• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.1504-1510
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• 2013

Native chickens hold a significant share of the market in China. In response to the huge demand from the market, the productivity of Chinese native chickens needs to be improved. Cross breeding is an effective method to increase productivity, although it might affect meat quality. In this study, two pure lines (SD02 and SD03) of Erlang mountainous chickens were hybridized with a yellow feather and faster growing line (SD01). The effect of hybridization on carcass and meat quality (physiochemical and textural traits) was measured in the $F_1$ population at d 91 of age. The hybrids exhibited higher body weight and dressed weight, and amount of semi-eviscerated, eviscerated, breast muscle and abdominal fat (p<0.05). Abdominal fat yield also increased (p<0.05) compared to the offspring of the two pure-lines. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in meat quality traits except for the myofiber diameter and density and the shear force of the breast muscle. Overall, the offspring of cross-lines were similar to pure lines in meat color, pH value, inosinic acid, crude protein, crude fat, dry matter, moisture content and amino acid composition in the breast muscle. These results suggest that productivity can be improved via cross-breeding while maintaining meat quality of the Erlang mountainous chicken.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.865-873
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• 2019

Objective: The study was designed to investigate the effects of restraint method, restraint duration, and body weight on stress-linked hormones (corticosterone, adrenaline, and noradrenaline), blood biochemical (namely glucose and lactate), and the meat quality in broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 120 male broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were assigned to a $2{\times}3{\times}2$ factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design using two restraint methods (shackle and cone), three durations of restraint (10, 30, and 60 s), and two categories of live body weight ($1.8{\pm}0.1kg$ as lightweight and $2.8{\pm}0.1kg$ as heavyweight). Results: Irrespective of the duration of restraint and body weight, the coned chickens were found to have lower plasma corticosterone (p<0.01), lactate (p<0.001), lower meat drip loss (p<0.01), cooking loss (p<0.05), and higher blood loss (p<0.05) compared with their shackled counterparts. The duration of restraint had significant effects on the meat initial pH (p<0.05), ultimate pH (p<0.05), and yellowness (p<0.01). The lightweight broilers exhibited higher (p<0.001) blood loss and lower (p<0.05) cooking loss compared to the heavyweight broilers, regardless of the restraint method used and the duration of restraint. However, the interaction between the restraint method, duration of restraint, and body weight contributed to differences in pre-slaughter stress and meat quality. Therefore, the interaction between the restraint method and the duration of restraint affected the meat shear force, lightness ($L^*$) and redness ($a^*$). Conclusion: The duration of restraint and body weight undoubtedly affect stress responses and meat quality of broiler chickens. Regardless of the duration of restraint and body weight, the cone restraint resulted in notably lower stress, lower meat water loss, and higher blood loss compared to shackling. Overall, the findings of this study showed that restraint method, duration of restraint, and body weight may affect the stress response and meat quality parameters in broilers and should be considered independently or interactively in future studies.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.28-38
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• 2024

Objective: Tibetan chickens, which have unique adaptations to extreme high-altitude environments, exhibit phenotypic and physiological characteristics that are distinct from those of lowland chickens. However, the mechanisms underlying hypoxic adaptation in the liver of chickens remain unknown. Methods: RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used to assess the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in hypoxia adaptation in highland chickens (native Tibetan chicken [HT]) and lowland chickens (Langshan chicken [LS], Beijing You chicken [BJ], Qingyuan Partridge chicken [QY], and Chahua chicken [CH]). Results: A total of 352 co-DEGs were specifically screened between HT and four native lowland chicken breeds. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses indicated that these co-DEGs were widely involved in lipid metabolism processes, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, fatty acid metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis. To further determine the relationship from the 352 co-DEGs, protein-protein interaction network was carried out and identified eight genes (ACSL1, CPT1A, ACOX1, PPARC1A, SCD, ACSBG2, ACACA, and FASN) as the potential regulating genes that are responsible for the altitude difference between the HT and other four lowland chicken breeds. Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating hypoxia adaptation via lipid metabolism in Tibetan chickens and other highland animals.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.568-578
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• 2020

