Growth performance and carcass and meat quality of broiler chickens fed diets containing micronized-dehulled peas (Pisum sativum cv. Spirale) as a substitute of soybean meal

White and honey Chlorella vulgaris: Sustainable ingredients with the potential to improve nutritional value of pork frankfurters without compromising quality

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the chlorophyll-deficient microalgae mutants, honey (yellow) and white Chlorella vulgaris, (3%) on the nutritional, physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of frankfurters. The presence of microalgae resulted in increased PUFA content and higher PUFA/SFA ratio, but lower n-6/n-3 ratio and lipid indices (P < 0.05). C. vulgaris inclusion in frankfurters increased (P < 0.05) Na, K, Ca, P, and Zn and improved the Na/K ratio, but lowered Mn, and in the case of white C. vulgaris, Cu content, compared to the control. The higher protein content decreased water release from emulsions elaborated with microalgae. White C. vulgaris inclusion decreased cohesiveness and springiness of the frankfurters. Due to the presence of pigment, microalgae inclusion led to a decrease in redness and an increase in yellowness of frankfurters. The presence of microalgae resulted in lower (P < 0.05) bacterial counts and did not affect TBARs during storage. The addition of microalgae in frankfurters produced acceptable sensory characteristics but resulted in lower scores compared to reference products.

Production Efficiency and Utility Features of Broiler Ducks Fed with Feed Thinned with Wheat Grain

The aim of this study was to evaluate the production efficiency (economics), growth, and meat quality of ducks fed with feed partially replaced with wheat. A total of 200 ducks were reared for 49 days. Each group consisted of 50 ducks (5 pens with 10 birds). For slaughter, 10 birds per group were chosen. The control group (C) was provided with a complete feed. In the experimental groups, from 42 to 49 days, the feed was replaced with wheat grains at the level of 10% (W10), 20% (W20), or 40% (W40). In the W20 and W40 groups, the cost of feed was reduced. In the W40 group, the profit per 1 kg carcass was increased by PLN 3.34 (more than 24% higher than the C group profit). A higher percentage of pectoral muscles and intramuscular fat was observed in the W20 group, with lower water content. A lower water-holding capacity (WHC) was observed in the duck leg muscles in group W40. The muscles from the W20 group had higher protein, collagen, and water content, and the fat was highest in the W40 group. A lower toughness of cooked meat was observed in the W20 group, and lower shear force in the pectoral muscles of groups C and W40. Thinning feed with wheat grains could represent an alternative to conventional feeding of broiler ducks, owing to reduced feed costs, with no negative impact on utility features, including growth, except the share of pectoral muscle and water absorption traits.

Carcass and Meat Quality Traits of Medium-Growing Broiler Chickens Fed Soybean or Pea Bean and Raised under Semi-Intensive Conditions

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the total replacement of flaked soybean (Glycine max L., SOY) with raw pea (Pisum sativum L., PEA) on the carcass and meat quality traits of two medium-growing broiler strains (Kabir Rosso Plus, KB; New Red, NR). Birds were housed in 20 pens (five replications/groups, six birds each). At 83 days of age, 40 birds (2/replication) were slaughtered and the pectoral muscle (PM) was removed for analyses. Diet did not affect slaughter weight, carcass traits and meat quality. A pea diet determined a significant increase of MUFA and a decrease of PUFA, n-3 and n-6 PUFA; hence, the pea-fed group had a lower PUFA/SFA and a higher n-6/n-3 ratios compared to the soy-fed. NR chickens were heavier, with higher carcass and cut weights (p < 0.01) compared to KB chickens. Interactions (p < 0.05) between factors were found for PM weight and yield. Meat from NR had a higher (p < 0.05) pH. Fatty acids were slightly affected by genotype. Replacing soybean with pea adversely affects meat fatty acid composition in terms of nutritional profile.

The effect of the dietary inclusion of pea seeds of colored-flowered and white-flowered varieties on gastrointestinal function in turkeys

