CARNOSINE CONTENT AND MUSCLE OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF MALE AND FEMALE BROILER CHICKENS

Carnosine is a dipeptide with antioxidative effects in broiler muscles. Its anti-ageing effect has also been determined recently, which is especially important for human health and vitality preservation. The research investigated concentration of carnosine in breast and thigh muscles of Cobb 500 broilers. It was carried out on 20 male and female broilers that were conventionally fattened for 42 days. Carnosine concentrations and TBARS values were measured on fresh breast and thigh muscles with respect to broiler sex. Content of carnosine was slightly higher in female broiler breast muscles than in male's (1079.85: 1012.66 mu g/g tissue; P>0.05). Female broiler thigh muscle tissue also contained higher carnosine values than male's (464.69: 404.97 mu g/g tissue; P>0.05). The research proved that carnosine was more deposited in breast muscle tissue than in thigh muscle tissue, regardless of broiler sex. Lipid peroxidation products measured as TSARS values (mg MDA/kg tissue) did not statistically differ according to broiler sex or muscle type (P>0.05). Further research needs to be directed towards control of peroxidation products during meat storage.