Data are being collected on requirements levels for broiler males at heavy weight prior to slaughter. The goal is to identify treatments that can be applied under commercial conditions to eliminate bacteria that are attached to or embedded in the skin of the carcass. Meat Quality and Management, Strain-Cross, and Age at Marketing Broiler production may occur under varying environments from summer to winter and at either high or low number in any one area. Many genetic sources are available which may differ in their developmental characteristics. Age at marketing changes with product market requirement, particularly size and weight .
Breast meat is one objective most likely to be affected.
Studies are being conducted to evaluate the effects of these flock variables on breast meat yield and quality. Recently, this condition is being sporadically observed in heavy broilers destined for deboned breast meat production. Acidic treatments have been found to be less efficaceous that anticipated. Ability of the bacterium to adapt to acidic environments is also under investigation. The amount of NDF may be increased by inclusion commercially available enzymes or directly as specific by-products from food manufacture.