Philippine E-Journals

Histological Features and Myofibrillar Proteins of Muscles in Chickens at 6 And 16 Weeks of Age

Marites M. Ramil | Ninfa P. Roxas

Discipline: Animal Science

 

Abstract:

A study on the histological features of breast and thigh muscles of commercial broilers and native chickens as affected by age and type of management was conducted. The myofibrillar protein contents of these muscles in chickens raised under range management and in confinement at 6 and 16 weeks of age were also determined using the biuret method. The results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) following a 2x2x2x2 factorial in completely randomized design (CRD) using SAS. Differences in treatment means were tested for significance using least square means. Results showed that myofibrillar protein content was significantly affected by the type of management and the kind of muscle used. The thigh muscle has significantly higher myofibrillar protein content than the breast muscle. Likewise, native chickens raised under range management have significantly higher myofibrillar protein content than broilers. The higher myofibrillar protein content of thigh muscle of native chickens raised under range conditions is attributed to increased muscular activity since they are more exercised as they move around the field to forage for their own food. The increased myofibrillar protein content contributed to the increased degree of firmness in thigh muscle of native chicken, which makes it more acceptable to the consumers.