Characterizing research exploring factors associated with dark cutting, pH, color, and glycogen content in beef from grain-finished or feedlot-fed cattle: A systematic mapping review

This systematic mapping review aimed to identify trends, knowledge clusters, and gaps in research exploring the relationship between antemortem factors (e.g., cattle management, live animal characteristics, environment) and dark cutting, pH, meat color, and glycogen content in fed beef cattle. Four databases (Agricola, CAB Abstracts, Medline, Web of Science) were searched, and 460 peer-reviewed studies were included in the final analysis after a rigorous screening process. Data were extracted and synthesized using systematic review software and visualized using evidence gap maps. The review revealed that Feeding strategies were the most frequently studied intervention but many studies included multiple factors including but not limited to Age, Sex Class, Transportation, Plant Management, and Weather. Meat color and pH were the most frequently included parameters across studies while research on glycogen content and direct measures of dark cutting incidence was less common. Geographic location influenced the focus of research, with studies on specific breeds concentrated in their regions of origin. The review highlights the need for larger, observational studies to understand the complex interplay of factors contributing to dark cutting. This systematic map provides a valuable resource for researchers and stakeholders, identifying key areas for future research and contributing to efforts to reduce the incidence of dark cutting beef.