Effects of electrical stimulation applied in combination with shock chilling method on selected quality attributes of beef from young bulls, heifers, and cows carcasses

Abstract

The study was aimed at determining the effect of electrical stimulation (ES) and shock method of chilling on beef pH, tenderness and losses of half-carcass weight. It was demonstrated that the use of treatments caused a rapid acceleration of the post mortem changes rate in heifers and cows half-carcasses meat. ES accelerated pH decline in bulls half-carcasses as well, however did not cause the differences in the ultimate pH. The treatments allowed to obtain 90 and 70% of heifers and cows half-carcasses, respectively, classified to the first commercial quality grade (meat pH from 5.5 to 5.7), whereas had no effect on bulls half-carcasses grade. The ES improved meat tenderness, which was demonstrated in approx. 50% reduction in shear force values and enabled to reduce half-carcasses weight losses. ES in combination with shock chilling might be used to improve the quality of beef and increase profitability of beef carcass production. Practical applications The studies on determining the effect of the usage of own-construction devise for high-voltage electrical stimulation with subsequent shock chilling on selected quality attributes of beef from young bulls, heifers and cows carcasses indicated the possibility to improve a commercial quality grade and technological properties of meat originated from half-carcasses of Holstein-Friesian (dairy) cattle. The combination of these two treatments enables to obtain the technological and economical effects very important from practical point of view: acceleration of post mortem pH decline in meat tissue (without the risk of cold shortening), increased proportion of the highest grade beef half-carcasses (especially inmeat from heifers and cows), improved meat tenderness (about approx. 50%) and reduced half-carcasses weight losses during chilling. Moreover, the treatments can be a useful tool for improving the profitability of beef carcass production and meat quality, which will be beneficial for beef producers and consumers.