Carcass Quality Characteristics Research Articles

Pork quality and histological properties of longissimus muscle from boars and early and late immunocastrated pigs

Immunocastration has been introduced in pig production to reduce boar taint. However, there is not much information on how different schedule of immunocastration affects meat quality, especially muscle histological properties. In this study, carcass and meat quality characteristics, histological properties of the longissimus dorsi muscle, sensory characteristics and fatty acid composition of meat and fat from entire males (EM), late immunocastrated (LIC, first dose 8 weeks before slaughter, second dose 4 weeks before slaughter) and early immunocastrated pigs (EIC, first dose 13 weeks before slaughter, second dose 8 weeks before slaughter) were compared. Fat thickness was greater in EIC than in LIC and EM. Meat quality parameters differed mainly between EIC and EM, as EIC had a higher pH 45, lower electrical conductivity, lighter and more yellowish loins and lower drip loss than EM. EM had a higher protein and moisture content and a lower fat content than EIC and LIC. No major effect on histological properties was observed, however, the percentage of fast-twitch oxidative fibres tended to be lower in both LIC and EIC animals compared to EM. Pork from EM had higher boar taint and lower pork odour and flavour scores and higher pig and boar taint flavour scores. The results of this study show that the immunocastration schedule influences some carcass, meat and fat quality traits and, because of that, it can be modified to obtain the desired final product.

The use of partially slatted floor designs as an alternative to littered systems in broiler chickens. I. The effects on the performance, slaughter and carcass traits.

In this study, the effects of fully littered, slatted and their varying combinations on growth, performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics in broiler chickens were investigated. In the experiment, five treatment groups were formed as fully littered (FL), fully slatted (FS), 1/3 littered + 2/3 slatted (2/3 SF), 1/2 littered + 1/2 slatted (1/2SF), 2/3 littered + 1/3 slatted (1/3 SF). Each treatment group included 5 replicates (24 chicks in each) and a total of 600 male-female mixed fast growing broiler chicks (Ross-308) were used during 6 weeks. Weekly body weight (BW, g), feed intake (FI, g), feed conversion ratio (FCR, g.feed intake/g.weight gain), livability (%) and EPEF (European Production Efficiency Factor) were determined as performance characteristics. Carcass yield (CY, %), and the percentages of abdominal fat (AFP, %), edible internal organs (EIOP, %), gizzard (GP, %), breast (BRP, %) and thigh (TP, %) meat were the carcass characteristics. Meat quality measured by pH and color (L*: lightness, a*: redness, b*: yellowness) of breast and thigh meat, and occurrence of white striping and hemorrhaging in breast meat. The weekly BW differences among the floor treatments were significant (P < 0.01), and 1/3SF broilers were the heaviest at slaughter age (3311.6g). The 6-week FCR in FS broilers was significantly worse than the others (1.471), but FI, livability and EPEF were similar among treatments. AFP tended to be higher in FL birds (P = 0.066), while CY, EIOP, GP, BRP and TP did not differ between groups. Breast pH was similar between treatments, with 1/2SF showing the highest (6.34) and FL the lowest (6.24) breast pH (P < 0.01). The partially slatted systems caused lighter, redder and yellower color values in breast meat (P < 0.01) than the fully littered or slatted systems, but did not change the color of the thigh meat. White striping and hemorrhaging in breast meat were not affected by the floor treatments. This study suggests that the use of partially slatted systems in broiler chickens improves meat color without compromising performance traits (body weight, feed efficiency, EPEF), litter moisture and slaughter traits and these systems could be an alternative to fully littered systems.

Replacing alfalfa-based total mixed ration with Moringa leaves for improving carcass and meat quality characteristics in lambs

The expected increase in the population will put more pressure on resources, which means there will be a greater demand for food and the need for different ingredients to feed animals. This study aimed to explore the potential benefits of replacing alfalfa-based total mixed ration (TMR) with Moringa spp. On carcass characteristics and meat quality traits in lamb. The experiment involved 60 intact male lambs of the Harri breed, averaging 24 ± 1 kg in weight and approximately 5 months old. Lambs were randomly divided into five feeding groups: T1 (40 % alfalfa-based TMR), T2 (40 % M. oleifera), T3 (40 % M. peregrina), T4 (20 % alfalfa-based TMR + 20 % M. oleifera), and T5 (20 % alfalfa-based TMR + 20 % M. peregrina. The results confirmed that incorporating Moringa spp. Into lamb diets significantly reduced intramuscular fat content. Supplementation also improved tenderness, texture properties, and water-holding capacity. Additionally, the treatment groups exhibited a significant decrease in total non-carcass components compared to the control group. Overall, these findings suggest positive changes and enhancements in lamb carcass traits and meat quality attributes with Moringa spp. Supplementation, without observed adverse effects.

