DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF VITAMIN-E TO FEEDLOT CATTLE AFFECTS BEEF RETAIL DISPLAY PROPERTIES

Beef products from carcasses (n = 20) of cattle fed supplemental vitam in E and beef products from commodity carcasses (n = 20), used as cont rols, were compared to determine effects of increased vitamin E tissue levels on display appearance of fresh beef held in supermarket and si mulated retail conditions. Meat from cattle fed supplemental vitamin E contained higher levels of alpha-tocopherol (P < 0.05) and, over time , exhibited less lipid oxidation, brighter lean color and lower discol oration. Monitoring supermarkets for discounted retail meats showed in creased levels of alpha-tocopherol in beef extended caselife and decre ased the incidence of discounted beef products.