Frozen storage stability of antioxidant-treated raw restructured beef steaks made from mature cows

Previous research has shown that beef quality decreased with the age of cattle. In this study, beef trimmings from nine mature cows (n = 9), equally representing three animal age groups (2–4, 6–8, and 10–12 yr), were restructured into steaks formulated with propyl gallate, alone or in combination with a beefy flavoring agent, to enhance palatability and stability during 6 months of frozen storage at −29 °C. Lipid oxidation, rancidity, and loss of beefy flavor in restructured steaks during extended storage were reduced by propyl gallate. The beefy flavoring agent inclusion masked mature, forage-fed beef off-flavors, intensified beefy flavor, and improved steak tenderness, juiciness and cooking yield. Thus, the combination of propyl gallate and beefy flavoring offers an effective means to enhance the palatability and storage stability of restructured beef prepared from mature cows.     

Textural properties and microstructure of low-fat and sodium-reduced meat batters formulated with gellan gum and dicationic salts

Instrumental texture characteristics of low-fat, reduced-sodium meat batters formulated with other salts (KCl and MgCl₂ or CaCl₂) with gellan gum were evaluated. Fat and sodium reduction through incorporation of gellan gum and either of the dicationic salts produced less rigid, more ductile structures. Inclusion of magnesium chloride resulted in better performance, whereas addition of calcium chloride resulted in less desirable properties. The dicationic salts level used probably inhibited the gellan gum thermoreversible properties, affecting its water holding properties. Microstructural differences between the dicationic salt treatments were apparently due to the effect of dicationic salt concentration on myofibrillar protein extraction and solubilization, and gellan gum gelation properties. Use of magnesium chloride in tandem with gellan gum in the studied low-fat, reduced-sodium meat batters effectively compensated for the structural differences caused by fat and sodium reduction.     

Technological and sensory characteristics of reduced/low-fat,low-salt frankfurters as affected by the addition of konjac and seaweed

This paper reports the effect of an edible seaweed, Sea Spaghetti (Himanthalia elongata), on the physicochemical (emulsion stability, cooking loss, colour, texture, residual nitrite and microstructure) and sensory characteristics of reduced- and low-fat, low-salt (NaCl) frankfurters prepared with konjac gel as a fat substitute. The effects on emulsion stability of substituting konjac gel for pork backfat were conditioned by the proportion of the substitution. Incorporation of a combination of Sea Spaghetti/konjac gel (accompanied by reduction in salt) increased (P < 0.05) cooking loss and reduced (P < 0.05) emulsion stability in the gel/emulsion systems. Incorporation of Sea Spaghetti/konjac gel produced a decrease (P < 0.05) of lightness (L∗) and redness (a∗) values and an increase (P < 0.05) of yellowness (b∗) as compared to the other samples. The effect of adding seaweed on the texture parameters of low-salt frankfurters varied depending on the proportion of konjac gel used in the formulation. Morphological differences in frankfurter microstructure were observed as fat content was reduced and konjac gel increased. Incorporation of a combination of Sea Spaghetti/konjac gel caused the formation of a more heterogeneous structure, in which the seaweed was integrated in the meat protein matrix.     

Effect of type of emulsifiers and antioxidants on oxidative stability,colour and fatty acid profile of low-fat beef burgers enriched with unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols

Low-fat beef burgers were formulated using fresh lean meat, 9.9% oleic sunflower oil and 0.1% deodorized fish oil to obtain a product enriched in unsaturated fatty acids. The effect of two emulsifiers (whey proteins or egg white) and natural antioxidants (tocopherols and/or oregano–rosemary), as well as the influence of frozen storage on the oxidative stability, colour, and fatty acid (FA) profile was determined on the cooked products. Whey proteins protected better against oxidation than egg white, and tocopherols demonstrated an adequate antioxidant effect in formulations with egg white. For all the formulations the unsaturated/saturated FA ratio was higher than 5.8, showing a good lipid balance in the products. The consumption of 100 g of the cooked product would provide 6% of the recommended daily intake of phytosterols suggested to decrease cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Formulated low-fat burgers with pre-emulsified oils and phytosterols could be considered to be potentially functional foodstuffs.     