This study investigated the effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with graded levels of pea seeds (PS) on the gastrointestinal function of turkeys. Seeds of 2 pea varieties, a colored-flowered variety and a white-flowered variety (CFP and WFP, respectively) were fed to 56-d-old birds for 8 wk. A total of 539 female Hybrid turkeys were allocated to 7 groups, each group consisted of 7 pens with 11 birds per pen. The experiment had a 2-factorial design, with 3 dietary inclusion levels of PS (100, 200 and 300 g/kg) and 2 pea varieties (CFP and WFP). The control group (diets without PS) was compared with CFP and WFP treatments by simple contrast analysis. In comparison with CFP seeds, WFP seeds contained 7-fold less tannins (0.67 vs. 4.66 g/kg) and less non-starch polysaccharides (NSP, 117.8 vs. 132.7 g/kg), but more trypsin inhibitors (1.34 vs. 0.98 g/kg) and starch (489 vs. 455 g/kg). A rise in the PS content of diets from 100 to 200 and 300 g/kg increased the weight of the small intestine (P = 0.031) and the dry matter (DM) content of intestinal digesta (P = 0.001), but it had no effect on the pH of digesta. Only the highest PS content differentiated the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the small intestinal digesta (WFP > CFP, P = 0.008), whereas PS did not cause any changes in the morphological parameters of the small intestinal mucosa. The dietary inclusion of PS had no influence on the levels of acetate, butyrate, putrefactive SCFAs or total SCFAs in the cecal contents. Apart from increasing the activities of β-glucosidase (P = 0.017) and β-galactosidase (P = 0.025), pea varieties did not affect the activities of the analyzed cecal microbial enzymes. However, CFP seeds decreased the DM content (P = 0.041) and increased the pH of cecal digesta, compared with WFP seeds (P = 0.013). The results of this study, pointing to a few differences in the functional parameters of the small intestine and cecum, indicate that tannins are not a factor differentiating the suitability of CFP and WFP seeds in the nutrition of finisher turkeys. The inclusion of PS at 200 and 300 g/kg of the diet reduces the content of SBM and wheat in turkey diets, which has a positive effect on gastrointestinal function.

Supplementation of Broiler Chicken Feed Mixtures with Micronised Oilseeds and the Effects on Nutrient Contents and Mineral Profiles of Meat and Some Organs, Carcass Composition Parameters, and Health Status

In this study, we included 15% doses of infrared-irradiated camelina, flax, and sunflower seeds in the diets of broiler chickens (grower and finisher) and focused on assessing the effects on the production traits, selected slaughter analysis parameters, nutrients, and minerals in breast and drumstick meat and some organs, i.e., liver, proventriculus, and heart. In total, 200 one-day-old broiler chickens were assigned randomly to four treatments with five replicate cages of 10 broiler chickens per cage (five females and five males). The experiment lasted 6 weeks. In the group of broiler chickens in which diets were supplemented with micronised camelina and flax seeds, there was an increase in (p < 0.05) breast, thigh, and drumstick weight and a decrease (p < 0.05) in the abdominal fat of the carcasses. The oilseed treatments reduced the ether extract content and the calorific value in the breast and drumstick muscles and organs. The flax seeds contributed to an increase in the contents of Ca (breast muscle and liver), Cu (breast muscle and proventriculus), and Fe (drumstick muscle and heart). Likewise, some blood parameters were influenced by supplementation with infrared-irradiated camelina and flax seeds, for example, there was a decrease in the haemoglobin level and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (p < 0.05). The oilseed treatments also modified the contents of Fe and Ca in the blood plasma of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). It may be concluded that infrared-irradiated camelina, flax, and sunflower seeds can be regarded as good diet components exerting positive effects on the dietary value of poultry meat and organs used in dietetics.

Soybean vs. Pea Bean in the Diet of Medium-Growing Broiler Chickens Raised under Semi-Intensive Conditions of Inner Mediterranean Areas: Growth Performance and Environmental Impact

The effects of Glycine max L. (SOY) vs. Pisum sativum L. (PEA) in the diet were investigated on in vivo performance of two medium-growing broiler genotypes and on environmental impact. Sixty Kabir Red Plus and sixty New Red chickens were randomly allocated in 20 pens (n = 6 birds per pen). Each pen, i.e., experimental unit, received 1.18 kg dry matter (DM) including soybean (3.39%) in SOY, or pea bean (6.78%) in PEA groups. DM intake, DM refusals and bodyweight (BW) were recorded on pen basis, and average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate (FCR) were calculated. Data on in vivo performance were processed by ANOVA General Linear Model followed by Student−Newman−Keuls post hoc test. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were evaluated on a year basis by GLEAM-i software. The diet did not affect (p > 0.05) DM intake and DM refusals, BW, ADG and FCR. Diet x genotypes affected (p < 0.05) DM intake and DM refusals. PEA diet, cheaper than SOY diet, allowed the reduction in total GHG and CO2, and of meat emission intensity. However, an increase in total CH4 and N2O emissions was observed. The replacement of soybean with pea bean can represent a possible management strategy to reach trade-off between good farming practices and environmental protection on small-scale poultry farms of inner Mediterranean areas.

