Blood serum contents and fatty acid profiles of meat from different chicken strains in Ethiopia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the blood serum contents, fatty acid profiles of meat and their correlations. Methodology: A total of 96 mixed sex matured indigenous chicken strains from Abobo (Ab), Gambella Ketema Zuria (GKz), Lare (La), and Itang (It), were used to determine blood serum contents, of which 32 chickens were also used for fatty acid profile investigation. Completely Randomized (CRD) design was used to analyze the data. Blood serum contents and fatty acid profiles of chickens’ meat were determined by Roche/Hitachi cobas c 501 and GC standard procedures, respectively. Results: High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Triglyceride, (TG) and Total cholesterol (TC) were significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) between both sexes. The level of HDL was inversely correlated with LDL, TG, and TC. The male chicken’s strains had significantly lower (p ≥ 0.05) HDL, but higher LDL TG, and TC than female. All investigated saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (Palmitic, Myristic, Decanoic, Pentadecanoic, Margaric, Stearic, and Tetradecylic) were non-significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) between different chicken strains studied. However, there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between both sexes. All investigated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and phthalic acid) were non-significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) between the different chicken strains studied. However, there were significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) between both sexes of different chicken strains studied. UFA was significantly lower (p ≥ 0.05) in male chicken than female. The mean values of the PUFA/MUFA were non-significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) among different chicken strains and both sexes. Conclusion: Chicken strains have higher contents of blood serum (TC, TG, LDL) and SFA in meat might cause human health problems. Therefore, further investigation and studies are needed in the future.