Camila Barbosa Carvalho

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.

Carcass Composition and Cuts of Bulls and Steers Fed with Three Concentrate Levels in the Diets

In this paper, weight, carcass dressing, weights of the primary cuts, weights of the physical components of the primary cuts, and weights of the main commercial cuts of 66 Purunã animals, of which 33 were bulls and 33 were steers were evaluated. These animals, with an average age of 19 months at the beginning of the experiment, were finished in a feedlot system during 116 days, and were fed with diets containing three levels of concentrate (0.8%, 1.1%, and 1.4% of body weight). The concentrate was formulated with 25% soybean meal, 73% ground corn grain, 1% of a mineral mix, and 1% of limestone. The interaction between sexual groups and the concentrate level was not significant for any of the variables. Likewise, no effect of the concentrate level was detected on the same variable traits. The bulls demonstrated higher hot carcass weights (265.1 vs 221.7 kg) and a higher proportion of forequarter (38.4% vs 36.1%) however the steers presented with higher proportions of side (19.7% vs 18.5%) and hindquarter (44.2% vs 43.1%). The bulls produced higher yields of muscle in the three primary cuts, there by resulting in higher yields of edible portions of the carcass. The bulls also produced higher weights of tenderloin, knuckle, topside, flat, eye round, rump, and rump cover. The finishing of young bulls in feedlot is to be recommended, since the animals produce carcasses with higher amounts of edible meat and higher yields of commercial cuts, thus allowing for a better price for the carcass. Low concentrate level could be used due to the lower cost of production for farmers.

Carcass and meat characteristics of steers or bulls, finished in feedlot and fed with diets containing three levels of concentrate

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate quantitative and qualitative characters of carcass and meat from bulls and steers finished in feedlot during a 116 day period, in individual stalls and fed with a diet of corn silage and three levels of concentrate (0.70; 0.97 and 1.23% of body weight). The concentrate was formulated with 25% soybean meal, 73% of ground corn grain 1% of a mineral mix and 1% of limestone. A total of 169 composite Puruna animals, being 94 bulls and 75 steers with average age of 20 months. The interaction between physiological condition and level of concentrate was not significant (P>0.05) for any of the studied variables. Likewise, no effect of level of concentrate was detected upon the same traits. The bulls presented heavier slaughter weight (493.1 kg) in comparison with the steers (450.0 kg) as well as higher carcass yield (55.2 vs. 53.5%), resulting in a hot carcass weight 12.1% heavier than bulls animals, though with a lower degree of carcass finishing (3.6 vs. 4.2 mm, respectively). Bulls produced carcasses with better conformation and higher area of Longissimus dorsi (68.6 vs. 63.3 cm2), and higher percentage of muscle in comparison with castrated (66.5 vs. 62.8%). The meat from bulls was darker and with lower degree of marbling in relation to steers. Nevertheless, no differences were observed for tenderness nor for juiciness, though steers had more palatable meat.

Evaluation of quality factors of bovine and chicken meat marinated with reduced sodium content

In many industrialized countries, including Brazil, sodium intake exceeds the nutritional recommendations. Excessive consumption is associated with hypertension and premature death by cardiovascular diseases. The industry’s challenge is to produce products with reduced sodium that are similar to regular products in texture and flavor and consistent with consumers’ dietary habits. The present study aimed at substituting 25 and 50% NaCl for KCl in marinated beef and chicken meat with the addition of aromatic herbs and spices. The following microbiological analyses were carried out: macronutrient, chemical composition, and sensorial analysis. The meats showed a reduction in NaCl contents without any changes in their physical and

Quality and Sensorial Evaluation of Beef Hamburger Made with Herbs, Spices, and Reduced Sodium Content

ABSTRACT Strategies aiming to reduce dietary sodium are being implemented based on studies that show that excessive consumption of sodium is associated with negative health effects. The objective of this study was to characterize hamburgers with reduced sodium (NaCl) content by 25% (F25) and 50% (F50). Microbiology, physico-chemical composition, and sensory analysis (for non-hypertensive and hypertensive consumers) were performed. In addition, a market survey was conducted. Sodium reduction affected the hamburger firmness; F50 presented the highest value. Microbiological aspects were adequate. The acceptability of hyposodic hamburgers remained over 70%. Hypertensive consumers had great overall acceptability and only non-hypertensive consumers detected the sodium reduction (F50). A market survey showed consumer interest in acquiring products with sodium reduction. Thus, it is possible to reduce the amount of sodium in meat products, which may benefit consumer health due to reduced sodium consumption.

Effect of the inclusion of natural additives on animal performance and meat quality of crossbred bulls (Angus × Nellore) finished in feedlot

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence a finishing diet containing natural additives fed for 94 days on animal performance, carcass, and meat quality characteristics of crossbred bulls (1/2 Angus × 1/2 Nellore). Forty-eight bulls (initial BW 318 ± 4.7 kg and initial age 22 months) were used in a completely randomised design. Bulls were fed one of four diets: (1) CON – Control; (2) CCO – addition of 4 g/animal.day of a mix of essential oils from castor bean and cashew; (3) MIX – addition of 4 g/animal.day of a mix of essential oils (oregano oils, castor bean, cashew); (4) YST – addition of 4 g/animal.day of yeast. Bulls were finished in feedlot (in individual pens) and slaughtered at an average weight of 469 ± 6.7 kg. Final BW, hot carcass weight and average daily gain were greater (P 0.05) among the four diets. The carcass conformation score was higher (P 0.05) on lipid oxidation, moisture, ash, and total lipids contents. C14:0, C14:1 n-9, C16:0, C18:1 n-9, C18:1 n-7 and C18:3 n-6 fatty acids in intramuscular fat from the longissimus muscle were affected by the inclusion of additives in the diets. SFA, MUFA, PUFA, n-3 and n-6 fatty acid percentages, and the ratios PUFA : SFA and n-6 : n-3 were similar (P > 0.05) among diets. In conclusion, adding a mix of oregano, castor bean, and cashew oils in the diet improved the performance of the bulls, but meat characteristics did not significantly change.