Camelina sativa (L. Crantz) products; an alternative feed ingredient for poultry diets with its nutritional and physiological consequences

Due to increased demand for common feedstuffs such as corn, soybean and fish meals for poultry diets, the search for alternative sources of energy and protein for feed production could help to reduce production costs in the commercial poultry industry. Camelina sativa might be considered a new source of protein, energy and n-3 fatty acids (FA) in poultry diets. The oil content of camelina seeds (CS) is about 35 to 40%. Approximately 50% of this oil is composed of polyunsaturated FA. Moreover, camelina meal (CM) has 16% crude fat. The major n-3 FA of CS and CM is α-linolenic acid (about 30%) which is considered to be nutritionally important. The oil contains other bio-active compounds such as γ-tocopherol, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Camelina seeds and meal can produce 6258 and 5110 kcal/kg of gross energy, 245-292 and 315-398 g/kg crude protein and 248 and 127 g/kg crude fibre, respectively. However, CS and CM contain 21.77 and 28.08 μmol/g glucosinolates and 12.10 and 12.93 TIU /mg trypsin inhibitors, respectively as anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) that can affect poultry performance adversely. Overall, dietary inclusion of camelina products will supply energy and protein for bird, enhance the antioxidant capacity and lipid stability of poultry products and provide health-promoting n-3 FA and tocopherol rich-foods to humans. However, raw CS contains some ANFs, and its maximum safe level (MSL) is 5% meal or seed, and 2% oil for all type of birds. Hence, it is necessary to establish suitable techniques for removing anti-nutritional factors from CS and increase its MSL in poultry diets.

Effects of black pepper and turmeric powder on growth performance, gut health, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of Japanese quail

In poultry production, the search for alternatives to in-feed antibiotics continues unabated. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of black pepper and turmeric powder, separately or in combination, on the growth performance, gastrointestinal microbiota population, intestinal morphology, serum biochemical parameters, meat quality, and meat fatty acid profile in Japanese quails. Five hundred-day-old mixed-sex Japanese quail chicks were randomly assigned to one of five treatments: a control diet (CON); CON +0.2% antibiotic flavomycin as an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP); CON +0.5% turmeric powder (TUP); CON +0.5% black pepper powder (BPP); and CON +0.5% TUP, and 0.5% BPP (MIX). The findings showed that quail chicks fed AGP and TUP throughout the rearing period had better body weight gain (p = 0.007) and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.02) than the other treatments. The TUP, BPP, and MIX feeds reduced (p = 0.005) abdominal fat percentage. The MIX group had a better breast muscle water-holding capacity (p = 0.04) and lightness index (p = 0.02) and lower (p = 0.02) malondialdehyde concentration after 7 days of refrigerated storage. Feeding BPP, TUP, and MIX diets decreased (p = 0.001) serum cholesterol concentration. Quail chicks fed the CON diet showed significantly higher coliform counts in the crop and ileum (p < 0.001), whereas the lactic acid bacterial population was lower (p = 0.008) in the ileum. Birds that received the MIX diet exhibited a higher (p = 0.02) villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum compared to the other groups. The tested feed additives increased (p < 0.001) villus height in the jejunum and ileum compared to other groups. Feeding the TUP, BPP, and MIX diets reduced (p < 0.001) total saturated fatty acid content and increased (p = 0.004) total polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration, where the MIX diet had the best results. Overall, the present data indicate that supplementing the basal diet with turmeric powder enhances the growth performance of Japanese quails. In some respects, such as gut health and meat quality, combining turmeric powder and black pepper powder was more effective than using them independently.

Antioxidant Activity, Metabolism, and Bioavailability of Polyphenols in the Diet of Animals

As the world’s population grows, so does the need for more and more animal feed. In 2006, the EU banned the use of antibiotics and other chemicals in order to reduce chemical residues in food consumed by humans. It is well known that oxidative stress and inflammatory processes must be combated to achieve higher productivity. The adverse effects of the use of pharmaceuticals and other synthetic compounds on animal health and product quality and safety have increased interest in phytocompounds. With the use of plant polyphenols in animal nutrition, they are gaining more attention as a supplement to animal feed. Livestock feeding based on a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach (clean, safe, and green agriculture) would also be a win–win for farmers and society. There is an increasing interest in producing healthier products of animal origin with a higher ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to saturated fatty acids by modulating animal nutrition. Secondary plant metabolites (polyphenols) are essential chemical compounds for plant physiology as they are involved in various functions such as growth, pigmentation, and resistance to pathogenic organisms. Polyphenols are exogenous antioxidants that act as one of the first lines of cell defense. Therefore, the discoveries on the intracellular antioxidant activity of polyphenols as a plant supplement have contributed significantly to the improvement of antioxidant activity, as polyphenols prevent oxidative stress damage and eliminate excessively produced free radicals. To achieve animal welfare, reduce stress and the need for medicines, and increase the quality of food of animal origin, the addition of polyphenols to research and breeding can be practised in part with a free-choice approach to animal nutrition.

Environmental performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) production in Galicia-Spain: A Life Cycle Assessment approach

Aquaculture is an increasingly important supplier of food worldwide. However, due to its high dependence on agricultural and fishing resources, its growth is constantly constrained by environmental impacts beyond aquaculture production systems. Within the European Union, Spain accounts for approximately 25 % of total aquaculture production, which implies that environmental impacts in rivers and marine ecosystems must be monitored to understand the role of aquaculture systems. While studies on the environmental performance of mussels or turbot production have been reported in the literature, Spanish rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has not received much attention despite its relative importance. In this sense, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study of rainbow trout produced in a medium-sized plant in Galicia (NW Spain) was carried out in the present study. The study considered the production of round weight trout, as well as some commonly produced processed products, including filleting. The life cycle modelling included a high level of primary data in the foreground system. In addition to the widely considered environmental impact categories for this activity (e.g., global warming potential, terrestrial acidification and freshwater eutrophication), the recent proposed antibiotic resistance (ABR) enrichment impact category was included to explore the potential impact of antibiotic release in freshwater microbiota. The results highlighted the high contribution of aquafeed to most impact categories, due to upstream agricultural and fishing processes, whereas farm operation was responsible for the larger part of the impact in freshwater eutrophication, mainly due to direct emissions of nutrients from fish feeding. Amoxicillin release to recipient water bodies was the main driver to the ABR enrichment category. In contrast, the processing phase (i.e., gutting, freezing and packaging) showed low environmental burdens. In order to improve the environmental performance of the rainbow trout production system, decreasing the feed conversion ratio (FCR), shifting to renewable energy, using low environmental burden ingredients in aquafeed, and alternatives to control diseases without antibiotics could be considered.

