Assessment of meat quality distributions of breast fillets with woody breast condition in the raw and cooked state.

The objective of this study was to determine meat quality distributions and assess hardness distributions in raw and cooked breast fillets with the woody breast (WB) condition, in addition to evaluating the relationship between water properties and WB severity. A total of 90 breast fillets were collected and categorized as normal (NORM), mild (MILD) and severe (SEV). Breast weight, drip loss, compression measurements, cook loss, shear and texture profile analysis (TPA) values were measured for each sample by fillet location (cranial to caudal) and sampling depth (cranial-superficial, cranial-internal, middle-superficial, and middle-internal) in the raw and cooked meat state. Low-field NMR relaxation measurements were also collected for both the raw and cooked fillets. Results indicate that severe WB expressed increased hardness, a higher water content (bound water and free water) and reduced meat quality attributes in raw and cooked meat. Breast fillet hardness and meat quality distributions were unevenly distributed between fillets, compression measurements were higher mainly in the cranial region, and progressively decreased toward the caudal region for both raw and cooked fillets. Shear force and energy values were higher in the cranial region than in the middle region, and TPA values were higher in superficial regions rather than internal portions. Additionally, low-field NMR could be used to predict WB through variation in water properties as thermal processing reduces water distributing abilities in affected fillets.

Lipid Assessment, Cholesterol and Fatty Acid Profile of meat from broilers raised in four different rearing systems.

Evaluated lipid and cholesterol concentration and fatty acid profile of raw breast, thigh and drumstick meat from broilers raised in different rearing systems. Were used 200 male broiler carcasses from four different rearing systems (n=50 from conventional intensive; n=50 from organic; n=50 from free-range; and n=50 from antibiotic-free) distributed in a completely randomized design with four rearing systems and 50 replications (carcasses). Breast meat from conventional broilers showed higher lipid (1.47) and cholesterol (34.13) concentration. Thigh and drumstick meat from free-range broilers had higher lipid (7.53/4.73) and cholesterol (45.55/53.65) concentration. Fat contained in breast, thigh and drumstick meat from free-range broilers showed higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fat from breast and thigh meat from free-range broilers showed higher total concentration of ω3 and ω6 fatty acids. Fat from thigh meat from organic broilers showed higher levels of EPA (C20:5n3) and DHA (C22:6n3). Fat from drumstick meat from free-range broilers showed higher total concentration of ω3 and ω6 fatty acids. Meat from chickens raised in alternative rearing systems offers less risk to cardiovascular health because it presents lower concentrations of lipids and cholesterol, greater amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for human health.

Physical and chemical characteristics of the longissimus dorsi from swine reared in climate-controlled and uncontrolled environments.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ambient temperature on the physical and chemical characteristics of the longissimus dorsi muscle by comparing the quality of meat from pigs reared in a controlled and in an uncontrolled environment, the latter provided with a shallow pool. Twenty castrated male pigs of the Topigs line were randomly allotted to two treatments: a controlled environment, with constant temperature (22 °C) and relative humidity (70%); and an uncontrolled environment in a conventional shed for rearing pigs equipped with a shallow pool, where pigs were subject to climatic variations. Meat from pigs kept in the controlled environment showed a greater capacity to retain intracellular water, higher tenderness, and lower cholesterol levels than meat from pigs reared in the uncontrolled environment, but displayed higher lipid oxidation and a lower concentration of DHA. Treatments had no effect on color, pH, chemical composition, or fatty acid profile (except DHA concentration). Rearing pigs in sheds equipped with a shallow pool minimizes the effects of environmental heat on meat quality, allowing the production of high-quality meat in warm climate regions without expensive investments. Animals reared in an uncontrolled environment equipped with a shallow pool are able to produce meat with characteristics within the quality standards and with similar quality to that of meat from animals raised in controlled environment.

