Crude Fat Levels Research Articles

Effect of Production System (Intensive and Free-Range), Slaughter Age and Gender on Nutrient and Fatty Acid Composition of Meat in Partridges (Alectoris chukar)

This study was conducted to determine the effect of production system, slaughter age, and gender on the nutrient composition, fatty acids profile, and index values of breast and thigh meat in Alectoris chukar partridges. Partridges were slaughtered at 14, 16, and 18 weeks of age and skinless breast and thigh meat of male and female were used in the study (a total of 96 samples in 2 replicates). The production system affected only the crude fat level of the thigh meat in terms of nutrient composition and it was found higher in the intensive system compared to the free-range system. Age and gender did not significantly affect the composition of breast and thigh meat. In terms of fatty acid profile, erucic acid (C22:1n9) level in breast meat was higher in intensive system, while it was higher in thigh meat in free-range. While the percentage of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3) increased with age in breast meat, it decreased in thigh meat with age. While eicosenoic acid (C20:1) percentage was higher in breast meat of male birds compared to females, only stearic acid (C18:0) was found to be higher in thigh meat. Saturated fatty acids (SFA), linolenic acid (n3), thrombogenic index (TI) and atherogenic index (AI) values were higher in thigh meat produced in free-range system, while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), linoleic acid (n6) and hypocholesterolaemic / hypercholesterolaemic ratio (h/H) were significantly higher in intensive system. While SFA and TI levels in thigh meat decreased with age, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), UFA and oleic acid (n9) percentages increased. MUFA / SFA in thigh meat of females was higher than males, other indexes were found insignificant. The results shows that partridges had desirable fatty acid composition. Especially, the increase in MUFA and UFA values with age in thigh meat compared to breast indicates that thigh meat is enriched in terms of unsaturated fatty acids. However, the higher SFA and AI values obtained in the free-range system could be considered a negative outcome for alternative production systems that prioritize bird welfare and consumer demands.

Defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal can partially replace fish meal in diets for adult Chinese soft-shelled turtles

The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of partial replacement of fish meal (FM) with defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) in the diet of Chinese soft-shelled turtles by determining the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, proximate composition, and amino acid profile. The turtles were divided into five groups (G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5) and fed with diets in which 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% FM was replaced with BSFLM, respectively. The growth performances of the turtles in the G2 and G3 groups were the same as those in the G1 group (P > 0.05), whereas the feed conversion ratio of the G3 group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The activity of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in the G3 group than that in the G1, G2, and G4 groups (P < 0.05), and the activity of alanine aminotransferase was significantly lower in the G2 and G3 groups than that in the G5 group (P < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase activity in the serum and total antioxidant capacity in the liver significantly increased in the G3, G4, and G5 groups when compared with the G1 group (P < 0.05), and malonaldehyde levels in the serum and liver showed a linear decrease (P = 0.015 and P = 0.040, respectively) with increasing BSFLM levels in the diets (P < 0.05). The levels of crude protein in the muscle were significantly higher in the G3 and G4 groups than that in the G1 and G2 groups (P < 0.05). The levels of crude fat in the muscle and calipash showed a linear increase (P = 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively) with increasing BSFLM levels (P < 0.05), whereas the levels of ash showed the opposite trend. Phenylalanine, tryptophan, glutamic, and arginine levels in the muscle and calipash were significantly lower in the other groups than that in the G1 group (P < 0.05), whereas isoleucine level showed the opposite trend. The results showed that the replacement of 10% dietary FM with BSFLM is feasible for Chinese soft-shelled turtles, and it has a positive influence on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and nutritional value.