Using Different Cage Enrichments to Improve Rabbits' Performance, Behavior, and Welfare.

Environmental enrichment is about improving the surroundings in which your animal lives by providing opportunities to express behavioral activity normally, which in turn has a great impact on the animal's welfare and productivity. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of using different enrichment cage tools (a rubber floor, plastic-colored balls, and a mirror) on rabbits' physiology, productivity, carcass quality, behavior, and welfare. A total of 84 weaned rabbits (V-line) were randomly and equally assigned to 4 groups, each with 7 replicates (3 rabbits/replicate). The 1st rabbit group (T1) served as a control, while the 2nd group (T2) was enriched with rubber floors. The 3rd group (T3) was enriched with plastic-colored balls, and the 4th group (T4) was enriched with mirrors. Productive traits, including the weekly body weight and feed intake, as well as the carcass characteristics, were measured. Hematological parameters and biochemical constituents were determined according to the reference's description. Furthermore, behavioral activities, such as walking, resting, feeding, and drinking, were observed. According to the results, enriching the rabbit cages with plastic-colored balls and mirrors improved the marketing body weight and feed conversion rate. It also improved carcass quality characteristics, such as the carcass weight and dressing percentage. The T3 and T4 rabbits had higher RBCS, Hb, and hematocrit levels as well as lower WBCS levels. They also had significantly higher total protein, globulin, glucose, AST, and IgG values than other treatments. In addition, they had significantly lower corticosterone levels and fear responses. Therefore, it is recommended to use plastic-colored balls and mirrors for rabbit farming for better productivity, behavior, and welfare.

Comparison of growth, carcass and meat quality characteristics of triploid and diploid Black Sea trout (Salmo trutta labrax) under laboratory conditions

Comparison of growth, carcass and meat quality characteristics of triploid and diploid Black Sea trout (Salmo trutta labrax) under laboratory conditions

Alleviating Heat Stress in Fattening Pigs: Low-Intensity Showers in Critical Hours Alter Body External Temperature, Feeding Pattern, Carcass Composition, and Meat Quality Characteristics.

Heat stress is a significant environmental problem that has a detrimental impact on animal welfare and production efficiency in swine farms. The current study was conducted to assess the effect of low-intensity showers, provided during critical high-temperature hours daily, on body external temperature, feeding pattern, and carcass and meat quality characteristics in fattening pigs. A total of 400 animals (200 barrows and 200 gilts) were randomly allotted in 40 pens. A shower nozzle was installed over 20 pens (half barrows and half gilts) where pigs received a low-intensity shower for 2 min in 30 min intervals from 12 to 19 h (SHO group). Another group without showers was also considered (CON). Feeder occupancy measurement, thermographic measures, and carcass and meat quality parameters were studied. In the periods with higher environmental temperatures, SHO animals showed an increase in the feeder occupancy rate compared to the CON group. A decrease in temperature was observed after the shower, regardless of the anatomical location (p < 0.005). The treatment with showers led to higher values than in the CON group of 4.72%, 3.87%, 11.8%, and 15.1% for hot carcass weight, lean meat yield, and fat thickness in Longissimus Dorsi (LD) and Gluteus Medius muscles, respectively (p < 0.01). Pork from CON showed a 14.9% higher value of drip loss, and 18.9% higher malondialdehyde concentration than SHO (p < 0.01); meanwhile, intramuscular fat content was 22.8% higher in SHO than in CON (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the CON group exhibited higher L* (2.13%) and lower a* and b* values (15.8% and 8.97%) compared to the SHO group. However, the pH20h of the CON group was significantly lower than that of the SHO group (p < 0.001), indicating a softer pH decrease. Related to fatty acids in subcutaneous outer and inner layers and intramuscular fat, the CON group showed higher ΣSFA and lower ΣMUFA and Δ9-desaturase indexes than SHO (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the amelioration of heat stress through showers at critical times should be considered an interesting tool that improves both carcass and meat quality, as well as animal welfare.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of goat kids according to the Colomer – Rocher carcass fatness and conformation classes

