Technological Meat Quality Research Articles

Preslaughter feed withdrawal and sex influences on rabbit physiological response and meat quality

Although preslaughter feed withdrawal is commonly used in the livestock industry to reduce the risk of viscera puncture during evisceration, the optimal feed withdrawal time (FWT) appears to be species dependent and is not yet well defined in rabbits. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of three preslaughter FWTs while considering the effect of sex on physiological response and meat quality of rabbits. Three FWTs (4, 11 and 18 h) were tested using 144 recently weaned Grimaud rabbits fed until they reached an average commercial slaughter live body weight of 2.5±0.2 kg. Rabbits were allocated into 24 cages, with six animals in each cage. Eight cages (four cages for females and four cages for males) were assigned to each of the three FWTs. Blood lactate concentrations measured at exsanguination did not raise concerns related to stress. Female rabbits subjected to 4 h FWT had a higher gastrointestinal tract weight compared to male rabbits and to other females subjected to 11 and 18 h FWT (P=0.04). Stomach content weights were lower after 18 h FWT compared to 4 and 11 h (P=0.002) for both sexes, while caecum weights were not affected by FWT. Caecum pH was higher after 11 and 18 h FWT compared to 4 h (P=0.02). Technological meat quality was not particularly affected by FWT, except for Longissimus lumborum drip loss which was lower for rabbits after 18 h FWT compared to 4 h FWT (P=0.005). With respect to microbiological meat quality, the end of shelf life was reached after 10 days for vacuum-packed hind legs from rabbits after 11 h FWT, as Escherichia coli cell counts for four out of the eight hind legs analysed were higher than 3 Log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/10 g. For the other two FWT groups, the end of shelf life was reached after 15 d, at which point the cell counts for all hind legs were ≥3 Log10 CFU/10 g for E. coli and ≥7 Log10 CFU/g for total aerobic mesophilic and presumptive lactic acid bacteria (the maximum threshold concentrations according to current regulations). Our results demonstrate that when transport (30 min) and lairage (30 min) times are short (1 h in total), an 18-h preslaughter feed withdrawal for both male and female rabbits can allow the gut to empty properly with limited effect on meat quality.

Cold Storage Impacts on Technological and Sensorial Quality Traits of Meat from Broiler Chicken

Technological and sensorial quality of meat from broiler chicken stored at -200C were evaluated. Five treatments each consisting of 12 chicken meat samples; Treatment-1 (T1: fresh un-stored meat) and meat stored for 1 week (T2), 2 weeks (T3), 3 weeks (T4) and 4 weeks (T5). Thaw loss, cooking loss, water holding capacity, thermal shortening were technological qualities while colour, flavor, taste, texture and juiciness were sensorial traits assessed using 9-point hedonic scale.

Partial replacement of soybean with alternative protein sources: Effects on meat quality, sensory attributes, and fatty acids and amino acids content of breast meat of a local chicken strain.

The environmental sustainability of soybean cultivation has been questioned as it has been linked to deforestation, eutrophication, pesticide use, and carbon dioxide footprint. Agri-industrial byproducts and black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal are promising alternative protein sources that can be used to partly replace soybean in broiler diets. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of partial replacement of soybeans with agro-industrial by-products with or without the addition of BSF dried larvae meal on the meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid content, and sensory traits of breast meat of local chickens. A total of 252 one-day-old mixed-sex chicks from the Anadolu-T pure dam line were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 diets; a soybean-based Control diet, a diet in which soybean meal was partly replaced (SPR) with brewers' dried grain, sunflower seed meal, and wheat middlings and an SPR + BSF diet in which 5% of BSF dried larva meal was added to the SPR diet. All birds were slaughtered at a commercial slaughterhouse at 55 days and breast and drumstick muscles were sampled for meat quality analysis from 18 chickens/dietary treatments. No significant effects of diets were observed for the pH24 and lightness, redness, and yellowness of breast and leg meats. Thawing loss significantly decreased and cooking loss increased in the breast meat of chickens fed the SPR + BSF compared with those fed Control and SPR diets. Diets did not affect either texture profile or consumer sensory properties of breast meat. The chickens fed the SPR + BSF had the highest total saturated fatty acid and lower polyunsaturated fatty acid content in breast meat than those fed the Control and SPR diets. The essential and nonessential amino acid content of breast meat decreased by the SPR diet compared with the SPR + BSF diet. The chickens fed SPR + BSF diet had higher values of tasty, aromatic, and umami-related amino acids than those fed SPR and Control diets. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that agri-industrial byproducts with or without BSF larvae meal could be used to partially replace soybean meal in broiler diets without affecting technological meat quality traits. The addition of BSF larvae meal to the diet along with agri-industrial by-products improved the amino acid content of the breast meat of chickens but reduced polyunsaturated fatty acid levels.

