This research was designed to investigate the effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) on the shelf life of refrigerated, cubed, turkey thigh meat. Modified atmospheres of 25% carbon dioxide and 75% nitrogen and 20% carbon dioxide, 60% oxygen, and 20% nitrogen were used for MAP1 and MAP2 respectively. All sample packages, MAPl, MAP 2 , and Air Control, were stored at O.5°C. Headspace gas analysis, color measurement, sensory evaluation, aerobic plate count, and oxidative deterioration of fat were examined over 21 day of storage. Microbiological spoilage was significantly delayed by modified atmosphere treatments. MAP1 delayed fat rancidity while MAP2 increased rancidity because of the high amount of oxygen. The redness of turkey thigh meat was increased in both MAPs. MAP2 showed the highest a values up to storage day 12 and then MAP1 had the highest a values on storage days 16 and 21. Sensory evaluations showed preferences for MAPs in all variables: color, appearance, and odor. ThUS, modified atmosphere treatment 1 (MAP1) demonstrated the best effect on the extension of the shelf life of turkey meat in this study. / Master of Science

Population density as high as 0.70 square foot per bird had no apparent effect on growth, feed conversion, mortality, and market quality on Medium White turkeys to 10 weeks of age. At 14 weeks of age body weight and feed conversion decreased slightly for both males and females allowed less than 0.85 square foot per bird. Market quality and mortality were unaffected for both sexes allowed less than 0.85 square foot per bird. It was noted that consideration had to be given to litter management when high density production methods were practiced because wet litter at decreased floor space levels may contribute to potential disease outbreaks and added cost of dry litter for replacement. Both males and females reared on range were significantly heavier at 18 and 22 weeks of age than those reared in confinement at two and three square feet per bird. Bird density of two square feet per bird in confinement did not adversely affect body weight or feed conversion from 14 to 22 weeks of age. Market quality and mortality were approximately equal for confinement and range reared turkeys. Economic returns above poult and feed cost were found to be approximately 13 and 25 cents higher per square foot of floor space for females and males respectively, when allowed 0.70 rather than 1.30 square foot per bird to 14 weeks of age. / Master of Science