Carcass characteristics, fatty acid composition, and meat quality of Criollo Argentino and Braford steers raised on forage in a semi-tropical region of Argentina

bta-miR-484 Inhibits Bovine Intramuscular Adipogenesis by Regulating Mitotic Clonal Expansion via the MAP3K9/JNK/CCND1 Axis

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is a critical indicator of the beef nutritional value and flavor. In this study, we focused on bta-miR-484, a microRNA that is differentially expressed during the adipogenic differentiation of bovine intramuscular adipocytes and is negatively correlated with the IMF content across different cattle breeds. Our findings demonstrate that bta-miR-484 inhibits adipogenic differentiation without altering the fatty acid composition of bovine intramuscular adipocytes. miRNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that MAP3K9 is a target gene of bta-miR-484. Furthermore, bta-miR-484 suppresses the JNK signaling pathway by targeting MAP3K9, leading to decreased CCND1 expression, which impedes the mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) process and inhibits intramuscular adipocyte differentiation. In summary, this study uncovers a novel mechanism by which bta-miR-484 regulates bovine IMF content and provides the first exploration of MCE during intramuscular adipocyte adipogenic differentiation. These findings offer valuable theoretical insights into beef cattle breeding and molecular improvements.

Exploring the effects of ageing on instrumental and sensory characteristics of meat from Lidia breed females: A comparative study of two commercial types

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of ageing on instrumental and sensory qualities in Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) from heifers (n = 200) and cows (n = 100) of Lidia breed. The animals were slaughtered as heifers (24-48 months) or cull cows (> 48 months). For instrumental analysis, pars Thoracis aged at 7, 14 and 28 days was used; for sensory analysis, pars Lumborum aged at 14 and 28 days was evaluated. Heifers showed redder and yellower meat (P < 0.05) and cows showed slightly higher Water Holding Capacity (WHC): Thawing Loss (TL) = P < 0.05; Drip Loss (DL) = P < 0.01; Pressure Loss (PL) = P < 0.01; Cooking Loss (CL) = P < 0.05. Ageing generated changes in meat colour, with increases in lightness (L*, linear pattern, P < 0.001) and oscillations in a* and b* (quadratic patterns; P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Ageing affected TL (increasing, P < 0.001) and PL (decreasing, P < 0.05), and generated a significant improvement in Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) values (P < 0.001). Commercial type revealed changes in consumer panel ratings for flavour (P < 0.05), juiciness (P < 0.01), tenderness (P < 0.001) and overall acceptability (P < 0.001), with better results in these parameters for cull cows. In contrast to the usual, ageing did not affect the sensory traits. There was no significant interaction between commercial type and ageing time, except for beef flavour, which worsened with ageing (P < 0.05).

Bta-miR-484 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of bovine intramuscular preadipocytes via targeting MAP3K9 to inhibit the JNK signaling pathway

Intramuscular fat (IMF) plays a crucial role in enhancing the tenderness, flavor, and juiciness of beef, making the increase of IMF content a significant objective in beef breeding. A key factor influencing IMF levels is the number of intramuscular preadipocytes. Previous studies have indicated a correlation between bta-miR-484 and IMF content. In this study, we found that bta-miR-484 is differentially expressed during the proliferation of intramuscular preadipocytes. Our research identified that bta-miR-484 targets MAP3K9, revealing a novel mechanism for regulating both proliferation and apoptosis via the JNK signaling pathway. Functional gain and loss experiments demonstrated that bta-miR-484 inhibits the transition of bovine intramuscular preadipocytes from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase, and significant increase the proportion of early apoptotic cells. Additionally, miRNA pulldown and luciferase reporter assays confirmed MAP3K9 as the target gene of bta-miR-484. Furthermore, rescue experiments indicated that bta-miR-484 mediates its effects on proliferation and apoptosis through the MAP3K9/JNK/CCND1 and MAP3K9/JNK/BCL2 axes. These findings suggest that bta-miR-484 is a non-coding RNA that inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of intramuscular preadipocytes, indicating that treatment with bta-miR-484 may offers a novel strategy for enhancing IMF content.

