Effect of whole linseed addition on meat production and quality of Italian Simmental and Holstein young bulls

Effect of Dietary Hemp Cake Inclusion on the In Vivo and Post Mortem Performances of Holstein Veal Calves

Fifty-two male Holstein veal calves were divided into two homogeneous groups receiving two isoenergetic and isonitrogenous concentrates without (CTR group) or with 3% of hemp cake (HC group). The trial lasted for 171 days. All the calves were weighed five times during the trial. At slaughtering, carcasses were weighed and measured. Meat quality was determined on the Longissimus dorsi muscle. Average daily gain in the first period of the experiment (0-80 d) and dressing percentage and rump width of the carcasses were higher in HC group. Cooking weight losses and shear force were higher in the meat of the HC group while color parameters were similar in the two experimental groups. Unexpectedly, the alpha-linolenic acid content of meat was lower in the HC group. In conclusion, hemp cake can be considered an interesting ingredient in the concentrate used for the production of veal calves, but further studies will be needed to determine a suitable dosage in order to improve the nutritional quality of meat (i.e., the n-3 fatty acids content) without negative effects on physical characteristics.

Hempseed By-Product in Diets of Italian Simmental Cull Dairy Cows and Its Effects on Animal Performance and Meat Quality

Cull dairy cows are important contributors to total beef production in the USA and in Europe. Hempseed cake is a by-product of oil production and it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (FA). This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding hempseed cake to the diet of Italian Simmental (IS) cull dairy cows on performances and meat quality. Twenty-six cull dairy cows were divided into three dietary groups: hay-based, corn silage-based and pasture-based diets. Within each group, the animals were equally divided into two treatments according to the protein source of the concentrate: hempseed cake (HEMP) or soybeans meal (SB). The trial lasted four months. HEMP showed similar in vivo performance and carcass characteristics, such as average daily gain (p > 0.05) and dressing percentage (p > 0.05), compared with SB. Meat characteristics, such as ether extract content and Warner−Bratzler shear force, were also similar between experimental groups (p > 0.05). Considering FA composition, HEMP showed similar saturated FA and polyunsaturated FA content (p > 0.05) but lower desirable fatty acids (p < 0.05) content and a tendentially lower hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (p < 0.10) than SFA. Hempseed cake can substitute soybean in the diet of cull dairy cows without effects on performance or meat quality.

Oxidative Status of Marchigiana Beef Enriched in n-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E, Treated With a Blend of Oregano and Rosemary Essential Oils

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of basal dietary supplementation with linseed and linseed plus vitamin E in Marchigiana young bulls on the instrumental color, oxidative stability, and fatty acid composition of beef steaks with and without treatment with a blend of essential oils (oregano and rosemary) after storage times of 0, 3, 6, and 9 days. The fatty acid composition was evaluated in meat after 0 and 9 days of storage. No variation in the fatty acid composition of each type of meat was observed after storage. The use of dietary linseed and vitamin E, compared with linseed alone, significantly improved the oxidative stability, lightness (L*), and redness (a*) of the meat. A higher degree of oxidation was observed in meat samples from animals in the group fed linseed (L) followed by the control group (C) and the group fed linseed and vitamin E (LE). Moreover, the essential oils treatment (O) exerts a significant effect on beef oxidative stability of the group LE more than groups C and L during storage. The fatty acid composition of the meat was also affected by the diet: levels of healthful fatty acids (PUFA, n-3 PUFA, and CLA) were higher in meat from the groups that received linseed than the control group. Our results suggest that dietary vitamin E and treatment with essential oils are effective approaches to preserving the stability of beef cattle receiving a diet enriched in unsaturated fatty acids for up to 9 days of storage.

Tropical Beef: Is There an Axiomatic Basis to Define the Concept?

