Left Half Carcass Research Articles

Effect of feeding on different levels of crushed cactus in total mixed rations on fattening performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Awassi sheep

A ten week feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding total mixed rations containing different levels of cactus on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Awassi sheep. Twelve lambs with initial body weight of 28.67±2.29 kg and 120 days average age were distributed in complete randomized design into three dietary groups according to crushed cactus level (T1 = 0%, T2 = 10%, and T3 = 15%) in four replicates. At the end of the feeding period three lambs from each dietary group were randomly slaughtered to determine the carcass characteristics and meat quality. The means of the tested parameters were tested for significance using analysis of variance followed by least significant differences at 95% confidence level. Lambs fed T3 diet showed numerically higher (P > 0.05) total weight gain (15.3 kg) and average daily gain (219.1 g). T2 group had numerically higher (P > 0.05) hind quarter perimeter (D), maximum width carcass (Wr), chest depth (Th), and pelvic limb length (F) than T1 and T3. Left half carcass weight (10.5 kg), anterior rib (8.3%), pelvic limb (36.3%), and first quality (66.4%) were numerically higher (P > 0.05) in T2. Results of meat quality presented numerically higher (P > 0.05) water holding capacity (23.7) and lower cooking loss percent (30.6%) in T3, these results were reflected on sensory evaluation as well where T3 recorded significantly higher (P < 0.05) scores in texture and flavor of meat. Therefore, adding crushed cactus up to 15% level in diet of sheep could affect the carcass characteristics and meat quality differently.

Meat quality in ewes submitted to reduction in water supply

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction in water supply (ad libitum intake - 100%, or 80%, 60% and 40% of ad libitum intake) on the proximate composition, physicochemical properties, mineral composition and fatty acid profile of ewe meat. Thirty-two crossbred Santa Inês ewe (n = 8 per treatment) were distributed in a randomized block design, receiving a diet consisting of elephant grass and concentrate (70:30). The experimental period lasted 63 days, preceded by 14 days of adaptation. Ewes were slaughtered at the end of experimental period, at a mean final body weight of 37.63 kg. Carcasses were cut lengthwise and the loin (longissimus lumborum) was taken of the left half carcass to evaluate the proximate composition, the physicochemical characteristics, the minerals content and fatty acid profile. The reduction in water supply resulted in a quadratic effect for resilience (p < 0.05), Lightness L* (p < 0.05), potassium (p < 0.05) and iron content (p < 0.001). There was a decreasing linear effect for magnesium content (p < 0.05), copper content (p < 0.001), C18:1n7t content (p < 0.05) and Σmonounsaturated content (p < 0.05). Crossbred Santa Inês ewe tolerate water restriction up to 40% voluntary intake without compromising the meat quality.

The comparative results of myostatin introgression from donor Texel to recipient Ramlıç sheep with the aspects of growth, pre-, and post-slaughter carcass traits in the second backcross generation.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth, body and ultrasonic measurements and some carcass traits of purebred Ramlıç, Texel and crossbred (87.5 % Ramlıç and 12.5 % Texel) lambs in a marker-assisted introgression (MAI) project. The effects of some environmental factors such as genotype, sex, birth type, dam age, weaning age, and birth weight on growth, ultrasound measurements, and carcass traits were significant (). There were no significant differences between pure Ramlıç and its myostatin carrier () and non-carrier () second backcrosses (BC for birth weight, daily live weight gain, and weaning weight. The BC genotype () was statistically caught up with pure Ramlıç for wither height, body length, and rump width. Differences in the longissimus muscle depth indicated that the BC () genotypes tended to be better for both pure Ramlıç and Texel lambs. Texel lambs were superior to Ramlıç in the aspect of some carcass characteristics such as leg length, cold right-half carcass weight, foreleg weight in the left-half carcass, and muscle weight in the left leg. BC () lambs were in the middle of both breeds for the traits. BC lambs carrying myostatin did not vary from Ramlıç morphologically. The new type of Ramlıç was also closer to Texel in the aspect of carcass characteristics. In this connection, improvement of indigenous breeds could be achieved by MAI without changing the essential characteristics. For the summary, please visit http://www.mustafatekerli.com (last access: 14 June 2022).

Estimation of Carcass Tissue Composition from the Neck and Shoulder Composition in Growing Blackbelly Male Lambs.

