ABSTRACT
Six breed types groups of six steer calves each were used to observe differences in growth and carcass traits: F1 Brown Swiss (F1BS), F1 Holstein (F1HO), F2 Brahman (F2BR), F2 Criollo Rio Limon (F2CRL), purebred Criollo Rio Limon (CRL), and Perija Mosaic (PMO). After 404 days of grazing, the heaviest F1BS and F2BR steers were different from F1HO and CRL counterparts (p < 0.05) in slaughter weight. F2BR dressed higher and had better muscle conformation scores than F1BS, F1HO, F2CRL and CRL (p < 0.05). F1BS had the thickest backfat (0.5 cm) but only differed (p < 0.05) from F1HO (0.3 cm). Rib eye area, marbling score, carcass maturity, quality or yield grade, boneless cut percentages, bone percentage or percent trimmable fat did not vary among breed types. All steers were within the A maturity level and graded Standard. Results indicate the importance of feeding dual-purpose steers to heavier weights to please industry preferences.
ABSTRACT
During three months, a group of people (meat consumers and active personnel) of a Venezuelan packing house were asked to assign discretionary scores to a sample of 103 beef longissimus steaks in order to familiarize them with the score sheet and to their future job as panelists. Scores assigned to 37 steaks by seven candidates that assisted regularly to these preliminary sessions (out of 12 attendants), were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine variability among judges before training. The whole group (n = 12) potential candidates from both sexes, and ranging between 25 and 45 years, were interviewed and pre selected for formal training. Triangle tests were used as selection tool and allowed for dismissing two of them. Training reinforced acquaintance with test procedures and improved natural abilities, sensitivity and memory for test attributes by using an 8-point descriptive scale to describe samples differing in fiber tenderness, amount of connective tissue, overall tenderness, juiciness, and flavor intensity. After 2 mo. of training (5 h weekly) the first panel performance evaluation (PPE) was conducted over 4 days with 3 sessions per day and 3 samples per session with 9 different samples. Data for each candidate were subjected to one-way ANOVA and F-ratio served as criteria to rank candidates' ability for describing each attribute. Panelist 7 and 8 rated last and were excused to conform an 8-member panel. The panel evaluated 300 samples during a 6-mo period and a second PPE was conducted. The second PPE revealed changes in relative ranking positions. Data from the first 40 (out of 300) samples were subjected to ANOVA for testing score (panelist) variability after training. A significant effect of panelist was detected before (P < .05) and after (P < .001) training, but a much greater variability became apparent in untrained candidates. Mean separation for trained panelist only differed in decimal units within the same points or adjacent points of the scale. Results validated methodologies used for panel training and the panel capability for sensorial evaluation of non-processed beef.
Subject(s)
Abattoirs , Interviews as Topic , Meat , Personnel Selection , Taste , Adult , Analysis of Variance , Animals , Cattle , Consumer Product Safety , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , VenezuelaABSTRACT
The relationship between postpartum ovarian activity and a total of 9 variables was studied in a dry tropical environment. Primiparous cows (n=61) that had shown no peripartum abnormalities, and were not suckled but milked twice daily, were used in the study. Independent variables included crossbreeding, sex of the calf, season, body condition, weight of cow at calving, age of dam at calving, uterine involution, calf weight and accumulated milk yield. Diet was a controlled variable. Dependent variables were first estrus postpartum and/or first milk progesterone elevation prior to first estrus. A bull fitted with a chin ball marker was used to detect first estrus postpartum, while ovarian structures were palpated per rectum once a week. Progesterone was measured by RIA in milk samples collected twice weekly. First postpartum estrus was detected at 56 +/- 32 days postpartum, a first milk progesterone elevation was observed in 50.8% of cows at 42 +/- 27 days. Cows calving in the dry season had longer intervals and those who calved males had shorter postpartum intervals. Accumulated milk yield affected both intervals significatly (p < 0.01). Weight, age and uterine involution were asociated with first milk progesterone elevation, while crossbreeding, weight at calving and weight postpartum change were associated with the dependent variables.
