Comparison of Nutritional and Meat Quality Characteristics between Two Primal Cuts from Aceh Cattle in Aceh Province, Indonesia

The Aceh cattle are local Indonesian beef cattle that are farmed in Aceh Province. This type of cattle is one of the sources of meat for the Aceh people. This study aims to analyze the quality of two primal cuts (longissimus lumborum and semitendinosus muscle) from Aceh cattle based on the muscle microstructure characteristics and MSTN gene expression. This study used a sample of longissimus lumborum and semitendinosus muscles from 18 adult male Aceh cattle with the age of 2–2.5 years and a BCS of 3.24. Muscle samples were obtained shortly after the cattle were slaughtered in slaughterhouses in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar districts. Muscle microstructure analysis was performed using the HE, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemistry staining methods, while the MSTN gene expression analysis was performed using the qPCR method. The analysis of the physical quality of meat includes pH, meat color, fat color, cooking loss, water holding capacity, and WBSF value. The results showed that the area of LL muscle fibers was smaller than that of ST with relatively the same diameter. Both muscles were dominated by fast fibers with a percentage of 82.37% (LL muscle) and 91.80% (ST muscle). The area and composition of the type of muscle fibers are the main factors that influence the tenderness of Aceh beef. A higher distribution of collagen was found in ST muscles than in LL muscles. MSTN gene expression in both muscle types was relatively the same. Aceh cattle have large muscle fibers and are dominated by fast fibers with a high percentage, resulting in a low level of the tenderness of Aceh beef. However, the level of tenderness of Aceh beef is still in accordance with the cooking preparation of original and favorite cuisine of Aceh people.


Introduction
e quality of meat is an important factor as a reference for consumers to consume meat, but the quality of meat is not yet a major limiting factor for consumers to buy meat in Indonesia. However, efforts to provide good quality beef for consumers are important. Many factors affect the quality of meat, including genetics, environment of maintenance [1], feed [2], stress before slaughter [3], physical activity [4], weight and age at slaughter [5], and gender [6]. All of these factors can affect the quality of the meat through the image of the muscle microstructure. Muscle microstructure can show the quality of the meat. Muscle microstructure features that are often analyzed about meat quality include the number and diameter of muscle fibers, sarcomere length, collagen content, and muscle fiber type composition [6]. e muscle microstructure correlates with the proteins involved in the formation of muscle cells (myofibrils). One of these proteins is myostatin. Myostatin is a member of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which is encoded by the myostatin gene (MSTN), which functions as the main regulator of the muscle-building process (myogenesis) and skeletal muscle growth [7]. Overexpression of myostatin causes a decrease in muscle mass, muscle fiber area, and muscle protein [8].
Longissimus lumborum and semitendinosus muscle are two types of muscle constructing meat primal cuts preferred by the consumer in Aceh Province, Indonesia [9]. Meat cuts from longissimus lumborum muscle had a higher price than commercial meat cuts from semitendinosus muscle. Such price difference is caused by the meat tenderness difference between the cuts. Meat tenderness is affected by its constructed muscle composition and structure [10]. Longissimus lumborum and semitendinosus muscles have different compositions and structures because their anatomical locations and physiological functions are different [10]. Muscle growth becomes important and receives attention from the breeder and meat industry. e muscle growth characteristics can increase the economic value of livestock, in addition to feeding efficiency [11]. Previous studies have also shown that the composition of muscle fiber type is one of the muscle growth characteristics variables which affects the quality of meat, especially concerning meat palatability, including affecting the taste (umami and richness) [12], meat color, pH, water binding capacity, tenderness, and nutritional value of meat [13][14][15], components of connective tissue and intramuscular fat [15,16], and amino acid composition [17]. Wegner et al. [18] state that for cattle fattening and cow breeding businesses, a good understanding of muscle characteristics is important to produce meat with maximum quantity and quality. Muscle mass can be maximized through the number and size of muscle fibers, as well as muscle fiber transformation. A comprehensive analysis of beef quality based on muscle microstructural characteristics has been carried out in Europe, Australia, Japan, America, and other developed countries, but the same study has never been carried out on local Indonesian beef cattle. e quality of meat originating from smallholder farms has never been studied before, so this study is important to do as a baseline for the preparation of beef quality standards in Indonesia, such as the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), MSA (Meat Standards Australia), and JMGA (Japan Meat Grading Association) as a reference for beef quality standards in America, Australia, and Japan [19,20]. e standard of beef quality in Indonesia currently refers to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 3932-2008 concerning Carcass and Beef Quality [21]; however, it does not cover all indicators of meat quality due to limited data. e quality of Indonesian local beef is still below the quality of imported beef [22,23] because it is still raised traditionally. However, meat markets in advanced countries have added meat quality standards related to animal welfare and environmental sustainability aspect in the past several years [24]. erefore, an investigation is necessary for Indonesian traditional local cattle breeding to know the meat quality produced as a baseline for future meat quality improvement programs. Other studies on Indonesian local beef cattle quality (Bali cattle and Ongole grade/PO cattle) showed the relationship between meat quality and muscle microstructure [22,23]. However, these two studies have not examined the composition of muscle fiber type which is also an important factor for meat quality. e composition of muscle fiber types can be engineered to produce more optimal meat production with preferred tenderness through genetic manipulation or breeding management modification. erefore, this study aims to analyze the quality of Aceh beef originating from smallholder farms based on muscle microstructure and MSTN gene expression. e results of this study can be used to improve the quality standards of Indonesian local beef and become a reference for government policymaking to improve the quality of beef in Indonesia.

