Pectoralis Superficialis Research Articles

Research Note: Basic chemical composition, physicochemical, and textural characteristics of male and female guinea fowl meat

The purpose of this study was to compare analyze the quality of meat depending on the type of muscle: breast muscles (m. Pectoralis superficialis and m. Pectoralis profundus) and leg muscles (m. Sartorius and m. Femorotibialis) in relation to the sex of the common guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). For the study, pectoral muscles and leg muscles from 10 females and 10 males at 20 wk of age were used to determine their chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and texture characteristics of the pectoral muscle were determined. Overall, pectoral muscles were characterized by higher protein content, lightness (L*), and electrical conductivity (EC24), and lower redness (a*), and pH24 compared to leg muscles. Leg muscles, on the other hand, were characterized by higher, collagen, intramuscular fat and salt content. In terms of pectoral muscle texture characteristics, males were characterized by lower chewiness value and were less gumminess. In conclusion, it can be said that the sex of the birds affected some of the pectoral muscle texture traits, but did not affect the remaining analyzed features of the pectoral and leg muscles. However, from the consumer's point of view, breast muscles contained more protein and less fat, so they are more dietary compared to leg muscles.

Improvement of Antioxidative Activity of Broiler Muscles after Dietary Modulation with Selenium and Methionine

Abstract The objective of the study was to compare the antioxidative capacity of broiler chicken breast and leg muscles after dietary modulation with selenium (Se) and methionine (Met). Free radical scavenging (ABTS, DPPH) and iron reduction (FRAP) activities were determined as the total antioxidative potential (TEAC), as well the enzyme activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), in relation to concentrations of lipid peroxidation end products (TBARS). Analyses were performed on breast m. pectoralis superficialis and profundus individually and together. The studied leg muscles included biceps femoris, gastrocnemicus, iliotiobialis, peroneus longus, sartorius, semimembranosus, semitendinosus and all leg muscles together. Flex broiler chickens were fed diets supplemented with 6.7, 8.2, 9.7 and 11.2 g DL-methionine/kg feed and Se as sodium selenite and selenized yeast at 0.26, 0.38 and 0.50 mg Se/kg. Greater TEAC and enzyme activities were observed in leg than in breast muscles. Selenium did not change TEAC in muscles sets, but improved antiradical capacity in the pectoralis major and minor, sartorius and biceps femoris. The highest level of methionine increased TEAC in individual leg muscles. Selenium and methionine at the highest concentrations increased SOD activity in the entire group and individual muscles, while Se raised GPx activity. In conclusion, the diet supplementation with selenium and high concentrations of methionine had a greater impact on the antioxidative potential of individual than the whole set of chicken breast and leg muscles. The positive effect of the studied diet modulation could raise the quality and extend the shelf-life of fresh chicken meat.

Гистологические показатели мышц цыплят-бройлеров при применении в рационе кормовых добавок

The article presents the results of studying the effect of feed additives «HitAcid» and «Veleguard BG» on the histological parameters of the muscles of broiler chickens of the Ross-308 cross. The study was conducted at the Department of Parasitology and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MVA named after K. I. Skryabin». During the study, it was found that the use of additives «HitAcid» and «Veleguard BG» stimulate the set of live weight of broiler chickens, and show an increase in the set of muscle mass of carcasses. Indicators of the thickness of muscle fibers and bundles of muscle fibers of the quadriceps femoris and superficial pectoral muscle of broiler chickens of the experimental groups exceed those of the control group. In a comparative assessment of the micromorphometric parameters of the studied muscles, the greatest thickness of muscle fibers and bundles of muscle fibers was noted in the experimental group «HitAcid». The data obtained indicate the expediency of using food additives based on organic acids in the diet of broiler chickens.

Subsuperficial Pectoralis Fascial Placement of Implantable Pulse Generators in Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: Technical Note

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: The second stage of deep brain stimulation requires the placement of an implantable pulse generator (IPG). Although the current placement technique achieves acceptable outcomes, device erosion has been reported. We describe a simple surgical option aimed at increasing device longevity by placing the hardware under the superficial pectoralis fascia. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We describe and illustrate the technique of placing the IPG in the subfascial space in a patient undergoing deep brain stimulation. In addition, we provide pearls and pitfalls to be mindful of when implementing this method. CONCLUSION: In this technical report, we have outlined a simple alternative approach to the traditional subcutaneous IPG placement by placing the IPG under the superficial pectoralis fascia. This subfascial approach can potentially reduce complications and preserve device longevity.

