Beef quality parameters estimation using ultrasound and color images

Fetal Programming and Its Effects on Meat Quality of Nellore Bulls

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of prenatal nutritional stimulation at different pregnancy stages on carcass traits and meat quality in bovine progeny. For this purpose, 63 Nellore bulls, born from cows submitted to three nutritional plans, were used: not programmed (NP), which did not receive protein supplementation; partially programmed (PP), which had protein-energy supplementation (0.3% of mean body weight of each batch) only in the final third of pregnancy; and full programming (FP), which received supplementation (0.3% of mean body weight of each batch) throughout pregnancy. The averages of parameters were submitted to the ANOVA, and the supplementation periods, which were different when p value < 0.05, were compared. Carcass weights and rib eye area (REA) did not differ between treatments (p > 0.05), but subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) showed a tendency (p = 0.08) between groups. For lipids and marbling, no differences were found (p > 0.05). In the analyses of maturation time and shelf life, no difference was observed between treatments. However, there was a tendency between treatments at 14 days of maturation time for cooking loss (CL) (p = 0.08). Treatments did not affect shear force in the progenies (p > 0.05). Fetal programming had no effect on the meat quality of Nellore bulls.

Estimating backfat depth, loin depth, and intramuscular fat percentage from ultrasound images in swine

Fast, accurate, and reliable estimates of backfat depth, loin depth, and intramuscular fat percentage in swine breeding stock are used to increase genetic improvement and farm profitability. The objective of this study was to develop an equation-based model for the estimation of swine backfat depth, loin depth, and intramuscular fat percentage estimates obtained from longitudinal ultrasound images. Images were collected from purebred Duroc (n = 230), purebred Large White (n = 154), and commercial (n = 190) pigs born in January 2021 at three farms located in North Carolina. An Exapad ultrasound machine captured longitudinal images across the 10th to 13th ribs at 182 (±12.8 SD) days of pig age. The total number of images processed for Duroc, Large White, and commercial pigs was 1 385, 928, and 1 168 images, respectively. To establish a standard measurement for model comparison, trained personnel following standard company procedures using the BioSoft Toolbox (v4.0.1.2; Biotronics Inc., Ames, IA) obtained backfat and loin depth measurements from the images. Longissimus muscle intramuscular fat percentage was predicted using near-infrared spectroscopy at approximately 22 h postmortem. Backfat and loin depth estimation were conducted only for commercial pigs (n = 190) while intramuscular fat estimation was conducted on all pigs (n = 574). Average backfat depth, loin depth, and intramuscular fat percentage were 14.6 (±2.6 SD) mm, 63.7 (±5.5 SD) mm, and 2.21 (±0.82 SD) %. Image analysis and estimation model development were conducted in MATLAB R2021a. Edge detection via the image gradient was applied to segment ultrasound images into backfat, loin, and rib regions. Segmented images were used to estimate backfat depth, loin depth, and loin intramuscular fat percentage. After image quality control and filtering, the image inclusion rate for each breed-trait combination ranged from 76 to 97%. All Duroc and commercial pigs and 97% of Large White pigs were represented by at least one image for trait estimation. Coefficient of determination of models for the estimation of backfat depth, loin depth, and intramuscular fat percentage were 0.58, 0.57, and 0.56, respectively. Root mean square error of backfat depth, loin depth, and intramuscular fat estimation were 1.65 mm, 3.58 mm, and 0.54%, respectively. Results demonstrate the feasibility of using ultrasound image gradient and an equation-based approach to estimate swine backfat and loin depth, and intramuscular fat percentage. This equation-based approach to estimate carcass traits in live swine can enhance genetic improvement.

Invited review: Muscle protein breakdown and its assessment in periparturient dairy cows