Ethical Approval.
e study has received ethical approval from the IPB Ethics Committee of 2018 Number: 101-2018 IPB.

Sample Collection.
e study used meat samples from 18 adult male Aceh cows aged ± 2-2.5 years and had an average body condition score (BCS) of 3.24. e number of Aceh beef cattle used was relatively few because of the low participation of Aceh beef cattle owners in this study and the low number of Aceh beef cattle cut in a slaughterhouse during the current research period. is was assumed as a result of the recent decrease of Aceh beef cattle population. Meat samples were taken at the Keudah slaughterhouses in Banda Aceh and Lambaro, Aceh Besar District, and the traditional slaughterhouses in Bayu Village and Lhong Cut Village, Banda Aceh, Aceh Province, Indonesia. e age range of Aceh cows is quite wide due to the absence of a recording system by the breeders so that the determination of the age of the cows is based on teeth. e Aceh cattle used in the study did not experience a stunning process before slaughter and were not castrated, and the resulting carcass did not undergo chilling at 4°C for 24 hours. e meat samples came from the longissimus lumborum (LL) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. e determination of LL and ST muscles as samples is based on the following. (i) ese two muscles are the constituent of meat that is often purchased by consumers. (ii) e two muscles are different in their constituent contractile and metabolic components which are known from the anatomy and function of the two muscles. LL muscle represents passive muscle and is fast oxidoglycolytic, whereas ST muscle represents active muscle and is fast glycolytic. (iii) Both muscle types are often used as muscle samples in meat quality studies.
Each meat sample is taken immediately after the livestock is slaughtered by 500 g of each type of muscle taken and divided into four parts. ey are used for muscle microstructure analysis (meat is put into 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) fixation solution), proximate analysis (meat is put into plastic), physical quality analysis (meat is put in a plastic container and in a vacuum), and MSTN gene expression analysis (the meat is put into an Eppendorf tube 2 Veterinary Medicine International that has been filled with RNAlater stabilization solution) (RiboSaver, GeneAll, Korea). Meat samples for proximate analysis, physical quality, and MSTN gene expression were immediately put into a cool box containing ice gel, which was then taken to the laboratory for storage at −20°C and −80°C until the analysis was carried out.

