Meat Sci. [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
The effect of sonicated cell-free supernatant from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei B1 and Lactiplantibacillusplantarum O24 on selected quality determinants of cooked pork sausages.
Kęska P, Stadnik J, Karbowiak M … +1 more , Zielińska D
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40915176 · Publisher ↗
The aim of the study was to assess the effect of lyophilized cell-free supernatant (CFS) obtained from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei B1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum O24 cultures on the characteristics of cooked pork...
The aim of the study was to assess the effect of lyophilized cell-free supernatant (CFS) obtained from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei B1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum O24 cultures on the characteristics of cooked pork sausages stored by 21 days at 4 °C. The following parameters were assessed: antioxidant activity (ABTS, Reducing Power, Fe-chelating activity), texture parameters (hardness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness) and color changes (L*,a*,b*), as well as the fatty acid profile and TBARS content as an indicator of lipid oxidation. Microbiological status was also assessed. The results showed that the use of lyophilized CFS had a significant effect on the pH, oxidation status and texture properties of sausages. Products with the addition of CFS from L. paracasei B1 were characterized by lower hardness, gumminess and chewiness compared to variants with L. plantarum O24. Neither the strain type nor the method of CFS treatment caused changes in the color of cooked pork sausages. During storage time, an increase in the TBARS index was also observed on the 7th day of storage, which indicates an intensification of lipid oxidation processes, especially in products with CFS obtained from L. paracasei B1. All sausages retained the appropriate microbiological quality. Considering the effect of sonication as an additional procedure at the stage of obtaining CFS, the sausage samples to which it was applied (B1_S and O24_S) showed higher antioxidant activity, but at the same time were more susceptible to lipid oxidation processes.
Animal welfare and meat quality: The impact of on-farm slaughter on Cinta senese pigs.
Amarie RE, Goracci J, Casarosa L … +8 more , Tinagli S, Briganti G, Giunta G, Senese M, Terracciano G, Campeis F, Del Tongo A, Serra A
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40912214 · Publisher ↗
This study evaluated the effects of on-farm slaughter (OF) compared to traditional slaughter (TS) on animal welfare, meat quality, and microbiological safety in Cinta senese pigs reared outdoors. Forty pigs were slaughte...
This study evaluated the effects of on-farm slaughter (OF) compared to traditional slaughter (TS) on animal welfare, meat quality, and microbiological safety in Cinta senese pigs reared outdoors. Forty pigs were slaughtered using both methods across different seasons, allowing for the analysis of environmental influences via the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI). Blood parameters (cortisol, LDH, CPK), carcass and meat microbial loads, and technological meat quality traits were assessed. Pigs slaughtered on-farm showed significantly lower levels of cortisol, LDH, and CPK, indicating reduced physiological stress. Meat from these animals also had a lower pH 24 h post-mortem, suggesting improved glycolytic activity and better preservation of quality traits. Microbiological analysis showed no significant differences between the two methods, with all carcasses remaining within safety thresholds, although mesophilic counts tended to be lower in OF carcasses. Environmental conditions, especially THI in the two weeks before slaughter, affected some microbial loads in meat but not in carcasses. The results demonstrate that OF slaughter is a viable alternative that can significantly reduce animal stress and maintain both meat quality and microbiological safety, offering a sustainable and ethical option for small-scale or pasture-based pig farming.
Prediction of dark cutting carcasses in cattle using machine learning algorithms with stockperson actions and animal behaviors at abattoir: A study in Türkiye.
Özdemir S, Özdemir GN, Ekiz B
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40886444 · Publisher ↗
The aim was to investigate the relationship between stockperson actions, animal behaviors at the abattoir, and the occurrence of dark cutting in cattle using various machine learning (ML) algorithms. Season, age, sex, br...
