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This study evaluates the effect of prolonged feeding with a high inclusion level of Spirulina, combined with peptidases, on broiler chicken's growth performance, digesta viscosity, carcass attributes and meat quality. The experiment involved 120 male broilers divided into 40 battery brooders, each housing 3 birds. Post 7-day acclimatisation with a corn and soybean-based diet, the birds were provided with one of four diets: a corn and soybean meal-based diet (CON), a mix incorporating 15% Spirulina (SP), a Spirulina-rich mix supplemented with 0.025% of commercial VemoZyme® P (SPV), or a Spirulina-rich mix supplemented with 0.10% of porcine pancreatin (SPP). The CON group had higher body weight and weight gain (p < 0.001) and a lower feed conversion ratio (p < 0.001) from day 7-21, compared to the Spirulina-fed groups. Spirulina-fed chickens significantly increased ileum viscosity (p < 0.05). Spirulina also elevated the weight (p < 0.05) of the duodenum and the length (p < 0.001) of the entire gastrointestinal tract compared to CON. Breast and thigh muscles from Spirulina-fed broilers displayed higher values of yellowness (b*) (p < 0.001), pigments (p < 0.05), and n-3 PUFA (p < 0.01), while n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) and a-tocopherol (p < 0.001) decreased relative to the CON. In conclusion, the introduction of a high level of Spirulina into broiler diets for an extended duration, has the potential to diminish birds' growth performance, possibly due to increased digesta viscosity. However, it does enhance the nutritional quality of the meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of premade beef patty (BBP) with red onion skin powder (OSP) at 0, 1, 2, and 3% levels on color, lipid, and protein oxidative stability, and infection degree of microorganisms during cold storage was investigated. The objective was to determine the effect of color by L*, a*, b*, and the content of MetMb. The inhibitory effect of OSP on the oxidation of lipid and protein was studied based on TBARS and the carbonyl content of protein in samples at different storage times. TVB-N content was used to characterize the degree of infection of microorganisms and their effect on meat quality. The results showed that the addition of OSP reduced the pH, L *, a*, and b * values of BBP, and improved the hardness, springiness, gumminess, and cohesiveness of BBP, but had no significant effect on the chewiness of BBP (p > 0.05). After 12 days of storage, the carbonyl group and TBARS content in the BBP supplemented with 3%OSP was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of OSP significantly inhibited the TVB-N increase during beef patty storage. These results indicated that OSP has a good research prospect as a natural antioxidant or preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Feeding local forages to ruminants is a promising strategy for enhancing metabolic processes, promoting sustainable farming, and improving product quality. However, studies comparing the effects of different forages on rumen histology and meat attributes of heifers are limited and variable. Material and methods: This study evaluated the benefits of incorporating local forages into heifer diets by comparing barley straw (BS) and oat hay (OH) on heifer attributes focusing on meat quality (MQ) and rumen status (RS). Sixteen crossbred (Charolais x Limousin) female heifers (7 months of age, 263 ± 10.50 kg) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments (BS or OH) over 120 days. Results and discussion: Heifers fed OH showed enhanced RS (p < 0.05), characterized by improved intestinal epithelial integrity and a lower percentage of hyperpigmented cells, suggesting a potential reduction in inflammatory processes compared to BS, which may indicate a lower risk of metabolic diseases. Despite this, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in animal performance, chemical composition, and technological properties of the meat between the dietary groups, while lower levels (p < 0.05) of certain saturated fatty acids (C12:0, C15:0, and C22:0) were found in the meat from heifers fed OH. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced the variables and demonstrated that all variables assessed can be condensed into four new variables explaining 75.06% of the variability. Moreover, biplot analysis reveals that the OH diet could be discriminated from BS. Our findings suggest that OH is a valuable fiber source, positively influencing certain heifer attributes, and supporting sustainable animal agriculture practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of birds or their total live weight in relation to a given area is known as stocking density; higher stocking densities will cause more stress to the birds, which may have an impact on their physiological state, productivity, carcass quality, growth performance, immunity, metabolism, and meat quality. The present study aimed to investigate the potential impact of 2 different stocking densities on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, serum, and expression of Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), muscle regulatory genes expression and serum biochemical indicators of broilers supplemented with essential oils (EO). In total, 784-day-old chicks of Ross 308 were randomly assigned into 4 different groups with 7 replicates for each: Normal feed (no essential oils [EO] added) and normal stocking as 9 bird/m2, (NSD). Normal feed (no essential oils [EO] added) and high stocking as 14 bird/m2, (HSD). Feed with essential oils (Digestarom DC® 150 g/Ton of feed) and normal stocking as 9 birds/m2, (NSD + EO). Feed with essential oils (Digestarom DC® 150 g/Ton of feed) and high stocking as 14 birds/m2, (HSD + EO) for 35 days. Bodyweight was recorded at the beginning of the trial and then at the end of each week, feed intake was recorded at the end of each week as well. A total of 28 birds (7 birds per treatment) birds were slaughtered at 35 days of age to evaluate each parameter. The HSD group had the lowest (P < 0.05) feed intake. The NSD groups showed the highest (P < 0.05) body weight gain compared to HSD groups. The HSD + EO had lower adjusted FCR (P < 0.05) compared to HSD. The legs % was the highest (P < 0.05) for NSD group, while HSD + EO had the highest (P < 0.05) Fat Pad percentage. Moreover, HSD had the highest CL%, and the lowest WHC and Warner–Bratzler shear force. For biochemical indicators, (IGF-1) was the lowest (P < 0.05) HSD group. Also, Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) were higher (P < 0.05) in the EO supplemented groups. Regarding gene expression, the results showed that Myogenin (MyoG) and IGF-1 were lower in HSD while MSTN was higher in the same group, (P < 0.05). In brief, essential oil supplement has improved the performance of broilers under high stocking density situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Positive natural selection increases the frequency of beneficial genetic variations, promoting an organism's adaptability and survival in specific environments. In this study, we conducted whole-genome resequencing and population genetic structure analysis to investigate the genetic diversity of Zaobei cattle, local yellow cattle from China. By comparing Zaobei cattle with Simmental cattle, we identified several genomic regions exhibiting positive selection. Gene annotation of these regions revealed key traits of Zaobei cattle, such as heat tolerance, fertility, and superior meat quality. These findings not only help understand the characteristics of Zaobei cattle but also provide valuable genetic information for future breeding programs, thereby improving their production efficiency and economic value. This investigation provides a comprehensive analysis of genomic diversity and selection signatures in Zaobei beef cattle, an indigenous breed known for its adaptation to hot and humid climates and superior meat quality. Whole-genome resequencing was conducted on 23 Zaobei cattle, compared with 46 Simmental cattle to highlight genetic distinctions. Population structure analysis confirmed the genetic uniqueness of Zaobei cattle. Using methods such as DASDC v1.01, XPEHH, and θπ ratio, we identified 230, 232, and 221 genes through DASDC, including hard sweeps, soft sweeps, and linkage sweeps, respectively. Coincidentally, 109 genes were identified when using XPEHH and θπ ratio methods. Together, these analyses revealed eight positive selection genes (ARHGAP15, ZNF618, USH2A, PDZRN4, SPATA6, ROR2, KCNIP3, and VWA3B), which are linked to critical traits such as heat stress adaptation, fertility, and meat quality. Moreover, functional enrichment analyses showed pathways related to autophagy, immune response, energy metabolism, and muscle development. The comprehensive genomic insights gained from this study provide valuable knowledge for breeding programs aimed at enhancing the beneficial traits in Zaobei cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Research on broiler feeding has increasingly focused on finding effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and antibiotic residues in food products. A total EU-wide ban on AGPs was implemented in 2006. However, 70% of antibiotics are still used in animal treatment, contributing to 700,000 deaths worldwide annually due to antibiotic-resistant infections. As a result, researchers have sought natural alternatives, such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and plant-based preparations like essential oils, which have shown promise in improving broiler production traits and meat quality. The experiment in this study demonstrated that phytogenic supplements improved the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF). Additionally, meat from chickens on the phytogenic diet had better water-holding capacity, higher collagen content, and a favorable profile of amines, ketones, and aldehydes, indicating improved quality. These findings suggest that alternatives to AGPs can enhance broiler chicken production and meat physicochemical properties when used in appropriate doses and proportions. