Legume Fingerprinting through Lipid Composition: Utilizing GC/MS with Multivariate Statistics

This study presents a tentative analysis of the lipid composition of 47 legume samples, encompassing species such as Phaseolus spp., Vicia spp., Pisum spp., and Lathyrus spp. Lipid extraction and GC/MS (gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection) analysis were conducted, followed by multivariate statistical methods for data interpretation. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed two major clusters, distinguishing beans and snap beans (Phaseolus spp.) from faba beans (Vicia faba), peas (Pisum sativum), and grass peas (Lathyrus sativus). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) yielded 2D and 3D score plots, effectively discriminating legume species. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) achieved a 100% accurate classification of the training set and a 90% accuracy of the test set. The lipid-based fingerprinting elucidated compounds crucial for discrimination. Both PCA and LDA biplots highlighted squalene and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) of 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (C18:3) and 5,11,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid (C20:4) as influential in the clustering of beans and snap beans. Unique compounds, including 13-docosenoic acid (C22:1) and γ-tocopherol, O-methyl-, characterized grass pea samples. Faba bean samples were discriminated by FAMEs of heneicosanoic acid (C21:0) and oxiraneoctanoic acid, 3-octyl- (C18-ox). However, C18-ox was also found in pea samples, but in significantly lower amounts. This research demonstrates the efficacy of lipid analysis coupled with multivariate statistics for accurate differentiation and classification of legumes, according to their botanical origins.

Cut yield and meat quality of brown eggshell laying hens housed in an alternative system and submitted to different feeding volumes

The aim was to evaluate the effect of different feeding volumes on the cut yield and meat quality of brown eggshell laying hens strain Embrapa 051 (E051) during the laying cycle, reared in an alternative system and slaughtered at 73 weeks, with reference to the lineage Lohmann Brown (LB). 600 hens E051 and 200 hens LB were used in an entirely randomized experimental design totalizing 5 replicates with 40 birds each. The treatments were: Control (LB fed with 100% of their dietary requirements), E051 fed with 93% of the control diet, E051 fed with 100% of the control diet, and E051 fed with 107% of the control diet. Birds were supplemented daily with 30g of ground grasses. Different feeding volumes did not alter the physicochemical quality of the meat and the cut yield. Body and cold carcass weight were greater in the E051 fed with 107% of the reference feed compared to the LB or the E051 fed with 7% less than the control diet. Yellow color intensity was greater in the E051 than in LB. The results demonstrated that, at the end of their productive cycle, the E051 without a restricted diet presents good carcass characteristics and potential for industrialized development.

Role of Clove and Tulsi on broiler health and meat production

The role of Clove (Cv) and Tulsi (Ts) supplementation on broiler growth performance and gut health as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters has already been established. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the role of Cv and Ts on the serum biochemical profile and meat quality traits in broilers. A total of sixty (60) one-day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four homogenous groups (15 birds per group). They were then fed Cv powder and Ts extract from day (d) 8 to d 28 with drinking water i.e. zero level of Cv or Ts (T0), 0.5% Cv + 2% Ts (T1), 1.0% Cv + 3% Ts (T2), 1.5% Cv + 4% Ts (T3). Blood and meat samples were collected on d 14, 21, and 28 to analyze the serum-biochemical profile and meat quality. Supplementation of Cv and Ts improved serum-biochemical profile by reducing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels in broilers. However, they did not affect the serum protein levels while the 0.5-1% Cv and 2-3% Ts supplemented groups had higher glucose levels on d 21. Production of breast and thigh meat increased with increased size, and density of myofibers while fed 0.5-1% Cv and 2-3% Ts. On the contrary, 1.5% Cv powder and 4% Ts extract supplementation improved thigh meat color, breast and thigh meat pH as well as the water-holding capacity. The current study findings suggest that Cv and Ts can be used in combination to improve broiler health, production, and meat quality.

Effects of Different Rearing Systems on Lueyang Black-Bone Chickens: Meat Quality, Amino Acid Composition, and Breast Muscle Transcriptome

The quality of poultry products depends on genotype, rearing system, and environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different rearing systems on meat quality, amino acid composition, and breast muscle transcriptome from Lueyang black-bone chickens. Lueyang black-bone chickens (n = 900) were randomly divided into three groups (cage, flat-net, and free-range groups), with three replicates per group (100 chickens per replicate). At 16 weeks, a total of 36 healthy chickens (six males and six females per group) were collected, and their breast muscles were sampled to detect meat quality parameters, amino acid composition, and fatty acid contents. Furthermore, breast muscles from six random hens in each group were used for RNA-seq analysis. The results revealed that the values of pH, shear force, inosine monophosphate (IMP), palmitic acid, and linoleic acid in the free-range group were significantly higher than those in the caged group (p < 0.05). Fat content in the free-range group was significantly lower than in the caged and flat-net groups (p < 0.05). Glutamate (Glu) levels, the amino acid crucial for the umami taste, was significantly higher in the free-range group than in the caged group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference between the free-range and flat-net groups (p > 0.05). The breast muscle transcriptome results showed that there were 291, 131, and 387 differently expressed genes (DEGs) among the three comparison groups (caged vs. free-range, flat-net vs. caged, and flat-net vs. free-range, respectively) that were mainly related to muscle development and amino acid metabolism pathways. To validate the accuracy of the transcriptome data, eight genes (GOS2, ASNS, NMRK2, GADL1, SMTNL2, SLC7A5, AMPD1, and GLUL) which relate to fat deposition, skeletal muscle function, and flavor formation were selected for Real-time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) verification. In conclusion, these results suggested that rearing systems significantly influenced the meat quality and gene expression of Lueyang black-bone chickens. All the data proved that free-range and flat-net systems may provide better flavor to consumers by affecting the deposition of flavor substances and the expression of related genes. These findings will provide a valuable theoretical basis for the rearing system selection in the poultry industry.