The aim was to investigate the relationship between stockperson actions, animal behaviors at the abattoir, and the occurrence of dark cutting in cattle using various machine learning (ML) algorithms. Season, age, sex, breed, carcass bruising score, carcass weight, and various transportation-related variables were also considered as covariates and potential predictors of dark cutting. Data was collected from 648 cattle, including Holstein, Brown Swiss, and Simmental breeds. The percentage of dark cutting carcasses was 6.64 %. The synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) was used to transform unbalanced dataset into balanced one. ML was applied with four different models, defined based on the inclusion of covariates, stockperson actions, and animal behaviors as predictors. The highest accuracy value (0.97) was obtained with Boosting algorithm. In all algorithms, the highest accuracy values were achieved with models that included stockperson actions as predictors. Age, prod use and beating at slaughter corridor, and lairage type were most important features influencing dark cutting according to Boosting algorithms. In conclusion, the classification of normal and dark cutting carcasses can be achieved with a satisfactory accuracy using the Boosting and Random Forest algorithms with the model including stockperson actions, animal behaviors and various covariates. However, this study reflects local cattle handling practices in Türkiye; further studies are needed to explore cattle handling practices in other countries.
Effects of a diet containing glutamine on the slaughter performance, meat quality, and skeletal muscle fiber types of feed-restricted yaks.
Yue Z, Ke S, Shi L … +8 more , Hu R, Wang Z, Peng Q, Zou H, Xiao J, Jiang Y, Wu F, Tang Y
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40882351 · Publisher ↗
This experiment aimed to investigate the impact of the diet containing glutamine on muscle fiber types and meat quality of feed restriction yaks. Our findings show that the meat quality and slaughter performance in the f...
This experiment aimed to investigate the impact of the diet containing glutamine on muscle fiber types and meat quality of feed restriction yaks. Our findings show that the meat quality and slaughter performance in the feed restriction group decreased relative to the control group. However, diet containing glutamine improved slaughter performance by increasing carcass weight, dressing percentage, net meat weight, and net meat percentage. Moreover, it improved meat quality by increasing L* and reducing drip loss. In addition, dietary glutamine supplementation alleviated the increase in the fast-twitch fibers, abnormal glutamine metabolism, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mechanistically, the AMPK/Sirt1/PGC-1α/TAFM pathway might be implicated in glutamine alleviated the feed restriction-induced reduction in meat quality. In summary, our findings suggested that dietary glutamine supplementation of feed-restricted yaks can effectively improve the antioxidant capacity, slow-twitch fiber percentage, and the meat quality of the yak Longissimus thoracis muscle.
Effects of dietary cinnamic acid supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, muscle development and antioxidant capacity of Yuedong black pigs.
Ma Z, Liu S, Yi R … +7 more , Liu J, Zhu C, Wang S, Wang L, Shu G, Jiang Q, Wu R
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40850147 · Publisher ↗
Cinnamic acid (CA) is a natural bioactive substance with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which has potential value as a novel feed additive. This study investigated the effects of CA suppleme...
Cinnamic acid (CA) is a natural bioactive substance with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which has potential value as a novel feed additive. This study investigated the effects of CA supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, energy metabolism and antioxidant capacity in muscle of Yuedong black pigs. A total of 100 3-month-old Yuedong black pigs with an initial body weight of 35 kg were selected and randomly assigned to two treatment groups: the control group and the 0.3 g/kg CA group, with 50 pigs in each group. Compared with control group (CON), dietary supplementation of CA increased average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), while tended to decrease feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.056). Furthermore, dietary supplementation of CA improved the marbling score, and increased cross-sectional area of muscle fiber of the longissimus thoracis (LT) (P < 0.05). Importantly, CA supplementation promoted muscle hypertrophy by increasing myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression and protein deposition. The myofiber types were unchanged between control and CA group. CA group showed reduced serum glucose, promoted mitochondrial synthesis and increased lactic acid and ATP content in muscle (P < 0.05). Additionally, CA increased the expression of antioxidant genes (glutathione peroxidase 1, Gpx1 and peroxiredoxin 1, Prdx1) in muscle, but no significant difference was observed in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in serum. Overall, CA could improve growth rate, meat quality, and promote muscle development, energy metabolism and antioxidant capacity of Yuedong black pigs.
