Meat quality traits of Nellore bulls according to different degrees of backfat thickness: a multivariate approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 363 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. Baldassini ◽  
L. A. L. Chardulo ◽  
J. A. V. Silva ◽  
J. M. Malheiros ◽  
V. A. D. Dias ◽  
...  

Subcutaneous fat deposition measured as backfat thickness (BFT) increases protection for the bovine carcass during cooling, conferring to BFT an important characteristic for the meat industry. To study the influence of BFT on meat quality traits of Nellore bulls (Bos indicus), data from 1652 animals aged 20–24 months in feedlot finishing were used. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to characterise meat quality variables in longissimus thoracis muscle. Measurements comprised the rib eye area, BFT, marbling, shear force, myofibril fragmentation index, cooking losses, intramuscular lipid content and colour (lightness, yellowness, redness, chromaticity and hue). Considering BFT as a separation criterion, the K-means cluster analysis was applied to classify beef samples. The first four PC explained roughly 66% of total variability and meat colour (yellowness and chromaticity) was more effective to define the first PC. Tenderness or toughness (shear force and cooking losses) and fatness (BFT and intramuscular lipid content) were more effective to define the second and third PC, respectively. Three BFT groups were formed and projected in the gradient defined by PC 2 and PC 3. BFT means in the clusters were 10.82 ± 3.19 (I), 5.03 ± 1.01 (II) and 2.54 ± 0.63 (III) mm with 185, 947 and 520 animals in each group, respectively. The projection of I, II and III in the gradient allowed to distinguish fatness between beef samples and tenderness between I and III. Additionally, 57.32% of animals (Group II) were placed between the two previous groups. Beef samples with higher values of shear force and cooking losses (tough meat) showed lower BFT and myofibril fragmentation index values, possibly due to fibre shortening. PCA and K-means cluster analysis presented as interesting multivariate techniques to identify Nellore bulls regarding meat quality as some of the traits used in the study are difficult to measure. The three-cluster solution represented the main biological type of Nellore bulls finished on feedlot in Brazil showing that only 11.2% of beef samples (Cluster I) can be considered tender. This information can be useful for breeding programs of Nellore bulls. In this study, Cluster I shows optimal beef quality (SF = 4.52 ± 1.17 kg) with better marbling level and less cooking losses. Nellore cattle producers should target BFT at least 5.00 mm to prevent fibre shortening. However, the only condition which provides optimal beef tenderness (i.e. shear force values lower than 4.9 kg) was found in Cluster I. The BFT does not seem to be a suitable characteristic for the selection of animals to improve tenderness due the weak relationship between BFT and shear force.

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 18-19
Author(s):  
Ryley J Vanderhout ◽  
Michelle Yahiro ◽  
Benjamin Wood ◽  
Shai Barbut ◽  
Jeff S Mohr ◽  
...  

Abstract Genetic selection for improved meat quality traits has been successfully implemented in many livestock species. The objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of several meat quality traits to assess their selection potential in turkeys. Pedigree toms (n = 1,033) were processed at a commercial facility and live weight, breast meat yield (as a percentage of live weight), ultimate pH, color (CIELAB values), drip loss, cooking loss, and shear force were recorded on M. pectoralis superficialis (fillet). White striping was also rated on a 1–4 scale. Heritabilities were estimated using univariate animal models in ASReml version 4.1. Hatch week and age at slaughter were included as fixed effects in the mode,l and 32 generations of pedigree records were used. Breast meat yield (h2 = 0.62; SE = 0.090) showed the highest heritability and was higher compared to previous estimates, probably due to the smaller sample size. Live weight (h2 = 0.31; SE = 0.078), ultimate pH (h2 = 0.36; SE = 0.087), lightness (h2 = 0.28; SE = 0.086), redness (h2 = 0.22; SE = 0.075), and white striping score (h2 = 0.27; SE = 0.085) all had moderate heritabilities. The estimate for ultimate pH was similar to previous studies in broilers but was high compared to previous studies in turkeys. Estimates for color were similar to those found in previous studies involving turkeys. Drip loss and cooking loss had similar heritability estimates of 0.13 (SE = 0.071) and 0.10 (SE = 0.064), respectively, which were akin to previous estimates in pork. Shear force (h2 = 0.02; SE = 0.056) was found to have a very low heritability. In conclusion, the heritability estimates provided in this study show great potential for the inclusion of meat quality traits in selection programs of turkeys. This study is part of a larger project working towards the implementation of genomic information in the selection of turkeys for improved meat quality.


