Bio-Fermented Malic Acid Facilitates the Production of High-Quality Chicken via Enhancing Muscle Antioxidant Capacity of Broilers

Abstract

Malic acid, an intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is a promising acidifier with strong antioxidant capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bio-fermented malic acid (BFMA) on promoting the body health, performance and meat quality of broilers. A total of 288 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates in each. Every replicate had 12 chicks. Four experimental diets contained 0, 4, 8, and 12 g/kg BFMA, respectively. During the 42-day trial, mortality was recorded daily, feed intake and body weight of each replicate being recorded every week. Blood samples were collected on days 21 and 42 for chemical analysis. After slaughter at the age of 42 days, the carcass traits and meat quality of the broilers were measured, breast muscle samples were collected for the determination of antioxidant capacity, and cecal digesta were pretreated for microbiota analysis. Dietary BFMA significantly increased feed intake and daily gain, and decreased feed conversion ratio and death and culling ratio of the broilers at the earlier stage. The water-holding capacity of breast muscle indicated by the indexes of dripping loss and cooking loss was significantly increased by BFMA, especially at the addition level of 8 g/kg. Dietary BFMA significantly decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase and contents of immunoglobulin A and glutathione, and increased contents of immunoglobulin G and M in serum of the broilers. The contents of glutathione, inosinic acid, and total antioxidant capacity and the activities of glutathione-Px and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased by dietary BFMA, with the level of 8 g/kg best. The diversity of cecal microbiota of broilers was obviously altered by BFMA. In conclusion, as one of several acidifiers, addition of BFMA in diets could improve the performance and body health of broilers, probably by reinforcing immunity and perfecting cecal microbiota structure. As one of the intermediates of the TCA cycle, BFMA increases the water-holding capacity of breast muscle of broilers, probably through reducing lactate accumulates and enhancing antioxidant capacity.

Insights into the mechanism of L-malic acid on drip loss of chicken meat under commercial conditions

“…In the current study, dietary 0.8% MA supplementation increased the growth performance and decreased the drip loss of broilers at large-scale rearing. These results were in agreement with our previous study where the ADG, feed conversion ratio, and WHC were all significantly improved by dietary MA in broilers [ 19 ].…”

“…Importantly, MA administration increased the oxidative fiber percentage and decreased the drip loss of pork [ 18 ]. Meanwhile, the beneficial effects of MA on drip loss were also observed using 288 Arbor Acres (AA) broilers [ 19 ], however, the exact mechanism is unknown. It’s also not sure whether the outputs obtained under experimental conditions could translate into commercial conditions.…”

Ligilactobacillus acidipiscis YJ5 modulates the gut microbiota and produces beneficial metabolites to relieve constipation by enhancing the mucosal barrier

“…47 Interestingly, the genera of Helicobacter were decreased in the group fed the diet supplemented with bio-fermented malic acid. 47 Our results also showed a decrease in Helicobacter in the YJ5 group, indicating that the fermentation product malic acid of L. acidipiscis YJ5 may modulate gut microbiota to play a role. Heliangin, another fermentation product of L. acidipiscis YJ5 could inhibit the expression levels of TNF-α, NO, IL-6, and PGE2 in macrophage cell lysate.…”

“…In addition, bio-fermented malic acid could modulate the cecum microbiota of broilers. 47 Interestingly, the genera of Helicobacter were decreased in the group fed the diet supplemented with bio-fermented malic acid. 47 Our results also showed a decrease in Helicobacter in the YJ5 group, indicating that the fermentation product malic acid of L. acidipiscis YJ5 may modulate gut microbiota to play a role.…”

Potential for the development of Taraxacum mongolicum aqueous extract as a phytogenic feed additive for poultry

“…This explains their increased feed intake. In addition, TMAE contains soluble carbohydrates, L-malic acid and 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone dimer, etc., which have obvious sweet smell, improve feed palatability and stimulate appetite of broilers ( 30 , 54 – 56 ). The results of serum biochemistry showed that the ALP content of High group was significantly increased (P<0.05).…”