Thesis (Msc Food Sc (Food Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hot-deboning (1 h post-mortem) on the shelf-life and the physical meat quality characteristics, including tenderness, pH, purge (%), cooking loss (%), and raw meat colour of vacuum packed ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) meat cuts from the M. gastrocnemius, pars interna and the M. iliofibularis during post-mortem refrigerated aging for respectively 21 d at 4ºC and 42 d at -3º to 0ºC.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-13T14:50:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-12-18Bitstream added on 2014-08-13T18:00:52Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000750830_20151201.pdf: 137582 bytes, checksum: c6b1787fdc767500949d3ce0f9a758ca (MD5) Bitstreams deleted on 2015-12-01T09:08:22Z: 000750830_20151201.pdf,. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-12-01T09:09:21Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000750830.pdf: 886980 bytes, checksum: 58e9c376ed855a26b14619c70052a663 (MD5) / Objetivando-se o estudo morfológico dos músculos, qualitativo das carnes e a correlação dos parâmetros avaliados do Gluteus medius, Longissimus e Triceps brachii de animais terminados em diferentes índices de área foliar (IAF) (0,8; 1,4; 2,0 e 2,6%) de pastagem composta por TIFTON 85 (Cynodon spp.) sendo suplementados ou não com concentrado proteico energético (0,7% do peso vivo), utilizou-se 48 cordeiros SPRD, não castrados, com peso médio de 15 kg. Os animais foram confinados pelo período da noite em baias individuais, onde receberam o suplemento com 18% PB. Atingidos o peso corporal médio de 32 kg, os animais foram abatidos e amostras dos músculos Gluteus medius, Longissimus e Triceps brachii foram coletadas para avaliação dos parâmetros morfológicos: frequência, área e área total relativa (ATR). Atingido o post mortem (24 horas após o abate) coletaram-se amostras das porções do Gluteus medius, Longissimus e Triceps brachii para avaliação das características qualitativas: pH, cor, perda de peso por cocção (PPC) e maciez (FC). Não ocorreram interações (P>0,05) entre os IAF e os níveis de suplementação para os valores de pH dos músculos avaliados. No estudo do Gluteus medius, manter os animais em IAF mais elevado e sem suplementação pode ser uma boa alternativa para o alcance de parâmetros desejáveis pelos consumidores de carne ovina. Na avaliação do músculo Triceps brachii, animais mantidos em IAF 1,4 e sem suplementação apresentam maior luminosidade da carne L* e menor teor de amarelo b*. Houve correlação negativa e significativa (P<0,05) entre as fibras FOG e SO e FOG e FG caracterizando o processo de modulação da fibra FOG e refletindo na proporcionalidade da frequência das fibras musculares SO e FG dos músculos Gluteus medius e Longissimus... / Aiming at the morphological study of qualitative muscles of the meat and the correlation of the evaluated parameters Gluteus medius, Longissimus and Triceps brachii animals finished in different leaf area index (LAI) ( 0,8;1,4; 2,0 and 2,6%) of pasture comprising TIFTON 85 (Cynodon spp.) being supplemented or not with energy protein concentrate (0,7% of body weight), we used 48 lambs SPRD, uncastrated, with an average weight of 33,7 lbs . The animals were confined for the duration of the night in individual stalls, where they supplement with 18% crude protein. Reached 32 kg body weight, the animals were slaughtered and samples of the Gluteus medius, Longissimus and Triceps brachii were collected for evaluation of morphological parameters: frequency, area, and total area relative. Hit the post mortem (24 hours after slaughter) and rigor mortis, samples were collected from portions of the Gluteus medius, Longissimus and Triceps brachii and to evaluate the quality characteristics: pH, color, weight loss by cooking and smoothness (shear force). There were no interactions (P>0,05) between the LAI and the levels of supplementation for the pH values of the muscles. In the study of the Gluteus medius, keep animals in higher LAI and without supplementation may be a good alternative to the achievement of desirable parameters by consumers of sheep meat. In assessing Triceps brachii muscle, animals kept in IAF 1,4 and without supplementation have higher meat lightness L* and lower yellowness b*. There was a significant negative correlation (P<0,05) between the SO and FOG, FOG and FG fibers and characterizing the process of modulation, and FOG fiber reflecting the proportionality of frequency of SO and FG muscle fibers of the muscles Longissimus and Gluteus medius...