This study was designed to develop predictive equations estimating carcass tissue composition in growing Blackbelly male lambs using as predictor variables for tissue composition of wholesale cuts of low economic value (i.e., neck and shoulder). For that, 40 lambs with 29.9 ± 3.18 kg of body weight were slaughtered and then the left half carcasses were weighed and divided in wholesale cuts, which were dissected to record weights of fat, muscle, and bone from leg, loin, neck, rib, and shoulder. Total weights of muscle (CM), bone (CB) and fat (CF) in carcass were recorded by adding the weights of each tissue from cuts. The CM, CF and CB positively correlated (p < 0.05; 0.36 ≤ r ≤ 0.86), from moderate to high, with most of the shoulder tissue components, but it was less evident (p ≤ 0.05; 0.32≤ r ≤0.63) with the neck tissue composition. In fact, CM did not correlate with neck fat and bone weights. Final models explained (p < 0.01) 94, 92 and 88% of the variation observed for CM, CF and CB, respectively. Overall, results showed that prediction of carcass composition from shoulder (shoulder) tissue composition is a viable option over the more accurate method of analyzing the whole carcass.

Beef productivity of steers of different types of productivity

The data on the beef productivity of steers of different types productivity have been provided in the article. The slaughter characteristics and beef indicators of steers of Black-and-White, Simmental and Aberdeen-Angus breeds have been studied after the slaughter of animals. The experimental part of the work was carried out in 2016–2020 in the farm of OOO Favorit in the Tula region. When the steers have reached the age of 6 months, groups were formed per 9 heads in each, taking into account the breed affiliation of the steers. From the age of 6 to 15 months, the steers were reared under the same conditions of feeding and housing on a feedlot with the use of feed of their own production. When the steers have reached the age of 15 months, the control slaughter of animals was carried out. The following indicators were determined: the pre-slaughter weight, the weight of the hot carcass and internal fat. Carcasses of steers were evaluated according to the degree of deposition of subcutaneous fat. The left half-carcass of experimental animals after 24-hour cooling in the refrigerator was subjected to deboning and veining to determine the absolute and relative weight of the meat, bones and tendons in it. The research results showed that the highest slaughter yield was obtained from the steers of Aberdeen-Angus breed 65,4 %, which was higher by 8,7 and 5,7 abs.%, respectively, compared with herdmates of Black-and-White and Simmental breeds (P &lt; 0,01). It has been found that the highest yield of the meat part was obtained in the carcasses of Aberdeen-Angus breed 83,2 %, which was higher in comparison with the carcasses of steers of Black-and-White and Simmental breeds, respectively, by 3,1 and 1,6 abs.%.. The highest yield of bone and cartilage was obtained in the carcasses of steers Black-and-White breed 18,4 %, which was higher compared to the carcasses of steers of Aberdeen-Angus and Simmental breeds, respectively, by 2,9 abs.% (P &lt; 0,01) and 1,4 abs.%. Consequently, the best beef productivity steers of Aberdeen-Angus breed have been characterized. It has been established that the type of productivity of steers has a significant impact on their beef productivity.

Effect of genotype on the development pattern of muscles and muscle groups in steers at the age of 18 months

The development patterns of carcass muscles were studied on Simmental and Black-Spotted steers and their hybrids of the 1st generation. At the age of 18 months, a control slaughter of 3 steers of different genotypes was carried out: Group I - purebred Simmental steers; Group II - hybrids of ½ Simmentals x ½ Red Steppe steers; Group III - hybrids of ½ Simmentals x ½ Black-Spotted steers. To study the muscle groups and individual muscles development according to anatomical regions, the left half-carcasses were prepared, taking into account the methodological instructions, and to facilitate the analysis of the material, the muscles were grouped according to the joints associated with them and the topographic location, using the generally accepted scheme. The muscles development was studied on the basis of the absolute mass indices of individual muscles and muscle groups. It was established that steers of Group III had the following advantages over the animals of the same age in Groups I and II: in the total muscle mass of the spinal column the advantage was 217-772 g (1.43 - 18.30%), in the total muscle mass of the shoulder girdle - 1.45-0.51 kg (9.78-3.51 %), the thoracic limb - 231-660g (14.37-41.04%), the pelvic limb - 3.16-1.11 kg (9.78-3.45%) and in general for the entire half-carcass of the recorded muscles - 6.62-2.33 kg (9.79-3.44 %).

