The Quality of Carcass and Meat from Geese Fed Diets with or without Soybean Meal

Poultry nutrition

Nutrition is the most important environmental factor affecting development, health status, growth performance and profitability of poultry production. Feeds for poultry constitute up to 70–75% of total production costs. Poultry nutrition differs considerably from that of other livestock, which is determined by the specific anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract. Protein, energy, fat, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and water are of basic importance for poultry nutrition and their content in feeds must cover the requirement that differ depending on the bird’s age and species. In general, feed protein must be of good value including the content of essential amino acids. Among them lysine, methionine, cysteine, threonine and tryptophan are the limiting ones. The main ingredient of poultry feeds are cereal grains, i.e. wheat and maize, which predominantly constitute an energy source because their protein content is insufficient for birds. Because of that cereals cannot be the only feed for poultry and must be combined with protein sources such as soybean or rapeseed meal, legume seeds or protein concentrates. Despite birds’ requirement for nutrients and chemical composition of feeds are well known, nutrition must face many problems. One of the most important issues is to find alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters.

Effects of Dietary Rapeseed and Camelina Seed Cakes on Physical-Technological Properties of Goose Meat

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of commercial diet supplemented with rapeseed and camelina seed cakes on the physical and technological attributes of goose meat quality. The breast and thigh muscles from thirty geese of both sexes of the Lithuanian native breed Vištinės fed the diet containing either rapeseed cake (group 1) or camelina cake (group 2) at the age of 13 weeks were used for the evaluation of physical and technological attributes. The diet did not affect the colour of goose meat; however, females showed higher (p < 0.05) values of breast yellowness (b*) and hue angle (h). The camelina group demonstrated higher (p < 0.001) cooking losses of breast and thigh muscles and also higher (p < 0.05) EZ drip loss and thawing loss of thigh muscles compared with the rapeseed group. Females had higher (p < 0.05) cooking loss of the breast, whereas males had higher (p < 0.05) cooking loss of the thigh. The growth rate of geese and their slaughter time showed an effect (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) on pH of thigh muscles. Higher (p < 0.01) hardness of the breast muscle in the camelina group compared with the rapeseed group was detected by the texture profile analysis (TPA) as well as other parameters such as cohesiveness and gumminess, chewiness. Despite some differences in technological meat quality attributes, the quality of goose meat produced with diet supplementation of 10% of rapeseed cake and camelina seed cake can be considered as suitable.

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.

Impact of both early-age acclimation and linseed dietary inclusion on fat deposition and fatty acids' meat traits in heat-stressed broiler chickens

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work was to investigate the combination of early-age acclimation and linseed dietary inclusion in enriching polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in broilers' meat as a strategy to mitigate heat stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 400 broiler chicks were assigned to four experimental groups with four duplicates (25 animals each): C: control (basal diet), AC: early-age acclimated (basal diet), Cl: fed 5% ground linseed, and Acl: early-age acclimated and fed 5% ground linseed. The lipid and fatty acid contents of different parts (breast, thigh, liver, subcutaneous, and abdominal fat) of broilers were determined.

RESULTS

Low levels of lipids and unsaturated fatty acids have been found in the meat of acclimated broilers. Higher levels of linolenic acids were noted in Cl thigh meat compared to C (6% vs. 2.68%, respectively). The results showed that oleic and linoleic acids constitute a large part of the PUFAs of different meats. The most elevated levels of monounsaturated fatty acids were recorded in the breast meat of AcL animals. The highest content of omega-3 was recorded in the liver of AcL animals compared to that of C (14.98% vs. 7.8%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

We suggest that the combination of treatments during hot conditions has led to the reversion of the environment-affected variables to accepted values, and yields better thermoresistance, PUFA-enriched meat, and safeguard animal health which conferred to birds' better solutions to reduce fatigue and hypoxic activities, which induces a considerable consumption of oxygen.

