Cut-up Parts Research Articles

Significance of application of HACCP system on the bacteriological quality of chicken meat marketed in Giza governorate, Egypt

Fifteen samples from each of chilled whole chicken carcasses, cutup parts (breast & thigh) and frozen mechanically separated chicken meat (MSC) were collected from traditional shops not applying HACCP system (group A).The same type and numbers of samples produced by poultry processing plant applying HACCP system (group B) were also collected from supermarkets in Giza governorate. The total numbers of samples (one hundred and twenty samples) were subjected to determination of deterioration criteria, isolation and identification of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. The isolated pathogenic strains were subjected toserological investigation and antibiotics sensitivity tests. The obtained results revealed that the mean pH values and TVBN of MSC samples collected from A were significantly higher than those collected from B. Moreover, mean TBA values of all samples collected from A were significantly higher than those collected from B except whole chicken carcass samples which were non significantly differ. It is obvious from these findings that MSC collected from A and B were nearly deteriorated while other samples still acceptable. Data of bacteriological examination showed that all investigated bacterial count (total mesophilic, total psychrotrophic, total anaerobic, Coliforms and Fecal Coliforms bacterial counts) of whole chicken carcasses, cut-up parts (breast & thigh) samples of A were significantly higher than that obtained from B. It was also clear that most of investigated bacterial counts of whole chicken carcass and cut-up parts collected from the sourceA exceeded the limit described by E.S (1651/2005). Moreover, the bacterial counts of MSC collected from both A and B were higher than the permissible limit described by E.S (4178/2005). E. coli poly II O127:K63 was isolated from whole chicken carcasses and thigh samples, while, E. coli poly I O26:K60 was isolated from MSC collected from the source A with an incidence rate 13.33, 13.33 and 20%, respectively. At the same time, S. Infantis was isolated only from MSC collected from the source A with an incidence rate of 20%. However, E. coli poly I and II and S. Infantis failed to be isolated from samples collected from the source B. This indicates that the production of chicken meat samples collected from the source B were prepared under good sanitary measures and the application of HACCP system was very effective and produce highly safe products. It is of significance to emphasize that the isolated E. coli poly I and II strains were sensitive to amoxicillinclavulenic, piperecillin-tazobactam, ceftriaxone, ceftazidme, cefepime, imipenem, aztreonam, gentamycin and amikacin and resistant to ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole, chloramphenicol and tetracycline. Meanwhile, the isolated S. Infantis strain was sensitive to cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin and resistant to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and chloramphenicol.

Carcass and meat quality characterization of indigenous and improved variety of chicken genotypes.

A study was conducted to examine four genotypes of chicken for their carcass and meat quality characteristics. From each genotype, 20 birds were slaughtered at their respective age of maturity. Breast and thigh muscles were evaluated for meat quality characteristics. Transport loss and carcass weight were highest in the white commercial broiler (WBR) and lowest in Aseel (ASL) and Indbro Aseel (ASR). Dressing percentage ranged between 66.41 and 72.56 and was not significantly different among genotypes. The yield of various cut-up parts for different genotypic birds was significantly different (P < 0.05). Highest percent yield for breast (29.15), thigh (15.57), drumstick (13.82) and wings (18.44) were observed in WBR, rainbow rooster (RR), ASR and rainbow rooster Plus (RRP), respectively. Giblet % was highest in RR and meat:bone ratio of thigh portion was highest in WBR. Higher ultimate pH was recorded for RR, RRP, and WBR, and higher water-holding capacity was detected in ASL and ASR. Further, bound water was higher in RR, RRP, and WBR, and free water was maximum in ASL and ASR. A significant (P < 0.05) higher shear force was observed in ASL and higher muscle fiber diameter in WBR. Cooking yield did not differ significantly among genotypes. The breast meat from ASL showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher redness value and WBR showed the lower redness. Further, ASL and ASR meats were darker and red in color than broiler meat. Meat from two indigenous birds (ASL and ASR) had significantly (P < 0.05) lower fat content compared to broilers and other crosses. ASL gave a slightly firmer meat as liked by consumers. The sensory evaluation showed breast meat from RR birds and ASL birds had better flavor scores than other birds. These results indicated that meat of indigenous chickens (ASL and ASR) has some unique features over commercial fast-growing birds that would increase their demand by consumers who prefer chewy, low-fat chicken meat.

