Roaster breast meat condemned for cyanosis: a dark firm dry-like condition?

A case-control study (n = 68) of roaster chickens condemned for cyanosis was conducted. Color (CIE L*a*b*) and pH were measured at slaughter, and after 24 h aging on ice, at four predetermined sites of the Pectoralis major. Cyanotic carcasses (dark) had a higher pH than controls at the time of slaughter and at 24 h postmortem (P < 0.01). Perimortem pH was significantly correlated with pH at 24 h postmortem (r = 0.64) and also was correlated with lightness (L*) perimortem and postmortem (24 h; r = -0.36 and -0.50, respectively). Perimortem pH was not correlated with meat redness (a*) at slaughter time and after 24 h. Ultimate pH and lightness at 24 h postmortem were also correlated. Tests based on pH, L*, and a* of the P. major were assessed: the sensitivity and specificity at various cut-off points were, respectively, pH(6.3) = 76.47 and 88.24%, L*(41) = 91.18 and 79.41%, and a*(3) = 76.47 and 97.06%. The repeatability (p) of pH and color measurements was excellent and ranged from 0.87 to 0.98. Breast meat from roasters condemned for cyanosis had dark, firm, and dry (DFD)-like traits, and accurate tests based on color and pH could be described as a means of identifying chickens condemned for cyanosis.