Data Mining as a Tool to Infer Chicken Carcass and Meat Cut Quality from Autochthonous Genotypes

The present research aims to develop a carcass quality characterization methodology for minority chicken populations. The clustering patterns described across local chicken genotypes by the meat cuts from the carcass were evaluated via a comprehensive meta-analysis of ninety-one research documents published over the last 20 years. These documents characterized the meat quality of native chicken breeds. After the evaluation of their contents, thirty-nine variables were identified. Variables were sorted into eight clusters as follows; weight-related traits, water-holding capacity, colour-related traits, histological properties, texture-related traits, pH, content of flavour-related nucleotides, and gross nutrients. Multicollinearity analyses (VIF ≤ 5) were run to discard redundancies. Chicken sex, firmness, chewiness, L* meat 72 h post-mortem, a* meat 72 h post-mortem, b* meat 72 h post-mortem, and pH 72 h post-mortem were deemed redundant and discarded from the study. Data-mining chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID)-based algorithms were used to develop a decision-tree-validated tool. Certain variables such as carcass/cut weight, pH, carcass yield, slaughter age, protein, cold weight, and L* meat reported a high explanatory potential. These outcomes act as a reference guide to be followed when designing studies of carcass quality-related traits in local native breeds and market commercialization strategies.

Diversity and Prevalence of Ectoparasites on Poultry from Open Environment Farms in the Western-United States of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California

Open-environment poultry farms that allow chickens to forage outdoors are becoming increasingly common throughout the United States and Europe; however, there is little information regarding the diversity and prevalence of ectoparasites in these farming systems. Eight to 25 birds were captured and surveyed for ectoparasites on each of 17 farms across the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California. Among the farms sampled, six louse species (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera & Amblycera) and two parasitic mite species (Acari: Mesostigmata) were collected and identified: Goniodes gigas (Taschenberg, 1879; Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) on one farm, Menacathus cornutus (Schömmer, 1913; Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) on one farm, Menopon gallinae (Linnaeus, 1758; Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) on six farms, Lipeurus caponis (Linnaeus, 1758; Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) on five farms, Menacanthus stramineus (Nitzsch, 1818; Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) on nine farms, Goniocotes gallinae De Geer (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) on 11 farms, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778; Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae) on two farms, and Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1877; Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae) on one farm. The diversity of ectoparasites on these open environment poultry farms highlights a need for additional research on ectoparasite prevalence and intensity in these poultry farming systems.

Effects of Photoperiod on the Performance, Blood Profile, Welfare Parameters, and Carcass Characteristics in Broiler Chickens

We studied the effects of photoperiods on the growth performance, blood profile, welfare parameters, and carcass characteristics of broilers. A total of 336 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 4 treatments (84 birds per treatment with 4 replicates), based on the following lighting regimen: 24 h continuous light (24L), 18 h continuous light (18L:6D), 8 h continuous light (8L:16D), and intermittent light (4L:2D). Body weight and feed intake of 7- and 35-day-old broilers were measured. At 5 weeks of age, 12 birds per treatment were selected for blood collection and carcass analysis. Body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake were the lowest in the 8L:16D treatment (p < 0.05). The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, interleukin-6, and corticosterone levels in the 24L treatment increased significantly when compared to that in the 18L:6D treatment (p < 0.05). The footpad dermatitis score was significantly lower in the 18L:6D and 8L:16D treatments than in the 24L and 4L:2D treatments (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the carcass and meat characteristics, except for the shear force of breast meat (Pectoralis major), which was the lowest in the 8L:16D treatment (p < 0.05). These results indicate that a photoperiod of 18 h resulted in an improvement in the performance and welfare of birds and a simultaneous decrease in stress level. However, further research is needed to establish a lighting regimen that satisfies both the productivity and welfare requirements of broilers in different feeding phases.

Biomolecules, Fatty Acids, Meat Quality, and Growth Performance of Slow-Growing Chickens in an Organic Raising System

This study was to determine the effect of the organic raising system (OR) on growth performance, meat quality, and physicochemical properties of slow-growing chickens. Three hundred and sixty (one-day-old) Korat chickens (KRC) were randomly assigned to control (CO) and OR groups. The groups comprised six replicates of thirty chickens each. The chickens were housed in indoor pens (5 birds/m2), wherein those in OR had free access to Ruzi pasture (1 bird/4 m2) from d 21 to d 84 of age. In the CO group, chickens were fed with a mixed feed derived from commercial feedstuffs, while those in the OR group were fed with mixed feed derived from organic feedstuffs. The results revealed a lower feed intake (p < 0.0001) and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.004) in the OR. The OR increased total collagen, protein, shear force, color of skin and meat, and decreased abdominal fat (p < 0.05). The OR improved fatty acid with increased DHA, n-3 PUFA, and decreased the ratio of n-6 to n-3 PUFA in KRC meat (p < 0.05). The synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and correlation loading analyses confirmed these results. In conclusion, our results proved that OR could improve growth performance and meat quality and suggested the raising system be adopted commercially. In addition, the observed differences in biochemical molecules could also serve as markers for monitoring meat quality.

