Estimation of fatty acid compositions of eight muscles from Japanese Black steers by measuring impedance with touch type electrodes

Abstract

In this study, the fatty acid compositions of eight muscles from Japanese Black steers were estimated by measuring impedance with touch type electrodes. Impedance was measured in samples prepared from the eight muscles and from subcutaneous fat found between the 6th and 7th ribs of Japanese Black steer carcasses (n＝11) ; the measurements were made at 1Hz, 120Hz, and 100kHz with an LCR meter equipped with touch type electrodes. Fatty acid compositions of the samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. For M. longissimus thoracis, significant correlations were found between the oleic acid percentage and impedance at all frequencies. This result suggests that it is possible to estimate oleic acid percentage of M. longissimus thoracis by measuring impedance at a range of frequencies. A significant correlation was present between oleic acid percentage of subcutaneous fat and impedance at 1Hz. The oleic acid percentages in M. longissimus thoracis and subcutaneous fat were also significantly correlated. These results suggest that it is possible to indirectly estimate oleic acid percentage of M. longissimus thoracis by measuring impedance of subcutaneous fat at 1Hz.