Evaluation of microbiological quality of selected cheeses during storage

The aim of this article was to evaluate and compare the microbiological quality of selected types of cheeses immediately after opening and after 5 days storage in the refrigerator. Total viable counts (TVC), coliform bacteria (CB) and microscopic filamentous fungi (MFF) were determined by microbiological analysis. We analyzed 8 samples of cheese of Slovak origin. Plate dilution method was used for microbiological analysis. The Codex Alimentarius of Slovak republic (2006) just indicates number of coliforms bacteria (102) and microscopic fungi (5 × 102). The TVC values after opening of cheeses ranged from 1.68 × 103 CFU.g-1 (3.22 log CFU.g-1) in the sample no. 1 to 1.71 × 105 KTJ.g-1 (5.23 log CFU.g-1) in the sample no. 4 after storage in the refrigerator. All samples were negative for the presence of coliform bacteria after opening. The values of CB were 1.18 × 102 CFU.g-1 (2.07 log CFU.g-1) in sample no. 7 and 1.90 × 102 CFU.g-1 (2.27 log CFU.g-1) in the sample no. 8 after storage in refrigerator. These values are not in accordance with Codex Alimentarius of Slovak Republic (2006). Other samples were negative for presence of CB after storage at 4 °C. The values of MFF in samplesranged from 1.81 × 101 CFU.g-1 (1.25 log CFU.g-1) in the sample no. 1 after opening to 1.68 × 102 CFU.g-1 (2.22 log CFU.g-1) in sample no. 7 after storage of samples. All analysed samples were in accordance with Codex Alimentarius of Slovak republic (2006).

Evaluation of meat quality after application of different feed additives in diet of broiler chickens

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of natural feed additives, namely bee pollen extract, propolis extract and probiotic preparation, on technological properties of meat in order to evaluate the meat quality of Ross 308 broiler chickens.  The feeding of chickens (180 pcs) lasted for a period of 42 days. The experiment was carried out without segregation between the genders. The chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, whereas the other three groups were fed diets supplemented with natural additives, i.e. bee pollen extract at level of 400 mg.kg-1 of feed mixture, propolis extract at level of 400 mg.kg-1 of feed mixture, and probiotic preparation based on Lactobacillus fermentum (1.109 CFU per 1 g of bearing medium) in an amount of 3.3 g added to water (for 30 pcs chickens until 21 days of age, for 20 pcs chickens from 22nd to 42nd day of age) given to group E1, group E2 and group E3, respectively. The feed mixtures were produced without any antibiotic preparations and coccidiostatics. During the whole period of experiment, the broiler chickens had ad libitum access to feed and water. The following technological properties were examined: cooling loss (after 24 h of storage at 4 °C), freezing loss (after 3 months of storage at -18 °C), roasting loss (performed on roasted meat that was stored at -18 °C for 3 months before thawing), colour parameters based on CIELab system (the L*, a*, b* values of raw breast and thigh muscle), and tenderness (as shear force of roasted breast and thigh muscle). We have made a finding, that the examined additives had only little impact on meat quality in most of the investigated parameters, except the significant increase (p ≤0.05) in redness (a*) values and the slight decrease in roasting loss and shear force determination after propolis extract supplementation. Therefore, it may be inferred that propolis extract has been shown as the most appropriate feed additive among the applied supplements

Influence of meat maturation to the presence of coliform bacteria

The aim of our study was detection of coliforms bacteria and pH changes in the process of beef maturation. The number of coliforms bacteria were lower as 1 log cfu.g-1 in four samples and the highest coliforms bacteria count was 3.1 log cfu.g-1 after 1-st week of meat maturation. Average number of coliforms bacteria was lower as 1.43 log cfu.g-1.  The pH values of meat varied from 5.5 to 6.1 after 1-st week. Average value of pH was 5.75.  The number of coliforms bacteria were from 2.61 log cfu.g-1 to 3.35 log cfu.g-1after 2-nd week of meat maturation. Average number of coliforms bacteria was 3.17 log cfu.g-1. The pH values of meat were from 6.0 to 6.2 after 2-nd week of meat maturation. Average value of pH was 6.05.