Muscle Microstructure Analysis.
is analysis begins with the manufacture of histological preparations. Muscle samples were fixed with 10% NBF, dehydrated with 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, and absolute alcohol solutions, cleared with xylol, paraffinized with liquid paraffin, and embedded to block paraffin. Paraffin blocks were cut using a microtome with a thickness of 5 μm.
Muscle microstructure analysis includes measuring the diameter and area of muscle fibers, observing the distribution of collagen, and calculating the percentage composition of muscle fiber types. Muscle microstructure analysis was performed with several types of staining. Hematoxylineosin (HE) staining was used to measure the diameter and area of muscle fibers. Masson's trichrome (MT) staining was used for the observation of collagen distribution. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with anti-slow skeletal myosin heavy chain (MHC) I antibody (dilution 1 : 100, cat no. A083, Abcam, Cambridge, UK) was used to identify slow fiber muscle type (type I) and anti-fast MHC II antibody (dilution 1 : 200, cat no.ab75370, Abcam, Cambridge, UK) for the identification of fast fiber muscle types (type II). e IHC staining procedure followed the instructions on the IHC kit used, namely, mouse-and rabbit-specific HRP/DAB (ABC) detection immunohistochemistry kit (cat no. Ab64264, Abcam, Cambridge, UK) with a modification in the form of giving 0.1% triton-x as much as 10 μl along with the administration of primary antibodies. e calculation of the percentage of muscle fiber types followed the procedure of Hwang et al. [6].

Proximate Analysis and Physical Quality of Meat.
e proximate analysis includes the percentage of protein content using the Kjedahl method, fat content using the Soxhletation method, moisture content, and ash content using the Gravimetric method. e analysis of the physical quality of meat included meat pH after 24 hours of cutting (pH 24 ), meat color, fat color, intramuscular fat, meat tenderness, cooking loss, and water holding capacity. pH 24 measurements were carried out using a pH meter (HI 99163; Hanna, Woonsocket, USA) by inserting a probe into the meat. e assessment of meat and the fat color is carried out by visually observing the surface color of meat and fat and matching it with the standard meat and fat color according to the applicable standards in Indonesia, namely, SNI 3932 : 2008 (scale 1-9). e marbling assessment is carried out by looking at the intensity of marbling on the surface of the meat and matching it with the marbling standards according to SNI 3932 : 2008 (scale 1-12).
Meat tenderness is obtained from the Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) value. e meat sample of 200 g (±10 cm thickness) is inserted by a bimetal thermometer until it penetrates the inside of the meat, then it is put into a pot of water until the meat is completely submerged, and then the meat is boiled until the thermometer shows the number 81°C. e meat was molded using a corer, and the meat was measured to determine its breaking strength (kg cm −2 ) using the Warner-Bratzler tool [6].
Cooking losses are the difference between the weight of meat before and after cooking and are expressed as a percentage (%). About 100 g of meat is plugged in a bimetallic thermometer until it penetrates the inside of the meat and is put into water and boiled. Meat samples must be immersed in boiling water until the temperature in the meat shows the number 81°C and then removed. e meat is cooled for 60 minutes and then weighed. Water binding is carried out by the press method. A 0.3-gram sample of meat was placed between two filter papers and then given the pressure of 35 kg for five minutes. e area covered by the meat sample and the area of the surrounding wetlands are marked and measured with a planimeter. e wet area is obtained by calculating the difference between the area covered by meat from the total area which includes the wet area on the filter paper.