Can botanically-diverse pastures positively impact the nutritional and antioxidant composition of ruminant meat? - Invited review

A desire for more sustainable pasture-based ruminant feeding systems has led to growing interest in utilising botanically-diverse pastures (BDP) over monoculture pastures. Research suggests that, from a human consumption viewpoint, grass-based ruminant feeding leads to more nutritionally desirable fatty acid (FA) and antioxidant concentrations in meat compared with concentrate feeding, which can affect meat quality. The FA, antioxidant and secondary metabolite content of plants differ, depending on species, maturity and seasonality, offering the potential through targeted feeding of BDP to produce meat with superior nutritional and antioxidant profiles. This review explores the effect, if any, that grazing ruminants on BDP has on the FA profile, fat-soluble vitamin, and antioxidant content of meat. The input-output relationship between forage and red meat constituents is complex and is likely affected by species diversity, forage consumption patterns and modulation of rumen fermentation processes. Further investigation is required to fully understand the effect that BDP may have on the composition and quality of ruminant meat.

RNA-seq analysis reveals the critical role of the novel lncRNA BIANCR in intramuscular adipogenesis through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate numerous biological processes, including adipogenesis. Research on adipogenesis will assist in the treatment of human metabolic diseases and improve meat quality in livestock, such as the content of intramuscular fat (IMF). However, the significance of lncRNAs in intramuscular adipogenesis remains unclear. This research aimed to reveal the lncRNAs transcriptomic profiles in the process of bovine intramuscular adipogenesis and to identify the lncRNAs involved in the adipogenesis of bovine intramuscular adipocytes.

RESULTS

In this research, a landscape of lncRNAs was identified with RNA-seq in bovine intramuscular adipocytes at four adipogenesis stages (0 d, 3 d, 6 d, and 9 d after differentiation). A total of 7035 lncRNAs were detected, including 3396 novel lncRNAs. Based on the results of differential analysis, co-expression analysis, and functional prediction, we focused on the bovine intramuscular adipogenesis-associated long non-coding RNA (BIANCR), a novel lncRNA that may have an important regulatory function. The knockdown of BIANCR inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of intramuscular preadipocytes. Moreover, BIANCR knockdown inhibited intramuscular adipogenesis by regulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study obtained the landscape of lncRNAs during adipogenesis in bovine intramuscular adipocytes. BIANCR plays a crucial role in adipogenesis through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. The results are noteworthy for improving beef meat quality, molecular breeding, and metabolic disease research.

Fatty Acid Profiles and Nutritional Evaluation of Fresh Sweet-Waxy Corn from Three Regions of China

Fresh corn is a kind of herbaceous plant with rich nutritive value and a reasonable composition of fatty acids; however, there is little research on methods for the systemic nutritional evaluation of fatty acids in fresh corn. The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the fatty acid profiles of Chinese Huangnuo 9 sweet-waxy corn from the provinces of Inner Mongolia, Jilin, and Heilongjiang by gas chromatography; to establish a nutritional evaluation system according to the impacts of nutrients from fatty acids on human health; and finally, to evaluate, compare and rank fresh sweet-waxy corn grown in different regions. Tocopherols were detected by liquid chromatography in order to demonstrate the anti-oxidation activity of fresh corn’s fatty acids. The fatty acid contents and compositions of the 12 samples from the three regions are significantly different from each other. The nutrient value of the fatty acids in fresh corn was analyzed by factor analysis and a linear structural relation model, followed by the fitting and appraising of the model. The studied fresh sweet-waxy corn 1-4 from Inner Mongolia had the highest γ-tocopherol content and the closest saturated fatty acid:monounsaturated fatty acid:polyunsaturated fatty acid rate to the recommended value. The fatty acid profiles of sweet-waxy corns 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 were the most diverse, and the comprehensive evaluation result of fresh corn 2-4 was the best; its total fatty acid content was the highest. Fresh corn 3-1 in Heilongjiang had the highest unsaturated fatty acids and lower values in its atherosclerosis index and thrombosis index, which suggested the strongest anti-atherosclerosis and anti-thrombotic ability. This work will give a reference to guide dietary choices and provide data support for dietary recommendations for residents.

