Influence of alfalfa meal, as a source of dietary fibre, on growth performance, development, pH of gastrointestinal tract, blood biochemical profile, and meat quality of broilers

Journal of Applied Animal Research

Md Safiqur Rahaman Shishir¹  Yajin Yang²  Li Zhao²  Qingqing Li²  Aiwei Guo²  Guiwen He²  Long Cheng³ 

[1] Department of Animal Nutrition, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Banglades;Faculty of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, People’s Republic of Chin;Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Dookie College, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australi;

关键词: Alfalfa meal;    broiler performance;    gastrointestinal tract development;    meat quality;    blood parameters;   

DOI  :  10.1080/09712119.2021.2000417

来源: Taylor & Francis

【 摘 要 】

In this study, 192 female broilers (21 days old) were allocated to four dietary treatments: a control diet [CT], and three experimental diets containing 25 g/kg alfalfa meal [AM25], 50 g/kg alfalfa meal [AM50], and 75 g/kg alfalfa meal [AM75]. Final body weight and average daily feed intake of birds were significantly higher in alfalfa supplemented birds, with a linear response to alfalfa inclusion seen for average daily gain (P < 0.05). Serum triglycerides were comparatively lower in AM50 group than in CT group (P < 0.05). The total weight and gastrointestinal tract indices were higher in AM75 and AM50 and sequentially lower in AM25 and CT (P < 0.05). The AM75 and AM50 treatments resulted in significantly lower pH in the duodenum and caecum than in the CT (P < 0.05). The yield percentage of half-eviscerated AM75 chickens was significantly higher than that of CT (P < 0.05). However, breast muscle percentage was significantly lower in AM75 than in CT (P < 0.05). AM diets resulted in an increased yellowness of the muscles. It was concluded that AM improved the growth performance, development of the intestine, and meat yellowness, and reduced the pH of the intestine and serum triglycerides.

【 授权许可】

CC BY