Abstract

Simple SummaryThe presented results are from a scientific trial, in which vegetable protein from legumes was tested as an alternative to soybean meal in feed for Pekin ducks. Meat traits were evaluated, and the results showed that yellow lupin and rapeseed meal can be used as a substitute for soybean meal, as they provide similar productivity effectiveness and meat quality traits. The results demonstrate that there is a possibility of presenting a wider choice for duck producers and the consumer market.The study aimed to examine the growth performance and meat quality of Pekin ducks fed diets consisting of various protein source alternatives (groups: II—yellow lupin (YL) and rapeseed meal (RSM); III—YL and narrow-leaved lupin (NLL); IV—pea and YL; V—RSM, YL, NLL and pea) to (I) soybean meal (SBM) and RSM. Four hundred and twenty ducks were assigned to five groups with six replicates (14 birds per group). After 7 weeks, 10 ducks from each group were slaughtered. Breast muscles were analyzed for water-holding capacity, drip loss, color, and elasticity. Productivity parameters did not differ between groups I and II but were lower in V. The weight of carcass, neck with skin, skin with subcutaneous fat and total fat were highest in group II. The proportion of wings was higher in group V. In group II, lightness (L*) was higher, but redness (a*) was lower. In groups, I and III, L* was lower and a* was higher. Breast muscles contained more protein in groups I and II, more fat in groups I and III and more water in groups II and IV. The inclusion of vegetable protein alternatives to SBM in duck diets provided the best results in birds fed with YL and RSM (ratio of 1:0:31 in starter and 1:0.81 in grower).

Highlights

  • In terms of global poultry meat production, ducks constitute the third-largest poultry production sector [1]

  • The CF level was highest in narrow-leaved lupin seeds

  • The highest levels of oligosaccharides and raffinose were found in yellow lupin seeds (134.27 and 10.21 g/kg, respectively)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

In terms of global poultry meat production, ducks constitute the third-largest poultry production sector [1]. Duck meat is characterized by a darker red color compared with chicken meat. It has a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for human health. Ducks are reared for eggs and feathers [1,2,3,4,5]. Aside from genotype or living conditions, diet is a key factor affecting the quality of the produced meat. Controlling birds’ dietary protein content allows producers to obtain the right amount of good-quality meat (muscle tissue). Due to the high costs of feeding birds, it is very important to search for alternative dietary components.

Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call