The Influence of Fattening by Eco-Feed Based on Okara on the Growth, Meat Quality and Histochemical Properties of the Longissimus Thoracis Muscle in Japanese Black Cattle

Abstract

The longissimus thoracis muscle in the beef carcass indicates various factors for the classification of beef quality and grade. Zembayashi et al. (1994, 1995) have investigated many aspects of the Longissimus muscle in Japanese cattle including Japanese Black, Japanese Shorthorn, Holstein, and Japanese Cross–breed. Similarly, Gotoh (1994) and Iwamoto et al. (1991) evaluated groups of Japanese Black, Holstein and Japanese Brown, and Morita et al. (1999; 2000a,b) focused on the original Japanese cattle, Mishima. Quality grade determines the price of beef; based on the Japanese beef grading system, which was first launched in 1989 (JMGA, 1989), the quality grade is determined by the functioning of intramuscular fat in the Longissimus Thoracis muscle . In addition, beef producers use many feeding techniques (e.g. feed composition and quantity) to produce well–marbled beef for the prime quality market in Japan. Zembayashi et al. (1987, 1994, 1995), Ozawa et al. (2000) and Gotoh (2003) confirmed that Japanese Black has advantages for both producers and consumers because of its capacity to produce high–fat content meat. Several studies have been carried out to identify factors that improve beef quality. Nishimura et al. (1998, 1999) examined the intramuscular connective tissue in aging beef, and that during the fattening period. The histochemical properties among beef breeds have been observed by Gotoh et al. (1994) and Iwamoto et al. (1991); myofiber types, diameter size and myofiber have been described for many types of muscle fiber and cattle breeds. Moreover, Zembayashi et al. (1987, 1994, 1995) have studied these properties in various cattle breeds, and have explored the nutritional composition within the Longissimus Thoracis muscle. Morita et al. (2000b) pointed out that the diameter of myofiber type I was shorter, and the density of myofiber type I higher, in Japanese Black cattle than for original Japanese cattle Mishima. Gotoh (2003) have reviewed research on the histochemical and myofiber distribution by gender, age and feeding system for different breeds of beef cattle. Environmental issues have become a major concern worldwide. In Japan, many automobile and electronic companies have recently applied eco–care into their production systems, especially in the industrial sector. In addition, in the agricultural sector, eco–care has emerged over many years to tackle problems mainly related to food safety and energy sources. However, research covering aspects of the ecosystem is also being incorporated into many studies on agricultural products, not only by private companies, but also by public institutions. Research and development on livestock feeds has produced eco– feeds from food and brewery wastes for consumption by chickens, pigs and beef cattle. Japanese Black cattle have been used to verify the quality and effectiveness of eco– The Influence of Fattening by Eco–Feed Based on Okara on the Growth, Meat Quality and Histochemical Properties of the Longissimus Thoracis Muscle in Japanese Black Cattle