The feeding experiment was carried out under practical conditions on a broiler chicken farm. A hybrid combination of Cobb 500 was used as the final fattening type of broiler chickens. A feeding experiment was performed to obtain samples for chemical analyzes. Each box had dimensions of 2 m wide and 3.8 m long, which is following the principle of unrestricted movement of broiler chickens, i.e. 33.0 kg live weight per m² when removed from storage. 100 one-day-old chickens were placed in each group. The experiment in practical conditions lasted 40 days. Broiler chickens were fed from plate feeders and sucked water from hat feeders until the age of 14 days, and later until the end of the experiment, they received a feed from tube feeders and drank water from bucket feeders. Feed mixtures starter, growth, and final were used for feeding, which were the same in the basic raw materials in both the control and experimental groups. The difference in feed mixtures between the control and experimental groups was in the active substance added by the feed supplement in the control group and the additive applied to the thighs after the slaughter of the broiler chickens in the experimental group. The control group used a commercially produced feed mixture starter in chickens aged 1 to 14 days with the feed supplement coccidiostat Maxiban G160, a growth feed mixture in chickens aged 15 to 33 days with a feed supplement coccidiostat Sacox and a final feed mixture aged 34 to 40 days. In the experimental group, the feed mixtures were the same as in the control group, but without coccidiostats. Feed mixtures were manufactured by Biofeed, a.s., Kolárovo, where they were manually mixed from feed materials 4 times in a row.

Broiler chickens were randomly selected at the end of the feeding experiment in the number of 24 pcs from the control group (which means obtaining 48 pcs of thighs) and 24 pcs from the experimental group (i.e. 48 pcs of thighs). Broiler chickens were killed humanely and technologically processed. The thighs were separated from the carcass in a total of 48 pcs in each group. Each thigh was packed in a microtene bag and labeled with K (control group) and P (experimental group). All thigh samples with the skin from the control and experimental groups were boned. The thigh samples with the skin of the control group were packed in a microtene bag and marked K (control group) and further marked 1, 6, 9, and 12, which means 12 thighs for analysis depending on the different storage time (1 means 1 day after slaughter the broiler chickens and kept at room temperature, 6, 9 and 12 means 6, 9 and 12 months after the slaughter of broiler chickens and kept under freezing storage conditions at -18 °C.

Oregano essential oil was applied to each thigh sample with the skin of the experimental group. A thigh sample was placed in a porcelain mortar and 4.0 mL of oregano essential oil was applied to the surface of the entire thigh. Oregano essential oil was applied with a syringe and handthoroughly spread over the entire thigh surface using surgical gloves.

Thigh samples with the skin of the experimental group were packed in a microtene bag and marked P (experimental group) and another designation 1, 6, 9, and 12, which means 12 thighs for analysis depending on different storage time (1 means 1 day after slaughter broiler chickens and application of oregano essential oil and stored at room temperature, 6, 9 and 12 means 6, 9 and 12 months after the slaughter of broiler chickens and application of oregano essential oil and stored in freezing conditions -18 °C.

Each thigh with skin wrapped in a microtene bag and labeled was stored under the specified conditions according to the scheme in Table 1.

Oregano essential oil was obtained as a commercial additive from Calendula, a. s., Nová Ľubovňa. Oregano essential oil was accompanied by an A-test. The main components of oregano essential oil according to Özkan et al. (2017) are carvacrol (63.97%), p-cymene (12.63%), linalool (3.67%), α-terpineol (2.54%), and (-)- terpinen-4- ol (2.24%).

A feeding experiment was performed to obtain samples for chemical analysis. Chemical analysis of thigh samples was aimed at determining:

Empty aluminum cartridges were weighed, and 6 pcs were needed for one analysis. Each assay sample was first mixed in a Grindomix 200 laboratory mixer from which 12 g was weighed. Each weighed sample was transferred to an extraction cellulose cartridge, which was sealed with cotton wool. The filled sample cartridge was placed in an aluminum cartridge and connected to a Detras N-type extractor. The operating temperature on the apparatus was 120 °C and the fat extraction itself took 60 minutes. The fat extraction from the analysis sample was into the aluminum cartridge of the instrument. After the fat extraction was complete, the remaining petroleum ether was evaporated from the fat sample and each aluminum fat cartridge was weighed. The difference between the weight of the aluminum grease cartridge and the weight of the empty aluminum cartridge was considered to be the fat of the analysis sample. The weight of each fat analysis sample ranged from 8.55 to 9.97 g.

