J C Brooks

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA

Are you J C Brooks?

Claim your profile

Publications (66)116.46 Total impact

  • Article: Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella after Application of Various Sanitizing Treatments to Harvesting Knives.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Consumption of food contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella can cause enteric disease in consumers. If not properly sanitized, knives used during animal harvest can spread these and other pathogens. This study evaluated the reduction of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on harvesting knives after nonthermal sanitation. Knives were inoculated in cocktails of E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella and treated by 30-s immersions in ambient-temperature solutions (unless temperature was specified) of 1.1 % sodium metasilicate (SMS), 200 ppm of quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), 200 ppm of chlorine (Cl(2)), 5 % lactic acid (LA), 82.2°C water, and 21°C water. Initial and treated counts were determined by plating onto MacConkey and xylose lysine desoxycholate for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella, respectively. Initial counts were determined by sampling one side of the knife blade, while treated counts were sampled from the opposite side. Plates were incubated for 24 to 48 h at 37°C. Mean attachment of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella was 4.51 and 5.09 log CFU/cm(2), respectively. Mean log reductions on knives inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 were 1.16, 3.51, 3.38, 1.38, 3.82, and 2 0.41 CFU/cm(2) after treatment in SMS, QAC, Cl(2), LA, 82.2°C water, and 21°C water, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Knives inoculated with Salmonella showed reductions of 0.78, 3.42, 3.40, 2.91, 4.12, and 0.36 log CFU/cm(2) after treatment in SMS, QAC, Cl(2), LA, 82.2°C water, and 21°C water, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Results indicate that some ambient-temperature sanitizing agents have the potential to significantly reduce E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella populations on knives used during animal harvest.
    Journal of food protection 02/2013; 76(2):200-4. · 1.94 Impact Factor
  • Article: National Beef Tenderness Survey - 2010: Warner-Bratzler shear-force values and sensory-panel ratings for beef steaks from United States retail and foodservice establishments.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The tenderness and palatability of retail and foodservice beef steaks from across the United States (12 cities for retail; five cities for foodservice) were evaluated using Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) and consumer sensory panels. Subprimal post-fabrication storage or aging times at retail establishments averaged 20.5 d with a range of 1 to 358 d, whereas post-fabrication times at the foodservice level revealed an average time of 28.1 d with a range of 9 to 67 d. Approximately 64% of retail steaks were labeled with a packer/processor and(or) store brand. For retail, top blade had among the lowest (P < 0.05) WBS values, whereas steaks from the round had the highest (P < 0.05) values. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in WBS values between moist-heat and dry-heat cookery methods for the top round and bottom round steaks or between enhanced (contained salt or phosphate solution) or non-enhanced steaks. Foodservice top loin and ribeye steaks had the lowest (P < 0.05) WBS values compared to top sirloin steaks. Retail top blade steaks and foodservice top loin steaks received among the highest (P < 0.05) consumer sensory panel ratings compared to the other steaks evaluated. Prime foodservice ribeye steaks received the highest ratings (P < 0.05) for overall like, like tenderness, tenderness level, like juiciness, and juiciness level, whereas ungraded ribeye steaks received the lowest ratings (P < 0.05) for like tenderness and tenderness level. The WBS values for foodservice steaks were higher (P < 0.05) for the Select and ungraded groups compared to the Prime, Top Choice, and Low Choice groups. The WBS values and sensory ratings were comparable to the last survey signifying that no recent or substantive changes in tenderness have occurred.
