From coop to table: How increased welfare conditions shape chicken meat quality

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two housing systems (free-range vs. indoor) and two slow-growing chicken genotypes (Hubbard JA 757 and JA 787) on breast meat quality traits relevant to consumer acceptance and processing. A total of 120 Hubbard broilers were divided into four groups based on genotype and housing conditions (30 birds per group). Physicochemical properties of the Pectoralis major muscle were analyzed post-slaughter (both fresh and frozen) to assess pH, color, water-holding capacity, texture, chemical composition, and incidence of muscle myopathies (Spaghetti Meat, Wooden Breast, and White Striping). Among the evaluated parameters, only the housing × genotype interaction significantly affected pH48. Housing system significantly influenced b* and C* color values (p = 0.0001), suggesting changes in meat pigmentation due to environmental conditions. JA757 birds exhibited higher thaw loss, while cooking loss was significantly affected by both genotype and housing, as well as their interaction. Texture analysis revealed that genotype significantly affected Young's Modulus at both the 0-10 % and 20-80 % ranges, while housing conditions impacted the latter. Spaghetti Meat was more prevalent in JA787 birds and those raised indoors (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.01, respectively), whereas Wooden Breast and White Striping were not significantly influenced by genotype or housing. Fat content was significantly influenced by the housing system and its interaction with genotype, while protein and moisture contents remained stable across treatments. Genotype had a stronger influence on textural attributes and myopathy incidence, while housing conditions primarily shaped pH, pigmentation, water retention, and fat content. These findings underline the importance of aligning broiler genotype with rearing environment to optimize meat quality. Free-range systems, particularly in combination with the JA757 genotype, may better suit premium markets focused on animal welfare and tenderness, while indoor systems with JA787 birds may be better adapted to processed meat production.