The aim of this study was to evaluate red deer (maral) meat quality based on chemical composition, pH, water-binding capacity (WBC), and amino acid content

This study investigates the impact of bromelain, a plant enzyme, on the physicochemical and sensory properties of horse meat, as well as the effects of different bacterial cultures (Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum) on the inhibition of lipid oxidation and control of pH during chilled storage. Horse meat (longissimus dorsi) samples (n = 14) were treated with bromelain in two forms (powder and aqueous solution) and with three methods: immersion in enzyme solution, spreading enzyme powder on meat, and syringing enzyme solution into the meat. After fermentation, a part of the meat samples (n = 6) was treated with different bacteria compositions at a 5% weight ratio and stored at 0–2 °C for 6 days. Injecting 3–5% bromelain solutions was most effective at tenderizing the meat, reducing shear force by up to 56% after 8 h. This injection also maximized the water-holding capacity (78–81%) and minimized cooking losses (21–26%), compared to 38% for the control meat sample without treatment. Syringing with 3% bromelain yielded the highest sensory scores across the tenderness, flavor, and overall palatability parameters. The combination of L. acidophilus, Lc. lactis, and B. longum at a ratio of 1.5:1.5:2 was highly effective in reducing oxidative spoilage and optimizing pH levels, thereby ensuring extended meat storability. This study demonstrates that bromelain treatment is an effective method for improving the tenderness, WHC, and sensory properties of horse meat. The LAB combination showed efficient acid formation, crucial for enhancing meat preservation.

This study presents a comparative analysis of the physicochemical, microbiological, and microstructural characteristics of feed products subjected to electron beam irradiation using the ILU-10 accelerator, as well as non-irradiated samples stored under suboptimal conditions. Feed product samples were obtained from a flour and feed manufacturing facility located in the city of Semey, Abai region. For each type of feed product, 20 samples were irradiated at doses of 3, 6, and 9 kGy, while another 20 samples served as a non-irradiated control group. All samples were stored in conditions that were unfavorable for long-term preservation. After one month, microbiological parameters, mycotoxin content, changes in acidity (pH), and microstructure were assessed using standard analytical methods. This study revealed a significant reduction in the number of microorganisms and preservation of key physicochemical properties of the feed products after one month of storage when irradiated at a dose of 9 kGy. These findings suggest that electron beam treatment can serve as an effective method for feed preservation in cases where storage conditions do not meet regulatory standards. However, further research is required to explore alternative approaches and gain a deeper understanding of the potential applications of electron beam technology in compound feed storage systems.