The rate of tenderisation decreases with time. That is to say that most of the benefit is achieved early on. Ageing tenderisation occurs as enzymes naturally present within the meat break down the myofibrillar structure. Dransfield (1990) calculated that 80% of the tenderisation of lamb longissimus dorsi has occurred at 7.7 days post slaughter at 1ºC. MLC trials showed a benefit of ageing lamb loin for up to 10 days with most of the benefit occurring by 7 days.