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a phytogenic additive (PA) in broiler chickens' diet on production, physiochemical parameters, and the profile of volatile organic compounds present in broiler chickens' meat. The experiment was conducted in a commercial chicken house, where Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into two groups, each consisting of 65,000 broilers. One group was fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm of PA throughout the rearing period. The primary chemical composition of the meat and its physicochemical parameters were determined. A visual assessment of breast muscles for defects and volatile organic compounds were evaluated using an electronic nose system. No statistically significant differences were shown in the production performance of the chickens; while summarizing all production parameters, a higher EPEF index of 31 points in the experimental group was highlighted. Breast muscle quality showed differences in drip loss and WHC (p ≤ 0.01) in favor of the experimental group, and a lower cutting force value (p ≤ 0.05) was found for breast muscles from the experimental group. The group also had a lower proportion of muscles with a white striping defect, and the results of volatile organic compound profiling showed the most aroma units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The widespread use of antibiotics in poultry production has raised public concerns about food safety and meat quality. This study investigated the effects of early ciprofloxacin use on Xueshan chickens, focusing on growth, meat quality, and metabolic changes. It was found that, while ciprofloxacin treatment did not affect overall chicken growth, it significantly altered meat quality characteristics, which may affect meat texture and preservability. Although ciprofloxacin residues were not detected in muscle, metabolic analyses revealed significant metabolic alterations, particularly in microbial and amino acid metabolism pathways. These findings emphasize that antibiotic use may have far-reaching effects on poultry product quality, involving not only direct meat quality changes but also complex metabolic reactions. This study provides new perspectives for understanding the role of antibiotics in poultry production, which is important for optimizing antibiotic-use strategies and ensuring food safety. The results may be an important reference for poultry producers, food safety regulators and consumers. To investigate the effects of early administration of ciprofloxacin (CIP) on Xueshan chickens, in this study Xueshan chickens were measured for growth performance, tested for drug residues, evaluated for meat quality, and muscle metabolism changes were explored using a non-target metabolomics approach. Experimental findings revealed that early CIP use did not significantly impact the overall growth rate of Xueshan chickens (p > 0.05). However, notable alterations in meat quality were observed: the CIP-treated group exhibited a significant decrease in muscle pH (pH1 and pH24) and a marked increase in drip loss and moisture content (p > 0.05). No CIP residues were detected in muscle tissue. Untargeted metabolomics analyses unveiled significant alterations in the metabolic profile of market-age chickens following CIP treatment. Both functional enrichment and metabolic network analyses indicated significant effects on the ko01120 (microbial metabolism in diverse environments) and ko00350 (tyrosine metabolism) pathways, implying that CIP treatment may influence chicken meat quality by modulating microbial communities and amino acid metabolism. This study provides a crucial foundation for understanding the impact of antibiotics on meat quality and metabolism in poultry production, offering scientific insights for optimizing antibiotic-use strategies and safeguarding poultry product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigates how different housing systems affect daily step counts and their impact on body conformation, carcass traits, meat quality, and serum biochemical parameters of Jiuyuan Black chickens. Chickens were monitored from 60 to 150 days old, with step counts recorded using pedometers. The study showed that free-range chickens with high step counts had significantly higher daily and total steps compared to other groups, as well as higher heart weight, lower abdominal fat, and better meat quality, but lower intramuscular fat. The CK and LDH levels in chickens exhibited an almost consistent upward trend as exercise levels increased. Overall, free-range chickens with more exercise volume improved heart weight and reduced fat but negatively impacted some body measurements and meat quality. These findings help in choosing housing systems for Chinese indigenous chickens. This study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in daily step counts under different housing systems and further explore the effects of housing system on the body conformation, carcass traits, meat quality, and serum biochemical parameters of a Chinese indigenous chicken breed. At 60 d of age, 300 Jiuyuan Black male chickens with similar body weights in each housing system were further raised until the age of 150 d. At 90, 120, and 150 d of age, in both cage-reared and free-range systems, the top 20 chickens with the highest step counts measured using pedometers and the bottom 20 chickens with the lowest step counts were designated as the cage high-steps group (CHS), the cage low-steps group (CLS), the free-range high-steps group (FHS), and the free-range low-steps group (FLS), respectively. The results show that, at any age stage, the average daily steps (ADS) and total steps (TS) of the FHS group are significantly higher than the other three groups (p < 0.05). The TS of almost all groups showed an overall downward trend as the age increased. Increased exercise volume results in reduced shank length (90 d), breast width (90 d), and keel length (150 d) (p < 0.05). Only birds at 90 d of age from the FHS and FLS groups exhibited lower live body weight, carcass weight, half-eviscerated weight, eviscerated weight, breast muscle weight, leg muscle weight, and percentage of eviscerated weight than the CLS group (p < 0.05). Birds from the FHS group showed the highest heart weight values but the lowest abdominal fat weight values among these four groups (p < 0.05). Both the breast and leg muscle samples from the FHS group displayed higher dry matter and shear force than those from the CHS and CLS groups (p < 0.05). The FHS group displayed the lowest intramuscular fat among the four groups (p < 0.05). The creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in chickens of all age stages were almost observed to rise with increased physical activity. In conclusion, free-range chickens with more exercise volume exhibited an elevated heart weight and reduced abdominal fat but showed negative effects on some body measurements and carcass traits. These results can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of different housing systems for Chinese indigenous chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The slaughter of females represents a significant proportion of all cattle slaughtered in Brazil. Despite this, the number of studies on the quality of the carcasses and meat of these animals is still low, which leads to less knowledge about the quality and commercial value of the meat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the carcass and meat quality of heifers from different genetic groups fed diets containing different sources of nonprotein nitrogen. The main differences found were in relation to the genetic group, with effects on carcass weight, fat content in the carcass and meat, and also on the fatty acid profile of the meat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic groups and diets with different sources of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) on the carcass and meat characteristics of beef heifers. The meat from 40 heifers (20 ½ Angus ½ Nellore (A × N) and 20 ½ Charolais ½ Nellore (L × N)), finished in feedlots, was used. The heifers were fed diets containing different sources of NPN—(1) a diet with livestock urea and protected urea (LPU) and (2) a diet with extruded urea (EU)—in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Carcass, composition and meat quality evaluations were carried out. There were no significant interactions between diet and genetic group for most of the variables evaluated (p > 0.05). The A × N heifers had higher hot carcass weights (305.73 vs. 279.80 kg), loin eye areas (80.87 vs. 75.45 cm2), subcutaneous fat thicknesses (8.69 vs. 6.35 mm) and lower shear forces (6.98 vs. 7.7 kg) compared to the C × N heifers (p < 0.05). The meat from the A × N heifers had higher proportions of saturated fatty acids (49.41 vs. 47.95%), with no effects on the proportions of monounsaturated (47.57%) and polyunsaturated (4.01%) fatty acids. The A × N heifers had better carcass and meat characteristics, while the C × N heifers had meat and fat with better fatty acid profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of biopolymer-based films represents a promising direction in the packaging industry that responds to stringent needs for sustainability, reducing the ecological impact. Traditional fossil-derived polymers present major concerns because of their long decomposition time and their significant contribution to the pollution of the environment. On the contrary, biopolymers such as chitosan, PVA, and PLA offer viable alternatives. This study aimed to obtain an innovative pH indicator for smart packaging using a synthetic non-toxic anthocyanin analogue dye incorporated in bio-based films to indicate meat freshness and quality. The pH-responsive color-changing properties of the dye make it suitable for developing intelligent films to monitor food freshness. The obtained polymeric films were characterized by FT-IR and UV–VIS spectroscopy, and their thermal properties were assessed using thermogravimetric methods. Moisture content, swelling capacity, and water solubility of the polymeric films were also evaluated. The sensitivity of the biopolymer–flavylium composite films to pH variations was studied in the pH range of 2 to 12 and noticeable color variations were observed, allowing the monitoring of the meat's quality damage through pH changes. The pH-responsive films were applied directly on the surface or in the proximity of pork and chicken meat samples, to evaluate their colorimetric response to fresh and spoilt meat. This study can be the starting point for creating more durable packaging solutions leading to a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yak (Bos grunniens) is a special breed of livestock predominantly distributed in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau of China. Intramuscular fat (IMF) content in beef cattle is a vital indicator of meat quality. In this study, RNA-Seq and Protein-Seq were respectively employed to sequence the transcriptome and proteome of the longissimus dorsi (LD) tissue from 4-year-old yaks with significant differences in IMF content under the same fattening conditions. Five overlapping genes (MYL3, ACADS, L2HGDH, IGFN1, and ENSBGRG00000000-926) were screened using combined analysis. Functional verification tests demonstrated that the key gene ACADS inhibited yak intramuscular preadipocyte (YIMA) differentiation and proliferation, promoted mitochondrial biogenesis gene expression, and increased the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Furthermore, co-transfection experiments further demonstrated that interfering with ACADS reversed the effect of PPARα agonists in promoting lipid differentiation. In conclusion, ACADS potentially inhibits lipid deposition in YIAMs by regulating the PPARα signalling pathway. These findings offer insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying yak meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis review undertakes a comprehensive examination of various approaches for identifying myopathic fillets and meticulously evaluates the effects of bird age, deboning time, and different cooking and storage conditions on woody breast (WB) myopathic conditions in broiler deboned fillets. The data, meticulously collected from 20 articles based on predefined inclusion criteria sourced from various databases and online resources, reveal significant insights. For instance, the analysis uncovers that deboning time significantly affects Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (MORS), Blunt Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear (BMORS), and descriptive analysis values (p < 0.001). Instrumentation techniques, such as compression force and shear