This authoritative volume reviews the subject in a style which is comprehensible to the non-specialist. Contributions by leading authorities review avian meat science from basic meat structure and function, color, texture and flavor, through to practical aspects of production, harvesting and slaughter factors affecting meat quality. The book is the result of the 25th Poultry Science Symposium held at the University of Bristol in September 1997.

Over the last 40 years, poultry-meat production has undergone considerable expansion in much of the developed world. The industry has changed from an essentially farm-based operation to one where economies of scale in rearing and processing have led to a high degree of operational efficiency. As a sequel to these changes, however, there is now greater emphasis on product quality, rather than mere 'production at least cost'. Also, the more recent growth in further- processed and 'value-added' convenience items has helped to maintain a buoyant market for poultry, and has shown that the industry...