Effects of alfalfa leaf mass as a part of organic feeding strategies on growth and slaughtering performance of dual-purpose roosters: a preliminary study (original) (raw)
2021, European Poultry Science (EPS)
The aim of the study was to examine feed efficiency and production performance from crossbreeds roosters of two dual-purpose breeds (New Hampshire rooster × Bresse Gauloise hen) fed with a diet containing alfalfa leaf mass (ALM) as a regionally produced and key protein component. 1000 roosters were divided into four treatment groups and supplied in staggered proportions (A = 0-B = 10-C = 15-D = 20%) with hot-air-dried ALM from week 10 to 16 on an approximately isocaloric basis. In addition to productivity traits, intramuscular fat content (IMF) was analysed as a relevant trait of meat quality. The roosters were kept in mobile free-range housing system which suited organic guidelines and fed with feed components of 100% organic origin. The higher the proportions of ALM, the higher the daily feed intake (FI). Consequently, animals in groups B-D consumed significantly higher amounts of methionine than group A (P=/< 0.001). Accordingly, group C and D gained significantly higher body weights (2145 g and 2361 g, respectively) until time of slaughter (111 th day of life) compared to control group A (2034 g) and group B (2069 g) (P=/< 0.001). The mean carcass weights differed significantly between all groups (A = 1384 g, B = 1444 g, C = 1500 g, D = 1613 g) (P=/< 0.001). Across all groups, the dressing percentage was high (A = 68.3%, B = 69.7%, C = 67.8%, D = 68.9%). The IMF content in the chest muscle was highest in group D (0.81%). Although feed costs were highest in group D due to a higher FI, the higher growth and production performance resulted in economic advantages for feeding regimes with raised levels of ALM in the diet under organic market conditions.
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