Carcass Yields and Meat Composition of Male and Female Italian Slow-Growing Chicken Breeds: Bianca di Saluzzo and Bionda Piemontese

Simple Summary

Bionda Piemontese and Bianca di Saluzzo are two slow growing breeds from northwest Italy, specifically from the Piedmont region. Their low input requirements make them suitable in organic and free-range rearing contexts for both meat and egg production. This research, part of a conservation program for these two breeds, aims to define the meat properties and qualitative attributes of these two breeds, comparing them at different slaughter ages in order to identify the most profitable slaughter period. The results show significant benefits associated with slaughtering at 7 months of age, which outperformed the shorter rearing periods in terms of both better slaughter performances and meat properties.

Abstract

The slaughter performance and meat quality of two native Italian chicken breeds, Bionda Piemontese (BP, n = 64) and Bianca di Saluzzo (BS, n = 64), were investigated. Two-way ANOVA, considering breed, sex, and their interaction, was used to compare the properties of birds slaughtered at 5, 6, 7, and 8 months of age. Subsequently, data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Duncan test to evaluate the differences between slaughter ages. The BP breed produced a better carcass yield than BS at 5, 7, and 8 months of age (p < 0.05). Breast moisture and crude protein contents were influenced by gender, and were higher in males than in females (p < 0.05). By contrast, the crude fat content was higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). The saturated fatty acid content of breast meat increased as the birds aged in both breeds (p < 0.05). The polyunsaturated fatty acid content of both breast and thigh meat was higher in males than in females (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). In general, slaughtering at 7 months was associated with the best slaughter and meat quality characteristics in both breeds. Moreover, from a nutritional point of view, the characteristics of the meat from male birds were preferable to those of meat from females.

Effect of Breed and Diet on Carcass Parameters and Meat Quality of Spent Hens

Two spent hen breeds (Mos and Isa Brown) fed with three different diets [commercial feeding (CF); corn, pea, and triticale (CPT); and corn and wheat (CW)] were studied to assess their laying performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality parameters (breast and drumstick). A total of 48 hens reared in a traditional free-range system were used. Birds were slaughtered at 72 weeks of age after the moulting in an accredited abattoir, and measurements (for each bird) of carcass and meat started at 24 h post-mortem. The results demonstrated a breed and diet effect (P<0.05) on laying performance, carcass, and meat quality. The Mos breed showed lower laying performance, higher live weight (P<0.001), carcass weight (P<0.001), dressing percentage (P<0.001), and carcass fat (P<0.001) than Isa Brown. The breed also affected physicochemical parameters of drumstick and breast (P<0.05). Concerning the diet effect, spent hens fed with commercial feeding showed heavier live weight (P<0.01) and carcass weight (P<0.01). Diet significantly affected most of meat quality parameters, CPT being the formulation that most affected (P<0.05) drumstick composition, while in the breast was CF (P<0.001). Significant (P≤0.005) effects on breast colour, cooking loss and hardness were observed in animals fed with alternative diets to CF. Regarding nutritional quality, no breed or diet effect (P<0.05) was observed in MUFA s, PUFA s and n-6 contents of meat. Overall, both breeds showed a high protein and low-fat content in the breast, showing these hens as an opportunity for the development of meat products as well as an economic purpose for spent hens that reach the end of their productive lives.

Correlations among Ultrasonographic, Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Pectoralis Major Muscles in Turkeys Reared in a Sustainable Farming System

Simple Summary

One of the challenges of the contemporary poultry industry is to obtain reliable information on meat quality throughout the entire production cycle. Previous studies have shown that computerized analysis of the ultrasonographic images in live birds is a promising method to predict certain characteristics of skeletal muscles. In the present study, the left pectoralis major muscle was scanned just before slaughter in forty-five meat-type turkeys reared in an organic farm. Physicochemical and sensory attributes of the pectoral muscles were determined after slaughter using validated laboratory and analytical methods. There were several significant correlations among ultrasonographic image attributes and physical/sensory characteristics of pectoralis major muscles in the turkeys of the present study, but the moisture content was the only chemical trait associated with ultrasound images. The strongest overall correlation was between pixel heterogeneity obtained in the muscles examined in an oblique plane and aroma. The occurrence and strength of quantitative correlations among ultrasound image characteristics in situ and post-mortem traits of turkeys’ breast are clearly affected by a scanning plane. Computerized analysis of pectoral muscle ultrasonograms provides information on several characteristics that are indicative of meat quality and hence could be potentially used in commercial settings and breed development programs.