Superficial anatomic landmarks can be used to triangulate the location of canine peripheral lymphocentrums: superficial cervical, axillary, and superficial inguinal.

To utilize the geometry of superficial anatomic landmarks to guide incisional location and orientation for peripheral lymphadenectomy, document deep anatomic landmarks for lymphocentrum identification, and develop novel surgical approaches to the superficial cervical, axillary, and superficial inguinal lymphocentrums in dogs. 12 canine cadavers. 2 cadavers were used for a pilot investigation to determine optimal body positioning, select superficial anatomic landmarks for lymphocentrum identification, and evaluate novel surgical approaches to the 3 lymphocentrums. These lymphocentrums were then dissected in 10 additional cadavers using these novel surgical approaches. Measurements of the distances from lymphocentrum to landmark and between landmarks were obtained for each lymphocentrum. Deep anatomic landmarks were recorded for each dissection. The mean and SD were calculated for each measurement and used to develop geometric guidelines for estimating the location of each lymphocentrum for these surgical approaches. Each peripheral lymphocentrum was found in the same location relative to the respective, predetermined, superficial, anatomic boundaries in all cadavers. Briefly, the superficial landmarks to each lymphocentrum were as follows: (1) superficial cervical: wing of atlas, acromion process of scapula, greater tubercle of humerus; (2) axillary: caudal border of transverse head of superficial pectoral muscle, caudal triceps muscle, ventral midline; and (3) superficial inguinal: origin of pectineus muscle, ipsilateral inguinal mammary gland, ventral midline. The proposed superficial and deep surgical landmarks were identified within every cadaver. The previously undescribed surgical approaches were effective for lymphocentrum identification. Anatomic landmarks provided in this study may help reduce surgical time and tissue trauma during peripheral lymphadenectomy in dogs. This study was also the first to describe a surgical approach to the superficial inguinal lymphocentrum and ventral approaches to the superficial cervical and axillary lymphocentrums and provided previously unpublished anatomic landmarks for a lateral approach to the superficial cervical lymphocentrum.

KOMPOSISI pH, SUSUT MASAK DAN DAYA IKAT AIR PADA BERBAGAI JENIS UMUR DAN JENIS OTOT YANG BERBEDA PADA SAPI BALI

This study aims to examine the composition of the pH, cooking loss and water holding capacity of Bali cattle, at different ages and muscle locations. The locations of the muscles observed were the Longissimus dorsi (LD), Pectoralis superficialis (PS), Semitendinosus (ST) and Triceps Brachii (TB) muscles. Cattle aged 1-1.5 years and 3.5-4 years with moderate body condition, 250 g of each sample was taken for every 6 Bali cattle. This study used a 4x2x3 factorial design with a total of 24 experimental units, in a randomized block design (RBD), factor A was muscle type (A1 (LD), A2 (PS), A3 (ST), and A4 (TB)). Factor B is age (B1 aged 1-1.5 years and B2 aged 3.5-4 years). The treatment showed a significant effect, so further tests were carried out using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and how to analyze the data using SPSS. The variables measured were pH, cooking losses and water holding capacity. The research data was processed using analysis of variation (ANOVA). The results of this study concluded that there was no interaction between the type of muscle and the age of the cattle in the meat quality test on pH, cooking loss and water holding capacity of Bali beef. Muscle type has no effect on pH, cooking loss and water holding capacity of Bali beef. Age greatly influences the pH of Bali beef and affects the water holding capacity of Bali beef, but has no effect on cooking loss of Bali beef. Keywords: Water Holding Capacity, Muscle Type, Fatty Acid Composition, Bali Cattle, Cooking Loss, Age.

