Effects of dietary enrichment with n-3 fatty acids on the quality of raw and processed breast meat of high and low growth rate chickens

Br Poult Sci. 2013;54(2):190-8. doi: 10.1080/00071668.2013.775695.

Abstract

1. The enrichment of raw poultry meat with n-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) has been investigated in detail, particularly in high growth rate genotype standard broiler chickens, whereas low growth rate genotype Label Rouge chickens have received less attention. With the increased development of processed poultry products, it is necessary to ensure that the nutritional and sensory quality of meat enriched with n-3 FA is not affected by processing. 2. Two experiments were undertaken for this purpose. In the first experiment, 696 male Ross 708 chickens were reared under standard conditions, and in the second, 750 male JA 657 chickens were reared under Label Rouge conditions. All birds received the same starting and growing diets containing palm and soya oils in each experiment. Birds were distributed into three groups from 21 or 57 d of age for standard and Label Rouge chickens, respectively, and given a control, linseed oil or extruded linseed diet. Diets were also supplemented with vitamin E (100-200 mg/kg). Birds were slaughtered at 56 or 84 d of age for standard and Label Rouge chickens, respectively. A total amount of 60 kg of breast meat from each group was processed into white cured-cooked meat. 3. The dietary treatment had no effect on the growth performance of chickens or meat yield. The use of extruded linseed or linseed oil only decreased the carcass fatness of the standard chickens but had no effect on the carcass fatness of Label Rouge chickens. The nutritional quality of raw and cured-cooked meat was improved (increased concentration of n-3 FA), whereas the technological quality of the meat (pH, juice loss after cold storage, susceptibility to oxidation, colour, processing yield and shear force value) and sensory quality of the processed products were not or slightly affected. 4. Linked to lower breast yield, to lower lipid content in breast meat and to higher slaughter age, Label Rouge chickens seemed to be less efficient for n-3 FA deposition in breast muscles than standard chickens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Chickens / genetics
  • Chickens / growth & development
  • Chickens / physiology*
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Dietary Supplements / analysis
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Flax / chemistry*
  • France
  • Linseed Oil / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Meat / analysis*
  • Pectoralis Muscles / physiology
  • Vitamin E / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Vitamin E
  • Linseed Oil