PSE-like Meat Research Articles

Bioimpedance as an alternative tool for subjective, visual scoring of a prevalent ham quality defect.

The detection of meat quality defects can involve both subjective and objective methods. PSE-like meat is linked to a common pork defect and can be caused by rapid post-mortem damage of muscle fibers. This damage can again be linked to various factors, such as a low ultimate pH or a higher slaughter weight. PSE-like defects are characterized by discoloration, structural damage, and excessive moisture loss. However, the lack of suitable instrument-based methods makes the detection of PSE-like defects difficult, and subjective methods typically suffer from poorer reproducibility. The objective of this study was to establish how subjective visual evaluation correlates with electrical impedance spectroscopy and with traditional quality parameters. To do so, visual scoring was performed together with measurements of bioimpedance, color, and pH in two ham muscles (Adductor, Semimembranosus) for 136 animals 24-hours post-mortem. When comparing with visual scoring, Pearson correlation analysis shows the strongest correlation for bioimpedance (Py , r = -0.46, R2 = 21%), followed by pHu (r = 0.44, R2 = 19%). When using all five quality measures, i.e., Py , pHu, and CIELAB L * a * b *, the multivariate regression model had a prediction error of 0.76 for the visual scores. This was close to the error describing the subjective bias of visual scoring, more specifically the prediction error between the two observers (0.85). In all, Py showed the strongest correlation among instrument-based quality tests and alone may be used for predicting pork ham structural defects, i.e., as an instrument-based alternative for subjective, visual scoring. However, an instrument that combines Py with pH and/or L*a*b* would improve the prediction of PSE-like quality defects.

Use of basic amino acids to improve gel properties of PSE-like chicken meat proteins isolated via ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction.

To improve the gel quality of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like chicken protein isolate (PPI) obtained via ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction (UAE), l-lysine (l-Lys), l-arginine (l-Arg), or l-histidine (l-His) were used and the effects on the thermal gelling characteristics of PPI were studied. Compared with the nonbasic amino acid addition group, the addition of l-His/l-Arg/l-Lys significantly increased the solubility and absolute zeta potential of PPI, whereas reduced the particle size and turbidity (p<0.05). They enhanced the gel strength and textural properties of PPI (p<0.05) and reduced the cooking loss of PPI in the following order: l-Lys>l-Arg>l-His. The solubility, gel strength, and hardness of PPI with l-Lys were increased by 18.6%, 44.6%, and 57.6%, respectively, and cooking loss was decreased by 18.1%. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that basic amino acids addition decreased the water mobility in PPI gels with increasing immobile water content. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the addition of basic amino acids promoted the formation of a more uniform and tight network microstructure in PPI gels. The α-helix content was decreased, whereas the β-sheet content was increased in PPI gels after basic amino acid addition. Therefore, addition of basic amino acids, especially l-Lys, enhances the gel properties of PPI. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study revealed that adding basic amino acids effectively improved the gel properties of PPI obtained via UAE method, with l-Lys exerting the best improvement effect. Our findings highlight the application value of PSE-like meat by the improvement of gel characteristics of PPI, providing a theoretical reference for the processing and utilization of PPI.

How environmental stresses affect the physical stability of oil in water emulsion prepared using pH-shifted myofibrillar protein?

Improvement of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like chicken breast protein is urgently needed, to reduce the economic losses induced by its downgraded processing quality. The pH-shifting treatment increases the emulsifying properties of the myofibrillar protein (MP) of PSE-like meat, but the emulsion stability under various environmental conditions has yet to be explored. The creaming index under 60 and 80 °C decreased from 20.1% to 28.9%–16.1% and 26.7%, respective, indicating a higher stability against heating. pH-shifting significantly increased the stability of the emulsion, particularly at pH 7.0 and 7.5. Also, the pH-shifted emulsion could more effectively resist instability brought by freeze-thaw cycles. However, at lower salt concentrations, the stability of the pH-shifted emulsion was poor. Throughout the 48-h storage period at 4 °C, the pH-shifted group reached stability faster than the control, and the turbiscan index values were stabilized at 1.8 and 4.7, respectively. Overall, pH-shifting could improve the emulsion stability of PSE-like MP against heating, pH altering, salt content changing, freezing-thawing, and storage.

