Performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of goat kids supplemented with inulin

Abstract

• Higher carcass yields were observed after inulin supplementation. • Blood parameters were positive influenced on the oxygen transport system. • The animals exceeded the estimated daily weight gain. • Between sexes, males shown superior results at most of the parameters Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide with prebiotic and bifidogenic properties, contributing to the intestinal health of animals. This study aimed to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and blood parameters of Boer × Saanen goat kids supplemented with inulin. Thirty animals were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3×2 factorial scheme with three levels of inulin (0, 3, and 6 g/kg DM) and sex (male and female). The diet was formulated and adjusted to gain 0.150 kg/day and the slaughter weight was 30 kg. Inulin supplementation had a linear, positive effect on carcass yield (P= 0.03). However, animal performance, carcass characteristics, tissue proportions, and muscle proximate composition were not influenced by inulin levels. Males had a lower slaughter age, higher muscle proportion, lower fat, and higher protein content than females. Red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels increased with inulin supplementation compare to the control treatment (P<0.01). Inulin supplementation at 3 g/kg DM can be used in the diet of goat kids yielding a better carcass yield and improving red blood cell indices in Boer × Saanen goat kids.