Changes in Fatty Acids Profile, Health Indices, and Physical Characteristics of Organic Eggs from Laying Hens at the Beginning of the First and Second Laying Cycles

The present study compared the fatty acid profile and some physical parameters of eggs from hens reared according to the organic system at the beginning of the first and second laying cycle. A total of 1080 eggs were analysed at the beginning of the first (from the 28th to 30th week of age) and the second (from the 78th to 80th week of age) laying cycle. It was found that the hen ages influenced the egg weight, egg surface area, yolk proportion, and eggshell colour. Albumen and eggshell proportion, albumen, yolk index, Haugh unit score, and eggshell strength were lower in eggs from older hens compared with those produced from younger layers. Monounsaturated fatty acids were found in higher amounts than saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in egg yolks of eggs from layers only at the beginning of the second laying cycle. The PUFAn-6/n-3 ratio, saturation, atherogenic, and thrombogenic indices were significantly lower in the egg yolks from older hens compared to younger layers. These findings (regarding the eggs from the older ones) prove that it is practical to utilize them in the organic farming system during a period of two years.

Characteristics of carcass and physicochemical traits of meat from male and female ducks fed a diet based on extruded soybean

Duck' meat is characterized by good nutritional properties and gaining popularity in the consumer market. Extruded soybean is potentially more digestible than commonly use soybean meal (SBM), and is expected to influence carcass traits and the quality of breast and leg muscles. The study' aim was to compare meat quality from both sexes' ducks fed a diet with extruded soybean (ESB) as a substitute for SBM. Cherry Valley ducks were divided into two groups. The control group (1) was fed an SBM-based diet, and the treatment group (2) with ESB. Each group was divided into sex subgroups with 50 birds in each (5 replicates, 10 ducks each). Dissection and analysis of meats' pH, colour, water-holding capacity (WHC), drip loss and chemical composition of breast and leg muscles were done. Interaction of Diet and Sex was calculated. In group 2 higher carcass weight, dressing percentage, weight of wings, leg muscles, total muscles, and better WHC were found. Dressing percentage, the proportion of neck with skin, breasts' and stomach' weight, and the weight and proportion of fat, and pH45min were higher in females (P < 0.05). The interaction was found for the pre-slaughter body weight, the weight of carcass remains, WHC in breasts (P < 0.05). The ESB feed had no negative effect on the analyzed traits and can be used in the ducks' diet. Improved the WHC indicates the high suitability of meat for processing. A positive effect of diet on the muscles' proportion and dressing percentage was noticed, which is important for consumers' market. The sex-related differences and interactions between variables suggest separate rearing due to sex.

Fatty Acid-Related Health Lipid Index of Raw and Fried Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fish Muscle

Fried food consumption is popular in most parts of the world including Ethiopia. Among many fried products available in Ethiopia, fried fish is most commonly consumed in Hawassa Town due to the easy access to the fish from the lake. Recently, there is growing concern among fryers to recycle the oil while frying fish. However, there is limited evidence about the frying effect on the fatty-acid-related health lipid index of fried fish. Thus, the study was aimed to determine the fatty acid profile and the fatty-acid-related health lipid of raw and fried fish. Raw and fried fish were taken from the Hawassa open fish market. Fatty acid profiles were analyzed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GCMS), and the health lipid index was determined by calculation using the recommended formula. JMP pro 13 version software was used for data analysis. Our result showed that raw fish had a high amount of essential fatty acid, nutritive value index, hypocholesterolemic ratio, and peroxidizability index. In contrary to this, the fried fish had a high amount of trans-fatty acids, nonessential fatty acids, atherogenic index, and thrombogenic index. In conclusion, the fried fish loses its fatty-acid-related nutritional quality in uncontrolled frying conditions. Therefore, frying needs to be controlled, as it risks human health otherwise.

The possibility of improving meat quality by using peas and faba beans in feed for broiler chickens

The price-to-quality ratio of broiler chicken meat is one of the reasons why consumers use these products in their daily diet. The quality of poultry products such as meat is closely associated with the nutritional value and quality of feed fed to broilers. In composing broiler diets, the main focus is turned on crude protein (CP). Because of the trend for the poultry industry to reduce its dependence on soybean meal as a source of protein, the role of pulses in the supply of protein and energy, which could partly replace the soybean meal in poultry diets, increases. Due to considerable progress in plant breeding, the present research study used peas (Pisum sativum) of the var. ‘Bruno’ and var. ‘Pinochio’ as well as faba beans (Vicia faba minora) of the var. ‘Lielplatone’ was developed in Latvia. Higher protein diets induce a higher meat protein content, accordingly, feed proteins are hydrolyzed in the digestive system into amino acids (AA) that, after absorption, are used to form proteins and to build different body tissues. The most important AA was twofold lower in peas and faba beans than in soybean meal. Although the amount of AA in feed is not directly proportional to the content of AA in broiler chicken meat, the amount of AA in poultry feed can significantly affect an important meat quality criterion for consumers – the nutritional value of protein. Therefore, the research aimed to identify changes in AA composition and chemical composition – a qualitative property of poultry meat – as a result of adding pulses (peas and beans) to poultry diets. The research results showed that the diets with an addition of faba beans and peas had a positive effect on the level of essential amino acids (EAA) and non-essential amino acids (NEAA) in broiler meat, decreased cholesterol concentration in meat, and increased energy value of meat.

