The effect of acute cold exposure was assessed
on broiler physiology, breast and thigh muscle
metabolites, and meat quality. In total, 160 male birds
at ages of 5 and 6 wk were exposed to temperatures of
−9 to −15°C (cold stressed) and +20°C (control) in a
simulated transport chamber for 3 h before slaughter
followed by 0 or 2 h of lairage. Bird physiology parameters,
including core body temperature, live shrink,
blood glucose, and muscle temperature, were assessed.
Core body temperature was monitored every minute
using i-Button data loggers, and live shrink and blood
glucose were assessed. Total glucose and lactate concentrations
at 30 h postmortem, as well as ultimate pH
(pHu), color, and water-holding attributes were evaluated
on pectoralis major muscle of breast and iliotibialis
muscle of thigh.