    Journal of Animal Science 12/2012; · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride and days on the finishing diet on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and tenderness in beef heifers.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: British × Continental heifers (n = 3,382; initial BW = 307 kg) were serially slaughtered to determine if increasing days on the finishing diet (DOF) mitigates negative consequences of zilpaterol HCl (ZH) on quality grade and tenderness of beef. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized block design (36 pens; 6 pens/treatment) was used. Zilpaterol HCl (8.33 mg/kg DM) was fed 0 and 20 to 22 d before slaughter plus a 3 to 5 d withdrawal to heifers spending 127, 148, and 167 DOF. Feedlot and carcass performance data were analyzed with pen as the experimental unit. Three hundred sixty carcasses (60 carcasses/treatment) were randomly subsampled, and strip loin steaks were aged for 7, 14, and 21 d for assessment of Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and slice shear force (SSF) with carcass serving as the experimental unit for analysis. No relevant ZH × DOF interactions were detected (P > 0.05). Feeding ZH during the treatment period increased ADG by 9.5%, G:F by 12.5%, carcass ADG by 33.6%, carcass G:F by 35.9%, carcass ADG:live ADG by 15.6%, HCW by 3.2% (345 vs. 356 kg), dressing percent by 1.5%, and LM area by 6.5% and decreased 12th-rib fat by 5.2% and yield grade (YG) by 0.27 units (P < 0.01). Feeding ZH tended to decrease marbling score (437 vs. 442 units; P = 0.10) and increased WBSF at 7 (4.25 vs. 3.47 kg; P < 0.01), 14 (3.57 vs. 3.05 kg; P < 0.01), and 21 d (3.50 vs. 3.03 kg; P < 0.01). Feeding ZH decreased empty body fat percentage (EBF; 29.7% vs. 30.3%; P < 0.01) and increased 28% EBF adjusted final BW (473.4 vs. 449.8 kg; P < 0.01). Analysis of interactive means indicated that the ZH × 148 DOF group had a similar percentage of USDA Prime, Premium Choice, Low Choice, and YG 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 carcasses (P > 0.10) and decreased percentage of Select (30.4 vs. 36.6%; P = 0.03) and Standard (0.2 vs. 0.9%; P = 0.05) carcasses compared with the control × 127 DOF group. As a result of ZH shifting body composition, extending the DOF of beef heifers is an effective feeding strategy to equalize carcass grade distributions. This can be accomplished along with sustaining the ZH mediated advantages in feedlot and carcass weight gain.
    Journal of Animal Science 08/2012; 90(9):3301-11. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of postmortem calcium chloride injection on meat palatability traits of strip loin steaks from cattle supplemented with or without zilpaterol hydrochloride.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride mM supplementation (ZH; 8.3 mg/kg on a DM basis for 20 d) and calcium chloride injection [CaCl(2), 200 at 5% (wt/wt) at 72 h postmortem] on palatability traits of beef (Bos taurus) strip loin steaks. Select (USDA) strip loins were obtained from control (no ZH = 19) and ZH-supplemented carcasses (n = 20). Right and left sides were selected alternatively to serve as a control (no INJ) or CaCl(2)-injected (INJ) and stored at 4°C. Before injecting the subprimals (72 h postmortem), 2 steaks were cut for proximate, sarcomere length, and myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) analyses. At 7 d postmortem each strip loin was portioned into steaks, vacuum packaged, and aged for the appropriate period for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF; 7, 14, 21, and 28 d postmortem), trained sensory analysis (14 and 21 d postmortem), purge loss (7 d), and MFI (3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d postmortem). Results indicated steaks from both ZH supplementation and INJ had reduced WBSF values as days of postmortem aging increased. The WBSF values of ZH steaks were greater (P < 0.05) than no ZH steaks at each postmortem aging period. The INJ steaks had lower WBSF values (P < 0.05) than non-injected steaks. A greater percentage (91 vs. 71%) of steaks had WBSF values < 4.6 kg from steers with no ZH supplementation at 7 d postmortem, but the percentage did not differ (P > 0.05) due to ZH at 14, 21, or 28 d or due to INJ at any aging period. Trained panelists rated tenderness less in ZH steaks than steaks with no ZH at 14 d and 21 d. However, INJ improved (P < 0.05) the tenderness ratings and flavor intensity of the trained panelists, compared with their non-injected cohorts at 21 d. Zilpaterol hydrochloride supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) MFI values, but INJ resulted in greater (P < 0.05) MFI values compared with no INJ. Subprimals from ZH and INJ showed greater purge loss (P < 0.05). Although no interactions were found with ZH and CaCl(2), injecting USDA Select strip loins from ZH-fed cattle can help reduce the normal WBSF variation as it does in steaks from non-ZH-fed cattle.