The effect of various protein sources in goose diets on meat quality, fatty acid composition, and cholesterol and collagen content in breast muscles

Goose meat is characterized by good quality and a good fatty acid composition. Geese do not need many compounds in their feed to ensure suitable growth. The main source of protein in most feed is soybean meal (SBM). New cultivars of yellow lupin with fewer antinutrients could be a substitute for soybean. The study's aim was to compare the quality of the carcass and meat, as well as the fatty acid composition and the collagen and cholesterol content in the breast muscles from geese fed a diet based on yellow lupin as an replacement for soybean meal. In the study, geese were divided into 2 study groups. The first was a control group (Group 1), fed a feed based on SBM; the second one was an experimental group (Group 2), fed a feed based on yellow lupin “Mister”, potato protein, and brewer's yeast. The rearing period was divided into 3 stages, and the last stage was oat fattening. Each group (105 birds in each group) was divided into 5 replications with 21 birds. After 16 wk of rearing, 10 geese from each group were slaughtered. The carcasses were analyzed for physicochemical traits (dissection, color, water-holding capacity, and chemical composition of the breast and leg muscles, as well as pH level, drip loss, and fatty acid profile of the breast muscles). The drip loss from the breast muscles was higher (P < 0.05) and the water-holding capacity of the leg muscles lower (P < 0.05) in Group 1 than in Group 2. Group 1 also displayed a higher content of protein and water in breast and leg muscles (P < 0.05) but lower fat content than that of Group 2 (P < 0.05). The linoleic acid content of the breast muscles was higher in Group 2 (P < 0.05), whereas the other fatty acid levels were comparable between the groups. The total content of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (n-6 and n-3) and the PUFA/ saturated fatty acid ratio was higher in Group 2 (P < 0.05). Moreover, the thrombogenic index was lower (P < 0.05) in the geese fed a lupin-diet. Overall, the yellow lupin–based feed had beneficial effects on the goose meat's traits, and it can be used as a high-protein compound in diets for geese. It is also possible to produce traditional geese fattened by oats.

Effectiveness of using a hybrid rye cultivar in feeding broiler chickens

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of hybrid rye in rations for broiler chickens. The study covered 160 chickens split into four equal groups [I (control), II, III, IV] and kept for 42 d. Rye was introduced into the above-mentioned diets as a partial substitute for maize in the following quantities: (I), no rye; (II), 5% rye in starter feed and 10% rye in grower and finisher feed; (III), 10% rye in starter feed and 20% rye in grower and finisher feed; (IV), 15% rye in starter feed and 30% rye in grower and finisher feed. During the 42 d rearing period, the most favourable body weight gain (P ≤ 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (P ≤ 0.01) were observed in chickens fed with rations containing the highest share of hybrid rye (group IV). The rye did not affect the dressing percentage and muscularity but diversified the fatness of birds. The muscles of chickens from group IV showed higher (P ≤ 0.01) red saturation and lower (P ≤ 0.01) yellow saturation and hue compared with the muscle of birds receiving diets with the lowest rye content (group I). The results of the study show that the inclusion of hybrid rye can be recommended in broiler chicken diets at a share of 15% in starter feed and 30% in grower and finisher feed, respectively.

Growth performance and Carcass quality in broiler chickens fed on legume seeds and rapeseed meal

The aim of this study was to compare the growth performance parameters, carcass quality, and meat traits in broiler chickens fed on diets containing legume seeds and rapeseed meal as an alternative to soybean meal. In this study, 448 male ROSS 308 chicks were divided into subgroups: a control group (I) fed on soybean meal (SBM), and six experimental groups II-rapeseed meal (RSM); III-white lupin (WY); IV-yellow lupin (YL); V-narrow-leaved lupin NLL; VI-pea (Pe); and VII-faba bean (FB). After 42 days of rearing, 10 birds from each group were slaughtered and dissected. The control group was characterized by better growth performance compared to the other groups. In addition, the European Broiler Index was lower in each experimental group compared to the SBM group. A lower dressing percentage was found only in the NLL group. The muscle content in birds from the RSM and FB groups was significantly higher than in the other groups, but the fat content was lower. Meat from SBM group was characterized by the highest protein content, but a reduced content of fat and water in the muscles. The most similar results were found between the control group and the FB group receiving a diet based on faba beans. Furthermore, lupins had a similar effect on the carcass traits when used in the diets. The quality of meat in broilers fed on faba beans with the addition of potato protein and brewers' yeast was similar to that of those fed on soybean meal, because the antinutrients were the lowest in faba bean seeds. Faba beans are proposed as a possible alternative source of protein in poultry diets. Other legume seeds should be analyzed in future studies.

