The pH was measured using a pH meter (Hanna, HI 99163) with a combined electrode for performing readings in triplicate with perforation of the meat. The same samples used for color and pH analyses were subjected to an evaluation of the extent of lipid oxidation using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay according to Vyncke's (1970) methodology. The results of the assay were expressed as milligrams of malonaldehyde per kilogram of the sample.