Life Sciences Commons^™

Feed Efficiency Is Better And Activity Is Greater In Growing Cattle Limit-Fed A High-Energy Diet During The Growing Phase Compared To A Traditional Roughage-Based Diet Fed For Ad Libitum Intake, M. A. Scilacci, E. C. Titgemeyer, S. P. Montgomery, T. J. Spore, A. J. Tarpoff, T. G. O'Quinn, W. R. Hollenbeck, D. A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this experiment was to compare performance impacts of a high-energy diet limit-fed at 2.2% of body weight (BW) daily on a dry matter (DM) basis to a traditional roughage-based diet fed forad libitumintake during the growing phase.

Study Description:Three hundred seventy crossbred heifers (initial BW = 496 ± 44 lb) were used in a receiving and growing study at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit in the spring of 2020. Animals were fed once daily at 7:00 a.m. Bunks were visually observed, and feed refused was estimated.Ad libitumfeed refusal was targeted …

Digestibility Of Dry Matter Is Better And Manure Output Is Lower In Growing Cattle Limit-Fed A High-Energy Diet During The Growing Phase Compared To A Traditional Roughage-Based Diet Fed For Ad Libitum Intake, M. A. Scilacci, E. Titgemeyer, S. P. Montgomery, T. J. Spore, A. J. Tarpoff, T. G. O'Quinn, W. R. Hollenbeck, D. A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Evaluate the impact on intake and digestion of a high-energy diet limit-fed at 85% of thead libitumdaily consumption of a roughage-based diet on a dry matter (DM) basis compared to a traditional roughage-based growing diet in growing cattle.

Study Description:Eight ruminally cannulated crossbred Angus heifers (body weight = 450 ± 24 lb) were used in a cross-over design with two consecutive 15-day periods at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit. Two dietary treatments were fed: (1) 45 Mcal of net energy for gain (NE_g) per 100 lb of DM fed forad libitum …

Field Trial Assessing The Use Of Sex-Sorted Semen In Beef Cattle, K. W. Aubuchon, J. A. Odde, C. Bronkhorst, E. M. Bortoluzzi, M. J. Goering, K. E. Fike, K. G. Odde

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective was to evaluate the reproductive performance of sex-sorted semen on beef cows and heifers.

Study Description:For this trial, 320 Angus and SimAngus cows and heifers from four groups were used. Group 1 yearling heifers (n = 101) were synchronized using the melengestrol acetate plus prostaglandin F_2α(MGA-PGF_2α) protocol and Groups 2, 3, and 4 cows (n = 219) were synchronized using the 7-Day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. Insemination was done with semen from an Angus sire (Group 1 yearling heifers and Group 2 young cows) sorted to contain>90% X-bearing sperm, or a …

Impacts Of A Post-Transport/Pre-Processing Rest Period On The Growth Performance And Serum Metabolites Of Cattle Entering A Feedlot, P. L. Dahmer, Z. T. Buessing, N. B. Stafford, M. E. Reeb, C. A. Zumbaugh, A. J. Tarpoff, K. G. Odde, J. S. Drouillard, M. Theurer, T. Jones, C. K. Jones

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a post-transport rest period on receiving calf growth performance and blood serum metabolites as indicators of immune function.

Study Description:Eighty heifers were purchased from a sale barn and transported 6 hours to the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Research Center where they were processed at one of four times: immediately upon arrival or after a 6-, 24-, or 48-hour rest period. Cattle were then fed for 35 days with growth performance data collected weekly. Blood samples were also collected and analyzed for serum infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) …

Changes In The Perception Of Ground Beef Quality As A Result Of Price Per Pound Labeling, E. S. Beyer, K. M. Harr, K. J. Farmer, S. G. Davis, M. D. Chao, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the effect of perceived palatability on ground beef patties by providing consumers with differing price per pound labels.

Study Description:Ground beef chubs (n = 15)of 80% lean/20% fat composition were used for all samples. Patties were formed 11 days after processing into 0.25 lb patties using a commercial patty former.

Samples were cooked to 160°F and served to consumers to determine different quality attributes. Consumers were given the following prices for each sample: Ultra-High - $6.25/lb; High - $5.00/lb; Medium - $3.75/lb; Low - $2.50/lb; Ultra-Low - $1.25/lb or …

Exploring The Potential Effect Of Phospholipase A2 Antibody To Extend Beef Shelf-Life In A Beef Liposome Model System, C. K. Chun, R. Welti, M. Roth, M. P. Richards, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to utilize a beef liposome model system to investigate if phospholipase-A₂antibody (aPLA2) can be used to inhibit phospholipase-A₂(PLA2) activity to potentially improve beef shelf-life.

