PSXVI-7 Effect of glycerol supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics and beef sensory traits during finishing period of Korean cattle steers.

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of glycerol supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and beef sensory traits during finishing stage of steers from September through December 2017. Fourteen Korean cattle steers (average 28.4 ± 0.9 months old; 733 ± 58.5 kg of body weight) were equally assigned to two groups (0 and 5% glycerol supplementation). A concentrate (1.2% of BW) and 1.0 kg of rye grass were individually fed twice daily. Supplementation was done with top-dressing during concentrate feeding. Steers were weighed monthly. After 4 months of study, steers were slaughtered (32.4 ± 0.9 months old), and Longissimus thoracis (LT) samples were collected and analyzed for beef characteristics. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the GLM procedure of SAS. Glycerol supplementation did not affect ADG and G:F, although it decreased (P = 0.005) concentrate intake. Carcass characteristics including marbling score, quality grade, yield grade, meat color, and texture were unaffected by treatment. Glycerol supplementation did not affect fat content, pH, water holding capacity, meat color (CIE a* and b*) in the LT, although it increased (P = 0.005) color lightness (CIE L*). Sensory traits including appearance, aroma, taste, flavor, tenderness, and juiciness in the LT were unaffected by treatment, but glycerol supplementation increased (P = 0.046) overall acceptance. In conclusion, glycerol supplementation during fattening period did not affect weight gain and feed efficiency and most of carcass characteristics and beef sensory traits in Korean cattle steers.