Effect of suspension method on meat quality and ultra-structure of Chinese Yellow Cattle under 12–18 °C pre-rigor temperature controlled chilling

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of suspension method under 12–18°C pre-rigor temperature controlled chilling on quality traits and ultra-structure of Chinese Yellow Cattle M. Longissimus lumborum (LL). After slaughter, the right sides of carcasses were hung by the Achilles tendon (SA), while the left sides were hung from the pelvic bone (SP). Both sides went through the 12–18°C pre-rigor muscle temperature controlled chilling. LL muscles were aged for 1, 7 or 14days and then evaluated for quality traits and ultra-structure. SP had no significant effect on myofibril fragmentation index, but significantly decreased the purge loss during aging and the Warner–Bratzler shear force values after aging for 1day. Electron microscopy and sarcomere length examination of LL showed that SP resulted in extended I-bands and sarcomere length. To conclude, applying SP under 12–18°C pre-rigor temperature controlled chilling is a potential method for the Chinese beef industry to improve tenderness especially after 1day of aging.