The effect of rest duration on the physical and chemical quality of Brahman-Cross beef

Abstract

Brahman Cross (BX) cattle are cattle produced by crossing Brahman cattle with European cattle. Brahman Cross is one of the beef cattle that has high productivity, resistance to high temperatures, resistance to relatively dry tropical environments, and good meat quality. This study was carried out to determine the effect of rest duration on the physical and chemical quality of Brahman Cross cattle on pH, water holding capacity, as well as fat and protein content of meat. The research was conducted at Mabar RPH Medan City. Meat physical and chemical tests were carried out at the Food Chemistry Analysis Laboratory, University of North Sumatera. Furthermore, this study used 48 Brahman Cross cattle and was designed with a statistical T-test consisting of 2 variables and 24 replications. The research treatment consisted of 24 Brahman Cross cattle without rest (0 hours), and 24 Brahman Cross cattle rested for 24 hours. The results showed that the duration of 0 hour rest and 24 hours rest before slaughter had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the pH and protein content, but had a significant effect (P>0.05) on water holding capacity and fat content.