Sensory Characteristics and Skin Color Evaluation of Meat from Broiler Chickens Fed Sweet Potato Root Meal

The feed consumed by broilers have a direct impact on the nutritional and physical properties of the meat produced. Most livestock diets are formulated using corn as the major energy ingredient; however, with the diversion of corn to ethanol production, alternative ingredients are being studied. This study utilized sweet potato root meal (SPRM) as partial replacement for corn in the diet of broilers to determine its effect on meat color and consumers’ sensory perception. Rations were formulated replacing 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of corn. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old Cornish Rock male broiler chickens were fed diets ad libitum for 49 days and slaughtered on day 50. Breast, leg, and thigh were evaluated for skin color (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness)) and sensory attributes. Sixty two consumer panelists evaluated meat for juiciness, tenderness, flavor, and acceptability. Results showed a* and b* in leg were not different among treatments, however, L* was lowest (P < 0.02) in the 20% diet. Thigh and breast showed no color differences among treatments. Sensory attributes were not affected by income, gender, age, or education status for dark meat. Those earning <$10,000 found 20% SPRM white meat less juicy and tender (P < 0.05).  Males had similar scores for tenderness, flavor, and acceptability of white meat, however; 20% diet was less (P < 0.04) juicy. Females found meat from the 20% diet less tender (P < 0.03), less juicy (P < 0.01), less flavorful (P < 0.03), and less acceptable (P < 0.02) than the other diets. Those with and without a college degree found white meat from 20% diet less juicy (P < 0.02), while those without a college degree scored low for tenderness and acceptability (P < 0.004). The 18 – 29 year olds rated white meat from 20% diet less tender (P < 0.03), less juicy (P < 0.03), and acceptable (P < 0.001). The SPRM could be an acceptable alternative to corn in broiler diets. Keywords: Broiler, Sweet potato root meal, Sensory evaluation, Skin colo

Comparing the Effects of Conventional and Pastured Poultry Production Systems on the Stress Levels of Broilers

Abstract The objective of this study was to measure stress levels in broilers raised on a pasture production system (PPS) and a conventional production system (CPS) by evaluating lymphoid organ weights, white blood cell profiles (WBCP), total white blood cell counts (TWBC), and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (HLR). Broilers were brooded indoors for 3 weeks then divided into 2 groups; one placed on pasture while the other remained indoors. Blood was collected at weeks 3, 5, and 7 via brachial venipuncture. After 49 days, birds were slaughtered and lymphoid organs harvested. Results showed no differences between treatments for lymphoid organs, TWBC, or WBCP. Eosinophils were higher (P \u3c 0.05) in CPS (333.33) compared to PPS birds (148.00) at week 5. The HLR was lower (P \u3c 0.05) in PPS broilers at week 5 (0.40) than weeks 3 (0.44) and 7 (0.43). The PPS broilers experienced less stress overall than CPS birds. Keywords: Conventional Production System, Broilers, Pasture Production System, Stres

Assessing Alabama Consumer Attitudes and Beliefs About Locally or Regionally Produced Livestock and Products

Abstract Local and regional food production has gained increased interest of consumers in recent years. The study, therefore, focused on assessing consumer attitudes and beliefs on local or regional livestock products. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 432 participants from South Central Alabama, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. A majority of respondents thought using chemicals and additives in locally or regionally produced beef or goat meat was a serious hazard. Therefore, many were willing to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Also, most agreed or strongly agreed with statements on meat attributes. Chi-square tests showed that gender, education, and household income had significant relationships with willingness to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Furthermore, safety, no difference, affordability, desirability, and hygiene had significant relationships with willingness to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Keywords: Consumers, Attitudes and Beliefs, Local and Regional, Willingness to Pay, Livestock Product

The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors and Meat Attributes on Willingness to Pay for Locally or Regionally Produced Livestock Products in Alabama

Socioeconomic factors and meat attributes are believed to influence willingness to pay for specially produced livestock products. However, limited research has been done on this subject particularly in Alabama. The study, therefore, assessed the impact of socioeconomic factors and meat attributes on willingness to pay for locally or regionally produced livestock products in Alabama. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of participants from South Central Alabama, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic analysis. The socioeconomic characteristics reflected more middle-aged or younger persons, with a fairly good education, and with low to moderate household incomes. A majority thought using chemicals in locally or regionally produced beef or goat meat was a serious hazard. Therefore, many were willing to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Also, most agreed or strongly agreed with statements on meat attributes. The ordinal logistic results revealed that household size, safety (safe to consume), no difference (in safety), and hygiene had significant relationships with willingness to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Keywords: socioeconomic factors, meat attributes, local or regional, willingness to pay, livestock product

An Analysis of the Characteristics and Practices of Selected Alabama Small Livestock Producers: A Focus on Economics and Marketing

Abstract The study examined the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers, focusing on economics and marketing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 121 small producers from several South Central Alabama counties, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The socioeconomic characteristics reflected a higher proportion of part-time farmers; a higher proportion with at most a two-year/technical degree or some college education; and a higher proportion with $40,000 or less annual household income. A majority had been farming more than thirty years, and most had small herds. Also, very few made profits; many sold animals live on-farm or at auction/stockyard, and kept records. The chi-square tests showed that farming status, gender, race/ethnicity, age, education, and household income had statistically significant relationships with selected farm, economic, and marketing characteristics. Educational programs should be implemented in the study area emphasizing economics and marketing, and taking into consideration socioeconomic factors

