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Effects of premortem stress on steak color in the longissimus lumborum of Holstein steers following harvest

Applied Research

Reganne Briggs
Utah State University
Randolph

Abstract

Despite similar production practices, beef cattle exhibit undesirable variation in steak color, an important quality attribute influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Pre-harvest stressors—such as transportation, handling practices, illness, mixing with unfamiliar animals, or introduction to a new environment—may contribute to this variation. These stressors induce oxidative processes in tissues, leading to myoglobin oxidation, which causes a brownish-red discoloration that consumers are less likely to purchase. This study hypothesized that the timing of harvest following a stressful event would affect steak color in Holstein steers. Forty Holstein steers were administered adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to simulate a stress response. Blood samples were collected during the ACTH challenge to analyze cortisol concentrations. Steers were subsequently harvested in groups of 10 at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-challenge. Steak color, specifically a* (redness) and b* (yellowness), was analyzed in samples collected from the logissimus lumborum aged for 14 days post-harvest. Unexpectedly, calves harvested at different time points exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05) in cortisol response. Additionally, time of harvest significantly impacted steak color, affecting both a* (P < 0.05) and b* (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the timing of harvest following a stressful event influences meat quality, particularly steak color.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Reganne Briggs, Kara Thornton, Jerrad Legako
  1. Briggs, R. , Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84322
  2. Thornton, K. Associate Professor, Utah State University, Utah, 84322
  3. Legako, J. Associate Professor, Texas Tech University, Texas, 79409