Analysis of qualitative and nutritional value of broiler chickens breast muscles, when their diet supplemented with betaine

The aim of this work - to do qualitative and nutritional analysis of broiler chickens breast muscles, when their diet supplemented with betaine. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of betaine on broiler chickens breast muscles physico-chemical and histomorphometric properties, composition of fatty and amino acids, formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and biogenic amines, alterations of sensory and texture properties. The feeding test was performed with 1000 broiler chickens line combination ROSS 308, which were divided into 4 groups (control and I, II, II experimental). Birds in control group were fed with standard feed, experimental group’s feeds were supplemented with 1 kg (I experimental), 2 kg (II experimental) and 3 kg (III experimental) betaine additive. At the end of feeding test, 5 chickens were selected from each group and slaughtered in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Lithuania, European Union (EU) directives and European Commission (EC) recommendations. After slaughter, broiler chickens breast muscles quality, sensory and texture properties were determined. The results showed that the betaine additive in feed had a positive effect on broiler chickens breast muscles quality: compared to the control group cross-sectional area of fibers were 16.56 and 11.35 % larger (p<0.05) in I and II experimental groups, respectively, and greater amount of PUFA were identified in III experimental group. Betaine additive affected broiler chickens breast muscles oxidation processes: compared to the control group MDA concentrations in II and III experimental groups were 32.94 and 48.24 % lower (p<0.05; p<0.01), respectively. After storage, MDA concentrations were 56.16; 45.32 and 59.61 % lower (p<0,001), respectively, in I, II and III experimental groups. The resulting norms of biogenic amines were not exceeded. The analysis of the sensory properties of the samples did not reveal any significant differences between evaluated properties, except for meat juiciness, the average of which in I experimental group was 7.50 points (p<0.05). Betaine additive affected texture properties of the breast muscles: samples of II experimental group had biggest cohesion force (0.87 kN (p<0.05)), as well II experimental groups samples were 6.53 kN tighter (p<0.05) than III experimental groups samples, the biggest springiness obtained in I experimental group samples, the differences were 0.14; 0.20 and 0.60 kN (p<0.05), respectively, comparing to control, II and III experimental groups. The highest total amino acid content was found in the control group (754.20 g/kg SM), where the amount of methionine was 3.44 g/kg SM higher (p<0.001) compared to I experimental group. The effect of betaine additive on the physico-chemical properties has not been established

HERBAL-ORIGIN ADDITIVES - NOT ONLY TO REPLACE CHEMICAL COCCIDIOSTATS BUT ALSO TO IMPROVE THE MEAT QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS

Broiler chicken production is widely applicable due to its rapid development, ease of feeding, low conversion ratio, and nutrients required by the human body. Natural products have emerged as a more naturalistic method of preventing coccidiosis, as have herb-based additives used to improve production performance and meat quality. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse the impact of feed supplemented with an herbal-origin additive on broiler chickens’ meat quality characteristics. The feeding trial was carried out with 1-d-old 600 Ross 308-line combination broiler chickens, which were divided into 2 groups with 4 replicate pens: the control group was fed a standard compound feed (with usual coccidiostats), and the experimental group was fed a standard compound diet (without usual coccidiostats) + 500 g/t herbal-origin additive. At the end of the trial, 10 broilers (35-d-old) were randomly selected from each group and euthanized; breast and thigh muscles were collected post- mortem. The morphological composition of carcasses and the physico-chemical composition of muscles were determined. Results showed that the herbal-origin additive in feed significantly lowered total breast fillet weight and leg muscle yield, but increased breast muscle thickness and carcass weight compared to the control group (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the experimental group lowered pH in thigh muscles by 0.22, decreased fat content in the breast muscles, and on the contrary, increased it in the thigh; significantly lowered breast muscle redness and drip loss, but increased water binding capacity (P<0.05). An uneven trend was discovered in the cooking loss results: the experimental group decreased the indicator in the breast muscles, while the one in the thighs significantly increased (P<0.05). Although the tendentious herbal additive mechanisms were not revealed during our study, this kind of inclusion in poultry feed can positively impact some breast and thigh muscle quality features

The relationship between different laying hen housing systems in Lithuania and egg production quality and chemical composition

