Antioxidative Status and Meat Sensory Quality of Broiler Chicken Fed With Xtract® and Zeolite Dietary Supplementation

Abstract

The ban on use of antibiotic growth promoter for fattening chickens has created demand for other weight and health promoting supplements. Phytogens, and especially essential oils (EO) or their components, have attracted great interest. They are considered 'natural' and leaving no unwanted tissue residue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of XTRACT ® (carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and capsicum oleoresin) and natural zeolite clinoptilolite as feed additives in broiler chicken. Addition of XTRACT ® and/or zeolite had positive influence at antioxidative enzymes SOD and GPx during chicken fattening. This indirectly resulted in higher final body weight of chicken. Lower lipid peroxidation in breast meat and drumsticks was also observed in experimental groups. The sensory quality of chicken breast meat and drumstick meat, expressed as color, structure, juiciness, tenderness, odor and taste acceptability was improved in experimental groups.

Essential Oils Encapsulated in Zeolite Structures as Delivery Systems (EODS): An Overview

“…The effect of the addition, whether individual or combined, of clinoptilolite and a mixture of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, and capsicum oleoresin to broiler chicken feed was studied. In both cases, positive effects were registered in the chicken’s weight gain, alongside a better antioxidant status and sensorial improvement of the meat [ 113 ]. Improvements in the yield and antioxidant effect in haying hens were verified when encapsulating Origanum syriacum L. EO in zeolites [ 112 ].…”

“…This could be due to the growth-promoting effect of this EO, since it is not only antioxidant and antimicrobial, resulting in a decrease in the number of pathogenic bacteria, but also stimulates digestion by increasing the oxidative stability and enhancement of immune response [ 114 ]. The positive effects of EO on the growth and health of chickens mainly result from the EO antimicrobial properties and their ability to stimulate the immune system [ 113 ]. Additionally, EO are capable of activating antioxidant enzymes, which influences the antioxidant protection effect [ 113 ].…”

“…The positive effects of EO on the growth and health of chickens mainly result from the EO antimicrobial properties and their ability to stimulate the immune system [ 113 ]. Additionally, EO are capable of activating antioxidant enzymes, which influences the antioxidant protection effect [ 113 ].…”