J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1966. 25:1128-1132.
© 1966 American Society of Animal Science
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Evaluation of Hemoglobin, Myoglobin, Blood Oxygen Content and Organoleptic Qualities of Beef from Steers Fed Grain on Pasture or Cut Forage and Grain in Drylot1

H. B. Craig, T. N. Blumer, W. W. G. Smart, Jr.2, 3, and M. B. Wise3

North Carolina State University, Raleigh

Abstract

Thirty-four beef steers (17 per treatment) received a ration of grain on pasture or cut forage and grain in drylot to ascertain the effect of these treatments on certain characteristics influencing muscle color. There was a significant difference between treatments with regard to blood hemoglobin content 72 days after beginning the experiment. Differences after 0, 97 and 145 days were not significant. Myoglobin content of the l. dorsi muscle and of the muscles of the foreshank was similar between treatments. Cattle fattened on pasture had values for visual color, pH, moisture content and ether extract which were similar to those of their counterparts fed grain andchopped grass in drylot. Venous blood oxygen levels were significantly higher in the steers on pasture both at 97 and 145 days.

Organoleptic evaluation did not reveal appreciable treatment differences among the various palatability factors considered. Several significant correlations (disregarding treatment) were noted. There was a tendency for darker colored steaks to be less tender. Fatness was significantly related to juiciness, softness, flavor and shear value.

The premise that pasture-fed animals have darker colored muscles because of increased exercise is not substantiated by the results of this study.

Footnotes

1 Contribution from the Department of Food Science, North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, Raleigh, North Carolina. Published with the approval of the Director of Research as Paper No. 2125 of the Journal Series. This work is cooperative with the U. S. Department of Agriculture and is a part of SM-19, Southern Regional Beef Project.

2 Present address: Department of Chemistry, Georgia State Experiment Station, Experiment, Georgia.

3 Department of Animal Science.






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