Study of chemical constituents, antioxidants and antimicrobial activities of Tamarindus indica L. seed.

The fruits of Tamarindus indica L. are consumed worldwide, with various parts of the plant being used for medicinal purposes. The residues (pericarp and seeds) generated during cellulose processing are of significant value as they contain bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical constituents of the ethyl acetate fraction as possible substitutes for synthetic compounds with biological properties using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) analysis and the evaluation of the antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid [ABTS], and 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH]), total phenolic compounds (TPC), and antimicrobial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract and tamarind seed fractions were also performed. The chemical investigation of the acetate fraction using UHPLC-HRMS/MS resulted in the putative identification of 14 compounds, including flavonoids, (+)-catechin/(-)-epicatechin, procyanidin B2, procyanidin C2, isoquercetin, quercetin, luteolin, rutin, taxifolin, eriodictyol, kaempferide, hydroxybenzoic acid, protocathecuic acid, and protocathecuic acid methyl and ethyl esters derivatives. The crude hydroalcoholic extract exhibited the best results in terms of TPC: 883.87 gallic acid equivalent (GAE; mg/g) and antioxidant activity: FRAP: 183.29 GAE (mg/g), ABTS: 39.67%, and DPPH: 91.08%. The extract exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC; 62.5/125 g/mL) and Bacillus cereus MIC/MBC (125/250 g/mL), and gram-negative bacteria, specifically Aeromonas hydrophila MIC/MBC (125/250 µg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MIC/MBC (250/500 g/mL). Morphological damage to cells was observed using flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. Tamarind seeds contain unique bioactive compounds that should be explored for their use as novel food preservatives. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Original data were obtained regarding the Tamarindus indica L. seed extract and the ethyl acetate and hexane fractions. This research aimed to investigate the potential of these for food preservation and as alternatives to additives and synthetic compounds added to cattle feed. This paper reports novel findings regarding the chemical composition of the extract and its antioxidant activity, along with its antimicrobial activity against bacteria (gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and gram-negative: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas hydrophila) and yeasts (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

Is a short concentrate-finishing period in lambs raised on alfalfa pasture effective at reducing fat indoles contents and lightening meat colour?

Pasture-feeding in lambs has been associated with dark-coloured meat and high meat contents of volatile indoles (skatole and indole), which may be responsible for sensory defects. The risk of off-flavours is even higher when lambs graze alfalfa, because it is particularly rich in rapidly degradable proteins. Here, we investigated whether a short concentrate stall-finishing period in lambs that previously grazed alfalfa influences meat sensory quality traits. We compared three feeding treatments, using three groups of 10 male Romane lambs: grazing alfalfa (A), stall-feeding with concentrate and straw (S), and stall-finishing with concentrate and straw for 21 days after previously grazing alfalfa (AS). During stall-feeding, the concentrate was given at a level adjusted to achieve a similar growth pattern in all treatment groups, and the length of the trough was sufficient for all lambs to have access to the feeds at the same time. Lamb live weight and age at slaughter, and carcass conformation and fatness were similar for all treatment groups. Perirenal fat skatole content was lower in AS and S lambs than in A lambs (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), and not significantly different between AS and S lambs. Perirenal fat indole and dorsal fat skatole concentrations were lower in AS lambs than in A lambs (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005, respectively), the other pairwise comparisons being not significant. There was no treatment effect on dorsal fat indole content. Longissimus et lumborum muscle colour coordinates differed between pasture-fed and stall-fed lambs, with a lower lightness (P < 0.005) and greater redness and hue angle (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) in pasture-fed lambs, but muscle colour coordinates did not differ between A and AS lambs. A 21-d concentrate-based stall-finishing period in lambs previously raised on alfalfa pasture therefore markedly reduced fat indoles concentrations compared to lambs grazed on alfalfa until slaughter but did not change meat colour.

An Exploratory Study of the Purchase and Consumption of Beef: Geographical and Cultural Differences between Spain and Brazil.

