Context Very fast chilling (VFC) involves cooling meat to approximately –1°C before the onset of rigor, and offers potential benefits compared with conventional chilling that include accelerated tenderisation, improved shelf life and reduced inventory costs. However, the practical difficulties of achieving the required temperature profile prevents adoption of VFC commercially. Aims The objective of this study was to determine if electrical stimulation could be a way of making VFC easier to achieve for lamb meat. The hypothesis tested was that electrical stimulation would reduce the rate of chilling required with very fast chilling by accelerating the rate of pH decline post-mortem. Methods The experiment was a 2 × 3 factorial design whereby 54 loins from 27 lambs were allocated to one of six different treatments: no electrical stimulation and electrical stimulation, and chilling rates to reach −1°C at 1 h (Fast), 1.5 h (Moderate) and 2.5 h (Slow) post-mortem respectively. Key results Without electrical stimulation, shear forces were lowest for the Moderate chilling rate; but with electrical stimulation, consistently low shear force values were obtained with all chilling rates. Muscle pH depended on treatment, although this effect also depended on the time post-mortem. Shear force depended on chilling rate only when there was no electrical stimulation. Without electrical stimulation, the optimal chilling rate was the Moderate treatment. Effects on sarcomere length accounted for some, but not all, of the effects of treatment on shear force. Conclusions Electrical stimulation therefore reduced the chilling rate required to optimise tenderness with VFC, and could be a component of a practical VFC regime for lamb meat. Implications VFC could become a practical chilling method, but only when sensory evaluation supports the favourable shear force findings established in this study. This would require evaluation of VFC at a commercial scale.

Four muscles from New Zealand-raised Angus steers were evaluated (musculus semitendinosus, m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum, m. psoas major and m. infraspinatus) to test their differences and common features in protein and peptide abundances. The ultimate goal of such a comparison is to match muscle types to products with targeted properties. Protein profiling based on two-dimensional electrophoresis showed that the overall profiles were similar, but, between muscle types, significant (p<0.05) intensity differences were observed in twenty four protein spots. Profiling of endogenous peptides allowed characterisation of 346 peptides. Quantitative analysis showed a clear distinction between the muscle types. Forty-four peptides were identified that showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) and substantial (>2-fold change) difference between at least two muscle types. These analyses demonstrate substantial similarities between these four muscle types, but also clear distinctions in their profiles; specifically a 25% difference between at least two muscles at the peptidomic level, and a 14% difference at the proteomic level.

The aim of this experiment was to use metabolomic techniques to investigate the energy metabolism in lamb M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum subjected to very fast chilling (VFC) post-mortem. The tissue was prepared by 2 different operators and subjected to very fast chilling (less than 0°C within 1.5h of slaughter) or typical chilling regimes (Control; 0°C within 22h of slaughter). Non-targeted metabolomic analysis (1H NMR) and targeted analysis (31P NMR, HPLC-PDA and HPLC–MS/MS) were used to examine the change in muscle metabolites post-mortem. One VFC treatment, which resulted in a colder core temperature and more tender meat, had higher levels of glycolytic intermediate metabolites pre-rigor as well as more of the end-products of adenosine and nicotine nucleotide metabolism pre-rigor, relative to conventionally chilled treatments. In conclusion, VFC to less than 0°C within 1.5h of slaughter causes considerable changes in metabolism and rigor onset, which are associated with tender meat.

•Temporal and spatial lipid imaging were carried out in bovine steaks.•Marker lipids showed highly contrasting oxidative stability.•Vacuum-packaging significantly mitigated lipid degradation.•Oxidative degradation profiles were spatially heterogeneous across meat samples.

