Authors : Hawkins. E. W , R.A. Field , L.E. Orme , R.E. Dyer and D.K. Lunt
Abstract: The effects of Zeranol and castration on organoleptic and mechanically assessed tenderness were studied using the 193 young beef cattle described in the companion paper (Impact of castration and zeranol implants on bullocks: I. Behavior, growth and carcass traits). Sensory panel evaluations showed that steaks from control and implanted steer carcasses had higher mean scores for tenderness, juiciness, flavor and overall palatability than those from control and implanted bulls. Implanting did not influence juiciness or flavor within the bull or steer groups, but control bulls and steers were significantly (P<.005) more tender and more palatable overall than were implanted bulls and steers. When comparing the mechanical measurements there was considerable variation among the instruments. The Armour tenderometer™ ranked meat from the implanted steers significantly tougher than either the control or implanted bulls. The Warner-Bratzler™ shear, Krammer™ shear and Instron Press™ ranked steaks from steers significantly more tender than those from bulls. Implanted and control groups of animals were similar in tenderness when judged by the mechanical measurements. Behavior and palatability characteristics of implanted and control bulls and steers were also studied. Implantation made bulls and steers more docile. The libido measurements were also lower for the implanted bulls and steers. Within group of implanted bulls and steers those that were least aggressive tended to be more tender than their more aggressive counterparts.
Hawkins. E. W , R.A. Field , L.E. Orme , R.E. Dyer and D.K. Lunt , 2005. Impact of Castration and Zeranol Implants on Bullocks: II. Organoleptic and Instrument Assessment of Tenderness . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 4: 372-376.