AbstractEgg consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about animal welfare, so it is crucial to develop a better understanding of whether alternative housing systems lead to higher quality eggs. So, the current study was designed to assess the egg quality characteristics, sensory features, fatty acid profile, and cholesterol levels of eggs produced in enriched caging and barn housing systems. An experiment was conducted on Lohmann Brown Classic line laying hens (aged 28–48 weeks) fed analogous feed and housed in enriched cages and barn housing systems. Eggs’ quality traits, nutritional value, and sensory acceptance were evaluated. Hens kept in enriched cages had higher liveability and lay rates but lower feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at almost all trial periods. Barn-laid eggs were heavier and had larger yolks; enriched cage eggs showed higher albumen, Haugh unit (28, 32, 36 weeks of age), stronger and thicker eggshells (32 weeks of age); barn-laid eggs stronger and thicker eggshell (48 weeks of age), higher SFA (start of the trial) and PUFA (at the end) contents. The differences between enriched cage and alternative barn housing systems are negligible, as no clear trend was discovered between them during different trial periods while hens were fed an identical diet

CAN FRESHWATER CLADOPHORA GLOMERATA MACROALGAL BIOMASS BE COMBINED IN RABBIT DIETS TO ENHANCE NOT ONLY RABBIT MEAT QUALITY BUT ALSO RABBIT HEALTH?

Despite numerous challenges and rising consumer demands, strategies for growing healthy animals and improving sustainability are being pursued, such as using natural, renewable sources to replace traditional feed materials. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse the impact of macroalgal C. glomerata biomass on rabbit physiological features. The feeding trial (52-122 days) was carried out with twenty male Californian rabbits assigned to two dietary treatments (n=10 rabbits/treatment) and fed standard compound diet (SCD) and SCD + 4% C. glomerata (CG4). Macroalgal biomass was collected from the Lithuanian River Šventoji. At the end of the feeding trial, twelve rabbits (n=6 rabbits/treatment) were randomly selected and euthanized; samples were collected post-portem. A comprehensive analysis of rabbit organ development, histomorphometry, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) accumulation in intestinal contents was performed. The CG4 treatment had no impact on organ or intestinal development or the concentration of NH3-N in the duodenum (P>0.05). However, the crypt depth was significantly lower in the duodenum of CG4 compared to SCD, but 14.40 μm deeper in the ileum (P<0.05). Although CG4 had no impact on villus height, it had an impact on the villus/crypt ratio (V/C), which was higher in the duodenum in CG4 but lower in the ileum in SCD (P<0.05). After examining the gut contents from the duodenum, CG4 significantly reduced the lactic acid concentration, which was almost four times lower compared to SCD (P<0.05). Overall, C. glomerata in rabbit diets can improve the crypt depth in the ileum and therefore the absorption of nutrients that remain digested; nevertheless, it can reduce the crypt depth in the duodenum and thus the digestive area required to carry out the primary nutrient absorption. Moreover, such inclusion can reduce the concentration of lactic acid, whose decrease can affect weaker peristalsis and bowel movements

River-sourced Cladophora glomerata macroalgal biomass as a more sustainable and functional feed raw material for growing rabbits

Animal scientists actively seek strategies for ensuring the sustainable viability of animal ecosystems, with a focus on exploring alternative feed raw materials to reduce reliance on traditional ones. So, this study aims to analyse the impact of river-sourced Cladophora glomerata macroalgal biomass on the growth, slaughter performance, and physiological development of rabbits. Thirty weaned (52 days of age) Californian rabbits were assigned to three dietary treatments: standard compound diet (SCD), SCD enriched with 4% C. glomerata (CG4), and SCD enriched with 8% C. glomerata (CG8). Growth performance was recorded throughout the feeding trial, and at its conclusion (122 days of age), rabbits were euthanized, slaughtered, and subjected to intestinal analysis. Incorporation of CG diets showed no significant impact on body weight or average daily gain (p > 0.05); however, CG8 significantly lowered daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). The SCD resulted in a significantly higher lung percentage (p < 0.05), while CG diets had minimal effects on remaining slaughter performance traits. In duodenal content, CG-enriched diets increased acetic and propionic acid levels but reduced lactic (p < 0.05). Duodenal villus height remained stable, while in the ileum, CG4 inclusion resulted in a significantly higher villus (p < 0.05). Duodenal crypt depth increased with biomass supplementation; conversely, in the ileum, increased biomass led to decreased crypt depth (p < 0.05). In general, recent research suggests that adding C. glomerata to rabbit diets can be an effective alternative without adverse effects on growth, slaughter performance, or physiologial development

