The influence of diet on collagen content and quality attributes of infraspinatus muscle from Holstein–Friesian young bulls

• Bulls reared intensively had higher dressing percentage than reared semi-intensively.
• M. infraspinatus from bulls had lower insoluble collagen content.
• Proportion of water soluble collagen was higher in intensively reared bulls.
• Diet did not influence eating quality and shear force of meat.

The aim of the study was to determine effects of feeding intensity on collagen content and eating quality of infraspinatus (INF) muscle. Twenty Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls (11-month-old) were fed either intensively (I, n = 10, with triticale meal addition to total mixed ration) or semi-intensively (SI, n = 10, without triticale meal) before slaughter at 19 months. The animals from I group showed higher body weight at the end of fattening, average daily gain and dressing percentage than SI group. The INF muscle from I treatment had higher fat content and the proportion of water-soluble collagen, whereas lower insoluble collagen content compared with SI treatment. There were no differences in shear force values, cooking loss and eating quality between the treatments. In conclusion, feeding Holstein-Friesian bulls with increased energy value fodder beneficially affected its slaughter value and collagen profile in infraspinatus muscle.