Productive performances and carcase quality of male and female Italian Padovana and Polverara slow-growing chicken breeds

AbstractLive performances and carcase quality of Padovana (n = 81) and Polverara (n = 76) chickens were investigated considering breed, gender and their interaction (B × G). Birds were reared until 183 d of age. After slaughter, yields were computed, and pH and L*a*b*colour values were measured on breast and leg meat. Breeds exhibited similar performances and yields, except a greater commercial carcase incidence for Polverara (p < .01). Breast meat quality was similar, except for higher L* value of Padovana fillets (p < .01). Polverara legs exhibited lower pH (p < .0001), lower L* value (p < .001) and higher a* value (p < .0001). Gender influenced performances and carcase quality traits. Males showed heavier live weight (p < .0001), carcase weight and cuts (p < .0001) and commercial carcase yield (p < .05), females displayed greater breast yield (p < .0001), whereas net carcase yield (% SW) was similar between sexes. Female fillets showed lower pH (p < .001) and higher L* and b* values (p < .0001); their ...