Warner Bratzler Research Articles

Mimicking Mechanics: A Comparison of Meat and Meat Analogs

The texture of meat is one of the most important features to mimic when developing meat analogs. Both protein source and processing method impact the texture of the final product. We can distinguish three types of mechanical tests to quantify the textural differences between meat and meat analogs: puncture type, rheological torsion tests, and classical mechanical tests of tension, compression, and bending. Here, we compile the shear force and stiffness values of whole and comminuted meats and meat analogs from the two most popular tests for meat, the Warner–Bratzler shear test and the double-compression texture profile analysis. Our results suggest that, with the right fine-tuning, today’s meat analogs are well capable of mimicking the mechanics of real meat. While Warner–Bratzler shear tests and texture profile analysis provide valuable information about the tenderness and sensory perception of meat, both tests suffer from a lack of standardization, which limits cross-study comparisons. Here, we provide guidelines to standardize meat testing and report meat stiffness as the single most informative mechanical parameter. Collecting big standardized data and sharing them with the community at large could empower researchers to harness the power of generative artificial intelligence to inform the systematic development of meat analogs with desired mechanical properties and functions, taste, and sensory perception.

Exploring the effects of ageing on instrumental and sensory characteristics of meat from Lidia breed females: A comparative study of two commercial types

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of ageing on instrumental and sensory qualities in Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) from heifers (n = 200) and cows (n = 100) of Lidia breed. The animals were slaughtered as heifers (24–48 months) or cull cows (> 48 months). For instrumental analysis, pars Thoracis aged at 7, 14 and 28 days was used; for sensory analysis, pars Lumborum aged at 14 and 28 days was evaluated. Heifers showed redder and yellower meat (P < 0.05) and cows showed slightly higher Water Holding Capacity (WHC): Thawing Loss (TL) = P < 0.05; Drip Loss (DL) = P < 0.01; Pressure Loss (PL) = P < 0.01; Cooking Loss (CL) = P < 0.05. Ageing generated changes in meat colour, with increases in lightness (L*, linear pattern, P < 0.001) and oscillations in a* and b* (quadratic patterns; P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Ageing affected TL (increasing, P < 0.001) and PL (decreasing, P < 0.05), and generated a significant improvement in Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) values (P < 0.001). Commercial type revealed changes in consumer panel ratings for flavour (P < 0.05), juiciness (P < 0.01), tenderness (P < 0.001) and overall acceptability (P < 0.001), with better results in these parameters for cull cows. In contrast to the usual, ageing did not affect the sensory traits. There was no significant interaction between commercial type and ageing time, except for beef flavour, which worsened with ageing (P < 0.05).

Freshwater snail flesh (Pomacea paludosa) incubated with bromelain enzyme levels in feed on the carcass quality of Alabio male ducks (Anas plathyrhyncos Borneo)

This study aimed to determine Freshwater snail flesh (Pomacea paludosa) incubated with bromelain enzyme levels in feed on the carcass quality of alabio male ducks. The treatment as ; P0 basal diet + 100% fish meal, P1 basal diet + 75% fish meal + 25% freswater snail flesh incubated bromelain enzym, P2 basal diet + 50% fish meal + 50% freswater snail flesh incubated bromelain enzym, P3 : basal diet + 25 % fish meal + 75% freswater snail flesh incubated bromelain enzym, P4 : basal diet + 100% freswater snail flesh . In each treatment, two male Alabio ducks were taken randomly and then slaughtered. The crude protein, crude fat, moisture, pH, and texture, by taking as many samples as 20 g of sample then mashed for 2 minutes and added 40 ml aquadest. pH measurement is done with pH meter, which was previously calibrated with buffer solution of pH 7.0 and 4.0. Meat tenderness is measured by using the shear warner bratzler tool Instron, , protein,fat and moiture using proximate analysis The result showed that level freshwater snail flesh incubated with bromelain enzym in feed up to 7.5-10% on Alabio male duck diets improved crude protein meat (21.51±0.19 to 23.90±0.40) but decreased meat moisture ( 69.46±0.79 to 62.79±0.27) and decreased crude fat meat (9.55±0.44 to 4.18±0.53). Meanwhile, the tenderness of the meat increased from 3.55% on the control feed to 26.77% on the feed using 7.5-10%.