Study Description:Phospholipids (PL) from 10 U.S. Department of Agriculture choice beef striploin steaks were extracted and split into six treatments: PL (25 mg of PL); aPLA10 (PL + 25 µg of aPLA2); aPLA20 (PL + 50 µg of aPLA2); PLA2 (PL + 10 µg of PLA2); PLA2+aPLA10 (PL + PLA2 + aPLA10); and PLA2+aPLA20 (PL + PLA2 + aPLA20). The model system was under …

Evaluation Of Grazing Options During Summer For Growing Heifers – Year 2, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Developing methods to provide high quality forage through most of the year is important for cattle operations. The purpose of this study was to determine forage management options to offset the summer “slump” with fescue. Four grass pasture treatments (10 pastures total; 4 acres each) were used in a completely randomized design and stocked with growing heifers (n = 49; initial wt 473 ± 60 lb). Pasture treatments consisted of novel fescue (FES), crabgrass (CRAB), bermudagrass (BERM), and sorghum-sudan interseeded into novel fescue (SS-FES). Heifers were weighed and grazed pastures from April to September (153 d). Heifers on FES were …

A Limit-Fed, High-Energy Diet Fed During The Growing Phase Does Not Negatively Affect Subsequent Feedlot Growth Performance Or Carcass Merit Compared To Feeding A Traditional Roughage-Based Diet Ad Libitum During The Growing Phase, M. A. Scilacci, E. C. Titgemeyer, S. P. Montgomery, T. J. Spore, A. J. Tarpoff, T. G. O'Quinn, K. Montgomery, W. R. Hollenbeck, D. A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this experiment was to compare the subsequent growth performance and carcass impacts of a high-energy diet limit-fed at 2.2% of body weight (BW) or a traditional roughage-based diet fedad libitumduring the growing phase.

Study Description:Three hundred seventy crossbred heifers (initial BW = 496 ± 44 lb) previously used in a 90-day growing study at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit were transported to a commercial feedlot (Pratt Feeders, Pratt, KS) for finishing where cattle were fed a common diet. The two backgrounding diets included: (1) 45 Mcal of net energy for gain …

Inclusion Of Biuret With Or Without Bovatec In A Commercial Mineral Supplement Did Not Improve Growth Performance Of Yearling Calves Grazing Native Grass: Year 1 Of 2, M. G. Pflughoeft, Z. M. Duncan, Z. L. Debord, K. J. Suhr, W. R. Hollenbeck, F. K. Brazle, A. J. Tarpoff, K C. Olson, D. A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this experiment was to measure the effects of non-protein nitrogen (NPN; biuret) or NPN + ruminal modifier (biuret + Bovatec, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) inclusion in a commercial mineral mix on growth performance of yearling beef calves grazing in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Study Description:Three hundred ninety-five crossbred steers (initial body weight: 612 ± 77.8 lb) of Texas origin previously backgrounded at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit were used. Three mineral treatments consisting of a basal supplement (control), a basal supplement plus NPN (biuret), and a basal supplement plus NPN and lasalocid (Bovatec) were …

Changes In The Perception Of Ground Beef Quality As A Result Of Primal Labeling, L. A. Egger, K. M. Harr, E. S. Beyer, K. J. Farmer, S. G. Davis, M. D. Chao, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the effect of providing primal source information to consumers prior to consumption on palatability ratings of ground beef from the same source.

Study Description:Ground beef chubs that were 80% lean and 20% fat (n = 15) were used for testing. Samples were served to consumers as 0.25 lb patties that were cooked internally to 160°F. Consumers were asked to evaluate and assess different palatability traits and evaluated samples identified as ground chuck, ground round, ground sirloin, and store ground along with a sample that offered no information.

Bottom Line:Based …

Trained Sensory Panel Evaluation Of The Impact Of Bone-In Versus Boneless Cuts On Beef Palatability, K. J. Farmer, E. S. Beyer, S. G. Davis, K. M. Harr, M. D. Chao, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine palatability traits of beef cuts of differing bone status and quality grade.

Study Description:Paired (n = 12 pairs; 24 total/cut/grade) boneless ribeye rolls, export ribs, and short loins were procured. Short loins were fabricated into boneless strip loins with corresponding bone-in tenderloins, or bone-in strip loins with boneless tenderloins. Post-aging, subprimals were fabricated into steaks that were randomly selected for further analysis. A total of 18 trained sensory panels were conducted at the Kansas State University Meat Science Sensory Lab to determine differences in palatability traits.

