Breast Muscle Samples Research Articles

Goose Meat: Salting/Drying Effect on Nutritional Value, Physicochemical Properties, and Sensory Properties

Objective: In Kars and Ardahan, where climatic conditions are suitable for goose farming, the consumption of goose meat has been an integral part of local cuisine for generations. In conventional production, salting and drying play pivotal roles in enhancing flavor and preserving goose meat. This study aimed to identify the nutritional, physicochemical, and sensory properties of goose meat subjected to different salting and drying levels. Materials and methods: In this study, 16 naturally reared geese were collected from Hanak district of Ardahan province. Traditional cooking methods prevalent in the region, classical boiling and oven cooking, have been applied without the use of salt, spices, or food additives. Breast muscle samples were used for each treatment group. Subsequently, various analyses of physicochemical properties and nutritional parameters, including salt content, dry matter, pH, protein, fat, cooking loss, mineral content, and cholesterol level, were conducted for the raw and/or cooked samples. Sensory analysis was performed to assess the acceptability of the samples. Discussion and results: According to the results obtained, the most abundant minerals in the goose meat samples were determined as sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe), respectively. The amount of salt and drying time significantly affected cooking loss (P < 0.01). Additionally, it was found that different salting and drying levels significantly affected the overall consumer acceptability of goose meat (P < 0.01). Finally, it was concluded that the optimization of traditional salting and drying techniques not only enhances the flavor and shelf life of meat, but also plays a crucial role in meeting consumer demands for quality and nutritional value. Keywords: dry-cured; goose meat; nutrition; salting; sensory assessment; traditional meat product

Exercise Volume Provides New Insight into the Effects of Housing Systems on Chicken Body Conformation, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Serum Biochemical Parameters.

This study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in daily step counts under different housing systems and further explore the effects of housing system on the body conformation, carcass traits, meat quality, and serum biochemical parameters of a Chinese indigenous chicken breed. At 60 d of age, 300 Jiuyuan Black male chickens with similar body weights in each housing system were further raised until the age of 150 d. At 90, 120, and 150 d of age, in both cage-reared and free-range systems, the top 20 chickens with the highest step counts measured using pedometers and the bottom 20 chickens with the lowest step counts were designated as the cage high-steps group (CHS), the cage low-steps group (CLS), the free-range high-steps group (FHS), and the free-range low-steps group (FLS), respectively. The results show that, at any age stage, the average daily steps (ADS) and total steps (TS) of the FHS group are significantly higher than the other three groups (p < 0.05). The TS of almost all groups showed an overall downward trend as the age increased. Increased exercise volume results in reduced shank length (90 d), breast width (90 d), and keel length (150 d) (p < 0.05). Only birds at 90 d of age from the FHS and FLS groups exhibited lower live body weight, carcass weight, half-eviscerated weight, eviscerated weight, breast muscle weight, leg muscle weight, and percentage of eviscerated weight than the CLS group (p < 0.05). Birds from the FHS group showed the highest heart weight values but the lowest abdominal fat weight values among these four groups (p < 0.05). Both the breast and leg muscle samples from the FHS group displayed higher dry matter and shear force than those from the CHS and CLS groups (p < 0.05). The FHS group displayed the lowest intramuscular fat among the four groups (p < 0.05). The creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in chickens of all age stages were almost observed to rise with increased physical activity. In conclusion, free-range chickens with more exercise volume exhibited an elevated heart weight and reduced abdominal fat but showed negative effects on some body measurements and carcass traits. These results can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of different housing systems for Chinese indigenous chickens.