RNA Extraction from Muscle Samples and Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR).
e analysis of MSTN gene expression was done using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. e primer design for the MSTN gene and β-actin housekeeping gene was done using Mega 6 software with accession numbers NM_001001525.3 and XM_019987862.1, respectively. e specific primer sequences that have been designed and used in the study are presented in Table 1.
e meat samples analyzed were from 8 LL muscles and 8 STmuscles. e total mRNA was isolated using the RNeasy Fibrous Tissue Mini Kit (paint. No. 74704, Qiagen, Germany). e total RNA isolation procedure followed the procedure from the kit used with a slight modification in the form of increasing the amount of proteinase K given as much as 20 μl. Each meat sample was taken as much as 30 mg and separated from RNAlater and then homogenized with the help of liquid nitrogen (−196°C) using a micropestle. e next stage follows the procedure of the kit used. e concentration and purity of mRNA were measured using a nanodrop ( ermo Scientific, US) with an absorbance of 260/280 nm. Pure RNA is stored at −80°C until the next step is carried out. e synthesis of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) was carried out using 100 ng of total RNA that had been purified using ReverTra Ace qPCR RT Master Mix with gDNA Remover (FSQ-301, Toyobo, Japan). e obtained cDNA was stored at −20°C. e analysis of gene expression was done using the qPCR tool (qTower, AnalyticJena, Germany). e cDNA amplification and quantification process used underbird SYBR qPCR Mix (Toyobo, Japan). e concentration of cDNA used was 100 ng/μl. e PCR reaction used was 11 μl, and each PCR reaction consisted of 2 × SYBR Green Master Mix of 5 μL, forward and reverse primer (previously these two primers had been mixed) of 1 μL, cDNA template of 2 μL, and Veterinary Medicine International RNase-free water of 3 ml. e PCR conditions used were predenaturation at 95°C for 1 minute, denaturation at 95°C for 15 seconds, annealing at 55°C for 1 minute, and extension at 72°C for 30 seconds with many cycles of 40 times.

Data Analysis.
e measurement of fiber area and diameter as well as the calculation of muscle type composition was done using ImageJ software. Collagen distribution was analyzed quantitatively. All data (except collagen distribution) are presented as means and standard deviations. Differences between muscle groups were analyzed using the Independent-samples T-test. e quantification of the relative expression of the MSTN gene was calculated based on the relative number of MSTN and housekeeping genes (β-actin) as internal control genes based on the cycle threshold (Ct) value. e value of Ct is calculated from the average of three measurements. e comparative quantification of Ct values used the ΔΔCT method [25].

Muscle Microstructure.
e longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle has a smaller fiber area than the semitendinosus (ST) muscle (p < 0.05), while the diameter between the two muscles is not different (p > 0.05) ( Table 2 and Figure 1). e area of LL muscle fibers was 3409.66 ± 1072.27 μm 2 with a diameter of 45.58 ± 7.95 μm, while the area of the ST muscle fibers was 3566.70 ± 1077.20 μm 2 with a diameter of 46.80 ± 7.07 μm. e percentage of types I and II in the two muscle types did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). LL muscle has type I fibers with a percentage of 17.63 ± 13.96% and type II as much as 82.37 ± 13.96%. STmuscle has type I fibers with a percentage of 8.20 ± 3.20% and types II as much as 91.80 ± 3.20% (Table 2 and Figure 2). Table 3 and Figure 3 show the distribution of collagen connective tissue in LL and ST muscles in Aceh cattle. Collagen distribution observations were carried out by Masson's trichrome staining and positive reactions to collagen were marked by green in the collagen-containing tissue. e observation showed that collagen was found in both the endomysium and perimysium muscle layers of LL and ST with different thicknesses. e collagen tissue in the perimysium layer tends to have a higher thickness level (+to +++) compared to the endomysium layer with a thinner thickness level (+). e collagen content in the perimysium layer of the ST muscle is more than that of the LL muscle, while the collagen in the endomysium layer of the two muscles is relatively the same. In this study, the distribution of collagen in the epimysium muscle layer was not observed.