Orientadora: Hirasilva Borba / Banca: Emanuel Almeida de Oliveira / Banca: Marco Antônio Trindade / Resumo: Objetivando-se o estudo morfológico dos músculos, qualitativo das carnes e a correlação dos parâmetros avaliados do Gluteus medius, Longissimus e Triceps brachii de animais terminados em diferentes índices de área foliar (IAF) (0,8; 1,4; 2,0 e 2,6%) de pastagem composta por TIFTON 85 (Cynodon spp.) sendo suplementados ou não com concentrado proteico energético (0,7% do peso vivo), utilizou-se 48 cordeiros SPRD, não castrados, com peso médio de 15 kg. Os animais foram confinados pelo período da noite em baias individuais, onde receberam o suplemento com 18% PB. Atingidos o peso corporal médio de 32 kg, os animais foram abatidos e amostras dos músculos Gluteus medius, Longissimus e Triceps brachii foram coletadas para avaliação dos parâmetros morfológicos: frequência, área e área total relativa (ATR). Atingido o post mortem (24 horas após o abate) coletaram-se amostras das porções do Gluteus medius, Longissimus e Triceps brachii para avaliação das características qualitativas: pH, cor, perda de peso por cocção (PPC) e maciez (FC). Não ocorreram interações (P>0,05) entre os IAF e os níveis de suplementação para os valores de pH dos músculos avaliados. No estudo do Gluteus medius, manter os animais em IAF mais elevado e sem suplementação pode ser uma boa alternativa para o alcance de parâmetros desejáveis pelos consumidores de carne ovina. Na avaliação do músculo Triceps brachii, animais mantidos em IAF 1,4 e sem suplementação apresentam maior luminosidade da carne L* e menor teor de amarelo b*. Houve correlação negativa e significativa (P<0,05) entre as fibras FOG e SO e FOG e FG caracterizando o processo de modulação da fibra FOG e refletindo na proporcionalidade da frequência das fibras musculares SO e FG dos músculos Gluteus medius e Longissimus... / Abstract: Aiming at the morphological study of qualitative muscles of the meat and the correlation of the evaluated parameters Gluteus medius, Longissimus and Triceps brachii animals finished in different leaf area index (LAI) ( 0,8;1,4; 2,0 and 2,6%) of pasture comprising TIFTON 85 (Cynodon spp.) being supplemented or not with energy protein concentrate (0,7% of body weight), we used 48 lambs SPRD, uncastrated, with an average weight of 33,7 lbs . The animals were confined for the duration of the night in individual stalls, where they supplement with 18% crude protein. Reached 32 kg body weight, the animals were slaughtered and samples of the Gluteus medius, Longissimus and Triceps brachii were collected for evaluation of morphological parameters: frequency, area, and total area relative. Hit the post mortem (24 hours after slaughter) and rigor mortis, samples were collected from portions of the Gluteus medius, Longissimus and Triceps brachii and to evaluate the quality characteristics: pH, color, weight loss by cooking and smoothness (shear force). There were no interactions (P>0,05) between the LAI and the levels of supplementation for the pH values of the muscles. In the study of the Gluteus medius, keep animals in higher LAI and without supplementation may be a good alternative to the achievement of desirable parameters by consumers of sheep meat. In assessing Triceps brachii muscle, animals kept in IAF 1,4 and without supplementation have higher meat lightness L* and lower yellowness b*. There was a significant negative correlation (P<0,05) between the SO and FOG, FOG and FG fibers and characterizing the process of modulation, and FOG fiber reflecting the proportionality of frequency of SO and FG muscle fibers of the muscles Longissimus and Gluteus medius... / Mestre

This study was conducted to assess the effect of including Tenebrio molitor larvae (T. molitor L) as a protein source in different diets on broiler performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality. A total of 144 day-old Cobb-500 chicks were randomly allocated into three treatment groups, each was allocated 16 birds and reared in 9 identical pens. Experimental diets used were as follows: T1 Control (no T. molitor L inclusion); T2 and T3 contained levels of T. molitor L at 5 percent and 10 percent of dry matter (DM) intake, respectively. Body weights (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured for the 1st experimental chapter. For the second experimental chapter; live weights (LW) of broilers were recorded before slaughter and thereafter carcass weights (CW), meat yield (weights of breast, thigh, drumstick and wing) were recorded. The dressing percentage (DP percent) was also calculated. Breast muscles were sampled for meat pH and