    Journal of Animal Science 07/2012; 90(10):3584-95. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Genetic effects on carcass quantity, quality, and palatability traits in straightbred and crossbred Romosinuano steers.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The objectives of this work were to estimate heterosis and breed genetic effects for carcass quantity, quality, and palatability traits of steers (Bos spp.) produced from matings of Romosinuano, Brahman, and Angus cattle. Steers (n = 464) were weaned at 7 mo of age and transported to the Southern Great Plains where they grazed winter wheat for 6 mo and were then fed a finishing diet until serial slaughter after different days on feed (average 130 d). Carcass quality and quantity traits were measured; steaks (aged 7 d) were obtained for palatability evaluation. Heterosis was detected for BW, HCW, dressing percentage, LM area, and yield grade for all pairs of breeds. Generally, Romosinuano-Angus heterosis estimates were smallest, Romosinuano-Brahman estimates were intermediate, and Brahman-Angus heterosis estimates were largest. The direct Romosinuano effect was to decrease (P < 0.05) BW (-67 ± 16 kg), HCW (-48 ± 10 kg), dressing percentage (-1.4 ± 0.5 units), 12th rib fat thickness (-5.2 ± 0.8 mm), and yield grade (-0.9 ± 0.1), and to increase LM area per 100 kg HCW (3.6 ± 0.3 cm(2)/100 kg). Significant Brahman direct effects were detected for BW (34 ± 17 kg), HCW (29 ± 10 kg), dressing percentage (1.6 ± 0.6 %), LM area per 100 kg HCW (-3.3 ± 0.4 cm(2)/100 kg), and yield grade (0.6 ± 0.1). Significant Angus direct effects were to increase 12th rib fat thickness (3.8 ± 1 mm). Among sire breed means, Romosinuano had reduced (P = 0.002) marbling score (393 ± 9) than Angus, but greater mean sensory tenderness scores (5.8 ± 0.1), and reduced percentage Standard carcasses (10 ± 2%) than Brahman (P < 0.002). Angus sire breed means for marbling score (475 ± 10), overall tenderness (5.8 ± 0.1), and percentage Choice carcasses (75 ± 5%) were greater (P < 0.05) than Brahman sire breed means (360 ± 11, 5.4 ± 0.1, 31 ± 5%). From consideration only of characteristics of the end product of beef production, Romosinuano did not provide a clearly superior alternative to Brahman for U.S. producers, as they had some quality and palatability advantages relative to Brahman, but at lighter HCW.
    Journal of Animal Science 07/2012; 90(7):2159-66. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Spoilage characteristics of ground beef with added lactic acid bacteria and rosemary oleoresin packaged in a modified-atmosphere package and displayed at abusive temperatures.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. in ground beef during storage. Furthermore, the addition of rosemary oleoresin (RO), a natural antioxidant, to ground beef has been shown to increase shelf life and is commonly used in modified-atmosphere packaged (MAP) ground beef. This study evaluated the effects of LAB and RO treatment on the shelf life and stability of MAP ground beef displayed at abusive (10°C) temperatures for 36 h. Subjective and objective sensory analyses were conducted to determine spoilage endpoints. Trained and consumer panel responses and Hunter lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values were not affected (P = 0.62, 0.66, 0.45) by LAB addition, although RO inclusion improved (P < 0.05) lean color. Ground beef with LAB and RO had significantly less (P < 0.0001) thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values than control ground beef, indicating decreased lipid oxidation. Additionally, RO inclusion reduced (P < 0.0001) off odors, as determined by trained and consumer odor panelists. Overall, the addition of LAB did not negatively affect beef color, odor, or oxidative rancidity, suggesting that LAB can be added to ground beef in MAP packaging as a processing intervention without detrimentally affecting shelf life or stability.
    Journal of Animal Science 06/2012; 90(6):2054-60. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Microbiological and organoleptic characteristics of beef trim and ground beef treated with acetic acid, lactic acid, acidified sodium chlorite, or sterile water in a simulated commercial processing environment to reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to validate the effectiveness of acetic and lactic acids (2% and 5%), acidified sodium chlorite (1000ppm), and sterile water in reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium in inoculated beef trim in a simulated processing environment. Samples were collected to assess microbial characteristics at three processing points. Results from this study indicate that all treatments, including sterile water, reduced pathogen concentrations (P<0.05) of both E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium in ground beef up to 0.5 and 0.6 log by 24h, respectively. In some cases, there were no significant differences between the antimicrobial treatments and the sterile water using this application method. Triangle sensory test results of non-inoculated beef indicated there were no differences (P<0.05) in the means of correct responses between controls or antimicrobial treatments at 6 or 24h. While interventions are important for beef trim, use of the interventions must be validated under industry conditions to ensure proper effectiveness.
