Organic and inorganic Mineral Supplementation Enhances Carcass Quality, Meat Sensory Attributes, and Growth Receptor Gene Expression in Friesian calves

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of organic and inorganic mineral supplementation (Zn, Cu, Mg) on carcass traits, meat quality, and growth-related gene expression in Friesian calves. Twenty-four calves (120–150 kg) were divided into four groups: control (G1, basal diet), 100% inorganic minerals (G2), 50% organic/inorganic minerals (G3), and 100% organic amino acid-bound minerals (G4). Over 18 months, carcass traits (dressing percentage and edible parts), meat quality (tenderness, proximate composition, sensory attributes), and gene expression (GHR, IGF1R, IGF2R) were evaluated. Calves receiving 100% organic minerals (G4) exhibited superior carcass traits, with the highest dressing percentage (63.5±1.2%) and carcass weight (310±8.4 kg), outperforming the control (G1: 58.2±1.0%; 265±7.8 kg; p<0.05). G4 also demonstrated optimal meat quality, including greater tenderness (Warner-Bratzler shear force: 3.2 ± 0.3 kg) and higher protein content (22.4±0.5%) compared to G1 (4.8±0.4 kg; 19.1±0.6%; p< 0.05). Sensory panels rated G4 had recorded the highest for juiciness and flavor (8.2 ± 0.4 vs. G1: 6.5 ± 0.3; p< 0.01). The G3 had achieved about 92–95% of G4’s carcass and meat quality metrics. Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of GHR, IGF1R, and IGF2R in G4 compared to G1 (p<0.05), correlating with improved muscle hypertrophy and fat deposition. G3 had showed intermediate gene activation, while G2 lagged, underscoring the bioavailability advantage of organic minerals. These findings demonstrate that organic mineral supplementation improved meat quality and carcass yield. The 50% organic/inorganic strategy offers a viable, economical alternative for sustainable ruminant production.