Muscle fiber type, postmortem metabolism, and meat quality of Nellore cattle with different post-weaning growth potential

Author(s)

Beline, Mariane ^[1] ; Morales Gomez, Juan Fernando ^[1] ; Antonelo, Daniel Silva ^[2] ; Silva, Juliana ^[1] ; Macedo Buarque, Vicente Luiz ^[1] ; Brandao Consolo, Nara Regina ^[1] ; Leme, Paulo Roberto ^[1] ; Matarneh, Sulaiman K. ^[3] ; Gerrard, David E. ^[4] ; Silva, Saulo Luz ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Coll Anim Sci & Food Engn, Dept Anim Sci, BR-13635900 Pirassununga, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Coll Vet Med & Anim Sci, Dept Anim Nutr, BR-13635900 Pirassununga, SP - Brazil

^[3] Utah State Univ, Nutr Dietet & Food Sci Dept, Logan, UT 84322 - USA

^[4] Virginia Polytech Inst & State Univ, Dept Anim & Poultry Sci, Blacksburg, VA 24061 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: LIVESTOCK SCIENCE; v. 244, FEB 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Animal selection based on growth rate has received greater attention as a selection index. While many have evaluated the effect of growth rate on muscle characteristics and meat quality, few studies have attempted to evaluate how selection based on growth rate alters muscle fiber characteristics and influences postmortem metabolism and subsequent meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate muscle fiber type, postmortem metabolism and meat quality of Nellore cattle selected for different growth rates. Two-hundred and fifty non-castrated Nellore males differing in post-weaning growth potentials were used. Muscle from 10 high growth potential animals (EPDH) and 10 low growth potential animals (EPDL) were analyzed for muscle morphometric profile, postmortem metabolism, and meat quality. EPDH animals were heavier and had higher hot carcass weight and larger diameter and cross-sectional area of fast oxidative-glycolytic fibers, while EPDL animals had higher area percentage of slow oxidative fibers. Moreover, EPD(H )presented higher glycogen concentrations than EPD(L )cattle. Glucose concentrations were higher at 240, 720, and 1440 min postmortem, while G6P was higher from 30 to 1440 min postmortem in EPD(L )animals. Finally, EPD(H )animals produced less tender meat when compared to that of EPDL cattle. In conclusion, genetic selection based on growth potential is associate with a shift in fiber type towards a more glycolytic type of muscle that is associated with changes in meat tenderness. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/17433-5 - Study of relationship among expected progeny differences (EPD) with productive and meat quality traits of Nelore cattle
• Grantee: Saulo da Luz e Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants