Indicators Of Meat Quality Research Articles

Assessment of Stress by Serum Biomarkers in Calves and Their Relationship to Ultimate pH as an Indicator of Meat Quality.

Simple SummaryThe routine handling of cattle during the rearing period and during antemortem events is an inevitable source of animal stress that can have negative impacts on the quality of meat, resulting in economic losses for the meat industry. This study assesses the breed, the farm management system, and the pre-mortem handling of animals and their impact on serum stress biomarkers, as well as their relationship with pHu. The findings indicate that breed, together with farm management, had the highest impact; cortisol, lactate, and serum amyloid A were identified as potential stress biomarkers in relation to pHu. We believe that these findings might help in the assessment of stress in cattle at the stage prior to slaughter.Seventy-eight calves from Asturiana de los Valles, Retinta, and Rubia Gallega breeds, under extensive and intensive farm systems and animal mixing and non-mixing conditions, and during the transport and lairage in slaughterhouses, were studied. This research aimed to study the effect of breed, farm system and mixing conditions on serum biomarkers (cortisol, lactate, glucose, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein) and their relationship with pHu at slaughter time, and to evaluate the response of the serum biomarkers of calves throughout fattening period. Moreover, this study aims to evaluate the response of the biomarkers in each breed during the fattening period. At slaughter time, cortisol and lactate were affected by BreedxFarm; Retinta showed the opposite pattern to the others and revealed the highest glucose in extensive farm systems. Rubia Gallega in mixing revealed the highest Amyloid A and haptoglobin. Extensive calves in mixing conditions showed the highest glucose. There was a relationship among the variables cortisol, lactate, Amyloid A, and pHu. Slaughter time was a major stressor, and the stress response was mainly affected by breed. At slaughter, several biomarkers should be considered.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Bilberry Extract on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Antioxidant Capacity, and Meat Quality of Yellow-Feathered Chickens.

Simple SummaryVarious plant extracts are used as functional nutritional factors to keep the health and improve the performance of animals. This research investigated the effects of bilberry extract (effective ingredient: anthocyanin) on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant status, and immune function of yellow-feathered chickens. Results showed that dietary supplementation with bilberry extract enhanced relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius and broadly increased activities of antioxidant enzymes of chickens; indices of meat quality were improved without impact on growth performance. The finding indicated that bilberry extract might be considered as a new additive to improve the health and meat quality of yellow-feathered chickens.The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of bilberry extract on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant status, and immune function of yellow-feathered chickens. A total of 360 female hatchling Lingnan chickens were randomly allocated to three treatments with 6 replicates of 20 chickens per replicate. Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (the control group), 100 (B100), and 400 (B400) mg/kg of bilberry extract for 63 d. Compared with the controls, (1) dietary supplementation with bilberry extract did not affect the growth performance of chickens from 1 to 63 d. (2) At 21 d, the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius was increased (p < 0.05) by dietary supplementation with 400 mg/kg bilberry extract. Bilberry extract decreased the concentrations of IgY and IgM in blood plasma of 63-d chickens (p < 0.05). (3) For 21-d chickens, dietary supplementation with 400 mg/kg bilberry extract increased (p < 0.05) the activity of GSH-Px in blood plasma and jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05). Supplementation with 100 mg/kg bilberry extract increased (p < 0.05) the activities of T-SOD in jejunal mucosa and GSH-Px in the liver and decreased (p < 0.05) the MDA concentration in the liver. For chickens at the age of 63 d, both levels of bilberry extract increased activity of T-SOD in blood plasma (p < 0.05) and reduced MDA concentration in the jejunum (p < 0.05). (4) Supplementation with bilberry extract in the diet decreased the MDA concentration (B100) in muscle of 63-d chickens at 45 min postmortem and increased (p < 0.05) the activity of T-SOD (B400) at 4 d postmortem. (5) In breast muscle at 63 d, birds supplemented with bilberry extract (B400) had increased pH and drip loss while drip loss was reduced in the B100 treatment (p < 0.05); treatments did not affect inosinic acid or intramuscular fat contents. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of yellow-feathered chickens with bilberry extract enhanced the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius, and broadly increased activities of antioxidant enzymes; indices of meat quality were improved without impact on growth performance. Considering the results in the current research, 100 mg/kg bilberry extract was recommended when supplemented in chickens.