Mobilization of body reserves including fat, protein, and glycogen is necessary to overcome phases of negative nutrient balance typical for high-yielding dairy cows during the periparturient period. Skeletal muscle, the largest internal organ in mammals, plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. However, unlike in liver and adipose tissue, the metabolic and regulatory role of skeletal muscle in the adaptation of dairy cows to the physiological needs of pregnancy and lactation has not been studied extensively. The functional integrity and quality of skeletal muscle are maintained through a constant turnover of protein, resulting from both protein breakdown and protein synthesis. Thus, muscle protein breakdown (MPB) and synthesis are intimately connected and tightly controlled to ensure proper protein homeostasis. Understanding the regulation of MPB, the catabolic component of muscle turnover, and its assessment are therefore important considerations to provide information about the timing and extent of tissue mobilization in periparturient dairy cows. Based on animal models and human studies, it is now evident that MPB occurs via the integration of 3 main systems: autophagy-lysosomal, calpain Ca²⁺-dependent cysteine proteases, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. These 3 main systems are interconnected and do not work separately, and the regulation is complex. The ubiquitin-proteasomal system is the most well-known cellular proteolytic system and plays a fundamental role in muscle physiology. Complete degradation of a protein often requires a combination of the systems, depending on the physiological situation. Determination of MPB in dairy cows is technically challenging, resulting in a relative dearth of information. The methods for assessing MPB can be divided into either direct or indirect measurements, both having their strengths and limitations. Available information on the direct measures of MPB primarily comes from stable isotopic tracer methods and those of indirect measurements from assessing expression and activity measures of the components of the 3 MPB systems in muscle biopsy samples. Other indirect approaches (i.e., potential indicators of MPB), including ultrasound imaging and measuring metabolites from muscle degradation (i.e., 3-methylhistidine and creatinine), seem to be applicable methods and can provide useful information about the extent and timing of MPB. This review presents our current understanding, including methodological considerations, of the process of MPB in periparturient dairy cows.

Processing of beef rumen with ultrasonic waves

The article discusses the main trends in processing animal products, the development of technologies to improve their quality and technologies to preserve the quality indicators of the product over time. A review of the effects of ultrasound treatment on beef rumen is presented, and the main directions of ultrasound application are determined. The advantages of ultrasonic processing and its influence on the characteristics of raw meat were researched. The modes and parameters (frequency, intensity and duration) of ultrasound treatment of muscle tissue were established based on the results. This study evaluated the effect of ultrasound treatment on beef rumen's physical, microstructural and organoleptic characteristics. The physicochemical, mineral, microbiological, vitamin and amino acid composition of beef rumen and reticulum were also studied. Based on the results of the presented review, it can be concluded that the development of technologies for processing beef rumen with ultrasound is of potential interest. The optimal parameters are 400 and 600 W/m2, with a frequency of 40 kHz, for 50-60 minutes.

Evaluation of the association between plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, respiratory quotient, and intramuscular fat deposition in feedlot cattle fed different levels of dry matter intake

The objectives of this trial were to evaluate the association between different levels of dry matter intake (DMI) on gas exchange, plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) concentration, and intramuscular (IM) fat deposition. We used 60 individually fed backgrounded Angus × SimAngus-crossbred steers (n = 30) in a randomized complete block design. Steers (paired by body weight [BW] and gain to feed ratio [G:F]) were randomly allocated to one of the following treatments: ad libitum intake (AI) or restricted intake (RI; the same diet fed at 85% of the AI) of a finishing diet. The diet contained 61% cracked corn, 9% corn silage, 15% distillers’ dried grains with solubles, 5% soyhulls, and 10% of a protein-mineral-vitamin premix. Measurements of CO₂ emission and consumption of O₂, and respiratory quotient (RQ) were taken using the GreenFeed system (n = 15/treatment). Plasma and gas samples were collected 10 d before slaughter, 1 h before and 2 h after feeding. Plasma glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, GIP, and insulin concentration and gasses (O_2, CO_2, and RQ) were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS evaluating the fixed effect of treatment, time (repeated measurement) and their interaction, and the random effect of the block. Final BW and carcass characteristics were analyzed with a similar model, without the time statement and its interaction. Compared with RI, AI steers had greater (P < 0.01) DMI and average daily gain (ADG). Steers on AI had greater final BW (P = 0.02), tended to have a greater ribeye area (P = 0.09), and had lower plasma GIP concentration (P = 0.04). There was no treatment effect (P ≥ 0.11) on G:F, subcutaneous backfat (BF), and IM fat, O₂ consumption, CO₂ emission, and RQ. Plasma glucose concentration of AI steers was greater before and after feeding than RI (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding steers ad libitum increased DMI, ADG, and plasma glucose and GIP concentration but does not affect G:F, BF, IM fat, CO₂ emission, and O₂ consumption. Plasma GIP concentration and RQ are not associated with IM fat deposition.

