Showing papers in "Worlds Poultry Science Journal in 2011"
TL;DR: The gizzard has a number of important functions such as aiding digestion by particle size reduction, chemical degradation of nutrients and regulation of feed flow, and responds rapidly to changes in the coarseness of the diet.
Abstract: The gizzard has a number of important functions, such as aiding digestion by particle size reduction, chemical degradation of nutrients and regulation of feed flow, and responds rapidly to changes in the coarseness of the diet. This review summarises findings on the function of the gizzard, the interaction between diet and gizzard function, and the nutritional consequences of these interactions. Due to the reported improvements in nutrient availability when structural components which stimulate gizzard development has been added to the diet, it may be recommended to include at least 20 to 30% cereal particles larger than 1 mm in size, or to include at least 3% coarse fibres such as oat hulls, in the diet.
355 citations
TL;DR: This review article addresses the effect of unconventionally high doses of phytase on nutrient requirement and suggests mechanisms by which they may be explained.
Abstract: Phytases have been used commercially since the early 1990s and have been the focus of considerable and sustained research for many decades. Despite this heroic effort there are still areas of persi...
177 citations
TL;DR: Use of vaccines, synthetic and botanical anticoccidials and educating farmers about recommended coccidiosis control practices are discussed in this review, along with the integration of currently available options for the management of drug resistance and, ultimately, the control of cocCidiosis.
Abstract: The development of drug resistance in Eimeria is common because of extensive use of anticoccidial drugs for the control of avian coccidiosis. The significance of chemotherapy is evident from the fact that, in spite of advancement in the field of immunological, biotechnological and genetic methods, prophylactic chemotherapy with anticoccidial drugs is still widely used for the control of coccidiosis. In such situations, new drugs should be available to replace the older ones against which resistance has developed, however it takes a long time to develop any new compounds. It is therefore currently necessary to develop strategies to minimise the emergence of resistance in Eimeria strains and to prolong the effect of available anticoccidial drugs. This paper summarises the resistance status of Eimeria species in different parts of the world and reviews different types of resistance, mechanism of resistance development, factors involved in the development and spread of resistance, management of resistant strains and strategies to preserve the efficacy of the available anticoccidial drugs. Use of vaccines, synthetic and botanical anticoccidials and educating farmers about recommended coccidiosis control practices are discussed in this review, along with the integration of currently available options for the management of drug resistance and, ultimately, the control of coccidiosis.
113 citations
TL;DR: An optimum response with supplementation of vitamin E in feed has been found to improve feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, egg production and quality, nutrient digestibility, immune response and antioxidant status in poultry birds.
Abstract: Heat stress is associated with compromised performance and productivity in poultry due to declines in feed intake, nutrient utilisation, growth rate, egg production and quality, feed efficiency and immunity. Additionally, heat stress is characterised by reduced antioxidant status in birds, resulting in increased oxidative stress. Heat stress is also linked with increased economic losses due to mortality of birds. Vitamin E is a major chain-breaking antioxidant in biological systems. An optimum response with supplementation of vitamin E in feed has been found to improve feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, egg production and quality, nutrient digestibility, immune response and antioxidant status in poultry birds. This work compiles past and present information about the role of vitamin E in heat-stressed poultry.
112 citations
TL;DR: The balance between ROS and antioxidants in avian semen is a fundamental determinant of membrane integrity, sperm viability and fertilising ability, and the rationale of using antioxidants is advocated.
Abstract: Avian spermatozoa are characterised by high proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which is associated with increased susceptibility to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidat...
103 citations
TL;DR: These feeding strategies may help to reduce heat production peaks, facilitate evaporative activity and/or decreases the heat load, resulting in beneficial effects on performance and health of the bird kept in more tropical areas worldwide.
Abstract: Heat stress can induce hyperthermia in poultry. A reduction in heat load can be achieved by increasing the possibilities for dissipation, decreasing the level of heat production or by changing the thermal production pattern within a day. Strategies to reduce the negative effects of heat stress can be based on a specific feeding strategy, such as restricted feeding. Feed that is offered long enough before a hot period can ameliorate the harmful effects of high temperature. Another strategy may be to use choice feeding from different feed ingredients, rich in protein or in energy. With such self-selection, the chicken may adjust its intake of individual components, allowing the bird to optimise the heat load associated with the metabolism of the ingested nutrients. Additional promising strategies involve offering a choice between feeds with a different feed particle size or structure. A large particle size contributes to the development of the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT), especially the gizzard and the caeca. A large gizzard will maximize the grinding process and potentially ease digestion down the GIT, thereby reducing heat production associated with digestive processing. Also wet feeding may be profitable under heat stress conditions as well. Feeding wet diets may facilitate an increased water intake and larger particle sizes can limit water excretion in droppings, resulting in more water being available for evaporation during panting, hence cooling the bird. In conclusion, these feeding strategies may help to reduce heat production peaks, facilitate evaporative activity and/or decreases the heat load, resulting in beneficial effects on performance and health of the bird kept in more tropical areas worldwide.
95 citations
TL;DR: Current studies aim to develop management practices to reduce hen injury due to over-mating and improve the sexual behaviour in both males and females, as well as feed restriction during rearing.
Abstract: Under current practices, broiler parent stock (broiler breeders) encounter several welfare problems, such as feed restriction and injury during mating. Intensive selection for production traits, especially growth rate, is associated with increased nutritious requirement and thus feed consumption, but also reproductive dysfunctions and decreased sexual activity in broiler breeders. A resulting serious welfare problem is the subsequent severe feed restriction which is applied during rearing, in order to prevent health problems and to achieve better egg production. This severe feed restriction has negative effects on bird welfare as it causes chronic stress resulting from hunger. Recent research has focused on management practices to alleviate the negative effect of this feed restriction. Using both a more fibrous feed and an appetite suppressant seems most successful. There are welfare concerns involved in the mating of broiler breeders. In many countries mutilations (beak trimming, despurring and toe clipping) are carried out in male broiler breeders as a standard procedure to prevent excessive damage to the hens during mating. It has been reported that broiler breeder males show low libido but, at the same time, may be aggressive and show rough behaviour during mating, which can cause severe injuries to the hens, although some injuries may be caused by over-mating hens. Current studies aim to develop management practices to reduce hen injury due to over-mating and improve the sexual behaviour in both males and females. In the last part of the review, an examination of how breeding companies are taking welfare into consideration in their commercial selection scheme is made. In practice, although for example reduced mortality and some health criteria are included in selection programs and some alternative breeds as used, other welfare issues remain, such as feed restriction during rearing.
78 citations
TL;DR: There is a need to standardise methods for determining the physical traits for determining meat quality traits to facilitate comparisons between studies and to provide reference values.
Abstract: Many different methods measuring meat quality traits are available which are based on different principles, and instruments and/or probes. In view of the complexity of meat processes after slaughter and quality trait determination, it is not surprising that the results obtained in different studies and laboratories are not always in agreement. For comparison of results it is therefore necessary to keep strictly to measurable specifications, which is why standardisation is indispensable. The Working Group 5 Poultry Meat Quality group of the WPSA European Federation has been asked to produce a document which would serve as a common base methodology that would permit comparison between research projects carried out by different groups, based on international research programmes. This paper represents the first step of this work including chemical (moisture, total lipids, proteins, ash, fatty acid composition, cholesterol, susceptibility to oxidation, amino acids, collagen and pigments) and physical traits (pH, R-value, colour, water holding capacity, texture and sarcomere length). For the evaluation of chemical composition, there are standard methods available which are largely adopted in the majority of published papers. However, there is still a need to standardise methods for determining the physical traits to facilitate comparisons between studies and to provide reference values.
74 citations
TL;DR: The use of pasture-based systems for poultry production is growing due to consumer demand for specialty ‘natural’ and ‘welfare-friendly’ meat and eggs.
Abstract: The use of pasture-based systems for poultry production is growing due to consumer demand for specialty ‘natural’ and ‘welfare-friendly’ meat and eggs. This paper discusses the various meanings of ...
73 citations
TL;DR: The regulation of the lipid metabolism by hormones and the participation of key enzymes associated to advances in molecular biology techniques could assist in the genetic selection of more productive birds and better quality products for consumers.