Effect of Supplementation of Distiller's Dried Grain with Soluble (DDGS) on Desi-Chicken Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Utilization of unconventional feed ingredients in poultry ration is a key determinant of successful poultry production. Distillers Dried Grains with Soluble (DDGS) is now becoming a popular unconventional and low-cost ingredient for livestock feed due to its high nutritive value. Hence, a study was conducted to assess the effect of DDGS on native chicken production performance. A total of 126, 8 weeks old desi-chicken were distributed randomly to 3 different dietary treatments that includes T1 (control), 10 per cent inclusion of DDGS (T2) and (T3) 15 per cent inclusion of DDGS, respectively. The first experiment was performed between 8-12 weeks and the second experiment between 13-16 weeks of age. Performance parameters and carcass traits were studied at the end of feeding trial. The results showed that performance traits like body weights, body weight gains, and feed efficiency and carcass traits such as New York dress weight, eviscerated carcass yield, ready to cook yield, cut-up parts, giblets yield and relative organ weights were not influenced by dietary inclusion of DDGS. The present study indicated that 10 per cent and 15 per cent inclusion of DDGS has no deleterious effect on the performance, carcass characteristic of desi-chicken. Thus, DDGS can be safely incorporated to desi-chicken diet at this level without hampering production performance.

Effect of feeding rice based brewers dried grain on growth performance and carcass quality traits of broiler chickens

A biological experiment was undertaken with 175 newly hatched broiler chicks for six weeks. The chicks were divided in completely randomized design into five treatments with 35 chicks each with five replicates per treatment. Five experimental diets as per ICAR (2013) were prepared by incorporating rice brewers dried grain (RBDG) at inclusion level of (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) respectively by replacing maize and soybean meal from basal diet. The results indicated that body weight decreased significantly (P<0.01) at inclusion level of 20% RBDG but feed intake increased significantly (P<0.01) at same inclusion level of RBDG as compared to control group. The body weight gain was comparable at 15% inclusion level of RBDG with control group containing 0% RBDG Significantly (P<0.01) poor feed conversion ratio was observed at higher inclusion levels (20%) group. However, feed conversion 1ratio was found comparable at inclusion level of 15% RBDG to the control group. The carcass quality traits such as pre slaughter weight, blood loss, feather loss, dressing yield and eviscerated yield and various cut-up parts such as breast, thigh, neck, back, wing and drumstick did not differ significantly due to different dietary treatments. However, abdominal fat was significantly lowered (P<0.05) at 15 and 20% inclusion levels of RBDG. Thus, it is concluded that RBDG can be safely incorporated in broiler diet at the inclusion level of 15% with better carcass yield without any adverse effect on growth performance.

Effect of laboratory-isolated Lactobacillus plantarum LGFCP4 from gastrointestinal tract of guinea fowl on growth performance, carcass traits, intestinal histomorphometry and gastrointestinal microflora population in broiler chicken.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of feed supplements, viz Lactobacillus plantarum LGFCP4 (laboratory isolate from GIT of Guinea fowl), Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCDC, Karnal) and in-feed antibiotic bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on growth performance, FCR, carcass traits and immune organs weight, intestinal histomorphometry and gastrointestinal microflora population in broiler chickens. In a completely randomized design, CARIBRO-Dhanraja broiler chicks (n=160) were used with four treatment groups. During the entire experimental duration of 35days, treatment groups were provided with different dietary treatments (T1 - basal diet (negative control), T2 - antibiotic growth promoter BMD 20g/100kg feed (positive control), T3 - 1×108 cfu of L.acidophilus/gm-fermented feed +MOS 1g/kg feed and T4 - 1×108 cfu of laboratory-isolated L.plantarum LGFCP4/gm-fermented feed+ MOS 1g/kg feed. After 35days of experimental period, no significant results have been observed in different growth performance traits among treatment groups. Cut-up parts and edible organs' weight remained unaffected by dietary supplementation, whereas weight of immune organs were significantly higher (p<0.05) in L.plantarum LGFCP4-supplemented group. At the end of feeding trial, significantly (p<0.05) lower E.coli count was observed in crop of T4 birds, while in ileum, T2 and T3 showed lower count. In caeca, T2 group showed lowest E.coli count. Salmonella count in crop and ileum was significantly (p<0.05) low in T3 and T4, while in caeca, T2 group showed lowest count. In terms of histomorphometry, duodenal villous height (VH), crypt depth (CD) and VH:CD ratio were higher for T3 and T4 and lowest values were obtained for T2 group. The results of the study showed that L.plantarum LGFCP4 isolated from GIT of guinea fowl can effectively replace in-feed antibiotic growth promoters in broiler diets by altering intestinal villi morphology and improving the gut health by reducing the pathogenic microbial load.

Associated efficiency of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and vitamin E in ameliorating adverse effects of ochratoxin on carcass traits and organ weights in broiler chickens

The associated efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) and vitamin E, in ameliorating ochratoxicosis (OTA) was investigated in broiler chickens. A total of 330 day-old broiler chicks were divided into eight treatment groups (T1-control; T2-T1+150 ppb OTA; T3-T2+0.05% SC+100 mg vit. E; T4-T2+0.075% SC+100 mg vit. E; T5-T2+0.1% SC+100 mg vit. E; T6-T2+0.05% SC+200 mg vit. E; T7-T2+0.075% SC+200 mg vit. E; T8-T2+0.1% SC+200 mg vit. E/kg diet. Each diet was fed to five replicated groups of 8 birds each from day-old to 42 days of age. At the end of sixth week of experimental trial, eight birds per dietary treatment were sacrificed to record carcass traits and relative weights of liver and immune organs. There was no significant (p<0.05) difference among various dietary treatments with regard to shrinkage loss, dressing yield and eviscerated yield, and cut-up parts of birds. The relative weight of liver in control group (T1) was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of ochratoxin alone fed group (T2). The relative weight of liver in T5, T7 and T8 was significantly (p<0.05) lower than toxin fed group (T2) but statistically similar to that of control. The relative weight of thymus and bursa in groups T5, T7 and T8 was higher (p<0.05) than the toxin fed group (T2) and statistically similar to that of control (T1). It was concluded that addition of S. cerevisiae (0.1%) along with vit. E (100 mg/kg) or S. cerevisiae (0.075%) along with vit. E (200 mg/kg) in 150 ppb ochratoxin contaminated feed ameliorated the adverse effects of ochratoxicosis in broiler chickens.

Interaction of oxidative feed sanitizer with dietary methionine on growth and immune-responsiveness of broiler chickens

Acidified sodium chlorite (ASC), a well known sanitizer, reduces microbial load and improves energy bioavailability from fiber/lignin rich feedstuffs. However, ASC also reacts with sulphur containing amino acid methionine, the first limiting amino acid in maize-soy based diet. So the present experiment was conducted to assess the interaction of ASC with dietary methionine in terms of growth performance, meat quality and immune- competence of broiler chicks. A basal diet was formulated without methionine supplementation (otherwise adequate in all nutrients) and then treated with 3 levels of ASC (0, 100 and 250 ppm). Each ASC treated basal diet was supplemented without or with DL-methionine to meet 100 and 120% of NRC requirement of methionine in a 3 × 3 factorial design. Day-old broiler chicks (288) were divided into 36 groups of 8 chicks each and each dietary treatment was offered to 4 replicated groups. At 6 weeks of age, methionine supplementation produced significant increase in live body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Among meat quality parameters, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value increased significantly upon ASC treatment and reduced by methionine supplementation at 120%. Among cut-up parts, neck yield increased significantly with increased level of methionine. Increase in methionine level also produced improvement in humoral and cell mediated immunity. Thus, it may be concluded that ASC treatment deteriorated oxidative stability of meat while methionine supplementation improved broiler performance, meat quality and immunocompetence

EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS AND INTERMITTENT HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ON GROWING MALES OF GIMMIZAH AND GOLDEN-MONTAZAH CHICKEN PERFORMANCE

