Effect of gamma irradiation on the improvement of beef tenderness

摘要

To study the shortening of rigor mortis and changes in the morphological properties of ganuna-irradiated prerigor bovine muscle (M). Sternomandibularis during post mortem, this experiment was performed with a test of shear force and the observation of the ultrastucture of raw muscle. The time elapsed until maximum shear force values was shortened by gamma irradiation, depending upon the dose. The release of rigor mortis started earlier than control (non-irradiated muscle). A shortening of the length of the Z-line and the maintenance of the sarcomere length by gamma irradiation was observed. The breakdown of the perimysium of muscle bundles was observed more in irradiated samples than in the control. In conclusion, it is considered that gamma irradiation on pre-rigor beef shortens aging-period, improves tenderness and enhances the beef quality.