Broiler Meat Quality Research Articles

Meat Quality, Intestinal Microbiology and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Broilers Fed Different Levels of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) and Mulberry (Morus alba) Leaves Powder.

Today, customers pay more attention to the feed composition and carcasses of poultry, and the interest in using natural and safe compounds such as medicinal plants and their extracts in animal feed is increasing. The present experiment was conducted to assess the effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and mulberry (Morus alba) leaves powder on the meat quality, intestinal microbiology and serum biochemical parameters in broilers. The experiment was conducted with 648 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler male chicks with a factorial arrangement including three levels of green tea powder (GTP) and three levels of mulberry leaf powder (MLP), with nine treatments and six replications in a completely randomized design for 42 days. Treatments included: (1) no GTP + no MLP (control), (2) 1% GTP + no MLP, (3) 2% GTP + no MLP, (4) no GTP + 1% MLP, (5) 1% GTP + 1% MLP, (6) 2% GTP + 1% MLP, (7) no GTP + 2% MLP, (8) 1% GTP + 2% MLP and (9) 2% GTP + 2% MLP. The results showed that the lowest lightness (L*), drip loss and total cholesterol levels, and the highest Lactobacillus population were observed in treatments: 1% GTP + no MLP, 2% GTP + no MLP, 1% GTP + 1% MLP, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, no GTP + 2% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP and 2% GTP + 2% MLP (p <0.05). The groups receiving 1% GTP + 1% MLP, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, no GTP + 2% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP and 2% GTP + 2% MLP had the highest pH 24h (p <0.05). The chickens fed with 1% and 2% GTP showed lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and malondialdehyde (MAD) levels (p <0.05). The results showed that using the GTP and MLP in the diet of broilers could improve meat quality traits and beneficial ileal bacteria populations and reduce serum lipid and MDA levels.

Creatine monohydrate administration delayed muscle glycolysis of antemortem-stressed broilers by enhancing muscle energy status, increasing antioxidant capacity and regulating muscle metabolite profiles.

Preslaughter stress induced a negative energy balance of broilers, resulted in an accelerated glycolysis and finally led to an inferior meat quality. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of creatine monohydrate (CMH) supplementation on muscle energy storage, antioxidant capacity, the glycolysis of postmortem muscle and the metabolite profiles in muscle of broilers subjected to preslaughter transport. Two hundred and forty broilers were chosen and randomly allocated into three treatments (group A, group B and group C), comprising 8 replicates (10 broilers each replicate). Broilers in group A and B as well as group C were fed with the basal diet or diets containing 1200 mg/kg CMH for 14 days, respectively. After 12 h feed deprivation, broilers in group B (T3h group) and group C (T3h +CMH1200 group) were both subjected to a preslaughter transportation (3 h), but those in group A were treated with a 0.5 h-transport (refined as the control group). The results showed that preslaughter stress led to a lower pH24h value, a bigger L* value and a higher drip loss of muscle compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, transport stress accelerated glycolysis in postmortem muscle, decreased energy storage and the antioxidant capacities of muscle (P < 0.05). However, CMH administration ameliorated energy status, delayed muscle glycolysis, elevated mRNA expression involved in Cr metabolism and inhibited AMPK signaling of broilers experienced preslaughter transport stress. Moreover, significant differences in glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, purine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, ABC transporters, carbon metabolism, lysine metabolism and sulfur metabolism were observed using pathway enrichment analysis. Additionally, the contents of Cr and ATP were positively correlated with branched amino acids (L-valine and l-leucine), l-asparagine, inosine, PCr and d-ribose by metabolomics analysis. Taken together, CMH ameliorated energy status, delayed muscle glycolysis and improved meat quality of antemortem-stressed broilers by the regulation of pathways and key metabolites involved in energy metabolism of postmortem muscle.

