Differences in Minolta Color Score and Beef Tenderness Associated with Feedlot Stress and Slaughter Method

摘要

The objective was to investigate the effect of beef cattle temperament and slaughter method on Minolta color scores and tenderness. Measurements of temperament including exit velocity (EV), chute score (CS), and capture score (CAPS) were obtained prior to slaughter on Angus x Peidmontese crossbred heifers (n = 126). Heifers were slaughtered on two consecutive Mondays (64 and 62 head, respectively) using either Kosher or captive bolt slaughter methods. Climatic conditions and transportation method and duration were similar between slaughter dates. At approximately 24 h post-mortem, carcass measurements and marbling scores were obtained. Longissimus thoracis (LT) samples were collected and aged 14 d prior to Minolta color score and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) measurements. CS, CAPS, and vocalization scores (VOCAL) significantly correlated (P < 0.03) with blood lactate (LAC). The LT from kosher slaughtered heifers had significantly higher (P < 0.01) L~*, a~*, b~* and WBSF values than that of captive bolt stunned heifers. LT from captive bolt stunned heifers had significantly higher (P = 0.04) marbling, and a tendency (P = 0.08) for increased cook loss compared with that from Kosher slaughtered heifers. These data indicate that chute behavior is significantly correlated to measurements of LAC and suggests that the Kosher slaughter method may affect Minolta color score values, as well as decrease tenderness, marbling score, and cook loss in LT when compared with the captive bolt stunning method, and warrants further research.