The influence of shade allocation or total shade plus overhead fan on growth performance, efficiency of dietary energy utilization, and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle under tropical ambient conditions

Objective: The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of shade allocation and shade plus fan on growth performance, dietary energy utilization and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle under tropical ambient conditionsMethods: Two trials were conducted, involving a total of 1,560 young bulls (289±22 kg BW) assigned to 24 pens (65 bulls/pen and 6 pens/treatment). Pens were 585 m2 with 15 m fence line feed bunks. Shade treatments (m2 shade/animal) were: i) limited shade (LS) to 1.2 m2shade/animal (LS1.2); ii) limited shade to 2.4 m2 shade/animal (LS2.4); iii) total shade (TS) which correspond to 9 m2/animal, and iv) total shade equipped with fans (TS+F). Trials lasted 158 and 183 days. In both studies, the average weekly maximum temperature exceeded 34°C.Results: Increasing shade allocation tended (p = 0.08) to linearly increases average daily gain (ADG), and dry matter intake (DMI, quadratic effect, p = 0.03). This effect was most apparent between LS1.2 and LS2.4. Shade allocation, per se, did not affect gain efficiency or estimated dietary net energy (NE). Compared with TS, TS+F increased (p<0.05) ADG, gain efficiency, and tended (p = 0.06) to increase dietary NE. There was a quadratic effect of shade on longissimus area and marbling score, with values being lower (p<0.01) for LS2.4 than for LS1.2 or TS. Likewise, marbling score was lower for TS+F than for TS. Percentage kidney, pelvic, and heart (KPH) linearly decreased with increasing shade. In contrast, KPH was greater for TS than for TS+F.Conclusion: Providing more than 2.4 m2 shade/animal will not further enhance feedlot performance. The use of fans in combination with shade increases ADG and gain efficiency beyond that of shade, alone. These enhancements were not associated with increased DMI, but rather, to an amelioration of ambient temperature humidity index on maintenance energy requirement.

Download Full-text

Effect of oscillating feeding time and corn processing on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txaa103 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 974-979

Author(s):

Alejandro E Relling ◽

David Douglas Clevenger ◽

Francis L Fluharty

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Feedlot Cattle ◽

Feeding Time ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Similar Time ◽

Corn Processing ◽

Animal Growth

Abstract The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of oscillating feeding time (OFT) and corn processing (CoP) on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. One hundred sixty-five steers (initial body weight [BW] 277.2 ± 27.80 kg) were blocked by initial BW and allotted to 24 pens. Pens within each block were randomly assigned based on a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The two factors were CoP (whole shelled corn vs. ground corn [GC]) and feeding time (FT) (constant FT vs. 2 hours OFT). Animals were fed the same diet, only changing the CoP method depending on the treatment. Feed offered and feed refusals were collected daily. Body weight was collected at starting day of the experiment (d1) and every 28 d until the end of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, animals were harvested in a commercial slaughter facility, and carcass data were collected by a USDA grader. Animal growth performance and carcass characteristics data were analyzed with the PROC Mixed procedure (SAS) using CoP, FT, and their interaction as fixed variables; and treatments × pen within each block and block were considered random variables. There was no CoP by FT interaction differences (P > 0.10) on animal growth performance variables, nor on hot carcass weight, back fat, rib eye area, or the percentage of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat. There was a tendency for an interaction (P = 0.08) for marbling score, where the steers from the GC processing fed on the oscillating time had a lesser marbling score than the other three treatments. Oscillating feeding time improved (P = 0.05) average daily gain; but did not affect (P ≥ 0.11) dry matter intake (DMI), nor carcass characteristics compared with feeding at a similar time every day. There were no effects (P ≥ 0.11) of CoP on growth performance, nor carcass characteristics. In conclusion, a 2-hour oscillation in FT might not decrease steer feedlot performance. This may be due to the high degree of control of DMI with feed bunk management.

