Biochemical and physical factors affecting discoloration characteristics of 19 bovine muscles

Steaks from muscles (n = 19 from nine beef carcasses) were evaluated over the course of retail display (0-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-d) for objective measures of discoloration (metmyoglobin, oxymyoglobin, L*-, a*-, and b*-values), reducing ability (metmyoglobin reductase activity (MRA), resistance to induced metmyoglobin formation (RIMF), and nitric oxide metmyoglobin reducing ability (NORA)), oxygen consumption rate (OCR), oxygen penetration depth, myoglobin content, oxidative rancidity, and pH. Muscles were grouped according to objective color measures of discoloration. M. longissimus lumborum, M. longissimus thoracis, M. semitendinosus, and M. tensor fasciae latae were grouped as “high” color stability muscles, M. semimembranosus, M. rectus femoris, and M. vastus lateralis were grouped as “moderate” color stability muscles, M. trapezius, M. gluteus medius, and M. latissimus dorsi were grouped as “intermediate” color stability muscles, M. triceps brachi – long head, M. biceps femoris, M. pectoralis profundus, M. adductor, M. triceps brachi – lateral head, and M. serratus ventralis were grouped as “low” color stability muscles, and M. supraspinatus, M. infraspinatus, and M. psoas major were grouped as “very low” color stability muscles. Generally, muscles of high color stability had high RIMF, nitric oxide reducing ability, and oxygen penetration depth and possessed low OCRs, myoglobin content, and oxidative rancidity. In contrast, muscles of low color stability had high MRA, OCRs, myoglobin content, and oxidative rancidity and low RIMF, NORA, and oxygen penetration depth. Data indicate that discoloration differences between muscles are related to the amount of reducing activity relative to the OCR.     

Diverse lamb genotypes-2. Meat pH, colour and tenderness

The effect of genotype on meat ultimate pH, colour and tenderness was studied in 3 experiments involving 436 lambs. The lambs were sired by a selection of Texel (T), Poll Dorset (PD), Border Leicester (BL) and Merino (M) rams, crossed with Border Leicester × Merino (BLM) and Merino (M) ewes giving 6 genotypes (T × BLM, PD × BLM, T × M, PD × M, BLM and M × M). In experiment 1, pH data were obtained for 4 muscles (M. Semimembranosus (SM), M. Biceps femoris M. Semitendinosus and M. Longissimius thoracis et lumborum (LL)) from 198 carcasses representing two sexes (104 cryptorchid males, 94 ewes). There were significant differences for pH between genotypes in both sex groups. BL × M and M × M lambs tended to have higher pH values than the other genotypes.

In experiment 2, meat pH, colour using a chromameter, and tenderness data were obtained for 186 lambs representing two sexes (101 cryptorchid males, 85 ewes). There were few significant differences between genotypes for the various meat quality traits amongst the ewes. The PD × BLM ewes had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) pH than the BL × M ewes for the LL and SM muscles.

The BL × M crypt orchids had a higher LL muscle pH (p < 0.05) than the PD × BLM cryptorchids with other genotypes being intermediate. There were no significant differences between the genotypes for muscle shear force values. Within experiment 2, LL samples were taken from an additional 52 cryptorchid carcasses these being from 3 specific Poll Dorset sires (experiment 3). One of these sires (sire 3) was suspected of carrying a gene for increased muscling. Sire had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on shear force values, cooking loss and L^* colour values, but not a^* or b^* colour values or pH. Sire 3 progeny had significantly (p < 0.001) tougher LL muscles than those from the other 2 sires. Sire 3 also had the lowest L^* values, but was intermediate for cooking loss. There was no significant sire effect on LL area at the same carcass weight, but boneless loins from the progeny of Sire 3 were significantly (p < 0.05) heavier.

In a fourth experiment, meat colour was measured at three sites (LL, diaphragm and M. Obliquus externus abdominis) on 86 cryptorchid carcasses 24 hr post-mortem. There was little association between L^*, a^* and b^* values measured at the different sites.     

Effect of season on color of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) beef

A total of 1278 head of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) slaughtered over four seasons were used to evaluate the effect of season on color characteristics of beef longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. CIE L^*, a^*, b^*, C^* values and hue angle were significantly lower (P<0.05) in cattle slaughtered in the winter season. Meat color was darker in the winter than in the spring and autumn seasons. The L^* values among three average daily temperature (T_a) categories were different (P<0.05) in order of: [5 °CT_a<25 °C] > [T_a25 °C] > [T_a<5 °C], indicating that the meat color of cattle slaughtered at T_a<5 °C was darker. The a^*, b^*, C^* values and hue angle were significantly lower (P<0.05) in cattle slaughtered at T_a<5 °C. Season at slaughter is of great importance for meat color. Namely, meat color of Hanwoo beef was influenced by environmental temperature. Overall, cattle slaughtered in the winter season of T_a<5 °C produced beef with more undesirable meat color properties.     

High voltage electrical stimulation enhances muscle tenderness, increases aging response, and improves muscle color from cabrito carcasses

Our study examined high and low voltage electrical stimulation and postmortem storage as strategies to improve tenderness and lean color in cabrito carcasses. Boer cross (n=60) kids were assigned to either high (550 V), low (20 V), or no electrical stimulation treatments. No differences in muscle temperature were observed between treatments at any time measured. Muscle pH declined fastest in high voltage treated carcasses. High voltage electrical stimulation slightly increased (P<0.05) b^* and a^* in the M. gluteus medius and tended to increase L^* and b^* (P=0.06 and 0.11, respectively) values in the M. longissimus thoracis. Electrical stimulation had no effect on myofibril fragmentation at 1-, 3-, or 14-d postmortem or sarcomere length. High voltage electrical stimulation increased (P<0.05) tenderness at 1- and 3-d postmortem, but not at 14-d postmortem. Aging for 3 d did not affect tenderness regardless of stimulation treatment, but aging time for 14 d improved (P<0.05) tenderness. These data indicate that high voltage electrical stimulation and 14 d aging were effective in improving the tenderness of meat from cabrito carcasses.     

Impact of RN genotype and ageing time on colour characteristics of the pork muscles longissimus dorsi and semimembranosus

The effect of RN genotype on pH decline, ultimate pH, pigment content, blooming and colour stability during 6 days of display at 5 °C was studied in two pig muscles, M. longissimus dorsi (LD) and M. semimembranosus (SM), and furthermore the effect of anaerobic storage time (2 days vs. 9 days of ageing) on the same parameters was examined. The postmortem pH decline was faster and the ultimate pH lower in LD and SM of the RN⁻ genotype compared with corresponding muscles from the rn⁺ genotype. Pork of the RN⁻ genotype was initially lighter and more red and yellow than pork of the rn⁺ genotype due to a higher degree of blooming, which might be explained by the faster pH decline and/or lower ultimate pH. The level of oxymyoglobin (MbO₂) was decisive for the redness of both muscles during display in air despite a higher presence of metmyoglobin (MetMb). Pork of the RN⁻ genotype was thus redder than that of the rn⁺ genotype throughout display in air despite higher oxidation to MetMb. Ageing for 9 days in chill improved the blooming potential in pork of both genotypes compared with 2 days of ageing, resulting in superior meat colour. However, only in pork from the RN⁻ genotype, the colour was not negatively affected by ageing time upon display in air.     

