Level and Distribution of Potassium in Beef Carcasses

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Data obtained from the chemical analyses of 99 beef carcasses, from three different feeding trials, were evaluated to determine the relationship of potassium to other carcass components and to establish the level of potassium in the carcasses. Animals were slaughtered at live weights of 227, 341 and 454 kg that had received dietary regimens of varied energy levels (Trials I and II) and protein to energy ratios (Trial III). There were significant differences among the three weight groups in the potassium levels for different retail cuts when expressed on the wet basis (KWB). However, when potassium in the retail cuts was expressed on the fat-free basis (KFFB), there were significant differences only in Trial I where the 227 kg animals had higher concentrations in the round than the 341 kg animals and the 454 kg animals had higher concentrations in the plate than the 227 kg animals. When the retail cuts were evaluated within a weight group, there were significant differences in potassium when expressed as KWB, KFFB, or fat-free moisture-free basis (KFFMFB). When the potassium levels of the various wholesale cuts were ranked the values were more consistent when expressed as KFFB than when expressed as KWB regardless of weight group. When the total potassium of the carcass was expressed on the wet tissue basis, differences (P<.05) were observed among live weight groups. However, when potassium was expressed as KFFB, no difference (P<.05) due to weight group was observed. The potassium levels when expressed as KFFB of the carcass had a range of 0.290 to 0.297% for the three trials. When expressed as KFFMFB, differences (P<.05) in potassium levels of the carcass were noted only in Trial III. There were no differences (P>.05) in carcass potassium due to feeding regimens. A significant relationship (r=−.95) was observed between percent fat and carcass potassium. Copyright © 1972. American Society of Animal Science. Copyright 1972 by American Society of Animal Science.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: