Effect of growth-promoting implants and high-voltage electrical stimulation on quality characteristics of finished steers

摘要

The present study evaluated the impact of growth-promoting implants and their interaction with high-voltage electrical stimulation (HVES) on meat quality of steers at time of grading (24?h) and following wet ageing (6 and 14?d). Ninety-six crossbred steers were assigned for implanting (120?mg trenbolone acetate and 24?mg estradiol benzoate) or control (nonimplanted). During the slaughter process, HVES was applied to alternate carcass sides. Implanted steers were heavier ( P ? P ? P ?=?0.41). Implants resulted in meat with lower intramuscular fat content, lower subjective scores for juiciness, and beef flavor intensity. Colour from meat exposed to HVES was significantly lighter, more saturated, and was redder at 24?h and 6?d post mortem. A significant three-way interaction among implant, HVES, and ageing was observed for the longissimus lumborum (LL) ( P 0.05). Stimulation reduced shear force with a decline in effect after 6 and 14?d. After 14?d of ageing, HVES LL muscles were more tender than unstimulated. This interaction suggests that HVES practices may require further study to optimize meat quality in implanted animals.