Abstract:

Wuzhumuqin sheep aged from 1 to 18 months were used as the subjects to study the change in total amount of collagen, thermal solubility of collagen and thermal denaturation temperature in intramuscular connective tissues by hydroxyproline and DSC methods during the growth process. Results showed a significant decrease in total amount of collagen and thermal solubility of collagen in connective tissues, endomysium and perimysium during the growth of sheep (P < 0.05). Moreover, the collagen amount and thermal solubility of collagen in endomysium were significantly higher than that in perimysium. Thermal denaturation temperature in connective tissues and endomysium exhibited a gradual increase during the growth of sheep. However,thermal denaturation temperature in perimysium exhibited a reverse change. These investigations reveal significant impacts in livestock industry and product processing.

Key words: intramuscular connective tissue, collagen, thermal solubility, thermal denaturation