BACKGROUND:Baseline researchonthe toughness of Egyptian goosemeat is required.This study therefore investigates thepost mortempH and temperature decline (15 min–4 h 15 min post mortem) in the pectoralis muscle (breast portion) of this gamebird species. It also explores the enzyme activity of the Ca2+-dependent protease (calpain system) and the lysosomal cathepsins during the rigor mortis period