Evaluation of Growth Performance, Carcass Composition and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens Fed Rations Containing Guar Meal and Enzyme Preparations

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the growth performance, carcass composition, and meat quality of broiler chickens fed rations with different levels of guar meal and feed enzymes. Two hundred and forty one-day-old, sexed chicks were assigned to six equinumerous groups (C4, C8, R4, R8, V4 and V8), with five subgroups each. The birds were fed ad libitum with Starter (1-21 days of life), Grower (22-35 days of life) and Finisher (36-42 days of life) comprised of maize meal, soybean meal, guar meal (4 or 8%), oil, and mineral and vitamin additives, in a two-factor pattern as follows: groups C4 4% guar meal without enzyme preparation, C8 8% guar meal without enzyme preparation, R4 4% guar meal + R enzyme preparation, R8 8% guar meal + R enzyme preparation, V4 4% guar meal + V enzyme preparation, V8 8% guar meal + V enzyme preparation. It was demonstrated that a higher (8%) percentage of guar meal in broiler chicken rations significantly contributed to body weight reduction (by 8%) and increased feed conversion ratio (by 3%). Simultaneously, it reduced the dressing percentage (by 2%) and carcass muscularity (by 3%). Feed rations supplemented with enzymes (R or V) did not improve growth performance and did not impact the dressing percentage, carcass muscularity and fatness. The use of 8% guar meal in broiler chicken feed decreased the crude ash content in the muscles, which, by contrast, increased due to enzyme supplementation. A higher level of guar meal reduced the content (by 4%) and fat quality measured as the ratio between n6:n3 PUFA and the index of AI, TI and HH. The results of the study imply that 4% guar meal inclusion in feed rations for broiler chickens not supplemented with enzymes should be recommended.