Characteristics of carcass and physicochemical traits of meat from male and female ducks fed a diet based on extruded soybean.

Duck' meat is characterized by good nutritional properties and gaining popularity in the consumer market. Extruded soybean is potentially more digestible than commonly use soybean meal (SBM), and is expected to influence carcass traits and the quality of breast and leg muscles. The study' aim was to compare meat quality from both sexes' ducks fed a diet with extruded soybean (ESB) as a substitute for SBM. Cherry Valley ducks were divided into two groups. The control group (1) was fed an SBM-based diet, and the treatment group (2) with ESB. Each group was divided into sex subgroups with 50 birds in each (5 replicates, 10 ducks each). Dissection and analysis of meats' pH, colour, water-holding capacity (WHC), drip loss and chemical composition of breast and leg muscles were done. Interaction of Diet and Sex was calculated. In group 2 higher carcass weight, dressing percentage, weight of wings, leg muscles, total muscles, and better WHC were found. Dressing percentage, the proportion of neck with skin, breasts' and stomach' weight, and the weight and proportion of fat, and pH45min were higher in females (P < 0.05). The interaction was found for the pre-slaughter body weight, the weight of carcass remains, WHC in breasts (P < 0.05). The ESB feed had no negative effect on the analyzed traits and can be used in the ducks' diet. Improved the WHC indicates the high suitability of meat for processing. A positive effect of diet on the muscles' proportion and dressing percentage was noticed, which is important for consumers' market. The sex-related differences and interactions between variables suggest separate rearing due to sex.

Egg quality depending on the diet with different sources of protein and age of the hens.

Due to the planned limitations in the use of genetically modified soybean meal, the search for alternative sources of protein in animal nutrition is ongoing, which also supports the consumers' expectations of good quality products, such as eggs. The aim of the study was to assess and compare morphological traits of eggs, fatty acid composition in yolk lipids, and the content and activity of lysozyme in thick and thin albumen in eggs from hens fed a diet based on legume seeds as a substitute for soybean meal depending on the hens age. Analyses were carried out for 300 eggs on dates I-V (19-39 weeks age of hens), obtained from Rosa 1 hens managed in the semi-intensive system. Quality analysis was performed for 30 eggs from each group at a time. The control group of hens (A) was fed a diet based on soybean meal (SBM) and the treatment group (B) was fed a diet based on seeds from narrow-leaved lupin (Boruta), yellow lupin (Mister), and pea (Muza). Eggs were analysed for morphological traits (egg weight, the weight and density of egg components, egg shape index and egg surface area), parameters of albumen (height, Haugh units), yolk colour (La Roche, colorimetry in the CIE Lab system), lysozyme content and activity in albumen, and fatty acids composition in yolk lipids. In group B the egg shape index was higher (p = 0.002), and the eggshell colour index was lower (p = 0.007), as well as the height of thick albumen, Haugh score, and yolk colour (La Roche) were higher in group B (p < 0.05), while redness of yolk was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in group A. Lower content of C15:0 and C18:1n9 and higher content of C18:2n6 and C18:3n3, (p < 0.05), as well as lower content of MUFA and OMEGA 9, but higher content of PUFA, OMEGA 3, OMEGA 6, PUFA/SFA, OMEGA 9/6 and OMEGA 9/3 were found in group B compared to group A (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in traits between age of hens (p < 0.05). Egg weight, yolk weight and its proportion in egg, as well as shell weight, its strength and thickness increased with the age of hens (p < 0.05). The content of lysozyme and its activity were also higher in eggs from older hens (p < 0.05). Fatty acids composition was beneficial at the beginning and end of the analysed egg production period. The proposed feed mixture based on legume seeds had no negative effect on the quality of eggs, and had a positive effect on yolk colour, the quality of albumen. There was no detrimental effect of diet and age of hens on fatty acid composition of eggs from both groups throughout the study period. To sum up, diet with legume seeds could be accepted as a substitute for soybean meal, due to the beneficial effects for some mentioned traits of eggs. Use of legumes could give a partial self-sufficient for producers from small farms, where is not possible to produce soybean meal. At the same time, the level of anti-nutrients in legumes should be considered.