Effect of various commercial diets on rearing performance, body chemical and fatty acid composition, liver histology and vertebral column anomalies in Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) post-larvae

The effects of three commercial diets (AF PE and PP) that differed in nutritional value on growth, cannibalism and survival in Eurasian perch post-larvae were performed. Of the feeds used, the PE feed contained a lower level of crude protein and a higher level of crude fat with a higher level of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and a lower level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the AF and PP feeds. Additionally, chemical composition, including the fatty acid (FAs) content of perch body, liver histology and vertebral column anomalies relative to tested diets were analysed. It was shown that the two-month perch fed by diet with the highest fat content and the lowest protein content (PE) achieved significantly higher weight and body length. During the experiment, a relatively higher survival was obtained in perch groups fed with PE and PP feeds. Significantly lower type II intra-cohort cannibalism in perch fed with two diets (PE and PP) was observed, which probably resulted from better assimilation and, consequently, a sense of greater satiety in fish (PE diet) and faster perception by perch of its presence in the experimental system (PP diet). Moreover, the increase in type II cannibalism in perch fed with the AF diet could be due to the poorer palatability of this feed (understood in terms of its availability). The results of our study confirmed the hypothesis that the level of fat in the body of fish depended on the level of crude fat from feed used; however, it was also found that the fatty acid composition of the perch body was irrespective of the content of FAs in the diet used. Our data suggest that differences in the level of proximate and FAs compositions in tested commercial diets do not affect the histological structure of the liver and the prevalence of skeletal malformation in Eurasian perch post-larvae.

Substitution of Maggot Flour Fermentation (Hermetia illucens) in Commercial Feed Towards The Level of Crude Protein and Crude Fat in Catfish Meat (Clarias sp.)

This study aims to determine the effect of fermentation substitution maggot flour in commercial feed on crude protein and crude fat of catfish. The research method used is an experimental method. The treatment used is substitution of maggot flour in commercial feed, P0 (99% commercial feed+1% tapioca flour), P1 (94% commercial feed+5% maggot flour+1% tapioca flour), P2 (89% commercial feed+10% maggot flour+1% tapioca flour), P3 (84% commercial feed+15% maggot flour+1% tapioca flour) and P4 (79% commercial feed+20% maggot flour+1% tapioca flour). Data analysis used Analyze Of Variance (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results of this study were the best crude protein content of catfish (Clarias sp.) at a substitution dose of 10% maggot flour fermentation with crude protein content of 20.3250a ± 0.042. The best crude fat content of catfish (Clarias sp.) was produced at substitution doses of maggot flour fermentation of 5%, 10%, and 15% with crude fat content respectively 1.255a ± 0.1044, 1.503b ± 0.0737 and 1.523 c ± 0.0345.

Proximate composition, phytochemical screening and some antinutritional factors of three accessions of lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus ) an underutilized legume

Lima bean (LB) (Phaseolus lunatus) is an underutilized legumein Nigeria and West Africa despite its numerous nutritional benefits. This study evaluated the proximate composition, phytochemical screening and antinutritional factors (ANFs) of three accessions of Lima beans; LB 001, LB 011 and LB 015 from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State. All analyses were done using standard protocols. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Result of proximate analysis revealed that LB 011 recorded the highest value for crude protein (25.70 0.06%), crude fat (3.10 0.05%) and crude fibre (3.20 0.06%) and moisture content (9.3 0.16%), LB 015 recorded the highest value for ash (3.90 0.04%), nitrogen free extract (60.35 0.20%) while LB001 gave the highest value for drymatter (92.30 2.50%).Phytochemical screening revealed presence of saponin, flavonoid and alkaloid in the three accessions of LB while anthraquinone and cardiac glycoside were absent in all the LB accessions. Results of ANFs showed that LB 001 recorde the highest value for alkaloid (56.67±5.78mg/g), LB 015 gave the highest value for tannin (93.33±2.89 mg/g) and saponin (61.67±2.89 mg/g) while LB 011 had the highest oxalate content (30±5.00mg/g). The study concluded that the three accessions of lima beans have high levels of crude protein, crude fat and ash and phytochemicals, which compared favourably with that of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), a conventional legume. However, the ANFs present in LBneed adequate processing for their reduction and optimal utilization as a protein source for human and animals.