2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (10) ◽  
pp. 1745 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Djurkin Kušec ◽  
G. Kušec ◽  
R. Vuković ◽  
E. Has-Schön ◽  
G. Kralik

The study was carried out on 89 Pig Improvement Co. (PIC) pig carcasses, with the aim to investigate the differences between three CAST loci in carcass and meat-quality traits, as well as chemical composition of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. The differences among genotypes at CAST/HinfI locus were significant in all carcass traits measured, where AB genotype exhibited preferable values in carcass lengths, ham length, muscle thickness, loin eye area, fat thickness and fat area. Among meat-quality traits analysed, genotypes at CAST/HinfI locus differed in pH45 in SM muscle, both pH24 in semimembranosus (SM) and LD muscles, as well as luminosity; genotypes at CAST/MspI differed in pH24 and EC24 measured at LD muscle and in red colour intensity, level of yellowness and hue angle; while genotypes at CAST/RsaI differed in pH45 and EC45 in SM muscle, pH24 in LD muscle, paleness and redness, as well as in shear force and calpain activity. EF genotype at this locus exhibited the highest pH values and the lowest CIE L*, with more pronounced red colour, but also highest shear force and lowest calpain activity values. Furthermore, significant differences in chemical composition of LD muscle were found only among genotypes at CAST/RsaI loci, where FF genotype had the lowest intramuscular fat and the highest relative share of protein.


2006 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
pp. 1029 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meridy J. Kadel ◽  
David J. Johnston ◽  
Heather M. Burrow ◽  
Hans-U. Graser ◽  
Drewe M. Ferguson

Flight time, an objective measure of temperament, was recorded in 3594 Brahman, Belmont Red, and Santa Gertrudis heifers and steers. Two subjective measures of temperament (crush score and flight speed score) were also available for over 2000 of these animals. Temperament measures were recorded post-weaning (average age 8 months) and again at the start of finishing (average age 19 months) on a subset of the animals. Nine meat quality traits were measured on these animals and included measures on 2 different muscles [M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and M. semitendinosus (ST)]. The heritability of flight time measured post-weaning and at the start of finishing was 0.30 and 0.34, respectively, with a repeatability of 0.46 across the measurement times. Heritabilities for scored temperament traits were 0.21, 0.19, and 0.15 for post-weaning flight speed score, post-weaning crush score, and start of finishing crush score, respectively. Genetic correlations across measurement times for flight time were 0.98 and 0.96 for crush score, indicating a strong underlying genetic basis of these temperament measures over time; however, the corresponding phenotypic correlations were lower (0.48 and 0.37, respectively). Longer flight times (i.e. better temperament) were genetically correlated with improved tenderness (i.e. lower shear force and higher tenderness scores), with genetic correlations of –0.42 and 0.33 between LTL shear force, and Meat Standards Australia (MSA) tenderness, respectively. Genetic correlations between post-weaning crush score and the same meat quality traits were 0.39 and –0.47, respectively. However, genetic and phenotypic correlations between measures of temperament and other meat quality traits were generally low, with the exception of crush scores with LTL Minolta a* value (–0.37 and –0.63 for post-weaning and start of finishing measurement time, respectively). Predicted correlated responses of –0.17 kg LTL shear force and 2.6 MSA tenderness points per generation were predicted based on the genetic parameter estimates and a recording regime of both flight time and crush scores. Selection based on the measures of temperament described in this study could be used to improve temperament itself and correlated improvements can also occur in meat tenderness and eating quality traits in tropically adapted breeds of cattle.