The relationship of physiological maturity and marbling judged according to Korean grading system to meat quality traits of Hanwoo beef females

Fifty seven carcasses from Hanwoo beef females were randomly selected by official meat graders and were sorted into three levels of maturity and marbling. Carcass data was collected for back fat thickness, longissimus area, carcass weight, meat colour, fat colour, marbling score, yield and quality grades. Mature carcasses had more yellow fat, coarser texture, a larger longissimus muscle area and lower quality grades and marbling scores (P<0.05). Carcasses with a higher marbling score had thicker fat and a higher quality grade. Carcasses with low marbling had a higher yield grade and a coarser texture (P<0.05). Higher marbling scores corresponded with lower cook and drip loss values for longissimus steaks. As the maturity of carcass was increased, the redness and lightness of meat and the yellowness of fat all tended to increase. Tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability scores for the older maturity group were lower than for younger and intermediate groups. Marbling was significantly (P<0.01) correlated with quality grade, crude fat content, cook and drip losses, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. The maturity level was also significantly (P<0.01) correlated with quality grade, fat colour, texture score, number of calves produced and milk teeth, meat redness and yellowness, fat yellowness, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. Results indicate that a low marbling group and older maturity group based on Korean grading system could negatively influence carcass traits and beef qualities of Hanwoo beef female.     

魔芋粉与黄原胶复配物对重组牛肉品质特性的影响

将转谷氨酰胺酶和酪蛋白酸钠作为重组牛肉使用的黏合剂,添加量为原料牛肉质量的1.2%(m/m)。为了改善重组牛肉的品质特性,在此基础上添加魔芋粉与黄原胶复合物,通过测定重组牛肉的粘结强度、剪切力、解冻损失、蒸煮损失、色差和质构来说明食用胶对重组牛肉加工特性的影响。研究结果表明,魔芋粉与黄原胶的比例为6:4,复合食品胶添加量为0.4%(m/m)时,重组牛肉的粘结强度最好(p<0.05),生肉和熟肉的剪切力均最低,改善了肉的嫩度,使得重组肉具有最好的粘结效果。      

Effects of pork/beef levels and various casings on quality properties of semi-dried jerky

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pork/beef levels and the casings on the quality properties of semi-dried jerky. The pork/beef levels in the four test formulations were as follows: T-1 (pork: beef = 100:0), T-2 (95:5), T-3 (90:10), and T-4 (80:20). After tumbling for 30 min with curing solution, the cured meats were stuffed into natural sheep casings, collagen casings, or cellulose casings, and then dried. The restructured jerky with cellulose casing had the lowest water content and the highest protein content, with no significant differences between various formulations. There were no significant differences among all formulations with regard to pH and total microbial counts, and jerky with cellulose casing had the lowest value of water activity. The processing yields of jerky made from the T-3 formulation were not significantly different with the various casings. The shear force of jerky with cellulose casing was lower than with other casings, and the metmyoglobin contents were more than 85% in all formulations. With regard to sensory properties, jerky made with the T-3 formulation and cellulose casings rated most favorable in evaluations than other treatments.     

Effect of sodium citrate, carboxymethyl cellulose and carrageenan levels on quality characteristics of low-salt and low-fat bologna type sausages

Quality characteristics of low-salt bologna-type sausage manufactured with sodium citrate (NAC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carrageenan (CAR) were examined. Three levels of salt, NAC, CMC and CAR, and two levels of fat were used. Batter and sausage pH values were measured and the frying loss of sausages was analysed by frying slices in an electric grill. Firmness, juiciness, saltiness and flavour intensity of the sausages were sensorically evaluated. Altogether 20 separate sausage batches were prepared. In low-salt sausages containing less than 1.4% NaCl, the use of NAC, CAR and CMC decreased frying loss and increased saltiness. NAC and CAR also increased flavour intensity, but CMC did not. Furthermore, NAC, CAR and CMC increased the firmness of the low-salt sausage, while only NAC increased juiciness when the NaCl content was below 1.4%. NAC increases, however, the sodium content of the product. Therefore, it can be concluded that in low-salt sausages no additive alone is suitable. A mixture of NAC and CAR appears to be the best combination.     