Sire breed has a larger impact on sensory and technological meat quality than dam breed in beef-on-dairy heifers reared on forage and semi-natural grasslands

The aim of this study was to evaluate the meat quality of beef-on-dairy heifers from Holstein or Swedish Red-and-White dams sired by Angus or Charolais bulls reared on forage and semi-natural grasslands. Production systems with moderately high and low feeding intensities were compared, where animals grazed for one or two summers and were slaughtered at 20 or 27 months of age, respectively. Meat quality of crossbred heifers from Holstein and Swedish Red-and-White dams was comparable in M. longissimus lumborum (LL) and differed in pH, yellowness and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) in M. semimembranosus (SM) with Swedish Red-and-White being less tough. Compared with LL from Charolais crossbreeds, LL from Angus was redder and had lower WBSF, higher intramuscular fat concentration (IMF%), a more pronounced metallic flavour and a more pronounced umami taste. Meat quality of SM did not differ between Angus and Charolais crossbreeds. Generally, the production system with moderately high feeding intensity resulted in less tough beef that was lighter and less red and had higher IMF%. Consequently, beef from Charolais crossbreeds reared at a low feeding intensity exhibited the poorest meat quality with the lowest IMF% in LL (2.80 and 3.77 % for Holstein and Swedish Red-and-White, respectively). Nevertheless, crossbreeds did not differ in sensory meat quality. Generally, meat quality of beef-on-dairy heifers reared on forage and semi-natural grasslands was high, and while Angus crossbreeds delivered high-quality beef from both feeding intensities, Charolais crossbreeds are better suited for the moderately high feeding intensity, when aiming for high meat quality.

Comprehensive Review on the Role of Plant Protein As a Possible Meat Analogue: Framing the Future of Meat.

Animal proteins from meat and goods derived from meat have recently been one of the primary concerns in the quest for sustainable food production. According to this perspective, there are exciting opportunities to reformulate more sustainably produced meat products that may also have health benefits by partially replacing meat with nonmeat substances high in protein. Considering these pre-existing conditions, this review critically summarizes recent findings on extenders from a variety of sources, including pulses, plant-based ingredients, plant byproducts, and unconventional sources. It views these findings as a valuable opportunity to improve the technological profile and functional quality of meat, with a focus on their ability to affect the sustainability of meat products. As a result, meat substitutes like plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs), meat made from fungi, and cultured meat are being offered to encourage sustainability.

The Quality of Duck Meat from the Perspective of Physical Measurements and Expert Judgment

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between some physicochemical properties and organoleptic assessments of duck meat quality and expert assessment of the general appearance of raw breast and leg muscles. Body, carcass, breast and leg muscle weight were analysed. For both breast and leg muscles the following parameters were recorded: water holding capacity, thermal drip, colour lightness L*, electrical conductivity after 15 minutes and 24 hours post mortem, as well as four traits subject to expert organoleptic evaluation (general appearance, colour, odour and fatness). The dependence was evaluated using the Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression equations (the general appearance was treated as a dependent variable). Three sets of variables were considered as factors influencing the general appearance of the raw breast and leg muscles. First, the influence of jointly selected performance traits and physicochemical properties of meat was analysed. Next, the impact of only the second-mentioned group of discriminants was considered, and then the dependence on other organoleptic attributes. It was shown that for both muscle groups, the following have a significant effect on the general appearance: muscle weight (breast muscle P<0.0001, leg muscle P<0.0001) in the first set, electrical conductivity 15 minutes after slaughter (breast muscle P = 0.023, leg muscle P = 0.042) in the second, and colour (both muscle groups P<0.0001) in the third. Muscle weight, electrical conductivity 15 minutes post mortem and visually assessed colour can be used to make a preliminary assessment of the technological and culinary quality of duck meat. Moreover, measurement with a conductometer is an economical and fast method, possible to carry out in a slaughterhouse.

