Effect of Broussonetia papyrifera L. (paper mulberry) on growth performance, carcase traits, meat quality and immune performance in Hu ram lambs

Abstract

This study was carried out in an attempt to evaluate the impact of Broussonetia papyrifera as a roughage substitute at different levels on carcase traits, growth performance, meat quality and immune performance in Hu ram lambs. Sixty Hu rams (5 months of age, 26.70 ± 2.14 kg body weight) were randomly divided into four groups. The treatments comprised B. papyrifera supplementation at levels of 0% (G0), 30% (G30), 60% (G60) and 100% (G100) of roughage feed. The results suggested that diet supplemented with B. papyrifera (G100 group) caused a higher average weight gain (AWG) and average daily gain (ADG) than those of G0 group. The highest carcase weight was observed in the G60 group. The chemical and physical properties of the longissimus dorsi muscle of Hu rams showed no significant differences (p>.05). For fatty acid, the G60 group had significantly lower content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), higher contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and higher PUFA/ SFA ratio than other groups (p<.05). In terms of the immune response, G60 and G100 groups significantly showed a significant rise in the immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) (p<.05). This study indicated multiple beneficial effects of the inclusion of B. papyrifera (60% of the roughage feed) on the growth performance, carcase traits, meat quality and immune response in Hu rams. It could be used as a high-quality unconventional feedstuff for rams. HIGHLIGHTSThe addition of Broussonetia papyrifera to the diet resulted in a significant improvement in the average weight gain (AWG) and average daily gain (ADG) of Hu rams. Adding appropriate proportion of B. papyrifera in diets positively modulates fatty acid percentage in the longissimus dorsi muscle, and also increases immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) in blood. Broussonetia papyrifera could be used as a high-quality unconventional feedstuff for rams and has a positive effect on their growth performance, meat quality and immune performance.

Effects of Paper Mulberry Silage on the Growth Performance, Rumen Microbiota and Muscle Fatty Acid Composition in Hu Lambs

“…In the present study, PMS30 and PMS40 contained higher DMI and ADG than others, which was similar to the results in goats, sheep, and beef cattle fed with paper mulberry or paper mulberry silage [14,15,24]. This might be due to the replacement of low quality corn stover with high quality silage in the diets for Hu lambs, and it was also consistent with the result reported by Tao that PMS could increase the DMI in beef cattle [24].…”

“…The meat quality of Hu lamb was not affected by PMS in the present study, which is consistent with the previous study in Hu rams after being fed with paper mulberry [15]. However, the previous study showed that paper mulberry could improve the meat quality of goats compared to maize silage [14].…”

“…Paper mulberry contains higher condensed tannin [11], which may positively affect the meat quality of livestock products by altering the rumen's fermentation mode [8,12,13] and the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, paper mulberry can improve the milk quality of dairy cattle and the meat quality of sheep [14,15], change the rumen microorganism [16], and increase the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk [17,18]. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between rumen microorganisms and meat quality [19].…”

Replacement of Maize Silage and Soyabean Meal with Mulberry Silage in the Diet of Hu Lambs on Growth, Gastrointestinal Tissue Morphology, Rumen Fermentation Parameters and Microbial Diversity

“…Mulberry silage had good palatability. In this study, the dry matter intake and average daily gain (ADG) of lambs in the L and M groups were as good as those in the CON group, which was similar to the results in studies conducted by Sheng [ 26 ], Hua [ 27 ] and Tao [ 28 ], who used dried mulberry leaves and mulberry silage to feed sheep and beef cattle. Using mulberry silage to replace up to 60% of maize silage in the diet is an effective way to introduce a more environmentally friendly crop.…”

Geographical Variation in the Growth and Nutritional Traits of Leaf Powder from Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. from Different Provenances

“…The crude protein content in the leaves of paper mulberry can reach more than 20%, which is higher than that of plants such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa, Shi S L). Research shows that using B. papyrifera as a raw material to produce feed for cattle, sheep, and pigs can greatly improve the quality of the meat and as a high-quality feed it can greatly reduce the cost of feed [19][20][21][22][23]. If it can be developed into a new type of feed material, it can not only increase the added value of paper mulberry but also reduce the cost of feed and promote the development of industry.…”