2.4. Sensory analysis
Sensory analysis was carried out by a 10-person trained
taste panel (BSI, 1993). The sample was defrosted overnight
at 4 C and then cut into steaks 20 mm thick. Steaks
were grilled to an internal temperature of 74 C (measured
by a thermocouple probe) after which all fat and connective
tissue was trimmed and the muscle cut into blocks
2 cm3. The blocks were wrapped in pre-labelled foils and
placed in a heated incubator. The samples were then given
to the assessors in an order chosen by computer, which follows
the recommendations of MacFie, Bratchell, Greenhoff,
and Vallis (1989). Panellists assessed four
breed · diet samples, within a single age group per session
using 0–100 mm unstructured line scales where 0 = nil and
100 = extreme intensity.