Research on the Effects of Gender and Feeding Geese Oats and Hybrid Rye on Their Slaughter Traits and Meat Quality

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of feeding Zatorska variety geese hybrid rye, oats, or a mixture of both grains (1:1) on slaughter value and meat quality. At 14 weeks old, the birds were separated into three feeding groups (n = 12) and were fed between 15 and 17 weeks of age with hybrid rye, oats, or a mixture of these two grains. The research proved the effect of gender and feeding on some slaughter value traits and meat quality of the goslings' breast meat. It was found that the ganders had a 10% to 15% higher body and carcass weight than the females. No significant differences were observed between the genders within the majority of the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the sensory traits. The feeding type did not have a significant effect on the goslings' body weight and carcass element share. The birds fed hybrid rye had a 2 percentage points lower slaughter yield than those birds fed oats which was combined with a lower share of subcutaneous fat (measured as the weight of the tissue coming from dissection) in birds fed hybrid rye. The meat of the birds fed hybrid rye had some better physical, chemical characteristics and, in the female goslings, also better sensory quality. The results indicated that hybrid rye may be used in feeding goslings at the end of the growing period, because it did not cause any negative effects on the pre-slaughter body weight and had a positive effect on some meat quality traits, such as better sensory estimation results, higher protein content, and lower drip losses.

Impact of aluminosilicates on productivity, carcass traits, meat quality, and jejunum morphology of broiler chickens

The aim of the study was to compare production results and quality of meat, as well as histological features of the jejunum in broiler chickens administered feed with 1% addition of zeolite or halloysite, with the addition of aluminosilicates to litter (4.50 kg/m2) throughout the rearing. In the experiment, 300 male broilers were used for 6 wk. They were divided into 3 groups, each of 10 repetitions (10 birds each). Group 1 was a control, halloysite was added to feed and litter in group 2, while zeolite was applied instead of halloysite in group 3. After rearing, 10 selected birds from each group were slaughtered. Selected production properties and degree of footpad dermatitis were examined, and histomorphometric examination of the jejunum was performed. The lowest yield and the highest proportion of neck with skin in the carcass were demonstrated in group 2 (P < 0.05). The lowest percentage of skin with subcutaneous fat was found in group 3 (P < 0.05). A decrease in lightness (L∗) and yellowness (b∗) was demonstrated in group 2, while redness (a∗) was the lowest in group 3 (P < 0.05). Group 2 was characterized by the lowest water-holding capacity in breast muscles, and in group 3, in leg muscles (P < 0.05). In group 3, the highest fat content and the lowest water content in the breast muscles (P < 0.05) were found. The leg muscles in groups 2 and 3 were characterized by the highest a∗, and in group 2, by b∗. The control group had the lowest protein and the highest fat content in leg muscles. In the intestine from group 2, a higher height (P < 0.05) and surface area (P < 0.01) of intestinal villi were found, in comparison to group 3. The width of intestinal villi was higher in groups 2 and 1 than in group 3 (P < 0.05), similarly the depth of intestinal crypts. The addition of zeolite could be proposed because of the obtained production results, while the halloysite had a positive effect on the histomorphometric features of the jejunum.

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.

Effects of legume-diet and sex of ducks on the growth performance, physicochemical traits of meat and fatty acid composition in fat

Duck meat enjoys growing popularity among consumers. Alternative protein sources to soybean are being investigated to eliminate genetically modified components from the poultry' diet. The aim of this study was to compare growth performance, quality of meat, and fatty acid composition in subcutaneous and abdominal fat from ducks fed a diet based on yellow lupin and rapeseed meal, sources of protein alternative to soybean meal (SBM). Ducks were allocated to different dietary treatment groups and reared for 8 weeks (N = 102 per group). Group A received a diet based on SBM, while group B was fed a diet based on yellow lupin with the addition of rapeseed meal. Both groups were divided into two subgroups, of male and female birds. Growth performance parameters and zoometric traits of ducks were monitored during the growth period. After 8 weeks selected birds were slaughtered and dissected (N = 10 per group). Carcass composition was calculated and selected traits of meat quality important for further processing were analysed. Subcutaneous and abdominal fat were collected to analyse fatty acid composition. The alternative diet had no negative effect on ducks' growth performance parameters and dressing percentage. The replacement of SBM with yellow lupin and rapeseed meal increased n-3 fatty acid content, which is important for consumers. In conclusion, SBM can be replaced with feed containing 60.10% of yellow lupin and 14.00% of rapeseed meal in concentrate. These sources of protein are mainly recommended for small poultry farms, which do not always have access to SBM and prepare poultry feed from their own crops.

Effect of Dietary Protein and Tsaa Levels on Performance, Carcass Traits, Meat Composition and Some Blood Components of Egyptian Geese During the Rearing Period

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary levels of protein, total sulfur amino acids (TSAA), methionine and cystine (M + C) and their interaction on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood components and meat quality of Egyptian geese. A total number of 144 geese at twelve weeks of age were randomly divided into 9 groups (16 birds/each group), each group of birds was sub-divided into 4 replicates, each of 4 birds. There was a significant increase in the bodyweight of geese due to protein and M + C levels (p < 0.01). The studied levels of M + C affected significantly on weight gain of growing geese at the early period of 12-18 wk of age. Feed intake was increased with high dietary levels of CP % or M + C (p < 0.05). There was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in percentages of carcass, liver, dressing, breast and wing with high dietary protein level as compared to a moderate or low level. A high level of dietary protein led to increase in concentrations of total protein and albumin, while total lipids, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were decreased with increasing level of protein (p < 0.01). Fat percentage of breast muscle was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased with increasing M + C levels. Protein % of breast muscle was increased with increasing protein levels. Finally, it can be concluded that the consumption of diets with high levels of protein or M + C can improve the bodyweight, feed conversion ratio, carcass and meat composition of Egyptian geese during the rearing period (12-24 wk of age).

Quality and Physicochemical Traits of Carcasses and Meat from Geese Fed with Lupin-Rich Feed

Simple Summary

In the past, lupin seeds were not used in poultry feeding because of their alkaloid content, which affected the growth performance, producing negative results. Nowadays, new cultivars of lupins have reduced the anti-nutrition content and have been characterized by a high level of protein, similar to the level in soybean meal. Goose production is not popular and, generally, should be done by an extensive or semi-intensive system, which is corelated with small costs of feeds. Lupins can be used for crops where it is not possible to produce soybean (environmental conditions). Our study indicated that it is possible to produce goose meat with a good quality, where the feeding was based on various cultivars of lupins. Yellow, as well as white, lupin-rich feed had a positive effect on the meat traits and meat quality. Narrow-leaved lupin worsens the growth performance.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the quality of geese meat receiving feed with soybean meal (group 1), yellow lupin (group 2), narrow-leaved lupin (group 3), or white lupin (group 4). In total, 400 male White Kołuda^® geese were randomly assigned to four groups, with 10 replicates and 10 birds each, during the 77-day rearing period. After the end of the rearing period, 10 birds from each group were slaughtered and dissected. Meat quality traits were measured. Based on the production results, it can be concluded that geese use fodder with yellow and white lupin to the same degree as in the case of the control group and higher body weight gain was recorded in the first rearing period. In contrast, the use of narrow-leaved lupin in mixtures for geese worsened the feed used. Meat traits were similar in all groups, including the content of muscles and fat in the carcass (p > 0.05), excluding abdominal fat. The weight of abdominal fat and its proportion in the carcass were higher (p < 0.05) in geese from group 4. A higher (p < 0.05) pH was found in group 1. The protein and intramuscular fat content in breast muscles was highest (p < 0.05) in geese from group 4, and a higher water content was found in group 1. The protein content in leg muscles was higher in group 3, and the fat content was higher in group 4 (p < 0.05). The color and water-holding capacity of meat were comparable in all groups (p > 0.05). The analysis revealed a positive effect of replacing soybean meal with alternative protein sources, especially yellow and white lupin, on the growth performance and quality of goose meat.