A Comparison of Fresh and Frozen Lamb Meat-Differences in Technological Meat Quality and Sensory Attributes.

Simple SummaryFreezing is used to extend the storage time of meat and is common practice in lamb meat production, since it maintains a steady supply of seasonal meat throughout the year and allows shipping over long distances. Fresh meat may also be purchased and frozen at home, to enable longer storage of the product before consumption. Freezing is the best preservation method, apart from chilling of fresh meat. However, differences in quality parameters between fresh and frozen meat may influence consumer choice and preferences. It is thus important to evaluate these differences, and how they are affected by conditions and animal handling during primary production, slaughter method and storage conditions before retail sale. This study examined the effect of freezing on technological meat quality and sensory attributes in lamb meat samples collected at two different slaughterhouses using different slaughter methods. Several differences between fresh and frozen-thawed meat were detected in terms of technological meat quality and sensory attributes, including colour, Warner-Bratzler shear force, cooking loss, flavour attributes and juicy texture.Technological meat quality and sensory attributes of fresh and frozen lamb meat were compared. Samples were collected from two abattoirs (one small-scale, one large-scale) that use different slaughter methods in terms of chilling regime and electrical stimulation. The fresh and frozen meat samples included products from both slaughter systems. Ten twin pairs of ram lambs were used in the study, with one of each twin slaughtered at each abattoir. Fresh meat was analysed after chilling and frozen meat was stored frozen for three months and analysed after thawing. The Musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum was analysed for colour, cooking loss, sensory attributes, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and distribution of water and lipid within each meat sample. Meat samples analysed after frozen storage were darker, less red and more yellow than the fresh meat. Freezing and frozen storage increased fluid loss and WBSF compared with the fresh meat, due to protein denaturation. Frozen storage affected sensory attributes by increasing fatty odour, frying flavour, sour flavour, fatty flavour and liver flavour, and by reducing juicy texture and mushy texture.

Effect of Dietary Enrichment with Flaxseed, Vitamin E and Selenium, and of Market Class on the Broiler Breast Meat-Part 2: Technological and Sensorial Traits.

The influence of diet enrichment with flaxseed, selenium and vitamin E, and market class on breast meat was investigated in terms of technological and sensorial quality of breast meat. A randomized complete block design with an experimental unit of n = 6000 broilers receiving a standard or enriched diet, and slaughtered at 37 (light class), 47 (medium class), or 57 (heavy class) days of life, was developed. Then, enriched and standard breast muscles from every market class were studied for their technological and sensorial traits—both at 24 h post-mortem and after one month of frozen storage—by a statistical multiple linear model. Redness and yellowness of muscles significantly (p < 0.05) increased and decreased with increasing market age. Moreover, the yellowness significantly (p < 0.05) raised after frozen storage. However, obtained data were always indicative of a normal meat color. The water holding capacity improved following fed enrichment and significantly (p < 0.05) worsened after frozen storage. For the sensory analysis, juiciness and chewing rest of meat resulted significantly (p < 0.05) improved with increasing slaughtering age and diet enrichment, as well as their mutual interaction, while they deteriorated after frozen storage. Overall, fresh and enriched muscles from heavy broilers had the best technological and sensorial traits, thus, confirming that market size and diet should be highly considered to obtain breast meat with greater consumer acceptance.