2006 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Vidal ◽  
L. Varona ◽  
M. A. Oliver ◽  
J. L. Noguera ◽  
A. Sanchez ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seul Gi Kwon ◽  
Jung Hye Hwang ◽  
Da Hye Park ◽  
Tae Wan Kim ◽  
Deok Gyeong Kang ◽  
...  

Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) is a plasma transport protein that has glucocorticoid-binding activity. In the present study, we identified CBG gene expression in several tissues of four pig breeds: Berkshire, Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire. Expression of CBG mRNA was detected in the liver of all four breeds, and was the highest in Berkshire pigs. We also found single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CBG gene from Berkshire pigs, including SNP c.919G>A, which corresponds to 307G>R. We analyzed the relationships between this CBG variant and various meat-quality traits. The SNP was significantly associated with backfat thickness, post-mortem pH24h, meat color [CIE a* (redness), CIE b* (yellowness)], water-holding capacity, fat content, moisture content, protein content, cooking loss, and shear force. However, the effects differed by gender: the values were significantly associated with almost all traits in gilts, whereas only cooking loss and shear force were shown significantly in barrows. The variant G allele was associated with decreases in backfat thickness, post-mortem pH24h, CIE a*, fat content, and cooking loss, but with increases in CIE b*, water-holding capacity, moisture content, protein content, and shear force. Because the general correlation between meat-quality traits were not validated in the present study, we suggest that certain SNP might be used in the restrictive application to distinguish meat-quality traits.


2013 ◽  
Vol 45 (21) ◽  
pp. 1012-1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Tizioto ◽  
J. E. Decker ◽  
J. F. Taylor ◽  
R. D. Schnabel ◽  
M. A. Mudadu ◽  
...  

Meat quality traits are economically important because they affect consumers' acceptance, which, in turn, influences the demand for beef. However, selection to improve meat quality is limited by the small numbers of animals on which meat tenderness can be evaluated due to the cost of performing shear force analysis and the resultant damage to the carcass. Genome wide-association studies for Warner-Bratzler shear force measured at different times of meat aging, backfat thickness, ribeye muscle area, scanning parameters [lightness, redness (a*), and yellowness] to ascertain color characteristics of meat and fat, water-holding capacity, cooking loss (CL), and muscle pH were conducted using genotype data from the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip array to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) in all phenotyped Nelore cattle. Phenotype count for these animals ranged from 430 to 536 across traits. Meat quality traits in Nelore are controlled by numerous QTL of small effect, except for a small number of large-effect QTL identified for a*fat, CL, and pH. Genomic regions harboring these QTL and the pathways in which the genes from these regions act appear to differ from those identified in taurine cattle for meat quality traits. These results will guide future QTL mapping studies and the development of models for the prediction of genetic merit to implement genomic selection for meat quality in Nelore cattle.


Author(s):  
Xuejiao An ◽  
Yongqing L. ◽  
Shengguo Zhao ◽  
Yuliang Wen ◽  
Yuan Cai

The polymorphisms of A-FABP gene which associated with meat quality traits of beef cattle divided in five groups(Qingyang native beef cattle group, Pingliang native beef cattle group, Qinchuan beef cattle group, South Devon beef crossbreed group, Simmental beef crossbreed group) in Gansu was studied. Three types of bands defined as genotypes GG, GC and CC were discovered in the study. According to the results we could find the mutation of c. 408 g > c existed in A- FABP gene’s exon3 area by sequencing analysis of gene in three different kinds. The analysis of A-FABP gene polymorphisms associated with meat quality traits like pressing lose, shear force, cooking loss, marbling score, meat color and pH value, showed that pressing loss with genotype GG was significantly greater than genotype CC (P less than 0.05), shear force with genotype GG was significantly greater than genotype GC and genotype CC (P less than 0.01), cooking loss and pH value with genotype GG were significantly greater than genotype GC (P less than 0.05) and genotype CC (P less than 0.01). This mutation of A-FABP gene could be considered as a locus associated with meat quality traits.