Proximate Analysis and Physical Quality of Meat.
e results of the proximate analysis of Aceh beef are presented in Table 4. e percentage of protein content, fat content, water content, and ash content in the two types of muscle did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). e percentages of protein, fat, water, and an ash content of LL muscle meat were 20.90 ± 1.27%, 2.69 ± 2.00%, 73.89 ± 2.26%, and 1.83 ± 0.54%, while those of the protein, fat, water, and an ash content of ST muscle meat were, respectively, 21.61 ± 1.33%, 2.16 ± 1.57%, 73.25 ± 3.57%, and 2.06 ± 0.43%, respectively.
e results of the physical quality analysis of Aceh beef are presented in Table 5. e pH 24 , meat color, and intramuscular fat were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the two types of muscle, while for the other variables there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). e pH 24 values of LL and ST muscles were 5.38 ± 0.10 and 5.59 ± 0.13, respectively. LL muscle has an average color score of 3.00 ± 0.00, while ST muscle has an average color score of 2.36 ± 0.74. In the LL muscle, there was also intramuscular fat (marbling) with a mean score of 1.29 ± 0.47, while in the ST muscle there was no intramuscular fat (score 0.00 ± 0.00).
e WBSF values, the percentage of cooking loss, and the water holding capacity between LL and ST muscles did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). e WBSF values for LL and ST muscles were 7.59 ± 1.36 kg cm −2 and 7.69 ± 1.26 kg cm −2 , respectively. e percentages of LL muscle cooking loss were 47.96 ± 3.34% and 45.16 ± 5.01% in ST muscles. e percentage of water binding capacity for LL and ST muscles was 29.86 ± 2.80% and 29.96 ± 1.50%, respectively.

MSTN Gene Expression.
e relative mRNA expression of the MSTN gene did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) in LL and ST muscles. e relative expression of mRNA (fold change) in the LL muscle was 1.00 ± 0.28 and that in the ST muscle was 0.95 ± 0.27 (Figure 4).

e Correlation of the Muscle Microstructure and Meat
Quality. Muscle microstructure correlates with MSTN gene expression and meat quality, especially pH, meat tenderness, cooking loss, water holding capacity, fat, and water content ( Table 6).
In the LL muscle, the area of muscle fibers has a strong correlation with the MSTN mRNA expression (−0.94) and WBSF value (−0.82) and moderately correlates with cooking losses (−0.36), water holding capacity (0.47), fat content (−0.46), and water content (−0.51). e area of LL muscle fibers has a weak correlation with pH24 (−0.09). Type I and II muscle fibers have a strong correlation with MSTN mRNA expression (0.84), pH24 (0.64), water holding capacity

Discussion
e study results show that muscle type affects the size of the area of muscle fibers. e area of LL muscle fibers is smaller (c) (d) Figure 2: Types of longissimus lumborum (LL) (a, b) and semitendinosus (ST) (c, d) muscle fibers in Aceh cattle. e two types of muscle consist of type I ( * ) and type II ( * * ) muscle fibers. Type II fibers predominate in both muscle types. Immunohistochemical staining. Bars 100 μm (a-d).    [18]. Aceh cows are a cross of Bos indicus cattle and belong to a small group of cattle, so they tend to have smaller muscle fiber sizes compared to exotic cattle (Bos taurus). Bovine skeletal muscle is composed of several types of muscle fibers, namely, type I, type IIA, and type IIX [16]. Muroya et al. [27] classify muscle fibers into 2 types, namely, slow fiber type (type I) and fast fiber type (type II). e study results showed that both LL and ST muscles in Aceh cattle Table 5: Physicochemical quality of Aceh beef.