Acute stress deteriorates breast meat quality of Ross 308 broiler chickens by inducing redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction.

This study investigated the effects of acute stress on breast meat quality, redox status, and mitochondrial function in pectoralis major (PM) muscle of broilers. A total of 168 broiler chickens (42-d-old, Ross 308) were randomly divided into control (CON) and preslaughter transport (T) treatments. A broiler was an experimental unit. Each treatment consisted of 84 broilers, and they were put in 12 crates with 7 broilers each. Broilers in the T group were transported according to a designed protocol, and the CON broilers were kept in crates under normal living conditions before slaughtering. Based on the meat quality traits assessed at postmortem 24 h, all PM muscles of the transported broilers were further classified into normal (T-NOR) and pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like (T-PSE) groups for the determination of redox status in PM muscle and isolated mitochondria, energy metabolites, mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes activities, as well as mitochondrial function-modulating genes expression. Compared with CON, the extent of lipid peroxidation as well as protein oxidation were significantly increased in both PM muscles and mitochondria in T-PSE (P < 0.05), whereas not in T-NOR. Higher activities of glutathione peroxidase, total superoxide dismutase, and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase were observed in PM muscle of T-NOR broilers when compared with CON (P < 0.05). Preslaughter transport increased the generation of reactive oxygen species, as well as enhanced antioxidant capacity in PM mitochondria of broilers (P < 0.05). Compared with CON, the ATP content, activities of complexes I and III, as well as relative mitochondrial membrane potential and swelling were significantly decreased in T-PSE (P < 0.05), whereas no significant changes in either ATP content or complex I activity were observed in T-NOR. Preslaughter transport enhanced the mRNA expression of regulators involved in the glutathione system, thioredoxin 2 system, and mitochondrial biosynthesis in PM muscle of broilers (P < 0.05). Moreover, we noticed a more evident enhancement effect in T-NOR than in T-PSE (P < 0.05). Overall, this work indicates that acute stress-induced redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction have significant implications for the development of PSE-like meat.

Improvement strategies for quality defects and oxidation of pale, soft and exudative (PSE)-like chicken meat: effects of domestic cooking and core temperature

This study compared the quality, oxidation, and microstructure of high-market-share PSE-like chicken meat (PSE) after domestic cooking with those of normal chicken meat (NOR). Cooking techniques included steaming (ST), boiling (BO), roasting (RO), and microwaving (MV) at 60, 70, and 80 °C. The results indicated that PSE-induced chicken breasts were of poor quality, with significantly higher cooking loss rates (NOR: 22.1% vs. PSE: 26.2%) and shear force (NOR: 50.4 N vs. PSE: 69.2 N) than normal chicken meat. In addition, PSE-like chicken meat showed higher oxidative sensitivity and more severe muscle fiber structure damage. Among the four cooking techniques, RO increased meat toughness (NOR: 78.5 N vs. PSE: 98.3 N) and intensified excessive protein oxidation and aggregation in PSE chicken breast most significantly, manifested by the increased malondialdehyde (NOR: 0.46 vs. PSE: 0.57, mg kg−1 meat) and carbonyl (NOR: 11.2 vs. PSE: 13.4, nmol mg−1 protein), reduced tryptophan and thiols (NOR: 41.3 vs. PSE: 33.7, nmol mg−1 protein), and prominent protein cross-linking such as Schiff bases and disulfide bonds during heat treatment (p < 0.05). BO was the second most destructive technique, while MV caused the least impact (p > 0.05). Principal component analysis indicated a correlation between oxidative damage and meat quality, which was attributed to variations of the PSE and normal samples by BO, RO, and ST treatments. Thus, MV is suggested to be a promising and effective cooking method in reducing the differences in quality and oxidation attributes between PSE and normal chicken meat.

An underlying softening mechanism in pale, soft and exudative – Like rabbit meat: The role of reactive oxygen species – Generating systems

This work investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) - generating systems on the softening of the pale, soft and exudative-like (PSE-like) rabbit meat during aging. PSE-like meat was induced by incubation of post-mortem rabbit Longissimus thoracis et lumborum at 37 °C for 3 h. During aging, PSE-like meat samples had higher values in peroxides value, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, metmyoglobin percentage, ferrylmyoglobin content, non-heme iron content, hydroxyl radical content and ROS concentration compared with the normal ones, suggesting that PSE-like incubation could activate lipid-oxidizing system, myoglobin-mediated oxidation system, together with metal-catalyzed oxidation system. Additionally, higher protein carbonyl content was observed in PSE-like meat, along with a significant loss in sulfhydryl group. The results of SDS-PAGE suggested that more serious protein degradation occurred in PSE-like meat. It is plausible that the activated ROS-generating system played an underlying role in the softening texture during the aging period of PSE-like meat.

