh and frozen meat may influence consumer choice and preferences. It is thus important to evaluate these differences, and how they are affected by conditions and animal handling during primary production, slaughter method and storage conditions before retail sale. This study examined the effect of freezing on technological meat quality and sensory attributes in lamb meat samples collected at two different slaughterhouses using different slaughter methods. Several differences between fresh and frozen-thawed meat were detected in terms of technological meat quality and sensory attributes, including colour, Warner-Bratzler shear force, cooking loss, flavour attributes and juicy texture. Technological meat quality and sensory attributes of fresh and frozen lamb meat were compared. Samples were collected from two abattoirs (one small-scale, one large-scale) that use different slaughter methods in terms of chilling regime and electrical stimulation. The fresh and frozen meat samples included products from both slaughter systems. Ten twin pairs of ram lambs were used in the study, with one of each twin slaughtered at each abattoir. Fresh meat was analysed after chilling and frozen meat was stored frozen for three months and analysed after thawing. The Musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum was analysed for colour, cooking loss, sensory attributes, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and distribution of water and lipid within each meat sample. Meat samples analysed after frozen storage were darker, less red and more yellow than the fresh meat. Freezing and frozen storage increased fluid loss and WBSF compared with the fresh meat, due to protein denaturation. Frozen storage affected sensory attributes by increasing fatty odour, frying flavour, sour flavour, fatty flavour and liver flavour, and by reducing juicy texture and mushy texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of dry ageing with regard to retaining meat quality is still subject to debate. At 4 d post mortem, samples of boneless strip loins were excised from young Charolais carcasses and then stored for a further 26 d in a cooler, either vacuum-packaged (VP) or dried-aged (DA). Loin samples were also dissected 7 d post mortem as a control treatment (CT). Chemical, instrumental and microbiological data (n = 18) were determined in longissimus dorsi and underwent ANOVA to estimate the differences in the ageing fixed factor split into two orthogonal contrasts: control vs. aged and VP vs. DA. Ageing loss (both surface dehydration and water purge) was greater in DA compared to VP samples, resulting in the lowest moisture content and highest crude protein and fat percentage in DA loins. The ageing method did not affect meat surface colour, except for redness, which had the lowest value in DA samples. Meat tenderness improved a similar amount following both VP and DA ageing treatments. Compared to the control, prolonged ageing raised both the peroxide value and the total microbial count, especially in DA samples, though both remained within the recommended limits. In summation, both ageing methods improved beef meat tenderisation, preserving its shelf life.

This study investigated changes in the metabolome of fresh beef, lamb, and venison in relation to colour stability during display storage. Changes in meat colour and metabolites in loin muscles (Longissimus lumborum) of beef, lamb and venison were determined under a simulated retail display at 4 °C. Metabolite analysis was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and 27 metabolites were identified. The stability of fresh meat colour was found to be in the following order: beef > lamb > venison. Several trends were observed, and amino acids and metabolites involved in ATP generation were found to be the most important. Leucine, isoleucine and valine were increased, whereas succinate, inosine monophosphate and choline were decreased over the storage time of all three meat types (p < 0.05). As a reduction in succinate, inosine monophosphate and choline during storage were found for all three meat types, these metabolites could potentially be associated with colour stability. • Beef, lamb and venison metabolite profiles were investigated during retail display. • Metabolite abundances differed among beef, lamb, and venison during storage. • Venison had the highest rate of discoloration during retail storage display. • Retail storage display increased the abundance of free amino acids. • Succinate was found to be an indicator of fresh meat colour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasture-feeding in lambs has been associated with dark-coloured meat and high meat contents of volatile indoles (skatole and indole), which may be responsible for