This study was carried out in the Poultry Experimental Farm of Animal production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Egypt. It amid to study the effect of continuous and intermittent high ambient temperature on growing males of Gimmizah and Golden-Montazah chickens performance from 4 up to 16 weeks of age. A total of 96 male chicks 4 weeks old, were randomly classified to three equal groups each of them 16 Golden-Montazah and 16 Gimmizah. The chicks in the first group (control) were daily exposed to normal conditions. The chicks in the second and third groups were daily exposed to continuous and intermittent high temperatures (35°C) for 5 hours, respectively. All chicks were housed on a partition of floor pens and reared under normal environmental poultry house and daily exposed to 16 continuous lighting hours. All chicks were fed ad-libitum on a commercial standard starter diet. The obtained results revealed that the Golden-Montazah was significantly higher body weight (p < 0.05) compared to Gimmizah. Whereas, daily weight gain between both strains were not differed. Body weight and body weight gain for chicks exposed to intermittent heat cyclic decreased significantly as compared with control and continuous heat cyclic. Daily feed consumption was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by strain, heat cyclic and their interactions, while feed conversion ratio was insignificantly by strain and heat cyclic just during the periods from 4-12 and 12-16 weeks of age. Carcass cutup parts and hematological parameters were not affected by strain, heat cyclic and their interaction. Liver and testes percentages were significantly affected by strain, while heart and thymus were significantly affected by heat cyclic. The total protein, GPT, T3 and T4 concentrations were significantly affected by strain, heat cyclic and their interaction. Phosphorous, T3 and T4 concentrations were significantly increased in Golden-Montazah compared with Gimmizah. Thus, it could be concluded that the Golden-Montazah more tolerant to high temperature compared to Gimmizah under Upper Egypt climatic conditions.

Carcass traits of crossbred (Landrace × Desi) barrows reared with different floor space allowances under intensive system

Present study assessed the effect of floor space allowances on carcass traits of crossbred (Landrace × Desi) barrows in Indian conditions. Crossbred barrows (36) were reared with 3 different floor space allowances (12 each) having group size of 4 pigs/pen. One group (TIS) was provided floor space as per Indian Standards (0.9, 1.35 and 1.8 m2/pig for weaner, grower and finisher stages, respectively) specifications, while other two groups with 33% (T2/3) and 50% (T1/2) reduced floor space allowances. Pigs were reared up to 29 weeks of age. Final weight of pigs did not differ significantly among the groups. Six animals from each group were slaughtered. None of the major economic carcass traits, viz. carcass weight, dressing %, back fat thickness (BFT), loin eye area (LEA), estimated lean meat percentage etc. was adversely affected. Major cut-up parts, share of edible as well as inedible offal and composition of pork (moisture, CP and EE) also did not differ among groups. It indicates scope of 50 % reduction in floor space allowance for pig production in India without affecting final body weight and major carcass characteristics.

Efficacy of pine leaves as an alternative bedding material for broiler chicks during summer season.

Aim:The aim was to assess the efficacy of pine leaves as an alternative bedding material on the performance of broiler chicks.Materials and Methods:The present study was conducted in summer. Total 120, day old Vencobb straight run chicks were procured, and after 5 days of brooding, chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups viz. paddy husk (Group I), paddy straw (Group II), pine leaves (Group III), and combination of paddy straw and pine leaves (Group IV), each having 30 chicks with 3 replicates of 10 chicks each. Chicks were reared under intensive conditions in houses that have a semi-controlled environment, with optimum temperature and adequate ventilation. Food and water were provided as per NRC (1994) requirement.Results:The average body weight after 6 weeks of the experiment was 2018.83±31.11, 1983.80±33.27, 2007.36±35.73, and 1938.43±36.35 g. The bedding type had no significant effect on the carcass characteristics viz. evisceration rate and proportion of cut-up parts of the carcass except giblet yield. The experiment suggested that performance of broiler chicks reared on paddy straw and pine leaves as litter material, had improved body weight and feed conversion ratio as compared to rearing on paddy husk as bedding material. Bacterial count, parasitic load and the N, P, K value of manure of different bedding material shows no significant difference.Conclusion:Pine leaves have a potential to be used as an alternative source of litter material to economize poultry production in a sustainable way, so as to make poultry farming as a profitable entrepreneur.

Effect of selenium supplementation on performance, cost economics, and biochemical profile of Nellore ram lambs.