Abstract

This study set out to examine associations among echotextural, physicochemical and sensory attributes of the pectoralis major muscles in 17-week-old organic turkeys (B.U.T. Big-6) varying in the amount of wheat and oat grain in daily feed rations (Group C: complete feed only; Group Exp1: 5–30% of wheat and 0–20% of oat; and Group Exp2: 5–50% of wheat and 0–50% of oat; n = 15 turkeys/group). Digital ultrasonograms of the left pectoral muscle in four different planes (longitudinal-L, transverse-T, and two oblique planes-O1 and O2) were obtained with a 5.0-MHz linear-array transducer just before slaughter. Mean numerical pixel intensity (MPI) and pixel heterogeneity (MPH) of the muscle parenchyma were computed using the ImageProPlus^® analytical software. Ten significant correlations between echotextural attributes and various meat characteristics were recorded in Group C, one in Group Exp1, and eight in Group Exp2. When data were pooled for all birds studied, there were twelve significant correlations (p < 0.05); all but one correlation (between MPH and moisture) were for physical and sensory characteristics of meat samples. Computer-assisted analysis is a potential method to determine moisture as well as physical (e.g., coloration) and sensory (e.g., aroma) characteristics of pectoralis major muscles in organic turkeys.

Evaluation of the Production Performance and the Meat Quality of Chickens Reared in Organic System. As Affected by the Inclusion of Calliphora sp. in the Diet

The use of insects can be a possible source of protein. This study uses Calliphora sp. larvae (CLM) as a protein source in 320 one-day-old medium-growing male chicks (RedBro) during their first month of life. Chickens were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. Each group consisted of 10 animals, and a total of 8 replicas. Control group was fed with a certified organic feed. The experimental treatments were supplemented with 5% (T2), 10% (T3), or 15% (T4) of CLM, reducing in each case the corresponding percentage of feed quantity. Productive development and meat quality were analyzed, and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used as a tool for classifying the samples. Chickens of T4 showed greater final body weight and total average daily gain, but they reduced consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The chicken breast meat of T4 had lower cooking losses and higher palmitoleic acid content (p < 0.01). NIRS classified correct 92.4% of samples according to the food received. CLM is presented as a potential ingredient for the diet of medium-slow growing chickens raised in organic systems.

Impact of different chicken meat production systems on consumers' purchase perception

1. The objective of this study was to evaluate specific sensory attributes of chicken meat from different production systems to evaluate the emotional responses related to information available on the packages, as well as to investigate consumers' perceptions regarding this information.2. The survey was conducted using the Temporal Dominance of Sensations analysis, which identified differences in taste and texture between samples belonging to the organic, conventional and natural systems.3. The specific emotional lexicon for chicken meat, defined by the consumers through the EmoSemio questionnaire, provided a list of positive emotions for packages that indicated some type of information about the rearing or feeding system.4. The qualitative data obtained using the Attitude Questionnaire demonstrated that packaging and labelling are not self-explanatory, posing more doubts for the consumer at the time of purchase. It was shown that packaging and labelling were extrinsic attributes that influenced the evaluation and acceptability of products. Besides that, consumers were interested in buying products that attest to animal welfare, provided that the price is attractive.5. Poultry companies can have a greater chance of making their products more attractive if they learn more about the attitude and expectations of the consumer in relation to the products, as well as the importance of the animal welfare attributes that are communicated.

Research progress on inosine monophosphate deposition mechanism in chicken muscle

With the continuous improvements in human diet, there is an ever-increasing demand for high-quality chicken, so it is particularly important for poultry breeders to carry out the breeding of high-quality broilers in a timely fashion. Inosine monophosphate (IMP) is a flavor-enhancing substance, which plays a critical role in the umami taste of the muscle, making the content of IMP an important umami taste indicator. Currently, research on the deposition mechanism of IMP in chicken is not only necessary for chicken breeders to promote the production of high-quality meat and poultry but also to meet the human demand for chicken meat. In this paper, the research history of IMP, its structure and taste mechanisms, the pathway and influencing factors of de novo IMP synthesis, and the key genes regulating IMP synthesis and metabolism are briefly summarized. Our aim was to lay a theoretical foundation and provide scientific background and research directions for further research on high-quality broiler breeding.

Effects of different rearing systems on intramuscular fat content, fatty acid composition, and lipid metabolism-related genes expression in breast and thigh muscles of Nonghua ducks

Rearing system is a critical nongenetic factor influencing meat quality of ducks. In this study, a total of 360 birds were randomly allocated into floor rearing system (FRS) and net rearing system (NRS) to compare their effects on intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition, fatty acid composition, and related gene expression in muscles of Nonghua ducks. Sawdust bedding and stainless mesh bed were equipped in FRS and NRS, respectively. At the eighth week (8w) and 13th week (13w), the breast and thigh muscles of ducks were collected to determine the profiles of lipids composition and the expressions of lipid metabolism-related genes. The IMF content was higher in 13w-FRS than 8w-FRS and 8w-NRS in breast muscle, whereas it was higher in 13w-NRS than other groups in thigh muscle (P < 0.05). C16:1, C20:5(n-3) of muscles were higher in 8w-NRS than 8w-FRS, whereas C18:1(n-9)c, C18:2(n-6)c, Ʃ monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and ƩMUFA/Ʃsaturated fatty acid (SFA) ratio of muscles were higher in 13w-NRS than 8w-FRS and 8w-NRS (P < 0.05). C22:6(n-3), C20:4(n-6) of breast muscle and C20:3(n-6) of thigh muscle were higher in 13w-NRS than 13w-FRS (P < 0.05). Fatty acids variation was studied by principal component analysis, exhibiting extensive positive loadings on principal components. SREBP1, ACADL, and FABP3 were downregulated in breast muscle, whereas PPARα and ELOVL5 were upregulated in thigh muscle of NRS ducks at 13w. Principal components were extensively correlated with lipids composition parameters, and principal components of breast muscle 1 and principal components of thigh muscle 1 were correlated with SREBP1 and PPARα, respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, with increasing age, FRS enhanced IMF deposition in breast muscle, and the same promotion in thigh muscle was because of NRS. The variation of fatty acids in muscles was uniform, and the change of single fatty acid was unable to distinguish NRS and FRS. However, as NRS downregulated SREBP1, ACADL and FABP3 in breast muscle and upregulated PPARα and ELOVL5 in thigh muscle, NRS could improve nutrient value and meat quality by increasing ƩMUFA, ƩMUFA/ƩSFA ratio, and important PUFA levels. Therefore, NRS was more recommended than FRS for Nonghua ducks during week 8 to 13 posthatching.