Cattle production in tropical regions has been estimated to account for just over half of cattle worldwide, yet it has not been demonstrated that sufficient similarities in the cattle exist to describe tropical cattle and, even less so, to characterize the meat from these animals. The aim of this review is to investigate the quality and nutrient composition of meat from cattle raised in the Tropics to determine if there is an axiomatic basis that would allow the definition of a concept of “tropical beef”. Tropical beef is the meat obtained from cattle raised in tropical environments, the population of which remains largely uncharacterized. Production systems in the Tropics are highly diverse but converge on the use of indigenous and Bos indicus breeds or Bos indicus-influenced crossbreeds under pasture feeding regimes. While some systems allow cattle to be slaughtered at ≤2 years of age, most often animals are ≥3 years. These production systems generally produce lean, low-yielding carcasses and tough (>46 N), lean (≤3.6% intramuscular fat) meat with a macronutrient composition otherwise similar to beef from animals raised elsewhere (72–74% moisture and 20–24% protein). Fatty acid profiles depend on the breed and production systems, while mineral content is influenced by the environment. Although lean and tough, tropical beef is highly acceptable to the consumers it serves, is culturally and traditionally relevant and, in many countries, contributes to food security. Consolidating the findings from animal and meat science studies in the Tropics has allowed the demonstration of an axiomatic basis defining “tropical beef” as a concept.

Use of lucerne hay in ruminant feeds to improve animal productivity, meat nutritional value and meat preservation under a more variable climate

This study investigated the effect of low energy (LE) and high energy (HE) diets fed to Crossbred and Merino sheep on carcass weight, meat nutritional value (essential fatty acids) and preservative (shelf life) aspects. Animals were slaughtered after seven weeks of feeding and the longissimus lumborum (LL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles collected for measurement of fatty acid concentration and retail colour. Liveweight and carcass weight at slaughter were not affected by dietary treatments. Adding lucerne hay as an ingredient to LE diet increased (P < .001) omega-3 fatty acids concentrations and lowered (P < .001) the omega-6: omega-3 ratio in meat. The redness of meat for LL and RF muscles at simulated retail display was higher (P < .05) for lambs fed LE than lambs fed HE diet. Results indicate that adding lucerne hay as an ingredient in ruminant diets has potential for maintaining liveweight (wellbeing) of animals as well as nutritional value and preservative aspects of meat.

Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Dairy Farms Rearing the Italian Simmental Dual-Purpose Breed

Simple Summary

The milk and meat production systems are responsible for more than 5% of greenhouse gas emissions in the world; therefore, there is a strong need to propose strategies for reducing the carbon footprint. The aim of this paper was to assess the environmental footprint of dairy farms rearing a dual-purpose breed and to evaluate the fattening of calves directly in farms and the cultivation of alternative crops, such as hemp, as possible strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of dairy farms. In order to produce 1 kg of milk with 4.0% of fat and 3.3% of protein, the emissions were 1.1–1.4 kg CO₂eq, 14.8–19.0 g SO₂eq and 5.0–6.4 g PO₄³⁻eq. These emissions could be reduced by 8–11% by fattening the calves directly in the farms, and by 1–5% by cultivating hemp and using its by-product, hempseed cake, in the diets of animals. Moreover, the results of this study showed that the environmental footprint can be reduced, improving the productive efficiency of the farms.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the environmental footprint of dairy farms rearing a dual-purpose breed, and to evaluate, through alternative scenario analyses, the fattening of calves and the cultivation of hemp as strategies for reducing the environmental impact of these farms. Eleven farms were evaluated for global warming (GWP), acidification (AC) and eutrophication (EUP) potential. The Life Cycle Assessment method with three scenarios, REAL, based on real data, BEEF, where calves were fattened in farm, and HEMP, where hemp was cultivated in farms, were considered. If referred to 1 m² of utilizable agricultural land, the GWP, AC and EUP were 1.6 kgCO₂eq, 21.7 gSO₂eq and 7.1 gPO₄³⁻eq, respectively. If referring to 1 kg of fat and protein corrected milk, the emissions were 1.1–1.4 kgCO₂eq, 14.8–19.0 gSO₂eq, and 5.0–6.4 gPO₄³⁻eq, depending on the allocation method adopted. The emissions were associated positively with culling rate and negatively with production intensity. In BEEF and HEMP scenarios, the emissions were reduced by 8–11% and by 1–5%, respectively. Fattening the calves, evaluating the cultivation of alternative plants and improving the productive and reproductive efficiency of animals could be effective strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of the farm.

