title: Comparison of postmortem proteolysis between Pekin and Muscovy duck breast muscles.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Duck muscle is a popular source of red meat in Asia. However, information regarding the postmortem proteolysis of skeletal muscle between duck species is very limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the postmortem calpain and desmin degradations between Pekin (PD) and Muscovy (MD) duck breast muscles stored at 5°C.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pH and μ/m-calpain activity were not different (P > 0.05) between PD and MD postmortem muscles. However, μ-calpain activity and desmin content decreased more rapidly (P < 0.05) in PD than in MD samples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Therefore, our results suggest that the postmortem proteolysis is more rapid and extensive in breast muscle from PD compared to MD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chien-Chang
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Rong-Ghi R
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Chou
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002154:Calpain / Q000378:metabolism; D004372:Ducks / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000737:chemistry*; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D059748:Proteolysis; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002154:Calpain; C449000:m-calpain; C449002:mu-calpain
keywords: calpain; desmin; duck skeletal muscle; postmortem proteolysis