Effects of dietary humic acid and enzymes on meat quality and fatty acid profiles of broiler chickens fed canola-based diets

Objective

This study was conducted to assess the effect of potassium humate and enzymes (Xylanase+Amylase+Protease) inclusion in diets on carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acid profiles of broilers fed canola-based diets.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty broilers randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments: the control (commercial broiler diet); CM (17.5% canola meal inclusion); CMEnz (17.5% CM inclusion+0.3 g/kg Axtra XAP); CMPh (17.5% CM inclusion+1.5% Potassium Humate, PH); and CMEnzPh (17.5% CM inclusion+1.5% PH+0.3 g/kg Axtra XAP) were slaughtered at day 42 for assessment of carcass and meat quality parameters.

Results

Diet had no effect on carcass traits apart from breast muscle weight and breast muscle index. The highest breast muscle weight was observed in broilers fed CMEnz (487.6±17.5 g) followed by those fed the control diet (474.37±17.5 g). Diet also had no significant dietary effect on pH, temperature, drip loss and shear force values of the breast muscle. However, diet significantly affected meat colour and water-holding capacity. Broilers in the control and CMPh groups (52.94±0.67 and 52.91±0.67) had the highest (p<0.05) values for lightness (L*), whilst those fed CMEnzPh had the lowest value (47.94±0.67). In contrast, CM group had the lowest (p<0.05) value for redness (a*) with CMEnzPh group having the highest values. The proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and the PUFA/saturated fatty acid ratio were increased in CM-based diets containing enzymes and humic acid.

Conclusion

It can, therefore, be concluded that CM can be included in broiler diets in the presence of enzymes and humic acid with positive effects on meat quality and important fatty acids that are beneficial to the health of consumers.

Beneficial effects of increasing dietary levels of raw lentil seeds on meat fatty acid and plasma metabolic profile in broiler chickens

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of diets containing raw lentil seeds (Lens culinaris cv. Eston and cv. Anicia) on meat fatty acids profile and blood plasma parameters of broiler chickens. Day old, broiler chicks (1,000; Cobb 500) were randomly allocated to the following 5 treatments, viz. a diet based on corn and SBM as control; 200g/kg of raw lentil seeds cv. Eston (LE); 400 g/kg of LE; 200g/kg of raw lentil seeds cv. Anicia (LA);400 g/kg of LA. Data were analysed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The broilers meat fatty acid profile was affected by dietary inclusion of lentil. Accordingly, breast muscle of broilers fed raw lentil seeds had significant higher levels of alfa-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. A significant interaction was observed between level and cultivar for majority of n-3 PUFA profile, except for octadecatetraenoic acid, EPA and DHA. The blood plasma parameters were not influenced by treatments, except for glucose and triglycerides concentration which were lower in the groups fed with lentils. No significant interaction between lentil levels and cultivars was noticed for plasma parameters. Based on the results, we concluded that raw lentil seeds represent an interesting alternative protein source which can improve the quality of broiler meat that can be recommended in healthy, balanced diets to prevent human diseases.

Effects of dietary lentil seeds inclusion on performance, carcass characteristics and cecal pH of broiler chickens

This study evaluated the effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with two cultivars of lentil seeds (cv. Eston, green-seeded and cv. Anicia, green marbled-seeded) on performance, carcass characteristics and pH of the cecal digesta in broiler chick diets. Day old, broiler chicks (1,000; Cobb 500) were randomly allocated to the following 5 treatments, viz. a diet based on corn and SBM as control; 200 g/kg of raw lentil seeds cv. Eston (LE); 400 g/kg of LE; 200 g/kg of raw lentil seeds cv. Anicia (LA); 400 g/kg of LA. The broilers fed raw lentils had comparable BW, ADG, ADFI and FCR to the control group. The digestive organ sizes (i.e. gizzard, heart, liver, pancreas, small intestine, caecum and the small intestine) and cecal pH were not affected by feeding diets with increasing levels of raw lentil seeds. Nevertheless, the data showed that cultivar (cv. Anicia) increased (P = 0.021) small intestine weight. A significant interaction between lentil levels and cultivars was observed for pancreas weight (P=0.042). Carcass, breast, thigh weight and dressing percentage were not affected by feeding diets with lentil seeds. No significant interaction between lentil levels and cultivars was noticed for growth performance, carcass characteristics as well as pH of the cecal digesta. Based on the results, it can be concluded that lentil seeds (cv. Eston or cv. Anicia) can be used as an alternative protein source to replace SBM in broiler chicken diets, at inclusion levels up to 200 g/kg.

