Effect of dietary beta-agonist treatment, vitamin D3 supplementation and electrical stimulation of carcasses on colour and drip loss of steaks from feedlot steers

In this study, 20 young steers received no beta-agonist (C) and 100 animals all received zilpaterol hydrochloride (Z), with 1 group receiving Z while the other 4 groups receiving Z and vitamin D3 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). Left carcass sides were electrically stimulated (ES) and right sides not (NES). Samples were analysed fresh or vacuum-aged for 14 days post mortem. Parameters included drip loss and instrumental colour measurements. In general, zilpaterol showed increased drip loss, lighter meat, and reduced redness. Vitamin D3 supplementation could not consistently overcome these negative effects. All vitamin D3 treatments reduced drip loss of stimulated aged steaks.