The rate and extent of the post mortem pH fall and the ultimate
pH can affect the colour of meat. A rapid pH decrease post mortem
increases the lightness on the meat surface. Hampshire breed and
its crosses usually have a lower ultimate pH than many other breeds
but the colour of its meat is dark and red (Ruusunen, 1994). However,
Barton-Gade (1988) found the highest ultimate pH of M. longissimus
dorsi was in Duroc followed by Hampshire, Large White and Landrace.