INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT SPICES ON MEAT QUALITY AND SENSORY EVALUATION OF SOME MALE CHICKENS

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the impact of different spices on the sensory and nutritional qualities of meat from various chicken breeds in Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Eight matured cocks from four breeds (local, broiler, noiler, and brahma) were stabilized for one week on a broiler finisher diet before slaughter. Post-slaughter, the birds were portioned, and each portion was marinated with 4 grams of specific spices (garlic, ginger, turmeric, cloves, and alligator pepper) for 30 minutes. Sensory evaluation conducted by a panel of 50 individuals revealed that garlic consistently enhanced sensory properties across all breeds. The result further indicated that, in local chicken, garlic scored 13 (26%) for flavor, 12 (24%) for aroma, and 15 (30%) for overall acceptability. In broiler meat, garlic scored 14 (28%) for flavor, 13 (26%) for aroma, and 14 (28%) for overall acceptability. Ginger also improved various sensory attributes, scoring 12 (24%) for flavor and 12 (24%) for color in noiler meat, and 12 (24%) for flavor and 12 (24%) for tenderness in brahma meat. Proximate analysis revealed moisture content ranging from 72.5% in local chicken to 74.5% in brahma, with the highest protein content found in local chicken at 22.0%. Fat content varied slightly, with the highest in local chicken at 3.5%. Mineral analysis showed local chicken had the highest calcium content at 15.0 mg/100g and zinc content at 2.0 mg/100g.The study concludes that garlic and ginger significantly enhance the sensory qualities of chicken meat, particularly in terms of flavor and overall acceptability. Additionally, local chicken meat offers superior nutritional benefits compared to other breeds. The study recommends further research on optimal spice combinations and concentrations to maximize consumer preference, as well as breed-specific marketing strategies that emphasize the nutritional advantages of different chicken breeds.