Influência do enriquecimento ambiental sonoro no desempenho e na qualidade da carne de frangos de corte

Abstract

The intensification of poultry farming has raised growing concerns regarding animal welfare and meat quality. Among the strategies to reduce stress in intensive systems, environmental enrichment—particularly music—has emerged as a promising sensory approach. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of classical music on the performance and meat quality of broiler chickens raised in climate-controlled housing. A total of 200 male Cobb® chicks were divided into two groups: a control group (no music) and an enriched group (exposed to six hours of classical music per day). Both groups were raised under controlled environmental conditions with ad libitum access to feed and water. Performance parameters (weight gain) and meat quality traits (pH, color, cooking loss, water-holding capacity, shear force, among others) were measured. Results indicated no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of performance or most meat quality parameters. Final pH values remained within the ideal range, suggesting that no severe pre-slaughter stress occurred. It is concluded that, under the conditions evaluated, music as auditory enrichment did not impair the performance or meat quality of broiler chickens. The absence of significant effects may be related to the already optimal management conditions and to the duration or intensity of sound exposure. Further studies are recommended to explore different music enrichment protocols, including variations in exposure time, music genre, rearing phase, and environmental stress conditions, in order to better understand the physiological mechanisms involved and the potential benefits of music in poultry production systems.