Aim:Present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of selenium (Se) supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, meat composition, shelflife of meat and biochemical profile in Nellore ram lambs.Materials and Methods:24 male Nellore ram lambs (15.75±0.47 kg) were randomly divided into four dietary groups with six lambs in each and reared under uniform management conditions for 120 days. Basal diet was not supplemented with Se and consisted of green fodder (Se 0.09 mg/kg dry matter [DM]), dry roughage (Se 0.11 mg/kg DM) and concentrate mixture (Se 0.019 mg/kg DM) and fed individually. Dietary treatments were prepared by adding graded levels Se (0, 0.45, 0.9, and 1.8 ppm) to concentrate mixture (1% body weight [BW]) from sodium selenite. Feed offered and refusal measured daily; and BWs were measured at fortnight interval to find out average daily gain (g), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cost economics and plane of nutrition. Serum biochemical profile (concentration of glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, and hemoglobin) was assessed on 0, 60th, and 120th day. At the end of experiment, the carcass characteristics (dressing percentage, cut-up parts, meat to bone ratio) and meat chemical composition were evaluated. Meat keeping (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) quality from different groups was evaluated on day 0, 3, and 6 post-slaughter.Results:Dietary Se supplementation did not show any effect on weight gain, FCR, cost economics, plane of nutrition, and serum biochemical profile in Nellore ram lambs. However, Se supplemented lambs had numerically higher weight gain than the unsupplemented lambs. Similarly, carcass characteristics and keeping quality were comparable among the four treatments. However, numerical increase in post-slaughter keeping quality with increasing Se supplementation was observed.Conclusion:It can be concluded that supplementation of Se in the form of sodium selenite (inorganic source) at different levels did not influence animal performance in growing Nellore ram lambs had no effect on lamb performance, cost economics, carcass characteristics, and serum biochemical profile.

Microbial Evaluation of Cecure®1-Treated (Post-Chill) Raw Poultry Carcasses and Cut-up Parts in Four Commercial Broiler Processing Facilities

Microbial Evaluation of Cecure®1-Treated (Post-Chill) Raw Poultry Carcasses and Cut-up Parts in Four Commercial Broiler Processing Facilities

Effect of dietary supplementation of herbal seeds on carcass traits of turkey poults

Aim: The present study was conducted to find the effect of four herbal seeds on carcass traits of turkey poults. Materials and Methods: A biological study using Nandanam turkey poults (Meleagris gallapavo) for 8 weeks duration was carried out to evaluate the effect of phytobiotics-containing four herbal seeds influence on production performances like biweekly body weight and on carcass traits. 150 poults were randomly subjected to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with basal diet (T1), 0.5% (5 g/kg) level of each seeds thyme (Thymus vulgaris) (T2), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) (T3), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) (T4) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) (T5). Carcass traits like blood loss, feather loss, dressed weight, New York dressed weight, ready to cook yield and cut-up parts yield were studied. Results: The body weight at 8th week was higher (p<0.05) in poults fed with thyme; whereas at 6th week, fennel and cumin fed birds had better (p<0.05) body weight. Inclusion of herbal seeds did not affect the blood loss, dressed weight and ready to cook yield but it significantly (p<0.05) affected the feathered loss, New York dressed weight and giblet percentages. Feeding of fenugreek has improved New York dressed weight of poults. Feeding of fennel had depressive (p<0.05) effect on liver and gizzard weights. All the four phytobiotic seeds in feed had significant (p<0.05) reduction in breast weight with a compensatory improvement in drumstick and neck weights. Conclusion: The present study revealed that supplementation of phytobiotic herbal seeds has resulted in numerical improvement of body weight of poults throughout the study period whereas these seeds had negative effect on the yield of breast, with increased proportion of drumstick and neck.

Comparative Effects of Breed and Sex on Carcass and Organ Profiles of Duck (Anas plantrynychos) and Guinea Fowl (Numidia meleagris) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

&lt;p&gt;Carcass and organs characteristics of two breeds and sexes of poultry which include Duck and Guinea fowl (GF) were investigated. A total of twenty four matured birds with twelve from each breed were used for this study in a 2 × 2 (Breed × Sex) factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The birds were slaughtered in batches of four properly bled, defeathered and dressed, the carcasses and organs weighed. The birds carcasses were chilled at 4 ºC for 24hrs prior to fabrication into primal cuts. The results showed that duck had higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) carcass and organs weight and percentages than GF, also males irrespective of the breed gave higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) carcass and organs weight and percentages than their female counterparts. At interaction level male ducks still gave higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) cut-up parts weight and percentages than female, while female GF elicited higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) primal cuts weight and percentages. It was observed from this study that Duck and GF carcass and organs cut-up parts were heavy enough to supply needed protein like chicken. These birds can therefore, be integrated into commercial poultry production to make animal protein more available to consumers.&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of dietary amino acid density and metabolizable energy level on the growth and meat yield of summer-reared broilers

