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Pasture intake improves the performance and meat sensory attributes of free-range broilers
P I P Ponte1, C M C Rosado, J P Crespo
1CIISA - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Pólo Universitário do Alto da Ajuda, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.
Poultry Science
|December 15, 2007
Summary
Free-range chickens foraging on pastures gained more weight, suggesting increased feed intake rather than better nutrient use. Their meat also received higher consumer ratings for overall appreciation.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Nutrition
- Food Science
Background:
- Free-range chicken production often assumes limited pasture consumption, with effects on performance and meat quality underexplored.
- Enzyme supplementation (cellulases, hemicellulases) is common for broilers, but its benefit for free-range systems is unestablished.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pasture intake and enzyme supplementation on free-range broiler performance and meat sensory attributes.
- To determine if foraging influences nutrient utilization efficiency or feed intake.
- To assess consumer perception of meat from free-range broilers with pasture access.
Main Methods:
- Broilers (RedBro Cou Nu x RedBro M) were housed in floorless pens on subterranean or white clover pastures, or with no pasture access (control).
- Birds received a cereal-based diet; enzyme supplementation was tested.
- Performance (body weight) and meat sensory properties were evaluated from day 28 to 56.
- A consumer panel assessed meat quality attributes.
Main Results:
- Enzyme supplementation did not affect broiler performance.
- Birds on legume-based pastures achieved significantly higher final body weights.
- Pasture intake improved overall broiler performance, likely due to increased feed consumption.
- Meat tenderness, juiciness, and flavor were not impacted by subterranean clover intake.
- Consumer panel rated meat from grazing broilers higher for overall appreciation.
Conclusions:
- Pasture access enhances free-range broiler performance, primarily through increased feed intake.
- While specific meat quality parameters were unaffected, pasture foraging contributes to broiler meat with desirable sensory attributes.
- Legume-based pastures can be a valuable component in free-range broiler production systems.
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