Meta-analysis of hydroxycinnamic acids into finishing lambs’ diet: Growth performance, antioxidant status, and meat quality

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with hydroxycinnamic acids (HAs) on productive performance, antioxidant status in blood serum, and meat quality of finishing lambs using meta-analytic methods. Based on the selection criteria, 14 peer-reviewed publications were included in the final database. The weighted mean difference (WMD) between the experimental treatments (diets added with HAs) and the control treatments (diets without HAs) was evaluated using the random effects meta-analysis model. HAs supplementation had positive effects on daily weight gain (WMD = 13.46 g/d; P < 0.001), dry matter intake (WMD = 19.54 g/d; P = 0.040), and feed conversion rate (WMD = −0.249 kg/kg; P = 0.001). In addition, HAs supplementation decreased serum levels of malondialdehyde (WMD = −0.64 nmol/mL; P < 0.001) and increased (P < 0.001) serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (WMD = 1.25 ng/mL), superoxide dismutase (WMD = 41.34 pg/mL), catalase (WMD = 149.71 pg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (WMD = 0.973 U/mL). In meat, HAs supplementation decreased the MDA content (WMD = 0.427 mg/kg; P = 0.043); however, it did not affect the pH, shear force, or meat color (P > 0.05). In conclusion, HAs supplementation improves the productive performance and antioxidant status of finishing lambs without affecting meat quality.