Abstract: Understanding the metabolism of lipoproteins in birds is important to enable nutritionists to design diets aimed at obtaining better meat characteristics and egg quality, and can furnish useful information for future studies. In comparison to mammals, there are a number of expressive differences in the metabolism of lipids in birds, such as the transport of dietary lipids to the liver, hepatic lipogenesis and the presence of unique lipoproteins in the blood (portomicrons). Greater differences are found in egg-laying hens during the production phase, in which lipoproteins produced in the liver, under the action of oestrogen, are used for the formation of the egg yolk. The regulation of the lipid metabolism by hormones and the participation of key enzymes associated to advances in molecular biology techniques could assist in the genetic selection of more productive birds and better quality products for consumers.
70 citations
TL;DR: Welfare issues and approaches are compared in the following review, for all major meat chicken producing countries as discussed by the authors, and the review concludes that intensive systems present similar welfare issues worldwide; however, European research is more directed to the behavioural and cognitive requirements of the birds, than in self-regulated countries.
Abstract: Welfare issues and approaches are compared in the following review, for all major meat chicken producing countries. In certain countries, such as the United States and Australia, the industry comprises a small number of integrated, self-regulated companies, whereas in Europe the industry is more diverse, with greater competition, and more government regulation. There is much more meat chicken welfare research and regulation in Europe, and in particular the United Kingdom, than in countries with self-regulated industries, such as the United States, even taking into account the level of meat chicken production in the relevant areas. By contrast, welfare regulation in two of the world's major meat chicken producing countries; namely Brazil and China, is negligible. Some welfare issues are regional, such as high temperatures which are particularly problematic for free range birds, breeds selected for rapid growth and when birds are removed from fully-housed systems. However, similar welfare issues affect intensively-housed birds worldwide, which comprise the majority of animals produced. These include rapid growth rates, predisposing birds to heart and leg problems, especially ascites and sudden death syndrome, and high stocking densities, which inhibit locomotion and environmental exploration, predisposing birds to contact dermatitis. Welfare research in Europe has shown that highly stocked birds spend longer sleeping, congregate around feeders and are more fearful, as well as experiencing higher ammonia levels, which irritate their eyes and respiratory systems. The review concludes that intensive systems present similar welfare issues worldwide; however, European research is more directed to the behavioural and cognitive requirements of the birds, than in self-regulated countries. This will enable their industry to respond better to future welfare requirements from consumers.
TL;DR: The aim of this paper was to review the feed processing factors that influence the efficacy of exogenous enzymes in broiler diets and to explore the effects of steam conditioning practices on enzyme stability.
Abstract: The use of commercial exogenous enzymes in poultry diets is now a common practice. Broilers are predominantly fed pelleted diets; of the various unit operations in the production of pellets, grindi...
TL;DR: In this article, a literature review of NH3 and GHG emissions from poultry housing, with a focus on the influence of practices and rearing conditions, is presented as efficient ways to reduce emissions.
Abstract: Poultry production has been identified as a major producer of NH3 and, to a lesser extent, of greenhouse gases (GHGs) mainly by national emissions inventories. However, since most national inventories are based on average emission factors for each type of animal (‘tier 1’ approach), the factors that influence these emissions (through breeding and manure-management practices) are not taken into account. The first step to improve inventories and propose mitigation options (e.g. best management practices, innovative systems) is a better understanding of the drivers of gaseous emissions and the identification of key factors for the mitigation of NH3 and GHG emissions. This paper presents a literature review of NH3 and GHG emissions from poultry housing, with a focus on the influence of practices and rearing conditions. It appears that flock-management practices (e.g. dietary practices, slaughtering age) and manure management (e.g. manure removal frequency, chemical treatment of litter) are presented as efficient ways to reduce emissions. Environmental conditions (e.g. ventilation rates, temperature) influence emissions; however, it was not possible to assess the effects of different combinations of these factors (compensatory or synergistic). Some factors, such as stocking density, which may play a significant role, were not studied. Modelling approaches that integrate these key factors with climate factors can be used to update emission factors in emissions inventories, consider national variability and uncertainties in mitigation scenarios, test synergistic and compensatory effects and avoid pollution swapping. Further research must be carried out to check the validity of emission factors and modelling parameters at a national scale.
TL;DR: Poultry plays an important role in the livelihood of rural communities in developing countries as mentioned in this paper, and it accounts for about 80% of the world's poultry stocks in many developing countries.
Abstract: Poultry plays an important role in the livelihood of rural communities in developing countries. Rural poultry (RP) accounts for about 80% of the world's poultry stocks in many developing countries....