Beneficial effects of ε-polylysine on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota in broilers fed a lysine-deficient diet.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ε-polylysine supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota in broilers fed a lysine-deficient diet. A total of 960 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated into six groups with eight replicates and 20 birds per replicate. Birds in the six groups were fed a lysine-deficient basal diet (-0.20 % lysine, NC) or basal diets supplemented with 0.20 % L-lysine hydrochloride (normal lysine level, PC) or varying levels (0.10 %, 0.20 %, 0.30 %, or 0.40 %) of ε-polylysine hydrochloride for 10 weeks. Results showed that compared with the NC group, dietary supplementation with 0.10 % and 0.20 % of ε-polylysine improved growth performance, meat quality and intestinal morphology, evidenced by increased average daily gain, decreased feed-to-gain ratio, increased water holding capacity of breast muscle, and increased jejunal and ileal villus height in ε-polylysine-treated broilers (P < 0.05). In addition, 0.10 % and 0.20 % of ε-polylysine supplementation improved serum nitrogen metabolism, immune and antioxidant capacity to varying degrees. No significant diffrences in growth performance, meat quality, or intestinal morphology were observed among PC and ε-polylysine-supplemented groups (P > 0.05). Interestingly, compared with the PC group, dietary 0.10 % of ε-polylysine positively altered the microbiota composition of broilers, evidenced by the increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Faecalibacterium and Phascolarctobacterium) and decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria (e.g., Lachnoclostridium and Peptococcus). In conclusion, diets supplemented with ε-polylysine have beneficial effects on growth performance, meat quality, and gut health of broilers via replenishing lysine or favorably altering immune and antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota. The recommended supplemental amount of ε-polylysine in lysine-deficient diets (L-lysine content in the starter and growing diet is 0.95 % and 0.80 % of the basal diet, respectively) is 0.10 %-0.20 %.

Feeding citrus pomace fermented with combined probiotics improves growth performance, meat quality, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant capacity in yellow-feathered broilers.

The reasonable and efficient utilization of agricultural by-products as animal feed has the capacity to not only mitigate the scarcity of conventional feedstuff but also alleviate the environmental load. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of feeding citrus pomace (CP) fermented with combined probiotics on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in yellow-feathered broilers. A cohort of 540 female yellow-feathered broilers (Qingyuan partridge chicken, 90-day-old) were randomly divided into three groups and, respectively, fed the basal diet (Control), diet containing 10% unfermented CP (UFCP) and diet containing 10% fermented CP (FCP). The results showed that dietary FCP significantly increased (p < 0.05) the final-body-weight and average-daily-gain of broilers, and the pH45 min and b*24 h values in breast muscle, while tendentiously lowering the feed-to-gain ratio (p = 0.076). The levels of inosine monophosphate (p < 0.05) and intramuscular fat (p = 0.083) in the FCP group were higher than those in the control group. Remarkably, dietary FCP and UFCP increased the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-6 PUFAs (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary FCP decreased (p < 0.05) the malondialdehyde content and increased (p < 0.05) the glutathione peroxidase content in serum. Ingestion of FCP and UFCP increased the levels of total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity in serum, and concentrations of glutathione peroxidase and catalase in breast muscle (p < 0.05). Additionally, diet containing FCP or UFCP upregulated the expression of SREBP - 1c, FAS, NRF2, GSH-Px, and CAT in breast muscle (p < 0.05). Overall, dietary supplementation with FCP obviously improved meat quality, enhanced the antioxidant capacity and regulated the lipid metabolism, contributing to the improvement of growth performance of yellow-feathered broilers.

Evaluating the Impact of Abattoir Waste as an Alternative Protein Source on Broiler Meat Quality

Evaluating the Impact of Abattoir Waste as an Alternative Protein Source on Broiler Meat Quality

Optimizing broiler growth, health, and meat quality with citric acid- assessing the optimal dose and environmental impact: Citric acid in Broiler Health and Production.

The need for sustainable and safe alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters has driven researchers to explore organic acids (OAs) inclusion in broiler diets. Citric acid (CA), a notable OA, has emerged as a promising alternative due to its various physiological benefits, including improved nutrient digestibility, antioxidant properties, and enhanced weight gain. Despite the improved growth performance, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) does not seem to be consistently affected by CA inclusion. A considerable number of research papers suggest that CA can replace antibiotic growth promoters and has proved to be more effective when combined with other additives like probiotics and microbial phytase. However, despite numerous trials, the near-accurate dose remains in doubt. Dietary addition between 1.65 % and 2.65 % seems to positively affect broiler performance. Being an organic acid, CA brings no risk to the environment and does not economically burden producers. It has the capability to enhance certain meat qualities and extend shelf life. However, there is a risk of acidic stress and liver damage with excessive inclusion. This review study seeks to offer a thorough and all-encompassing summary of the present level of understanding regarding the use of CA supplementation in broiler diets by describing its impacts on growth efficiency, nutrient utilization, intestinal condition, immune response, meat quality, optimal dose, and environmental sustainability. Further research focused on determining precise dosage levels and understanding the synergistic or antagonistic effects of citric acid when combined with other feed additives is essential for optimizing broiler performance.

