Breast Meat Samples Research Articles

Drying kinetics behavior of turkey breast meat in different drying methods

AbstractIn this study, turkey breast meat samples were dried with hot air (60, 75, 90°C), microwave (180, 360, 540 W) and freeze (0.1, 0.15, 0.2 mbar) drying and parameters related to the drying kinetics of turkey breast meat were investigated. Although a constant drying rate was not observed for all drying methods, the drying process occurred only during the falling drying rate period. Microwave drying process times were lower than those of hot air and freeze drying because of volumetric heating. Drying times decreased by increasing temperature, power and vacuum pressure. Kinetic parameters were determined by using the semi‐empirical models of 2. Fick's diffusion equation. Two terms, Logarithmic and Page models were found to be better for hot air, microwave and freeze drying, respectively. In addition, the effective diffusion coefficient values were found in range of 2.03–2.53 × 10−10, 27.89–103.96 × 10−10 and 2.99–3.36 × 10−10 m2/s for hot air, microwave and freeze drying, respectively. Effective diffusion coefficients increased in direct proportion with temperature, microwave power and vacuum pressure. The activation energy obtained by the modified Arrhenius equation were 7.481 kJ/mol to 6.043 W/g for hot air and microwave drying respectively.Practical ApplicationsThe drying kinetics behavior of foods is important for protecting the final product quality, determining the process method and optimizing the process parameters in the food industry. Despite the availability of many drying kinetics studies, meat products exhibit different behaviors during the drying process due to their structure and composition. The drying kinetics behavior of turkey breast meat with different drying techniques was investigated in this study. When the effective diffusion coefficient and activation energy data were considered, it was noticed that microwave drying provided a faster and more effective drying process. The moisture content and water activity values, which are very important especially for meat products, showed that freeze drying provided a more reliable product by reducing the moisture content and water activity of final product more than other drying methods.

Effect of Solid-State Fermented Wheat Bran Supplemented with Agrimony Extract on Growth Performance, Fatty Acid Profile, and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryThe current work evaluates the application of solid-state fermented wheat bran supplemented with agrimony extract in broiler nutrition. Broiler production parameters, blood and bone variables and meat quality were analysed. The quality of breast and thigh meat was evaluated by the use of physicochemical variables, fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation and sensory variables. The presented results showed that supplementation of the broiler diet with fermented feed positively influenced the quality of the produced breast and thigh meat. The application of fermented feed increased the nutritional value of broiler chicken meat, as shown via the positive modification of the fatty acid profile, without affecting sensory quality.The impact of the broiler diet modification on the following parameters was evaluated: meat quality, carcass traits, and bone and blood parameters. One hundred twenty one-day-old COBB 500 broiler chickens were assigned to three experimental groups (40 birds per group) with four replications (10 per pen) for 35 days of fattening. The control (C) was fed a basic feed mixture. The diet supplemented with 10% of fermented feed (FF10) and additionally supported by 0.2% of agrimony extract (FF10 + AE) was applied to the second and third groups, respectively. FF10 showed both a lower average daily feed intake and total feed consumption when compared to that of C (p < 0.05). Lower concentration of alkaline-phosphatase and calcium and higher total lipids and triglycerides in blood were observed in FF10 + AE. Breast and thigh meat showed a lower content of polyunsaturated fatty acid n-3 and n-6 in the FF10 + AE group (p < 0.01). The increase of gamma-linolenic acid content in breast and thigh meat samples obtained from the experimental groups was significant (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05; respectively). Lower lipid oxidation was observed in the thigh muscle of the FF10 + AE group on the first day of storage (p < 0.01). The current study indicates that FF10 + AE supplementation can be successfully applied to enhance broiler performance and meat quality.

