Effect of legume grains as a source of dietary protein on the quality of organic lamb meat

Substitution of soyabean meal by faba bean improves body weight, sperm production and testosterone concentration in mature Queue Fine de l'Ouest rams

The current study aimed at investigating the effects of partial or total substitution of soybean meal with faba bean on reproductive parameters of Queue Fine de l'Ouest rams. Eighteen adult rams (49.8 ± 3.7 kg and 2.4 ± 1.5 years old) were divided into three homogenous groups. Rams received oat hay ad libitum and 3 types of concentrate (33 g/BW^0.75) where soybean meal was the main protein source (SBM diet, n = 6), partially (50%, SBMFB diet, n = 6) or totally (100% FB diet, n = 6) substituted in nitrogen basis by local faba bean. The volume of ejaculate, sperm concentration and sperm mortality rate were measured weekly by collecting semen using an artificial vagina. Serial blood samples were collected 30 days and 120 days after the beginning of the experiment in order to assess plasma testosterone concentrations. The results showed that hay intake was affected (P < 0.05) by the nature of the nitrogen source incorporated (1032.3 ± 12.2; 1026.8 ± 56.6 and 972.8 ± 39.05 g DM/d for SBM, FB and SBMFB respectively. The average live weight of the rams increased from 49.8 ± 0.4 (week 1) to 57.3 ± 0.9 kg (week 17) without effect of the diet. A positive effect of faba bean incorporation in the concentrate was observed on ejaculate volume, concentration and spermatozoa production. All these parameters were significantly higher in SBMFB and FB groups than in SBM group (P < 0.05). The protein source did not affect the percentage of dead spermatozoa and the total abnormalities which were similar for the three diets (38.7; 35.8 and 38.1% for SBM; SBMFB and FB, respectively). The mean testosterone concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in rams fed with faba bean (1.7 ± 0.7 to 1.9 ± 0.7 ng/ml for the SBMFB and the FB groups respectively) than in rams fed SBM diet (1.06 ± 0.5 ng/ml). It was concluded that the substitution of soybean meal by faba bean improved the reproductive performance and did not affect sperm quality in Queue Fine de l'Ouest rams.

Morula Kernel Cake (Sclerocarya birrea) as a Protein Source in Diets of Finishing Tswana Lambs: Effects on Nutrient Digestibility, Growth, Meat Quality, and Gross Margin

A trial evaluated growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and economic returns of fattened lambs fed on diets containing different protein sources. Six castrated male Tswana lambs per treatment were used in a completely randomised design (CRD) trial and fed on complete diets containing Lucerne (CD; commercial diet), morula kernel cake (MKC), or sunflower seedcake (SC) as protein sources over a 103-day experiment. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the dry matter intake, final body weight, average daily gain, and FCR. This was attributable to all the diets providing an equal supply of nutrients to the lambs. Meat quality attributes and proximate composition values were similar (p > 0.05) across the treatments. Longissimus dorsi muscle organoleptic quality did not differ (p > 0.05) across the treatments. The gross margin analysis was significantly greater (p < 0.05) when feeding SCD than feeding CD and was intermediate for lambs fed MKCD. Morula kernel cake (Sclerocarya birrea) can be used for fattening lambs when common protein sources are either not available or expensive.

Introducing Mediterranean Lupins in Lamb Diets: Effects on Carcass Composition, Meat Quality, and Intramuscular Fatty Acid Profile

The objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of soybean meal by lupins on lambs’ diets, on the carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat fatty acid profile. Two trials were conducted: In trial 1, the soybean meal (control; C) was partially replaced by Lupinus albus or Lupinus luteus (50 g/kg; LA5 and LL5, respectively); in trial 2, lambs were fed four diets with graded levels of Lupinus luteus (0, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg; C, LL10, LL15, LL20, respectively). At the end of the feeding trials, animals were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat composition, including fatty acids. Carcass composition in tissues was not affected (p > 0.05) by diet in both trials. Additionally, no significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in meat quality attributes between diets in trials 1 and 2. Overall, the Longissimus muscle’s fatty acid content was not affected by diet (p > 0.05) in both trials. Carcass and meat quality was overall comparable between lambs fed with soybean meal and lupins, indicating the latter as a potential alternative protein source. However, the lack of significant differences could also be attributed to the small sample size.

