Effect of Feeding Periods of Dietary Rhus verniciflua Stokes on the Quality Characteristics of Hanwoo Beef during Refrigerated Storage

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of feeding periods of dietary Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) on the quality characteristics of Hanwoo beef during refrigerated storage. Hanwoo steers were fed a 4% RVS-contained diet for 0 (control). 3, 4, 5, or 6 mon prior to slaughter (28 mon of age). The M. semitendinosus from carcasses were stored at 3 +/- 0.2 degrees C for 7 d. The crude fat content was lower in the 4 and 5 mon groups than in the other groups (p<0.05), however the crude protein content and water-holding capacity (WHC) were higher in the 4 and 5 mon groups than in the other groups (p<0.05). The monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content was higher in the 3, 4 and 5 mon groups than in the other groups (p<0.05). During storage. the TBARS content Was reduced ill the RVS groups)S, and the MetMb content showed slower accumulation in the 3, 4, and 5 mon groups than in the other groups. With regard to meat color, the 3, 4, and 5 mon groups had higher L, a, and C values than the other groups until 7 d, and in particular. the a value at 7 d was the highest in the 4 mon group (p<0.05). Consequently. the beef from 4% RVS-fed Hanwoo for 4-5 mon was effective at improving the WHC. MUFA content. and color stability relative to the other beef.