Relationship between beta-adrenergic agonists, calpain system activity and beef texture: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Meat Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Beta-adrenergic agonists are sometimes used in cattle diets.
• Calpains and calpastatin are key regulators of muscle protein turnover.
• Meat tenderness is a critical factor in consumer acceptance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of beta-adrenergic agonists on calpain and calpastatin activity in bovine muscle.
• To evaluate the impact of these supplements on meat tenderness.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in June 2019 across major scientific databases.
• Keywords included combinations of "agonist", "calpain", "cattle/bovine/heifers/steers".
• Thirteen relevant studies were selected for analysis.

Main Results:

• 54% of studies indicated increased calpastatin activity with beta-adrenergic agonist supplementation.
• 23% observed increased calpastatin gene expression; 23% found no effect.
• All nine studies assessing meat texture reported increased shear force values, indicating reduced tenderness.

Conclusions:

• Beta-adrenergic agonists supplementation shows a tendency to increase calpastatin activity in bovine muscle.
• This increase in calpastatin activity is strongly associated with reduced meat tenderness.
• Further research may be needed to understand the precise mechanisms and implications for meat quality.