Sire breed effect on beef longissimus mineral concentrations and their relationships with carcass and palatability traits

The Effects of Dietary Inorganic and Organic Chromium Supplementation on Blood Metabolites, Hormones, and Mineral Composition of Blood and Internal Organs in Black Bengal goats

The present study was performed to evaluate the influence of dietary inorganic and organic chromium (Cr) supplementation on blood biochemical constituents and mineral concentrations as well as the changes in the mineral composition of internal organs of Black Bengal goats. Thirty Black Bengal kids of 3 to 5 months (5.40 ± 0.34 kg body weight) were allocated randomly to five treatment groups. The five groups were control (without added Cr in a basal diet), 1.0, 1.5 mg/kg of inorganic Cr, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/kg of organic Cr added per kilogram of feed dry matter. The duration of the experiment was 150 days during which the changes in the blood biochemical and mineral concentrations at 0, 30, 60, and 150 days were evaluated. At the end of the trial, mineral composition in the muscle, skin, and internal organs (liver, lungs, kidney, heart, spleen, and testis) were analyzed. Any blood variables were not affected at or before 60 days of Cr supplementation. Both inorganic and organic Cr supplementation lowered (P < 0.05) concentrations of blood glucose, cortisol, non-esterified fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyric acid after 60 days of Cr supplementation. Organic Cr-supplemented groups exhibited higher (P < 0.05) blood insulin concentration and neutrophil activity compared to the control. Supplementation of Cr in either form had no substantial effect (P > 0.05) on the blood hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, total protein, albumin, globulin, immunoglobulin G, total antioxidant capacity, and liver enzymes (aminotransferases) concentration, and also blood minerals (zinc, iron, and manganese) concentration. Blood Cr and copper concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) due to both organic and inorganic Cr supplementation. Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese) concentrations of internal organs of Cr-supplemented groups were mostly not affected (P > 0.05) by Cr supplementation. However, the concentrations of Cr and copper in blood and Cr in all internal organs, skin, and muscle of organic Cr-supplemented groups were higher (P < 0.05) than in those fed the basal diet. In conclusion, dietary inorganic and organic Cr supplementation, especially the organic form, after long term supplementation (> 60 days) could be beneficial in regulating blood glucose and fat metabolism and the immune status of Black Bengal goats.

Development of a Predictive Model for Iron Levels in Bovine Muscle Tissue Using Hair as a Predictor

The assessment of iron levels in cattle muscle tissue is crucial for livestock management because it influences both animal health and meat quality, key factors in sustainable development. This study aimed to develop an optimal model for noninvasively predicting the iron content in Hereford cattle muscle tissue, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the animals' elemental status. The research involved the atomic absorption analysis of muscle tissue and hair samples from cattle. A regression model was constructed using the least squares method to identify the most effective approach. These findings have ecological applications, aiding in evaluating environmental health and establishing acceptable iron thresholds for animals. The proposed mathematical model utilizing biomarkers (levels of Mg, K, Fe, Al, Cr in hair) will allow for the assessment of iron levels in cattle muscle tissue throughout the period of productive use, with the possibility of adjustment and tracking the changes in elemental status over time. The utilization of the developed method will enable the diagnosis of animal elementosis and assessment of the iron level burden. Subsequently, this will allow for the improvement of the qualitative characteristics of the final product. Thus, the obtained data contribute to fundamental knowledge regarding the content and variability of iron levels in the muscle tissue of cattle.

Exploring the impact of fatty acid composition on carcass and meat quality in Bos taurus indicus influenced cattle

