Effects of Long-Term Supplementation with Brown Seaweeds and Polyphenols in Rabbit on Meat Quality Parameters

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dam and offspring dietary supplementation with a natural feed additive on the growth performance and meat quality parameters of growing rabbits. The growing rabbits are selected from lactating does receiving a control diet (C) or diets supplemented with 0.3% (SP1) and 0.6% (SP2) of feed additive containing brown seaweeds (Laminaria spp.) and plant extracts. In the postweaning phase, the growing rabbits remained in the treatment group defined by their does and the trial lasted 42 days. The average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were improved in the rabbit fed 0.6% of the natural feed additive. The cholesterol content tended to be lower in Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle and decrease in Semimembranosus (SM) muscle (in SP2 −41.36% than controls). The α tocopherol and retinol content were enhanced in both muscles of rabbit fed the natural mixture (SP1 and SP2 groups). An improvement of sensory attributes of texture was observed in both muscles from rabbit fed natural mixture. In conclusion, long term supplementation of both lactating does and offspring with the high dosage of brown seaweed and plant polyphenols improves growth performance and enhances meat nutritional and sensory parameters.

Antioxidant effects of seaweeds and their active compounds on animal health and production – a review

“…Also, the content of retinol and α-tocopherol was improved in both muscles ( Longissimus lumborum and Semimembranosus ) of rabbits receiving the algal feed additives. The sensory attributes of texture were improved in both muscles with brown seaweeds compared to control (Rossi et al 2020 ). The use of 0.5, 1, and 2% of Ascophyllum nodosum in broiler diets did not affect the total saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated (MFA) fatty acids in the breast or the thigh muscle (Bonos et al 2017 ).…”

Marine Macroalgae in Rabbit Nutrition—A Valuable Feed in Sustainable Farming

“…Finally, studies were recently conducted in Italy with the main objective of evaluating the effects of natural extracts from plants and algae (including polysaccharides from brown seaweeds) on the reproductive performance of does [ 81 ], semen quality in bucks [ 82 ] and zootechnical performance and antioxidant effects; although no significant effects on the reproductive endpoints were observed, the supplementation of the diets with algae improved the antioxidant status and fat metabolism in the animals. In a similar study carried out in Italy, the effect of natural extracts from plants and algae on the growth performance and meat quality parameters of growing rabbits was evaluated [ 9 , 10 ]. The long-term supplementation of lactating does and their offspring with brown seaweed and plant polyphenols (0.3 and 0.6%) improved growth performance, lowered cholesterol content and enhanced the oxidative stability and sensory quality of the meat, leading the researchers to conclude that a low dose of brown seaweed ( Laminaria spp.)…”

“…The short- and long-term inclusion of Laminaria spp. (0.3 and 0.6%) in rabbit diets was recently studied [ 9 , 10 ]. In a 42-day-long trial in growing rabbits, the vitamin A and E contents of muscle were improved, enhancing nutritional quality and oxidative stability; the sensory parameters were also enhanced.…”

“…The inclusion of algae in feed has experimentally proven to help to reduce intestinal dysbiosis in pigs and could potentially be an alternative in rabbit farming. Furthermore, the inclusion of marine algae in rabbit food could potentially become a commercial marketing strategy that could attract new consumers who are concerned about environmental sustainability and who are looking for different, high-quality foods; in this sense, it has already been demonstrated that the inclusion of algae in animal feed improves the quality of meat [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Poultry Meat Quality in Antibiotic Free Production Has Improved by Natural Extract Supplement

“…Recently, natural mixtures containing brown seaweed and plant polyphenols have been investigated as feed supplements for rabbits to improve health and enhance meat quality traits due to their effects on gut health, feed digestibility, as well as their antioxidant properties [ 16 , 17 ].…”