EFFECT OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON THE BOVINE CARCASS

Six grain-fed steer carcasses with weights ranging from 163 kg to 232 kg were randomly assigned to low voltage electrical stimulation (45 V., 1.5 A., pulsation cycle of 1.5 s for duration of 150 s) or no stimulation treatments. The longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles were studied using high temperature (12 h at 32° to 39°C, then 36h at -2° to 0°C) and low temperature (36 h at -14° to -12°C) periods. Shear force, cooking loss, drip loss and taste panel data were taken. Shear force data indicated that differences (P < 0.05) existed between electrically stimulated and nonstimulated hot boned LD and ST muscle. Statistical differences (P < 0.05) in drip and cooking losses were detected. The duo-trio test indicated that panelists were able to detect a difference between electrically stimulated (ES) and nonstimulated muscle (P < 0.05). Preference tests indicated that panelists were also able to detect a difference between chill and delay chill. Ratings showed that a statistical difference was detected between ES and hot processed muscles.