Eco-Efficient Quantification of Glucosinolates in Camelina Seed, Oil, and Defatted Meal: Optimization, Development, and Validation of a UPLC-DAD Method

Camelina sativa (camelina) seed, oil, and defatted meal are widely used for food, animal feed, and other purposes. The accurate quantification of camelina glucosinolates is critical as their functionalities are highly dose-dependent. The classic quantification of glucosinolates in camelina products involves tedious desulfation steps, toxic reagents, and a lengthy instrument time because glucosinolates are easy to degrade and subject to interference in the liquid chromatography. Thus, we developed and validated an eco-efficient UPLC-DAD method for determining glucoarabin (GS9), glucocamelinin (GS10), and homoglucocamelinin (GS11) in camelina seed, oil, and defatted meal. Glucosinolates were extracted using 80% cold methanol to denature myrosinase, and were separated by an HSS T3 column without desulfation. Glucotropaeolin was used as an internal standard to track analyte degradation and loss during sample preparation. The method has shown high precision (relative standard deviations ranging from 4.12% to 6.54%) and accuracy (>94.4% spike recovery) for GS9-11, and all validation parameters passed the industry-consensus AOAC Appendix F criteria. To our best knowledge, this is the first eco-efficient and low-cost analytical method that is validated against strict AOAC criteria for the quantification of intact camelina glucosinolates. The method is suitable to be adopted as a new industrial testing standard to assist in the quality control of camelina products.

The Impact of Herbal Additives for Poultry Feed on the Fatty Acid Profile of Meat

Researchers often found that herbal additives to chicken feed can favorably alter the fatty acid profile of the meat. The most desirable effects of diet modification comprise an increased content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a reduced content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the breast and thigh muscles. A modified fatty acid profile contributes to improvement in the quality of poultry meat, which is reflected in its increased consumption. However, it may be problematic that PUFAs are oxidized easier than other lipids, which can have a negative impact on the sensory traits of meat. By contrast, herbs and herbal products contain antioxidants that can prevent the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol present in animal-origin products and increase the antioxidant potential of the consumer’s body. This paper aims to review the influence of herbal additives for broiler chicken diets on the fatty acid profile of poultry meat. Special attention was paid to changes in the content of SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, but also alterations in the omega-6:omega-3 ratio. The presented reference literature supports the statement that herbs and bioactive components of herbs added to chicken diets can improve the quality of broiler chicken meat by altering the content of fatty acids.

Creeping Wood Sorrel and Chromium Picolinate Effect on the Nutritional Composition and Lipid Oxidative Stability of Broiler Meat

The study investigates the efficacy of Cr in broilers, aiming to evaluate the effects of Chromium picolinate (CrPic) in association with creeping wood sorrel powder (CWS) on the proximate composition, fatty acids profile, bioactive nutrients and lipid oxidative stability of broiler meat. A total of 120 Cobb 500 chickens were assigned into three treatments: a control diet (C) and two test diets, including 200 µg/kg diet CrPic (E1), and 200 µg/kg diet CrPic +10 g CWS/kg diet (E2). Dietary supplementation with Cr + CWS significantly improved the concentration of n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), while its n − 6/n − 3 ratio decreased in comparison to the group receiving Cr and the conventional diet. The concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly increased in the breast meat collected from the E2 group than that from the C group. Dietary administration of Cr and CWS improved lutein and zeaxanthin content, decreased Fe and Zn levels of the breast, and increased Zn deposition in the thigh samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration decreased more in the thigh meat of the supplemental groups (E1, E2) than in that from the C group. In conclusion, the current study suggests that Cr together with CWS can be a viable option as antioxidant sources for broiler diets, promoting the nutritional quality of meat.

Potential Application of Cornelian Cherry Extract on Broiler Chickens: Growth, Expression of Antioxidant Biomarker and Glucose Transport Genes, and Oxidative Stability of Frozen Meat

Simple Summary

Supplementation of the poultry diet with plant extracts rich in polyphenolic compounds could improve the performance of animals as well as the oxidative stability of their derived meat. The present study evaluated the efficacy of cornelian cherry extract (CCE) on the expression of genes controlling glucose transporters and different assays regulating the oxidative stability of frozen, stored meat over a long period of time (90 days of storage). The results indicated that the addition of 200 mg/kg of CCE to the diet could improve the growth rate and antioxidant status of broiler chickens and thus increase their productivity. Moreover, polyphenolic compounds rich in CCE can act as antioxidant agents to increase the shelf-life extension of frozen, stored poultry meat. Finally, supplementation with CCE could increase the total concentration of phenolic compounds in poultry meat offered to human consumers.

Abstract

The use of natural plant extracts in poultry feed could improve their productivity as well as the oxidative stability of stored derived meat. The roles of cornelian cherry extract (CCE) in growth, cecal microbes, and meat antioxidative markers of broiler chickens were evaluated. A total of 500 Ross 308 broiler chicks were fed diets supplemented with CCE (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of diet) for 38 days. The highest levels of weight gain and feed utilization were observed in a group fed 200 mg/kg of CCE. Maximum upregulation of glucose transporters—1 and 2 and sodium-dependent glucose transporter genes—were found in the group fed 200 mg/kg of CCE. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium colonization increased as the CCE levels increased. The greatest upregulation of antioxidant genes (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) in breast meat was observed in groups fed CCE (200 and 400 mg/kg). Dietary CCE significantly delayed the lipid oxidation of breast meat compared with that of the control group. The total phenolic content, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrihydrzyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power in meat improved with higher levels of CCE. Dietary CCE improved the growth, performance of broilers, and meat antioxidant stability after 90 days of storage.