Determination of the Effect of Some Acidic Solutions on the Tenderness and Quality Properties of Chicken Breast Meat

In this study, it was aimed to determine the quality characteristics of chicken breasts treated with different ratios of acetic acid and apple cider vinegar solu-tions. Chicken breasts were allowed to marinate for 48 hours at 4°C using solutions containing apple cider vinegar prepared with concentrations in 50% (E1) and 100% (E2) concentrations and 0.1 M (A1) and 0.2 M (A2) acetic acid. Pure water was used for the control group (C). Texture profile analyzes and Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (MORS) analysis with pH, color ( L* , a* , b* ), cooking loss, water holding capacity and marinade absorption were applied to each treatment group. According to the results of the analysis, it was determined that the pH value of chicken breast meat samples marinated with apple cider vinegar was lower than the other groups. It was determined that the lowest hardness value was in E2 group according to the results of the texture profile analysis. According to the MORS analysis, the lowest shear force was found in E2 group. It is observed that the shear force has the lowest value in group including 100% apple cider vinegar in parallel to the hardness value. As a result, it was observed that apple cider vinegar had a very good source to increase tenderness of chicken breasts compared to acetic acid.

Influence of Grape Pomace Intake on Nutritional Value, Lipid Oxidation and Volatile Profile of Poultry Meat.

Grape pomace (GP) represents the main solid by-product deriving from grape processing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary GP intake on nutritional quality, lipid oxidation and volatile profile of chicken meat. A total of 112 Ross 508 broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups and fed for 21 days with a standard diet. For the remaining 28 days of the trial, the control group (CG) continued to receive a standard diet, while the experimental groups (EGs) were fed with diets containing different GP concentrations: 2.5% (EG1), 5% (EG2) and 7% (EG3). Following the slaughtering, samples of breast meat were collected from each group. No significant differences were observed for pH, cooking loss and meat brightness, whereas the GP intake showed effectiveness in inducing variations in drip loss, meat yellowness and redness. The experimental feeding strategy also induced changes in the fatty acid profile, with an overall increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), mainly due to the increase in concentration of linoleic acid. The dietary supplementation also induced a decrease in lipid oxidation in meat, a finding also confirmed by the reduction in volatile aldehydes in 7 days stored raw meat. The feeding strategy based on the use of GP did not induce detrimental effects on the quality of broiler meat and showed the potential to lengthen the shelf-life as a direct consequence of the improvement in the oxidative stability. Overall, the present study showed a viable way for the recovery and the valorization of an agro-industrial by-product, with potential benefits also from an environmental point of view.

Effects of Microencapsulated Blend of Organic Acids and Essential Oils as a Feed Additive on Quality of Chicken Breast Meat.

Simple SummaryChicken meat is largely consumed around the world, with an increasing demand in recent years. Unfortunately, chicken meat is very susceptible to oxidative deterioration; therefore, poultry industries often use synthetic dietary additives to improve meat shelf-life. However, due to the public’s growing concern about the potential toxic effect of the synthetic additives, there is an increasing interest in natural antioxidant compounds. Among these, organic acids and essential oils could represent a favourable option to improve the characteristics of chicken meat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary supplementation of organic acids (sorbic and citric) and essential oils (thymol and vanillin) on the quality and shelf-life of broiler meat. The additive was supplemented for the entire growing cycle at the level of 0.5% (as a feed additive). This dietary strategy led a reduction in intramuscular fat content and an overall improvement in fatty acid profile. Moreover, the dietary supplementation of organic acids and essential oils reduced the lipid oxidation in cooked meat, whereas minor changes were observed for colour and lipid stability and for microbial loads in raw meat.The present study aims to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation based on a blend of microencapsulated organic acids (sorbic and citric) and essential oils (thymol and vanillin) on chicken meat quality. A total of 420 male Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: the control group was fed with conventional diet (CON), while the other group received the control diet supplemented with 0.5% of a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and essential oils (AVI). In breast meat samples, intramuscular fat content and saturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio were reduced by AVI supplementation (p < 0.05). Moreover, atherogenic (p < 0.01) and thrombogenic (p < 0.05) indices were lower in AVI than CON treatment. AVI raw meat showed a lower density of psychrotrophic bacteria (p < 0.05) at an initial time, and higher loads of enterococci after 4 days of refrigerated storage (p < 0.05). No contamination of Listeria spp., Campylobacter spp., and Clostridium spp. was found. TBARS values of the cooked meat were lower in the AVI treatment compared to CON (p < 0.01). Among colour parameters, a*, b* and C* values increased between 4 and 7 days of storage in AVI cooked meat (p < 0.05). Overall, organic acids and essential oils could improve the quality and shelf-life of poultry meat.