Effects of stocking density and dietary vitamin C on performance, meat quality, intestinal permeability, and stress indicators in broiler chickens.

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of stocking density (SD) and dietary supplementation of vitamin C on growth performance, meat quality, intestinal permeability, and stress indicators in broiler chickens. The study was conducted using a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of 2 different SD and 2 supplemental levels of dietary vitamin C. A total of 1,368 Ross 308 broiler chickens of 21 days of age with similar body weights (BW) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments with 6 replicates each. Different numbers of birds per identical floor pen (2.0 m × 2.4 m) were used to create 2 different SD levels of low SD (9 birds/m2) and high SD (18 birds/m2). The basal diet was formulated with no supplemental vitamin C to meet or exceed nutrient recommendations of the Ross 308 manual. The other diet was prepared by supplementing 200 mg/kg vitamin C in the basal diet. The study lasted for 14 days. At the end of the study, 3 male birds per replicate were selected to analyze meat quality, intestinal permeability, and stress indicators such as blood heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) and feather corticosterone (CORT) concentrations. Results indicated that there were no interactions between different SD and dietary supplementation of vitamin C for all measurements. For the main effects of SD, birds raised at high SD had less (p < 0.01) BW, BW gain, and feed intake with increasing stress responses including greater blood H:L and feather CORT concentrations (p < 0.01) than those raised at low SD. Transepithelial electrical resistance in the jejunal mucosa was decreased (p < 0.05) at high SD, indicating an increase in intestinal permeability. However, the main effects of dietary supplementation of 200 mg/kg vitamin C were insignificant for all measurements. In conclusion, high SD of broiler chickens impairs growth performance and intestinal barrier function with increasing stress responses. However, dietary supplementation of vitamin C may have little beneficial effects on broiler chickens raised at the high SD condition used in the present study.

Effect of increasing levels of threonine relative to lysine on the performance and meat quality of finishing pigs.

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying standardized ileal digestible lysine:threonine (SID Lys:Thr) ratio in the diet on the performance and meat quality of finishing pigs.MethodsIn total 192 crossbred pigs ([Landrace×Yorkshire]×Duroc, 17 weeks old), with an initial body weight (BW) of 70.6±3.9 kg were used in an 8-wk trial. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of six dietary treatments based on their initial BW and sex (8 replications; 4 pigs per pen, 2 barrows and 2 gilts). The pigs in the 6 treatments were fed diets having different SID Lys:Thr ratios such as 1:0.65, 1:0.66, 1:0.67, 1:0.68, 1:0.69, and 1:0.70.ResultsA linear increment (p<0.05) in average daily gain (ADG) and trends in reduction in feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed during day 29 to 56 of the experiment and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter tended to increase linearly (p = 0.094) at the end of the experiment (day 56) with the increase in the dietary SID Lys:Thr ratios. The backfat thickness and lean percentage increased (linear effect, p<0.05) on day 28. In addition, at day 56, a linear (p<0.05) increment in lean percentage was observed. Significant quadratic responses (p = 0.02) for pH and drip loss at day 7 (p = 0.02), a linear increase (p<0.05) in cooking loss and drip loss at day 7, and a trend in quadratic response (p = 0.07) in the lightness of meat color (L*) were observed, whereas other meat quality indices were unaffected by varying the SID Lys:Thr ratios.ConclusionThe SID Lys:Thr ratio for maximum ADG, minimum FCR and enhanced digestibility was found to be 0.70. However, for carcass trait and meat quality, the SID Lys:Thr ratio of 0.65 was enough.

