Meat Color Traits Research Articles

Genetic correlations between wool traits and meat quality traits in Merino sheep.

Genetic correlations between 29 wool production and quality traits and 25 meat quality and nutritional value traits were estimated for Merino sheep from an Information Nucleus (IN). Genetic correlations among the meat quality and nutritional value traits are also reported. The IN comprised 8 flocks linked genetically and managed across a range of sheep production environments in Australia. The wool traits included over 5,000 yearling and 3,700 adult records for fleece weight, fiber diameter, staple length, staple strength, fiber diameter variation, scoured wool color, and visual scores for breech and body wrinkle. The meat quality traits were measured on samples from the and included over 1,200 records from progeny of over 170 sires for intramuscular fat (IMF), shear force of meat aged for 5 d (SF5), 24 h postmortem pH (pHLL; also measured in the , pHST), fresh and retail meat color and meat nutritional value traits such as iron and zinc levels, and long-chain omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels. Estimated heritabilities for IMF, SF5, pHLL, pHST, retail meat color lightness (), myoglobin, iron, zinc and across the range of long-chain fatty acids were 0.58 ± 0.11, 0.10 ± 0.09, 0.15 ± 0.07, 0.20 ± 0.10, 0.59 ± 0.15, 0.31 ± 0.09, 0.20 ± 0.09, 0.11 ± 0.09, and range of 0.00 (eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and arachidonic acids) to 0.14 ± 0.07 (linoleic acid), respectively. The genetic correlations between the wool production and meat quality traits were low to negligible and indicate that wool breeding programs will have little or no effect on meat quality. There were moderately favorable genetic correlations between important yearling wool production traits and the omega-3 fatty acids that were reduced for corresponding adult wool production traits, but these correlations are unlikely to be important in wool/meat breeding programs because they have high SE, and the omega-3 traits have little or no genetic variance. Significant genetic correlations among the meat quality traits included IMF with SF5 (-0.76 ± 0.24), fresh meat color * (0.50 ± 0.18), and zinc (0.41 ± 0.19). Selection to increase IMF will improve meat tenderness and color which may address some of the issues with Merino meat quality. These estimated parameters allow Merino breeders to combine wool and meat objectives without compromising meat quality.

The study of protein biomarkers to understand the biochemical processes underlying beef color development in young bulls

This study investigates relationships between 21 biomarkers and meat color traits of Longissimus thoracis muscles of young Aberdeen Angus and Limousin bulls. The relationships found allowed to propose metabolic processes underlying meat color. The color coordinates were related with several biomarkers. The relationships were in some cases breed-dependent and the variability explained in the regression models varied between 31 and 56%. The correlations between biomarkers and color parameters were sometimes opposite between breeds. The PCA using the 21 biomarkers and the instrumental color coordinates showed that these variables discriminated efficiently between the two studied breeds. Results are coherent with earlier studies on other beef breeds showing that several proteins belonging to different but partly related biological pathways involved in muscle contraction, metabolism, heat stress and apoptosis are related to beef color. The results suggest that in future, biomarkers may be used to classify meat cuts sampled early post-mortem according to their forthcoming color.

Associations among Protein Biomarkers and pH and Color Traits in Longissimus thoracis and Rectus abdominis Muscles in Protected Designation of Origin Maine-Anjou Cull Cows.

This study investigated the relationships among a list of 23 protein biomarkers with CIE-L*a*b* meat color traits and ultimate pH on Longissimus thoracis (LT) and Rectus abdominis (RA) muscles of 48 protected designation of origin Maine-Anjou cows. The technological parameters were correlated with several biomarkers and were in some cases muscle-dependent. More biomarkers were related to pHu in LT than in RA muscle. Some consistencies were found, by the common correlation of pHu with MyHC-IIa and MyHC-IIx. The pHu of the LT muscle was also correlated with other cytoskeletal entities and proteins belonging to metabolism and cellular stress. In contrast to the relationships found between biomarkers and LT pHu, more proteins were related to the instrumental color coordinates in RA than in LT muscle. The regression equations were parameter- and muscle-dependent. Certain of the retained proteins explained more than one color coordinate. Hsp70-Grp75 was positive in the models of L*, a*, b*, and C* of LT and of b* in the RA muscle. Further heat shock proteins were strongly related with the meat color coordinates in both muscles. The involvement of metabolic enzymes and myofibrillar proteins in the meat color development was also verified in this experiment. This study confirmed once again the importance of numerous biological pathways in beef color.

