Differences in eating quality and electronic sense of meat samples as a function of goat breed and postmortem rigor state

Meat quality differences and protein molecular mechanisms affecting meat flavor in different breeds of Tibetan sheep analyzed by 4D label-free quantitative proteomics

To evaluate the meat quality of the new breed of Panou sheep, the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles of 1.5-year-old Panou sheep and the local breed of Oula sheep were selected for comparative analysis in terms of meat quality, and the molecular mechanisms influencing flavor were investigated using 4D label-free proteomics technology. The results revealed that the fiber density, tenderness, and brightness of the Panou sheep meat were lower than those of the Oula sheep, and the composition of amino acids and flavor substances made it possible to determine that the Panou sheep meat has a high-quality and distinctive flavor. Proteomic analysis indicated that the metabolic pathways that may be associated with meat flavor are amino acid catabolism and sugar metabolism. This study explored the role of proteins in the regulation of meat flavor in Tibetan sheep, which provides a reference for the identification of meat products and subsequent breed improvement.

Genetic diversity, reproductive performance, and genetic enhancement strategies in Huang-Huai goats

The Huang-huai goat, indigenous to China's Huang-Huai Plain, is celebrated for its exceptional reproductive capacity, succulent meat, and superior leather qualities. The Huang-huai goat's reproductive characteristics, genetic diversity, and the genetic underpinnings of intersexuality, aiming to inform conservation efforts and genetic resource management. Our study at the Huang-huai Goat Science and Technology R&D Center monitored 600-800 female goats and 16-24 male goats from June 2020 to May 2022, adhering to NIH guidelines and with ethical approval from Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economics. Our findings indicate that these goats exhibit a year-round estrus cycle averaging 19-23 days, a gestation period of 146-150 days, and an average litter size of 2.74, with an annual reproduction rate of 418.96% and a weaning survival rate of 94.75%. Transcriptome sequencing identified eleven candidate genes associated with multiple offspring, including PTX3, MMP13, and NR4A1, which play roles in organ development and hormonal regulation. SNP analysis revealed specific genotypes in GJB6 and PRKAA1 linked to higher lambing numbers, offering molecular markers for selective breeding. The study also highlighted the role of the Polled Intersex Syndrome (PIS) locus in causing both hornless and intersexual traits, emphasizing the importance of genetic screening for maintaining breed health and productivity. The genetic resources of the Huang-huai goat, recognized as a national geographical indication product, are vital for the livestock industry and require strategic conservation for sustainable development. This review highlights the importance of preserving and utilizing the genetic resources of the Huang-huai goat to enhance its contribution to agriculture.

Integrated electronic nose and multi-omics reveal changes in flavour characterization of cashmere goats and tan sheep meat

This study aimed to employ a multi-omics method to identify key compounds contributing to the sensory flavour of mutton and to investigate the internal correlation between volatile metabolites and lipids in Cashmere goats and Tan sheep. The results demonstrate that the electronic nose can effectively and quickly distinguish goats and sheep meat. A total of 18 volatile metabolites and 314 lipids were identified as significant contributors to the flavour difference between goats and sheep meat, as determined by HS-SPME-GC-MS and lipidomic respectively. Specifically, TG(18:1/20:4/20:4), TG(18:1/18:2/20:4), TG(18:1/18:1/20:4), DG(18:0/20:4), and dodecanoic acid influence flavour by participating in key KEGG pathways such as the "fat digestion and absorption", "cholesterol metabolism" and "lipid and atherosclerosis". This study lays the groundwork for understanding the sources and mechanisms of mutton flavour compounds, providing valuable insights to support the growth and development of the mutton industry.