Effects of Dietary Rapeseed and Camelina Seed Cakes on Physical-Technological Properties of Goose Meat.

Simple SummaryThe diets fed to geese traditionally contain more forages and less concentrates, but there are many reasons, including veterinarian and environmental restrictions when intensive rearing should be adopted. It is also important to use different cheaper feed resources for geese, and one of these could be by-products of oil production such as rapeseed and camelina cakes. The present study was aimed at assessing the effects of rapeseed cake and camelina seed cake supplements on the physical and technological attributes of goose meat quality. The oil seed cake-supplemented diets did not reveal any differences in goose meat colour; however, it demonstrated the effects on moisture loss and on texture parameters determined by the texture profile analysis.The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of commercial diet supplemented with rapeseed and camelina seed cakes on the physical and technological attributes of goose meat quality. The breast and thigh muscles from thirty geese of both sexes of the Lithuanian native breed Vištinės fed the diet containing either rapeseed cake (group 1) or camelina cake (group 2) at the age of 13 weeks were used for the evaluation of physical and technological attributes. The diet did not affect the colour of goose meat; however, females showed higher (p < 0.05) values of breast yellowness (b*) and hue angle (h). The camelina group demonstrated higher (p < 0.001) cooking losses of breast and thigh muscles and also higher (p < 0.05) EZ drip loss and thawing loss of thigh muscles compared with the rapeseed group. Females had higher (p < 0.05) cooking loss of the breast, whereas males had higher (p < 0.05) cooking loss of the thigh. The growth rate of geese and their slaughter time showed an effect (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) on pH of thigh muscles. Higher (p < 0.01) hardness of the breast muscle in the camelina group compared with the rapeseed group was detected by the texture profile analysis (TPA) as well as other parameters such as cohesiveness and gumminess, chewiness. Despite some differences in technological meat quality attributes, the quality of goose meat produced with diet supplementation of 10% of rapeseed cake and camelina seed cake can be considered as suitable.

Effects of dietary sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) oil and medicinal plant powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, and breast meat quality of colored broiler chickens raised in Vietnam.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing dietary soybean oil (SBO) with sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) oil (SIO) supplemented or not with medicinal plant powder (MP, 60% cinnamon twig, and 40% star anise fruits) on broiler performance, carcass traits, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) content of breast meat. A total of 288 Ho × Luong Phuong broiler chickens (age and average body weight: 6weeks old and 877 ± 13.4g) were equally divided into three groups (6 replicates of 16 birds each), balanced by BW and sex. Each group was randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments: a 2% SBO diet (CON), a 2% SIO diet (SI), and a diet supplemented with 2% SIO and 1% MP (SIM). The experiment lasted for 70days. Broiler performance, carcass traits, and technological meat quality were not affected by the diets (P > 0.05). However, colored broiler chickens fed the SIM diet had increased empty gizzard percentage (P < 0.05) compared to those fed the CON diet. Especially, the n-3 PUFA content of breast meat from broiler chickens fed diets containing SIO was higher than those of birds fed CON diet (P < 0.01). A significant decrease in cholesterol content was observed (P < 0.01) in broilers fed SIM diet compared to those fed CON diet. In conclusion, replacing 2% SBO with 2% SIO and 1% MP supplementation in broiler diets increased n-3 PUFA content and decreased cholesterol content in breast meat, without negative effects on bird performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Therefore, a combination of SIO and MP can be used as an effective strategy to ameliorate the meat quality of finishing broiler chickens by enhancing n-3 PUFA content and reducing the cholesterol content of breast meat.