Concentration of lipids, cholesterol, and fatty acid profile in chicken breast meat affected by wooden breast myopathy frozen for up to 12 mo.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of frozen storage for 12 mo on the concentrations of lipids and cholesterol and fatty acid profile of wooden chicken breast meat. A total of 120 samples of chicken breasts were selected, according to the degree of "wooden breast" myopathy ["severe," "moderate," and "normal" (absence of myopathy)], from male chickens slaughtered at 42 d of age, from Cobb 500 strain. Part of the samples (n = 20/grade of severity) were evaluated on the day of collection and the remainder were packaged, frozen and stored at -18°C for up to 12 mo. At the beginning (collection day) and at the end of the proposed freezing period (12 mo), analyses of lipid, cholesterol, and fatty acid profile were carried out. Percentage of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids were evaluated. Meats affected by wooden breast myopathy had lower levels of PUFA that exert beneficial effects on health, such as DHA, EPA and ARA, and this profile is impaired by prolonged storage (12 mo), which results in important nutritional losses for the consumer.

Effect of freezing on the quality of breast meat from broilers affected by wooden breast myopathy.

The objective of the present study was to characterize possible variations in the quality of wooden chicken breast meat during freezing for 12 mo, in order to prove whether the shelf life recommended by the industry allows the storage of that type of meat without compromising its consumption. Three hundred samples of male Cobb 500 broilers slaughtered at 42 d of age were used. Part of the samples (n = 20 normal-control group; n = 20 moderate degree; n = 20 severe degree) were analyzed on the day of collection (beginning), previously kept under refrigeration (4°C). The other samples were stored (-18°C) for up to 12 mo. At the end of each proposed freezing period (3, 6, 9, and 12 mo), physical and chemical analyses were performed (per period: n = 20 normal-control group; n = 20 moderate degree; n = 20 severe degree). Color (L*, a*, and b*), pH, water-holding capacity, cooking losses, tenderness, lipid oxidation, chemical composition, cholesterol concentration, mineral profile, and collagen concentration were evaluated. The physicochemical quality of wooden chicken breast meat is significantly altered during frozen storage for 12 mo, being of inferior quality when compared to normal chicken breast meat, which can negatively affect consumer acceptance. However, it should be noted that even after 12 mo of freezing, the meats did not show oxidative rancidity.

Physical, chemical, and microbiological evaluation of sausages produced with chicken meat affected by deep pectoral myopathy.

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the chemical composition, lipid oxidation, and physical characteristics of fresh sausages produced with meat from the pectoralis major muscle affected by deep pectoral myopathy. For the characterization of myopathy, samples were collected from broiler chickens slaughtered between 42- and 46-days old in a slaughterhouse in the state of São Paulo. The experiment consisted of samples from pectoralis major muscle of birds affected or not by DPM (normal-absence of myopathy and DPM category 3-progressive degeneration of the pectoralis minor with a greenish appearance). After classification of the samples, a part of raw products with the pectoralis minor removed, was submitted to microbiological and physical analyses for the characterization of DPM. Afterward, only the pectoralis major muscle was used to manufacture fresh sausages and 2 groups were established. The evaluated parameters were: color, pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss (CL), shear force (SF), water activity (Aw), and chemical composition. Meat pH was higher (P < 0.05) in meats with DPM, however, WHC values were lower (71.92%), which made CL value increase (25.31%). In addition, the coloring increased and the technological characteristics of raw breasts were less favorable with the presence of DPM. All fresh sausages' color (except a* higher control group), pH, and Aw values were higher in DPM group. No effect on SF values was observed between fresh sausages. In chemical composition, only protein content increased in fresh sausages with DPM. Microbiological analyses did not indicate bacterial contamination of raw samples and fresh sausages. Data obtained in the present study suggest fresh sausages produced with breasts affected by DPM are a viable alternative and may confer more favorable qualitative characteristics to sausages than the raw marketed meat.

Effect of freezing on the quality of breast meat from broilers affected by White Striping myopathy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in the quality of chicken breast meat containing white stripes during freezing for 12 mo. Samples of Pectoralis major muscle from male Cobb 500 broilers containing white stripes in moderate and severe degrees were used, as well as samples from a control group (normal - absence of myopathies). Part of the samples (n = 60; n = 20 for each severity degree) were analyzed on the day of collection (beginning) and the rest (n = 240) was frozen (-20°C) for up to 12 mo. At the end of each proposed freezing period (3, 6, 9, and 12 mo), color, pH, water holding capacity, cooking loss, tenderness, lipid oxidation, chemical composition, cholesterol and collagen concentrations, myofibrillary fragmentation, and sarcomere length were analyzed. Microbiological analysis of samples was performed at the beginning and after 12 mo of freezing. Myopathy linked to freezing showed results of increased meat tenderness, with reduction of crude protein and mineral matter and increase of moisture, fat, and cholesterol, without affecting the meat's collagen percentages. However, these variations with the onset of myopathy do not compromise the consumption of broiled chicken breast meat, kept frozen for up to 12 mo.

