Sous-vide cooking improves the quality and in-vitro digestibility of Semitendinosus from culled dairy cows

Effect of sous-vide processing was evaluated on in-vitro simulated protein digestion, myofibrillar protein profile, lipid oxidation and physicochemical properties of cold-boned beef Semitendinosus. Sous-vide processed [T-1, 60 degrees C (4.5 h); T-2, 60 degrees C (10 h)] samples along with control beef (cooked at 80 degrees C until a core temperature of 75 degrees C was attained) were subjected to in-vitro simulated gastrointestinal protein digestion. Samples collected at 0, 30 and 60 min of gastric digestion and 120 and 180 min of intestinal digestion were analysed for protein profile (SDS-PAGE), protein digestibility (%), soluble protein (%), free amino acid analysis and mineral profile. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease was observed in shear force (N) and cooking loss (%) of sous-vide processed samples in comparison to control whereas a significant (P < 0.05) increase was observed in colour (L*, a*, b*). A significant (P < 0.05) increase was also observed in protein digestibility (%), soluble protein (%) and release of free amino acids and minerals from sous-vide processed samples during in-vitro digestion. By modifying the protein profile of the meat, sous-vide processing had a positive influence on in-vitro digestion kinetics that led to a greater and faster digestion of proteins during simulated digestion.