sensory defects. The risk of off-flavours is even higher when lambs graze alfalfa, because it is particularly rich in rapidly degradable proteins. Here, we investigated whether a short concentrate stall-finishing period in lambs that previously grazed alfalfa influences meat sensory quality traits. We compared three feeding treatments, using three groups of 10 male Romane lambs: grazing alfalfa (A), stall-feeding with concentrate and straw (S), and stall-finishing with concentrate and straw for 21 days after previously grazing alfalfa (AS). During stall-feeding, the concentrate was given at a level adjusted to achieve a similar growth pattern in all treatment groups, and the length of the trough was sufficient for all lambs to have access to the feeds at the same time. Lamb live weight and age at slaughter, and carcass conformation and fatness were similar for all treatment groups. Perirenal fat skatole content was lower in AS and S lambs than in A lambs (P

A nuclear accident (e.g., Fukushima), and, in particular, the transport of animals within a radiation-affected area can lead to a whole-body, or partial external irradiation, followed by oxidative stress, which could result in subsequent meat quality changes. In this experiment, live pigs were exposed to half-body irradiation by an external dose of 1.0 Gy. The caudal half of the animal's body was irradiated. After their slaughter, samples from the muscle tissue of musculus semimembranosus and musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis at the upper margin of musculus gluteus medius (irradiated body half) and at the 3rd-4th thoracic vertebra (non-irradiated half) were collected to determine the meat quality parameters. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed only in the meat colour parameter (a*) in the irradiated group of pigs. If there is no internal contamination, and the half-body exposure to the external radiation dose does not exceed 1 Gy, pigs from an irradiation-affected area may be used for human consumption.

The objective of this study was to develop calibration models against rib eye traits and independently validate the precision, accuracy, and repeatability of the Frontmatec Q-FOM™ Beef grading camera in Australian carcasses. This study compiled 12 different research datasets acquired from commercial processing facilities and were comprised of a diverse range of carcass phenotypes, graded by industry identified expert Meat Standards Australia (MSA) graders and sampled for chemical intramuscular fat (IMF%). Calibration performance was maintained when the device was independently validated. For continuous traits, the Q-FOM™ demonstrated precise (root mean squared error of prediction, RMSEP) and accurate (coefficient of determination, R2) prediction of eye muscle area (EMA) (R2 = 0.89, RMSEP = 4.3 cm2, slope = 0.96, bias = 0.7), MSA marbling (R2 = 0.95, RMSEP = 47.2, slope = 0.98, bias = −12.8) and chemical IMF% (R2 = 0.94, RMSEP = 1.56%, slope = 0.96, bias = 0.64). For categorical traits, the Q-FOM™ predicted 61%, 64.3% and 60.8% of AUS-MEAT marbling, meat colour and fat colour scores equivalent, and 95% within ±1 classes of expert grader scores. The Q-FOM™ also demonstrated very high repeatability and reproducibility across all traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the effect of crossbreeding Charolais bulls with Nguni cows on carcass and lean yield and meat quality characteristics. The intact Charolais bulls (n=10) served as control group against the Charolais x Nguni (n=10). The Nguni dam proved a good option for a dam line because of the hardiness of the breed, its mothering ability, ease of calving, and low maintenance cost. In contrast, the Charolais had excellent growth and carcass characteristics. It was a late maturing breed with better growth performance and higher yields than Charolais x Nguni, which could be classified as a medium maturing beef breed. Over the same duration and conditions of feeding the Charolais calves had better feed conversion and growth rates and produced larger carcasses than Charolais x Nguni calves. Owing to the large difference in carcass size, the Charolais had better meat to bone ratio than the Charolais x Nguni (P <0.001). Both breeds produced meat with a desirable appearance and good eating quality and no differences were recorded in the related traits. It could be concluded that Charolais and Charolais x Nguni weaned calves were well suited to the grain-fed market and would produce meat of acceptable quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to find out the suitable dose of fresh plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) supplementation for optimum growth, serum antioxidants status, liver health, and meat quality in broilers. A total of 1152-days-old Cobb-500 broilers (average weight: 45 ± 0.7 g) were randomly assigned into four dietary treatments, including (i) control (CON): corn-soya based basal diet, and plantain (PL) supplemented groups (ii) PL40: CON + 40 g fresh PL/kg diet; (iii) PL80: CON + 80 g fresh PL/kg diet; and (iv) PL120: CON + 120 g fresh PL/kg diet. Improved growth efficiency (p