Research Note: Quality parameters of turkey hens breast fillets detected in processing plant with deep pectoral myopathy and white striping anomaly.

The increase in the consumption of poultry meat intensified production, which allowed the emergence of myopathies associated with broiler and turkey meat. The aim to examine possible quality alterations in the 240 Pectoralis major muscle (breast fillets) from carcasses of turkey breeder hens. Regarding DPM, 120 samples of breast fillets from turkey of the Nicholas strain with Pectoralis minor muscle together were selected according to the occurrence of the myopathy in the Pectoralis minor muscle (tender), as follows: DPM score 2 (n = 40), DPM score 3 (n = 40), and a control group unaffected by DPM, score 0 (n = 40). Then, different 120 samples, from the same flock of birds, were selected according to White Striping (WS) anomaly in the Pectoralis major muscle (breast fillets), considering the degree of severity of the striations apparent in the muscle, as follows: moderate (n = 40), severe (n = 40) and a control group (normal) without the presence of WS anomaly (n = 40), with set up as a completely randomized design with 3 treatments for DPM and WS. We evaluated in meat of turkey breeder hens color, water-holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss (CL), shear force (SF), sarcomere length (SL) and total, soluble and insoluble collagen contents. The color parameters lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) of turkey breeder hens breast fillets were altered by the occurrence of DPM and WS and as except CL, there were a difference for WHC and SF (P < 0.05). Significant differences were observed for sarcomere length (P < 0.05) between fillets without myopathies and with DPM Score 2 and 3 too. Higher values of total collagen (%) were observed for the most severe category of involvement for both myopathies. The DPM and WS affect the color and in a partial reduction texture of the breast fillets meat of turkey breeder hens and this may have a negative economic impact on the meat industry, because these are the main points evaluated by the consumer, in the most value commercial cut.

Meat quality traits and Blunt Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear characteristics of broiler breast fillets affected by woody breast condition and post-cooking meat temperature.

This study aimed to investigate meat quality attributes, cooking performance, and water properties of woody breast (WB). A total of 48 broiler breast fillets (7 wk, 3 h debone) of 24 normal (NORM) and 24 severe WB (SEV) were collected. Raw meat characteristics (L*, a*, b*, pH, compression force and energy and) along with the blunt blade of the Meullenet-Owens razor shear (BMORS) properties were determined. Cooking time and internal meat temperature were recorded for each fillet every 5 min on each fillet during cooking. Water/moisture properties and shear values of BMORS were determined at different meat temperatures (HOT [68°C], AMBIENT [22°C] and COLD [4°C]) after cooking. SEV fillets showed higher L*, a*, b*, pH, CF, CE, BMORS force, BMORS energy, and peak counts of BMORS values compared to NORM fillets in raw state (P < 0.05). Cooking time was shorter in SEV fillets than NORM fillets (P < 0.0001). Cook loss, total water loss, and moisture loss (HOT, AMBIENT) were greater in SEV fillets than NORM fillets (P < 0.01). PC-BMORS were greater in SEV fillets than NORM fillets (P < 0.05), and all BMORS shear values increased as post-cooking meat temperature decreased (P < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between WB scores and raw meat characteristics and shear values. There were also significant relationships (P < 0.001) between WB scores and cooking performance measures except moisture loss for COLD treatment. BMORS force and energy were moderately correlated to total water loss, cook loss, and moisture loss (HOT) regardless of meat temperature (P < 0.05); however, PC-BMORS was only correlated to total water loss at COLD and moisture loss (HOT) at all meat temperatures (P < 0.05). These data corroborate the association of WB condition with impaired quality/texture characteristics in raw and cooked fillets; WB also had a significant impact on cooking time, cooking at a faster rate, along with water/moisture loss during and after thermal processing. Results demonstrate that the post-cooking meat temperature plays an important role in shear test values.

Breast meat quality of turkey breeder hens at disposal age affected by deep pectoral myopathy.