TL;DR: The review of L-carnitine functions uniquely includes the main aspects of this consequential feed supplementary inclusion in poultry nutrition.
Abstract: L-carnitine has indispensable functions in intermediary metabolism and is received by endogenous synthesis and from exogenous sources. It plays an obligate role in fatty acid metabolism by directing fatty acids into the mitochondrial oxidative pathway through the action of specialised acyltransferases. In poultry production, L-carnitine has a multi functional purpose, which includes: growth promotion, strengthening the immune system, antioxidant effects and improving semen quality. The concentration of L-carnitine in animals varies widely across species, tissue type, and nutritional status of the animal. It has been suggested that the L-carnitine requirement may be increased under certain circumstances such as via higher performance, various stress conditions and where the diet is deficient in animal protein sources. The review of L-carnitine functions uniquely includes the main aspects of this consequential feed supplementary inclusion in poultry nutrition.
TL;DR: This paper aims at reviewing the current state of phenotypic characterisation work on indigenous chickens in the tropics and recommends that characterisation works use a common set of descriptions developed by international institutions with proven poultry experience so results across countries and regions can be accurately compared.
Abstract: The rearing of indigenous chickens is an integral part of the smallholder farming system in the tropics, where they are kept by the rural poor to fulfil multiple functions. Their special adaptation...
TL;DR: The following review considers the history of poultry breeding to date, and the contribution of both traditional and molecular genetic methods in the selection of breeding stock and in performance improvements.
Abstract: The following review considers the history of poultry breeding to date, and the contribution of both traditional and molecular genetic methods in the selection of breeding stock and in performance improvements. The genetic aspects of eradicating disease and stress-related problems in broilers are discussed in detail.
TL;DR: Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) should be referred to for the control of mycotoxins in the food chain.
Abstract: Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi. Mycotoxins in feed are considered the second most serious issue in the poultry industry, following increased feed prices. There are different types of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisin, trichothecenes, zearalenone, patulin, but the most important are aflatoxins and ochratoxins. Ochratoxin is known as a nephrotoxin as it damages kidney tissues predominantly, whereas aflatoxin has more adverse effects upon the liver. Diagnosis and determination of toxins can be done in tissues and feed samples by using different techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin layer liquid chromatography (TLC), and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). Treatment of mycotoxicosis can be done by decontamination or detoxification of feed by using mycotoxin binders, plant preparations (nutraceuticals) and vitamins. Mycotoxicosis can be controlled by using transgenic crops and improving harvesting management, storing feed in good environmental conditions and fresh feed for the birds. Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) should be referred to for the control of mycotoxins in the food chain.
TL;DR: Interestingly, enhanced responses to amino acids have been reported during the neonatal period, suggesting that early protein nutrition impacts on the development of broiler chicks and providing a rationale for nutritional advice.
Abstract: Protein metabolism is considered to be regulated by amino acids, with major consequences on tissue development. There is evidence that lysine greatly affects carcass composition and muscle growth. ...
TL;DR: As the high metabolic rate (fast growth) is a major factor contributing to the susceptibility of broilers to ascites, appropriate selection strategies or feed restriction or light restriction in order to slow down the growth rate seem practically viable methods.
Abstract: Excessive specialisation and production requirements place high demands on the metabolism of the broiler chicken. A number of metabolic problems, such as ascites, arise in chickens due to intensive...
TL;DR: Using an early life programming approach will generate new knowledge about the role of maternal and early post-hatch diet in enhancing bird health and welfare.