Warner-Bratzler shear evaluations of 40 bovine muscles

Forty muscles from each of 20 beef carcass sides were used to perform Warner–Bratzler shear (WBS) force determinations for within and among muscle effects. The M. triceps brachii differed (P <0.05) in WBS values between the caput longum and caput laterale, and the M. gluteobiceps differed (P <0.05) in WBS values between the vertebral, cranial, and caudal portions. The M. trapezius did not differ between the pars cervicalis and pars thoracica. Larger muscles were evaluated for location effects within muscles. The M. pectoralis profundus, M. infraspinatus, M. triceps brachii (caput longum), psoas major, and M. semimembranosus all had significant location effects. Muscles were allocated into “very tender,” “tender,” “intermediate” or “tough” categories. Those muscles considered “very tender” (WBS <3.2 kg) were the diaphragm (outside skirt or wing of diaphragm), M. spinalis, M. infraspinatus, M. iliacus, M. psoas major, M. serratus ventralis, M. biceps brachii, M. obliquus internus abdominis, and M. vastus medius. Muscles considered “tender” (3.2 kg M. tensor fasciae latae, M. pectorales superficiales, M. teres major, M. longissimus lumborum, M. biventer cervicis, M. longissimus thoracis, M. splenius, M. subscapularis, M. rectus femoris, M. gluteus medius, M. gracilis, M. complexus, M. rectus abdominis, M. rhomboideus, and M. triceps brachii. Muscles classified as “intermediate” (3.9 kg M. gastrocnemius, M. supraspinatus, M. gluteobiceps, M. obliquus externus abdominis, M. semitendinosus, M. adductor, M. vastus lateralis, M. deltoideus, M. latissimus dorsi, M. transversus abdominis, and M. semimembranosus. Muscles classed as “tough” (WBS > 4.6 kg) were the M. extensor carpi radialis, M. trapezius, M. brachialis, M. pectoralis profundus, and M. flexor digitorum superficialis (hind limb). The diaphragm muscle was the most tender (WBS=2.03 kg), and the M. flexor digitorum superficialis was the toughest (WBS=7.74 kg). Tenderness, as measured by WBS, varied among and within bovine muscles, and knowledge of this variation allows for more appropriate use for specific purposes in the marketplace.     

Effects of dietary clenbuterol and salbutamol on meat quality in veal calves

Sixty male calves were assigned to one of four treatments, including (1) an untreated control, (2) clenbuterol; 1·6 mg/(calf.day), (3) and (4) salbutamol: 60 and 100 mg/(calf.day). Animals were milk-fed during 24 weeks, and β₂-agonists (BA) treatment occurred during the last 4 weeks including a 3-day withdrawal period before slaughter. Under identical feed intake amongst groups, treatments with BA had significantly positive effects on carcass weights and dressing percentages. BA induced muscle hypertrophy as evidenced by an improved EUROP carcass classification, 1 19–24% higher m. longissimus loin eye area and higher muscle protein/DNA and protein/RNA ratios. Through a dilution effect, this might explain the lower haem content of the m. semimembranosus and m. longissimus lumborum (LL) and diminished Hunter a^* value (redness) of the latter muscle. A higher ultimate pH was found in the m. semitendinosus and m. psoas major of BA-treated calves. The m. longissimus thoracis glycogen content appeared to be lowered by salbutamol. No effects of BA were encountered for water-holding properties of this muscle. Significantly higher shear force values (31–45%) for treated animals were measured for the LL which were parallelled by higher initial values for the calpain-inhibiting activity of calpastatin and a decrease of the μ-calpain/calpastatin ratio. EUROP fatness of carcasses and LL intramuscular fat content tended to be lowered by both BA. Effects of clenbuterol and of the higher salbutamol dose, which on a molecular base was administered at a 70 times higher level, were roughly of a comparable order. The lower dose mostly had intermediate effects. This means that in veal calves, clenbuterol is biologically more potent than salbutamol.     

Manipulation of critical quality indicators and attributes in pork through vitamin E supplementation, muscle glycogen reducing finishing feeding and pre-slaughter stress

The combination of a muscle glycogen reducing diet or a standard diet (control group) with normal (80 mg/kg) and high vitamin E levels (500 mg/kg) and exercise immediately prior to slaughter was used on 56 pigs to investigate the influence on meat quality indicators (pH and temperature) and attributes (drip loss, colour and Warner–Bratzler shear force). The drip loss was reduced in M. longissimus dorsi, M. biceps femoris and M. semimembranosus in pigs given the muscle glycogen reducing diet compared with the control groups, the greatest effect was seen in exercised pigs. These results can be explained by an early post mortem reduction in glycometabolism in pigs fed muscle glycogen reducing diets rather than by an increase in ultimate pH. Noticeably, high dietary vitamin E level increased muscle glycogen stores by about 10% on the day prior to slaughter but not on the day of slaughter in both dietary groups compared with the low dietary vitamin E level, which in fact reduced rather than improved the water-holding capacity, especially in pigs fed the standard diet.     

