ABSTRACT
Color of broiler skin was evaluated after exposure to organic acids under various concentrations and simulated potential plant application conditions. Breast skin from chilled broiler carcasses was treated with acetic (AA), citric (CA), lactic (LA), malic (ML), mandelic (MN), propionic (PA), or tartaric (TA) acids at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6% concentrations. Each acid and concentration was applied in simulated dip (23 C for 15 s), scalder (50 C for 2 min), and immersion chiller (1 C for 60 min) conditions. A tap water control was included with each application method. Objective color values of L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) were measured before and after the treatments to calculate color differentials under a factorial arrangement of organic acids and concentrations. Skin lightness increased (P < 0.01) in simulated chiller as compared to dip and scalder applications. Skin redness was reduced significantly in scalder, and yellowness in dip and scalder applications, respectively. In simulated dip application, with the exception of PA, all acids decreased lightness and increased redness and yellowness values. Propionic acid had little affect on lightness and redness values, but decreased yellowness values. In simulated scalder application, with the exception of PA, all acids decreased lightness with increasing concentration. The redness values changed little in scalder application. However, yellowness values were increased with all acids, except for PA, which decreased yellowness values. In simulated chiller conditions, all acids, except for PA, decreased lightness and redness and increased yellowness values. Propionic acid increased lightness and decreased yellowness values significantly in chiller conditions. Alterations in skin color should be taken into account in the selection and application of organic acids as carcass disinfectants.
Subject(s)
Carboxylic Acids/pharmacology , Chickens , Color , Food Handling , Skin , Acetic Acid/pharmacology , Animals , Citric Acid/pharmacology , Cold Temperature , Hot Temperature , Lactic Acid/pharmacology , Malates/pharmacology , Mandelic Acids/pharmacology , Propionates/pharmacology , Tartrates/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Live performance and carcass quality of female broilers were evaluated under four coccidiostat programs (CP) and two feed treatments. The CP consisted of halofuginone (H) and salinomycin (S), fed either continuously (HH and SS) or in rotational programs (HS and SH), during the starter (1 to 21 d) and grower (22 to 35 d) periods, respectively. All groups received an unmedicated withdrawal feed from 36 to 42 d. Feed treatments consisted of a control and a fortified diet high in proline and supplemented with additional ascorbic acid and zinc (50 birds per pen; 4 pens per feed; 8 pens per CP). In addition to live performance and skin puncture strength, carcass quality attributes following processing (at 43 d of age) were assessed. No CP by feed interactions were detected for any of the variables measured. The CP treatments did not differ for live performance. Birds on fortified feed were heavier at 21 d (P < .001) and had an improved feed conversion at 42 d (P < .05). Skin puncture strength was significantly reduced for the birds fed H, either in continuous (HH) or rotational programs (HS and SH). Skin sores-scratches and tears were lowest for the SS and SH groups. The HH treatment resulted in fewer grade A carcasses (P < .001). Halofuginone, when fed continuously or in the starter feed, affected carcass quality of broilers. Higher dietary proline or supplementation with ascorbic acid and zinc did not appear to alleviate the effects of halofuginone on skin quality.
Subject(s)
Body Weight/drug effects , Chickens , Coccidiostats/pharmacology , Pyrans/pharmacology , Quinazolines/pharmacology , Skin/drug effects , Animals , Ascorbic Acid/administration & dosage , Chickens/anatomy & histology , Chickens/metabolism , Coccidiostats/administration & dosage , Female , Food, Fortified , Piperidines , Proline/administration & dosage , Pyrans/administration & dosage , Quinazolines/administration & dosage , Quinazolinones , Skin Physiological Phenomena , Tensile Strength/drug effects , Tensile Strength/physiology , Zinc/administration & dosageABSTRACT
Live performance and skin characteristics of male and female broilers were evaluated under four coccidiostat feed additive programs. Treatments consisted of halofuginone (H) and salinomycin (S), fed either continuously (HH and SS) or in rotational programs (HS and SH) during the starter (1 to 21 d) and grower (22 to 35 d) periods, respectively. An unmedicated withdrawal feed was provided from 36 to 42 d of age. Body weights, feed efficiency, and mortality (by pen) were determined, in addition to skin puncture strength measurements taken at Days 21, 35, and 42 on five birds per pen. At 43 d of age, all birds were processed and individually graded for skin defects. There were no treatment by sex interactions for any variable measured. Male body weights, feed efficiency, and total mortality exceeded those of females (P < .05). Skin puncture strength was reduced at 21 d in the HH and HS groups, at 35 d in the HH and SH groups, and at 42 d in the HH, HS, and SH groups. Thigh sores and scratches were higher for the HH group (P < .05), and thigh skin tears were higher for the HH and HS groups (P < .01). Males had more swollen hock joints and breast blisters than females (P < .001). Females had more thigh skin tears (P < .01) and broken wings (P < .001) than males. Results of the present study demonstrated that halofuginone affected skin strength of broilers, especially when used continuously or only in the starter feed (1 to 21 d).
