Effects of the Dietary Supplementation With a Microalga Extract on Broiler Performance and Fatty-Acid Meat Profile

Abstract

The present study was carried out in the poultry sector of UNOESC Xanxerê to evaluate the effect of various inclusion levels of seaweed (Schizotrichium ssp.) in the diet of broiler chickens in terms of performance, carcass yield, organ profiles and fatty acids levels in meat. We studied 480 one-day-old Cobb chicks, distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with four treatments and six replicates containing 20 birds each, totaling 24 experimental units. At 7, 21 and 35 days of age, the birds were weighed for performance evaluation (live weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and mortality). At 35 days of age, one chicken per experimental unit was sacrificed for evaluation of carcass yield and its parts, together with isolation of the left thigh for analysis of the fatty acid profile. The inclusion of seaweed in the diet did not alter the characteristics of performance or yield in carcass and organs; however, the supplement changed the profile of fatty acids of the meat, enriching the omega-3 series, primarily DHA. We conclude that marine algae of the genus Schizotrichium can be added to rations without compromising the development of the birds to improve the profile of fatty acids in the meat.

Performance, carcass quality, and intestinal biometry of European quail fed on kelp meal (Sargassum sp)

“…Among the alternative foods, seaweed stands out, used in the diet of broilers. (Gatrell et al, 2014, Qadri et al, 2019Petrolli et al, 2019), laying hens (Carrillo et al, 2012), laying quail (Melo et al, 2008a), and cut quail (Melo et al, 2008b, Cheong et al, 2015Abouelezz, 2017). Algae of the species sargassum sp are abundantly found on the Brazilian coast, have low concentrations of lipids and high concentrations of proteins, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals (Carrillo et al, 2012;Costa et al, 2016), and algae have speci c antioxidant properties that can help in the metabolic regulation of animals (Gatrell et al, 2014, Boiago et al, 2019Hajati et al, 2020).…”

“…birds' growth period. The presence of ber induces the greater activity of this organ, aiming to improve digestion and absorption of the diet with high viscosity and consequent development of organs and birds.Seaweeds of the genus Schizotrichium can be added to broiler rations (2%), without compromising performance, carcass, and organ yield, improving the fatty acid pro le of the meat(Petrolli et al, 2019) Boiago et al (2019). cite that the use of the microalgae Spirulina platensis in the diet of quails improved egg quality, reducing the levels of undesirable saturated fatty acids and increasing the levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are bene cial to the health of consumers.Carrillo et al (2012) mention that concentrations of 4, 6, and 8% of the alga Sargassum spp.…”