Meat Quality Traits and Blood Biochemistry of Three Chicken Genotypes Reared under Different Production Systems

Abstract

In the recent modernization, the consumer is becoming choosier regarding the quality and nutritional aspects of meat. A study was planned to evaluate meat quality attributes from different chicken genotypes reared in three different housing systems. For this, 54 female birds (52 weeks old) from 3 different genotypes i.e., two crossbreds [Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck (RNN), Black Australorp × Naked Neck (BNN), and purebred Naked Neck (NN)] reared under three housing systems (Intensive, Semi-Intensive, and Free-range) were slaughtered and subjected to nutritive, qualitative and sensory evaluation. Significant differences among genotypes, housing systems, and their interactions were observed regarding carcass yield, breast, wings, drumsticks, neck, ribs, and back weight. Regarding sensory evaluation, significant variations were observed among genotypes, housing systems, and their interaction except for juiciness. In terms of proximate analysis, significant differences were observed regarding moisture, dry matter, ash, and ether extract among different genotypes, housing systems, and their interactions. Regarding blood biochemistry, birds reared under the intensive housing system had the higher glucose values whereas albumen and globulin was higher in semi-intensive reared bird; BNN showed higher cholesterol levels among genotypes. In conclusion, carcass traits, meat proximate, and mineral composition were affected by genotypes and housing systems.