Occurrence of antimicrobial residues in broiler chickens from selected farms and markets in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animal meant for human and animal’s consumption lead to occurrence of antibiotic residues which threaten the health of both animals and humans. The aim of the study was to detect the presence of antimicrobial residues in broiler chicken in Kano state, Nigeria. Samples of fresh breast muscle, thigh muscle, liver and kidney were collected from 100 birds and examined using microbial inhibition test and ELISA test to determine the occurrence of antimicrobial residues and Enrofloxacin residues. A questionnaire was also administered to 33 workers and managers of the selected bird’s farms to assess their knowledge on the use of antibiotics and presence of antimicrobial residues. The result of the study revealed that 43% of the studied birds tested positive to antibiotic residue. Kidney samples recorded the highest (43%) residue present while thigh muscles (35%) recorded the least. The result indicated that among the birds detected with positive antibiotic residues, 36.4% were also positive for Enrofloxacin residue. All the respondents were using one or more antibiotic for treatment, prophylaxis or both and to a lesser extent as growth promoters. Majority (55.5%) of the respondents were not aware of the presence of residues in poultry. Most of the respondents (63.7%) have knowledge of withdrawal period but all of them were not observing withdrawal practice before disposing their birds. Doxycycline antibiotic was found to be the most indiscriminately use antibiotic, while erythromycin and chloramphenicol are the least. The study advocates the need for awareness campaigns for the farmers on the correct way of administering the antibiotics with special emphasis on withdrawal periods as well as continuous monitoring of the residues for public health reasons.

Dietary Paper Mulberry Silage Supplementation Improves the Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Yangzhou Goose

There have been few investigations into the health benefits and meat quality of supplementing Yangzhou geese with paper mulberry silage. One hundred and twenty 28-day-old Yangzhou geese were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CON) and a paper mulberry silage group (PM), with six replicates in each group. The experiment lasted for a total of 6 weeks. The experiment found that compared with CON, PM had a promoting effect on the average daily weight gain of Yangzhou geese (p = 0.056). Sensory and nutritional analysis of breast muscles revealed a decrease in a* value (p &lt; 0.05) and an increase in protein content (p &lt; 0.05) following PM treatment. Through untargeted metabolomics analysis of breast muscle samples, it was found that 11 different metabolites, including guanidinoacetic acid and other substances, had a positive effect on amino acid metabolism and lipid antioxidant pathways of PM treatment. Overall, the strategy of feeding Yangzhou geese with paper mulberry silage is feasible, which can improve the sensory quality and nutritional value of goose meat. The experiment provides basic data for the application form of goose breeding, so exploring the impact of substances within paper mulberry on goose meat should be focused on in the future.

Effects of dietary supplementation of postbiotic derived from Bacillus subtilis ACCC 11025 on growth performance, meat yield, meat quality, excreta bacteria, and excreta ammonia emission of broiler chicks

The primary aim of this study was to explore the impact of dietary supplementation with a postbiotic derived from Bacillus subtilis ACCC 11025 on growth performance, meat yield, meat quality, excreta bacterial populations, and excreta ammonia emissions of broiler chicks. A total of 480 day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks, initially weighing 52.83 ± 1.38 g, were randomly allocated into 4 distinct groups. Each group was housed in 6 separate cages, each containing 20 birds. The experimental phase spanned 42 d, divided into 2 periods (d 1-21 and d 22-42). Dietary interventions were based on a basal diet, with postbiotic supplementation at levels of 0.000, 0.015, 0.030, or 0.045%. Our findings indicate that dietary supplementation with postbiotic had a positive influence on body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency. The most substantial improvements in BWG and feed efficiency were observed in the group of broiler chicks fed a diet containing 0.015% postbiotic. Furthermore, the inclusion of postbiotic in the diet led to an increase in the yield of breast and leg muscles, with a significant difference in meat yields observed between the control group and the group receiving 0.015% postbiotic supplementation. It's noteworthy that dietary manipulation did not exert any discernible impact on the quality of breast and leg muscle samples. Concurrently, we observed an elevation in serum albumin and total protein contents corresponding to the increasing postbiotic dosage in the diet. Additionally, dietary supplementation with postbiotic effectively controlled the emission of ammonia from excreta and reduced the abundance of Salmonella in excreta while enhancing the presence of Lactobacillus bacteria. The group receiving 0.015% postbiotic supplementation displayed the lowest levels of ammonia emission and the highest counts of Lactobacillus bacteria in excreta. In light of these results, we conclude that dietary supplementation with 0.015% postbiotic represents an efficacious strategy for increasing BWG and meat yield of broiler chicks by enhancing feed efficiency as well as mitigating ammonia emissions from excreta by modulating the composition of excreta bacterial communities.

