Effects of phytoterapic diet supplementation on carcass traits and meat quality of Blonde d’Aquitaine bulls

An herbal complex consisting of Melissa officinalis L. and Hypericum perforatum L. was studied to investigate its effects on carcass characteristics and meat quality of Blonde d’Aquitaine bulls. 20 finishing bulls (average LW=556.5±11.80 kg), were equally divided, into 2 groups and fed 60 days a finishing diet without or with 50 g head-1 day-1 of the phytoterapic mixture. No statistical differences were observed on carcass traits. Both groups showed low pH45 values, indicating a proper management before slaughtering; values were lower in treated group (6.24 vs 6.39, P=0.07). The meat maintained a good quality without sensory traits alteration. The only improving effect of phytoterapic was on margaric acid, lower in treated group (0.61% vs 1.13%, P=0.04). Although the phytoterapic mixture did not interfere negatively on meat quality, no significant improvement on beef carcass traits were observed; therefore, under the same conditions of the trial, the use of this mixture would not seem justified.