Impact of extended lairage periods on physio-metabolic status and meat quality in commercial broilers

ABSTRACT 1. This study investigated the impact of different lairage duration on physiology, metabolism and meat quality in commercial broilers. 2. A total of sixty, one-d-old Vencobb broilers were reared until 42 d of age and subjected to five lairage treatments (T0-T5), with the control with no lairage and then each timepoint increasing by 2 h. 3. Head, eye and feet temperature increased progressively (P˂0.05), from 21 to 42 d. During lairage, temperature for the head, eye and feet were significantly higher in birds held until T3-T4 (P˂0.05), than at T0-T2 and T5 treatments. 4. Serum total protein, creatinine, lipase and TBARS showed no variation due to lairage (p > 0.05). Glucose levels were highest at T4 (p < 0.05) than at T1-T3 or T5 and serum albumin increased only at T4 as compared to T5 (p < 0.05). Higher levels for blood triglycerides were recorded for T0, T1 and T5 (p < 0.05), than at T2-T4 and total blood antioxidants were significantly higher at T1 (p < 0.05), than at T0 and T2-T5 treatments, respectively. 5. There was no significant difference for meat pH, ERV and WHC (p > 0.05), while, higher tyrosine levels (p < 0.05) were noted for birds in T5 than for the rest of the lairage treatments (T0-T4). On the same trend, TBA concentration was highest for birds in T5, as compared to T4 (p < 0.05). 6. In conclusion, lairage over eight hours for commercial broilers is not recommended, as there are drastic changes in physiology, metabolism and deterioration of meat, reducing meat quality.

Storage causes protein oxidation of soybean meal and affects antioxidant status, digestive performance and meat quality of broilers.

This study investigated the protein oxidation of soybean meal (SBM) stored in a warehouse and the effects of SBM on growth performance, antioxidant status, digestive performance, intestinal morphology, and breast muscle quality of broilers. In total, 160 one-day-old Arbor Acres Plus broilers (half male and half female) were randomly divided into two groups with ten replicates of eight birds each: The control group was served with a basal diet including SBM stored at -20°C (FSBM), and the experimental group was served with a basal diet including SBM stored in a warehouse at room temperature for 45 days (RSBM). Compared with FSBM, the protein carbonyl level in RSBM was increased, the free and total thiol levels and in vitro digestibility of protein were decreased. The RSBM decreased the serum glutathione (GSH) level and the hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity at days 21 and 42 when compared with FSBM. Further, RSBM reduced the duodenal T-SOD activity, jejunal catalase (CAT), and T-SOD activities at day 21, and decreased the duodenal CAT and T-SOD activities, jejunal T-SOD activity, and ileal GSH level and T-SOD activity at days 21 and 42 when compared with FSBM. Besides, the trypsin activity and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in small intestines of broilers at days 21 and 42 were reduced when fed with a RSBM-contained diet. Compared with FSBM, the 24-h drip loss, shear force, and 24- and 48-h cooking loss of breast muscle were increased of RSBM group, the opposite result was observed for muscle lightness at 48 h. Room temperature storage for 45 days led a protein oxidation and decreased in vitro digestibility in SBM, and fed RSBM impaired growth performance, antioxidant status, and meat quality, reduced trypsin activity, and affected the small intestine morphology in broilers.

Physical Quality of Broiler Meat Given Synbiotics from Probio_FM and Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) in Rations

This research aims to determine the effect of providing synbiotics from Probio_FM and Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) in the ration on the physical quality of broiler meat at a certain level. The material used was 200 DOC (Day Old Chick) Lohman strain MB 202 Platinum strains produced by PT Japfa Comfeed. Broilers were maintained for 35 days, this study used 5 treatments and 4 replications, namely P0 (commercial feed + 0% Probio_FM and MOS (Control)), P1 (commercial feed + 0.25% Probio_FM and MOS), P2 (commercial feed + 0 .50% Probio_FM and MOS), P3 (commercial feed + 0.75% Probio_FM and MOS), P4 (commercial feed + 1 % Probio_FM and MOS. The variables observed were meat pH, cooking loss and water holding capacity (WHC). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), if there was a significant effect then it was continued with the Duncan test. The results showed that administration of synbiotics from Probio_FM and MOS had no significant effect (p &gt; 0.05) on the physical quality of broiler meat which included pH value, binding capacity. water, and cooking loss. It was concluded that synbiotics from Probio_FM and MOS could be added to the ration without reducing the physical quality of broiler meat.

