The combined effects of grain supplementation and tenderstretching on alpaca (Vicugna pacos) meat quality

This study investigated the effects of feeding a mixed grain supplement and tenderstretching (TS) alpaca carcasses on meat quality. A total of 56 castrated 24month old alpacas were divided into two treatments (pasture-only, and pasture plus supplementation). Supplemented groups were fed a mixed grain ration in addition to ad lib pasture for 10weeks. Animals were slaughtered across two kill days (n=28). One half of each carcass was suspended by the pelvis (TS) prior to chilling, and the other half was Achilles tendon hung (AH). After 24h, muscles were removed and aged for 10 and 25d. TS significantly increased sarcomere length and reduced shear force and cooking loss in the m. semimembranosus. This trend was not observed in other muscles including the m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL) and m. psoas major. Ageing period resulted in a marginal improvement in LL tenderness. There is clear evidence that TS improves tenderness in the hindquarter of alpacas. •Tenderstretching improved shear force values in the m. semimembranosus (SM)•Tenderstretching elongated sarcomeres and reduced cooking loss in the SM•Tenderstretching reduced sarcomere length in the m. psoas major•Tenderstretching and ageing had minimal effect on the LL muscle•Mixed grain supplementation had minimal impact upon alpaca meat quality traits