Deep pectoral myopathy (DPM) considerably affects the meat quality of commercial poultry, thus representing a challenge to the poultry industry. In this study, we examined the breast meat quality of turkey breeder hens at disposal age affected by different degrees of DPM. Samples were collected from Nicholas turkeys at disposal age (385 d), at an average weight of 12.5 kg, which were reared and slaughtered in the south region of Brazil. The breast was first classified according to the degree of DPM and then samples of the Pectoralis major were collected from birds affected (DPM degrees 2 and 3; n = 20 of each) and nonaffected (normal, absence of lesions; n = 20) by the myopathy. After the affected Pectoralis minor muscle was discarded, the carcasses were released for human consumption by the Federal Inspection Service. The meat affected by the myopathy exhibited color changes (L*, a* and b*) (P < 0.05), especially in the inner surface. Higher (P < 0.05) water-holding capacity, pH, sarcomere length and fat concentration and lower (P < 0.05) shear force and moisture percentage were observed when compared to the normal samples. From this study, can be concluded that the severe condition of deep pectoral myopathy which affects the Pectoralis minor muscle, causes variations in the quality of Pectoralis major muscle of turkey on disposal age. As a raw material, this type of meat has a higher fat content and greater capacity for retaining intracellular water, important attributes to the manufacture of processed products. In this way, the processing is an economically viable alternative to the commercialization of breast meat from birds affected by myopathy.

Effect of Aging on the Quality of Breast Meat from Broilers Affected by Wooden Breast Myopathy.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aging on the quality of breast meat from broilers affected of wooden breast. Samples that were classified as normal (control), moderate (hardness verified only in one region of breast fillet), and severe (hardness verified in all the extension of breast fillet) were evaluated fresh and after three and seven days of aging. Normal samples and samples with a moderate degree of myopathy showed greater water-holding capacity, which may benefit the processing industry of poultry meat. During the aging process, increase was observed in total collagen concentration (from 0.41% in normal samples to 0.56% in samples with severe degree). Samples of chicken breast affected by moderate degree showed higher myofibril fragmentation index (MFI = 115) than normal chicken samples (95.65). Although chicken samples affected with severe degree of wooden breast myopathy are more tender than normal chicken breasts, they produce more exudate, which can be detrimental to the processing of poultry meat. The aging process may improve the reduction of cooking weight loss and protein loss in exudation of broilers' breasts affected by wooden breast myopathy.

Impact of deep pectoral myopathy on chemical composition and quality parameters of chicken breast fillet.

One of the current myopathies affecting the chicken meat industry is deep pectoral myopathy (DPM), also known as green muscle disease or Oregon disease, the condition is considered a major problem in poultry processing lines. Thus, the present study proposes to examine the meat quality of the Pectoralis major muscle (breast fillet) from carcasses of broilers affected by DPM in Pectoralis minor muscle (tender) and from a control group. Breast fillets samples were harvested from Ross AP95 broilers that were slaughtered at 42 days of age and were selected to the occurrence of the myopathy (score 2 and score 3) and from a control group without (score 0) the presence of myopathy. Chemical composition, cholesterol, fatty acid profile, pH, color, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, sarcomere length, and collagen were analyzed in the breast fillet. And with the results it was observed the samples classified as DPM score 2 had a higher moisture and a lower protein percentage. The higher values lipid was found in the samples from broilers affected by DPM. There was no difference (P > 0.05) fatty acid profile only to C10:0, C15:0, C17:0, C20:0, and C18:2c9,t11. Differences were detected (P < 0.05) for the pH, WHC, SF, and sarcomere length of the samples from broilers affected by DPM. The higher pH observed in the samples from birds classified as DPM score 2 and the higher WHC values were observed in the samples affected by DPM (score 2 and 3). The SF (P < 0.05) among samples, with the most tender samples (lower SF values) being those unaffected by the condition DPM (score 0). The dorsal side surface, where the Pectoralis major muscle is in contact with the Pectoralis minor muscle, higher L* values were found in the meat affected by the myopathy. Although deep pectoral myopathy affects the Pectoralis minor muscle of broilers, it can also alter the qualitative characteristics and chemical composition of the breast fillets (Pectoralis major muscle).

Quality of turkeys breast meat affected by white striping myopathy.