The investigation of alfaalfa effect on the activity of superoxide dismutase in chicken meat in dependence on time storage

This study was conducted in order to monitor the effect of adding lucerne meal to chicken feed mixtures. The experiment was conducted at the Department Food Hygiene and Safety, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. Chickens for meat production - final type Cobb 500 were used in the experiment. Chickens were placed in boxes all together for one group at the beginning of the experiment and from 14 days of age chickens were divided individually into floor enriched cages. Feeding of chickens lasted 38 days. The experiment was carried out without sex segregation. For the production of a feed composition was used alfalfa (Medicago sativa) as lucerne meal, which was added to the feed at a rate of 4%, namely: starter (HYD-01), growth (HYD-02) and final (HYD-03). The control group did not include the addition of lucerne meal. Chickens were fed ad libitum. Chickens were slaughtered after completion of feeding and the meat samples were taken for analysis. The collected samples were stored at -18 °C. Collected samples of meat were analyzed after slaughter chickens at time intervals of 6, 12 and 18 months. In the experiment was monitored the content of supeoxid dismutase in the chicken meat depending on the length of storage time. Superoxide dismutase content was increasing by storage time, while there were some statistically significant differences between groups

The influence of propolis application to meat utility on ROSS 308 broiler chickens

The aim of the experiment was to monitor the impact of propolis extract (experimental group) for meat utility of the Ross 308 chicken. The dosage of propolis was 0.2 g.kg KKZ-1 throught the fattening (40 days). Application of propolis increased (P≤0.01) slaughter weight (+76.80 g) and carcass weight (+67.90 g) in hens compared to the control group (1790.60 g, resp. 1266.54 g). In group with roosters slaughter weight (+70.80 g) and carcass weight (+56.00 g) were also increased (P≥0.05) in the experimental group compared to control (2086.20 g, resp. 1475.20 g). Offal weight in both sexes was lower (P≥0.05) in the experimental group (135.55 g - ♀, 158.21 g - ♂) compared to control (140.75 g - ♀, 168.55 g - ♂). Carcass yield was higher in hens (P≥0.05) in the experimental group (78.71 %) versus control (78.60 %).The evaluation of meat utility Ross 308 chickens  without distinction of sex did not show significant differences (P≥0.05), but a slight increase in slaughter weight and in the carcass weight in group with application of propolis extract in their fattening. Contrary slightly lower offal weight (-7.77 g) and carcass yield (-0.21 %) were found in the experimental group of chickens without distinction of sex (P≥0.05) compared to control group (weight of offal - 154.65 g, carcass yield - 78.69 %). We recommend the application of propolis as a possible supplement in the fattening of chickens, as it increases the performance parameters of meat and may also positively affect the economy of production

Sensory evaluation of meat chickens Ross 308 after application of propolis in their nutrition

The objective of the experiment was to verify the effect of propolis extract in Ross 308 broiler on the sensory quality of breast and thigh muscle modified by baking at temperature 200 ºC for 60 minutes and finish baking for a period of 10-15 minutes. In the experiment were used 180 chickens divided into 2 groups (control and experimental group) with 90 chickens (45 ♂ and 45 ♀). Fattening lasted 40 days. The chickens were fed  ad libitum with the same starter feed mixtures to 21 days and from 22 days of age through 40 days of age with the grower feed mixtures in the both followed groups. Feed mixtures were made without antibiotics and coccidiostatics. The feed mixtures used in experimental group were enriched with the feed extract of propolis in a dose of 0.2 g.kg-1. After heat treatment of breast and thigh muscle 60 pieces chickens (30 pieces ♀, ♂ 30 pieces) of each group samples were sensory analyzed (smell, taste, juiciness, softness). Statistically significant differences were found by sex (P≤0.05 to 0.001) in aroma and taste of cocks in the thigh muscle (+0.290 points, +0.300 points) and hens (P≤0.01) in flavor (+0.250 points) and softness (+0.372 points) in breast muscle. Sensory assessment of the individual characters of either gender had significant differences (P≤0.05 to 0.001) in favor of the experimental group achieved only in the evaluation of the smell in the breast (+0.207 points) as well as thigh muscle (+0.207 points). In the final evaluation the most valuable parts of Ross 308 chickens carcass were found a positive effect of propolis extract on their sensory properties, but significant differences (P≤0.01) were observed only in chickens in the breast muscle (+0.917 points) compared with control group. The results have confirmed that propolis extract in a dose of 0.2 g.kg-1 feed mixture can be applied in the diet of chickens, as it positively affects the sensory quality of Ross 308 chickens meat, which is one of the most important parts of chicken meat for use in human food chain