Variables
Muscle p value LL (mean ± SD) (n � 14) ST (mean ± SD) (n � 14) pH 24 5.38 ± 0.10 a 5.59 ± 0.13 b 0.000 Color (visual score) 3.00 ± 0.00 a 2.36 ± 0.74 b 0.003 Fat color (visual score) 3.00 ± 0.00 a 3.00 ± 0.00 a -Intramuscular fat (visual score) 1 [16]. e high percentage of type II muscle fibers in the two types of muscle in Aceh cattle is thought to be influenced by genetic factors. Aceh cows are the result of crossing Bos indicus with Bos javanicus, so that the LL and ST muscles of Aceh cows tend to show a higher presence of type II fibers. e composition of the type of muscle fibers is also influenced by gender, age, muscle type, breed, and type of livestock [16]. e percentage of type IIB muscle fibers in Hanwoo cattle is found in the highest quality meat (grade I), while the Aceh beef sample used in this study is not known for its quality because the grading system has not been implemented in the Aceh beef sales process. Lorenzo et al. [28] stated that the composition of muscle fiber types has been shown to contribute to producing meat with the level of tenderness desired by consumers. Meat produced by muscles that contain lots of type II fibers, especially IIB, tends to produce meat with a low level of tenderness [15,29]. is was also seen in Aceh cows. Both types of muscle in Aceh cows have type II muscle fibers which are quite high so that the impact on the level of meat tenderness is low. Type II muscle fibers are larger in size compared to type I fibers [30], which contributes to lean meat. e connective tissue components found in skeletal muscle include collagen, proteoglycans, and cross-links [16].
e study results also prove that the collagen content is influenced by muscle type. Listrat et al. [16] proved that intramuscular connective tissue varies between muscle types and livestock types. Collagen is found more in the perimysium layer of both muscles than in the endomysium layer. e toughness of Aceh beef is also thought to be influenced by the amount and solubility of collagen; however, collagen analysis in this study was conducted qualitatively so that the percentage of dissolved and undissolved collagen was not certain. Joo et al. [31] stated that the amount and solubility of collagen are determining factors for meat tenderness. A large amount of total collagen in muscles indicates that the meat produced from these muscles is tighter [32]. e results of the correlation analysis show that total collagen, insoluble collagen, and cross-links have a significant negative correlation with meat tenderness, while dissolved collagen has a positive correlation with meat tenderness [15]. In future studies, it is very important to analyze each collagen component in Acehnese beef to determine the factors that most influence the tenderness of Aceh beef.
e results of the proximate analysis showed that the levels of protein, fat, water, and ash between the two muscle types of Aceh beef were not different, and this meant that the muscle type did not affect the nutritional value of the meat. e fat content of Aceh beef tends to be low with relatively high water content. Fat, protein, water, and ash content are influenced by cattle breed, genetics, livestock final care systems before slaughter, and meat handling [33][34][35]. e low-fat content in Aceh cattle is thought to be since Aceh cows are only fed grass without giving the concentrate. Cows that are fed only grass tend to produce meat with a low-fat content [36]. e low-fat content in Aceh cattle is also thought to be due to the nonoptimal slaughter age of Aceh cattle (nonoptimal maturity level). e maturity level of livestock largely determines the percentage of meat fat content [37]. Meat with high intramuscular fat content tends to have high-fat content and low water content, and vice versa [4]. Based on the results of the proximate analysis, it shows that the Aceh beef from both muscles has the same nutritional value, so that both can be choices for consumers. e pH 24 Aceh beef is in an acceptable pH range and is in the normal pH range for beef based on SNI 3932 of 2008, namely, 5. 40-5.80. e results of the study prove that the pH of the meat is not only influenced by livestock breeds but also by the type of muscle that makes up the meat. LL muscles have a lower pH 24 than ST muscles because LL muscles are thought to have higher glycolytic activity. In postmortem conditions, a high glycolytic activity can convert glycogen to lactic acid, so that the final pH of the meat becomes more acidic. In addition, a decrease in meat pH also occurs due to excess glycogen in muscles [38]. e final rearing system before the livestock is slaughtered largely determines the final pH of the meat. Livestock that are fed only grass will produce meat with a high pH [33]. However, this is not proven in this study. Genetics does not affect the pH of meat produced [33]; however, Ramos et al. [39] reported that the LL muscle of Brahman cattle (Bos indicus) tended to be resistant to lowering pH in postmortem conditions compared to Angus cattle (Bos taurus) and Brangus cattle (crosses of Bos taurus and Bos indicus). e LL Brahman cattle muscle is thought to be more resistant to cellular stress due to various factors during postmortem conditions. e pH value of meat has a positive correlation with waterbinding capacity. Meat with low pH has a low water binding capacity so that a lot of water will come out of the meat [40]. e color of meat from the LL and ST muscles of Aceh beef did not differ significantly. e color of the meat is related to the pH and the binding capacity of the water. e higher the brightness level of the meat, the lower the pH value and the binding capacity of the meat water [35]. Aceh beef LL and ST muscles have the same fat color.