An increasing number of Australian slaughter plants were found not to meet the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) pH–temperature window, due to high rigor temperatures, particularly at plants where grain-fed animals were slaughtered. Hence, the red meat processing industry in Australia supported a research program focused on resolving this issue, as carcasses that do not meet the MSA pH–temperature window are excluded from MSA grading. This special issue of Animal Production Science describes the outcomes of a major program identifying ante- and post-mortem factors related to heat-induced toughening in both beef and sheep meat through literature reviews and targeted research to find interventions to prevent the impact of high rigor temperature on meat quality, particularly tenderness. This paper provides an overview of the outcomes of the research program, some of which require further research before implementation. It is suggested that an entire supply-chain approach be applied to establish the most efficient and cost-effective way of reducing the incidence of high rigor temperature.

The impacts of accelerated pH decline combined with high muscle temperature on post-mortem muscle metabolism and subsequent meat quality attributes have been extensively studied. Traditionally, this phenomenon has been observed in pork muscles, primarily due to the relatively fast post-mortem glycolysis rate and its relationships to stress susceptibility of pigs before slaughter. However, the protein-denaturing condition of high temperature/rapid pH fall and subsequent PSE (pale, soft and exudative)-like abnormal meat quality characteristics have been observed in muscles from other species such as beef, lamb, venison and even poultry. Various pre-rigor conditions including the application of electrical stimulation, hot-boning, and/or pre-rigor carcass chilling temperatures in various muscles, in conjunction with carcass stretching/hanging methods, can also contribute to muscle-protein denaturation pre-rigor. This review considers the influence of a faster than normal pH fall at a higher than normal pre-rigor temperature on glycolysis, post-mortem muscle proteins and subsequently meat quality attributes. Gaps in current knowledge are identified and recommendations made for additional research.

The impacts of accelerated pH decline combined with high muscle temperature on post-mortem muscle metabolism and subsequent meat quality attributes have been extensively studied. Traditionally, this phenomenon has been observed in pork muscles, primarily due to the relatively fast post-mortem glycolysis rate and its relationships to stress susceptibility of pigs before slaughter. However, the protein-denaturing condition of high temperature/rapid pH fall and subsequent PSE (pale, soft and exudative)-like abnormal meat quality characteristics have been observed in muscles from other species such as beef, lamb, venison and even poultry. Various pre-rigor conditions including the application of electrical stimulation, hot-boning, and/or pre-rigor carcass chilling temperatures in various muscles, in conjunction with carcass stretching/hanging methods, can also contribute to muscle-protein denaturation pre-rigor. This review considers the influence of a faster than normal pH fall at a higher than normal pre-rigor temperature on glycolysis, post-mortem muscle proteins and subsequently meat quality attributes. Gaps in current knowledge are identified and recommendations made for additional research.

Prediction of ultimate pH (measured 48h post mortem; pHu) in beef from Visible–near infrared (VIS–NIR) spectra collected 20 to 40min post mortem was assessed. Spectra were collected from carcasses (cows: n=86, bulls: n=170, steers: n=363, and heifers: n=38) in a commercial hot boning abattoir under routine conditions. Partial Least Squares (PLS) models showed limited accuracy with RMSE for validation equal to 0.26, 0.20 and 0.36 for the All-animals, Non-bulls and Bulls models, respectively. The pHu–PLS-predicted values were used to segregate carcasses as normal (pHu<5.8) or high (pHu≥5.8) showing better performance, by correctly classifying at least 90% of high pHu carcasses. The Non-bulls model was equivalent to the current technology used in the abattoir to classify carcasses based on pHu. Thus near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) could be used for on-line classification of beef carcasses based on pHu.

Forty eight lamb carcasses with temperature and pH monitored were obtained from two commercial plants. At 24h post mortem both loins (M. longissimus) from each carcass were randomly allocated to a) unaged frozen at −18°C, (b) aged at −1.5°C for 2weeks before freezing, (c) aged for 3weeks before freezing and (d) aged for 9weeks without freezing. Shear force, colour stability and proteolysis were analyzed. Carcasses with a slower temperature and more rapid pH decline had more calpain autolysis, slightly higher shear force and less colour stable compared to that counterpart in general (P<0.05). However, the shear force values of the loins were all acceptable (<6kgF) regardless of different pre rigor processing and ageing/freezing treatments. Furthermore, the loins aged for 2weeks-then-frozen/thawed had a similar shear force to the loins aged only for 9weeks suggesting that ageing-then-freezing would result in equivalent tenderness compared to aged only loins for the long-term storage.

A study was undertaken to determine whether variations within the defined temperature-by-time profile for very fast chilling (VFC), might explain variations in tenderness found with VFC. Loins from 32 lambs were subjected to one of five cooling regimes; defined by the average temperature between the meat surface and centre reached at a specific time post mortem. These were: − 0.3 °C at 22 h (Control), 2.6 °C at 1.5 h (Fastsupra-zero), 0.7 °C at 5.5 h (Slowsupra-zero), − 1.6 °C at 1.5 h (Fastsub-zero) and − 2.3 °C at 5.5 h (Slowsub-zero), respectively. Shear force values considered very tender by consumers (less than 50 N, MIRINZ tenderometer) were found 2 days post mortem in Fastsub-zero loins only. Both time and temperature at the end of the cooling period contributed to variations in shear force. To achieve low shear force, the loins needed to be cooled to less than 0 °C at 1.5 h post mortem.

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of lamb age and high-oxygen modified atmosphere (HiOx-MAP) on tenderness of loins during display. Loins from 36 carcasses of two different age groups [4-month-old (New season; NS) and 11-month-old lambs (Old season; OS)] were vacuum-packaged and stored for 8weeks at −1.5°C. After storage, the loins were cut into 6-cm thick chops, assigned to either HiOx-MAP or oxygen-permeable overwrap-PVC, and then displayed for 8days at 3°C. Initially, packaging methods did not influence shear force (P>0.05). However, at the end of display, a significant increase in shear force and lipid oxidation was found in OS loins under HiOx-MAP. SDS–PAGE and Western blot results found a greater extent of cross-linked myosin products from OS loins in HiOx-MAP compared to NS loins. These results suggest that HiOx-MAP can adversely influence meat quality of fully-tenderized loins, and meat from older lamb may be more susceptible to an oxidizing environment of HiOx-MAP.

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of lamb age and packaging types on meat quality. Paired loins (M. longissimus dorsi) were obtained from 36 carcasses that included 4-month-old (New season; NS) and 11-month-old lambs (Old season; OS). The loins were vacuum-stored for eight weeks at -1.5°C. After storage, the loins were cut into subsamples and were randomly assigned to either high-oxygen modified atmosphere packaging (HiOx-MAP) or PVC-overwrapping for further display for 8 days. No differences between the age classes in shear force and drip loss were found (P>0.05). OS loins had significantly higher myoglobin and redness compared with NS loins. HiOx-MAP initially induced a more intense red colour compared with PVC (P<0.05), but resulted in severe discolouration at the end of display regardless of the age class. This observation suggests that the retail packaging type is the dominant factor over the age on lamb colour stability.

Two simultaneous trials were conducted to determine the effects of electrical input [electrical stunning and stimulation (ES)], wrapping, pre rigor temperature (15 °C and 38 °C) and different post rigor chilling rates on beef quality using M. longissimus lumborum (n=100). The high pre rigor temperature induced a faster pH decline than ES. The loins at 38 °C had significantly greater protein denaturation, more purge and drip loss, higher shear force values and less desmin degradation compared with the loins at 15 °C. No difference in sarcomere length was determined between the pre rigor temperatures regardless of ES and wrapping. Different post rigor chilling rates did not play a substantial role in water-holding capacity, proteolysis, or shear force values during ageing. These results suggest that high pre rigor temperature induces temperature-related toughness of muscle due to protein denaturation with subsequent limitation of proteolysis by μ-calpain, regardless of ES and wrapping treatments.