The aim of this study was to characterize the breast meat of turkeys affected by different degrees of severity (normal [NORM], moderate [MOD], and severe [SEV]) of the white striping (WS) myopathy, as well as to evaluate the influence of this myopathy on meat quality. Twenty-nine samples of the pectoralis major muscles of each treatment were obtained from Nicholas breed male and female turkeys, reared and slaughtered in the center-west region of Brazil. The whole breasts of the turkeys were used for macroscopic classification, weight evaluation, and morphometric measurements. Then, the pectoralis major muscle was separated for histological evaluation and qualitative physicochemical analyses, namely ventral and dorsal color (L∗, a∗, and b∗), pH value, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss (CL), shear force (SF) (Meullenet-Owens Razor Shear [MORS] and Warner-Bratzler), sarcomere length, total, soluble, and insoluble collagen contents, proximate composition (protein, lipids, moisture, and ash), cholesterol content, and fatty acid profile. The results showed that muscles affected by myopathy, both MOD and SEV, exhibited larger weights (around 2.8 kg) compared to NORM muscles (1.3 kg) and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the diameter of the fibers. The increase in the degree of severity of the myopathy increased (P < 0.05) the value of L∗ of the dorsal part and ventral part of the muscle. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the pH, CL, and WHC values of the muscles, whereas the MORS and Warner-Bratzler SF of the SEV fillets resulted in significantly lower shear values (P < 0.05) compared to the NORM fillets. In addition, the MOD and SEV fillets presented lower values of protein (P < 0.05) than NORM fillets. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed for moisture and lipid and cholesterol contents. Meat with MOD and SEV severity of WS myopathy had higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of total and insoluble collagen. Thus, the presence of WS myopathy in MOD and SEV degrees affected a large part of the histological and quality characteristics evaluated.

Effects of Storage on Quality Traits of Sausages Made with Chicken Breast Meat Affected by Wooden Breast.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of storage on the quality of sausages made with breast from chickens affected by wooden breast myopathy (WBM). Breast samples from male broilers slaughtered at 48 days old were used. Normal (absence of myopathy), moderate degree (hardness only in one region of the breast) and severe degree samples (hardness over the entire length of the breast) were processed into sausages and evaluated prior to storage and after being vacuum-packed and stored for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days at 4 °C. There was a decrease (p < 0.001) in pH and an increase (p < 0.001) in cooking weight loss in samples of sausages, regardless of the myopathy, after 28 days of storage. Sausages produced with chicken breast samples affected by wooden breast myopathy presented higher (p < 0.0001) moisture concentration (72% for the severe degree) and higher (p = 0.0224) protein concentration (17.27% and 17.36%, respectively, for the moderate and severe degrees) than sausages made of normal samples (70.72% and 14.32%, respectively). The results indicate that sausages produced with meat from birds moderately and severely affected by the myopathy show higher oxidative stability. Fresh sausages produced with breast meat from birds affected by wooden breast syndrome may be stored (4 °C) for up to 28 days without exhibiting the characteristic rancid taste and smell. In sensory analysis, no differences were observed between the formulations, which suggests that the consumers approved the samples regardless of the disease severity in the meat used for the making of the sausages. The current results show that chicken meat affected by wooden breast myopathy can be used for producing fresh sausages in the industry.

Physical, Chemical and Histological Characterization of Pectoralis major Muscle of Broilers Affected by Wooden Breast Myopathy.

This study aimed to characterize the effects of wooden breast myopathy (WBM) on quality of broiler chicken breast meat. Normal samples (absence of myopathy), moderate-degree samples (hardness only in one area of the breast fillet) and severe-degree samples (hardness throughout the breast fillet) were classified. In macroscopic analysis, the pectoral muscle affected by the WBM showed, in general, pale color with stiff, irregular and reddish regions (suffusions and petechiae), with the presence of white striations. In microscopic analysis, the myopathy was characterized by loss of the polygonal aspect of the muscle fibers. Samples with moderate degree of the myopathy showed greater (p = 0.0266) water retention capacity. There was an increase (p = 0.004) in total collagen concentration in samples from the severe-degree group 0.29% in normal samples to 0.43 and 0.48% in samples from moderate- and severe-degree groups, respectively. Samples of chicken breast affected by the severe-degree WBM showed lower (p < 0.0001) myofibrillar fragmentation index (64.51) and lower (p = 0.0002) fat concentration (2.17%) than normal chicken samples (80.45 and 3.79%, respectively). Samples affected by WBM are larger and heavier and present poorer physical quality when compared to normal chicken meat. Histologically it is possible to observe loss of the polygonal aspect of muscle fibers.

