Comparison of characteristic components from chickens of different genotype kept in intensive and extensive farming systems

Male and female Broiler chickens and male of Transylvanian naked-neck chickens kept in extensive and intensive farming systems were investigated. The leg and chest muscle of these chickens were used for the analysis. Muscle weight and muscle to bone ratio were significantly higher but protein content had a lower tendence in the muscle of Broiler chickens kept intensively as compared to the extensive way. There was no difference in the level of cholesterol between the animals from the two farming systems although the fat contents were much higher in the chickens kept intensively. The level of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were found significantly less in the muscles of Broiler chickens kept extensively than those raised intensively which may be related to the lower fat content. Extensive farming system proved to be superior for Broiler (mainly in legs) and Transylvanian naked-neck chickens in the aspect of lowered lipid peroxidation and significant higher iron, zinc and thiamin levels. The higher protein and zinc levels showed a relationship with the better water binding capacity (WBC) in the legs of Broiler chickens kept extensively. Myristic and palmitic acid concentration in the fatty acid composition were higher in intensive Broilers as compared to the chickens kept extensively.