Effect of Breed and Finishing Diet on Growth Parameters and Carcass Quality Characteristics of Navarre Autochthonous Foals.

Simple SummaryNowadays, populations are more health conscious and pay more attention to the environmental impact of their food choices. In this context, horsemeat plays a significant role, since it is claimed as “dietetic” meat by researchers. In addition, equine meat production is arousing interest due to its relevant environmental potential. However, several factors have been shown to affect carcass and horsemeat quality. In this sense, our study evaluates the impact of breed (Jaca Navarra and Burguete) and type of finishing diet (conventional diet and silage with organic feed) on carcass traits from Navarre endangered foals. Moreover, considering the limited information about Jaca Navarra foals from a meat production perspective, this work represents a starting point to improve the handling of these equids. Data reported Burguete predominance in growth and in most carcass traits, confirming its remarkable aptitude as a meat producer. However, finishing diet showed to improve Jaca Navarra features. A conventional diet showed a positive effect on the majority of variables studied in comparison with the other diet. Thus, breed and the type of finishing diet demonstrated a crucial role in the improvement and optimization of the majority of productive and carcass traits of these endangered equids.This research was conducted to study the effect of breed, Jaca Navarra (JN) vs. Burguete (BU), and finishing diet, conventional concentrate—diet 1 vs. silage and organic feed diet 2—on growth parameters and carcass characteristics from forty-six foals. Parameters as live weight (LW), average daily gain (ADG), body condition score (BCS), and fat depots were monitoring. In addition, the carcass parameters assessed were: carcass weight (CW), conformation, degree of fatness, morphology, and pH. Moreover, hindquarters of the left-half carcasses were sectioned in the main commercial primal cuts of leg. Results showed a clear “breed effect” in favor of BU foals, recording the highest productive values and carcass traits compared with JN foals. On the other hand, finishing diet contributed to improving the productive and carcass features of JN foals. In particular, diet 1 showed to affect positively the features analyzed compared with diet 2. Nevertheless, the meat primal cuts resulted in being unaffected by the breed and diet effects (except for knuckle), obtaining similar values among the groups of animals.

Influence of steer genotypes on the features of muscle development in the postnatal period of ontogenesis

The study of the carcass muscles development was carried out on Simmental and Kazakh White-Headed steers and their first generation hybrids. At the age of 18 months, the control slaughter of 3 steers of different genotypes was carried out: I - Simmental, II - Kazakh White-Headed, III - 1/2 Kazakh White-Headed x 1/2 Simmental. To study the development of muscle groups and individual muscles by anatomical regions, the left half-carcasses were prepared, taking into account the methodical instructions. To facilitate the analysis of the material, the muscles were grouped according to the relevant joints and the topographic location by the generally accepted pattern. The muscles development was studied using the data on the absolute mass of individual muscles and muscle groups. It was established that the steers of group III surpassed those of groups I and II in the total muscle mass of the spinal column, which was 1.28-0.45 kg (10.85-3.56%), the total muscle mass of the shoulder girdle - 1.45-0.51 kg (9.78-3.51%), thoracic limb - 0.72-0.25 kg (9.77-3.43%), pelvic limb - 3.16-1.11 kg (9.78-3.45%) and, in general, throughout the half-carcass of the muscles considered - 6.62-2.33 kg (9.79-3.44%).

PSVII-4 Effect of the residual gain and genetic group on body chemical composition of water buffaloes