Abstract: Egg fat is of considerable importance in the nutrition of the developing chick as a source of energy and essential fatty acids such as linoleic (18:2 n-6) and α-linolenic (18:3 n-3) acids. During incubation, yolk lipids provide fatty acids that are utilized for energy, synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-rich membrane phospholipids, and eicosanoids by the embryo. Eicosanoids derived from n-6 fatty acid are more potent and pro-inflammatory than eicosanoids derived from n-3 fatty acids.Two models of early life programming as affected by n-3 PUFA are investigated. Egg PUFA enrichment through breeder hen diet (pre-hatch or in ovo) or early post-hatch (within first 5 hours) feeding is investigated. Early access to nutrients (pre- and early post-hatch) is important because in broiler hatchlings that are selected for rapid early growth much of the immune system development occurs early in life. However, the current industry practice of feeding breeding hens diets high in n-6 fatty acids, limits the supply of essential n-3 PUFA in the hatchling. Early access to n-3 PUFA through in ovo or early post-hatch diet led to: (1) increase in the retention of n-3 PUFA in cell membranes, (2) reduction in plasma non-esterified fatty acids, (3) reduced production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, (4) suppression of cell-mediated immunity, and (5) alteration in cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression. The effects of an early exposure persisted from 14 to 35 days in different tissues and cells.Given the fact that broiler birds are raised for 39 to 56 days, and that the effect of pre-hatch and early post-hatch nutrition persists for up to and over 36-47% of post-hatch life, using an early life programming approach will generate new knowledge about the role of maternal and early post-hatch diet in enhancing bird health and welfare.
TL;DR: Different aspects of Zn-induced moulting related to physiology and production, with special reference to immunohistochemistry of pituitary gland as affected by Zn -induce moults are included in this review.
Abstract: Department of Animal Production, Faculty ofVeterinary Medicine, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy*Corresponding author: rifatullahkhhan@gmail.comMoulting is a complex process, induced by diet manipulation, which results inrenewal of reproductive system and subsequent better production.Conventionally, moulting has been practised by utilising feed withdrawal inmany developing countries, however, this has been associated with manydrawbacks. Alternative types of moulting practices have been studied, however,these are not practised widely due to a range of undesirable effects. As aconsequence of the beneficial effects on laying hens, better post-moultperformance and a less criticised method according to poultry welfare advocates,Zn-induced moulting has been considered superior to forced-moulting. Differentaspects of Zn-induced moulting related to physiology and production, withspecial reference to immunohistochemistry of pituitary gland as affected by Zn-induce moulting are included in this review.Keywords: Zinc; moulting; physiology; production
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review the available and emerging techniques for Dermanyssus gallinae control and discuss which techniques might be suitable for inclusion in an integrated management program (e.g. synthetic acaricides and diatomaceous earths).
Abstract: Dermanyssus gallinae is the most economically important ectoparasite of laying hens in Europe. Control of D. gallinae is already hampered by issues of pesticide resistance and product withdrawal. With the prohibition of conventional cages in 2012 and the resulting switch to more structurally complex housing which favours red mite, the importance of managing this pest is expected to increase. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), as often employed in agricultural pest control, may be a way to address these issues where a combination of different novel control methods could be used with/without conventional management techniques to provide a synergistic and more efficacious effect. Work at in our laboratory has shown that essential oils, including thyme and garlic, may act as effective D. gallinae repellents and acaricides, whilst preliminary vaccine studies have demonstrated a significant increase in mite mortality in vitro using concealed antigens. Work elsewhere has considered predators and fungi for D. gallinae control and other husbandry techniques such as manipulating temperature and lighting regimes in poultry units. This paper will review the available and emerging techniques for D. gallinae control and discuss which techniques might be suitable for inclusion in an integrated management programme (e.g. synthetic acaricides and diatomaceous earths).
TL;DR: This paper reviews the available information on choice feeding systems in poultry with focus on the application of this in broiler production systems.
Abstract: Calcium is the most prevalent mineral in the body and is important for many physiological processes. However, the amount of calcium in modern diets has both economic and nutritional consequences for producers. Dietary calcium has been shown to reduce the efficacy of both endogenous and exogenous phytases resulting in decreased phytate-phosphorus availability, increased phosphorus excretion as well as facilitating the formation of mineral-phytate complexes. Reducing the concentration of dietary calcium has been reported to improve phytase efficacy and phytate-phosphorus availability, however, this is often at the expense of optimal skeletal integrity. Choice feeding employs the principle that poultry have the ability to select a nutritionally balanced diet from multiple sources and previous studies have shown that poultry have a calcium specific appetite. However, the evaluation of choice feeding systems for broilers has predominantly focussed on the effects of providing separate sources of protein and energy concentrates. Though literature is available for laying hens, scant information is available pertaining to choice feeding of a separate calcium source for broilers. This paper reviews the available information on choice feeding systems in poultry with focus on the application of this in broiler production systems.
TL;DR: The research progress of resistance breeding in poultry is reviewed, including genetics, methods, challenges and opportunities for the poultry industry.
