| 摘要 |
Apparatus for applying a pulling force to a carcass comprises an elongate contraction device 10, such as a ram, having rigid connectors, such as hooks 30, 31, at the ends thereof. The ram may comprise of a cylinder 20 and a rod 21. The ram is adapted to apply an additional pulling force of from 50 to 500kgf to the leg and back muscles of a carcass. The additional force stretches the muscle filaments of the leg and back muscles and is maintained until rigor is complete. The hind leg(s) of the carcass may be hung at an angle of 90 to 170 degrees to the vertical. Tenderised meat in which the muscle fibres are stretched to achieve a sarcomere length of greater than 2.6 is also claimed. A three stage meat conditioning process is also disclosed. The process comprises chilling a carcass for a period of 9 to 14 hours after stunning in air circulated at a temperature of from 10 to 12°C. Further chilling in a second conditioning stage in air circulated at a temperature of from 4 to 6°C. Further chilling in a third conditioning stage in air circulated at a temperature of from +2°C to -1°C. The apparatus may be applied to the carcass prior to the conditioning process. |
