Abstract:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of marbling texture on consumer and trained sensory panel ratings of beef strip loin steaks from 3 USDA quality grades. Beef strip loins (n = 117) were selected from 3 quality grades [Top Choice (Modest 00 -Moderate 100 marbling), Low Choice (Small 00 -Small 100 marbling), and Select (Slight 00 -Slight 100 marbling)] to equally represent three different marbling texture groups: fine, medium, and coarse, via visual appraisal. There were no quality grade × texture interactions (P > 0.05) for all of the traits evaluated. Consumers (n = 104) rated all marbling texture groups similar (P > 0.05) for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall liking, as well as rated a similar (P > 0.05) percentage of samples from each marbling texture group acceptable for each palatability trait. Moreover, consumers indicated no preference (P > 0.05) among marbling texture groups for visual desirability or likelihood to purchase. However, trained sensory panelists rated coarse marbled steaks higher (P < 0.05) than fine or medium marbled steaks for both beef flavor intensity and sustained juiciness, as well as higher (P < 0.05) for initial juiciness than medium textured steaks. There were no differences (P > 0.05) among marbling texture groups for Warner-Bratzler shear force, slice shear force, and pressed juice percentage. Low Choice steaks were rated higher (P < 0.05) than Select steaks by consumers for tenderness, flavor liking, and overall liking, but similar (P > 0.05) to Top Choice. Results from this study indicate marbling texture had no impact on consumer evaluations of eating quality and only minimal effects on trained sensory panel palatability ratings and therefore provides no palatability-based evidence for the exclusion of coarse marbled carcasses from current and future branded beef programs.

Her area of specialization for her doctoral studies was Measurement and Evaluation.

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Recent “Baby Doe” decisions and governmental rules have prompted a review of the quality of life afforded infants with severe handicaps. Several disciplines (psychology, education, social services) have been actively engaged in searching for methodology, technology, and service delivery models to improve the life experienced by these in/ants. This search has focused on work along several dimensions of a quality life, including educability, relationships, residence, access, and technology. It is critical for those making treatment decisions to be aware of advances that will help afford an improved quality of life to infants with severe handicaps. It is our duty to further these advances and make them more known to decision makers and the general public.

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