Feeding of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) enhances the growth performance of lambs

Background and Aim:

The high price of conventional diet ingredients led livestock producers to search for alternative feed sources such as faba beans (Vicia faba L.; FB). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding FB on the growth performance of lambs.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 24 male lambs were distributed randomly into two groups and fed a control diet (CON; n=12) and 200 g/kg FB (FB200; n=12) dietary dry matter (DM). The study lasted for 70 days. The first 7 days were used for acclimatization, followed by 63 days of data collection (i.e., nutrient intake and digestibility and growth performance). A complete randomized design was used for the statistical analysis.

Results:

The average initial body weight (BW) (20.54±0.798 kg) was similar between the diet treatment groups. Lambs fed the FB200 diet demonstrated higher (p≤0.008) nutrient intake than lambs fed the CON diet. The FB200 diet tended to improve the digestibility of DM, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber more than the CON diet (p≤0.072). Neutral detergent fiber and ether extract digestibility were higher (p<0.05) in lambs fed the FB200 diet than those fed the CON diet. Next, nitrogen retention increased (p<0.05) in lambs fed the FB200 diet compared with the CON diet. Final BW did not differ (p=0.221) between the two groups. However, the average daily gain was higher (p=0.028) in lambs fed the FB200 diet than in lambs fed the CON diet. Furthermore, the cost of gain decreased more (p=0.04) with the FB200 diet than with the CON diet.

Conclusion:

The results obtained in this study demonstrate the feasibility of using FB in feeding growing lambs, as it was shown to improve growth performance and reduce the cost of diet and gain.

Nutritive value of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as a feedstuff resource in livestock nutrition: A review

The review evaluates faba bean (Vicia faba L.; FB) seeds relative to their nutritional composition, their content of antinutritional factors, and their impact on animal performance. The literature indicates that FB plant is a cool-season, annual grain legume that grows the best in cool and humid conditions. Its seeds are rich in protein, energy, and mineral compounds and have particularly high unsaturated fatty acid levels. However, FB seeds also contain various proportions of antinutritional factors (ANFs) that can interfere with nutrient utilization in nonruminants. The various processing methods are efficient in either reducing or inactivating the ANFs of FB seeds, with extrusion treatment offering the most effective method of improving apparent nutrient and energy digestibility of nonruminants. In vivo studies on ruminants, pigs, poultry, and fishes reveal that FB seeds have the potential to be used as a substitute for soybean meal and/or cereal seeds in livestock diets in order to support milk, meat, and/or egg production.

The Inclusion of Pea in Concentrates Had Minor Effects on the Meat Quality of Light Lambs

The use of pea (Pisum sativum) has been recommended to replace soybean meal in the diet of ruminants, but it may affect meat quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the proportion of pea (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) in fattening concentrates fed to light lambs for 41 days on carcass colour and on the meat quality. Pea inclusion affected neither the colour of the lamb carcasses nor affected most of the parameters of the meat quality. However, the inclusion of pea affected the cholesterol content, and the 20%pea concentrate yielded meat with greater cholesterol contents than the 30%pea concentrate did (p < 0.05). The inclusion of pea had minor effects on individual FAs but affected the total saturated fatty acids (p < 0.01) and the thrombogenicity index (p < 0.05). A greater total saturated fatty acid content was recorded for the 20%pea concentrate than for the rest of the concentrates, and a greater thrombogenicity index was recorded for the 20% concentrate than for the 10%pea concentrate. The results indicated the viability of the inclusion of pea in the fattening concentrate of light lambs without impairing meat quality, with the 30%pea concentrate being the most suitable to reduce the soya-dependency.