Effect of Rumex nervosus Leaf Powder on the Breast Meat Quality, Carcass Traits, and Performance Indices of Eimeria tenella Oocyst-Infected Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryRecent research has demonstrated the beneficial effects associated with the addition of Rumex nervosus leaves (RNL) to the diet of broiler chickens. Coccidiosis, a disease caused by Eimeria, causes great economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide due to its prevalence and associated management issues. There has been some evidence that RNL can be fed to broiler chicks to prevent infections of the protozoa Eimeria tenella; however, there is no or insufficient evidence on the effects of RNL on growth performance and meat quality of broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of RNL on performance indices, carcass traits, and meat quality of broilers infected with Eimeria tenella-fed diets supplemented with RNL as a natural anticoccidial drug replacement. RNL had a positive effect on performance indices, meat quality, and some carcass traits in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella, according to the findings. Furthermore, 1 g of RNL led to a better quality of meat than other RNL doses concerning enhanced holding capacity of water, drip loss, myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), springiness, and tenderness. At higher doses (3 g of RNL), there was a noticeable decrease in the meat’s final pH, MFI, and springiness.This work aimed to assess the effect of using the RNL on performance indices, carcass trait, and meat quality of broiler chicken infected with Eimeria tenella compared with commercially used anticoccidials salinomycin. Moreover, we compare these selected variables between infected medicated groups and a non-infected unmedicated group (UUT) and an infected unmedicated group (IUT). A total of 150 1-day-old Ross 308 mixed-sex broilers were divided into 6 groups. Birds in groups 1, 2, and 3 were fed basic diets supplemented with 1, 3, and 5 g of RNL/kg diet, respectively. Group 4 received a basic diet with 66 mg of salinomycin. The control groups (5 and 6) were given a basic diet with no RNL or salinomycin added. All groups except the negative controls were challenged with Eimeria tenella at 21 days old. Birds in RNL groups outperformed those in the IUT group in performance indices, and they have a similar effect to the salinomycin group. Enhancement-infected birds with RNL affected some chickens’ carcass traits. Drip loss, water-holding capacity, and meat tenderness were improved by RNL inclusion (1 g) in the diet. In conclusion, the meat of infected birds receiving 1 g RNL had increased quality attributes, with preferable tenderness and springiness when compared to the IUT group. RNL could therefore also be considered a promising non-conventional feed source in the future. Further research is needed to optimize the use of RNL to improve broilers production and meat quality in both infected and non-infected conditions.

Effects of selenium-chitosan on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood indices of broiler chickens

The current experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Se-chitosan as organic Se, Na selenite, vitamin E, and their various combinations on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood indices of broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-d-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to the Se source (inorganic and organic), Se inclusion (0.15 and 0.30 mg/kg), and vitamin E (0 and 80 IU/kg) in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 5 pens per treatment and 12 broiler chickens per pen. Broiler chickens fed 0.30 mg Se/kg had a greater body weight gain and a lower feed conversion ratio at 11 to 24 d (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the liver was lower in broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with 0.30 mg Se/kg at 21 d (P < 0.05). Broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with Se-chitosan or 0.30 mg Se/kg had lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, drip loss, and cooking loss and greater water holding capacity (WHC) values in muscles (P < 0.05). The yellowness of the broiler chicken muscle fed diets supplemented by Se-chitosan was greater (P < 0.05). In addition, an interaction between Se inclusion rate and vitamin E was observed for WHC in breast and thigh meat, so that broiler chickens fed 0.30 mg Se/kg plus vitamin E had a greater WHC compared to other treatments (P < 0.05). The broiler chickens fed diets supplemented by 0.30 mg Se/kg had greater total protein and albumin concentrations and lower concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05). In addition, alkaline phosphatase activity was lower for broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with vitamin E (P < 0.05). In addition, broiler chickens fed 0.30 mg Se/kg plus vitamin E had the greater total protein concentrations compared to other treatments, while greater concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were observed in broiler chickens fed 0.15 mg Se/kg without vitamin E (P < 0.05). Dietary supplements did not affect concentrations of thyroid hormones. It could be concluded that Se-chitosan as a novel Se source is a simple and cost-effective approach to improve meat quality and the dietary inclusion of 0.30 mg Se/kg improved meat quality and blood indices of broiler chickens.

Застосування комплексної системи державного ризик-орієнтованого контролю м’яса забійних тварин на потужностях з виробництва та обігу за виявлення хімічних небезпечних чинників

State inspectors of veterinary medicine at the facilities for the production and circulation of meat of slaughter animals (beef, pork, mutton, meat of goat) must carry out state risk-oriented control over the detection of detergents and disinfectants due to violations of the terms and conditions of sale of meat using patented express methods that have a reliability of 99.4−99.9 % and can be used throughout the food chain to establish food safety. It was found that at the production and circulation facilities the largest percentage of counterfeit meat was for treatment with alkaline detergents and disinfectants − 28.0 %, of which sodium bicarbonate solution − 10.8 %, for treatment with chlorine solution − 17.3 %, hydrogen peroxide solution − 15.6 %, potassium permanganate solution − 14.4 %, acetic acid solution − 13.5 %, formaldehyde solution − 11.2 %. It should be noted that falsification was found at meat production facilities for its cooling: pork − hydrogen peroxide solution in 13.1 %, beef − chlorine solution in 9.3 % and formaldehyde solution in 3.7 %, mutton − alkaline solution detergents and disinfectants − in 11.5 %; meat of goat − sodium bicarbonate solution − in 1.9 %. On the wholesale bases for storage of meat falsification was established: beef − with a solution of formaldehyde in 19.9 %, alkaline disinfectants and detergents in 19.9 %; pork − potassium permanganate solution in 10.5 %, sodium bicarbonate solution − in 21.7 %; mutton − a solution of acetic acid in 8.1 %. During the sale of meat of slaughter animals in supermarkets, falsification was found: beef with alkaline detergents and disinfectants in 23.5 %, sodium bicarbonate solution in 24.7 %; pork − chlorine solution in 19.3 %, hydrogen peroxide solution in 13.8%; mutton − a solution of acetic acid − in 20.2 % and goat − a solution of potassium permanganate in 19.1% and a solution of formaldehyde in 11.2 %. In the agri-food markets, falsification of pork with acetic acid solution was found in 17.2 %, alkaline disinfectants and detergents − in 38.7 %; beef − potassium permanganate in 13.9 % and formaldehyde solution − in 2.4 %; mutton − a solution of chlorine in 10.7 %, meat of goat − a solution of sodium bicarbonate in 12.1 %. The categorization of capacities for production and circulation of slaughter meat for risk-oriented control of chemical hazards is established and the periodicity of planned measures of state control of capacities in the field of safety and certain indicators of slaughter meat quality for treatment with detergents and disinfectants is determined: with a very high degree of risk (slaughterhouse meat production capacity (100 points) − inspections are conducted no more than 4 times a year, audit − no more than once a year; with a high degree of risk (wholesale bases (72 points), supermarkets (70 points), agri-food markets (85 points) − inspections are conducted no more than 3 times a year, audit − no more than once a year; in the field of veterinary medicine for the detection of treatment of slaughter meat with detergents and disinfectants: with a medium degree of risk (slaughterhouse meat production facilities (55 points), wholesale bases (50 points) and supermarkets, agri-food markets (55 points) − inspections are carried out no more than 2 times a year, audit − no more than once a year. A comprehensive system of state risk-oriented control of slaughter meat for the establishment of a dangerous chemical factor at the production and circulation facilities for the implementation of traceability systems, HACCP, VACCP, TAССР based on the establishment of categorization of slaughter meat production and circulation in the field of safety and certain indicators of meat quality, as well as in the field of veterinary medicine for the detection of treatment with detergents and disinfectants and determined the frequency of planned measures of state control of facilities. A comprehensive system of risk-based control of hazardous chemical factors in slaughter meat at various types of facilities is proposed to prevent economically motivated food fraud (VACCP) and to prevent harmful threats to food (TACCP) to protect the supply chain of slaughter meat from vulnerabilities due to deliberate falsification with detergents and disinfectants.

