HISTOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BOVINE MUSCLES FROM FOUR QUALITY GROUPS

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Abstract
Histochemical 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.