Classifying kid carcasses according to their fatness and conformation scores guides producers toward higher quality and income-generating production methods and determines the ideal slaughter time. This study aimed to determine the effects of Colomer–Rocher fatness and conformation classes on carcass and meat quality characteristics in goat kids. A total of 102 male kid carcasses were used in the study. Carcasses were divided into fatness (1-, 1, 1+, 2-) and conformation (P-, P, P+; O-) classes according to the Colomer–Rocher classification, and these groups were accepted as the experimental group. Hierarchical clustering analysis divided the kid carcasses into 5 clusters using certain carcass characteristics. Differences between clusters in most of the carcass characteristics were significant. The difference between the cluster groups in terms of meat colour and sensory characteristics was also significant. Fatness and conformation classes significantly affected most characteristics except kidney knob and channel fat (KKCF) percentages and carcass joints percentages. The Colomer-Rocher conformation classification was found to be more discriminatory in terms of meat quality than the fatness classification.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS TRAITS, MEAT QUALITY AND HISTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSCLE FIBERS IN MEXICAN HAIRLESS FINISHING PIGS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ORGANIC COPPER

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Pork meat is related to cardiovascular diseases, due to its high content of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. But it has been shown that dietary supplementation of pigs with organic minerals benefits growth qualities and improves carcass and meat quality characteristics. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; The objective was to evaluate the effect of Cu proteinate supplementation of finishing Mexican Hairless pigs (MHP) on growth, carcass characteristics, meat quality and muscle fiber composition. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; Twenty-eight castrated male MHP (62±5.2 kg BW) were randomly assigned to four levels of Cu in the diet (0, 75, 150, and 225 mg kg&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; DM) for 46 d. The DMI, DWG, FC and FE were measured. At the end of fattening, the pigs were slaughtered and the characteristics of the carcass were evaluated. Tissue samples of &lt;em&gt;Longissiumus thoracis&lt;/em&gt; (LT) were obtained and muscle fibers, pH, color, temperature and drip loss were evaluated. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The DMI was reduced linearly (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;≤0.05) as Cu level supplementation increased in the diet. Growth performance was modified quadratically as Cu level supplementation was increased in the diet, as well as the highest DWG and the lowest FC values were found in barrows supplemented with 75 mg Cu kg&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; DM. Pigs supplemented with 75 and 150 mg Cu kg&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; DM had the highest (&lt;em&gt;P≤&lt;/em&gt;0.05) CW and LEA compared with the other treatments. BFT and DL decreased linearly (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;≤0.05) as Cu supplementation increased in the diet. The Cu supplementation affected (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;≤0.05) the color index &lt;em&gt;b&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;h&lt;/em&gt; after 48h. The Cu affected (&lt;em&gt;P≤&lt;/em&gt;0.05) the number, composition and relative area of the type I, IIA and BII fibers of the LT. &lt;strong&gt;Implications: &lt;/strong&gt;Organic Cu supplementation in the diet of Mexican Hairless pigs benefits growth efficiency, carcass yield and backfat reduction; however, its effect on content, FA profile, and oxidative stability of IF meat should be analyzed. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; It is concluded that Cu supplementation effected quadratically the values of Final BW, DWG, CW and LEA, and linearly Cu affected the values of DMI, FC, CCD, BFT, DL, pH, the color index &lt;em&gt;b&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;h&lt;/em&gt; after 48h; treatments with Cu also influenced linearly or quadratically the number, composition and relative area of the type I, IIA and BII fibers of the LT post slaughter muscle metabolism and it may influence the parameters of quality of meat in finishing Mexican Hairless pigs. The production of MHP meat in an intensive fattening system is profitable and can be improved with the inclusion of Cu proteinate in the diet. &lt;/p&gt;

Carcass and Meat Quality Characteristics of Native Kamrupa Chicken Reared in India

Carcass and Meat Quality Characteristics of Native Kamrupa Chicken Reared in India

Discriminant canonical analysis as a tool for genotype traceability testing based on turkey meat and carcass traits.