Unraveling proteome changes of Holstein beef M. semitendinosus and its relationship to meat discoloration during post-mortem storage analyzed by label-free mass spectrometry

Label-free proteomics was applied to characterize the effect of post-mortem storage time (0, 4, and 9days at 4°C±1°C) on the proteome changes of M. semitendinosus (SM) in Holstein cattle, and correlations between differentially abundant proteins and meat color traits were investigated. The redness (a*) value decreased significantly (P<0.05) during post-mortem storage, meanwhile, the relative proportion of metmyoglobin increased significantly (P<0.05) from 16.99% at day 0 to 40.26% at day 9. A total of 118 proteins with significant changes (fold change>1.5, P<0.05) was identified by comparisons of day 4 vs. day 0, day 9 vs. day 0, and day 9 vs. day 4. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses of these proteins were performed, and results exhibited clear distinctions among samples from different storage times. Eighteen differentially abundant proteins were correlated closely with the a* value of meat. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that most of these proteins were involved in glycolysis and energy metabolism, electron-transfer processes, and the antioxidation function, which implied an underlying connection between meat discoloration and these biological processes. SignificanceIt is always a challenge for scientists to improve the stability of meat color during post-mortem storage and retail display. However, the mechanism involved in meat discoloration has not been unraveled completely, and the application of label-free proteomics in studying meat discoloration has not been reported. Our work discovers some key proteins in SM muscle of Holstein cattle that were correlated with a* value of meat via label-free proteomics. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that some of these differentially abundant proteins were involved in glycolysis and energy metabolism, electron-transfer processes, and the antioxidation function, which implied an underlying connection between meat discoloration and these biological processes. These results provide the theoretic basis on understanding of complicated biochemical changes and underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for meat discoloration.

Identification of candidate genes associated with porcine meat color traits by genome-wide transcriptome analysis.

Meat color is considered to be the most important indicator of meat quality, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying traits related to meat color remain mostly unknown. In this study, to elucidate the molecular basis of meat color, we constructed six cDNA libraries from biceps femoris (Bf) and soleus (Sol), which exhibit obvious differences in meat color, and analyzed the whole-transcriptome differences between Bf (white muscle) and Sol (red muscle) using high-throughput sequencing technology. Using DEseq2 method, we identified 138 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Bf and Sol. Using DEGseq method, we identified 770, 810, and 476 DEGs in comparisons between Bf and Sol in three separate animals. Of these DEGs, 52 were overlapping DEGs. Using these data, we determined the enriched GO terms, metabolic pathways and candidate genes associated with meat color traits. Additionally, we mapped 114 non-redundant DEGs to the meat color QTLs via a comparative analysis with the porcine quantitative trait loci (QTL) database. Overall, our data serve as a valuable resource for identifying genes whose functions are critical for meat color traits and can accelerate studies of the molecular mechanisms of meat color formation.

Effects of pork differentiation strategies in Canada on pig performance and carcass characteristics

Performance and quality traits were measured in carcasses from combinations of genotype, diet supplement, slaughter weight, and carcass chilling regime. Iberian-crossed pigs had lower live animal performance than Duroc and Lacombe. From 70 to 115 kg, Lacombe pigs grew slightly faster than Duroc. Duroc carcasses had a higher lean percentage, heavier ham and picnic primals, and lighter loins and bellies, compared with Lacombe and Iberian. Heavier carcasses had lower lean yield, except those from Iberian-crossed pigs, and bigger bellies. Meat from Duroc-crossed pigs was lighter in colour and higher in marbling, with intermediate values for fat hardness. Iberian carcasses displayed dark meat with intermediate marbling and the hardest fat. Meat from Lacombe pigs was the leanest although, like in all three breeds, marbling scores were higher in heavier carcasses. Generally, supplementing with canola and flax decreased and blast chilling increased fat hardness values. Dietary canola also seemed to affect meat colour traits, but these effects were not consistent among breeds and slaughter weights. The commercial combination of Duroc breed, control diet, and 115-kg slaughter weight showed a balance in terms of performance, carcass, and quality traits. Other combinations evaluated in this study showed potential to efficiently produce differentiated pork.