Effect of salt and transglutaminase (TG) level and processing conditions on quality characteristics of phosphate-free, cooked, restructured pork shoulder

Six treatments of phosphate-free restructured cooked pork shoulder were produced with two salt levels (2% and 1%) and three transglutaminase levels (0%, 0.075% and 0.15%) under two processing conditions (72 °C/65 min and 78 °C/65 min). Salt level significantly affected (p < 0.05) the chemical composition, the cooking losses, the colour, the sensory attributes and the overall acceptability of the product. Transglutaminase level affected (p < 0.05) only the consistency and the overall acceptability. The processing conditions on the contrary, affected the moisture and the protein content, the cooking losses, the consistency and the juiciness of restructured cooked pork shoulder. Transglutaminase can be used at a level of 0.15% with reduced salt level (1%) and processing at 72 °C/65 min to produce phosphate-free restructured cooked pork shoulder with acceptable sensory attributes.     

Quality and hygiene of beef burgers in relation to the addition of sodium ascorbate,sodium citrate and sodium acetate

We evaluated the effects of two additive mixtures (sodium ascorbate 1 g kg^?1, sodium citrate 1 g kg^?1 and sodium acetate 1.75 or 2.5 g kg^?1) on the microbiological and physical–chemical characteristics of non‐prepacked beef burgers stored in air at 4 °C or 12 °C for 96 h. Total microbial count reached 7 Log CFU g^?1 48 h later in treated samples at 4 °C. The mixture containing the higher acetate concentration led to a smaller increase in Gram‐negatives, in particular Pseudomonas (2 Log of difference towards control samples at 96 h); at 12 °C, a 1.7 Log difference in Enterobacteriaceae was also shown. Total viable basic nitrogen was significantly lower in the treated samples at 12 °C. The addition resulted in pH stabilisation and lower cooking loss and positively influenced the a* index of burgers at 4 °C. Clearly, the use of these mixtures should not be a substitute of good hygienic practices and optimal storage conditions.     

Effect of Low‐Dose Electron Beam Irradiation on Quality of Ground Beef Patties and Raw,Intact Carcass Muscle Pieces

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a low‐dose (≤1 kGy), low‐penetration electron beam on the sensory qualities of (1) raw muscle pieces of beef and (2) cooked ground beef patties. Outside flat, inside round, brisket and sirloin muscle pieces were used as models to demonstrate the effect of irradiation on raw beef odor and color, as evaluated by a trained panel. Ground beef patties were also evaluated by a trained panel for tenderness, juiciness, beef flavor, and aroma at 10%, 20%, and 30% levels of fat, containing 0% (control), 10%, 20%, 50%, and 100% irradiated meat. With whole muscle pieces, the color of controls appeared more red (P < 0.05) than irradiated muscles, however, both control and treatments showed a gradual deterioration in color over 14 d aerobic storage at 4 °C. Off‐aroma intensity of both control and treatments increased with storage time, but by day 14, the treated muscles showed significantly (P < 0.05) less off‐aroma than the controls, presumably as a result of a lower microbial load. It was found that a 1 kGy absorbed dose had minimal effects on the sensory properties of intact beef muscle pieces. Irradiation did not have a significant effect (P > 0.05) on any of the sensory attributes of the patties. Low‐dose irradiation of beef trim to formulate ground beef appears to be a viable alternative processing approach that does not affect product quality.     

Non-destructive maturity classification of mango based on physical, mechanical and optical properties

Mango is a popular tropical fruit and right maturity at harvest is important for eating quality and shelf life. Therefore, harvesting needs skilled pickers otherwise fruit of varying levels of maturity will be collected. This research investigated maturity classification of mango fruits (cv. Nam Dokmai) using physical, mechanical and optical properties. Variation in size, sphericity, specific gravity, total soluble solids, total acidity, surface color, acoustic response (stiffness coefficient based on the resonant frequency and the weight of the fruit), impact response (peak acceleration/corresponding time) were followed during a number of days after fruit set from 77 to 115 days. On discriminant analysis, mangoes of three maturity classes based on days after fruit set could be separated using non-destructive parameters (95%). Cluster analysis was applied based on destructive parameters (total soluble solids and total acidity) and days after fruit set to pre-allocate each fruit into four different maturity classes. The 89.0% accuracy of classification into four levels of maturity could be achieved by simplified non-destructive model. The best applicable variables of physical, mechanical and optical properties were SG, stiffness coefficient and diffuse reflectance at 670 nm, respectively.     

