Higher Oxygen Content Affects Rabbit Meat's Quality and Fatty Acid Profile in a Modified Atmosphere.

After 7 days of storage, the quality of the meat packed in both systems (MAP and VAC) was satisfactory; however, after 14 and 21 days, there was a noticeable decline in quality, as evidenced by changes in the water percentage and color parameters (L∗, a∗, and b∗). However, muscles stored in the MAP1 had the highest tenderness. The results indicated that as the storage time increased (up to 21 days), the share of C14:0 (P < 0.001) and C16:0 (P < 0.001) acids in the fat of the LTL muscles decreased. Only the share of C18:0 (P = 0.001) and C20:1 (P = 0.015) acids was significantly influenced by the packaging method. The highest iodine level was found in MAP1 21 days after packaging (85.68). The ratio of n-6/n-3, PUFA/SFA, AI, and TI indexes, which indicate a higher nutritional quality of fat, varied only with storage time without being affected by the gas mixture (P > 0.05). The H/H level differed significantly with the storage time (P < 0.001), with no effect of the gas mixture (P = 0.133). After the 21-day storage period, the controlled atmosphere led to an increase in the concentration of MUFA and PUFA and a decrease in SFA, according to the study of the fatty acid profile.

Husbandry practices associated with extensification in European pig production and their effects on pork quality.

This review has been developed as part of the mEATquality project with the main objective to examine the types of extensification practices used in European pig husbandry and their effect on intrinsic meat quality. Literature search has resulted in 679 references in total, from which 53 showed a strict compliance with the goals of this review: 1) the use of local European breeds and their crossbreds (22 papers); 2) addition of forage to diet (9 papers); 3) increased space allowance (3 papers); 4) enrichment of environment (19 papers). The evaluation of selected extensification factors showed that not all of them have a clear impact on meat quality, and are often confounded. The most clear differences were observed when comparing autochthonous with commercial breeds, and systems with access to pastures or woodlands vs. indoor housing. Despite many studies focusing on the extensification of husbandry practices, some of the factors cannot be confirmed to have a direct effect on pork intrinsic quality.

Impact of packaging system on the microbial quality of chilled rabbit meat over 21 days of storage.

The pace of life is accelerating, so we are seeking ways to optimize the shelf life of products. To achieve this goal, the microbiological quality of rabbit meat was assessed at 7, 14, and 21 days under refrigerated conditions, utilizing two storage methods, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging (VAC). Maintaining high levels of hygiene is critical not only during slaughter but also during subsequent technological processes and meat storage. The research concluded that the MAP method was more effective at extending the shelf-life of fresh rabbit meat than the VAC method. Additionally, increasing the CO2 concentrations in meat significantly decreased the Pseudomonas bacteria population (after 14 and 21 days of storage). Conversely, the gaseous mixture containing 70% O2 significantly decreased the Enterobacteriaceae population in the sample after 21 days of storage. Moreover, the MAP storage method considerably impeded microbial growth, particularly the total yeast and mold count, lactic acid bacteria count, and Pseudomonas spp. count. This study's findings demonstrate that rabbit meat can be stored for 21 days in a modified atmosphere containing appropriate concentrations of gases such as gaseous carbon dioxide and oxygen.

Seasonal Variation in the Body Composition, Carcass Composition, and Offal Quality in the Wild Fallow Deer (Dama dama L.).

The goal of this study was to examine the seasonal variation in the body composition, carcass composition, and quality of edible internal organs from the fallow deer hunt-harvested in the summer (n = 9) and the winter (n = 10) seasons. The weight and proportion of the mesenteric and omental fat were greater for the animals harvested in the winter (1.12 kg and 2.75%) compared to those from the summer season (0.43 kg and 1.02%). The winter-harvested animals had more perinephric fat (0.75 kg and 1.84%) than those hunted in summer (0.26 kg and 1.84%). The gastrointestinal tract of the fallow deer hunted in summer was more filled with feed and therefore heavier (7.92 kg) compared to those from the winter season (5.16 kg). The proportion of fat was significantly greater in the carcasses obtained in winter compared to the summer season (6.55% vs. 3.79%). No seasonal variety was found in the physicochemical characteristics of the edible offal, but the content of extractable fat was significantly affected by the season. In conclusion, the effect of the season on the slaughter value of the hunt-harvested fallow deer was limited to a variation in the proportion of some of the internal organs and affected the fat deposition in the body of the examined animals. The season significantly affected the fat content in the carcass and the extractable fat content in the examined offal.