Polymorphism in the SCD gene is associated with meat quality and fatty acid composition in Iranian fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds

The enzyme stearoyl-coenzyme A-desaturase (SCD) has been proposed as a key regulator for fat content and fatty acid composition of meat. In this study, a DNA sequence and single-strand confirmation polymorphism analysis were performed in an attempt to investigate the relationship between variation within the SCD gene and fatty acid profiles, physicochemical composition, and the quality characteristics of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle in two traditional fat- (Chall) and thin- (Zel) tailed Iranian sheep breeds. Only one previously reported SNP (g.379A>T) located in the 5′ untranslated region of the SCD gene was observed. Two previously reported allelic variants, SCD-1 and SCD-2, constituted two previously reported genotypes, “A” and “B”. Based on t-test, no allelic and genotypic frequency differences were observed between Chall and Zel breeds. Lambs with genotype “B” significantly had lower total saturated fatty acid (SFA) level (p<0.05) and more linoleic (p<0.02), arachidonic (p<0.002), and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) (p<0.001) acids and total poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (p=0.002) contents and PUFA: SFA ratio (p<0.004) than those with genotype “A”. Meat color of the genotype “B” lambs was lower for a* (p<0.05) and higher for L* (p<0.08) compared to the genotype “A” ones. There were some interactions between breed and SCD gene in terms of palmitic acid (p<0.04), cooking loss (p<0.05), and protein content (p<0.03) of LD muscle. SCD locus explained 17.3%, 15.3%, 13%, and 12% of the phenotypic variation in terms of EPA and arachidonic acid, and PUFA contents and PUFA: SFA ratio, respectively. Interestingly, the results of the correlation analyses showed the significant negative correlations between healthy fatty acid indices (PUFA and PUFA: SFA) and meat color measures of a* and b* (r=−0.26 to r=−0.40, p<0.05) and the significant positive correlations between n–6: n–3 PUFA, one of the main harmful fatty acid indices, and a* (r=0.41, p<0.01) and b* (r=0.27, p<0.05) values which are coordinated with the effect of SCD genotypes on fatty acid composition and color of meat. So, both fatty acid composition and meat color traits should be considered in marker-assisted selection based on SCD gene. Overall, it seems that the genotype “B” of SCD gene is a more desirable genotype when selecting lambs in terms of both fatty acid composition and color of meat, because selecting this genotype would result in higher proportion of healthy fatty acids, lower proportion of harmful fatty acids, and better meat color.

Genetic Parameters of Reproductive and Meat Quality Traits in Korean Berkshire Pigs

Genetic parameters of Berkshire pigs for reproduction, carcass and meat quality traits were estimated using the records from a breeding farm in Korea. For reproduction traits, 2,457 records of the total number of piglets born (TNB) and the number of piglets born alive (NBA) from 781 sows and 53 sires were used. For two carcass traits which are carcass weight (CW) and backfat thickness (BF) and for 10 meat quality traits which are pH value after 45 minutes (pH45m), pH value after 24 hours (pH24h), lightness in meat color (LMC), redness in meat color (RMC), yellowness in meat color (YMC), moisture holding capacity (MHC), drip loss (DL), cooking loss (CL), fat content (FC), and shear force value (SH), 1,942 pig records were used to estimate genetic parameters. The genetic parameters for each trait were estimated using VCE program with animal model. Heritability estimates for reproduction traits TNB and NBA were 0.07 and 0.06, respectively, for carcass traits CW and BF were 0.37 and 0.57, respectively and for meat traits pH45m, pH24h, LMC, RMC, YMC, MHC, DL, CL, FC, and SH were 0.48, 0.15, 0.19, 0.36, 0.28, 0.21, 0.33, 0.45, 0.43, and 0.39, respectively. The estimate for genetic correlation coefficient between CW and BF was 0.27. The Genetic correlation between pH24h and meat color traits were in the range of −0.51 to −0.33 and between pH24h and DL and SH were −0.41 and −0.32, respectively. The estimates for genetic correlation coefficients between reproductive and meat quality traits were very low or zero. However, the estimates for genetic correlation coefficients between reproductive traits and drip and cooking loss were in the range of 0.12 to 0.17 and −0.14 to −0.12, respectively. As the estimated heritability of meat quality traits showed medium to high heritability, these traits may be applicable for the genetic improvement by continuous measurement. However, since some of the meat quality traits showed negative genetic correlations with carcass traits, an appropriate breeding scheme is required that carefully considers the complexity of genetic parameters and applicability of data.