Effect of housing system and feed restriction on meat quality of medium-growing chickens

The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in meat quality of 420 Hubbard JA757 cockerels in relation to the housing system (litter and mobile box) and level of mixed feed (ad libitum [AL], reducing the level by 20% [R20] and 30% [R30]). Three groups of chickens were housed in litter boxes for the entire fattening period (stocking density: 0.094 m2/bird). The other 3 groups were housed in litter boxes until 28 d of age and then relocated into mobile boxes (stocking density: 0.154 m2/bird) on pasture until the end of the experiment at 57 d of age. Restricted groups received a reduced diet level from 29th to 57th d of age. Feed mixture restriction increased the pasture vegetation intake of chickens from 2.63 to 3.50 (R20) and 3.94 g of dry matter/bird/d (R30). Restriction adversely affected the dressing percentage (P < 0.001) and breast yield (P < 0.001), while the leg yield (P < 0.001) was increased with increasing restriction levels. Meat of chickens housed in mobile boxes on a pasture showed lower cooking loss (P < 0.001) and higher redness and yellowness values in the skin (P = 0.030 and P = 0.026; respectively) and meat (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001; respectively). The fragile meat after cooking was observed in chickens reared on litter (P = 0.001). As the level of restriction increased, the number of muscle fibres (P = 0.001) increased, and their cross-sectional area (P = 0.001) and diameter (P = 0.002) decreased. The highest contents of lutein (P = 0.002) and zeaxanthin (P = 0.006) in breast muscle were found in chickens housed in mobile boxes and fed 80% and 70% AL. However, the concentrations of α- and γ-tocopherol (P = 0.006 and P = 0.003) were negatively affected by feed restriction. A 30% reduction in feed level in outdoor housed chickens led to a decrease in oxidative stability (P = 0.024). Feed restriction (R20) in chickens housed in mobile boxes significantly increased the n3 fatty acids content (P = 0.002) and h/H index (P = 0.005) and reduced the n6/n3 ratio (P < 0.001) and atherogenic (P < 0.001) and thrombogenic index (P = 0.003), which possess a health benefits for human. In addition, restriction of mixed feed decreased cholesterol content in breast meat (P = 0.042). It might be concluded that, in terms of meat quality, cereal diet restriction of 20% in medium-growing cockerels housed in mobile boxes on a pasture is beneficial. The higher level of restriction does not lead to further improvement in meat quality indicators.

Improvement of Pork Quality at Different Values of Pig Productivity

This article examines how to increase pork meat productivity and quality indicators through the use of crossbreeding. The aim is to increase the meat productivity of animals; reduce losses during production and processing; and improve the criteria for assessing the quality of meat and the organization of its rational use. The purpose of our research is to study the productive quality of the steppe type of pigs, used in the Rostov region in breeding and crossing systems, and the complex of biological and internal indicators in connection with the defects in the quality of pork. Four groups with 16 animals in each were formed: the first group – with the intensive cultivation technology, included pigs of the DM-1 breed, the second – SM-1, the third – the SM-1 × DM-1 crossbreed, the fourth – the DM-1 × SM-1 crossbreed. Analysis of the raw meat showed that the pork had a good ability to emulsify and gel, and had a high nutritional value. The toxicity index in the muscle and fat tissue samples corresponded to the first permissible toxicity group. The study shows the advantages of crossbred individuals over purebred ones, which can be explained by the consequences of heterosis. According to the research results, the use of pig breeding in the industrial production of pork can be recommended in order to improve feedstock and meat productivity, biological and interior indicators, as well as the quality of raw meat.&#x0D; Keywords: pork, crossbreeding, meat productivity, meat quality, steppe type of pigs, interior indicators, fattening qualities, biological and nutritional value of pork

Genome-Wide Association Study of Meat Quality Traits in a Three-Way Crossbred Commercial Pig Population.

Meat quality is an important trait for pig-breeding programs aiming to meet consumers’ demands. Geneticists must improve meat quality based on their understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms. Previous studies showed that most meat-quality indicators were low-to-moderate heritability traits; therefore, improving meat quality using conventional techniques remains a challenge. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study of meat-quality traits using the GeneSeek Porcine SNP50K BeadChip in 582 crossbred Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) commercial pigs (249 males and 333 females). Meat conductivity, marbling score, moisture, meat color, pH, and intramuscular fat (IMF) content were investigated. The genome-wide association study was performed using both fixed and random model Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU) and a mixed linear model (MLM) with the rMVP software. The genomic heritability of the studied traits ranged from 0.13 ± 0.07 to 0.55 ± 0.08 for conductivity and meat color, respectively. Thirty-two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified for meat quality in the crossbred pigs using both FarmCPU and MLM. Among the detected SNPs, five, nine, seven, four, six, and five were significantly associated with conductivity, IMF, marbling score, meat color, moisture, and pH, respectively. Several candidate genes for meat quality were identified in the detected genomic regions. These findings will contribute to the ongoing improvement of meat quality, meeting consumer demands and improving the economic outlook for the swine industry.