Research Note: Chromium propionate for turkeys: effect on tissue chromium concentrations and human food safety

This study was conducted to determine the effect of supplementing turkey diets with chromium propionate (Cr Prop) on Cr concentrations in tissues consumed by humans. Nicholas White male day-old poults were used in this study. Treatments consisted of 0, 0.20, or 1.0 mg supplemental Cr/kg diet. Each treatment consisted of 8 replicate floor pens with 12 poults housed per pen. Diets were fed ad libitum for 84 d. At the end of the study, 2 turkeys per pen were euthanized and samples of liver, breast muscle, kidney, and skin with adhering fat were collected from a similar location in each bird for Cr analysis. Orthogonal contrasts were used to compare the 2 Cr supplemented treatments to the control (0 added Cr) and 0.20 mg Cr to 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet. When expressed on a DM or wet tissue basis, liver (P=0.001) and muscle (P=0.015) Cr concentrations were greater in turkeys supplemented with Cr compared with controls. Chromium concentrations in liver were also greater (P=0.001) in turkeys supplemented with 1.0 mg Cr/kg than those receiving 0.20 mg Cr/kg. Concentrations of Cr in kidney and skin+fat were not affected by treatment. Considering the adequate intake of Cr established for humans, supplementation of Cr Prop at up to 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet would have minimal effect on total Cr intake by humans.

Characteristics and potential biomarkers of flavor compounds in four Chinese indigenous chicken breeds.

Chinese indigenous chickens have a long history of natural and artificial selection and are popular for their excellent meat quality and unique flavor. This study investigated six meat quality-related traits in Ningdu yellow, Baier yellow, Kangle, and Shengze 901 chickens. Two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to detect unique flavors in 24 breast muscle samples from the same phenotyped chickens. Overall, 685, 618, 502, and 487 volatile organic compounds were identified in Ningdu yellow, Baier yellow, Kangle, and Shengze 901 chickens, respectively. The flavor components were separated into eight categories, including hydrocarbons and aldehydes. Multivariate analyses of the identified flavor components revealed some outstanding features of these breeds. For example, the hydrocarbons (22.09%) and aldehydes (14.76%) were higher in Ningdu yellow chickens and the highest content of N, N-dimethyl-methylamine was in Ningdu yellow, Baier yellow, and Shengze 901 chickens, indicating the maximum attribution to the overall flavor (ROAV = 439.57, 289.21, and 422.80). Furthermore, we found that 27 flavor compounds differed significantly among the four Chinese breeds, including 20 (e.g., 1-octen-3-ol), two (e.g., 2-methyl-naphthalene), four (e.g., 2,6-lutidine), and one (benzophenone) flavor components were showed significant enrichment in Ningdu yellow, Baier yellow, Kangle, and Shengze 901 chickens, respectively. The flavor components enriched in each breed were key biomarkers distinguishing breeds and most were significantly correlated with meat quality trait phenotypes. These results provide novel insights into indigenous Chinese chicken meat flavors.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals Concentration in Poultry Feed and Poultry Products

The study was conducted to determine absorption of essential and non- essential trace minerals from poultry feed to poultry products. Poultry feed, liver, muscles and egg samples were collected from six poultry farms of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium and Iron were analysed in the samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer. Iron, Lead and Chromium exceeded the permissible limits set by World Health Organization and National Research Council in Poultry feed. Lead was high in liver, breast muscles, thigh muscles, egg albumen and egg yolk. Chromium was found in feed, egg yolk, egg albumen and two (02) of the liver and breast muscle samples. Mercury was not detected in any of the samples. Liver contains significantly higher concentration of detected heavy metals as compared to thigh and breast muscles and egg yolk contained significantly high concentrations of Iron, Cadmium and Lead as compared to egg albumen. Standards requirements for feed manufacturers and poultry farmers should be maintained to monitor and mitigate routes of entry of contaminants in the food chain.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals Concentration in Poultry Feed and Poultry Products

The study was conducted to determine the absorption of essential and non-essential trace minerals from poultry feed to poultry products. Poultry feed, liver, muscles, and egg samples were collected from six poultry farms in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, and Iron were analyzed in the samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer. Iron, Lead, and Chromium exceeded the permissible limits set by World Health Organization and National Research Council in Poultry feed. Lead was high in the liver, breast muscles, thigh muscles, egg albumen, and egg yolk. Chromium was found in feed, egg yolk, egg albumen, and two (02) of the liver and breast muscle samples. Mercury was not detected in any of the samples. The liver contains significantly higher concentrations of detected heavy metals as compared to thigh and breast muscles and egg yolk contained significantly high concentrations of Iron, Cadmium, and Lead as compared to egg albumen. Standards requirements for feed manufacturers and poultry farmers should be maintained to monitor and mitigate routes of entry of contaminants in the food chain.

Detection and mitigation of antibiotic residues in poultry products and byproducts

Majority of the people in Bangladesh are still not aware about the health hazards of antibiotic residues. In this research, farmer’s awareness has been investigated by a questionnaire in different poultry farms, retail sellers and poultry markets and spread out the knowledge of public health hazards of antibiotics residues. Poultry farmers were found well educated about health hazards of antibiotic residues and aware about the judicial use of antibiotics before selling the poultry for human consumptions. During this survey, sufficient samples (thigh muscle, breast muscle, liver etc., n=100) were collected from different poultry farms, retail sellers and poultry markets. Randomly 50 livers, 50 thigh muscle and 50 breast muscle samples respectively were evaluated by TLC analysis. Out of 50 samples for each 2 liver, 2 breast muscle and 2 thigh muscle samples were found positive for Amoxicillin antibiotic; 5 liver, 3 breast muscle and 3 thigh muscle samples were found positive for Ciprofloxacin; 3 liver, 3 breast muscle and 3 thigh muscle samples were found positive for Cefalexin; 2 liver, 2 breast muscle and 2 thigh muscle samples were found positive for Enrofloxacin; 4 liver, 2 breast muscle and 2 thigh muscle samples were found positive for Oxytetracycline. Gentamicin and Neomycin were found negative for any samples. Further investigation was done in indoor discriminate and indiscriminate use of antibiotics (Cefalexin) in broilers. Indoor experiment was investigated in poultry chicks. Day old chicks were collected and reared up to 30 days. On day 14th, the chicks were randomly divided into three groups namely control group (n=10), discriminate antibiotic group (n=10) and indiscriminate antibiotic group (n=10). Discriminate antibiotic group was treated with antibiotics (Cefalexin) for one week followed by withdrawal period for one week, whereas; indiscriminate antibiotic group was treated with antibiotic (Cefalexin) for two weeks until the day of sacrifice. Liver, thigh muscle and breast muscle samples were collected and evaluated by TLC method. Control and discriminate antibiotics birds were found negative for any antibiotics residues. On the other hand, ten liver samples, eight thigh muscles and eight breast muscles were found positive for Cefalexin in indiscriminate group. Indiscriminate uses of antibiotic indicated that antibiotic residue mitigation for human safe meat production depends on withdrawal period and farmers awareness. Therefore, poultry treated with antibiotics are required for specific withdrawal period until all residues are depleted to safe levels before human consumption. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2023, 7 (1), 33-39

Effect of crossbreeding and sex on slaughter performance and meat quality in Xingguo gray goose based on multiomics data analysis

Here, we examined the effects of crossbreeding and sex on growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality in Xingguo gray (XG) goose, using transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques. The experiment was conducted using 400 goslings (1-day old) of 2 genotypes: the XG breed and its ternary hybrids [F2 geese; (XG Goose♂×Yangzhou Goose♀)♀×Shitou Goose♂]. The goslings were divided into 4 groups: female XG, male XG, female F2 geese, and male F2 geese, and growth parameters were examined at 70 d of age, using 30 birds from each group. Following slaughter, samples of breast and thigh muscles were collected from each group for chemical, metabolome, and transcriptome analyses. Growth rate, live body and slaughter weights, meat chemical composition, and muscle fiber diameter were affected by crossbreeding and sex. Crossbreeding significantly improved the dressing percentage, semieviscerated rate, eviscerated yield, and abdominal fat yield of XG geese. To clarify the potential regulatory network affected by crossbreeding and sex, we used RNA-seq and nontargeted metabolomics to detect changes in male and female goose breast muscle. The transcriptome results showed that there were 534, 323, 297, and 492 differently expressed genes (DEGs) among the 4 comparison groups (XG-Female vs. F2-Female, XG-Male vs. F2-Male, F2-Male vs. F2-Female, and XG-Male vs. XG-Female, respectively) that were mainly related to muscle growth and development and fatty acid metabolism pathways. A total of 141 significantly differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were enriched in serine and threonine, propionate, and pyruvate metabolism. Finally, we comprehensively analyzed the metabolome and transcriptome data and found that many DEGs and DAMs played crucial roles in lipid metabolism and muscle growth and development. In summary, crossbreeding can improve XG goose production performance and affect breast muscle gene expression and metabolites in both female and male geese.