Screening and quantification of antibiotic residues in broiler chicken meat and milk in the central region of Algeria.

Antibiotics used in animals may be found in food of animal origin and pose a risk to human health. The aim of this study was to screen for antibiotic residues in broiler chickens and milk. Two hundred and twenty-one samples were collected (71 samples of chicken breast meat, 117 samples of raw cow's milk and 33 samples of raw goat's milk). The chicken meat samples underwent a microbiological analysis, followed by a physical/chemical analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The milk samples were screened using a commercial microbiological test, followed by a further test for residues of beta-lactams and tetracyclines. For chicken meat, 32.39% of the samples were positive, with 56.52% of these samples containing aminoglycosides, 52.17% containing sulphonamides, 30.43% containing beta-lactams and/or tetracyclines and 21.73% containing macrolides. The concentrations of amoxicillin, penicillin G, erythromycin and sulfisoxazole exceeded the maximum residue limits laid down in European regulations in 28.57%, 85.71%, 80% and 91.66% of samples, respectively. The results of the test on milk showed that 12.6% of samples were contaminated by inhibiting substances. Betalactams and tetracyclines were present in 26.32% and 15.79% of the samples analysed, respectively. These results indicate that the contamination of chicken meat and milk is due to non-compliance with administration procedures and inappropiate use of antibiotics.

Multiple factorial analysis of physicochemical and organoleptic properties of breast and thigh meat of broilers fed a diet supplemented with humic substances

Multiple factor analysis was used for the examination of meat quality of broilers, the diet of which was supplemented with 0.8 and 1.0% addition of humic substances (HS). One hundred fifty COBB 500 one-day-old male broilers chicks were randomly divided into 3 different groups: one control and 2 experimental (n = 50), and they were fattened for 35 D. Subsequently, the meat quality was analyzed and defined by physicochemical and sensory quality, supplemented with analysis by instrumental methods. We observed changes in dry matter, fat, water, and protein content in experimental samples of breast and thigh meat (P < 0.001). In both experimental groups, the concentration of phosphates and pH decreased in breast meat (P < 0.001) and in thigh meat (P < 0.05). The smell of experimental chicken breast meat samples after cooking was evaluated by a sensory panel, which scored a higher point score than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Sensory evaluation of taste indicated a positive response with respect to the perception of meat quality in relation to a greater supplementation of HS in the diet. Thigh meat samples showed a variable extent of water loss after cooking, but lower values of water loss were generally obtained from thigh meat samples of poultry fed with higher HS supplementation, than in chicken breast meat samples. Significant differences in evaluated variables between both experimental groups were not observed. The color of breast meat samples changed, when considering the variables of lightness and redness, with the addition of 1% HS (P < 0.05). The main advantage of the breast meat of broilers fed a diet supplemented with HS was observed in the final meat quality, which was positively affected by increased protein and decreased fat content. Because of its nutritional composition, it can be considered to be rather a valuable type of meat in human nutrition than ordinarily.

Potential Transfer of Peanut and/or Soy Proteins from Poultry Feed to the Meat and/or Eggs Produced.

