Application of Stable Hydrogen Isotope Analysis in Beef Geographical Origin Traceability

A method of measuring the hydrogen isotope ratio in cattle tissues using pyrolysis instrument and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was examined and the hydrogen isotope ratio in cattle tissues from different regions of China was measured. The relationship between the stable hydrogen isotope in cattle tissues and the longitude, latitude and altitude of the region was analyzed, and the feasibility of applying the stable hydrogen isotope to trace the beef geographical origin in China was discussed. The results indicated that there were significant differences of delta H-2 values in cattle tissues from different regions, they were closely related to the hydrogen composition of the local water, and the delta H-2 values in cattle tissues decreased with the latitude increased. In addition, there was very significant correlation of delta H-2 values between cattle tall hair and defatted beef. Stable hydrogen isotope in cattle tissues is the potential indicator in cattle geographical origin traceability, and both tissues of defatted beef and tall hair could yield useful information on cattle geographical origin.