Lipid Assessment, Cholesterol and Fatty Acid Profile of meat from broilers raised in four different rearing systems

Evaluated lipid and cholesterol concentration and fatty acid profile of raw breast, thigh and drumstick meat from broilers raised in different rearing systems. Were used 200 male broiler carcasses from four different rearing systems (n=50 from conventional intensive; n=50 from organic; n=50 from free-range; and n=50 from antibiotic-free) distributed in a completely randomized design with four rearing systems and 50 replications (carcasses). Breast meat from conventional broilers showed higher lipid (1.47) and cholesterol (34.13) concentration. Thigh and drumstick meat from free-range broilers had higher lipid (7.53/4.73) and cholesterol (45.55/53.65) concentration. Fat contained in breast, thigh and drumstick meat from free-range broilers showed higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fat from breast and thigh meat from free-range broilers showed higher total concentration of ω3 and ω6 fatty acids. Fat from thigh meat from organic broilers showed higher levels of EPA (C20:5n3) and DHA (C22:6n3). Fat from drumstick meat from free-range broilers showed higher total concentration of ω3 and ω6 fatty acids. Meat from chickens raised in alternative rearing systems offers less risk to cardiovascular health because it presents lower concentrations of lipids and cholesterol, greater amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for human health.

Comparison of the quality characteristics of chicken breast meat from conventional and animal welfare farms under refrigerated storage

In this study, we aimed to investigate the meat quality characteristics, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant activity during refrigerated storage of breast meat of Arbor Acres broilers (carcass weight: 1.1 kg, raised for 35 D) obtained from a conventional farm (BCF, n = 30) and an animal welfare farm (BAF, n = 30) in Korea. The BCF and BAF did not differ in their proximate composition, color, water-holding capacity, creatine, creatinine, and carnosine contents. However, the shear force value was significantly higher in BAF than in BCF (P < 0.05). The 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels in BCF on days 7 and 9 were significantly higher than those in BAF (P < 0.001). During storage, the total volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) content of BAF was significantly lower, except on day 1. The fatty acid composition of samples was not affected by the storage period, however, saturated fatty acid and unsaturated fatty acid contents did differ among the types of farm systems (P < 0.05). Although the creatine, creatinine, and carnosine contents in BAF and BCF did not differ significantly, the carnosine and creatinine contents decreased with the increase in storage period (P < 0.05). The anserine content of BAF was significantly higher than that of BCF throughout storage. Superoxide dismutase activity was not affected by the type of farm system but was affected by storage period. Overall, BAF showed lower pH, microorganism, TBARS, and VBN values, and higher anserine contents than BCF. These findings can serve as reference data for the evaluation of chicken meat quality of broilers raised in animal welfare farm and conventional farm.

Meat Quality of Commercial Chickens Reared in Different Production Systems: Industrial, Range and Organic

Meat is an important part of the human diet since it provides several nutrients. However, the amount of these nutrients can differ according to several factors. With this in mind, the present research was designed with the main objective of evaluating the effect of production system of broiler chickens (industrial, range and organic) on meat quality. The physicochemical, chemical and nutritional characteristics were determined in breast and drumstick meat. The organic chickens presented the lowest amounts of fat and cholesterol and the highest amounts of protein. The colour was also influenced by the production system, where organic and range chickens had the highest values of redness in both cuts (breast and drumstick). In addition, the content of essential fatty acids (C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3) and other fatty acids with high biological importance, such as eicosapentanoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3), docosapentanoic acid (DPA; C22:5n-3) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA; C22:6n-3) were higher in organic samples compared to industrial or range chickens. The amino acids content did not vary with the production system. With regard to mineral contents, organic chickens had the highest values of iron in drumstick and significantly lower values of magnesium in both cuts than industrial chickens. On the whole, the meat of the organic chickens showed better nutritional characteristics than those produced in range or industrial conditions.