Improving rabbit meat productivity: the effect of antioxidant feed additives on meat quality

The development of intensive forms of animal husbandry and the consistent improvement of their efficiency require solving both technical problems and issues of feeding and using full-fledged and cost-effective feed for all types of bred animals. This article presents data on the use of feed additives containing natural antioxidants in the aspect of influence on the quality indicators of the resulting meat. The assessment was carried out after a control slaughter at the age of 120 days in the amount of 3 heads from each group. The results of physical and chemical tests of rabbit meat of experimental groups are presented, and the positive effect of natural additives “Vitazar” and “Ecostimul” on the quality indicators of raw meat is determined.

Lipine grain and amido-concentrative additives in young cattle feeding

The development of intensive forms of animal husbandry and the consistent improvement of their efficiency require solving both technical problems and issues of feeding and using full-fledged and cost-effective feed for all types of bred animals. This article presents data on the use of feed additives containing natural antioxidants in the aspect of influence on the quality indicators of the resulting meat. The assessment was carried out after a control slaughter at the age of 120 days in the amount of 3 heads from each group. The results of physical and chemical tests of rabbit meat of experimental groups are presented, and the positive effect of natural additives “Vitazar” and “Ecostimul” on the quality indicators of raw meat is determined.

Modes of processing broiler chickens of the “smena” cross and their influence on meat quality

The efficiency of modern technologies for the production of broiler chicken meat significantly affects the quality indicators of meat, its nutritional and biological value. The article presents the study results that enable determining the modes of pro-cessing “Smena” broiler chickens and the modes’ influence on the meat quality and microbiological and physicochemical indicators of meat during storage. The results of the studies proved that the carcass of broiler chickens new cross “Smena” and their part in the process of storage at the temperature of (1,0±1,0) °C on microbiological, organoleptic and physico-chemical indicators remain fresh carcases within 7 days., cuts – 5 days.

Chemical quality indices in local and imported beef meat

Freshness of meat samples can be measured and evaluated by chemical tests based on t h e i r protein decomposition, lipid oxidation and/or pH values. A total of 100 random samples of local and imported beef meat (50 of each) were collected from different shops in Cairo governorate for evaluation of their chemical quality. Chemical examination of beef samples revealed that the mean values of pH, TVB/N (mg%) and TBA (mg/Kg) were 5.77 ± 0.32, 11.9±1.63 &amp;0.58± 0.10 for local meat samples respectively , while they were 6.6 ± 0.12, 21.5 ± 1.95 &amp; 0.95 ± 0.11 for imported samples respectively. Overall results obtained were considered important meat quality indicators. It is clear that there is a significant difference between fresh and frozen meat samples, which could be attributed to storage time and other conditions, particularly for frozen samples.

Biochemical, carcass and meat quality alterations associated with different degree of lung lesions in slaughtered pigs