The present study aims to develop a statistical tool for turkey breed traceability testing based on meat and carcass quality characteristics. To this end, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed, collecting data from a total of 75 studies approaching meat and carcass attributes of 37 turkey strains and landraces since the late 1960s. A total of 22 meat and carcass traits were considered variables, grouped in the following clusters: carcass dressing traits, muscle fiber properties, pH, colorimetry, water-capacity traits, texture-related attributes, and nutritional composition of the meat. Once the multicollinearity analysis allowed the deletion of redundant variables, cold carcass weight, slaughter weight, muscle fiber diameter, sex-female, carcass/piece weight, meat redness, ashes, pH24, meat lightness, moisture, fat, and water-holding capacity showed explanatory properties in the discriminating analysis (p < 0.05). In addition, strong positive and negative correlations were found among those variables studied. Carcass traits were positively associated, particularly slaughter weight and cold carcass weight (+0.561). Among meat physical traits, pH showed positive correlations with drip loss (+0.490) and pH24 (+0.327), and water-holding capacity was positively associated with cholesterol (+0.434) and negatively associated with collagen (-0.398). According to nutritional traits, fat and ash showed a strong correlation (+0.595), and both were negatively associated with moisture (-0.375 and -0.498, respectively). Strong negative correlations were found as well between meat protein and fat (-0.460) and between collagen and cholesterol (-0.654). Finally, the Mahalanobis distance suggested a clustering pattern based on meat and carcass characteristics that report information about interbreeding and variety proximity. This study establishes a departure point in the development of a tool for breed traceability guaranteeing aimed at enhancing distinguished, local breed-based turkey meat.

Slaughter and carcass characteristics of cross- and purebred lambs finished in a pasture-based system

One hundred and twelve cross- and purebred pasture-reared lambs were slaughtered at optimal backfat thickness (4 mm). Selected slaughter, carcass, and meat quality characteristics of these animals were assessed. Slaughter age, but not weight, was influenced by genotype, whereas rams were younger and heavier at slaughter than ewes. Throughout, the crossbred genotypes were younger at slaughter than their purebred contemporaries. Merinos had a lower dressing percentage (40.74%) than Dohne Merinos (43.89%), which in turn dressed out substantially lower than all crossbred combinations (~47%). Genotype did not influence the fat or bone percentage in the carcass, but differences existed for the meat percentage. Meat from all groups could be described as very tender (&lt;32.96 N) and acceptable even to consumers not preferring pasture-produced lamb. The reduced slaughter age of crossbred lambs presents the possibility of shortening the production cycle of lamb while simultaneously increasing carcass yields.

Growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits in broiler chickens reared on plastic-grid flooring, wood shavings, and zeolite-supplemented wood shavings.

This study aimed to assess the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality traits of broiler chickens raised on plastic-grid floors, traditional wood shavings, and wood shavings enriched with zeolite. The experimental design included the allocation of 504-day-old chicks to three different bedding materials, namely wood shavings, plastic-grid floors, and zeolite litter, each with four replications (42 birds per replicate). The chicks were individually weighed at birth and grouped according to their average body weights. An experiment involving 504 chicks was conducted, with each replicate consisting of 42 male chicks of similar body weight. At the end of the experiment, a total of 120 chickens were slaughtered with 10 chickens selected from each replicate for processing carcass and meat quality traits. The effects of different bedding materials on mortality (P = 0.812), body weight (P = 0.565), and body weight gain (P = 0.569) were not significant. The ANOVA test was conducted to compare the main effects of performance, carcass, and meat quality characteristics. The feed intake was significantly affected in the 2nd, and 3rd weeks (P = 0.001; 0.023); in addition, the feed conversion ratio was significant in the 2nd, 4th, and overall period (P = 0.003; P = 0.026; P = 0.038) by the bedding materials. The breast yield (P = 0.001), thigh yield (P = 0.028), and wing yield (P = 0.023) were significant. The type of bedding material used in broiler production significantly influenced the pH24 (P = 0.030), L* (P = 0.037), a* (P = 0.000), and CL (P = 0.028). It was concluded that both a plastic-grid floor and zeolite supplementation to wood shaving litter did not significantly affect overall growth performance in broiler chickens. However, the plastic-grid floor showed superior effects on breast meat yield and quality characteristics, particularly reducing cooking loss, when compared to zeolite supplementation in wood shaving litter. The plastic-grid floor led to a slight increase in the feed conversion ratio. Consequently, adopting a plastic grid floor emerges as a viable alternative to traditional wood shavings in broiler farming.

