363 Meat Quality Matters: Trends and Mitigation Strategies for Muscle Myopathies in the Broiler Meat Industry

Abstract

Abstract Broiler breast myopathies, including woody breast (WB), white striping (WS), and spaghetti breast (SB), negatively impact the industry. Broiler breast myopathy trends show that myopathies generally increase as the birds get older and larger, and they also increase as breast yield increases to higher levels. Gender can have some impact on myopathies, as males tend to have a higher frequency of WB and females have a higher frequency of SB. Mitigation strategies in both plant and live production are needed. In the short term, it is possible to sort carcasses/fillets manually in processing plants and technology is being developed to detect these issues automatically. These online methods may include image analysis of carcass/fillet shape or dimension features, or evaluating compression force to determine hardness. Fillets determined to be severe for these defects may be diverted into products such as comminuted ones, that are less impacted by appearance or reduced functionality relative to whole fillets. In live production, evaluating strategies to slow down growth rate overall (e.g. management or nutrition), or at strategic times, may be worth investigating, though this would be a short-term mitigation strategy. In the long term, strategies should focus on genetic programs. Breeder companies have always been committed in producing exceptional products. A multitude of methods for early detection of myopathies have tested over the years. Currently, innovative techniques centered around machine learning and more structured breeding programs have been leading the way in further improving meat quality without sacrificing yield. These and other intriguing approaches centralizing on the live bird will drive a positive trend in the quality and quantity of protein produced in the broiler industry.