The mean proteolysis index was higher (p < 0.001) in the Started than in the Control salami both before and after drying, indicating that the inoculation of low-LAB + CNC starter cultures lent additional protease activity to the salami. Some authors reported an increase in the proteolysis of salami started with LAB+CNC cultures, while others found no differences in proteolysis with respect to a naturally fermented salami . Proteolysis indexes of around 13 g NPN per 100 g TN were reported in this type of salami, started or not with LAB + CNC cultures. The staphylococci and micrococci used as starter cultures in dry-cured sausage are selected according to their high protease activity; however, the exact role of endogenous and bacterial proteolysis is not clear, since muscle proteases, especially cathepsin D, act in meat before bacterial proteases, although they are inhibited when the pH falls strongly.