Comparison of meat quality between Gushi and broiler chicks

The meat quality at 8th week and growth from 0-8 week were compared between Gushi and broiler chicks. The results showed that Gushi chicks had lower breast pH(P 0.05) in IMP(inosine 5'-monophosphate) content of breast. The average daily gain of broiler chicks was 4.1 times as high as that of Gushi chicks. It was concluded that the Gushi chicks had better water holding ability, thinner muscle and higher meat tenderness than broiler. The lower growth rate might be one reason for the better meat quality of Gushi chicks.