Abstract: Avian disease, regarded as one of the crucial aspects influencing poultry production, has restricted the development of the poultry industry for a long period. Although traditional approaches, e.g....
TL;DR: This review focuses on a selected micro mineral, where the highlight is its role in meat quality, and limited research into the association of selenium and skin health has been included in the review.
Abstract: This review focuses on a selected micro mineral, where the highlight is its role in meat quality. Minerals are important for optimising livestock and poultry performance. Initial symptoms of minera...
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the use of different grains, by-products, minerals, pellet binders and most notably feedstuff constituents and their effects on both physical pellet quality as well as feed manufacturing variables such as energy usage and production rate when the data is available is presented.
Abstract: There is a wide array of factors, of which feed formulation is one, that can drastically affect both the quality of the feed produced as well as the parameters associated with the production of the feed in the mill. It has long been the practice in commercial broiler production to pellet the feed. It has been accepted at this point that feeding a diet with high quality pellets leads to better performance compared to the same diet with low quality pellets or in mash form. On the other hand, producing a high quality pellet is not the typical result in a large feed mill. In large mills, great quantities of feed must be produced in a short time frame and this is usually accomplished by running the mill at a high production rate and pelleting the diet through a relatively thin die. This usually results in decreased conditioning time and contact with the die for the diet, and consequently a lower quality pellet results, mainly because these are the two primary locations for the physiochemical reactions such as starch gelatinisation and protein denaturation that cause pellet binding. In this review we will discuss research pertaining to the use of different grains, by-products, minerals, pellet binders and most notably feedstuff constituents and their effects on both physical pellet quality as well as feed manufacturing variables such as energy usage and production rate when the data is available. The main focus will be given to research performed within the last decade. However, we have placed no restrictions on the research referenced based on publication date as there is always quality research with pertinent findings that have stood the test of time.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the development and current status of poultry meat in terms of marketing, purchasing and consumer decisions within the country of Greece is presented, taking into account that little research has been conducted in the poultry sector in Greece generally and on consumer perceptions specifically.
Abstract: The following review details the development and current status of poultry meat in terms of marketing, purchasing and consumer decisions within the country of Greece. The aim of this paper is to identify Greek consumers’ perceptions of poultry meat. Taking into account that little research has been conducted in the poultry sector in Greece generally and on consumer perceptions specifically, these results will help to provide solutions in strategic marketing.
TL;DR: In this paper, a double-bootstrap data envelopment analysis of the performance of the Greek poultry sector for the period of 1994-2007 is presented, with the purpose of obtaining consistent inferences in measuring technical efficiency and in identifying its determinants.
Abstract: This paper reviews a double-bootstrap data envelopment analysis of the performance of the Greek poultry sector for the period of 1994-2007. The purpose for implementing this method is to obtain consistent inferences in measuring technical efficiency and in identifying its determinants. The findings suggest that on average, technical inefficiency is present in the Greek poultry industry. Under the variable return to scale specification, technical efficiency decreased to 90% in 2007 from 94% in 1994. In order to explain the factors influencing technical efficiency, the efficiency scores estimated in this study were regressed by using specific variables of sample firms and industry context. The results of the regression analysis show statistically significant positive impacts on performance are factors like market size, productive flexibility and being a member of a firm group, with size and innovation activity of the firm being negative influences. In contrast, the integration of Greece into European Economic and Monetary Union and several other capabilities of firms, related to age, vertical integration, capital intensity and skill of employees, did not have any influence. These results may help managers and policy-makers to determine adequate policies and practices for achieving performance.
TL;DR: The importance of fresh chicken origin in the purchase-decision-making process was evident in all analysed countries of Central and South-eastern Europe as mentioned in this paper. But the importance of chicken origin was not emphasized in the qualitative survey.
Abstract: The article details the results of a quantitative survey which was carried out by personal interview of 3200 fresh chicken meat consumers ranging between 15 and 65 years of age and residing in the selected countries of Central and South-eastern Europe. A positive perception of fresh chicken meat was determined in all the countries sampled, with consumers reporting it as a tasty and healthy meat source. Special attention was devoted to the importance of meat origin in the purchase-decision-making process. The importance of fresh chicken meat origin in the purchase-decision-making process were evident in all analysed countries of Central and South-eastern Europe.