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of residual gain (RG) on body chemical composition of water buffaloes of three genetic groups (GG:Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah) and verify the presence of chemical variables related to this efficiency measure. One-hundred-forty-eight non-castrated male (338.29 ±64.16 kg initial body weight; 370 ±28 days of initial age) from two similar experiments were used. The animals remained in feedlot and were slaughtered after 240 days (adaptation+trial periods). The RG was calculated considering 84 days after adaptation period. After the slaughter the empty body weight (EBW) of each animal was obtained and the left half-carcasses were dissected into muscle, fat, and bone, after 24h of cooling. The chemical composition [moisture, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and ash] of each ground tissue was analyzed by the classical method. The body CP was also determined based on CP fat-free dry matter (CPFFDM). Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure in SAS. The class of RG, genetic group, and the resulting interaction were tested as fixed effect and year as a random effect. The variable results are reported as kg of EBW. There was no interaction effect (P ≥ 0.11) for the variables studied. Effect of class of RG was detected for the variables EBW (P = 0.021), water (P = 0.016), and EE (P = 0.035), while tendency was observed for CP (P = 0.074), for which animals classified as more efficient for residual gain demonstrated high values (Table 1). Furthermore, there was effect of GG for EBW (P = 0.002), water (P &amp;lt; 0.001), and CP (P = 0.014) variables. Tendency of GG effect was observed for ash (P = 0.085) and EE (P = 0.057). Jafarabadi showed high values for all the variables cited. In conclusion, there are difference in the body chemical composition of water buffaloes according to the animal efficiency evaluated by residual gain, as well as according to genetic groups. Supported by FAPESP (#2014/05473-7).

PSVII-24 Weight at maturity of water buffaloes determined by body chemical composition

Abstract This study determined the weight at maturity (WM) of water buffaloes of three genetic groups (GG:Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah) slaughtered at different weights (420, 480, and 540 kg). One-hundred-fifty-three non-castrated male (means of initial body weight and age of 314 ±117 kg and 390 ±32 days, respectively) from two similar experiments were used. The animals were slaughtered and the non-carcass components of each animal were weighed to obtain the empty body weight (EBW). The left half-carcasses were dissected into muscle, fat, and bone. Each tissue of each animal was ground separately and subsequently aliquoted for further analyses. The determination of moisture, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and ash was performed by the classical method. Nonlinear regressions were used to predict the body composition of water, CP and ash. An exponential model was used to adjust the data for the content of the EE. Random coefficient models were used to identify fixed and random effects using the NLMIXED procedure in SAS. The genetic group was tested as fixed effect and year as a random effect. Body CP was determined based on CP fat-free dry matter (CPFFDM). The equations predicted the body composition of CP, EE, water and ash, and the results were expressed as a percentage of the EBW. WM was estimated when the non-significant increase in CPFFDM was no longer observed. There was effect of GG for WM model (P = 0.037), thus the WM was determined for each GG. The models suggest that Jafarabadi reach maturity at ~505.93kg of EBW [WMCPFFDM=79.279×(1–1.17×e-0.010×EBW)]; Mediterranean reach maturity at ~494.40kg of EBW [WMCPFFDM=79.186×(1–1.18×e-0.011×EBW)]; Murrah reach maturity at ~423.79kg of EBW [WMCPFFDM=78.793×(1–11.99×e-0.018×EBW)]. In conclusion, the WM of water buffaloes is dependent on the GG reaching 505.93, 494.90, 423.79 kg of EBW for the Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah genetic groups, respectively.

How Volatile Compounds, Oxidative Profile and Sensory Evaluation Can Change with Vacuum Aging in Donkey Meat.

Simple SummaryAging in donkey meat was never investigated. It represents an important process, because it leads the muscle to become meat. There are many ways to age meat, and vacuum aging is one of these. The present paper characterised donkey meat Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) production during 14 vacuum aging days, its oxidative status and the consequent sensory evaluation. Lipid oxidative processes are delayed, but some protein oxidative processes happen, influencing VOCs production and sensory evaluation.This study aims to improve knowledge on donkey meat and the vacuum aging effect on the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), oxidative profile and status and the sensory characteristics. Ten 18-month old Martina Franca donkeys’ male foals were involved in the trial. Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle was extracted from each left half carcass, between the fourth and the ninth rib. Each muscle was divided into five sections, vacuum packaged, stored at 2 °C, and randomly assigned to one of the different aging time (1, 3, 6, 9, and 14 days of aging). Volatile compounds, oxidation parameters, and antioxidant enzymes were analysed, and a sensory test was performed. A nested one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for aging time as an independent variable. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Aldehydes are the most produced VOCs, but no changes were observed during vacuum aging (p > 0.05). Nitrogen compounds increased during aging (p < 0.01). TBARs and hydroperoxides did not change during the storage, whereas the protein carbonyls increased (p < 0.05). Vacuum aging slowed down lipid oxidation and put in evidence the presence of protein oxidation and degradation, influencing the VOCs productions and sensory evaluation.