Beef consumption and production in Spain and Brazil are different with the consumption of beef in Brazil being three times higher than in Spain. In addition, there are variations in the economic value of production and in the traceability system. Therefore, the aim of this research was to understand the purchasing and consumption patterns using the customer behavior analysis technique of focus groups, which analyzed motivations for the consumption of beef, classifying their preferences by the intrinsic and extrinsic attributes at the time of purchase. The key aspect of the consumption of beef, both for Spanish and Brazilian consumers, was personal satisfaction/flavor. Spanish consumers were more conscious than Brazilians of the beneficial and harmful qualities that meat provides. The presence of fat was the factor that most restricted intake in both countries. The most important intrinsic attributes for Spanish and Brazilian consumers were the visual aspects of the meat: color, freshness, and the quantity and disposition of fat. The most important extrinsic characteristics were the price and expiration date. Spanish consumers see packaged meat as convenient and safe, although it is considered by Brazilians to be over-manipulated. The traceability certification on the label provides credibility to the product for the Spanish but only partially for Brazilians.

Carcass characteristics and meat evaluation of cattle finished in temperate pasture and supplemented with natural additive containing clove, cashew oil, castor oils, and a microencapsulated blend of eugenol, thymol, and vanillin.

BACKGROUND: Forty crossbred steers were supplemented with different doses (from 0 control to 6000 mg/animal/day) of natural additive blend containing clove essential oil, cashew oil, castor oil, and a microencapsulated blend of eugenol, thymol, and vanillin for 80 days. Carcass characteristics, drip loss, and antioxidant activity were evaluated 24 h post mortem on longissimus thoracis, and the effects of aging (until 14 days) were evaluated for water losses (thawing/aging and cooking), texture, color, and lipid oxidation. RESULTS: The use of the natural additive blend did not modify (P > 0.05) carcass characteristics but did, however, modify body composition (P < 0.05). Drip losses were unaffected by the treatments tested (P > 0.05). There was an observed quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on losses from thawing/aging on the first day of storage. Regarding the effects of natural additives on cooking losses, there was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) among the treatments on day 7 of aging. Differences between days of aging were only observed with control treatment. Shear force was similar among treatments on days 1 and 7 of aging. On day 14 a linear effect (P < 0.05) was observed. Also, a linear effect (P < 0.05) appeared on meat lightness, meat from the control group being clearer on day 1. No changes were observed in redness among treatments or days of storage (P > 0.05). Yellowness was not modified by the treatments (P > 0.05)but only by the days of storage in control and the lowest dosage used. CONCLUSION: The blend of natural additives has potential use in pasture feeding and could improve meat quality. However, doses should be adjusted. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Animal performance, ingestive behavior, and carcass characteristics of grazing-finished steers supplemented with castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) meal protein.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal by castor bean meal on nutrient intake, digestibility, animal performance, ingestive behavior activities, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile from steers finished in pasture. Crossbred steers were weighed to determine the initial body weight (331.6 ± 37.4 kg), which were kept in 4 paddocks (8 animals/paddock), on pastures of Brachiaria decumbens during the finishing phase. Dietary treatments included CC00-without castor bean meal; CC33-153 g/kg of castor bean meal; CC66-308 g/kg of castor bean meal; and CC100-434 g/kg of castor bean meal. No treatment effects were detected (P > 0.05) for final body weight, average daily gain, feed efficiency, and hot carcass weight. The DM, CP, NDF, and NFC total intake were lowest (P < 0.01) for steers fed CC100 diet than others. No treatment effects were detected (P > 0.05) for digestibility. For ingestive behavior activities, data on DM and NDF from feeding rate were greater (P < 0.01) in CC00 v. castor bean meal steers. DM and NDF from rumination rate were greater (P < 0.01) in CC33 v. CC100 steers that was the lowest. Carcass measures, carcass composition, chemical composition of Longissimus thoracis muscle, and profile and the sum of fatty acids were not affected (P > 0.05) by castor bean meal replacement on the diets. Results from this experiment suggest that castor bean meal may replace soybean meal in pasture supplementation without altered digestibility, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile.