Quality of muscle tissue and biochemical composition of blood serum of young geese, depending on lipid nutrition level

Use of detailed norms for feeding geese with the introduction of fats into the feeding diet is necessary to increase feed conversion and to obtain better products. The presented article shows the results of studying of the effect of complete compound feed with different levels of crude fat on the chemical and fatty acid composition, organoleptic properties of the muscle tissue of young geese, as well as the biochemical composition of their blood serum depending on the level of crude fat and linoleic acid in complete compound feed. It was determined that the introduction of 2% of sunflower oil into the diets of geese in the starting and finishing complete compound feed did not reveal statistically significant differences in the concentration of protein and fat in the muscle tissue of young geese with an increase in the level of crude fat by 1.9-2.0% and linoleic acid by 43-47%, compared with the control (4.9-5.5% of crude fat). However, a tendency of an increase in the content of monounsaturated fatty acids in the muscle tissue, primarily palmitic acid, as well as an improvement in the organoleptic properties of meat was revealed in the experimental poultry. The developed complete compound feed did not adversely affect homeostasis in the body of young geese up to 60 days of age.

Comparative study on the nutrition composition of adult male Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) with different coloured hepatopancreases

High lethality of white hepatopancreas syndrome has caused large economic loss of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). Hepatopancreas colour of diseased crabs is gradually lighter, turning from golden yellow to yellow-white to white. This study investigated composition of conventional nutrients in three edible parts of different coloured hepatopancreases of adult males, including normal yellow hepatopancreas group (Control), yellow-white hepatopancreas group (YWH) and white hepatopancreas group (WH). No significant differences were observed in tissue indices and total edible yield among three crab types; however, condition factor level in crabs of YWH and WH was significantly lower. Dry matter content was significantly reduced in crabs of WH, especially crude fat level of hepatopancreas in WH males. Levels of all the amino acids of WH crabs in muscles and gonads were significantly lower than that of control. Proportion of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids were much lower in hepatopancreas of WH crabs than those of control, while proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids and highly unsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher. Overall, YWH and WH do not affect growth. WH crabs showed poor nutritional quality, and nutritional value of YWH was in the middle as transition state between control and WH.

Carcass yields and physiochemical meat quality characteristics of Namibian gemsbok (Oryx gazella) as influenced by muscle, gender and age

The carcass yields and physiochemical meat quality characteristics of six different muscles (biceps femoris, infraspinatus, longissimus thoracis et lumborum, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, supraspinatus) for different sex and age groups of gemsbok antelope were determined. No live weight nor dressing percentage differences were observed for the different sex groups. While muscles, age and sex had an influence on the physiochemical parameters investigated, these differences were minor. The CIE Lab colour values for all muscles, age and sexes were in line with those deemed acceptable for game meat, while mean crude protein (20.7%) and fat (1.6%) levels were typical of game species. Discriminant analysis revealed no differentiation among the muscle groups for the variables measured. Thus, at similar live weights, male and female (sub-adult) gemsbok can be considered of equivalent meat quality and marketed accordingly.

Quality Characteristics Of Noodles Containing Various Levels of Black Rice Flour

This study was conducted to the effect of replacement wheat flour with various levels of black rice flours on the quality characteristics of prepared noodles. The obtained results revealed that black rice (BR) variety had a higher level of crude protein, crude fat, ash and fiber contents than wheat flour. Black rice contained the highest values of vitamins B complex group content. From the obtainedresults, BR could be considered as a good source of anthocyanin and antioxidant activity. The quality of noodles prepared with wheat flour supplemented with black rice flour was investigated. The protein, fat and ash of noodles increased as the amount of black rice flour increased. Sensory evaluation of noodles showed that supplemented of 5 and 10% black rice flour had the best overall preference compared with 15 and 20%. Generally, black rice has been added to noodles in place of wheat flour to obtain healthier trends.

Production of black soldier flies (Hermetia illucen) maggot to the chicken feces media level

In addition to having high nutrition, Hermetia illucens maggot also has fulfilling nutrients to be used as poultry feed ingredients. The aim of this research was to obtain high H. illucens maggot production and as quality feed. This study was designed using a completely randomized design with four treatments of the media type and three replications. In total, 12 treatment combinations were produced, i.e. 4×3 experimental units. P0: 100% tofu waste, P1: 50% tofu waste and 50% chicken feces, P2: 75% tofu waste and 25% chicken feces, P3: 25% tofu waste and 75% chicken feces. The results obtained were chicken feces media at different levels significantly affected (p<0.05) the dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber level of black soldier flies (H. illucens) maggot. The highest dry matter and crude protein level were on P1 and lowest were on P3. The crude fat level of P0 was significantly higher than P2 and P3 but equal to P1. Crude fiber level of P0 was significantly lower than P2 and was not significantly different from P1 and P3. In conclusion, media that had high production was found in P1 with the high dry matter, crude protein and crude fat levels, and low crude fiber level.

