Kaempferol reduces angiopoietin-like protein 4 expression to improve carcass characteristics and meat quality traits in Holstein steers

Previous studies have shown that angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) is a protein that stimulates oxidation of fatty acids and inhibits fat accumulation. Kaempferol is a naturally occurring polyphenol agent. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the beneficial effect of kaempferol on carcass characteristics and meat quality in cattle was related to decreased expression of Angptl4. Twenty-seven Holstein steers (Holstein dam × Chinese Yellow sire) (15 months of age) were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (steers), and two groups of steers treated with kaempferol (0.3 or 0.9%). Ninety days after, kaempferol (0.3 or 0.9%) treatment significantly increased lion eye area, tenderness, backfat thickness, crude fat and expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL); decreased drip loss, shear forcing, and expression of Angptl4. The present results suggest that kaempferol reduces Angptl4 expression to improve carcass characteristics and meat quality traits in Holstein steers.