View article

Biochemical characteristics, including myosin heavy chain I (MHC-I) percentage, isocitrate dehydrogenase and aldolase activities, meat quality traits and instrumental texture properties of rabbits selected for different growth rates were studied. The animals of the control (C) group (7th generation; n=60) were raised in parallel with those of selection (S) group (21st generation; n=60). Carcass weights (1230.1±19.8 and 1348.3±20.1 g, for C and S, respectively) and perirenal and scapular fat content differed significantly (P<0.01) between the two groups. Water holding capacity was expressed as the percentage of pressure released water and was significantly different (P<0.05) between groups C and S (33.29% and 35.57%). MHC-I percentage and aldolase activity also differed significantly (P<0.05) between groups, group C showing higher oxidative traits than group S (MHC-I: 12.5% and 9.8%; aldolase: 597.11 and …