• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.701-710
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• 2019

Objective: This study investigated the effect of different acute heat stress (HS) levels on chicken meat quality and ultra-structure. Methods: Chickens were randomly divided into 7 groups to receive different HS treatments: i) $36^{\circ}C$ for 1 h, ii) $36^{\circ}C$ for 2 h, iii) $38^{\circ}C$ for 1 h, iv) $38^{\circ}C$ for 2 h, v) $40^{\circ}C$ for 1 h, vi) $40^{\circ}C$ for 2 h, and vii) un-stressed control group ($25^{\circ}C$). Blood cortisol level, breasts initial temperature, color, pH, water holding capacity (WHC), protein solubility and ultra-structure were analyzed. Results: HS temperatures had significant effects on breast meat temperature, lightness ($L^*$), redness ($a^*$), cooking loss and protein solubility (p<0.05). The HS at $36^{\circ}C$ increased $L^*{_{24h}}$ value (p<0.01) and increased the cooking loss (p<0.05), but decreased $a^*{_{24h}}$ value (p<0.05). However, as the temperature increased to $38^{\circ}C$ and $40^{\circ}C$, all the values of $L^*{_{24h}}$, cooking loss and protein denaturation level decreased, and the differences disappeared compared to control group (p>0.05). Only the ultimate $pH_{24h}$ at $40^{\circ}C$ decreased compared to the control group (p<0.01). The pH in $36^{\circ}C$ group declined greater than other heat-stressed group in the first hour postmortem, which contributed breast muscle protein degeneration combining with high body temperature, and these variations reflected on poor meat quality parameters. The muscle fiber integrity level in group $40^{\circ}C$ was much better than those in $36^{\circ}C$ with the denatured position mainly focused on the interval of muscle fibers which probably contributes WHC and light reflection. Conclusion: HS at higher temperature (above $38^{\circ}C$) before slaughter did not always lead to more pale and lower WHC breast meat. Breast meat quality parameters had a regression trend as HS temperature raised from $36^{\circ}C$. The interval of muscle fibers at 24 h postmortem and greater pH decline rate with high body temperature in early postmortem period could be a reasonable explanation for the variation of meat quality parameters.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to detect expression of genes related to egg production in Taiwan Country chickens by suppression subtractive hybridization. Liver samples of mRNA extraction from two Taiwan Country chicken strains (L2 and B), originated from the same population but with very distinct egg production rates after long-term selection for egg and meat production respectively. Two-way subtraction was performed. The hepatic cDNA from the low egg production chickens (B) was subtracted from the hepatic cDNA from the high egg production strain (L2). The reversed subtraction (L2 from B) was also performed. The resulting differentially expressed gene fragments were cloned and sequenced. We sequenced 288 clones from the forward subtraction and 96 clones from the reverse subtraction. These genes were subjected to further screening to confirm the differential expression between the two genetic breeds of chickens. The apolipoprotein B (apoB) was expressed to a greater extent in the liver of the L2 than in the B line chickens. The 5-aminoimidazole- 4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/IMP cyclohydrolase (PURH) was expressed to a greater extent in the liver of the B than in the L2 strain chickens. We demonstrated that both apoB and PURH were more highly expressed in the liver than that in other tissues (muscle, ovary, and oviduct) in laying Taiwan Country chickens. Taken together, these data suggest that after the selection for egg production, expression of apoB and PURH genes were also changed. Whether the changed expression of these genes is directly related to egg production is not known, but these two genes may be useful markers for egg laying performance in Taiwan Country chickens.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.845-851
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• 2012

To elucidate the relationship between the arachidonic acid (AA) content and the taste of broiler meat, the effects of AA-enriched oil (AAO) supplements on the fatty acid content and sensory perceptions of thigh meat were evaluated. Four types of oil, including corn oil (CO), a 1:1 mixture of AAO and palm oil (PO) (1/2 AAO), a 1:3 mixture of AAO and PO (1/4 AAO), and a 1:7 mixture of AAO and PO (1/8 AAO) were prepared. Each type of oil was mixed with silicate at a ratio of 7:3, and added to the diet at a final proportion of 5% of fresh matter. Broiler chickens were fed these diets for 1 wk before slaughter. In thigh meat, the AA content of the 1/2 and 1/4 AAO groups was significantly higher than that of the CO group. The AA content in thigh meat (y, mg/g) increased linearly with increasing dietary AAO content (x, g/100 g of diet), according to the equation y = 0.5674+0.4596x ($r^2$ = 0.8454). The content of other fatty acids was not significantly different among the 4 diet groups. Sensory evaluation showed that the flavor intensity, umami (L-glutamate taste), kokumi (continuity, mouthfulness, and thickness), and aftertaste of the 1/2 and 1/4 AAO groups were significantly higher than that of the CO group. There were significant positive correlations between AA content in thigh meat and the flavor intensity, total taste intensity, umami, and aftertaste. These data suggest that the taste of broiler meat can be improved by the amount of dietary AA supplementation.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2016

