Physiochemical Characteristics
and Water-Holding Capacity
The pH and electrical conductivity values measured
in the breast muscle at 45 min and 24 h p.m. were not
significantly different among genotypes (Table 2). This
could reflect favorable conditions during transport and
slaughter (resting period). Even though the indigenous
strains are known to have a more aggressive and alert
behavior than the imported breeds (Jaturasitha et al.,
2004a), all of the genotypes investigated probably were
less stress-susceptible than high-bred broiler strains anyway.
The pH level was similar to that of 5.92 reported
by Arslan (2006) for the breast meat of spent hens.
Breast and thigh meat color, described by L*, a*, and
b* values, were largely different among genotypes (P <
0.001). Breast and thigh of Rhode chickens were paler
(high L*), more yellow (high b*), and less red (low a*)
than that of all other genotypes, whereas Bresse chicken
meat had the expected relatively intensive red color,