title: Effect of selection for growth rate on biochemical, quality and texture characteristics of meat from rabbits.
abstract: Biochemical characteristics, including myosin heavy chain I (MHC-I) percentage, isocitrate dehydrogenase and aldolase activities, meat quality traits and instrumental texture properties of rabbits selected for different growth rates were studied. The animals of the control (C) group (7th generation; n=60) were raised in parallel with those of selection (S) group (21st generation; n=60). Carcass weights (1230.1±19.8 and 1348.3±20.1 g, for C and S, respectively) and perirenal and scapular fat content differed significantly (P<0.01) between the two groups. Water holding capacity was expressed as the percentage of pressure released water and was significantly different (P<0.05) between groups C and S (33.29% and 35.57%). MHC-I percentage and aldolase activity also differed significantly (P<0.05) between groups, group C showing higher oxidative traits than group S (MHC-I: 12.5% and 9.8%; aldolase: 597.11 and 636.83 UI/g muscle). Texture properties from the Warner-Bratzler test showed higher (P<0.001) shear firmness for loin in the S group (1.69 kg/s cm(2)) than in the C group (1.34 kg/s cm(2)). In addition, the texture profile analysis indicated that chewiness, gumminess and hardness were also higher in the S group (P<0.01). In conclusion, the results confirmed a positive effect of the selection on productive traits and a negative effect on instrumental texture properties and on the water holding capacity of the meat.
authors: IRTA Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, Centre de Tecnologia de la Carn, Granja Camps i Armet s/n, 17121 Monells, Girona, Spain.
authors: Jorge A
authors: JA
authors: Ramírez
authors: M Àngels
authors: MÀ
authors: Oliver
authors: Marcial
authors: M
authors: Pla
authors: Luis
authors: L
authors: Guerrero
authors: Beatriz
authors: B
authors: Ariño
authors: Agustín
authors: A
authors: Blasco
authors: Mariam
authors: M
authors: Pascual
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Gil