How does feeding organic broilers high levels of alfalfa silage affect the meat quality?

Carrasco, S.; Wüstholz, J.; Hahn, G. L.; Bellof, Gerhard

doi:10.1007/s13165-017-0182-x

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 23 publications

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“…Research has shown that adding alfalfa silage to broiler feed can have a positive effect on the meat quality [14]. Fermented alfalfa can increase the content of beneficial bacteria and short chain fatty acids in weaned pig colon [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alfalfa Silage Diet Improves Meat Quality by Remodeling the Intestinal Microbes of Fattening Pigs

Xu,

Liu,

Geng

et al. 2023

Foods

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Because the demand for pork is increasing, it is crucial to devise efficient and green methods to improve the quality and quantity of meat. This study investigated the improvement in pork quality after the inclusion of alfalfa meal or alfalfa silage in pig diet. Our results indicated that alfalfa silage improved meat quality more effectively in terms of water-holding capacity, drip loss, and marbling score. Besides, an alfalfa silage diet can affect the level of fatty acids and amino acids in pork. Further, alfalfa silage was found to improve meat quality by remodeling intestinal microbiota and altering the level of SCFAs, providing a viable option for improving meat quality through forage.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alfalfa Silage Diet Improves Meat Quality by Remodeling the Intestinal Microbes of Fattening Pigs

Xu,

Liu,

Geng

et al. 2023

Foods

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Reshaping the European agro-food system and closing its nitrogen cycle: The potential of combining dietary change, agroecology, and circularity

et al. 2021

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After World War II, the evolution of Europe's agro-food system has been marked by intensified use of synthetic fertilizers, territorial specialization, and integration in global food and feed markets. This evolution led to increased nitrogen (N) losses to aquatic environments and the atmosphere, which, despite increasing environmental regulations, continues to harm ecosystems and human well-being. Here, we explore how these N losses can be drastically reduced in a scenario synergistically operating three levers: (1) a dietary change toward less animal products and an efficient recycling of human excreta; (2) the generalization of region-specific organic crop rotation systems involving N 2 -fixing legumes, making it possible to do without synthetic N fertilizers; and (3) the reconnection of livestock with cropping systems allowing optimal use of manure. This scenario demonstrates the possibility to feed the projected European population in 2050 without imports of feed and with half the current level of environmental N losses.

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Chemical composition of dietary alfalfa and its effectiveness on broiler chicken thigh meat quality

Vlaicu¹,

Untea²,

Turcu³

et al. 2023

Czech J. Food Sci.

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This study aimed to evaluate alfalfa meal's chemical and nutritional composition and effectiveness on broiler chicken thigh meat quality. Alfalfa contains significant content of crude protein and fibre, minerals (iron and zinc), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and antioxidant compounds, especially total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total polyphenols content (TPC). To test its effectiveness on chicken tight meat quality, we developed a trial on 60 Cobb 500 broilers, divided into two groups of 30 animals each and fed during growing-finishing phases (11-42 days) a control diet (C) and an experimental diet (A), in which 5% alfalfa meal was added. At the end of the trial, six animals from each group were selected for slaughter and sampling. The analyses on meat samples revealed that alfalfa significantly affected bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential, such as zinc, vitamin E and TPC, compared with the C samples. The utilisation of 5% alfalfa was also very effective on the fatty acids composition of thigh meat samples in the A group by increasing the concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid and significantly decreasing the n-6/n-3 ratio as well as cholesterol content with 10.41% in experimental samples. Therefore, alfalfa can be a potential alternative to synthetic feed additives in producing healthier chicken meat, with increased content of bioactive compounds and essential fatty acids for human health.

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How does feeding organic broilers high levels of alfalfa silage affect the meat quality?

Cited by 3 publications

References 23 publications

Alfalfa Silage Diet Improves Meat Quality by Remodeling the Intestinal Microbes of Fattening Pigs

Alfalfa Silage Diet Improves Meat Quality by Remodeling the Intestinal Microbes of Fattening Pigs

Reshaping the European agro-food system and closing its nitrogen cycle: The potential of combining dietary change, agroecology, and circularity

Chemical composition of dietary alfalfa and its effectiveness on broiler chicken thigh meat quality

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