    Meat Science 11/2011; 90(3):783-8. · 2.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Microbial quality of condensation in fresh and ready-to-eat processing facilities.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The objective was to determine the microbial risks associated with condensation in harvest, fabrication, and ready-to-eat (RTE) meat processing environments. A total of 2281 samples were collected before and during operation from areas of visible condensation, overhead pipes, and dripping pans in three plants each season during a one-year period. Significant interactions between season and plant type were observed for nearly all microorganisms, resulting in counts that were generally higher in the summer compared to other seasons. Aerobic plate counts ranged from non-detectable to 3.7log cfu100mL(-1) of condensation. Overall counts were so low that data had to be converted to results100mL(-1). Coliforms and Enterococci were not detectable in most condensation samples. Yeast and mold averaged less than 3.0log cfu100mL(-1) in all samples. Listeria spp. or Salmonella were each detected in only two samples. Condensation, present in harvest, fabrication, and RTE meat processing areas does not appear to contain microbial loads that will contaminate the product.
    Meat Science 11/2011; 90(3):728-32. · 2.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Spoilage characteristics of traditionally packaged ground beef with added lactic acid bacteria displayed at abusive temperatures.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Growth of pathogenic organisms such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. can be inhibited in ground beef through the addition of certain lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB; Lactobacillus acidophilus NP51, Lactobacillus crispatus NP35, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis). This study evaluated the effects of LAB inclusion on the organoleptic and biochemical properties typically associated with spoilage in traditionally packaged ground beef displayed at abusive (10°C) temperatures for 36 h. Trained and untrained panelist evaluations of lean color and off-odor, as well as instrumental color analyses, did not indicate an effect on spoilage traits due to LAB utilization (P > 0.05). However, display length affected each variable independently and was indicative of decreased stability and acceptability as display time (h) increased (P < 0.05). Thiobarbituric acid values were decreased for ground beef with added LAB (P < 0.05), but likely can be related to bacterial degradation of lipid oxidation by-products because no reduction in organoleptic traits due to oxidation was noted between treatments. Overall, LAB did not adversely influence the spoilage characteristics of traditionally packaged ground beef displayed at abusive temperatures for up to 36 h. Furthermore, biochemical and sensory indicators of spoilage were present for all treatments at the conclusion of display. Therefore, LAB can be added to ground beef in traditional packaging as a processing intervention without masking or delaying the expected spoilage characteristics.
    Journal of Animal Science 11/2011; 90(2):642-8. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Consumer assessment of beef strip loin steaks of varying fat levels.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: A consumer study was conducted in Lubbock, Texas, to determine the effects of fat level of beef strip steaks on the palatability traits of tenderness, juiciness, flavor liking, and overall liking, while further investigating the window of acceptability for fat content of beef. Thirty beef strip loins were selected by trained personnel to equally represent USDA Prime, High Choice (upper 1/3 Choice), Low Choice (lower 1/3 Choice), Select, and Standard. Proximate analysis was conducted on all strip loins to determine percentage fat, moisture, protein, and collagen. Three strip loins from each quality grade were selected based on fat percentages from proximate analysis to best represent each USDA quality grade for use in the consumer evaluations. Strip loins were fabricated into 2.5-cm steaks, and further processed into 5 × 5 cm pieces. In addition to the US-sourced product, beef LM pieces from 6 Australian Wagyu steers (Wagyu) and 6 Australian grain finished steers (Australian) were used in the consumer evaluations. Consumers (n = 120) were served 7 samples: a warm-up sample, 1 sample from each USDA quality grade treatment, and either a Wagyu or Australian sample, in a balanced order in accordance with a 6 × 6 Latin square. Consumers rated each steak sample for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall liking and rated each palatability trait as either acceptable or unacceptable. Moreover, consumers rated each sample as unsatisfactory, good everyday quality, better than everyday quality, or premium quality. Tenderness, juiciness, flavor liking, and overall liking increased with increasing fat content (P < 0.05). However, Wagyu and Australian samples did not follow this trend for flavor and overall liking. A decrease in consumer acceptability of each palatability trait was observed as fat level decreased (P < 0.05). Consumer overall liking was correlated (P < 0.05) with consumer tenderness (r = 0.76) and juiciness ratings (r = 0.73), but most highly correlated with flavor liking (r = 0.88). Results of this study indicated that increased fat level in beef strip steaks positively affected tenderness, juiciness, flavor liking, and overall liking of beef strip steaks. Moreover, flavor liking was the most highly correlated palatability trait with overall liking. In US-sourced samples, fat level had a large effect on the flavor liking of beef as determined by consumers.
