Changes in pH, colour and the microbiology of black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle with normal and high (DFD) muscle pH

The effect of pH and the spoilage of black wildebeest Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscles with normal (pH > 6.06) and high pH (DFD; pH < 6.06) was investigated for 12 days under refrigerated (5 ± 1 °C) aerobic conditions. Results showed that pH affected colour, as initial values from Normal samples (L* = 33.08, a* = 13.60, b* = 10.29, C* = 17.10 and Hab = 36.85) were greater than values for DFD meat (L* = 27.21, a* = 11.10, b* = 6.97, C* = 13.12 and Hab = 32.08). Initial bacterial counts from DFD and Normal pH samples did not differ significantly. Over time, pH decreased for Normal and DFD samples until the 6th and 9th day, respectively, whilst both samples showed a significant decrease in redness and colour intensity. Aerobic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae reached 7 log cfu/g > 4 days earlier than Normal pH samples and bacterial growth rate was >1.09-fold faster in DFD than Normal meat.