The effect of vitamin D(3) supplementation on texture and oxidative stability of beef loins from steers treated with zilpaterol hydrochloride.

In this study, 10 young steers received no beta agonist (C), 50 animals all received zilpaterol hydrochloride (Z), with 1 group receiving Z while the other 4 groups received Z and vitamin D(3) at the following levels (IU/animal /day) and durations before slaughter: 7 million for 3 days (3D7M) or 6 days (6D7M), 7 million for 6 days with 7 days no supplementation (6D7M7N) and 1 million for 9 days (9D1M). LD samples were vacuum-aged 14 days post mortem, and repacked in high-oxygen modified atmosphere (70% O(2)/30% CO(2)) for a further 7 days. Parameters included Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF), myofibril fragment length, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, free thiol levels, muscle fat, and instrumental colour parameters. When allowing for a conversion period of vitamin D(3) to its active metabolites, supplementing the zilpaterol treated steers with a high dosage of vitamin D(3) (6D7M7N) resulted in improved colour stability, higher stability towards protein oxidation and lower stability towards lipid oxidation.