HISTOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BOVINE MUSCLES FROM FOUR QUALITY GROUPS

摘要

ABSTRACTHistochemical and histological properties were determined for the longissimus and gluteus medius muscles from beef carcasses which exhibited musculature of the four following quality groups: (1) normal in color, firmness and exudation; (2) normal in color but soft and exudative; (3) pale in color, soft and exudative; and (4) dark color, firm and dry. Differences were observed among quality groups for muscle fiber area and muscle fiber type. A greater proportion of ATPase olRed type fibers was observed in groups 2, 3 and 4 compared to group 1, indicating that muscles from these three aberrant groups differ in metabolic potential.