RNA N6-methyladenosine profiling reveals differentially methylated genes associated with intramuscular fat metabolism during breast muscle development in chicken

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is an important indicator for determining meat quality, and IMF deposition during muscle development is regulated by a complex molecular network involving multiple genes. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNA plays an important regulatory role in muscle adipogenesis. However, the distribution of m6A and its role in IMF metabolism in poultry has not been reported. In the present study, a transcriptome-wide m6A profile was constructed using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequence (MeRIP-seq) and RNA sequence (RNA-seq) to explore the potential mechanism of regulating IMF deposition in the breast muscle based on the comparative analysis of IMF differences in the breast muscles of 42 (group G), 126 (group S), and 180-days old (group M) Jingyuan chickens. The findings revealed that the IMF content in the breast muscle increased significantly with the increase in the growth days of the Jingyuan chickens (P < 0.05). The m6A peak in the breast muscles of the 3 groups was highly enriched in the coding sequence (CDS) and 3' untranslated regions (3' UTR), which corresponded to the consensus motif RRACH. Moreover, we identified 129, 103, and 162 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) in the breast muscle samples of the G, S, and M groups, respectively. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that DMGs are involved in many physiological activities of muscle fat anabolism. The m6A-induced ferroptosis pathway was identified in breast muscle tissue as a new target for regulating IMF metabolism. In addition, association analysis demonstrated that LMOD2 and its multiple m6A negatively regulated DMGs are potential regulators of IMF differential deposition in muscle. The findings of the present study provide a solid foundation for further investigation into the potential role of m6A modification in regulating chicken fat metabolism.

In ovo corticosterone exposure does not influence yolk steroid hormone relative abundance or skeletal muscle development in the embryonic chicken

In ovo corticosterone (CORT) exposure reportedly reduces growth and alters body composition traits in meat-type chickens. However, the mechanisms governing alterations in growth and body composition remain unclear but could involve myogenic stem cell commitment, and/or the presence of yolk steroid hormones. This study investigated whether in ovo CORT exposure influenced yolk steroid hormone content, as well as embryonic myogenic development in meat-type chickens. Fertile eggs were randomly divided at embryonic day (ED) 11 and administered either a control (CON; 100 µL of 10 mM PBS) or CORT solution (100 µL of 10 mM PBS containing 1 µg CORT) into the chorioallantoic membrane. Yolk samples were collected at ED 0 and ED 5. At ED 15 and hatch, embryos were humanely killed, and yolk and breast muscle (BM) samples were collected. The relative abundance of 15 steroid hormones, along with total lipid content was measured in yolk samples collected at ED 0, ED 5, ED 15, and ED 21. Muscle fiber number, cross-sectional area, and fascicle area occupied by muscle fibers were measured in BM samples collected at hatch. Relative expression of MyoD, MyoG, Pax7, PPARγ, and CEBP/β, and the sex steroid receptors were measured in BM samples collected at hatch. The administration of CORT had a limited effect on yolk steroid hormones. In ovo CORT significantly reduced fascicle area occupied by muscle fibers and CEBP/β expression was increased in CORT exposed birds at hatch. In addition, the quantity of yolk lipid was significantly reduced in CORT-treated birds. In conclusion, in ovo exposure to CORT does not appear to influence early muscle development through yolk steroid hormones in embryonic meat-type chickens however, the results provide a comprehensive analysis of the composition of yolk steroid hormones in ovo at different developmental time points. The findings may suggest increased mesenchymal stem cell commitment to the adipogenic lineage during differentiation and requires further investigation.

Integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals alterations in energy metabolism and mitochondrial functionality in broiler chickens with wooden breast

This integrative study of transcriptomics and metabolomics aimed to improve our understanding of Wooden Breast myopathy (WB). Breast muscle samples from 8 WB affected and 8 unaffected male broiler chickens of 47 days of age were harvested for metabolite profiling. Among these 16 samples, 5 affected and 6 unaffected also underwent gene expression profiling. The Joint Pathway Analysis was applied on 119 metabolites and 3444 genes exhibiting differential abundance or expression between WB affected and unaffected chickens. Mitochondrial dysfunctions in WB was suggested by higher levels of monoacylglycerols and down-regulated genes involved in lipid production, fatty acid beta oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation. Lower levels of carnosine and anserine, along with down-regulated carnosine synthase 1 suggested decreased carnosine synthesis and hence impaired antioxidant capacity in WB. Additionally, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis results indicated that abundance of inosine monophosphate, significantly lower in WB muscle, was correlated with mRNA expression levels of numerous genes related to focal adhesion, extracellular matrix and intercellular signaling, implying its function in connecting and possibly regulating multiple key biological pathways. Overall, this study showed not only the consistency between transcript and metabolite profiles, but also the potential in gaining further insights from analyzing multi-omics data.

Comparative Analysis of the Temporal Impacts of Corticosterone and Simulated Production Stressors on the Metabolome of Broiler Chickens.

The impact of physiological stress on the metabolome of breast muscle, liver, kidney, and hippocampus was investigated in Ross 308 broiler chicks. Simulated on-farm stressors were compared to a corticosterone model of physiological stress. The three different stressors investigated were: (i) corticosterone at a dose of 15 mg/kg of feed; (ii) heat treatment of 36 °C and 40% RH for 8 h per day; and (iii) isolation for 1 h per day. Liver, kidney, breast muscle, and hippocampus samples were taken after 2, 4, 6, and 8 days of stress treatment, and subjected to untargeted 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolomic analysis to provide insights on how stress can modulate metabolite profiles and biomarker discovery. Many of the metabolites that were significantly altered in tissues were amino acids, with glycine and alanine showing promise as candidate biomarkers of stress. Corticosterone was shown to significantly alter alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism in the liver, breast, and hippocampus, while isolation altered the same pathways, but only in the kidneys and hippocampus. Isolation also significantly altered the glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism pathway in the liver and breast, while the same pathway was significantly altered by heat in the liver, kidneys, and hippocampus. The study's findings support corticosterone as a model of stress. Moreover, a number of potential metabolite biomarkers were identified in chicken tissues, which may allow producers to effectively monitor stress and to objectively develop and evaluate on-farm mitigations, including practices that reduce stress and enhance bird health.

WAY TO IMPROVE THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND SANITARY AND HYGIENIC QUALITIES OF BROILER MEAT DURING THE DETOXIFICATION OF HEAVY METALS

Specialists in poultry nutrition are researching the proper selection of feed biologically active additives with high sorption properties and enzyme preparations. They are able in the digestive tract of poultry to firmly bind salts of heavy metals and remove them from the body. The aim of the research - is to substantiate experimentally the rational use of feed additives of sorbent Elitox and multi-enzyme complex Khostazim C-500 in doses of 0,5 kg/t feed (both separately and in the complex) in diets of broiler chickens based on barley and sunflower oilcake for detoxification of heavy metals and optimization of consumer properties of poultry meat. The authors found that the joint feeding of the sorbent and the multi-enzyme complex provided the best productive effect. The chickens of the 4th experimental group were ahead of the control analogs in terms of slaughter parameters due to the elimination of xenobiotics and weight of half-gutted carcass by 10.3% (P&lt;0.05), gutted - by 10.3% (P&gt;&lt;0.05) and the value of slaughter yield - by 0.62%. In meat chickens of this group, the nutritional properties of meat improved by increasing the proportion of dry matter in femur and breast muscle samples by 1.07 (P&gt;&lt;0.05) and 1.11 % (P&gt;&lt;0.05), Protein - by 1,08 (P&gt;&lt;0,05) and 1,10 (P&gt;&lt;0,05) at simultaneous reduction of fat concentration - by 0,48 (P&gt;&lt;0,05) and 0,49 % (P&gt;&lt;0,05) correspondingly, and also due to increase of protein-vitamin concentrate value by 15,96 % (P&gt;&lt;0,05). Compared with the control analogs in poultry of the 4th group, an increase in the environmental safety of meat due to a decrease in the concentration of zinc ions in the thigh and breast muscle samples by 3.16 (P&gt;&lt;0.05) and 3.52 (P&gt;&lt;0.05) times, cadmium by 3.60 (P&gt;&lt;0.05) and 3.81 (P&gt;&lt;0.05), lead by 3.29 (P&gt;&lt;0.05) and 4.00 (P&gt;&lt;0.05) times respectively was noted.&gt;˂0.05), gutted - by 10.3% (P˂0.05) and the value of slaughter yield - by 0.62%. In meat chickens of this group, the nutritional properties of meat improved by increasing the proportion of dry matter in femur and breast muscle samples by 1.07 (P˂0.05) and 1.11 % (P˂0.05), Protein - by 1,08 (P˂0,05) and 1,10 (P˂0,05) at simultaneous reduction of fat concentration - by 0,48 (P˂0,05) and 0,49 % (P˂0,05) correspondingly, and also due to increase of protein-vitamin concentrate value by 15,96 % (P˂0,05). Compared with the control analogs in poultry of the 4th group, an increase in the environmental safety of meat due to a decrease in the concentration of zinc ions in the thigh and breast muscle samples by 3.16 (P˂0.05) and 3.52 (P˂0.05) times, cadmium by 3.60 (P˂0.05) and 3.81 (P˂0.05), lead by 3.29 (P˂0.05) and 4.00 (P˂0.05) times respectively was noted.

