Heme Pigment Levels in Chicken Broilers Chilled in Ice Slush and Air

Ice-slush-chilled versus air-chilled broilers were studied for differences in the heme pigment levels in the gizzard, breast, and thigh muscles. Significant differences (P<.05) were observed in pigment levels among the breast, thigh, and gizzard. However, no significant effects on hemoglobin and myoglobin levels were observed between chilling methods. There was a significant difference (P<.05) in cytochrome c levels between chilling methods. The observed difference in cytochrome c levels may be a contributing factor in the development of color problems in either fresh or processed poultry meat. Hunterlab L values were significantly (P<.05) negatively correlated (r >−.97) and aL values were significantly positively correlated (r>.85) with the total heme pigment levels present in the breast muscle.