Polyphenol-rich sugarcane extract reduces methane emissions and improves oxidative stability and meat quality in pasture-fed Angus cattle.

Abstract

This study evaluated dietary sugarcane-derived polyphenol (SDP) supplementation on enteric methane emissions, oxidative stability and meat quality in pasture-fed Angus steers. Twenty-four steers (age: 6 months; initial body weight: 220 ± 20 kg) were assigned to two dietary treatments for 32 weeks: (1) Control (CON), fed with lucerne pellets; and (2) SDP, lucerne pellets with 0.25% dry matter of a commercial SDP extract. Methane emissions and production parameters were recorded throughout the feeding period. Following slaughter, longissimus lumborum (LL) and psoas major (PM) muscles were overwrap-packaged and displayed for 7 days simulating retail display. Meat quality assessments included color (L*, a*, b*), shear force, water-holding capacity, lipid oxidation (TBARS), protein oxidation (free thiol content), and antioxidant capacity (FRAP). SDP reduced methane emissions by 34.4% (72.5 vs. 110 g/day; p < 0.001) without affecting average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight (HCW), eye muscle area (EMA), or ultimate pH. Oxidative stability was improved, with SDP reducing lipid oxidation (p < 0.001). This effect became more pronounced throughout the display period, as indicated by a treatment × day interaction (p = 0.002). SDP also increased antioxidant capacity across both muscles (p = 0.002). Water-holding capacity was also improved, as SDP reduced cooking loss in both muscles (p < 0.001). SDP reduced purge loss (p = 0.005). Meat color and shear force were unaffected. These findings demonstrate that SDP reduces methane emissions while improving beef oxidative stability and water-holding capacity in sustainable pasture-based systems.