Effect of Linseed Supplementation on Total Longissimus Muscle Lipid Composition and Shelf-Life of Beef From Young Maremmana Bulls

Twenty young Maremmana bulls were randomly allotted to two dietary groups during a finishing period (~90 days): C diet (without lipid supplementation), and L diet (with linseed supplementation, 20% concentrate feed). The aim was to investigate the effects of dietary linseed supplementation on the intramuscular fat composition, and the shelf-life of minced beef. The L diet did not alter the dressing rate and daily weight gain, whereas the C18:3n-3 content in the intramuscular fat significantly increased (from 0.85 to 1.78 g/100 g of total fatty acid, +109%), leading to a reduction in a n-6/n-3 ratio below four and an increase in the overall proportion of long chain n-3 fatty acids in beef lipids. These effects were principally related to differences in the distribution of fatty acids between the neutral and polar lipids. The results demonstrated that linseed supplementation modified the lipid composition of beef, without negatively impacting overall productivity, in the period from weaning the bull until its slaughter. However, the total amount of n-3 fatty acids in the beef of young bulls on the L diet, was not sufficient for the aliquot of humans' n-3 fatty acid requirements. This was mainly related to the low levels of fat in the beef. Comparing beef samples from animals on the L diet, with samples from animals on the C diet, the higher levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids led to a significant reduction of shelf-life starting after 2 days of storage at 4°C, because of fatty acid and cholesterol oxidation. The L diet group samples showed a higher level of TBARS (+80%) and COPs (+73%), two important parameters to estimate the oxidation level of beef. This suggests that enriching beef with n-3 fatty acids should be coupled with packaging techniques that consider the higher susceptibility to lipid oxidation. In conclusion, dietary linseed supplementation led to a higher proportion of n-3 fatty acids in beef lipids, however, the natural content of antioxidant substances was not able to protect intramuscular fat from oxidation during storage at 4°C.

Carcass and meat quality of young Cika and Simmental bulls finished under similar conditions

Twenty indigenous Cika and 20 young Simmental bulls (slaughtered at 560–718 days) were finished on two diets (extensive vs semi-intensive). When fed similar rations, Cika bulls at a ‘suitable’ finished level, had a significantly higher dressing percentage (+2.5%), more total fat (+13.7%), a lower percentage of tendons (–22.7%) and bones (–7.7%), a higher lean meat to bones ratio (+8.1%) and a greater percentage of intramuscular fat (+45.9%) than the Simmental bulls. Their meat also had a significantly lower pH (–4.0%), higher redness (+13.74%), yellowness (+15.0%) and drip loss (after 2 days, +28.3%) and a more intense flavour (+6.1%). Cika fat contained higher proportions of saturated fatty acids (+6.86%) and less polyunsaturated fatty acids (–30.8%) than Simmental fat. However, it appears that the main difference between these two breeds were the slower growth rate of the Cika and their lower weight but greater age when a finished state was reached relative to the Simmental.

Changes in the Total Lipid, Neutral Lipid, Phospholipid and Fatty Acid Composition of Phospholipid Fractions during Pastırma Processing, a Dry-Cured Meat Product

Pastırma is a dry-cured meat product, produced from whole beef or water buffalo muscles. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of production stages (raw meat, after curing, after 2^nd drying and pastırma) on the total lipid, neutral lipid, phospholipid and fatty acid composition of phospholipid fraction of pastırma produced from beef M. Longissimus dorsi muscles. The pH and colour (L*, a* and b*) analyses were also performed in raw meat and pastırma. It was found that pastırma production stages had significant effects (p<0.01) on the total amounts of lipid, neutral lipid and phospholipid, and the highest amounts of lipid, neutral lipid and phospholipid were detected in pastırma. In pastırma, neutral lipid ratio was determined as 79.33±2.06% and phospholipid ratio as 20.67±2.06%. Phospholipids was proportionately lower in pastırma than raw meat. Pastırma production stages affected pentadecanoic acid (15:1) (p<0.01), linoleic acid (18:2n-6) (p<0.05), γ-linoleic acid (18:3n-6) (p<0.05), erucic acid (22:1n-9) (p<0.05), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6) (p<0.05), total unsaturated fatty acid (ΣUSFA) (p<0.05) and total saturated fatty acid (ΣSFA) (p<0.05) ratios of phospholipid fraction and also the moisture content (p<0.01). Pastırma process also affected pH and colour (L*, a* and b*) values (p<0.01), and these values were higher in pastırma than raw meat.