The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of the dietary use of different doses of Moringa oleifera essential oil (MOEO) on performance parameters, internal organ weights and meat quality in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to Heat Stress (HS). For this purpose, 320 male day-old quail chicks were used. Seven days of preliminary (physical exercise) and a 35-day fattening period were applied. The animals were divided into 8 groups, each including 40 animals according to temparature (C: 25 °C and SC: 37 °C) and dietary doses (C, 200, 400 and 600). Each group was divided into 4 subgroups, each comprising 10 animals. The consequences of this study showed that, in the stress-free (HSF) groups, while all of the different doses of dietary MOEO positively affected growth performance, feed intake and feed efficiency, in the HS groups, similar positive effects were observed with the use of 200 ppm of dietary MOEO. While no effect was detected on internal organ weights on Days 21 and 42 in the HSF and HS groups, a dose-dependent increase was determined in the intestinal pH value on day 42 in the HS group (p

This study was conducted to evaluate the selected fattening characteristics, carcass parameters and analysing of parameters associated with the meat quality of twenty Holstein male calves fed with different diets. Calves were after weaning divided into two groups with respect of feeding; control group fed with untreated total mixed ration (TMR) and experimental group, which received industrially dried alfalfa hay. Calves of both groups were after about 193 days slaughtered in the experimental abattoir. Subsequently, after chilling for 24 hours, detailed dissection of the right – carcass half was performed. For the nutritional characteristics, physical technological parameters and sensory properties, slices of loin (M. longissimus thoracis) and top round (M. semimembranosus) muscles were taken 24 hours post mortem. The average daily gains were higher in the experimental group of calves (P >0.05). Although calves of the control group had higher dressing percentage (50.23%; P >0.05), no significant differences were determined in the carcass weight (P >0.05). Proportions of some of intraabdominal fats were influenced by feeding concept; calves of alfalfa hay treated group had lower proportion of intestinal fat (P >0.05) and higher proportion of kidney fat (P >0.05). Differences in total amount of meat from right – half carcass were not significant (P >0.05); proportion of separable fat was higher in the experimental group of calves. In terms of individual valuable meat cuts, higher proportion of tenderloin was determined in the group fed with alfalfa hay (1.80%); however results were no significant. Statistical significant variety at the level P 0.05) 24 hours post mortem.

This research was conducted to determine the effects of different levels (0, 50 or 100 mg/kg) of nano zinc (nano Zn) supplementation as a zinc source in male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) diets on performance, some serum parameters, testis characteristics and meat colour. In the four-week study, a total of 60 male Japanese quails (190.4 ± 2.4 g body weight) at the age of 49 days were distributed to three treatment groups and each treatment group was divided into four subgroups, each containing five male quails. As a result of this study, in the current study, the addition of nano Zn to the diet had no effect on feed intake, testis morphology, serum cholesterol, total protein, calcium and phosphorus levels (P>0.05). Addition of nano Zn to diet increased body weight gain (BGW) (P<0.05). With the addition of nano Zn, serum glucose level increased while serum triglyceride level decreased (P<0.05). Breast and thigh + drumstick L* values among meat parameters increased with the addition of nano Zn to male quail diets (P<0.05). As a result, adding nano Zn to male quail diets increased serum glucose level and meat L* value, decreased serum triglyceride concentration, and testis morphology was not affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of addition of phytonutrients from dry distilled rose petals (DDRP) in the feed on the meat quality and boar taint of entire male pigs. A total of 30 male 146 days old pigs from Danube white breed with an average body weight of 67 kg were allocated to one of the three groups - control (castrated male pigs - C), entire male pigs (EM), and EM fed with addition of 5 g of DDRP in 1 kg of feed (EM+R). At the age of 186 days and average live weight of 109 kg, the pigs were slaughtered and samples of m. Longissimus lumborum (LL) were subjected to analysis of meat quality characteristics (pH 45 min, pH 24 h, water holding capacity (WHC), L*a*b*c* colour space), proximate composition of the meat, fatty acid composition, androstenon and skatole content. The results showed that sex category had much more influence on the investigated traits than DDRP. The two groups - pigs presented lower backfat content (P<0.001), lower intramuscular fat content (P<0.001) and higher lean meat percentage (P<0.01) in LL muscle, compared to C group. An increase in the n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids proportion and especially the content of alpha-linolenic acid, and intensity of meat colouring in the intact males, in comparison to castrated males, were found. The boar taint detected in the meat showed a trend of decreasing in the group consuming dry distilled rose petals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological meat quality and sensory attributes of fresh and frozen lamb meat were compared. Samples were collected from two abattoirs (one small-scale, one large-scale) that use different slaughter methods in terms of chilling regime and electrical stimulation. The fresh and frozen meat samples included products from both slaughter systems. Ten twin pairs of ram lambs were used in the study, with one of each twin slaughtered at each abattoir. Fresh meat was analysed after chilling and frozen meat was stored frozen for three months and analysed after thawing. The Musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum was analysed for colour, cooking loss, sensory attributes, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and distribution of water and lipid within each meat sample. Meat samples analysed after frozen storage were darker, less red and more yellow than the fresh meat. Freezing and frozen storage increased fluid loss and WBSF compared with the fresh meat, due to protein denaturation. Frozen storage affected sensory attributes by increasing fatty odour, frying flavour, sour flavour, fatty flavour and liver flavour, and by reducing juicy texture and mushy texture.

The goal of this research was to evaluate the nutritive value of full-fat de-hulled sunflower seeds (DHSS) in feeding broiler chickens. Three experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 determined the proximal analysis of DHSS, the essential amino acid content, and apparent metabolizable energy (AME). In experiment 2, two diets were formulated, namely a control and a diet containing 10% DHSS. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) were calculated. In experiment 3, the performances of broilers fed the two diets were evaluated in terms of the relative weights of digestive system organs, breast meat colour, growth and feed consumption. Full-fat de-hulled sunflower seeds were characterized as having 507.9 g/kg EE, 282.1 g/kg CP, 21.02 MJ/kg AME and 9.3 g/16 g N arginine. Apparent ileal digestibility of DM in the 10% DHSS diet was 658.0 g/kg, similar to that of the control diet (643.0 g/kg). Partial substitution of DHSS for soybean meal (SBM) did not affect the relative weight of digestive system organs, except for the liver. The relative weights of the liver were 17.90 g/kg bodyweight in birds fed the DHSS diet and 16.37 g/kg bodyweight (P <0.05) in the control. The colour of the breast meat was 3.5% darker and 13.8% less yellow for DHSS birds compared with the control. Growth and feed consumption were unaffected by the dietary treatments. Therefore, 10% DHSS can partially replace SBM in broiler finisher diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary plant extracts are being increasingly studied as a viable method for improving meat quality. Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenolic compound found in various fruits. This study investigated the impact of ellagic acid on meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. In our study, eighteen healthy Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) pigs were randomly divided into three groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 75, or 150 mg/kg EA for a 12-week period. The results showed that EA improved meat quality by increasing the pH 24 h, redness, intramuscular fat content, and flavour amino acid content and decreasing drip loss and shear force in longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle. Subsequent investigation aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the effect of EA on meat redness. Firstly, EA enhanced the antioxidant