Effects of Slaughter Weight and Muscle Types on Carcass and Meat Quality Characteristics of Holstein Friesian Bulls

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of slaughter weight and muscle types on carcass characteristics, chemical composition and meat quality characteristics of young Holstein Friesian bulls. For this purpose, the 21 young bulls were assigned to three experimental groups based on their weights at slaughter called lighter (LSW) (470.4±32.5kg), medium (MSW) (540.8±10.9 kg) and heavier (HSW) (605.8±28.3 kg). Animals in the HSW group resulted in higher carcass weight, LD area, crude protein content, pH24 value. On the other hand, L* and a* values color parameters and LD area per 100 kg carcass weight were significantly decreased with the increasing slaughter weight. The meat obtained from the LSW group were brighter and redder compared to other two slaughter groups. Additionally, there was a decreasing trend in the proportion of the non-carcass components with increasing of the slaughter weight. However, increasing of the slaughter weights led to a significant increase in the carcass measurements such as thoracic depth, carcass length, length of the round as well as width of the round. Although the crude protein content was significantly affected by both slaughter weights and muscle types, only muscle types were also significant sources of variation in percentages of moisture and crude ash.

Effects of abrupt and gradual light/dark switching on growth performance, behavior, villus development, meat characteristics, and immunity of broilers.

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of abrupt and gradual light/dark switching on growth performance, behavior, villus development, meat characteristics, and immunity of broilers. A total of 270 daily male broiler chicks were used in the experiment. The study comprised three groups based on whether the transitions between light and dark periods were abrupt or gradual. No significant differences were observed among the examined groups in terms of body weight, weight gain, mortality rate, feeding, pecking, relaxing, and feather preening behaviors, carcass, and breast meat quality characteristics. Total body weight gain, total feed consumption, total feed utilization ratio, and mortality rates of broilers during the 6-week fattening period did not differ compared to the abrupt transition. Broilers in the group with gradual transition exhibited less movement, more sitting, and sleeping behaviors. It was determined that the IgG was higher in the gradual transition group. The transitions between light and dark periods influenced the characteristics of thigh meat. Villus height and crypt depth were higher in the group where a 1-h gradual transition was applied. As a conclusion, gradual transition is more appropriate in broiler rearing.

Cattle, carcass, economic, and estimated emission impacts of feeding finishing steers lubabegron or ractopamine hydrochloride.

Lubabegron (Experior; Elanco, Greenfield, IN, USA) is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved feed additive for reducing gas emissions from feedlot animals or their waste; it does not have live or carcass performance claims. Our primary objective was to determine the effect of lubabegron on feedlot performance and carcass traits in finishing beef steers compared to ractopamine hydrochloride (Optaflexx; Elanco, Greenfield, IN, USA). A commercial feedlot trial using cross-bred beef steers (n = 2,117; 373 ± 15kg initial body weight [BW]) was completed with a randomized complete block design. Treatments consisted of two feed additives: (1) OPT targeted to deliver 300mg/animal/d of ractopamine hydrochloride for 28 ± 7 d out from harvest and (2) EXP targeted to deliver 36mg/animal/d of lubabegron 56 ± 7 d out from harvest and a 4-d preslaughter withdrawal period. Twenty 70 to 142 hd pens with 10 pens per treatment were used. Cattle were weighed at arrival processing and at harvest and fed for an average of 167 d. Data were used to calculate production metrics, partial budgets, and estimated greenhouse gas emissions using published methods, and were analyzed using linear mixed models with pen as the experimental unit and block as a random intercept. A statistical significance threshold of α = 0.05 was determined a priori. There was no evidence for statistically significant differences between treatments for initial BW (P = 0.70), health-related outcomes (P values ≥ 0.43), or mobility scores (P = 0.09). Cattle-fed EXP had increased final BW, ADG, G:F, and decreased dry matter intake (P values ≤ 0.01) compared to OPT. Carcasses were 11 ± 1.76kg (hot carcass weight) heavier in EXP group (P < 0.01), and differed between treatments for both yield grades (YG) and quality grades distributions (P values ≤ 0.01). Cattle-fed EXP had a shift toward more YG 1 and 2, select and sub-select carcasses compared to OPT, which had as shift toward more YG 3, 4, 5, prime and choice carcasses. With increased beef production and efficiency compared to OPT, the estimated CO2 equivalent emissions from production were reduced by 6.2% per unit of carcass weight for EXP (P ≤ 0.01). Estimated net returns/animal shipped were $56.61 ± 9.37 more for EXP than OPT (P ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, when cattle were fed for the same total number of days, feeding EXP compared to OPT increased net returns, feedlot performance, and efficiency, but resulted in carcass yield and quality characteristics that may impact marketing programs.

