Abstract
Simple SummaryDifferent inclusion levels of Quebracho tannin (QT) in the diet of growing male Muscovy ducks of a slow-growing type were explored under free-range conditions. As a result of the dietary treatments tested in this trial, the growth performance or the total blood proteins were not affected. By contrast, dietary QT did not lead birds to produce less moist excreta, as observed in other bird species, as a desirable aspect for intensively raised poultry. A marked improvement in carcass yield was observed as a desirable economic trait in the extensive slow-type duck farming system. The study of the nutritional effects of tannins is complex due to the large chemical diversity; consequently, in poultry nutrition the biological responses may vary greatly. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of dietary Quebracho tannins (QT) on growth and production performance in slow-growing type Muscovy ducks. For this purpose, a 42-d trial was carried out on 126 male ducks (42-d old at start), fed on three levels of dietary QT inclusion in the diet (0% as control diet, vs. 1.5% vs. 2.5% on an as fed basis). Birds were reared under free-range conditions. A linear increase in feed intake as a function of QT inclusion in the diet was observed (p < 0.05). No difference as to final body weight, overall average daily weight gain (ADG) and total feed conversion ratio (FCR) in relation to dietary treatments was observed. Carcass yields were positively improved in QT birds (p < 0.05). No adverse responses were recorded in total blood protein and liver weight. Dietary QT might be safely used up by to 2.5% in 42- to 84-d aged male Muscovy ducks.
Highlights
Tannins are plant secondary metabolites and represent the fourth most abundant group of secondary compounds of the plant kingdom, after cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin [1]
Overall live body weight (LBW) was not influenced by dietary treatments (p > 0.05), except for 70-d age, where a quadratic response was observed, and the minimum shown by QT1.5 group (p < 0.05)
Due to previous experiences in pheasant [20] and pullets [21], the maximum safe Quebracho tannins (QT) level to be used in diets for 42 to 84-d old Muscovy ducks was set to 2.5%, on an as-fed basis
Summary
Tannins are plant secondary metabolites and represent the fourth most abundant group of secondary compounds of the plant kingdom, after cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin [1]. Tannins are polyphenolic compounds, located mainly in vacuoles of the vegetal cell or in waxes, where they do not interfere with plant metabolism. They are found in many parts of the plant, such as fruits, leaves, bark, and wood [2], and in common foodstuffs, for example grapes, strawberries, blackberries, Animals 2020, 10, 979; doi:10.3390/ani10060979 www.mdpi.com/journal/animals. Animals 2020, 10, 979 hazelnuts, cocoa, guarana. Feed such as sorghum grains, peas, fava beans, or legume trees like. Tannins attract insects towards flowers, helping in cross-pollination [7,8]
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