Abstract

HORCADA-IBANEZ, Alberto et al. Beef quality of native pajuna breed calves in two production systems. Agrociencia [online]. 2016, vol.50, n.2, pp.167-182. ISSN 2521-9766.

A challenge of modern stock breeding is conservation of the native gene pool threatened by improved breeds, and the justification to conserve livestock breeds requires a revaluation of their production. With the aim of showing the productive possibilities of a native Spanish bovine breed in danger of extinction, and to contribute to its development, this study presents for the first time the variables of meat quality in Pajuna breed calves raised in two production systems: semi-extensive (grass and feed concentrate, Sem) and extensive (permanent grazing, Ex). The changes in meat quality variables were also analyzed at 7, 14 and 21 d of maturation. A panel of untrained consumers compared the consumption preferences for this meat at different moments of maturation. The experimental design was completely random with a factorial arrangement of 2x3: production system (Sem and Ex), and maturation (T7, T14 and T21 d), and 23 Pajuna breed castrated calves’ carcasses of two years of age were used. The characteristics of the calves’ meat were similar to those described for other Spanish native breeds. The calves’ meat from the Ex system was darker and presented higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids than the one produced in the Sem system (13.90 and 7.14 %, respectively). In the meat, for both production systems, luminosity (L) increased, as well as the water-holding capacity and the tenderness during the maturation process, and the most relevant changes were observed during the first 14 d of maturation. The best evaluation notes for the meat were observed after that period.

Keywords : Breed in danger of extinction; indigenous breed; native breed; grazing; maturation.