Meat quality of young bulls finished in a feedlot and supplemented with clove or cinnamon essential oils.

Forty young crossbred bulls (10 ± 2.2 months of age; 219 ± 11.7 kg) were finished in a feedlot with one of five different treatments: CON, control (no essential oil); CLO450, clove essential oil (450 mg/kg); CLO880, clove essential oil (880 mg/kg); CIN450; cinnamon essential oil (450 mg/kg); and CIN880, cinnamon essential oil (880 mg/kg). Instrumental meat quality attributes and consumer acceptability aspects (visual and sensory) were assessed during meat ageing and display. The inclusion of clove essential oil showed (P = 0.033) a quadratic effect on lipid oxidation in meat evaluated under display conditions. Level of cinnamon essential oil affected (P < 0.05) pH, shear force, and meat colour. On the other hand, the diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on sensory or visual acceptability. Ageing (7 days) enhanced (P < 0.05) sensory acceptability attributes. Globally, the addition of essential oil in bull diets can be an alternative to reduces lipid oxidation without modifying sensory acceptability attributes.

Sensorial, color, lipid oxidation, and visual acceptability of dry-aged beef from young bulls with different fat thickness.

The reduction in slaughter age with minimum fat and dry aging process improves meat tenderness, however, its shelf-life in display has not been studied. It was evaluated the sensorial, and the color, lipid oxidation, and visual acceptance in display of dry-aged beef (0, 14, and 28 days) from young bulls slaughtered with different subcutaneous fat thickness (2.00, 3.00, and 4.00 mm). Meat with 2.00 and 3.00 mm fat had higher acceptability than 4.00 mm (p < .05). Dry aging improved overall acceptability of consumers. Meat with 2.00 and 3.00 mm fat presented higher lightness and lipid oxidation values than 4.00 mm (p < .05) but similar visual acceptance was observed. Dry-aged beef (14 and 28 days) had lower lightness, but higher redness (p < .05) than not dry aged (0 days). Display reduced color over time, for all dry-aged treatments (p < .05). Dry aging process increased lipid oxidation but these values were below 2.00 mg/kg of malonaldehyde only in the first day of display. Dry aged for 14 days had similar visual acceptability to not dry-aged beef until the third day of display (p < .05). Shelf-life of 0, 14, and 28 days of dry aged was 5.41, 2.55, and 0.23 days. Despite of the increase in lipid oxidation and lightness, the sensorial and display acceptability of meat from young bulls was not prejudiced by the reduction in fat thickness. Beef dry-aged for 14 days was visually well accepted and could be displayed for 2.55 days without compromising acceptability.

Acceptability by sensory and visual analyses of meat from Nellore heifers fed with natural additives and finished in feedlots.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the acceptability (by sensorial and visual analyses) of meat from 40 Nellore heifers (finished in feedlots for 73 days) fed with different diets supplemented with essential oils (EOs) and an active principle blend. The five diets tested were: CON - a diet without essential oil and active principle blend (eugenol, thymol, and vanillin); ROS - a diet supplemented with rosemary EO; BLE - supplemented with a blend; BCL - a diet with clove EO+ blend; and BRC - a diet with rosemary, clove EOs + blend. The acceptability of diet and aging time was evaluated by consumers. RESULTS: Diet affected consumer acceptability and visual analysis (meat color). The diets with EO and the blend showed better sensory acceptance by the consumers; meat aged for 7 days received higher scores than meat aged for 1 day. Meat from heifers that received both EOs + blend (BCL, BRC) obtained the highest scores in the visual evaluation. CONCLUSION: The use of natural compounds in ruminant diets improves the sensory characteristics of meat without damaging visual acceptability and may be an alternative to the conventional additive market. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physicochemical characteristics of dry aged beef from younger Nellore bulls slaughtered at different body weights.