Effect of including whole linseed and vitamin E in the diet of young bulls slaughtered at two fat covers on the sensory quality of beef packaged in two different packaging systems

BACKGROUND

Forty-six Pirenaica young bulls, slaughtered at two levels of fatness (3 and 4 mm), were used to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of 50 g kg^-1 linseed alone or with 200 IU vitamin E kg^-1 in the concentrate and of the meat packaging system (vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)) on the beef sensory quality.

RESULTS

The inclusion of linseed or supplementation with vitamin E in the concentrate induced no significant differences in the main meat sensory scores and overall appraisal except under MAP, where small differences due to concentrate ingredients were found in juiciness and metallic flavor intensity. Extending the display time up to 4 or 8 days in high-oxygen MAP had detrimental effects on sensory attributes. Meat from animals with 4 mm fat cover depth were rated more tender and juicy, less fibrous and with a higher intensity of beef flavor and rancid odor than meat from 3 mm fat cover bulls when both samples were vacuum packaged.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of 50 g kg^-1 linseed in the concentrate fed to bulls had no detrimental effect on the beef sensory quality. The vacuum-packaged meat of bulls slaughtered at 4 mm fat cover was rated higher on sensory analysis than that at 3 mm fat cover. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

An emotional approach to beef evaluation

The emotions associated with beef consumption, the influence of breeding system information on emotions ("Conventional" - C vs "Only from the Italian Simmental" - OIS label) and their relationship with liking were evaluated by 93 meat consumers. Respondents were asked to evaluate the same samples of Italian Simmental meat provided with the two different labels. Liking scores were obtained using a 9-point scale and the emotions from the EsSense25 list were scored on 5-point scale (1="not at all", 5="extremely"). A positive and significant effect of OIS information was highlighted on liking scores. Moreover, the breeding system information significantly affected 22 out of the 25 emotions. OIS label elicited higher positive and lower negative feelings about the meat than did the C label. Providing the same beef with different breeding information led to different emotions being evoked in consumers, and these differences in emotions were associated with different levels of liking for beef.

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of meat from young Nellore bulls fed different levels of palm kernel cake

BACKGROUND

Palm kernel cake is a biodiesel byproduct and an alternative feed additive in cattle production. This study evaluated the effects of palm kernel cake added to bulls' diets on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of their meat. Thirty-two young Nellore bulls were used, distributed in a randomized experimental design with four treatments: 0, 7, 14 or 21% (w/w) palm kernel cake in the dry matter of the diet. Hay was used at 35% (w/w) in the diets, which were balanced to provide 150 g kg(-1) crude protein and 33 Mcal kg(-1) metabolizable energy.

RESULTS

The moisture (P = 0.40), ash (P = 0.70), protein (P = 0.10) and ether extract (P = 0.31) contents of the meat samples were not affected by the inclusion of palm kernel cake. The qualitative characteristics of the meat, including pH (P = 0.69), water-holding capacity (P = 0.22), cooking loss (P = 0.14), shear force (P = 0.32) and instrumental color indices L* (P = 0.75), a* (P = 0.44) and b* (P = 0.41), were not affected by the substitution of palm kernel cake for soybean meal.

CONCLUSION

Palm kernel cake may be included at up to 21% (w/w) in cattle feed without compromising the physicochemical, sensory and acceptance characteristics of the meat. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Eating quality prediction of beef from Italian Simmental cattle based on experts' steak assessment

The experiment aimed at defining a grading scheme for Italian Simmental (IS) beef linked to objective measure of eating quality. Four experts developed a meat quality grid based on the assessment of the steak between the 8th and 9th ribs (reference steak). The grid was tested on the reference steak of 29 IS young-bulls. Rib-eye dimension, meat colour, marbling, meat firmness and fat cover highly contributed to overall quality. Two classes of IS beef quality were identified: standard and high. The results were associated with the sensory profile of Longissimus thoracis muscle from the reference steaks performed by a trained panel. The differences in quality highlighted by experts in raw steak accounted for most of the relevant information regarding the sensory properties of cooked beef. The accuracy of predictive model was 96.6%. The developed scheme is a helpful tool for valuing the eating quality of beef.

