Effects of dietary supplementation of soybean lecithin on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and serum profiles of broilers fed fried soybean oil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soybean lecithin in broiler diets formulated with either fried or non-fried soybean oils (as an energy source), on growth performance, digestibility, and some serum parameters. A total of 600 broilers (50% male) were assigned to 4 experimental groups (with 10 replicates of 15 birds each): (i) group (S) fed with soybean oil only, (ii) group (SL) fed with soybean oil + lecithin (0.035% in feed), (iii) group (F) fed with fried soybean oil only, and iv) group (FL) fed with fried soybean oil + lecithin (0.035% in feed). Broilers that received lecithin with fried soybean oil (group FL) exhibited significantly higher body weights (1.228 vs. 1.210 kg, p < 0.05 and 1.935 vs. 1.917 kg, p < 0.05) than group F in the last two experimental periods (22–28 and 29–35 days), respectively. On the contrary, the addition of soybean lecithin to diets formulated with either fried or non-fried soybean oil resulted in a significant increase in weight of some carcase cuts (thigh, breast) and a significant decrease in some visceral organs (intestine, liver, viscera), without affecting the digestibility parameters here assessed. Our findings revealed that the addition of soybean lecithin to standard soybean oil (group SL) significantly decreased serum triglycerides (77.16 vs. 83.46 mg/dL, p < 0.05) compared to group S. In conclusion, it was possible to use recovered frying soybean oil in broiler diets without a negative impact on growth performance and serum triglyceride level, while these parameters were improved by the addition of soybean lecithin. HIGHLIGHTS By-products obtained from oil/food processing represent an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional fat sources for broiler feeding. Fried soybean oil used in broiler feed had the same effects on growth performance and nutrient digestibility as the non-fried oil. The use of soybean lecithin in broiler feed led to improved growth performance, cuts up yield and serum triglyceride level.