Previous studies have demonstrated that allergenic feed proteins from peanuts in the diets of layer hens are not detected in the eggs produced. Hence, in this study, we aimed to determine if soy and/or peanut proteins in poultry feed rations of broiler chickens or layer hens would be transferred or detectable in the meat or eggs produced. To meet this objective, 99 layer hens and 300 broiler chickens were equally divided into treatment groups and fed one of three experimental diets: control soybean meal and corn diet, whole unblanched high-oleic peanut and corn diet (HO PN), or a control diet spiked supplemented with oleic acid (OA) oil. At termination, broiler chickens were processed, and chicken breast samples of the left pectoralis muscle were collected, and eggs were collected from layers. Total protein extracts from pooled egg samples and chicken breast samples were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods and immunoblotting analysis with rabbit antipeanut agglutinin antibodies and rabbit antisoy antibodies for the detection of peanut and soy proteins. Peanut and soy proteins were undetected in all pooled egg samples and individual chicken breast meat samples using immunoblotting techniques with rabbit antipeanut agglutinin and rabbit antisoy antibodies. Moreover, quantitative ELISA allergen detection methods determined all pooled egg samples and individual meat samples as “not containing” peanut or soy allergens. Therefore, this study helps to evaluate the risk associated with the potential transfer of allergenic proteins from animal feed to the products produced for human consumption.

Use of propolis as a supplement in the diet of broiler chickens to increase shelf-life of breast muscle

ABSTRACT Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and physicochemical characteristics of meat were evaluated after supplementing different doses of propolis in broiler chickens’ diets at: 15, 30, 45 and 0 mg propolis/kg feed for Pr15, Pr30, Pr45 and Pr0, respectively. Two hundred one-day-old chickens were fed for 42 d and sacrificed. Breast meat samples were used for physicochemical determinations. Oxidative capacity was measured on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 of storage. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between the supplementation systems in either pH, luminosity index (L*), red (a*), yellow (b*), drip loss, cooking yield, protein, ash or moisture. Meat from chickens fed the highest propolis dose (Pr45) presented the lowest oxidative capacity (P < 0.01) throughout the study, whereas the control group (Pr0) showed the highest (P < 0.01) values until day 5. In conclusion, propolis in the chickens’ diet may decrease oxidative compounds and has no influence on the physicochemical characteristics of meat.

Influence of Long-Distance Transportation Under Various Crating Densities on Broiler Meat Quality During Hot and Humid Weather.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of transportation distance and crating density on broiler meat quality during hot and humid weather. Breast meat samples were collected from broilers (Ross-308) after transportation for 80, 160, and 240 km at crating densities of 10, 12, and 15 birds per crate. The broilers were transported in plastic crates of 0.91 × 0.55 × 0.31 m (length × width × height) in summer at an ambient temperature of 27.2–33.6°C and relative humidity of 52.7–62.9%. The birds were then slaughtered, and the meats' physicochemical characteristics, marination and cooking attributes were measured. Meat pH at 2 hours (h) postmortem (PM) was significantly higher in birds transported for 80 and 160 km compared to those transported for up to 240 km, while meat pH at 24 h PM was higher in birds transported for up to 160 km compared to the other treatments; however, no effect of different crating densities on meat pH and drip loss was observed. Meat losses such as drip loss, thaw loss, cooking loss in raw and marinated breast, and meat shear force were significantly higher in birds transported for up to 240 km compared to the other treatments. An increase in crating density above 12 birds per crate also increased thaw loss, whereas crating density of 12 birds per crate and higher increased cooking loss and meat shear force. Meat lightness also increased significantly with the increase in transportation distance above 160 km and crating density above 12 birds per crate. In conclusion, transportation of broilers for more than 80 km with crating density higher than 12 birds per crate during summer was associated with severe losses in yield and deterioration in physical appearance and functional characteristics of meat.