force, along with different cooking conditions, strongly impact BMORS shear force values (R2 = 86.80%), with significance levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.001. Deboning time also substantially impacts MORS shear force values (R = 64.03%). In contrast, the effects of deboning time, bird age, and cooking conditions on descriptive sensory evaluation are minimal when compared to woody breast fillets (age of birds: R2 = 26.53%; cooking conditions: R2 = 32.57%; deboning time: R2 = 10.06%). The overall effect of bird age on chicken breast meat quality shows significant differences for the evaluated parameters (Hedges' g [95% CI] = −0.72 [0.17, 1.26], I2 = 93%, p < 0.01). The sous vide cooking method significantly affects shear force energies and sensory descriptive evaluation for woody breast fillets (Hedges' g [95% CI] = 5.30 [−50.30, 83.40], I2 = 98%, p < 0.01). These findings, with their significant implications, provide valuable insights for optimizing processing conditions in the poultry industry to reduce woody breast occurrences and enhance meat quality, instilling confidence in the robustness of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding dried bergamot pulp to rabbits on animal performance and meat quality. Thirty rabbits were assigned to two groups (balanced for body weight, 804.4 ± 2.35 g) and fed individually for 60 days a basal diet (control) or the basal diet in which part of the cereals was replaced with 10% of dried bergamot pulp (DBP). There were no effects of DBP on growth performance, carcass yield, or the crude protein and ether extract composition of meat. The concentrations of α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n-3) increased in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (p < 0.01 and p = 0.021, respectively) after integrating dried bergamot pulp into the diet, leading to higher levels of total of ω-3 fatty acids (p < 0.01) compared to the control treatment. The inclusion of dried bergamot pulp improved the oxidative stability in meat (p < 0.001), where TBARS values were lower after 4 and 7 days of refrigerated storage (p < 0.001) in the DBP group than in the control group. Finally, feeding dried bergamot pulp to rabbits improves meat quality without negatively influencing growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy feed can provide animals with balanced nutrition, thereby enhancing their growth performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary energy levels on the growth performance, serum metabolites, and meat quality of Jersey cattle–yaks. A total of 24 male Jersey cattle–yaks were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was fed diets with metabolizable energy levels of 8.21 MJ/kg (LE), 9.50 MJ/kg (ME), and 10.65 MJ/kg (HE), respectively. The HE and ME groups showed significantly higher final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency compared to the LE group (p < 0.05). The glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations were significantly increased in the serum of the ME and HE groups (p < 0.05). The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly higher in the serum of the HE group than in the ME group (p < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels exhibited a significant decrease with increasing metabolizable energy levels in the diet (p < 0.05). Increasing dietary energy levels enhances the eye muscle area and intramuscular fat content of Jersey cattle–yaks (p < 0.05), with no effect on pH45 min, pH24 h, and shear force. In the HE group, the levels of heneicosanoic acid (C21:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), elaidic acid (C18:1n9t), and eicosadienoic acid (C20:2n6) were notably elevated (p < 0.05) when compared to the LE group. We concluded that a higher dietary energy level enhanced the growth performance and meat quality traits of male Jersey cattle–yaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

At present, some ingredients called "novel foods", such as seaweed, are being incorporated into meat products. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of Durvillaea antarctica meal as an extender of traditional beef burgers and its effect on quality, fatty-acid profile, and general acceptability. Prototypes including 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 3.0% Durvillaea antarctica meal were developed and measured for color, pH, water-holding capacity, fatty acids, and cholesterol profile. A trained sensory panel evaluated the organoleptic properties. The results show that as the amount of Durvillaea antarctica meal increases, the pH decreases less sharply compared to the control, while the water-holding capacity was similar to, but not better than, the control when including 3.0% of seaweed. On the other hand, the redness significantly decreased, affecting the sensory attributes of the product. The lipid profile was partially altered by the inclusion of the meal; it was observed that the percentage of saturated fats was reduced, and the levels of some omega3 fatty acids increased. Beef burgers made with 0.5% Durvillaea antarctica meal showed better acceptability and flavor. The use of seaweed, such as Durvillaea antarctica, could be a new alternative for the transformation of traditional meat products into new-generation foods. The evaluation of the functional and microbiological properties of the meat matrix, as well as nutraceutical properties and cost effectiveness, will be addressed in a future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of nanoparticles of Selenium (Nano-Se) on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass criteria, selenium retention, blood biochemistry, and histopathological examination of broiler chicken. A total of 192 1-day-old male broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment diets, with each diet given to six replicates of eight chicks. The birds were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, each of which included Nano-Se at levels of 0, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 mg/kg. The feeding experiment lasted 35 days. Nano-Se addition to broiler diets at 0.2 and 0.3 mg/kg enhanced body weight and body weight gain linearly compared to the control diet and 0.4 mg/kg. The apparent digestibility coefficient of ether extracts linearly increased with increasing Nano-Se levels up to 0.4 mg/kg. Increasing Nano-Se decreased serum cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransaminase, and creatinine in broiler chickens. Also, serum antioxidants showed a significant increase with increasing Nano-Se levels. As Nano-Se levels were supplemented, improvements in cooking loss, water-holding capacity, and antioxidants were observed as compared to the control. Additionally, a noticeable improvement in meat quality was observed regarding the obtained meat characters. It was preferred to use low doses of Nano-Se (0.3 mg/kg), as tissue retention of Se for both meat and liver was more comparable to the control. In conclusion, nutritional supplementation with Nano-Se increased growth performance, nutrient digestibility, selenium retention, meat quality, blood biochemistry, histological indices, and antioxidant activity of broiler chickens. Overall, the best performance of broilers was observed with Nano-Se supplementation at 0.3 mg/kg, highlighting its potential as a novel supplement for broiler diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) have been included in Filipino’s diet since their availability in the Philippines, making it important to evaluate their nutritional profile to assist consumers in purchase and consumption decisions. This study identified various PBMAs in Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Pampanga. Information based on the labels of PBMAs and animal-based meats (ABM) was collected and evaluated. PBMAs (n = 37) included chicken products (n = 4), ground meat (n = 5), patties and sausages (n = 19), jerkies (n = 4), and others [i.e. tocino (Philippine sweet bacon), luncheon meat, and belly rolls]. PBMAs generally have lower energy, total and saturated fat, and higher price/g protein, dietary fiber, sodium, and calcium content compared to ABM. Proteins, carbohydrates, and other micronutrients (i.e. iron, potassium, and vitamin B complex) vary depending on the meat category and ingredient used. Current findings highlight the need to redesign existing PBMAs considering nutritional and economic factors to be at par with ABMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global increase in the production and processing of cassava tubers generates a lot of peel as waste. However, the effect of processing methods to increase the quality of the peel as an animal feed resource must look at the quality of the resultant food products. These effects are insufficiently studied. The study aimed to assess the impact of the processed peel on carcass quality, meat quality, organ weight and organ histology of growing pigs. Thirty (30) male growing pigs (Landrace × Large white) were randomly distributed to five groups with six (6) animals per group in a completely randomized design. Maize was substituted with high quality cassava peel meal (HQCPM) at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% for the experimental diets ranging from diets V to Z. The pigs fed HQCPM diets had higher carcass weights, resulting in an improved carcass yield. The colour, flavour, tenderness, juiciness, texture, and overall acceptability were statistically superior in the pigs fed diet Z. High feed fibre influenced organ weights: the HQCPM diets reduced (P<0.05) the organ weights. More so, the HQCPM diets affected (P<0.05) the histology of the liver and intestine with varying degrees of inflammation, shortened villi length, and reduced surface area. HQCPM diets enhanced the carcass weight and meat quality of growing pigs up to 100% replacement for maize. Nevertheless, the diets reduced organ weights and villi lengths, leading to reduced absorptive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of slaughter age on carcass traits, meat quality, and the relative mRNA levels of lipid metabolism-related genes in different muscles of Taihang black goats. Methods: In this study, the triceps brachii (TB), longissimus dorsi (LD) and gluteus (GL) muscles of 15 grazing Taihang black goats slaughtered at the age of 2, 3, and 4 (designated as 2-year-old, 3-year-old, and 4-year-old, respectively) were collected. The differences in carcass shape, meat quality, amino acid composition and lipid metabolism gene expression among Taihang black goats of different ages and from different plant parts were compared. Results: Compared with goats at other ages, goats slaughtered at the age of 4 had greater live and carcass weights, meat weights, bone weights and skin areas (p<0.05). LD in the 4-years-old had the lowest cooking loss and moisture content. The crude protein content in the LD of 2-year-old was significantly greater than that in the other age group, and at the age of 2, the LD had the highest crude protein content than TB and GL. The highest fat content was in LD, followed by TB, for goats slaughtered at the age of 4. Eight out of 9 essential amino acids had higher content in the TB compared with other muscles, regardless of age. The total essential amino acid content was highest in the 4-year-old and lowest in the GL muscle at the age of 3. The sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) genes