Evaluación de la calidad de la carne de pollo en el mercado minorista: efectos del tipo y origen de las canales

The aim of this work was to document the variability in the quality and nutrient content of broiler meat in the retail market of Jeddah city (Saudi Arabia) come from two types of broiler carcasses: frozen and fresh. There are also three sources within each type (A, B, C) and (D, E and F), respectively. These were evaluated using 45 carcasses from each type, i.e. 15 carcasses from each source, collected over three months. The meat types (frozen/fresh) and the sources within each type had a significant influence (P<0.05) on carcasses appearances and defects, including skin weight, and breast and leg parameters. In addition, physical qualities (pH, drip loss, lightness and yellowness) and chemical composition (dry matter, crude protein, Ca, P, Na and K content) were significantly affected by each type of meat and sources within the types. The quality of broiler meat in the retail market was shown to be significantly different in terms of customer selection to fulfil their recommended daily allowance. This difference in meat quality showed potential for the nutritious quality to be boosted. This suggests that consumers of meat can enhance their nutrient intake through being careful about their shopping. Furthermore, such variation shows the necessity of constant practice within husbandry and production, in terms of the implementation of regulations and aspects of new quality-controls. Based on the nutritional contents as stated by the market authorities, this may impact on consumers' wellbeing.