Comparison of production performance and meat quality characteristics between Guizhou Black goats and F4 generation hybrids of South African Kalahari Goats

This study spanned 6 years and 4 generations, involving the progressive crossbreeding of South African Kalahari Goat (SK) and Guizhou Black Goat (GB) over three generations, followed by cross fixation F3 with F1 in the fourth generation, accompanied by the use of molecular markers technology to select a high fertility population, resulting in the creation of a hybrid goat, BKF4 (11/16 SK lineage and 5/16 GB lineage). A comparative evaluation of the BKF4 hybrid breed and its parental breeds was conducted. Reproductive and production parameters of GB, SK, and BKF4 goat groups were monitored, including lambing rate (LR), survival rate (SR), daily weight gain at 3 months of age (DWG), and adult body weight (ABW) (n = 110, 106, 112 per group). In addition, dressing percentage (DP) (n = 12 per group) and analyses of amino acids (n = 8, 6, 10 per group) and fatty acids (n = 6 per group) were conducted to evaluate meat quality indicators. Results: (1) Reproductive and production performance: The index of LR reached 199%, significantly higher than GB and SK (p ≤ 0.001), with a SR of 95.0%, markedly higher than SK (p ≤ 0.001); DWG was 276.5 g, ABW reached 56.6 kg and with a dressing percentage (DP) of 54.5%, they are significantly surpassing GB (p ≤ 0.001). (2) Regarding meat quality: pH45-value and crude protein content (CP) increased, while intramuscular fat content increased compared to GB and ash content decreased. The amino acid composition was similar to GB, but the taste was more similar to SK. However, there were some negative impacts on fatty acid composition and functionality. (3) PCA analysis revealed that: BKF4 exhibited superior meat quality compared to GB and SK, influenced by two key factors contributing 83.49% and 16.51% to the explained variance, respectively. The key factors affecting meat quality include intramuscular fat (IMF), nutrient index (NI), PUFAs/MUFAs, n-6FAs, and drip loss (DL).

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging at an early postmortem stage on lamb meat quality during subsequent aging

This study explores the influence of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on fresh lamb meat quality with respect to gas concentration, rigor state, and post-mortem aging time. A comparison was done for the quality characteristics of lamb Longissimus thoracis lumborum chops that had been packaged separately in air, 75%O2  + 25%CO2 MAP or 50%O2  + 50%CO2 MAP at 1, 6, and 24 h post-mortem and then stored for 6, 12, 24, 72, and 144 h post-mortem, and the quality of lamb chops had been evaluated at each post-mortem period separately. Chops packaged at 1 and 6 h post-mortem in MAP had reduced pH decline, less purge loss, and enhanced redness at early post-mortem storage times. Lamb color stability was evidently greater in 75%O2  + 25%CO2 MAP than in 50%O2  + 50%CO2 MAP during the early storage period when a* and R630/R580 were taken into account. Shear force values were lowest in lambs packaged at 1 h post-mortem with 75%O2  + 25%CO2 MAP at 12 h post-mortem and then increased until 72 h post-mortem, suggesting that rigor has been delayed by such a high O2 MAP. Thus, fresh lamb quality was maintained most effectively when packaged at 1 h post-mortem in 75%O2  + 25%CO2 MAP for consumption at 12 h post-mortem. The exact mechanisms and optimization of MAP based on Chinese retail conditions should be considered in future studies. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, three slaughter patterns in the meat industry involving boning immediately after dressing (hot-boning) and chilling for a short period (warm-boning) or overnight (cold-boning) are considered, as well as the behavior of non-immediate consumption after purchase. Modified atmosphere packaging provides an effective preservation of early post-mortem muscles with enhanced color stability, water holding capacity, and texture during refrigerated storage. This could provide new insights into how to process lamb muscles in the early post-mortem period to improve and stabilize lamb quality.

Comparison of muscle fiber characteristics and meat quality between newborn and adult Haimen goats

Goat meat is popular with consumers for its rich nutritional content. Muscle fiber characteristics have been shown to play a crucial role in determining the quantity and quality of meat. However, little is known about the temporal changes in muscle fiber characteristics and meat quality during growth in goats. In this study, muscle fiber type, fiber diameter, fiber cross-sectional area (CSA), glycolytic potential (GP), meat pH, and meat color were analyzed in the gastrocnemius (GAS), gluteus medius (GM), biceps brachii (BB), longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles from newborn (NHMG) and adult (AHMG) Haimen goats. The distribution of type I and type Π fiber in goats is not consistent across the four muscles and undergoes alterations with age. The diameter and CSA of the muscle fibers were similar among the four NHMG muscles. However, in AHMG, the LL muscle had the largest fiber in terms of both diameter and CSA, followed by BB, GM, and GAS muscles. Moreover, the CSA of type Π fibers was higher than that of type I fibers in both NHMG and AHMG. GP values ranged from 90 to 140 umol/g across the muscle and no significant differences were observed. AHMG had a higher pH level and a* value, but lower L* and b* values than NHMG. Overall, our findings enhance our understanding of the changes in muscle fiber type and meat quality during the growth in Haimen goats and provide a basis for future research on the development and transformation of muscle fibers in goats.