Chickpea Can Be a Valuable Local Produced Protein Feed for Organically Reared, Native Bulls

We assessed the effects of inclusion of chickpea from 24 to 21%, as feed basis, in diets for organically reared bulls. Sixteen young bulls (270 ± 6.4 days of age; 246 ± 0.13 kg in weight) belonging to a native Italian breed (Maremmana) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments. The control diets were based on mixed grass hay, maize meal, and barley meal. In the experimental diets, barley was equally substituted by locally produced chickpea. Animals were weighed every 2 weeks until the prefixed slaughtering weight (630 kg). Plasma metabolites were measured at the 1st, 7th, and 14th month of the experiment. Chemical composition, colour, shear force, and water holding capacity of meat were assessed on Longissimus thoracis et lumborum 7 days after slaughter. The chickpea-fed animals showed a significantly greater average daily gain (1064 vs. 1168 kg/day), a shorter growing phase (364 vs. 335 days), and a better carcass conformation. Plasma metabolites and meat quality were not influenced by the treatments. The better growth performance and carcass quality of the chickpea fed bulls resulted in a higher economic profit for the chickpea-based diets. Results suggest that chickpea may allow sustainable performance improvement of native breeds within their traditional farming systems.

Slaughter Indicators, Carcass Measures, and Meat Quality of Lamb Fattened with Spelt (Triticum aestivum spp. Spelta L.)

The aim of this research was to investigate the slaughter indicators, carcass measures, and meat quality of lambs fattened with spelt. Lambs consumed various feed mixtures (1000 g day⁻¹ lamb⁻¹): I—control group; II—group with 10% dehulled spelt; III—group with 20% dehulled spelt. In the blood, the concentrations of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron), biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, total proteins, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, ß-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), and hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and creatine kinase) were determined. After slaughter, carcass development was measured. Samples of musculus semimembranosus were taken, of which the physical properties were analyzed. By analyzing the production properties of the lambs, we found that the slaughter characteristics of the lamb carcasses and the physical properties of the lamb meat as well as most biochemical indicators and enzymes did not significantly differ. The concentrations of albumin were increased in the groups with 10% and 20% spelt, as was the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the group with 20% spelt. The presented results indicate that spelt is an appropriate ingredient in the diet for weaned lambs.

Carcass Traits and Meat Quality of Fat-Tailed Lambs Fed Rosemary Residues as a Part of Concentrate

Simple Summary

This study aims to investigate the carcass and meat quality from lambs fed a dietary treatment including rosemary residues obtained after distillation as cereal substitute in concentrate knowing that cereals are the main component of concentrate. Twenty-four male lambs from local fat-tailed Barbarine breed were allocated into three groups. They received individually oat hay as roughage and as complementation standard concentrate for control group (C) and two concentrate types containing rosemary residues (RR) for the other groups. The protein source was soybean (S) for RRS group while faba bean (F, Vicia Faba) which is a legume was the protein source for RRF group. The results suggest a positive action of rosemary by-products in improving phenolic and tocopherol compounds given their richness in these components. In addition, growth, the non-carcass and carcass traits and the meat physical properties were not altered.