Meat quality traits of Vietnamese indigenous Noi chicken at 91 days old

Indigenous chicken breeds have showed slower growth rate and yield lower meat production, compared to commercial broilers. However, their meat quality is valued by modern consumers. The present study aimed at analyzing the quality traits of breast meat samples of Noi broilers, one of the famous indigenous chicken breeds in Vietnam. A total of 355 breast fillet samples were collected to evaluate quality meat traits such as pH, surface color, drip loss, and cooking loss at different time points of 3, 24, and 48 hours after slaughtering as well as to analyze chemical compositions such as dry matter, crude protein and ether extract. As result, sex and cold-storage time significant affect some of quality traits of breast meat, whereas their interaction did not associate among the observed properties. After 3 hour-storage, the pH value was determined at 5.63, then decrease to 5.56 and 5.55 after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. The color values (L*, a*, and b*) were in the normal range reported from previous studies. Meat samples of two sexes did not vary in the cooking loss and drip loss values, whereas it was significantly different due to cold-storage time. The ether extract content of the meat was found negatively correlated with the cooking loss. The higher dry matter content of breast meat resulted in the lower drip loss value after 3h coldstorage (r=-0.12, P&lt;0.05). There is a negative relationship between L* and a*. The variation demonstrated in this study can be used in breeding schemes in order to improve meat quality of Noi chicken lines.

Effects of supplemental pine needles powder (Pinus brutia) on growth performance, breast meat composition, and antioxidant status in broilers fed linseed oil-based diets

This study was proposed to examine the effects of pine needles powder (Pinus brutia) supplementation on growth performance, breast meat composition, and antioxidant status in broilers fed linseed oil-based diets. For this purpose, a total of 210, Ross-308 1-day-old male broiler chicks were allocated to 5 experimental groups each containing 42 birds. Broilers were fed a linseed oil-based basal diet supplemented with 0% (control), 0.25% (P1), 0.50% (P2), 0.75% (P3), and 1% (P4) pine needles powder. During the 42-D feeding period, no significant differences were observed between experimental groups for body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio; however, carcass yield was increased linearly with pine needles powder supplementation. No marked changes in the breast meat chemical composition were observed among experimental groups. Supplemental pine needles powder linearly decreased the malondialdehyde concentration in breast meat and liver tissues; however, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of breast meat samples remained unaffected. No significant variation was observed among experimental groups for superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in blood erythrocyte lysates, but blood serum total oxidation status tended to decrease with pine needles powder supplementation. In conclusion, results suggested that pine needles powder supplementation to broiler diets could be a viable option to improve the animal antioxidant status and meat oxidative stability; however, supplementation of Pinus brutia needles powder up to 1% into broiler diets was not sufficient to efficiently curb the fat-induced oxidation in meat. Further investigation is needed to determine the full antioxidant potential of pine needles powder supplementation in poultry by comparing different pine species, evaluating the bioavailability of their active compounds and determining most effective dietary concentration for broiler meat production without any adverse effects.

Evaluating Dietary Inclusion of High Oleic Soybean Meal and Oil on Broiler Performance and Lipid Quality