The effect of various protein sources in goose diets on meat quality, fatty acid composition, and cholesterol and collagen content in breast muscles.

Goose meat is characterized by good quality and a good fatty acid composition. Geese do not need many compounds in their feed to ensure suitable growth. The main source of protein in most feed is soybean meal (SBM). New cultivars of yellow lupin with fewer antinutrients could be a substitute for soybean. The study's aim was to compare the quality of the carcass and meat, as well as the fatty acid composition and the collagen and cholesterol content in the breast muscles from geese fed a diet based on yellow lupin as an replacement for soybean meal. In the study, geese were divided into 2 study groups. The first was a control group (Group 1), fed a feed based on SBM; the second one was an experimental group (Group 2), fed a feed based on yellow lupin "Mister", potato protein, and brewer's yeast. The rearing period was divided into 3 stages, and the last stage was oat fattening. Each group (105 birds in each group) was divided into 5 replications with 21 birds. After 16 wk of rearing, 10 geese from each group were slaughtered. The carcasses were analyzed for physicochemical traits (dissection, color, water-holding capacity, and chemical composition of the breast and leg muscles, as well as pH level, drip loss, and fatty acid profile of the breast muscles). The drip loss from the breast muscles was higher (P < 0.05) and the water-holding capacity of the leg muscles lower (P < 0.05) in Group 1 than in Group 2. Group 1 also displayed a higher content of protein and water in breast and leg muscles (P < 0.05) but lower fat content than that of Group 2 (P < 0.05). The linoleic acid content of the breast muscles was higher in Group 2 (P < 0.05), whereas the other fatty acid levels were comparable between the groups. The total content of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (n-6 and n-3) and the PUFA/ saturated fatty acid ratio was higher in Group 2 (P < 0.05). Moreover, the thrombogenic index was lower (P < 0.05) in the geese fed a lupin-diet. Overall, the yellow lupin-based feed had beneficial effects on the goose meat's traits, and it can be used as a high-protein compound in diets for geese. It is also possible to produce traditional geese fattened by oats.

The Quality of Eggs from Rosa 1 Hens Fed Diets Containing Seeds of Legume Plants (Lupinus luteus L., Lupinus angustifolius, and Pisum sativum) in Two Laying Phases.

This study analyzes the eggs' quality from hens fed with alternative protein to soybean meal (SBM) in relation to laying phase. Here, 226 hens are divided into the control (I) and experimental (II) groups and reared for 50 weeks. There were two feeding phases (weeks 1-36; 37-50). Quality was assessed for 20 eggs from each group. The eggs are analyzed for their external and internal traits. A higher albumen weight in II and higher weights of the components were found in the 37-50 weeks for both groups, also in the percentage of yolk and albumen, however lower eggshell percentage was found for both groups, at the same time they were less durable and found to be thinner. In II, the La Roche color and the L*, b* were lower, but the a* increased, as did the albumen height. In the second phase, the La Roche and DSM color were higher, while the Haugh unit and albumen height decreased. Factors' interaction was demonstrated for color. Legumes can partly substitute SBM in feed for hens. There were no negative effects on the eggs' quality for most traits. The differences between the laying phases are due to the natural course and the physiology of laying hens.

Effects of legume-diet and sex of ducks on the growth performance, physicochemical traits of meat and fatty acid composition in fat.