Effect of the type of dietary fat when added as an energy source on animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of intensively reared Friesian steers

The effects of different fats in the diet were evaluated on the basis of animal performance, carcass and meat-quality traits. Four groups of eight Friesian steers were intensively finished with concentrate and cereal straw given ad libitum. Four different types of fats were included at a 4% level in the diet, namely, palm oil, sunflower oil, tallow and hydrogenated fat. The feeding trial lasted for 84 days. There were no differences on animal performance or carcass characteristics, except for animals from the hydrogenated-fat diet, which had the greatest percentage of muscle and moisture, and the lowest percentage of fat in a 6th rib dissection. Meat colour, texture, lipid oxidation and consumer acceptability did not differ among the diets. Nevertheless, the effects of ageing or display time were more important than those of the source of fat. Intramuscular fatty acid profile was hardly influenced by the fat source. In conclusion, the type of fat added at the final stage of the rearing process, at a 4% of inclusion level, did not produce noticeable variations on productive parameters or product quality. This would allow to formulate rations for cattle, using the most profitable source of fat (added at low levels), without having variability on the product quality.

Effects of flaxseed encapsulation on biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by ruminal microorganisms: feedlot performance, carcass quality, and tissue fatty acid composition

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of protecting PUFA within ground flaxseed against ruminal biohydrogenation by encapsulating them in a matrix consisting of a 1:1 blend of ground flaxseed and dolomitic lime hydrate (L-Flaxseed). Crossbreed heifers ( = 462, 346 ± 19 kg) were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to pens. Pens were assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. Treatment 1 consisted of a combination of 54.6% steam-flaked corn (SFC), 30.0% wet corn gluten feed, 8.0% roughage, and supplement (0% flaxseed). In treatments 2 and 3, a proportion of SFC was replaced with 3 and 6% flaxseed, respectively; in treatments 4, 5, and 6, SFC was replaced with 2, 4, or 6% L-Flaxseed, respectively. Cattle were fed for 140 or 168 d and then harvested in a commercial abattoir where carcass data were collected. Approximately 24 h after harvest, carcasses were evaluated for 12th-rib fat thickness, KPH, LM area, marbling score, and USDA yield and quality grades. Samples of LM were also obtained for determination of long-chain fatty acid profiles. Cattle that were fed diets with 4 and 6% L-Flaxseed consumed less feed than other treatments ( < 0.05), which adversely affected ADG. Compared with cattle fed 0% flaxseed, cattle in these treatments had lower final BW (18 and 45 kg less for the 4 and 6% L-Flaxseed treatments, respectively), less ADG (0.16 and 0.48 kg/day less for the 4 and 6% L-Flaxseed treatments, respectively), and lower carcass weights, dressing percentages, LM areas, backfat thicknesses, and marbling scores ( < 0.05). The addition of flaxseed or 2% L-Flaxseed did not affect performance or carcass traits ( > 0.05). Supplementation with flaxseed increased ( < 0.05) the concentration of α-linolenic acid (ALA) in meat (0.173, 0.482, 0.743 mg/g for 0, 3, and 6% flaxseed, respectively). Furthermore, proportionate increases in the ALA content of muscle tissue were 47% greater when flaxseed was encapsulated within the dolomitic lime hydrate matrix (0.288, 0.433, 0.592 mg/g for 2, 4, and 6% L-Flaxseed, respectively). Both products showed a linear response in ALA concentration ( > 99%; increases for Flaxseed and L-Flaxseed of 0.095 and 0.140 mg of ALA/g of tissue for each percentage of flaxseed added). This study indicates that a matrix consisting of dolomitic lime hydrate is an effective barrier to ruminal biohydrogenation of PUFA; however, adverse effects on DMI limit the amounts that can be fed.