Гистогенез скелетной мускулатуры представителей куриных мясного направления продуктивности

The article presents a comparative analysis of the histogenesis of skeletal musculature of Smena-8 cross chickens and Pharaoh quails at different periods of postembryonic development. The regularities and features of postembryonic histogenesis of skeletal muscles of chickens and quails are presented on the example of the rectus head of the quadriceps femoris and the superficial pectoral muscle. The periods of ontogenesis reflecting the formation of the muscular system in chickens and quails are described. Increased differentiation of cellular structures at certain periods of development was established, differences in the histological structure of skeletal muscles depending on the age of the bird and its species were shown. A comparative characteristic of these muscles at different stages of postembryonic ontogenesis is given. According to all micromorphological indicators, the superiority of the quadriceps femoral muscle over the superficial pectoral muscle was established in all the studied periods, as well as earlier differentiation of its intracellular structures, regardless of the species of chicken.

Effects of dietary thyme and rosemary essential oils on biochemical parameters, anti-oxidant metabolism, small intestinal morphology and myofiber structure of superficial pectoral and biceps femoris muscles in broilers.

This study was aimed at determining the effects of dietary supplementation with thyme essential oil (TEO) and rosemary essential oil (REO) on blood parameters, the anti-oxidant metabolism in the liver, breast and drumstick muscle tissues, the morphology of the small intestine, and the myofibril structure of the superficial pectoral and biceps femoris muscles. For this purpose, 400 three-day-old male Ross 308 chicks were used. Five groups, each comprising 80 broilers, were established. The control group was fed on a basal diet alone and groups thyme-1, thyme-2, rosemary-1 and rosemary-2 received basal diets supplemented with 0.15 g kg-1 of TEO, 0.30 g kg-1 of TEO, 0.10 g kg-1 of REO and 0.20 g kg-1 of REO, respectively. The serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were decreased significantly in group thyme-1. Dietary TEO and REO significantly increased glutathione levels in all tissues. Drumstick catalase activity was significantly increased in groups thyme-1, thyme-2 and rosemary-2. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly increased in the breast muscle of all groups that received dietary TEO and REO. Histomorphometrical analyses demonstrated that dietary supplementation with TEO and REO increased both crypt depth and villus height in the small intestine. In result, the tested doses of dietary TEO and REO were ascertained to improve the intestinal morphology and to increase the anti-oxidant metabolism mainly in the breast muscle, the drumstick muscle and liver.

Особенности строения поверхностной грудной мышцы на 14-е сутки эмбриогенеза у кур пород брама и орловская ситцевая

The micromorphological organization of the superficial pectoral muscle in 14-day-old embryos of Brama chickens (meat direction of productivity) and Orlovskaya sitcevaya (egg direction of productivity) is shown. According to most of the studied indicators characterizing the structure of muscle tissue, such as the thickness (diameter) of muscle fibers, their bundles, perimisium, as well as the total area of muscle tissue, Brama is ahead of the Orlovskaya sitcevaya. The exception is the thickness of the endomysium and the number of muscle fibers in the field of view of the microscope in the superficial pectoral muscle. The study of myogenesis in chickens of meat and egg productivity allows us to form the concept of structural features of the muscles of individual breeds and crosses in separate stages of the development of the organism. The information obtained can be used by breeders in breeding poultry and in assessing the productive qualities of poultry while improving production technologies.

Морфологическая характеристика поверхностной грудной мышцы цыплят- бройлеров кросса «Смена-9» при различных рационах кормления

The article presents the results of studies of the structural features of the superficial pectoral muscle in broiler chickens of the Smena-9 cross with various feeding diets on the 35th day of ontogenesis, carried out within the framework of the thematic plan-tasks for the implementation of research works by state order of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia on the topic: «Development of theoretical foundations and methodology for the practical use of morphological criteria in assessing the quality and safety of poultry products». It is shown that the studied muscle has a typical bundle structure and is differentiated into a muscular and connective tissue component (endomysium and perimysium). Along with this, signs of increased growth processes were revealed against the background of the use of feed additives, which is manifested by an increase in the thickness of muscle fibers and their bundles and an increase in the number of hemocapillaries compared with the control group. A looser packing of muscle bundles with a better development of perimysium and the formation of white adipose tissue in it in representatives of the experimental groups may indicate a potential improvement in the taste qualities of meat compared to the control. The obtained data can be used as morphological criteria for a comprehensive assessment of poultry meat products during commodity and veterinary-sanitary expertise, and are also important for further developments to improve domestic chicken meat crosses