Application of sodium alginate-pectin active intelligent film containing anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa and tea polyphenols in pork preservation and freshness monitoring.
Yang L, Chen S, Jiang Z … +5 more , Ding X, Chen W, Ma N, Xu S, Zhang H
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40845473 · Publisher ↗
To investigate the preservation effects of active intelligent packaging film (S/P/A/T film) incorporated with anthocyanins (AMA) and tea polyphenols (TP) on meat, pork was selected as a representative sample, and preserv...
To investigate the preservation effects of active intelligent packaging film (S/P/A/T film) incorporated with anthocyanins (AMA) and tea polyphenols (TP) on meat, pork was selected as a representative sample, and preservation and monitoring experiments were conducted at 4 °C. The antimicrobial properties of the S/P/A/T active intelligent packaging were confirmed by observing the effects of the film solution on the growth curves and bacterial morphology of S. aureus and E. coli. The possible antibacterial mechanism was revealed by molecular docking technology. Finally, the prepared active intelligent packaging was applied to the preservation and freshness monitoring of chilled pork. The study investigated the changes in physicochemical indicators, sensory quality, microbial communities, metabolite characteristics, and the color response capability of the active intelligent packaging during the storage of packaged chilled pork. The S/P/A/T film packaging could inhibit the increase in pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), total viable count (TVC), b* value, and adhesiveness of chilled pork, while delaying the decline in hardness, springiness, a* value, L* value, and sensory quality. The film could extend the shelf life of pork by 3 d. The film also reduced the abundance of spoilage bacteria in the pork and delayed the production of off-flavor substances during pork spoilage. The active intelligent film exhibited a favorable color response during the freshness monitoring of pork. The aforementioned results indicate that the prepared active intelligent packaging has excellent preservative and antimicrobial effects on chilled pork and can monitor the freshness of pork in real-time. Therefore, the development of active intelligent packaging based on S/P/A/T provides promising prospects for meat preservation and freshness monitoring.
Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive method to predict the total viable microbial count through the packaging material of vacuum packaged lamb meat.
Holman BWB, Hopkins DL, Fowler SM
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40845472 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the use Raman spectroscopy to predict the in-pack total viable count (TVC) of microorganism on vacuum packaged and chilled lamb meat. A total of 159 lamb longissimus lumborum muscles (LL) were sou...
This study investigated the use Raman spectroscopy to predict the in-pack total viable count (TVC) of microorganism on vacuum packaged and chilled lamb meat. A total of 159 lamb longissimus lumborum muscles (LL) were sourced from an investigation into the effects of chilled storage periods and packaging types. Each LL was measured while still in its packaging using a hand-held Raman spectroscopy device (785 Mira, Metrohm®, Melbourne, AUS) using a 785 ± 0.5 nm laser, 8-10 cm spectral resolution. After Raman measurements, the samples LL were removed from their packaging and analysed for TVC. It was found that Raman spectra only provided modest predictions (R = 0.29; RMSE = 1.34) of in-pack TVC. Raman spectra could, however, differentiate between lamb meat with high and low TVC (based on log 5 CFU/g) with relatively high accuracy (92.5 %) and sensitivity (88.0 %). These findings confirm the application of Raman spectroscopy to provide non-destructive information of the in-pack status of TVC for chilled lamb meat.
The impact of lean meat yield on Australian lamb eating quality is partially driven by intramuscular fat.
Moyes SM, Gardner GE, Pethick DW … +4 more , Anderson F, Connaughton SL, McGilchrist P, Pannier L
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40840238 · Publisher ↗
The impact of increasing lean meat yield (LMY) on consumer eating acceptance and its association with intramuscular fat (IMF) of lamb products was evaluated. Consumer sensory scores (overall liking, tenderness, juiciness...