Morphological Parameters And Assessment Of The Technological, Organoleptic And Nutritional Quality Of Giant African Snails Flesh Meat Harvested In South Benin

The snail meat is very appreciated by the Beninese population, however, its quality is not under control. This study aims to evaluate the morphological characteristics, technological, organoleptic and nutritional quality of snail meat marketed for consumption. For this purpose, 120 giant African snails ( Archachatina marginata , Archachatina ventricosa and Achatina fulica ) per species were purchased in the markets of Southern Benin and their morphology and the flesh quality were assessed. SAS software was used for statistical analyses. he results that there was a significant difference in the flesh’s yield (p<0.001) with the highest value obtained for Archachatina marginata . Achatina fulica and Archachatina ventricose had the highest shell proportions (p <0.01). Regarding technological quality, a difference (p <0.001) in pH values was observed at one hour and 24 hours after slaughter in the flesh. As for the organoleptic quality, the sensory tenderness was better in the flesh of Achatina fulica. The flesh of Archachatina ventricosa had better juiciness. The flesh of Achatina fulica lost more water during cooking than the flesh of other species. The physicochemical and nutritional quality had little variation between species. From these results, we can conclude that, on the one hand, Archachatina marginata had a good yield and, on the other hand, the flesh of Archachatina ventricosa and Archachatina marginata were more tender than that of Achatina fulica and also Archachatina ventricosa was juicier so the conservation of its flesh would be easy.

Technological and Sensory Quality and Microbiological Safety of RIR Chicken Breast Meat Marinated with Fermented Milk Products.

Simple SummaryThe use of meat from hens after the end of the laying period is limited due to their inferior sensory properties compared to the meat of young slaughter birds, mainly due to the age of the hens. Therefore, we are looking for effective methods of softening the meat of laying hens after the end of the annual laying use. One way to reduce the hardness of hen meat after the laying period is to marinate it with fermented milk products. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of marinating with buttermilk and sour milk on the quality of Rhode Island Red (RIR) hen meat after the first year of laying use. In the conducted research, it was found that marinating hen meat after the first year of laying with fermented milk products has a beneficial effect on the characteristics of raw and roasted meat. Roasted hen meat was characterised by a brighter colour, lower hardness, and better microbiological quality, and had greater overall acceptability. The obtained results allow us to conclude that marinating hen meat with fermented milk products creates new opportunities and prospects for the culinary use of the meat of RIR hens after one year of laying use.The aim of the study was to determine the effect of marinating with fermented milk products (buttermilk and sour milk) on the physical characteristics, microbiological quality, and sensory acceptability of Rhode Island Red (RIR) hen meat after the first year of laying use. The hen breast meat was marinated with fermented dairy products, buttermilk and sour milk, by the immersion method for 12 h at 4 °C. The assessed features included the quality of raw and roasted marinated and non-marinated meat in terms of physical characteristics (marinade absorption, water absorption, pH, L*, a*, b* colour, shear strength, texture profile analysis (TPA) test), microbiological parameters, and sensory characteristics. Bacteria were identified by the mass spectrometry method (MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper). Marinating meat with fermented dairy products lightened the colour, decreased the value of shear force, reduced hardness and chewiness, and limited the growth of aerobic bacteria and Pseudomonas spp. Additionally, after heat treatment, the number of identified aerobic bacteria families in the marinated in buttermilk and marinated in sour milk groups was smaller than in the non-marinated muscle group. The sensory evaluation showed a beneficial effect of marinating with buttermilk and sour milk on the tenderness, juiciness, and colour of roasted meat.

Applications of Biosensors for Meat Quality Evaluations.

The aim of this study was to apply biosensors in the assessment of meat quality. The research was carried out on 20 samples of the Longissimus muscle obtained from pork of Polish Landrace and Polish Large White hybrids of fattening pigs. In the samples, 48 h after slaughter pH values, color parameters in the CIE system (L* a* b*), the volume of natural drip loss and intramuscular fat content were measured. The commercially available biosensor Accutrend Plus was used to measure glucose, triglycerides and lactic acid in meat juice. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) relationships between glucose, triglycerides, lactic acid levels and pork quality characteristics, i.e., pH (r = −0.62; r = −0.78; r = −0.68 respectively), natural drip loss and (r = 0.57; r = 0.58; r = 0.49), color parameters as L*, a* and b* (r = from 0.47 to 0.79) were demonstrated. The study showed a negative correlation between the intramuscular fat content and acidification of muscle tissue (r = −0.49), and a positive one with the brightness of color (r = 0.46). The results of the canonical analysis show that the measurement of all three metabolites in muscle juice allows the evaluation of the technological quality of meat with an accuracy of 86.54% (Rc = 0.93, p < 0.01).

