Maternal energy restriction by low starch or fat affects carcase trait, meat quality and muscle antioxidative properties in Arbor Acres broilers

Abstract

In the experiment, the effects of maternal dietary energy restriction on carcase, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in broilers were evaluated. A total of 400 25-weeks-old Arbour Acres broiler breeder female birds were randomly assigned to four groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) with different dietary metabolisable energy levels (11.70, 9.36, 8.19 and 5.85 MJ kg−1). Female birds were restrictively fed same intake. Broilers from different maternal dietary energy were fed diets similar in nutrients contents during deferent growth period. Low maternal energy decreased egg weight and offspring hatch weight. T2 group got a higher thigh muscle percentage of 28-d-old offspring and a higher body weight of 49-d-old offspring than T1 group. Abdominal fat percentage of 49-d-old offspring in T3 group was increased. Low maternal energy increased intramuscular fat (IMF) contents in 28-d-old offspring breast and 49-d-old offspring thigh. 49-d-old offspring in T2 and T3 groups got lower drip loss and higher meat colour value. T2 and T3 groups had higher total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in offspring muscles and lower malondialdehyde level. A higher glutathione peroxidase mRNA expression in breast muscle was found in T2 group. Maternal dietary energy restriction altered egg weight and offspring hatch weight. Appropriate reduction of maternal dietary energy made chickens fattier and increased the antioxidant capacity of offspring muscles.HighlightsIt is well known that embryo development and postnatal growth are influenced by maternal nutritional supply. This paper shows that 9.36 MJ ME/kg diet for hens during laying period is better for broiler to achieve greater slaughter weight and body antioxidant capacity.This paper indicated that maternal dietary energy restriction affected fat accumulation and antioxidant capacity of offspring. Maternal nutritional management may become a way to regulate the quality of chickens through.