The objective of this Texas Tech Univ. study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Tasco meal supplementation during the finishing period on marbling score, sensory attributes, and retail shelf life of striploin and inside round steaks. Tasco is a feed additive produced from brown seaweed found in coastal waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean. Two-hundred steers (n=100) and heifers (n=100) were allotted to two different treatments: 1) control, no Tasco; and 2) 2% Tasco in granular meal form. Tasco was fed on day 45 through 60 and day 156 through 170 of a 170-day finishing period.

• Carcasses from Tasco-fed cattle had significantly greater marbling scores (P=0.003) and a greater percentage of ether extractable fat (P=0.001) than controls.

• There were no differences in sensory attributes, shear force, or purge attributes with the exception of inside round steaks from Tasco cattle having a significantly greater initial tenderness (P=0.03) and lower off-flavor score (P=0.002) than control steaks.

• Inside round steaks from Tasco-fed animals had a greater percentage of moisture (P=0.03) than control steaks.

• Steaks from Tasco-fed cattle were more uniform and had less discoloration and browning than those from controls.

• Tasco steaks were generally more red and less discolored during extended postmortem aging and retail exposure.

The authors concluded these results indicate that short-term supplementation of 2% Tasco meal in feedlot cattle increases carcass quality and prolongs shelf life of steaks (Braden et al. 2007. J. Anim. Sci. 85:754).