Influence of Beef Carcass Chilling Rate on Steak Case Life and Quality Traits

Study Description: Twelve head of fed beef cattle were harvested at the SDSU Meat Laboratory over two days. Carcasses were allotted into two weight groups based on hot carcass weight (HCW): Heavyweight (HW) and Lightweight (LW). Data logging thermometers were placed in the left side of each carcass within the round, loin, rib, and chuck primals to track temperature decline. Carcass measurements including 12th rib fat thickness, ribeye area and marbling score were collected approximately 48 hours postmortem. Steaks from each primal were collected to measure Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), objective and subjective color

SUCCEED! Critical Reflections on Social Justice through University-assisted CSI Research

This presentation is a collaborative work presented by the SUCCEED [Schools, Universities, and Communities Collaborating for Equitable Educational Development] lab comprised of five undergraduate research assistants. Each research assistant has spent the 2019-2020 school year observing various Chicago Public Schools-CSI [Community Schools Initiative] after-school programs and learning how these supplemental classes and extracurricular learning opportunities have impacted the academic and social-emotional learning of the students who partake in them. We present our research based on critical reflections on participating in the research, including observations, interviews and surveys of students, parents, and stakeholders in the community. This research presentation will provide insight into how university-school-community partnerships promote Loyola’s mission of social justice in the Chicago community

Effect of Lighter and Heavier Initial Weight on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Single-Source Beef Steers

The objective of the study was to determine the influence that initial BW has on growth performance responses, efficiency of dietary net energy (NE) utilization, and carcass traits in feedlot steers. Charolais×Red Angus steers (n = 70) selected from a larger single-source group were used in a 209-d growing-finishing feedlot experiment. Steers were assigned to two groups based on initial BW (light initial weight, LIW = 273 ± 16.0 kg; heavy initial weight, HIW = 356 ± 14.2 kg) and allotted into 10 pens (n = 7 steers per pen; 5 pens per experimental group) the within pen standard deviation for LIW was from 14.1 kg to 20.9 kg and for HIW was from 13.7 kg to 16.0 kg. Steers were fed a common diet once daily. Experimental data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with pen as the experimental unit. LIW steers had a greater cumulative HH change (p = 0.04). A treatment × day interaction (p = 0.05) was observed for HH with HIW steers having a greater HH at all time points. Final BW and carcass-adjusted (HCW/0.625) BW were greater for HIW steers by 13.1% and 13.4% respectively (p ≤ 0.01). HIW steers had a greater DMI (p = 0.01) compared to LIW. Cumulative ADG was greater for HIW by 3% (p = 0.04). LIW steers had better feed conversion (p = 0.01). HIW steers had greater (p ≤ 0.05) HCW, marbling scores, and yield grade (YG), with decreased REA/HCW (p = 0.01) compared to LIW. The distribution of USDA Yield Grade was altered by initial BW (p = 0.04). No differences were detected (p ≥ 0.22) for the distribution of Quality grade nor liver abscess prevalence and severity. Regression coefficients did not differ between LIW and HIW for urea space calculations of empty body water, fat, or protein (p ≥ 0.70). A quadratic response was noted for empty body fat (EBF), empty body water (EBH20), and carcass protein (CP). In conclusion, HIW steers had greater growth, but poorer feed efficiency compared to LIW steers. Steers with a HIW produced fatter carcasses with a greater degree of marbling

Influence of long-term supplementation of a formulated botanical blend on growth performance and carcass traits in feedlot steers

Objective The objective of this study was to determine if a formulated blend of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (Fytera Advance - Selko USA, Indianapolis IN, USA; CCG) influences measures of cattle growth, efficiency, or carcass traits, during the finishing phase in steers fed a concentrate-based diet. Methods Charolais×Angus steers (n = 96; initial shrunk body weight [BW] = 391±34.0 kg) were used in a 144-d (16 February 2023 to 9 July 2023) finishing feedlot experiment in Brookings, SD, USA. Steers were individually weighed and allotted to one of 14 pens (6 to 7 steers; 7 pens/treatment) in a randomized complete block design and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: control diet without the test product (CON) or a diet including CCG at 500 mg/steer daily (CCG). Steers were fed twice daily, and bunks were managed according to a slick bunk system. Results There were no differences (p≥0.10) in any growth performance outcomes from d 1 to 35, 36 to 70, or 71 to 98. From d 99 to 144 steers from CCG tended to have 5% greater average daily gain (p = 0.09) and 8% improved feed conversion (G:F) (p = 0.01). No differences (p≥0.15) were noted for cumulative growth performance measures. No differences were noted for any carcass measurements or categorical carcass outcomes, nor lung or liver health outcomes (p≥0.15). Conclusion The use of CCG had no influence on cumulative growth performance responses. However, the use of CCG improved G:F during the late feeding period