Chemical structure of european bison musculus longissimus dorsi at different stages of age

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of musculus longissimus dorsi muscle in European bison (Bison bonasus) of the age 6, 9, 12 and 14 years. In m. longissimus dorsi water content was from 74.90 g (group until 6 years of age) until 75.70 g.100 g-1 (group until 12 years of age). Non statistically significant differences (P≥0.05) were found between groups of age. In m. longissimus dorsi the protein content was statistically significant during aging (P≥0.05) of the European bison from 21.23 (group until 12 years of age) until 22.34 g.100 g-1 (group until 14 years of age). The protein content is comparable with the values of steers and bulls of different breeds of cattle feedlot and meat buffalo. The m. longissimus dorsi fat content of European bison was represented from 1.26 g (group until 12 years of age) to 2.11 g.100 g-1 (group until 9 years of age), without statistical differences (P≥0.05) between groups of age. Fat levels are comparable with American bison fat levels and European bison meat from this perspective be regarded as high dietary, maybe. Tendency increasing of fat content in muscle with increasing age of animals was not confirmed (P≥0.05) but was confirmed that this variable indicator has the greatest potential impact nutrition. Energy value in 100 g m. longissimus dorsi was from 402.81 kJ (group until 12 years of age) to 447.07 kJ.100 g-1 (group to 9 years of age). The energy value in 100 g muscle was recorded only statistical differences (P≤0.05) in the group 9 and 12 years of age. Experiment results confirmed that the European bison meat is good article and possible supplement in the diet and the human food chain especially in states where the farm is kept in a manner respectively, as a delicacy, because it contains low representation of fat, what ultimately increases its particular dietary value, moving it from this perspective, even before the beef meat

Chemical composition of chicken meat after application of humic acid and probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum

The aim of the present study was analysed and evaluated chemical parameters of chicken breast and thigh muscles after addition of humic acids and probiotic into diet for broiler chicken. A total of 200 pcs Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into 4 groups (n=50). The control group of chickens was fed with complete feed mixtures without any additives. Chickens in experiment groups were fed a diet containing: P1 (1% of humic acid), P2 (1% of humic acid and probiotic supplement Lactobacillus fermentum) and P3 were fed with complete feed mixture containing combination of starter feed mixture (1. - 21. day) with coccidiostaticum Diclazuril and growth feed mixture (21. - 35. day) containing Salinomycinum sodium. Besides, the groups were kept under the same conditions. Fattening period lasted for 42 days. Chicken meat was analyzed for content of water, crude protein, fat and cholesterol. Based on the results, we can state that the application of humic acids or the combination of Humac Natur with probiotic did not affect the chemical composition of the breast muscle. In the breast muscle, the protein content in the experimental group P3 with the coccidiostat (22.98 g.100 g-1) was reduced (p &le;0.05) compared to control group (23.42 g.100 g-1). In the case of thigh muscle was significantly higher content of fat and cholesterol (p &le;0.05) in chickens feeding with addition of Humac Natur (fat - 9.08 g.100g-1; cholesterol - 0.86 mg.100g-1) and similar results were recorded in experimental group with combination of Humac Natur and probiotic (fat - 9.15 g.100g-1; cholesterol - 0.86 mg.100g-1) compared to control group (fat - 7.15 g.100g-1; cholesterol - 0.70 mg.100g-1). From a general point of view, we can recommend the application of Humac Natur, respectively combination Humac Natur with probiotics in feeding of broiler chickens Ross 308.&nbsp; 14.00 Normal 0 21 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <!--[endif] --