The impact of increasing lean meat yield (LMY) on consumer eating acceptance and its association with intramuscular fat (IMF) of lamb products was evaluated. Consumer sensory scores (overall liking, tenderness, juiciness, flavour liking) of the loin and topside were obtained from 3119 lambs, in addition to the knuckle, leg, outside, rack, rump and shoulder from a subset of these animals (n = 824). LMY indicators included GR tissue depth (measured 110 mm from dorsal midline of 12th rib), whole carcass and section (fore, saddle, hind) computed tomography (CT) lean% and cut weight of the loin and topside (as a percentage of the total carcass weight). Loin IMF was measured on all animals, with topside, outside, rump and shoulder IMF obtained from a subset of animals. Linear mixed models demonstrated a reduction in eating quality with increasing LMY in all cuts (P < 0.05) except the knuckle and leg. The impact on eating quality varied depending on the method used to estimate LMY, with the strongest association observed when using CT lean% measures, particularly section CT lean% from which the cut was taken. The effect of LMY on consumer eating quality was fully driven by IMF within the loin and rump cuts (P > 0.05) but only partially in the rack, outside and shoulder (P < 0.05). Results confirm the importance for simultaneous selection of LMY and IMF as key drivers of sheepmeat eating quality and the importance for the inclusion of on-line predictions of LMY in eating quality grading systems.
Evaluation of the lipolytic and antioxidant activities of different strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci in fermented sausages.
Li D, Du Y, Su L … +7 more , Lin Y, Zheng J, Toldrá F, Zhu C, Du M, Liu Y, Chen J
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40829550 · Publisher ↗
Six strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci, isolated from fermented meat products and identified as Staphylococcus hominis 9, Staphylococcus saprophyticus 18, Staphylococcus saprophyticus 27, Staphylococcus xylosus...
Six strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci, isolated from fermented meat products and identified as Staphylococcus hominis 9, Staphylococcus saprophyticus 18, Staphylococcus saprophyticus 27, Staphylococcus xylosus 37, Staphylococcus saprophyticus 120, and Staphylococcus cohnii 129, were evaluated for their lipid hydrolase and antioxidant enzyme activities. The effects of the selected strains on lipid hydrolysis and oxidation in fermented sausages were subsequently investigated. In meat simulation medium, Staphylococcus cohnii 129 exhibited the highest lipase and superoxide dismutase activities among all tested strains. Therefore, S. cohnii 129 was selected as the optimal strain to ferment sausage either alone (S129) or in combination with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 77 (S129 + L77), with a blank group as the control. Lipase activities and the concentrations of lipid hydrolysis products, including monoglyceride, free glycerol, and free fatty acids, were higher in both S129 and S129 + L77 than in the control. Additionally, the suppression of lipoxygenase activity, TBARS, hexanal, and saturated aldehyde production was more pronounced in S129 and S129 + L77 compared to the control. Moreover, the highest scores for overall flavor and acceptability, and the lowest score for rancid notes, were reported for S129. The results indicate that S. cohnii 129 has significant potential for improving sausage quality and preventing the formation of off-flavors.
Effects of porcine plasma protein-xanthan gum based oleogels constructed by foam-templated approach as fat substitutes on the quality characteristics and flavour attributes of low-fat frankfurters.
Zhao J, Yao X, Zhang H … +4 more , Kong B, Sun F, Liu Q, Cao C
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40815875 · Publisher ↗
This study investigates the effect of porcine plasma protein-xanthan gum based oleogels (PXO) constructed by foam-templated approach as animal fat substitutes on the quality characteristics and flavor attributes of low-f...