Growth curve, carcass traits and Kleiber ratio of Dorper crossbreed with hairless native Brazilian sheep breeds

Abstract In Brazil, much of the sheep farming is practiced with native breeds or crossbred with specialized breeds. The market is growing and to serve consumers it is necessary to regularly provide quality meat. Rearing these animals with lower production costs can be achieved using feed efficiency and growth information, useful to define the most appropriate crossbreed for both farm structures and breeder’s objectives. Thus, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the growth, carcass traits and Kleiber ratio (KR) of, respectively, 44 and 39 animals slaughtered at 120 (120D) and 240 days (240D) of the following crosses: Dorper x Morada Nova females and males (F_DMN, M_DMN), Dorper x Santa Ines females and males (F_DSI, M_DSI), and Dorper x Rabo Largo females and males (F_DRL, M_DRL). The traits evaluated were: the weight of the rib, loin, left half carcass, shoulder, leg, Longissimus Dorsi muscle area (LDM), growth curve and KR. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used, and it was observed, at 120D, that DSI and M_DRL had higher cut weights. There was the superiority of the M_DSI in relation to the others for the cuts rib, loin (excerpt with DRL that was similar), half carcass and shoulder at 240D. At 240D all crossbreeds have a value greater than 100 % of the percentage of their asymptotic weight, except the M_DSI. At 240D the animals tended to lower values of KR compared to 120D. Differences were observed between the crosses considering the variables simultaneously. In the grouping at 120D, an approximation between DSI and M_DRL was observed. The DMN at 240D, have lower values for carcass traits and growth and superiority for KR and degree of maturity. The M_DRL with F_DRL and F_DSI were characterized as intermediate for growth, carcass, and KR. In PCA1 at 120D, most of the explanation for differentiating crosses are concentrated in meat cuts. At 240D again, the carcasses contributed to differentiate the crosses, however sharing with the parameters of growth. It is concluded that animals should be slaughtered before 240D. If it is used to slaughter 120D, the cattle rancher can choose, when economically feasible, to slaughter animals regardless of sex and crossing, however, the farmers must be attentive only to prioritize the DSI and M_DRL as an alternative to serving the consumer market that prefers heavier cuts.

Diferentes fontes de selênio adicionado a dieta de grão de milho inteiro na fase de terminação de novilhos Angus

O selênio é um mineral essencial sendo cofator de enzimas antioxidantes, dentre as fontes disponíveis no mercado o selenito de sódio (fonte inorgânica) é a mais estuda e utilizada, contudo fontes orgânicas têm sido descritas como mais eficientes. Com base nisso o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se as diferentes fontes inorgânica (selenito de sódio) e orgânica (selenometionina) na dieta de grão de milho inteiro para terminação de novilhos Angus apresentam efeitos sobre desempenho e qualidade de carcaça e carne. Para isso, foram selecionados 22 animais, divididos em: grupo selenito de sódio (SS=11) e grupo selenometionina (SM=11). O confinamento foi de 82 dias, sendo realizadas 4 pesagens. Foi mensurado o peso de carcaça, temperatura e pH ao abate e 24 horas, rendimento de carcaça, perdas por resfriamento, pH, cor, e espessura da gordura subcutânea. Amostras do músculo Longissimus thoracis foram retiradas entre 12º e 13º costelas da meia carcaça esquerda para mensuração de largura e profundidade do músculo, área de olho de lombo, coloração e pH da carne em 24 horas e 48 horas, além de demais análises laboratoriais como: maciez, perda por cocção, TBARS e concentração de selênio. Não houve diferença entre os grupos para os parâmetros de desempenho e qualidade de carcaça e carne, bem como para concentração de selênio e tempo de congelamento. Portanto, ambas as fontes de selênio podem ser usadas nas dietas de grão de milho inteiro para terminação de novilhos Angus e apresentam os mesmos efeitos sobre desempenho, qualidade de carcaça e carne.

