The effects of a beta-agonist treatment, Vitamin D3 supplementation and electrical stimulation on meat quality of feedlot steers

In this study, 20 young steers received no beta-agonist (C), 100 animals all received zilpaterol hydrochloride (Z), with 1 group only receiving Z while the other 4 groups received zilpaterol and vitamin D3 at the following levels (IU/animal/day) and durations before slaughter: 7 million for 3 days (3D7M); 7 million for 6 days (6D7M); 7 million for 6 days with 7 days no supplementation (6D7M7N) and 1 million for 9 days (9D1M). Left carcass sides were electrically stimulated (ES) and the right side not stimulated (NES). Samples were aged for 3 or 14 days post mortem. Parameters included Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), myofibril filament length, sarcomere length and calpastatin and calpain enzyme activity.Both ES and prolonged aging reduced WBSF (P < 0.001). 6D7M, 6D7M7N and Z remained significantly tougher than C (P < 0.001), while 3D7M and 9D1M improved WBSF under NES conditions. ES is more effective to alleviate beta-agonist induced toughness than high vitamin D3 supplements.

► Beta-agonists improve production efficiency but are detrimental to meat quality. ► High vitamin D3 supplements may enhance calcium mediated proteolysis. ► Vitamin D3 supplements could not overcome beta agonist induced toughness. ► Electrical stimulation and prolonged aging is more effective to improve tenderness.