Electrical currents applied to lamb carcasses — effects on blood release and meat quality

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 885 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Hopkins ◽  
F. D. Shaw ◽  
S. Baud ◽  
P. J. Walker

The amount of collectable blood during the early phase of slaughter was determined for 48 lambs in 4 treatment groups: a control group (no current, no thoracic stick), a thoracic stick group only and groups subjected to a thoracic stick and either an electric current of 14 or 10 Hz frequency. The current was applied to the ‘skin-on’ carcass soon after the stunning/sticking process and subsequent to the thoracic stick, with a view to increasing the volume of blood released at that time. With both frequencies there was a small, but statistically significant (P<0.05), increase in the amount of released blood over non-stimulated treatments. Samples of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum were aged for 1 and 5 days before freezing. Warner–Bratzler shear force measurements indicated the effectiveness of the current applications in reducing shear force with the 14 Hz waveform being superior to the 10 Hz waveform and in a related way the degradation of myofibrillar proteins was greater in meat subjected to the 14 Hz treatment when examined using the myofibrillar fragmentation index.

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 1922
Author(s):  
J. L. M. Mello ◽  
R. A. Souza ◽  
G. C. Paschoalin ◽  
F. B. Ferrari ◽  
B. M. Machado ◽  
...  

We compared the physical and chemical characteristics of the pectoralis major muscle from Cobb 500 and Hubbard ISA broilers and evaluated the effect of aging process for up to 7 days on meat quality. We used breast samples from male Cobb 500 (42 days of age; n = 60) and Hubbard ISA (85 days of age; n = 60) broilers. Twenty samples of each genotype were analysed 4 h post-slaughter (Control group). Another 20 samples of each genotype were aged in an incubator (2 ± 0.5°C) for 3 and for 7 days. Breast fillets were 23% heavier in the Cobb 500 group (306 g vs 248 g; P = 0.0009). Before aging, meat from Hubbard ISA broilers had higher (P < 0.001) water-holding capacity, which promotes the production of less exudate and possibly reduces nutritional losses during storage, which may be beneficial to the poultry industry. Despite being initially less tender, breast meat from Hubbard ISA broilers showed, during the aging process, a reduction (P < 0.05) of shear force (48.46–15.04 N), total collagen amount (6.0–4.8 g/kg) and myofibrillar fragmentation index (150.17–97.42) and had the same (P = 0.134) fat concentration (0.87 g/100 g) as that of breast meat from Cobb 500 broilers (0.93 g/100 g, respectively). Breast meat from Hubbard ISA broilers had a higher (P < 0.001) polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration, especially docosahexaenoic acid, which is beneficial to human health. Aging breast fillets for 3 days at 2°C is sufficient to tenderise the meat without reducing its juiciness, which suggests that the aging process can add value to free-range meat.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Arantes-Pereira ◽  
Flávia C. Vargas ◽  
Júlio C.C. Balieiro ◽  
Ana Monica Q.B. Bittante ◽  
Paulo J.A. Sobral

Tenderness has a prominent position on meat quality and is considered to be the sensory characteristic that most influences meat acceptance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and determine correlations among three different meat shear force techniques. Commercial samples of bovine Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (BLTL), Tensor fasciae latae (BTFL), Semitendinosus (BST), Psoas major (BPM), Biceps femoris (BBF) and swine Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (PLTL) were analyzed for pH, proximate composition, cooking loss and shear force with a classical Warner-Bratzler device and a TA-XT2 Texturometer equipped with shear blades 1 and 3 mm thick. The effect of different techniques in each studied muscle was statistically analyzed and regression curves were built. Results from the 1 mm blade were quite similar to the ones obtained with the Warner-Bratzler, however the results from 3 mm blade were overestimated (p<0.05). Significant correlation (p<0.01) among shear force technique using Warner-Bratzler and the ones using the Texturometer was observed (0.47 for 1 mm blade and 0.57 for the 3 mm blade). In conclusion, we found that the 1 mm blade and the Warner-Bratzler machine are reproducible for all tested muscles, while the 3 mm blade is not reproducible for the BTFL, BST, BPM, BBF, PLTL. There is a significant correlation between the results obtained by the classical Warner-Bratzler and the TA-XT2 Texturometer equipped with both blades. Therefore, TA-XT2 Texturometer equipped with the 1mm blade can perfectly replace the traditional Warner-Bratzler device.