Download Full-text

Effect of metabolizable protein intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior in finishing steers

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txz124 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 1173-1181

Author(s):

Leonardo G Sitorski ◽

Marc L Bauer ◽

Kendall C Swanson

Keyword(s):

Feeding Behavior ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Feed Ratio ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Quadratic Effect ◽

Metabolizable Protein ◽

Finishing Steers ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Time Eating

Abstract One-hundred thirty-two finishing steers (300 ± 2.7 kg body weight [BW]) predominately of Angus, Simmental, and Shorthorn breeding were used to study the effect of metabolizable protein (MP) intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior. Steers were stratified by initial BW across five pens and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments to supply an average of 626, 906, 1,209, and 1,444 g MP/d (n = 33 per treatment). Feed intake and feeding behavior were measured using radio frequency identification tags and the Insentec feeding system. For feeding behavior, a visit was defined as each time the Insentec system detected a steer at the feed bunk. A meal was defined as eating periods by intervals no longer than 7 min. Steers were fed until they reached an average BW of 598 ± 3.1 kg. Average daily gain (ADG) responded quadratically (P < 0.01) with ADG increasing in steers fed 906 g MP/d and plateauing thereafter. Dry-matter intake (DMI; kg) responded quadratically (P = 0.009) with DMI increasing with MP intake up to 1,209 g/d MP and decreasing thereafter. Gain to feed ratio (G:F) increased linearly (P = 0.04) and tended (P = 0.10) to respond quadratically, as G:F increased up to 906 g MP/d and plateaued thereafter. A quadratic response (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively) was observed for marbling score and 12th rib subcutaneous fat thickness with steers fed 1,209 g MP/d having the greatest marbling score and back fat thickness. A quadratic effect for visits and meals per day was observed (P < 0.01) with steers fed the 1,209 g MP/d treatment having the least visits and meals per day. In addition, time eating per visit responded quadratically (P = 0.05) with time increasing from 626 to 906 g MP/d. There was a linear increase (P ≤ 0.02) in time eating per meal and per day with increasing MP intake. A quadratic effect (P < 0.03) was observed for DMI per visit, meal, and minute with steers fed 1,209 g MP/d having the greatest DMI. In summary, steers fed 626 g MP/d had increased visits and meals per day. However, DMI per visit, meal, and minute were greater in steers fed 1,209 g MP/d. A day × treatment interaction (P < 0.001) was observed for plasma urea N as concentrations increased to a greater extent over time in the higher MP treatments than in the lower MP treatments. These data indicate that MP supply (from deficient to excess) influences growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior of finishing steers.

Download Full-text

Effects of a pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) cannery by-product on growth performance and carcass characteristics in finishing Hanwoo steers

Animal Bioscience ◽

10.5713/ajas.20.0234 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 34 (2) ◽

pp. 233-242

Author(s):

Yongjun Choi ◽

Sangrak Lee ◽

Youngjun Na

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Body Weight Gain ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Amino Acid Profile ◽

Ananas Comosus ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Feeding Group

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pineapple cannery by-product (PCB) level on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing Hanwoo steers.Methods: The feeding stage was divided into early and late finishing stages. A total of 60 castrated Hanwoo steers (13.9±0.8 months old, 418.8±36.5 kg initial body weight [BW]) were blocked by initial BW and then randomly allotted into 12 pens (five head/pen). The pens were randomly assigned to control (CONT), low PCB (LPCB), or high PCB (HPCB) treatments. These diets contained 0%, 1.5%, or 3.0% of PCB (on a dry matter [DM] basis; as-fed basis was 0%, 10.6%, or 21.2%), respectively.Results: For the early finishing stage, body weight gain (BWG) and average daily gain (ADG) of the CONT and LPCB feeding groups were greater (p<0.05) than those of the HPCB feeding group. In addition, there were linear and quadratic effects on BWG and ADG with increasing dietary PCB level (p<0.05). The gain to feed (G:F) ratio tends to quadratically decrease with an increasing PCB level in the early finishing stage (p = 0.076). Growth performances of late finishing stage were not affected by PCB level. The marbling score of the LPCB feeding group was similar to that of the CONT feeding group. However, there was a linear decrease (p< 0.05) in marbling score and quality grade among treatments as PCB was increased in the diet. In the longissimus muscle free amino acid profile, histidine composition increased linearly (p<0.05) with an increasing level of PCB.Conclusion: The level of PCB 1.5% DM in diet can be used for finishing steers without any adverse effects on growth and carcass performances. However, there were some negative effects on growth and carcass performance in the HPCB feeding group.