The extension of shelf-life of chicken meat after application of caraway and anise essential oils and vacuum packaging

The effect of caraway (CEO) and anise (AEO) essential oils as well as vacuum packaging (VP) in extending of the shelf life of fresh chicken breast meat stored at 4 °C was investigated. CEO and AEO were used at concentrations 0.2% v/w with and without VP. Microbiological properties of chicken breast meat were monitored over a 16 day period. The microbiological parameters as the anaerobic plate count (AC), Enterobacteraceae, lactic acid bacteria and Pseudomonas spp. counts were detected. The anaerobic plate counts ranged from 2.77 log cfu.g-1 in all tested group on 0 day to 5.45 log cfu.g-1 on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. The number of lactic acid bacteria ranged from 3.20 log cfu.g-1 in all tested group on 0 day to 4.75 log cfu.g-1 on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. Enterobacteriaceae counts ranged from 0.00 to 4.25 log cfu.g-1on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. The number of Pseudomonas spp. ranged from 0.00 log cfu.g-1 in all tested group on 0 day to 2.65 log cfu.g-1 on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. Statistically significant differences (P≤0.001) were found among tested group in all tested microorganisms. Among the antimicrobial combination treatments were examined in the study, the as application of vacuum packaging, EDTA, and essential oils were the most effective against the growth of lactic acid bacteria and Enterobactericeae and to a less extent on anaerobic plate count. The results of this present study suggest the possibility of using the essential oil of caraway and anise as natural food preservatives and potential source of antimicrobial ingredients for chicken breast meat

Application of lavender and rosemary essential oils improvement of the microbiological quality of chicken quarters

The aim of the present work was monitoring of chicken quarters microbiological indicators after treatment by ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil, stored under vacuum packaging, at 4 ±0.5°C for a period of 16 days. The following treatments of chicken quarters were used: Air-packaging control samples, control vacuum-packaging samples, vacuum-packaging with EDTA solution 1.50% w/w, control samples, vacuum-packaging with Lavandula angustifolia essential oil at concentrations 0.2% v/w and vacuum-packaging with Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil at concentration 0.2% v/w. The quality assessment of all samples was established by microbiological analysis. Sampling was carried out after certain time intervals: 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 days. Chicken quarters were stored under vacuum packaging, at 4 ±0.5°C during experiment. Microbiological analyses were conducted by using standard microbiological methods. Anaerobic plate count were determined using Plate Count Agar, after incubation for 2 days at 35°C under anaerobic condition. Pseudomonas spp. were determined on Pseudomonas Isolation agar after incubation at 48 h at 25°C. For lactic acid bacteria were inoculated into Rogosa and Sharpe agar after incubation 48-78 h at 37°C in an aerobic atmosphere supplemented with carbon dioxide (5% CO2). For members of the family Enterobacteriaceae violet red bile glucose agar were used and samples were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The initial APC value of chicken quarter was 3.00 log CFU.g-1 on 0 day. The number of anaerobic plate count ranged from 3.00 log CFU.g-1 in all tested group on 0 day to 6.11 log CFU.g-1 on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. The initial LAC value of chicken quarter was 3.00 log CFU.g-1 on 0 day. The number of lactic acid bacteria ranged from 3.00 log CFU.g-1 in all tested group on 0 day to 3.58 log CFU.g-1 on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. The initial Enterobacteriacea genera value of chicken quarter was 2.00 log CFU.g-1 on 0 day. Presences of these bacteria were found on all groups at 16 days. The results of this present study suggest the possibility of application the Lavandula angustifolia and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil as natural food preservatives and potential sources of antimicrobial ingredients for food industry.