Effect of mastitis incidence on litter size, litter weight, and milk composition of rabbit does.

This study aimed to examine the effect of mastitis incidence on the litter size, litter birth weight, and milk composition of Hycole does on a commercial rabbit farm during their third and fourth parity. At third parity does were assigned to the "No mastitis" (n = 30) and "Mastitis" (n = 28) groups on the basis of visible abscesses in the mammary gland area. The microbiological analysis revealed the presence of different pathogenic bacteria. At third parity, "Mastitis" females had fewer kits than the "No mastitis" group, and the average birth weight was lower. On day 2 of the third lactation, "Mastitis" does produced significantly less milk daily compared with the "No mastitis" group. A significant effect on the incidence of mastitis on the litter size and litter weight during the growth of kits up to the 35th day was also observed. The effect of the incidence of mastitis on milk chemical composition was limited. At the fourth parity, the litter characteristics and daily milk yield were leveled in "Mastitis" and "No mastitis" females. To conclude, our study showed that mastitis negatively affects litter size, birth weight, and daily milk yield in the current parity. However, early detection and proper treatment allowed to obtain good reproductive results and healthy kits in the next parity.

Influence of different packaging methods on the physicochemical and microbial quality of rabbit meat.

The study was conducted on 84 rabbits. The animals were weaned at the age of 42 days, after which they were all fed the same diet. Rabbit loins were obtained 24 h post-mortem and divided into groups according to the packaging method and storage time: control group (examined 24 h post-mortem); two groups stored in vacuum packaging (7 days, n = 12; 14 days, n = 12); and four groups stored in two different gas mixtures (7 days, n = 12/gas mixture; 14 days, n = 12/gas mixture). After the storage, the microbiological and physicochemical quality of longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscles was analyzed. Meat packaged in both systems (MAP and VAC) was characterized by good quality after 7 days of storage, while after 14 days, there was a significant deterioration, which was reflected in disturbances in the color parameters (L* and a*) and substantial changes in the water fraction parameters. The purge loss (<0.0001), total water (<0.0001), free water (<0.001), cooking loss (<0.0001), and plasticity (p = 0.0025) were affected by the group. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that vacuum packaging created the lowest microbial growth rates. However, muscles stored in the gas mixture containing 30%CO2 and 70%O2 , characterized with the greatest tenderness.

How Housing Conditions Determine the Welfare of Pigs.

Humans who care for pigs prefer an environment that not only allows the pigs to express their natural behaviors but also limits the development of aggression and stereotypes. Most of the behavioral and health problems encountered by pigs in barren, conventional conditions are solved by alternative housing systems. However, it is not known whether these systems are advantageous in terms of the performance of pigs. In this work, we review the effects of housing systems on pigs' behaviors and performance, which are among the major indicators of the welfare of these animals. Research results point out that outdoor systems are more ideal for sows and fatteners than buildings. Nonetheless, outdoor housing is associated with two major effects in both groups: increased activity due to environmental exploration and higher space allowance, and increased incidence of injuries compared to indoor systems. Sows are more active when housed in groups, but they experience an increased frequency of injuries. According to the literature, group-housed sows give birth to healthy piglets with good daily weight gains. The difference in the fattening and slaughter performance of pigs raised indoors vs. outdoors remains unclear, and the results reported so far are inconsistent. Outdoor systems seem to be associated with a higher incidence of osteochondrosis and lesions of elbow and hock joints, whereas indoor systems cause a greater degree of body soiling in pigs. Based on the reviewed literature, it may be concluded that outdoor housing helps to solve behavioral issues in pigs but leads to other problems in pig production.

Reproductive Performance of Hycole Rabbit Does, Growth of Kits and Milk Chemical Composition during Nine Consecutive Lactations under Extensive Rhythm.