The nutritional value of black soldier flies (Hermetia illucen) as poultry feed

Black soldier fly larvae or maggot (Hermetia illucens) is one type of insect that meets the requirements as alternative protein source of feed. The purpose of this research is to obtain high quality feed production. This research will be carried out in the Animal Husbandry Department of Unasman for the rearing and the nutrition analysis will be carried out in the Feed Chemistry Lab, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, UNHAS. This study was designed using a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 5 and 3 replications. The treatments in this study are as follows: A0: 5 days, A1: 10 days, A2: 15 days, A3: 20 days, A4: 25 days. The results obtained are the rearing period that significantly affect the levels of dry matter, crude fat, and crude protein of black soldier fly maggot (Hermetia illucens) and doesn’t have significant effect on crude fibre levels. The rearing period of 25 days (A4) has the highest dry matter content that is 30.47%. Crude fat at 25 days rearing time (A4) is 34.09% significantly higher than A0 (22.09%), A1 (24.82%) and A2 (26.79%). Maggot with a rearing period of 20 days (A3) has the highest crude fibre content of the other treatments that is 10.50% and the lowest is A0 (9.07%). The A0 (49.91%) treatment is significantly higher than A2, A3, and A4. The longer the rearing period of Hermetia illucens maggot, the level of dry matter, crude fat and crude fibre tends to increase. However, the crude protein decrease, although not significantly.

Effect of Cooking on Cooking Time, Nutritional Content and Sensory Properties of Pawpaw-treated Bambara Groundnut

Cooking of bambara groundnut is time and energy consuming. This research was therefore carried out to find a way of reducing the cooking time of bambara groundnut and at the same time reduce losses of nutrients. Green pawpaw slices, both fresh and dried were added to the raw bambara groundnut and cooked. The treated Bambara groundnut recorded the lowest cooking time (P&lt;0.05) compared with the untreated. The treatment did not have any effect (P&lt;0.05) on the calcium, and phosphorous contents, but rather led to increased levels (P&lt;0.05) of crude protein, crude fat and iron but reduced levels of carbohydrate, crude fibre and ash content. However, the untreated Bambara groundnut gave the best sensory properties and hence the best overall acceptability. The findings of the research when applied, has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and conserve the environment.Keywords: Green pawpaw; Bambara groundnut; cooking; dry pawpaw slices; crude.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of red murta (Ugni molinae Turcz.) seeds: an undervalued Chilean resource

Murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) is an endemic Chilean specie mostly used in medical, cosmetic, and food industries. However, during the industrial processing of murta fruits, the biomass containing the seeds is discarded as an industrial byproduct that does not find significant uses yet. This work is a first approach to valorize murta biomass through the identification and quantification of principal chemical constituents and exploring their antibacterial properties. The proximal analysis revealed that murta seeds exhibited significant content of raw fiber (64%), crude fat (14%), crude protein (12%), and low levels of ashes (1.5%) and minerals (0.04–0.23%). Dietary fiber was mainly composed of lignin, cellulose, pectin, and hemicellulose. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (89.0%), monounsaturated fatty acids (7.7%), and saturated fatty acids (3.3%) were the main constituents of seed oils. The arginine, asparagine, glutamic acid, and glycine were the primary protein constituent amino acids. Tannin fractions, total polyphenolic content, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity as antioxidant activity were measured. The chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis (HPLC–MS/MS) confirmed the presence of several phenolic compounds like phenolic acids, flavonols, flavones, proanthocyanidins, and high molecular weight polyphenols. The murta seed extract showed high antibacterial activity against both Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial strains. Murta seeds could be considered as a new source of nutritional components and bioactive compounds for different nutraceutical and food applications.