Production and meat quality traits of genetically lean immunocastrated pigs naturally divergent for loin tenderness.

Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) is a quantitative measurement of meat toughness that has great impact on the consumer acceptability of meat. This study was conducted to evaluate growth performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics, and fatty acids profile of longissimus lumborum (LL) intramuscular fat (IMF) of pigs that are genetically divergent for WBSF. Based on WBSF values of the LL from a previous study, 12 immunocastrated male pigs selected from 96 pigs were divided into two groups with high WBSF (53.28 to 42.50 N) and low WBSF (37.27 to 27.79 N). Although high-WBSF pigs tended to have improved (P = 0.08) gain-to-feed ratio, overall performance was similar between WBSF groups. High-WBSF pigs also tended to have higher (P = 0.09) cooling loss and lean percentage as well as decreased (P = 0.08) 10th-rib backfat depth than low-WBSF pigs. Loins from high-WBSF pigs tended to have lower (P = 0.07) IMF content and higher (P = 0.09) cooking loss than low-WBSF pigs. Compared to low-WBSF pigs, IMF of the LL from high-WBSF pigs had lower (P = 0.05) percentage of oleic acid and tended to have a decreased (P = 0.07) percentage of total monounsaturated fatty acids. Loins from pigs with high WBSF tended to have increased (P = 0.09) total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content and had higher (P = 0.03) PUFA: saturated fatty acid ratio than low-WBSF pigs. Selecting pigs for pork tenderness could potentially conflict with lean growth efficiency and a healthier fatty acids profile for human consumption.

Impact on Growth Performance, Carcass Quality, and Physiological Characteristics of Broiler Chickens by Using the Various Levels of Dried Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)

The goal of this investigation is to determine whether adding tarragon to broiler chickens 'diet affects their performance, carcass, and physiological characteristics. A total of One-day-old two hundred eighty broiler chicks (Ross 308) broilers were used to divide randomly into 4 treatments and 5 replicates per procedure.14 birds were used at each repeat. Experimental groups only earned a base diet (control) (T1), a base diet (100 kg) + 200gm dried tarragon (T2), a base diet (100 kg) + 400gm dried tarragon (T3) and base diet (100 kg) + 600gm dried tarragon (T4). The additive of different levels of dried Tarragon not significant differences between all treatments on performances, except for relative (FCR) feed conversion rate was significantly different (p≥0.05). Although the tarragon ingredient is advantageous on the values of live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and FCR in overall periods (1- 42 days), that was a result of T3 therapy. The effects of treatments were significant improvement (p≥0.05) in the Production Index (PI) and Economic Figure (EF) in T3. In male broiler except for relative thigh, dramatics, and food %, different dried tarragon amounts had no discernible impact on other carcass characteristics, while in female broiler the carcass was significantly affected (p&gt;0.05) by treatments except for relative dramatics and wings %. On the other hand, in both sexes had no impact on the values of the liver, heart and abdominal fat %, while gizzard % was significantly affected (p&gt;0.05) in a female broiler. Therefore, bursae of fabricius in both sexes, pancreas in females, and spleen % in males were not significantly affected. Besides, the dried tarragon did not have any adverse effects on chickens 'welfare.

