Influence of straw feeding and growth-implant on veal meat quality

Trials have been carried out to examine the effects of a food additive supply (Maturex) and/or of anabolic implant (Revalor) on carcass characteristics and on veal meat qualities. Twelve Holstein × Française Frisonne Pie Noire calves acted as controls, twelve calves were implanted with Revalor, approximately 60 days prior to slaughter, twelve others were fed with Maturex, whilst the remaining twelve animals were fed with Maturex and implanted with Revalor. All animals were slaughtered at 4 months. Revalor implantation had a significant effect on carcass weight and conformation. Feeding with Maturex had no significant effect on different carcass characteristics. Neither anabolic treatment nor Maturex supplementation significantly affected pH value, haematocrit, pigment content, FOP, colour characteristics, collagen content and solubility, or dry matter. Although Revalor had a negative effect on weight losses during cooking, Maturex showed no significant effect. While Maturex showed a positive effect on tenderness and no effect on juiciness, Revalor showed a negative effect on tenderness and juiciness. For all sensory characteristics, no effect was noted when both Maturex and Revalor were used together.