Abstract

Facing climate change implications on feeds unavailability, unconventional resources are being considered with a growing interest such as aromatic plant distillation residues with a two-fold object, enhancing meat quality by increasing the antioxidant properties and reducing feed prices which are often imported though expensive. Hence, this study aims to assess the effects of rosemary distillation residues (RR) incorporation in concentrate associated to two nitrogen sources as a substitute for standard concentrate on lamb’s growth, carcass traits and meat quality. For this, 24 Barbarine male lambs (3 months old, 17.83 ± 2.6 kg body weight) were divided into three groups. All lambs received individually 600 g of oat hay as roughage and 600 g of standard concentrate for control group, 600 g of concentrate based on RR and soybean meal for RRS group and 600 g of concentrate based on RR and faba bean for RRF group. After 65 days of experiment, all lambs were slaughtered. Phenolic and tocopherol intakes were significantly higher for both RR groups compared to control (p < 0.05). Growth, carcass weights, dressing percentages and non-carcass component weights were unaffected by the diet (p > 0.05). Moreover, regional and tissular compositions and meat physical properties were similar irrespective of the diet (p > 0.05). All color parameters were similar among groups (p > 0.05). However, meat produced by lambs receiving RR-based concentrate was richer on vitamin E and polyphenol contents than control lambs (p < 0.05). Rosemary by-products may substitute the standard concentrate resulting in similar lamb’s growth and carcass traits, while improving meat quality by increasing vitamin E content, which could improve its antioxidant power.

Effects of Chickpea in Substitution of Soybean Meal on Milk Production, Blood Profile and Reproductive Response of Primiparous Buffaloes in Early Lactation

Simple Summary

Currently, the protein needs of lactating buffaloes are mainly covered by soybean derivatives produced predominantly overseas. In order to promote the use of locally produced protein sources, in this study we tested the effects of total replacement of soybean meal by using chickpea meal, a protein-rich legume well adapted to and traditionally grown in the Mediterranean area. We evaluated the effects of these two alternative protein sources on blood profile, reproductive response and milk traits in primiparous buffaloes in early lactation. Based on our findings, chickpea meal does not impair the productive and reproductive performances of primiparous dairy buffaloes. In addition, chickpeas may represent a good alternative protein source for organic farms as it is not at risk of contamination by genetically modified cultivars.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the use of chickpea meal in substitution of soybean meal on plasma metabolites, reproductive response, milk yield and composition and milk coagulation traits of primiparous buffaloes in early lactation. Eighteen primiparous buffaloes were blocked by age, body weight and days in milk and equally allotted to two experimental groups from 10 to 100 days of lactation. The experimental diets consisted of the same forage integrated with two different isonitrogenous and isoenergetic concentrates containing either 210 g/kg of soybean meal or 371 g/kg chickpea. The use of chickpea meal had no negative effects on dry matter intake (p = 0.69), body condition score (p = 0.33) and milk yield (p = 0.15). Neither milk composition nor blood metabolites were influenced by dietary treatments (p > 0.05), but an increment of urea concentrations in milk (p < 0.05) and blood plasma (p < 0.001) were observed in buffaloes fed chickpeas. Moreover, no effect (p > 0.05) of the dietary treatment was highlighted on milk coagulation traits as well as buffalo reproductive responses. We concluded that soybean meal can be replaced by chickpea meal in the diet for primiparous dairy buffaloes in the early lactation period without impairing their productive and reproductive performance.

Field Pea can be Included in Fattening Concentrate without Deleterious Effects on the Digestibility and Performance of Lambs

Simple Summary

The partial substitution of soybean by field pea (Pisum sativum), a local source of protein, has been encouraged to reduce the dependency of Europe on soybean imports. However, only up to 15% of field pea inclusion in the fattening concentrate of light lambs is recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the inclusion of field pea in the fattening concentrate on the apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, animal performance and carcass characteristics of lambs. For that, four isoenergetic and isoproteic concentrates with different proportions of field pea (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) were compared. The main results were that the in vivo apparent digestibility of the nutrients and retained nitrogen were not affected by field pea inclusion. The performance traits were similar among concentrates, but carcass weight and dressing percentage changed cubically with the inclusion of field pea. Therefore, inclusion of field pea in fattening concentrates above current recommendations could be advisable depending on the prices and availability of the feedstuffs.

