THE AMINO ACID AND FATTY ACID PROFILE OF CALIFORNIA PIGEONS (COLUMBA LIVIA) MEAT

Abstract

This study evaluated the amino acid and fatty acid composition of breast and thigh muscles in male and female California pigeons (Columba livia domestica). A total of 40 pigeons (20 males and 20 females) reared under identical conditions were analysed to assess the effects of sex and muscle type on meat composition. Amino acids were determined using an automatic amino acid analyser following acid hydrolysis, and fatty acids were quantified by gas chromatography. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between sexes or muscle types for any of the analysed amino acid or fatty acid parameters. The amino acid profile was characterised by a balanced distribution of essential and non-essential amino acids, with lysine, leucine, and arginine among the predominant components. The total amino acid content ranged approximately from 17.5 to 19.5 g/100 g dry matter across the evaluated groups. The fatty acid profile was dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids, followed by saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oleic acid (C18:1 cis) was the predominant fatty acid in both breast and thigh muscles. The n-6/n-3 ratio ranged approximately from 9:1 to 12:1, with no statistically significant differences between groups. The results indicate a relatively consistent compositional profile of California pigeon meat under controlled rearing conditions. The absence of statistically significant differences suggests limited variability in amino acid and fatty acid composition with respect to sex and muscle type. These findings provide baseline data for the nutritional characterisation of this pigeon genotype; however, no functional or physiological implications can be inferred without further experimental validation.