Cholecalciferol supplementation of heifer diets increases beef vitamin D concentration and improves beef tenderness. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duffy, Sarah K.; O'Doherty, John V.; Rajauria, Gaurav; Clarke, Louise C.; Cashman, Kevin D.; Hayes, Aoife; O'Grady, Michael N.; Kerry, Joseph P.; Kelly, Alan K.
• Is Part Of: Meat science. Volume 134(2017)
• Page Start: 103
• Page End: 110
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Cholecalciferol -- Heifers -- Longissimus thoracis -- Tenderness -- Vitamin D activity; Meat -- Periodicals; Meat industry and trade -- Periodicals; Viande -- Périodiques; Viande -- Industrie -- Périodiques; Meat; Meat industry and trade; Periodicals; 641.36
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.07.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-1740

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) supplementation on beef vitamin D activity, beef tenderness and sensory attributes. Thirty heifers were randomly allocated to one of three finishing dietary treatments [(T1) basal diet + 0 IU vitamin D₃; (T2) basal diet + 2000 IU vitamin D₃; and (T3) basal diet + 4000 IU vitamin D₃] for a 30 day period pre-slaughter. Vitamin D₃ supplementation linearly increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-D3 ) concentrations (R 2 = 0.48), Longissimus thoracis (LT) total vitamin D activity (R 2 = 0.78) as well as individually vitamin D₃ (R 2 = 0.84) and 25-OH-D₃ (R 2 = 0.75). The highest vitamin D₃ inclusion diet (T3) had a 42% increase ( P < 0.001) in LT vitamin D activity compared to the intermediate diet (T2) and a 145% increase over the lowest level diet (T1). Vitamin D₃ supplementation decreased LT shear ( P < 0.05) force values after 14 days chilling. Sensory parameters were not affected ( P > 0.05). In conclusion, through short-term vitamin D₃ supplementation of cattle diets, beef vitamin D activity can successfully be enhanced. Highlights: Dietary biofortification can successfully enhance beef vitamin D content. Vitamin D₃ supplementation linearly increases serum 25-OH-D₃ and beef 25-OH-D₃. Vitamin D₃ enriched diets decreased Longissimus thoracis shear force values. Biofortified beef can contribute 13.5% to daily dietary requirements of vitamin D.