Ron K. Tume

The assessment of pre-slaughter and slaughter treatments of livestock by measurement of plasma constituents-A review of recent work.

The measurement of plasma constituents in a blood sample can provide information on the stress status of the animal. The interpretation of results obtained for constituents of blood samples collected at exsanguination must consider the effect of the slaughter process on the constituent. Both electrical and mechanical stunning methods can cause dramatic increases in catecholamine levels and minor increases in glucose levels. Thus, there are difficulties in the interpretation of catecholamine and, to a lesser extent, glucose, values in blood samples collected post-stunning. Cortisol levels appear to be unaffected by stunning methods and measurement of this constituent in post-slaughter blood samples has been used to assist in the evaluation of transport and abattoir treatments. Beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations may assist in evaluating nutritional stress prior to slaughter while the limited evidence available suggests that beta-endorphin measurements will be of value in assessing pain and other stressors prior to slaughter. Adreno-corticotrophic hormone, calcium and magnesium, free fatty acids, glucose, lactate and thyroid hormones have all been used on occasions to assist in the evaluation of stress status. In some cases it was not possible to demonstrate a clear relationship between plasma constituents that indicate stress, and stress-related meat quality defects.

Positional analysis of triacylglycerols from bovine adipose tissue lipids varying in degree of unsaturation

The objective of this study was to demonstrate that changing the fatty acid composition of bovine adipose tissue concurrently changed (i) proportions of triacylglycerol species, (ii) fatty acid composition of triacylglycerol species, and (iii) positional distribution of the component fatty acids of the triacylglycerol species. To achieve this, we took advantage of adipose tissue lipids, from cattle fed in Australia and Japan, that varied widely in fatty acid composition and melting points. Treatment groups produced in Australia were cattle fed: a cornbased diet (MUFA1); a grain-based diet containing whole cottonseed (SFA); a grain-based diet containing protected cottonseed oil (PUFA); and a grain-based diet that resulted in high contents of trans fatty acids (TFA). Treatment groups produced in Japan (MUFA2 and MUFA3) were diets of unknown composition fed for over 300 d. The MUFA1, MUFA2, and MUFA3 samples all were rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, varying only in the proportions of the individual monounsaturates. The SFA, PUFA, and TFA samples had relatively high concentrations of stearic acid (18:0), PUFA, and TFA, respectively. Slip points (indicative of melting points) were 45.1, 41.5, 38.5, 30.7, 28.4, and 22.8°C, for the SFA, TFA, PUFA, MUFA1, MUFA2, and MUFA3 groups, respectively (P<0.05). Triacylglycerols were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography on a silver nitrate-impregnated column into sn-1,2,3-saturated fatty acid triacylglycerol (SSS); [triacylglycerols containing two saturated acids and one trans-monounsaturated fatty acid (SSMt sn-positions unknown)]; sn-1-saturated, 2-monounsaturated, 3-saturated triacylglycerol (SMS); sn-1-saturated, 2-monounsaturated, 3-trans-monounsaturated triacylglycerol (SMMt); sn-1-saturated, 2,3-monounsaturated fatty acid triacylglycerol (SMM); sn-1-saturated, 2-polyunsaturated, 3-trans-monounsaturated triacylglycerol; sn-1,2,3-monounsaturated fatty acid triacylglycerol (MMM); and sn-1-saturated, 2-polyunsaturated, 3-monounsaturated triacylglycerol. Fatty acid methyl esters of each triacylglycerol species also were determined, and further analysis indicated sn-2, and sn-1/3 positions. As the percentage oleic acid increased in the total lipid extract, the proportions of SMM and MMM increased (e.g., from 31.4 and 2.4% in the SFA group to 55.4 and 17.8% in the MUFA3 group). The elevated 18:0 in the SFA group (26%) was reflected in increased percentages of SSS and SSM, and caused an increase in the proportion of 18:0 in all triacylglycerol species relative to the other treatment groups. The percentage of 18:0 in the sn-1/3 positions was elevated markedly in the SMS fraction of the SFA group (to 44%); this would account for the high melting point of the fat of these animals. We conclude that long-term feeding of cattle is sufficient to produce significant alterations in fatty acid composition in bovine adipose tissue. Alterations in the fatty acid composition of bovine adipose tissue changed both the distribution and the composition of the triacylglycerol species, which, in turn, accounted for marked differences in melting points among treatment groups.