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of high oleic soybean meal and oil on broiler performance and lipid quality.Materials and MethodsMale Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 160) were sorted by weight and randomly assigned to one of two treatments containing 10 replicate pens with 8 broilers each. Treatment groups consisted of a control corn-soy diet that included commodity soybean meal and oil (CON) and a corn-soy diet containing high oleic soybean meal and oil (HO). Broilers received, ad libitum, a two-phase diet consisting of starter (d0–21) containing 5% oil and grower (d21–42) containing 3% oil. Pen weight (PW) and feed intake (FI) were recorded on Days 0, 21, and 42 and used to calculate feed to gain ratio (F:G). Broilers were slaughtered on d42, after which carcasses were weighed and fabricated. Weights of fabricated parts were recorded for carcass yield. Samples of breast and thigh meat were taken for fatty acid profile analysis, which was conducted using a modified version of methods by Folch et al. (1957) and Morrison and Smith (1964). To measure lipid oxidation, boneless, skinless breast halves chosen randomly from each pen were placed on Styrofoam trays and overwrapped with oxygen permeable, polyvinyl chloride and placed in retail storage (4°C) and used for collection of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) on Day 1, 3, and 5 of storage. Data was analyzed using PROC GLM procedure in SAS, with level of significance set at P &lt; 0.05.ResultsCON pens had a greater (P &lt; 0.002) change in weight (23480.61 g. vs. 21829.39 g.), however, the CON treatment had an increase in FI (P &lt; 0.0003) compared to the HO treatment (29841.74 g. vs. 27405.68 g). Thus, there was no significant difference (P = 0.22) in F:G between treatments. While there was no difference (P = 0.39; P = 0.71) in percent carcass yield or breast yield, the CON treatment had a higher (P = 0.01) percent thigh yield compared to the HO treatment (16.36% vs. 15.86%). Results of lipid oxidation showed there was an effect of day (P &lt; 0.0001), but no treatment or interaction effects were observed. Diet changed (P &lt; 0.0001) the proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in breast and thigh meat. HO treatment increased the proportion of MUFA and decreased the proportion of PUFA and SFA in both breast and thigh meat. Both breast and thigh samples from the HO treatment had increased (P &lt; 0.0001) proportions of oleic acid (C18:1) and decreased proportions of linoleic acid (C18:2) compared to the control. Inclusion of HO soybean meal and oil in broiler diets resulted in increased uptake of MUFA (C18:1) and decreased PUFA (C18:2) in both breast and thigh meat, while having no impact on broiler feed efficiency.ConclusionPull through effect of HO acid seen in fatty acid analysis of broiler meat shows the ability to serve as a mechanism to increase oleic acid inclusion in human diets. Oleic acid needs are potentially related to omega-3 fatty acid needs which are shown to have health benefits related to cardiac health in humans among other things. Studies have shown that increases in oleic acid in diets can lead to an increase in omega-3 fatty acids.

Antioxidative effects of supplementing linseed oil-enriched diets with α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, selenium, or their combination on carcass and meat quality in broilers

ABSTRACTIn a previous study, we examined the synergistic effects of the dietary supranutritional supplementation with vitamin E, vitamin C, and Se on the in vivo antioxidative status of broilers under conditions of dietary oxidative stress induced by feeding a diet high in n-3 PUFA. In this study, we examined the effect of their inclusion on the quality characteristics and oxidative stability of raw or cooked meat, both fresh or after a long-term frozen storage. Four hundred 21-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were allocated to 5 experimental groups fed 5% linseed oil-enriched finisher diets (days 21 to 40): Cont (recommended levels of vitamin E, C, and selenium), +E (200 IU vitamin E/kg feed), +C (250 mg vitamin C/kg feed), +Se (0.2 mg selenium/kg feed), or +ECSe (concentrations as in the sole supplementation, combined). Animal performance and carcass characteristics were monitored at the age of 40 D. Breast meat samples of 12 chickens per group were analysed fresh, fresh after frozen storage, cooked fresh, and cooked after frozen storage (2 × 2 factorial design) for parameters of meat quality (water-holding capacity—WHC, pH, and color) and oxidative stability (concentrations of vitamin E, malondialdehyde—MDA, antioxidant capacity of the water-soluble compounds—ACW, and fatty acid composition).Vitamin E alone (+E) and combined with Se and vitamin C (+ECSe) increased the α-tocopherol concentration in breast muscle, and showed similar protective effects against lipid peroxidation measured as MDA regardless of the frozen storage or cooking. The sole supplementation of vitamin C or selenium showed no effects on the meat quality parameters. In conclusion, the dietary supranutritional inclusion of vitamin E inhibited the lipid peroxidation in fresh, frozen stored, cooked fresh, and frozen stored meat in broilers fed with diets rich in n-3 PUFAs. Even though no clear synergistic effects of the supranutritional supplementation of vitamin C and Se with vitamin E were detected, their dietary inclusion did not negatively affect broilers carcass and meat quality parameters.

