The influence of lairage relative humidity in the frequency of carcasses showing
PSE/DFD muscle status depended on the associated temperature. The most important
detrimental effects were however observed in the experiments carried out at 35°C where
7% less normal carcasses appeared at higher relative humidities by the reflection of both
PSE and DFD meat frequency, respectively more 4% and 3%. In terms of PSE status
it also must be pointed out that the number of carcasses seriously affected (LD, ’ BF
and SM muscles, showing concomitantly this quality status) is 5% higher at 85% than at
50% RH.