Flaxseed and Camelina Meals as Potential Sources of Health-Beneficial Compounds

Seed meals and cakes, deriving from minor oilseed crops, represent interesting co-products for the presence of a high content of proteins and bioactive compounds that could be successfully explored as valuable plant-derived feedstocks for food and non-food purposes. In this contest, flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) are becoming increasingly important in the health food market as functional foods and cosmetic ingredients. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of genetic characteristics and cultivation sites on the chemical features of seed meals deriving from two flaxseed varieties (Sideral and Buenos Aires) and a camelina cultivar (Italia), cultivated in Central and Northern Italy (Pisa and Bologna). The content of total phenols and flavonoids, seed oil, proteins and fatty acids have been evaluated, together with the chemical profiles of flaxseed and camelina meals. In addition, radical-scavenging activity has been investigated. All the examined seed meals resulted as rich in bioactive compounds. In particular, flaxseed meal is a good source of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and hydroxycinnamic acid glucosides, while camelina meal contains glucosinolates and quercetin glycosides. Furthermore, all extracts exhibited a very strong radical-scavenging activity, that make these plant-derived products interesting sources for food or cosmetic ingredients with health outcomes.

Physicochemical, Microbiological and Functional Properties of Camelina Meal Fermented in Solid-State Using Food Grade Aspergillus Fungi

Camelina meal (CAM) was fermented in solid-state using food grade Aspergillus fungi (A. sojae, A. ficuum and their co-cultures), and the physicochemical composition, microbiological and functional properties were investigated. SSF increased the starch contents but reduced (p < 0.05) the contents of soluble carbohydrate. The microbiological counts of the fermented meals were higher (p < 0.05) than that of the unfermented CAM. Phytic acid content reduced (p < 0.05) in the fermented meals. SSF reduced the protein molecular weight and colour attributes of CAM. The fermented camelina meals had increased (p < 0.05) bulk density and swelling capacity but reduced (p < 0.05) water absorption capacity. Thus, the study indicated that SSF with A. sojae, A. ficuum and their co-cultures influenced the physicochemical, microbiological and functional properties of CAM. There is potential for the development of value-added novel food and feed products from solid-state fermented camelina meal.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Bioactive Peptides on Antioxidant Potential of Broiler Breast Meat and Physicochemical Characteristics of Nuggets

Poultry meat is generally exposed to quality deterioration due to lipid oxidation during storage. Oxidative stability of meat can be increased by feed supplementation. Aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of fish waste derived bioactive peptides on antioxidant potential of broiler breast meat and physico-chemical characteristics and quality parameters of nuggets prepared from breast meat. 180 broiler birds (six groups of 30 birds) were purchased. Each group was given different concentrations of bioactive peptides i.e. 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/kg feed. After completion of six weeks birds were slaughtered and breast meat was stored at -18°C for six months. Nuggets were prepared and stored at -18°C for 45 days. Meat samples were analyzed for antioxidant activity [total phenolic contents (TPC), DPPH• scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power] and lipid oxidation assay at regular intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months while nuggets were analyzed for quality (pH, color, texture and water holding capacity) parameters after regular interval of 15 days. A significant (p<0.05) effect of feed supplementation was observed on antioxidant status such as TPC, DPPH• scavenging activity, and FRAP of broiler breast meat. Dietary interventions of bioactive peptides significantly (p<0.05) delayed lipid oxidation of breast meat than control. All the quality parameters were also significantly affected due to dietary bioactive peptides and storage duration. Thus, dietary interventions of bioactive peptides can increase the antioxidant and shelf stability of broiler breast meat and nuggets.

Dietary selenomethionine increases antioxidant capacity of geese by improving glutathione and thioredoxin systems

A total of 200 healthy 28-day-old male Jiangnan White geese were used to investigate the free radical scavenging ability, reduced glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin systems, and the concentrations of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) in geese fed diets with organic selenium (Se) (Selenomethionine, SeMet) and inorganic Se (sodium selenite, SS). All geese were randomly allotted into 4 groups with 5 replicates of 10 geese each, and received basal diet supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg SS, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mg Se/kg SeMet until 70 D of age, respectively. Geese in the SS and SeMet groups exhibited similar growth performance. Diet with SeMet increased the scavenging abilities of 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt free radical (ABTS•+, P < 0.001) and superoxide radical (O2-•, P = 0.002) in the serum of geese, as well as the scavenging abilities of ABTS•+ (P = 0.023), hydroxyl radical (P = 0.009) and O2-• (P = 0.019) in the liver of geese. Compared to the SS group, SeMet increased hepatic GSH concentration (P = 0.002), the activities of glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.031), γ-glutamate cysteine ligase (P < 0.001), and thioredoxin reductase (P < 0.001), and decreased the concentrations of ROM, MDA, and PC in the serum and liver of geese (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary SeMet inclusion would be more effective than SS in increasing the antioxidant capacity of geese, possibly by improving GSH and thioredoxin systems, and 0.2 mg Se/kg SeMet in goose diet is recommended.

The Effect of Dietary Camelina sativa Oil or Cake in the Diets of Broiler Chickens on Growth Performance, Fatty Acid Profile, and Sensory Quality of Meat

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of supplementing the diets of broiler chickens with Camelina sativa oil or cake as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on their growth performance, fatty acid profile, and sensory quality of meat. The 456 Ross 308 broilers aged 21-42 days were divided into 3 groups with 4 replicates of 38 birds in each. Chickens in the control group I (CTR) were fed a standard grower-finisher feed mixture containing 60 g/kg rapeseed oil. The experimental components, C. sativa oil-CSO (group II) or cake-CSC (group III), were included in a diet based on wheat and soybean at 40 and 100 g/kg, respectively. The use of Camelina oil and cake as feed components did not have a significant effect on the growth performance of the chickens. Analysis of the fatty acid profile in the lipids of the breast muscles showed that Camelina oil and cake reduced the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05) but increased the content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid (C18:3) (p < 0.01). Furthermore, both components reduced the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs in the breast muscles (p < 0.01). Sensory analysis revealed that Camelina oil had a beneficial effect on meat juiciness, whereas Camelina cake slightly worsened the flavor and tastiness of the meat. In conclusion, supplementing the diet of broiler chickens with Camelina oil or cake can be an efficient method for modifying the fatty acid profile of the meat lipids in a beneficial way, without any negative impact on the growth performance of the chickens. According to the dietetic recommendations for humans, broiler chicken meat with a higher level of PUFA n-3 can be a good alternative source of these fatty acids in the human diet. Furthermore, Camelina oil improved the juiciness of breast meat.

