Effect of different feeding systems on color of longissimus muscle from Bos cattle: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Meat science Vol. 192; p. 108871
• Main Authors: Salim, A.P.A.A., Ferrari, R.G., Monteiro, M.L.G., Mano, S.B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2022
• Subjects: alfalfa; Animal Feed - statistics & numerical data; Animals; beef; Beef color; Bos; Cattle; Cenchrus americanus; Color; cowpeas; Cynodon dactylon; discoloration; Edible Grain; Feeding regime; Finishing; grain-fed livestock; longissimus muscle; Meat - analysis; meat production; meat science; meta-analysis; Muscle, Skeletal; Oxidation; systematic review; Oxidation; Feeding regime; Beef color; Finishing
• ISSN: 0309-1740; 1873-4138; 1873-4138
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.108871

Considering the relevance of meat discoloration for meat production chain and the conflicting results regarding the influence of feeding regimes on color of fresh beef and the lack of meta-analytic studies on this subject we investigated the effect of grain-fed and pasture-fed regimes on color of beef longissimus from Bos cattle through a systematic review with meta-analysis. A systematic search from 2001 to 2021 was performed in two databases and 126 papers were eligible for meta-analysis. Pasture-fed longissimus beef exhibited higher a* (8.21%) and C* (8.61%) values, and lower h* values (17.18%) than grain-fed counterparts, indicating a greater color for longissimus beef from pasture-fed animals. Among the pasture-fed regimes, those containing alfalfa, bermudagrass, cowpea and pearl millet were the most effective for color improvements. Our findings indicate potential feeding regimes to mitigate global economic losses from meat discoloration and suggest the necessity to develop suitable processing strategies to improve the color of beef from grain-fed Bos cattle. •The influence of feeding regimes on color of longissimus beef was investigated.•Longissimus beef from pasture-fed cattle exhibited greater color stability.•Pasture-fed longissimus beef exhibited higher a* and C* values than grain-fed ones.•Grain-fed longissimus beef exhibited greater b* and h* values.•Pasture feeding regimes can contribute to decreasing meat discoloration.