The initial CIE L⁄ values were 35.65 ± 2.83 for O_MAP, 34.35 ±
3.00 for the overwrap packaging, and 32.71 ± 2.72 for the N_MAP,
which differed (P < 0.05). No change (P > 0.05) was observed over
time for CIE L⁄ in the O_MAP, presenting a significantly greater value
over the entire trial than the other two treatments. The control’s
CIE L⁄ value changed (P < 0.0001) over time, first decreasing
sharply and then steadily increasing. The N_MAP also changed
(P < 0.0001) over time, but in contrast to the control, it increased
throughout, to reach 33.90 ± 2.60 by day 10. It is interesting that
the CIE L⁄ values reported are similar to what Seydim et al.
(2006) reported (41.3 for oxygen MAP (80:20), 38.9 for nitrogen
MAP (80:20) and 39.4 for air) for ground ostrich meat than what
Fernández-López et al. (2008) reported (38.4 ± 1.65 air packaged)
for ostrich steaks. Ground meat is generally more susceptible to
oxidation of the myoglobin pigment than whole meat. One explanation
is the slightly higher pH reported in this study and in that of
Seydim et al. (2006). The CIE L⁄ values reported here are much lower
than that reported by Seydim et al. (2006) and Fernández-López
et al. (2008). This indicates that the meat was darker in appearance
in this study, possibly attributed to the higher pH.