Analyses on the L. lumborum samples were carried out three months
after sampling, using samples on the right side of the carcass, after a
cross-section cut was made between the 12th and 13th ribs.
To determine the proximate composition, each L. lumborum sample
was analyzed for crude protein (CP; Method 920.87—AOAC, 1990),
ether extract (EE; Method 920.29—AOAC, 1990) and ash (MM, Method
924.05—AOAC, 1990).
The pH of the meat was measured when the physical–chemical analysis
was carried out, using a Testo 205 pH meter (Testo InstrumentCo.
LTD., Germany) with an automatic endpoint and buffer recognition, as
well as temperature compensation, equipped with a penetrating electrode.
The pH-meter was calibrated before use to pH 7.0 and 4.01. The
pH was measured at approximately 4 cm deep in the L. lumborum muscle
on the left side of each carcass (12th rib). We performed pH readings
in triplicate at three different points in the L. lumborum muscle.