The study of fatty acid (FA) and mineral content in beef is crucial for bridging health and taste. Understanding these components is essential for catering to consumer preferences for nutritious and tasty food, in line with current dietary trends and health recommendations. This holistic view of beef quality is key to helping both producers and consumers make more knowledgeable and health-oriented decisions in meat consumption. The objectives of this study were to 1) characterize the FA composition and mineral concentration of beef from Brangus cattle; 2) estimate their heritability; and 3) calculate the genetic and phenotypic correlations of carcass and meat quality traits to FA composition and mineral concentrations. Brangus steers were evaluated for meat quality and sampled for nutritional content measurements. Brangus cattle had palmitic acid levels as low as 21%, and stearic acid levels as high as 26%, which is notable since stearic acid is considered to have a neutral or potentially beneficial impact on cholesterol levels, unlike other saturated fats. Additionally, Brangus cattle had oleic acid levels as high as 53%, a beneficial monounsaturated fat, and linoleic acid concentrations as high as 12%, an essential omega-6 FA. Saturated FA showed weak negative correlations (-0.06 to -0.15) with hot carcass weight, marbling, and fat over ribeye, similar to polyunsaturated FA which had moderate negative correlations (-0.19 to -0.37) with these traits. Conversely, monounsaturated FA was positively correlated (0.16 to 0.34) with these traits, suggesting that higher levels of monounsaturated FA, particularly oleic acid, are associated with improved meat quality and consumer-desirable traits such as increased marbling. This relationship where higher marbling is linked with increased monounsaturated FA and decreased saturated FA is unique in Brangus cattle, differing from other breeds where increased intramuscular fat typically raises FA saturation levels. The variation in FA observed in Brangus cattle highlights the breed's potential to provide nutritionally enriched beef. With selective breeding, it may be possible to improve both the nutritional value and marbling of the meat, meeting consumer demand for healthier, tastier options. Overall, the study underscores the intricate relationships between FA composition, mineral content, and meat quality, with implications for breeding and nutrition strategies aimed at improving meat quality and healthfulness.

Multivariate Relationships among Carcass Traits and Proximate Composition, Lipid Profile, and Mineral Content of Longissimus lumborum of Grass-Fed Male Cattle Produced under Tropical Conditions

Hierarchical cluster (HCA) and canonical correlation (CCA) analyses were employed to explore the multivariate relationships among chemical components (proximate, mineral and lipidic components) of lean beef longissimus dorsii lumborum (LDL) and selected carcass traits of cattle fattened on pasture under tropical conditions (bulls, n = 60; steers, n = 60; from 2.5 to 4.0 years of age, estimated by dentition). The variables backfat thickness (BFT), Ca, Mn, Cu, C14:0, C15:0, and C20:0 showed the highest coefficients of variation. Three clusters were defined by the HCA. Out of all carcass traits, only BFT differed significantly (p < 0.001) among clusters. Clusters significantly (p < 0.001) differed for total lipids (TLIPIDS), moisture, dry matter (DM), fatty acid composition, cholesterol content, and mineral composition (except for Fe). The variables that define the canonical variate “CARCASS” were BFT and degree of marbling (MARBLING). TLIPIDS was the main variable for the “PROXIMATE” canonical variate, while C16:0 and C18:1c had the most relevant contribution to the “LIPIDS” canonical variate. BFT and MARBLING were highly cross-correlated with TLIPIDS which, in turn, was significantly affected by the IM lipid content. Carcass traits were poorly correlated with mineral content. These findings allow for the possibility to develop selection criteria based on BFT and/or marbling to sort carcasses, from grass-fed cattle fattened under tropical conditions, with differing nutritional values. Further analyses are needed to study the effects of sex condition on the associations among carcass traits and lipidic components.

Heme as a Taste Molecule

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The sense of taste has evolved to enable the identification of appropriate substances to consume, to acquire nutrients, and to avoid consuming potential toxins. Five basic taste classes have been recognized, although there may be others, including metallic taste, which have not been well defined. The purpose of this review was to survey available data from diverse sources to determine how much was known about the molecular basis for metallic taste.

RECENT FINDINGS

Metallic taste has been studied in the context of dysgeusia, primarily using non-heme iron as an inducer of metallic taste sensation. However, recent efforts by industry to develop plant-based meat substitutes have suggested that iron in the form of heme may be the main molecule underlying the taste of meat. Little work has been done on heme as a taste molecule. Data support a primary role for heme in metallic taste that may have evolved as part of a means to consume and preserve elemental iron for physiological needs.

