Meat quality of poulards obtained from three conserved breeds of hens

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of genotype (breed/line) and spaying of pullets on body weight, estradiol level, carcass and meat quality. Subjects were Rhode Island Red (R-11), Yellowleg Partridge (Ż-33) and Sussex hens (S-66), 100 birds per line, which were divided into 2 groups, each having 50 pullets and 50 poulards. Spaying was performed at 10 wk of age, under local anesthesia by a veterinarian. The present study showed that blood estradiol levels in poulards were much lower than in pullets regardless of genotype. Poulards showed higher body weight and their carcasses higher lightness and yellowness. In the sensory evaluation, poulard breast meat was more tasty and leg meat also more juicy and tender compared to pullet meat. Among the three conserved breeds, Rhode Island Red (R-11) and Yellowleg Partridge (Ż-33) hens are the best starting material for poulard production. Their carcasses showed good muscling and intense yellowness desirable to the consumers. R-11 birds achieved highest body weight. Spaying of pullets had no significant effect on the profile of fatty acids, but greater and statistically significant differences in this regard were found between hen lines. Compared to S-66 birds, breast muscles of R-11 and Ż-33 birds contained more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The breast and leg muscles of these birds had a lower content of saturated fatty acids (SFA ).