Roaster Chicken with Green Muscle defect Green Muscle Disease

Green muscle disease (deep pectoral myopathy) is thought to be associated with failure of the circulatory system to support the health of the muscle.  When present this generally is found in very large birds. In the photo, the pectoralis minor (tender) was necrotic, firm, and somewhat dry.  This defect was found in a roaster chicken. 

Sulfmetmyoglobin is a green pigment that is known to be associated with bacteria and radiation.  It is not known if the green in this chicken is sulfmetmyoglobin.

Spectral analysis of normal raw chicken breast muscle compared to green muscle.

 
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Revised: March 11, 2004