4. 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