Wine grape pomace flour in broiler diets effects growth and some meat characteristics

Context Grape pomace maybe useful in broiler diets as a source of low cost antioxidants. Aims The objective of this work was to determine the effect of including high concentrations of wine-grape pomace flour (WGPF) in broiler chicken diets on productive parameters and antioxidant capacity of the meat. Methods WGPF of white (WGPF-W) and red (WGPF-R) grape varieties were nutritionally and chemically characterised. Then, 120 broiler chickens were allocated to three isoenergetic and isoproteic feeding treatments: 0% WGPF (Control), 20% WGPF-W and 20% WGPF-R. Key results WGPF-W had no effect on bodyweight, daily weight gain, feed intake or feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, FCR was higher for WGPF-R treatment at the end of the study (Day 42). Meanwhile, breast meat from WGPF-R treatment had the highest content of ether extract (P &lt; 0,05), followed by WGPF-W and by control treatment, due to the addition of higher amounts of soy oil to those diets with WGPF to ensure an isoenergetic composition. Breast and leg meat, respectively, showed greater antioxidant capacity (µM Trolox Eq/g) when WGPF-W (16.7 and 16.4) was fed, than the antioxidant capacity obtained for control (13.8 and 13.8) and WGPF-R (11.9 and 14.2) treatments. Conclusions Inclusion of 20% of WGPF-W increased antioxidant capacity of chicken meat by 17%, without decreasing productive parameters, provided the diets were made isoenergetic and isoproteic by adding soy oil. Implications The grape pomace flour could be useful in the diet of other animals.

Applications of Microbiome Analyses in Alternative Poultry Broiler Production Systems

While most of the focus on poultry microbiome research has been directed toward conventional poultry production, there is increasing interest in characterizing microbial populations originating from alternative or non-conventional poultry production. This is in part due to the growing general popularity in locally produced foods and more specifically the attractiveness of free-range or pasture raised poultry. Most of the focus of microbiome characterization in pasture flock birds has been on live bird production, primarily on the gastrointestinal tract. Interest in environmental impacts on production responses and management strategies have been key factors for comparative microbiome studies. This has important ramifications since these birds are not only raised under different conditions, but the grower cycle can be longer and in some cases slower growing breeds used. The impact of different feed additives is also of interest with some microbiome-based studies having examined the effect of feeding these additives to birds grown under pasture flock conditions. In the future, microbiome research approaches offer unique opportunities to develop better live bird management strategies and design optimal feed additive approaches for pasture flock poultry production systems.

Completion task to uncover consumer's perception: a case study using distinct types of hen's eggs

The choice and consumption of eggs are made considering a consumers' multidimensional perception, and their understanding becomes essential to the production targeting and the products' success in the market. In this context, this work aimed to verify the consumers' perception about the distinct types of hens' eggs, using a projective technique of completion task combined with presentation of images. A hundred consumers (n = 100) evaluated the main factors, both positive and negative, involved at the purchase time of eggs besides estimating their price. Between the positive factors that guide the eggs' consumption and purchase, the category with highest mention of terms was "Health," whereas negatively it was highlighted the category "Price." Concerning the perception of price, the results showed that the factory farm white eggs' value was the one that least differed from the average market price, possibly due to the nearness and familiarity with this variety. The methodology of completion task combined with presentation of images proved as being a practical and efficient tool to capture the consumers' perception of eggs, capable of providing valuable information to the ones involved in the production chain and commercialization of these products.

Preparation of fish waste silage and its effect on the growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal with fish-waste silage (FWS) in diets on growth performance and meat quality in broiler chickens. Fish waste (FW) was fermented with molasses and Lactobacillus plantarum and Aspergillus oryzae for 15 days. A total of 240 day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were used in a 42-day experiment in which the birds were randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments (containing 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g kg-1 FWS) in a completely randomized design.

RESULTS

Results indicated that the fermentation process significantly reduced pH and ether extract, but it increased crude protein content and lactic acid bacteria count in FW. The use of FWS significantly improved daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broilers. The amount of thiobarbiturate-reducing substances and lipid content in chicken's meat fed diet containing FWS was significantly lower than in the group fed a control diet.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the microbial fermentation process is effective in improving nutritive values of FW. Feeding up to 120 g kg-1 FWS also improves the performance and meat quality of birds and can be used as a suitable protein source in broiler chickens' diet. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Framework for life cycle assessment of livestock production systems to account for the nutritional quality of final products

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is widely regarded as a useful tool for comparing the environmental impacts of multiple livestock production systems. While LCA results are typically communicated in the form of environmental burdens per mass unit of the end product, it is increasingly becoming recognized that the product quality also needs to be accounted for to truly understand the value of a farming system to society. To date, a number of studies have examined environmental consequences of different food consumption patterns at the diet level; however, few have addressed nutritional variations of a single commodity attributable to production systems, leaving limited insight into how on-farm practices can be improved to better balance environment and human nutrition. Using data from seven livestock production systems encompassing cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry, this paper proposes a novel framework to incorporate nutritional value of meat products into livestock LCA. The results of quantitative case studies demonstrate that relative emissions intensities associated with different systems can be dramatically altered when the nutrient content of meat replaces the mass of meat as the functional unit, with cattle systems outperforming pig and poultry systems in some cases. This finding suggests that the performance of livestock systems should be evaluated under a whole supply chain approach, whereby end products originating from different farm management strategies are treated as competing but separate commodities.