This study was conducted to observe the association between antioxidant enzyme activity, free iron content and lipid oxidation of Korean native chicken (KNC) meat during refrigerated storage. Four lines of KNC (Yeonsan ogye, Hyunin black, Hoengseong yakdak and Hwangbong) were raised under similar conditions. A total of 16 roosters were randomly sampled and slaughtered at the age of 12 mon. The breast and thigh meats were stored aerobically for 10 d at 4℃. Although thigh meat had higher antioxidant enzyme activity, it was more susceptible to lipid oxidation and released more iron during storage than breast meat. Aerobic refrigerated storage for 10 d significantly decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and increased the amount of free iron and malondialdehyde. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were negatively correlated with lipid oxidation, whereas that of catalase was not. The amount of free iron was positively associated with lipid oxidation. We concluded that chicken line did not affect strongly on antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid oxidation in breast meat of KNC. However, the thigh meat of Hwangbong and Hyunin black had higher SOD and GSH-Px activity, respectively, and lower malondialdehyde contents than that of other chickens. SOD, GSH-Px and free iron play significant roles in meat lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the composition of the fatty acids in the breast meat of Red-brown Korean native chickens (KNC-R). This study used a total sample of three hundred eighty-two KNC-R (males: 190, females: 192). We used the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) method to extract the fatty acids. A 2-way ANOVA of the R program was used to assess the effects of batch and sex on each fatty acid trait. Analysis of the fatty acid in the sampled population showed that the predominant fatty acid was oleic acid (C18:1; 28.252%) which is monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), followed by palmitic acid (C16:0; 20.895%), saturated fatty acid (SFA), and two omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs): linoleic (C18:2; 15.975%), and arachidonic (C20:4; 10.541%). Indices used to evaluate the nutritional quality of fat in the diet: ratio between PUFAs and SFAs (P/S), thrombogenicity index (TI), and atherogenicity index (AI) were calculated and were 0.959, 0.814, and 0.355, respectively. Currently, meat consumers need healthier fatty acids. Therefore, information on the content of fatty acid in chicken meat is very important for meat consumers in choosing the type of the meat to be consumed.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.255-265
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• 2008

The objective of this study was to evaluate the docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) levels of meats and eggs from chickens which were fed fermented soybean meal(FSM) by marine microalgae(Schizochytrium mangrovei MM103). The diets contained different amounts of FSM at 0, 3, 5 and 10%. DHA content of carcass was increased with dietary FSM. DHA amounts in the breast meat were higher in the 10% FSM diet(2.21%) than the 5%(1.65%) and 3%(1.18%) FSM, and similar results were observed in the leg meat(10% FSM: 2.21%; 5% FSM: 1.65%; and 3% FSM: 1.18%, respectively) and in eggs(10% FSM: 2.02%; 5% FSM: 1.22%; and 3% FSM: 0.73%). The level of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA(22:6n-3) in the FSM treatment was significantly higher than those of the other groups(P<0.05). The results demonstrated that FSM by marine microalgae could be used to enhance DHA amounts in chicken meats and eggs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.1616-1623
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• 2008