1975 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. H. Brooks ◽  
D. J. A. Cole ◽  
W. J. N. Jennings

SUMMARYThe carcass characteristics of young adult female pigs (gilts) slaughtered after weaning their first litters have been investigated using three groups of 19 Landrace × (Landrace×Large White) gilts. In two treatment groups gilts were mated at their pubertal oestrus and suckled their piglets for 5 to 11 and 35 to 42 days respectively. These gilts were slaughtered on average 10 days after weaning. A third control group consisted of unmated gilts slaughtered at 118 kg live weight.There was no significant difference in the killing-out percentage for the three groups. The carcasses of the gilts which farrowed contained significantly less fat (P<0·001) than those of the unmated controls. The carcasses of the farrowed gilts had significantly lighter middle sections (P<0·001) and significantly heavier shoulders (P<0·001) than the controls.Despite the variations in tissue yield and distribution, the yield of prime joints for the gilts which had farrowed was only 0·62 percentage units less than that of the controls.No commercially significant variations between groups in meat quality were observed.


Author(s):  
G. M. Suliman ◽  
S. A. Babiker ◽  
H. M. Eichinger

This study investigated the effects of Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds inclusion in diet of cattle. Fifty-five Sudan Baggara bulls were selected and divided into five treatment groups, and fed iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets where groundnut cake was the source of protein in the control diet (0% Hibiscus seeds), while in the other experimental diets, Hibiscus seeds replaced groundnut at a rate of: 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The crude protein was significantly lower in the 100% group than in the control group, whereas muscle fat content was significantly lower in the 25, 75, and 100% groups than in the control group. There were no significant differences between the tested groups for the carcass linear measurements, but there were so for the redness and yellowness color components of the fat, water-holding capacity, and cooking loss. In conclusion, the growth performance and meat quality attributes of the cattle were improved as the level of Hibiscus seeds increased up to 75%, without any adverse effect.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 1039-1046
Author(s):  
Muhammad ZAID ◽  
Jibran HUSSAIN ◽  
Athar MAHMUD ◽  
Khalid JAVED ◽  
Muhammad Shabir SHAHEEN ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the effect of outdoor access offered to fast-growing broilers at different ages and its impact on meat quality attributes. A total of 200 straight-run broilers were arranged according to the completed randomized design and distributed into 4 treatment groups. The treatments were replicated 5 times; each replicate consisted of 10 birds. The treatment included age at exposure to outdoor access including day 21, day 28, and day 35, and a control group in which the birds were reared at an indoor facility for up to 56 days. Taste, flavor, juiciness, and overall acceptability of breast meat were highest for broilers given outdoor access on day 21 followed by day 28, day 21 and lowest for broilers without outdoor access. Tenderness of breast meat was highest in broilers without outdoor access followed by broilers given outdoor access on day 35 and day28 and lowest for broilers given outdoor access on day 21 of age. It can be concluded that giving outdoor access to fast-growing broilers at the age of day 21 improves carcass and meat quality traits.


Foods ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Siekmann ◽  
Lisa Meier-Dinkel ◽  
Sabine Janisch ◽  
Brianne Altmann ◽  
Claudia Kaltwasser ◽  
...  