Nutritional and meat quality characteristics of seven primal cuts from 9-month-old female veal calves: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Beef is a highly nutritious and valuable food. In order to complete its nutritional information, this study determined the chemical and physicochemical parameters and fatty acid, amino acid and mineral contents in seven primal cuts from veal carcasses (shoulder clod (SC), inside round (IR), eye of round (ER), bottom round (BR), heel of round (HR), knuckle (KK) and tenderloin (TL)).

RESULTS

The intramuscular fat content was higher and the cholesterol content was lower in TL than in the other cuts. The colour parameters also varied in the different primal cuts. The L* and b* values were highest in ER. Cooking losses were significantly (P < 0.001) affected by the cut of meat ranging from 20.85% in HR to 29.01% in ER. Determination of the shear force values permitted us to establish more tender muscle (TL with shear force 16.45 N cm^-2 ) and less tender muscle (IR with shear force 47.27 N cm^-2 ). The nutritional indices and fatty acid profile indicated that HR is the healthiest cut. All cuts evaluated provide important levels of dietary amino acids, although the contents of both essential and non-essential amino acids were highest in HR. Finally, K, Zn and Fe were affected by the type of veal cut.

CONCLUSIONS

All primal cuts of veal provide important nutrients for human diets. The information of this research allows consumers to make healthful food choices, creating diets aimed at trying to correct deficiencies and providing objective data that differentiate between differently priced cuts of veal. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ruminant meat flavor influenced by different factors with special reference to fatty acids

Ruminant meat flavor is an important quality and sensory parameter which relays mainly on the organoleptic characteristics of meat. Meat flavor is vital factor for the palatability and acceptability of meat by the consumers. There are various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence eating quality of meat. Among these factors, flavor is the major contributor. Fat and low-molecular-weight water-soluble compounds are the most important precursor components in meat, responsible for the meat flavor. The present review focus on the different pre and post-harvest factors that influences the ruminant meat flavor. Raw meat has little flavor but cooking adds value in flavor due to different temperature and cooking methods. The volatile flavoring compounds which are responsible for cooked meat flavor are produced thermally by the Maillard's reaction itself or interaction with lipid oxidation products and vitamin degradation. In nutshell, this review provides perception into previous literature on flavor that affected by various factors particularly the fatty acids and cooking methods.

Importance of breed aptitude (beef or dairy) in determining trace element concentrations in bovine muscles

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of various trace elements in muscles with different oxidative/glycolytic profiles (cardiac [CA]; diaphragm [DI], as oxidative; trapezius [TR], as intermediate oxidative/glycolytic; and semimembranosus [SM], as glycolytic muscle) of ten dairy-aptitude (Holstein-Friesian, HF), ten beef-aptitude (Galician Blonde, GB) and ten cross-breed (GBxHF) calves. The type of muscle was a highly significant factor in relation to the concentrations of all elements, whereas breed was only significant for Fe, Mn and Zn in the SM muscle. The concentrations of the main trace elements (Cu, Fe, Se and Zn) were significantly lower in GB and GBxHF than in HF, that were mainly associated with differences in the oxidative/glycolytic profile, probably due to the muscular hypertrophy characteristic of heavily muscled breeds. The pattern of distribution was similar in all breeds, with significantly higher concentrations in the CA muscle, followed by the DI; trace element concentrations in the SM and TR muscles were very similar.

Relationships between mineral concentrations and physicochemical characteristics in the Longissimus thoracis muscle of Japanese Black cattle

The relationship between mineral concentrations, and the relationship of mineral concentrations with physicochemical characteristics in muscles were investigated using the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of 44 Japanese Black steers. We determined moisture content, fat content, meat color, fatty acid composition and mineral concentrations in the LT muscle. Magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) concentrations had negative correlations with fat content, but sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) concentrations were not correlated with fat content. The concentrations of Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn largely and positively contributed to the first principal component of mineral concentrations. Because the red muscle was rich in these minerals compared to the white muscle, the variation of these minerals probably results from the abundance of red fibers in the LT muscle. The concentration of K was positively correlated with moisture content but Na concentration was not related to moisture content, suggesting that the intracellular fluid volume can largely affect moisture content. The results of the present experiment suggest that mineral concentrations reflect some traits such as not only fat content but also the composition of myofiber type and the intracellular fluid volume in the LT muscle of Japanese Black cattle.