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This study examined pathomorphological changes and meat quality alterations associated with Wooden Breast Myopathy (WB) in total of 192 broiler chickens divided into Ross 308 (n=96) and Cobb 500 (n=96) heavy hybrids at ages 42, 60, and 70 days. WB occurrence remained consistently high (>73%) across periods, peaking on day 70 (83% for Ross, 90% for Cobb). Cobb broilers had better production results and carcass traits parameters after day 42 and day 60 of the experiment (p≤0.05). Genotype did not affect WB occurrence or severity, while slaughter age influenced severe cases WB occurrence, increasing from 11.67% on day 42 to 36.67% on day 70 (p=0.003). The presence of WB was associated with higher ultimate pH, lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) of the muscle (p

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations were determined in samples of 31 species of vegetables (n = 719) and in vegetable products (n = 17), collected during the period January 2018 to September 2021. These originated from 33 countries, including Serbia. The samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Overall, Cd and Pb were found above the limit of detection in 123 (16.7%, n = 736) and 90 (12.2%; n = 736) samples, respectively. According to the former legislation, valid until the end of August 2021, the maximum levels (MLs) of Cd and Pb were exceeded in 1 and 2 samples of vegetables, respectively. Regarding the EU and Serbian legislation which is valid since September 2021 the MLs of Cd and Pb for vegetables were exceeded in 7 samples: Cd in 5 and Pb in 2 samples. In addition, 3 vegetable product samples exceeded the MLs for both cadmium and lead according to both former and current regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate textural characteristics of three traditional dry fermented sausages (Sremski kulen, Lemeški kulen and Petrovská klobása) manufactured in different small-scale facilities in northern Serbia, and to correlate them with physicochemical and sensory characteristics. The sample sausages were supplied by different local traditional producers. The textural characteristics were correlated with physicochemical and sensory characteristics using multiple linear regression analysis and principal component analysis. Differences in physicochemical characteristics reflected even more notable differences in texture characteristics. Regarding regression equations, obtained results showed that moisture content was significant for hardness, springiness and cohesiveness. Hardness was also influenced by fat content, while chewiness was influenced by protein content. Principal component analysis separated samples of Petrovská klobása, as the group with the most reproducible analysed characteristics. Obtained results of statistical analyses should provide knowledge for possible improvements of the traditional production, in a way that these sausages could be produced in different facilities with consistent textural characteristics. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31032 and Grant no. III44006]

The aim of this study was to determine the extent of changes in physico-chemical and sensory properties of dry fermented sausages where pork backfat was partly replaced by flaxseed oil used as liquid (FXL), after encapsulation (FXE), and pre-emulsified with alginate (FXA) and soy protein isolate (FXI). During production and storage, similar pH values of all products were observed. FXL sausages had significantly lower (p0.05) in any of the observed sensory characteristics.

In this paper, the application of a biopolymer coating based on chitosan was tested. The optimized coating was formed as a two-layer coating, wherein the first layer (which is in contact with the product) was formed of chitosan with emulsified caraway essential oil as an active component, whereas the second layer was formed of chitosan with the addition of beeswax to optimize the moisture barrier of the coating. As a substrate, the traditional dry fermented sausage Petrovská klobása was selected. The coating was applied to the sausage after drying. During two months of storage under controlled conditions, the influence of the coating on the loss of moisture, the oxidative stability and the sensory characteristic of aroma of the control sausage (without the coating) and sausage with the coating was monitored. The results obtained indicate a significant contribution of the applied dual layer chitosan-based coating to the preservation of the sausage quality parameters analyzed.