Efficacy of betaine as carcass modifier in female broiler chickens to produce leaner carcass for human consumption

Betaine is a methyl group donor which involved in protein and energy metabolism, offering an opportunity to the poultry producers to satisfy consumer needs by producing leaner carcass. This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of betaine as carcass modifier in female broiler chickens fed diet containing sufficient methyl group donor. Two hundred female day-old chicks (DOC) were allotted to four assay diets with 5 replicates of 10 birds. The starter and finisher diets contained 0.50 and 0.38% methionine as methyl group donor, respectively. The basal diets were fed without supplementation or supplemented with 0.10, 0.20 and 0.30% betaine. The assay diets were fed from the age 8–42 days. Two birds per replicate were slaughtered at the age of 42 days to measure the carcass characteristics. The fat content was derived from breast meat samples. Supplementation of betaine did not influence the slaughter weight, carcass and breast yield, indicating similar growth and carcass production. Furthermore, administration of betaine produced 29.8–42.5% lower abdominal fat pad deposition and 9.2 – 35.9% lower meat fat content than those without betaine administration (P<0.05). It can be concluded that betaine can modify carcass characteristic in female broiler chickens by lowering fat deposition.

Physical quality of broiler chickens fed diets containing fish oil and different levels of purslane meal

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of purslane meal (Portulaca oleraceae) and sardines fish oil as a source of omega-3 fats on physical quality of broiler chickens. A total of 180 one-day old unsexed Cobb broiler chickens were used in this study. Chickens were randomly placed into 30 pens with each pen consisted of 6 birds. The pens were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with 6 replicates (36 birds per treatment). The diets were prepared from a basal diet (P0). The experimental diets were formulated by adding the basal diet containing 1.5% sardines fish oil and levels of purslane meal 0 (P1), 6 (P2), 12 (P3), and 18% (P4). Water and diets were provided ad libitum for a period of 35 days. Six chickens for each treatment were processed as carcass and breast meat (Pectoralis Major) samples were collected for physical quality analysis. The data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Differences between treatment means were further analysed using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test. Results showed that the results showed that adding Portulaca oleracea (purslane) meal into the diets at a level of 12 and 18% did not influenced pH value. Feeding diets enriched with purslane meal up to a level of 18% for 35 days did not alter meat WHC with the average of approximately 51%. Diets containing purslane meal decreased meat cooking loss. Meat tenderness of chickens fed diets supplemented with 12% purslane meal (1.12) was higher than those fed 18% purslane meal (1.93). It was concluded that dietary levels of purslane meal up to a level of 12% did not affect the physical quality of broiler chickens.

Carcass characteristics, physicochemical attributes, and fatty acid and amino acid compositions of meat obtained from different Japanese quail strains.

The objective of the current study was to assess the carcass traits and meat quality in three different Japanese quail strains. A total of 90 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks of three different strains; 30 of each of white, black, and brown were used. Quails were slaughtered at 10weeks of age. Carcass traits such as carcass weight and carcass yield were recorded. At 24h postmortem, breast and leg meat samples were detached, vacuum packaged and stored at - 20°C until meat quality, nutritional composition, fatty acid and amino acid profile analyses. The results indicate no differences (p > 0.05) in the physicochemical properties of meat among different quail strains. Hot and cold carcass weights were higher (p < 0.05) in brown and black quails. However, brown quails possessed the highest (p < 0.05) slaughter weight and carcass yields than others. Meat physicochemical properties, fatty acids, and mineral content did not differ (p > 0.05) between quail strains. Nonetheless, meat quality differ (p < 0.05) between muscles in quails. Due to high carcass yields, brown quail strain may be preferred for meat production purposes.

Effect of ethyl-lauroyl-arginate hypochloride in combination with high hydrostatic pressure processing on the microbial load and physico-chemical characteristics of minced and portioned chicken breast meat.