Results:In totality, bone …

The Effects Of Intensive Early Stocking And Early Weaning On The Onset Of Puberty And Reproductive Success In Beef Replacement Heifers, Chance Fiehler, John Jaeger, Justin Waggoner, Keith Harmoney, K.C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Management practices utilizing genetics, nutrition, and growth have commonly been studied to maximize the lifetime productivity of female beef cattle. However, heifers managed to have their first calf by 24 months of age have the greatest chance of achieving maximum lifetime productivity.

One way for a heifer to calve by 24 months of age is to decrease the age at which she reaches puberty. Heifers reaching puberty 1 to 3 months before exposure to breeding maximized conception success, as was shown when heifers bred during their third estrus were 21% more likely to conceive than heifers that were bred during …

Interseeding Sorghum-Sudangrass Into Perennial Cool-Season Western Wheatgrass Pasture, Keith Harmoney, John Guretzky

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Conversion of pastureland into cropland has occurred at a rapid rate on the Great Plains. A reduction in total acreage of pastureland from this conversion has resulted in a decline of total numbers of beef cows in the same region. One method to mitigate the decline in cow numbers is to increase the carrying capacity of the remaining pastureland acres. To achieve this goal, a study was conducted to introduce warm-season annual grass species into perennial cool-season grass pastures to increase dry matter production during the mid-summer time period that perennial cool-season grasses would be most dormant. An increase in …

Comparison Of Finishing Cattle On Self-Feeder Or Total-Mixed Ration, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Corn-finished cattle are the backbone of the US beef production system. Traditionally cattle are fed a total-mixed ration (TMR) where all feed ingredients are mixed together, delivered, and fed daily to cattle. Previous research evaluated complete self-fed finishing rations where the diet is placed into a self-feeder. With advancements in technology and varieties of corn, the purpose of this study was to determine the differences in finishing cattle gains, feed efficiency, carcass merit, and cost of production on a TMR ration as compared to a self-fed finishing ration. Thirty-five steers and heifers were sorted into 8 pens and assigned to …

Impact Of Disclosing Fat Content On Consumer Sensory Evaluation Of Ground Beef From A Similar Source, K. R. Lybarger, K. M. Harr, E. S. Beyer, K. J. Farmer, S. G. Davis, M. D. Chao, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the impact of providing consumers with information regarding the fat content of ground beef on the consumer’s eating experience.

Study Description:Ground beef chubs that were 80% lean/20% fat (n= 15/panel type) were obtained, and 0.25-lb patties were fabricated from the chubs. Chubs were assigned randomly to panels. Panelists received samples labeled as the following: 90% lean/10% fat (90/10), 80% lean/20% fat (80/20), 73% lean/27% fat (73/27), lean, extra lean, and one sample with no information given (NONE). Samples were evaluated by consumers (n = 105), who were provided information …

Evaluation Of Differing Genetic Potentials On Beef Cattle Resource Use In The Great Plains, A. D. Lakamp, D. G. Aherin, R. L. Larson, I. A. Ciampitti, C. J. Kopsa, R. L. Weaber, J. M. Bormann, M. M. Rolf

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to examine the environmental impact and efficiencies of beef cattle with differing genetic potentials in the Great Plains.

Study Description:A 100-head cow-calf herd was simulated for 74 different land regions and six combinations of genetic potential within regions: large, moderate, or small mature size and high (24.2 lb/day) or low (17.6 lb/day) milk production. The simulation determined the average amount of feed required to maintain the herd. Land, water, and methane production were estimated for each combination of land use area and genetic potential. Weaning weight was estimated for each genetic potential …

Effect Of Holstein And Beef-Dairy Cross Breed Description On The Sale Price Of Feeder And Weaned Calf Lots Sold Through Video Auctions, E. D. Mccabe, M. E. King, K. E. Fike, K. G. Odde

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Objectives were to determine: 1) value of Holstein feeder steer lots compared with steer lots of other breed descriptions, 2) value of beef-dairy cross weaned steer calves compared with either Holstein weaned calves or weaned calves of other breed descriptions, and 3) value of beef-dairy cross weaned calves compared with weaned calves of other beef breed descriptions sold through video auctions.