Effect of high power ultrasound and ageing on the physical properties of bovine Semitendinosus and Longissimus muscles

Tenderness is an important meat quality parameters and the use of high power ultrasound to disrupt muscle structure may prove effective for reducing both myofibrillar and collagenous toughness. The experiment was carried out with Longissimus lumborum et thoracis and Semitendinosus muscles from 3 to 4 year old steers. Uncooked beef samples (60 × 40 × 20 mm) were treated with high power ultrasound (24 kHz, 12 W/cm²) for up to 240 s, and aged for up to 8.5 days before evaluation of pH, drip loss, cook losses Warner–Bratzler shear (WBS), compression hardness, and colour. Ultrasound treatment significantly reduced WBS force and hardness, but significantly increased pH. Ageing significantly reduced hardness and WBS force, but there was no significant interaction between ultrasound treatment and ageing time. Ultrasound treatment did not affect any of the colour parameters (L^*a^*b^*, chroma and hue) but the ageing time significantly increased the lightness, chroma and hue. There was no significant effect of ultrasound treatment on drip loss, but it did significantly reduce the cook and total loss. During ageing, cook loss and total losses significantly increased. The results suggest that high power ultrasound is capable of reducing objective texture measurements of beef without compromising the other quality parameters investigated.     

Muscle and meat quality characteristics of Holstein and Salers cull cows

Muscle characteristics and sensory rating of meat were determined in M. longissimus thoracis (LT), M. semimembranosus (SM), M. semitendinosus (ST) and M. triceps brachii (TB) from seven Holstein (HO, dairy breed) and six Salers (SA, beef breed) cull cows slaughtered at 6–7 years of age at the same fat score. Significant differences (P < 0.001) among muscle types were observed: ST was the more glycolytic and TB the more oxidative; total collagen: ST > SM = TB > LT; initial and overall tenderness: LT > TB = SM > ST, juiciness: TB > LT = SM > ST. Flavour differed only between breeds: HO > SA (P < 0.01). Three tenderness classes (high, intermediate, low) were determined from scores for sensory overall tenderness for all 52 meats: the lower total and insoluble collagen contents, the more oxidative metabolism, the more tender was the meat. Muscle type, and not breed explained most of the variability of meat quality from dairy and beef cull cows slaughtered at the same age and fat score.     

Colour of normal and high pH beef heated to different temperatures as related to oxygenation

The effects of oxygenation and thermal treatment (internal temperature, T_i: 45, 60, 75°C) on the colour and some colour related physical and biochemical properties of beef longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, both normal (pH_u5.6) and DFD (pH_u>6.6), were studied. The colour components (L^*, a^*, b^* values) for the raw and heated LD, both before and after oxygenation, were instrumentally and sensorily evaluated. The colour of raw and heated (60°C) DFD beef before and after oxygenation differed significantly from the normal meat and contained more native muscle pigment (TMP). pH also influenced the depth of the oxygenated layer, specific activity of cytochrome c oxidase (SACCO) and the amount of oxygen consumed. An increase in internal temperature was usually accompanied by a lower SACCO and a significant decrease of TMP, as well as a change of all colour parameters. Oxygenation of the raw and heated slices (except at 75°C) of both types of meat led to higher L^*, a^* and b^* values.     

