Number of sequences analyzed, observed diversity and estimated sample coverage (Good’s coverage) for 16S rRNA amplicons analyzed in the first experiment.

Abbreviations: OTU, operational taxonomic unit; ESC, estimated sample coverage. Chao1, Shannon and ESC were calculated with Qiime at the 3% distance level. Beefsteaks samples at time zero (t0) and after one week of aerobic storage at 4°C (t6) were labeled according to the beef cut of origin: A, brisket; B, chuck; C, thick-flank. The results from the 3 sub-portions of each beefsteak were averaged.