colour measurements. The LW of birds from T1 (0 percent T. molitor L) were significantly different (P<0.05) from both T2 (5 percent T. molitor L) and T3 (10 percent T. molitor L) which were similar to each other, with T2 exhibiting the highest live weights (2166g) and the control treatment exhibiting the lowest live weights (2018.3g). In CW, T1 was significantly different (P<0.05) from T2 while it was similar (P>0.05) to T3. The dressing percent of T1 was significantly different (P<0.05) from T2 and T3 which were similar to each other, with T2 having the highest dressing percentage (78, 2 percent) and T1 having the lowest DP percent (66 percent). The breasts in T2 were significantly higher and different (P<0.05) from both T1 and T3 which were similar to each other. The drumsticks in T3 were significantly different (P<0.05) from T1 while they were similar to T2 with values with T2 having highest values. After 45 minutes of slaughter, a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in L⃰ among all treatments. In redness (a⃰), T3 was significantly different from T1 but was similar to T2 and all treatments in this study exhibited a darker red meat, with T3 muscles exhibiting darker red colour than the other treatments. Similar results were observed in yellowness (b⃰), where the breast muscles from T3 were more yellow than the other treatments. After 24 hours of slaughter, T2 L⃰ values were significantly different (P<0.05) from both T1 and T3 which were similar to each other. It was also found that the broiler chickens given diet with no T. molitor L inclusion (T1) had lower values of BW, FI, ADG and FCR throughout the experiment than those that were in T2 and T3 with 5 percent and 10 percent T. molitor L inclusion levels, respectively. However, it was also found that although broilers with 5 percent T. molitor L inclusion (T2) in their diet had high ABW and ADG than the broilers with 10 percent T. molitor L inclusion (T3), the T3 birds compared favourably to T2 birds as they required low feed intake to reach the same slaughter weight due to high FCR. It was, therefore, concluded that T. molitor L meal can be incorporated into the diets of broilers to produce heavy birds either at 5 or 10 percent. However, although 5 percent T. molitor L inclusion yields heavier carcasses, the 10 percent T. molitor L inclusion compared favourably to 5 percent inclusion since it required low feed intake to reach the same slaughter weights and there were slight differences on meat quality attributes between the two treatments.Thus T. molitor L at 10 percent inclusion levels was the best inclusion level to enhance broiler growth performance, carcass yield, meat yield and meat quality.

This study determined the effect of maize-, whole wheat-, soya bean-based-diets on the growth performance, egg quality and dressing percentage of chickens, as well as the potential for soy and gluten allergen carryover to eggs and meat from chickens. Twenty 36-week-old Lorham White (LW) hens were divided into two groups and kept in individual cages until they reached 39-weeks of age, with water and feed supplied ad libitum. Ten LW hens were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet (T1) and the other ten birds were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion (T2) for a period of four weeks, with weekly individual hen weights and group feed consumption figures being recorded. After a two-week diet adaptation period, six eggs per treatment group were collected every second day from the LW hens’ to measure egg quality traits. Every third day, over a 29-day period, six eggs per treatment were collected and analysed for the presence of soy, gluten and gluten-derived peptides using allergen specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits. For the broiler trial, a total of 160 Ross 308 mixed sex day old chicks were used in a completely randomized design. Two dietary treatments were assigned to eight cages (replicate) per treatment, with ten birds per cage. The Ross 308 broiler feeding programme consisted of three phases, starter (day 1 to day 10), grower (day 11 to day 20) and finisher (day 21 to day 28). At the beginning of the trial all chicks were fed T1 which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet for a period of 10 days and then eight cages with 10 birds per cage were randomly selected and fed the T2 diet, which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, until they reached 28 days of age. Weekly live weights, feed intake, average daily gain and the average daily feed intake were recorded and calculated. At the end of the grower (day 21) and finisher phase (day 