Effect of transport time and ageing on aspects of beef quality

Forty-eight bulls were transported by road in groups of eight for approximately 30 min, 3 or 6 h in two replicates. After slaughter, steaks from the longissimus dorsi thoracis of all transported animals were analysed in terms of pH, water-holding capacity, myoglobin concentration, texture at 7 and 14 days of ageing (compression and Warner-Bratzler analyses) and colour of the same surface of meat cut at 24 h post-mortem and allowed to bloom for 24 h and 7 d (L^*a^*b^*, chroma and hue). The myofibrillar resistance of the meat from animals transported 30 min was significantly greater at 20% compression (P<0.05). The maximum load and a^*b^* and chroma were all lower for meat aged 14 days.     

A comparison of the meat properties of pasture-fed steers, heifers, pregnant heifers and spayed heifers

Mean ultimate pH values, sarcomere lengths, cooking losses, Warner-Bratzler peak shear values and compression values for the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) did not differ significantly between heifers, spayed heifers, heifers fitted with a HEIGRO^TM device^* pregnant heifers (2 to 6 months pregnant) and steers, killed at 18 or 22 months of age, with mean carcass weights of 189 and 221 kg, respectively. This result, from animals grazed at pasture, agrees with those of others who used LD samples from lot-fed animals. It would appear that carcasses of non-pregnant heifers, spayed heifers, pregnant heifers, heifers fitted with a HIEGRO^TM device and steers of similar age and subcutaneous fat depth, do not need to be differentiated on grounds of tenderness.     

The effect of stocking density in transit on the carcass quality and welfare of slaughter pigs: 1. Carcass measurements

In a trial involving 2496 pigs, the effect of transport stocking densities of 201, 241, 281 and 321 kg m⁻² on carcass quality and welfare were evaluated. This range encompassed the upper level set for 100 kg pigs in European Union legislation (235 kg m⁻²). Four farms and two lorries were involved over 16 experimental days with an average journey time of 3 hr. Stocking density had no effect on any variables measured. Source farm had a significant effect on ultimate pH, reflectance and electrical conductivity in the m. longissimus dorsi, reflectance in the m. adductor and extent of rigor mortis development in the m. semimembranosus. Overall, the measurements made produced no evidence that transport stocking density had an effect on the carcass quality or welfare of 95 kg pigs on short journeys.     

Lateral and longitudinal characterization of color stability, instrumental tenderness, and sensory characteristics in the beef semimembranosus

The objectives of this study were to evaluate longitudinal and lateral variations in color stability and sensory characteristics of the semimembranosus from each muscle location (dorsal = D, medial = M, ventral = V), and within each steak subsequently divided into four regions (caudal-distal = CaD, cranial-distal = CrD, caudal-proximal = CaP, cranial-proximal = CrP). Instrumental color assessment indicated that L^* (lightness) values tended to be lower for the CaD and CrD regions of all muscle locations, with higher L^* values recorded for the CrP regions of muscle sections. Instrumental tenderness measurements for Meullenet–Owens razor and Warner–Bratzler shear force values were generally lower for the CaD region of the D section, whereas regions within the V section were tougher and required greater shear force. Sensory panelists perceived lower amounts of connective tissue in the CaD of the D section, which tended to be more tender, whereas higher levels of connective tissue and greater toughness occurred in the CaP and CrP regions of the M and V sections. These results provide a detailed muscle profile of the quality variation within the semimembranosus, and may be used to further enhance the fabrication and marketability of this beef subprimal cut.     

Performances and meat quality of two Italian pig breeds fed diets for commercial hybrids

The effects of specific diets for commercial hybrids were investigated on 6 Casertana and 11 Mora Romagnola, two endangered Italian pig breeds. Average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion index (FCI), dressing percentage and meat and fat quality of animals bred under similar environmental and nutritional conditions were compared to define their optimal slaughtering weight. Animals were fed the same diets assuming that requirements of Mora Romagnola and Casertana did not differ, and changed every 30 kg of weight gain. ADG and FCI were calculated every 15 days.

