Potential and Limitations of Portable Short-Wave Near-Infrared Device to Authenticate Chicken Parts, Breeds, and Caponized Birds

Abstract

The use of handheld near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy devices to authenticate attributes like origin, rearing conditions, and premium-price characteristics directly on the product surface, makes authenticity control more accessible and affordable for small-scale producers. Thus, this study assessed the feasibility of a short-wave pocket-sized NIR device (740-1070 nm) to authenticate chicken parts, distinguish among breeds, and identify capons’ meat. A total of 105 male birds from four Italian local breeds (Robusta Maculata, Bionda Piemontese, Bianca di Saluzzo, and Millefiori Piemontese)– and one slow-growing commercial hybrid (Eureka) were evaluated. Bionda Piemontese included also capons. Spectra were acquired in triplicate from breast and thigh muscles. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Regression-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was performed after applying several spectra pre-treatments. For PLS-DA, data was split using 70% of samples for training and 30% for testing. Both PCA and PLS-DA models achieve excellent discrimination of chicken parts (>99%). The PLS-DA also accurately identified capons (>97%), while breed discrimination was less accurate (64%). Nonetheless, Eureka and Robusta Maculata were better distinguished from Piedmontese breeds, with 88% and 94% accuracy, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of handheld NIR as a rapid, non-destructive tool for on-site meat authentication and fraud prevention.

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