Study of the Woody Breast and White Striping Conditions Affecting the Pectoralis Major Muscle of Broiler Chickens: Processing Perspective

Woody breast (WB) and white striping (WS) are meat quality issues affecting the pectoralis major muscle of broiler chickens. Three studies were performed to address WB and WS. The first study evaluated the effect of citrus fiber (CF), rice starch (RS), and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) in different combinations on the quality traits of WB. Treatments; Control) NaCl (0.83%) + STPP (0.45%), T1) NaCl (0.83%) + STPP (0.45%) + RS (1.5%), T2) CF (1.3%), and T3) CF (1.3%) + STPP (0.45%) were evaluated. Results indicated that RS+STPP, CF and CF+STPP could be used to improve marinade retention and cook loss yield in breast meat affected with the WB condition. Citrus fiber could be a potential clean label ingredient used as substitute of STPP in marinade brines. The second study investigated the effects on quality traits, acceptability, and instrumental texture of fresh chicken sausage and deli-loaves formulated with severe WB and/or normal (NOR) meat as follow: T1)100% NOR + 0% WB, T2) 75% NOR + 25% WB, T3) 50% NOR + 50% WB, T4) 25% NOR + 75% WB, and T5) 100% NOR + 100% WB. Data indicated that chicken sausage can be formulated with up to 75% WB without affecting the consumer perception towards the texture and cook yield of the product. The combination of 25%;75% normal and severe WB fillets could be a suitable option in the formulation of chicken deli-loaves without affecting the texture and yield of the final product. The objectives of the third study were to 1) to investigate the relationship between WS and WB, and 2) to propose a predictive model that uses growth production factors to investigate the incidence and severity of WS and iii WB. Results indicated that there is a positive but moderate association between WS and WB and are jointly predictive of the severity of WS and WB. Variables such as age, live weight and sex were not as important as breast weight and species in the severity prediction of both myopathies. Potentially other factors not included in this study, may play a major role in the relationship of these myopathies