Growth performance, blood parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality traits in Potchefstroom Koekoek chickens fed Lippia javanica leaf meal

Lippia javanica leaves may have nutraceutical bioactivity and thus could be a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry diets. To test this hypothesis, a feeding trial was carried out to determine the effects of dietary inclusion of Lippia javanica leaf meal (LJ) on growth performance, blood parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality of indigenous Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK) chickens. The leaf meal was used to dilute a commercial chicken grower diet at a rate of 25 or 50 g/kg diet. Two additional experimental diets, a positive control (commercial chicken grower diet with antibiotics, CON+) and a negative control (commercial chicken grower diet without antibiotics, CON-), were also formulated. Feed intake and growth performance were measured over a period of 13 weeks before slaughtering for carcass and meat quality measurements. Blood was collected in week 11 to determine haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Diet had no effect on overall FCE but significantly (P < 0.05) affected bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), sodium, potassium, cholesterol and magnesium levels in blood. When included at 50 g/kg, LJ increased carcass weight (P < 0.05). Meat from CON- (6.07) and LJ50 (6.08) chickens had a higher pH than from CON+ (5.9) and LJ25 (5.8) chickens. Breast muscle in CON- chickens had higher (P < 0.05) lightness (L*) value (53.2) compared to chickens fed on other diets. It was observed that meat from LJ25 chickens had the highest for redness value (2.3). It was concluded that L. javanica leaf meal can be included up to 50 g/kg in Potchefstroom koekoek chicken diets without causing negative effects on the birds' feed intake, utilisation and weight gain. Diet-induced changes observed in blood parameters and meat quality fell within the expected normal ranges for indigenous chickens.

Influence of swimming time in alleviating the deleterious effects of hot summer on growing Muscovy duck performance

This experiment was conducted to observe the effects of varying swimming times (ST) of Muscovy ducks, raised in an open-sided house, in alleviating the deleterious effects of high temperature in hotter times of the day in the summer season on growth performance (body weight, average daily gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio), carcass characteristics, body temperature, and some health aspects. We hypothesized that swimming times during the hottest periods of the day would show different performances. To test this hypothesis a total of 180 Muscovy ducklings were randomly distributed into 4 equal groups in a completely randomized design experiment. All groups were raised under similar housing conditions. Birds of the first group (C) were raised in the indoor system and had no access to a swimming pond. While all birds of the second, third, and fourth groups (T1, T2, and T3) had access to a swimming pond during 10:00 to 12:00 h, 12:00 to 14:00 h, and 14:00 to 16:00 h, respectively. The swimming pond (dimensions of 30 m length × 10 m width × 3 m depth with cement floor) was located in the front of the house. Vaccination and medical programs were undertaken according to the different ages under supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The obtained results indicated that swimming during 12:00 to 14:00 h improved (P < 0.05) growth performance, dressed carcass, meat tenderness, lymphocyte, heterophils/lymphocytes ratio, body temperature, and mortality rate of Muscovy ducks. However, bone measurement, plumage conditions, foot pad dermatitis, hock discoloration, breast blisters score, and blood hematocrit values were insignificantly better in the group with access to the swimming pond during 12:00 to 14:00 h. In conclusion, raising ducks during hot conditions in an open-sided house with access to a swimming pond at 12:00 to 14:00 h is highly recommended due to the high BW, better immunity, decreased mortality rate, and low body temperature of ducks which was positively reflected in the health condition.

Effects of aging on characteristics of breast meat from free-range broiler hens at 12 or 70 weeks of age

We evaluated the effect of broiler age and aging process on the meat characteristics of breast fillets from female free-range broilers slaughtered at 12 weeks of age (Wk12) and 70 weeks of age (Wk70). We used breast meat from female ISA Label (n = 60) broilers. Ten samples of each broiler age were aged in an incubator (2°C ± 0.5°C) for 3 and 7 days. Ten samples for each broiler age were analysed 4 h post-slaughter (Control group). Compared with breast meat from Wk12, breast meat from Wk70 showed higher shear force (30.52 N vs 27.19; P = 0.0322) and total collagen (4.33 g/kg vs 3.77 g/kg; P = 0.0149), which were reduced during aging to 15.49 N and 3.92 mg/100 g, respectively. The aging process did not affect the lipid oxidation of breast meat from Wk70. After aging for 3 days, breast meat from Wk70 had similar protein and fat contents to those of meat from Wk12 (21.29% and 1.04%, on average, respectively). Breast meat from Wk70 also showed lower concentrations of docosahexaenoic (0.32% vs 0.65%; P < 0.0001) and eicosapentaenoic (0.01% vs 0.12%; P < 0.0001) fatty acids than meat from Wk12. The use of free-range hen meat is beneficial to the industry because of the lower storage and cooking losses, which may influence the final yield, besides its lower polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration, which makes it less vulnerable to rancidification. Aging for at least 3 days at 2°C is satisfactory to promote the tenderisation of meat from free-range broiler hens.