Duck meat enjoys growing popularity among consumers. Alternative protein sources to soybean are being investigated to eliminate genetically modified components from the poultry' diet. The aim of this study was to compare growth performance, quality of meat, and fatty acid composition in subcutaneous and abdominal fat from ducks fed a diet based on yellow lupin and rapeseed meal, sources of protein alternative to soybean meal (SBM). Ducks were allocated to different dietary treatment groups and reared for 8 weeks (N = 102 per group). Group A received a diet based on SBM, while group B was fed a diet based on yellow lupin with the addition of rapeseed meal. Both groups were divided into two subgroups, of male and female birds. Growth performance parameters and zoometric traits of ducks were monitored during the growth period. After 8 weeks selected birds were slaughtered and dissected (N = 10 per group). Carcass composition was calculated and selected traits of meat quality important for further processing were analysed. Subcutaneous and abdominal fat were collected to analyse fatty acid composition. The alternative diet had no negative effect on ducks' growth performance parameters and dressing percentage. The replacement of SBM with yellow lupin and rapeseed meal increased n-3 fatty acid content, which is important for consumers. In conclusion, SBM can be replaced with feed containing 60.10% of yellow lupin and 14.00% of rapeseed meal in concentrate. These sources of protein are mainly recommended for small poultry farms, which do not always have access to SBM and prepare poultry feed from their own crops.

Growth performance and Carcass quality in broiler chickens fed on legume seeds and rapeseed meal.

The aim of this study was to compare the growth performance parameters, carcass quality, and meat traits in broiler chickens fed on diets containing legume seeds and rapeseed meal as an alternative to soybean meal. In this study, 448 male ROSS 308 chicks were divided into subgroups: a control group (I) fed on soybean meal (SBM), and six experimental groups II-rapeseed meal (RSM); III-white lupin (WY); IV-yellow lupin (YL); V-narrow-leaved lupin NLL; VI-pea (Pe); and VII-faba bean (FB). After 42 days of rearing, 10 birds from each group were slaughtered and dissected. The control group was characterized by better growth performance compared to the other groups. In addition, the European Broiler Index was lower in each experimental group compared to the SBM group. A lower dressing percentage was found only in the NLL group. The muscle content in birds from the RSM and FB groups was significantly higher than in the other groups, but the fat content was lower. Meat from SBM group was characterized by the highest protein content, but a reduced content of fat and water in the muscles. The most similar results were found between the control group and the FB group receiving a diet based on faba beans. Furthermore, lupins had a similar effect on the carcass traits when used in the diets. The quality of meat in broilers fed on faba beans with the addition of potato protein and brewers' yeast was similar to that of those fed on soybean meal, because the antinutrients were the lowest in faba bean seeds. Faba beans are proposed as a possible alternative source of protein in poultry diets. Other legume seeds should be analyzed in future studies.

Quality and Physicochemical Traits of Carcasses and Meat from Geese Fed with Lupin-Rich Feed.

The aim of the study was to analyze the quality of geese meat receiving feed with soybean meal (group 1), yellow lupin (group 2), narrow-leaved lupin (group 3), or white lupin (group 4). In total, 400 male White Koluda® geese were randomly assigned to four groups, with 10 replicates and 10 birds each, during the 77-day rearing period. After the end of the rearing period, 10 birds from each group were slaughtered and dissected. Meat quality traits were measured. Based on the production results, it can be concluded that geese use fodder with yellow and white lupin to the same degree as in the case of the control group and higher body weight gain was recorded in the first rearing period. In contrast, the use of narrow-leaved lupin in mixtures for geese worsened the feed used. Meat traits were similar in all groups, including the content of muscles and fat in the carcass (p > 0.05), excluding abdominal fat. The weight of abdominal fat and its proportion in the carcass were higher (p < 0.05) in geese from group 4. A higher (p < 0.05) pH was found in group 1. The protein and intramuscular fat content in breast muscles was highest (p < 0.05) in geese from group 4, and a higher water content was found in group 1. The protein content in leg muscles was higher in group 3, and the fat content was higher in group 4 (p < 0.05). The color and water-holding capacity of meat were comparable in all groups (p > 0.05). The analysis revealed a positive effect of replacing soybean meal with alternative protein sources, especially yellow and white lupin, on the growth performance and quality of goose meat.