Evaluation of pineapple stem starch as a substitute for corn grain or ground cassava in a cattle feedlot for 206 or 344 days: feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and economic evaluation

The pineapple stem starch substituted for ground cassava or corn as a carbohydrate source in the concentrate diet. The experiment used 36 Holstein crossbred steers (aged 22 months) with an average initial body weight of 453.0 ± 35.3 kg. The experimental units were randomly assigned to three different starch sources of concentrate diets: ground corn (GC), ground cassava (CA), or pineapple stem starch (PS) with two different feeding periods: (1) period 1 for 206 days or (2) period 2 for 344 days with six replicates per treatment (two steers per replication), arranged in a completely randomized design. The animals were slaughtered at the end of the experimental periods. After that, the feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and economic return were evaluated. The results showed that the steers fed PS had a greater weight gain, average daily gain, and lower feed: gain ratio when fed for 206 days than when fed for 344 days, but dry matter intake, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acids profile did not differ between treatments in both periods of feeding except C14:1 and C18:0. The steers fed PS showed the greatest economic return. As a substitute for cassava or corn, pineapple stem starch had no negative impact on the feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. These results indicate that pineapple stem starch could be a useful feedstuff for the feedlot steers diets as an alternative starch source.

Determination of nutritional health indexes of fresh bovine milk using near infrared spectroscopy

Bovine milk is one of the most complete foods that exist. During the last decades, milk FA have shown to improve human health due to the reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease and related pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) reflectance analysis to predict the nutritional value, fatty acid (FA) composition, and health index of fresh milk from dairy cows of pastoral systems. The prediction of Atherogenicity and Thrombogenicity indexes, along with other FA ratios in fresh milk samples by NIRS were precise and accurate. In addition, the calibration model obtained by NIRS provides an opportunity for the routine quantification of milk’s healthy FA such as omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), with applications in the dairy industry for food labeling, and at the farm level for management of the dairy cow’s diet.

Ultrasound as a Potential Technology to Improve the Quality of Meat Produced from a Mexican Autochthonous Bovine Breed

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) on the physicochemical and textural properties of meat from Rararumi Criollo, a Mexican autochthonous bovine breed. After slaughter, Longissimus dorsi and Triceps brachii muscles were separated from carcasses, cut into 2.5 cm slices and treated with HIU, except the control group, which was not sonicated. After treatment, samples were vacuum-sealed and stored at 4 °C for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 d. HIU increased (p < 0.05) the luminosity and yellowness (b*) of meat. Higher b* (p < 0.05) was observed in L. dorsi than in T. brachii muscles. No effect (p > 0.05) of HIU was detected on drip loss, pH, the water holding capacity and the total collagen of meat. The shear force of HIU-treated meat was lower (p < 0.05) than control samples, indicating a tenderizing effect. There were differences between muscles. L. dorsi was more tender (p < 0.05), and it had higher pH and WHC values than T. brachii. Overall, HIU is a potential method for tenderizing Raramuri Criollo cattle meat without negative impacts on other quality characteristics. HIU is an emerging technology that could add value to indigenous breeds and provide a new opportunity for the growing meat market.

Feeding strategies and ageing time alter calpain system proteins activities and meat quality of Braford steers

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ageing and feeding strategies on the calpain protease system and meat quality traits in Braford steers.

Methods

Thirty Braford steers were employed; 15 animals were supplemented with corn silage during finishing and 15 were kept only on pasture. Meat quality traits and calpain system protein activity were evaluated in longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) steaks aged for 2, 7, 14, and 21 days.

Results

Aged meat showed higher pH and calcium content, while Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) decreased to day 21. No interaction between ageing and diet was seen for quality traits. Steers finished with corn silage showed higher values of water holding capacity, WBSF and free calcium, and lower values of pH and cooking loss. Calpain and calpastatin activities decreased with ageing. Finishing steers on pasture produced higher values of calpains and lower values of calpastatin activities. The higher values of calpain 1 activity were observed in muscles aged 2 days from pasture finished animals, and the lower activity of the inhibitor in the 21 days aged samples of the same group.

Conclusion

These results suggest a diet by ageing interaction in calpains and calpastatin and this interaction impact in Warner Bratzler Shear Force in Braford LTL muscle.

