Concentration of Creatine Phosphate, Adenine Nucleotides and Their Derivatives in Electrically Stimulated and Nonstimulated Beef Muscle

ABSTRACT The concentration of creatine phosphate (CP), adenosine tri‐, di‐ and monophosphate (ATP, ADP and AMP, respectively), inosine monophosphate (IMP) and inosine in longissimus muscle removed from electrically stimulated (ES) and nonstimulated (NS) beef sides was enzymatically determined. After aging the carcass 7 days, steaks were removed for flavor evaluation. R values (absorbance ratios) were obtained from muscle samples removed over time from both sides. Data indicate more rapid catabolism of CP, ATP, and ADP in ES samples, with subsequent fluctuations in IMP and inosine concentration. At 12 and 24 hr post‐stimulation, ES samples had more inosine; however, this difference did not exist after aging. Flavor differences were not observed after the 7‐day aging period. R values parallel the degradation of adenine nucleotides and indicate rapid onset of rigor mortis in ES muscle.