Микроморфология поверхностной грудной мышцы у кур кросса Хайсекс белый на 14-е и 17-е сутки эмбриогенеза

The microstructural characteristics of the muscle tissue of the superficial pectoral muscle in 14 and 17-day-old embryos of Haysex white cross chickens are presented. The described stage of embryogenesis corresponds to the fetal period of embryo development, accompanied by active growth of internal organs while maintaining allantoid respiration. Studies have shown that the thickness of bundles of muscle fibers and perimysium during embryogenesis (from 14 to 17 days) increases while the thickness (diameter) of muscle fibers and the thickness of the endomysium decrease. The area of muscle tissue significantly increases in relation to connective tissue (from 41% to 62%). The results obtained indicate the peculiarities of the formation of skeletal muscles on the 14th and 17th days of embryogenesis in chickens of the egg direction of the productivity of the Haysex white cross, which can be the basis for the formation of a descriptive characteristic of the cross and serve as a criterion for the prognostic assessment of the productive potential of the bird. When conducting scientific research using chickens of various productivity directions, this information can serve as a differential for determining the distinctive features of crosses and breeds in certain periods of embryogenesis for improving breeding and genetic technologies in poultry farming.

Влияние кормовой добавки на основе растительных экстрактов на гематологические показатели и структурное оформление скелетной мускулатуры цыплят-бройлеров

The materials of studies of the effect of the phytobiotic biostimulator «Aferr» (production of SIBAF LLC, Novosibirsk) in the composition of diets on the micromorphological organization of muscle tissue and hematological parameters of broiler chickens of the «Cobb-500» cross are presented. The issues related to changes in biochemical parameters of blood serum and histological structure of muscle fibers of the superficial pectoral muscle of birds reared for 42 days are considered The feed additive used to a certain extent affects the micromorphometric parameters of the skeletal muscles of the studied birds, depending on the dosage used. According to most of the studied parameters characterizing the structure of muscle tissue, such as the thickness (diameter) of muscle fibers, their bundles, perimysium, endomysium, the experimental group receiving a lower dosage was ahead of the control group and the group receiving a higher dosage of phytobiotic. The study showed the ambiguity of the results of the use of phytobiotics in relation to zootechnical indicators, hematology results and in relation to histostructures of the superficial pectoral muscles of the studied groups of birds. The information obtained can be used by specialists in breeding poultry and in assessing the productive qualities of poultry when improving production technologies.

АНАТОМО-ГИСТОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ПАРАМЕТРЫ МЫШЦ ЦЫПЛЯТ-БРОЙЛЕРОВ ПРИ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИИ В РАЦИОНЕ КОРМОВОЙ ДОБАВКИ «МАКСИСОРБ®» С ЦЕЛЬЮ ПРОФИЛАКТИКИ МИКОТОКСИКОЗОВ

The article presents the results of a study of the influence of the MaxiSorb® feed additive on the anatomical and histological parameters of the muscles of broiler chickens with chronic mycotoxicoses. It was found that the feed additive has a beneficial effect on the growth and development of poultry, promotes the growth of muscle tissue in chickens. The parameters of the thickness of muscle fibers and of the bundles of muscle fibers of the quadriceps femoris and superficial pectoral muscles of the experimental groups exceed those of the control groups. The data obtained indicate the expediency of using the MaxiSorb® feed additive in the diet of broiler chickens.

Cannabidiol and Nano-Selenium Increase Microvascularization and Reduce Degenerative Changes in Superficial Breast Muscle in C. perfringens-Infected Chickens