Study Description:Data on 14,075 feeder steer lots sold in 211 auctions from 2010 through 2018; 763 weaned steer calf lots, and 1,125 weaned steer and heifer calf lots sold via seven auctions in 2020 and 2021 were …

Stocker Steer Gains And Fly Numbers As Impacted By Burn Date And Type Of Mineral On Tallgrass Native Range – Year 3, J. K. Farney, M. Frahm

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of two operational management systems for steer gains and fly control. The first strategy evaluated was pasture burn date of March (MAR) or April (APR). The second management strategy was free-choice mineral with spices (SPICE) or without spices (CON). Eight pastures (n = 281 steers; initial weight 572 ± 75 lb) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure. Steers were weighed individually, randomly assigned to treatment, and grazed for 87 days. Weekly, 33% of steers were photographed to count flies and evaluated for hair coat score. Neither the date of pasture …

Evaluation Of Implants, Clover, And Fescue Variety On Stocker Steers – Year 2, J. K. Farney, M. Frahm, S. Strnad, T. Bottorff

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sixty-four growing steers were used in a split-plot experiment, where the whole plot was pasture, and the split-plot was the implant level. Whole plot treatment was a 4 × 2 factorial with four levels of fescue (High Endophyte, Low Endophyte, Novel, or Endophyte Free) and two levels of legume (Legumes or No Legumes). The split-plot included four implant levels (No Implant, Synovex One Grass, Revalor-G, or Ralgro). Data collected were weights, hair coat scores, hair length, rectal temperature (every 28 days), and ultrasound carcass characteristics when steers were coming off grass. Steers on High Endophyte had the lowest average daily …

Challenges Associated With Semen Quality While Collecting Beef Bulls For Semen Freezing, A. R. Hartman, N. M. Goodenow, S. K. Tucker, K. E. Fike, D. M. Grieger

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of failure to freeze semen due to semen quality.

Study Description:Semen collection data from 2008 to 2018 were obtained from the Kansas Artificial Breeding Services Unit and consisted of 14,750 ejaculates from bulls. Bulls were collected twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays with an artificial vagina. Bulls not receptive to the artificial vagina were subject to electro-ejaculation. A single technician was responsible for all pre-freeze and post-thaw semen analysis. Ejaculates were required to meet quality standards for both progressive motility and morphology.

Results:Over the ten years, 21% …

Effects Of Betaine On Protein Deposition In Growing Cattle With Modulated Methyl Group Status, M. S. Grant, J. M. Marsh, K. J. Hazlewood, M. D. Miesner, E. C. Titgemeyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study was conducted to evaluate effects of guanidinoacetic acid and creatine supplementation in the presence or absence of supplemental betaine on lean tissue growth in growing cattle.

Study Description:Seven ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (417 lb) were used in an experiment where each steer received each of six treatments. The first treatment set was conducted via abomasal infusion of a saline solution (control), 15 g/day guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), or 16.8 g/day creatine, and the second set was conducted via abomasal infusion of 0 or 5.6 g/day betaine; all treatment combinations were represented. Complete collection of urine and feces …

Effects Of Prescribed Fire Timing On Stocker Cattle Performance And Native Plant Composition: Year 3 Of 6, Z. M. Duncan, A. J. Tajchman, M. P. Ramirez, J. Lemmon, K. J. Suhr, W. R. Hollenbeck, D. A. Blasi, K C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this experiment was to document the effects of prescribed-fire timing on stocker cattle performance, soil cover, and plant species composition over a six-year period.

Study Description:Yearling stocker cattle were assigned to one of three prescribed-burn treatments: spring (April 9 ± 5.1 days), summer (August 23 ± 4.9 days), or fall (September 29 ± 8.7 days). Calves were grazed from May to August for 90 days. Individual body weights (BW) were recorded at the beginning and end of the grazing season to determine total BW gains and average daily gains. Native plant composition and soil cover …

Bunk Space Requirements For Growing Beef Cattle Limit-Fed A High-Energy Corn And Corn Co-Product Diet, Z. M. Duncan, Z. L. Debord, M. G. Pflughoeft, K. J. Suhr, W. R. Hollenbeck, K C. Olson, D. A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of our experiment was to evaluate the effects of bunk allotment on performance of growing beef calves during a 58-day receiving period and investigate possible residual effects of bunk-space allotment on subsequent growth performance during a 90-day grazing season.

Study Description:A group of 385 crossbred steers (initial weight 473 ± 56 lb) were purchased in Texas and transported to the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit. Calves were blocked by arrival date, assigned to one of four bunk space treatments (i.e., 10, 15, 20, or 25 in of bunk per head), and limit-fed a high-energy corn …

Effect Of Ruminally-Protected Lysine Supplementation To Growing Cattle On Growth And Subsequent Finishing Performance, K. J. Hazlewood, M. S. Grant, D. A. Blasi, G. A. Ducharme, E. C. Titgemeyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ruminally-protected lysine supplementation fed during the growing phase to cattle limit-fed a corn-based diet, and to evaluate the subsequent finishing performance.