Calculation of the fat for an analysed sample of the thigh muscle with skin:

(2) Fat =   ------ b a   x   100

where:

The data obtained by the measurements were statistically evaluated according to statistical characteristics such as mean (M), average value, and standard deviation (SD). The difference in the indicator between the groups with each other, i.e. two dependent selections of control and experimental groups were evaluated by Student's t-test. The value of the t-test was commented as statistically significant p £0.05 and p £0.01, and statistically nonsignificant p >0.05. The statistical evaluation of the results was by the methods of the SAS program package version 8.2.

The average dry matter content in the thigh muscle with skin 1 day, 6, 9, and 12 months after the slaughter of broiler chickens is given in Table 2.

In recent years, it has become common use prophylactic drugs and antibiotic growth stimulants in the feeding of broiler chickens and other farm animals. However, the continued use of these compounds has led to results such as the development of resistant bacteria and antibiotic residues in meat and other animal products that pose a risk to public health and the environment. This concern has led many countries, including European Union countries, to limit the use of antibiotics in feed. Therefore, it is necessary to identify safe alternatives to feed antibiotics (Jazi et al., 2020).

In our study, we focused on the verification of oregano essential oil by application to chicken thighs in relation to oxidative stability depending on the storage time under freezing conditions. Positive results in the application of essential oils whether in feed or on the product itself, are achieved by the effects of bioactive substances contained in the essential oils. These bioactive compounds include hydrocarbons, phenols, esters, alcohols, acids, and steroids, which have a positive effect on the health of broiler chickens and their performance or meat quality (Shirani et al., 2019).

Sharma et al. (2020) state that essential oils can influence the performance and physiological processes of broiler chickens, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

The aim of the study by Sabikun et al. (2019) was to investigate the post-mortem effects on physico-chemical properties and oxidative stability of chicken thigh and breast muscles depending on the storage time in freezing conditions. Chicken breast and thigh muscles were obtained from 24 broiler chickens and measured from slaughter for 30 minutes or 1.5 hours. They were immediately frozen at -75 °C and then stored at -20 °C for 90 days to measure meat quality characteristics. The results showed that longer freezing led to the deterioration of meat quality and greater deterioration of post-rigid frozen muscles. Frozen muscles before stiffening had a higher pH, water holding capacity (about 90%) and sarcomere length with lower melting point and boiling loss than muscles after solidification. The thigh muscles had better physico-chemical properties than the breast muscles, except for loss during cooking. Therefore, immediate freezing could be an effective way to minimize the deterioration of the quality of frozen chicken.

The condition of rigor-mortis or post-mortem causes various physical and biochemical changes in the muscles through the activity of the proteolytic system after the slaughter of broiler chickens. This proteolytic system is associated with qualitative features such as sensitivity, juiciness, water retention, taste, protein, and structural muscle degradation (Carvalho et al., 2017).

When frozen chicken meat is thawed, the muscles lose weight and lose a lot of water, leading to a reduction in the juiciness of the meat. Their research aimed to evaluate preand post-rigor frozen muscles concerning the quality of chicken meat. The research focused on changes in muscle pH, color, water retention capacity, heating losses, cooking losses, shear strength, sarcomere length, and oxidative stability before and after solidification of frozen thigh and breast muscles during different storage times for 90 days in freezing conditions (-20 °C). Based on the results, a conclusion was formulated. Prolonged post-mortem aging before freezing could have adverse effects on the quality characteristics of frozen chicken muscles. The results showed positive effects of freezing before the onset of rigor-mortis (within 30 minutes after the slaughter of broiler chickens) on the quality of chicken muscles. Frozen muscles before solidification had a higher pH, lower dripping, shorter thawing, and less cooking losses than frozen muscles after solidification (Sabikun et al. (2019).

We recorded the average dry matter content of the thigh muscle with skin 1 day after the slaughter of broiler chickens and kept at room temperature in the experimental group of 27.21 g.100 g^-1 compared with the average dry matter content of the thigh muscle with skin in the control group of 26.91 g.100 g^-1. The difference in dry matter content with skin 1 day after the slaughter of broiler chickens and kept at room temperature was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental groups. Based on the statistical evaluation of the results expressed by the standard deviation, we can state that the measured values of dry matter content in thigh muscle with skin kept at room temperature 1 day after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the control group compared to the experimental group (SD = 2.03 versus SD = 1.85).