28), one broiler bird was selected per cage to have eight (8) birds per treatment and 16 birds per phase that were slaughtered and breast meat samples were analysed in duplicate for the presence of soy and gluten allergens using ELISA kits. The dressing percentage of hot carcasses was also determined at the end of the finisher phase on eight birds per treatment. For LW hens, live weight (LW) at 39 weeks of age, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and weekly feed intakes (FI) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments with birds on T2 recording higher gains. As birds age in weeks increased, significant differences (P < 0.05) in live weight values were recorded. Egg quality traits measured (shell weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen height and Haugh units) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments, with eggs from hens receiving T1 recording higher mean values. As hens got older, the colour of egg yolk improved, producing eggs with higher b* (yellowness) values and lower L* (lightness) and a* (redness) mean values. The Haugh unit, significantly improved (P < 0.05) as the hens got older, signifying better quality of eggs. For the broiler birds, growth traits measured indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in live weight (LW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), weekly feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cumulative feed intake (CFI) and cumulative gain (CG) between treatments. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between dressing percentage of broilers from the two treatments were observed. As birds grew, significant differences (P < 0.05) in LW, FI, AFI, FCR, and CFI, over a four-week period were recorded. Results of the allergen analyses indicated that soy and gluten allergens were not carried over from feed into eggs and meat of chickens fed a maize/soya bean-based diet and a maize/soya bean-based with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, respectively. In conclusion, a maize/soya bean-based diet and maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion that contained soy and gluten allergens, are feed sources that promote and stimulate 36-week-old LW hen and Ross 308 chicken growth.

Microbial load can be controlled using either synthetic or natural preservatives. Particular interest has been focused on the potential application of plant essential oils as safer additives for meat. However, there is no published research on the use of essential oils during the meat drying process. This study was focused on enhancing the meat drying process. At first a value-added dried meat product by using oregano essential oil (OEO) to inhibit the growth of bacteria, and the sensorial response from assessors is presented. It was found that the application of the OEO in meat is effective in inhibiting Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli. After 6 hours of drying at 55°C, 2 ml (0.038 ml l-1 air) and 1.5 ml (0.028 ml l-1 air) of OEO were considered the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against S. enteritidis and E. coli, respectively. Samples treated with 0.75 ml of OEO were more attractive for consumption compared with the control; at a higher concentration of OEO, the sensory quality of the food was affected. Next, the effect of modified blanching treatments on the drying behaviour of beef meat was evaluated by determining moisture ratio versus time curves and the influence on sensory quality of the resulted product. The 3 treatments under investigation were (1) oil treatment (2) steam blanching and (3) hot air blanching with 3 doses of oregano essential oil (1) 1.5 ml (2) 3 ml and (3) 6 ml. Each treatment had an effect on the drying time of the beef samples, however, the dose of oregano essential oil applied did not affect the drying process. The results showed that steam blanching was very effective reducing the drying time. Meanwhile, 1.5 ml and 3 ml hot air blanching samples and 1.5 ml oil treatment samples were judged as better from sensory point of view and the respondents considered that adding oregano essential oil enriched the pleasantness of the smell. In conclusion, a value-added dried meat product obtained by using oregano essential oil to enhance food safety received an acceptable sensorial response from consumers. Additionally, each modified blanching treatment tested influences the drying kinetics process, but the dose of oregano applied did not affect the drying process. In this sense, hot air blanching and oil treatment with the lowest dose had an acceptable sensorial response from consumers.