The goal of this study was to analyze the reproductive performance of does, growth of their kits, and chemical composition of their milk over nine consecutive parities in order to indicate the boundary of female reproductive profitability. The novelty of this study results from the combinations of three factors: extensive reproductive rhythm, commercial farming conditions, and a period of nine consecutive parities, showing the actual lifespan of a rabbit doe on commercial farms. The data was collected on 60 Hycole females kept at a commercial rabbit farm. Throughout the study, 32 does were excluded due to different reasons (e.g., excluded by means of selection-43.8% and mortalities-25.0%). The does were first inseminated at 28 weeks of age. Following artificial inseminations were conducted 14-15 days after each parturition. All kits were weaned at the age of 35 days. The following characteristics were analysed: body weight of rabbit does at artificial insemination, milk production per lactation, litter size, litter weight, average kit weight, and milk chemical composition. Rabbit does had a significant decrease in kindling rate between the eighth and the ninth parity (by 10.0 percentage points; p = 0.039). The litter size at weaning in the ninth parity was significantly lower to litters weaned at other analysed parities. The amount of milk produced per lactation was affected by the parity order (6.31-6.76 kg; p = 0.042). The litter weights on day 21 and 35 were the lowest at ninth parity. The content of total solids (TS), solids-not-fat, and fat was affected by the parity order on both analysed lactation days. The content of TS and fat in rabbit milk was characterized with a decreasing trend over the analysed period, on both lactation days. The results clearly indicate that rabbit does under extensive reproductive cycles characterize with a very good reproductive performance and can be successfully used for reproduction even up to the eighth parity. However, further research is needed if keeping them longer will not be profitable.

Welfare Health and Productivity in Commercial Pig Herds.

In recent years, there have been very dynamic changes in both pork production and pig breeding technology around the world. The general trend of increasing the efficiency of pig production, with reduced employment, requires optimisation and a comprehensive approach to herd management. One of the most important elements on the way to achieving this goal is to maintain animal welfare and health. The health of the pigs on the farm is also a key aspect in production economics. The need to maintain a high health status of pig herds by eliminating the frequency of different disease units and reducing the need for antimicrobial substances is part of a broadly understood high potential herd management strategy. Thanks to the use of sensors (cameras, microphones, accelerometers, or radio-frequency identification transponders), the images, sounds, movements, and vital signs of animals are combined through algorithms and analysed for non-invasive monitoring of animals, which allows for early detection of diseases, improves their welfare, and increases the productivity of breeding. Automated, innovative early warning systems based on continuous monitoring of specific physiological (e.g., body temperature) and behavioural parameters can provide an alternative to direct diagnosis and visual assessment by the veterinarian or the herd keeper.

Effect of Two Different Stunning Methods on the Quality Traits of Rabbit Meat.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of two different stunning methods on the level of blood stress indicators (cortisol, insulin, glucose) and rabbit meat quality. The experiment was conducted on crossbreds of Hycole, Hyla, and Jordan rabbit strains: from mating Hyplus PS19 females with Hycole males (genotype I, n = 20) and Jordan × Hycole females with Hyla males (genotype II, n = 20). Prior to slaughter, the animals were weighed and divided into two groups according to the stunning method: 10 rabbits from each genetic group were stunned with an electric stunner, and the remaining 10 were stunned mechanically using a club. Genotype II was characterised by higher body weight at slaughter (p < 0.05), hot dressing percentage (p < 0.05), cold dressing percentage (p < 0.05), hot carcass weight (p < 0.05), and cold carcass weight (p < 0.05), compared to genotype I. The stunning method slightly influenced the meat lightness (p = 0.035). The meat of electrically stunned rabbits was characterised with higher drip loss (p < 0.0001) and lower plasticity (p = 0.043). Among the analysed traits of meat, only the drip loss (p = 0.014) and the percentage of extractable fat were affected by genotype (p = 0.044). Neither the stunning method nor the genotype affected rabbit meat texture characteristics. The study was undertaken because of the increasing importance of rabbit meat production as a developing sector of the meat industry and the need to improve the welfare of rabbits by selecting the most acceptable slaughter methods for these animals. To conclude, the analysed rabbit meat was characterised with good quality. There were only slight differences between genotypes and the stunning groups.

Effect of Age and Sex on the Quality of Offal and Meat of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa).

