Effect of processing and storage on neutral lipids of buffalo meat

Three muscles viz. Triceps brachii (TB), Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Biceps femoris (BF) from different anatomical locations of adult male buffaloes were stored after broiling and pressure cooking under refrigerated (4°C) condition for 3, 6, 9 days and 30, 60, 90 days under frozen (-10°C) storage. At the end of each storage interval they were analysed for total lipids, cholesterol contents and glyceride fractions i.e. monoglycerides (MG), diglycerides (DG), and triglycerides (TG). Muscles differed significantly in total lipids as well as contents of all glyceride fractions. Muscle LD had significantly higher total lipid content than TB and BF. Muscles differed significantly in their esterfied cholesterol (EC) contents. Heat processing increased total lipids, cholesterol, MG, DG and TG contents of all the buffalo muscles studied. Total cholesterol contents remained unchanged during refrigerated and frozen storage. However, EC, MG, DG and TG contents declined during storage. The influence of anatomical locations on fatty acid composition of neutral lipids was observed. The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids increased due to cooking. A gradual decrease in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids was recorded during refrigerated and frozen storage.