Effects of a meal feeding regimen and the availability of fresh alfalfa on growth performance and meat and bone quality of broiler genotypes

Abstract

1. The aim of this study was to identify a feeding regimen that encourages good pasture use in slow (SG) and fast (FG) growing broiler genotypes under free-range management. 2. SG and FG birds fed on either an ad libitum (ADB) or a meal feeding (MEF) programme were given free outdoor access with or without fresh alfalfa from day 22 to 72 and from day 22 to 45, respectively. In two consecutive trials, 800 birds of each genotype were included in a factorial design using groups of 40 birds replicated 5 times. 3. Fresh alfalfa consumption did not improve growth performance and meat quality attributes, whereas the feeding regimen had significant implications. When compared with their ad libitum-fed counterparts, meal-fed birds showed a significantly lower body weight at a considerably lower feed consumption rate, leading to a more favourable feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the course of the experiment. 4. The MEF regimen with a strong feed limitation significantly increased crop and gizzard weight in both genotypes. In FG birds, water holding capacity, drip loss, cooking loss and pH 45 in the breast and thigh meat were adversely affected by MEF; however, feed restriction demonstrated benefits with significant decreases in muscle fat accumulation. In SG birds, decreases in protein and dry matter content of the breast and thigh muscle with meal feeding were conclusive. 5. In both genotypes, there was no treatment-related effect on meat yield, mineral composition of the meat or bone mechanical properties. 6. In conclusion, MEF, irrespective of alfalfa intake, may provide a viable method to decrease FCR; it may be able to contribute to the production of chickens with lean carcasses but it was not capable of improving overall meat quality.

Identification of Genetic Loci Associated With Crude Protein Content and Fiber Composition in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Using QTL Mapping

“…Alfalfa quality determined mainly by protein content and fiber composition affects the digestibility and nutrition intake for animal feeding. Improving alfalfa quality by increasing crude protein or reducing fiber content has benefited animal husbandry (Koçer et al, 2018). Using QTL mapping combined with high throughput genotyping technology, we identified 83 regions associated with crude protein, fiber or lignin based on the phenotypic data of an F 1 population established by crossing two alfalfa parents with significant difference in quality.…”

Effect of genetic background, pen size and outdoor access on meat quality in two slow growing broiler hybrids

“…in any of the measured WHC parameters between fast growing (Ross-308) and slow growing broilers (T2-Y2), while Kocer et al (2018) found higher drip-and cooking loss in fast growing broilers (Ross308) compared to slow growing (Hubbard Red-JA87). However, the housing conditions and the feeding regimens were different in these two trials.…”

“…However, the housing conditions and the feeding regimens were different in these two trials. Broilers with outdoor access (Kocer et al, 2018) showed higher WHC values in general compared to the broilers with only indoor access (Dogan et al, 2019). In our study, no difference related to outdoor access was found.…”

Removal of Aflatoxin B1 Using Alfalfa Leaves as an Adsorbent Material: A Comparison between Two In Vitro Experimental Models

“…The values of crude protein, crude fiber, crude cellulose, and metabolizable energy contained in alfalfa are 17.5%, 24.1%, 20%, and 1200 kcal/kg, respectively [14,15]. Little is known about the effects of fresh forage consumption by poultry [16]. For instance, Suwignyo et al [17] reported that fresh alfalfa supplementation in ducks affected feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio.…”