Differences in bedding material could alter the growth performance of White Pekin ducks raised for 42 days.

The effect of different commercially available bedding materials on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of ducks for 42 days was investigated. 336 one-day-old White-Pekin ducklings (60.48 ± 0.16 g) were randomly allocated into 24-floor pens with one of the three beddings namely i) coco peat, ii) rice husks, or iii) sawdust. 14 ducklings per pen and 8 replicate pens per bedding material were used. Birds were fed a starter diet from days 1-21 and a grower diet from days 22-42. Weekly growth performance evaluation was conducted for the average body weight, weight gains, daily feed intake, and feed conversion efficiency. One bird per pen was sacrificed on day 42 for the evaluation of carcass characteristics including the carcass, breast, and leg muscle percentages. Breast and leg muscle samples were then collected and analyzed for their proximate and pH values. Higher body weights (p < 0.05) were noticed with rice husks on day 42 only. Improved daily gains (p < 0.05) were also noticed for birds raised with rice husks over the entire period (days 1-42). Concerning feed intake, higher values (p < 0.05) were similarly noted with rice husks for the grower phase (days 22-42), and the entire experimental period (days 1-42). Marginally improved feed intake values were also noted with the use of rice husks as the bedding materials on day 42 (p = 0.092). Improved feed efficiency (p < 0.05) was noticed with rice husks on day 35, the grower period, and the entire 42-day period. However, no significant differences were noticed for most of the carcass characteristics that were evaluated. Nevertheless, higher (p < 0.05) pH values for the breast muscle were noticed with the use of coco peat and sawdust as the bedding. Conclusively, the bedding type could have a significant impact on the growth performance of ducks without adverse effects on carcass characteristics. The use of rice husks as bedding might be advantageous and is therefore recommended.

Lipid metabolism, fatty acid composition and meat quality in broilers supplemented with increasing levels of defrosted black soldier fly larvae

A feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of feeding defrosted whole black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to broilers in increasing levels in the ration on blood metabolites, carcass characteristics (CC) and on changes in fatty acid (FA) composition in plasma, muscle and abdominal fat. Day-old chicks (Ross-308; n=252) were assigned to one of four groups each with 6 replicate pens (10-11 birds/pen). The birds were fed either a demand-oriented age-specific control (CON) diet and had no access to BSFL, or fed CON plus BSFL at 10% (L10), 20% (L20) or 30% (L30) of CON feed intake. At weeks (wk) 4 and 6, birds (2 per pen) were slaughtered to collect blood, breast muscle, and abdominal fat samples and to determine CC. Plasma triglyceride concentrations increased in a dose dependent manner with increasing levels of whole BSFL compared with CON (P&lt;0.05). The L30 and L20 had higher plasma non-esterified FA concentrations than CON (P&lt;0.05). There were no differences in slaughter weight and CC between groups (P&gt;0.05). Broilers fed 30% BSFL had the highest saturated FA proportion in plasma, muscle and abdominal fat and the lowest monounsaturated FA proportion in abdominal fat tissue (P&lt;0.05). The levels of total polyunsaturated FA in plasma and abdominal fat were lower in L30 than in CON (P&lt;0.05). In plasma, muscle and abdominal fat, the proportion of conjugated linoleic acid (isomer C18:2cis-9, trans-11) was highest in L30 followed by L20 and L10 compared with CON (P&lt;0.05). Overall, whole BSFL could be included in broiler diets up to 20% to promote sustainability in broiler farming without adverse effects on slaughter weight, meat quality and FA compositions, whereas, the highest inclusion level (i.e. 30%) of whole BSFL in the daily ration was associated with altered FA composition in plasma, fat and meat.

