Impact of Supplementing Cattle with OmniGen- AF at the Receiving or Finishing Phase on Beef Shelf- Life

Authors

Katherine I. Domenech, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Michael D. Chao, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Joe Buntyn Buntyn, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ty B. Schmidt, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Chris R. Calkins, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2016

Citation

2016 Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Comments

© The Board Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved.

Abstract

A patented proprietary product, OmniGen- AF, was evaluated to extend beef steak shelf- life at 8, 22 and 29 days of aging. Th e three treatment groups included a control group with no supplementation, OmniGen- AF supplementation for28 d aft er receiving, and supplementation for 210 d during finishing. Th e inclusion of OmniGen- AF had no effect on tenderness or visual discoloration under retail display conditions and minimal effects on fatty acid composition. Although color stability seemed to be unaffected by the supplementation, feeding OmniGen- AF throughout the entire feeding period tended to decrease oxidation. Supplementing cattle with a greater concentration of OmniGen- AF or increasing the antioxidant components in the feed supplement could be explored to further maximize beef shelf- life following long periods of aging.