A comparison of procedures for measurement of pigment concentration in pork

Abstract

Pigment concentration of pork with known quality defects was evaluated using different methods. In Experiment 1, protein denaturation (induced by postmortem incubation at 5-35C) did not affect the pigment values. However, all methods yielded different absolute pigment values. When using the various procedures on a myoglobin standard, the alkaline haematin method and haematin-chloride method yielded similar results. In Experiment 2, loin samples identified as either PSE (Pale Soft Exudative), RSE (Red Soft Exudative), RFN (Red Firm Non-exudative) and DFD (Dark Firm Dry) based upon drip losses, L-values and ultimate pH, were analyzed for pigment concentration. The methods yielded different abs..