Here, we demonstrated the potential of Cannabis-derived cannabidiol (CBD) and nanosized selenium (nano-Se) for the modulation of microvascularization and muscle fiber lesions in superficial breast muscle in C. perfringens-challenged chickens. The administration of CBD resulted in a decreased number of atrophic fibers (3.13 vs. 1.13/1.5 mm2) compared with the control, whereas nano-Se or both substances resulted in a decreased split fiber number (4.13 vs. 1.55/1.5 mm2) and in a lower number of necrotic myofibers (2.38 vs. 0.69/1.5 mm2) in breast muscle than the positive control. There was a significantly higher number of capillary vessels in chickens in the CBD+Nano-Se group than in the control and positive control groups (1.31 vs. 0.97 and 0.98, respectively). Feeding birds experimental diets lowered the activity of DNA damage repair enzymes, including 3,N4-ethenodeoxycytosine (by 39.6%), 1,N6-ethenodeoxyadenosine (by 37.5%), 8-oxo-guanine (by 36.2%), formamidopyrimidine (fapy)-DNA glycosylase (by 56.2%) and human alkyl adenine DNA glycosylase (by 40.2%) in the ileal mucosa, but it did not compromise the blood mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (-2.67 OD/min on average). These findings indicate a potential link between gut mucosa condition and histopathological changes in superficial pectoral muscle under induced inflammation and show the ameliorative effect of CBD and nano-Se in this cross-talk due to their protection from mucosal DNA damage.

Periosteal reaction-like lesions at the cranial aspect of the humeral diaphysis have a high prevalence in older, large breed dogs and may represent entheses of the superficial pectoral muscles.

Authors have commonly observed lamellar periosteal new bone formation at the cranial aspect of the humeral diaphysis in mediolateral radiographs of the humerus for large breed dogs with no evidence of pain or lameness. The aim of this retrospective, analytical study was to investigate the appearance and prevalence of "humeral periosteal reaction-like lesions" (HPRLL) in dogs and identify any predispositions. Mediolateral radiographs of humeri were evaluated and the presence and extent of "humeral periosteal reaction-like lesions" at the cranial aspect of the humerus were recorded. Macroscopic and histological examination of the humeri were performed for one dog with HPRLL. A total of 2877 mediolateral radiographs of 1727 dogs were included and focal or extended periosteal reaction-like lesions were found in 643 humeri of 387 dogs. Body weight ≥ 30kgand age ≥ 7 years had a statistically significant, positive effect (P<0.001) on the presence of HPRLL. German Shepherd dogs and Rottweilers were overrepresented in the group with HPRLL (P<0.01). At the level of the HPRLL, the enthesis of the superficial pectoral muscles (M. pectoralis descendens and M. pectoralis transversus) to the Crista tuberculi majoris and Crista humeri were macroscopically and histologically identified. The authors propose that higher mechanical loads to the enthesis in large breed dogs may lead to physiological, age-related remodeling processes of the muscular attachment. The finding should not be confused with a pathological condition such as bone neoplasia.

Postvaccinal pyogranulomas in cattle

Clinical History: The carcasses of seven 30-month-old female cows slaughtered in a local abattoir for meat production were totally condemned during meat inspection due to disseminated gross abnormalities. Gross Findings: On internal examination, several skeletal muscles (pectoralis superficialis and profundus, transversus abdominis, diaphragm, obliquus internus abdominis, and rectus abdominis) and random areas of the peritoneal cavity had multifocal to coalescing nodules (1-3 cm in diameter). The nodules were firmly adhered (fibrous adherences) to the adjacent tissues and surface of portions of the forestomach serosa and splenic capsule. On the cut surface of the nodules, there was a central accumulation of a friable and yellow exudate surrounded by a fibrous capsule. No external lesions were seen in any of the cows.

Clove essential oil ( Syzygium aromaticum L.) as a natural preservative to improve the shelf‐life of chicken patties with different degrees of myopathy

The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum L.) (CEO) as a natural antioxidant and possible substitute for the butylated synthetic additive hydroxytoluene in chicken patties with moderate and severe myopathies white striping and wooden breast. The patties were prepared and stored in a refrigerated and exposed to light for 10 days. The meat composition was analyzed and the microstructural properties, lipid oxidation, antioxidant activity ABTS and TPC, instrumental color, diameter reduction, cooking loss, and texture were evaluated. The myopathies did not promote changes in the microstructure of patties. The addition of CEO promoted an antioxidant effect in all treatments by reducing lipid oxidation. There were smaller cooking losses and diameter reduction in chicken patties with severe myopathy after 10 days. The use of CEO showed feasibility when using meat with myopathies in processed chicken patties as a potential substitute for synthetic compounds used in the industry to preserve chicken. Novelty impact statement The demand for fast growing broilers and high carcass yield has caused pathological irregularities in the superficial pectoral muscle known as myopathies (WS and WB), which can reducing the commercial value. The processing explored the use of CEO due to its high antioxidant and antimicrobial power in order to contribute to the preservation and increase of the shelf life of the processed, in addition to adding value to the chicken meat with different degrees of myopathies. The use of CEO feasibility showed when employing chicken meat with myopathies in processed chicken patties. In addition, it can be used as a potential substitute for synthetic compounds commonly used in the industry to preserve meat products.