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate effects of supplementation of culture media from solid-state fermented Isaria cicadae (I. cicadae) on performance, serum biochemical parameters, serum immune indexes, antioxidant capacity and meat quality of broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 648 Arbor Acres male broiler chickens(1 d; average body weight, 42.93±0.47 g) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments, each with six replicates and 18 broiler chickens per replicate. Broiler chickens were fed phase I (d 1 to 21) and phase II (d 22 to 42) diets. The phase I diets were corn and soybean-meal based diets supplemented with 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% culture media from solid-state fermented I. cicadae respectively. The phase II diets were corn and soybean-meal based diets supplemented with 0%, 1.33%, 2.67%, 4.00%, 5.32%, or 6.67% culture media from solid-state fermented I. cicadae respectively. Results: In phase I, the broiler chickens with the supplementation of culture media had increased body weight gain and feed intake (linear and quadratic, p<0.05) with increasing inclusion of culture media. The levels of serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased linearly (p<0.05). In phase II, levels of serum T-AOC and interleukin-1β increased linearly (p<0.05), and GSH increased (p<0.05). In the kidney, GSH and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentrations increased (linear and quadratic, p<0.05) and SOD concentration increased linearly (p<0.05). Compared to the control, shear force and drip loss of breast muscle decreased (linear and quadratic, p<0.05). Drip loss of leg muscle decreased linearly and quadratically (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of culture media from solid-state fermented I.cicadae which was enriched in both wheat and residual bioactive components of I. cicadae enhanced the growth performance of broiler chickens. It also improved body anti-oxidative status and contributed to improve broiler meat quality.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.805-810
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• 2011

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with bamboo charcoal (BC) and bamboo leaf (BL) on growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, and meat quality in broiler chickens. Broiler chickens were fed for 30 days with a diet containing 0.5% bamboo charcoal or bamboo leaf. The results showed that the mortality rate during the study period was slightly lower in the BC and BL groups than the control group, while terminal weight and weight gain were significantly higher in the BC and BL groups than the control group. Dietary supplementation with BC or BL also improved feed conversion rate compared to chickens in the control group. Shear force was significantly lower in the BC and BL groups than that of the control group. The fat content of chickens fed with BC tended to decrease, while the ratio of unsaturated fat acid of chickens fed with BC or BL tended to increase, although without a statistically significant difference. Sensory evaluation revealed that overall acceptability was slightly higher in the BC and BL groups than the control group. There was no statistically significant change in the hematology and serum biochemistry parameters, compared with the control group in any group tested. The results of this experiment indicated that dietary supplementation with BC and BL may improve growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and meat quality in broiler chickens.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.582-587
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• 2007

The pale, soft, exudative (PSE) syndrome lowers storage quality and consumers acceptability in the particular meat. With the increase in the consumption of parted chickens in Korean meat consumption trade, a parallel increase in the concern over the PSE status of chickens have been noticed. The present study focused on the PSE status of broiler's breast to investigate the effects of different degrees of PSE on its quality and storage characteristics. A total of 46 broiler chickens of 35 days old averaging 1,251-1,350 g were selected for the study. Breast separated and skin was removed. The breast meat was stored at $4^{\circ}C$ for 3 days and were analysed for pH, lightness, yellowness, redness, shear force, water-holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and Volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) on day 1 and 3 during the storage. Increase in the degree of broilers breast PSE during storage caused fall in pH and shear force and increase in lightness, cooking loss, TBARS, VBN. Broilers breast PSE status confirms the actual pale soft and exudative nature of meat.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.1309-1314
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• 2004

The red carotenoid, astaxanthin was studied to improve the meat quality of broiler chickens. Astaxanthin pigmented chickens and delayed oxidation of lipid in them. Two sources of astaxanthin were used to pigment broiler chickens in a five-wk feeding trial: biological astaxanthin (BA) from the red yeast, Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, and chemical astaxanthin (CA) from chemical synthesis. The concentrations of CA (45 mg/kg feed) and BA (22.5 mg/kg feed) were set to give similar levels of pigmentation. The colorimetric values (a and b) of breast muscles were significantly changed by astaxanthin (p${\leq}$0.01). Absorption and accumulation of BA were higher than those of CA, probably due to the high contents of lipids in the yeast (17%). Lipid peroxide formation in skin was significantly decreased by astaxanthin (p${\leq}$0.05). This result indicated that the production of lipid peroxides in the carcasses of broiler chickens during storage could be delayed by astaxanthin. Therefore, astaxanthin could be used as an antioxidant as well as a colorant for broiler chickens.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.167-178
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• 1995

