TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CHICKENS MEAT AFTER APPLICATION OF PROPOLIS EXTRACT IN THEIR DIET

In the experiment, we used propolis extract (200 mg.kg-1) in feed mixture during 40 days of feeding (experimental group) of Ross 308 chickens. Then, we evaluated technological properties of poultry meat stored by freezing at -18 °C for 3 months. In the breast muscle, pH was 6.04 for control group and significantly lower (P≤0.01) 5.86 for experimental group but without negative influence on meat quality. In the thigh muscle, pH values between the groups (control - 6.12; experimental - 6.15) were not significant (P≥0.05). In the breast muscle, colour of meat was 26.17% R (control group) and 25.85% R (experimental group). Paler colour of meat was insignificantly recorded in control group. In thigh muscle, we found (P≥0.05) a higher value 18.78% R in experimental group compared with control group (18.57% R). In the breast muscle, shear force was slightly higher (P≥0.05) in experimental group (1.59 kg.cm-2) compared with control group (1.58 kg.cm-2). In the thigh muscle, higher value of shear force (P≥0.05) was recorded in control group (1.35 kg.cm-2) compared with experimental group (1.29 kg.cm-2). Baking losses were higher by 1.19% (P≥0.05) in experimental group (30.59%) compared with control group (29.40%). Results of the experiment confirm that propolis extract (200 mg.kg-1) can be applied in nutrition of Ross 308 chickens, because it has not negative effects and has not significant influence on selected technological indicators of poultry meat quality.