Author(s):  
In-Ho Kim ◽  
Wen-Chao Liu ◽  
Jae-Won Park ◽  
Hyeok-Min Yun ◽  
Hyun-Soo Kim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of single-gender and mixed rearing on growth performance, backfat thickness and meat quality in crossbred [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] growing-finishing pigs. A total of 120 pigs were used in this 15-wk growth trial. Pigs were allotted to 3 treatments based on their initial BW (10 replications; 4 pigs per pen). The treatments included: T1: mixed rearing (2 barrows and 2 gilts per pen); T2: barrows; T3: gilts. Non significant variations in growth and meat quality traits were recorded amongst groups under study (P greater than 0.05). However, barrows had significantly higher backfat thickness than gilts throughout the entire trial (P less than 0.05)


2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. H. B. Kim ◽  
M. Kerr ◽  
G. Geesink ◽  
R. D. Warner

This study evaluated effects of high pre-rigor temperature and duration and suspension of lamb sides on quality traits and protein denaturation in two muscles [semimembranosus (SM) and longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL)]. Twenty-four lamb carcasses, within each of 3 slaughter days, were used to assign eight carcasses to one of four pre-rigor temperature treatments: chilled at 2°C directly after slaughter, or held at 37°C in water for 1.5, 3.0 or 4.5 h before transfer to a 2°C chiller. At ~15 min post slaughter, one side of each carcass was suspended from the Achilles tendon, whereas the other side was suspended by the aitch bone and the leg tied down to the ribs. The sides subjected to aitch bone hanging had an increased sarcomere length in the SM, but decreased sarcomere length in the LTL. For the LTL, the time of exposure to high pre-rigor temperature had a significant effect on measures of protein denaturation and related meat quality traits such as purge and colour, although tenderness (shear force) after 2 days of aging was not affected. For the SM, the high temperature treatment also resulted in increase in measures of protein denaturation and thus negatively influenced meat quality traits such as purge, colour and shear force after aging. However, these effects on purge and shear force in the SM were significantly mitigated by the aitchbone hanging treatment. The results of the present experiment indicate that pre-rigor aitchbone hanging of muscles can counteract the negative effects of high pre-rigor temperature on both water loss and meat tenderness.


2005 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 525 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Hopkins ◽  
R. S. Hegarty ◽  
T. C. Farrell

The meat of 140 female lambs was examined. These lambs were sired by 9 Poll Dorset sires (3 selected for growth, 3 for muscling and 3 control) and fed either a low or high plane of nutrition from birth to slaughter. All carcasses were electrically stimulated and portions of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (loin) aged for 5 days before freezing. Subsequently, 10 consumers tested each portion for eating quality traits. A portion of the same muscle from the opposing side of the carcass was divided into 3 sections and aged for either 1, 3 or 5 days and then used to measure shear force (objective tenderness). Portions of the M. semimembranosus (topside) were also aged for 3 or 5 days and subjected to shear testing. Low plane animals produced tougher loins (based on shear force). As ultimate pH increased, shear force of the loin increased for low plane animals, while for high plane animals there was no such effect. This latter group had significantly lower ultimate pH values in all 3 muscles tested. Plane of nutrition had the greatest effect on topside shear force with low plane lambs producing tougher topsides. As ultimate pH increased, the topsides became tougher and as expected ageing improved the tenderness. There was no effect of sire EBVs (estimated breeding values) on shear force or objective meat quality traits apart from loin lightness which increased as the EBV for post-weaning weight (PWWT) increased and intramuscular fat in the loin which decreased as sire EBV for post-weaning muscle depth (PEMD) increased. Plane of nutrition did not have a significant effect on eating quality attributes as assessed by consumers. There was, however, an effect of sire EBV for muscling (PEMD) on tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall liking, such that increased EBV led to decreased scores for the sensory traits. The findings suggest selection of sires for increasing PEMD will have a detrimental affect on the eating quality of their progeny, but this will not be reflected in shear force values or other objective meat quality traits apart from intramuscular fat. The effects of a low plane of nutrition on eating quality were minimal and largely controlled by the use of best practice processing, but were evident for a number of meat quality traits.


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