EN
The aim of this experiment was to study how reduced content of protein in each feeding stage during raising influences carcass fattiness and, in consequence, the chemical composition, and meat physicochemical and sensory properties in 6-week-old quail. The material comprised 150 one-day-old Pharaoh quail divided into three experimental groups. The birds of the group I received feeds with nutritional value recommended by feeding standards for growing quail, while the groups II and III received rations with reduced level of protein in all feeds for the period of raising. At the age of 42 days, 6 male and female birds of the body weight similar to the sex's average from each group were slaughtered. The amount of abdominal and non-muscular fat was determined. Chemical assays (dry matter, protein, and fat content), physicochemical analyses (pH, colour, water-holding capacity), and sensory evaluation (boiled meat and broth) were carried out. The results of the study allowed us to conclude that lower level of protein content in the feed reduced fattiness of the carcasses, improved the meat water-binding (holding) capacity. Most remaining tested meat quality characters were similar to those obtained in the control group.