Effect of dietary chromium supplementation on meat nutritional quality and antioxidant status from broilers fed with Camelina-meal-supplemented diets

Poultry meat is a valuable source of nutrients and the enrichment with health-promoting substances such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) is an important factor for consumers' choice. Camelina meal (Camelina sativa) is an animal feedstuff used to achieve this goal, but the administration of n-3 PUFA-enriched diets in broiler nutrition can accelerate the oxidative processes in meat leading to a decreased quality of final product. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the organic Cr as chromium picolinate (CrPic) on meat quality, fatty acid profile of fat and oxidative stability of meat from broilers fed supplemented dietary Camelina meal. An experiment was conducted on 240 Ross 308 broiler chicken aged 14 days which were assigned to 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Within the treatment arrangement two concentrations of Camelina meal (0% and 3%) and three concentrations of Cr3+ (0, 200 and 400 μg/kg) were used. Dietary treatments were: (1) Control diet (C) containing a corn-soybean diet with no added Camelina meal or Cr3+; (2) a C diet containing an additional 200 μg/kg of Cr3+ as CrPic; (3) a C diet containing an additional 400 μg/kg of Cr3+ as CrPic; (4) a C diet containing an additional 3% Camelina meal; (5) diet 2 containing an additional 3% Camelina meal; (6) diet 3 containing an additional 3% Camelina meal. Chromium supplementation significantly (P<0.05) increased the CP concentrations and significantly (P<0.05) decreased the crude fat concentrations in breast samples. The Camelina meal groups presented higher values of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly n-3 fatty acids (P<0.05). In CrPic groups, increased retention of Zn and Fe (P < 0.05) was observed in breast samples, compared to control group, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values were significantly (P<0.05) smaller. Myoglobin fraction (metmyoglobin and oximyoglobin) concentrations differ significantly (P<0.05) from the control group, under the influence of Cr3+ supplements. This study found that broilers fed with CrPic supplements showed improved mineral composition and oxidative stability of breast meat, proving an effective protection of lipid molecules from oxidation in PUFA-enriched meat.

Effects of star anise (Illicium verum Hook.f.) essential oil on nutrient and energy utilization of laying hens

An experiment using 96 Hy-Line brown laying hens at 29 weeks of age that were randomly allocated to four treatments with eight replicates was conducted to assess the effects of star anise (Illicium verum Hook.f.) oil (SAO) on nutrient and energy utilization. Dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 0, 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg SAO. The birds were fed the diets for 14 days. The conventional nutrients and amino acids of feed and excreta samples were measured for calculating apparent metabolic efficiency, and gross energy (GE) was analyzed for computation of apparent metabolic energy (AME) and true metabolic energy (TME). Endogenous losses were obtained from another 16 birds for calculating true metabolic efficiency. Birds supplemented with SAO had higher (p < 0.05) metabolic efficiency of crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), Lys, Met, Arg, and Thr than those of control group. Quadratic effects on utilization of Lys, Met, and Thr were observed (p < 0.05). Inclusion of SAO to diet improved nutrient utilization, and the efficacy is best at 400 mg/kg.

Lipid and color stability of the meat and sausages of broiler fed with calcium anacardate

BACKGROUND

Anacardic acid, a phenolic compound, represents 90% of cashew nut shell liquid, which is a byproduct from the industrial processing of cashew nuts. This study aimed to add calcium anacardate (CA) to broilers' diets as a source of anacardic acid, to evaluate its antioxidant effect in breast meat and in processed meat products (sausages). For this purpose, birds were fed according to the following treatments: diet without antioxidant and diets containing 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 g kg^-1 CA. Chicken breast meat was stored frozen for 90 days. The thigh and drumsticks were used to produce chicken sausages that were kept in refrigerated conditions for 90 days. Lipid oxidation and color stability were assessed every 30 days.

RESULTS

For breast meat, a 2.5 g kg^-1 concentration of CA was insufficient to retard lipid oxidation, whereas 10.0 g kg^-1 gave rise to a pro-oxidant effect and 5.0 g kg^-1 slowed the oxidation up to 50 days. A level of 7.5 g kg^-1 of CA was effective in retarding oxidation, favoring colour stability during the 90-days frozen storage. For sausages, 2.5 g kg^-1 of calcium anacardate in broiler diets was sufficient to retard lipid oxidation. Calcium anacardate 7.5 g kg^-1 provided greater redness in the sausages compared with the control and with the other treatments containing 5.0 and 10.0 g kg^-1 .

CONCLUSIONS

Calcium anacardate is a potential natural antioxidant for breast meat and sausages in storage when added to broilers' diets. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dietary inclusion of dehydrated bocaiuva pulp increases the antioxidant potential of quail eggs

The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary supplementation of different levels of dehydrated bocaiuva pulp (DBP) on the productive performance of laying quails, and on lipid oxidation, and quality in their eggs. A total of 120 quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with six treatments (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% of DBP), five replicates and four birds per experimental unit. To evaluate lipid oxidation, the eggs were collected on five consecutive days at the end of the trial and distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 6 × 5 factorial scheme (eggs from quails fed different levels of DBP × evaluated fresh and after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days). The antioxidant potential of diets was improved (p < 0.05) when the DBP was added estimated as 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging capacity. No effect (p > 0.05) was observed on feed intake, hen-day egg production and feed conversion (kg/kg and kg/dz). There were no changes (p > 0.05) in the egg weight, Haugh unit, yolk index or eggshell percentage. Although no difference was observed (p > 0.05), when comparing each level with the control, a negative linear effect (p < 0.05) on specific gravity was observed. In addition, only the treatment with 0.5% pulp exhibited lower (p < 0.05) eggshell thickness compared with the control (0%). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) analysis showed that as the dietary pulp level was increased, malondialdehyde content decreased linearly (p < 0.05) in the egg yolks, regardless of the storage period. Inclusion of DBP in the diets had no effect (p > 0.05) on the concentration of conjugated dienes in the eggs. The diets containing DBP showed a potential antioxidant effect, reducing the degree of lipid oxidation in egg yolk. However, no beneficial effects were observed on performance and egg quality.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba leaves (Ginkgo biloba) and Ginkgo biloba extract on nutrient and energy utilization of broilers