capacity in the LT muscle. Additionally, EA increased myoglobin expression and improved the redox state of myoglobin. Finally, EA activated the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) and proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) signalling pathway which involved in myoglobin expression. Together, the study suggests that EA improves meat quality in growing-finishing pigs, and that the improvement in redness may be due to an increase in myoglobin content mediated by the PGC-1α and NFATc1 signalling pathways, and an improvement in antioxidant capacity. • Ellagic acid improved the quality of pork. • Ellagic acid improved muscle antioxidant capacity in growing-finishing pigs. • Ellagic acid increased myoglobin expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of probiotic preparations Pro-Biotyk Em-15 and EMFarma™ and sex on proximate chemical composition, physicochemical properties of breast and leg muscles, sensory properties (including texture) and microstructural characteristics of pectoralis major muscle in Ross 308 broiler chickens. The study used 48 carcases – 12 from males and 12 from females fed no probiotics, and 12 from males and 12 from females receiving the EM probiotics. At 42 days, the chickens receiving EM preparations had significantly higher WB-shear force of pectoralis major muscle, whereas the leg muscles contained significantly less water and fat and had higher pH24 value. Regardless of the treatment, males exhibited significantly higher springiness, chewiness, as well as significantly lower yellowness (b*), fibre perimeter, horizontal (H) fibre diameter and fibre cross section area of pectoralis major muscle when compared to females. In turn, male leg muscles had significantly higher fat content compared to female leg muscles. The genotype × sex interaction was significant for the content of water, protein and fat, and for electric conductivity (EC24) of leg muscles.Highlights Probiotics did not improve the quality of chicken meat. The influence of sex on the quality of chicken meat was varied.

The EUROP classification system includes only a small number of indicators to characterise beef carcases, none of which directly describes meat quality. Therefore, beef producers show limited interest in improving meat quality parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether conformation and fat cover, as assessed in the EUROP classification system, can be reliable descriptors of the qualitative characteristics of beef carcases and meat quality. A total of 198 carcases of young bulls were analysed. Meat samples were collected from the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle. It was found that the muscle content of three-rib cuts was higher in better-conformed carcases. Conformation class was inversely related to intramuscular fat (IMF) content, the fat content of three-rib cuts and meat juiciness. Meat quality was better characterised by fat class than conformation class. The fat cover had a positive influence on shear force values, the water-holding capacity and tenderness of meat. The water-holding capacity of meat and shear force values can be used in addition to EUROP scores to more accurately characterise beef carcases.Highlights Better conformed carcases have lower intramuscular fat content, lower fat content of three-rib cuts, higher shear force values and lower juiciness scores; Fat cover is a more reliable indicator of meat quality than carcase conformation; Water-holding capacity and shear force can be used in addition to EUROP scores.

We studied the effect of ultrasonic activation of brine (3%) during salting on the degree of stability of colour parameters of pork with normal (NOR) and abnormal course of autolysis in the CIE Lab colour space. The mechanism of stabilisation of the colour of meat is attributed to donor–acceptor bonds of metmyoglobin (MetMb). The accumulation of excessive number of free electrons in the medium are capable of activating MetMb. This reduces the activity of meat, when the native participants of the metmyoglobin reductase system and their own antioxidant systems of meat are depleted.Based on the additive calculation of deviations (increase / decrease) by the coordinates L*, a*, b* in the CIE Lab system, and the total colour difference (ΔE) in control and experimental samples, recommendations were developed. To optimize the colour characteristics of all types of meat, both on the surface and in the thickness of the meat, the preliminary activation of a 3% brine in a low-frequency submersible ultrasonic unit is recommended. Moreover, preliminary cavitation activation of a 3% is more preferable to stabilise the colour of PSE – meat (pale, soft, exudative (watery),) brine in a flow-through installation.