Download Full-text

PSI-4 Effect of rumen protected capsaicin on dry matter intake, average daily gain, and carcass characteristics in finishing beef cattle

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz258.586 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 290-290 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

John C Eidsvik ◽

John J McKinnon ◽

Diego Moya Fernandez ◽

Alexandra Blanchard

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Feedlot Cattle ◽

Dry Matter Intake ◽

Canola Meal ◽

High Dose ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Mineral Supplement ◽

Dressing Percentage

Abstract The objective was to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics for feedlot cattle fed two sources of rumen protected capsaicin at two dose rates. A total of 450 steers, stratified by BW, were assigned into 30 pens. Pens were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 5 treatments containing (DM basis) of 86.2% barley grain, 6.0% barley silage, 6.2% canola meal, and 1.6% vitamin and mineral supplement. Treatments contained no additive (CON) or included a low or high dose of Nexulin (100 mg/d for NEXLO and 330 mg/d for NEXHI) or CapsXL (77 mg/d CAPLO or 250 mg/d for CAPHI). Steers averaged 507 kg BW at the start of the study and 686 kg at the end of the study (69 days on feed) with no differences among treatments (P > 0.28). Dry matter intake, ADG, gain:feed, dressing percentage, backfat thickness, and rib-eye area were not affected by treatment (P > 0.33). Steers fed CAPLO and NEXLO tended (P = 0.07) to have lesser marbling scores than CON, CAPHI and NEXHI. The proportion of steers in Canadian yield grades 1 and 2 did not differ among treatments, while those in yield grade 3 were greater (P = 0.03) in NEXLO (29%) than the CON (10.0%) and NEXHI (12.2%) treatments, with those fed CAPLO (20%) and CAPHI (19%) being intermediate but not different. Treatment did not affect the proportion of steers in quality grades B4, A, or prime, but tended to increase the proportion of steers grading AAA (P = 0.08) and decrease the proportion grading AA (P = 0.06). Overall, the data from this experiment suggest the potential for capsaicin to affect carcass yield grade, marbling score and quality grades without affecting DMI, ADG, or dressing percentage.

Download Full-text

The effects of a low lignin hull, high oil groat oat on the performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/cjas2011-052 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 91 (4) ◽

pp. 685-693 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

S. Arya ◽

J. J. McKinnon

Keyword(s):

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Barley Grain ◽

Feedlot Cattle ◽

Average Weight ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Entire Study ◽

Quadratic Effect ◽

Finishing Diets ◽

Effect Of Treatment ◽

Inclusion Level

Arya, S. and McKinnon, J. J. 2011. The effects of a low lignin hull, high oil groat oat on the performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 685–693. A study was conducted to evaluate inclusion levels of a low lignin hull, high oil groat oat (CDC SO-I) on the performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. Two hundred crossbred steers (average weight of 427.3 kg±22.4) fed in 20 pens (10 head per pen) were used. Five treatments, formulated by replacing barley grain with increasing levels of CDC SO-I oat (Barley grain:CDC SO-I oat ratios of 100:0; 75:25; 50:50; 25:75 and 0:100; DM basis) were used. Over the entire study, there was a linear decrease (P<0.01) in DMI and ADG with increasing inclusion level of CDC SO-I oat. There was a quadratic effect (P=0.03) on gain to feed with similar values for steers fed 100:0, 75:25, 50:50 and 75:25 and then decreasing for the 0:100 treatment. Days on feed increased (P=0.03) quadratically with steers fed the 75:25 and 0:100 treatments spending the longest time on feed. Increasing the inclusion level of CDC SO-I oat in the diet also linearly decreased (P<0.01) carcass weight, dressing percentage and carcass grade fat. However, there was no effect of treatment on l. dorsi area and lean meat yield. There was no effect (P>0.05) of treatment on marbling score. Overall, the results of this study indicate that replacement of barley grain by CDC SO-I oat in finishing diets decreases DMI and as a result leads to reduced ADG, increased days on feed and lower slaughter and carcass weights.

Download Full-text

Effect of feeding dry-rolled corn or whole shelled corn during the finishing phase on growth performance and carcass characteristics

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txaa228 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

T B Freitas ◽

T L Felix ◽

C Clark ◽

F L Fluharty ◽

A E Relling

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Block Design ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Feedlot Cattle ◽

Carcass Weight ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Quality Grade