    Journal of Animal Science 09/2011; 90(2):626-34. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Warner-Bratzler and slice shear force measurements of 3 beef muscles in response to various aging periods after trenbolone acetate and estradiol implants and zilpaterol hydrochloride supplementation of finishing beef steers.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Our objectives were to determine the effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) and the release rate of trenbolone acetate and estradiol-17β on the Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and slice shear force (SSF) of longissimus lumborum (LL) and the WBSF of gluteus medius (GM) and psoas major (PM) in response to various aging periods. British × Continental steers (n = 168) were assigned to treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial. The main effects of treatment were implant (no implant, Revalor-S, Revalor-XS, Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health, De Soto, KS) and ZH (0 or 8.3 mg/kg of DM for 20 d). Slaughter group was included as a random effect to account for the variation in days on feed (153 or 174 d). Loins (n = 96) were fabricated to obtain strip loin, top sirloin butt, and tenderloin subprimals. Five 2.54-cm steaks were cut from each subprimal and assigned to 1 of 5 aging periods (7, 14, 21, 28, or 35 d postmortem). Feeding ZH increased (P ≤ 0.01) LL WBSF and SSF values at each aging period compared with controls. Implanting increased (P < 0.05) LL WBSF values at 14 and 21 d, but did not affect LL SSF values (P > 0.05). Only Revalor-S increased (P ≤ 0.05) WBSF values at 28 and 35 d compared with no implant or Revalor-XS. The percentage of LL steaks with a WBSF value below 4.6 kg did not differ (P > 0.05) between ZH supplementation or implant strategy at any aging period, and by d 28, more than 99% of LL steaks registered WBSF values below 4.6 kg. Feeding ZH increased (P < 0.05) GM WBSF values only on d 21. Implant had no effect (P > 0.05) on GM WBSF values. The percentage of GM steaks with a WBSF value below 4.6 kg did not differ (P > 0.05) between ZH supplementation or implant strategy at any aging period. Neither ZH nor implant strategy affected PM WBSF values (P > 0.05). All PM WBSF values were below 4.6 kg on d 7. The results of this study indicated that feeding ZH increased WBSF and SSF of LL steaks, regardless of the aging period; however, the percentage of steaks with WBSF below 4.6 kg did not differ because of ZH or implant. Implanting increased LL WBSF values, but not SSF values. These results showed that although differences existed between implanting, as well as ZH supplementation of British × Continental steers, 99% of LL steaks were classified as tender based on WBSF values by extending aging to 28 d postmortem. It should be noted that 21.2% of 7-d, 13.8% of 14-d, and 17.3% of 21-d ZH steaks had WBSF values greater than 4.6 kg, but 0% of nonsupplemented steaks were greater than 4.6 kg at these aging periods. However, because ZH and implants can increase retail yield of valuable subprimals, such as the tenderloin, considerable value could be captured through ZH supplementation with anabolic implants because shear force was not affected in PM steaks.
    Journal of Animal Science 06/2011; 89(11):3783-91. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Shelf life and stability traits of traditionally and modified atmosphere packaged ground beef patties treated with lactic acid bacteria, rosemary oleoresin, or both prior to retail display.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Previous research indicates that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can inhibit pathogenic bacteria. This research evaluated effects of LAB inclusion on the shelf life of traditionally packaged ground beef patties; as well as the effects and possible interaction of LAB and rosemary oleoresin (RO) on the stability of high oxygen MAP ground beef during display. In both package types, trained and consumer evaluations indicated no effect (P>0.05) of LAB on lean color and off-odor. Display affected trained and consumer sensory evaluations and indicated declined stability over time. Thiobarbituric acid values were lower for traditionally packaged ground beef with LAB (P<0.05) and MAP ground beef with RO or RO and LAB (P<0.05). Overall, LAB had no effect on the shelf life and stability of traditionally or high-oxygen MAP packaged ground beef patties. Therefore, utilization of LAB in ground beef to reduce pathogenic bacteria is viable without alteration of spoilage indicators.