A nuclear accident (e.g., Fukushima), and, in particular, the transport of animals within a radiationaffected area can lead to a whole-body, or partial external irradiation, followed by oxidative stress, which could result in subsequent meat quality changes. In this experiment, live pigs were exposed to half-body irradiation by an external dose of 1.0 Gy. The caudal half of the animal's body was irradiated. After their slaughter, samples from the muscle tissue of musculus semimembranosus and musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis at the upper margin of musculus gluteus medius (irradiated body half ) and at the 3rd-4th thoracic vertebra (non-irradiated half ) were collected to determine the meat quality parameters. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed only in the meat colour parameter (a*) in the irradiated group of pigs. If there is no internal contamination, and the halfbody exposure to the external radiation dose does not exceed 1 Gy, pigs from an irradiation-affected area may be used for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of roughage:concentrate (R:C) ratio associated with a variable particle size of physically effective neutral detergent fibre (peNDF8) in the forage (Tifton-85 hay) on the performance, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs. Seventy-two 4-month-old, non-castrated Santa Ines male lambs (23.5 ± 2.32 kg BW) were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement [two peNDF8 hay particle sizes (13 and 6 mm) and two R:C ratios (700:300 and 500:500 g/kg DM total)]. DMI, DM, NFC and TDN digestibility's, N-intake and N-faecal excretion were affected by the R:C ratio (P < 0.05). However, the N-retained was not affected by the studied variables (P > 0.05). It was observed an interaction (P < 0.05) between the peNDF8 and R:C ratios for final BW, average daily gain (ADG), colour parameters and pH 24 h. The lower roughage ratio provided greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of C14:1, C16:1–cis9, C18:1–cis9, ΣMUFA, Σn–6:Σn–3 and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index, enzymatic activity Δ9desaturase-C16 and -C18. Lambs fed a lower roughage diet had improved performance and feed efficiency, however, presented reduced polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations in the meat, especially Σn–3 family. Higher roughage diet and larger peNDF8 particle size improved the concentrations of PUFA while decreased Σn–6:Σn–3 ratio in meat. Larger peNDF8 particle size associated with higher roughage proportion, have reduced animal performance however, it increased protein concentration, a* and C* colour parameter without affecting fatty acids profile of Longissimus lumborum muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to find out the suitable dose of fresh plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) supplementation for optimum growth, serum antioxidants status, liver health, and meat quality in broilers. A total of 1152-days-old Cobb-500 broilers (average weight: 45 ± 0.7 g) were randomly assigned into four dietary treatments, including (i) control (CON): corn-soya based basal diet, and plantain (PL) supplemented groups (ii) PL40: CON + 40 g fresh PL/kg diet; (iii) PL80: CON + 80 g fresh PL/kg diet; and (iv) PL120: CON + 120 g fresh PL/kg diet. Improved growth efficiency (p <.05) was observed in PL supplemented groups compared to CON, where PL80 and PL120 groups had the highest value. Serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase concentrations were comparable in the PL80 and PL120 groups, but higher (p <.05) than other groups. The lowest concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were found in the PL80 group, while alkaline phosphatase was the highest in the PL40 group. Furthermore, the PL80 group exhibited the lowest (p =.001) abdominal fat content and the highest (p =.002) breast meat yield. Meat linoleic acid content was nevertheless improved linearly with PL supplement levels, and the highest value was found in the PL120 group. Furthermore, the maximum meat redness (a*) was observed in PL80 and PL120 groups, which was approximately twice that of the CON. Overall, the growth and health responses of both PL80 and PL120 groups were similar, while the latter had improved the meat fatty acid profile. Supplementation of 80 g plantain/kg diet showed optimum growth performance, health status, and plasma antioxidants level in broilers. 