Intramuscular fat (marbling) is a determining factor for eating quality. e LL muscle has intramuscular fat, whereas the ST muscle has no intramuscular fat. ese results prove that muscle type affects intramuscular fat levels. Intramuscular fat differs between muscle types even in the same breed of cattle [15,28,41]. e presence of intramuscular fat is also determined by the type of livestock [16]. Gálvez et al. [41] stated that muscles that are oxidative and have little physical activity have higher intramuscular fat than muscles that are glycolytic and have high physical activity. LL muscles are slow oxidoglycolytic (contain many types of IIA fibers) and include muscles that function to maintain livestock posture compared to ST muscles which are fast glycolytic and active in livestock movement [15]. e intramuscular fat content is also influenced by breed and 8 Veterinary Medicine International gender, feed and weight, and age of slaughter [5]. Aceh cows are classified as cows with low intramuscular fat content, in contrast to exotic cows such as Wagyu cattle which are known to have high intramuscular fat. Aceh cows that are raised using the traditional system are only given feed in the form of forage without giving concentrate. ese cows are raised with simple management without implementing a fattening program like the feedlot. Park et al. [5] stated that bulls fed only forage will produce meat with a lower intramuscular fat content and this increases with the age of the cattle. Aceh cows are slaughtered without paying attention to the proper age of slaughter so that the development of intramuscular fat is not optimal. e WBSF value of Aceh beef obtained in this study is relatively high. e WBSF value shows the level of the tenderness of the meat [42]; thus, the Aceh beef originating from LL and ST muscles tends to have a low level of tenderness.
e results of the study are also supported by previous studies [43]. Meat tenderness is influenced by several factors, including cattle breed, slaughter age, muscle protein degradation, and collagen content [15,39,44]) and the size of muscle fibers as shown in this study. Bressan et al. [33] proved that Bos indicus cattle have a higher WBSF value compared to Bos taurus cattle. Ramos et al. [39] stated that cows crossed between Bos indicus and Bos taurus have an adaptation mechanism of muscle cells to fight cell death in postmortem conditions. e high energy availability at the beginning of the postmortem and the delay in the autolysis process by calpain-1 resulted in a decrease in pH being inhibited and ultimately slowing the conversion process of muscle to meat. is adaptation mechanism is considered able to delay the meat tender process of Bos taurus indicus.
Cooking losses can be affected by livestock breeds [34]. e cooking losses and water holding capacity between the two types of Aceh beef muscle did not differ significantly. e high cooking loss is considered caused by the high water content in Aceh beef, especially free water, so that when the meat is cooked, a lot of free water is released. e relatively high percentage of cooking loss tends to be a result of the low water holding capacity of the meat. is can be seen from the percentage of water binding capacity in the two types of muscles of the Aceh cows. High water content but cannot be bound in the meat will cause a lot of water content to leak out when the meat is cooked. Water holding capacity has a negative correlation with the moisture content of meat [40]. e results of the qPCR analysis showed that the MSTN gene expressed in the two muscle types with relative quantification values was not different. is result is supported by Albrecht et al. [45]. is study does not show that muscle type affects myostatin gene expression. MSTN gene expression is relatively the same between LL and ST muscles, but the area of fibers between the two muscles is significantly different. Individual response or muscle adaptation response is thought to be different between LL and ST muscles so that the resulting phenotypes are also different even though they have relatively the same MSTN gene expression. e level of myostatin gene expression can be influenced by livestock breeds and heat stress [46]. e increase in MSTN gene expression is often followed by a decrease in the expression of structural genes in muscles such as myosin heavy chain (MHC) and desmin genes, which will result in loss of muscle mass [47]. Genetic factors influence MSTN gene expression and are breed-specific [48].