This study examined the safety of meat products from north Serbia (Vojvodina), smoked in traditional conditions, from a PAH point of view, and assessed the possibility of their reduction in these types of products. Samples of dry cured meat products, bacons and dry fermented sausages smoked in six different chambers on the territory of Vojvodina were examined. The contents of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, from the United States Environmental Protection Agency list (16 US-EPA PAHs), and sensory quality of meat products were determined. The total content of 16 US-EPA PAHs in dry cured meat products was in the range from 99.73 μg/kg to 412.76 μg/kg; in bacons it was in the range from 36.43 μg/kg to 188.86 μg/kg; and in dry fermented sausages in the range from 47.23 μg/kg to 270.60 μg/kg. The lowest contents of 16 US-EPA PAHs compounds were determined in meat products smoked in traditional conditions during 3–5 days (3–4 h per day) at a distance of 2.5 m between the fire and products. Generally, it can be concluded that shortening of smoking process is justified, because products of good sensory quality and with decreased content of PAHs compounds were obtained. Benzo[a]pyrene, whose maximum allowed content in smoked meat products is 2 μg/kg, was below the limit of detection in all examined traditional meat products from Vojvodina. Also, contents of PAH4, sum of benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[b]fluoranthene, were in the range from ND to 2.22 μg/kg, still greatly lower than the set maximum value. These results indicated the safety of dry cured meat products, bacons and dry fermented sausages from the territory of north Serbia (Vojvodina), as defined by EU Regulation 2023/915 criteria for PAHs contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of copper (Cu) was determined in 110 samples of fruit (n = 31) and vegetable products (n = 79), collected during the period from January 2015 to December 2019. Fruit and vegetable products originate from 17 countries, including Serbia. Samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Measurable levels of Cu were found in all analysed samples. Overall, Cu levels ranged from 0.065 to 14.050 mg kg-1, with an average of 1.314 mg kg-1. Only 3 (2.73%) of fruit and vegetable products exceeded the maximum levels set by Serbian Regulation which was valid until the end of 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, influence of increasing concentrations of beeswax on the antimicrobial activity of chitosan-caraway essential oil biofilm was investigated. Selected microorganisms for the test were Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes. Reduction of S. Typhimurium and L. monocythogenes viable counts in bacterial suspension in the presence of chitosan films with or without added beeswax amounted over 80 % after 24 h contact time, and over 95 % after 3 h of contact time, respectively and influence of added beeswax on growth reduction was not detected. However, when number of S. Typhimurium viable cells was analyzed (log CFU/ml), it was shown that addition of beeswax led to increased activity of films, especially for the films with 36 kg/m3 and 54 kg/m3of beeswax. When films were transferred, after 24 h in bacterial suspension, onto Petri dishes with nutrient agar and incubated for 24 h on 37°C, results also showed beeswax contribution to growth inhibition of S. Typhimurium.

Because of the growing negative perception of consumers related to the use of meat products produced by conventional curing methods, organic and natural products are increasingly accepted by consumers. Such products contain a large number of natural products derived from plants, spices, as well as their derivatives in form of essential oils, extracts, concentrates, and so on. These derivatives contain large number of active substances which are known to inhibit the metabolic processes of bacteria, yeasts and molds. Therefore, the goal of this paper was to investigate the synergistic antimicrobial activity of the models with a reduced presence of nitrite salt in aqueous solution, emulsions of essential oils in varying concentrations in vivo via antibiogram tests on pathogenic microorganisms. The effect of the six model groups was analyzed. Two groups were fruit powder solutions in concentrations of 0.2% to 1.2% (Acerola powder and fruit powder mix), while the other four groups were models of aqueous emulsion of essential oil in concentrations ranging from 0.05% to 1.2% (tea tree, clove, oregano, and cinnamon essential oils). In all models reduced amount of the sodium salt of 1.80%, 0.0075% nitrite salt and the liquid derivative as a natural source of the nitrate salt of 3% were used. Antibiogram tests were performed on five pathogenic bacteria (C. perfringens, E. coli, S. enterica, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus). All antibiogram tests were performed according to Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion protocol. Results of antibiograms showed that without the presence of additional antimicrobial agents, in model systems with reduced content of salts, inhibition zones were not detected. Additionally, models with essential oils of tea tree oil and oregano had the widest inhibition zone diameters, ranging from 17.76±0.48mm for E. coli up to 42.50±0.13mm for S. aureus.

Frankfurters seasoned with conventional and organic garlic or coriander were investigated for the differences in taste and odor intensities, instrumental color and oxidative stability during 35 days of cold storage. Garlic powder, both organic (0.78 mg MDA/kg) and conventional (0.71 mg MDA/kg), promoted lipid oxidation compared to control frankfurters without garlic (0.52 mg MDA/kg). Consumers assessed odor (6.68) and taste (6.18) intensities of frankfurters with organic garlic significantly higher compared to the odor (4.73) and taste (4.65) of the frankfurters with conventional garlic. Color of frankfurters with organic or conventional spices was also significantly different. At the 95% confidence level, at least 20% of the consumers could distinguish between the samples with organic and conventional garlic, and at least 14% of the consumers between the samples with organic and conventional coriander. For the first time it is suggested that seasoning with organic instead of conventionally produced spices might improve quality characteristics of meat products.