Reducing slaughter age can improve meat quality and reduce costs, while an ageing process can result in more standardized products. Thus, the objective of this paper was to measure the physicochemical characteristics of dry aged meat from younger Nellore bulls slaughtered at different body weights. Twenty-four Longissimus thoracis from young bulls (14 months of age) finished in a feedlot at body weights of 350, 400 and 450 kg were used. From each group (N = 8), samples were divided into three portions for 0, 14 and 28 days of dry ageing. After the samples reached their dry aged period weight, pH and colour were measured. Next, water losses, shear force, the chemical composition and the fatty acids profile of the meat were measured. Reducing slaughter weight (350 kg) of young bulls did not affect meat tenderness but increased saturated fatty acids contents at day 1 of dry ageing. During the dry ageing process, drip loss increased, but thawing losses were reduced. Colour parameter was reduced by dry ageing and meat becomes darker, but meat tenderness was increased. Dry ageing increased the ash content. Dry ageing increased saturated fatty acid and reduced the monounsaturated and saturated fatty acid ratio (MUFA/SFA), but did not change the polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nellore young bulls (14 months) can be slaughtered with 400 or 450 kg without compromising physicochemical characteristics, while dry ageing improved meat tenderness but increased saturated fatty acids and changed meat colour.

Number of consumers and days of display necessary for the assessment of meat colour acceptability.

Visual assessment is regarded as the gold standard to evaluate meat colour shelf-life, but it is costly and time consuming. To address this issue, this paper aims to evaluate the number of consumers and days of display that are necessaries in order to assess the colour shelf-life of meat, presented with different methods, all using images. Photographs of thirty-six lamb steaks were taken just after cutting (day 0) and on each of the following days until the 14th day of display under standardized conditions. Images were presented in three different manners: 1) with days of display and animals in random order (Random); 2) days of display in sequential and animals in random order (Sequential); and, 3) days of display and animals in sequential order (Animal); they were presented to 211 consumers who evaluated visual acceptability on a 9-point scale. At day zero, visual acceptability scores were the highest in Animal, followed by Sequential, and then by the Random (P < .05) method. Scores decreased over time for all methods tested (P < .05). The Random method presented the highest standard deviation; however, an increase in standard deviation among consumers along days of display was observed for all methods tested (P < .05). Shelf-life determined by regression varied according to the method of presentation (7.83, 7.00 and 7.54 days for Random, Sequential and Animal, respectively). A minimum number of 4 day points before and 4 day points after neutral scores had been reached (scores = 5.0) were necessary in order to obtain a robust model. The minimum number of required consumers (α = 0.05; d = 0.1 and ß = 0.2 or 0.1) varied according to methodology: it was 81 to 109 consumers for Random, 69 to 92 for Sequential, and 55 to 74 for Animal. Our study indicates that an optimal number of days and evaluators can be calculated depending on the manner of sample presentation. These findings should be taken into account in further studies that aim to balance data reliability with the cost involved in meat colour analyses.

Fatty acid composition of beef cattle finished on tropical pasture and supplemented with crude glycerin / Composição em ácidos graxos da carne de bovinos terminados a pasto e suplementados com glicerina bruta

