The study was carried out as a randomized complete block design in
a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Four carcasses were selected and graded
at random from carcasses being processed at Sam Kane Beef Processors
Inc. at Corpus Christi, TX. The carcasses graded USDA Select and represented
a variety of Bos taurus breed types and backgrounds, produced
at the Texas A&M University Research Center at McGregor. Primals
were collected from both sides of the carcass and included the brisket,
flank, and plate. After collection carcasses were transported to Texas
A&M University on ice, where they were frozen at −20 °C.