Growth,carcass characteristics,and profitability of organic versus conventional dairy beef steers

Bull calves (n = 49), born at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (Morris) between March and May 2011, were used to compare growth measurements and profitability of conventional and organic dairy steers. Calves were assigned to 1 of 3 replicated groups at birth: conventional (CONV; n = 16), organic (pasture and concentrate; ORG; n = 16), or organic grass only (GRS; n = 17), and analysis of variables was on a pen basis. Breed groups of calves were Holstein (HO; n = 9); Holsteins (n = 11) maintained at 1964 breed average level; crossbreds (n = 19) including combinations of HO, Montbéliarde, and Swedish Red; and crossbreds (n = 10) including combinations of HO, Jersey, Swedish Red, and Normande. The CONV steers were fed a diet of 80% concentrate and 20% forage. The ORG steers were fed a diet of organic corn, organic corn silage, and at least 30% of their diet consisted of organic pasture during the grazing season. The GRS steers grazed pasture during the grazing season and were fed high-quality hay or hay silage during the nongrazing season. Intakes of a total mixed ration were recorded daily with herd management software. A profit function was defined to include revenues and expenses for beef value, feed intake, pasture intake, health cost, and yardage. The GRS (358.6 kg) steers had lesser total gains from birth to slaughter than ORG (429.6 kg) and CONV (534.5 kg) steers. Furthermore, the GRS (0.61 kg/d) steers had lesser average daily gain from birth compared with ORG (0.81 kg/d) and CONV (1.1 kg/d) steers. The GRS and ORG steers had smaller rib eye area (49.5 and 65.8 cm², respectively) compared with CONV (75.4 cm²) steers. For profitability, GRS steers had 43% greater profit than CONV steers due to organic beef price premiums and lower feed costs. On the other hand, ORG steers had substantially less profit than CONV steers. The higher cost of production for the ORG steers is due to the extreme high value of organic corn. The results of the current study illustrate the economic potential of alternative strategies for growing and marketing male offspring of organic dairy cattle in the Midwest.     

Effect of natural antioxidants on oxidative stability of cooked, refrigerated beef and pork

ABSTRACT:  The effect of grape seed extract (GS; 0.01% and 0.02%), oleoresin rosemary (OR; 0.02%) and water-soluble oregano extract (WS; 0.02%) on oxidative and color stability of cooked beef and pork patties stored at 4 °C for 8 d was determined. Fresh beef or pork lean and trim were ground, mixed (30% fat), and divided into 5 portions. Antioxidants mixed with salt (2%) were added. Patties were formed, cooked to an internal temperature of 71 °C, overwrapped in PVC, and stored at 4 °C. Lipid oxidation, assessed using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and sensory evaluation, instrumental and visual color, and pH were determined after 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 d. Based on TBARS values and off-odors associated with lipid oxidation such as rancidity, wet cardboard (for beef patties), and grassy (for beef and pork patties), grape seed extract resulted in the best antioxidant activity in both meat species. It did not change instrumental color measures of redness, yellowness, or color intensity, and appeared to reduce visual green discoloration in beef patties. The higher GS concentration (0.02%) exhibited more antioxidant activity than the lower concentration (0.01%). Therefore, grape seed extract at 0.02% has the potential to reduce oxidative rancidity and improve shelf life of refrigerated cooked beef and pork patties.     

Microbiological, Sensory and Chemical Characteristics of Vacuum-Packaged Ground Beef Patties Treated with Salts of Organic Acids

Vacuum-packaged ground beef patties containing sodium lactate (NaL), sodium propionate (NaP), sodium acetate (NaA) and sodium citrate (NaC) at various levels and combinations were stored up to 28 days at 4°C. Addition of sodium lactate alone or in combination with sodium propionate increased shelf life of the patties by decreasing microbiological growth and decreasing negative flavor notes associated with lipid oxidation. Lean color also was improved by addition of sodium lactate alone or in combination with sodium propionate. Lipid oxidation by TBA was only slightly affected by treatment addition or storage.     