Post-mortem changes in sarcoplasmic proteome and its relationship to meat color traits in M. semitendinosus of Chinese Luxi yellow cattle

Exploration of the potential predictors of meat discoloration is a challenging task, especially in Luxi yellow cattle that are highly appreciated breed in China. In the present study, the variations in meat color attributes and sarcoplasmic proteome of M. semitendinosus during post-mortem storage (0, 5, 10 and 15days) were evaluated and analyzed via integrating proteomics and bioinformatics. The proteomics results revealed that meat discoloration gradually occurred during storage periods, while sarcoplasmic proteome experienced complex changes. Among the differential proteins identified by comparison between day 0 and days 5, 10 and 15, triosephosphate isomerase, l-lactate dehydrogenase A chain isoform, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A isoform, peroxiredoxin-6, and pyruvate kinase isozymes M1/M2 isoform are highly related to meat color parameters, which may serve as the candidate predictors for monitoring of meat discoloration during post-mortem. Furthermore, Gene Ontology and protein–protein interaction analyses indicated that they are representative proteins of the glycolytic metabolism and the redox process during post-mortem storage, suggesting a potential relationship between post-mortem discoloration and these proteins. The present results provide the theoretic basis of searching novel strategies to maintain the stability of meat color.

Novel SNPs in the growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 45 alpha gene (GADD45A) associated with meat quality traits in Berkshire pigs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the porcine gene GADD45A (growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein 45 alpha) as a positional candidate controlling quantitative trait loci (QTL) for meat quality traits on chromosome 6 (SSC6). Four exons of the porcine GADD45A gene were defined from cDNA and BAC clone sequences. A total of 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in porcine GADD45A. The association of these SNPs (g.196A>G, g.392C>A, g.955T>C and g.3247A>T) with meat quality traits was evaluated in 678 Berkshire pigs. The genotype distribution of only one SNP (g.3247A>T) conformed to Hardy Weinberg equilibrium in the pig population analyzed in this study, and the other SNPs were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. All four SNPs were significantly associated with meat quality traits. Three SNPS (g.196A>G, g.392C>A, and g.955T>C) showed similar significant association patterns for drip loss, cooking loss, meat color (lightness; MC_L and yellowness; MC_B), shear force and water-holding capacity traits. By contrast, g.3247A>T had a different association pattern with other traits such as intramuscular fat content (IMF) and backfat thickness (BF), drip loss, MC_L, and moisture. These findings will provide useful information for genetic characterization or association studies in other pig populations. Additionally, these markers can potentially be applied in pig breeding programs to improve meat quality traits, including IMF and BF.

