Effect of pine (Pinus densiflora) needle and Korean mistletoe (Viscum album var. coloratum) powder on male broiler chicken growth, serum cholesterol profiles, and meat quality

Pine (Pinus densiflora) needle leaf (PNL) and Korean mistletoe (KM) (Viscum album var. coloratum) were compared as dietary supplements for male broiler chickens, and their effects on broiler growth, serum cholesterol profiles, and meat quality were investigated.A total of 240 one-day-old male broilers (40~45 g/body weight) were randomly assigned to 4 dietary groups (control, 0.5% PNL, 1% PNL, and 1% KM) of 60 birds each (3 replicates per group) in a completely randomized design. PNL and KM dietary supplements did not affect broiler growth performance, but mortality was reduced in the 1% KM-treated group. Serum cholesterol profiles indicated that total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (LDLC) decreased significantly while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) level increased in treatment groups compared to levels in the control group. Decrease in lightness and redness color values in thigh meat of broilers fed PNL and KM powder were observed. However, no significant differences were observed among the groups with regard to triglyceride and glucose levels, pH, and yellowness of the meat. In conclusion, 1% KM dietary supplement can reduce mortality, which may be due to the immune-regulating effects of KM, as well, it can reduce lipid oxidation and improve meat color stability via an antioxidant action in broiler thigh muscles.