Study Description:For 77 days, a group of 338 steers limit-fed at 2.4% of body weight daily on a dry matter basis were allocated to treatments providing 0, 3, or 6 g/day of lysine from Smartamine ML (Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA), or containing blood meal plus ruminally-protected methionine from Smartamine M. Growth performance was measured over the growing period. Cattle were then shipped to a commercial feedlot and …

An Investigation On The Influence Of Various Biochemical Tenderness Factors On Eight Different Bovine Muscles, P. A. Hammond, C. K. Chun, W. Wu, A. A. Welter, T. G. O'Quinn, G. Magnin-Bissel, E. Geisbrecht, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Beef tenderness is a complex palatability trait with many tenderness-contributing components. The objective of this study is to understand the relative contribution of each tenderness component to eight different beef muscles.

Study Description:Top sirloin butt, ribeye, brisket, flank, knuckle, eye of round, mock tender, and shoulder clod were collected from 10 U.S. Department of Agriculture high choice beef carcasses and assigned to a 2- or 21-day aging period (n = 160). Protein degradation, collagen content, mature collagen crosslink density, intramuscular lipid content, pH, shear force, and trained sensory panel analysis were determined. A Pearson correlation analysis was used …

Cattlemen's Day 2022, Beef Cattle Research

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This report includes research on beef cattle management, reproduction, nutrition, and meat science conducted at Kansas State University.

Effects Of Late Summer Prescribed Fire On Botanical Composition, Soil Cover, And Forage Production In Caucasian Bluestem-Infested Rangeland In The Kansas Smoky Hills: Year 3 Of 4, M. P. Ramirez, A. J. Tajchman, Z. M. Duncan, J. Lemmon, K C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective was to document the effects of late-summer prescribed fire on soil cover, botanical composition, and forage production in the Kansas Smoky Hills and associated effects on dense Caucasian bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii) stands therein.

Study Description:The study took place on a private ranch in Ellsworth County, in the Kansas Smoky Hills. Eighteen one-acre plots were assigned randomly to one of two prescribed-fire treatments: no burn (control) and burn (burned August 14, 2019). Soil cover, plant composition, and forage production were evaluated annually. These data represent plant community effects prior to treatment and one and two …

Syngenta Enogen Corn Fed As Corn Grain And Corn Silage In Diets Containing Corn Coproducts Did Not Enhance Growth Performance Of Growing Heifers, M. A. Scilacci, M. A. Johnson, E. C. Titgemeyer, S. P. Montgomery, A. J. Tarpoff, E. D. Watson, W. R. Hollenbeck, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Evaluate the effect of feeding corn grain and corn silage from Syngenta Enogen corn hybrids (EC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC., Downers Grove, IL) or conventional corn hybrids in diets containing either wet distillers grain (WDG; ICM Biofuels, St. Joseph, MO) or Sweet Bran (WCGF; Cargill Animal Nutrition, Blair, NE) on growth performance in growing cattle.

Study Description:Three hundred eighty-four crossbred heifers [initial body weight (BW) = 582 ± 42 lb] were used in a completely randomized design, 81-day receiving and growing study, with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of four dietary treatments. Experimental diets were formulated to contain …

Impact Of Disclosing Labeling Information On Consumer Sensory Evaluation Of Ground Beef From A Similar Source, K. M. Harr, E. S. Beyer, K. J. Farmer, S. G. Davis, M. D. Chao, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the effect of providing labeling information prior to evaluation on consumers’ palatability ratings of ground beef from a similar source.

Study Description:Ground beef (80% lean/20% fat) from a similar source was obtained and fabricated into 0.25 lb patties. Patties were fed to consumers who evaluated each sample for different palatability traits. Consumers (n = 105) were informed about the labeling information of each sample prior to evaluation. Labels utilized: all natural, animal raised without added antibiotics (WA), animal raised without added hormones (WH), fresh never frozen (FNF), grass-fed, locally sourced, …

Native Beef Collagenase Mmp-9 May Contribute To Tenderness Improvement By Degrading Connective Tissues In Extended Aged Beef, L. A. Koulicoff, A. A. Welter, P. A. Hammond, C. K. Chun, T. G. O'Quinn, G. Magnin-Bissel, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Collagen is one of the main components in the connective tissue (CT) and contributes to background toughness in beef. It is known that in living animals, collagen can be degraded and remodeled by collagenase matrix metalloproteinases (MMP); however, it is unclear if collagenase MMP can impact CT texture during postmortem aging of beef. Therefore, this study aimed to understand how collagenase MMP activity may impact postmortem connective tissue degradation in beef in three different cuts and four different aging periods.

Study Description:Beef boneless striploin, top sirloin butt, and heel were acquired from 10 U.S. Department of Agriculture high …