건조감귤박 및 소맥피를 급여한 말의 성장과 육질에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 제주지역에서 많이 생산되는 농산부산물인 건조감귤박을 활용하여 말 사료로서의 이용성을 구명하고 사육이 완료된 말을 도축하여 육질 특성을 구명하기 위해 실시되었다. 급여한 농산부산물은 소맥피만 급여한 처리구와 건조팰렛감귤박(20%)에 소맥피(80%)를 혼합한 처리구로 구분하여 수행하였으며 농산부산물 급여는 1일 2회 체중의 1.5%를 기준으로 급여시켰고 물과 건초는 자유 급식시켰다. 일당증체량의 변화는 소맥피급여구와 소맥피+건조감귤박처리구에서 유사한 경향을 나타내었고 사료요구율은 소맥피+건조감귤박처리구가 소맥피 단독 처리구보다 더 낮은 값을 나타내었다. 말고기의 도체율은 소맥피+건조감귤박처리구가 소맥피처리구 보다 더 낮은 값을 나타내었다. 그러나 육량등급은 소맥피+건조감귤박처리구가 더 우수하게 나타났다. 육색에서 명도(<TEX>$L^*$</TEX>)은 소맥피처리구보다 소맥피+건조감귤박처리구에서 더 밝은 값을 나타내었으나 황색도(<TEX>$b^*$</TEX>)는 오히려 더 낮은 값을 나타내었다. 말고기의 물리적 변화에서 전단력은 소맥피처리구보다 소맥피+건조감귤박처리구가 더 낮은 값을 나타내면서 보수력과 가열감량도 함께 증가하였다. 일반성분에서 지방은 소맥피처리구보다 소맥피+건조감귤박처리구가 더 낮은 값을 나타내었고 다른 성분은 비슷하였다. 무기물은 소맥피+건조감귤박처리구가 Ca, K, Mg, Cu, Mn이 소맥피처리구 보다 더 많은 것으로 나타났으나 유의적인 차이는 없었다(p>0.05). 아미노산에서는 소맥피+건조감귤박처리구가 methionine, glutamic acid, glycine이 소맥피처리구보다 약간씩 증가하였다. 지방산은 소맥피+건조감귤박처리구가 stearic acid, oleic acid, eicosenoic acid, arachidonic acid 함량이 증가하는 경향을 나타내었다. 결과적으로 농산부산물로써 소맥피의 일부를 건조감귤박으로 대치하여도 비육 사료로 손색이 없는 것으로 사료된다. This study was conducted to elucidate the characteristics of equine meat traits and to evaluate the utilization of dried-citrus pulp abundantly produced in Jeju Island as feed ingredient in the diet of finished meat horses. Treatment groups consisted of wheat bran (A) and the dried-pellet mixture of citrus pulp (20%) and wheat bran (80%) (B). Feeding of agricultural by-products were 2 times in a day at the level of 1.5% of body weights. Water and dried-grass forage was not restricted. The average daily gain was similar in both groups. Feed conversion of treatment B showed lower level than that of A. Carcass rate of B was relatively lower than that of A, but meat yield grade of B was higher than that of A. For meat color traits, <TEX>$L^*$</TEX> of B was lighter than that of A, and <TEX>$b^*$</TEX> of group B was lower than that of group A. From the analysis of physical characteristics of equine meats, shearing force had decreased in the treatment B but the levels of drip loss and water holding cavity had increased in the treatment B compared to A. The level of crude fat is lower in the treatment B than the treatment A. For the mineral contents, the treatment B showed higher levels of Ca, K, Mg, Cu and Mn than that of A. For the fatty acid contents, the treatment B showed increased levels of stearic acid, oleic acid, eicosenoic acid, and arachidonic acid compared to A. Consequently, these results suggested that dried-citrus pulp might be utilized as replacement material for equine forage. Please rewrite the whole abstract and should include all required information. Before resubmission, please check it again from a native colleague in your group.

Association of polymorphisms at DGAT1, leptin, SCD1, CAPN1 and CAST genes with color, marbling and water holding capacity in meat from beef cattle populations in Sweden

The objective of this study was to investigate the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at five candidate genes with meat pH, color, marbling and water holding capacity (WHC) in young bulls from five beef breeds (n=243) in Sweden. The UASMS2 polymorphism at the leptin gene and the SNPs at the Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene (SCD1.878) and μ-calpain gene (CAPN1:c.947) were associated with variation in meat color traits after 6days of exposure to air. The K232A polymorphism at the diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) gene and the CAPN1:c.947 SNP were associated with level of beef marbling. There was no association between the SNP at the calpastatin gene (CAST:c.155) and meat quality traits, nor was there any association of the tested SNPs with WHC traits and pH value.

