Abstract:
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.