An experiment using 112 21-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers that were randomly allocated to 7 treatments with 8 replicates in a completely randomized design was conducted to assess the effects of Ginkgo biloba leaves (Ginkgo biloba, GL) and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB) on utilization of nutrients of broiler chickens. The dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal based diets: 1) T1, control diet; 2) T2, T1 + 20 g/kg GL; 3) T3, T1 + 40 g/kg GL; 4) T4, T1 + 60 g/kg GL; 5) T5, T1 + 0.4 g/kg EGB; 6) T6, T1 + 0.8 g/kg EGB; and 7) T7, T1 + 1.2 g/kg EGB. Endogenous losses were obtained from another 16 broilers. Excreta samples were collected to analyze the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), and amino acids (AA), and GE was analyzed for computation of AME and TME. As compared with those of the control treatment, the apparent digestibility (AD) and true digestibility (TD) of EE, CP, Thr, Val, Ile, Leu, Phe, Lys, His, and Arg were quadratically (P < 0.05) increased; moreover, the AD and TD of Met was linearly (P < 0.05) increased as the concentration of the EGB in the diet increased. Increasing GL from 0 to 60 g/kg of diet linearly (P < 0.05) increased the AD and TD of EE, Thr, Val, Leu, His, and Met and tended (0.05 < P < 0.1) to increase the TME, TMEn, and Arg. Supplementation of EGB increased (P < 0.05) AD and TD of EE, Thr, Val, Ile, Leu, Phe, His, and Arg and tended (0.05 < P < 0.1) to increase Lys as compared with those in the GL-supplemented groups. Dietary supplementation of GL and EGB improved the utilization of nutrients of broiler chickens in a dose-dependent manner, and the optimum supplementation levels of GL or EGB in the diet of broilers was 60 or 0.8 g/kg of diet, respectively.

Dietary enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. improves meat quality, antioxidant capacity and energy status of breast muscle in heat-stressed broilers

BACKGROUND

Heat stress (HS) is detrimental to animal-origin food production. Artemisia annua L., a natural source of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, exhibits antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. (EA) supplementation on meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and energy status of breast muscle in heat-stressed broilers.

RESULTS

The inclusion of EA increased the redness, reduced drip loss, decreased reactive oxygen metabolites and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced the ferric reducing antioxidant power and free-radical scavenging abilities of breast muscle in heat-treated broilers. Dietary EA supplementation increased adenosine phosphate concentrations and energy charge, and decreased the mRNA expression levels of heat-shock protein 70 and 90, but increased the mRNA expression levels of avian uncoupling protein, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, and sirtuin 1 in the breast muscle of broilers exposed to HS.

CONCLUSION

Dietary EA supplementation improved meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and energy status in breast muscle of heat-stressed broilers, which might be associated with altering pertinent mRNA expression; EA could therefore be used as a promising feed additive to mitigate HS in the poultry industry. This study recommended 1.00-1.25 g/kg EA in broiler diet. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antioxidants in flour of the oilseed crop Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz

Forty-seven accessions of Camelina sativa (L.) Crants (41 spring and 6 winter forms) were analyzed for antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. The antioxidant activity (AA%) was high in camelina accessions and with a significant variability among accessions and between spring and winter forms. The highest antioxidant activities have been observed in some spring accessions (CAM35, CAM173 and CAM268). TPC was high in camelina and significantly different among accessions. Antioxidant activity resulted highly correlated with TPC, while no correlation was observed with flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents. Significant variability was observed among accessions but not between groups (winter and spring) for flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents. These two classes of compounds showed a significant inverse correlation between them suggesting that their synthesis is in competition. The camelina cake can enrich the animal diet of antioxidant compounds (phenolics) and some spring accessions are more promising for future breeding programs.

Biological Activities of Camelina and Sophia Seeds Phenolics: Inhibition of LDL Oxidation, DNA Damage, and Pancreatic Lipase and α-Glucosidase Activities

The free, esterified and insoluble-bound phenolics of defatted meals of camelina and sophia seeds were extracted using an ultrasonic-assisted procedure and alkaline hydrolysis. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays as well as inhibition of bleaching of β-carotene in an oil-in-water system. Moreover, inhibition activity against pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and DNA damage induced by peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals were examined for all seed extracts using in vitro systems. The seed extracts of camelina and sophia not only showed significant antioxidant activity but also inhibited pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase activities effectively. These enzymes in the digestive tract are associated with lipid and carbohydrate digestion, respectively, and control obesity and blood glucose level in the human body. The findings of this work may provide supporting information that camelina and sophia meals may inhibit human LDL oxidation and DNA nicking caused by free radicals and upon consumption may also exert anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects. However, further research is required to confirm these biological activities in vivo.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The seed phenolic extracts of camelina and sophia not only showed significant antioxidant activity but also effectively inhibited the activities of pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase. Thus, camelina and sophia seed meals may serve as nutritional ingredients with bioactive phenolics that show in vitro antioxidant and biological effects. However, further research is required to confirm these health effects in vivo.

Phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of defatted camelina and sophia seeds

Phenolic compounds in oilseeds occur in the free, esterified and insoluble-bound forms and serve as natural antioxidants by preventing food oxidation as well as oxidative stress and various disorders in the body. In this work, free, esterified and insoluble-bound phenolics were extracted from defatted camelina and sophia seeds. Samples were evaluated for their total contents of phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC) and proanthocyanidins (PC) as well as the antioxidant activity of their various phenolic fractions. Several in vitro methods, namely Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), reducing power (RP) and metal chelation activity were used for all fractions. High performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection- tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) identified 29 phenolics belonging to phenolic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids and procyanidins in different fractions of camelina and sophia extracts. Esterified fraction was the predominant form of phenolics in both seeds. Thus, camelina and sophia seeds may serve as viable functional food ingredients with protective antioxidant potential.

Nutritive value and the maximum inclusion level of pennycress meal for broiler chickens

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritive value and maximum safe level (MSL) of pennycress meal (PM) for broiler chicks. In experiment 1, a total of 480 chicks was fed either mash or crumbled diets containing zero, 5, 10, or 15% PM for 18 d (8 diets; 6 replications per diet). In experiment 2, a total of 660 chicks was fed mash diets containing zero, 3, 6, 9, 12, or 15% of either PM or canola meal (CM; a comparative reference) for 14 d (11 diets; 6 replications per diet). Analytical results show that PM is a good source of protein (∼31% CP) and it is very comparable to CM (∼36% CP). However, it contains higher erucic acid (∼1.68 vs. < 0.021%), glucosinolates (sinigrin) (∼63.5 vs. <0.163 μmol /g), and crude fiber (18.60 vs. 9.27%) compared to CM. In experiment 1, increasing PM from zero to 15% resulted in linear reductions (P < 0.05) in FI, BWG, and FCR at 10 days. Above 10%, performance responses were affected for FI and BWG at 18 d, respectively. An estimated MSL of 10% PM based on orthogonal contrast was optimal for satisfactory FI and BWG. The MSL as estimated by broken-line linear (BLL) and broken-line quadratic (BLQ) models was 9.12 ± 0.50 and 7.0 ± 1.27%, respectively. In experiment 2, growth performance at 14 d was reduced above 9% due to PM inclusion. CM inclusion did not affect growth performance at 14 d, suggesting 15% to be safe. The MSL for maximum growth performance varied depending on the statistical analysis as follows: 12% by orthogonal contrast and LSD, 15% by the Scheffé test, 10.84 ± 0.57 by BLL, and 8.61 ± 1.29 by BLQ. In conclusion, PM can be included in broiler starter diets as a protein source but its inclusion should be limited to no more than 8.5%. Different statistical procedures give different MSL and this should be considered when interpreting the data.

Increasing dietary inclusions of camelina cake fed to pigs from weaning to slaughter: Safety, growth performance, carcass traits, and n-3 enrichment of pork

Feeding cake with remaining oil content not only provides additional dietary energy but may also enrich pork with -3 fatty acids. Limited information is available on feeding camelina cake to pigs relating to feeding safety (toxicity), growth performance, and efficacy of -3 enrichment of pork. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of feeding increasing camelina cake (12.2% crude fat) inclusions in diets for nursery and grower-finisher pigs. In total, 128 pigs (9.2 kg BW) were randomly allocated by sex to 32 nursery pens for 4 wk and were then moved and combined into 16 mixed-sex grower-finisher pens. Pigs were fed 1 of 4 wheat/barley-based diets including camelina variety 'Celine' cake (0%, 6%, 12%, or 18% in the nursery phase and 0%, 5%, 10%, or 15% in the grower-finisher phase) replacing soybean meal over 5 feeding phases (d 0 to 7, d 7 to 28, d 28 to 56, d 56 to 84, and d 84 to slaughter). Individual pigs and pen feed added were weighed. On d 106, a blood sample was collected from the pig with the lowest BW per pen, which was then euthanized. A pathologist conducted a gross clinical examination, and organs were weighed. Liver, back fat, and belly and jowl fat were sampled for fatty acid analysis. Pigs were slaughtered at approximately 125 kg BW. Increasing dietary camelina cake inclusion linearly decreased ( < 0.010) ADFI, ADG, BW, and G:F over the 105-d trial. Increasing dietary camelina cake inclusion linearly increased days to slaughter ( < 0.001) and carcass lean yield ( < 0.010) and linearly decreased farm ship weight ( < 0.010), carcass weight ( < 0.001), dressing percentage ( < 0.050), and back fat thickness ( < 0.010) but did not affect loin depth and index. Increasing camelina cake inclusion linearly increased liver and pancreas weight ( < 0.050) relative to BW but did not affect heart, thyroid, or kidney weights. Increasing camelina cake inclusion did not result in gross clinical or serological findings that would indicate toxicity. Increasing dietary camelina cake inclusion linearly increased ( < 0.050) -3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid, in back fat and belly and jowl fat. In conclusion, feeding camelina cake to pigs at up to 18% in the nursery phase and 15% in the grower, developer, and finisher phases did not result in clinical signs of toxicity and enriched carcass fat depots with -3 fatty acids. The observed decrease in ADFI and, consequently, ADG as camelina cake inclusion increased resulted in pigs fed 15% reaching slaughter weight 27 d later than controls.

Effects of feeding camelina cake to weaned pigs on safety, growth performance, and fatty acid composition of pork