Substitution of commercial feed with phytase-fermented rice bran and turmeric flour to increase EPA, DHA, and protein depositions in broiler meat

Abstract Rice bran is a potential ingredient for broiler chicken feed due to cheap and high unsaturated oil content. However, the inclusion of rice bran also has anti-nutritional factors in the form of phytic acid. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of commercial feed substitution with phytase-fermented rice bran and turmeric flour toward eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), crude protein, and crude fat deposition in broiler meat. The experimental design was adjusted to a completely randomized design in which forty-eight broiler chicken were randomly assigned into six treatments. Treatment 1 (T1) = 100% commercial feed (control), treatment 2 (T2) = 100% commercial feed + 2% turmeric flour, treatment 3 (T3) = 95% commercial feed + 5% fermented rice bran + 2% turmeric flour, treatment 4 (T4) = 90% commercial feed + 10% fermented rice bran + 2% turmeric flour, treatment 5 (T5) = 85% commercial feed + 15% fermented rice bran + 2% turmeric flour, and treatment 6 (T6)= 80% commercial feed + 20% fermented rice bran + 2% turmeric flour. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Duncan Multiple Range Test to detect any differences among the treatments. The results showed that the substitution of commercial feed with fermented rice bran and turmeric flour significantly affected the DHA, EPA, protein and fat deposition in broiler meat. The substitution of 20% commercial feed with the fermented rice bran and 2% turmeric flour gave the highest EPA, DHA, and crude protein content, while reduced the crude fat level of broiler meat.

Qualitative characteristics of the muscle tissue in young geese

The effect of complete compound feed (CCF) with a different level of crude fat, due to the use of sunflower oil (SO), on the qualitative characteristics of muscle tissue in young Linda geese was studied. The introduction of SO into the composition of CCF contributed to an increase in the concentration of linoleic acid in it by 43–47%. No statistically significant differences were found in the chemical composition of the muscle tissue of the chest and legs. The best flavour had the meat of geese fed CCF with introduction of SO. The inclusion of SO in goslings rations did not negatively affect the serum biochemical composition of young geese up to 60 days of age.

Improved antioxidant activity and rumen fermentation in beef cattle under heat stress by dietary supplementation with creatine pyruvate.

Pyruvate and creatine, energetics and antioxidant substances, can promote rumen fermentation and metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the stress resistance and rumen fermentation effects of the compound creatine pyruvate (CrPyr) in diets for beef cattle under heat stress. Four Jinjiang steers fitted with permanent rumen cannulas were used in a 4×4 Latin square design and fed a diet supplemented with CrPyr at 0, 20, 40, or 60g/d. Heat stress was employed for 62 of 64days. Supplementing with CrPyr elevated their levels of free triiodothyronine and triiodothyronine, superoxide dismutase activity, ruminal pH value, microbial crude protein concentration, crude fat digestibility, nitrogen intake, and levels of urine allantoin and total purine derivatives. It also reduced their levels of cortisol and corticosterone, malondialdehyde concentration, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and urine nitrogen excretion. In conclusion, CrPyr relieves the heat stress of beef cattle by improving antioxidant activity and rumen microbial protein synthesis.

The nutrient value of banana peel fermented by tape yeast as poultry feedstuff

This study aims to evaluate the effect of different tape yeast levels as inoculum in the banana peels fermentation process to the nutritional content. This study used an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in one way ANOVA with 4 treatments and 4 replications. Treatments based on differences in the addition of tape yeast, all treatments were incubated for 6 days. The four treatments are (P0) Banana peel without the addition of yeast tape; (P1) Banana peel with the addition of yeast tape 1.5%; (P2) Banana peel with the addition of 3.0% yeast tape; (P3) Banana peel with the addition of 4.5% yeast tape. The measured variables were dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, and phosphorus content. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and followed by Duncan's multiple range test to measure any significances. The results showed that the level of yeast tape significantly increased crude protein, crude fat, calcium and phosphorus (P<0.05), and significantly reduced crude fiber of banana peel (P<0.05. However the level of yeast tape has no significant effect on the dry matter content of banana peels. Conclusion tape yeast level of 4.5% can increase levels of crude protein, crude fat, calcium and banana skin phosphorus. The highest reduction in crude fiber in the use of yeast tape 3%