Herbal extract dietary supplementation effect on growth performance and meat quality in broiler raised under two stocking densities

The number of birds or their total live weight in relation to a given area is known as stocking density; higher stocking densities will cause more stress to the birds, which may have an impact on their physiological state, productivity, carcass quality, growth performance, immunity, metabolism, and meat quality. The present study aimed to investigate the potential impact of 2 different stocking densities on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, serum, and expression of Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), muscle regulatory genes expression and serum biochemical indicators of broilers supplemented with essential oils (EO). In total, 784-day-old chicks of Ross 308 were randomly assigned into 4 different groups with 7 replicates for each: Normal feed (no essential oils [EO] added) and normal stocking as 9 bird/m2, (NSD). Normal feed (no essential oils [EO] added) and high stocking as 14 bird/m2, (HSD). Feed with essential oils (Digestarom DC® 150 g/Ton of feed) and normal stocking as 9 birds/m2, (NSD + EO). Feed with essential oils (Digestarom DC® 150 g/Ton of feed) and high stocking as 14 birds/m2, (HSD + EO) for 35 days. Bodyweight was recorded at the beginning of the trial and then at the end of each week, feed intake was recorded at the end of each week as well. A total of 28 birds (7 birds per treatment) birds were slaughtered at 35 days of age to evaluate each parameter. The HSD group had the lowest (P < 0.05) feed intake. The NSD groups showed the highest (P < 0.05) body weight gain compared to HSD groups. The HSD + EO had lower adjusted FCR (P < 0.05) compared to HSD. The legs % was the highest (P < 0.05) for NSD group, while HSD + EO had the highest (P < 0.05) Fat Pad percentage. Moreover, HSD had the highest CL%, and the lowest WHC and Warner–Bratzler shear force. For biochemical indicators, (IGF-1) was the lowest (P < 0.05) HSD group. Also, Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) were higher (P < 0.05) in the EO supplemented groups. Regarding gene expression, the results showed that Myogenin (MyoG) and IGF-1 were lower in HSD while MSTN was higher in the same group, (P < 0.05). In brief, essential oil supplement has improved the performance of broilers under high stocking density situation.

Relationship between the pH of semispinalis capitis muscle and the quality properties of pork shoulder butt and belly slices

This study investigated the relationship of carcass characteristics such as hot carcass weight and back fat thickness (BFT) and the pH of semispinalis capitis (SC) with the cooking loss (CL) of pork shoulder butt and the CL and Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) of belly. BFT was correlated with the CLs of the butt slices (rs = −0.30) and the belly slices (rs = −0.27 to −0.32). The pH of the SC muscle showed a correlation with the CLs of the butt slices (rs = −0.45) and the belly slices of the 6th and 11th thoracic vertebrae (rs = −0.28 to −0.33). Additionally, the correlations (rs = 0.62 to 0.77) were observed in the CLs among the belly slices. However, the WBSF of the belly slices did not show correlations with others. Therefore, the pH of the SC muscle as well as BFT can be used to obtain information on the CL of shoulder butts and bellies in carcasses.

Enhancement of culled ewes’ meat quality: Effects of aging method and time

This study assesses the impact of wet and dry aging, over 35 days, on various physico-chemical, colorimetric, oxidative, volatolomic, and sensory attributes of meat from culled ewes. Water holding capacity of dry-aged (DA) meat increased from day 28 and was significantly higher than wet-aged (WA) meat. Cooking loss of DA meat decreased, and it was lower than that of WA meat. Warner Bratzler shear force increased in DA meat but decreased in WA meat during aging. Higher oxidation product concentration in DA meat likely results from oxygen exposure. Some aldehydes and ketones peaked at day 7 in DA meat, surpassing levels in WA meat. Overall liking scores favored DA meat at day 14 and 21 but declined from day 14 to 35, coinciding with increased pentanal content. Dry aging could improve the acceptability of culled ewes' meat more than wet aging, but in short aging time (14 days).

Calpain 1 gene expression in liver tissue and the association of novel calpain 1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with meat quality in Bali cattle

