Bilateral Temperature Asymmetry in the Loin of the Bovine Carcass

Abstract

Conflictingclaims of the effects of early postmortem electrical stimulation on the temperature and cooling rate of beef were investigated, using an improved method of temperature measurement and a precise alternation of sides receiving the trcatmcnt.No stimulation effect on temperature was detected, but a consistent lateral@ effect was observed, the right loin on average being almost 2°C warmer than the left at 3 hr postmortem regardless of prior unilateral or bilateral stimulation. This temperature difference appears to bc a localized phenomenon due to the asymmetric distribution and "tightness" of the kidney fat overlying the interior surface of the central loin area.