The goal of the study was to examine the effect of age and sex on the quality of wild boar offal and meat. A number of 32 hunt-harvested animals was assigned to groups according to age (juveniles and sub-adults) and sex. The quality of offal (liver, kidneys, heart and tongue) and m. semimembranosus was examined. The pH value of m. semimembranosus ranged from 5.45 to 5.88. The highest pH was recorded in the kidney and the liver (6.32-6.54 and 6.12-6.31). The meat in the group of juveniles was brighter (p = 0.042), yellower (p = 0.039), showed a greater drip loss (p = 0.007), cooking loss (p = 0.039), and plasticity (p = 0.028), compared to the sub-adults. The extractable fat content in the m. semimembranosus and offal (p = 0.004), and water to crude protein ratio (p = 0.033), also differed between age groups. The results of the study show different quality attributes of offal and meat of wild boars from two age groups. The obtained quality measures suggest that the culinary and technological usefulness of offal and meat from the wild boars may differ according to the age of hunted animals.

Hycole Doe Milk Properties and Kit Growth.

The level of production and the physiochemical traits of rabbit milk affect the growth and the mortality of bunnies during lactation. The goal of the study was to analyze the effect of litter size and day of lactation on the quality traits of rabbit milk, milk production, and associative traits. The study was conducted on 32 Hycole does and their litters. The rabbit milk pH ranged from 6.61 to 7.46. The colostrum was characterized by the highest content of total solids (31.54 and 31.80 g kg-1) and fat content (15.73 and 15.9 g kg-1). The milk from the beginning of the lactation was characterized by the highest level of somatic cell count (SCC) (523.67 and 536.57 103 mL-1), which gradually decreased to reach the lowest level on days 17 and 21 of lactation. The daily milk production was greater for does nursing 10 kits per litter compared to those nursing eight kits per litter (p < 0.001). The peak of milk production occurred on day 17 postpartum. To conclude, the litter size has a clear effect on milk production as well as litter weight and litter weight gains. It is also important to note that the day of lactation affected the physiochemical traits of rabbit milk.

Influence of the method of storage on the quality of venison from wild fallow deer (Dama dama).

The quality of two muscles (musculus longissimus lumborum and musculus semimembranosus) was studied in a group of 15 wild fallow deer does hunted in January. The aim of the research was to analyse the influence of the method of storage on the quality of venison. The pH value after chilled storage and after freezer storage ranged from 5.64 to 5.70, indicating high meat quality of meat. The freezer storage caused a decrease in the redness and chroma in the longissimus lumborum muscle (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.001). The frozen and thawed venison characterised with a higher percentage of free water (P = 0.001), drip loss (P = 0.033) and lower plasticity (P = 0.001) compared to the meat stored under chilled conditions. The instrumental measures of tenderness were affected by the storage. The results indicated a lower technological quality of venison after freezer storage compared to meat stored under chilled conditions.

The seasonal variation in the quality of venison from wild fallow deer (Dama dama) - A pilot study.

The studied material included 19 fallow deer does hunt-harvested in two seasons, summer and winter. The post-mortem body weight of analysed animals was not affected by the season (P = 0.762). The pH value measured 24 h post-mortem in the M. longissimus lumborum was significantly higher in the summer compared to the winter season. The venison obtained in the winter season characterized with higher L* (P < 0.0001) and b* (P = 0.002) and lower a* (P < .0001) compared to meat from the summer season. There was also a seasonal variation in the purge in vacuum bags (P = 0.001), water compartments and cooking loss (P < 0.0001). Considering the proximal chemical composition, the extractable fat content was higher in winter (P < 0.0001) compared to the summer season. On the basis of the research results, one can conclude about greater usability for processing and storage of venison obtained in the winter season.

The effect of transport on the quality of rabbit meat.

The analyzed material included 40 hybrid rabbits slaughtered at the age of 90 days. The control group was transported directly after weaning, while the transport group was transported directly prior to slaughter. The experiment was designed to assess the transport stress, carcass and meat quality implications, taking into account the muscle type and sex. The transported animals were characterized by a higher level of blood cortisol, glucose and triglycerides (P < 0.0001), and a lower level of insulin (P < 0.0001) compared to the control group. In the presented study the time post-mortem affected the pH decline in both rabbit groups (P < 0.0001). The lightness, redness and yellowness of rabbit meat were affected by the transport (P < 0.0001, P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001). The percentage of free water and its share in the total water was higher for the non-transported rabbits compared to the transported ones (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the meat from the control group was characterized by greater plasticity compared to the transport group (P = 0.003). The chemical composition of rabbit meat was not changed by the effect of transport (P = 0.643-0.979). To conclude, the quality traits of meat from the transported hybrid rabbits clearly indicated the development of dark firm and dry-like lower quality of meat.