The purpose of this research was to get basic information for the development of Korean native chicken industry by reviewing the current native chicken farm management and marketing situation of native chicken products(meat and eggs). The research was carried on the basis of the farm field survey covering 210 native chicken feeders out of 9 different local areas, and the results were as follows ; 1. Average raising size of native chicken flocks of sample farms was 1,787 heads and about 50% of those farms raised less than 500 heads chickens for self-sufficiency or on the side. 2. Most farmers made the decision to start on feeding native chickens in small scale with small amount of capital without sound feeding program, and their decision was mainly influenced by recommendation of mass-media( 19.5%) and neighbors (17.2%). 3. The average income per farm earned by raising the native chickens was 13,719 Won, and income per head of chicken was 8,800 Won. 4. About 40% of feeders expressed that the poor marketing management and lack of capital were the bottleneck to native chicken farm management. 5. About 70% of feeders evaluated the prospect of native chicken industry positively and so, about 60% of feeders hoped to expand the raising size in the future. 6. Most farmers directry made a bargain with marketer including middleman and enduser in selling the chicken products because there was not established special marketing system for native chicken products. 7. The sales age of native broiler was about 16~20 weeks and average body weight of broiler was 1.5~2.0 kg. And farm recieved price was not decided on the basis of each body weight or meat quality but only number of heads. 8. The average first egg-laying age of chickens was about 165 days and average annual laying rate was only about 56%. 9. In order to develop the successful Korean native chicken industry, followings are recommended ; 1) Reducing the production costs and increasing the productivity of native chickens should be carried out through technological research and development for sound feeding program of native chickens and sufficient fund supply. 2) Orderly native chicken marketing and pricing system should be established to give good vision about native chickens to farmers and to delight the consumers. 3) The measures for product differentiation including meat quality and nutritional value of native chicken products against other improved chickens should be actively taken by feeders and government.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.618-624
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• 2008

A 35-day trial was carried out to determine the influence of dietary cinnamon powder (CNP) on the sensory evaluation and quality of chicken meat, carcass characteristics, plasma lipid level and growth performance of broiler chickens. There were 5 treatment groups: control; CNP 2.0%; CNP 3.0%; CNP 4.0%; and CNP 5.0%. The body weight of the broilers fed the diets containing 3.0% CNP was higher than the broilers fed the control feeds (p<0.05). The concentration of triacylglyceride, HDL-C was higher in the plasma from broiler chickens fed diets with CNP (p<0.05) but the concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-C were significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to the control group. The carcass percentage, chicken breast and thigh weight were not different between the CNP and control groups. The WHC was significantly higher in the chickens fed 4% CNP diet, while the TBARS was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the chickens fed 3% CNP diet compared to the control group. The color of the breast muscle from the chickens fed 3% CNP diet was lighter than those from the control groups (p<0.05). The sensory evaluation of the taste and savor related to CNP in fried or boiled chicken meat were significantly better from the broiler chicken fed diets containing CNP than the control group (p<0.05). These results suggest that dietary cinnamon powder may improve savor and quality of chicken meat in broiler chickens.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.979-984
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• 2017

Objective: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary Ca concentrations in low non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) diets containing phytase on growth performance, bone mineralization, litter quality, and footpad dermatitis (FPD) incidence in growing broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 1,800 21-day-old Ross 308 growing broiler chickens were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments with 6 replicated cages. Six diets were formulated to provide increasing Ca concentrations of 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, or 9.0 g/kg in diets. The concentrations of NPP in all diets were maintained at 3.0 g/kg, and phytase was supplemented to all diets at the level of 1,000 fytase units (FTU)/kg. At the end of the 14-d feeding trial, birds were euthanized for tibia sampling, and litter samples were collected from 3 areas in the cage. The FPD incidence was measured based on a 6-point scoring system. Results: Dietary Ca concentrations had no effect on growth performance of growing broiler chickens. However, a tendency (linear, p = 0.05) for decreased feed efficiency was observed as dietary Ca concentrations were increased. The concentrations of Ca and P in the tibia of broiler chickens increased (linear and quadratic, p<0.01) with increasing Ca concentrations in low NPP diets containing phytase. Litter pH, moisture, and N contents were not affected by increasing Ca concentrations in low NPP diets containing phytase. However, a tendency (quadratic, p = 0.10) for increased FPD incidence with increasing dietary Ca concentrations was observed. Conclusion: Dietary Ca concentrations from 4.0 to 9.0 g/kg in low NPP diets containing phytase have little effects on growth performance of growing broiler chickens. However, Ca and P concentrations in the tibia are decreased if dietary Ca concentrations are less than 5.0 g/kg. The FPD incidence for growing broiler chickens may be decreased if less than 9.0 g/kg of Ca is included in diets.