Effect of oven and sun drying on the chemical properties, lipid profile of soursop (Annona muricata) seed oil, and the functional properties of the defatted flour

Soursop seeds present a potential source of edible oil production. This work was aimed at determining the effect of oven and sun drying on the chemical properties and lipid profile of soursop seed oil as well as the functional properties of the defatted seed flour. The chemical properties, lipid profiles, and functional properties of soursop seeds dried for 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 hr, and 0, 1, 3, and 5 days, respectively, in the oven and on the sun using time T0 as the control sample were determined using oil quality indices, gas phase chromatography, and functionality tests for flours, respectively, with a view of highlighting the potentials of the defatted seed. The result of the study revealed that the chemical properties of oils for oven-dried and sun-dried seeds changed with drying technique and time, with iodine value being the more affected parameter, and peroxide value (PV) being the least. The control exhibited the highest free fatty acids (FFAs), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, and saponification value compared with dried samples. The fatty acid profiling showed that the predominant fatty acids were C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, and C16:0 and that unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and omega-fats were not significantly affected by the oven drying time. The mean PUFA content ranged from 31.72% with sundried seeds to 30.92% after 30 hr of oven-drying and was not significantly affected by the drying technique. The oils contained more n-6 (30.60%) fatty acids than n-3 (1.12%). The PUFA/SFA ratios [1.14-1.37] as well as the Atherogenic index (AI) [0.25-0.27] were acceptable because of the recommended range of FAO/WHO. PUFA/SFA, n-6/n-3, and Atherogenic index (AI) did not change much with the sun-drying technique compared with oven-drying. Flours from sun-dried seeds had better functional properties than oven-dried and more than 3 different types of proteins (based on isoelectric points of proteins). It can be concluded that soursop seed contains good quality oil, which can be exploited to improve nutrition. Manufacturers of animal feeds should explore the agro-industrial use of its oil and defatted seed flour.

Fatty acids, health lipid indices, and cholesterol content of sheep meat of three breeds from Moroccan pastures

The lipid analysis of commercial lamb's meat, from two main Moroccan production areas Middle Atlas and highlands of eastern Morocco, was conducted. This study concerns the lipid quality of sheep meat from Beni Guil (BG) and Timahdite (Ti) as indigenous breeds and that of the Ouled Djellal (ODj) breed of Algerian origin. To study the effect of the geographical area, the meat samples from the Beni Guil breed were taken in the two main locations of this breed: in the region of Ain Beni Mathar (BGA) and that of Tendrara (BGT). The fatty acid profiles of the sheep meats analyzed showed the following: (i) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) richness was of 12.87 % and 20.59 % respectively for BGA and BGT breeds; (ii) polyunsaturated  /  saturated fatty acid ratios were ranged between 0.28 to 0.50 respectively for BGA and Ti breed; and (iii) PUFA- n - 3 content was 1.71 % for ODj breed and 2.13 % for BGA. Thus, the PUFA- n - 6   /  PUFA n - 3 ratios range between 4.92 and 9.6 for BGA and Ti sheep meat, respectively. The cholesterol content was 0.08 % and 0.12 % of fresh meat respectively for ODj and BGA. Finally, meats of BGA and ODj have similar thrombogenicity (1.23 and 1.27 respectively) and atherogenicity indices (0.71 and 0.68 respectively). Statistically, these values were significantly higher than those registered for Ti breed (IT: 1.04 and AI: 0.51). In conclusion, from a nutritional point of view, it can be deduced that these meats have an interesting lipid quality due to their richness in desirable fatty acid (UFA  +  C18 : 0).

Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics analysis and characteristics of beef in different fattening periods

Beef quality is influenced by the fattening period. Therefore, meat metabolomics profiles from the different fattening periods (e.g., short-term vs. long-term) were analyzed for identify potential indicators using nuclear magnetic resonance. Additionally, blood, free fatty acid, sensory, and mineral compositions in Korean steers were determined. Blood, free fatty acid, and mineral concentrations showed significant differences between short-term and long-term groups that were fed different diets. However, there were no sensory differences in the two fattening groups. Additionally, the metabolic profiles of meats were clearly separated based on multivariate orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis. Six metabolites of variable importance in the projection plot were identified and showed high sensitivity as candidate markers for meat characteristics. In particular, lactate, carnosine, and creatine could be directly linked to scientific indicators of the fattening stage (31 vs. 28 mo) of meat. Our findings suggest that the metabolomics approach could be a powerful method for the detection of novel signatures underlying the managing period of beef.

