Definition of Meat Quality Across Different Cattle Breeds
Beniamino T Cenci-Goga1,2, Egidia Costanzi1, Francesca Blasi3
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Cattle breed significantly impacts beef quality. Angus beef is most marbled and tender, while Chianina offers brighter meat, guiding informed consumer choices through breed-specific labeling.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Food Science
- Meat Science
Background:
- Consumer choice in beef is driven by quality attributes like color, marbling, and tenderness.
- Understanding the influence of cattle breed on these attributes is crucial for the beef industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of six different cattle breeds on beef quality traits.
- To establish a basis for a grading scale and labeling system for beef quality.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated six bovine breeds: German Red Pied, Piemontese, Chianina, Angus, Holstein, and a Polish crossbreed.
- Analyzed the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle using colorimetry, marbling scoring, fatty acid profiling, and tenderness measurements.
Main Results:
- Angus exhibited the highest marbling and tenderness. Chianina, Holstein, and Polish crossbreeds showed distinct color profiles, with Chianina having brighter meat.
- Total lipid content correlated positively with visible marbling. Angus and Holstein were identified as the most tender breeds.
Conclusions:
- Breed significantly influences beef color, marbling, and tenderness.
- Findings support a proposed grading scale and labeling infographics to aid consumer decision-making.
- Breed-specific information on labels can enhance consumer understanding and purchasing decisions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Mechanical Characteristics of Steel
991
The mechanical characteristics of steel are assessed through various tests that evaluate its strength, toughness, and flexibility. These tests include tension, torsion, impact, bending, and hardness assessments, each providing crucial information about steel's suitability for specific applications.
The tension test is fundamental for determining tensile strength. In this test, a steel specimen is stretched using a gripping device until it breaks. The data collected during this test are used...
The tension test is fundamental for determining tensile strength. In this test, a steel specimen is stretched using a gripping device until it breaks. The data collected during this test are used...
991
01:29Protein Folding Quality Check in the RER
5.0K
ER is the primary site for the maturation and folding of soluble and transmembrane secretory proteins. The calnexin cycle is a specific chaperone system that folds and assesses the confirmation of N-glycosylated proteins before they can exit the ER lumen. The primary players of this quality check pipeline are the lectins, ER-resident chaperones, and a glucosyl transferase enzyme. In case the calnexin system in the lumen fails to salvage a misfolded protein, it is transported to the cytoplasm...
5.0K
01:25Overview of Muscle Tissues
21.0K
The human body has three types of muscle tissue: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. Each class has unique properties that enable them to perform specific functions. However, all muscle tissues share certain properties, including elasticity, contractility, and excitability.
Elasticity
Elasticity is the ability of muscles to stretch and return to their original shape. This property is partly due to elastic fibers — macromolecules that run through the muscles. These fibers are firm and...
Elasticity
Elasticity is the ability of muscles to stretch and return to their original shape. This property is partly due to elastic fibers — macromolecules that run through the muscles. These fibers are firm and...
21.0K
01:48Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
59.3K
Skeletal muscles continuously produce ATP to provide the energy that enables muscle contractions. Skeletal muscle fibers can be categorized into three types based on differences in their contraction speed and how they produce ATP, as well as physical differences related to these factors. Most human muscles contain all three muscle fiber types, albeit in varying proportions.
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
59.3K
01:32Types of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
4.0K
Skeletal muscles comprise various fibers, each with distinct characteristics and roles in movement and stability. They are mainly categorized into three types — fast-twitch, slow-twitch, and intermediate.
Fast-twitch fibers
Fast-twitch fibers, or Type II fibers, are designed for quick, powerful bursts of speed and strength. They reach peak tension within approximately 0.01 seconds following stimulation. Characterized by a large diameter and densely packed myofibrils, these fibers contain...
Fast-twitch fibers
Fast-twitch fibers, or Type II fibers, are designed for quick, powerful bursts of speed and strength. They reach peak tension within approximately 0.01 seconds following stimulation. Characterized by a large diameter and densely packed myofibrils, these fibers contain...
4.0K