Effects of sous vide cooking combined with ultrasound pretreatment on physicochemical properties and microbial communities of Russian sturgeon meat (Acipenser gueldenstaedti)

BACKGROUND

The production of Russian sturgeon is expanding rapidly in China but it is necessary to adopt measures to extend the shelf life of sturgeon meat. Previous studies found that sous vide cooking (SVC) at 60 °C increased the protein and lipid oxidation. The addition of antioxidant substances reduced the acceptance of the product. The effect of combination SVC and ultrasound pretreatment was therefore investigated.

RESULTS

Results showed that SVC at 50 °C combined with ultrasound effectively restrained the growth of total viable counts (TVC) in samples. Meanwhile, the main dominant genera changed from Pseudomonas to Carnobacterium and the number of microbial species decreased. The odor profile of Russian sturgeon meat was more stable and the lipoxygenase (LOX) activity decreased more rapidly after treating with SVC and ultrasound. Importantly, more stable protein aggregates were formed in samples treated by SVC 50 °C together with ultrasound pretreatment, so the protein and lipid oxidation were slowed during storage. Higher springiness values were obtained and the color of sturgeon meat was lighter under these conditions.

CONCLUSION

The combination of SVC 50 °C and ultrasound pretreatment effectively inhibited the microbial growth of Russian sturgeon meat at lower oxidation levels. These findings theoretically support the preservation and development of sturgeon meat, and the application of SVC technology. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physicochemical Quality and Fatty Acid Profile in the Meat of Goats Fed Forage Cactus as a Substitute for Tifton 85 Hay

Low rainfall in Northeast Brazil is a limiting factor for animal production. Forages that present crassulacean acid metabolism, such as forage cactus, are adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of this region, as they lose little water through the stomata. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the physical and chemical quality, fatty acid profile and sensory acceptance of the meat from goats fed forage cactus as a substitute for Tifton 85 hay. Twenty-one uncastrated mixed-breed goats with a mean body weight of 18 ± 0.86 kg and 7 ± 1 months of age were used. A completely randomized design with three treatments and seven replications per treatment was performed. The inclusion of 0 (control), 25 and 55% of forage cactus in substitution of Tifton 85 hay in the diet of the goats was evaluated. The lipid content in the meat of animals fed 25 and 55% of forage cactus was 1.33% and 1.26%, respectively, and was lower (p < 0.05) in relation to the meat of animals that received the control diet (1.56%). The inclusion of 55% of forage cactus provided an increase (p < 0.05) in the content of monounsaturated fatty acids in the meat (52.71%) in relation to the control meat (37.75%). Sensory analysis differed (p < 0.05) between treatments. We recommend replacing Tifton 85 hay with 55% forage cactus, as it presents greater sensory acceptance, and provides lower lipid content and higher content of monounsaturated fatty acids in goat meat.

Effect of Cold-Plasma-Treated Phosphate Solution to Substitute Partial Nitrite on the Color, Texture, and Flavor of Smoked Sausage

There are several alternative technologies to nitrite use in meat products, including cold plasma. In this study, a cold-plasma-treated phosphate solution was added to smoked sausage, as a new ingredient. Subsequently, the color, texture, and flavor of the samples were analyzed. The results showed that, compared with nitrite (0.075 g/kg nitrite added to sausage), the addition of 30~90% nitrite and cold-plasma-treated phosphate solution had no significant effect on the a* value or the relative content of oxygenated myoglobin (p > 0.05). The amount of residual nitrite in the smoked sausage prepared with the addition of 30~70% nitrite and cold-plasma-treated phosphate solution was significantly lower than that of the nitrite-treated group. The addition of nitrite combined with cold-plasma-treated phosphate solution had no significant effects on the texture (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and resilience) or the sensory evaluation of the smoked sausage. A total of 69 volatile compounds were detected, and 20 of them had VIP (Variable Importance Plot) scores higher than one. In conclusion, cold plasma treatment represents a potential technology to partially substitute nitrite. This study provides new methods for the application of this nitrite substitute.

