Influence of grass silage fermentation and concentrate composition on the appearance and sensory characteristics of bovine M. longissimus dorsi

Satisfying consumer preferences is an important element in ensuring the sustainability of the beef industry. An array of feed ingredients are available to beef producers but the effects of pre-slaughter ration composition on determinants of consumers’ decisions to purchase beef, such as appearance and sensory characteristics, are unclear. Previous research has shown that the diet of cattle can influence fat colour, but that concentrates per se had little effect on sensory attributes of beef when compared with a grass silage or grass-based ration (French et al., 2000). The objective of the current study was to examine the effect of silage fermentation and concentrate composition on the appearance and eating quality characteristics of beef.