Abstract The objectives of this trial were to evaluate the effect of corn processing during the finishing phase on feedlot cattle performance and carcass characteristics. We hypothesized that steers fed dry-rolled corn would have better feed efficiency (less feed necessary to the same amount of gain) than steers fed whole shelled corn. Ninety-five backgrounded Angus-cross cattle, (initial body weight (BW) = 263 ± 9.8 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design in a feedlot setting. Cattle were divided in to 3 blocks: heifers (n = 31, 4 pens; initial BW = 267 ± 1.3 kg), light steers (n = 32, 4 pens; initial BW = 253 ± 1.3 kg), and heavy steers (n = 32, 4 pens; initial BW = 279 ± 1.4 kg). Diets contained 70% corn (experimental treatment), 15% dried distiller’s grains with solubles, 7% grass hay, and 8% supplement, on a dry matter basis. Cattle were fed for 217, 224, and 231 ± 8 d for the heifer, heavy steer, and light steer blocks, respectively. Two pens within each block were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: 1) dry-rolled corn (DRC) or 2) whole shelled corn (WSC). Animal growth performance and carcass characteristics were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, including the fixed effect of treatment. Pen and block were included as random effects. Carcass characteristics USDA Yield Grade and Quality Grade distributions were compared using the GLIMMIX procedure of using the same model than the growth performance data. Data are presented as LSMeans. Cattle fed DRC had greater average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.02) and final BW (P < 0.01) when compared with cattle fed WSC. Even though ADG was greater for the DRC treatment, feed efficiency was similar (P = 0.45) because dry matter intake (DMI) was also greater (P = 0.04) for DRC when compared with the WSC treatment. Cattle fed DRC also had greater hot carcass weight (P < 0.01), dressing percentage (P < 0.01), and Longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA; P < 0.01) than cattle fed WSC. No differences (P ≥ 0.18) were observed for marbling score, USDA Yield Grade or USDA Quality Grade. In conclusion, feeding DRC to feedlot cattle improved ADG, hot carcass weight, and LMA, without affecting feed efficiency or meat quality.

Download Full-text

298 The Effects of Chromium Propionate Supplementation to Calf-fed Steers in a Commercial Feedyard on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Health

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.303 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 165-165

Author(s):

Sara J Trojan ◽

Jerilyn Hergenreder ◽

Landon Canterbury ◽

Tyler Leonhard ◽

John M Long

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Bos Indicus ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Beta Agonist ◽

Respiratory Morbidity ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Chromium Propionate ◽

Retreatment Rate ◽

Dietary Treatments

Abstract Crossbred steers [British x Continental x Bos Indicus; n = 1844; initial body weight (BW) = 248 ± 28 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of chromium propionate supplementation to calf-fed steers in a commercial feedyard on growth performance, carcass characteristics and health. Steers were blocked by initial BW; pens were assigned randomly to one of two dietary treatments within block. Treatments, replicated in 15 pens/treatment with 57 to 62 head per pen, included: 1) control, 0 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary dry matter (DM) (CTL); 2) 0.50 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary DM (chromium propionate; KemTRACE® Chromium 0.04%, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA) (CR). Due to inadvertent oversight, during the final 30 days on feed, CR cattle did not receive trace minerals, vitamins, an ionophore, antibiotic, or ractopamine-hydrochloride. Final BW, average daily gain (ADG) and DM intake did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.25). Gain efficiency was greater (P = 0.03) for CTL than CR (0.16 vs. 0.15). Hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were similar among treatments (P ≥ 0.19). Yield grade was higher for CR than CTL (2.44 vs. 2.27; P < 0.01); 12th-ribfat tended to be greater for CR than CTL (P = 0.09), and longissimus area was greater for CTL vs. CR (P < 0.01). Marbling score tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for CR than CTL. Steers fed CR tended (P = 0.07) to have a greater distribution of prime carcasses than CTL (1.9% vs. 0.07%), and percentage choice carcasses was higher for CR than CTL (67.34% vs. 61. 71%, P = 0.01). Respiratory morbidity (12.20%), and retreatment rate did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.20). In the absence of a beta-agonist, CR steers had higher quality carcasses, and similar ADG and HCW to CTL.

Download Full-text

PSVIII-15 Effect of Endovac-Beef vaccination on performance, dietary energetics, and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing calf-fed Holstein steers

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.770 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 429-430

Author(s):

Brooke C Latack ◽

Pedro H Carvalho ◽

Richard A Zinn

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Animal Health ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Live Weight ◽

Net Energy ◽

Feeding Period ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Eye Infection

