Horse meat tenderization in relation to post-mortem evolution of the myofibrillar sub-proteome.

[EN] The ageing process after animal slaughter enhances tenderness and influences the value of meat. Horse meat is becoming more popular but lacks standardized ageing practices that should be supported by a better understanding of post-mortem muscle biochemistry. Steaks from Longissimus Thoracis et Lumborum (LTL) of eight Hispano-Breton horses were aged for 0, 7, 14 and 21days and myofibrillar proteins were resolved by one dimensional gel electrophoresis (1-DE). Ten protein bands were found to change (p≤0.05) among ageing periods. Most changes were observed between days 0 and 14, suggesting that tenderization occurred primary during the first two weeks. Liquid isoelectric focusing (OFFGEL) technology was applied to better resolve myofibrillar sub-proteome and evidenced fourteen protein bands that changed (p≤0.05) between 0 and 21days. Three of them were protein fragments coming from troponins T and I and from creatine kinase. Identified molecules could be further studied as potential markers for horse meat tenderness.Department of Economic Development and Infrastructures of the Basque Government is acknowledged for the doctoral fellowship of L.R.Beldarrain. Lactiker Research Group (Basque Government IT944-16) funded this work. Funding and contract of E. Sentandreu from project RTI2018-096162-R-C22 (Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación) are also fully acknowledged