This test method is intended to evaluate whether sufficient salt (NaCl) has been retained by the hides or skins to slow down degradation by bacterial (enzymatic) action, and to slow down autolysis by inherent enzymatic action, until they are preserved by a tanning process.

Note 2-Osmosis occurs during brine curing because moisture is drawn out by salt through the epidermis. Low moisture (< 40 %) in the hides does not necessarily indicate poor cure. A hide may have low moisture due to osmosis; to increased fat content; or to drying out conditions. In all instances the hides would still show adequate cure if the moisture was saturated to approximately 85 % salt, because the ash: moisture ratio would be adequate.