ate to white fibers was higher in the thigh muscle, and
the diameter of all muscle fiber types in both muscles was
smaller in the indigenous compared with the imported
breeds. The meat of the 2 indigenous Thai strains had
lower contents of fat and cholesterol compared with that
of the imported breeds, especially relative to the Rhode
chickens (thigh meat). The meat of the indigenous origins,
especially of the Thai chickens, was higher in shear force
and collagen content (thigh only) than meat of the imported
breeds. The meat lipids of the Thai chickens had
particularly high proportions of n-3 fatty acids and a
favorably low n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio compared with
the other genotypes. In conclusion, meat of indigenous
chickens has some unique features and seems to have
more advantages over imported breeds than disadvantages,
especially when determined for a niche market
serving consumers who prefer chewy, low-fat chicken
meat.