Early post mortem expression of apoptosis genes in longissimus dorsi muscle of Braford steers differing in managing fed system

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of casp9, Bax, Bcl2 Hsp70 and Hsp27 genes in Braford steers differing in finishing strategies. Thirty Braford steers grazing on summer pasture were used for the study. For 120 days fifteen animals were supplemented with corn silage at 1% of body weight per head per day whereas the remaining 15 steers only received pasture. Supplemented steers showed higher WBSF (p = .03) than Control group. Gene expression was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression of the casp9, Bax, Bcl2 genes did not differ between groups. Expression of Hsp70 and Hsp27 genes was up-regulated in Suppl group (p < .05). These results suggest a gene by diet interaction in Hsp70 and Hsp27 chaperones and these interaction impact in Warner Bratzler Shear Force in Braford longissimus dorsi muscle.