A comparison of fat composition of Japanese and long-term grain-fed Australian steers

Subcutaneous and intermuscular fat samples were collected from carcases of four major breeds of steers in Japan: Wagyu, Wagyu × Angus, Dairy and Murray Grey. For comparison, we also collected subcutaneous fat samples from carcases of long-term grain-fed (350-455 days) Angus, Jersey and Angus × Hereford steers, and short-term grain-fed (70-100 days) Murray Grey steers in Australia. Fatty acid profiles were determined on all samples and triacylglycerol composition, thermal properties, fat cell size and lipid and connective tissue contents were determined on representative samples. Compared with the Japanese samples which were soft to very soft when assessed subjectively, samples of Australian fat were generally hard and somewhat fibrous in appearance. These tactile and visual differences in the hardness of the subcutaneous fat between the Japanese and Australian beef were confirmed by the physical and chemical properties determined. Markedly different melting patterns were observed for the Australian and Japanese fat samples. The Japanese fat had considerably less saturated and more unsaturated fatty acids resulting in much higher unsaturated/saturated ratios (1.9) compared with the Australian samples (1.0). This resulted primarily from the high contents of oleic and palmitoleic acids and the low content of stearic acid of the Japanese samples. The triacylglycerols from the Japanese fat had considerably less tri-saturated and di-saturated fatty acids and more di-monounsaturated and tri-monounsaturated fatty acids in their structure. Differences were observed when the Japanese subcutaneous fat samples were grouped by their meat quality grades. From Grade 5 to Grade 2, there was a significant decrease in marbling score (9.3 to 2.5) and in the ratio of palmitoleic to stearic acid (1.7 to 1.2) and an increase in the connective tissue content (1.5 to 2.1%). Compared with subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat had a higher content of saturated and a lower content of unsaturated fatty acids resulting in a lower ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids and of palmitoleic to stearic acid. It was concluded that the fatty acid composition and the triacylglycerol structure of fat plays the predominant role in determining the lustre, texture and properties of fat desired by the Japanese market: the soft character of fat from Japanese cattle results primarily from its low content of stearic acid and consequent lower melting temperatures. Fat cell size and the lipid and connective tissue contents of fat appear to be less important.

Δ9 desaturase activity in bovine subcutaneous adipose tissue of different fatty acid compositiondesaturase activity in bovine subcutaneous adipose tissue of different fatty acid composition

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the relationship between Δ9 desaturase (stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase) activity and fatty acid composition in subcutaneous adipose tissue from cattle of different backgrounds. In Experiment 1, subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were taken from carcasses of pasture-fed cattle and feedlot cattle fed for 100, 200, or 300 d. Adipose tissue from pasture-fed cattle had significantly lower total saturated fatty acids and higher total unsaturated fatty acids than feedlot cattle. Desaturase activity correspondingly was 60–85% higher in pasture-fed cattle than in feedlot cattle. There was no difference in the fatty acid composition or desaturase activity among samples from the 100-, 200-, and 300-d feedlot cattle. In Experiment 2, adipose tissue samples were collected from carcasses of feedlot cattle fed for 180 d with either a standard feedlot ration (control group), or a ration containing rumen-protected cottonseed oil (CSO) for the last 70–80 d. Adipose tissue from the CSO-fed cattle was more saturated than that from the control group, having significantly more 18∶0 and less 16∶1 and 18∶1. Correspondingly, adipose tissue from the CSO group had significantly lower desaturase activity. The elevated 18∶2 in adipose tissue from the CSO group confirmed that unsaturated fatty acids (including cyclopropenoid fatty acids) were protected from biohydrogenation. Further studies are needed to determine whether the repression of desaturase activity results from direct inhibition by cyclopropenoic acids or by higher dietary contents of 18∶2.

A proposed mechanism of tenderising post-rigor beef using high pressure-heat treatment.

Tenderness of beef M. Sternomandibularis was tough when cooked from both raw, and when previously heated (60 degrees C, 20 min), whereas a significant improvement in tenderness was achieved when pressure-heat (P-H) treated muscle (200 MPa, 60 degrees C, 20 min) was cooked. In order to determine the mechanism for this improvement, connective tissue, myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins, were separated into three fractions and studied with regard to their solubilisation, denaturation and aggregation, degradation and strengthening of protein structures for the three treatments (raw, heated and H-P treated). Measurements included DSC, SDS-PAGE, surface hydrophobicity, and the appearance, length and width of myofibres (light microscopy). For the connective tissue fraction, heat solubility was determined. It is suggested that the mechanism for this improvement in tenderness is the formation of a strengthened myofibrillar structure that, when sheared by mastication, allows the crack to pass through the meat rather than dissipate into a more visco-elastic structure. In this way a more brittle fracture is achieved and the meat is perceived as more tender. The pre-requisite is that adequate enzymatic activity has occurred. It is suggested that cathepsins are responsible.