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Used as Functional Feed Supplement or Alternative Protein Source: A Review of the Effects of Different Dietary Inclusion Levels on Production Performance, Health Status, and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens.

The broiler industry is pivotal in meeting the growing global demand for highly nutritious animal protein foods. Hence, there is a continuous interest in identifying novel, alternative, and even unconventional feed resources that could help sustainably support chicken meat production and quality. In this view, the microalga Spirulina (Arthrospira, formerly Spirulina, platensis), due to its unique chemical composition and some ecological advantages offered by its cultivation over traditional agriculture, has attracted great attention in the poultry sector for potential application in broiler diets, either as a functional supplement or a replacer of conventional protein sources such as soybean meal. The studies conducted so far seem to have confirmed many of the initial expectations regarding the advantages that may derive from dietary Spirulina supplementation, documenting its capacity to positively influence the intestinal and general health status of broiler chickens, leading to improved or preserved productive performance (under normal or challenging conditions, respectively), as well as to increased disease resistance and survivability. Furthermore, dietary Spirulina supplementation has been shown to induce positive changes in some important traits of broiler meat quality. However, at present, the inclusion of Spirulina in broiler diet, especially but not solely in relation to the use as an alternative protein source, presents several technical and economic limitations. To increase the overall awareness around the actual usefulness and practical usability of Spirulina as a novel natural component of the broiler diet, this review paper seeks to provide a comprehensive and integrated presentation of what is currently known about this topic, highlighting critical issues that are still pending and would require further research efforts.

The potential of supplementing compound organic trace elements at lower levels in Chinese yellow-feathered broiler diets, Part I: Impacts on plasma biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, carcass traits, meat quality, and tissue mineral deposition

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with compound organic trace minerals (OTM) at lower levels on plasma biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, carcass traits, meat quality, and tissue mineral deposition in Chinese yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 960 one-day-old male broilers were randomly allocated to six treatment groups. The birds were fed with either the basal diets (negative control, NC), or diets supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg (positive control, PC), 300 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg ITM or OTM for 53 d, respectively. The results showed that the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the OTM300 group was significantly higher than that of the NC, PC, and ITM300 groups (P < 0.05). Dietary OTM supplementation could significantly increase the serum concentrations of Fe and Cu, promote the deposition of Zn and Cu in breast muscle, and increase Zn content in the tibia of Chinese yellow-feathered broilers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary OTM300 treatment could significantly increase plasma CAT and CuZn-SOD activities, as well as the CAT activity in the liver (P < 0.05). The liver GSH-Px activity of the OTM500 group were significantly higher than the other groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the supplementation of dietary OTM could significantly increase the pH45min of breast muscle, as well as decrease drip loss24h and drip loss48h of Chinese yellow-feathered broilers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, pH45min was positively correlated with liver T-AOC activity and the concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn in breast muscle, while drip loss48h was negatively correlated with liver T-AOC activity, plasma CAT and CuZn-SOD, as well as the concentration of Cu and Zn in breast muscle. Trace mineral sources or levels had no significant effect on the carcass traits of Chinese yellow-feathered broilers (P > 0.05). Compared with the ITM groups, OTM300 significantly increased the heart index of Chinese yellow-feathered broilers (P < 0.05). Dietary OTM upregulated the mRNA expression of TGF-β and downregulated the mRNA expression of IL-1β in the spleen (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with compound OTM at lower levels could promote the deposition of trace minerals in serum and tissues, enhance antioxidant capacity, and improve the meat quality of Chinese yellow-feathered broilers.

Comparison of High n-3 PUFA Levels and Cyclic Heat Stress Effects on Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Oxidative Stability of Breast Meat of Broilers Fed Low- and High-Antioxidant Diets.