were significantly more abundant in the TB muscle than in the other muscles for goats slaughtered at the age of 2. At the age of 4, the ATGL and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) genes were significantly more abundant in the GL than in the LD, while the fatty acid synthase (FAS) genes were significantly less abundant in the GL than in the other muscles. Similarly, compared with those in goats of other ages, the relative mRNA expression levels of the FAS and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) genes in goats slaughtered at the age of 4 were the highest, and the relative mRNA expression of the PPARγ gene was the lowest (p<0.05). The relative mRNA expression of the H-FABP and FAS genes was positively correlated with the intramuscular fat (IMF) content, while the relative mRNA expression levels of the PPARγ and ATGL genes was negatively correlated with the IMF content. Conclusion: Overall, a better nutritional value was obtained for TB from 4-year-old goats, in which the total essential amino acid and fat contents were greater than those of other muscles. The comprehensive action of lipid metabolism genes was consistent with that of the IMF content, among which the FAS, H-FABP, PPARγ, and ATGL genes had positive and negative effects on the process of IMF deposition in Taihang black goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Changle goose (CLG), a Chinese indigenous breed, is celebrated for its adaptability, rapid growth, and premium meat quality. Despite its agricultural value, the exploration of its genomic attributes has been scant. Our study entailed whole‐genome resequencing of 303 geese across CLG and five other Chinese breeds, revealing distinct genetic diversity metrics. We discovered significant migration events from Xingguo gray goose to CLG and minor gene flow between them. We identified genomic regions through selective sweep analysis, correlating with CLG's unique traits. An elevated inbreeding coefficient in CLG, alongside reduced heterozygosity and rare single nucleotide polymorphisms (RSNPs), suggests a narrowed genetic diversity. Genomic regions related to reproduction, meat quality, and growth were identified, with the GATA3 gene showing strong selection signals for meat quality. A non‐synonymous mutation in the Sloc2a1 gene, which is associated with reproductive traits in the CLG, exhibited significant differences in allelic frequency. The roles of CD82, CDH8, and PRKAB1 in growth and development, alongside FABP4, FAF1, ESR1, and AKAP12 in reproduction, were highlighted. Additionally, Cdkal1 and Mfsd14a may influence meat quality. This comprehensive genetic analysis underpins the unique genetic makeup of CLG, providing a basis for its conservation and informed breeding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: Poultry can be exposed to a number of adverse stimuli during the pre-slaughter handling. Noise, movement, lack of access to water and feed, change in habitat, disruption of flock hierarchy or environmental conditions can lead to adverse changes in the bird's body. A significant increase in these factors can cause disturbances in the body's homeostasis. These changes may be reflected in meat quality. Therefore, there is a need to assess the effect of pre-slaughter turnover on meat quality. In this study, the effects of pre-slaughter treatments on changes in macro- and micronutrient content were analyzed. In this study, the effect of pre-slaughter handling on the content of macro- and micronutrients in blood serum and in the breast muscle of turkeys was assessed. Four different variants of pre-slaughter handling were used in the research: no transport (N-T), transport for a distance of 100 km (T-100), transport for a distance of 200 km (T-200), and transport for a distance of 300 km (T-300). In each of them, 30 female and 30 male turkeys were used. Blood was collected from the birds before slaughter, and samples of the pectoral muscle were collected after slaughter. In the obtained biological material, the content of Mg, P, Ca, Fe, Na and K was analyzed. On the basis of the obtained research results, it can be concluded that the pre-slaughter handling negatively affects the content of macro- and microelements both in the blood serum and in the pectoral muscles of experimental turkeys. Additionally, differences due to the sex of birds were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Skeletal muscle fibers, the smallest functional unit of skeletal muscle, directly affect the normal growth and development of animal muscles and the quality of carcass muscle after slaughter. Individual characteristics, feeding, and genetic factors influence the heterogeneity of muscle fibers in livestock. Notably, genetic factors rapidly and efficiently improve the proportion and conversion of animal muscle fibers with the development of omics technology and sequencing technology. Therefore, only a global approach including all parameters seems to be pertinent to understand the relationships among the characteristics of myofibers, growth performance, and meat quality. The type of muscle fiber plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and dynamic plasticity of animals' skeletal muscle. Additionally, it is a primary determinant of the quality of both fresh and processed meat. Therefore, understanding the regulatory factors that contribute to muscle fibers' heterogeneity is of paramount importance. Recent advances in sequencing and omics technologies have enabled comprehensive cross-verification of research on the factors affecting the types of muscle fiber across multiple levels, including the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome. These advancements have facilitated deeper exploration into the related biological questions. This review focused on the impact of individual characteristics, feeding patterns, and genetic regulation on the proportion and interconversion of different muscle fibers. The findings indicated that individual characteristics and feeding patterns significantly influence the type of muscle fiber, which can effectively enhance the type and distribution of muscle fibers in livestock. Furthermore, non-coding RNA, genes and signaling pathways between complicated regulatory mechanisms and interactions have a certain degree of impact on muscle fibers' heterogeneity. This, in turn, changes muscle fiber profile in living animals through genetic selection or environmental factors, and has the potential to modulate the quality of fresh meat. Collectively, we briefly reviewed the structure of skeletal muscle tissue and then attempted to review the inevitable connection between the quality of fresh meat and the type of muscle fiber, with particular attention to potential events involved in regulating muscle fibers' heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Concerns about animal welfare practices have increased as consumer awareness and regulatory standards have evolved. This study investigated the effects of lairage conditions on welfare and meat quality of pigs during lairage periods. A total of 3070 finishing pigs were assigned to one of six groups arranged in two trials in a 2 × 3 factorial design according to the illuminance (under 40 lux (LX), over 40 lux (HX)) and stocking density (low density (LD), higher than 0.83 m2/100 kg; normal density (ND), 0.50–0.83 m2/100 kg; high density (HD), lower than 0.50 m2/100 kg) with high temperature (HT), higher than 24 °C; low temperature (LT), lower than 10 °C. Based on the obtained results, stocking of too-high (lower than 0.50 m2/100 kg) density at HT and stocking of too-low (higher than 0.83 m2/100 kg) density at LT are generally not good for meat quality and animal welfare. This study investigated the effects of lairage conditions on the welfare and meat quality of pigs during lairage periods. A total of 3070 finishing pigs were assigned to one of six groups arranged in two trials in a 2 × 3 factorial design according to the illuminance (under 40 lux (LX), over 40 lux (HX)) and stocking density (low density (LD), higher than 0.83 m2/100 kg; normal density (ND), 0.50–0.83 m2/100 kg; high density (HD), lower than 0.50 m2/100 kg) with high temperature (HT), higher than 24 °C; low temperature (LT), lower than 10 °C. Pigs stocked with HD showed lower aggression behavior and overlap behavior than those stocked with LD at LT. Pigs stocked with HD showed higher standing, sitting, and aggression behavior than those stocked with LD at HT. Pigs stocked with HD showed higher pH than those stocked with LD at LT. At HT, pigs stocked with LD showed higher pH, WHC, DL, and CL than those stocked with HD. At LT, pigs stocked with LD showed higher cortisol levels than those stocked with HD. However, pigs stocked with LD showed lower cortisol levels than those stocked with HD at HT. Based on the obtained results, stocking of too-high (lower than 0.50 m2/100 kg) density at HT and stocking of too-low (higher than 0.83 m2/100 kg) density at LT are generally not good for meat quality and animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Thunbergia laurifolia extract (TLE) in the diets of Cherry Valley ducklings. Our investigation covered growth indicators, blood biochemical indices, meat quality, intestinal morphology, immune response, and CP450 enzyme-related gene expression. We conducted the study with 180 seven-day-old Cherry Valley ducks, randomly divided into five dietary treatments. These treatments included a basal diet without AFB1 (T1 group), TLE, or a commercial binder; the basal diet containing 0.1 mg AFB1/kg (T2 group), 0.1 mg AFB1/kg and 100 mg TLE/kg (T3 group), 0.1 mg AFB1/kg and 200 mg TLE/kg (T4 group), and 0.1 mg AFB1/kg and 0.5 g/kg of a commercial binder (T5 group), respectively. Ducklings fed with the T2 diet exhibited lower final body weight (BW), average body weight gain (ADG), and poor feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the 42-day trials. However, all ducklings in the T3, T4, and T5 groups showed significant improvements in final BW, ADG, and FCR compared to the T2 group. Increased alanine transaminase (ALT) concentration and increased expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 indicated hepatotoxicity in ducklings fed the T2 diet. In contrast, ducklings fed T3, T4, and T5 diets all showed a decrease in the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, but only the T4 treatment group showed improvement in ALT concentration. AFB1 toxicity considerably raised the crypt depth (CD) in both the duodenum and jejunum of the T2 group, while the administration of 200 mg TLE/kg (T4) or a commercial binder (T5) effectively reduced this toxicity. Additionally, the villus width of the jejunum in the T2 treatment group decreased significantly, while all T3, T4, and T5 groups showed improvement in this regard. In summary, T. laurifolia extract can detoxify aflatoxicosis, leading to growth reduction and hepatic toxicosis in Cherry Valley ducklings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer perception of beef is heavily influenced by overall meat quality, a critical factor in the cattle industry. Genomics has the potential to improve important beef quality traits and identify genetic markers and causal variants associated with these traits through genomic selection (GS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) approaches. Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics provide insights into underlying genetic mechanisms by identifying differentially expressed genes, proteins, and metabolic pathways linked to quality traits, complementing GWAS data. Leveraging these functional genomics techniques can optimize beef cattle breeding for enhanced quality traits to meet high-quality beef demand. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of applications of omics technologies in uncovering functional variants underlying beef quality complexities. By highlighting the latest findings from GWAS, GS, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics studies, this work seeks to serve as a valuable resource for fostering a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between genetics, gene expression, protein dynamics, and metabolic pathways in shaping beef quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the impact of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in broilers' diet, alone or in combination with vitamin E, on meat quality parameters, nutritional value, and oxidative stability during storage time. An experiment was conducted on 180 COBB 500 broiler chickens (14 days old), assigned into six treatments, following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. A corn–soybean meal diet was supplemented with three levels of C. vulgaris (0% in group C1, 1% in E1, 2% in E2), two levels of vitamin E (0% in C1, 250 ppm in C2), and a combination of them (1% C. vulgaris + 250 ppm vitamin (E3), 2% C. vulgaris + 250 ppm vitamin (E4)). Dietary incorporation of C. vulgaris, including those supplemented with vitamin E, resulted in a significant increase in meat protein content. DPA and DHA levels increased by 2.01-fold and 1.60-fold in the 2% C. vulgaris + vitamin E group. The PUFA/SFA ratio was increased across all dietary treatments (p < 0.0001). HPI and h/H registered the highest values as a result of 2% C. vulgaris supplementation, being linked with a positive effect in lowering cholesterol levels. Supplementation with 2% C. vulgaris and vitamin E exhibited a 1.45-fold increase in vitamin E concentration in thigh meat compared to the control group, being the highest level registered in thigh meat in this experiment. Metmyoglobin concentrations registered lower values in the thigh meat of the experimental groups, while deoxymyoglobin increased in the same groups when compared to the control group. The inclusion of C. vulgaris (1% and 2%) in combination with vitamin E (250 mg/kg) in broiler diets exhibited the best prevention of lipid oxidation after 7 days of refrigerated storage, defined by the highest efficiency factors assessed in terms of secondary oxidation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meat of local livestock breeds often has unique qualities and flavors. In this study, three Shanghai native pig breeds (MSZ, SWT, and SHB) exhibited better meat quality traits than globalized commercial pig breeds (DLY). Subsequently, metabolomic and lipidomic differences in the longissimus dorsi (L) and gluteus (T) muscles of the Shanghai native pig breeds and DLY pig breed were compared using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The results demonstrated that the metabolites mainly consisted of (28.16%) lipids and lipid-like molecules, and (25.87%) organic acids and their derivatives were the two most dominant groups. Hundreds of differential expression metabolites were identified in every compared group, respectively. One-way ANOVA was applied to test the significance between multiple groups. Among the 20 most abundant differential metabolites, L-carnitine was significantly different in the muscles of the four pig breeds (p-value = 7.322 × 10−11). It was significantly higher in the L and T muscles of the two indigenous black pig breeds (MSZ and SWT) than in the DLY pigs (p-value < 0.001). Similarly, lipidomic analysis revealed the PA (18:0/18:2) was significantly more abundant in the muscle of these two black breeds than that in the DLY breed (p-value < 0.001). These specific metabolites and lipids might influence the meat quality and taste properties and lead to customer preferences. Therefore, this study provided insights into the characterization of meat metabolites and lipids in Shanghai native pig breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Intentions to purchase meat and repeat purchasing patterns will depend on the consumer's perception of intrinsic and extrinsic quality cues. In order to discover consumers' insights into the quality of pork and beef, the main objective of this study was to investigate meat color, marbling, and types of fresh meat defects. A total of 50 samples of meat were analyzed for three quality characteristics on different levels. This study applied a statistical calculation of a loss function invented by Taguchi. The results showed the values of variations in meat color and marbling that present the limits of consumers' tolerance. Based on the obtained results, it was determined that the tolerable level of color variations of beef is 3.61, while for pork, this limit is 2.00. The most preferred marbling percentages were 21% and 5.74% for beef and pork, respectively. On the other hand, the negative effect of defects was the strongest for "dark cutting" for beef and "blood spotting" for pork loins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study evaluated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) on the growth performance, meat quality, carcass traits, blood profile, and cecal bacteria of broiler chickens. MLP-fed broilers showed the highest weight gain, average daily feed intake, and best feed efficiency, as evidenced by a lower feed conversion ratio. MLP also enhanced meat quality, indicated by higher pH, lower cooking loss, and reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Positive impacts on the blood profile included increased red blood cell count, higher hemoglobin levels, and a lower stress indicator (H/L ratio). Additionally, MLP positively changed the cecal bacterial population by reducing harmful E. coli and Shigella spp. while increasing beneficial Lactobacillus spp. Thus, MLP is a promising natural feed additive for improving broiler growth, meat quality, overall health, and producing antibiotic-free and healthier broilers for consumers. The effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) on the growth, meat quality, carcass characteristics, hematobiochemical profile, and cecal bacteria of broiler chicken was investigated in this research trial. In this study, 192-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were assigned in a completely randomized design to three groups: control, antibiotic, and MLP. A standard basal diet was given to the control group, while the antibiotic group received 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline, and the MLP group received 100 mg/kg M. oleifera leaf powder supplemented basal diet. Each group was further divided into eight replicates consisting of eight birds each, and the trial ran for 35 days. Among the groups, the MLP-fed broilers achieved the highest final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI). Notably, the FCR for the whole experimental period was lower in the MLP group, indicating a more efficient use of feed for growth. Supplementation of MLP with basal diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) the weight of thighs and drumsticks relative to live weight %, while the spleen and abdominal fat weight (% of live weight) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Adding MLP to the diet improved the meat quality of broilers, as indicated by the highest pH of meat at 45 min and the lowest cooking loss (%) observed in this group. MLP exhibited hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects, with the lowest total cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to non-supplemented groups. The hematological profile revealed that the MLP group exhibited the highest RBC count and Hb level, while also showing the lowest H/L ratio. Moringa supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) modulated the cecal bacterial population, reducing pathogenic E. coli and Shigella spp. while increasing beneficial Lactobacillus spp. and the total aerobic plate count (TAPC). In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) can be used as a natural feed supplement for promoting the growth, meat quality, healthy blood, and sound health of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To investigate difference in the quality of the different parts (back, tail muscles, and fish skin) of Opsariichthys bidens from pond and rice field cultures, a comparative study was conducted in terms of nutritional composition, volatile flavor profiles and gut microbiota. In detail, the texture, free amino acids, fatty acids were further assessed. The results suggested that the moisture content, crude protein and crude fat content in the skin of O. bidens are higher than those in the back and tail muscles, regardless of breeding modes. The fish cultured in the rice field had a higher protein content than those from the pond culture, while the fat content of the rice field-cultured fish was significantly low compared to the fish from the pond culture, especially in the back and tail parts. A total of 43 volatile components were detected by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), with a maximum of 18 types of aldehydes and the highest concentration being nonanal. Compared to pond cultures, the fish from the rice field cultures showed more abundant flavor composition and odor-active compounds. The total content of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) in the rice field-cultured fish was higher than that of the pond group, while no significant disparity in amino acid composition was observed (p > 0.05). Comparative and clustering analyses of gut microbiota revealed notable discrepancies in the gut microbiota of O. bidens from two aquaculture systems. However, an inherent correlation between the gut microbiome and meat quality would be further emphasized in further studies. This study can offer a theoretical reference for the development of high-quality aquatic products by selecting the appropriate aquaculture models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: After approximately two decades of controlled breeding at the Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China, Luchuan (LC) pigs have developed two distinct phenotypes: one with obesity (FLC) and the other with leanness (LLC). Since recent research suggests a link between microorganisms and the development of these different phenotypes, this study investigated the fecal microbiota profiles and serum metabolites of FLC and LLC pigs. We found significant changes in the microbiota and metabolites between the two groups. The correlation studies showed a significant link between the modified microbiota, metabolites, and the observed phenotypic differences in the LC pigs. Notably, Jeotgalicoccus was positively correlated with the body weight and chest circumference, but negatively correlated with certain metabolites like 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and N1-pyrazin-2-yl-4-chlorobenzamide, which were positively associated with Bacteroides. These findings provide strong evidence for a new connection between the gut microbiome, metabolome, and phenotypic variation in LC pigs. Luchuan (LC) pigs are a Chinese breed renowned for their distinctive black and white