Research Note: Effect of diet with different proportions of ryegrass on breast meat quality of broiler geese

This study was conducted to determine the effects of diet with different proportions of ryegrass on breast meat quality of geese. In total, 240 healthy male Yangzhou geese (28-day-old) with similar body weight were divided randomly into 4 diet groups (control group: fed commercial diets; treatment groups I, II, and III: fed ryegrass and commercial diet in the ratios of 1.5:1, 2:1, and 3:1, respectively), the birds being fed from the age of 29 to 70 D. The results shows that the body weights of 70-day-old geese of treatment groups II and III were lower than those in the control group, whereas those of geese of treatment group I were similar to those of the control group. The contents of flavor amino acid and total (essential) amino acids in treatment groups I and II were higher than those in treatment group III (P < 0.05). In addition, grass supplementation reduced saturated fatty acid content and increased that of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Finally, among the 6 minerals analyzed in breast muscle, differences existed in Zn, Se, and Cu contents among the geese fed with different proportions of ryegrass. Zn content of geese from treatment groups II and III was significantly higher than that of those of the control group; Cu content was lower with grass intake and was significantly higher in the control group than in treatment group III; Se content was significantly higher in the control group than in both groups II and III (all at P < 0.05). The results from this study indicated that geese fed with low proportions of ryegrass (1.5:1 or 2:1) showed good growth performance and increased total (essential) amino acid, flavor amino acid, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, and Zn content in meat, which had a certain guiding value for the production of high-quality goose meat under intensive feeding conditions.

Comparative fatty acids composition and cholesterol content in Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) and dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) meat

The present study is aimed at comparing the fatty acid profiles, cholesterol, and atherogenicity index of Bactrian and dromedary camel meat by using discriminant analysis to identify the more discriminating fatty acids. Six muscles were sampled from nine Bactrian and nine dromedary camels and analyzed for fatty acid parameters and cholesterol content. The mean fatty acid profiles differed in higher proportion between species than between muscles. The main discriminating fatty acids between species (100% well-classed samples) were C15:0, C17:1, C14:1, C20:0, and C18:0. A significant difference was also observed in cholesterol content, with more cholesterol in Bactrian meat (53.6 ± 12.5 mg/100 g) compared to dromedary meat (49.4 ± 11.2 mg/100 g). However, the atherogenicity index was lower in Bactrian meat (1.196 ± 0.148) than in dromedary meat (1.379 ± 0.109). Despite the dietetic interest in camel meat due to its low cholesterol and low-fat content, the high atherogenicity index compared to other red meat appeared as an unfavorable argument.

Thai native chicken meat: an option to meet the demands for specific meat quality by certain groups of consumers; a review

Native chickens are slowly growing indigenous chicken (Gallus domesticus) breeds; many of them were developed from jungle fowl, which is found in every part of Asia. These breeds are disease resistant, easy adapting to tropical climates, and have a low mortality. In Thailand, a distinct sector of consumers prefers to eat meat from native chickens rather than that from broilers because it is more tasty and chewy. In addition, studies have shown that it has a low content of fat which may be helpful for people susceptible to coronary heart diseases. This review also compiles evidence for further indicators of a special meat quality such as more oxidative (Type I) muscle fibres, a higher collagen content (promoting the preferred chewiness), an elevated content of certain flavor-relevant compounds, as well as high ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids.

Proximate and fatty acid composition of zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) muscle and subcutaneous fat

BACKGROUND

The meat from African game species is healthy, naturally produced and increasingly popular with consumers. Among these species, zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) are growing in number in South Africa, with the meat from surplus animals holding potential to contribute to food security and economic stability. Despite being consumed locally and globally, little information exists on the composition of zebra meat. This study aimed to determine the proximate composition of zebra meat as well as the fatty acid composition of the intramuscular (IMF) and subcutaneous (SCF) fat.

RESULTS

Zebra longissimus lumborum muscle was shown to have a high mean protein content (22.29 g per 100 g) and low mean fat content (1.47 g per 100 g). High proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were found in the IMF (41.15%) and SCF (37.71%), mainly comprising α-linolenic (C18:3n-3) and linoleic (C18:2n-6) acids. Furthermore, the IMF and SCF had favourable PUFA/saturated fatty acid ratios (>0.4) and omega-6/omega-3 ratios (<4), indicating that both components are healthy lipid food sources.