This paper reviews current knowledge on the distribution and mobility of water in muscle (myowater) ante- and post mortem and factors affecting these in relation to fresh meat quality parameters; water-holding capacity (WHC), tenderness and juiciness. NMR transverse relaxometry (T2) using bench-top Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR) has characterised myowater distribution and mobility as well as structural features in meat which directly affect WHC. The current literature demonstrates that WHC is correlated to the water located outside the myofibrillar network (extra-myofibrillar). This review identifies the critical stages which affect the translocation of water into the extra-myofibrillar space and thus the potential for decreased WHC during proteolysis (the conversion of muscle to meat). This review discusses how the intrinsic properties of the water held within the meat could contribute to juiciness and tenderness. Tenderness has been shown to correlate to T2, however breed and species differences made it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Further understanding of the inherent water properties of fresh meat and the factors affecting water distribution and mobility using NMR technologies will increase the understanding of WHC and tenderisation of fresh meat.

This study explored the impact of i) processing conditions (electrical stimulation and pre rigor temperatures), and ii) storage temperature prior to retail display on the colour stability of lamb which had been vacuum-packaged for seven weeks before retail packaging in high-oxygen modified atmosphere (80% O(2)/20% CO(2)). A high pre rigor temperature (42°C) reduced colour stability while differences in colour stability between pre rigor temperatures of 5°C, 15°C and 25°C were limited. It was not affected by electrical stimulation, and did not interact with pre rigor temperature. In contrast, an increase in the storage temperature from the ideal temperature of -1.5°C to 2°C significantly decreased the colour stability of lamb loins. Even one week at 2°C at the end of the storage period had a substantial negative impact on the retail colour display life. The variability in colour increased over time, and the variability increased more for the temperature abuse treatments.

The effect of different ageing periods (0, 2 and 3weeks at −1.5°C) of lamb loins (n=24) prior to freezing (9, 7 and 6weeks at −18°C, respectively) compared to the aged-only (never frozen) lamb for 9weeks postmortem on colour stability during display was assessed under high-oxygen modified atmosphere (HiOx-MAP; 80% O2) and oxygen permeable overwrap packaging conditions. The aged/frozen loins and aged-only loins in HiOx-MAP had similar (P>0.05) surface redness, colour intensity, and discolouration. Further, no significant difference found in shear force between the loins aged 3weeks/frozen 6weeks and the aged-only loins. However, more lipid oxidation (P<0.05) was found in the aged-only compared to the aged/frozen loins in HiOx-MAP throughout display. These results suggest that ageing loins prior to freezing would provide equivalent tenderness and colour stability, and better lipid oxidation stability compared to the aged-only loins under HiOx-MAP.

The New Zealand Society of Animal Production in publishing the conference proceedings is engaged in disseminating information, not rendering professional advice or services. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production and the New Zealand Society of Animal Production expressly disclaims any form of liability with respect to anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the contents of these proceedings.

This study included simultaneously measured pre and post-rigor meat quality indicators and attributes, using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and reference methods, to understand the temporal, biochemical and structural factors that influence beef quality and use this knowledge to build calibrations for measurement of meat quality using NIR. Eighty beef M. longissimus lumborum (LL) were measured from early pre-rigor (pH, glycogen concentration, and temperature) through to completion of post-rigor ageing (pH, shear force, and water holding capacity (WHC)). To create a range in the attributes, the LLs were subjected to various pre-rigor treatments, including electrical stimulation, restraint wrapping and cooling temperature (5°C, 15°C, or 35°C). Alongside the reference quality measurements and throughout the pre and post-rigor period, the LLs were measured with a diode array NIR spectroscopy system. NIR reflectance measurements were shown to be correlated to reference measurements of pre and post-rigor pH (R(validation)(2)=0.84), pre-rigor glycogen content (R(validation)(2)=0.70), post-rigor shear force (R(validation)(2)=0.58) and post-rigor WHC (R(validation)(2)=0.68). The shape of the NIR and reference plots over time and the ability of NIR to correctly measure differences in treatments indicated that NIR was not merely measuring changes that occur over time, but was measuring specific biochemical and physical changes, most likely changes in glycolytic metabolites, muscle shortening and/or proteolysis. Accounting for the reference method variance showed NIR measurement accuracy to be as good as or slightly better than that of the reference method.