PSXIV-25 Carcass characteristics from hair lambs fed with different energy suplementation strategies

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate quality of meat from hair lambs fed different energeticsources in the finishing phase. Twenty-eight hair lambs with an initial body weight (BW) 20.8 ±3.01, were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments included with seven lambs pertreatment included an energy source included at 18% dry matter: S. spectabilis flour (SF), palm kernel (PK), corn bran (CB) and rice bran (RB) in a diet based in corn silage, ground corn, soybean meal formulated to 13% PC and 2.6 Mcal/Kg DM. The feeding was performed for 13 weeks. Animals were slaughtered after the feeding trial, and the carcasses were kept at 4°C for 24 hours under Colombian standard guidelines. 0 and 24 hours after slaughter from the Longissimus dorsi of the left half carcass between 12th and 13th ribs for color analysis (L*, a*, and b*) and pH. Thestatistical model included the effects of diet, time, and their interactions. There was no effect of treatment on pH and L* and b* indices (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Aging time increased b* values and reduces the pH values, L* values and a* values (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The a* values were higher in the time 0 and 24 for the RB treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.05). On the other hand, there is no effect of the interaction of treatment x time in the pH, L* an and b* values. In conclusion, meat quality from lambs fed different energetic sources at 18% of DM is not influenced by the diet.

Repeatability and reproducibility of measurements obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry on pig carcasses.

The precision of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) device in terms of repeatability and reproducibility was evaluated on nine left half-carcasses from pigs with large variability in body weight and fat content. Repeatability was assessed by scanning each carcass 10 times sequentially in the same position. Reproducibility was assessed by scanning each carcass in 10 different positions. Images were analyzed with DXA software using a custom region of interest (ROI) and the standard head, trunk, arm, and leg ROI. Predicted values from the DEXA for bone mineral content (BMC), bone area, bone mineral density (BMD), total weight, soft-tissue weight, fat-tissue weight, and lean-tissue weight were considered. Repeatability was associated with the variance between measurements on the same carcass in the same position (repeatability conditions). An average variance value was obtained with all the carcasses combined, and the SD was calculated as the square root of this combined variance. The CV was the ratio between the SD of the measurements and its average value. Reproducibility was calculated for each carcass as the difference between the variance obtained under the reproducibility conditions and that obtained under the repeatability conditions. The effects of the ROI and conditions were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey's test. Means of BMC, bone area, BMD, fat tissue, and lean tissue differed among the ROI (P < 0.05) in both the repeatability and reproducibility conditions. The CV of DXA measurements under repeatability condition obtained in the head, arm, and leg ROI was lesser than 1%. Only the repeatability errors of fat tissue differed (P < 0.05) among the ROI, with the lowest precision found for the trunk ROI. The reproducibility errors of BMC, bone area, fat tissue, and lean tissue differed (P < 0.05) among the ROI. The custom ROI had reproducibility errors greater than 2% for fat tissue and greater than 3.5% for BMC and bone area. In addition, the trunk ROI had the highest reproducibility errors for fat tissue (20.7%) and lean tissue (6.2%) when compared to the other ROI. In conclusion, repeatability and reproducibility results obtained for most of the studied ROI indicate that DXA is a valuable tool for carcass evaluation. From a methodological viewpoint and considering the variations observed in this study, the ROI should be chosen based on the item to be evaluated or on the conditions in which the DXA measurements are to be taken.

A Comparison of the Body Development and Slaughter Value of Polish Wrzosówka Sheep and Their F2 Crossbreeds with Berrichon du Cher Sheep

Background. The study compared the body development and slaughter traits of male and female Polish Wrzosówka lambs and their F2 crossbreeds with Berrichon du Cher rams. Material and methods. The study on male and female Polish Wrzosówka lambs and their F2 crossbreeds with Berrichon du Cher rams was conducted at Prof. Adam Skoczylas Research Farm in Żelazna, Poland between 2012 and 2014. The body development of all the lambs was assessed, but only the rams were slaughtered to assess their carcass quality. The carcasses were assessed according to the EUROP grid. The left half-carcasses were divided into cuts. Results. The F2 crossbreeds were characterised by higher body weights and daily gains. Their carcasses contained less fat, had better fat consistency and higher slaughter value, were heavier and contained more valuable cuts than the Polish Wrzosówka sheep. Conclusion. The findings of the research on the development of a new synthetic line of sheep based on the Polish Wrzosówka sheep for the Central Poland market give grounds to initiate the procedure to register the new synthetic line.