This study investigated the individual and combined effects of a high dietary n-3 PUFA intake and cyclic heat stress (HS) on the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and oxidative stability of broiler breast meat and the potential of antioxidant supplementation (vitamins E, C, and selenium) to mitigate these effects. A total of 192 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to 24 pens within two controlled environment chambers and fed with the following diets: a basal diet low in antioxidants according to NRC recommendations (NRC group), a basal diet according to Aviagen recommendations additionally supplemented with 200 IU/kg vitamin E, 250 mg/kg vitamin C, and 0.15 mg/kg selenium (HAOX group), and these two diets further supplemented with 5% linseed oil (NRC N-3 and HAOX N-3 groups). On day 22, the broilers were exposed to the following two environmental conditions: thermoneutral (TN, 21 °C) or cyclic HS (HS, 34 ± 1 °C, 7 h/d) in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. A high intake of n-3 PUFAs significantly decreased growth performance, dressing percentage, and breast yield, while the incidence of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat characteristics and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased. Cyclic HS reduced body weight (BW) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), but had limited effects on meat quality. No interactions between n-3 PUFAs and HS were observed for any measurements. High antioxidant supplementation increased breast yield, improved meat quality, and reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by an enhanced antioxidant activity and lower MDA levels. In conclusion, n-3 PUFAs had a negative effect on both the carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers, while HS primarily affected only carcass characteristics, with neither stressor having severe adverse effects. High levels of antioxidants could mitigate the negative effects of dietary- and heat-induced oxidative stress by enhancing the oxidative stability of broiler meat.

PPM1J regulates meat quality feature and glycerophospholipids composition in broiler by modulating protein dephosphorylation

The quality of broiler meat affects consumers’ purchasing decisions. Numerous studies have shown that phosphorylation of proteins in muscle can affect muscle quality. Here, metabolomics and transcriptomics were used to systematically identify the genetic regulation of differences in meat flavor among different broiler. By constructing the meat flavor-related metabolite-gene networks, we identified that protein phosphatase magnesium/manganese-dependent 1J (PPM1J), which is known to regulate a range of biological processes by modulating reversible protein phosphorylation, was a differentially expressed gene with the highest connectivity to meat flavor-related metabolites. Gain- and loss-of-function analysis revealed that PPM1J induced muscular atrophy, improved meat quality and regulated the composition of glycerophospholipids. More importantly, phosphoproteome and metabolome results found that PPM1J participates in the regulation of meat quality feature and glycerophospholipids composition by catalyzing protein dephosphorylation. Our study provides a basis for further understanding the molecular mechanism of meat quality feature and glycerophospholipids composition in broiler.

Mitigation of Oxidized Oil Effects on Production Performances and Meat Quality of Broilers by Dietary Supplementation of Allicin.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary oxidized oil and allicin (two different dietary sources) as natural antioxidants on the growth performance and meat quality of broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into four dietary groups (50 birds/group). The experimental groups (OO-oxidized oil; OOA-oxidized oil and allicin; OOG-oxidized oil and garlic leaves) differed from the control one by the presence of oxidized oil in their dietary structure (peroxide value 9.07 (OO, OOA and OOG groups) vs. 1.70 (C group) meq active oxygen/kg). The diets given to the experimental groups differed from each other by the presence of allicin (100 mg/kg inclusion rate as extract (OOA) and 0.5% as garlic leaf powder (OOG)). At the end of the experiment, six animals/group were slaughtered, meat samples (breast and thigh) were collected, and nutritional value was established. The results showed that the allicin included in the experimental diet did not influence the proximate composition of breast meat (crude protein, fat, ash, and dry matter). The fatty acid profile was determined for each group of samples; a significant decrease in omega 3 FAs was noticed between the C group and the E groups (3.27% vs. 1.46%, 1.60%, and 1.56%) in breast meat samples, and a corresponding increase was noticed in saturated fatty acid (SFA) concentrations. Health indices with implications for atheroma and thrombus formation and cholesterol level were negatively affected by the presence of oxidized oil in the experimental diets, but the allicin extract supplement appeared to mitigate its influence. A positive influence of the dietary supplement was noticed on antioxidant capacity and polyphenol concentrations determined in breast and thigh samples under allicin supplement influence. The results of the current study revealed that the use of low oxidized oil in broilers diets did not affect productive performance. The nutritional quality of meat (breast and thigh) was negatively influenced by the presence of oxidized oil, but allicin supplements (extract or garlic leaves) improved lipid quality indices and antioxidant potential.

