Physical-chemical research in quail meat at fodder stress and correction of the stress with extract of sapropel

This article describes a study of fodder stress, which was caused by a change of birds diet. Parallel to this, one of the experimental groups were fed with extract of sapropel (ES), required for correction of stress. The aim was to establish the dynamics of the physical and chemical changes in the meat under stress and with the use of sapropel extract. As the object of study a certain kind of bird was chosen - the quail of Pharaoh breed. This breed is the only meat breed. 3 groups of 40-day-old quail of Pharaoh meat breed were formed 20 birds each. When forming the groups the following factors were taken into the consideration: age identity, initial live weight, physiological condition. The conditions for all groups were similar. The control group was fed the basic diet. Experimental group was divided into 2 subgroups, where the first group received a new diet (which was based on a quail compound feeds of various compositions), the second group - a new diet +2 % ES. The material for the physico-chemical studies served the meat of quails of 102 days of age, of which samples were taken strictly due to the comparative method. Quail chilled carcasses from each group of birds were kept in the refrig- erator for 15 days at 3-5 °C and relative humidity 75-80 %. To study the physical and chemical properties of the meat basic indicators of freshness of meat were selected, according to GOST such as content of amino- ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acids, pH. The study revealed the following: after experimentally delivered fod- der stress, physical and chemical characteristics of carcasses meat during storage decreased. Fodder stress as a factor showed moderate improvements in physical characteristics in the first test group. These changes were within the normal range defined by both GOST and the Sanitary Rules and Regulations.