Feeding cake with remaining oil contributes dietary energy (fat) in addition to protein (AA) and may provide an opportunity to enrich the n-3 fatty acid content of pork. Information regarding safety, growth performance, and efficacy of feeding camelina cake to pigs is limited. We therefore evaluated the effects of camelina cake inclusion in pig nursery diets. In total, 192 pigs (9.4 kg BW) were randomly allocated by sex to 48 pens, 2 heavy and 2 light pigs per pen. Pigs were fed 1 of 4 wheat-based diets including camelina cake (0%, 6%, 12%, or 18%; variety Celine) replacing soybean meal for 4 wk. Individual pigs, pen feed added, and orts were weighed weekly. Feces were collected on d 26 and 27. A blood sample was taken on d 29 from 24 pigs with the lowest BW/pen, which were then euthanized and necropsied. Gross pathological examination was conducted, and organ weights were measured. Samples of liver, back fat, belly fat, and jowl fat were collected for fatty acid analysis. Increasing dietary camelina cake inclusion linearly decreased ( 0.001) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, OM, GE and ash but did not affect ATTD of CP and P. For the entire trial (d 0 to 28), increasing camelina cake inclusion by 6% linearly decreased ( 0.001) ADFI by 74 g/d, ADG by 51 g/d, and BW by 0.8 kg but did not affect feed efficiency (G:F). Increasing camelina cake inclusion linearly increased ( 0.001) liver weight relative to BW, linearly decreased ( 0.050) kidney weight, but did not affect spleen, heart, and thyroid weights. Increasing camelina cake inclusion did not result in serological (large-animal standard panel, T3, and T4) or gross clinical (morphology) findings that might suggest toxicity. In liver, back fat, belly fat, and jowl fat, increasing dietary camelina cake inclusion linearly increased ( 0.050) total n-3 fatty acids and shorter-chain n-3 and n-6 fatty acids but did not increase docosahexaenoic acid (n-3) or arachidonic acid (n-6). In conclusion, feeding camelina cake to weaned pigs at up to 18% did not elicit clinical signs of toxicity and increased n-3 fatty acids in carcass fat depots. The decrease in ADFI as camelina cake inclusion increased resulted in pigs fed 18% weighing 5 kg less than controls at the end of the nursery period.

Egg quality, fatty acid composition and immunoglobulin Y content in eggs from laying hens fed full fat camelina or flax seed

Background

The current study was conducted to evaluate egg quality and egg yolk fatty acids and immunoglobulin (IgY) content from laying hens fed full fat camelina or flax seed.

Methods

A total of 75, 48-week-old Lohman brown hens were randomly allocated to 3 treatments, with 5 replicates containing 5 laying hens each replicate. The hens were fed corn-soybean basal diet (Control), or Control diet with 10 % of full fat camelina (Camelina) or flax seed (Flax) for a period of 16 wk. Hen production performance egg quality, egg yolk lipids, fatty acids and IgY were determined every 28 d during the experimental period.

Results

Egg production was higher in hens fed Camelina and Flax than in Control hens (P < 0.05). Egg weight and albumen weight was lowest in eggs from hens fed Camelina (P < 0.05). Shell weight relative to egg weight (shell weight %), and shell thickness was lowest in eggs from hens fed Flax (P < 0.05). No difference was noted in Haugh unit, yolk:albumen ratio, and yolk weight. Significant increase in α-linolenic (18:3 n-3), docosapentaenoic (22:5 n-3) and docoshexaenoic (22:6 n-3) acids were observed in egg yolk from hens fed Camelina and Flax. Total n-3 fatty acids constituted 1.19 % in Control eggs compared to 3.12 and 3.09 % in Camelina and Flax eggs, respectively (P < 0.05). Eggs from hens fed Camelina and Flax had the higher IgY concentration than those hens fed Control diet when expressed on a mg/g of yolk basis (P < 0.05). Although the egg weight was significantly lower in Camelina-fed hens, the total egg content of IgY was highest in eggs from hens fed Camelina (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The egg n-3 fatty acid and IgY enhancing effect of dietary camelina seed warrants further attention into the potential of using camelina as a functional feed ingredient in poultry feeding.

Effect of dietary ethanol extracts of mango (Mangifera indica L.) on lipid oxidation and the color of chicken meat during frozen storage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary effect of mango extracts on lipid stability and the coloring of broiler chicken breast meat during frozen storage. The treatments consisted of broiler chicken diet without antioxidants (control) and diets containing antioxidants: 200 ppm of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), 200 ppm of mango peel extract (MPE), 400 ppm of MPE, 200 ppm of mango seed extract (MSE), and 400 ppm of MSE. The broiler breasts were stored for 90 days and analysis of lipid oxidation and color was performed every 30 days. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values increased during storage and at 90 days, but the 400 ppm MSE treatment yielded lower values, indicating greater antioxidant activity. During storage, the lightness values decreased and the redness increased. Additions of 200 ppm BHT and 400 ppm MPE increased yellowness at 60 days of storage. Thus, mango peel and seed extracts added to broiler chicken diets reduce lipid oxidation and maintain color in breast meat during frozen storage, with mango seed extract at 400 ppm being the most effective.

Oxidative damage to poultry: from farm to fork

Poultry and poultry meat are particularly susceptible to oxidative reactions. Oxidation processes have been for decades the focus of animal and meat scientists owing to the negative impact of these reactions on animal growth, performance, and food quality. Lipid oxidation has been recognized a major threat to the quality of processed poultry products. The recent discoveries on the occurrence of protein oxidation in muscle foods have increased the scientific and technological interest in a topic that broadens the horizons of food biochemistry into innovative fields. Furthermore, in recent years we have witnessed a growing interest in consumers on the impact of diet and oxidation on health and aging. Hence, the general description of oxidative reactions as harmful phenomena goes beyond the actual impact on animal production and food quality and reaches the potential influence of oxidized foods on consumer health. Likewise, the current antioxidant strategies aim for the protection of the living tissues, the food systems, and a potential health benefit in the consumer upon ingestion. Along these lines, the application of phytochemicals and other microelements (Se, Cu) with antioxidant potential in the feeds or directly in the meat product are strategies of substantial significance. The present paper reviews in a concise manner the most relevant and novel aspects of the mechanisms and consequences of oxidative reactions in poultry and poultry meat, and describes current antioxidant strategies against these undesirable reactions.

Effect of adding prefermented cereal product containing gamma-linolenic acid to broiler feed on production indicators and fatty acid profile of chicken breast

Administration of Thamnidium elegans for effective utilization of agroindustrial materials (wheat bran) creates new perspectives for animal cereal diet enriched with fungal γ-linolenic acid (GLA). The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of adding prefermented cereal product containing a high amount of gamma-linolenic acid into the feed on broiler chickens’ performance, fatty acids profile and oxidative stability in chilled breast meat. Seventy eight COBB 500 one-day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups with three replications and fattened for 42 days. During the first 21 days, all broilers consumed the starter diet. After three weeks, broilers were fed the grower diet; controls were fed without the addition of prefermented cereal product; and the experimental group was supplemented with 3% of prefermented product. Higher final body weight (2 688 vs. 2 604 g) and feed conversion ratio were recorded in the experimental group (P > 0.05). The increased GLA content in the experimental diet (0.095 g·kg-1) resulted in a significant increase of GLA, dihomo-GLA and arachidonic acid in the lipids of breast muscle tissue (P < 0.05). Adding prefermented product to the feed also resulted in an increase in total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), mainly eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acid in lipids of breast (P < 0.05). The experimental diet produced a significant decrease in the n-6/n-3 ratio (from 10.00 to 8.14). Storage of breast muscles with a higher PUFA in chilling conditions led to a decrease in oxidative stability when the values of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) increased (P < 0.05). This is a first study using prefermented cereal product for the fattening of broiler chickens.