Abstract. Calpain 1 (CAPN1) is an enzyme that influences meat tenderization, and it is involved in post mortem proteolysis. The bovine CAPN1 gene was chosen as a candidate gene for DNA sequencing to identify novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exons 8–10 and assess their associations with meat quality in Bali cattle. In an analysis of 95 Bali cattle, two novel SNPs (g.5327C&gt;T and g.5959C&gt;T) were identified in exons and four novel SNPs (g.5534C&gt;T, g.5807A&gt;C, g.5857G&gt;A, and g.5869T&gt;C) were discovered in introns. Allelic frequency was evaluated, and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was found for all SNPs in Bali cattle. The marbling score and intramuscular fat content as determined by ultrasound were associated with g.5869T&gt;C and g.5959C&gt;T. g.5327C&gt;T was associated with pH and meat color in Bali cattle, whereas two other SNPs (g.5869T&gt;C and g.5959C&gt;T) were associated with Warner–Bratzler shear force and meat color. Furthermore, g.5869T&gt;C was associated with linolenic acid content, and g.5959C&gt;T with caprylic and linolenic acid levels. However, intronic SNPs (g.5534C&gt;T, g.5807A&gt;C, and g.5857G&gt;A) did not significantly affect meat quality in Bali cattle. Quantitative real-time PCR of liver tissue revealed that the mRNA expression of CAPN1 significantly differed (P&lt;0.05) among the CT, CC, and TT genotypes. The results suggest that genetic variability in loci within CAPN1 might be associated with meat quality in Bali cattle.

Effects of dry and wet ageing on culled goat meat quality

This study aims to evaluate the effects of ageing time (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks) and of two different ageing techniques (dry and wet ageing) on the rheological, colorimetric, oxidative, volatile, and sensory attributes of meat (hind limbs) sourced from culled Rossa Mediterranea breed goats. Twenty-four goats were involved in the trial. The hind limbs were divided in the two experimental groups: the right ones were subjected to dry ageing and the left ones to wet ageing. Dry-aged (DA) meat showed higher water-holding capacity (WHC) and lower cooking loss (CL) after ageing compared to wet aged (WA) meat (p < 0.05). Among the colorimetric parameters, only lightness showed to be affected by ageing time, decreasing at week 4 (p < 0.05), with lower values in DA then WA (p < 0.05). Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) decreased at week 1 of DA and at week 2 of WA (p < 0.05), with no further changes probably due to the water loss during ageing. Hexanal was the most produced volatile compound, with higher amount in DA meat from 1 to 3 weeks of ageing (p < 0.01) The first two weeks of dry ageing led to an enhancement in sensory and instrumental tenderness, along with an improvement in flavour, characterised by a heightened release of aldehydes and ketones. However, it is noteworthy that beyond this initial phase, dry ageing has led to a substantial decline in the overall quality.

132 Carcass merit, primal cutout, and retail yield of Holstein and Holstein x SimAngus finished calves

Abstract Dairy-beef has increased in popularity, altering the U.S fed beef supply. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Holstein x SimAngus breeding on carcass composition, carcass performance, and primal cutout. Calves were sourced (n = 10 Holstein steers, n = 13 Holstein x SimAngus (Hol x SimAngus) steers and n = 12 Hol x SimAngus heifers) from University of Missouri Foremost Dairy. At 190 kg calves were randomly assigned to one of two treatments, Fast = fed to achieve 1.13 kg gain/d or Slow = fed to achieve 0.57 kg gain/d. Calves were individually fed for 147 d, then moved to group feedlot housing. Cattle were humanely slaughtered under USDA inspection, immediately following slaughter hot carcass weight (HCW) was recorded. Following slaughter, carcass length, body width, backfat thickness and area of the longissimus muscle (LM) was recorded. One side of the carcass was fabricated to various cuts following the Institutional Meat Purchasing Specifications. Round were knife separated into fat, bone, and lean. Area of the LM was measured for the entirety of the Ribeye Roll and Strip Loin in 2.54 cm sections. Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) and Slice Shear Force (SSF) tests were analyzed on strip steaks. Data were analyzed as a linear mixed model as a 2 by 2 + 1 factorial design with the fixed effect factors of breed and diet nested relative to Holstein steers using PROC MIXED of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). The Satterthwaite method for degrees of freedom was used to analyze data under the assumption of unequal variance between treatments. Significance was denoted at P ≤ 0.05. Treatment diet did not impact carcass composition or fresh meat parameters (P &amp;gt;0.05). Hol x SimAngus carcasses exhibited shorter carcass length (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and body lengths (P = 0.002) compared with Holstein carcasses. Body width was narrower for Hol x SimAngus carcasses (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Hol x SimAngus carcasses had heavier hot carcass weights compared with Holstein carcasses (P = 0.0159). Dressing percentage was greater for Hol x SimAngus carcasses (P = 0.0001). Holstein carcasses had less backfat (P = 0.0003). LM area was larger for Hol x SimAngus carcasses (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Hol x SimAngus carcasses had heavier Rib, Full Loin and Round primals (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Ribeye Roll and Strip Loin weight was heavier in Hol x SimAngus carcasses (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Holstein carcasses displayed heavier round (P = 0.0002), directly related to an increase in bone weight of the round (P &amp;lt; 0.01) No differences were observed for WBSF (P = 0.427) or SSF (P = 0.264). Hol x SimAngus LM area for all sections of the Ribeye Roll and Strip Loin were larger than Holsteins (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Carcass composition, primal cutouts, and retail yield suggest that Holstein x SimAngus carcasses had improved yield production compared with Holsteins without a loss in quality.