This study examined the relationship between lung lesion severity and presence of antibodies of various respiratory pathogens, and the effects of lung lesion severity on growth performance, biochemical indicators, total aerobe counts, and carcass and meat quality indicators in total of 240 slaughter pigs originating from two farms with similar rearing conditions. Lung lesion severity was calculated based on the degree of pneumonia and pleurisy in slaughtered pigs. Two-step cluster analysis was used to place individual pigs to four clusters according to pneumonia and pleurisy scores: no lung lesions (cluster 1); mild lung lesions (cluster 2); moderate lung lesions (cluster 3); and severe lung lesions (cluster 4). ANOVA and post hoc pairwise comparisons using Tukey’s test were performed to assess the differences between clusters in examined variables. Multivariate linear regression analysis was run to identify associations between lung lesions and examined variables.There was a strong evidence of association between the absence of lung lesions and increased albumin, sodium and chloride levels, daily weight gain, live weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, loin thickness and carcass lean content, and decreased haptoglobin, CK and LDH levels. Also, pigs without lung lesions produced the highest percentage of red, firm and nonexudative pork. Pigs having severe lung lesions had the highest percentage of simultaneously seropositive samples to SIV, PRRSV, PCV-2, PRCV, APP and M. hyopneumoniae. There was a strong evidence of association between the presence of severe lung lesions and decreased lactate, glucose, sodium, chloride and albumine levels, daily weight gain, live weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, loin thickness and carcass lean content, and increased CK, LDH and haptoglobin levels. There was a strong evidence of association between the presence of severe lung lesions in slaughered pigs and increased meat pH and sensory colour scores, and decreased drip, thawing and cooking losses and L* and b* values, which led to the highest occurrence of moderate DFD and DFD pork. There was a strong evidence of association between the presence of mild lung lesions in slaughtered pigs and decreased meat pH and sensory colour scores, and increased drip, thawing and cooking losses, L* and b* values, which led to the highest occurrence of moderate PSE and PSE pork.In conclusion, the presence of lung lesions, irrespective of severity, was significantly associated with alterations in the biochemical indicators, growth performance and carcass and meat quality in slaughtered pigs.

Alternative Protein Sources vs. GM Soybean Meal as Feedstuff for Pigs-Meat Quality and Health-Promoting Indicators.

Simple SummaryIn its slogan “International year of pulses” coined for 2016, the WHO has indicated trends in activities for future generations, these being “Nutritious seeds for a sustainable future”. Alternative sources of vegetable protein can be used in the conditions of sustainable development to produce high-quality animal products, including pork. One of the goals of the European Green Deal is to produce protein feedstuff in Europe and become independent from imported American soybeans. This study aimed to partially replace genetically-modified soybean meal (SBM GM) with alternative protein sources (pea seeds and rapeseeds meal—RSM) in feed mixtures for growing-finishing pigs and to determine its impact on meat quality and health-promoting indices. The SBM GM was the only protein source in feed mixtures for control pigs. In feed mixtures for experimental animals, it was replaced with increasing doses of pea seeds, i.e., 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, and 17.5% in groups E1, E2, E3, and E4, respectively. The doses were the same in both fattening stages. The feed mixtures were iso-energetic and iso-protein. After completed fattening, meat was determined for quality attributes, fatty acid profile, and values of health-promoting indices beneficial from the dietetic perspective. Values of the analyzed quality attributes of pork justify using alternative protein sources as partial SBM GM replacers in the feeding of growing pigs.This study aimed to explain the possibility of partial replacement of genetically-modified soybean meal (SBM GM) with pea seeds and rapeseed meal (RSM) in complete feed mixtures for growing-finishing pigs and to determine its impact on meat quality and health-promoting indices. The pigs (n = 50) were randomly divided into five groups, 10 animals each (gilts and barrows, 1:1, 3-breed: ♀ (landrace × yorkshire) × ♂ duroc), including the control group (C) and four experimental groups (E1, E2, E3, E4), and fed complete feed mixtures. The SBM GM was the only protein source in feed mixtures for control pigs. In feed mixtures for E1–E4 groups, it was partially replaced with pea seed doses of 5.0%, 10.0%, 15.0%, and 17.5% in groups E1, E2, E3, and E4, respectively. The feed mixtures were iso-energetic and iso-protein. After completed fattening, the animals were slaughtered. M. longissimus lumborum was sampled for analyses of the chemical and physical traits. The fatty acid profile determined in intramuscular fat (IMF) was used to compute the values of the health-promoting indices. The chemical and physical characteristics of meat were comparable in all groups. The study showed a dietetically-beneficial decrease in the values of atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenicity index (TI), and saturation (S/P) in the meat of the experimental pigs vs. control group. The values of most of the analyzed quality attributes of pork justify using alternative protein sources as partial SBM GM replacers in diets for growing-finishing pigs in sustainable animal production.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ПРОШЕДШЕЙ КОМБИНИРОВАННЫЙ РЕЦИКЛИНГ ВОДЫ ДЛЯ УЛУЧШЕНИЯ КАЧЕСТВА МЯСА ПТИЦЫ