Improving quality of meat and meat products subject to behaviors of crossbred rams

The paper presents the results of a study to explore the influence of different behaviors of rams bred by crossing the Prekos and the Edilbay breeds on the technological properties and quality of meat and meat products. It was found that the meat from rams of the first, strong, type of behavior has the best technological properties and got a high tasting rating – excellent quality. Meat processing has kept the brand, the best quality product “Pressed Boiled Lamb” is also produced from the meat of rams coming under a strong type of behavior.

A Comparison of Two Different Slaughter Systems for Lambs. Effects on Carcass Characteristics, Technological Meat Quality and Sensory Attributes.

Simple SummarySlaughter systems for lambs can differ in many ways, as they are optimised to meet site-specific conditions, and may affect carcasses differently. It is therefore important to assess whether different slaughter systems affect meat quality parameters such as colour and tenderness, which are important meat quality factors from a consumer perspective when buying a meat product. This study investigated whether two slaughter systems differing in stunning method, electrical stimulation of carcasses and chilling regime resulted in differences in quality attributes in meat from intact male lambs. It also examined whether breeding for carcasses with a higher incidence of lean muscle and less fat content has affected tenderness scores for Icelandic lambs over time. The results showed that the two slaughter systems tested did not affect meat quality parameters to any large extent. Further analysis showed an increase in mechanical tenderness values in meat samples from the Icelandic lamb population over time, which could be due to selective breeding for carcasses with higher muscle and less fat content.Two slaughter systems for lambs and their effects on meat quality in terms of texture, colour and sensory attributes were compared. The slaughter systems differed in methods for controlling rigor mortis and carcass chilling. One slaughter system (large-scale) used electrical stimulation and fast chilling of carcasses, while the other system (small-scale) did not use electrical stimulation and applied slower chilling, with carcass temperature decreasing over a longer period after slaughter. Ten pairs of ram lamb twins were selected, and one of each pair was slaughtered at the large-scale abattoir and the other at the small-scale abattoir. Carcass weight, conformation, fatness, pH and temperature were recorded. Musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum was analysed for colour, cooking loss, Warner–Bratzler shear force and sensory attributes. For meat quality attributes, the only differences were found in meat colour L* (lightness; p = 0.0073), sensory attribute “appearance colour” (p = 0.0089) and “fatty flavour” (p = 0.0554). Meat from the small-scale abattoir was darker in colour and had a more fatty flavour than the meat from the large-scale abattoir. For sensory attributes (apart from colour), no significant differences were found between the two abattoir systems.

Effects of gender and slaughter age on meat quality of Anatolian water buffaloes.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of slaughter age and gender on specific carcass and technological meat quality characteristics in Anatolian water buffaloes. The study was conducted on 55 water buffaloes using a 2 × 2 factorial design with two independent variables at two levels. Gender subgroups of male (n = 29) and female (n = 26) and slaughter age subgroups of younger than 2years of age (n = 29) and older than 2years of age (n = 26) were evaluated. Hot carcass and cold carcass weights were higher in old water buffaloes than young ones (P < 0.001). The skin weight of old buffaloes was also higher than young buffaloes (P < 0.01). Drip loss, expressed juice, and Warner Bratzler (WB) shear force values of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles were not influenced by age group and gender of buffaloes. The lightness (L*) and hue (H*) values were higher in young buffaloes than old animals (P < 0.001). The meat of male buffaloes had lower redness (a*) and chroma (C*) values than that of female buffaloes. The current results indicated that female water buffalo could also be used for meat production away from negative impressions on the meat quality of female water buffalo.