Freezing is the preferred way to preserve food on the world meat export market at more than $ 13 billion a year. Despite their ability to maintain the quality and safety of meat, problems with freezing and thawing cycles remain a major problem for processors and consumers. Temperature fluctuations or abuse caused by the freeze-thaw cycle stimulate lipid oxidation and accelerated discoloration of the meat surface. Temperature fluctuations, which are a major problem in the cold-chain meat industry, especially in developing countries, are related to physiological and biochemical changes in animal muscles. The storability of meat is usually determined by its appearance, structure, color, aroma, microbial activity, and nutritional value and is affected by frozen storage and subsequent thawing. The main damage to frozen meat during storage is caused by the breakdown of fats and proteins. The meat industry has a strong interest in verifying a meat product that is actually fresh or that has been previously frozen, due to the large price differences between fresh, frozen, and thawed meat. It is difficult for consumers to detect changes in the quality of meat that occur in some products when they have been frozen. Most research on freezing and thawing red meat focuses on reducing moisture loss. Water loss is directly proportional to water retention capacity by muscle proteins, and reduced water content alters key quality parameters such as color and texture. The freeze-thaw cycle is a major contributor to reduced water retention capacity and unacceptably low water retention capacity causes great deterioration of products. However, limited progress has been made in understanding the real mechanisms for changing meat quality in freeze-thaw cycles. The reduction in water retention capacity is directly related to the denaturation of proteins in the muscle fiber structure. Protein oxidation due to freeze-thaw cycles has been largely ignored, especially in the commercial broiler chicken production chain. Therefore, studies are needed to understand the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on protein stability and its relation to lipid and protein oxidation. The result of increasing freezing and thawing cycles is a higher degree of oxidation of lipids and proteins, as evidenced by a higher content of malondialdehyde and carbonyl compounds and a lower content of sulfhydryl groups. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles increase lipid and protein oxidation and reduce water retention and color fastness of chicken meat (Ali et al., 2015).

We recorded an average dry matter content in the thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens in the experimental group of 28.31 g.100 g^-1. This value is slightly higher than compared to the control group of 27.17 g.100 g^-1. The difference in dry matter content of the thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental groups. By statistical evaluation of the results expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the measured values of the dry matter content of thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the experimental group compared to control group (SD = 1.53 vs. SD = 1.44).

The average value of dry matter content in the thigh muscle with skin was measured in the experimental group of 28.26 g.100 g^-1 for 9 months of our storage in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens and in the control sample 27.89 g.100 g^-1. The value of the experimental group was slightly higher. The difference in dry matter content of the thigh muscle with skin stored for 9 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental groups. According to the statistical evaluation expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the measured values of dry matter content in the thigh muscle with skin, which were stored for 9 months in freezing conditions at - 18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the experimental group than in the control group (SD = 2.01 vs. SD = 1.41).

After 12 months from the slaughter of broiler chickens kept in freezing conditions at -18 °C, the average dry matter content in the thigh muscle with the skin of the experimental group was measured 28.72 g.100 g^-1 and in the control sample 28.41 g.100 g^-1. The difference in the dry matter content of the thigh muscle with skin stored for 12 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental groups.

Statistical evaluation of the results, which are expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the measured values of the dry matter content of the thigh muscle with skin stored for 12 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens was lower in the experimental group compared to control group (SD = 1.36 vs. SD = 1.52).

To compare the dry matter content in the thigh muscle of our results, we selected the results of Haščík et al. (2012) for a hybrid combination of Ross 308 broiler chickens. Their results are higher compared to ours. They recorded dry matter content 31.51 g.100 g^-1 in the control group in which the broiler chickens were fed a feed mixture with coccidiostats and 30.21 g.100 g^-1 or 29.88 g.100 g^-1 in the experimental group with pollen extract with different doses.

In an experiment with broiler chickens, Semjon et al. (2020) investigated by chemical analysis the dry matter content in the thigh muscle of the Cobb 500 hybrid combination, which measured slightly lower values compared to our results. These authors report 26.21 g.100 g^-1 and 26.04 g.100 g^-1 of dry matter content in the thigh muscle. Their object of research with broiler chickens was different doses of humic substances in feed mixtures.

The average fat content in the thigh muscle with skin 1 day, 6, 9, and 12 months after the slaughter of broiler chickens is given in Table 3.