Abstract

The inclusion of different proportions of field pea (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) for partially replacing soybean in the fattening concentrate of lambs was studied for its impact on apparent digestibility and performance during fattening. In the in vivo digestibility trial, 12 lambs (33 kg body weight) were placed in metabolic crates for two periods and received restricted amounts of concentrate and straw. The performance trial involved 54 lambs (13.4 kg body weight) that received concentrate plus straw ad libitum from weaning to slaughter. The intake of crude protein was higher in the 0% pea group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The inclusion of field pea did not affect the digestibility, N retained or blood metabolites. In the performance trial, most traits were not affected, although a cubic effect of field pea inclusion on hot carcass weight and dressing percentage was observed (p < 0.05). The inclusion of field pea did not affect total protein, urea or β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations but it affected creatinine and cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.05). In conclusion, field pea can constitute up to 30% of the fattening concentrate of lambs without deleterious effects on the digestibility and performance during fattening, and with minor effects on carcass characteristics.

Meat Production from Dairy Breed Lambs Due to Slaughter Age and Feeding Plan Based on Wheat Bran

Simple Summary

The sheep meat sector in southern Italy, based mainly on light milk-fed lambs, requires technical innovations to improve the production system, the product quality, and enhance the consumption of lamb meat. To fulfill these requirements, this investigation aimed to implement feeding strategies to reduce the cost and energy level of diets for dairy breed lambs slaughtered at an older age than the light lambs, applying a feed restriction at 75% and/or including an inexpensive and local byproduct, such as durum wheat bran (DWB), as a fiber source. The proposed feeding plans were suitable to increase the slaughter age of lambs up to 120 days and produce lean carcasses that, compared to those from 90-day-old lambs, were heavier and with improved meat quality in terms of major water retention and tenderness. The dietary inclusion of DWB limited the fat content and improved the health properties of lamb meat with regard to its antioxidant capacity and fatty acid profile, whereas it reduced lambs’ growth when associated with feed restriction.

Abstract

This experiment aimed to investigate the possibility to increase the carcass weight of dairy breed lambs and produce moderate-fat meat by applying inexpensive feeding strategies based on restriction and through the use of a fibrous byproduct such as the durum wheat bran (DWB). Sixty-five 45-day-old lambs of the Valle del Belice breed, divided into 6 groups, were fed alfalfa hay supplemented with concentrate feeds including DWB at 0% or 20% (DWB0, DWB20), supplied ad libitum (L) or restricted at 75% (R), and slaughtered at 90 or 120 days of age. The groups were as follows: DWB0-90L (n = 14), DWB20-90L (n = 14), DWB0-120R (n = 10), DWB20-120R (n = 9), DWB0-120L (n = 9), DWB20-120L (n = 9). The diet did not affect feed intake, growth or carcass weight of lambs fed ad libitum, whereas 120-day-old lambs fed DWB associated to restriction showed the lowest weight gain (105 vs. 170, 185 and 190 g/day in DWD20-120R, DWB0-120R, DWB0-120L and DWB20-120L; p = 0.04). The incidence of fat tissue in the hind leg increased (p < 0.0001) from 90L (5.82 and 5.45% with DWB0 and DWB20) to 120R (8.80 and 8.43% with DWB0 and DWB20) and 120L lambs (10.7 and 11.8% with DWB0 and DWB20). Older lambs’ meat, compared to that of 90L lambs, showed analogous levels of intramuscular fat, higher water retention, tenderness and lightness, and a more intense red colour. In meat from 120-day-old lambs, DWB intake tended to reduce the fat level (p = 0.009) and increased polyphenol content (1.10 vs. 1.62, and 1.02 vs. 1.65 g GAE/kg dry matter (DM) in 120R and 120L lambs; p = 0.02), antioxidant capacity (12.8 vs. 14.9, and 12.8 vs. 15.7 mmol trolox eq/kg DM in 120R and 120L lambs; p = 0.02), and the presence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) (1.61 vs. 2.81, and 1.43 vs. 2.61 g/100 g FA in 120R and 120L lambs; p = 0.007), thereby improving the meat’s health properties. The panelists perceived the effects of DWB inclusion as well as the feeding level with triangle tests.