CONCLUSION

This study has shed new light on the nutritional value of zebra meat, which will not only be important for food product labelling, nutritional education and incorporation into food composition databases, but will also be indispensable for marketing and export purposes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development of designer chicken shred with response surface methodology and evaluation of its quality characteristics

Meat is considered to be an excellent source of protein, essential minerals, trace elements and vitamins but negative concerns regarding meat consumption and its impact on human health have promoted research into development of novel functional meat products. In the present study Rice bran oil (RBO), and Flaxseed oil (FSO) were used for attaining an ideal lipid profile in the product. The experiment was designed to optimise the RBO and FSO concentration for development of product with ideal lipid profile and maximum acceptability by the application of central composite rotatable design of Response surface methodology (RSM). Levels of RBO and FSO were taken as independent variables and overall acceptability (OAA), n-6 and n-3 fatty acids as responses. Quadratic fit model was found to be suitable for optimising the product. Sample with RBO (20.51 ml) and FSO (2.57 ml) yielded an OAA score of 8.25, 29.54 % of n-6 and 7.70 % of n-3 having n-6/n-3 ratio as 3.8:1. Optimised product was analysed for physico-chemical, sensory and microbial profile during storage at 4 ± 1 °C for 30 days. Increase in the lipid oxidative parameters was observed during storage but it was not significant (p < 0.05). Studies revealed great potential of developing functional poultry products with improved nutritional quality and good shelf stability by incorporating RBO and FSO.

Taste-active compound levels in Korean native chicken meat: The effects of bird age and the cooking process

The effects of bird age and the cooking process on the levels of several taste-active compounds, including inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP), glutamic acid, cysteine, reducing sugars, as well as oleic, linoleic, arachidonic, and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), in the breast and leg meats from a certified meat-type commercial Korean native chicken (KNC) strain (Woorimatdag) were investigated. KNC cocks were raised under similar standard conditions at a commercial chicken farm, and breast and leg meats from birds of various ages (10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 wk; 10 birds/age group) were obtained. After raw and cooked meat samples were prepared, they were analyzed for the aforementioned taste-active compounds. Compared to the leg meat, KNC breast meat had higher levels of IMP, arachidonic acid, and DHA, but lower levels of the other taste-active compounds (P < 0.05). KNC meat lost significant amounts of all the taste-active compounds, excluding oleic and linoleic acids, during the cooking process (P < 0.05). However, bird age only had a minor effect on the levels of these taste-active compounds. The results of this study provide useful information regarding the levels of taste-active compounds in KNC meat from birds of different ages, and their fate during the cooking process. This information could be useful for selection and breeding programs, and for popularizing native chicken meat.

The fatty acid, amino acid, and mineral composition of Egyptian goose meat as affected by season, gender, and portion

With the current absence of scientific information on the nutritive aspects it is essential to investigate the fatty acid, mineral, and amino acid composition of Egyptian geese as well as the factors of influence. The forage vs. grain based diets of Egyptian geese during certain periods of the yr leads to variation in the content of the key fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid. The differences in these fatty acids results in variation between the n-6/n-3 ratios of the seasons; the portions from winter (July) are within the recommendations (ratio <5) and those from summer (November) not. This study indicates that Egyptian goose meat does not only vary in nutritional composition but season may also have a substantial effect on the flavor profile and ultimate uniformity of the meat. The season and portion effects were, however, interlinked but the general tendency shows that the portions, especially the breast and thigh do differ concerning the major fatty acids. No substantial differences were found in the mineral composition of the breast portion on account of season and gender; however there were some variation in certain amino acids such as lysine and arginine due to season/diet. This research provides essential information that should be considered not only regarding the everyday consumption of Egyptian goose meat but the potential utilization and ultimate consistency of this meat product.

Performance and economic analyses of year-round forage systems for forage-fed beef production in the Gulf Coast

On a global scale, most beef is produced from grazing pastures or rangelands. Certain limitations exist, however, such as not having adequate animal rates of gain for marbling and availability of adequate forage nutritional value and quantity for constant animal weight gains. In the last 20 yr, there has been an increased interest in forage-fed beef for multiple reasons (health related, environmental concerns, and welfare issues). Starting on June 5, 13, 14, and 8 in 4 consecutive yr, 54 steers (initial BW=259±5.6 kg; average of 9 mo of age) were randomly allotted to 3 yr-round forage systems. Each system occupied 6 ha/replicate and had the same stocking rate. System 1 had annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) for winter grazing and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) for summer grazing; while Systems 2 and 3 added rye and a clover mix to the ryegrass and diversified the use of pastures in the fall (dallisgrass [Paspalum dilatatum] and clovers [Trifolium spp.]). System 3 added the use of annual summer forages. During their respective growing season for each forage or forage mix, mass and height did not limit animal performance; however, there was a sampling date effect (P<0.05) for nutritive value variables since it decreased as forages became mature. The ADG observed (0.44 kg) for all systems (P=0.78) during summer was lower than expected and might have been limited by the observed temperature as well as forage nutritive value. Systems 1 and 2 had more grazing days (P=0.03) during summer (155 and 146 d, respectively) compared to System 3 (132 d) due to the greater pasture area of bermudagrass in those systems. Steers in System 3 were fed more hay for a longer period of time (P<0.05) than on the other 2 systems. System 1 and 2 produced more hay per hectare than System 3 (P<0.05). No differences (P>0.05) were detected between systems in ADG year round, during the winter season, or carcass characteristics. Return over total direct costs and total specified expenses were greater for Systems 1 and 2, while System 3 was the lowest. Hay making and bale sales played a major role in explaining the economic results of this study. Where possible, year-round forage systems are a viable alternative for forage-fed beef production; however, the low gains during summer and forage availability during the transition period when hay is necessary deserve further research to find alternatives to improve productivity during those times of the year.