Effects of different lipids on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of pale, soft and exudative (PSE)-like chicken meat gel

The objective of this study was to determine effects of lipids on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of pale, soft and exudative (PSE)-like chicken gel. The PSE-like chicken meat gels prepared with lipid possessed higher lightness, whiteness, water-holding capacity but lower hardness, gumminess and chewiness, compared to the gels prepared without lipid. The secondary structure analysis showed that PSE-like meat gels presented increased β-sheet content after adding sunflower oil and peanut oil. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results suggested that lard significantly increased the water holding capacity of PSE-like meat gels (P < 0.05), and the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) results revealed an increase of matrix disorganization and some loss of spongy appearance among the meat gels with the addition of lipids. Sensory evaluation indicated that PSE-like meat gels with lipids had no difference in flavor, springiness and chewiness, but color was more intense and texture was softer compared with meat gels without lipid. Overall, these results suggested that lipid addition improves the functionality of PSE-like chicken meats and increase the economic benefits for the poultry industry.

Temperature-dependent in vitro digestion properties of isoelectric solubilization/precipitation (ISP)-isolated PSE-like chicken protein

The effects of various heating strategies (72 °C-20 min, 100 °C-60 min) on the digestibility of isoelectric solubilization/precipitation (ISP)-isolated pale, soft, exudative (PSE)-like chicken protein in an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal model were studied. Untreated PSE-like meat protein was used as the control. The hydrophobic groups were much more exposed in ISP-isolated protein than in the control protein, and the difference diminished after heating. The results of SDS-PAGE analyses and digestion kinetic parameters show the ISP isolates had higher digestibility than the control group when heated at 72 °C for 20 min (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the 100 °C heated groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, all ISP-isolated groups showed higher peptide abundance than the control groups. In summary, heating at 72 °C for 20 min is beneficial to increase the digestion properties of ISP-isolated PSE-like chicken protein, but its gel properties are weaker than those of protein heated at 100 °C for 60 min.

Processing Properties and Improvement of Pale, Soft, and Exudative-Like Chicken Meat: a Review

The incidence of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like chicken meat is high worldwide. PSE-like chicken meat seriously affects the sensory qualities of fresh meat, which can decrease the consumer’s purchasing desire, reduce chicken meat functionality, and decrease product yield, resulting in extensive economic losses for the poultry processing industry. This meat defect has been of increasing concern to processors and researchers in the poultry processing industry. The processing properties of PSE-like meat and the methods for improving its processing properties or alleviating its reduced functionalities are reviewed in the present article, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis and technical support for poultry processing to increase the practical value of PSE-like chicken meat.

Influence of extreme alkaline pH induced unfolding and aggregation on PSE-like chicken protein edible film formation

The mechanisms of the unfolding and aggregation of PSE-like chicken meat protein at extreme alkaline pHs (pH 11.0, 11.5 and 12.0) were studied and related to the physical properties of edible films. Results of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation coupled with various detectors showed that pH 12.0 leads to a certain degree of protein aggregation, which could also be observed in atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. Higher levels of protein denaturation and unfolding, as proved by the circular dichroism spectrum, could result in aggregates formation, whereas all pH-adjusted groups exhibited similar flow behavior. The pH 11.0 sample exhibited films with higher water resistance compared to others. Comparatively, solubilizing PSE-like meat protein at pH 11.5 could result in better edible films with greater mechanical properties, water resistance and transparency. Our results elucidated the effects of the PSE-like chicken meat protein unfolding and aggregation on edible film properties under various extreme alkaline pH conditions.