Measurement of rheological properties in raw and cooked meat aged with a controlled dry-aging system

Texture of meat is a critical parameter of consumer’s acceptability. In this regard, aging technology has become essential to enhance meat tenderness and flavour. The present study evaluated the effect of dry-aging on the rheological properties of cooked and raw meat (Longissiumus dorsi) using objective instrumental measurements: colorimeter (CIEL*a*b*), texture profile analysis (TPA-test) and Warner Bratzler shear force test (WBSF-test). In this study, a monitored refrigeration device was used for 60 days of dry aging of meat. Physical-chemical analyses were also evaluated on raw meat. The analyses were carried out at 2 (T0), 15 (T1), 30 (T2) and 60 (T3) days post-slaughter. During dry aging, aw values tended to decrease while the pH values increased. The mayor color changes occurred in the first 15 days of dry aging. As regard the texture traits, significant differences were found between the cooked and raw meat mainly due to the effect of temperatures on collagen. The correlation data showed significant positive correlations between WBSF and hardness values. Results showed that aging time and cooking tended to decrease the hardness and shear force implying more tender meat for the consumer.

Mutations in the FOXO3 Gene and Their Effects on Meat Traits in Gannan Yaks.

The FOXO3 gene, a prominent member of the FOXO family, has been identified as a potential quantitative trait locus for muscle atrophy and lipid metabolism in livestock. It is also considered a promising candidate gene for meat quality traits such as Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and water holding capacity (WHC). The aim of this study was to identify sequence mutations in the FOXO3 gene of yaks and to analyze the association of genotypes and haplotypes with meat traits such as WBSF and WHC. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) was applied to determine the expression levels of FOXO3 in yak tissues, with the results revealing a high expression in the yak longissimus dorsi muscle. Exons of the FOXO3 gene were then sequenced in 572 yaks using hybrid pool sequencing. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified. Additionally, four effective haplotypes and four combined haplotypes were constructed. Two mutations of the FOXO3 gene, namely C>G at exon g.636 and A>G at exon g.1296, were associated with cooked meat percentage (CMP) (p < 0.05) and WBSF (p < 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, the WBSF of the H2H3 haplotype combination was significantly lower than that of other combinations (p < 0.05). The findings of this study suggest that genetic variations in FOXO3 could be a promising biomarker for improving yak meat traits.

The Effects of Different Zilpaterol Hydrochloride Feed Supplements and Extended Aging Periods on the Meat Quality of Feedlot Bulls

This study researched the effects of two commercially available zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) β-adrenergic agonists, denoted as ZH-A and ZH-B, on the meat quality characteristics of typical South African feedlot bulls (taurine × indicus composites), over extended aging periods of up to 120 days. The effects of ZH were studied to address concerns about the possible adverse effects of ZH on beef quality following extended aging, which typically occurs during the exportation of beef by boat. The completely randomized control study consisted of 3 homogenous experimental groups, with 3 replicates per treatment and 50 bulls per replicate = 450 animals. Treatments were a negative control (CT) with no ZH supplementation added to the basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with either zilpaterol hydrochloride A (ZH-A) or zilpaterol hydrochloride B (ZH-B), both at 105 g ZH/ton, fed from the first day of the finishing period (D0) for 30 days. Subsamples were collected from 38 random carcasses from each treatment for proximate analysis and meat quality analysis using Longissimus dorsi samples. ZH supplementation decreased meat tenderness (Warner–Bratzler shear force values (WBSF)) of bulls fed ZH-A or ZH-B, compared to those fed the CT diet (p &lt; 0.05; η2 = 0.24). The WBSF values of both ZH treatments were about 0.5–0.8 kg higher during the aging periods compared to the CT, but ZH did not affect post-mortem meat aging or meat quality characteristics differently compared to the CT. Post-mortem aging per se influenced all meat quality characteristics investigated (p &lt; 0.001; η2 &gt; 0.30), showing improvements in WBSF, a decrease in meat colour and an increase in drip and cooking losses. L*-values increased from 3 to 56 days of aging and then decreased to day 120 (p &lt; 0.001; η2 = 032). Chroma values decreased from day 3 to day 120 (p &lt; 0.001; η2 = 0.50). Hue° decreased from day 3 to day 7 and stabilized until day 120 (p &lt; 0.001; η2 = 0.40). Moisture and cooking loss (CL) increased to 56 days and then decreased to 120 days.

