Abattoir Factors Influencing the Incidence of Dark Cutting in Australian Grain-Fed Beef

Animals

D. Bowler¹  F.R. Dunshea²  R.D. Warner²  P.A. Gonzalez-Rivas²  Angela.M. Lees³  CameronC. Steel³  P. McGilchrist³  FrancesC. Cowley³  G. Tarr⁴ 

[1] Animal Health Data, 177 Bennetts Road, Norman Park, QLD 4170, Australia;School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;School of Environmental and Rural Science, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia;School of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;

关键词: high pH;    feedlot cattle;    processing factors;    dark meat;    weather;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ani11020474

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of carcass traits, lairage time and weather conditions during lairage and abattoir factors that impact the incidence of dark cutting in 142,228 grain-fed carcasses, as defined by Meat Standards Australia (MSA) guidelines. This study was conducted over a 12-month period analysing data from cattle that were supplied from seven feedlots and processed at three abattoirs. Abattoir data indicated that the average incidence of dark cutting within the study was 2.8%. Increased wind speeds (WSs) and rain during lairage at the abattoir was associated with an increased risk of dark cutting, whereas variation in ambient temperature and/or relative humidity did not influence dark cutting. Heavier carcasses with whiter fat, larger hump heights, more rib fat, higher marble scores and lower ossification had lower incidences of dark cutting. The factors abattoir, time in lairage, time to grading and grader within Abattoir had significant effects on the incidence of dark cutting. The results from this study suggest that reducing the time in lairage and increasing the time between slaughter and grading are the two major ways to reduce dark cutting in MSA carcasses.

【 授权许可】

Unknown