coloring, superior meat quality and rapid reproduction, but their growth rate is slow. Over the course of approximately two decades of controlled breeding, the LC pigs maintained at the Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Shanghai, China) have diverged into two phenotypes: one characterized by obesity (FLC) and the other by leanness (LLC). Recent studies indicate a correlation between microorganisms and the differentiation of host phenotypes. In this study, we examined the fecal microbiota profiles and serum metabolites of FLC and LLC pigs. The body weight, chest circumference, and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme activities were increased in the FLC pigs compared to the LLC pigs. Conversely, the levels of the Fusobacterium and Streptococcus genera were lower in the FLC pigs, while the number of Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, Phascolartobacterium, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group members were higher. A total of 52 metabolites were altered between the two groups, with many playing crucial roles in prolactin signaling, oocyte meiosis, and aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption pathways. The correlation analyses demonstrated a significant association between the modified microbiota and metabolites and the phenotypic variations observed in the LC pigs. Specifically, Jeotgalicoccus was positively correlated with the body weight and chest circumference, but was negatively correlated with metabolites such as 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and N1-pyrazin-2-yl-4-chlorobenzamide, which were positively associated with Bacteroides. These results provide compelling evidence for a novel relationship between the gut microbiome and metabolome in the phenotypic differentiation of LC pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: Currently, research on livestock production suffers from isolation from other disciplines and a generalist nature, which makes publishing in top-tier journals a very difficult task. This situation is even more drastic when it comes to turkey meat research, which is an underdeveloped area that has historically suffered from a lack of resources compared to other species. For this reason, the aim of the present study is to develop a tool that allows researchers to determine which carcass and meat quality traits are related to increased interest by the scientific community and the quality standards of the journals in which studies are published. Variables improving journal standards include carcass dressing traits, muscle fibers properties, pH, colorimetry, some texture and water captivity traits, and chemical composition. Contrarily, carcass or piece yield is not a recommended variable to be performed in studies, as this parameter did not show a clear impact on publication quality. Finally, measures after 72 h are contraindicated since they showed a correlation with poor journal quality standards. Thus, this work can be used as a guideline for designing turkey carcass and meat quality studies, describing parameters to prioritize in order to maximize the impact quality of publication in the scientific community. The present research aims to describe how turkey meat and carcass quality traits define the interest of the scientific community through the quality standards of journals in which studies are published. To this end, an analysis of 92 research documents addressing the study of turkey carcass and meat quality over the last 57 years was performed. Meat and carcass quality attributes were dependent variables and included traits related to carcass dressing, muscle fiber, pH, colorimetry, water-holding capacity, texture, and chemical composition. The independent variables comprised publication quality traits, including journal indexation, database, journal impact factor (JIF), quartile, publication area, and JIF percentage. For each dependent variable, a data-mining chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision tree was developed. Carcass or piece yield was the only variable that did not show an impact on the publication quality. Moreover, color and pH measurements taken at 72 h postmortem showed a negative impact on publication interest. On the other hand, variables including water-retaining attributes, colorimetry, pH, chemical composition, and shear force traits stood out among the quality-enhancing variables due to their low inclusion in papers, while high standards improved power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The application of advantages can not only effectively improve the disease resistance and meat quality of livestock, but also significantly promote the reproduction and growth of livestock and poultry. A total of 78,579 SNPs and 42,018 ROHs were detected from autosomal samples of 380 meat rabbits after quality control for whole-gene association analysis using a mixed linear model. The homozygosity of the population genome was evaluated, and the number, length, frequency, and distribution of ROHs in the population were analyzed. Notably, candidate genes associated with growth and development were found in the high-frequency ROH region. In this study, the identified candidate genes can be used as molecular markers for assisted selection in meat rabbits. At the same time, the inbreeding situation based on ROH evaluation can provide reference for breeding and breeding preservation of meat rabbits. The application of heterosis can not only effectively improve the disease resistance and meat quality of livestock, but also significantly enhance the reproduction and growth of livestock and poultry. We conducted genome-wide association studies using data from F2 crossbred meat rabbits to screen out candidate genes with significant dominant effects associated with economic trait variation. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to obtain SNPs covering the whole genome to evaluate the homozygosity of the population genome, and analyze the number, length, frequency, and distribution of ROHs in the population. Candidate genes related to economic traits of meat rabbits were searched based on high-frequency ROH regions. After quality control filtering of genotype data, 380 F2 crossbred rabbits were identified with 78,579 SNPs and 42,018 ROHs on the autosomes. The fitting of the Logistic growth curve model showed that 49-day-old rabbits were a growth inflection point. Then, through genome-wide association studies, 10 SNP loci and seven growth trait candidate genes were found to be significantly related to body weight in meat rabbits at 84 days of age. In addition, we revealed the functional roles and locations of 20 candidate genes in the high-frequency ROH region associated with economic traits in meat rabbits. This study identified potential genes associated with growth and development in the high-frequency ROH region of meat rabbits. In this study, the identified candidate genes can be used as molecular markers for assisted selection in meat rabbits. At the same time, the inbreeding situation based on ROH assessment can provide reference for breeding and breeding preservation of meat rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In meat production, the fat within an animal's muscles, known as intramuscular fat (IMF), is key to quality. This study investigated how breeding rabbits for higher or lower IMF levels affect their gut microorganisms. We focused on a rabbit population that was bred over 10 generations to achieve either high-IMF or low-IMF levels. Our findings show that genetic selection changes the gut's microbial composition, with more noticeable differences at the genus level than at the broader phylum level. High-IMF rabbits had different abundances of Escherichia, Methanobrevibacter, and Hungateiclostridium microorganisms compared to low-IMF rabbits, amongst others. We identified four specific microorganisms that could predict a rabbit's IMF genetic line with 78% accuracy. This research highlights the link between muscle fat genetics and gut microorganisms, opening the possibility of developing microbiome modulation strategies to influence IMF in animals, which could improve meat quality. Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is important for meat production and human health, where the host genetics and its microbiome greatly contribute to its variation. The aim of this study is to describe the consequences of the genetic modification of IMF by selecting the taxonomic composition of the microbiome, using rabbits from the 10th generation of a divergent selection experiment for IMF (high (H) and low (L) lines differ by 3.8 standard deviations). The selection altered the composition of the gut microbiota. Correlated responses were better distinguished at the genus level (51 genera) than at the phylum level (10 phyla). The H-line was enriched in Hungateiclostridium, Limosilactobacillus, Legionella, Lysinibacillus, Phorphyromonas, Methanosphaera, Desulfovibrio, and Akkermansia, while the L-line was enriched in Escherichia, Methanobrevibacter, Fonticella, Candidatus Amulumruptor, Methanobrevibacter, Exiguobacterium, Flintibacter, and Coprococcus, among other genera with smaller line differences. A microbial biomarker generated from the abundance of four of these genera classified the lines with 78% accuracy in a logit regression. Our results demonstrate different gut microbiome compositions in hosts with divergent IMF genotypes. Furthermore, we provide a microbial biomarker to be used as an indicator of hosts genetically predisposed to accumulate muscle lipids, which opens up the opportunity for research to develop probiotics or microbiome-based breeding strategies targeting IMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nutritional factors are crucial to performance and meat quality. We investigated the effects of dietary CP and lysine levels on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and myofiber characteristics in slow-growing chicken and found that 18.0% CP increased BWG and shear force and had the lowest myofiber density and the largest myofiber diameter. Dietary lysine level affected myofiber diameter. Reducing dietary CP level and adding appropriate lysine can reduce myofiber diameter and increase perimysium thickness and endomysium thickness, therefore reducing shear force and improving meat tenderness. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) and lysine levels on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and myofiber characteristics of slow-growing chicken. A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was arranged, and the chickens were fed with 3 levels of dietary CP (16.0%, 17.0%, 18.0%) and 3 levels of dietary lysine (0.69%, 0.84%, 0.99%). A total of 540 8-week-old Beijing-You Chicken (BYC) female growing chickens were randomly allocated to 9 groups, 5 replicates per group, and 12 chickens per replicate. The birds were randomly allocated to one of the 9 experimental diets. Growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and myofiber characteristics were determined at 16 weeks of age. The results showed that dietary CP level and the interaction of dietary CP and lysine levels affected average feed intake (AFI) (p < 0.05). The AFI in the 16.0% CP and 17.0% CP groups was higher than in the 18.0% CP group (p < 0.05). Dietary CP levels significantly affected body weight gain (BWG) (p < 0.05) at 9 to 16 weeks. The 18.0% CP group had the highest BWG (93.99 g). Dietary CP levels affected the percentage of leg muscle yield, and the percentage of leg muscle yield of the 16.0% CP group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). Dietary CP and lysine levels alone and their interactions did not affect pH24h, drip loss, and cooking loss of breast muscle (p > 0.05). The shear force of the 18.0% CP group (29.55 N) was higher than that in the other two groups (p < 0.01). Dietary CP level affected myofiber characteristic (p < 0.01), with the lowest myofiber density (846.35 p·mm−2) and the largest myofiber diameter (30.92 μm) at 18.0% CP level. Dietary lysine level affected myofiber diameter, endomysium thickness, perimysium thickness (p < 0.01), with the largest myofiber diameter (29.29 μm) obtained at 0.84% lysine level, the largest endomysium thickness (4.58 μm) at 0.69% lysine level, and the largest perimysium thickness (9.26 μm) at 0.99% lysine level. Myofiber density was negatively correlated with myofiber diameter and endomysium thickness (R = −0.883, R = −0.523, p < 0.01); perimysium thickness had a significant negative correlation with shear force (R = −0.682, p < 0.05). Therefore, reducing dietary CP level and adding appropriate lysine can reduce myofiber diameter and increase perimysium thickness, reducing shear force and improving meat tenderness. A high lysine level (0.99%) in the low-CP (16.0%) diet can improve meat tenderness by regulating the myofiber characteristic without affecting production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Soybean meal is the main constituent of poultry feed, and the global supply of soybeans has decreased because of an imbalance between its demand and supply, primarily caused by the growing world population and reduced cultivation area. Therefore, a cheap and environmentally sustainable alternative protein source is urgently needed to maintain the sustainability of poultry production. In this study, we demonstrated that substituting 12% of soybean meal with either fall armyworm larvae or black soldier fly larvae enhances the growth, blood haematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality of broiler chickens. Consequently, soybean meal can be substituted with protein-rich insects in the poultry feed. The primary challenge facing the global animal industry is the scarcity of protein feed resources. Various insects are gaining prominence as innovative feed sources due to their economic, environmentally friendly, and nutritious attributes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of a partial replacement of soybean meal with fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on the growth performances, blood parameters, gut histology, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 350 1-day-old (40 ± 0.15 g) male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to seven experimental meals. Each treatment was repeated five times with 50 birds per dietary treatment. The seven dietary treatments included 4, 8, and 12% replacements of SBM with larvae of S. frugiperda and H. illucens. SBM was the basal diet considered the control. The data showed that broilers fed 12% S. frugiperda or H. illucens exhibited a significantly higher (p < 0.05) live weight, average daily weight gain, and improved the feed conversion ratio. Meals with 12% S. frugiperda or H. illucens significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) haematological and gut histological parameters, including villus height, crypt depth, villus width, and villus height/crypt depth ratios. The meat of broilers fed the 12% S. frugiperda diet showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) lightness and yellowness. Replacing soybean meal up to 12% with either S. frugiperda or H. illucens larvae improves the growth performance, blood haematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality traits of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4 Group A Member 1 (NR4A1) acts as a transcription factor to participate in lots of physiological activities including cell proliferation and cell differentiation. In this study, we found that NR4A1 promoted goat intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation through the PI3K/AKT pathway. This study provides important information about NR4A1 in the intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation in goats and therefore identifies a target for goat meat quality improvement studies. As a transcription factor, Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4 Group A Member 1 (NR4A1) binds to downstream target genes to participate in cell proliferation and cell differentiation. We found that the NR4A1 reached the highest expression at 60 h after the differentiation of goat intramuscular preadipocytes. Overexpression of goat NR4A1 increased the number of intracellular lipid droplets and up-regulated the expression of adipocyte-differentiation-related marker genes including AP2, SREBP1, ACC, GPAM, and DGAT2, while the relative expression levels of Pref-1 and HSL were significantly decreased. On the contrary, after NR4A1 was knocked down by siRNA, the number of intracellular lipid droplets and the relative expression levels of LPL, CEBPα, CEBPβ, ACC, and DGAT2 were significantly decreased, and the relative expression levels of Pref-1 and HSL were significantly up-regulated. These results suggest that NR4A1 promotes the differentiation of goat intramuscular preadipocytes. Transcriptome sequencing was carried out after overexpression of goat NR4A1, and the KEGG enrichment analysis result showed that the most differentially expressed genes were related to adipocyte differentiation and were enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. LY249002, an inhibitor of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, was introduced and decreased the number of intracellular lipid droplets, and the relative expression levels of C/EBPα, SREBP1, AP2, C/EBPβ, GPAM, ACC, DGAT1, DGAT2, and ATGL were decreased accordingly. The above results indicate that overexpression of goat NR4A1 may promote the differentiation of intramuscular preadipocytes through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Lueyang black-bone chicken is a vital poultry resource originating from China. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different rearing systems on the meat quality of Lueyang black-bone chickens via untargeted metabolomics. Compared with caged rearing, cage-free rearing significantly reduced chicken carcass yield and increased the shear force of leg muscles. In addition, the cage-free rearing mode promoted the accumulation of nutrients, such as phospholipids, unsaturated fatty acids, glutamate, and adenosin 3′-monophosphate. Moreover, the cage-free rearing system also enhanced the accumulation of volatile organic compounds, such as aldehydes, alcohols, and ketones, which greatly contribute to the meat flavor. In summary, this study provides a theoretical basis for cage-free rearing as a better rearing mode for Lueyang black-bone chickens. The Lueyang black-bone chicken is a specific native chicken strain in China. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different rearing systems on the meat quality of Lueyang black-bone chickens. Six hundred Lueyang black-bone hens were randomly divided into two groups at 7 weeks of age and raised in cage and cage-free systems for 20 weeks. The carcass yield, meat quality, and total metabolites were measured in both the leg and breast muscles. By comparison, the carcass yield of hens in the cage-free (CF) group (1.26 ± 0.09 kg) was significantly lower than that in the caged rearing (CR) group (1.52 ± 0.15 kg). However, the shear force of leg muscles in the CF group (27.98 ± 2.43 N) was significantly greater than that in the CR group (24.15 ± 1.93 N). In addition, six samples from each group were randomly selected and their metabolites were detected by the non-targeted metabolomics technique. Among these metabolites, 408 and 354 significantly differentially abundant metabolites were identified in breast and leg muscles, which were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. We found that the levels of 19 phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylcholines, were significantly greater in the CF group than in the CR group. Additionally, the contents of eight unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid were dramatically greater in the CF group than in the caged group. The accumulation of 4-hydroxy-proline, glutamate, and adenosine 3′-monophosphate (AMP) was enhanced in the CF group. Moreover, many more volatile organic compounds were identified in the muscles of the cage-free group, enhancing the flavor of the chicken meat. In conclusion, the cage-free rearing mode facilitates the accumulation of nutrients and flavor substances in the chicken meat and is a better rearing system for Lueyang black-bone chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Positive and negative pressure ventilation systems are widely used in poultry farming to control the internal environment of poultry houses, especially in tropical regions, in which hot and humid climates can pose challenges to the thermal regulation of animals. Knowing that thermal stress impacts the quality of animal meat, this study aimed to evaluate the thermal performance and quality of poultry meat in these two types of shed. The main results found here were that the negative pressure system presents lower temperatures and air enthalpy, and the animals reared in this system have better quality meat. We recommend the negative ventilation system for broiler producers in tropical regions due to its ability to provide better thermal indicators and chicken meat quality. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal performance and meat quality in broilers reared in positive pressure tunnel ventilation (PP) and negative pressure tunnel ventilation (NP) in production houses. 