The influence of breed and type of feed on the cholesterol content of the M. longissimus dorsi of steers

Abstract

The cholesterol content of muscle from pasture-fed Hereford (n = 21) and Brahman (n = 12) steers, and from grain-fed Hereford (n = 20) steers was determined. No significant differences (P>0.05) were detected in the cholesterol content of muscle between breeds or between types of feed. Small, non-significant correlation coefficients were detected between cholesterol content of muscle and carcass fat thickness, while the association between cholesterol content of muscle and intramuscular fat content was stronger but only significant (P<0.05) for the Brahman group. Thus, breed, feed type and possibly carcass fatness were not variables that could be used to reduce the cholesterol content of muscle.