The Line Differences and Genetic Parameters of Linoleic and Arachidonic Acid Contents in Korean Native Chicken Muscles

Korean native chicken (KNC) is classified as five lines (grey, black, red, white, brown) based on the plumage colors. The KNC has superior meat quality and flavor compared with those of the commercial broilers, which can be explained by the high arachidonic acid contents. The current study was conducted to investigate arachidonic acid contents in five lines of KNC and used for the development of commercial KNC. Breast and thigh muscles from 597 F1 KNC birds were used in this study and linoleic (precursor of the arachidonic acid) and arachidonic acid contents were measured by the standard protocol. In addition, heritabilities and genetic correlations were estimated. As the results, arachidonic acid contents were significantly different among the KNC lines. Also, relatively high heritabilities (0.414∼0.570) for arachidonic acid contents were estimated in both breast and thigh muscles. The estimated genetic correlation was negative between linoleic and arachidonic acids. This study indicated that selection of KNC is possible for improving meat flavor in relation to the arachidonic acid. Also, this study can be used for making breeding plans for commercial KNC in the future. (