The effects of dietary amino acid (AA) density and AME on the growth and meat yield of summer-reared Cobb × Cobb 700 (CCB-700) broilers were evaluated. In addition, the responses of CCB-700 and Cobb × Cobb 500 (CCB-500) broilers to dietary AME levels (with low AA) were compared. All chicks were fed through a starter, grower, finisher, and withdrawal phase program. Grow-out performance, carcass traits, meat yield, and feed cost efficiency were evaluated using 2 separate 2-way ANOVA based on 2 separate 2 × 2 factorial arrangements of treatments. Each group includes 14 replicate pens with 14 chicks/replicate. Mortality was not affected by treatment; however, as compared with birds fed other diets, feeding CCB-700 broilers a low-AME and high-AA density diet decreased feed intake and BW on d 35, 42, and 54, and decreased carcass, breast, wing, front half, and back half weights on d 55. The CCB-500 broilers consumed more feed and gained more weight as compared with CCB-700 broilers at 14, 28, and 35 d of age. However, at 55 d of age, breast weight and wing yield were observed to be higher in the CCB-700 than in the CCB-500 broilers. However, the back half (drumstick and thigh) weights were lower in the CCB-700 than in the CCB-500 broilers. In conclusion, without affecting feed costs, broiler performance and carcass yield were affected by diet in both strains. More specifically, a higher AME diet and lower AA density increased the yield of all cut-up parts, except for legs, in summer-reared CCB-700 chicks.

Marinade with thyme and orange oils reduces Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter coli on inoculated broiler breast fillets and whole wings

Essential oils have been reported to possess antimicrobial properties and therefore have potential usage as natural antimicrobials in food. In a previous study, thyme orange essential oil combination (TOC) used at the 0.5% level as a dip application on chicken cut-up parts had a significant antibacterial effect against Salmonella and Campylobacter. A study was designed to evaluate the effect of salt-phosphate marinade solution containing 0.5% TOC to 1) reduce Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter coli numbers on broiler breast fillets and whole wings marinated by vacuum tumbling, and 2) reduce cross-contamination of both pathogens between inoculated and uninoculated parts during marination. A total of 52 skinless breast fillets and 52 whole wings were used for the 2 replications. For each replication, each cut-up part was randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups: treatment 1: uninoculated parts marinated without TOC; treatment 2: inoculated parts marinated without TOC; treatment 3: uninoculated parts marinated with TOC; treatment 4: inoculated parts marinated with TOC; and control: nonmarinated inoculated parts. Samples were dipped in an inoculum containing a mixture of Salmonella Enteritidis and C. coli. The treatment samples were marinated by vacuum tumbling. All samples were immediately evaluated to determine Salmonella Enteritidis and C. coli numbers. Results indicated that TOC at the 0.5% level in the marinade solution applied by vacuum tumbling significantly reduced (P < 0.05) numbers of viable Salmonella Enteritidis by 2.6 and 2.3 log cfu/mL on broiler breast fillets and C. coli by 3.6 and 3.1 log cfu/mL on whole wings. Cross-contamination was observed as the uninoculated chicken parts marinated with inoculated parts were positive. However, the number of bacterial cells recovered from the TOC treated samples were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the numbers recovered from the untreated samples. Marination with a salt phosphate formulation containing 0.5% TOC successfully reduced Salmonella and Campylobacter numbers on poultry products.

Rabbit meat processing: historical perspective to future directions

In past centuries, because rabbits are relatively small, animals slaughtered for consumption were generally eaten immediately. However, since a single rabbit would offer little more product than could be consumed at one sitting, little effort was devoted to developing preserved rabbit products (such as salted or dried meat, sausages, etc.). For this reason, although there is a rich history of recipes using rabbit meat in the Mediterranean area, there are few traditional further-processed products. Nowadays, even though the processing industry is pushing more and more towards the introduction of more attractive products (i.e. ready meals, ready-to-cook, etc.) for consumers with little time for meal preparation, most rabbit meat worldwide is still sold as whole carcass or cut-up parts. This review analyses the main strength and weakness factors regarding the use of rabbit meat to manufacture further processed products. Bearing in mind these considerations, it then describes the more promising processing technologies for raw meat materials to obtain added-value products (marinated, formed, emulsified, coated, etc.) by exploiting rabbit meat’s intrinsic characteristics, such as high protein/low fat content coupled with a balanced n-6 to n-3 PUFA ratio, low cholesterol and heme-iron content. Major trends in meat product formulation (modulation of lipid content and composition, use of novel antioxidants and salt reduction) are also discussed by highlighting strategies to provide healthier meat products meeting current nutritional needs. Finally, major packaging solutions for rabbit meat and meat products (ordinary and modified atmosphere, vacuum) are considered.

