Investigations on the histological structure of the superficial pectoral muscle in COBB-500 commercial meat-type hybrid hen

Abstract

There are few data concerning the somatic muscles and carcass quality of commercial hybrid hens. Meat quality is determined by a variety of factors, including fibre thickness and muscle fascicles. For the elucidation of some of the above-mentioned elements, we have collected histological samples of the superficial pectoral muscle from 10 individuals, males and females, belonging to the COBB-500 commercial meat-type poultry hybrid. Samples were processed by using the “paraffin section" technique, 30 histological blades being obtained. They were studied with the MC3 - type photon microscope, while the thickness of fibres and of muscle fascicles was measured by using cito- and histometric techniques. The obtained results were myocyte thickness that ranged from 31.6 to 34.08μ, according to gender. The thickness of the primary muscle fascicles ranged from 320.25 to 354μ and of the secondary muscle fascicles, from 568.25 to 628.5μ. No notable differences were found between the two genders, some being statistically significant, while others were not.