Carcass and meat quality traits of rabbits under heat stress

Rabbits are very sensitive to heat stress because they have difficulty eliminating excess body heat. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of heat stress on slaughter weight, dressing percentage and carcass and meat quality traits of rabbits from two genetic groups. Ninety-six weaned rabbits were used: half were from the Botucatu genetic group and half were crossbreds between New Zealand White sires and Botucatu does. They were assigned to a completely randomized design in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (two genetic groups and three ambient temperatures: 18°C, 25°C and 30°C) and kept under controlled conditions in three environmental chambers from 5 to 10 weeks of age. Slaughter took place at 10 weeks, on 2 consecutive days. Meat quality measurements were made in the longissimus muscle. Actual average ambient temperature and relative humidity in the three chambers were 18.4°C and 63.9%, 24.4°C and 80.2% and 29.6°C and 75.9%, respectively. Purebred rabbits were heavier at slaughter and had heavier commercial and reference carcasses than crossbreds at 30°C; however, no differences between genetic groups for these traits were found at lower temperatures. No genetic group × ambient temperature interaction was detected for any other carcass or meat quality traits. The percentages of distal parts of legs, skin and carcass forepart were higher in crossbred rabbits, indicating a lower degree of maturity at slaughter in this group. The percentage of thoracic viscera was higher in the purebreds. Lightness of the longissimus muscle was higher in the purebreds, whereas redness was higher in the crossbreds. Slaughter, commercial and reference carcass weights and the percentages of thoracic viscera, liver and kidneys were negatively related with ambient temperature. Commercial and reference carcass yields, and the percentage of distal parts of legs, on the other hand, had a positive linear relationship with ambient temperature. Meat redness and yellowness diminished as ambient temperature increased, whereas cooking loss was linearly elevated with ambient temperature. Meat color traits revealed paler meat in the purebreds, but no differences in instrumental texture properties and water-holding capacity between genetic groups. Purebred rabbits were less susceptible to heat stress than the crossbreds. Heat stress resulted in lower slaughter and carcass weights and proportional reductions of organ weights, which contributed to a higher carcass yield. Moreover, it exerted a small, but negative, effect on meat quality traits.

Investigation of colour, texture and organoleptic properties of retailed conventional and organic chicken breast in Hungary

The large price variation paid for chicken meat originated from organic and conventional systems require up-todate knowledge of physical and sensory properties of the mentioned products. Our aim was to find differences between intensively vs. organically reared chicken breasts as they are currently presented to consumers in Hungary. A total of 30 broiler breast fillets (n = 10 per group) were purchased from 2 retail stores and a processor. Experimental groups were intensively reared (INT1 and INT2) and organically reared (ORG ). In this case no attempt was made to collect information on genotype, feed or growing conditions of the birds. We measured meat colour (L*, a*, b*), shear force, texture and sensory traits of cooked samples. L* and b* values were lower in INT1 and INT2 groups (P &lt; 0.001), however no differences were found in redness (a*) among the 3 groups. Shear force was highest in ORG samples, which panelists also found drier and tougher. An overall preference was observed for juiciness, tenderness, initial smell and taste in INT1 group. However, panelists did not recognize significant differences between INT2 and ORG samples in most traits, except juiciness. Profile and Bi-plot diagrams were created to demonstrate sensory traits and coherences. Although, samples of organically reared birds were less popular among our panelists, its contribution to healthy, traditional dishes is undeniable.

Gentle touching in early life reduces avoidance distance and slaughter stress in beef cattle

