Quality Factors of the Longissimus Dorsi of Young Bulls and Steers

Abstract

Samples were obtained from carcasses of 157 bulls and steers produced in three experiments. Data on percent ether extract and Warner-Bratzler shear value were recorded. In addition, samples were evaluated for tenderness and flavor by small-scale, consumer-type panels. L. dorsi of steers was higher in percent ether extract than muscle from bulls. Shear values of l. dorsi of steers were consistently lower, although sex differences in this measure of tenderness were not significant. Panel participants tended to favor steers in terms of tenderness and flavor. Stilbestrol implantation caused a decrease in percent ether extract in the l. dorsi of steers, but tended to increase slightly intra-muscular fat in bulls. Differences in tenderness and flavor between bulls and stilbestrol-treated steers were nonsignificant. Copyright © 1966. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1966 by American Society of Animal Science