This study was conducted to determine the effect of hot environment and dietary crude protein level (CP) on performance, carcass characteristics, meat visual quality, muscle chemical composition and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of tissues in broilers. Two hundred and sixteen 21-d old Arbor Acre broilers were used in a $4\times3$ factorial arrangement and randomly reared in 4 environmental chambers and fed on 3 diets with different CP levels for 3 weeks. The results showed: (1) when air temperature (AT) rose to $33^{\circ}C$, average daily feed intake, average daily gain, carcass weight, right breast meat weight, left thigh and drumstick meat weight decreased (p<0.05) and feed conversion rate decreased (p<0.05), but the ratio of carcass to live weight and of left thigh and drumstick meat weight to carcass weight increased (p<0.05). (2) There were significant differences in pH and shear force in breast meat, and shear force, L* and a* in thigh meat (p<0.01 or 0.05) among hot environments. Dietary CP level tended to affect breast meat pH and pH and L* of thigh meat (p<0.06 or 0.09). Compared to the normal temperature ($22^{\circ}C$), low temperature ($15^{\circ}C$) and hot humid (AT $33^{\circ}C$, relative humidity (RH) 80%) treatments significantly (p<0.05) decreased the tenderness of thigh meat. L* and a* value in thigh meat under high temperature treatments, regardless of RH, were higher (p<0.05) than those under normal temperature. (3) Protein content in breast and thigh meat of broilers fed under high temperature ($33^{\circ}C$) was lower (p<0.05) than that under $22^{\circ}C$, but fat content had an adverse change. High temperature ($33^{\circ}C$) increased the moisture of breast meat significantly (p<0.05). Protein content in breast meat increased significantly (p<0.05), in which fat content had an adverse change (p<0.05), when the dietary protein rose. (4) MDA concentration in liver and breast meat under hot humid (AT $33^{\circ}C$, RH 80%) treatment increased markedly (p<0.05). (5) High humidity could sharpen the bad effect of high temperature on performance, carcass yield and choice cuts, crude protein and moisture content in breast meat. It was concluded that a hot environment could affect the performance and meat quality of broiler chicks more significantly than CP level and that high humidity would aggravate the bad influence of high temperature on the broiler.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.1057-1068
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• 2014

The major goals of the poultry industry are to increase the carcass yield and to reduce carcass fatness, mainly the abdominal fat pad. The increase in poultry meat consumption has guided the selection process toward fast-growing broilers with a reduced feed conversion ratio. Intensive selection has led to great improvements in economic traits such as body weight gain, feed efficiency, and breast yield to meet the demands of consumers, but modern commercial chickens exhibit excessive fat accumulation in the abdomen area. However, dietary composition and feeding strategies may offer practical and efficient solutions for reducing body fat deposition in modern poultry strains. Thus, the regulation of lipid metabolism to reduce the abdominal fat content based on dietary composition and feeding strategy, as well as elucidating their effects on the key enzymes associated with lipid metabolism, could facilitate the production of lean meat and help to understand the fat-lowering effects of diet and different feeding strategies.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2012

Genetic resource conservation of indigenous species is important to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian species throughout the world. The native Korean Oge (KO) chickens are important and protected indigenous avian species in Korea. This KO breed is very popular in Korea because of its external appearances of blackish color. The characterization of morphology and growth performances of KO were performed since 1980s, however the information is still not sufficient for breed selection. In this study, we compared various growth performances including body growth, tibia length, shank length, chest width, chest grith and length of tail feather between male and female chickens of KO and widely known White Leghorn (WL) breeds at 1 week, 2 weeks, 5 weeks, 10 weeks, and 24 weeks. We observed differences on various growth performances at different aged groups between KO and WL chickens. This study may help for the selection of chicken breeds based on age, body growth and meat production.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.103-106
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• 2008

A broiler experiment was conducted to compare the effects of supplementary iron sources and levels on the iron content of broiler meat. Two hundred and fifty hatched Ross broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments. Each treatment had 5 replicates of 10 birds (5 males and 5 females). Birds were housed in raised floor batteries and fed traditional broiler diets ad libitum for 5 weeks. Dietary treatments were as follows: Control, Fe-Met 100 (100 ppm iron as Fe-methionine), Fe-Met 200, $FeSO_4$ 100 (100 ppm iron as $FeSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$) and $FeSO_4\;200$. There were no significant differences among treatments in parameters related to production performance. Liver contained approximately 10 times more iron than the leg muscle which contained approximately 3 times more iron than either breast muscle or wing muscle. Significant differences in iron content in the broiler meat were observed. In the breast meat, Fe-Met treatments were significantly (p<0.05) higher than other treatments in iron content. In the leg meat, Fe-Met treatments and $FeSO_4\;200$ treatment were significantly higher than the control in iron content. In the wing muscle, Fe-Met 200 treatment was significantly higher than other treatments in iron content. Iron content in the liver was significantly influenced by source and supplementation level of iron. Fe-Met treatments were higher than $FeSO_4$ treatments and 200 ppm treatments were higher than 100 ppm treatments in iron content in the liver. It is concluded that iron-methionine chelate is more efficient than iron sulfate and 200 ppm iron supplementation as Fe-Met is recommended for maximum iron enrichment in broiler meat.