Researchers tested whether adding a plant compound called rutin to chicken feed could help protect meat quality when chickens are raised in cold environments. They studied 360 young chickens over 42 days, with some kept in normal temperatures and others in cold conditions. The chickens that ate feed with rutin had better-quality meat with improved tenderness, better color, and more moisture. The rutin appeared to work by protecting the chicken’s muscle cells from damage caused by cold stress. This finding suggests that rutin could be a helpful supplement for chicken farmers in cold climates who want to produce healthier, better-quality meat.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding rutin (a natural plant compound) to chicken feed improves meat quality when chickens are raised in cold temperatures
  • Who participated: 360 one-day-old male broiler chickens divided into four groups: one group in normal temperature (26°C) and three groups in cold conditions (10°C), with some cold groups receiving different amounts of rutin in their feed
  • Key finding: Chickens that ate feed containing rutin while living in cold conditions produced meat that was more tender, had better color, held more moisture, and had better flavor compared to chickens without rutin supplementation
  • What it means for you: If you live in a cold climate and raise chickens, adding rutin to their feed may help produce better-quality meat. However, this research was done on chickens, so it’s unclear if the same benefits would apply to other animals or to humans eating the meat

The Research Details

Scientists divided 360 baby chickens into four equal groups. One group lived in comfortable warm conditions (about 80°F) and ate regular feed. The other three groups lived in cold conditions (about 50°F) and ate feed with different amounts of a plant compound called rutin added to it. The researchers tracked the chickens for 42 days (about 6 weeks) and measured how the cold stress and rutin affected the quality of their meat.

The researchers examined the chicken meat very carefully, looking at things like color, texture, moisture content, and the structure of the muscle proteins. They also tested the meat for signs of damage from stress and measured special protective proteins in the muscle cells that fight against damage.

This type of study is called a controlled experiment because the scientists controlled which chickens got which treatment and kept careful track of the conditions. This helps them understand whether the rutin actually caused the improvements they observed.

This research matters because cold weather can damage the quality of meat by causing stress to the animal’s body. When animals are stressed by cold, their muscle cells can get damaged, which makes the meat tougher, less flavorful, and less nutritious. By testing whether rutin can protect against this damage, scientists are looking for natural ways to help farmers produce better meat without using artificial chemicals. This is especially important for farmers in cold regions who want to maintain meat quality year-round.

This study has several strengths: it used a large number of animals (360 chickens), had multiple groups for comparison, and measured many different aspects of meat quality. The researchers used scientific methods to measure protein damage and protective enzyme activity. However, the study was conducted only on chickens in a controlled setting, so results may not apply to other animals or to chickens raised in different conditions. The study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed the work before publication.

What the Results Show

Chickens that received rutin in their feed while living in cold conditions had significantly better meat quality compared to cold-stressed chickens without rutin. The meat was more tender, had a better pink-red color, and retained more moisture (which keeps meat juicy). The meat also had higher levels of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, and better flavor.

The researchers discovered that rutin worked by protecting the muscle cells from damage. They measured this by looking at special proteins in the muscle that act like bodyguards, protecting cells from harm. In chickens that ate rutin, these protective proteins were more active, and there was less evidence of cell damage from the cold stress.

At the molecular level, rutin appeared to activate a special control system in the cells (called the Nrf2 pathway) that tells the body to make more protective proteins. This is like the body’s natural defense system getting stronger when it has rutin available. The chickens that ate rutin also had stronger muscle protein structures, which stayed intact better during the stress of cold temperatures.

Additional measurements showed that rutin reduced the breakdown of proteins and fats in the muscle tissue. The muscle fibers stayed more organized and didn’t break down into smaller pieces as much. Calcium-handling proteins in the muscle cells (Ca²⁺-ATPase) were more active in rutin-supplemented chickens, which helps maintain proper muscle function. These changes all contributed to overall better meat quality and nutritional value.

Previous research has shown that rutin, a compound found in plants like buckwheat and apples, has protective properties against oxidative stress (a type of cellular damage). This study extends that knowledge by showing that rutin can help protect meat quality specifically in cold-stressed animals. The findings align with other research showing that natural plant compounds can help animals cope with environmental stress. However, most previous studies on rutin and cold stress have been done in laboratory settings or with other animals, so this chicken study provides new practical information for farmers.

This study was conducted only on chickens in a controlled laboratory environment, so the results may not apply to chickens raised outdoors or in different conditions. The study only looked at male chickens, so it’s unclear if female chickens would respond the same way. The research measured meat quality but didn’t test whether humans eating this meat would experience any health benefits. Additionally, the study was relatively short (42 days), so it’s unknown whether the benefits would continue if rutin was given for longer periods. The study also didn’t compare rutin to other potential protective compounds, so it’s unclear if rutin is the best option available.

The Bottom Line

For chicken farmers in cold climates: Adding 500-1000 mg of rutin per kilogram of feed appears to be a promising way to maintain meat quality during cold weather (moderate confidence based on this single study). For consumers: If you purchase meat from chickens raised in cold regions, look for producers using natural supplements like rutin to maintain quality. For researchers: More studies are needed to confirm these findings in different settings and with different animals.

Chicken farmers in cold climates should care about this research, as it offers a practical way to improve their product quality. Consumers who care about meat quality and nutritional value may benefit from knowing about this supplement. People interested in natural food production methods would find this relevant. This research is less relevant to people in warm climates or those who don’t raise chickens.

Based on this study, improvements in meat quality would be expected within the 42-day growing period of broiler chickens. For farmers implementing this change, they should expect to see differences in meat quality in their next batch of chickens (typically 6-7 weeks). Long-term benefits would need to be assessed over multiple growing cycles.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you raise chickens, track weekly measurements of meat quality indicators: record meat color (using a simple color chart), measure tenderness (using a simple resistance test), and monitor moisture retention by weighing meat samples before and after cooking
  • For chicken farmers: Add rutin supplement to feed at 500-1000 mg/kg and monitor the resulting meat quality over one complete growing cycle. Document changes in color, texture, and customer feedback. For consumers: When purchasing chicken, ask farmers or suppliers whether they use natural protective supplements and compare meat quality between sources
  • Establish a baseline measurement of your current meat quality (color, tenderness, moisture). After adding rutin to feed, measure the same indicators weekly and compare results. Keep records of temperature conditions, feed amounts, and meat quality measurements to identify patterns. After one full growing cycle, evaluate whether the investment in rutin supplementation provided worthwhile improvements in meat quality and customer satisfaction

This research was conducted on chickens in controlled laboratory conditions and may not apply to all farming situations or other animals. The study shows that rutin may help protect meat quality in cold-stressed chickens, but more research is needed to confirm these findings in real-world farm settings. Before making changes to animal feed or diet, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutrition specialist. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Individual results may vary based on specific conditions, genetics, and management practices.