Sensory Characteristics and Skin Color Evaluation of Meat from Broiler Chickens Fed Sweet Potato Root Meal

The feed consumed by broilers have a direct impact on the nutritional and physical properties of the meat produced. Most livestock diets are formulated using corn as the major energy ingredient; however, with the diversion of corn to ethanol production, alternative ingredients are being studied. This study utilized sweet potato root meal (SPRM) as partial replacement for corn in the diet of broilers to determine its effect on meat color and consumers’ sensory perception. Rations were formulated replacing 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of corn. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old Cornish Rock male broiler chickens were fed diets ad libitum for 49 days and slaughtered on day 50. Breast, leg, and thigh were evaluated for skin color (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness)) and sensory attributes. Sixty two consumer panelists evaluated meat for juiciness, tenderness, flavor, and acceptability. Results showed a* and b* in leg were not different among treatments, however, L* was lowest (P < 0.02) in the 20% diet. Thigh and breast showed no color differences among treatments. Sensory attributes were not affected by income, gender, age, or education status for dark meat. Those earning <$10,000 found 20% SPRM white meat less juicy and tender (P < 0.05).  Males had similar scores for tenderness, flavor, and acceptability of white meat, however; 20% diet was less (P < 0.04) juicy. Females found meat from the 20% diet less tender (P < 0.03), less juicy (P < 0.01), less flavorful (P < 0.03), and less acceptable (P < 0.02) than the other diets. Those with and without a college degree found white meat from 20% diet less juicy (P < 0.02), while those without a college degree scored low for tenderness and acceptability (P < 0.004). The 18 – 29 year olds rated white meat from 20% diet less tender (P < 0.03), less juicy (P < 0.03), and acceptable (P < 0.001). The SPRM could be an acceptable alternative to corn in broiler diets. Keywords: Broiler, Sweet potato root meal, Sensory evaluation, Skin colo

Comparing the Effects of Conventional and Pastured Poultry Production Systems on the Stress Levels of Broilers

Abstract The objective of this study was to measure stress levels in broilers raised on a pasture production system (PPS) and a conventional production system (CPS) by evaluating lymphoid organ weights, white blood cell profiles (WBCP), total white blood cell counts (TWBC), and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (HLR). Broilers were brooded indoors for 3 weeks then divided into 2 groups; one placed on pasture while the other remained indoors. Blood was collected at weeks 3, 5, and 7 via brachial venipuncture. After 49 days, birds were slaughtered and lymphoid organs harvested. Results showed no differences between treatments for lymphoid organs, TWBC, or WBCP. Eosinophils were higher (P \u3c 0.05) in CPS (333.33) compared to PPS birds (148.00) at week 5. The HLR was lower (P \u3c 0.05) in PPS broilers at week 5 (0.40) than weeks 3 (0.44) and 7 (0.43). The PPS broilers experienced less stress overall than CPS birds. Keywords: Conventional Production System, Broilers, Pasture Production System, Stres

Evaluating the Economic Feasibility of Producing Broilers on Pasture and in a Conventional Production System

The demand for pasture raised poultry is increasing because of the perception that it is healthier and tastier than conventionally raised poultry. In order to meet this demand, some producers are considering switching from the conventional to the pasture system to take advantage of this niche market. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the economic viability of rearing broilers in a pastured poultry system (PPS) versus a conventional poultry system (CPS). Each of these systems was replicated three times with 60 birds per treatment in a study lasting seven weeks. Data were collected on costs of inputs, and others estimated. The mean net returns for PPS and CPS were, respectively, $56.44 and -$92.02. The break-even prices were, respectively, $10.89 for PPS and$11.87 for CPS. Also, the benefit/cost ratio was 1.103 for PPS and 0.845 for CPS. The paired t-test for the benefit/cost ratios indicated a significant difference (p< 0.05) between PPS and CPS. PPS was deemed more feasible than CPS. Hence, it was recommended that the former system is more appropriate for small and limited resource producers, and that technical assistance should be provided to them regarding PPS. Keywords: Pastured poultry, Conventional poultry, Economic feasibility, Broiler

Maternal consumption of fish oil programs reduced adiposity in broiler chicks

Maternal intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) has been associated with reduced adiposity in children, suggesting the possibility to program adipose development through dietary fatty acids before birth. This study determined if enriching the maternal diet in fish oil, the primary source of EPA and DHA, affected adipose development in offspring. Broiler chickens were used because they are obesity-prone, and because fatty acids provided to the embryo can be manipulated through the hen diet. Hens were fed diets supplemented (2.8% wt:wt) with corn oil (CO; n-6) or fish oil (FO; n-3) for 28 d. Chicks from both maternal diet groups were fed the same diet after hatch. Maternal FO consumption enriched chick adipose tissue in EPA and DHA and reduced adiposity by promoting more, but smaller, adipocytes. This adipocyte profile was paralleled by upregulated expression of the adipogenic regulator PPARGand its co-activator PPARGC1B, and reduced expression of LPL. Proteomics identified 95 differentially abundant proteins between FO and CO adipose tissue, including components of glucose metabolism, lipid droplet trafficking, and cytoskeletal organization. These results demonstrate that the maternal dietary fatty acid profile programs offspring adipose development

COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF CONVENTIONAL AND PASTURED POULTRY PRODUCTION SYSTEMS ON THE STRESS LEVELS OF BROILERS

The objective of this study was to measure stress levels in broilers raised on a pasture production system (PPS) and a conventional production system (CPS) by evaluating lymphoid organ weights, white blood cell profiles (WBCP), total white blood cell counts (TWBC), and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (HLR). Broilers were brooded indoors for 3 weeks then divided into 2 groups; one placed on pasture while the other remained indoors. Blood was collected at weeks 3, 5, and 7 via brachial venipuncture. After 49 days, birds were slaughtered and lymphoid organs harvested. Results showed no differences between treatments for lymphoid organs, TWBC, or WBCP. Eosinophils were higher (P < 0.05) in CPS (333.33) compared to PPS birds (148.00) at week 5. The HLR was lower (P < 0.05) in PPS broilers at week 5 (0.40) than weeks 3 (0.44) and 7 (0.43). The PPS broilers experienced less stress overall than CPS birds

Enriching the Starter Diet in n–3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Reduces Adipocyte Size in Broiler Chicks

Epidemiologic studies associate perinatal intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n–3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n–3) with reduced adiposity in children, suggesting that these fatty acids may alter adipose tissue development. The objective of this study was to determine whether enriching the perinatal diet in EPA and DHA reduces fat deposition in young chicks. Cobb 500 broiler chicks were fed isocaloric diets containing fat (8% wt:wt) from fish oil (FO), lard, canola oil, or flaxseed oil from 7 to 30 d of age. Adiposity (abdominal fat pad weight/body weight) at 30 d was not significantly affected by diet, but FO significantly reduced adipocyte size, increasing the abundance of small adipocytes. Plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations suggest that reduced adipocyte size was due, in part, to enhanced mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue. Our work indicates that dietary EPA and DHA effectively reduce the size of developing adipocytes in juveniles, which may limit adipose deposition and provide metabolic benefits