The fat content of chicken meat is closely related to the nutrition and feeding of broiler chickens. The lipid profile in these tissues can be assumed to reflect the lipid profile of the feed (type and dose) (Sirri et al., 2003).

The interactions that take place between the nutrients that make up the feed and the synthesis and activity of lipogenic enzymes are responsible for a wide range of lipid storage options in adipose tissue. In addition, the biological activity of some fatty acids stimulates or inhibits specific lipogenic genes encoding enzymes (Jump, 2002).

Sierżant et al. (2018) state in their study that meat obtained from broiler chickens is a source of the high biological value of animal proteins and is therefore valued for the consumer. On the other hand, the consumer prefers chicken meat due to its low-fat content and low energy value compared to meat from large livestock.

Fats are vital substances for proper human nutrition. In addition to providing energy for the body's biological processes, fats contain large amounts of substances such as essential fatty acids or fat-soluble vitamins that only a diet can provide. On the other hand, when obtaining fats from food, it is necessary to know the conditions for their qualitative attributes (Purriños et al., 2011), in our case chicken thigh muscle, such as the focus of this study in the methodology.

Fats are involved in processes that affect the taste of meat and contribute to improving its tenderness and juiciness (Amaral et al., 2018).

Therefore, the fat content and its composition are crucial for consumers due to their importance for meat quality and nutritional value (Wood et al., 2004).

However, fats are prone to degradation. Fat oxidation is a major non-microbial cause of deterioration in the quality of meat and meat products (Lorenzo et al., 2012).

Degradation of the chicken begins with the killing of the broiler chicken and continues gradually until the final product is consumed (Chaijan et al., 2017).

Therefore, all stages of the processes of handling broiler chickens and chicken meat, processing and storage of chicken meat must be carefully controlled to avoid possible spoilage (Richards, 2006) and to minimize economic losses in the meat industry (Králová, 2015).

We recorded the average fat content of the thigh muscle with skin 1 day kept at room temperature in the experimental group of 2.77 g.100 g^-1 after the slaughter of broiler chickens compared to the average fat content in the thigh muscle with the skin of the control group of 2.56 g.100 g^-1. The difference in the fat content of the thigh muscle with the skin was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental groups. Based on the statistical evaluation of the results expressed by the standard deviation, we can state that the measured values of fat content in the thigh muscle with skin kept at room temperature 1 day after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the control group compared to the experimental group (SD = 0.16 vs. SD = 0.09).

In thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens, the average fat content in the experimental group was recorded at 2.57 g.100 g^-1. This value is lower compared to a control sample of 2.68 g.100 g^-1.

The difference in fat content in the thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental groups. Statistical evaluation of the results expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the measured values of thigh muscle fat content with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the control group compared to the experimental group (SD = 0.15 and SD = 0.09). We found the average value of fat content with skin stored for 9 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens in the experimental group 2.66 g.100 g^-1 and the control group slightly higher 2.72 g. 100 g^-1. Statistical evaluation of the results expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the measured values of thigh muscle fat content with skin stored for 9 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the experimental group compared to the control group (SD = 0.23 against SD = 0.18).

After 12 months from the slaughter of the broiler chickens when the thigh muscles were stored in freezing conditions at -18 °C, the average fat content in the thigh muscle with the skin of the experimental group was found 2.52 g.100 g^-1 versus control group 2.76 g.100 g^-1. The difference in the fat content of the thigh muscle with skin stored for 12 months under freezing conditions at -18 °C was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental groups. By statistical evaluation of the measured results, which are expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the values of fat content in the thigh muscle with the skin of the experimental group stored for 12 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C fluctuated more compared to control samples (SD = 0.19 vs. SD = 0.13).

Freeze storage cannot prevent oxidative degradation and microbial or enzymatic degradation (Jay et al., 2005).

It has been known in the past, as is the case today, that chemical preservation methods for meat are quite beneficial in combination with refrigeration to optimize stability, product quality while maintaining freshness and nutritional value (Cassens, 1994).

As reported by Ali et al. (2015), the main degradation of frozen meat during storage is caused by the processes of fat and protein degradation. It is through these changes that it is possible to find out whether a given product is fresh or has been frozen before. Especially in the meat industry, this is important from a price point of view, as fresh products have a higher price than frozen or thawed products.

