Effect of botanical composition of free-range areas on production results and selected meat quality parameters of organic Yellowleg Partridge chickens

Abstract The aim of the conducted research was to assess the impact of the botanical composition of free-range areas on the production results and selected quality parameters of the meat of fattening chickens of the Polish Yellowleg Partridge (Ż-33) breed in organic farming. Three hundred mixed-sex Ż-33 chicks were assigned to three groups: RP1 – free-range area with natural meadow vegetation, RP2 – free-range area sown with a mixture of plants containing ingredients stimulating growth, RP3 – free-range area sown with a mixture of plants rich in carotene. During the experiment, the production results (the weight of the birds, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio per g of weight gain, and mortality) were monitored. Observations were also performed on the behaviour in the free-range areas. On the 140th day of the experiment, a simplified slaughter analysis was carried out, the meat pH was measured, the colour of the muscles was also determined, as well as the water holding capacity and drip loss of the meat. In the meat samples, the content of nutrients and fatty acids was determined, and the peroxidizability index (PI) was calculated. Birds feeding in the RP2 free-range areas were characterised by higher body weight, better feed conversion, and higher dressing percentage compared to birds having access to the RP1 and RP3 free-range areas. On the other hand, the RP3 group Ż-33 chickens were characterised by a higher share of leg muscles and a tendency towards lower fat content in the carcass. It was also found that the meat of birds from the RP2 and RP3 groups was characterised by a higher pH24 compared to Ż-33 chickens from the RP1 group. Access to the RP2 free-range area modified the fatty acid profile, mainly in the leg muscles, reducing the palmitic acid and MUFA content and increasing the PUFA content. It can therefore be assumed that the plant species sown in the RP2 free-range area positively influenced the production results and the quality of the meat of fattening chickens feeding on them. It is therefore appropriate to carry out further studies on the type of vegetation sown in free-range areas in order to improve the efficiency and quality of the meat of organic fattening chickens.