This study investigates the effect of porcine plasma protein-xanthan gum based oleogels (PXO) constructed by foam-templated approach as animal fat substitutes on the quality characteristics and flavor attributes of low-fat frankfurters. The results showed that the incorporation of PXO as the substitutes for animal fat significantly reduced the cooking loss and enhanced the emulsion stability, as well as the L* and a* values in low-fat frankfurters (P < 0.05). Moreover, 50 % fat substitutes ratio by PXO can obviously improve the textural attributes (such as hardness, resilience, springiness and chewiness) of frankfurters, which was verified by dynamic rheological behavior and microstructure. Hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds were the principal molecular interactions in low-fat frankfurters. This revealed that 50 % fat substitutes ratio with PXO exhibited the optimal fat-replacing effect by overcoming the quality flaws in frankfurters. Additionally, incorporating PXO alters the aroma and taste of low-fat frankfurters, which may help counteract the reduction in volatile flavor compounds stemming from the removal of fat. Sensory analysis also pointed out that fat substitutes with PXO in frankfurters increased the uniformity and juiciness scores (P < 0.05). Overall, 50 % PXO can be successfully used as a fat substitute, providing valuable insights into the processing of low-fat emulsified meat products.
Growth rate and finishing system alter beef color and early postmortem metabolism in Bos indicus crossbred cattle.
Morales Gómez JF, Ramos PM, Beline M … +6 more , Antonelo DS, Pavan B, Goulart RS, Kirkpatrick LT, Gerrard DE, Silva SL
Meat Sci · 2025 Dec · PMID 40815874 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study was to explore the effects of growth rate and finishing system (feedlot or pasture) on postmortem muscle metabolism and subsequent beef color development. Seventy-two Angus × Nellore crossbred steer...
The aim of this study was to explore the effects of growth rate and finishing system (feedlot or pasture) on postmortem muscle metabolism and subsequent beef color development. Seventy-two Angus × Nellore crossbred steers were randomly assigned to one of four treatment combinations: 1) feedlot, high growth rate (FH); 2) feedlot, low growth rate (FL); 3) pasture, high growth rate (PH) and 4) pasture, low growth rate (PL). Animals were harvested either at a constant body weight (BW; 530 kg) or days on feed (DOF; 140 d). PL cattle had darker (P < 0.001) lean, slower (P = 0.006) pH declines and greater (P = 0.005) ultimate (24 h) pH values, as well as lower glycolytic potentials (P = 0.019) in the Longissimus muscle compared to FH cattle when harvested based on DOF. Muscle from PH had similar muscle energy metabolism when subjected to an in vitro glycolysis system, and beef color attributes compared to those of FL cattle. Growth rate influenced postmortem beef metabolism and color attributes more notably when harvested at a constant BW endpoint compared to those harvested on a constant DOF. Both feeding regime and growth rate affected meat quality characteristics. These results demonstrate that feeding strategies should be carefully considered when attempting to optimize beef quality development, especially fresh color.
Umami and koku peptides in traditional meat products.
Mora L, Toldrá F
Meat Sci · 2025 Nov · PMID 40784075 · Publisher ↗
Traditional meat products are highly valued all over the world and their attractiveness depends on socio-economical, ethical and religious factors as well as on their organoleptic properties that confer unique textural,...
Traditional meat products are highly valued all over the world and their attractiveness depends on socio-economical, ethical and religious factors as well as on their organoleptic properties that confer unique textural, gustatory, and olfactory characteristics. Taste compounds are closely related to protein degradation processes as hydrophilic metabolites such as amino acids, peptides and nucleotides are main contributors to final taste in traditional meat products. In this review, the generation of main compounds related to taste in traditional meat products are described, specially umami and koku peptides generated from the protein fraction during the traditional processing of these products. The use of certain peptides to enhance product taste and benefit human health is also highlighted.
Quality characteristics of frankfurters influenced by lard-based diacylglycerol containing catechin during storage at 4 °C.
Li Y, Hui W, Liu Q … +4 more , Chen Q, Sun F, Kong B, Wang H
Meat Sci · 2025 Nov · PMID 40779974 · Publisher ↗
Frankfurters formulated with either lard or diacylglycerol (DAG)-rich purified glycerolytic lard (PGL), with or without catechin, were vacuum-packed and stored at 4 °C for 28 days to evaluate their physicochemical and se...