Comparative Characterization of Key Volatile Compounds in Slow- and Fast-Growing Duck Raw Meat Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomics

The volatile aroma compounds in raw duck meat strongly affect consumers' purchase decisions and they vary among breeds with different growth rates. In this study, slow-growing (SG) Liancheng White and fast-growing (FG) Cherry Valley ducks were selected, and their volatile compounds were characterized using electric nose and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Furthermore, a widely targeted metabolomics approach was used to investigate the metabolites associated with volatile compounds. The results showed that hexanal, nonanal, octanal, heptanal, and 2-pentylfuran were abundantly present in duck meat, regardless of the breed. The higher nonanal and octanal rates contributed to the fatty and fruity aroma in SG meat than FG meat, while FG meat had a mushroom note resulting from higher octenol. Furthermore, widely targeted metabolomics showed a lower carnitine content in SG meat, which might promote lipid deposition to produce more octanal and nonanal. Higher sugar and amino acid contents led to a meaty aroma, whereas more trimethylamine N-oxide may generate a fishy note in SG meat. Taken together, this study characterized the raw duck meat aroma and provided the basic mechanism of the formation of the key volatile compound.

The potential of goat meat as a nutrition source for schoolchildren

The issue of rational nutrition of children is still extremely relevant and an effective factor in ensuring the preservation of the life and health of children. Pathological conditions associated with intolerance to certain components of food are increasingly common. Biologically complete products play an important role in the organization of rational nutrition of children, which can be created only in industrial production conditions. When assessing the chemical composition of experimental goat meat samples (Zaanenskaya, Alpine, Nubian), no abnormal deviations were detected, and all indicators were in the generally accepted contents of this type of animal muscle tissue. The mineral composition showed that goat meat is rich in such elements as potassium – 1693.22 – 4125.83 mg/kg; sodium – 852.27 – 1518 mg/kg, magnesium – 125.33 – 295.8 mg/kg; calcium – 79.27 – 160.79 mg/kg, iron 11.42-87.52 mg/kg. The vitamin composition of goat meat showed that the content of pantothenic acid (B5) was 0.53 – 0.62 mg / 100g, pyridoxine (B6) 0.52 – 0.64 mg/100g tocopherol 0.27 – 0.33 mg/100g. The mass fraction of goat meat proteins was 2.1 ±0.3 – 2.4 ±0.4%. The study of the dynamics of changes in the composition of protein fractions based on the results of comparative studies of the ratio of sarcoplasmic proteins showed the content of water-soluble (1.75 – 4.06%), salt-soluble (1.75 – 2.44%), alkali-soluble (11.15 – 15.10%) proteins. The salt-soluble fraction reflects the total changes in the state of protein fractions, the solubility of which was not the same for the rocks under consideration (the highest concentration was determined in the Nubian rock).

Quality Multiverse of Beef and Pork Meat in a Single Score

The rationale behind this review is the potential of developing a single score tool for meat quality evaluation based on visual and sensorial assessments of fresh meat. Based on the known sensory wheel concept, the first step was to create quality wheels capturing most common intrinsic and extrinsic quality cues of pork and beef outlined in the latest scientific papers. This resulted in identifying meat color, sensory characteristics and fat content as the most important intrinsic quality cues of fresh beef and pork. Furthermore, the highest number of studies showed the importance of price, certification logos and brand for beef quality evaluation. According to recent articles, price, breed, animal welfare and a veterinary certificate are the most important extrinsic attributes for pork consumers. The second step was to develop a single-score tool named the “Meat quality index”. It has been developed in line with published approaches of different total quality index concepts used in the food sector, providing insights into its application in the meat sector. As a result, this review proposes a unique approach in using quality index application, through the consumer’s preferences aspect of fresh meat.