A comparison of supplemental calcium soap of palm fatty acids versus tallow in a corn-based finishing diet for feedlot steers

Rumen bypass fat is commonly added to increase energy intake in dairy cattle. The objective of this study is to examine the addition of rumen bypass fat during finishing period on performance and carcass characteristics in grain fed steers. This study was conducted as a completely randomized block design with 126 cross-bred steer calves (initial BW 471.5 ± 7.5 kg) randomly assigned to pens with 9 steers/pen (n = 7 pens/treatment). Each pen was randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups; rumen bypass fat treatment (CCS, calcium soap of palm fatty acids) and control diet (CT, tallow). The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Animals were fed twice daily at 110 % of the previous daily ad libitum intake. Blood from each sample was taken from the jugular vein. Muscle and adipose samples were collected from the longissimus dorsi regions. Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics were assessed. To examine adipogenic gene expression, quantitative real-time PCR was completed. Steers fed the CT had a greater level of performance for most of the parameters measured. The CT group had greater DMI (P < 0.05) and tended to have greater ADG (P < 0.10). Marbling score (P < 0.05) and quality grade (P < 0.05) were greater for steers fed the CT diet than those fed CCS. The longissimus muscle area tended to be greater (P < 0.10) in steers fed CT (87.60 cm²) than those fed CCS (84.88 cm²). The leptin mRNA expression was down-regulated (P < 0.05) in adipose tissue of steers fed a CCS when compared to those fed CT. These data suggest that calcium soap of palm fatty acids can be added to finishing diets without significant reduction in final body weight, although there may be modest reductions in marbling and quality scores.

Changes in fatty acid composition and distribution of N-3 fatty acids in goat tissues fed different levels of whole linseed

The effects of feeding different levels of whole linseed on fatty acid (FA) composition of muscles and adipose tissues of goat were investigated. Twenty-four Crossed Boer bucks were assigned randomly into three treatment diets: L0, L10, or L20, containing 0%, 10%, or 20% whole linseed, respectively. The goats were slaughtered after 110 days of feeding. Samples from the longissimus dorsi, supraspinatus, semitendinosus, and subcutaneous fat (SF) and perirenal fat (PF) were taken for FA analyses. In muscles, the average increments in α-linolenic (ALA) and total n-3 PUFA were 6.48 and 3.4, and 11.48 and 4.78 for L10 and L20, respectively. In the adipose tissues, the increments in ALA and total n-3 PUFA were 3.07- and 6.92-fold and 3.00- and 7.54-fold in SF and PF for L10 and L20, respectively. The n-6 : n-3 ratio of the muscles was decreased from up to 8.86 in L0 to 2 or less in L10 and L20. The PUFA : SFA ratio was increased in all the tissues of L20 compared to L0. It is concluded that both inclusion levels (10% and 20%) of whole linseed in goat diets resulted in producing meat highly enriched with n-3 PUFA with desirable n-6 : n-3 ratio.

Effect of whole linseed and rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid enriched diets on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and adipose tissue development in young Holstein bulls

Forty-eight young Holstein bulls (slaughtered at 458.6±9.79 kg body weight) were used to evaluate the effect of whole linseed and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on animal performance, adipose tissue development, and carcass characteristics. The animals were fed with one of four isoenergetic and isoproteic diets: control (0% linseed, 0% CLA), linseed (10% linseed, 0% CLA), CLA (0% linseed, 2% CLA), and linseed plus CLA (10% linseed, 2% CLA). Animal performance and carcass characteristics were unaffected by diet composition. Adding linseed or CLA to the concentrate diet did not result in significant differences in adipocyte size and number or lipogenic enzyme activity. However, while the frequency distribution of subcutaneous adipocyte diameters followed a normal distribution, the frequency distribution of intramuscular adipocyte diameters was not normal in any dietary group (skewness coefficients: 0.8, 1.2, 0.9, 0.8 for control, linseed, CLA, and linseed plus CLA, respectively; P<0.05), indicative of adipocyte proliferation in the intramuscular adipose tissue.