Effects of cassava pellets and enzymes addition on growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical indices and cecum microbiota of broilers

The composition of feed significantly influences the growth performance and gut microbiota of broiler chicks, impacting their overall health and productivity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cassava pellets and enzymes supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical indices, and cecal microbial community of broiler chicks. A total of 144 healthy 1-day-old AA broilers were randomly assigned to six dietary groups: basal diet (K1), basal diet + 5 % cassava pellets (K2), basal diet + 10 % cassava pellets (K3), basal diet + 20 % cassava pellets (K4), basal diet + 20 % cassava pellets + 0.3 % tannase (K5), and basal diet + 20 % cassava pellets + 0.3 % tannase + 2500 U/kg α-amylase (K6). At 21 days, growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical indices, and cecal microbial composition were analyzed. Compared to K1, the end weight was significantly higher in the K3 and K5 groups (P < 0.05); average daily weight gain was significantly higher in the K3 and K6 groups (P < 0.05); and the feed-to-weight ratio was lower in the K3 group (P < 0.05). Cecal microbiota analysis revealed that the Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla. Alpha diversity showed a significant increase in the Chao index in the K3 group and in the Shannon and Simpson indices in the K6 group compared to the K1 group (P < 0.05). Beta diversity indicated similar microbial compositions across groups. LEfSe analysis showed increased numbers of specific bacteria in treated groups. Serum analysis revealed significantly higher ALT levels in the K4 group and higher IBIL levels in the K5 group (P < 0.05), with Bacteroides plebeius and Megamonas positively correlated with ALT (P < 0.05). The addition of 10 % cassava pellets to the diet improved the growth performance and meat quality of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age and enhanced the microbial composition, providing valuable insights for optimizing broiler diets and improving economic returns.

Sustainable improvement of broiler meat quality using glucomannan extract from porang tubers (Amorphophallus oncophyllus Prain) as prebiotic

Abstract Glucomannan is a prebiotic present in porang tubers can improve digestive health and nutritional efficiency of animal feed thus affecting the quality of meat produced. The study purposed to evaluate the impact of glucomannan extract from porang tubers (Amorphophallus oncophyllus Prain) as prebiotic on the physical and chemical quality of broiler meat. Conducted at the Flour House, Research and Technology Laboratory, Chemistry Laboratory of FMIPA, and Baru Village, Pancur Batu District, Deli Serdang Regency in February 2024. The average initial weight of broilers was 1484.17 ± 81.45 g. The research used a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments: 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% glucomannan, each with five replicates. Parameters measured included pH, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss, moisture content, fat content, and protein content. The results showed that the 0.4% glucomannan treatment produced the best results, with significantly improved pH stability, increased WHC, reduced cooking loss, and increased crude protein content while decreasing fat content. These results suggest that 0.4% glucomannan supplementation optimally improves the nutritional and physical quality of broiler meat. In conclusion, the inclusion of 0.4% glucomannan in broiler diets can improve meat quality and provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic feed additives in poultry production.

Effect of Dietary Crude Protein Reduction Levels on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Utilization, Blood Parameters, Meat Quality, and Welfare Index of Broilers in Welfare-Friendly Environments.

We investigated the effects of feeding different levels of crude protein (CP) on broiler performance, blood characteristics, meat quality, nutrient and nitrogen (N) availability, stress levels, and welfare indicators in a welfare environment. A total of 625 eight-day-old male broilers were assigned to five dietary CP levels (control (CON) and 1-4% CP reductions) during the grower (8-21 days) and finisher (22-35 days) periods. The CON diet contained 20% CP in the grower phase and 19% in the finisher phase, while all birds received a 22% CP diet during the starter period (1-7 days). Intriguingly, reducing CP levels in the diet did not significantly affect growth performance. These results may be due to the adequate supplementation of essential amino acids in the diets of all treatments and the compensatory growth observed in the finisher phase. Low-CP diets reduced CP digestibility, N intake, and N excretion, while N retention efficiency improved (p < 0.001). Serum total protein (TP) levels decreased equally with decreasing CP in the diet, and the crude fat content in meat increased linearly (p < 0.01). The litter moisture content and pH decreased with lower CP levels, and the welfare indices (footpad dermatitis (FPD), serum corticosterone, etc.) improved (p < 0.01). In conclusion, an appropriate reduction in CP levels in their diet can enhance broiler welfare by reducing N excretion and improving litter quality without adversely affecting performance.