An overview of the nutritional value of beef and lamb meat from South America

The southern region of South America, a subtropical and temperate zone, is an important region for the production of beef and lamb meat, which is mainly produced in extensive pasture-based systems. Because of its content in highly valuable nutrients such as iron, zinc, selenium, fatty acids, and vitamins, meat is a unique and necessary food for the human diet in order to secure a long and healthy life, without nutritional deficiencies. Beef and lamb production systems based on temperate or tropical grasslands show interesting and, in some cases, a differential content in minerals, fatty acids and vitamins. This review deals with the distinctive aspects of the nutritional quality of beef and lamb meat produced in this region in terms of nutritional composition and the bioavailability of key nutrients related to its contribution for a healthy diet for all ages.

Chemical composition and structural characteristics of Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) m. longissimus thoracis

Saudi Arabian camels of four breeds (6 animals per breed) were used to evaluate characteristics and quality of their meat. Chemical composition, fibre cross sectional area, collagen content, muscle metabolism, cooking loss, pH at 24 h post mortem, colour values (except redness) and shear force of Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle did not differ between the breeds. Elevated pH values and short sarcomeres reduced overall tenderisation, with a difference between myofibril fragmentation index (P<0.001) and sarcomere length (P<0.05) between breeds. A positive correlation was observed between the activities of the mitochondrial enzymes (r>0.49), between the glycolytic activities (PFK and LDH) (r=0.61) and between Myosin Heavy Chain IIa and LDH activity. The intramuscular fat content was positively associated with redness and muscle oxidative metabolism, whereas shear force had a slight positive association with collagen content and muscle glycolytic metabolism and a negative association with muscle oxidative metabolism and muscle fibre area.

Chemical composition, fatty acid content and antioxidant potential of meat from goats supplemented with Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves, sunflower cake and grass hay

The present study determined the chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) content and antioxidant capacity of meat from goats supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) or sunflower cake (SC) or grass hay (GH). The meat from goat supplemented with MOL had higher concentrations of total phenolic content (10.62±0.27 mg tannic acid equivalent E/g). The MOL significantly scavenged 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic-acid (ABTS) radical to 93.51±0.19% (93.51±0.19%) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical to 58.95±0.3% than other supplements. The antioxidative effect of MOL supplemented meat on catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid oxidation (LO) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than other meat from goat feed on grass hay or those supplemented with sunflower seed cake. The present study indicated that the anti-oxidative potential of MOL may play a role in improving meat quality (chemical composition, colour and lipid stability).

Effect of ageing and μ-calpain markers on meat quality from Brangus steers finished on pasture

Brangus steers (n=247) finished on pasture were used to evaluate the effects of post-mortem ageing and polymorphism CAPN1 316 and CAPN1 4751 markers on meat tenderness and objective colour measurements (CIEL*a*b*) of m. Longissimus dorsi. Ageing meat for 7 days decreased shear force (SF) by 13.7% and improved a* (8.4%) and b* (10%) compared to ageing for 1 day. No difference between 7 and 14 days of ageing was found for SF, a* and b*. However, L* increased markedly with ageing. Fitting both markers simultaneously, CAPN1 316 showed association with SF and L* and CAPN1 4751 with a* and b*. Fitting the markers individually, CAPN1 4751 affected all traits and CAPN1 316 showed association with SF and L*. Post-mortem ageing and the use of markers represent two independent and alternative tools that could be used for improving quality of meat from Brangus cattle.