Image Analysis and Computer Vision Applications in Animal Sciences: An Overview

Computer Vision, Digital Image Processing, and Digital Image Analysis can be viewed as an amalgam of terms that very often are used to describe similar processes. Most of this confusion arises because these are interconnected fields that emerged with the development of digital image acquisition. Thus, there is a need to understand the connection between these fields, how a digital image is formed, and the differences regarding the many sensors available, each best suited for different applications. From the advent of the charge-coupled devices demarking the birth of digital imaging, the field has advanced quite fast. Sensors have evolved from grayscale to color with increasingly higher resolution and better performance. Also, many other sensors have appeared, such as infrared cameras, stereo imaging, time of flight sensors, satellite, and hyperspectral imaging. There are also images generated by other signals, such as sound (ultrasound scanners and sonars) and radiation (standard x-ray and computed tomography), which are widely used to produce medical images. In animal and veterinary sciences, these sensors have been used in many applications, mostly under experimental conditions and with just some applications yet developed on commercial farms. Such applications can range from the assessment of beef cuts composition to live animal identification, tracking, behavior monitoring, and measurement of phenotypes of interest, such as body weight, condition score, and gait. Computer vision systems (CVS) have the potential to be used in precision livestock farming and high-throughput phenotyping applications. We believe that the constant measurement of traits through CVS can reduce management costs and optimize decision-making in livestock operations, in addition to opening new possibilities in selective breeding. Applications of CSV are currently a growing research area and there are already commercial products available. However, there are still challenges that demand research for the successful development of autonomous solutions capable of delivering critical information. This review intends to present significant developments that have been made in CVS applications in animal and veterinary sciences and to highlight areas in which further research is still needed before full deployment of CVS in breeding programs and commercial farms.

Assessment of muscle Longissimus thoracis et lumborum marbling by image analysis and relationships between meat quality parameters

The intramuscular fat (IMF), recognized by the consumer as marbling, is an important meat quality trait. The objective of this study was to validate a new method of beef marbling evaluation by image analysis. The new assessment was compared with two known marbling measurements: chemical IMF and USDA scores. Moreover, the relationship between marbling measurements and other meat quality parameters was investigated. Samples of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle were obtained from carcasses of 39 Italian crossbred heifers and 62 Angus bred heifers, that underwent two different dietary treatments. The use of various breeds and diets was chosen to obtain different intramuscular fat levels, in order to validate the use of Image J software for the analysis of different type of beef meat. The images of fresh cuts were appraised by experienced beef graders, and the samples were used to determine fat content by chemical Soxhlet extraction. Carcasses measurements according to the EUROP system, and other physical meat proprieties were also assessed. The results demonstrated that the marbling measurements obtained by computer image analysis, such as the number of marbling particles, the average particle size (mm), and the percentage of marbling particles (%), significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with USDA scores and IMF content. Moreover, the principal component analysis (PCA) showed three principal meat components, identified as 1) color, 2) fat, and 3) water release. The second principal component (PC) explained 24.94% of variance, and was positively correlated with image analysis measures, USDA score, and IMF, while negatively correlated with the Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF).

NMR-based metabolomics for simultaneously evaluating multiple determinants of primary beef quality in Japanese Black cattle

Analytical methodologies to comprehensively evaluate beef quality are increasingly needed to accelerate improvement in both breeding and post-mortem processing. Consumer palatability towards beef is generally attributed to tenderness, flavor, and/or juiciness. These primary qualities are modified by post-mortem aging and the crude content and fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat. In this study, we report a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolic profiles of Japanese Black cattle to evaluate the compositional attributes of intramuscular fat and the long-term post-mortem aging. The unsaturation degree of triacylglycerol was estimated by the 1H NMR spectra and was correlated with the content ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (R 2 = 0.944) and the melting point of intramuscular fat (R 2 = 0.871). NMR-detected profiles of water-soluble metabolites revealed overall metabolic change (R 2 = 0.951) and several metabolites (R 2 > 0.818) linearly correlated with long-term aging duration, which can be used to evaluate the aging rate and aging duration of beef. This approach also provided the pH profile during aging, which is related to the water-holding capacity of beef. Thus, NMR-based metabolomics has the potential to evaluate multiple parameters related to the beef qualities of Japanese Black cattle.