Effect of IGF1 gene polymorphism and expression levels on growth factors in Indian colored broilers

Single nucleotide polymorphism (c. 570 A→C) in chicken IGF1 gene promoter has been reported to be associated with production traits. The present study was aimed to detect the effect of this polymorphism on the expression of different growth factors and receptors in Indian colored parent line broilers. An array of economic traits body weights, conformation traits, carcass traits and cutup parts were also recorded among different genotypes (AA, AB and BB). Expression analyses of seven genes i.e. insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1), insulin like growth factor 2 (IGF2), insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), myostatin (MSTN) and transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2) were carried out in liver and breast muscle of broilers with different genotypes. All the genes exhibited higher expression in hepatic tissue of AA and AB genotypes than BB genotypes. However, except MSTN and TGFβ2 the expression was higher in BB genotype. AA and AB genotypes exhibited significantly higher performance than BB genotype. The present results indicated that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) present in the promoter region of IGF1 could modulate the effects of polymorphism on the expression of genes present on somatotropic axis as well as other growth regulating factors. These results also suggested that endocrine manner of IGF1 is important than para/autocrine mode of action during post-hatch growth of colored broilers.

Growth Performance and Carcass Yield of Broiler Finishers Fed Diets Having Partially or Wholly Withdrawn Fish Meal

A four-week study was conducted to investigate the effect of partially or completely withdrawing fish meal from broiler finisher diets on growth performance and carcass yield. In a completely randomized design, ninety six (96) four-week-old Marshall Breed of broilers were allotted to four dietary treatments having 0, 50, 75 and 100% of their fishmeal content withdrawn. Each dietary treatment had 24 birds with 3 replicates of 8 birds. Results show that initial weights, final weights, average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kilogram gain were not negatively affected (P>0.05) by levels of fish meal withdrawal. Dressing percentages were also not significantly different (P>0.05) between treatment means. However, the percent carcass cut-up parts of breast, wings, thighs and drumsticks to live weight of birds fed diets with fish meal totally withdrawn were significantly less (P<0.05) than those of birds fed diets containing fish meal. From this study, it can be concluded that withdrawing fish meal from broiler finisher diets may not have any adverse effect on their growth performance provided protein is obtained from non-animal sources. However, total withdrawal of fish meal negatively affects optimum development of the cut-up parts and as such 0.5-1% fish meal may be included in broiler finisher diets for full development of carcass components.

Replacement Value of Low Tannin Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) for Maize in Broiler Chickens’ Diets in the Semi-Arid Zone of Nigeria

The decrease in the production coupled with the numerous industrial uses make maize an expensive energy ingredient for poultry feeding, thus the need for research into cheaper alternatives. A 9-week experiment was conducted to assess the effects of feeding low tannin sorghum grain as a replacement for maize on the growth, haematology and carcass measurements of broiler chickens at the Poultry Unit of University of Maiduguri Livestock Research Farm, Maiduguri, Nigeria. A total of 300 day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments containing 3 replications of 20 chicks each. The diets contained sorghum grains at 0.00, 25.00, 50.00, 75.00, and 100% respectively as a replacement for maize. The starter and finisher diets were formulated to contain 23% and 20% crude protein respectively. The results of growth performance showed no superiority of maize over sorghum grain in terms of weight gain and feed conversion ratio, during both phases of growth (starter and finisher). Feeding sorghum grain had no adverse effect on the haematological parameters analyzed. The yields of carcass and cut-up parts were not adversely affected by the level of sorghum grain in the diet. Similarly, there was no adverse effect of feeding sorghum grain on the weight of vital organs (heart, liver and spleen). It was concluded that low tannin sorghum can completely replace maize in broiler chickens diets without compromising the growth, meat yield or the health of the birds. The substitution is beneficial as it reduces competition between poultry and man for the already scarce maize grain.