title: The effects of ante-mortem feed and water withdrawal, ante-mortem electrolyte supplementation, and post-mortem electrical stimulation on the palatability and consumer acceptance of bull beef after ageing (6 days at 1°C).
abstract: A total of 120 bulls each weighing approximately 500 kg were used to evaluate the effects of withholding feed and water for various intervals pre-slaughter, ante-mortem supplementation with an electrolyte solution, and post-mortem electrical stimulation on the cooking and palatability attributes and consumer acceptance of boneless rib steaks aged for 6 days at 1°C. The results clearly showed the detrimental effects of withholding feed and water pre-slaughter and the beneficial effects of post-mortem electrical stimulation on the eating quality of bull beef aged for 6 days at 1°C. Taste panel ratings of palatability attributes between electrolyte-treated and untreated animals did not differ significantly. However, consumer evaluations indicated a lower overall palatability rating for electrolyte-treated bulls. The results clearly indicate that feed and water deprivation is detrimental to the palatability attributes and consumer acceptance of aged bull beef.
authors: Red Meat and Beef Production Section, Agriculture Canada, Research Station, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada T0C 1S0.
authors: L E
authors: LE
authors: Jeremiah
authors: A L
authors: AL
authors: Schaefer
authors: L L
authors: LL
authors: Gibson