Effect of betaine, a methyl group donor, on broiler chicken growth performance, breast muscle quality characteristics, oxidative status and amino acid content

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of feed supplemented with betaine on broiler chickens’ growth and slaughter performance, breast muscle histomorphometric and physicochemical properties, oxidative status and amino acid content. A total of 1000 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into four treatments. Control group chickens were fed with standard compound diet (SCD), the chickens from experimental groups B1, B2 and B3 receiving SCD supplemented with 1 g/kg (B1), 2 g/kg (B2) and 3 g/kg (B3) betaine anhydrous, respectively. Each treatment had five replicate pens. Feeding test results showed that betaine reduced broilers’ mortality but increased feed conversion ratio (p < .05). Forty broiler chickens (5 weeks old) were slaughtered and slaughter performance showed that 2 g/kg betaine inclusion improved breast muscle percentage and yield (p < .05). Betaine dosage of 1 g/kg into feed increased breast muscle fibre areas (p < .05). Betaine affected some physicochemical properties: higher a and the highest drip loss in B2; the highest cooking losses in B1, B2; the highest shear force and fat content in SCD; the highest amounts of ashes in B1, B2 (p < .05). Lower malondialdehyde levels were observed in all betaine-treated groups (p < .05), except B1 fresh meat samples. The highest total amino acid content and a greater amount of essential amino acids were obtained in SCD breast muscles (p < .05), except equally highest amounts of methionine were found in both SCD and B3 samples (p < .05). However, according to our study results, betaine, as a methyl group donor, in broiler chicken diets cannot replace methionine as an essential amino acid

Freshwater Cladophora glomerata biomass as promising protein and other essential nutrients source for high quality and more sustainable feed production

A scientific justification, focused on the development of the sustainability of feed ingredients and farm animals’ ecosystems, is required. Thus, it is crucial to search for alternative feed materials from natural sources for potential applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prospective utilization of freshwater Cladophora glomerata (C. glomerata) as an alternative source of protein and other essential nutrients in animals’ feed. For this purpose, chemical analysis was performed on collected biomass samples from the Lithuanian rivers, Dubysa (B1), Šventoji (B2), Nevėžis (B3), and Jūra (B4). Microelements (Ca > K > N > P > Mg), trace elements (Zn > Cu), and heavy metals (Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd) have not exceeded permissible levels. The crude protein content of C. glomerata biomass ranged from 16% to 21.5% DM. The essential amino acid profile excelled, with the highest total amino acid amount of 140.99 g/kg in B4. The highest total presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (11.71%) as well as the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (0.22) was observed in B1. The lowest ratio of omega-6/omega-3 was in B1 (1.30). As a result of bioaccumulation, C. glomerata could serve as a source of proteins, as well as amino and fatty acids, implying that biomass could be an alternative and a beneficial component of animal feed

Evaluation of phenolic compounds and pigments in freshwater Cladophora glomerata biomass from various Lithuanian rivers as a potential future raw material for biotechnology

Freshwater macroalgae produces a wide range of bioactive compounds, and interest in utilizing its biomass is growing rapidly. Meanwhile, exploiting renewable sources for biomass collection could lead to more sustainable biotechnological chains. The aim of this study was to investigate Cladophora glomerata biomass from Lithuanian rivers as a potential raw material for biotechnology. For this reason, phenolic compound profiles, antioxidant activity and pigment concentrations were determined in macroalgal biomass samples collected from the following four Lithuanian rivers: Dubysa (B1), Šventoji (B2), Nevėžis (B3) and Jūra (B4). The highest total phenolic compound content was determined in B3 (1.32 mg GAE/g). Three phenolic acids were identified, namely gallic (12.94–35.13 µg/g), p-hydroxybenzoic (23.97–29.05 µg/g) and p-coumaric (1.79–6.46 µg/g). The results indicate significant C. glomerata antioxidant activity; the highest reducing power reached 0.737 AU (B3), the total antioxidant content was 1.47 mg Trolox/g (B3), DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging was 11.09% (B3) and 97.86% (B1) and FRAP activity 20.86 µmol/L (B3). The content of pigments ranged from 0.56-0.74, 0.39–0.57, 0.17–0.23 to 0.11–0.17 mg/g in chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, and lutein, respectively. To conclude, C. glomerata macroalgal biomass may have the potential to act as a functional raw material, as several groups of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities were observed