Impact of low crude protein diets containing animal byproducts on growth performance, nitrogen excretion, meat yield, and quality in broiler chickens

This study examined the impact of a low crude protein (CP) diet incorporating meat and bone meal (MBM) as an alternative (AD) to standard diet, on broiler performance, nitrogen intake, excretion, and meat quality. A total of 846 male Ross 308 chicks were assigned to two diets in a randomized complete block design with 9 replicates of 47 birds/replicate. The diets were a plant-based control (20.4% and 19.5% CP) and an AD (−2.0% CP, +2.5% MBM) in the grower and finisher phases. Compared to the control, the AD reduced nitrogen intake ( P = 0.01) and excretion ( P &lt; 0.01) while improving nitrogen retention efficiency ( P &lt; 0.001) without affecting body weight, feed conversion, or carcass yield. Breast yield was higher in the AD group ( P &lt; 0.001). The ultimate pH of breast meat increased slightly ( P = 0.07), cooking loss decreased ( P = 0.002), sarcoplasmic protein solubility tended to increase ( P = 0.09) in the AD group, while muscle protein emulsifying properties remained unchanged. Breast meat proximate composition was not affected by the AD. In conclusion, the alternative diet can reduce nitrogen loss and emissions without negatively impacting broiler production, provided that amino acid requirements are met.

Influence of different levels of black soldier fly larvae meal on growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chickens

A study was conducted to examine the impact of two inclusion levels of Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) replacing soybean meal on growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers. Three experimental diets based on corn-soybean meal were developed to contain 0 (control), 6 (BSF 6) and 12% (BSF 12) BSFLMfor both starter and grower phases. Each experimental diet was randomly allotted to six replicate pens (eight birds per pen). The birds were offered starter pellets from 0 to 14 day post-hatch and grower pellets from 15 to 28 day post-hatch. The experimental diets were tested for pellet durability index (PDI). There was an interaction between diet and growth phase (P < 0.001) for pellet durability index where starter diets had always a higher PDI than the grower diets, but the difference was greater for control diet than BSF 6 and BSF 12 diets. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of diets and coefficients of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of nutrients were measured on day 28 using titanium dioxide marker ratios in the diet and excreta/ileal digesta. On day 28, the weights of live body, carcass, fat pad, breast and gizzard were recorded, and then breast meat quality (meat pH, drip loss and cooking loss) was examined. Inclusion of BSFLM of up to 12 % did not reduce live weight gain or feed intake. Live weight and carcass weight were heavier in broilers fed 12 % BSFLM than controls (P < 0.02), but were not different than those fed 6 %, while controls were not different than those fed 6 %. Breast weight (percentage live weight) was lower in birds offered 12 % BSFL than in others (P < 0.04). No differences were observed between diets for the percentage weight as carcass, fat, pad and gizzard. The AME and AMEc of diets were the highest in broilers fed 6 % BSFLM diet (P < 0.005), but there were no differences between controls and those fed 12 % BSFLM. The CAID of DM, ash and N in birds fed 6 % BSFLM were greater than (P < 0.03) birds fed 12 %, but were not different than controls, which were also not different than those fed 12 %. Broiler breast meat quality was unaffected by dietary treatments. In conclusion, BSFLM at 12 % can be used effectively as a SBM replacement in starter and grower diets, without affecting the growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chickens.

Dietary Pleurotus citrinopileatus Polysaccharide Improves Growth Performance and Meat Quality Associated with Alterations of Gut Microbiota in Arbor Acre Broilers.

Adding edible fungal polysaccharides to animal diets improves growth performance, meat quality, intestinal health, and immunity without adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Pleurotus citrinopileatus polysaccharide (PCP, including PCP250, PCP500, PCP750, and PCP1000 mg/kg) on the growth performance, meat quality, and microbial composition of Arbor Acre (AA) broilers (total 180) by metabolomics and high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that adding PCP enhanced chicken meat tenderness, redness (a*), and water retention and raised essential amino acids and flavor amino acids (such as umami and sweet amino acids) content. The metabolomics revealed that IMP, creatine, betaine, sarcosine, and taurine were related to improving meat quality in broilers by PCP addition. In addition, amino acid, purine, and lipid metabolism were the main metabolic pathways. Moreover, PCP could regulate muscle metabolism by increasing the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillus and the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Therefore, PCP may become a promising new dietary supplement in the future, which may improve the yield and quality of broiler chickens.