Campylobacter is an important hazard responsible for many human gastroenteritis cases. As poultry meat is the main source of Campylobacter, many approaches to reduce the Campylobacter load in this meat have been published. In the present study minced and whole broiler breast meat samples were inoculated with Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and treated with different concentrations of the food additive ethyl-Nα-lauroyl-L-arginate hypochloride (LAE, 1,000/1,500 ppm (minced meat); 400/1,000 ppm (whole meat)), with high hydrostatic pressure (HPP, 100/ 200 MPa) or a combination of both preservation methods, followed by vacuum storage up to day 14 after treatment. Aim of the study was to analyze if effects of LAE and HPP alone and in combination on the C. jejuni concentrations and on different meat quality parameters could be found. Analysis of minimal inhibitory and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MIC, MBC) of LAE against 11 C. jejuni and five C. coli strains resulted in MIC/ MBC of 32 ppm for 12 and 64 ppm for four strains investigated. Only 1,500 ppm LAE in minced meat resulted in a significant reduction of the C. jejuni concentrations directly after treatment (day 1) and on day 7 compared to the untreated control samples. Treatment of whole breast meat with 400 and 1,000 ppm LAE resulted in significantly lower C. jejuni concentrations on days 1, 7, and 14 compared to control samples. However, HPP alone and in combination with LAE was not able to reach significant microbial reduction. Whereas LAE only slightly influenced the lightness (L*) results of the minced meat (day 1), HPP treatment with 200 MPa generally increased the L* and yellowness (b*) results of the minced and whole meat on day 1. During further storage, color results were inconsistent in minced and whole meat samples, as well as the myoglobin redox form percentages in the whole meat. In conclusion, a synergistic effect of LAE and HPP could not be proved using the chosen concentrations of LAE and pressure values.

Practical Assessment of Spaghetti Breast in Diverse Genetic Strain Broilers Reared under Different Environments

Brazilian processing plants have identified the so-calledspaghetti breast myopathy characterized by muscular dystrophy of unknown etiology. This study aimed at estimating the incidence of spaghetti breast myopathyin broilers from three commercial genetic strains (Ross, Cobb, Hubbard) reared in two different housing systems (DH, Dark house, and TS, Tunnel system), presenting different controlled ventilation systems and light availability. Breast meat samples (n=5,580) were collected and macroscopically evaluated for spaghetti breast myopathy according to a 0-2 scale, as 0 = normal, 1 = intermediate or moderate, and 2 = severe. A higher number of broilers reared in DH presented normal breasts and moderate myopathy relative to TS-reared birds. Ross broilers presented a higher incidence of normal breasts compared with Cobb and Hubbard broilers. The risk of presenting spaghetti breast myopathy was higher in broilers reared in DH than those in reared in TS, indicating that the exposure to DH environmental conditions may increase the chance of myopathy incidence. Broilers reared in dark houses presented 26% higher chance and 13% higher risk of showing spaghetti-breast myopathy the than those reared in tunnel-ventilated systems.

Grapeseed Meal Used as Natural Antioxidant in High Fatty Acid Diets for Hubbard Broilers

ABSTRACT The 7-week feeding trial evaluated the effect of 2% grapeseed meal used as natural antioxidant in the diets for slow-growing Hubbard broiler chicks, aged 14 days. The chicks were weighed individually and assigned to two groups (C and E), with 40 chicks per group, housed under conditions of temperature, humidity and light regimen according to the hybrid management guide. The basal ingredients of the conventional diet were corn, wheat, gluten, soybean meal and 2% flaxseed meal, which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Compared to the control formulation, the experimental formulation included 2% grapeseed meal, both in the growing and finishing stages. The broilers had free access to feed and water. In the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected for serum biochemical determinations and six broilers per group were slaughtered and samples of breast and thigh meat were collected. The meat samples were assayed for the basic chemical composition, fatty acids profile and cholesterol content using standardized methods. The content of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in breast samples, while cholesterol content was significantly lower (p<0.05) in thigh samples from E group, compared to C. Blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in group E than in group C. The study showed that the grapeseed meal used as natural antioxidant in broiler diets enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids given to Hubbard broilers had beneficial effects on broiler meat quality and on the metabolic profile of the blood plasma.