Conclusions
CO2 gas stunning effects on partial quality traits of bovine longissimus muscle with comparison of captive bolt stunning were found. CO2 gas stunning decreases pH value but increases lightness and sarcomere length in all live weight groups. Drip loss was increased with CO2 gas stunning in Group A (620–710 kg of live weight), whereas WBSF was decreased with CO2 gas stunning in Group B (720–790 kg of live weight). Therefore, CO2 gas stunning negatively affects muscle pH and water-holding capacity in steers but CO2 gas stunning can improve the tenderness and lightness compared with captive bolt stunning in cattle. However, more studies on CO2 gas stunning effect should be conducted not only from meat quality but also from a beef industry point of view
Conflict of interest