Effects of additional electrical stimulation and pre-rigor conditioning temperature on the ageing potential of hot-boned bovine muscles

The aim of this study is to characterize the impact of additional electrical stimulation (AES) and various pre-rigor holding temperatures (for 3 h) on the ageing-potential of hot boned bovine M. longissimus lumborum (LL). Paired LL loins from 12 bulls were hot-boned within 40 min of slaughter, immediately AES and subjected to various holding temperatures (5°C, 15°C, 25°C and 35°C) for 3 h. AES did not accelerate the rate of rigor attainment, but the 3 h pre-rigor holding temperature did. Shear force values decreased as the pre-rigor holding temperatures increased. AES and holding for 3 h (at 25°C) resulted in higher water-holding capacity. Data confirmed that AES did not influence the various meat quality parameters in the present study, but pre-rigor holding temperature (25°C) alone or in combination with AES resulted in superior meat quality.