Chemical and fatty acid composition, collagen, calpain and troponin T contents and quality characteristics of five muscle types in native Thai cattle

In this study, chemical composition, fatty acids, collagen solubility, calpains, and troponin T degradation were investigated in various muscles of native Thai cattle (NTC). Five muscles, namely Bicep femoris, Infraspinatus, Longissimus thoracis, Supraspinatus and Semimembranosus were sampled from five Kho Isaan bulls. Moisture content of Longissimus thoracis was lower (p < 0.05) than others. Protein content of Longissimus thoracis, Bicep femoris and Semimembranosus was higher (p < 0.05) than that of Infraspinatus and Supraspinatus. Infraspinatus and Longissimus thoracis had higher fat content (p < 0.05) than Bicep femoris and Semimembranosus. Muscle pH, color, and drip loss did not differ between muscles. Semimembranosus and Supraspinatus showed higher cook loss (p < 0.05) than Infraspinatus and Longissimus thoracis. Infraspinatus had the lowest Warner–Bratzler shear force (p < 0.05). Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus and Bicep femoris had higher (p < 0.05) soluble, insoluble and total collagen content than Semimembranosus and Longissimus thoracis. Infraspinatus had higher collagen solubility than Semimembranosus and Supraspinatus. Collagen content and solubility were not affected by ageing time. The relative band intensities of intact troponin T and its degradation product at 2- and 14-days postmortem were higher in Longissimus thoracis than in other muscles. Infraspinatus and Supraspinatus had significantly higher expression of m-calpain and calpastatin genes than Longissimus thoracis, Bicep femoris, and Semimembranosus. Total fatty acid was higher while the percentage of C22:6n-3 was lower in Infraspinatus and Longissimus thoracis (p < 0.05) than in other muscles. These results show differences in specific nutritional, technological and eating quality characteristics of NTC muscles and thus provide information for optimizing storage and processing conditions for various NTC muscles.

Incorporation of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and brown button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) as fat replacers in meatballs processed with different mixing times

Shiitake and brown button mushrooms have high protein and fibre content and can potentially be utilised as a fat replacer in meat products like meatballs. Meanwhile, different mixing times during meatball manufacturing may also influence product quality. The present work investigated the physicochemical, microstructure and sensory properties of fat-replaced meatballs with shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and brown button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) processed at different mixing times (5, 10 or 20 min) using bowlcutter. No differences (p&lt;0.05) were found for the linear expansion, water holding capacity, texture profile analysis and Warner Bratzler for both types of mushrooms and mixing times. Shiitake meatballs mixed at 20 min have a higher (p&lt;0.05) cooking yield while the total soluble protein is higher (p&lt;0.05) regardless of any mixing time. The redness (a*) value of shiitake meatballs increases (p&lt;0.05) as the mixing time increases. Microstructure images showed improved surface compositions of meatballs as the mixing time increased. Nevertheless, brown button meatballs with a mixing time of 20 min have the highest (p&lt;0.05) scores in terms of texture and juiciness. In conclusion, both shiitake and brown button mushrooms are suitable to be used as fat replacers but a longer mixing time produced better quality meatballs.

54. The effect of ageing, muscle type and pH on pork texture measured by hardness and Warner Bratzler shear force

54. The effect of ageing, muscle type and pH on pork texture measured by hardness and Warner Bratzler shear force

Age, sex, and chilling effects on goat meat

Production and processing factors that affect native goat meat quality are non-existent in the literature. The current study explored age, sex, and chilling effects on 48 goat carcasses cut in half by halal standards and shifting one half immediately to a walk-in chiller at 0–4°C [rapid chilling (RC)] and the other half at 26 ± 2°C [delayed chilling (DC)]. Results showed that Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) was significantly affected by RC. Cooking loss and color (L*) parameters were significantly higher in young male animals. Chroma values were significantly higher in DC. In conclusion, DC enhances meat quality and tenderness.