The aim of this study was to provide a comparative analysis of chemical and fatty acid composition, as well as of the connective tissue proteins in pigs of different genotypes, Mangalitsa and Landrace. Both pig genotypes were fed with the same feed of standard composition and quality. At the end of the fattening period, in total 24 pigs of both genotypes were slaughtered. Based on the analysis of the chemical composition we came to the conclusion that the protein content in both genotypes was similar. Moisture and ash content in the Landrace pig genotype differed significantly (P < 0.01) compared with genotype of Mangalitsa breed. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) were established in the fat content, which was 7.95 g/100 g, in pigs of Mangalitsa breed and 1.59 g/100 g in the Landrace pigs breed. Content of hydroxyproline, non-proteinogenic amino acids, in meat of Landrace was significantly higher (P < 0.01) compared to the content in the Mangalitsa breed. The same tendency was observed with regard to the connective tissue protein content, as well as with the relative connective tissue protein content. The fatty acid composition of the meat indicated that the most common saturated fatty acid (SFA) in both tested breeds was palmitic fatty acid (C16), whose content was significantly higher in Landrace (P < 0.01) compared with its content in Mangalitsa breed. In addition, the share of stearic acid (C18) was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in Landrace compared to Mangalitsa pig breed, what significantly contributed to the increase of the SFA share in Landrace compared to Mangalitsa breed. The most common monounsaturated fatty acid in both pig breeds was the oleic fatty acid (C18:1), whose share was significantly higher in Mangalitsa compared to the Landrace breed (P < 0.01). Out of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic fatty acid (C18:2) was the most predominant in both pig breeds, with no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The content of PUFA was not statistically significantly different between the tested breeds, as well as the content of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, which caused no statistically significant differences in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Ratio of the unsaturated fatty acids, i.e., of the sum of MUFA and PUFA, and of the saturated fatty acids was significantly higher in Mangalitsa compared to Landrace breed (1.86 vs. 1.4), and the same was observed when it comes to the relationship MUFA/SFA (1.51 in Mangalitsa vs. 1.08 in Landrace breed) and MUFA/PUFA (4.35 vs. 3.38).

Two types of buckwheat flour - non-treated (NBF) and autoclaved (TBF) were used for the enrichment of whole wheat tagliatelle (control sample) at the level of 10-30% and the produced tagliatelle samples (dry and cooked) were examined in terms of mineral and phytic acid (PA) content. Both NBF and TBF possessed significantly higher (p < 0.05) content of all investigated minerals compared to whole wheat flour (WWF), but significantly lower (p < 0.05) PA content. Cooked NBF-containing tagliatelle possessed significantly higher (p < 0.05) content of Mg, Zn, Mn and Fe compared to the cooked control sample, while mineral content of cooked TBF-containing tagliatelle samples was not significantly different from the control. Autoclaving significantly reduced (p < 0.05) PA content of cooked TBF-containing tagliatelle samples compared to cooked NBF-containing tagliatelle samples and the control sample. The mineral bioavailability defined through molar ratio of mineral to phytate was slightly improved in buckwheat-containing tagliatelle samples, but it still remains at low level. Regarding all results, the enrichment of whole wheat tagliatelle with NBF at higher levels of substitution (20-30%) resulted in significant increase in mineral content and bioavailability.

This work is concerned with the oxidative stability and sensory characteristics of traditional fermented sausage Petrovská klobása, produced with the addition of commercial starter culture (SC). Fatty acids profile, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) values and sensory properties of odor and taste have been determined at the end of drying and after 2 and 5 months of storage. The sum of saturated, unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was not significantly different (P>0.05) in SC and control sausage at the end of storage. After 5 months of storage TBARS value of SC sausage amounted to 0.57 mg MDA/kg, and it was significantly lower (P

Quality parameters including sensory and physical characteristics and proximate and mineral composition in M. psoas major, M. semimembranosus, M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum and M. triceps brachii of Swallow-Belly Mangulica pigs were determined. Type of muscles had no significant effect (P>0.05) on water-holding capacity, protein, total fat, K, P and Ca content. The M. psoas major was the highest in pH24h, water-holding capacity, CIEa* and CIEb* values, moisture, K, P aQuality parameters including sensory and physical characteristics and proximate and mineral composition in M. psoas major, M. semimembranosus, M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum and M. triceps brachii of Swallow-Belly Mangulica pigs were determined. Type of muscles had no significant effect (P>0.05) on water-holding capacity, protein, total fat, K, P and Ca content. The M. psoas major was the highest in pH24h, water-holding capacity, CIEa* and CIEb* values, moisture, K, P and Cu content, and the lowest in visual marbling score and total fat content. The M. semimembranosus was the highest in Mg and Ca content, and the lowest in CIEL* value (darkest muscle) and K content. The lightest colour (CIEL* value), the highest content of protein, total fat and total ash, and the lowest visual colour score, pH24h, CIEa* and CIEb* values, content of moisture, Na, Ca, Zn, Fe and Cu were found in M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum. The highest visual colour and marbling score, the highest content of Na, Zn and Fe, and the lowest water-holding capacity, content of protein, total ash, P and Mg were found in M. triceps brachii.

Sensory evaluation of colour and marbling of M. semimembranosus (SM) and M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) from five purebred pigs produced in Vojvodina (Large White, Landrace, Duroc, Hampshire and Pietrain) was performed. Colour was evaluated by the panellists with 6-point colour score cards (1-pale pinkish-gray to white; 6-dark purplish-red). Marbling was evaluated by the panellists with7-point marbling score cards (1-devoid, 6-moderate/10-abundant).The differences in the colour and in the marbling of the SM muscles and of the LTL muscles among the five purebred pigs were not significant (P>0.05). A darker colour was obtained for SM muscles than for LTL muscles for all five purebred pigs, with a significant differences for Durok (P=0.018) and Pietrain (P=0.002). The type of the muscles had no significant effect on marbling (P>0.05). The Vojvodian pork meat showed lighter colour than optimum for pork. According to average marbling scores fat content in pork produced in Vojvodina was less than 2 %.

Meat is a very rich and universal source of nutrients. The primary importance of meat is based especially on protein content. Optimum slaughter weight has influence on the basic chemical composition of meat. Fattening pigs were classified by their weight into three groups before the slaughter day. The highest content of proteins and water was found in the part of ham and shoulder in the group of animals at 100-110 and 111-120 kg of live weight, respectively, while the lowest content was found in the part of neck in animals at 121-130 kg of live weight. The highest content of intramuscular fat and mineral substances was in animals at 121-130 kg (neck and loin), while the lowest content was in animals at 100-110 kg live weight (ham). The pH values were within the optimum limits (5.33 - 5.77). Differences between the groups for the values of proteins content, mineral substance and pH values were statistically highly significant (p0.05) between the groups. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR31032]

This paper investigates the lipid oxidation changes in the traditional dry fermented sausages Petrovská klobasá, from the area nearby the town of Bački Petrovac in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, made from hot (sausage A) and cold deboned meat (sausage B). Both groups of sausages (A and B) were produced according to the same recipe and subjected to drying and ripening processes under traditional conditions. The lipid oxidation changes were monitored via the acid number values and the TBARS test. During the storage period, the acid number significantly increased (p

This study was carried out on 15 castrated male purebred Swallow-belly Mangulica pigs. The Swallow-belly Mangulica pigs were free-range reared on the territory of natural protected area 'Zasavica', Sremska Mitrovica. After chilling, back fat (lard) and leaf fat were excised from the right side of each carcass. Physical properties of adipose tissue were examined by determining the pH and colour (CIEL*a*b* values), while composition was examined by determination of the moisture, protein, total fat, total ash and mineral (phosphorous, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese) contents. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between back fat and leaffat for any examined property, except for lightness (CIEL* value, P

During the tests in this paper, meat processing was carried out at different temperatures between the range of 51°C to 100°C. The meat was processed by dry heat (roasting) and wet heat treatments (cooking) in water at atmospheric pressure. After heat treatment, myofibrillar proteins were extracted from solutions at constant ionic strength. Quantitative and qualitative determinations of protein´s fractions were performed by capillary electrophoresis. Myofibrillar proteins were also analized for fresh pork meat sample. Results obtained in fresh meat were compared with those recorded after roasting and cooking. In the fresh and thermally processed pork the following proteins were identified: myosin, light chain 3; myosin, light chain 2; troponin - C; troponin - I; myosin, light chain 1; tropomyosin; troponin - T; actin; desmin; α - actinin; C - protein; M - protein (Mβ); M - protein (Mα); heavy meromyosin - HMM. For both methods of thermal processing, with increasing heat treatment temperature, concentration of soluble protein in the extract decreases rapidly after 51°C. Cooking treatment had a more intense effect on the proteins change and denaturation than roasting. [Projekat Ministartsva nauke Republike Srbije: Effect of heat treatment temperature on protein structure and properties of pork meat]

