STEROIDES MUSCULAIRES ET QUALITÉ DE LA VIANDE DE BOUVILLONS ET DE TAURILLONS

We evaluated meat quality and testosterone and cortisol contents of meat from 30 bulls and 30 steers. Meat from steers had significantly higher fat content, lower total collagen, pH, shear forces and L, a and b values than meat from bulls. Sarcomere length, soluble collagen, and steroids content were not statistically different between bulls and steers. No direct hormonal effects on meat quality have been found. Reported differences in meat quality could be attributable to stress and slaughter ages. Key words: Steroids, meat quality, bulls, steers