    Meat Science 05/2011; 90(1):20-7. · 2.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Relationships of slice shear force and Warner-Bratzler shear force of beef strip loin steaks as related to the tenderness gradient of the strip loin.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of steak location within a strip loin and USDA quality grade on muscle fiber angle, slice shear force (SSF), and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and to determine the relationship between SSF and WBSF. Steak location influenced both SSF and WBSF values, as steaks from the anterior portion were typically tenderer than steaks from the posterior end. Although there is some discrepancy between the two shear force methods, both agree that at least the first 5 anterior-most steaks are comparable. Muscle fiber angle was affected by steak position within the strip loin, as the fiber angle shifted between steaks 7 and 8. Quality grade had a significant effect on beef tenderness for both SSF and WBSF. Finally, there was a strong relationship between lateral SSF and average WBSF (r = 0.64), which are currently the most commonly used measurements for instrumental tenderness.
    Meat Science 05/2011; 88(1):203-8. · 2.28 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Evaluation of the storage life of vacuum packaged Australian beef.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To establish the shelf-life of vacuum packaged Australian beef, 15 Strip-loins and 15 Cube-rolls for each Processor (A, B, and C) were evaluated at two week intervals (since wk 10 to 20). Steaks on the trays were placed in retail cabinets at 3 °C. Shelf-life evaluation was based on off-odor (only at week 10), microbial analysis, lipid oxidation, and color assessment by trained panelist and Hunter colorimeter. Panelists detected "slightly off-odor" in both primal cuts for Processors B and C (P<0.05). Processor A primal cut steaks displayed better color scores as well as CIE L*, a*, b*, Chroma and Hue values during storage and display period than steaks from the other processors. Also, primal cuts from Processor A showed lower microbial counts and TBARS values with respect to other processors during the trial. Processor A cuts showed improved shelf life attributes initially which helps to explain its slow shelf-life deterioration.
    Meat Science 05/2011; 88(1):128-38. · 2.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Demographics and beef preferences affect consumer motivation for purchasing fresh beef steaks and roasts.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Surveys completed by 1370 consumers determined the motivational factors affecting consumer purchasing decisions for fresh beef steaks and roasts in three regions in the United States. Females placed greater importance on tenderness, ease of preparation, and nutritional value of steaks and roasts when compared to males. Age influenced tenderness, product consistency, and nutritional value of steaks, but influenced flavor, product consistency, and nutritional value of roasts. Consumers felt juiciness, nutritional value, and natural products were less important in determining their purchasing choices of steaks and roasts as their level of education increased. The preferred degree of doneness of steaks influenced the value placed on six of the nine purchasing motivators. Beef preferences and demographics influenced consumer purchasing decisions for fresh beef steaks and roasts. Results from this study can be used to help identify factors to positively influence purchasing decisions within targeted market segments.
    Meat Science 04/2011; 87(4):403-11. · 2.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Characterization of estrogen-trenbolone acetate implants on tenderness and consumer acceptability of beef under the effect of 2 aging times.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Anabolic steroid implants are commonly used to increase growth performance and carcass leanness. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of various trenbolone acetate implants on Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), slice shear force, and consumer palatability ratings for USDA Choice and Select beef strip steaks aged for 14 and 21 d from cattle implanted before slaughter. Beef steers (n = 1,740) were subjected to the following treatments: 1) nonimplanted control (CON); 2) Revalor-IS on d 0 and Revalor-S on d 70 (IS/S); or 3) Revalor-XS (RXS) on d 0, and were randomly assigned to pens within blocks. A subsample of USDA Choice (n = 82) and USDA Select (n = 81) carcasses was selected. Strip loins from these carcasses were collected, and steaks measuring 2.54 cm were fabricated and aged for 14 or 21 d postmortem. Select steaks aged 14 d from RXS cattle had decreased (P < 0.05) WBSF values compared with IS/S steaks, but CON steaks did not differ from either implant treatment. Warner-Bratzler shear force did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05) from USDA Choice steaks aged 14 and 21 d or from Select steaks aged 21 d. Consumer scores for flavor and overall liking for USDA Choice 14-d aged RXS steaks were less (P < 0.05) than CON steaks; however, there were no differences between RXS, IS/S, and CON for tenderness or juiciness, or for tenderness and overall acceptability. Select steaks aged 14 d from IS/S cattle had less (P < 0.05) tenderness, tenderness acceptability, overall acceptability, overall liking, juiciness, and flavor scores than RXS and CON steaks; however, consumers also rated RXS steaks less for tenderness, juiciness, and tenderness acceptability when compared with CON steaks. Consumer scores for overall liking, flavor, and tenderness for USDA Choice steaks aged 21 d from RXS, IS/S, and CON did not differ. However, implant affected (P < 0.05) overall liking, flavor, juiciness, and tenderness for USDA Select steaks aged 21 d. Even so, there were no differences between RXS, IS/S, and CON steaks for tenderness or overall acceptability for steaks aged 21 d, regardless of quality grade. Results indicated that tenderness differences exist among implant strategies when strip steaks were aged 14 d; however, tenderness and overall consumer acceptability were only influenced by implant in Select steaks aged 14 d. Furthermore, aging for 21 d can minimize and even eliminate implant differences in WBSF and slice shear force, as well as tenderness and overall consumer acceptability.