Frankfurters formulated with either lard or diacylglycerol (DAG)-rich purified glycerolytic lard (PGL), with or without catechin, were vacuum-packed and stored at 4 °C for 28 days to evaluate their physicochemical and sensory properties. Results revealed that lard-based frankfurters exhibited significantly higher cooking loss (8.69 %) and released fat (0.63 %) compared to PGL-based frankfurters (5.13 % and 0.33 %) (P < 0.05). Over time, lard-based frankfurters experienced greater deterioration in color, texture, microstructure, and sensory quality, along with increased fat oxidation (0.18 to 1.54 mg/kg) and microbial growth (3.77 to 5.43 Log CFU/g) (P < 0.05). Notably, substituting lard with PGL significantly enhanced the L*-value, b*-value, texture, microstructure, and sensory quality during storage (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the inclusion of catechin in frankfurters further reduced cooking loss (8.69 to 6.74 % and 5.13 to 3.89 %) and released fat (0.63 to 0.54 % and 0.33 to 0.16 %) (P < 0.05) while improving color, texture, microstructure, and sensory quality (P < 0.05). Catechin also effectively inhibited fat oxidation (1.54 to 1.34 mg/kg and 1.86 to 1.51 mg/kg) and microbial growth (5.43 to 5.27 Log CFU/g and 5.37 to 5.09 Log CFU/g) in frankfurters during storage (P < 0.05). Overall, the incorporation of DAG and catechin improved the quality and shelf life of frankfurters during storage.
Based on the specific spoilage organisms to improve the storage stability of bulk sausage.
Tian X, Liu Y, Gao B … +5 more , Song X, Li R, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Wang W
Meat Sci · 2025 Nov · PMID 40768966 · Publisher ↗
Bulk sausages packaged by natural animal or artificial collagen casings are highly susceptible to microbial contamination. In this study, quality changes of sausages packaged by animal casings were monitored and bacteria...
Bulk sausages packaged by natural animal or artificial collagen casings are highly susceptible to microbial contamination. In this study, quality changes of sausages packaged by animal casings were monitored and bacterial community dynamics on casing surfaces were analyzed by combining conventional bacterial culture methods and 16S rDNA sequencing during 30-day storage at 4 °C. Followed by evaluating the spoilage ability of the identified dominant bacterial community, three specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) were identified: Brochothrix thermosphacta, Pseudomonas lundensis, and Weissella viridescens. For the three SSOs, three natural antibacterial agents, nisin, phenyllactic acid (PLA), and kojic acid (KA), were selected alone or in combination to improve the storage stability of sausage. In situ experiments demonstrated that a combination of nisin (15 mg/mL) and PLA (2 mg/mL) most effectively suppressed the bacterial growth on sausages. These results are expected to provide a theoretical reference for extending the shelf life of bulk sausage.
Red meat biochemical and flavor changes through postmortem aging.
Legako JF
Meat Sci · 2025 Nov · PMID 40759625 · Publisher ↗
Red meats consist of beef, pork, and lamb which commonly undergo postmortem aging prior to consumption. Palatability of red meats is greatly influenced by flavor. Furthermore, consumers frequently describe flavor to be t...
Red meats consist of beef, pork, and lamb which commonly undergo postmortem aging prior to consumption. Palatability of red meats is greatly influenced by flavor. Furthermore, consumers frequently describe flavor to be the most important red meat palatability attribute. During the aging period biochemical mechanisms progress which may liberate or develop flavor contributing metabolites. Factors such as aging type (wet or dry), duration, and temperature are demonstrated to be of significant influence on development of flavor related metabolites. Likewise, microbial growth during aging may further influence flavor contributing metabolites and perceived flavor. Each of these factors may impact flavor differently among beef, pork, and lamb. This review takes aim at describing the biochemical mechanisms that generate flavor related metabolites during aging. Secondly, the effects of aging parameters will be described for beef, pork, and lamb.
Sustainable livestock production by utilising forages, supplements, and agricultural by-products: Enhancing productivity, muscle gain, and meat quality - A review.
