Post-harvest intervention of chicken meat effected by myopathy: potential of enzymatic marination in quality improvement

Boris Mrdović; Nikola Betić; Ivana Branković Lazić; Mladen Rašeta; Aleksandar Bajčić; Jelena Jovanović; Mirjana Lukić

doi:10.18485/meattech.2025.66.3.95

Boris Mrdović Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9964-4317
Nikola Betić Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7375-6752
Ivana Branković Lazić Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5844-9278
Mladen Rašeta Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9860-6681
Aleksandar Bajčić Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2923-4137
Jelena Jovanović Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0301-729X
Mirjana Lukić Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7749-864X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18485/meattech.2025.66.3.95

Keywords: broiler, genetic selection, prevalence, exoenzymes

Abstract

Over the past decade, the incidence of myopathies in broiler chickens, such as wooden breast myopathy (WB), white striping (WS), and spaghetti meat (SM), has significantly increased in intensive poultry production systems worldwide. These conditions negatively affect the sensory, nutritional, and technological quality of meat, resulting in substantial economic losses. In Serbia, although no official prevalence data exist, empirical observations suggest a rising frequency of these defects. One promising approach to improve the quality of affected meat involves marination using natural proteolytic enzymes (bromelain, papain, ficin). This review presents current knowledge on broiler myopathies, their impact on meat quality, and use of exogenous enzymes in meat processing. Additional focus is given to marination parameter optimization, emerging technologies, and strategic recommendations for industry and research.