Positioning for Trade Liberalization: Structure of Earnings, Comparative and Competitive Advantage of Agricultural Households in the United States and Canada

Consumer/Household Economics, International Relations/Trade,

Modified Wet Distillers Grains Finishing Diets May Increase the Levels of Polyunsaturated and Trans Fatty Acids of Beef

Yearling steers (n=268) were fed 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50 % modified wet distillers grains with solubles (MWDGS; DM basis). Marbling attributes, intramuscular fat content and fatty acid profile of beef were analyzed. Treatments did not alter marbling score, marbling distribution or fat content. Slight differences were identified for marbling texture of Choice carcasses. Values of polyunsaturated, Omega 6 and trans fatty acids linearly increased as levels of modified wet distillers grains increased. Feeding this byproduct increases polyunsaturated, trans and Omega 6 fatty acids in beef

Tenderness, Sensory, and Color Attributes of Two Muscles from the Beef Knuckle

Twelve USDA Choice and twelve USDA Select quadriceps muscles were fabricated traditionally or the seams it shares with the top and bottom round were separated pre-rigor to test the effect of pre-fabrication on tenderness, sensory, and color. Results from this study indicated treatment had minimal effects on quality attributes. The proximal portions of the knuckle were more tender, lighter in color, and more red when compared to the distal portions, although all were reasonably tender. Pre-fabrication can be conducted without detriment to product quality

Fatty Acids and Minerals Affect the Liver-Like Off-Flavor in Cooked Beef

Sixty knuckle centers were obtained from a local harvesting facility to determine factors causing the liver-like off-flavor in beef. Medium chain unsaturated fatty acids and sodium explain 46% of the variation of the liver-like off-flavor intensity ratings in cooked knuckle center steaks. Future studies to manipulate the fatty acid and mineral profiles of muscle might prove beneficial in lowering the incidence of the liver-like off-flavor in beef

Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Affect Lipid Oxidation and Objective Color of Beef Steaks

Strip loins (M. Longissimus lum¬borum), tenderloins (M. Psoas major) and top blades (M. Infraspinatus) from 48 calf-fed, crossbred steer carcasses, were used to test the effects of wet distillers grains plus solubles finishing diets on beef shelf life. After 7-day display, inclusion of wet distillers grains plus solubles in the diet caused higher levels of oxidation on top blades and strip loins and negative effects on color of top blade and tenderloin steaks after 3 days of retail display

Influence of Feeding Wet Distillers Grains on Fatty Acid Composition of Beef

Ribeye slices (M. Longissimus thoracis) were obtained from 94 calf-fed, crossbred steers. Animals were randomly allocated into three groups and finished for 133 days with corn-based diets and varying levels of wet distillers grains plus solubles (0%, 15% or 30%, DM Basis). No treatment differences were found for total lipid, unsaturated, and saturated fatty acids. However, values of 18:2 9t,12t, total polyunsaturated fatty acids, total amount of trans fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid and the omega 6:omega 3 ratio were elevated. It appears that wet distillers grains plus solubles finishing diets alters the fatty acid profile of beef

Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Do Not Increase Liver-like Off-Flavors in Cooked Beef

Crossbred steers fed with varying levels of wet distillers grains to test the incidence of liver-like off-flavors. USDA Choice steaks, when compared to USDA Select, had significantly higher trained sensory muscle fiber tenderness scores, less detectable connective tissue, higher juiciness scores, and more intense off-flavor ratings. USDA Choice steaks had a higher percentage of panelists denote liver-like and metallic off-flavors. Wet distillers grains did not significantly influence off-flavor indicating these by-products can be used to finish cattle without causing detrimental effects on the sensory profile

Factors that Influence Consumers’ Overall Sensory Acceptance of Strip Steaks

Multivariate analysis was used to determine demographic, knowledge, habits, and sensory preferences that influence a consumer’s opinion about the acceptability of strip steaks from corn-fed, barley-fed, and grass-fed beef. Even with all the additional information, most consumers’ final opinions about specific types of steaks are based on how they perceive the flavor, tenderness, and juiciness of the beef

Characteristics of Beef Finished on Wet Distillers Grains with Varying Types and Levels of Roughage

Beef knuckles (n = 160) were obtained from source-verified cattle finished on 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles enriched with varying levels of alfalfa hay, corn silage, or corn stalks based on NDF. Our objectives were to determine if roughage inclusion, in conjunction with wet distillers grains plus solubles and cattle location affects beef flavor. Data from this study indicate type and level of roughage inclusion and cattle location have minimal effects on fatty acid profiles and sensory properties of the M. Rectus femoris. However, individual fatty acids of subcutaneous and intramuscular fat were significantly correlated with liver-like off flavor