Abstract Objectives were to evaluate the influence of ENDOVAC-Beef® (Endovac Animal Health, Columbia, MO) vaccination on calf-fed Holstein steer growth performance, dietary energetics, and carcass characteristics. Fifty Holstein steer calves were utilized in a 322 d trial. Calves were blocked by initial shrunk body weight (134 ±5 kg) and randomly assigned to treatments within weight groups to 10 pens (5 steers per pen, 5 pens per treatment). Five pen groups received the ENDOVAC-Beef vaccination on d 28 and d 56, and the remaining 5 pens did not receive the ENDOVAC-Beef vaccination. All steers were fed the same steam-flaked corn-based growing-finishing diet. Vaccination did not affect (P ≥ 0.10) live weight, average daily gain, and dry matter intake during the 322 d feeding period. However, vaccination increased (P ≤ 0.04) gain efficiency and estimated dietary net energy values (NE) during the first 112 d on feed. Vaccination did not affect (P ≥ 0.14) gain efficiency or estimated dietary NE during the final 112 to 322 d, or over the entire feeding period (1 to 322 d). Vaccination did not affect (P ≥ 0.31) hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and marbling score. However, vaccinating calf-fed Holstein steers with ENDOVAC-Beef increased (P ≤ 0.01) longissimus muscle area (LMA; 86.5 vs 76.8 cm2) and retail yield (51.3 vs 50.4); but, tended to increase (P = 0.07) carcass fat thickness. Morbidity and pink eye infection were low and not affect by treatment (P ≥ 0.18). We conclude that while vaccinating calf-fed Holstein steers with ENDOVAC-Beef did not have an overall effect on growth-performance, it increased (13%) LMA and retail carcass yield (1.8%).

Download Full-text

297 The Effects of Chromium Propionate Supplementation to Yearling Steers in a Commercial Feedyard on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Health

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.304 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 165-166

Author(s):

Sara J Trojan ◽

Jerilyn Hergenreder ◽

Landon Canterbury ◽

Tyler Leonhard ◽

John M Long

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Respiratory Morbidity ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Muscle Area ◽

High Performing ◽

Chromium Propionate ◽

Respiratory Treatment ◽

Dietary Treatments

Abstract British crossbred steers [n = 3074; initial body weight (BW) = 358 ± 37 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of chromium propionate supplementation to yearling steers in a commercial feedyard on growth performance, carcass characteristics and health. Steers were blocked by initial BW; pens were assigned randomly to one of two dietary treatments within block. Treatments, replicated in 15 pens/treatment with 75 to 135 head per pen, included: 1) control, 0 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary dry matter (DM) (CTL); 2) 0.50 mg supplemental Cr/kg diet DM (chromium propionate; KemTRACE® Chromium 0.04%, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA) (CR). Final BW (638 vs. 641 kg.), average daily gain, (1.81 vs. 1.82 kg), DM intake (11.02 vs. 11.02 kg) and gain efficiency (0.164 vs 0.165) did not differ between CTL and CR, respectively (P ≥ 0.75). No differences among treatments for hot carcass weight (407 vs. 408 kg., CTL and CR, respectively), dressing percentage, longissimus muscle area, or yield grade were observed (P ≥ 0.15). Twelfth-rib fat thickness tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for CR vs. CTL (1.55 vs 1.29 cm, respectively). A trend (P = 0.10) for marbling score to be higher for CR vs. CTL was detected (452 vs. 440, respectively). Distribution of quality grade was similar between CR and CTL; 1.52% of carcasses graded prime (P =0.68), and 87.2% of carcasses graded choice (P = 0.68). Respiratory morbidity was low (1.93%) and not different among treatments (P = 0.20); likewise, there was no difference in respiratory treatment rates between treatments (P ≥ 0.18). Supplementing Cr to high-performing yearling steers did not alter growth performance, carcass characteristics or health outcomes.

Download Full-text

The effect of herbal feed additive on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets

Archives Animal Breeding ◽

10.5194/aab-62-33-2019 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 62 (1) ◽

pp. 33-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Krzysztof Lipiński ◽

Zofia Antoszkiewicz ◽

Sylwia Kotlarczyk ◽

Magdalena Mazur-Kuśnirek ◽

Joanna Kaliniewicz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Broiler Chickens ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Efficiency Index ◽

Energy Concentration ◽

Feed Additive ◽

Dietary Energy ◽

Feed Conversion

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of herbal feed additive on growth performance, carcass characteristics, the chemical composition of breast muscles and selected meat quality parameters in broiler chickens. The experiment was performed on 1080 Ross 308 chickens, which were randomly divided into six groups with six replicates per group. In experimental groups, dietary energy concentration was reduced by 0.10 or 0.25 MJ kg−1, and the diets were or were not supplemented with the Superliv herbal formula at 500 g t−1 of diet. A statistical analysis revealed that Superliv had a beneficial influence on the final body weights (BWs) of birds, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), European Efficiency Index (EEI) and the proportion of heart relative to total carcass weight. However, meat acidity measured 15 min post mortem was higher in experimental groups. A decrease in dietary energy concentration contributed to a highly significant increase in the water-holding capacity (WHC) of meat and natural drip loss, an increase in pH15, an increase in color lightness, a decrease in redness, an increase in the fat content of meat, and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration.

Download Full-text