Phosphoproteome analysis of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins in stress-induced dysfunctional broiler pectoralis major muscle

Postmortem changes of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein phosphorylation in pectoralis major (PM) muscle of broilers under pre-slaughter stress were investigated. Broiler chickens were randomly distributed to unstressed control and transport under high environmental temperature groups. PM muscle samples of transport-stressed broilers were classified into normal or pale, soft and exudative (PSE)-like. Sarcoplasmic fraction in PSE-like meat had a higher global phosphorylation level than that in normal meat at the early postmortem stage. The myofibrillar proteins showed diverse phosphorylation patterns at different postmortem times. The stress-induced highly phosphorylated sarcoplasmic proteins were glycometabolic enzymes, which partially contributed to accelerated glycolysis rate. The phosphorylation levels of most sarcomeric proteins identified in the myofibrillar fraction were affected by postmortem time, implying their roles in regulating muscle rigor mortis development. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the biochemical processes that may lead to stress-induced changes in meat quality.

Influence of Antemortem and Slaughtering Practices on the pH of Pork and Chicken Meats

This study aimed to document and determine the effects of antemortem and slaughtering practices on the post-mortem pH of pork and chicken meats. Assessment of selected hog slaughterhouses (SHs) and poultry dressing plants (PDPs) located in Valenzuela City, Philippines was conducted to gather basic information regarding the practices of each plant. The post-mortem pH at 45 min and 24 h for pork (n = 39) and post-mortem pH at 20 min and 24 h for chicken (n = 24) meats produced on the visited plants were determined. Measured pH values were used as the basis for classifying meat quality as pale, soft, and exudative (PSE); dark, firm, and dry (DFD); and acceptable meat. Early post-mortem temperature was also determined in both types of meat. Ocular plant inspection revealed that the average age of pigs and chickens slaughtered were 4 mo and 40–45 d old, respectively. Animals were transported from farm to slaughterhouse in a forward open cab vehicle with a partition at a distance that ranged from 45–60 km for pigs and 65–172 km for chicken with a travel time of 1–3 h. The resting period of pigs prior to slaughter was 1.5–8 h and 2–4 h for chicken. Generally, a higher percentage of suspected DFD (38.46% vs. 30.30%) and PSE (17.95% vs. 6.06%) in pork meat was observed at early post-mortem pH in comparison to ultimate pH. The majority of the PSE-like meat came from pigs slaughtered using electric stunner while DFD incidence occurred from pigs with a short resting period prior to slaughter (1.5–2 h). For chicken meat, 29% of the samples were suspected PSE based on ultimate pH while the remaining 71% were meat with suspected acceptable quality. PSE-like meat was recorded from chicken transported from farm to abattoir with a longer travel period (3 h).

The effect of freezing time on the quality of normal and pale, soft and exudative (PSE)-like pork

This study investigated the effects of frozen storage time on the quality and muscle structure in normal and pale, soft and exudative (PSE)-like pork. The meat quality of M. longissimus et lumborum (LL) was studied at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 weeks of storage at −18 °C, and M. Biceps femoris (BF) was studied at 0, 3 and 18 weeks of storage at −18 °C. Storage time affected all the measured parameters (pH, thaw loss, TVB-N, shear force and muscle structure). There were no differences between normal and PSE-like meat for thaw loss (%) or TVB-N (mg/100 g) values at all storage times. An initial tenderizing effect in PSE-like samples was observed at weeks 3 and 6 in LL samples, but thereafter samples became tougher during frozen storage and after 3 weeks in the BF. Storage for 6 weeks for PSE-like and 9 weeks for normal pork at −18 °C does not reduce quality.

Oxidative stability of isoelectric solubilization/precipitation-isolated PSE-like chicken protein

The effects of a hydroxyl radical generating system (Fe3+/H2O2) at different H2O2 concentrations (0, 1 and 10 mM) on the chemical and structural properties of isoelectric solubilization/precipitation (ISP)-isolated PSE (pale, soft, exudative)-like chicken protein were investigated. Both acid and alkaline treatments effectively reduced the pro-oxidant contents in PSE-like meat systems, such as lipids, pigments and myoglobins. The ISP samples generated less carbonyl derivatives and Schiff base but yielded higher sulfhydryl and free amine loss in response to oxidation. Correspondingly, sulfur-contained amino acids in ISP samples were more easily converted, even at the 1-mM H2O2 concentration, than in the PSE-like meat paste. Moreover, the ISP-isolated proteins have possibly maintained their gelling properties after oxidation compared to the PSE-like meat paste. In regards to chemical and structural modification, the ISP treated protein showed a different susceptibility to oxidation in vitro.