Over 40 million day-old layer line cockerels are culled in Germany each year, due to economic reasons, leading to a recently instigated research focus on the potential of dual-purpose breeds as an alternative to conventional poultry husbandry, especially the practice of culling. This paper aims to explore and assess the dual-purpose chicken breed “Lohmann Dual” (LD) performance (n = 30) and sensory characteristics (n = 48). Carcass and meat quality traits are evaluated, and descriptive sensory analysis of breast muscles is conducted. To define the scope of characteristics, a market sample of “Ross” Line (n = 35) is adducted. LD carcasses are characterized by higher leg than breast yield; carcass, breast and leg weights are higher in Ross. LD meat has a lower pH, differs in color, has higher drip and thawing losses, but lower cooking loss. LD breast muscles are firmer as indicated by shear force measurements, which is confirmed through the sensory analysis. Appearance, odor and flavor differ between the lines. Overall, distinguishable differences are found between both breeds. Further research should focus on the marketing aspect of the dual-purpose line, as some characteristics could draw consumers to this product. Animal welfare and ethical concerns should further be considered when considering dual-purpose breeds as a feasible alternative to culling.


Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1587
Author(s):  
Archana Abhijith ◽  
Frank R. Dunshea ◽  
Robyn D. Warner ◽  
Brian J. Leury ◽  
Minh Ha ◽  
...  

The current study is a meta-analysis of the effects of electrical stimulation (ES, n = 28 papers) with different voltages combined with different ageing periods (0–3, 4–7, and 8–14 days) on the meat quality of small ruminants. A comprehensive search for published studies on meat quality of small ruminants investigating the application of low, medium, and high voltage electrical stimulation, was performed using Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Forest plots, funnel plots, and other statistical tools and tests were used in the study to analyze the results. Electrical stimulation significantly reduced ultimate pH (p < 0.001), Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) (p < 0.001), cooking loss (p < 0.05), and purge loss (p < 0.001). In addition, sarcomere length (p < 0.01), myofibrillar-fragmentation index (MFI) (p < 0.001), and color (L*, a*, b*) (p < 0.001) showed higher values in meat subjected to ES as compared with the control group. In conclusion, the meta-analysis revealed statistical proof of beneficial effects of ES on meat quality of small ruminants in terms of ultimate pH, tenderness, enhanced proteolysis, and higher colorimetric values.


2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 713 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Maggiolino ◽  
J. M. Lorenzo ◽  
A. Salzano ◽  
M. Faccia ◽  
F. Blando ◽  
...  

Context The inclusion of Pinus taeda hydrolysed lignin (PTHL) in beef diets could improve quality and stability of meat, but effects could vary through the aging period (AP). Aim The aim was to evaluate the effects of the PTHL inclusion in the diet of finishing beef cattle on meat quality, fatty acid composition and oxidative stability at Days 1, 8, 11 and 15 of aging. Methods Forty Limousin bulls (340 ± 42 kg) were fed ad libitum on a total mixed ration (TMR). The control group received exclusively TMR for 120 days, while the experimental group received the same TMR as the control group but supplemented with PTHL (Oxifenol, I-Green, Padua, Italy; 35 g/day per head at 1–90 days and 70 g/day per head at 91–120 days). Key results Diet did not influence the chemical composition, pH, cooking loss, Warner–Bratzler shear force and hydroperoxide content. The Warner–Bratzler shear force (P &lt; 0.001) decreased, while lightness (P &lt; 0.01) and hydroperoxides (P &lt; 0.001) increased through the aging period. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were similar for both diets at 1 and 15 days. However, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances at 8 and 11 days were higher for control than for the PTHL diet (P = 0.023 for interaction). Protein carbonyls were higher for control than for the PTHL diet at 8 days (P = 0.003 for interaction), but similar for both diets for the other dates. Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids varied through the AP with PTHL diet, while no changes were observed with control diet (P &lt; 0.01 for interactions). At 11 days, the n-6:n-3 ratio passed from being the minimum value with the PTHL diet to be the maximum with control diet (P &lt; 0.01 for interaction). Conclusions The effects of PTHL inclusion in bull finishing diets depends on the AP but, generally, may result in beef with meat with beneficial effects on human health. Implications Including PTHL in the diet of finishing bulls can be useful to improve meat quality, favouring the use of natural waste substances deriving from vegetal production.