All foods that contain lipids, even in very small amounts (<1%), can undergo oxidation, leading to yellowing (Wąsowicz et al., 2004).

Common livestock species, such as beef and lamb (ruminants), contain higher levels of saturated fatty acids in muscle mass and adipose tissue compared to chicken meat, which contains higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Wood et al., 2008).

The average acid value in the thigh muscle with skin 1 day after the slaughter of broiler chickens, 6, 9, and 12 months from the slaughter of broiler chickens is given in Table 4.

Leonel et al. (2007) analyzed breast and thigh muscle. They considered that higher levels of fat found in the thigh muscle compared to the breast muscle could indicate a higher probability of oxidative processes in the thigh muscle. The different fat content in the thigh muscle and the breast muscle is not related to the oxidative processes of fat.

These conclusions were reported in the study by Gardini (2000).

However, there is a more recent study which states that muscles with a higher fat content show a greater tendency to oxidize through a continuous chain reaction of free radicals (Ruban, 2009).

The main goal of the meat industry and food safety researchers is to understand the mechanisms of fat oxidation and to identify the most effective methods of managing this process (Domínguez et al., 2018).

Lipid oxidation leads to a deterioration of some quality characteristics of the meat, such as taste, texture, and color, and also reduces the shelf life along with the formation of some toxic compounds (Mohamed et al., 2008).

A similar view is reported by Ali et al. (2015).

We recorded the average acid value in the thigh muscle with skin for 1 day stored at room temperature after the slaughter of broiler chickens in the experimental group of 4.31 mg KOH.g^-1 compared to a control sample of 4.68 mg KOH.g^-1. The difference in the average value of the acid value of thigh muscle fat with skin for 1 day kept at room temperature after the slaughter of broiler chickens was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental group. Based on the statistical evaluation of the results expressed by the standard deviation, we can state that the measured acid value of thigh muscle fat with skin kept at room temperature 1 day after slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated slightly more in the control group compared to the experimental group (SD = 1.16 vs. SD = 1.13).

In thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens, we recorded the average acid value in the experimental group of 6.08 mg KOH.g^-1. This value is lower compared to the control group of 6.46 mg KOH.g^-1. The difference in the acid value in thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental group. Statistical evaluation of the results expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the measured values of the acid value of thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the experimental group compared to the control group (SD = 1.19 vs. SD = 0.88).

In the thigh muscle stored under freezing conditions at - 18 °C 9 months after the slaughter of broiler chickens, the average acid value was measured in the experimental group of 7.21 mg KOH.g^-1 and the control sample 7.68 mg KOH.g^-1. No statistically significant difference (p >0.05) was found between the control and experimental group in the in acid value of thigh muscle with skin stored for 9 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens. By statistical evaluation of the results expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the measured acid values of thigh muscle fat with skin stored for 9 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the experimental group compared to the control group (SD = 1.18 vs. SD = 1.07).

In thigh muscles stored for 12 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens, we recorded an average acid value in the experimental thigh muscle group with the skin of 9.26 mg KOH.g^-1 and the control group 9.78 mg KOH.g^-1. The difference in measured acid values of thigh muscle with skin stored for 12 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens was not found statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental group. Statistical evaluation of the results, which are expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the measured acid values of thigh muscle with skin stored for 12 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the control group compared to the experimental group (SD = 1.23 and vs. SD = 1.16).

It is well known that unsaturated fatty acids and oxygen are components that react during the fat oxidation process. In addition, other components may promote or prevent oxidative reactions. Fats can be oxidized in three main ways, which involve complex reactions: autoxidation, enzymatically catalyzed oxidation, and photooxidation. Of the three mechanisms, the most important process of lipid oxidation in meat is autoxidation, which is a continuous chain reaction of free radicals (Cheng, 2016).

Enzymatic and photooxidation mechanisms differ from autoxidation only by the formation of hydroperoxides during the initiation phase (Chaijan et al., 2017).

The mechanism of free radicals, despite the explanation of many of the changes observed in meat, does not provide a detailed and complete description of the changes induced in the reactants and derived products during the oxidation process. The main challenge, therefore, is to complete a scheme that can fully explain all the agents, intermediates, and reactions in fat oxidation (Ghinimi et al., 2017).

The average peroxide value in the thigh muscle with skin 1 day, 6, 9, and 12 months after the slaughter of broiler chickens is given in Table 5.