Comparative study of thermal gelation properties and molecular forces of actomyosin extracted from normal and pale, soft and exudative-like chicken breast meat.

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to investigate the thermal gelation properties and molecular forces of actomyosin extracted from two classes of chicken breast meat qualities (normal and pale, soft and exudative [PSE]-like) during heating process to further improve the understanding of the variations of functional properties between normal and PSE-like chicken breast meat.MethodsActomyosin was extracted from normal and PSE-like chicken breast meat and the gel strength, water-holding capacity (WHC), protein loss, particle size and distribution, dynamic rheology and protein thermal stability were determined, then turbidity, active sulfhydryl group contents, hydrophobicity and molecular forces during thermal-induced gelling formation were comparatively studied.ResultsSodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that protein profiles of actomyosin extracted from normal and PSE-like meat were not significantly different (p>0.05). Compared with normal actomyosin, PSE-like actomyosin had lower gel strength, WHC, particle size, less protein content involved in thermal gelation forming (p<0.05), and reduced onset temperature (To), thermal transition temperature (Td), storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″). The turbidity, reactive sulfhydryl group of PSE-like actomyosin were higher when heated from 40°C to 60°C. Further heating to 80°C had lower transition from reactive sulfhydryl group into a disulfide bond and surface hydrophobicity. Molecular forces showed that hydrophobic interaction was the main force for heat-induced gel formation while both ionic and hydrogen bonds were different significantly between normal and PSE-like actomyosin (p<0.05).ConclusionThese changes in chemical groups and inter-molecular bonds affected protein-protein interaction and protein-water interaction and contributed to the inferior thermal gelation properties of PSE-like meat.

Rheological and physical properties of O/W protein emulsions stabilized by isoelectric solubilization/precipitation isolated protein: The underlying effects of varying protein concentrations

To better understand the potential of using isoelectric solubilization/precipitation (ISP)-isolated protein on emulsion-type meat products, the influences of protein concentration on the physical and rheological properties of protein emulsions were investigated. An oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion containing 20% soybean oil was stabilized by pale, soft and exudative (PSE)-like muscle protein (CON) and ISP-isolated PSE-like muscle protein (ISP) at the concentrations of 50, 100 and 150 mg/ml. Morphologically, the ISP-isolated protein demonstrated better emulsion capacity compared to the CON group, which formed uniform, long-lasting emulsions and dispersed smaller emulsified oil droplets. The apparent viscosity of all emulsion samples was fitted well by the Ostwald-de-Waele model (R2 > 0.9). All emulsions exhibited non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic behaviors with the fitting parameters being highly dependent on both protein type and concentration. In the frequency sweep, all emulsion systems were classified as a “strong gel” because G’’ >> G’, especially when concentrations were 100 or 150 mg/ml. Based on a temperature sweep oscillatory curve, the heat-induced gelation behaviors of PSE-like protein emulsions were modified by ISP processing. In addition, the elasticity of the final emulsion gel was higher in the ISP group when compared to the CON group. The thermal gelling properties of ISP-isolated protein emulsions appeared to be impaired when the concentrations reached 150 mg/ml. It was concluded that ISP processing could effectively improve the emulsion properties of PSE-like meat protein.

Assessment of turkey vehicle container microclimate on transit during summer season conditions.

This study evaluated the formed microclimate commercial truck transport practices effects on the turkeys' welfare by measuring Dead on Arrival (DOA) index and pale, soft, and exudative (PSE-like) meat occurrence. The experimental design was entirely randomized in a 6 × 2 factorial arrangements (two truck container compartments × six water shower groups) with birds positioned at superior front (SF), inferior front (IF), superior middle (SM), inferior middle (IM), superior rear (SR), and inferior rear (IR) and two bath treatments: with water shower (WiS) and without water shower (WoS) with eight replications for each treatment. The animals were transported for 95min' journey from the farm to the slaughterhouse under hot-humidity conditions. The results shown herein indicated the formation of a thermal core at the inferior middle and rear truck container regions, because the heat produced by the birds and the influence of developed microclimate consisting of temperature, relative humidity, and air ventilation. The IM and IR container compartments under the WoS treatment presented the highest (P < 0.01) numbers of PSE-like meat incidence and DOA index values compared with those located at the front under WiS treatment as the consequence of the altered to birds unbearable conditions within the container microclimate in transit. The formed microclimate during the commercial transport practices under hot-humidity conditions affected the bird's welfare consequently turkey meat qualities.

