Giant Squid (Dosidicus gigas) Meal in Chicken Diets to Enrich Meat with n-3 Fatty Acids.

Abstract

Simple SummarySquid is a product with a high protein content and fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. The main marketed parts are the mantle in the form of a fresh-frozen fillet, the head with tentacles (“dancers”), and fins. However, there is another market that can provide added value to the squid fishery, and it focuses on using the viscera, other parts of the squid, or the whole squid that do not meet quality standards for human consumption to produce meal for poultry feeding. The objective of this study was to include giant squid meal (1.67%, 3.34%, and 5.01%) in broiler rations to enrich its meat with n-3 fatty acids. The results showed that squid meal increased the content of EPA, DPA, and DHA in the poultry meat, mainly in females, and the legs with thighs without negatively affecting the production parameters or the flavor of the meat. The use of giant squid meal in chicken diets could benefit not only the poultry sector, also the fishing industry and health-conscious consumers.The main marketed parts of squid are the mantle, the head with tentacles, and fins. However, when the whole squid does not meet quality standards for human consumption it can be used for broiler feed. The objective of the study was to include giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) meal (GSM) in broiler rations to increase the content of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) in chicken meat. Two hundred Ross 380 chickens, half male, half female, and one day old, were randomly distributed in a 4x2x2 factorial arrangement. The factors were the treatment (0%, 1.67%, 3.34%, and 5.01% of GSM in the diet), sex, and content of n-3 in the legs with thighs and the breasts. Each treatment had five repetitions with 10 birds each. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in the production parameters for both sexes. The contents of EPA, DPA, and DHA increased in the females and in the legs with thighs (p < 0.05) with GSM. Acceptance for the flavor and texture of meat was higher in the treatment with 1.67% GSM than in the other treatments. It is concluded that GSM is an alternative for increasing the amount of n-3 in chicken meat.