This study investigated the effect of gentle touching applied during the early life of suckler beef calves on avoidance distance on-farm and stress reactions at the abattoir. Twenty-seven Limousin crossbred calves were assigned to a treatment (n=13) or a control group (n=14) balanced by sex and day of birth. Gentle touching, using the TTouch© method, began on the second day post partum and was continued on the following 2 days. Additional touching was conducted on 3 non-consecutive days during the following 3 weeks in the home pen. Each treatment lasted for 10min and was repeated once after 30min. Individual avoidance distance was assessed 6 times. Following this test, all voluntary approaches towards the test person were recorded. All animals were slaughtered at 10 months of age. Behaviour was observed during lairage and in the stunning chute. Blood samples were taken during exsanguination at the abattoir, and concentrations of cortisol, lactate and glucose were analysed. Samples of the Musculus longissimus dorsi were subjected to cooking loss measurements, Warner Bratzler shear force and meat colour traits. The treatment calves showed smaller avoidance distances (P<0.001) than the control calves. The treatment cattle showed less avoidance behaviour in the stunning box (P<0.01), and the cortisol level of the touched animals tended to be lower (P=0.055). The Warner Bratzler shear force of the cooked muscle was lower in the touched than in the control animals (P<0.05). In conclusion, the treatment animals were less fearful towards humans and showed less stress-related behaviour at the abattoir. Fewer stress related reactions at the abattoir can be the reason for improved tenderness of touched animals’ meat. We conclude that early gentle touching of beef cattle has long-term persistent effects, reduces fear towards humans, and may increase meat quality.

Feasibility of the direct application of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy on intact chicken breasts to predict meat color and physical traits

Physical and color characteristics of chicken meat were investigated on 193 animals by directly applying a fiberoptic probe to the breast muscle and using the visible-near-infrared (NIR) spectral range from 350 to 1,800 nm. Data on pH was recorded 48 h postmortem (pH); lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) 48 h postmortem; thawing and cooking losses and shear force after freezing. Partial least squares regressions were performed using untreated data, raw absorbance data (log(1/R)), and multiplicative scatter correction plus first or second derivative spectra. Models were validated using full cross-validation, and their predictive ability was determined by root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSE(CV)) and correlation coefficient of cross-validation (r(cv)). Means (±SD) of pH, L*, a*, b*, thawing loss, cooking loss, and shear force were 5.83 ± 0.13, 44.54 ± 2.42, -1.90 ± 0.62, 3.21 ± 3.28, 4.84 ± 2.44%, 19.39 ± 2.95%, and 16.08 ± 3.83 N, respectively. The best prediction models were developed using log(1/R) spectra for b* (r(cv) = 0.93; RMSE(CV) = 1.16) and a* (r(cv) = 0.88; RMSE(CV) = 0.29), while a medium predictive ability of NIR was obtained for pH, L*, and thawing and cooking losses (r(cv) from 0.69 to 0.76; RMSE(CV) from 0.01 to 1.73). Finally, predicted model for shear force (r(cv) = 0.41; RMSE(CV) = 3.18) was unsatisfactory. Results suggest that NIR is a feasible technique for the assessment of several quality traits of intact breast muscle.

Development of Optimal Breeding Pigs Using DNA Marker Information

The aim of the study was to investigate pig reference families, generated from Korean native pigs (KNP) that were crossed with Yorkshire (YS) breeds, which were used to evaluate genetic markers to select breeding animals with superior pork quality. A set of five candidate genes (PRKAG3, MC4R, CAST, ESR, and PRLR ) was analyzed for association with pork quality traits. PRKAG3 (I199V) SNP genotypes were significantly associated with muscle moisture, protein, and fat contents. The MC4R D298N polymorphism was significantly associated with meat tenderness and color traits. The CAST polymorphism was significantly associated with muscle moisture and crude protein traits. These three genes have been associated with pork quality traits in other pig populations, and some of our results are consistent with earlier studies. In addition, two reproductive candidate genes (ESR and PRLR ) did not have significant associations. These results suggest that further study is warranted to investigate and develop more DNA markers associated with pork quality in our KNP-crossed pig families.

