Voisinet B D, Grandin T, O'Connor S F, Tatum J D, Deesing M J
Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Meat Sci. 1997 Aug;46(4):367-77. doi: 10.1016/s0309-1740(97)00031-4.
Temperament ratings based on a numerical scale (chute score) were assessed during weighing and handling of cattle at a feedlot. Breeds studied included Braford, Red Brangus and Simbrah. Cattle were fed to a constant fat thickness of 9 to 13 mm (target = 11 mm) over the 12th rib as determined by periodic ultrasound measurements. Cattle were slaughtered in a commercial slaughter plant and stunned by captive bolt. Temperament rating had a significant effect on the incidence of borderline dark cutters which were downgraded by a USDA grader (P = 0.01). Temperament score also had a significant effect on tenderness (P < 0.001) as evaluated by Warner-Bratzler Shear (WBS) force at day 14 post mortem. The calmest animals which stood still when restrained in a hydraulic squeeze chute had a mean WBS force of 2.86 ± 11 kg and cattle which became highly agitated and struggled violently during restraint averaged 3.63 ± 19 kg. Forty percent of these cattle had WBS force values which were over 3.9 kg which is a threshold value for acceptability in food service establishments. These data show that cattle with the most excitable temperament ratings produce carcasses with tougher meat and a higher incidence of borderline dark cutters than cattle with calm temperament ratings.
在饲养场对牛进行称重和处理时，根据数字评分表（滑道评分）对其性情等级进行评估。研究的品种包括布拉福德牛、红婆罗牛和西门婆罗牛。通过定期超声测量确定，牛的第12根肋骨处脂肪厚度达到9至13毫米（目标值为11毫米）时停止喂食。牛在一家商业屠宰场屠宰，采用电击晕法。性情等级对临界暗切牛肉的发生率有显著影响，此类牛肉会被美国农业部分级员降级处理（P = 0.01）。在宰后第14天，通过沃纳-布拉茨勒剪切力（WBS）评估，性情评分对嫩度也有显著影响（P < 0.001）。在液压挤压滑道中被限制时静止不动的最温顺的牛，其平均WBS力为2.86±1.1千克，而在限制过程中变得高度激动并剧烈挣扎的牛平均为3.63±1.9千克。这些牛中有40%的WBS力值超过3.9千克，这是食品服务机构可接受性的阈值。这些数据表明，与性情温顺的牛相比，性情最易激动的牛所产胴体的肉更硬，临界暗切牛肉的发生率更高。