Quality of Eggs, Concentration of Lysozyme in Albumen, and Fatty Acids in Yolk in Relation to Blue Lupin-Rich Diet and Production Cycle.

In recent years, the interest in lupin seeds as a source of protein in poultry nutrition has increased. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of table eggs produced by hens that were fed diets containing pea seeds and various levels of narrow-leafed lupin as a substitute for soybean meal. The share of lupin seeds in the treatment groups was 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. Egg morphology, the fatty acid profile in egg yolk and the amount and activity of lysozyme in egg white were analysed. Results show that using 10-20% lupin seeds in feed in the diet of laying hens in intensive farming does not result in a change in weight or egg structure, their physical properties or their morphological composition. Increasing the share of lupin seeds in feed for laying hens increases the saturation of the colour of egg yolks, which is a desirable feature among consumers. The use of lupin seeds in feed for laying hens does not adversely affect the chemical properties of egg proteins, as expressed by the amount and activity of lysozyme. In feed for laying hens, replacing soybean meal with lupin seeds has a positive effect on the fatty acid profile in egg yolk (omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated acids and hypocholesterolemic acids).

Effect of faba bean-based diets on the meat quality and fatty acids composition in breast muscles of broiler chickens.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of feed containing faba bean on the physicochemical properties of breast and leg muscles. The study was conducted on 340 Ross 308 broiler chickens reared for 6 weeks. The control group received feed based on soybean meal. The treatment group received a feed mixture with faba bean as the source of protein. Different sources of protein in the diet were also associated with changes in the content of n-6 fatty acids (C16:0, C22:4) and the n-6/n-3 ratio in breast muscles, which was higher (P < 0.05) in treatment group. The collagen content was higher (P < 0.05) in breast muscles from control group. The study revealed that the use of faba bean as a substitute for soybean meal had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on water holding capacity, drip loss, or major chemical components of breast and leg muscles. The P/S ratio, AI and TI, and the content of cholesterol in breast muscles were comparable (P > 0.05) in both groups. The values of lightness (L*) for leg muscles were lower (P < 0.05) in treatment group. The use of faba bean instead to soybean meal in diets for broiler chickens had positive effects on meat quality traits.

Effect of Dietary Protein Sources Substituting Soybean Meal on Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Ducks.

The study aimed to examine the growth performance and meat quality of Pekin ducks fed diets consisting of various protein source alternatives (groups: II-yellow lupin (YL) and rapeseed meal (RSM); III-YL and narrow-leaved lupin (NLL); IV-pea and YL; V-RSM, YL, NLL and pea) to (I) soybean meal (SBM) and RSM. Four hundred and twenty ducks were assigned to five groups with six replicates (14 birds per group). After 7 weeks, 10 ducks from each group were slaughtered. Breast muscles were analyzed for water-holding capacity, drip loss, color, and elasticity. Productivity parameters did not differ between groups I and II but were lower in V. The weight of carcass, neck with skin, skin with subcutaneous fat and total fat were highest in group II. The proportion of wings was higher in group V. In group II, lightness (L*) was higher, but redness (a*) was lower. In groups, I and III, L* was lower and a* was higher. Breast muscles contained more protein in groups I and II, more fat in groups I and III and more water in groups II and IV. The inclusion of vegetable protein alternatives to SBM in duck diets provided the best results in birds fed with YL and RSM (ratio of 1:0:31 in starter and 1:0.81 in grower).

The Quality of Carcass and Meat from Geese Fed Diets with or without Soybean Meal.