    Journal of Animal Science 03/2011; 89(3):792-7. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Zilpaterol hydrochloride supplementation has no effect on the shelf life of ground beef.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on the shelf life and stability of ground beef. Beef knuckles and plates were obtained from USDA Select beef heifer carcasses from control (CON) animals or those supplemented with ZH (8.33 mg/kg of dietary DM basis) for the last 20 d of the finishing period. Subprimals were coarsely ground and blended to produce an 80% lean product. The mixture was vacuum-stuffed into chubs and placed in dark storage at 2 to 4°C for 7, 14, or 21 d before fine grinding. Each week, the finely ground samples were packaged on expanded polystyrene trays overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film and placed in refrigerated retail cases (0 to 2°C) under continuous fluorescent lighting to simulate retail display. Samples were subjected to a variety of analyses at different time intervals (h) during simulated display, including composition analysis, thiobarbituric acid-reacting substance analysis (TBA), sensory color, instrumental color, and aerobic plate count. Data analysis revealed trained sensory color and discoloration scores were similar between CON and ZH-treated samples. Instrumental L* and b* values for CON and ZH-treated samples did not differ (P = 0.13 and 0.19, respectively). Instrumental a* values declined (P < 0.05) over the display period for CON and ZH ground beef. However, a* values for ZH ground beef stored for 7 d were greater (P < 0.05) than CON values at 18 through 72 h of display. There was a treatment × storage day interaction (P < 0.001) for TBA values with ZH having smaller TBA values than CON after 7 d of dark storage. There was no difference (P = 0.21) in aerobic plate count between ZH and CON ground beef samples. Overall, ground beef from cattle supplemented with ZH was equal to or better than CON for sensory color and discoloration, instrumental color, and stability variables, including TBA reactive substances and aerobic plate counts.
    Journal of Animal Science 03/2011; 89(3):817-25. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of simulated dry and wet chilling and aging of beef fat and lean tissues on the reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The efficacy of dry and wet chilling and aging of beef as methods for the reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on lean and fat tissues was studied. Samples were obtained from a harvest facility prior to antimicrobial interventions and were inoculated with a cocktail mixture of E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella to achieve a target inoculation of 6 log CFU/cm(2). Wet chilled and aged samples were then suspended, sprayed (10 °C) continuously for 15 min and then sprayed for 1 min every 17 min for 17 h, and vacuum packed after 48 h. Dry chilled and aged samples were suspended in refrigeration (3 °C) with an air velocity of 0.25 m/s and a relative humidity of 80%. A large initial reduction of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella was observed, regardless of tissue type and chilling method. Fewer E. coli O157:H7 microorganisms were detected on wet chilled samples at 24 and 36 h; however, plate counts were higher from wet aged samples excised at 7 through 28 days. The final plate counts were 1.03 and 3.67 log CFU/cm(2) for dry and wet aged samples, respectively. Fewer E. coli O157:H7 microorganisms were detected on fat samples from each sampling time, with the exception of 28 days, compared with lean samples. Similar trends were observed in the reduction of Salmonella for chilling or aging method and tissue type, resulting in final plate counts of 1.25 and 3.67 log CFU/cm(2) for dry and wet aged samples, respectively. The findings reaffirmed wet or dry chilling and aging as potential interventions for small plants as a critical control point.