Comparative composition,diversity, and abundance of oligosaccharides in early lactation milk from commercial dairy and beef cows

Prebiotics are nondigestible dietary ingredients, usually oligosaccharides (OS), that provide a health benefit to the host by directly modulating the gut microbiota. Although there is some information describing OS content in dairy-source milk, no information is available to describe the OS content of beef-source milk. Given the different trait emphasis between dairy and beef for milk production and calf survivability, it is plausible that OS composition, diversity, and abundance differ between production types. The goal of this study was to compare OS in milk from commercial dairy and beef cows in early lactation. Early-lactation multiparous cows (5–12 d in milk) from 5 commercial Holstein dairy herds and 5 Angus or Angus hybrid beef herds were sampled once. Milk was obtained from each enrolled cow and frozen on the farm. Subsequently, each milk sample was assessed for total solids, pH, and OS content and relative abundance. Oligosaccharide diversity and abundance within and between samples was transformed through principal component analysis to reduce data complexity. Factors from principal component analysis were used to create similarity clusters, which were subsequently used in a multivariate logistic regression. In total, 30 OS were identified in early-lactation cow milk, including 21 distinct OS and 9 isomers with unique retention times. The majority of OS detected in the milk samples were present in all individual samples regardless of production type. Two clusters described distribution patterns of OS for the study sample; when median OS abundance was compared between the 2 clusters, we found that overall OS relative abundance was consistently greater in the cluster dominated by beef cows. For several of the structures, including those with known prebiotic effect, the difference in abundance was 2- to 4-fold greater in the beef-dominated cluster. Assuming that beef OS content in milk is the gold standard for cattle, it is likely that preweaning dairy calves are deprived of dietary-source OS. Although supplementing rations with OS is an approach to rectify this deficiency, understanding the health and productivity effects of improving OS abundance being fed to preweaning calves is a necessary next step before recommending supplementation. These studies should account for the observation that OS products are variable for both OS diversity and structural complexity, and some products may not be suitable as prebiotics.     

真空滚揉、静腌对平遥牛肉品质的影响

通过对比七个试验组,研究真空滚揉、静腌对平遥牛肉品质的影响,从感官评定、出肉率、嫩度测定等方面评价,筛选出生产平遥牛肉的最佳方案.实验表明:真空滚揉时间和静腌时间不同对平遥牛肉品质影响较大,经真空滚揉8h,静腌24h为生产平遥牛肉最佳方案组.     

Cook Yield, Texture and Gel Ultrastructure of Model Beef Batters as Affected by Low Levels of Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc Chloride

Effects of 0.05% CaCl₂, MgCl₂, or ZnCl₂, with or without 0.4% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), were investigated in high fat (HF; 30% fat) or low fat (LF; 10% fat) model beef batters. Cook yield (CY), texture, and gel ultrastructure were evaluated. With STPP, CaCl₂ increased CY, and in the absence of STPP, ZnCl₂ decreased CY and cohesiveness (p<0.05). Low-fat, ZnCl₂-treated batters without STPP had the lowest (p<0.05) hardness. Addition of STPP resulted in a homogeneous matrix in HF batters. In MgCl₂-treated HF batters, protein film surrounding fat globules had greater integrity than control, CaCl₂ or ZnCl₂ treatments. In ZnCl₂-treated HF batters (without STPP) a protein sheet was present without evidence of film encased droplets. Low-fat batters with STPP had finer, more porous networks than those without STPP.     

Effect of sodium chloride, sodium nitrite and temperature on desorption isotherms of previously frozen beef

Moisture desorption isotherms of beef were determined in the relative humidity range of 23 to 90% at 5, 15 and 25 °C and at 2.5% NaCl and 2.5% NaCl + 150 ppm NaNO₂ content. Desorption isotherms were found to be typical type II sigmoid. The water content at equilibrium was higher in beef with NaCl and NaCl + NaNO₂ than control samples. Experimental data were fitted to various mathematical models and it was found that the Peleg model was best in describing the equilibrium moisture content relationship for beef samples over the entire range of temperatures. The net isosteric heat of sorption was estimated from equilibrium desorption data, using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. Isosteric heats of desorption were found to increase with decreasing moisture content.