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crude glycerin supplementation on the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the muscle of cattle grazing on Urochloa decumbens. Thirty-five crossbreed bulls, with an average initial body weight of 428.0 ± 32.11 kg, were supplemented with dry matter corresponding to 1% body weight for 74 days on pasture and distributed to five treatments (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% low purity glycerin in the total dry matter of the supplement) in a completely randomised design. After 74 days, the animals were slaughtered, and the longissimus dorsi muscle was sampled and frozen for meat composition analysis. The addition of glycerin did not affect the mean moisture (73.6 ± 0.3%), protein (22.8 ± 0.4%), total lipid (1.1 ± 0.1%) and ash (1.0 ± 0.04%) contents of the animal muscle. However, there was an increasing linear effect (P < 0.05) on the contents of trans-vaccenic acid (increase of 175% in relation to the control) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (25% increase in relation to the control). We observed an increasing linear pattern in monounsaturated fatty acid levels (39.8 to 44.5%) and a decreasing linear pattern in polyunsaturated fatty acid content (13.5 to 9.5%). The inclusion of crude glycerin promoted a linear decreasing pattern for omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, the inclusion of crude glycerin in the supplement of beef cattle affects the...(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inclusão de glicerina bruta no suplemento sobre a composição química e o perfil de ácidos graxos do músculo de bovinos terminados em pastagem de Urochloa decumbens. Para isso foram utilizados 35 touros azebuados, com peso inicial médio de 428,0 ± 32,11kg, suplementados com 1% do peso corporal, por 74 dias em pastagem e distribuídos em cinco tratamentos (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12% de glicerina de baixa pureza na matéria seca total do suplemento) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Após 74 dias os animais foram abatidos, o músculo Longissimus dorsi foi amostrado e congelado para análise de composição da carne. A adição de glicerina no suplemento não afetou (P>0,05) os teores médios de umidade (73,6%±0,3), proteína (22,8%±0,4), lipídeos totais (1,1%±0,1) e cinzas (1,0%±0,04) do músculo dos animais. Todavia, observou-se efeito linear crescente (P<0,05) para os teores de ácido trans-vacênico (acréscimo de 175% em relação ao controle) e ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) (acréscimo de 25% em relação ao controle). Observou-se comportamento linear crescente para os teores de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (39,8 para 44,5%) e linear decrescente para os teores de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (13,5% para 9,5%). A inclusão da glicerina bruta promoveu comportamento linear decrescente para os ácidos graxos da série omega-3. Assim, a inclusão de glicerina bruta...(AU)

Fatty acid composition of beef cattle finished on tropical pasture and supplemented with crude glycerin / Composição em ácidos graxos da carne de bovinos terminados a pasto e suplementados com glicerina bruta

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crude glycerin supplementation on the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the muscle of cattle grazing on Urochloa decumbens. Thirty-five crossbreed bulls, with an average initial body weight of 428.0 ± 32.11 kg, were supplemented with dry matter corresponding to 1% body weight for 74 days on pasture and distributed to five treatments (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% low purity glycerin in the total dry matter of the supplement) in a completely randomised design. After 74 days, the animals were slaughtered, and the longissimus dorsi muscle was sampled and frozen for meat composition analysis. The addition of glycerin did not affect the mean moisture (73.6 ± 0.3%), protein (22.8 ± 0.4%), total lipid (1.1 ± 0.1%) and ash (1.0 ± 0.04%) contents of the animal muscle. However, there was an increasing linear effect (P < 0.05) on the contents of trans-vaccenic acid (increase of 175% in relation to the control) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (25% increase in relation to the control). We observed an increasing linear pattern in monounsaturated fatty acid levels (39.8 to 44.5%) and a decreasing linear pattern in polyunsaturated fatty acid content (13.5 to 9.5%). The inclusion of crude glycerin promoted a linear decreasing pattern for omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, the inclusion of crude glycerin in the supplement of beef cattle affects the...

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inclusão de glicerina bruta no suplemento sobre a composição química e o perfil de ácidos graxos do músculo de bovinos terminados em pastagem de Urochloa decumbens. Para isso foram utilizados 35 touros azebuados, com peso inicial médio de 428,0 ± 32,11kg, suplementados com 1% do peso corporal, por 74 dias em pastagem e distribuídos em cinco tratamentos (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12% de glicerina de baixa pureza na matéria seca total do suplemento) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Após 74 dias os animais foram abatidos, o músculo Longissimus dorsi foi amostrado e congelado para análise de composição da carne. A adição de glicerina no suplemento não afetou (P>0,05) os teores médios de umidade (73,6%±0,3), proteína (22,8%±0,4), lipídeos totais (1,1%±0,1) e cinzas (1,0%±0,04) do músculo dos animais. Todavia, observou-se efeito linear crescente (P<0,05) para os teores de ácido trans-vacênico (acréscimo de 175% em relação ao controle) e ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) (acréscimo de 25% em relação ao controle). Observou-se comportamento linear crescente para os teores de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (39,8 para 44,5%) e linear decrescente para os teores de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (13,5% para 9,5%). A inclusão da glicerina bruta promoveu comportamento linear decrescente para os ácidos graxos da série omega-3. Assim, a inclusão de glicerina bruta...