    Journal of food protection 02/2011; 74(2):289-93. · 1.94 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of supplementing feedlot steers and heifers with zilpaterol hydrochloride on Warner-Bratzler shear force interrelationships of steer and heifer longissimus lumborum and heifer triceps brachii and gluteus medius muscles aged for 7, 14 and 21d.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles from 117 steers plus LL, gluteus medius (GM), and triceps brachii (TB) muscles from 132 heifers were evaluated for effects of feeding duration of zilpaterol hydrochloride (Zilmax(R); ZH; 7.56g/907kg on a dry matter basis) and aging time on tenderness. Both genders were blocked by initial weight into six blocks of four pens. Pens were assigned to treatments of control (C), or 20, 30 or 40days on ZH, with a 3day withdrawal. Steaks from each subprimal were vacuum aged individually for 7, 14 or 21days, frozen, thawed, and cooked to 71 degrees C for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). All muscles from steers and heifers from ZH30 and ZH40 treatments had higher (P<0.05) WBSF than those of C. The WBSF of steer LL and heifer TB from the ZH20 treatment was higher (P<0.05) than C. There was a treatment by aging interaction (P>0.05) for WBSF of GM steaks from heifers. Percentage of intramuscular fat had little effect on tenderness. Percentages of steer LL and heifer TB steaks with WBSF values below thresholds of either 5.0 or 4.6kg from the ZH20 treatment were quite high, whereas percentages of heifer LL and GM muscles below 5.0kg (67%) and 4.6kg (57%) were low. Feeding ZH20days generally increased WBSF values, but mean WBSF values for steer LL and heifer TB were below 4.6kg. Feeding ZH 20days resulted in>40% of GM steaks with WBSF values above 4.6kg.
    Meat Science 06/2010; 85(2):347-55. · 2.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Moisture enhancement and blade tenderization effects on the shear force and palatability of strip loin steaks from beef cattle fed zilpaterol hydrochloride.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Two trials investigated zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) feeding duration, enhancement, blade tenderization, and postmortem aging effect on Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF; trial 1) and consumer sensory ratings (trial 2). For trial 1, USDA Select beef strip loins were obtained from carcasses of beef steers fed ZH (6.8 g/t on 90% DM) the last 0, 20, 30, or 40 d of the feeding period. One-half of each strip loin was enhanced (110%) with a brine solution, whereas the remaining portion was not enhanced. Both pieces were portioned into steaks, which were aged 7, 14, or 21 d for WBSF analysis. For trial 2, paired USDA Select beef strip loins were obtained from carcasses of beef steers fed ZH the last 0 or 20 d of feeding. Paired strip loins were fabricated into 4 pieces and assigned to control, moisture enhanced, blade tenderized, and blade tenderized + moisture enhanced treatments. Strip loin pieces were then portioned into steaks that were aged 14 or 21 d postmortem. Consumers panelists (n = 458) indicated their like or dislike of tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall like of each sample using 8-point, verbally anchored scales, as well as tenderness and overall acceptability. With exception of 20 d ZH-treated steaks, results from trial 1 indicate WBSF values decreased (P < 0.05) with enhancement. Among enhanced steaks, steaks from cattle fed ZH for 20, 30, and 40 d had greater (P < 0.05) WBSF values than controls. Among nonenhanced steaks, 20 d ZH-treated steaks had WBSF values similar to 0, 30, and 40 d ZH-treated steaks, whereas 30 and 40 d ZH-treated steaks had greater (P < 0.05) WBSF values than controls. Postmortem aging for 21 d improved (P < 0.05) WBSF values for all ZH durations when compared with 7-d aging treatments. Results from trial 2 indicate ZH feeding for 20 d had no effect on flavor scores, decreased tenderness scores (P < 0.05), and tended (P < 0.10) to decrease juiciness and overall like scores when compared with controls for steaks aged 14 d. After 21 d aging, steaks from 20 d ZH-fed cattle had reduced (P < 0.05) tenderness, juiciness, and overall like scores and tended (P < 0.10) to have decreased flavor scores when compared with controls. These results indicate enhancement improved WBSF, but was not sufficient to overcome the detrimental effect of ZH feeding duration on WBSF until steaks were aged for 21 d postmortem. Consumer scores indicate 20 d ZH feeding had no effect on overall acceptability, but decreased tenderness and tenderness acceptability scores when compared with controls.
    Journal of Animal Science 05/2010; 88(5):1809-16. · 2.10 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2001–2013
    • Texas Tech University
      • Department of Animal and Food Sciences
      Lubbock, TX, USA
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
      • Department of Animal Science
      Stillwater, OK, USA
  • 2000–2012
    • Texas A&M University
      • Department of Animal Science
      College Station, TX, USA
  • 2010
    • Kansas State University
      • Department of Animal Sciences and Industry
      Manhattan, KS, USA