Effects of dietary starch types on growth performance, meat quality and myofibre type of finishing pigs

To investigate the effects of dietary starch types on growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs, ninety barrows (68.0±2.0kg) were randomly allotted to three experimental diets with five replicates of six pigs, containing pure waxy maize starch (WMS), nonwaxy maize starch (NMS) and pea starch (PS) (amylose/amylopectin were 0.07, 0.19 and 0.28 respectively). Compared with WMS diet, PS diet increased the average daily gain, loin eye area, pH45 value, NMR transverse relaxation (T2)2 peak area ratio and sarcoplasmic protein solubility, decreased the feed to gain ratio, back fat, drip loss, cooking loss and T23 peak area ratio (P<0.05). Moreover, PS diet increased the myosin heavy-chain (MyHC)-I and IIa levels, decreased the MyHC-IIb level, decreased the miR23a level and increased its target gene level, increased the miR499 level and decreased its target gene level (P<0.05). Diet with high amylose content might be beneficial to the growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs.

Fatty acid and cholesterol profiles, hypocholesterolemic, atherogenic, and thrombogenic indices of broiler meat in the retail market

BACKGROUND

Broiler meat is an essential source of food due to its favourable effects on human health derived from its protein, fats, minerals, vitamins and its bioactive components.

METHODS

A total of 90 carcasses were collected from the retail market in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia during April, May and June 2014 to determine the effects of meat type (frozen vs. fresh) and sources within fresh types (A, B, C) vs. frozen types (D, E and F) on their fatty acid profiles, cholesterol, their hypocholesterolemic, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, and on their antioxidants' status.

RESULTS

The sources of meat had a significant effect on the hypocholesterolemic and atherogenic indices, with the D source of fresh meat having the best indices. Total saturated fatty acids (SFA), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), the UFA/SAF ratio, and the monounsaturated (MUFA), Omega-6 and Omega-7 fatty acids were significantly affected by the source of meat. The results revealed that the D source of fresh meat showed favourable fatty acid profiles with significant health benefits for human. Correlation analyses showed a significant negative relationship between the SFA and hypocholesterolemic indices, and significant positive relationships with the atherogenic index, the thrombotgenic index and the total antioxidant capacity. In addition, the relationship between UFA and the hypocholesterolemic index was strongly significantly positive, but was highly negative between the atherogenic and thrombotic indices. The correlations between omega-6 and total cholesterol and the atherogenic index was moderately negative, but was moderately positive with the hypocholesterolemic index.

CONCLUSION

Fatty acids profiles and the hypocholesterolemic and atherogenic indices of broiler meat in the retail market in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia during April-May-June showed significant differences, with the potential for favourable fatty acids to be boosted. Such variability indicates the needs for a feeding strategy to enhance the favourable fatty acids that may positively impact the health of the consumer, lowering the risk of hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, and thrombogenesis although further studies are needed.

Effect of micronized pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.) as a substitute of soybean meal on tissue fatty acid composition and quality of broiler chicken meat

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of micronized pea seeds introduced into feed mixes for broilers on the slaughter yield, blood lipid parameters, content of fatty acids in selected tissues, and meat quality. The studies involved 150 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks split into three groups (for 42 days). The feed rations differed in terms of the source of proteins: in the control group (C), it was post-extraction soybean meal (SBM) 100%; in group I, SBM 50% and micronized peas 50%; and in group II, micronized peas only, 100%. Irradiated pea seeds added to the feed ration for chicks reduced the fattening grade of carcasses (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant improvement of blood lipid indices was recorded. The share of the irradiated pea seeds in feed mixes decreased the share of saturated fatty acids in the muscles and abdominal fat and had a positive effect on the n-6/n-3 ratio, hypocholesterolemic / hypercholesterolemic ratio, as well as the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices (P < 0.05).

A review of canola meal as an alternative feed ingredient for ducks

This review provides an overview of the published data on the canola meal and its suitability for duck as an alternative plant-origin protein source to soybean meal. Canola meal is a legume origin protein source containing comparable amino acid profile to soybean meal and rich in essential minerals and vitamins. Nonetheless, it is known to contain less in energy content than soybean meal. Factors like field conditions and processing methods creates compositional variations among canola meal. Presence of anti-nutritional factors such as phenolic substances, phytate and glucosinolates which are known to reduce growth performance in livestock animals, are the major drawbacks for canola meal to be a competitive plant-origin protein source in the feed industry. This review is focused to address i) nutritional characteristics and feeding value of canola meal for ducks and ii) impacts of feeding canola meal on performances of ducks.