Ponnampalam EN, Jairath G, Alves SP … +4 more , Gadzama IU, Santhiravel S, Mapiye C, Holman BWB
Meat Sci · 2025 Nov · PMID 40759624 · Publisher ↗
Global food consumption is rising due to population growth and increased demand for animal protein, necessitating sustainable livestock production systems. This paper examines strategies to address inefficiencies in meat...
Global food consumption is rising due to population growth and increased demand for animal protein, necessitating sustainable livestock production systems. This paper examines strategies to address inefficiencies in meat production, including high resource use and environmental impacts, by utilising low-value feedstuffs, agricultural by-products, and innovative supplements. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, synthesising recent research from databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, focusing on forage-based diets, grain supplements, marine-derived additives, agrifood by-products, and micronutrient interventions. Findings reveal that forage-based diets enhance health-enhancing fatty acids in ruminant meat, while marine supplements like Asparagopsis seaweed may reduce methane emissions without compromising meat safety. Agricultural by-products, such as grape pomace and olive cake, improve oxidative stability and fatty acid profiles, aligning with circular economy principles. Mineral and vitamin supplementation, including selenium and vitamin E, boosts antioxidative capacity, extending meat shelf life and retail storage quality. However, outcomes depend on feed type, inclusion levels, and animal species, with antinutritional factors requiring careful management to avoid metabolic disorders. The review concludes that integrating diverse feed resources, such as forages, marine additives, and by-products, can enhance sustainability, reduce environmental footprints, and improve meat quality. Strategic implementation of these practices, tailored to regional feed availability and livestock needs, is critical for balancing economic viability, ecological resilience, and nutritional enhancement in future food systems.
Does information matter? The effect of sustainability-related information on consumers' intentions to purchase beef.
Lopes CMA, de Andrade JC, Deliza R
Meat Sci · 2025 Nov · PMID 40753705 · Publisher ↗
The growing concern about the environmental impacts of livestock production has led to changes in consumers' eating habits and the demand for technologies that promote a sustainable system. In Brazil, the concept brand "...
The growing concern about the environmental impacts of livestock production has led to changes in consumers' eating habits and the demand for technologies that promote a sustainable system. In Brazil, the concept brand "Low Carbon Brazilian Beef" (LCBB) was developed as a certification for beef from livestock systems that adopted specific practices to reduce enteric methane emissions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of explanation on the meaning of LCBB on consumer intention to purchase of beef through rating conjoint analysis. An online questionnaire was applied in two experimental conditions: with explanation on the meaning of LCBB (n = 431) and no explanation on the meaning of LCBB (n = 423). Three label factors combined with different levels were considered: Price (low and high), LCBB seal (absent and present) and claim (sustainability claim, animal welfare claim, sensory claim and no claim). The results revealed that information about the meaning of LCBB increased consumers' purchase intention. In both experimental conditions, price was the most important factor, followed by claims and the LCBB seal. Different consumer segments were identified in the two experimental conditions with distinct purchase intention about the attributes present on the beef label. The findings suggest that explaining the meaning of a new sustainable technology is an important tool to raise awareness and guide consumers about sustainable livestock production; however, price is still an important factor influencing sustainable consumption.
Effects of space allowance, roughage supplement, and enrichment provision on growth, carcass weight and meat quality in conventional indoor pig husbandry.
Coutant M, Grønbeck MS, Hviid M … +2 more , Pedersen LJ, Larsen MLV
Meat Sci · 2025 Nov · PMID 40749367 · Publisher ↗
Extensification of indoor pig husbandry is increasingly under focus, but effects on meat quality remain to be determined. This study investigated the effects of extensification factors on growth, carcass weight and meat...
