Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following defects in meat quality is likely not caused by injections?

1. Dark cutter (dark meat).

2. Excessive marbling.

3. Quality grade reduction.

4. Improper handling prior to slaughter.

The correct answer is: Dark cutter (dark meat).

The association of defects in meat quality with injections revolves mainly around the effects of substances that may be introduced into the animal’s system and how they impact the meat post-harvest. Dark cutter, characterized by its unusually dark appearance, is primarily influenced by the animal's stress levels before and during slaughter. This condition can be exacerbated by factors like insufficient feed or water, environmental conditions, or emotional stress but not typically by injections, which tend to have different causes and effects on meat quality. In contrast, other defects listed are more directly related to injections or the practices surrounding animal treatment. Excessive marbling can arise from specific types of feed or growth enhancers but not usually direct injections influencing marbling in such a noticeable way. Quality grade reduction, which pertains to lower overall meat quality due to various factors including potential health issues from injections, is also directly linked to the management of cattle. Improper handling prior to slaughter can lead to several meat quality issues and may involve factors like how the animals were cared for or transported, which is separate from injection-related issues. Thus, the answer emphasizes that dark cutter as a defect is naturally occurring under stress-related circumstances and is unlikely to be a result of injections.