Near-infrared oximetry of three post-rigor skeletal muscles for following myoglobin redox forms

We investigated the response of frequency-domain multidistance (FDMD) near-infrared (NIR) tissue oximetry for detecting absolute amounts of myoglobin (Mb) redox forms and their relationship to meat colour stability. Four packaging formats were used to create different blends of Mb redox forms and meat colours during display. Changes in surface colour and subsurface pigment forms during simulated display time (0, 2, 4, and 10 d at 2 °C) were evaluated using surface reflecto-spectrophotometry (both L∗ a∗ b∗ and specific wavelengths) and FDMD NIR tissue oximetry. Data for both methods of direct measurement of oxymyoglobin and deoxymyoglobin were strongly related and accounted for 86–94% of the display variation in meat colour. Indirect estimates of metmyoglobin ranged from r 2 = 59–85%. It appears that NIR tissue oximetry has potential as a noninvasive, rapid method for the assessment of meat colour traits and may help improve our understanding of meat colour chemistry in post-rigor skeletal muscle.

Preliminary estimates of genetic parameters for carcass and meat quality traits in Australian sheep

Using performance from progeny born in 2007 and 2008 generated by the Information Nucleus program of the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, preliminary estimates of heritability were obtained for a range of novel carcass and meat attributes of lamb relevant to consumers, including carcass characteristics, meat quality and nutritional value of lamb. Phenotypic and genetic correlations of live animal traits with carcass composition and meat quality traits were also estimated. The data were from progeny located at eight sites, sired by 183 rams from Merino, maternal and terminal meat breeds and were representative of the Merino, Border Leicester × Merino, Terminal × Merino and Terminal × Border Leicester-Merino production types of the Australian sheep industry. Data were available from 7176 lambs for weaning weight, 6771 lambs for ultrasound scanning and 4110 lambs for slaughter traits. For the novel meat quality traits, generally moderate to high heritability estimates were obtained for meat quality measures of shear force (0.27 aged 1 day, 0.38 aged 5 days), intramuscular fat (0.39), retail meat colour (range of 0.09 to 0.44) and myoglobin content (0.22). The nutritional value traits of omega-3 fatty acids and iron and zinc contents tended to have low to moderate heritabilities (0.11–0.37), although these were based on fewer records. Fresh meat colour traits were of low to moderate heritability (0.06–0.21) whereas measures of meat pH were of low heritability (~0.10). For the carcass traits, estimates of heritability were moderate to high for the various measures of carcass fat (0.18–0.50), muscle weight (0.22–0.35), meat yield (0.24–0.35), carcass muscle dimensions (0.25–0.34) and bone weight (0.27). Results indicate that for most lamb carcass and meat quality traits there is sufficient genetic variation for selection to alter successfully these characteristics. Additionally, most genetic correlations of live animal assessments of bodyweight, muscle and subcutaneous fat with the carcass and meat quality traits were favourable. Appropriate definition of breeding objectives and design of selection indexes should be able to account for the small unfavourable relationships that exist and achieve the desired outcomes from breeding programs.

Identification of genetic markers associated with residual feed intake and meat quality traits in the pig

Residual feed intake (RFI) has become increasingly important and is being considered as a more reasonable approach to evaluate feed efficiency in livestock. However, the cost and technical difficulties in measuring this trait restrict the extensive adoption of RFI selection, and this makes marker assisted selection (MAS) a feasible tool. In addition, the effects on meat quality caused by low RFI selection have yet to be clarified. In this study, 11 SNPs from eight candidate genes were evaluated in a Yorkshire pig experimental population (n=169) consisting of a low RFI selection line and a randomly selected control line. Associations of these SNPs with RFI, growth rate, carcass composition, and meat quality measures including water holding capacity, pH at 2d postmortem, meat color and sensory traits were analyzed. The SNPs FTO p.Ala198Ala and TCF7L2 c.646+514A>G showed significant (P<0.05) and suggestively significant (P<0.1) associations with RFI, respectively. The MC4R SNP p.Asp298Asn was associated with backfat but it was not with ADG and meat quality attributes. Both SNPs within HNF1A were associated with intramuscular lipid content and sensory juiciness. The SNPs ACC1 c(*)384C>T and TCF7L2 c.646+514A>G were significantly (P<0.05) associated with ADG. The SNPs CTSZ p.Arg64Lys and TCF7L2 c.646+514A>G were associated with both visual scoring of meat color and the objective L-value measure of meat color. This study has identified potential genetic markers suitable for MAS in improving RFI, ADG, and meat color traits, but these associations need to be validated in other larger populations.