The effect of low temperature long time (LILT) heat treatment at 48 degrees C, 53 degrees C, 58 degrees C, and 63 degrees C for T-c (time to reach a core temperature equal to the water bath), T-c + 5 h holding time, and T-c + 17 h holding time was studied in Longissimus dorsi and Semitendinosus muscles from slaughter pigs and sows. Meat toughness (Warner-Bratzler Shear Force), cooking loss and color (Minolta L*a*b*-values) was measured and in the cooking loss the amount of heat-soluble collagen and activity of cathepsin B + L was determined. Decreasing shear force and increasing cooking loss during LTLT treatment was observed between 53 degrees C and 58 degrees C. Furthermore, increasing temperature from 53 degrees C to 58 degrees C and increasing time from T-c to T-c + 17 h increased the solubility of collagen. Residual activity of cathepsin B + L in LTLT treated pork was mainly affected by temperature, showing the highest activity at 58 degrees C and 63 degrees C. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.