Effect of days on concentrate feed on sensory off-flavor score, off-flavor descriptor and fatty acid profiles for selected muscles from cull beef cows

The effects of short-term realimentation (0, 42 or 84 days) of cull beef cows (n = 24) and post-mortem aging (10 or 20 days) of selected muscles on sensory off-flavor score, off-flavor descriptors of m. Gluteus medius (GLM), m. Longissimus lumborum (LOL), m. Triceps brachii-long head (LON) and m. Rectus femoris (REF) and fatty acid profiles (GLM, LOL and LON) were researched. Post-mortem aging did not affect sensory off-flavor detection or the interaction with muscle or treatment (P ⩾ 0.65). Sensory off-flavor scores were lower (P < 0.01) for steaks that were derived from cull cows fed a concentrate diet for at least 42 days. As well, the number of samples that had detectable off-flavors decreased (P < 0.01) when cull cows were fed for 42 days. Realimentation did have an effect on fatty acid profiles (P < 0.05). However, regression analysis showed changes in sensory off-flavor score were not influenced (P > 0.05) by alterations in fatty acid profiles.