A study was carried out on traditional Serbian dry-fermented sausage Petrovská klobása in order to investigate the effect of different ripening conditions and use of starter culture (SC) on drying characteristics of this typical meat product. The results related with reduction of diameter, water activity (aw) and moisture content of sausages, obtained during ripening, indicated 30 days faster drying process in controlled industrial ripening room (RR) than in traditional room (TR) (60 vs. 90 days). Along with the ambient (thermo-hygrometric) conditions, this phenomenon was also determined by pH, which was lower in RR sausages (P0.992) indicate good fit of the experimental data (average moisture content vs. drying time) using third degree polynomial equation, both for RR and TR sausages, whether the samples were produced with or without SC. Additionally, the evolution of moisture content ratio between internal and external fractions of sausages indicated more intense drying in the external ones. This was particularly pronounced in sausages made with SC after 30 days of drying. The use of SC and RR in processing of Petrovská klobása seems to be a potential technological improvement to shorten the drying period and to prolong the production season of this traditional meat product.

The influence of drying and ripeninig conditions (traditional and industrial) in the production of dry fermented sausage Petrovská klobása, on fatty-acid composition and oxidative changes in lipids, during 7 months of storage, was investigated. During the storage period, the sum of unsaturated fatty acids and the content of free fatty acids were significantly higher (p

After functional phase, packaging becomes waste that is recycled or disposed of in landfills. Recently, numerus packages have been developed for assessing the packaging risk on the environment. We applied Gabi 4 Education software on polymer product packaging for meat products. The objective of first part of the paper was characterization of materials used for meat and meat products packaging in terms of mechanical and barrier properties. Results show that tested materials are able to keep protective atmosphere and contribute to the quality and sustainability of the product. Air permeability was 3.60 and 26.60 ml/m224h, and water vapor was 6.90 and 9.50 ml/m224h, respectively, for foils 1 and 2, as a result of different film composition. In second part, based on real data, Gabi 4 Education software is applied. The obtained results showed that organic compounds emissions have the highest impact on human health and the most damaging environmental impact observed was the emission of CO2.

The objective of these investigations was to examine the efficacy of the use of extruded feed in the diet of broiler chicks. The procedure of extruding corn causes significant physical-chemical changes in the kernel structure, which increases the nutritive value as the nutritive matter in the kernel becomes more readily available to the enzymes of the animal’s digestive tract. This procedure also increases hygiene safety as well as the sensory characteristics (taste) of the feed. Investigations were carried out on 3000 chicks of the Ross 308 hybrid, which were divided into an experimental and a control group. The fattening period lasted 49 days. The composition of the broiler mix was identical in both groups, with extruded corn being used in the mix for the control group (O). Broilers fed the mix with extruded corn (O) showed faster growth, lower mortality (20:96) and better feed conversion (2.04:2,13 kg/kg) in comparison with the control group (K). Broilers of the experimental group (O) also realized greater mass of the breast (696.6:657.6 g) and legs (569.2:528.2 g), as well as a greater meat percentage in the breast and legs. The diet with extruded corn also resulted in an improved nutritive quality of the broiler meat (higher protein content and lower content of free lipids in broiler meat). The meat of broilers fed the mix with extruded corn (O) was found to contain a higher protein content (23.35:22.58%) in the breast, and in the legs (18.26:17.67%), and a lower content of free lipids (1,.40:2.42%) in the breast, and in the legs (5.87:9.24%) in comparison with the meat of broilers of the control group (K). [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 46012]

The still-marinating process is a simplified technology used to tenderize and to improve the flavour, colour and juiciness of meat products. The effects of marinade type, addition of ground paprika (P) or paprika oleoresin (O), on the instrumental and sensory properties of cooked marinated chicken fillets were investigated. It was observed that marinade uptake was greater (P > 0.05) for the fillets marinated with paprika oleoresin. Cooking loss was lowest for experimental group O, and signifycantly lower (P

In this paper, the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of reduced-fat (approximately 35 % lower) cooked sausage, made with addition of 5% inulin, (sausage A) were examined and compared with those of conventionally cooked sausage (sausage B). Chemical composition was evaluated according to standard ISO methods. Instrumental measurements of colour (L