Evaluation of probe designs to measure connective tissue fluorescence in carcasses

Abstract

Three probes were evaluated for their effectiveness in measuring connective tissue fluorescence within carcasses or primal cuts: 1) a quartz-glass rod, 2) a light guide formed from bundles of optical fibers, and 3) a single optical fiber. The shape of the fluorescence emission spectrum of tendon was altered by the method of measurement, probably because of differences in the intensity of excitation. The single optical fiber design provided the best solution to the problem caused by the irregular distribution of connective tissue in meat, and a modified fat-depth probe was tested as a prototype. Beef shank had more fluorescence peaks per millimeter (P < .01), a greater area above minimum fluorescence (P < .01), and a greater mean peak intensity (P < .005) than did psoas major.

Grading, Carcass Composition, Connective Tissue, Toughness