Evaluating the Economic Feasibility of Producing Broilers on Pasture and in a Conventional Production System

The demand for pasture raised poultry is increasing because of the perception that it is healthier and tastier than conventionally raised poultry. In order to meet this demand, some producers are considering switching from the conventional to the pasture system to take advantage of this niche market. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the economic viability of rearing broilers in a pastured poultry system (PPS) versus a conventional poultry system (CPS). Each of these systems was replicated three times with 60 birds per treatment in a study lasting seven weeks. Data were collected on costs of inputs, and others estimated. The mean net returns for PPS and CPS were, respectively, $56.44 and -$92.02. The break-even prices were, respectively, $10.89 for PPS and$11.87 for CPS. Also, the benefit/cost ratio was 1.103 for PPS and 0.845 for CPS. The paired t-test for the benefit/cost ratios indicated a significant difference (p< 0.05) between PPS and CPS. PPS was deemed more feasible than CPS. Hence, it was recommended that the former system is more appropriate for small and limited resource producers, and that technical assistance should be provided to them regarding PPS. Keywords: Pastured poultry, Conventional poultry, Economic feasibility, Broiler

An Examination of Selected Small Livestock Producers’ Implementation of Identified Best Practices in Alabama

Getting small farmers to adopt “best practices” has been a key challenge in general, but particularly, in the Southeastern U.S. This study focused on selected small livestock producers’ implementation identified best practices in Alabama. Data were obtained through interviews from twelve producers in, primarily, selected South Central Alabama counties emphasizing best practices as well as other production indicators. The subjects were mainly beef cattle and meat goat producers. The identified best practices were: rotational grazing, soil testing, quarantining, deworming, veterinary services, and record keeping. The data were analyzed using descriptive narrative and simple statistics. The demographics showed more male than female producers, and more meat goat producers than beef cattle producers. Also, the results revealed that the commonest best practice was deworming; followed by quarantining, soil testing and record keeping, and rotational grazing. Using veterinary services was the least practiced best practice; most producers chose to provide their own animal health services. The results provide an opportunity for assistance providers to educate producers on the importance of adopting the best practices. Keywords: Small Producers, Livestock Producers, Best Practices, Case Study

An Analysis of the Characteristics and Practices of Selected Florida Small Livestock Producers: A Focus on Production and Processing

The study assessed the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers, emphasizing production and processing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of seventy small producers from selected counties in Florida, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The socioeconomic characteristics showed that part-time producers, White producers, middle-aged producers, fairly educated producers, and moderate-income producers dominated the group. A majority of the producers practiced rotational grazing, fed a combination of forage and concentrate, and less than half conducted soil tests regularly. Moreover, over half had parasite problems and treated them primarily with anthelmintics. Nearly all producers sold animals live, implying very little processing. Therefore, some processing could be encouraged as value-added products fetch more than raw products. The chi-square tests also revealed that household income, race, farming status, and gender had statistically significant relationships with selected production characteristics. Keywords: Livestock Producers, Small Producers, Characteristics and Practices, Production and Processin

An Analysis of the Characteristics and Practices of Selected Florida Small Livestock Producers: A Focus on Economics and Marketing

Issues regarding economics and marketing are of importance to small livestock producers, who produce and sell locally or regionally. This study, thus, assessed the characteristics and practices of selected Florida small livestock producers, emphasizing economics and marketing. Data were collected from a convenience sample of seventy small producers from several Florida counties, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The findings showed that there were many more: full-time producers; producers with at least a two-year/technical degree, and producers with at, least, a $40,000 annual household income. Most had been farming more than fifteen years, on at least 50 acres, and had small herds. Furthermore, very few of them made profits; they mainly sold animals live on-farm or at the auction/stockyard, and many of them kept records. Chi-square tests showed that gender, age, education, and household income had statistically significant effects on selected marketing characteristics. The findings suggest that educational programs that emphasize economic and marketing issues should be taken into consideration when designing programs for small producers in the study area. Keywords: Livestock Producers, Small Producers, Characteristics and Practices, Economics and Marketin

An Analysis of the Characteristics and Practices of Selected Alabama Small Livestock Producers: A Focus on Production and Processing

Abstract The study assessed the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers, emphasizing production and processing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 121 small producers from South Central Alabama, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The socioeconomic factors showed most were part-time farmers; middle-aged producers; producers with at most a two-year/technical degree or some college education, and producers with $40,000 or less annual household income. A majority practiced rotational grazing, fed a combination of forage (direct from pasture), hay and concentrate, and about half conducted soil tests regularly. Furthermore, many had goats with parasite problems that were treated these primarily with anthelmintics; most sold live animals. The chi-square tests showed that farming status, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and household income had statistically significant relationships with production and processing characteristics. Socioeconomic factors should be considered in programs assisting producers in the study area. Keywords: Livestock Producers, Small Producers, Characteristics and Practices, Production and Processin