Author(s):  
Isam T. Kadim ◽  
Osman Mahgoub ◽  
Waleed Al-Marzooqi ◽  
Samera Khalaf

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of road transportation during the hot season (36 oC) and low voltage electrical stimulation on meat quality characteristics of Omani sheep. Twenty intact male sheep (1-year old) were divided into two equal groups: 3 hrs transported or non-transported. The transported group was transferred to the slaughterhouse the day of slaughter in an open truck covering a distance of approximately 300 km. The non-transported group was kept in a lairage of a commercial slaughterhouse with ad libitum feed and water for 3 days prior to slaughter. Blood samples were collected from the animals before loading and prior to slaughter in order to assess their physiological response to stress in terms of hormonal levels. Fifty percent of the carcasses from each group were randomly assigned to low voltage (90 V) at 20 min postmortem. Muscle ultimate pH, expressed juice, cooking loss percentage, WB-shear force value, sarcomere length, myofibrillar fragmentation index and colour L*, a*, b* were measured on samples from Longissimus dorsi muscles collected 24 hrs postmortem at 2-4 oC. The transported sheep had significantly (P<0.05) higher cortisol adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, and dopamine levels than the non-transported group. Muscles from electrically-stimulated carcasses had significantly (P<0.05) lower pH values, longer sarcomere length, lower shear force value, higher expressed juice, myofibrillar fragmentation index and L* values than those from non-stimulated ones. Transportation significantly influenced meat quality characteristics of the Longissimus dorsi muscle. Muscle ultimate pH and shear force values were significantly higher, while CIE L*, a*, b*, expressed juice and cooking loss were lower in transported than non-transported sheep. This study indicated that pre-slaughter transportation at high ambient temperatures can cause noticeable changes in muscle physiology in sheep. Nevertheless, meat quality of transported sheep can be improved by electrical stimulation post-slaughter. 


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob R. Tuell ◽  
Yu Qianqian ◽  
Brad Kim

Tumbling of intact muscle foods has been widely applied toprocessed meats using brine solution. However, the use of tumbling withoutbrine on fresh beef muscles has not been fully examined. Therefore, this studyaimed to evaluate fresh beef tumbling on meat quality and proteolytic featuresof loin (longissimus lumborum)muscles. Moreover, interactions with the duration of postmortem aging wereinvestigated. Loins (n=9) at 7d postmortem were sectioned and allocated among twotumbling (T) treatment groups at 60 (T60) or 90 (T90) minutes, as well as a non-tumbledcontrol (T0) group. After treatment, sub-sections were made and divided among0d, 7d, or 14d of further aging. Meat quality was assessed by shear forcevalues, water-holding ability, and color attributes. The extent of proteolysiswas determined by quantification of desmin and troponin-T, myofibrilfragmentation index (MFI), and transmission electron microscopy. An interactionbetween fresh beef tumbling and aging duration was observed in shear forcevalues (P=0.032). At 0d, muscles fromT90 exhibited lower shear force (21.6 N) compared to T0 (34.8 N) and T60 (24.7N) groups. Muscles from T60 and T90 groups maintained lower shear force than T0controls at each respective aging duration.Higher cooking loss (P=0.011) but notpurge loss (P=0.412) was observed in theT60 and T90 groups compared to T0. Shear force results were supported by higherMFI in T60 and T90 groups than T0 controls (P&lt;0.001), as well as the disappearance of intact troponin-T withfurther aging (P=0.009). Transmissionelectron microscopy supported increased initial tenderness would owe primarily tophysical disruptions to myofibrillar structure, though fresh beef tumbling may facilitateproteolysis with further aging.


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