Influencing factors of consumer willingness to buy cattle meat: An analysis of survey data from three Brazilian cities

Brazil is currently undergoing a process to establish new patterns of consumption habits and the implementation of a new concepts of meat quality. The process emphasizes the quality of information delivered to consumers, which is part of the new approach to meat quality and food safety. The objective of this article is to investigate the attributes considered important when buying beef, knowledge about the production process, labelling, cuts and characteristics of the animals. The study included 276 consumers in three Brazilian cities and their responses were examined in relation to the semi-structured form with fifteen spontaneous and stimulated questions. It was verified that the presentation of the product is regarded as the most important attribute at the time of purchase, they prefer to purchase meat in the butchers, and do not value the labelling of the product, which makes it difficult to identify and offer differentiated products or certificates. The frequency of consumption of beef increases with family income and the vast majority of consumers prefer low marbling meat regardless of the type of preparation. The consumer has little knowledge of more specialized cuts, since the product sold in the butchers has different cuts terminology.(AU)

How the perception of quality for beef evaluated by the buyer at the time of purchase: Study in three Brazilian cities of different sizes Curitiba, Campo Mourão and Palotina

In order to evaluate how beef buyers in the State of Paraná, Brazil south value meat quality indicators, and attributes of credibility, 519 interviews were conducted in three cities with different sizes (Big Curitiba, Medium Campo Mourão and Small Palotina). The interviews were applied after the meat was placed in the shopping cart and were composed of five questions, including question of spontaneous response: (i) factors that the buyer considers at the purchasing time; (ii) information which the buyer considers important to appear on the meat label; and three questions of stimulated response: (i) preference for meat preparation and exposure for sale, (ii) factors that the buyer considers when purchasing the meat, and (iii) preference for marbling (by photograph) according to the beef preparation. The results showed that beef buyers are more concerned with extrinsic meat quality indicators than the intrinsic ones, especially the meat presentation and hygiene of the sale point; have little knowledge about the factors that positively influence the eating experience of beef and do not cares about attributes of credibility, except for the meat expiration date. Beef buyers from medium (Campo Mourão) and small (Palotina) cities have a similar behavior, and differ from the buyers of a big (Curitiba) city among the attributes surveyed, in relation to the greater appreciation of inspection, tenderness and marbling, and less importance given to the expiration date. Beef buyers prefer meat cut by the butcher; however, this preference is higher in the small city.(AU)

Influencing factors of consumer willingness to buy cattle meat: An analysis of survey data from three Brazilian cities

Brazil is currently undergoing a process to establish new patterns of consumption habits and the implementation of a new concepts of meat quality. The process emphasizes the quality of information delivered to consumers, which is part of the new approach to meat quality and food safety. The objective of this article is to investigate the attributes considered important when buying beef, knowledge about the production process, labelling, cuts and characteristics of the animals. The study included 276 consumers in three Brazilian cities and their responses were examined in relation to the semi-structured form with fifteen spontaneous and stimulated questions. It was verified that the presentation of the product is regarded as the most important attribute at the time of purchase, they prefer to purchase meat in the butchers, and do not value the labelling of the product, which makes it difficult to identify and offer differentiated products or certificates. The frequency of consumption of beef increases with family income and the vast majority of consumers prefer low marbling meat regardless of the type of preparation. The consumer has little knowledge of more specialized cuts, since the product sold in the butchers has different cuts terminology.

