Infusion of Chenopodium ambrosioides consumed by rabbits: effects on carcass, meat and burger quality

Abstract Plants with high levels of antioxidant compounds have been used to feed animals and increase stability of their meat and meat products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Chenopodium ambrosioides infusion on carcass, meat and burger quality. Rabbits were assigned to each treatment (0, 5 or 10 g.L-1 of Chenopodium ambrosioides). Animals were slaughtered after 28 days of fattening, after which carcass and meat quality was measured, and the meat obtained was processed into burgers. Results indicate that all variables measured were not significant, except for dissectible fat, pH, adhesiveness, L* value, and initial total plate counts in burgers. It is concluded that Chenopodium ambrosioides infusion could be used to feed rabbits, acquire meat, and use the meat for processing burgers, which have low bacterial growth and low oxidation development.