Dietary micronized-dehulled white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) in meat-type guinea fowls and its influence on growth performance, carcass traits and meat lipid profile

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with micronized-dehulled white lupin (Lupinus albus L. cv. Multitalia) in guinea fowl broilers on their growth performance, carcass traits, and meat fatty acids composition. A total of 120 one-day-old guinea fowl females were randomly assigned to 2 treatments which were fed from hatch to 12 wk of age. Birds were fed 2 wheat middlings-based diets comprising of a control treatment which contained SBM (195 g/kg) and a test diet containing micronized-dehulled lupin (240 g/kg) as the main protein source. Replacing SBM with treated lupin had no adverse effect on growth traits, dressing percentage, or breast and thigh muscles relative to the weight of guinea fowls. A decrease (P < 0.05) of abdominal fat was found in guinea fowls fed lupin-diet. Breast muscle from birds fed lupin had higher lightness (L*) (P < 0.01) and redness (a*) (P < 0.05) scores and water-holding capacity (P < 0.05) than the SBM-control diet. Meat from guinea fowls fed lupin had less total lipids (P < 0.05) and cholesterol (P < 0.01), and higher concentrations of phospholipids (P < 0.01). Feeding treated lupin increased polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in breast meat and decreased saturated fatty acid (SFA) concentrations. Our findings suggest that replacing SBM as protein source with micronized-dehulled lupin in meat-type guinea fowl diet can improve carcass qualitative characteristics, enhancing also meat lipid profile with no effect on growth traits.

Fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of breast meat from broiler chickens supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal over a period of refrigeration

Effects of diets supplemented with or without Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on fatty acid (FA) composition and oxidative stability of broiler breast meat during refrigerated storage was determined. Dietary treatments (T) were as follows: T1, positive control, 668g/ton Salinomycin and 500g/ton Albac; T2, T3 and T4 contained graded levels of MOLM at 1%, 3% and 5% of dry matter (DM) intake, respectively; and T5, a negative control (0% additives). Oxidative stability was evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) on day (D) 1-8 of storage at 4°C; and FA analysis was done on samples obtained on D1 and D8. Significant effects on TBARS were noted on day (D) 1, 3, 4 and 7; increased with increasing storage time, and with increase in MOLM supplementation. Highest (P<0.05) C18:0 and C15:0 levels were noted on D1 in T2; C20:0 in T4 on D8; C20:2, C20:3n6 and C22:6n3 in T2; C18:3n6 and P/S ratio in T4 on D1; and n-3 in T3. Thus, despite the high SFA content, additive supplementation of M. oleifera leaf meal up to 5% of the bird's DMI improved the FA profile and reduced lipid oxidation in broiler breast meat.

Effects of dietary inclusion of fermented cottonseed meal on growth, cecal microbial population, small intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activity of broilers

Two experiments were conducted to test the feeding value of fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) in broilers. In experiment 1, 480 1-day-old male yellow-feathered broilers were allocated into 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicates (20 birds per replicate) to examine the effects of FCSM on the growth response of chickens. Experimental feeding was performed for 6 weeks in two phases (starter, days 0 to 21; finisher, days 22 to 42). FCSM was used at 0, 40, 80, and 120 g/kg levels to replace soybean meal in the basal diet. The dietary inclusion of 40 and 80 g/kg FCSM increased (quadratic (Q): p<0.01) the body weight gain of broilers in the starter and in the overall feeding periods. Experiment 2 determined the effect of FCSM on the cecal microbial populations, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activity of broilers. The number of lactobacilli in the cecal digesta increased at day 21 (p<0.01) and day 42 (linear (L): p=0.01). Coliform bacteria counts decreased (L: p<0.05) with the increasing inclusion of FCSM at day 21. The inclusion of FCSM increased (L-Q: p<0.05) villus height in the duodenum and linearly elevated (p<0.05) villus height and the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum at day 21. Similar improvement (L: p<0.05) was noted in jejunal villus height at day 42. The inclusion of FCSM improved (p<0.05) the activities of amylase and protease at day 21, as well as protease at day 42. In conclusion, the appropriate inclusion of FCSM improves growth, cecal microflora, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activity in yellow-feathered broilers.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of guinea fowl broilers fed micronized-dehulled pea (Pisum sativum L.) as a substitute for soybean meal