Rapid assessment of the quality attributes of beef musculus longissimus lumborum during chilled storage using fluorescence spectra excited at 340 nm

The use of fluorescence spectra with 340 nm excitation was investigated for rapid evaluation of the quality attributes of beef musculus longissimus lumborum during chilled storage. The quality indices monitored were the Warner–Bratzler shear force, water-holding capacity (cooking loss and purge loss), pH, and color (L*, a*, and b*). The fluorescence characteristics of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and porphyrin were highly correlated with these indices. A comprehensive and effective indicator was established by principal component analysis to reduce multicollinearity between each beef quality index. Quantitative models for prediction of the quality of beef were built using the partial least squares algorithm. The comprehensive indicator model provided satisfactory results with the Rc2 and Rp2 were 0.912 and 0.903, the RMSEC and RMSEP were 0.488 and 0.581. Therefore, this method could be used for a reliable assessment of beef quality during chilled storage.

The Relationship between Rehydration Time and Tenderness at Different Rehydrating Water Temperatures in Freeze-Dried Pork Loin

Meat tenderness is one of the key factors determining consumer satisfaction and food quality. Freeze drying is a critical aspect of food preservation. Foods produced this way can be stored for an exceedingly long time, but they are characterized by being very hard in texture and requiring rehydration before use. This study presents an investigation focusing on finding preparation parameters of freeze-dried meat that would enable rehydration when left in an environment below 50 °C for 10 min, qualities that are ideal for hikers or soldiers. The meat samples were cooked at both 100 °C and 120 °C, cooled, and freeze-dried. Optical analysis, conducted using a microscope, was conducted to assess tissue damage. A compact and uniform structure was observed in the samples cooked at 120 °C, whereas fractures and gaps were detected on the surfaces of those cooked at 100 °C. Various rehydration durations and temperatures were explored to attain the samples’ original tenderness, as measured using the Warner–Bratzler method, and identify the optimal rehydration conditions. Based on this investigation, it was determined that with proper preparation, the original tenderness can be restored at temperatures below 50 °C within a 10 min rehydration period. It was determined that the recommended rehydration temperature is 40 °C for a 10 min duration.

Comparison between Berkshire and crossbreed on meat quality, and investigation of the relationship with fatty acid composition and meat quality.

This study aimed to compare meat quality traits between Berkshire and crossbreed (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc), and to investigate the relationship between meat quality traits and fatty acid composition. 20 Berkshire and 20 crossbreed pigs were used to compare pork loin quality and to determine the relationship between measured variables. 23 variables were measured including proximate composition, pH, drip loss and cooking loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and fatty acid composition. Berkshire had higher moisture content, pH, water-holding capacity, saturated fatty acids, and redness than the crossbreed pig (p < 0.05). The fat content and polyunsaturated fatty acid were low (p < 0.05) in Berkshire. Correlation analysis showed a negatively correlation between moisture and fat content, and a positively correlation between saturated fatty acid and fat content. Moreover, saturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid were negatively correlated. As a result of factor analysis and partial least square regression, saturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid were estimated to be the main factors affecting quality characteristics of pork. Pig breed is associated with differences in meat quality, and fatty acid composition can have an effect on meat quality parameters.

Effects of Sex and Hunting Season on Carcass and Meat Quality Characteristics of the Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus).

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of sex and hunting season on the carcass, meat and fat quality of hunted brown hares (Lepus europaeus). Twenty-two hares of both sexes hunted in winter (December) during two hunting seasons in accordance with the law on hunting in Lithuania were evaluated using reference methods The data were subjected to two-factor analysis of variance in the general linear (GLM) procedure. No significant differences in carcass measurements and muscularity or internal organs between the sexes of brown hares were found; however, the hunting season appeared to affect the size of hares. The biceps femoris (BF) thigh muscle of males had lower (p < 0.05) dry matter content and higher (p < 0.05) drip loss compared with females. The hunting season demonstrated an effect (p < 0.001) on protein and hydroxyproline contents in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and affected dry matter, protein and hydroxyproline contents (p < 0.05, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) in BF muscles, and differences in the colour of muscles were also observed. The shear force in the Warner-Bratzler (WB) test was higher (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) for LTL and BF muscles during the first hunting season. The hunting season did not affect the total SFA in the intramuscular fat (IMF) of all the tissues, but it affected levels of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids in the muscles. No differences were found in the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) of both muscles between the sexes, but females demonstrated lower (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and more favourable n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios in the muscles and fat and a lower (p < 0.05) thrombogenic (TI) index in the LTL compared with males.