Studies were conducted with commercial egg production-type hens to attempt to more closely define the levels of gossypol which could be acceptable and to determine the effectiveness of iron salts in reducing or eliminating the gossypol-induced olive yolk discoloration over a wide range of gossypol levels.Rate of egg production, egg weight, interior egg quality and feed intake were not significantly depressed at dietary free gossypol levels up to 200 p.p.m. However, dietary levels greater than SO p.p.m. produced an increasing number of objectionable olive colored yolks. The addition of ferrous sulfate at 4:1 and 8:1 iron: gossypol ratios were fairly effective in eliminating the number of objectionable eggs up to 100 p.p.m. free gossypol but less effective at higher gossypol levels. ABSTRACTChicken pieces, which had been breaded and precooked under pressure in corn oil and frozen, were reheated in a microwave oven and evaluated for acceptability. The pieces were dipped in an egg wash, breaded, browned and cooked at 1.05 Kg./cm. 2 for 9.S min. Cooked pieces were frozen using air blast (-37°C), nitrogen (-57°C.) or Freon®-12 (-43°C.), packaged in polyethylene bags and stored at -18°C. for periods up to six months. Some samples were subjected to fluctuating storage temperatures. After storage, the chicken was reheated for l.S to 2.0 min. per piece or 1 min. per 100 g. and evaluated by a taste panel.Microwave energy provided a rapid method for thawing and reheating precooked and frozen chicken. Optimum reheating time for the oven used was 1 min. per 100 g. product. Products remained acceptable for more than four months when stored under constant -18°C. temperatures.Rapid freezing rates (nitrogen vapor, Freon®-12) did not increase acceptability of product over that frozen in air at -37°C.

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