The quality of pork and the shelf life of the chosen carcass elements during storage depending on the method of carcass chilling

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the chilling method on meat quality and the microbiological durability of pork cuts during storage. The left half-carcasses were put through the shock tunnel and the right half-carcasses were placed directly in the chilling room. After chilling, pH measurements were taken in two muscles. The carcasses were cut, and drip loss, marbling, and color of LL muscle were estimated. The microbiological quality of meat elements was estimated according to the procedure included in the EC regulation. The total viable count tests were done after chilling, 8, 12, 14, 16, and 18 days of storing. The drip loss was higher in the group that was chilled slower. In the group of carcasses chilled quickly lower mass losses were observed. The positive effect of −26 °C in the shocking tunnel on the microbial quality of carcass and vacuum packed primal cuts was not as intensive as expected. As showed the above presented results of the study, the economic aspect of pork carcass chilling system first of all should be taken under consideration in meat production. Practical applications The study shown that very low temperatures in the shock tunnel in chilling process of the pig carcasses (e.g., −26 °C) do not bring the expected results as a significant increase in the shelf life of meat cuts and quality of meat. Therefore, it is useful to modify the regime of temperature through the use in industrial practice of higher temperatures in the shock tunnel. The economic aspect of pork carcass chilling system first of all should be taken under consideration in choosing of the chilling method.

Replacement of soybean meal by sunflower cake in heifers finished on pasture: meat quality

Twenty heifers aged 24 months from the Nellore breed were finished on pasture and supplemented during 120 days at 0.8% bodyweight with sunflower cake, which replaced bran soybeans, at proportions of 0%, 20%, 40% and 60%. Concentrated diets for supplementation were isoproteic (28% crude protein), with ether extract levels of 3.68%, 5.65%, 8.82% and 11.00%, respectively. Longissimus muscle, between the 12th and 13th rib, from the left half carcass were removed and used for the analysis of meat quality. The pH, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, meat colour, chemical composition, sensory characteristics and fatty acids profile were assessed. There were no significant differences in the studied attributes by the replacement of soybean meal by sunflower cake. Only the fatty acid profile presented slight differences between diets (P ≤ 0.05) containing C15:0, C20:0 and C20:3n-6 fatty acids. In conclusion, the replacement of soybean meal by sunflower cake does not alter the qualitative and sensory characteristics of meat from Nellore heifers finished on pasture.

Real time prediction of backfat composition and iodine value by portable near infrared spectroscopy in a diverse population of pigs

An ultrasound examination was done on the m. longissimus lumborum, between the 10th and the 11th thoracic vertebra, on two sides (inside and outside the thoracic cavity) of the left half-carcasses of 162 fatteners. The carcasses were classified for lean meat percentage using the SEUROP system. The R pig carcasses (47.7% lean) had the thickest backfat (30.6 mm; P ≤ 0.01) and the highest content of intramuscular fat (IMF = 2.28%; P ≤ 0.01). More artifacts-free images were collected from the inside compared to the outside of the pig carcasses (90.1% vs. 58.6%; P ≤ 0.01). The percent of bright pixels (PBP) was the highest for the inside, for all the lean-meat-content classes (P ≤ 0.01). The correlation between the PBP and the IMF was higher for the images of the inside compared to the outside (r = 0.811; P = 0.001 vs. r = 0.523; P = 0.009). The ultrasound images of the inside of the carcasses proved to be the most useful for making an assessment of the marbling.

Evaluation of total lean and saleable meat yield prediction equations and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry for a rapid, non-invasive yield prediction in beef

An ultrasound examination was done on the m. longissimus lumborum, between the 10th and the 11th thoracic vertebra, on two sides (inside and outside the thoracic cavity) of the left half-carcasses of 162 fatteners. The carcasses were classified for lean meat percentage using the SEUROP system. The R pig carcasses (47.7% lean) had the thickest backfat (30.6 mm; P ≤ 0.01) and the highest content of intramuscular fat (IMF = 2.28%; P ≤ 0.01). More artifacts-free images were collected from the inside compared to the outside of the pig carcasses (90.1% vs. 58.6%; P ≤ 0.01). The percent of bright pixels (PBP) was the highest for the inside, for all the lean-meat-content classes (P ≤ 0.01). The correlation between the PBP and the IMF was higher for the images of the inside compared to the outside (r = 0.811; P = 0.001 vs. r = 0.523; P = 0.009). The ultrasound images of the inside of the carcasses proved to be the most useful for making an assessment of the marbling.