Carcass and meat quality characteristics of purebred (hair) and crossbred (wool × hair) sheep lambs grazing fescue pasture as influenced by breed type, sex, and supplementation

ABSTRACT The influence of breed type (purebred vs. crossbred), sex (short-scrotum ram vs. ewe lamb), and supplementation (pasture-only vs. pasture plus 2% soy hull) on carcass and meat quality of landrace hair (Barbados Blackbelly; BB and St. Croix; SX) and wool (Dorset; DO) × hair sheep lambs was evaluated. Forty-eight, mixed sex 5-mo old purebred hair (body weight (BW) = 17.9 ± 1.95 kg) and crossbred (wool × hair) sheep lambs (BW = 21.7 ± 2.56 kg) rationally grazed predominantly tall fescue pasture during summer with or without soy hull supplementation at 2% of BW. At the end of a 90-d grazing trial, lambs were harvested using the USDA standard procedures and their carcasses were evaluated. After 24 h chilling storge (2°C), longissimus muscle (LM) pH was measured, and carcasses were fabricated into primal cuts. Loin chops and fat depots were collected to analyse meat quality parameters. Supplementation rather than crossbreeding had more significant effect on carcass quality under the conditions of this experiment. Regardless of breed type, soy hull supplementation improved colour, lipid oxidation stability and texture properties of fresh lamb, whereas pasture-only lambs had healthier fatty acid profiles compared with those from supplemented lambs.

Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Karacabey Merino lambs Reared under Triticale and Oat Pastures Compared with Stall-Fed Lambs.

Fifty-eight Karacabey Merino lambs were used to study the effects of feeding system (triticale pasture, oat pasture, or stall-fed), birth type (single or multiple), gender (male or female), and birth year (2016 or 2017) on various carcass and meat quality characteristics. Stall lambs had higher conformation (CS) and fatness (FS) scores, and higher meat L* and h* values than the two pasture groups, possibly due to higher fat content, while oat pasture lambs had the most tender meat. Single-born lambs had higher CS, FS, and Longissimus thoracis muscle section area, while females had higher subcutaneous and non-carcass fat deposits than their counterparts. Both single-born lambs and 2016-born lambs had higher meat a* and C* values than their counterparts. In conclusion, a pasture-based feeding system is more suitable for Karacabey Merino lambs than a stall feeding system, if lean meat and/or meat products are preferred. However, it should not be ignored that stall-fed lambs showed a better fattening performance in terms of conformation and fatness, during the same period.

The effect of incorporating dietary green seaweed (Ulva sp.) on growth performance, blood parameters, and carcass and meat quality characteristics of Jumbo quail

Seaweeds are functional aquatic plants that can be used in Jumbo quail (Coturnix sp.) feeds as sources of phytochemicals and nutrients. However, no studies have investigated the feed value of green seaweed (Ulva sp.) meal (SM) for the Jumbo quail. Thus, the impact of different dietary inclusion levels of SM on productive traits, serum biochemistry, haematology, visceral organ sizes, carcass features, and meat quality attributes in Jumbo quail was investigated. In a completely randomised design, one-week-old quail (n = 385; 67.7 ± 3.44 g body weight) were allotted to five treatments, with seven replicate pens (experimental unit). The treatments were produced by including 0 (SM0), 20 (SM20), 40 (SM40), 60 (SM60) and 80 g/kg (SM80) of green SM in a commercial grower diet. Regression results showed no linear or quadratic effects (P > 0.05) to different levels of SM for average weekly feed intake, overall weight gain, haematological indices, internal organs, carcass features, and meat quality characteristics of the birds. However, incorporating SM up to 80 g/kg in the diet linearly reduced overall gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) [R2 = 0.282; P = 0.0001] and slaughter weights [R2 = 0.159; P = 0.026]. Treatment SM80 promoted (P < 0.05) higher feed intake than diet SM60 in weeks 3, 4 and 5, but were comparable to the control treatment in weeks 4 and 5. Birds fed with diets SM0 and SM20 had higher (P < 0.05) overall weight gain than birds fed with diet SM60. Diet SM80 resulted in lower (P < 0.05) overall G:F (0.250) than diet SM0 (0.277). Higher slaughter weights were observed on SM0 and SM20 groups than the SM60 group. We concluded that the use of dietary green SM up to 80 g/kg in Jumbo quail feeds compromises gain-to-feed ratio and slaughter weights but not physiological and meat quality attributes.