120 g plantain/kg diet might be supplemented with the purpose of producing value-added broiler meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The mechanism of iridescence in meat and meat products is still not fully understood but a widely accepted hypothesis is that it originates from a multilayer interference from sarcomere discs. In multilayer interference, the reflected wavelength is affected by the refraction angles, the thicknesses and refractive indices of the intermittent layers. A variation of these factors should therefore cause a disappearance or shift of iridescent colours. To test this hypothesis, we progressively compressed iridescent rolled fillets of ham longitudinal to the long axes of the muscle fibres and measured the interference colours by reflection spectrophotometry. We observed an interference colour shift from longer to shorter wavelengths and reflection intensity decreased with increasing compression pressure. Our data indicate that the compression decreased the layer thickness, so that constructive interference occurred at shorter wavelengths. The results thus provide support for multilayer interference being a primary cause and mechanism for meat iridescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feeding method is a very important factor of poultry growth, production and meat quality since the feed composition can affect or change the characteristics of chicken meat quality. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of restricted feeding duration on physico-chemical shelf-life indicators of broiler meat. A total of 144-day old broiler chicks were reared in a deep litter system until slaughter at 42 days. Chicks were randomly allocated to three treatments which were replicated three times with 16 birds per replicate. The three treatments were the control (T1), one week of feed restriction (T2), and two weeks of feed restriction (T3). Birds were fed with starter, grower and finisher diets. The parameters for meat quality were analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Significant effect was found in cooking loss, with WBSF having no effect for breast muscles. Quantitative feed restriction had an effect on the pH, lightness, redness, yellowness and saturation index of the meat. The pH levels in all the treatments were generally constant after 24hours to day 5 (5.87-6.05). The lightness levels in all the treatments were generally constant from day1 to day 7 (42.56-44.53). At day 8, the L* (lightness) values in treatment 2 reached its peak (58.49) then declined on day 9. Therefore, feed restriction did not affect meat quality after 24 hours, all the values were within normal range, and feed restriction had a minimal effect on shelf-life of broiler chickens during 10 days of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of the dietary use of different doses of Moringa oleifera essential oil (MOEO) on performance parameters, internal organ weights and meat quality in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to Heat Stress (HS). For this purpose, 320 male day-old quail chicks were used. Seven days of preliminary (physical exercise) and a 35-day fattening period were applied. The animals were divided into 8 groups, each including 40 animals according to temparature (C: 25 °C and SC: 37 °C) and dietary doses (C, 200, 400 and 600). Each group was divided into 4 subgroups, each comprising 10 animals. The consequences of this study showed that, in the stress-free (HSF) groups, while all of the different doses of dietary MOEO positively affected growth performance, feed intake and feed efficiency, in the HS groups, similar positive effects were observed with the use of 200 ppm of dietary MOEO. While no effect was detected on internal organ weights on Days 21 and 42 in the HSF and HS groups, a dose-dependent increase was determined in the intestinal pH value on day 42 in the HS group (p <.05). Additionally, in the analysis of meat quality on the 21st and 42 days compared to the controls, no effect was observed on the meat colour parameters value and TBARS level in the HS and HSF groups. Based on the consequences of this study, it is considered that, MOEO could be used as an alternative product in poultry, at a dose of 200 ppm, to reduce the detrimental effects of HS. Temperature stress, performance parameters and serious problems in the health of poultry. Moringa olifera helps regulate performance parameters in poultry exposed to heat stress. Since the addition of Moringa oleifera to the diets does not affect the organ weight and meat quality in 21 and 42 days, it does not cause any negative effects for the consumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various meat quality characteristics of six muscles (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), Semimembranosus (SM), Biceps femoris (BF), Supraspinatus (SS), Infraspinatus (IS), Semitendinosus (ST)) from large-frame Boer Goats (BG) and Indigenous Veld Goats (IVG: Cape Speckled and the Cape Lob Ear) were studied. Weaner male BG (n = 18; 10 bucks and 8 wethers) and IVG (n = 19; 9 bucks and 10 wethers) were raised on hay and natural grass, and on a commercial pelleted diet to a live weight of 30–35 kg. All goats were slaughtered at a commercial abattoir and the dressed carcasses were chilled at 4 °C within 1 h post mortem. The muscles were dissected from both sides 24 h post mortem and aged for 1 d and 4 d. Variations in meat characteristics such as ultimate pH, water holding capacity (WHC), % purge, myofibril fragment length (MFL), intramuscular fat (IMF), connective tissue characteristics, and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) were recorded across muscles. Bucks had higher lightness (L*) and hue-angle values, whereas wethers had increased redness (a*) and chroma values. The muscle baseline data will allow informed decisions to support muscle-specific marketing strategies, which may be used to improve consumer acceptability of chevon.