The environmental aspects of poultry production have recently become increasingly political. This applies not only to the cultivation of poultry, but also to the processing and marketing of meat products. Poultry farming is associated with signifi cant environmental risks. Pollution from intensive animal husbandry is not so serious. Poultry farms consume a lot of water, especially when slaughtering poultry, and energy, especially when cooling and further processing meat. An important reserve for reducing the cost of meat entering the consumer market is the creation of an effective poultry farming system. If reducing water consumption by poultry farms becomes one of the priorities of environmental policy, the number of birds may increase, and meat prices may become cheaper. At the same time, when using the purifi ed and recycled water of the slaughterhouse of poultry farms for the technological needs of the slaughterhouse, for example, for washing gutted carcasses outside and inside (which is usually produced by tap water), the quality indicators of meat as a whole signifi cantly increase. Key words: recycling, poultry meat, combined electro-photochemical plant.

Meat chicken productivity when vitamin-selenium-containing preparations in combination with enzymes use in diets

The article presents the research results on the vitaminselenium-containing preparation (1.0 l / t) using effectiveness in the broiler chickens diet in combination with enzyme preparations “CelloLux-F” (100 g/t, experimental group I), “Protosubtilin G3x” (60 g/t, experimental group II) and “Amylosubtilin G3x” (200 g/t, experimental group III). It was found that the broilers of the experimental groups exceeded the average live weight by 2.74-4.95%; dry matter digestibility - by 0.89-1.58%, protein - by 1.41-2.71%, fat - by 1.16-2.03%, fiber - by 0.82-1.69 and nitrogen-free extractive substances - 0.74-1.43%, nitrogen use - by 1.35-2.99%; drawn bird weight - by 2.93-5.89%, edible carcass parts - by 3.33-6.47%, pectoral muscles - by 3.53-7.83%. In the experimental groups broiler chickens, the meat quality indicators are improved: dry matter content in the pectoral muscles - by 0.30; 0.12 and 0.07%, protein - by 0.41 (P &lt;0.001); 0.16 (P &lt;0.01) and 0.13% (P &lt;0.05). The experimental broilers groups slightly exceeded the control group in terms of the biological value and the pectoral muscles meat culinary and technological properties. Redox and metabolic processes were more intensive in young animals of the experimental groups than in the control one. Among the experimental groups, the meat productivity and quality highest indicators were noted in broiler chickens of the I-st experimental group, they received the preparation “Carcesel” in combination with the enzyme preparation “CelloLux-F”.

The influence of camel age on quality indicators of camel meat

The influence of camel age on quality indicators of camel meat

Puerarin improved growth performance and postmortem meat quality by regulating lipid metabolism of cattle under hot environment.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of puerarin on performance, meat quality, and serum indexes of beef cattle under hot environment. Thirty-two bulls were divided into four groups and fed diet supplemented with puerarin at 0, 200, 400, or 800mg/kg. Results showed that heat stress was employed for 54 out of 60days, 400mg/kg group declined serum cortisol (COR) contents, all treatments increased the contents of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total superoxide dismutase activity; in addition, glutathione peroxidase activity of 200mg/kg group were enhanced, only 800mg/kg group enhanced immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol contents compared with the control (p<.05). Moreover, 400-mg/kg puerarin increased serum growth hormone levels compared with 200mg/kg group but declined COR concentrations compared with 200mg/kg and 800mg/kg groups (p<.05). More importantly, average daily gain anddaily matter intake, and intramuscular fat contents of 400mg/kg group were enhanced, but the shear force of beef in 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg groups were declined compared with the control (p<.05). These findings indicated that supplemental with puerarin enhanced immune and antioxidant, and 400mg/kg of puerarin improved performance and meat quality by normalizing levels of stress hormones and increasing intramuscular fat deposition of beef cattle under hot environment.