The main components of carcasses and meat quality in various animal species

Abstract

Meat and fish flesh are important suppliers of proteins, vitamins and micronutrients in the human diet. Meat and fish products play an important economic role at the world level. The level and evolution of consumption highly differs according to species and geographical areas. Production level needs to fulfill the increasing population worldwide, while considering the environmental, societal and economic components of sustainable development. This manuscript presents a general introduction of the main common quality components of carcasses, meat and fish flesh. In the next papers, each main meat/flesh chain (cattle, sheep, pork, poultry and fish), is described: production, consumption, specific meat quality components and expectations of chain actors, main issues and research topics.