Effect of High Pressure on Physicochemical Properties of Meat

The application of high pressure offers some interesting opportunities in the processing of muscle-based food products. It is well known that high-pressure processing can prolong the shelf life of meat products in addition to chilling but the pressure-labile nature of protein systems limits the commercial range of applications. High pressure can affect the texture and gel-forming properties of myofibrillar proteins and, hence, has been suggested as a physical and additive-free alternative to tenderize and soften or restructure meat and fish products. However, the rate and magnitude at which pressure and temperature effects take place in muscles are variable and depend on a number of circumstances and conditions that are still not precisely known. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the effects of high pressure on muscle tissue over a range of temperatures as it relates to meat texture, microstructure, color, enzymes, lipid oxidation, and pressure-induced gelation of myofibrillar proteins.

Beta-endorphin and cortisol concentrations in plasma of blood samples collected during exsanguination of cattle

Blood samples were collected during exsanguination from a group of 36 cattle slaughtered at a research abattoir and from a group of 36 cattle slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Beta-endorphin and cortisol values were measured in plasma from all blood samples. The mean beta-endorphin values for the two groups of animals (19·2 and 20·9 pmol/litre) did not differ significantly. The mean cortisol values for the two groups of cattle did differ significantly (P < 0·001), with the commercial abattoir group having the greater mean value (123 nmol/litre versus 41 nmol/litre). Although the commercial abattoir group had an elevated mean cortisol value there were no dark cutting carcasses in the group.

A relationship between bovine fat colour and fatty acid composition

Subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained from pasture-grazed (n = 13) and short-term (70 days) grain-fed (n = 13) cattle. The yellow colour of the adipose tissue was assessed by Minolta b(∗) value readings and by determination of total carotenoids and the two measurements gave a correlation coefficient of 0·79 (P < 0·01). The fatty acid composition of the samples varied with fat colour. As the b(∗) value and the carotenoid content of the fat increased, there was a significant increase in the total percentage of cis mono-unsaturated fatty acids and a decrease in saturated fatty acids (P < 0·01). Consequently, the ratio of cis mono-unsaturated to saturated fatty acids was found to be higher in those samples exhibiting a greater yellow colour.

Effect of processing temperature on tenderness, colour and yield of beef steaks subjected to high-hydrostatic pressure

Our aim was to achieve a single-step pressure-heat process that would produce tender, juicy beef steaks from meat that would otherwise be tough when cooked. Steak portions (25mm thick) from hind-quarter muscles were subjected to heat treatment at 60, 64, 68, 72 or 76°C for 20min, with or without simultaneous application of high pressure (200MPa). Control steaks were heated at 60°C for 20min with or without pressure and cooked at 80°C for 30min. Compared with heat alone, pressure treatment resulted in higher lightness scores at all temperatures and overall yield was improved by pressure treatment at each temperature. Even at 76°C, the overall water losses were <10% compared with >30% for heat alone. Meat tenderness (peak shear force) was improved for the pressure-heat samples at temperatures above 64°C, and was optimal at 76°C. Therefore, subject to microbial evaluation, this single-step pressure-heat process could be used to produce tender, high moisture content steaks ready for consumption.

Enriching M. sternomandibularis with α-tocopherol by dietary means does not protect against the lipid oxidation caused by high-pressure processing

We hypothesized that elevating the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in beef muscle tissue by dietary means would increase lipid stability following high-pressure processing. Beef M. sternomandibularis was obtained from cattle that had medium (4.92 microg/g) and high (7.30 microg/g) concentrations of alpha-tocopherol. Post-rigor, paired muscles samples were subjected to pressures of 0.1 (atmospheric), 200 or 800 MPa for 20 min at approximately 60 degrees C. Following high-pressure processing, measurements were made immediately (d 0) or on samples stored in the dark for 6 d at 4 degrees C (d 6). Intramuscular lipid was similar for each group (4.02% vs. 4.26%, respectively; P=0.78), but lipid from the medium alpha-tocopherol muscle was more saturated and less monounsaturated than muscle from the high alpha-tocopherol group. High-pressure processing at 800 MPa and 60 degrees C did not reduce the amount of alpha-tocopherol but significantly reduced the concentration of linoleic acid (18:2n-6) in muscle from both production groups of cattle. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased linearly with treatment pressure only in d 6 samples (day x pressure interaction P=0.0001) and were higher overall (P=0.02) in the high alpha-tocopherol muscle than in the medium alpha-tocopherol muscle. At d 6, lipid peroxides were decreased (P=0.007) by high-pressure treatment and were higher (P<0.0001) in the high alpha-tocopherol group than in the medium alpha-tocopherol group. Therefore, muscle from the high alpha-tocopherol cattle in this study had a greater accumulation of lipid peroxides by d 6, making the muscle from those cattle more susceptible to oxidation.