e MSTN gene has a close relationship with the growth rate and carcass characteristics so that this gene has the potential to be studied more intensively so that it can be implemented in the cattle fattening program so that good quantity and quality of meat can be obtained [49].
LL and ST muscles are the two types of muscle that make up meat that is often purchased by beef consumers in Indonesia. Cooking methods can affect the quality of meat desired by consumers, such as taste and tenderness [50]. e study conducted by Sofyan et al. [9] notes that most people in Aceh Province like Aceh beef because it tastes delicious and sweet, does not crumble easily and shrinks after cooking, and has a finer fiber compared to imported meat fiber. erefore, the low level of the tenderness of Aceh beef obtained in this study is still suitable and following the type of cuisine of the people in Indonesia. Indonesia has several types of beef-based dishes that are processed using the wet cooking method and cooked for a long time, such as rendang and curry [9,51]. e habit of cooking by boiling for a long time was influenced by the Indian culture which brought its influence to the cooking methods of people in Indonesia [52]. e characteristics of Indonesian cuisine are influenced by natural and cultural conditions. Indonesian cuisine can be classified based on the six major islands as Sumatera, Java, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Bali, and Papua. Each region has different food cultural characteristics which are shaped by natural, historical, and cultural conditions. e food on the island of Sumatera (including Aceh Province) is heavily influenced by Middle Eastern and Indian cultures. e dishes have a very strong taste (spicy, sour, thick which comes from the heavy use of coconut milk in cooking dishes). e influence of India can mostly be seen in the dishes that are generally cooked by the people of Aceh which are made from beef, such as meat curry dishes that use lots of spices such as cloves and nutmeg as well as those used in Indian cuisine [52]. Curry is a type of dish made from beef or mutton that is often cooked by Aceh beef consumers [9] and is also one of the main types of cuisine in Aceh Province [53,54]. Apart from curry, there are other types of dishes made from beef, including jerky, curry, kuwah beulangong, sie reuboh, and meat soup [53]. In the manufacturing process, all types of dishes undergo a relatively long boiling process [54]. erefore, based on how to cook various main dishes of Aceh people, Aceh beef which is used as a raw material for making various types of culinary does not require a high level of tenderness.
Aceh cattle are the result of cross-breeding between Bos javanicus and Bos indicus [55]. Several studies have shown that Bos indicus have a lower level of meat tenderness compared to Bos taurus [33,39], so that, genetically, Aceh cattle tend to have a low level of meat tenderness. Generally, Aceh cattle are kept by breeders for 6 months to 1 year before being sold to the animal market. e length of time for rearing also has an impact on the thickness of the meat Veterinary Medicine International 9 produced. e level of the tenderness of Aceh beef according to the type of dish cooked by consumers is a form of food culture that underlies an identity of local Aceh people which must be maintained in the future as a cultural heritage as stated by Zeng et al. [56] and Guererro et al. [57].

Conclusion
Based on the muscle microstructure variable and the MSTN gene expression, it can be seen that the quality of Aceh beef is still relatively low when compared to the quality of imported meat from exotic cows because it has a low level of meat tenderness. e level of the tenderness of the meat is low because the meat is composed of large muscle fibers with a high percentage of type II muscle fibers. However, Aceh beef originating from people's farms is suitable for the cooking methods and types of food cooked by the community. Aceh beef has also a low-fat content so that it has the potential as a healthy food choice for consumers. e amino acid analysis is needed to complete the information on the quality of Aceh beef traditionally raised by breeders. Based on the study results, grass-feeding without concentrate can be maintained but the quality and quantity of grass can be improved. In addition, the study results can also add references to improve the quality standards of Indonesian local beef which are adapted to the sociocultural conditions (local wisdom) of the people in Indonesia.

Data Availability
e data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request by email, hamny@unsyiah.ac.id.

Conflicts of Interest
e authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Authors' Contributions
HS performed studies, data analysis, and manuscript writing, ES and CS participated in data analysis and manuscript review, and ASS and SA designed and supervised the research.