Physicochemical Properties and Consumer Acceptance of Hamburgers Processed with Chicken Meat Affected by Wooden Breast Myopathy.

Considering the increased incidence of wooden breast myopathy in broilers, the intake involves no threat to human health, indefinite etiology consumer rejection by appearance in such breasts, and the lack of studies on the industrial use of wooden breast. The objective of this study was evaluating the quality of hamburgers made with chicken meat affected by wooden breast. Breast samples from broilers slaughtered at 48-days-old were used. Normal (absence of myopathy), moderate degree (hardness only in one region of the breast) and severe degree (hardness over the entire length of the breast) samples were processed for the manufacture of hamburgers whose quality analyses (color, pH, cooking weight loss, shrinkage percentage, tenderness, storage weight loss, water activity, lipid oxidation, chemical composition and consumer test) were performed on non-stored samples (Day 0), and after storing at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days at -20 °C. There was a reduction (p < 0.05) in tenderness in samples of moderate-grade hamburgers (from 161.45 N to 289.40 N) after 120 days of storage. Hamburgers produced with chicken breast samples affected by wooden breast myopathy presented higher (p < 0.0001) fat concentration (5.32 g/100 g and 5.26 g/100 g, respectively, for the moderate and severe degree) than hamburgers made of normal samples (4.45 g/100 g). Lipid oxidation values increased, which exceeded the limit of rancidity detection, independent of myopathy. The consumers equally appreciated the aroma, flavor, and texture, and rated their overall acceptance as similar regardless of the quality of chicken meat. Chicken breast hamburgers with wooden breast myopathy is a viable alternative for the poultry industry.

Sources and levels of selenium on breast meat quality of broilers / Fontes e níveis de selênio sobre a qualidade da carne do peito de frangos de corte

Qualitative characteristics of breast meat of broilers fed diets supplemented with different concentrations (0; 0.3 and 0.5mg kg-1) of selenium in the form of selenomethionine and sodium selenite were analyzed. A total of 1050 one-day-old male Cobb broiler chicks were arranged factorially at random to five treatments (two concentrations x two sources + control diet without addition of selenium) with 7 replications of thirty birds each and received an isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets in all phases according to their ages (1-21, 22-35, and 36-42 days). At 42 days of age, TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) after storage at 4ºC for one, seven and 15 days and also after 30 days under freezing temperatures (-15°C), color (CIELab), water holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, pH and selenium concentration were determined in slaughtered birds breast meat. Results indicated that the use of selenomethionine provides less lightness and lower oxidation in chicken breast meat stored up to 15 days at 4°C. There was a positive effect of dietary different sources and levels of selenium on breast meat quality of broilers. It was observed a linear effect of dietary selenium levels on the amount of selenium deposited in the muscle, and the organic source (selenomethionine) is more effective than inorganic one (sodium selenite) for broiler meat conservation.

Analisaram-se características qualitativas da carne do peito de frangos de corte alimentados com rações suplementadas com diferentes concentrações (0; 0,3 e 0,5mg kg-1) de selênio nas formas de selenometionina e selenito de sódio. Foram utilizados 1050 pintainhos machos de um dia de idade da linhagem Cobb, que foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial em 5 tratamentos (duas concentrações x duas fontes + tratamento controle, sem adição de selênio) e sete repetições de trinta aves cada e receberam rações isoproteicas e isoenergéticas em todas as fases de criação (1 a 21, 22 a 35 e 36 a 42 dias). Aos 42 dias de idade, TBARS (substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico) após armazenamento a 4ºC por um, sete e 15 dias e 30 dias sob congelamento (15ºC), coloração (CIELab), capacidade de retenção de água, perdas de peso por cocção, força de cisalhamento, pH e concentração de selênio foram determinadas na carne do peito das aves abatidas. Os resultados indicaram que o uso da selenometionina ocasiona queda da oxidação da carne e luminosidade aos 15 dias de armazenamento a 4ºC. Existiu um efeito positivo da suplementação da ração com as diferentes fontes e concentrações de selênio sobre a qualidade da carne do peito das aves. Houve efeito linear dos níveis dietéticos de selênio na quantidade de selênio depositado no músculo, e a fonte orgânica (selenometionina) foi mais efetiva que a inorgânica (selenito de sódio) na conservação da carne de frango.