An investigation of appetite-related peptide transcript expression in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) brain following a Camelina sativa meal-supplemented feeding trial

Camelina sativa is a hardy oilseed crop with seeds that contain high levels of ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and protein, which are critical components of fish feed. Camelina might thus be used as a cheaper and more sustainable supplement to fish-based products in aquaculture. Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, is a species of interest in the aquaculture industry due to a decrease in wild populations and subsequent collapse of some cod fisheries. As cod are carnivorous fish, it is necessary to determine how this species physiologically tolerates plant-based diets. In this study, juvenile Atlantic cod were subjected to 13 weeks of either 15 or 30% camelina meal (CM)-supplemented diets or a control fish meal feed. Growth and food intake were evaluated and the mRNA expression of appetite-related hormones [pro-melanin-concentrating hormone (pmch), hypocretin (synonym: orexin, hcrt), neuropeptide Y (npy) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (cart)] was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR in brain regions related to food intake regulation (telencephalon/preoptic area, optic tectum/thalamus and hypothalamus). CM inclusion diets caused decreases in both growth and food intake in Atlantic cod. Optic tectum pmch transcript expression was significantly higher in fish fed the 30% CM diet compared to fish fed the 15% CM diet. In the hypothalamus, compared to fish fed the control diet, hcrt expression was significantly higher in fish fed the 30% CM diet, while npy transcript expression was significantly higher in fish fed the 15% CM diet. cart mRNA expression was not affected by diet in any brain region. Further studies are needed to determine which factors (e.g. anti-nutritional factors, palatability and nutritional deficits) contribute to reduced feed intake and growth, as well as the maximum CM inclusion level that does not negatively influence feed intake, growth rate and the transcript expression of appetite-related factors in Atlantic cod.

Camelina sativa defatted seed meal contains both alkyl sulfinyl glucosinolates and quercetin that synergize bioactivity

Camelina sativa L. Crantz is under development as a novel oilseed crop, yet bioefficacy of camelina phytochemicals is unknown. Defatted camelina seed meal contains two major aliphatic glucosinolates (GSLs), glucoarabin (9-(methylsulfinyl)nonylglucosinolate; GSL 9) and glucocamelinin (10-(methylsulfinyl)decylglucosinolate; GSL 10), with traces of a third, 11(methylsulfinyl)undecylglucosinolate and several flavonoids, mostly quercetin glycosides. In Hepa1c1c7 cells, hydrolyzed GSLs (hGSLs) 9 and 10 upregulated the phase II detoxification enzyme quinone reductase (NQO1), with no effect on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 activity. Isobologram graphs revealed synergy of NQO1 induction for a combination of hGSL 9 and quercetin. These findings suggest that defatted camelina seed meal should be evaluated for anticancer activity, similar to broccoli and other Brassicaceae family members. Interestingly, synergy of NQO1 induction was also seen for physiologically relevant doses of sulforaphane (SF) and quercetin, two key bioactives present in broccoli. This suggests that SF within broccoli may be more potent than purified SF.

Feeding Artemisia annua alters digesta pH and muscle lipid oxidation products in broiler chickens

Because of growing consumer concern about the use of antimicrobials and the ban on most antibiotic feed additives in the European Union, there is increased interest in using alternatives to antimicrobials in poultry diets. Dried leaves of Artemisia annua have been used in Oriental medicine due to their antimicrobial activities. In the current study, the effect of including A. annua in broiler diets on hindgut and ceca pH, lipid oxidation products, and phenolic content of dark and white meat, and bird performance were investigated. A total of 96 broiler chicks were kept in 48 cages. Two cages with 2 birds per each cage are considered as 1 replicate, and there were 8 replications per treatment. The birds were fed corn-soy diets containing 0% (control), 2% (ART2), or 4% (ART4) dried A. annua leaves from d 14 through d 42. Cecal digesta pH was the lowest in birds fed the ART4 diet (P < 0.02), whereas the pH of ileal digesta was the lowest in ART2 (P < 0.01). Lipid oxidation products measured as TBA reactive substances (TBARS) were lower in the breast and thigh muscle of birds fed ART2 and ART4 diets compared with the control (P < 0.0001). No difference was found in total fat content of the liver, abdominal fat pads, or breast or thigh muscle content (P > 0.05). Artemisia annua addition did not affect final BW, weight gain, feed consumption, carcass weight, or feed:gain. No difference was observed in the relative weight of liver, abdominal fat, spleen, or heart tissue. Gastric acidity is protective against intestinal colonization and translocation of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, gut pH and muscle tissue TBARS reduction in birds fed ART2 and ART4 suggest that A. annua may prove useful as a natural phytogenic feed additive with antioxidant potential that could be incorporated into poultry diets.

Polyphenol compounds in the chicken/animal diet: from the past to the future

Animal feed provides a range of antioxidants that help the body building an integrated antioxidant system responsible for a prevention of damaging effects of free radicals and products of their metabolism. Vitamin E is considered to be the main chain-breaking antioxidant located in the membranes and effectively protecting them against lipid peroxidation. Recently, various polyphenol compounds, especially flavonoids, have received substantial attention because of their antioxidant activities in various in vitro systems. However, it was shown that flavonoid compounds are poorly absorbed in the gut and their concentrations in target tissues are too low to perform an effective antioxidant defences. The aim of the present paper is to review existing evidence about possible roles of various plant extracts provided with the diet in animal/poultry nutrition with a specific emphasis to their antioxidant activities.