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with dehulled-micronized peas (Pisum sativum) in diets of guinea fowl broilers on their growth performance, carcass yields, and fatty acid composition of meat. One hundred forty 1-d-old guinea fowl keets were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments, which were fed from hatch to 12 wk. The birds were fed 2 wheat middling-based diets comprising a control diet, which contained SBM (78 g/kg) and a test diet containing dehulled-micronized peas (180 g/kg) as the main protein source. The substitution of SBM with peas had no adverse effect on growth performance, dressing percentage, or breast and thigh muscle relative weights of the guinea broilers. However, a reduction of abdominal fat content (P < 0.05) was observed in birds fed the pea diet compared with the control. Breast and thigh meat of birds fed the pea diet had higher lightness scores (P < 0.05) and water-holding capacity (P < 0.01) than the control. Meat from guinea fowls fed the pea diet had less cholesterol (P < 0.01) and lipids (P < 0.05), and higher concentrations of phospholipids (P < 0.05). Feeding peas increased polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration in breast and thigh muscles, and decreased the saturated fatty acid concentration. Feeding the pea diet also lowered the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio of the guinea broiler muscles. Our results suggest that replacing the conventional SBM as the protein source with dehulled-micronized pea meal in diets of guinea fowls broilers can improve carcass quality and favorable lipid profile without adversely affecting growth performance traits.

Dehulled-micronised lupin (Lupinus albus L. cv. Multitalia) as the main protein source for broilers: influence on growth performance, carcass traits and meat fatty acid composition

BACKGROUND

A study was carried out to compare the effect of diets containing micronised-dehulled lupin (Lupinus albus L. cv. Multitalia) on growth performance, carcass yields and meat fatty acid profile of broiler chickens.

RESULTS

Hubbard strain chicks receiving from 14 d to slaughtering age (49 d) a wheat middlings-based diet containing either deffatted soybean meal (195 g kg(-1), control) or dehulled micromicronised lupins (240 g kg(-1)) as the main protein source were used. The inclusion of treated lupin meal in the diet did not result in lower growth rates of chicks. Lupin diet had no effect on dressing percentage, or breast and drumstick muscles relative weights, but a reduction of abdominal fat content was reported (P < 0.05). White and dark meats of birds fed lupin diet had significant (P < 0.05) lower L* (lightness) values and fat content (P < 0.05). Total collagen and water-holding capacity values were higher in lupin treatment. Feeding the lupin diet resulted in lower saturated fatty acid content in breast and drumstick meat, as well as the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio and saturation, atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes, while total PUFA and monounsaturated fatty acids levels increased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that replacing soybean meal with dehulled-micronised lupin meal in diet for broiler chickens can produce meat with favourable lipid profile and quality, with no adverse effects on productive parameters.

Effect of wheat middlings-based total mixed ration on milk production and composition responses of lactating dairy ewes

The effect of feeding pelleted total mixed ration (TMR) containing wheat middlings (WM) from durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf. cv. Appulo) as a corn grain substitute on milk yield and composition performance was measured in Comisana×Leccese crossbred lactating ewes. Forty ewes were divided into 2 equal groups and fed 1 of the 2 experimental diets for 18 wk. The control diet contained 255 g of corn/kg of dry matter (DM) as the main starch source, whereas the experimental diet contained 500 g of WM/kg of DM. To evaluate the in vivo digestibility of pelleted TMR, 4 adult rams were placed in metabolic cages and their individual feces and urine were collected. In the performance trial, ewe milk yield was recorded daily and individual milk samples were analyzed weekly for milk composition and to determine milk renneting parameters. The ewes fed both diets showed similar DM, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber intakes. Digestibility of DM, organic matter, and crude protein of the 2 TMR was similar, but neutral detergent fiber digestibility was higher in the WM diet. In the milking trial, the WM diet increased milk fat percentage and yield but had no effect on milk yield, protein, lactose, and clotting properties compared with the control diet. Our findings indicate that WM can be fed to lactating ewes as an alternative to more traditional concentrate sources such as corn. Feeding 50% of WM in a lactation diet supported milking performance in a manner similar a corn-based diet. Moreover, the results may be applied in countries where corn cultivation is adversely affected by the high cost of production.

Treated fava bean (Vicia faba var. minor) as substitute for soybean meal in diet of early phase laying hens: egg-laying performance and egg quality

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary dehulled-micronized fava bean (Vicia faba var. minor) seed on egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio, eggshell quality, and egg yolk color. In this trial, 18-wk-old laying hens in the early phase of production (ISA Brown) were randomly assigned to 2 groups and fed durum wheat middlings-based diets containing soybean or micronized-dehulled fava bean meal as the main protein source. Eggs were collected and weighed daily. Laying performance, egg quality, and feed conversion ratio were evaluated for 10 wk. The only significant effect detected was for feed intake (P<0.05), which was lower in hens fed the diet containing fava bean than for hens fed soybean meal, without however any negative effects on feed efficiency. None of the egg quality parameters studied were influenced by dietary treatment, except for yolk color score that was reduced in hens fed the fava bean diet (P<0.05). We conclude that dehulled-micronized fava beans in the diet did not have a negative influence on productive performance or egg quality of young brown hens.