Effect of stunning systems on meat quality of Manchego suckling lamb packed under modified atmospheres

The effects of the type of stunning (TS) [electrically vs. gas] and packing in modified atmospheres (MA) [MA-A: 30% CO2/70% O2; MA-B: 30% CO2/69.3% N2/0.7% CO; MA-C: 40% CO2/60% N2] on meat quality (pH), drip losses (DL), water holding capacity (WHC), shear force (SF) and instrumental colour (L∗, and C∗chroma) of suckling lamb of the Spanish Manchego breed at 7, 14 and 21 d post-packing was studied. Acceptance of meat samples (on the basis of colour and odour) was determined. In general neither the TS nor the MA affected the pH values. Meat from the gas stunned lambs had the lowest DL (P < 0.001 at 14 d post-packing), but lower WHC (more water expelled; P < 0.01 at 14 and 21 d post-packing), was more tender (P < 0.01) and had higher L∗ (P < 0.001 at 14 d post-packing) and C∗ values (P < 0.001) than the electrically stunned group. Similar values of WHC and SF were observed for all MA types but the use of CO in the packs (MA-B) caused less DL, gave the highest C∗ values, acceptability and colour stability with time of storage.