How the perception of quality for beef evaluated by the buyer at the time of purchase: Study in three Brazilian cities of different sizes – Curitiba, Campo Mourão and Palotina

In order to evaluate how beef buyers in the State of Paraná, Brazil south value meat quality indicators, and attributes of credibility, 519 interviews were conducted in three cities with different sizes (Big – Curitiba, Medium – Campo Mourão and Small – Palotina). The interviews were applied after the meat was placed in the shopping cart and were composed of five questions, including question of spontaneous response: (i) factors that the buyer considers at the purchasing time; (ii) information which the buyer considers important to appear on the meat label; and three questions of stimulated response: (i) preference for meat preparation and exposure for sale, (ii) factors that the buyer considers when purchasing the meat, and (iii) preference for marbling (by photograph) according to the beef preparation. The results showed that beef buyers are more concerned with extrinsic meat quality indicators than the intrinsic ones, especially the meat presentation and hygiene of the sale point; have little knowledge about the factors that positively influence the eating experience of beef and do not cares about attributes of credibility, except for the meat expiration date. Beef buyers from medium (Campo Mourão) and small (Palotina) cities have a similar behavior, and differ from the buyers of a big (Curitiba) city among the attributes surveyed, in relation to the greater appreciation of inspection, tenderness and marbling, and less importance given to the expiration date. Beef buyers prefer meat cut by the butcher; however, this preference is higher in the small city.

Consumer profile and acceptability of cooked beef steaks with edible and active coating containing oregano and rosemary essential oils.

Fresh animal products are highly perishable and characterized by a short shelf-life. Edible coatings with natural antioxidants (essential oils: EOs) could improve stability, ensure quality, and increase the shelf-life of fresh products. Due to the strong flavor of EOs, their use should consider consumer preferences and sensory acceptability. This study evaluated the effects of edible coating (with oregano and rosemary essential oil) on beef in relation to consumer preferences, besides the determination of habits of consumption and buying intentions of consumers. Acceptability scores from three clusters of consumers was described. Coating with oregano was the preferred. The higher consumer acceptance and willingness to buy this product indicate a great potential and possibility of using coatings with essential oils in fresh animal products.

Carcass characteristics and sensorial evaluation of meat from Nellore steers and crossbred Angus vs. Nellore bulls / Características de carcaça e avaliação sensorial da carne de novilhos Nelore e touros cruzados Angus vs. Nelore

This study evaluated animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of 36-month old Nellore steers finished in pastures (n = 10) and 20-month old Angus vs. Nellore bulls finished in feedlot (n = 10). Final body weight, carcass weight, characteristics, conformation and fat thickness, were higher (p < 0.001) for the Nellore steers than for Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Water losses during chilling (24hours, 4oC) were lower (p < 0.05) for Nellore steers than for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Muscle percentage on the 6th rib was higher (p < 0.05) for the Nellore steers than for Angus vs. Nellore bulls; while bone percentage was lower (p < 0.05) for Nellore steers. After 7 and 14 days of ageing, the L* meat value was higher for the Nellore steers than for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls; the L* meat value was similar (p > 0.05) throughout the ageing period for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls, but higher in meat from the Nellore steers (p < 0.05). Genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat a* value (redness). Likewise, ageing time had no effect on a* in both genetic groups, and genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat b* value (yellowness). On the other hand, b* was increased after day 7 of ageing for the bulls from the two genetic groups. Thawing and cooking losses were lower for Nellore steers after day 7 of aging (p < 0.05). The meat of the Angus vs. Nellore bulls was more tender (p < 0.05) at all ageing times studied (1, 4, 7 and 14 days) than the meat of the Nellore steers. Genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on lipid oxidation; however, lipid oxidation increased after day7. Meat from Nellore steers contained a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA), a lower percentage of unsaturated (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a similar percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the meat from Angus vs. Nellore bulls.(AU)

Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho animal, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de novilhos Nelore terminados em pastagens e abatidos aos 36 meses de idade (n = 10) e machos não castrados Angus vs. Nelores abatidos aos 20 meses de idade (n = 10). O peso final, peso, características e conformação da carcaça e espessura de gordura de cobertura foram maiores (p < 0,001) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. As perdas de água durante o resfriamento (24 horas, 4º C) foram menores (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. A percentagem de músculo na 6ª costela foi maior (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores; enquanto que a percentagem de osso foi menor (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores. Após 7 e 14 dias de maturação, o valor de L* da carne foi maior (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. O valor de L* foi similar (p > 0,05) ao longo da maturação para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores; enquanto que o valor de L* da carne dos novilhos Nelores aumentou (p < 0,05). O grupo genético não teve efeito (p > 0,05) sobre o valor de a* (cor vermelha). Da mesma forma, o tempo de maturação não teve efeito (p > 0,05) para os animais dos dois grupos genéticos. O grupo genético não teve efeito (p > 0,05) sobre o valor de b* (cor amarela). Por outro lado, o tempo de maturação aumentou o valor de b* após o sétimo dia para os animais dos dois grupos genéticos. A perda por descongelamento e cocção foi menor (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores após o sétimo dia de maturação. A carne dos mestiços Angus vs. Nelores foi mais macia (p < 0,05) em todos os tempos de maturação (1, 4, 7 e 14 dias) do que a carne dos novilhos Nelores. O grupo genético não teve efeito (p > 0,05) sobre a oxidação de lipídeos; no entanto, a oxidação de lipídeos aumentou após o sétimo dia.(AU)

Carcass characteristics and sensorial evaluation of meat from Nellore steers and crossbred Angus vs. Nellore bulls / Características de carcaça e avaliação sensorial da carne de novilhos Nelore e touros cruzados Angus vs. Nelore

This study evaluated animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of 36-month old Nellore steers finished in pastures (n = 10) and 20-month old Angus vs. Nellore bulls finished in feedlot (n = 10). Final body weight, carcass weight, characteristics, conformation and fat thickness, were higher (p 0.05) throughout the ageing period for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls, but higher in meat from the Nellore steers (p 0.05) on meat a* value (redness). Likewise, ageing time had no effect on a* in both genetic groups, and genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat b* value (yellowness). On the other hand, b* was increased after day 7 of ageing for the bulls from the two genetic groups. Thawing and cooking losses were lower for Nellore steers after day 7 of aging (p 0.05) on lipid oxidation; however, lipid oxidation increased after day7. Meat from Nellore steers contained a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA), a lower percentage of unsaturated (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a similar percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the meat from Angus vs. Nellore bulls.

Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho animal, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de novilhos Nelore terminados em pastagens e abatidos aos 36 meses de idade (n = 10) e machos não castrados Angus vs. Nelores abatidos aos 20 meses de idade (n = 10). O peso final, peso, características e conformação da carcaça e espessura de gordura de cobertura foram maiores (p 0,05) ao longo da maturação para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores; enquanto que o valor de L* da carne dos novilhos Nelores aumentou (p 0,05) sobre o valor de a* (cor vermelha). Da mesma forma, o tempo de maturação não teve efeito (p > 0,05) para os animais dos dois grupos genéticos. O grupo genético não teve efeito (p > 0,05) sobre o valor de b* (cor amarela). Por outro lado, o tempo de maturação aumentou o valor de b* após o sétimo dia para os animais dos dois grupos genéticos. A perda por descongelamento e cocção foi menor (p 0,05) sobre a oxidação de lipídeos; no entanto, a oxidação de lipídeos aumentou após o sétimo dia.

Effect of Edible and Active Coating (with Rosemary and Oregano Essential Oils) on Beef Characteristics and Consumer Acceptability.

The effects of an alginate-based edible coating containing natural antioxidants (rosemary and oregano essential oils) on lipid oxidation, color preservation, water losses, texture and pH of beef steaks during 14 days of display were studied. The essential oil, edible coating and beef antioxidant activities, and beef consumer acceptability were also investigated. The edible coatings decreased lipid oxidation of the meat compared to the control. The coating with oregano was most effective (46.81% decrease in lipid oxidation) and also showed the highest antioxidant activity. The coatings significantly decreased color losses, water losses and shear force compared to the control. The coatings had a significant effect on consumer perception of odor, flavor and overall acceptance of the beef. In particular, the oregano coating showed significantly high values (approximately 7 in a 9-point scale). Active edible coatings containing natural antioxidants could improve meat product stability and therefore have potential use in the food industry.