Effect of freezing on the quality of meat from broilers raised in different rearing systems

We evaluated the effect of freezing (−18°C) for 12 months on the qualitative characteristics of breast, thigh and drumstick meat. Samples from male Cobb 500 broilers raised in antibiotic-free (n = 125), conventional (n = 125) and organic (n = 125) rearing systems and samples from male Hubbard ISA broilers raised in a free-range (n = 125) rearing system were used. Among the studied systems, up to the ninth month of freezing, the organic chicken breast meat showed lower (P < 0.001) water activity (aw) (0.966, on average). After 12 months of freezing, samples of antibiotic-free and organic poultry showed a pH value similar to that of fresh meat (5.94 and 5.86, respectively). Freezing for 12 months preserved the redness of drumstick meat from conventional broilers (a* = 4.86, on average) and the rearing system did not influence the aw of drumstick meat during the entire experimental period. Freezing preserved the aw of conventional and organic chicken meat samples until the ninth month of evaluation (0.978 and 0.974, respectively). Lipid oxidation in the breast, thigh and drumstick samples from the four rearing systems increased (P < 0.001) from the third month of freezing onwards. There were variations in colour, pH, aw and lipid oxidation of chicken meat among birds raised in different rearing systems. Freezing chicken meat did not prevent colour and pH changes or occurrence of lipid oxidation and did not promote a reduction of aw to levels unfavourable to microbiological development.

Game meat authentication through rare earth elements fingerprinting

Accurate labelling of meat (e.g. wild versus farmed, geographical and genetic origin, organic versus conventional, processing treatment) is important to inform the consumers about the products they buy. Meat and meat products declared as game have higher commercial value making them target to fraudulent labelling practices and replacement with non-game meat. We have developed and validated a new method for authentication of wild rabbit meat using elemental metabolomics approach. Elemental analysis was performed using rapid ultra-trace multi-element measurement by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Elemental signatures showed excellent ability to discriminate the wild rabbit from non-wild rabbit meat. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of metabolic markers -rare earth signatures, as well as other trace element signatures for game meat authentication.

Effects of ovariectomy on body measurements, carcass composition, and meat quality of Huainan chickens

This study investigated the effects of ovariectomy on body measurements, carcass composition, meat quality, and steroid hormone concentrations of Huainan female chickens. The left ovaries of healthy Huainan chickens were surgically or sham removed at 7 weeks of age. Two slaughters were performed at 14 and 23 weeks of age. In each slaughter, 15 control, sham-operated, and ovariectomised chickens were used, respectively. The ovariectomised group had higher (P < 0.05) body length, keel length, body depth, and weight gain than the other two groups at 14 weeks of age. Ovariectomy increased bodyweight at 14 and 23 weeks of age. However, dressing percentage, breast muscle yield, and leg muscle yield were not affected by ovariectomy. Compared with intact and sham-operated chickens, ovariectomised chickens had higher shear force values at 23 weeks of age and higher redness values (a*) at 14 and 23 weeks of age in breast meat. Moreover, ovariectomy decreased and increased serum concentrations of oestradiol and testosterone, respectively. Therefore, ovariectomy increased bodyweight, altered breast meat quality by increasing redness values, and increased body size and growth rates during the early stage, with no effects on carcass composition yield in female chickens.

Influence of dietary replacement of sunflower oil with milk thistle (Silybum marianum) oil on chicken meat quality and antioxidant status of liver

The research focused on the effects of dietary replacement of 3% sunflower oil (SO group) with 3% milk thistle oil (MTO group) on the technological quality of meat, such as pH value, colour (CIE L*, CIE a*, CIE b*), drip loss (%), shear force (N), and cooking loss (%), as well as on the content of fatty acid lipids in broiler breast and thigh muscles. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was determined for pHi, pHu, CIE a*, CIE b* values between groups, although the values for the stated indicators were within the standard range. Lipids of breast meat of the MTO group contained more arachidic acid (P < 0.001), octadecenoic acid isomer B (P = 0.047) and eicosatrienoic acid (P = 0.041), and less α-linolenic acid (P < 0.001) and Σn-3PUFA. Lipids of thigh meat of the MTO group contained more ΣSFA, myristoleic acid, eicosatrienoic acid (P < 0.05) and eicosenoic acid (P < 0.001), and less α-linolenic acid, and had narrower Σn-3/n-6 PUFA ratio than the SO group. According to the antioxidant status of broiler liver, there was significantly higher catalase activity determined in the MTO group.

Compositional Signatures of Conventional, Free Range, and Organic Pork Meat Using Fingerprint Techniques

Consumers’ interest in the way meat is produced is increasing in Europe. The resulting free range and organic meat products retail at a higher price, but are difficult to differentiate from their counterparts. To ascertain authenticity and prevent fraud, relevant markers need to be identified and new analytical methodology developed. The objective of this pilot study was to characterize pork belly meats of different animal welfare classes by their fatty acid (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester—FAME), non-volatile compound (electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry—ESI-MS/MS), and volatile compound (proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry—PTR-MS) fingerprints. Well-defined pork belly meat samples (13 conventional, 15 free range, and 13 organic) originating from the Netherlands were subjected to analysis. Fingerprints appeared to be specific for the three categories, and resulted in 100%, 95.3%, and 95.3% correct identity predictions of training set samples for FAME, ESI-MS/MS, and PTR-MS respectively and slightly lower scores for the validation set. Organic meat was also well discriminated from the other two categories with 100% success rates for the training set for all three analytical approaches. Ten out of 25 FAs showed significant differences in abundance between organic meat and the other categories, free range meat differed significantly for 6 out of the 25 FAs. Overall, FAME fingerprinting presented highest discrimination power.