The g.4290 C>G Polymorphism in the FADS2 Gene Modifies the Fatty Acid Profile of the Pectoralis Superficialis Muscle of Ross 308 Broiler Chickens

Simple SummaryThe fatty acid profile of meat of various species of farm animal determines the health-promoting properties of meat products. Primates, like other mammals, are not able to synthesize essential fatty acids, but can convert essential fatty acids provided with food to long-chain fatty acids with 20 and 22 carbon atoms. Therefore, essential fatty acids supplied in the diet play a huge role in human nutrition, including meat products. The effect of the g.4290 C>G substitution in the FADS2 gene and g.285 C>T in the FABP4 gene on carcass quality, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of the pectoralis superficialis muscle of broiler chickens was analyzed. A significant influence of g.4290 C>G in the FADS2 gene on the pectoralis superficialis muscle fatty acid profile was demonstrated. The studied polymorphism determined the saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as the content of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids important in human nutrition. Polymorphisms in the FADS2 gene locus affect animal fat characteristics and can be used as genetic markers for poultry meat.The effect of the g.4290 C>G substitution in the FADS2 gene and g.285 C>T in the FABP4 gene on carcass quality, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of the pectoralis superficialis muscle of 238 male broiler chickens reared up to 45 days of age was analyzed. A significant influence of g.4290 C>G in the FADS2 gene on the pectoralis superficialis muscle fatty acid profile was demonstrated. Chickens with the GG genotype were characterized by the highest content of conjugated linoleic acid, amino acids, eicosapentaenoic acids, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acids. and the lowest value of the linoleic acid/alpha-linolenic acid ratio. The FABP4 polymorphism determined only the content of C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6 and docosahexaenoic acid. There was no effect of the studied genotypes on final body weight, carcass quality traits, or quality of broiler pectoral muscles.

Physicochemical properties of post laying hen breast meat thawed using various methods

The analysis of the impact of various methods of thawing on the physicochemical properties of post laying hen breast meat (musculus pectoralis superficialis) was studied. The treatments of various methods of thawing include water immersion (with the temperature measured at 20°C), thawing under tap water (water changes with the temperature measured at 30°C) and the water bath method (with the temperature measured at 40°C). The physical properties such as pH, cooking loss, drip loss, Water Holding Capacity (WHC) and hardness were being evaluated. Meanwhile, the chemical properties such as protein and fat content, protein profile and microstructure were being assessed as well. The analysis revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) impacts on the meat quality properties depending on various thawing methods which were being subjected. The practical thawing method is to use water immersion at 20oC, which can be recommended to the public.

Формирование поверхностной грудной мышцы и четырехглавой мышцы бедра у кур мясного направления продуктивности в эмбриогенезе

Morphological and histological characteristics of the quadriceps femoral muscle and the superficial pectoral muscle in chickens of the meat productivity direction (Brama and Smena-8) on the 14th day of embryogenesis are shown. In the studied muscles, muscle fibers were identified, delimited by the endomysium and combined into bundles, between which the perimysium lies. There is no transverse striation in the muscle fibers. In the structure of the skeletal muscles of the Smena-8 cross, the division of muscle fibers into thin and thick is established. During the study, the thickness of muscle fibers and their bundles, as well as the thickness of the endomysium and perimysium were determined. According to all the studied micromorphometric indicators of the quadriceps femoral muscle and the superficial pectoral muscle, the superiority of the Smena-8 cross over the Brama breed was revealed. The presented results indicate the peculiarities of the formation of skeletal muscles on the 14th day of the embryonic period of development of the organism in chickens of the meat productivity direction, which allows using this information in predicting the productive qualities and genetic potential of crosses and breeds involved in breeding work, including in the comparative aspect. In addition, these data expand the concept of histogenesis of skeletal muscles in various representatives of poultry and can be basic in the issues of their assessment by morphological indicators in certain periods of life.