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

Pheasant eggs evaluated in the first period of egg-laying did not differ significantly in their weight and shape index and the values of both traits were, respectively, 30.7 to 32.2 g and 76.1 to 78.1%. Over the laying season the thickness of the shell decreased and its capacity for deformation and crush strength were greatest at the end of the laying season. The share of yolk in the egg was highest at the beginning of the laying season (35.3%), however over the peak of egg-laying and its final period the content of the albumen in the egg and the quality of eggs, expressed in Haugh units, increased. The best egg fertility and the results of chick hatch were observed from eggs collected at the beginning of the laying season (respectively, 92.5 and 81.6%) and about the fifth week of production (respectively, 94.4% and 73.9%). Chicks hatched from eggs collected at the early laying season were heaviest (21.5 g) and showed the highest share in egg weight (66.8%).

No abstract

Because the production of oat geese in Poland, destined mostly for markets of Western Europe, has increased, there is a need for a review on the performance traits of these geese and on the quality of their meat and fat. Goose production is based on a genotype of Italian geese brought to Poland in 1962 and selected for improving their reproduction and meat traits. Currently the population of geese, their reproduction and the commercial birds derived from them, are referred to as White Kołudzka® geese. Selection of these birds is based on a programme based on genetic improvement of strains W11 (reproduction traits) and W33 (meat traits). The programme's aim is not only to enhance breeding and the performance value of these strains, but to produce, as a result of cross breeding, good quality of meat and fat in the form of the crossbred W31, and thus to produce oat geese that meet today's market requirements. Poland is one of the largest goose producers in Europe. Goose meat and fat show high nutritional quality due to the specific nutrition and conditions in which the geese are kept, i.e. in open-air runs and at pasture. Recently, goose meat has become increasingly popular and has attracted much consumer interest. This increase in demand requires more knowledge about the meat's nutritional value. Polish oat geese are reared up to 14 weeks of age, then fattened freely with oats up to the 17 th week of age. Fattening with oats results in good quality meat and fat, with excellent sensory properties. The following paper reviews the rearing systems, slaughter value and quality of meat and fat of White Kołudzka® geese kept under semi-intensive systems.