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the of meat lamb fed diets containing 0%, 12.5%, and 25.0% mulberry hay (total diet). Twenty-four Île-de-France lambs in the feedlot at an average age of 60 days and 15 kg body weight were allocated to individual stalls and slaughtered at 32 kg BW. Mulberry hay inclusion in the diet did not affect the meat pH 45 min (6.45) and 24 h (5.70) after slaughter. Average luminosity (L*), red intensity (a*), and yellow intensity (b*) values in the meat 24 h after slaughter were 40.85, 14.51, and 4.17, respectively. No differences were observed for water-holding capacity (58.03%), cooking loss (41.95%), shear force (2.80 kgf/cm2), sarcomere length (1.60 µm), or the sensory traits appearance (7.29), taste (7.23), tenderness (7.51), and overall acceptance (7.48). Inclusion of up to 25% mulberry hay in a concentrate-based diet did not compromise the physicochemical and sensory traits of the meat, indicating that this ingredient is as a good alternative to provide nutrients in the diet of feedlot lambs.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different levels of standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine + cystine (Met + Cys) and vitamin B6 supplementation on the carcass characteristics and longissimus lumborum (LL) quality in gilts from 75 to 100 kg. Fifty-six gilts were used (Talent x Topigs 20), with an initial average body weight of 75.06 ± 1.68 kg, allotted in a completely randomized block design arranged in a 2×4 factorial scheme, composed of two vitamin B6 supplementation levels (1.58 and 3.58 mg/kg) and four levels of SID Met + Cys (0.370, 0.470, 0.570, and 0.670%), with seven replicates and one animal per experimental unit. No interactions (P > 0.05) between vitamin B6 supplementation and SID Met + Cys levels were observed. The levels of SID Met + Cys and vitamin B6 supplementation did not affect the carcass characteristics. Thawing loss increased linearly, and a quadratic effect was observed for cooking loss and shear force of the LL when dietary SID Met + Cys levels increased. The highest cooking loss (27.29%) and shear force (21.58 N) were estimated at 0.528 and 0.539% SID Met + Cys levels, respectively. The dietary SID Met + Cys requirement for gilts (75–100 kg) did not exceed 10.60 g/day (0.37%), based on carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters, and was not affected by vitamin B6 supplementation.

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In the present study, the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri E81 (LRE) supplemented at different doses (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) into the diets on performance, meat quality and internal organ weights of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were investigated under heat stress (HS) conditions (37°C). For the experiments, 448 one-day old quails were used. Seven days of training (physical exercise) and a 35-day fattening period were applied. On day 7 of the trial, 8 groups [4 under control temperature of 25°C (CT): control (C), LRE-200, LRE-400 and LRE-600 and 4 under HS: control (HSC), SLRE-200, SLRE-400 and SLRE-600] were formed, each group consisting of four replicates with 14 quail each. At the end of this study, the CT group fed 400 mg/kg LRE showed the best performance results, whereas no effect was found for groups under HS in comparison to the control group (HSC). Samples taken on the 21st and 42nd day revealed that addition of probiotics in the CT and HS groups induced no effect on weight of the internal organs (p > 0.05). Analysis of meat quality on the 21st day showed that LRE caused an increase in pH in both the HS and CT groups. Further, 400-mg/kg LRE supplementation induced an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the group under HS. In the CT groups on day 42 no effect of LRE was found on colour parameters or on the TBARS value, except for a decrease in the pH value in the LRE supplemented groups compared with the control. In HS groups a decrease in the L* value and an increase in the TBARS value was found compared to CT groups (p < 0.05), but there was no effect on other colour parameters or pH value. In conclusion, in the present study supplementation of different doses of LRE E81 to quail diets had no effect on performance, internal organ weight or meat quality under HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]