Predicting cattle age from eye lens weight and nitrogen content, dentition, and United States Department of Agriculture maturity score.

This research explores the relationship between generally accepted and alternative cattle age-prediction methods and chronological age. Cattle (n = 386) of documented ages ranging from 370 to 1,115 d of age were used. Dentition (DEN), USDA maturity score (MS), lens weight (LW), and lens total N (LN) content were used as possible predictors of age. Correlations with age were determined: LW (r = 0.77); DEN (r = 0.74); LN (r = 0.71); and MS (r = 0.64). Stepwise backward regression was used to generate an age prediction equation: Age (mo) = -21.79 + 17.23(LW, g) + 0.038(DEN). By this equation, 38% of cattle

Effects of potassium lactate, sodium chloride, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium acetate on colour, colour stability, and oxidative properties of injection-enhanced beef rib steaks.

This study determined the effects of potassium lactate (KL), sodium chloride, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium acetate on colour, colour stability, and oxidative properties of injection-enhanced beef rib steaks. Enhancement solutions (8.5% pump) contained combinations of KL (0% or 1.5%), sodium chloride (0.3% or 0.6%), sodium tripolyphosphate (0% or 0.3%), and sodium acetate (0% or 0.1%). Steaks were packaged in a high-oxygen modified atmosphere (80% O(2)/20% CO(2)). Steaks with KL or KL and sodium acetate were darker but more colour stable (P<0.05) than control steaks. Steaks had less glossy surfaces when they contained acetate (P<0.05) and KL (P<0.11). Increasing sodium chloride content resulted in darker, less colour-stable steaks (P<0.05). Removing phosphate had little impact on colour (P>0.05). Both KL and sodium acetate improved visual appearance of injection-enhanced beef rib steaks, whereas the greater salt level were detrimental.

Effects of potassium lactate, sodium chloride, and sodium acetate on surface shininess/gloss and sensory properties of injection-enhanced beef strip-loin steaks.

The objective was to determine the effects of potassium lactate (0% or 1.5%; KL), sodium chloride (0.3% or 0.6%), and sodium acetate (0% or 0.1%) on injection-enhanced (8.5% pump), beef strip-loin steaks. All treatments contained 0.3% phosphate and 0.058% rosemary. Steaks were packaged in a high-oxygen modified atmosphere (80% O(2)/20% CO(2)) and were evaluated on d 2, 9, and 14 for surface shininess/gloss, shear force, and descriptive sensory attributes. As time in MAP progressed, oxidized, stale, and rancid flavours increased (P<0.05) and surface shininess/gloss decreased (P<0.05). Brown-roasted and beef flavours were most intense (P<0.05) on d 9. Using KL increased (P<0.05) brown-roasted and beef flavours and limited rancid flavour. Sodium acetate decreased (P<0.05) shear force. Adding more salt increased salty and rancid flavours (P<0.05). Sodium acetate and KL both improve sensory attributes of injection-enhanced beef.