Production traits, blood metabolic profile and fatty acids of meat and tallow in response to the partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in organic lambs' feed

Abstract. The aim of this research was to investigate the production traits, blood metabolic profile and fatty acids of meat and tallow in response to the partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in lambs' feed. The research was conducted on 30 Merinolandschaf lambs of 90 days' age over 30 days. Lambs were fed with feed mixture (1000 g day−1 lamb−1). In the control group protein supplement was soybean meal (SC), while in the experimental groups soybean meal was partially replaced with 13 % peas (P13) and 26 % peas (P26). In the haematological parameters of lambs' blood, concentrations of minerals (Ca, P, Mg and Fe) and biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulins, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, β-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids) as well as enzyme activity (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and CK) were determined. After slaughter, carcass development was measured. Samples of m. semimembranosus and tallow were taken in which concentrations of fatty acids were analysed. Values of meat pH and colour were taken 45 min 24 h post mortem, and water-holding capacity was calculated. By analysing the production properties of lamb, we found that slaughtering characteristics of lamb carcasses, haematological and most of the biochemical indicators did not differ. Urea concentrations were reduced in the blood of lambs in P13 and P26. Concentration of C18:2 n-6 increased in tallow of lambs of group SC compared to group P26 of lambs. The above-mentioned results indicate the possibility of partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in lambs' diets in organic farming without changes in production.

Legume grain-based supplements in dairy sheep diet: effects on milk yield, composition and fatty acid profile

With the aim to find protein sources that are free of genetically modified organisms, the effects of legume grain-based concentrates, used as alternatives of a mixed concentrate feed containing soybean, were evaluated on sheep milk production. Twelve lactating ewes were divided into four groups, fed hay and, according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design, supplied with 800 g/day of a commercial mixed concentrate feed (MCF) containing maize and soybean, or the same amount of isoprotein concentrates consisting of chickpea (CH), faba bean (FB), or pea (PE) mixed with barley. The ewes ingested more of the concentrates with legume grains than the MCF (702, 702, 678 vs 587 g/day DM for CH, FB, PE and MCF; P ≤ 0.001). Compared with CH, FB and PE resulted in greater (P ≤ 0.05) milk yield (710, 718 vs 654 g/day for FB, PE and CH, respectively), and led to a greater (P ≤ 0.05) efficiency of dietary protein utilisation for milk casein synthesis (94, 97 vs 87 g casein/kg crude protein intake for FB, PE and CH, respectively), whereas MCF resulted in intermediate levels of milk yield (677 g/day) and milk casein/crude protein intake (88 g/kg). Chickpea increased the milk content of trans-vaccenic and rumenic acids in comparison with FB and PE and, similarly to MCF, increased the milk content of linoleic acid, as well as total unsaturated fatty acids (24.3, 23.9 vs 17.2, 16.8 g/100 g fatty acid methyl esters for MCF, CH, FB and PE; P ≤ 0.001), thereby improving the potential health-promoting index. Legume grains can replace soybean in diets of dairy ewes, as they do not adversely affect milk yield and composition.

The influence of organic production on food quality - research findings, gaps and future challenges

Although several meta-analysis studies have been published comparing the quality of food derived from organic and non-organic origin, it is still not clear if food from organic production per se can guarantee product-related added value to consumers. This paper aims to summarize the status quo in order to identify research gaps and suggest future research challenges. Organic food is described according to a quality model already published. The influence of organic production on food quality is structured in primary production and processing. Furthermore, organic food authentication is discussed. Organic food seems to contain fewer pesticide residues and statistically more selected health-related compounds such as polyphenols in plant products and polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk and meat products, but the health relevance for consumers is not clear yet. Comparing food from organic origin with so called 'conventional' food seems not to be appropriate, because 'conventional' is not defined. In organic food quality research a system approach is needed from which systemic markers can be selected. Research on the impact of processing technologies on the quality according to organic principles seems of high relevance, since most of the food is processed.