Evaluation of the efficacy of aquaculture feeds for the climbing perch Anabas testudineus: replacement of fishmeal by black soldier fly Hermetia illucens prepupae

The growth of the climbing perch Anabas testudineus reared on lower protein feeds with the replacement of fishmeal (FM) by prepupae of the black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens was examined. Three different feeds were prepared: control feed (treatment 1; T1) with only FM as a source of animal protein [32.5% crude protein; CP]; lower protein feed (T2) with both FM and BSF (30.0%); lowest protein feed (T3) with only BSF prepupae as a source of animal protein (25.0%). After 123 days of rearing, survival rates were ca. 82% in all treatments. The final weights in T2 and T3 (84–92 g/fish) were comparable to that in T1 (ca. 85 g/fish) despite the lower protein levels of feeds in T2/T3. Similarly, CP levels of fish at harvest in T2/T3 were comparable to T1 (17–18%), while the crude fat level in T3 (ca. 14%) was significantly greater than in T1/T2 (ca. 12%). The level of ash in T3 (ca. 4.1%) was significantly lower than in T1/T2 (5.4–5.7%). The protein efficiency ratio in T3 (ca. 1.3) was significantly greater than in T1/T2 (0.9–1.1), and the protein retention in T3 (ca. 21.9) was significantly greater than in T1 (ca. 16.4). Similar final weights observed between T1 and T2/T3 suggested that BSF protein can be better assimilated by climbing perch than FM. The results suggest that BSF prepupae are an efficient substitute for FM in climbing perch feed, and potentially allow for a reduction of feed protein levels.

Indexes of nitrogenous exchange in organisms of high-yield cows in dependence from various concentration of lipids in diets

Animals of control groups received a diet with the maintenance of 3,5% of fat according to the detailed norms of feeding. Increase in level of fat in diets of analogs II and III groups up to 4, 5 and 5, 4% of its nonvolatile solid was carried out at the expense of the sunflower-seed oil entered into a diet by interfusing with concentrated compound feed. Zootechnical, hematological and biochemical researches were conducted with use of the practical standards. In this article the expediency of optimization of level of crude fat in diets of high-yield cows of golshtinsky breed is experimentally proved. It improves a condition of proteometabolism in their organism what the positive nitrogen balance, increase in extent of its deduction in a body and uses on formation of milk to testifies. Thus, strengthening of lipids in nonvolatile solid of diets of the high-yield lactating cows renders particular and, in general, positive influence on key indicators of nitrogenous metabolism in their organism.

Improvement of Muscle Quality of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) With a Bio-Floating Bed in Culture Ponds.

Muscle quality and the physiological condition of fish are affected greatly by the culture environment. In aquaculture ponds, a bio-floating bed planted with vegetation is often used to improve water quality. This study investigated the growth and muscle quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) cultured in ponds equipped with bio-floating beds. Fish were cultured in two replicated pond groups from May to November. Fish in the first group were cultured in experimental ponds equipped with a bio-floating bed planted with Ipomoea aquatica, whereas fish in the other group were reared in control ponds without a bio-floating bed. Compared with control ponds, the experimental ponds had better water quality with significantly lower concentrations of nitrite and ammonia. Grass carp in the experimental group had greater muscle weight gain, a significantly higher content of crude protein, and a significantly lower crude fat level than fish in the control group. The levels of pH, water-holding capacity, and antioxidant capacity of muscle decreased significantly in the control group compared to the experimental group. Texture profile analysis revealed higher values of hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness and lower values of cohesiveness and resilience of white muscle in the experimental group compared to the control group. The filets of fish in the experimental group also received higher grades in the sensory evaluation of springiness, overall acceptability, aroma, and palatability. These results indicate that growth performance and muscle quality of grass carp were improved by the presence of bio-floating beds in the culture ponds.