Extensification of indoor pig husbandry is increasingly under focus, but effects on meat quality remain to be determined. This study investigated the effects of extensification factors on growth, carcass weight and meat quality of fattening pigs. Three factors were studied on pigs from 30 kg up to slaughter at approximately 120 kg: increase space allowance to 1.4 (S9, n pigs = 108, n samples = 42) or 2.1 (S6, n pigs = 72, n samples = 42) m2 per pig, provision of various enrichments (E, n pigs = 114, n samples = 44), and daily provision of roughage (R, n pigs = 115, n samples = 45). Treatments were compared to a control group with 0.7 m2 per pig and no extra enrichment nor roughage (C, n pigs = 115, n samples = 48). The study was performed over two batches, in spring and in autumn. The treatments had overall no effect on meat quality as measured by temperature and pH, colour, driploss, cooking loss or texture. However, the meat from S9 pigs had a significantly lighter colour than the meat from C, R or E and in addition, pigs from S6 had a higher growth rate (ADG) and carcass weight than C and R. Overall, the treatments had little to no effect on meat quality but increasing space allowance by a factor three notably improved pig growth. In contrast, the experimental batch significantly influenced several parameters of meat quality as well as growth and carcass weight, highlighting that un-controlled factors varying between batches, including seasonal effects, had a greater impact on meat quality than the treatments alone.
Effects of vegetable extracts on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines and advanced glycation end products during roasting and in vitro digestion of roasted beef patties.
Li Q, Zheng X, Wen R … +4 more , Qi J, Shao L, Hu Y, Zhang L
Meat Sci · 2025 Nov · PMID 40749366 · Publisher ↗
The research explored the effect of tomato, carrot, and lettuce extracts on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in beef patties during roasting and in vitro dig...
The research explored the effect of tomato, carrot, and lettuce extracts on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in beef patties during roasting and in vitro digestion. Carrot extract had strongest inhibitory effects on HAAs and AGEs formation, reducing total free HAAs (21.01 %), free AGEs (12.29 %), bound HAAs (28.20 %), and bound AGEs (9.65 %), relative to the control sample (P < 0.05). Carrot extract inhibited the formation of free AαC, Norharman, and CML, as well as bound 7,8-DiMeIQx, Glu-P-2, Harman, Norharman, and CEL (P < 0.05). Consumption of lettuce with roasted beef patties increased intestinal exposure to total HAAs, while tomato and carrot extracts had no significant effect on intestinal total HAAs exposure. However, three vegetable extracts increased intestinal exposure to total AGEs. Molecular docking revealed that β-carotene inhibited the formation of bound HAAs and AGEs by competing with creatine for TYR-1783, with MTCA for TYR-1783 and LYS-2025, and with THCA for LYS-2025, ALA-2029, and TYR-1783 on bovine myosin. These results offer insights into controlling hazardous compound formation in roasted meat products.
Freeze-thaw stability of pickering emulsions stabilized by SPI-chitosan and its application in frozen pork patties.
Zhang H, Li X, Shan W … +3 more , Guo J, Hu X, Kang H
Meat Sci · 2025 Nov · PMID 40749365 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the freeze-thaw (F-T) stability of Pickering emulsions (PEs) prepared from soy protein isolate (SPI) and chitosan (CH), and their application in frozen pork patties. SPI-CH stabilized PEs were pre...
This study investigated the freeze-thaw (F-T) stability of Pickering emulsions (PEs) prepared from soy protein isolate (SPI) and chitosan (CH), and their application in frozen pork patties. SPI-CH stabilized PEs were prepared at CH concentrations of 0, 0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, and 2 %. The F-T stability of PEs was evaluated through measuring the creaming index, particle size distribution, ζ-potential, and observing the microstructure. Results showed that PEs exhibited optimal F-T stability when the CH concentration reached 1.5 %. After three F-T cycles, the creaming index was minimized, decreasing by 54.3 % compared to the control group. The droplet size distribution became single-peaked and minimized, effectively enhancing emulsion stability. Incorporating SPI-CH stabilized PEs into frozen pork patties significantly improved product quality. Patties containing 6 % PEs performed best, showing improved water-holding capacity with the lowest thawing loss (5.8 %). They also maintained better color stability and exhibited a more desirable texture due to restricted water migration. This research provides a strong foundation for developing food-grade Pickering particles and improving the quality of frozen meat products. Future studies should further explore the potential applications of these particles in a wider range of frozen foods.
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