Beef Brief
Bovine BlueLite® helps reduce dark cutters and maximize profits Chronic stress prior to slaughter can dramatically reduce the available glycogen needed to produce lactic acid during the conversion of muscle to meata. Feed withdrawal, heat stress, illness, or seasonal changes in weather are often factors that can contribute to chronic stress. The result of such stress can significantly decrease lactic acid production after slaughter, and ultimately manifest into carcasses that are dark cutters.
Factors affecting dark cutting beef • Biological type • Season • Animal Handling • Transport
• Sex • Production Practices • Muscle Glycogen
Dark cutting beef carcasses can be identified by having dark lean tissue, a pH greater than 5.8, a tacky texture to cut surfaces, and increased water holding capacity. Consequently, the shelf-life of cuts derived from dark cutting carcasses is reduced, tenderness is adversely affected, and profit potential drops.
How to cut down on dark cutters
Bovine BlueLite is formulated to provide sugars, electrolytes and essential nutrients to aid in performance during periods of stress. As a result, Bovine BlueLite can have a positive impact on both live animal and carcass performanceb.
Bovine BlueLite is proven effective at:
• Improving the amount of glycogen in the musclec • Helping maintain metabolic homeostasis • Impacting carcass parameters • Helping preserve pounds sold and qualityb • Supporting marketing bottom line Handling protocols can also effect dark cutters. Therefore, handling cattle to reduce stress and avoid any fluctuations in feeding is very important. Here’s some handling practices that will also help: • Don’t use electric prods or overly aggressive dogs • Work in well lighted areas • Keep voices calm • Help cattle acclimate to surroundings for a more relaxed load out Revenue can be gained in the beef industry by decreasing the incidence of dark cutting beef carcasses. Increasing the glycolytic potential of skeletal muscle prior to slaughter would aid lactic acid production necessary in the conversion of muscle to meat. Bovine BlueLite Pellets has demonstrated it is capable of increasing glycolytic potential in Holstein Steer carcasses and has shown a trend in decreasing pH.
Characteristics of dark cutting beef • Dark, firm and dry • Tougher meat • Poor cooking quality
• Darker in color • Higher instances of off-flavors • Shorter storage life
Rehydrate. Recover. Perform.
Wulf et al., 2002 Commercial feedyard data, 2007 c Kern et al., 2011 a
b
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