The analysis of selected physical and technological parameters of pork quality depending on intesity of the pigs growth in fattening

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-30 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.71-74 The experiment was conducted to compare the differences in the physical and technological quality of pork meat with different growth intensity. The pigs were divided in accordance with the average daily gain values as followed: a) the fast-growing group (R1&gt; AGD + 0.5 SD), b) the medium-fast-growing group (R2= AGD ± 0.5 SD) and c) slow-growing group (R3&lt; AGD - 0.5 SD). For group of gilts, we found a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in the drip loss value between the fast-growing group and the medium-growing group and the fast-growing group compared to the slow-growing group of gilts. Between the fast-growing group and the medium-growing group, as well as between the fast-growing group and the slow-growing group of gilts, the differences in shear force value were statistically highly significant at the level of P ≤ 0.01. At the same time, in the colour of meat in redness              (a* value) were found statistically significant differences between groups of barrows according to the growth rate at the level of P ≤ 0.05 and between fast and slow-growing gilts at the level of P ≤ 0.01 and medium and slow-growing gilts at the level of P ≤ 0.05. In addition, in the meat yellowness (b*) we also determined a statistically highly significant difference at the level of P ≤ 0.01 between the fastest-growing group and medium fast-growing barrows and a significant difference at the level of P ≤ 0.05 between the fast and slow-growing group of gilts. Keywords: fattening pigs, growth intensity in pig, pork quality References Brocks, L. et al. (1998). Histochemical characteristics in relation to meat quality properties in the Longissimus lumborum of fast and lean growing lines of Large White pigs. Meat Science , 50(4), 411–420. DOI: 10.1016/s0309-1740(98)00053-9 Correa, J.A. et al. 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Rabbit as sustainable meat source: carcass traits and technological quality of meat and of mechanically deboned meat

This study aimed to characterize rabbit carcass traits, meat quality, and mechanically deboned meat (MDRM) from New Zealand × Botucatu crossbred rabbits to determine the potential use by the meat industry. Average yields of the carcass (52.46%) and retail hind leg (33.88%), foreleg (15.51%), loin (11.63%), and back (39.83%) cuts were assessed, with total meat-to-bone ratio of 1.65. The meat proximate composition and technological characteristics pH, water retention capacity, and total collagen were similar to meat of commonly market species. Rabbit meat color was light (L* = 65.93) and with a low shade of red (C * = 19.24 and h = 52.79 °) due to the low content of heme pigments (19.89 µg acid hematin/g). The obtained MDRM met the levels of protein and fat required by Brazilian legislation, but a high calcium content (1.45% dry basis). It can be concluded that rabbits represent a viable unconventional meat resource with high potential for use in processing. In addition to raw meat, MDRM can also be obtained to be used as a meat ingredient in industrial products.

Evaluation of Technological and Organoleptic Quality of Meat of Muscovy Duck from South-Benin

Evaluation of Technological and Organoleptic Quality of Meat of Muscovy Duck from South-Benin

Technological and nutritional properties of meat from female wild boars (Sus scrofa scrofa L.) of different carcass weights.

The aim of this work was to assess the technological and nutritional quality of meat from female wild boars. The muscle samples – Musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and Musculus semimembranosus (SM) – were taken from a total of 40 female wild boar after a hunt. Carcasses were allocated to five groups according to weight (group I – kg; group II – kg; group III – kg; group IV – kg; group V – kg). Studies that have been carried out have shown that technological and nutritional properties of meat from wild boars depend on the mass of carcasses and the type of muscle. The pH of analyzed wild boar meat proved that there was normal glycolysis and glycogenolysis progress in all groups. The water holding capacity (WHC) of SM muscles from the lowest-weight carcasses was significantly () lower as compared to the heavier carcasses. There were significant differences () in the shear force of the LTL muscle between groups I, IV and V. The muscles cut from carcasses of a higher mass represent higher values of this parameter. The higher-mass carcasses were characterized by a darker color, which resulted from the higher concentration of myoglobin. The protein concentration increased with carcass weight. A similar effect of carcass weight on the content of intramuscular fat (IMF) was found. Due to the low calorie content, the meat of young wild boar may be an interesting and attractive component of the diet.