Chemical Composition of the "Galo de Barcelos" (Barcelos Rooster Raw Meat)

Animals (Basel). 2022 Jun 16;12(12):1556. doi: 10.3390/ani12121556.

Abstract

Ten roosters produced according to "Barcelos Confraria" rules and ten roosters of autochthonous "Amarela" breed, reared on a similar traditional production system, were analyzed, and the chemical profile of two of the most significant meat portions, breast and drumstick, was determined. The results demonstrated that the "Barcelos" rooster raw meat is rich in proteins (22.3%) and fat (4.31%), particularly in monounsaturated fatty acids (39.1%). Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were observed, with the breast having a higher protein content (25.1 vs. 19.7%) and less fat (1.9% vs. 6.7%), compared to the drumstick. The fatty acid profile revealed (SFA 30.0%, MUFA 39.1%, and PUFA 24.6%) a similar composition to the roosters reared in the traditional or organic production systems, such as the "Amarela" autochthonous rooster. The "Barcelos" rooster can be regarded as a highly nutritional meat, with an interesting chemical profile ensuring a high-quality traditional product to consumers.

Keywords: chemical; controlled production; genotype; meat quality; “Barcelos” rooster.

Grants and funding

This research was due to FCT/MCT for the financial support for CISAS and LAQV-REQUIMTE (UIDB/50006/2020) through national founds and, where applicable, co-financed by the FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement.