PROCESSING, PRODUCTS, AND FOOD SAFETY 2011 Poultry Science 90:444–457 doi: 10.3382/ps.2010-00840

ABSTRACT The effect of acute cold exposure on bird physiology, muscle metabolites, and meat quality was assessed in 360 male and female broilers at 5 and 6 wk of age, exposed for 3 h to temperature ranges of −18 to −4°C and a control of +20°C, by using a simulated transport system followed by 0 or 2 h of lairage. Core body temperature (CBT) was recorded, and the mi-croclimate temperature and RH surrounding individ-ual birds were monitored. Birds were classified based on the temperature in their immediate surroundings. Exposure to temperatures below 0°C resulted in a de-crease (P < 0.05) in blood glucose and an increase in live shrink. During the 3 h of exposure to −8°C or lower, CBT dropped substantially. Temperatures be-low −14°C caused lower glycolytic potential and lactat