The aim of the study was to compare the carcass and meat quality of geese fed with soybean meal or yellow lupin. In total, 210 White Koluda® geese were divided into 2 groups (1, soybean meal (SBM); 2, yellow lupin (YL), potato protein, and brewer's yeast) of 5 replications (21 birds per each). After 16 weeks, 10 geese (5 females, 5 males) from each group were slaughtered. Carcass dissection was done, and major physicochemical traits were analysed (pH, water holding capacity, drip loss, color, and chemical composition of muscles). Weight of leg muscles and their proportion in the carcass were higher (p < 0.05) in SBM. Breast muscles from SBM were characterized by increased (p < 0.05) drip loss, enhanced (p < 0.05) content of protein, water, collagen and connective tissue, and lower (p < 0.05) fat content. Leg muscles from SBM were characterized by higher (p < 0.05) protein and water content but decreased (p < 0.05) salt and fat content compared to YL. The addition of YL (approx. 28%), potato protein, and brewer's yeast had no negative effect on most meat traits and could partly replace SBM as a protein source in geese feeding. Hence, yellow lupin, potato protein and brewer's yeast can be used in geese rearing followed by fattening with oats. Some producers do not have the option of using soybean meal. Small-scale farms use their own crop resources, so lupins can be an alternative source of protein for soybean meal.

The analysis of meat and bone traits of Plymouth Rock cockerels and capons (P55) at different age.

The aim of the study was the comparison of Plymouth Rock cockerels and capons and the evaluation of the influence of their age on slaughter yield, meat quality, and bone traits. The studies were conducted on cockerels and capons from P55 strain (Plymouth Rock). At 16, 18, and 20 wk of rearing, a dissection of whole carcasses of cockerels and capons was conducted, and breast and leg muscles were evaluated in terms of the physical and chemical traits, as well as the chemical composition. Also, traits of femur and tibia bones were studied. It was indicated that capons were characterized by a higher body weight (BW) before slaughter and higher weight of the eviscerated carcass than cockerels at consecutive dates of slaughter. Based on BW, the slaughter yield and muscle content of carcasses, it was found that the most optimal slaughter time in Plymouth Rock cockerels is at 18 wk and capons at 20 wk. It was observed that caponization had a significant effect on the chemical composition of breast muscles with respect to water and protein content. Along with bird age, collagen content in muscles decreased; however, significant differences were observed only in capons. At consecutive dates of evaluating cockerels, resistance and toughness of their femur and tibia bones increased significantly. Significant changes in the physical characteristics of bones were also found.

The analysis of meat traits of Sussex cockerels and capons (S11) at different ages.

The aim of the study was to compare Sussex cockerels and capons as well as to estimate the influence of age on slaughter yield and meat quality. The tests were performed on cockerels and capons from strain S11 (Sussex). At 16, 18, and 20 wk of age, a dissection of the entire carcass was conducted. The breast and leg muscles were tested for physio-chemical traits, as well as chemical parameters. It was noted that, due to significant differences in BW of the eviscerated carcasses between wk 18 and 20 of slaughter, the best time to cease rearing S11 cockerels could be wk 20. However, for S11 capons, the optimal time for slaughter appeared to be wk 18 (no significant differences in BW and carcass weight or musculature between wk 18 and 20). The trait which did not differ between cockerels and capons slaughtered at different ages was slaughter yield. Fatness of the cockerels increased with age whilst the weight of capons' skin with subcutaneous fat was the same at wk 18 and 20 of evaluation. With increasing age, pH indicators of cockerels and capons' breast muscles were increasing; the water holding capacity of capons' breast muscles were also increasing. Both cockerels and capons showed darker color of breast muscle at wk 20 compared to wk 16 of evaluation. Redness of the breast muscle in the following periods of evaluation did not show significant differences, although with age, the yellowness of the cockerels and capons' breast muscle increased significantly. Among cockerels and capons, the water content in the breast and leg muscles were decreasing with age whilst the protein content was increasing. A significant growing tendency of the percentage of fat share in the breast and leg muscles with age was noted in the capon group. Conclusions for breeding practice are as follows: due to meat and quality traits, Sussex cockerels and capons can be used until wk 18 or 20 of life.