Use of an isoelectric solubilization/precipitation process to modify the functional properties of PSE (pale, soft, exudative)-like chicken meat protein: A mechanistic approach

The functionality of pale, soft, exudative (PSE)-like chicken protein was improved by isoelectric solubilization/precipitation (ISP) treatment. PSE-like chicken proteins were solubilized at an acidic pH 3.5 or an alkaline pH 11.0, followed by precipitating at pH 5.5 and 6.2. PSE-like meat paste was treated as control (CON). Precipitated at pH 6.2 led to a more elastic gel than at pH 5.5. Water distribution of ISP-isolated protein was affected by precipitation pH. More tryptophan residues exposed and –SH was partially oxidized to disulfide bond after ISP treatment, which led to large aggregates formation and higher viscosity of ISP isolated proteins than of CON. Absolute zeta potential of alkali-treated protein was higher than other counterparts, indicating stronger electric repulsion. ISP treatments could convert α-helix structure to relatively irregular structures. Overall, solubilizing at pH 11.0, combined with a precipitation pH 6.2 ISP treatment offers a potential for enhanced functionality of PSE-like chicken protein.

In-transit development of color abnormalities in turkey breast meat during winter season

BackgroundThe poultry industry suffers losses from problems as pale, soft and exudative (PSE), and dark, firm and dry (DFD) meat can develop in meat as a result of short- and long-term stress, respectively. These abnormalities are impacted by pre-slaughter animal welfare.MethodsThis work evaluated the effects of open vehicle container microclimate, throughout the 38 ± 10 km journey from the farm to the slaughterhouse, on commercially turkey transported during the Brazilian winter season. The journey was initiated immediately after water bath in truck fitted with portable Kestrel anemometers to measure air ventilation, relative humidity, temperature and ventilation.ResultsThe inferior compartments of the middle and rear truck regions showed highest temperature and relative humidity, and lower air ventilation. In addition, the superior compartments of the front truck regions presented lower temperature and wind chill, and highest air ventilation. The breast meat samples from animals located at the inferior compartments of the middle and rear truck regions and subjected to with water bath (WiB) treatment presented highest DFD-like and had lowest PSE-like meat incidence than those from animals located at other compartments within the container. Lower incidence of PSE-like meat was observed in birds without water bath (WoB).ConclusionsAssessment on turkeys transported under Brazilian southern winter conditions revealed that breast meat quality can be affected by relative humidity, air ventilation, temperature, and transport under subtropical conditions promoting color abnormalities and the formation of simultaneously PSE-like and DFD-like meat.

Different oxidative status and expression of calcium channel components in stress-induced dysfunctional chicken muscle.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of transport stress at high ambient temperatures on the oxidation status and the expression of essential elements responsible for the Ca transport (sarco- (endo-) plasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase (SERCA1) and the ryanodine receptor (RyR) in (PM) muscles of broilers. Briefly, Arbor Acres broiler chickens ( = 112) were randomly categorized into 2 treatments: unstressed control (C) and 0.5 h transport (T). Each treatment consisted of 8 replicates of 7 birds each. Birds were transported according to a designed protocol. PM muscle samples in T group were collected and classified as normal (T-NOR) or pale, soft, and exudative-like (T-PSE) using meat quality parameters. The results indicated that production of corticosterone (CORT) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased significantly after transportation ( < 0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values and carbonyl contents increased significantly in the T group ( < 0.05). Moreover, the extent of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation was more severe in the T-PSE group compared to the T-NOR group ( < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of SERCA1 and αRyR increased in the T-NOR group but decreased significantly in the T-PSE group compared to the CON group ( < 0.05). The mRNA expression of βRyR was found to be enhanced in the T-NOR group compared to the CON group, whereas there was no difference in the T-PSE group ( < 0.05). The results indicate that short-distance transport of broilers affects their physiological responses and biochemical changes which may lead to different oxidative states and, importantly, to different expressions of SERCA and RyR. These induced changes in abnormal sarcoplasmic Ca homeostasis have significant implications for the development of PSE-like meat.