320 Cobb broilers (40 broilers per house) were used. Pectoralis major muscles from 40 broilers (10 broilers per house) were randomly selected and analysed for L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness), pH, drip loss (DL), cooking loss (CL) and shear force (SF). Air temperature and humidity of the transportation and slaughterhouse waiting room were recorded in the last week of rearing. Subsequently, the enthalpy comfort index (ECI) was calculated. Air temperature and ECI were higher (p < 0.05) in positive pressure sheds, whereas relative humidity was higher (p < 0.001) in negative pressure sheds. There was no statistically significant difference between the enthalpy comfort index during transport and lairage (p > 0.005). Meat quality defects (high L*, DL, CL, SF) were found in PP and NP. It was observed that b* was higher in PP, although pH and CL were higher in NP. Differences in pH, b* and CL indicate that broilers from PP had a higher level of heat stress. In conclusion, differences in pH, b*value and cooking loss in breast broilers indicate that birds in PP had a higher level of heat stress. Additional studies investigating pre-slaughter handling methods to minimise injuries and heat stress are recommended in order to improve animal welfare and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary energy and protein levels on the meat quality and metabolomic profile of Yunshang black goats. For this, 80 Yunshang black goats (male, 6 months old, with a mean live body weight of 35.82 ± 2.79 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial dietary arrangement. The dietary treatments were (1) high energy (9.74 MJ/kg) with high protein (12.99%) (HEHP), (2) high energy (9.76 MJ/kg) with low protein (10.01%) (HELP), (3) low energy (8.18 MJ/kg) with high protein (13.04%) (LEHP), and (4) low energy (8.14 MJ/kg) with low protein (10.05%) (LELP). The experiment lasted 64 days, including 14 days for dietary adaptation and a 50-day feeding trial. At the end of the experiment, four animals from each treatment were slaughtered to assess their meat quality and metabolomic profiles. The pH value was greater for the goats fed the LELP diet compared with the other treatments. The LEHP-fed group's meat was brighter (L*) than that of the other three groups. The HEHP-fed group had considerably more tender meat (p < 0.05) compared with the LEHP-fed group. Moreover, 72 and 183 differentiated metabolites were detected in the longissimus muscle samples by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The hydropathy and volatilities of raw meat were different (p < 0.05), suggesting changes in the meat flavor because of the dietary treatments. Based on the results, it can be concluded that feeding a high-energy- and high-protein-containing diet improved the tenderness, flavor, and fatty acid contents of mutton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat consumption is increasing globally. The safety and quality of meat are considered important issues for human health. During evaluations of meat quality and freshness, microbiological parameters are often analyzed. Counts of indicator cells can provide important references for meat quality. In order to eliminate the error of manual operation and improve detection efficiency, this paper proposed a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with a backbone called Detect-Cells-Rapidly-Net (DCRNet), which can identify and count stained cells automatically. The DCRNet replaces the single channel of residual blocks with the aggregated residual blocks to learn more features with fewer parameters. The DCRNet combines the deformable convolution network to fit flexible shapes of stained animal cells. The proposed CNN with DCRNet is self-adaptive to different resolutions of images. The experimental results indicate that the proposed CNN with DCRNet achieves an Average Precision of 81.2% and is better than traditional neural networks for this task. The difference between the results of the proposed method and manual counting is less than 0.5% of the total number of cells. The results indicate that DCRNet is a promising solution for cell detection and can be equipped in future meat quality monitoring systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The potential significance and importance of green iron nanoparticles (Nano-Fe) in poultry production lie in their capability to effectively tackle iron deficiency in poultry. Iron, an indispensable mineral for numerous physiological functions in birds, such as oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and immune response, underscores the critical need for adequate iron levels. Nevertheless, conventional iron supplementation methods frequently face hurdles like limited bioavailability rates in poultry. To enhance performance, and promote sustainable broiler productivity, Nano-Fe showed promise as an efficient feed supplement for broiler chickens. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of green Nano-Fe inclusions in diets on growth, ammonia excretion, carcass criteria, and meat quality in broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 192 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks, were assigned to three treatment diets including Nano-Fe oxide at 0, 20, or 40 mg/ kg, respectively, for 42 days. Each treatment comprised eight replicates, each with eight broiler chicks. Two phases comprised the 42-day study (0 to 21 days for the starter and 21 to 42 days for the finisher). Results: In comparison to the control group, the Nano-Fe oxide groups 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg linearly improved (p<0.05) body weight (R² = 0.574) and body weight gain (R² = 0.367) under hot climatic conditions at 42 days of age. Furthermore, Nano-Fe oxide to broiler diets, improved (linear, p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (R² = 0.424) throughout whole periods. The feed intake did not show any significant difference (p>0.05) among groups during the experimental periods under hot climatic conditions. The ammonia content of excreta (R² = 0.454) was linearly decreased (p<0.05) with increasing Nano-Fe oxide levels in broiler diets compared to control at 21 and 42 days of age under hot climatic conditions. Nano-Fe oxide positively influences cook loss, water- holding capacity, and iron content in various tissues. Moreover, it contributes to a healthier carcass yield and reduced abdominal fat. Conclusion: In conclusion, broiler chickens fed diets containing Nano-Fe oxide at 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg demonstrated enhanced growth performance, improved meat quality, increased iron content in tissues, higher dressing percentage, and reduced abdominal fat deposition. Future research should explore the impact of green Nano-Fe oxide on additional factors such as the microbiome and gene expression related to immunity and heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising awareness of nutritional values has led to an increase in the popularity of meat-based diets. Hence, to ensure public health, industries and consumers are focusing more on the quality and freshness of this food. Authentic meat quality assessment methods can indeed be exorbitant and catastrophic. Furthermore, it is subjective and reliant on the knowledge of specialists. Fully automated computer-aided diagnosis systems are required to eradicate the variability among experts. However, evaluating the quality of meat automatically is challenging. Deep convolutional neural networks have shown a tremendous improvement in meat quality assessment. This research intends to utilize an ensemble framework of shallow convolutional neural networks for assessing the quality and freshness of the meat. Two compact CNN architectures (ConvNet-18 and ConvNet-24) are developed, and the efficacy of the models are evaluated using two publicly available databases. Experimental findings reveal that the ConvNet-18 outperforms other state-of-the models in classifying fresh and spoiled meat with an overall accuracy of 99.4%, whereas ConvNet-24 shows a better outcome in categorizing the meat based on its freshness. This model yields an accuracy of 96.6%, which is much better compared with standard models. Furthermore, the suggested models effectively detect the quality and freshness of the meat with less complexity than the existing state-of-the art techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of slaughter weight (SW) on carcass characteristics and meat quality, we measured the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and amino acid metabolomics characteristics of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle from Tianfu finishing (TF) pigs. Based on SW, 13 pigs were divided into three groups (100-kg group, 125-kg group, and 150-kg group with 3, 5, 5 pigs in each group, respectively). Raising SW to 125 kg or 150 kg increased average backfat thickness (P < 0.01) and intramuscular fat content (P < 0.01), and decreased shear force (P < 0.01). A total of 231 amino acid metabolome from three amino acid classes identified with metabolomics were analyzed, and 93 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified (69 up-regulated DEMs and 24 down-regulated DEMs). The DEMs, including urea, 3-iodo-L-tyrosine, N-glycyl-L-leucine, and N, N-dimethylglycine with amino acid metabolism, were significantly induced (P < 0.01). KEGG pathway analysis showed that these DEMs were significantly enriched (P<0.01) in 135metabolism pathways, including pathways related to amino acidmetabolism, such as arginine and proline metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and beta-alanine metabolism. Our research findings provided new insights into the impact of SW on amino acid distribution and theoretical support for genetic breeding of meat quality of TF pigs. However, raising SW to 125 kg, ormore, decreased the carcass leanness of live TF pigs and had no benefits to pork quality attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At present, heat stress (HS) has become a key factor that impairs broiler breeding industry, which causes growth restriction and poor meat quality of broilers. Selenium (Se) is an excellent antioxidant and plays a unique role in meat quality improvement. Recent years, nano-selenium (NanoSe) has received tremendous attention in livestock production, due to its characteristic and good antibacterial performance in vitro. Here, we developed the heat stressed-broiler model to investigate the protective effects of NanoSe on growth performance and meat quality of broilers and compare whether there are differences with that of other Se sources (Sodium selenite, SS; Selenoyeast, SeY; Selenomethionine, SeMet). Results: HS jeopardized the growth performance and caused poor meat quality of breast muscle in broilers, which were accompanied by lowered antioxidant capacity, increased glycolysis, increased anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate, mitochondrial stress and abnormal mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. All Se sources supplementation exhibited protective effects, which increased the Se concentration and promoted the expression of selenoproteins, improved the mitochondrial homeostasis and the antioxidant capacity, and promoted the TCA cycle and the aerobic metabolism of pyruvate, thus improved the breast muscle meat quality of broilers exposed to HS. However, unlike the other three Se sources, the protective effect of NanoSe on meat quality of heat stressed-broilers was not ideal, which exhibited limited impact on the pH value, drip loss and cooking loss of the breast muscle. Compared with the other Se sources, broilers received NanoSe showed the lowest levels of slow MyHC, the highest levels of fast MyHC and glycogen, the highest mRNA levels of glycolysis-related genes (PFKM and PKM), the highest protein expression of HSP60 and CLPP, and the lowest enzyme activities of GSH-Px, citroyl synthetase (CS) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD) in breast muscle. Consistent with the SS, the Se deposition in breast muscle of broilers received NanoSe was lower than that of broilers received SeY or SeMet. Besides, the regulatory efficiency of NanoSe on the expression of key selenoproteins (such as SELENOS) in breast muscle of heat stressed-broilers was also worse than that of other Se sources. Conclusion: Through comparing the meat quality, Se deposition, muscle fiber type conversion, glycolysis, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitochondrial TCA cycle-related indicators of breast muscle in heat stressed broilers, we found that the protective effects of organic Se (SeY and SeMet) are better than that of inorganic Se (SS) and NanoSe. As a new Se source, though NanoSe showed some protective effect on breast muscle meat quality of heat stressed broilers, the protective effect of NanoSe is not ideal, compared with other Se sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]