Orientador: Americo Garcia da Silva Sobrinho / Banca: Acyr Wanderley de Paula Freitas / Banca: Hirasilva Borba / Resumo: Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros Ile de France confinados dos 15 kg aos 32 kg de peso corporal em baias individuais com controle diário do alimento fornecido e das sobras. Os tratamentos, IN: cana-de-açúcar in natura + concentrado, AER: cana-de-açúcar hidrolisada com 0,6% de óxido de cálcio (CaO) em ambiente aeróbico + concentrado e ANA: cana-de-açúcar hidrolisada com 0,6% de CaO em ambiente anaeróbico + concentrado em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com oito repetições cada tratamento. Cordeiros alimentados com cana-de-açúcar hidrolisada em ambiente anaeróbico apresentaram maior balanço de nitrogênio (29,46 g/dia e 2,80 g/kg0,75/dia), teor de nitrogênio absorvido (2,98 g/kg0,75/dia), teor de vermelho (a*) aos 45 minutos (10,48) e extrato etéreo (2,77%) no músculo Longissimus lumborum. O maior coeficiente de digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro corrigido para cinzas e proteína foi observado para cordeiros alimentados com cana-de-açúcar hidrolisada (aeróbico, 51,70% ou anaeróbico, 53,75%). O maior comprimento da perna in vivo (32,21 cm), menor altura do posterior (55,23 cm) e perdas na dissecação do lombo (1,83%) foram encontrados para cordeiros terminados com cana-de-açúcar hidrolisada em ambiente aeróbico. Menor teor de gordura intermuscular (4,77%) e peso corporal vazio (24,84 kg) foram observados para cordeiros alimentados com cana-de-açúcar in natura. O fornecimento da cana-de-açúcar na forma in natura se torna viável por dispensar o processo de preparo da solução da calda e do revolvimento para homogeneização dos amontoados de cana-de-açúcar, além de não haver necessidade da compra do agente alcalinizante / Abstract: It were used 24 lambs Ile de France, non-castrated, fed with diets containing in nature or hydrolyzed sugar cane in aerobic and anaerobic environments on a roughage: concentrate ratio, 50:50. The lambs were confined to 15 kg body weight, which received the diet in individual stalls in the trough, with control of food offered and the leftovers, and were slaughtered at 32 kg body weight. Lambs fed with hydrolyzed sugar cane in anaerobic environment had higher nitrogen balance (29.46 g / day and 2.80 g/kg0, 75/day), ratio of nitrogen absorbed (2.98 g/kg0, 75/day), level of value for red (a*) at 45 minutes (10.48) and ether extract (2.77%) of Longissimus lumborum muscle. The higher digestibility of neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein was observed for lambs fed with hydrolyzed sugar cane independently of the environment of hydrolysis (aerobic, 51.70% or anaerobic, 53.75%). There was a greater length of leg in vivo (32.21 cm), smaller posterior (55.23 cm) and loss (1.83%) for lambs fed with hydrolyzed sugar cane in aerobic environment. Lower content of intermuscular fat (4.77%) and empty body weight (24.84 kg) for lambs fed sugar cane in nature. The hydrolyzed sugar cane provided better utilization of the fibers, but did not affect performance of animals in nature sugar cane in lambs feeding was shown to increase the quantitative traits in vivo of the lambs, but did not improve and/or damaged in carcass quantitative traits when compared with treatment with hydrolyzed sugar cane, so the use of hydrolyzed sugar cane is feasible to waive daily cuts, consequently, reduces workmanship. The supply of in nature sugar cane becomes feasible to waive the process of the preparation of the solution and revolving for homogenization of the piles of sugar cane and there is no need to purchase the alkalizing agent / Mestre

Resumo: Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar as características qualitativas da carne, a composição química e de ácidos graxos dos cortes do contrafilé (Longissimus thoracis) e a composição química e de ácidos graxos da picanha (Biceps femoris) de 35 tourinhos da raça Nelore abatidos com peso de 532,17 ± 30,2 kg e 24 meses de idade. Estes animais foram confinados por 96 dias e receberam dietas contendo cana-de-açúcar (var. IAC86-2480) e concentrado com diferentes fontes de óleos protegidos ou não da degradação ruminal; todas as dietas possuíam a relação volumoso:concentrado de 40:60 na matéria seca. Após o período de engorda os animais foram enviados a um frigorífico comercial, abatidos e depois do resfriamento das carcaças, foi retirada uma seção que compreendia da 9a à 13a costelas do músculo Longissimus thoracis e uma peça padronizada, de acordo com o estabelecimento, do músculo Biceps femoris e trazidas ao laboratório para posteriores análises. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados com 5 tratamentos e 7 repetições, sendo as médias comparadas por contrastes ortogonais. As análises da qualidade da carne não mostraram diferenças significativas para força de cisalhamento, pH, cor da carne, da gordura e perdas no cozimento. A capacidade de retenção de água evidenciou diferenças, sendo que, o óleo de linhaça protegido foi o tratamento que apresentou os maiores valores em relação aos demais (73,67 vs. 70,89%, respectivamente). A avaliação sensorial feita por painel de degustação treinado, analisadas estatisticamente pelo teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis evidenciou diferenças para as variáveis: aparência, maciez e suculência sendo que as menores notas foram atribuídas à carne dos animais alimentados com o óleo de linhaça protegido e maiores notas foram obtidas para... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The objective of this study was assess the meat quality, chemical and fatty acids composition of the loin (Longissimus thoracis) and chemical and fatty acids composition of the rump (Biceps femoris) from 35 Nellore young bulls, slaughtered weighing 532.2 ± 30.2 kg and 24 months of age. These animals were confined for 96 days and were fed with diets containing sugar cane (var. IAC86- 2480) and concentrate with different sources of oil, protected or not from ruminal degradation, all diets possessed the roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60 in dry matter. After the fedlot period the animals were sent to a commercial abattoir, stunned and slaughtered, and soon after the carcass cooling, a section which included the 9th to 13th rib from Longissimus thoracis muscle and a standardized cut of Biceps femoris were removed, according to the establishment. The design was randomized blocks with five treatments and seven replicates and the averages were compared by orthogonal contrasts. The analysis of meat quality showed no significant differences in shear force (SF), pH, meat and fat color and cooking losses. The water holding capacity (WHC) showed differences and the linseed protected oil treatment showed higher values compared to the others (73.67% vs. 70.89%, respectively). The sensory evaluation done by trained tasting panel, statistically analyzed by nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, showed differences for the variables: appearance, tenderness and juiciness and the lowest scores were assigned to the meat of animals fed with linseed protected oil. The highest score was obtained from animals fed with soybean oil. No differences were found for loin cholesterol, and the values of this variable was lower for meat from animals fed soybean oil compared to other oils. We observed lower values for soybean protected oil... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: Alexandre Amstalden Moraes Sampaio / Coorientador: Wignez Henrique / Banca: Rymer Ramiz Tullio / Banca: Alexandre Rodrigo Mendes Fernandes / Banca: Flavio Dutra de Resende / Banca: Hirasilva Borba / Doutor

In this study, 20 young steers received no beta-adrenergic agonist (C), 100 animals all received zilpaterol hydrochloride, with 1 group only receiving zilpaterol (Z) while the other 4 groups received zilpaterol and vitamin D3 at the following levels and durations before slaughter: 7 million IU Vit D3 /animal/day for 3 days (3D7M); 7 million IU Vit D3/animal/day for 6 days (6D7M); 7 million IU Vit D3/animal/day for six days with 7 days no supplementation (6D7M7N) and 1 million IU Vit D3/animal/day for 9 days (9D1M). Left carcass sides were electrically stimulated (ES) and the right side not electrically stimulated (NES). Samples were aged for 3 or 14 days post mortem. Parameters included Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF), myofibril filament length (MFL), sarcomere length and calpastatin and calpain enzyme activities. For drip loss and instrumental colour measurements, samples were analysed fresh (1 day post mortem) or vacuum-aged for 14 days post mortem. Both ES-treatment and prolonged aging reduced WBSF (P < 0.001). Treatments 6D7M, 6D7M7N and Z remained significantly tougher than C (P < 0.001), while 3D7M and 9D1M improved WBSF under NES conditions. ES was shown to be more effective at alleviating beta-adrenergic agonist induced toughness than high vitamin D3 supplementation. Aging increased drip loss, lightness, redness and yellowness while ES increased drip loss. In general, Z showed increased drip loss, lighter meat, and reduced redness. Vitamin D3 supplementation could not consistently overcome the adverse effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride in feedlot steers. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

Previous psychological research on vegetarianism has focused primarily on participants' health and weight concerns, and the process by which people adopt a vegetarian diet. The present studies broaden this research by exploring the differences in the way omnivores and vegetarians perceive animals and people whose diets do or do not include meat. In Study 1, participants reported their willingness to eat a series of animal- and vegetable-sourced foods, as well as their perceptions of the animals’ qualities. In Study 2, participants reported their impressions of a hypothetical student’s character and personality, basing their inferences on a short profile that indicated the student’s dietary choices as either omnivorous or vegetarian. Our findings in Study 1 suggest that the decision to eat or not eat animals is chiefly a function of disgust at the thought of eating them and how often one has seen them for sale in a store, but also affected by such diverse factors as perceptions of their intelligence, capacity for pain and suffering, appearance, and similarity to humans. In Study 2, both omnivores and vegetarians rated the vegetarian student targets as more virtuous and ethical than the omnivorous student targets. / Arts, Faculty of / Psychology, Department of / Graduate