Bio-Fermented Malic Acid Facilitates the Production of High-Quality Chicken via Enhancing Muscle Antioxidant Capacity of Broilers.

Malic acid, an intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is a promising acidifier with strong antioxidant capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bio-fermented malic acid (BFMA) on promoting the body health, performance and meat quality of broilers. A total of 288 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates in each. Every replicate had 12 chicks. Four experimental diets contained 0, 4, 8, and 12 g/kg BFMA, respectively. During the 42-day trial, mortality was recorded daily, feed intake and body weight of each replicate being recorded every week. Blood samples were collected on days 21 and 42 for chemical analysis. After slaughter at the age of 42 days, the carcass traits and meat quality of the broilers were measured, breast muscle samples were collected for the determination of antioxidant capacity, and cecal digesta were pretreated for microbiota analysis. Dietary BFMA significantly increased feed intake and daily gain, and decreased feed conversion ratio and death and culling ratio of the broilers at the earlier stage. The water-holding capacity of breast muscle indicated by the indexes of dripping loss and cooking loss was significantly increased by BFMA, especially at the addition level of 8 g/kg. Dietary BFMA significantly decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase and contents of immunoglobulin A and glutathione, and increased contents of immunoglobulin G and M in serum of the broilers. The contents of glutathione, inosinic acid, and total antioxidant capacity and the activities of glutathione-Px and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased by dietary BFMA, with the level of 8 g/kg best. The diversity of cecal microbiota of broilers was obviously altered by BFMA. In conclusion, as one of several acidifiers, addition of BFMA in diets could improve the performance and body health of broilers, probably by reinforcing immunity and perfecting cecal microbiota structure. As one of the intermediates of the TCA cycle, BFMA increases the water-holding capacity of breast muscle of broilers, probably through reducing lactate accumulates and enhancing antioxidant capacity.

Effect of Phytobiotic Composition on Production Parameters, Oxidative Stress Markers and Myokine Levels in Blood and Pectoral Muscle of Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryIntensive rearing of broiler chickens is accompanied with pathological processes occurring in muscle tissue that decrease meat quality. The application of common spices as feed additives for chickens may improve the birds’ health and prevent the development of myopathies. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the effect of the dietary level of a phytobiotic composition on the production parameters, oxidative stress markers and myokine levels in the blood and pectoral muscle of broiler chickens. The composition consisted of red pepper fruit, white mustard seed, soapwort root, calamus rhizome, and thymol, and it was tested at two levels, i.e., 60 and 100 mg/kg diet. The results showed that dietary supplementation with phytobiotic composition at the level of 100 mg/kg diet improved feed efficiency in broiler chickens and might improve the quality and economy of broiler meat production. The plant constituents exerted their beneficial effects on meat via decreasing tumor necrosis factor-α concentration in pectoral muscle and increasing interleukin-6 content in the blood of chickens.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary level of a phytobiotic composition (PBC) on production parameters, oxidative stress markers and cytokine levels in the blood and breast muscle of broiler chickens. The experiment was performed on 48 one-day-old female Ross 308 broiler chickens divided into three groups (n = 16) fed the control diet (without PBC), and a diet supplemented with 60 or 100 mg/kg of PBC. After 35 days of feeding, blood and breast muscle samples were collected for analyses. There was no effect on final body weight and feed intake but PBC addition (100 mg/kg) improved feed efficiency as compared to the control. Also, this dietary level of PBC contributed to an increase in interlukin-6 content in blood and a reduction in tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations in pectoral muscle in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, the addition of 100 mg/kg PBC improved the production parameters of broiler chickens and beneficially influenced the regeneration and protection of pectoral muscle against pathophysiological processes that may occur during intensive rearing.