Norwegian Journal of Agricultural Sciences : the influence of feed and water withdrawal time on post mortem biochemical changes and meat tendemess in broilers

Abstract

The effect of feed and water withdrawal time (6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 hours) on post mortem changes in breast muscles and quality of broiler meat was evaluated. Glycogen content and R value in breast muscles were not influenced by feed and water withdrawal time. However, there was a significant difference in latic acid concentration between broilers starved for 6 hours and those starved for 12 hours. The initial pH and tenderness of the breast muscles decreased significantly after 12 hours feed and water withdrawal. The opposite effect was observed for thigh meat. The most tender thigh meat was found in broilers starved for 30 hours. The feed and water withdrawal time did not influence roast losses.