Weight gains, divided into 5 groups based on live weight (LW) of animals (60 kg, 60 < kg  90, 90 < kg  120, 120 < kg  160, >160 kg), showed higher values for Casertana than Mora Romagnola, particularly from 121 to 160 kg LW (687 g/d). Average FCI from 50 to 160 kg LW was similar in both breeds (4.2). After 403 days of trial, animals were slaughtered at about 195 kg LW. Carcass measurements showed that Casertana had higher dressing percentage and lean cuts than Mora Romagnola. Both breeds showed extraordinary high ultimate pH values of M. longissimus thoracis (5.96 and 6.15 for Casertana and Mora Romagnola, respectively) M. semimembranosus (6.37 and 6.30), showing an incomplete post mortem glycolysis. Colour of M. longissimus thoracis did not differ between breeds and was particularly dark. Chemical analysis of Casertana meat showed lower percentage of water and fat; the total amount of fatty acids (SFA, MUFA and PUFA) and the SFA/UFA ratio did not show significant differences between breeds.

Results showed that from a growth point of view the optimal slaughtering weight of Casertana and Mora Romagnola should not exceed 160 kg LW. Both breeds had an uncommon reactivity to stress probably due to interactions of genetic, nutritional and management factors.     

Effect of pH at time of salting on the functional properties of pre-rigor beef

The functional properties of thawed pre-rigor beef that had been minced and salted or not salted when its pH value reached 6.8, 6.6, 6.4, 6.2 and 6.0, then immediately frozen, were determined. The mince samples were used to manufacture a finely comminuted sausage batter. Presalting before frozen storage resulted in higher (p < 0.05) thawed mince pH, and batter cook yield and shear strain, and lower (p < 0.05) mince salt soluble proteins, thaw drip and Hunter L^* and b^* values and batter shear stress than unsalted controls. The pre-rigor pH at time of salting/mincing affected (p < 0.05) thaw drip (unsalted mince only), Hunter L^* and b^* values and shear stress. Shear stress tended to increase (p < 0.01) and Hunter L^* (p < 0.05) and b^* (p < 0.01) values tended to decrease with fall in pre-rigor salting pH. No interaction (p > 0.05) between salting and pre-rigor pH at time of salting was observed.     

Influence of various preservatives on the quality of minced beef under modified atmosphere at chilled storage

The effect of preservatives on microbial quality, pH, drip-loss, roasting-loss, colour, and sensorial properties of modified atmosphere packaged (70% O₂ and 30% CO₂) minced beef (M. semimembranosus) stored at (2 ± 0.5 °C) for 12 days was investigated. Beef cubes (approx. 20 × 20 × 20 mm size) were immersed in solutions of 2% and 5% lactic acid, 2% lactic acid combined with 0.5% sodium ascorbate, 20% potassium lactate and 20% potassium sorbate before mincing. Addition of lactic acid was associated with pH drop, which increased drip-loss and roasting-loss. Application of all additives inhibited aerobic micro-organisms (10³–10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ on day 12) compared to reference sample (9 × 10⁵ CFU g⁻¹ on day 12). Lactic acid discoloured samples, while sodium ascorbate seemed to improve colour stability. Despite good visual colour characteristics, potassium sorbate treated samples were organoleptically unacceptable with massive off-flavour.     

Development of a computer vision system to measure the color of potato chips

The objective of this research was to design and implement an inexpensive computer vision system for measuring the color of a highly heterogeneous food material not only in shape as well in color such as potato chips in L^*a^*b^* units from RGB images. The system was composed of (i) a digital color camera for acquiring the images in a digital format, (ii) a computer for storage the images, (c) image analysis routines integrated into a software programmed in Matlab that converts the color RGB of the food image into L^*a^*b^* units. In this way the color of potato chips can be calculated in L^*a^*b^* units over representative areas and in a reproducible way. The kinetics of color changes in potato slices during frying at four temperatures was followed using the implemented computer vision system (CVS). Color values in L^*a^*b^* units were recorded at different sampling times during frying at the four oil temperatures using the total color change parameter (ΔE). Chips fried at higher temperatures get darker as expected and showed by the CVS. The implemented computer vision system can be used to study as well foods different from potato chips by selecting their proper settings for image acquisition and digital image processing.