We found the average peroxide value in the thigh muscle with the skin after 1 day of storage at room temperature after the slaughter of the broiler chickens in the experimental group of 0.99 μmol O₂.g^-1 compared with the control group of 1.11 μmol O₂.g^-1. The difference in peroxide value in the thigh muscle with skin for 1 day kept at room temperature after the slaughter of broiler chickens was statistically significant (p £0.01) between the control and experimental groups. Based on the statistical evaluation of the results expressed by the standard deviation, we can state that the measured values of peroxide value in the thigh muscle with skin kept at room temperature 1 day after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the control group compared to the experimental group (SD = 0.52 vs. SD = 0.43).

An increase in hydroperoxides is observed in the initial stages of fat oxidation because the level of formation is higher than during decomposition. These compounds are unstable. The process of decomposition of hydroperoxides is larger than the process of formation in more advanced stages of oxidation, therefore a decrease in the content of hydroperoxides (peroxide value) is observed. This means that low peroxide levels can result in early as well as advanced fat oxidation (Estévez et al., 2009).

The peroxide value is a used indicator to know the degree of oxidation. Previous research as well as review and arguments rather point to its effectiveness in the initial stages of oxidation processes (Shahidi and Wanasundara, 2002).

From this aspect, it can be concluded that in the advanced stages of fat oxidation, the peroxide value indicator as an oxidation indicator could lead to an underestimation of the degree of oxidation (Ross and Smith, 2006).

In thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens, we recorded the average peroxide value in the experimental group of 1.02 μmol O₂.g^-1. This value is lower than the compared control sample 1.37 μmol O₂.g^-1. The difference in peroxide value in thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental group. By statistical evaluation of the results expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the measured peroxide values of the thigh muscle with skin stored for 6 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter broiler chickens fluctuated more in the control group compared to the experimental group (SD = 0.68 vs. SD = 0.56).

In thigh muscle with skin stored for 9 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens, we recorded an average peroxide value in the experimental group of 2.01 μmol O₂.g^-1 and a control sample of 2.47 μmol O₂.g^-1. The average value of the experimental group is lower. The difference in peroxide value of thigh muscle with skin stored for 9 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the control and experimental groups. According to the statistical evaluation expressed by the standard deviation, we found that peroxide values in the thigh muscle with skin stored for 9 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens fluctuated more in the experimental group compared to the control sample (SD = 0.98 vs. SD = 0.93).

In thigh muscle with skin stored for 12 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens, we recorded an average peroxide value in the experimental group of 2.96 μmol O₂.g^-1 and the control group of 3.48 μmol O₂.g^-1. The difference in peroxide value in thigh muscle with skin stored for 12 months under freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter of broiler chickens was statistically significant (p £0.05) between the control and experimental groups. By statistical evaluation of the results, which are expressed by the standard deviation, we found that the measured values of peroxide value in thigh muscle with skin stored for 12 months in freezing conditions at -18 °C after the slaughter broiler chickens fluctuated more in the control group compared to the experimental group (SD = 1.23 vs. SD = 1.09).

Based on the comparison of our results of the peroxide value of thigh muscles with the results of the experiment Klimentová and Angelovičová (2019) it can be stated, that the values differ slightly. The authors did not find a statistically significant difference in peroxide value between the experimental group using oregano essential oil and the control group. In our experiment, a statistically significant difference (p £0.01) was confirmed for 1 day of sample storage at room temperature between the control and experimental group. The second difference compared to the above study was observed, when the thigh muscle was stored in freezing conditions at -18 °C for 12 months, while our results showed (p £0.05) a statistically significant difference between the control and experimental groups. The study of these authors includes the evaluation of the peroxide number of frozen chicken thighs by the application of oregano essential oil as a feed supplement for broiler chickens. The authors recommended the use of oregano essential oil in feed mixtures in a proportion of 0.05%.

Research results of Marcinčák et al. (2008) showed that oregano essential oil was effective in slowing down the oxidation of fats compared to the control group. Another fact found by these authors was that the thigh muscle was more prone to fat oxidation compared to the breast muscle (p £0.05), which is a different opinion than reported Gardini (2000), Leonel et al. (2007). According to these authors, the different fat content in the thigh muscle and the breast muscle is not related to the oxidative processes of fat. Their conclusion is identical with the opinion of Ruban (2009), which states that muscles with a higher fat content show a greater tendency to oxidize through a continuous chain reaction of free radicals.