Consideration to the effects of gender on some quality characteristics of ostrich meat during aging

Present study investigated the effects of gender on the quality of M. gastrocnemius, pars externa for ostrich during 1 to 14-d storage. Data showed that the mean value of pH during aging was higher (p<0.001) in male ostriches (6.40) than female (6.27). Female ostriches had significantly (p<0.001) more pH-decline rate at the first 24hr. Results indicated Myofibril Fragmentation Index (MFI) increased (p<0.001) with aging so that the enhancement was from 9.97 (1-d) to 10.75 (7-d). The mean values of SL (Sarcomere Length) were proliferated (p<0.001) at 3hr (3.68μm) to 5-d (5.46 μm) ageing. Shear force (SF) decreased from 27.14N (1-d) to 20.28N (5-d) which was supported by increasing the SL and MFI at this days. According to the ANOVA data, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) between male and female ostriches due to the MFI, SL and SF.

Keywords:

Aging , Gender , MFI , Ostrich , Postmortem , Sarcomere Length