P.PSH.1437 - Impact of red asparagopsis oil on the eating quality of mid-fed cattle

Summary

This project aimed to investigate the effect of Asparagopsis oil (ASP) on eating quality in mid-fed cattle using Meat Standards Australia (MSA) sensory protocols.

 
The three cuts selected for this experiment were chosen for their different ageing potential and quality (e.g. connective tissue), and samples were aged for two periods (seven days and 28 days). This will aid in understanding potential mode of action of any effect e.g. via proteolysis or connective tissue, and whether any impact can be mitigated through ageing. 

Additional eating quality trial work will be conducted in future opportunities to understand eating quality impacts in other production types, e.g. long fed, formulations and concentrations. Combined results will aid in determining if any adjustments are required for the MSA model.

Objectives

1. ​​Determine the impact of feeding red asparagopsis infused oil on the meat quality of mid-fed beef (150 days). 
2. ​​Determine the impact of feeding red asparagopsis infused oil on the post-mortem ageing potential of meat from mid-fed beef (150 days)​​.

Key findings

Feeding an Asparagopsis extract in canola oil to Angus or Angus crossbred cattle (total 150 days on feed (DOF)) for the last 100 DOF did not significantly affect meat quality attributes as determined by a sensory panel.

Benefits to industry

This research represents one of the largest commercial trials of Asparagopsis products on carcase and meat quality conducted in conditions relevant to the Australian feedlot industry. Consequently, it offers crucial data to support the adoption of Asparagopsis Oil in extended feeding programs in feedlots, particularly concerning meat eating quality. The findings of this study indicate that the Asparagopsis oil treatment doesn't affect most eating quality attributes.

MLA action

Publish final report.

Future research

Future research is needed to optimise feeding programs for Asparagopsis oil supplements, including testing different varieties, and new synthetic variations of Asparagopsis with various formulations. However, thorough sensory testing is essential if these supplements are to be applied commercially. Additionally, investigating how Asparagopsis oil affects intramuscular fat (IMF) and subsequently influences sensory attributes in meat can offer insights into its overall impact on consumer acceptance and market viability. It is also crucial to consider other factors that influence IMF, such as breed, diet and animal management practices, better to understand Asparagopsis spp. specific contributions to meat quality.